US08305558B2

An illumination system for a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes an EUV light source which generates an emission beam of linearly polarized EUV illumination light. An illumination optics guides the emission beam along an optical axis which causes an illumination field in a reticle plane to be illuminated by the emission beam. The illumination system also includes an illumination subunit of the illumination system. The illumination subunit includes at least the EUV light source and a polarization setting device for setting a defined polarization of the EUV emission beam of the illumination subunit.
US08305557B2

Disclosed is a system for calculating transmission utility factor value of photo energy for exposure and a method for calculating transmission utility factor value of photo energy utilizing the calculation system in which the photo energy generated from an excimer laser generator passes various optical systems (which include a lens and a reflection mirror and so on), the photo energy used for exposing a wafer is divided by the photo energy generated from the excimer laser generator and the percentage of the result is finally calculated at real time. According to the present invention, an increase of the exposing time due to the lowering of the photo transmission utility factor value and a lowering of productivity in semiconductor are prevented. According to the present invention, the badness or contamination of the optical systems between the excimer laser generator and the exposure device can be also predicted at real time.
US08305555B2

An exposure apparatus sequentially transfers a pattern of an original to a plurality of shot regions on a substrate, wherein each shot region includes a chip region and a scribe line region surrounding the chip region. The apparatus includes a detector configured to detect light beams from a first mark and a second mark arranged in a first scribe line region and a second scribe line region, respectively, adjacent to each other on the substrate driven in a measurement scanning direction by substantially simultaneously observing the first scribe line region and the second scribe line region, and a processor configured to process detection signals output from the detector to determine positions of the first mark and the second mark, wherein the substrate is positioned based on the positions of the first mark and the second mark and is exposed.
US08305554B2

An apparatus for forming a thin film pattern according to an aspect of the invention may include: an unwinding roll and a winding roll running a sheet; a rotary drum having an elastic layer provided on a circumferential surface thereof, and disposed between the winding roll and the unwinding roll to run the sheet along the circumferential surface; a source containing unit accommodating a deposition source and mounted such that the deposition source is evaporated and the evaporated deposition source moves toward the sheet located on the rotary drum; a shutter selectively preventing the movement of the deposition source toward the rotary drum from the source containing unit; a mask having a pattern defining a pattern of a thin film to be deposited onto the sheet and making tight contact with the sheet located on the rotary drum during thin-film deposition; and a tensioning unit pressurizing the sheet in a direction of the rotary drum to allow the sheet to run after the thin-film deposition and separating the sheet from the mask by a reduction in thickness.
US08305553B2

Provided is an exposure apparatus that is able to prevent liquid from remaining on a measuring part. An exposure apparatus comprises a measuring system (60), which has a first pattern (61) formed on the upper surface of a substrate stage, and a second area (S2) specified on the upper surface in the vicinity of a first area (S1), which includes the first pattern (61), and a second pattern (80) is formed in the second area (S2) so that the liquid (LQ) that has remained so as to span the first area (S1) and the second area (S2) retreats from the first area (S1) and collects in the second area (S2).
US08305550B2

An electrically-driven liquid crystal lens, and a stereoscopic display device using the same, including first and second substrates arranged opposite each other and including an active region having a plurality of lens regions and a pad region defined at an outer rim of the active region, a plurality of first electrodes formed on the first substrate to correspond to the respective lens regions and spaced apart from one another, a second electrode formed on the entire surface of the second substrate, a voltage source to apply different voltages to the plurality of first electrodes, respectively, and to apply a ground voltage to the second electrode, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.
US08305540B2

A liquid crystal display includes: a first substrate; a gate line disposed on the first substrate; a data line intersecting the gate line; a thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line; a coupling electrode connected to the thin film transistor; a first sub-pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor; a second sub-pixel electrode capacitively coupled to the coupling electrode; a second substrate facing the first substrate; a common electrode disposed on the second substrate; and a polarizer disposed on the first substrate or the second substrate and having a polarization axis. The coupling electrode is elongated substantially parallel to the polarization axis and has a first edge substantially parallel to or substantially perpendicular to the polarization axis.
US08305537B2

A pixel array including first signal lines, second signal lines, switch devices, and pixel units coupling to the first signal lines and the second signal lines through the switch devices is provided. The first signal lines and the second signal lines are formed on different films. Each of the pixel units includes a common electrode line. In each of the pixel units of an ith row, the common electrode line has at least one first line segment and at least one second segment coupled to each other and formed on different films, and a distance between an (i−1)th first signal line and the first line segment is not equal to that between the (i−1)th first signal line and the second line segment. The first signal lines are either scan lines or data lines of the pixel array, and the second signal lines are the other kind.
US08305536B2

A liquid crystal display device and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The method includes forming a gate line and a data line on a first substrate crossing each other to define a pixel region; forming a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode of a transistor on the first substrate; forming an active layer below the data line and between the gate electrode and each of the source electrode and the drain electrode, wherein the active layer below the data line has an exposed portion exposed by the data line; removing the exposed portion of the active layer below the data line; and forming a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode.
US08305525B2

There is provided a liquid crystal display device that diminishes flickers caused by crosstalk of a three-dimensional image (an overlap of images) or reflection of external light. A liquid crystal display device includes a pair of substrates, at least one of the pair of substrates having an electrode and the pair of substrates being placed opposite each other, and a first polarizing plate placed on a light source side and a second polarizing plate placed on a view side with the liquid crystal layer sandwiched therebetween, in which a protective film on the view side of the second polarizing plate includes a transparent support satisfying 0≦|Re(550)|≦10 and an optically anisotropic layer having a λ/4 function, and Rth of the protective film on the view side of the second polarizing plate is |Rth|≦20.
US08305513B2

The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device in which a light transmitting conductive layer formed on a surface of a color filter substrate is electrically connected with a backlight lower frame using conductive rubber. One end of the conductive rubber is connected with the light transmitting conductive layer, and another end of the conductive rubber is connected with the backlight lower frame through a hole which is formed in a backlight upper frame. The liquid crystal display device of the present invention can remove static electricity charged in a surface of a display panel and, at the same time, can realize the narrowing of a picture frame and the reduction of thickness thereof.
US08305506B2

A pixel set including two scan lines parallel to each other, a data line intersected with the scan lines, and two pixels located between the scan lines is provided. The pixels are at two sides of the data line, respectively. Each pixel includes an active device disposed adjacent to the data line, a pixel electrode, a storage capacitance electrode partially overlapped with the pixel electrode, and a drain compensating pattern including a branch. The branch is located at a side of the pixel electrode away from the data line, and has a concavity located at a side of the branch adjacent to the data line. The drain compensating pattern is connected to a drain of the active device. A portion of the drain compensating pattern is located inside the concavity. The branch is not overlapped with the drain compensating pattern at a side of the concavity away from the gate.
US08305500B2

In a method of block-based motion estimation a motion vector map is obtained by obtaining a motion vector of each macroblock (MB) in the current frame with respect to the reference frame. The motion vector of each MB in an interpolated frame is then determined according to the motion vector map.
US08305498B2

An apparatus and method for equalizing analog TV signals includes an antenna that receives the signal data, wherein the signal data comprises a luminance carrier comprising a luminance channel and a chrominance carrier comprising a chrominance channel; an analog-to-digital converter coupled to receiving antenna that converts the received signal data to digital signal data; an instruction memory storing digital equalizer instructions; and a digital equalizer system, coupled to the memory and the analog-to-digital converter, wherein the digital equalizer system processes the digital equalizer instructions to estimate a noise variation of the luminance channel; equalize the luminance channel; and equalize the chrominance channel, wherein the equalization of the chrominance channel is separate and distinct from the equalization of the luminance channel.
US08305485B2

Method of using an image capture device to identify range information for objects in a scene includes providing an image capture device at least one image sensor, a coded aperture, a first optical path including the coded aperture and a second optical path not including the coded aperture; storing in a memory a set of blur parameters derived from range calibration data for the coded aperture; capturing a first and second image of the scene, corresponding to the first and second optical paths, the second image having equal or higher resolution than the first; providing a set of deblurred images using the first capture image and each of the blur parameters from the stored set; using the set of deblurred images to determine the range information for the objects captured by the first optical path; and using the range information to control the image capture or processing of second image.
US08305484B2

According to the present invention, when a lens is moved in an operation of an operation device, the focal information calculated for each travel position of the lens can be graphed corresponding to the lens position, and the focal information about the current lens position can be identified from the focal information about another position. Thus, a manual focus adjustment can be made while checking the graph. Especially, since the history of the focal information calculated for each lens travel position can be graphed, the lens can travel to the lens position in which a desired peak can be obtained when there are a plurality of peaks of focal information on the graph.
US08305477B2

An image pickup apparatus which has at least an optical zooming function, determines a layout of image data to be picked up by an image pickup unit, and displays the picked-up image data with the determined layout by superimposing the image data with a frame which excludes an image pickup area additionally obtained when an image pickup range corresponding to a focal length for the determined layout is zoomed a predetermined amount in a wide-angle direction.
US08305474B2

An image sensor has a per-column ADC arrangement including first and second capacitors allowing a comparator circuit to perform correlated double sampling. The capacitors are continuously connected to, respectively, the analog pixel signal and a ramp signal without use of a hold operation. The comparator circuit comprises a differential input being connected to the junction of the two capacitors and being biased by a reference signal. The reference signal is preferably sampled and held from a reference voltage. The use of a differential input as first stage of the comparator addresses problems arising from ground voltage bounce when a large pixel array images a scene with low contrast. Connectivity of the differential input stage allows the ramp signal to see a constant capacitive load thus reduce image artifacts referred to as smear.
US08305471B2

The present invention relates to improved imaging devices having high dynamic range and to monitoring and automatic control systems incorporating the improved imaging devices.
US08305470B2

An imaging device includes an imaging element that takes an image of a target object and output an image signal corresponding to the image; a storage unit that stores therein a zero-point adjustment reference value; a brightness detecting unit that detects a brightness of the target object; and a reference-value changing unit that changes the zero-point adjustment reference value when the brightness detected by the brightness detecting unit is equal to or lower than a threshold. A zero point in a level of the image signal output from the imaging element is adjusted by using the zero-point adjustment reference value stored in the storage unit.
US08305469B2

An image pickup apparatus is provided that is capable of obtaining a correction value effective for horizontal noise correction, while suppressing increase in chip area of an image pickup device. The image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup device (101) for converting an object image into electrical signals, and a correcting section for correcting a picked-up image. The image pickup device includes a pixel signal readout circuit (204) for reading out pixel signals from a pixel region on a line-by-line basis via vertical signal lines, a dummy signal readout circuit (209) for reading out dummy signals, and a horizontal transfer circuit (205) for transferring outputs of the pixel signal readout circuit and the dummy signal readout circuit. The correcting section corrects the outputs of the pixel signal readout circuit on a line-by-line basis using the outputs of the dummy signal readout circuit.
US08305462B2

An image capturing apparatus 100 comprising a built-in memory 8 which stores a plurality of images captured by an image capturing unit 1 and a system file F2 that registers reproduction control information involving a position where reproduction of each of the images by a display 5 is permitted or prohibited, a GPS unit 2 to position the current position of the image capturing apparatus, and a CPU 9 which compares the positioned current position of the image capturing apparatus with the reproduction control information registered in the system file to control reproduction of the image by the display.
US08305460B2

A detection device includes an image capture element, a control signal generator, and a processor. The image capture element is used for capturing an optical signal, and outputting an image signal. The control signal generator is used for generating a control signal. The processor selectively converts the image signal into an object feature or an image feature in response to the control signal. Such a detection device can appropriately convert an operation mode, so as to have both efficacies of reducing the amount of transferred data and processing complex image data.
US08305456B1

Systems and methods for transmitting and receiving image data captured by an imager array including a plurality of focal planes are described. One embodiment of the invention includes capturing image data using a plurality of active focal planes in a camera module, where an image is formed on each active focal plane by a separate lens stack, generating lines of image data by interleaving the image data captured by the plurality of active focal planes, and transmitting the lines of image data and the additional data.
US08305455B2

An image stabilization control apparatus includes a vibration correction unit configured to correct an image shake occurring due to vibration, a first vibration detection unit configured to detect and output an angular velocity of the vibration, a second vibration detection unit configured to detect and output an acceleration of the vibration, a first extractor configured to extract a signal in a predetermined frequency band based on an output of the first vibration detection unit, a second extractor configured to extract a signal in a predetermined frequency band based on an output of the second vibration detection unit, an output correction unit configured to correct the output of the first vibration detection unit based on the signals extracted by the first and second extractors, and a driving unit configured to drive the vibration correction unit based on the output of the first vibration detection unit as corrected.
US08305454B2

An image-blur correction device includes a vibration detection unit which detects vibrations of two different detection axes in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis, a correction unit which corrects vibration using a correction optical system which is displaced in directions of at least two correction axes different from the detection axes in the plane, a calculation unit that calculates amounts of displacements used to drive the correction optical system so that image-blur generated due to the vibrations is corrected based on amounts of vibrations obtained using the vibration detection unit, a coordinate conversion unit which rotates amounts of vibrations in the two detection axes relative to the corresponding at least two correction axes for conversion through calculations, and a restriction unit which restricts a driving range of the correction unit based on a displacement-amount restriction value obtained from a performance limitation region of the correction optical system.
US08305447B1

A system for detecting intrusion into a space which includes motion detection light structure for producing and projecting a light pattern formed by a plurality of light beams of a certain character into a space and video motion detecting structure including a video camera having a field of view including at least some of the light pattern to detect intrusion into the light pattern. When motion is detected, images of the video camera are transmitted for threat assessment, and a scene illumination light is activated to improve visibility during nighttime operation.
US08305441B2

Data processing apparatus comprising a video data receiver configured to receive video data, and an audio data receiver configured to receive audio data. The apparatus further comprises an alarm engine configured to analyse said received video and audio data and generate an alarm signal based on an output signal generated by said analysis.
US08305437B2

An optical fiber security system is described. The optical fiber security system includes an optical fiber, an optoelectronic modulator and an optoelectronic demodulator. The optoelectronic modulator and the optoelectronic demodulator are both directly connected to the optical fiber. The optoelectronic modulator converts video signals to cable television video signals and subsequently converts to optical signals. The optical signals are transmitted to the optoelectronic demodulator through the optical fiber. The optoelectronic demodulator further reverses the optical signals back to the video signals to remotely monitor the environment.
US08305433B2

A method 300 and device for visual compensation captures 330 an image using an imager, detects 360 whether eyeglasses are present in the image, and sets 363 an electronic visual display to a larger font size, if eyeglasses are not detected as present in the image. If eyeglasses are detected as present in the image, the electronic visual display is set 367 to a normal font size. The method and device can be triggered 320 (for example) by an incoming call or message, by a touch screen activation, a key press, or by a sensed motion of the device. The method can be repeated from time to time to detect whether a user has put on eyeglasses (or taken off eyeglasses) after the first image capture. The method and device compensates for users with presbyopia (and some other types of visual impairments) who intermittently wear glasses.
US08305431B2

A system and method to support the driving of a motor vehicle comprising in particular a system capable of capturing images, wherein the system for capturing images comprises a stereoscopic image capturing system having at least a first camera and a second camera, with the first camera presenting a field of vision) greater than the field of vision of the second camera, and with the stereoscopic system thereby conferring a degree of multifunctionality to the device supporting the driving of the vehicle.
US08305426B2

According to one embodiment, the stereoscopic video display apparatus includes a 3D processing module and a message insertion module. The 3D processing module converts a 3D video display signal of the twin type into the 3D video display signal of a glasses-less type. The message insertion module outputs a notification message making a notification that stereoscopic video of the glasses-less type is different from the stereoscopic video of the twin type.
US08305419B2

An image forming apparatus, including: an image carrier; an exposure section, having a light emitting surface which is positioned above the image carrier, to focus the light rays on the surface of the image carrier; a cleaning section, having a cleaning member, to make the cleaning member to come into contact with the light emitting surface and to move the cleaning member on the light emitting surface, so that the cleaning member removes dust particles accumulated on the light emitting surface, wherein the cleaning section makes the cleaning member to move to an outside of an end portion of the light emitting surface; and a dust receiving section, mounted under the outside of the end portion of the light emitting surface, to receive the dust particles removed from the light emitting surface by the cleaning section.
US08305410B2

A thermal head unit includes a head substrate having a heating element serving as a thermal head formed thereon, a flexible substrate, a driver IC disposed on the flexible substrate to drive the thermal head, and a heat sink attached to the head substrate and to the flexible substrate, wherein the driver IC and the flexible substrate are electrically connected to each other, and the driver IC and the head substrate are electrically connected to each other.
US08305404B2

One field is divided into p (p is an integer of 2 or more) groups and each of the divided groups is divided into two subfields. The p groups have the same time period. The sub-fields forming one field have time periods that are different from each other. A plurality of scanning lines are divided into at least first and second groups. A field start timing of pixels corresponding to the scanning lines of the first group is set to be different from a field start timing of pixels corresponding to scanning lines of the second group by at least the time period of the groups.
US08305397B2

A noise removing filter removes noise from an input image and an edge component extracting unit extracts edge components. The edge components are extracted by calculating a difference between the input image and a smoothed image, which is obtained by smoothing the input image in a smoothed image generating portion. An edge component comparing unit compares the extracted edge components with a threshold value and a sum calculating unit calculates the sum of the edge components greater than the threshold value. A control circuit determines the enhancement degree of the edges based on the sum and averaged luminance of the input image calculated by an average luminance calculating unit. An enhancement degree adjustment unit adjusts the determined enhancement degree, and an edge component enhancement unit enhances the edge components based on this enhancement degree and adds it to the input image to perform edge enhancement processing.
US08305393B2

In an area selected as a highlighted display target, an area to be displayed in a highlighted manner or an area to be displayed in a character-invisible manner can be designated based on a color for highlighting. A display control unit for collectively controlling, for each area for which the same color has been designated, whether to display each selected area in at least text of a headword in a manner highlighted with a color designated for each area or to display the area in a character-invisible manner using the designated color and a first accepting unit for accepting designation of a color through a second input portion are provided. When there is an area displayed in a manner highlighted with the designated color at the time of acceptance of designation of the color, the display control unit causes the area displayed in the highlighted manner to be in turn displayed in a character-invisible manner using the designated color. On the other hand, when there is an area displayed in a character-invisible manner using the designated color at the time of acceptance of designation of the color, the display control unit causes the area displayed in the character-invisible manner to be in turn displayed in a manner highlighted with the designated color.
US08305392B2

A color image viewed from a virtual camera is generated. Next, a fog image is generated by adding a fog color to respective objects in accordance with distances from a position, which is represented by a Z value, of a player object to positions of the respective objects which are represented by Z values. Further, mask processing is performed so as to add to the fog image a predetermined fog color in accordance with distances from a predetermined reference pixel to pixels in a lateral and a longitudinal directions in the fog image. And an image into which the fog image and the color image have been synthesized is displayed as a game image.
US08305388B2

One or more embodiments of the present invention relate to a four color image display device. A display device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a first pixel adapted to display a first color, a second pixel adapted to display a second color, a third pixel adapted to display a third color, and a white pixel adapted to display a first white. In one aspect, the first to third pixels are adapted to display a second white in combination, and a ratio of the first white and the second white varies according to a gray. Accordingly, a greenish phenomenon of a low-luminance white light in a four color display device may be reduced.
US08305385B2

A display device with embedded networking capability is described herein. The display device uses at least a portion of a memory of the display device, the memory of which is used for storing video/image data in the display, to store networking codes for establishing and maintaining the network connection.
US08305383B2

A data access apparatus has a memory portion including plural memory banks. A data storage control portion stores the pixel data in the plural memory banks with the pixel data being divided into the plural memory banks based on information on an access pattern of plural pixels set on a predetermined screen. A data access control portion reads pixel data relative to the plural pixels specified by the access pattern at the same time from the plural memory banks at each set position in which the set position of the access pattern moves from the start position thereof toward a pixel row direction. A selector portion transmits pixel data corresponding to respective pixels constituting each of the groups of pixels based on correspondence information on input and output. Each group of pixels includes a center pixel and peripheral pixels positioned at a periphery of the center pixel.
US08305374B2

Disclosed are a display and a method of driving the display. The display includes a display panel on which a plurality of data lines are formed, a data driver for supplying data voltages generated by modulating input image data to the respective data lines. The data driver includes a precharging unit for selecting a specific precharge voltage from a plurality of precharge voltages applied to the data driver depending on grayscale sections of the input image data, and for precharging the selected precharge voltages to the respective data lines.A predetermined voltage is precharged according to a grayscale section of image data and then applied to a pixel, whereby voltage rising time and voltage falling time when charging the pixel can be shortened. Therefore, even though the charge time of the pixel is shortened and bias current of the data driver is thus reduced, it is possible to obtain high driving performance. In addition, since the bias current of the data driver is reduced, overall current consumption is reduced and heat generation can also be suppressed.
US08305369B2

One embodiment of the present invention includes: a gate line drive circuit that outputs, in a horizontal scanning period which is sequentially allocated to each one of rows, a gate signal for turning on the switching element on one row; a source bus line drive circuit that outputs a source signal of which polarity is reversed in sync with the horizontal scanning period for each of the rows and of which polarity is opposite in an adjacent horizontal scanning period on one and the same row; a CS bus line drive circuit that outputs, after the horizontal scanning period for each of the rows, a CS signal of which potential is switched along a direction (from low level to high level or from high level to low level) determined according to the polarity of the source signal in the horizontal scanning period concerned, wherein the CS bus line drive circuit outputs the CS signal in a first frame so that a potential of the CS signal at a time of on-to-off switching of the switching element on the one row is different from a potential of a CS signal on an adjacent row. This eliminates the occurrence of lateral stripes in the first frame from which display corresponding to a video signal is started in CC driving premised on line inversion driving.
US08305368B2

A data driver including a receiver, a skew adjusting circuit and a processing device is provided. The receiver samples image data on a data bus according to a processed pixel clock signal. The image data includes pixel data during active periods and a test pattern repeatedly inserted in the image data during blanking periods. The skew adjusting circuit receives a pixel clock signal and adjusts a clock phase of the pixel clock signal by delaying the pixel clock signal with a controllable skew according to a feedback control signal so as to generate the processed pixel clock signal. The processing device stores a predetermined test pattern synchronized with the inserted test pattern, determines an optimum skew by comparing the sampled test patterns with the predetermined test pattern, and generates the feedback control signal including information indicating the optimum skew.
US08305366B2

A flat panel display includes a scaler, a first transmitter, a second transmitter, a first receiver, a second receiver, a compensated driving unit, a timing controller, a data driver, a scan driver and a panel. The scaler generates first and second adjusted image data according to an image signal, and outputs the first and second adjusted image data to the first and second receivers through the first and second transmitters, respectively. The compensated driving unit outputs compensated driving data according to the first and second adjusted image data. The timing controller receives the compensated driving data, and outputs the compensated driving data to the data driver and a scan-starting signal to the scan driver according to timing so as to control each row of pixels on the panel sequentially. The data driver receives the compensated driving data and then outputs a driving voltage to each row of pixels.
US08305363B2

A sensing system includes a frame having a first boundary, a second boundary, a third boundary and a fourth boundary and defining a sensing area therein, a light source module for providing light to the sensing area, a first image sensor, a second image sensor, a third image sensor and a mirror component. The first image sensor is disposed between two neighboring ends of the first and second boundaries. The second image sensor is disposed between two neighboring ends of the second and third boundaries. The third image sensor is disposed between two neighboring ends of the first and fourth boundaries. The mirror component is disposed at the fourth boundary. A locating method of the sensing system can determine a location of a pointer accurately and avoid a problem of a blind zone.
US08305358B2

A sensor includes an insulating support defining a front side; a membrane arranged on the front side of the support, the membrane including at least one layer including a pattern of electrically conductive material; at least one capacitance measuring unit configured for measuring a capacitance between at least a portion of the pattern of one of the at least one layer and its surrounding environment; and at least one resistance measuring unit configured for measuring a resistance between a pair of points of the pattern of one of the at least one layer. A display including the sensor and a method of using the sensor are also disclosed.
US08305355B2

A portable electronic device with a touch screen display for photo management is disclosed. One aspect of the invention involves a computer-implemented method in which the portable electronic device displays an array of thumbnail images corresponding to a set of photographic images. The device replaces the displayed array of thumbnail images with a user-selected photographic image upon detecting a user contact with a corresponding thumbnail image in the array. The user-selected photographic image is displayed at a larger scale than the corresponding thumbnail image. The portable device displays a different photographic image in replacement of the user-selected photographic image in accordance with a scrolling gesture. The scrolling gesture comprises a substantially horizontal movement of user contact with the touch screen display.
US08305354B2

An electronic book device and a method for operating the electronic book device are disclosed, wherein the electronic book device includes a memory module, an electronic paper, a touch display and a first touch control module. The touch display is separate from the electronic paper and has a touch panel. The memory module can store an electronic book. The electronic paper can display a first frame according to the electronic book. The first touch control module can control the first frame when the touch panel is touched.
US08305350B2

A touch panel includes two transparent conductive films and at least one refractive index matching layer. The two transparent conductive films are disposed opposite to each other. The refractive index matching layer is disposed between the two transparent conductive films or disposed on one side of the transparent conductive film.
US08305347B2

An operating device comprises a transmitter arrangement (1) and a receiver arrangement (2), which may be moved longitudinally, transversally and vertically with relation to the transmitter arrangement (1) and by means of which different signals can be generated depending on the position of the transmitter arrangement (1). According to the invention, said operating device may be provided with additional functionality with a construction of the minimum technical complexity, wherein the transmitter arrangement (1) may be rotated in relation to the receiver arrangement (2) and is designed such that, at differing rotational angles, signals corresponding to the given rotational angle may be generated in the receiver device (2).
US08305343B2

In one embodiment, a computer pointing device is provided with a navigation module, an electronic control system, and a motion-driven electromagnetic induction module. The electronic control system serves to activate and deactivate the navigation module. At times, the control system enters a sleep mode and deactivates the navigation module. In response to movement of the computer pointing device, the motion-driven electromagnetic induction module generates an output signal that wakes the control system and activates the navigation module. In another embodiment, a computer pointing device is provided with a housing, a battery, and a motion-driven electromagnetic induction module. The electromagnetic induction module is coupled to the battery, is enclosed within the housing, and is unconnected to any externally manipulable portion of the computer pointing device. Movement of the computer pointing device causes the electromagnetic induction module to charge the battery.
US08305339B2

There is provided an image displaying apparatus in which a light-source luminance calculator calculates light-source luminance of the light emitted by a backlight based on pixel values of an input image, a cumulative light-emission amount calculator calculates a cumulative light-emission amount by summing up light-source luminance for an arbitrary period for which an image is displayed at a time before the input image is displayed, the cumulative light-emission amount is compared with a reference light-emission amount determined in advance, and if the difference between the cumulative light-emission amount and the reference light-emission amount is smaller than a reference, a light-source luminance correcting unit corrects the light-source luminance to a smaller value to obtain corrected light-source luminance corrected.
US08305334B2

The invention provides a liquid crystal display device which can reduce the manufacturing cost by reducing the number of parts and simplifying the fabrication and the assembling operation, for the conduction between a metal frame and a color filter substrate. A liquid crystal display panel has a conductive layer on a front surface of a second glass substrate. A panel frame has a side wall part extending along a side wall of the liquid crystal display panel and an upper surface part extending from the side wall part toward a front surface direction of the liquid crystal display panel, integrally formed together. The upper surface part is in contact with the conductive layer of the liquid crystal display panel. A constant potential is applied to the panel frame.
US08305329B2

An integrated gate driver circuit receives a plurality of clocks and includes a plurality of driving units cascaded in series. Each driving unit is for driving a load and includes an input terminal, an output terminal, a first switch and a second switch. The first switch has a first terminal coupled to the input terminal, a second terminal coupled to a first node, and a control terminal receiving a first clock, and the first switch is turned on when the first clock is at high level. The second switch has a first terminal receiving a second clock, a second terminal coupled to the output terminal, and a control terminal coupled to the first node, wherein the second clock charges and discharges the load through the second switch when the first node is at high level; wherein the output terminal of each driving unit is coupled to the input terminal of the immediately succeeding driving unit.
US08305326B2

A gate driving circuit and a display device having the same, a pull-up unit pulls up a current gate signal by using a first clock signal during a first period of one frame. A pull-up driver coupled to the pull-up unit receives a carry signal from one of the previous stages to turn on the pull-up unit. A pull-up unit receives a gate signal from one of the next stages, discharges the current gate signal to an off voltage level, and turns off the pull-up unit. A holder holds the current gate signal at the voltage level. An inverter turns on/off the holder in response to a first clock signal. A ripple preventer has a source and a gate coupled in common to an output terminal of the pull-up unit and a drain coupled to an input terminal of the inverter, and includes a ripple preventing diode for preventing a ripple from being applied to the inverter.
US08305317B2

In a method for addressing an LCD display in color sequential mode, the color frames of a received video sequence are rearranged to form a display sequence applied to the LCD display. The arrangement of the color frames in the display sequence is such that the succession of the colors of the color frames and/or the duration of the color frames is random. Such a method may find application to direct view screens.
US08305311B2

An organic light emitting device according to one or more embodiments includes a gate line, a data line intersecting the gate line, a switching thin film transistor connected to the gate line and the data line, a driving thin film transistor connected to the switching thin film transistor, and a light emitting diode (LED) connected to the driving thin film transistor. The switching thin film transistor includes a control electrode connected to the gate line, a crystalline semiconductor overlapping the control electrode, and an input electrode and an output electrode are spaced apart from each other on the crystalline semiconductor, wherein the control electrode and the gate line are respectively disposed under and on the crystalline semiconductor and include different materials.
US08305304B2

The semiconductor device includes a transistor and a capacitor element which is electrically connected to a gate of the transistor. Charge held in the capacitor element according to total voltage of voltage corresponding to the threshold voltage of the transistor and image signal voltage is once discharged through the transistor, so that variation in current flowing in the transistor or mobility of the transistor can be reduced.
US08305299B2

There is provided a plasma display device using a driving device for supplying driving signals to a plasma display panel (PDP). In a sustain falling period that at least partially overlaps the rising period of reset signals supplied to scan electrodes formed on the PDP, a voltage supplied to sustain electrodes is gradually reduced and a positive polar voltage is supplied to address electrodes. In driving the PDP, gradually falling signals are supplied to the sustain electrodes in the rising period of the reset signals so that the driving margin of the PDP can be secured. The positive polar voltage is supplied to the address electrodes so that initialization discharge can be stably performed and that the erroneous discharge of the plasma display device can be reduced.
US08305297B2

A spectacles-type image display device comprises an image output unit for outputting image light of images to be displayed and a reflection unit disposed in a field of view of at least one eyeball of a viewer. The reflection unit is adapted to reflect the image light output from the image output unit toward the eyeball of the viewer so that the viewer can see virtual images of the images. The minimum value of a width of a projection cross-section of the reflection unit in an output direction of the image light to the eyeball is smaller than a dark-adapted pupil diameter of human and is larger than a light-adapted pupil diameter of human.
US08305288B2

An antenna module including a casing, a USB connecting end, an antenna, a key and a moving component is provided. The casing has a terminal end opposite to the USB connecting end and a hole located at the terminal end. The antenna is disposed in the casing near the terminal end. The key disposed in the casing has an enabling portion for enabling the key when being touched. The moving component disposed in the casing includes a contacting member and an actuating member. The contacting member has first and second ends and a pivotal portion. The pivotal portion is pivotally connected to the casing between the first and second ends. The actuating member exposed from the hole is for moving toward the USB connecting end. The first end is driven by the actuating member, so that the second end is rotated around the pivotal portion to touch the enabling portion.
US08305271B2

Storing and retrieving beacon reference data in a truncated cuckoo hash table. Checksums of beacon identifiers associated with beacons are used to retrieve beacon reference data describing locations of the beacons in a hash table. The data is stored in one or more hash tables by cuckoo hashing to eliminate aliasing. The hash tables are provided to devices such as mobile devices. The devices retrieve the beacon reference data from the tables based using beacon identifiers of observed beacons. Location information for the devices is inferred using the retrieved beacon reference data. The cuckoo hash tables consume less memory storage space and obfuscate the beacon reference data.
US08305270B2

Embodiments of the invention provide a system and method to improve the performance of a GNSS receiver using antenna switching. The system has a plurality of antennas and at least one radio frequency RF chain. There are fewer RF chain(s) than antennas. A receiver processes a plurality of signals sent by a plurality of transmitters. The system also includes antenna switches and switch controller. The method includes processing signals from a plurality of satellite vehicles SVs using an antenna selected from a plurality of antennas.
US08305259B2

The radar includes a PCB having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a processor mounted on the bottom surface of the PCB. The radar includes a second liquid crystal polymer layer formed on the top surface of the printed circuit board, a second microstrip array printed on the second liquid crystal polymer layer, the second microstrip array having a patch, a first liquid crystal polymer layer formed on the second liquid crystal polymer layer, a first microstrip array printed on the first liquid crystal polymer layer, the first microstrip array having a perforated patch, an antenna positioned underneath the patch and connected to the second microstrip array, and a transmit/receive module connected to a bottom surface of the second liquid crystal polymer layer and configured to transmit a first frequency signal to the first microstrip array and a second frequency signal to the second microstrip array.
US08305258B2

A radar device includes: a receive antenna having a plurality of element antennas disposed in the left-right direction such that at least some of the plurality of element antennas is shifted in the up-down direction from the others; and a position detecting ECU. The position detecting ECU Includes: a first position detecting section, which detects a position of an object in the up-down direction, based on a phase difference between the respective reception signals received by the plurality of element antennas; and a first position correcting section which corrects the position in the up-down direction, based on the history of the position in the up-down direction, and obtains a first corrected position which is a position in the up-down direction after the correction.
US08305255B2

The radar includes a PCB having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a processor mounted on the bottom surface of the PCB. The radar includes a second liquid crystal polymer layer formed on the top surface of the printed circuit board, a second microstrip array printed on the second liquid crystal polymer layer, the second microstrip array having a patch, a first liquid crystal polymer layer formed on the second liquid crystal polymer layer, a first microstrip array printed on the first liquid crystal polymer layer, the first microstrip array having a perforated patch, an antenna positioned underneath the patch and connected to the second microstrip array, and a transmit/receive module connected to a bottom surface of the second liquid crystal polymer layer and configured to transmit a first frequency signal to the first microstrip array and a second frequency signal to the second microstrip array.
US08305250B2

An apparatus for remote-controlling an auxiliary device remote-controls easily the auxiliary device used with preset main devices in a conference, a seminar, a lecture, etc. The apparatus a main device remote controller configured to control setting components of the main device, an auxiliary device remote controller configured to control setting components of the auxiliary device, and a controller configured to receive and memorize a first control signal outputted from the main device remote controller, receive a second control signal outputted from the auxiliary device remote controller, and delivers the received first control signal or the second control signal to the main device or the auxiliary device.
US08305246B2

A class D amplifier is configured to accept a digital input signal wherein the control loop of the class D amplifier employs a hybrid filter merged with the front-end of a sigma-delta ADC converter. The term hybrid refers to the filter using both digital and analog components in which the digital delay elements serve as shift registers while the filter coefficients are analog. The filter converts the digital PDM data into a step-wise sinusoidal signal. The sigma-delta ADC receiving a feedback signal subtracts the step-wise sinusoidal signal from the continuous sinusoidal signal and converts the result to a digital PDM signal, without decimation, which passes through a digital filter, a PWM generator, and a pre-driver, to provide power to the load.
US08305241B2

A keyboard module for avoiding accidental operation keyboard module includes a key unit. The key unit has a pressing portion and a contacting portion. The pressing portion abutted the casing for the key unit not being pressed down. The pressing portion can be raised up to form a pressing distance relative to the casing via a push element controlled by a controlling switch to provide the pressing function. Therefore, the keyboard module can effectively prevent the users accidentally striking unnecessary keys during their operations or when the computer is in a power saving mode.
US08305235B2

A mirror reflective element sub-assembly includes a mirror reflective element, a mirror back plate and a signal indicator. The mirror back plate includes (i) a generally planar portion and (ii) an indicator receiving portion. The indicator receiving portion has a wall structure extending at an angle from the generally planar portion adjacent to an aperture established through the mirror back plate. The signal indicator has a light source disposed at a circuit element and a housing substantially encases the circuit element therein. An electrical connector protrudes from the circuit element and is accessible at a connector portion of the housing for connecting to electrical wiring of the vehicle. The signal indicator includes an indicia element at a forward end thereof. When the light source is activated, light emitted by the light source emanates through the aperture and through the mirror reflective element and is transmitted through the indicia element.
US08305233B2

An antenna isolation circuit, meter reading device, and method of manufacturing an antenna isolation circuit may employ or be associated with a multilayer planar structure. A multilayer planar structure antenna isolation circuit uses distributed elements to provide high voltage isolation and RF coupling functions. The distributed elements may be implemented, for example, as multilayer distributed capacitors. In other embodiments, the distributed elements may be implemented as a distributed transformer.
US08305228B2

Fiber-optic cable systems are useful for locating a cementing apparatus in the wellbore, for example a cement plug. A reel of fiber-optic cable is attached to the cementing apparatus. At the surface the cable is attached to a stationary position where it is connected to a light transmitter/receive device. As the cementing apparatus travels down the cased wellbore, the cable unwinds, thereby changing the nature of the reflected light signal and allowing one to deduce the position of the cement plug within the well.
US08305224B2

To provide an in-train-display management device that is incorporated in a train constituted by a plurality of vehicles and is connected to a plurality of display devices arranged in each vehicle of the train by a transmission path, and displays whether a driving status of the display devices is normal on one screen per predetermined unit to collectively manage the driving status of the display devices. By collectively displaying the status of the display devices arranged in each vehicle of the train on one screen, status management of the display devices can be easily and collectively ascertained and managed, thereby enabling easy management of maintenance of the display devices arranged in the vehicles.
US08305204B2

According to an aspect of this disclosure, a vehicle surrounding confirmation apparatus includes a narrow-field-of-view image generating portion generating a narrow-field-of-view image, showing a portion of a vehicle surrounding, from a captured image of the vehicle surrounding obtained by an image capturing portion, an obstacle recognizing portion recognizing an obstacle existing at the vehicle surrounding, a determining portion determining whether or not the obstacle, recognized by the obstacle recognizing portion, is included within the narrow-field-of-view image, an obstacle image extracting portion extracting an area, in which an image of the obstacle is shown, from the captured image as an obstacle image, when the obstacle, recognized by the obstacle recognizing portion, is not determined to be included within the narrow-field-of-view image, and a display image generating portion generating a display image from the narrow-field-of-view image and the obstacle image, thereby outputting the generated display image to a monitor.
US08305199B2

A wireless remote control device for controlling an electronic device includes a switch module, a wireless transmission module, a wireless receiving module and a control module. The switch module receives a DC voltage and outputs a first control signal. The wireless transmission module receives the first control signal and encodes the first control signal to output an encoded first control signal. The wireless receiving module receives the encoded first control signal and decodes the encoded first control signal to output a decoded first control signal. The control module receives the decoded first control signal and outputs a second control signal to turn on/off or reset the electronic device.
US08305194B2

The performance of a radio frequency identification (RFID) system is improved by a protocol that eliminates collisions between signals generated by a) RFID tags that the RFID reader has already identified as being in its interrogation zone and b) RFID tags that are newly arrived and thus that the reader has not yet identified. This is illustratively accomplished by the use of separate identification and access frames. It is during the identification frame that newly arrived tags become identified by the reader. Although there may be collisions during the identification frame, those collisions are only among newly arrived tags. The already-identified tags communicate with the reader during respective time slots of the access frame, so that they neither collide with each other nor with the newly arrived tags.
US08305186B1

A resistive temperature detector assembly characterized by improved calibration means is generally provided. The assembly includes a primary resistive element, characterized by a temperature coefficient of resistance TCR1, for detecting temperature, and a calibration component characterized by first and second resistive elements, each operatively united with each other, and with the primary resistive element. The first resistive element is configured and/or adapted so as to permit selective passage of current through at least a portion thereof, with the first and second resistive elements characterized by temperature coefficients of resistance TCR1 and TCR2, TCR1 having a value intermediate the value of TCR1 and TCR2.
US08305184B2

Surge arrester with a module 1, 3, 9, 25, which comprises a stack of varistor blocks 1, two end armatures, between which the stack of varistor blocks 1 is held, a plurality of reinforcing elements 9, which extend between the end armatures 3 and are fixed to said end armatures, the reinforcing elements 9 surrounding the stack of varistor blocks, and at least one stabilizing disc 25, which is arranged between two varistor blocks 1 in the stack and guides the at least one reinforcing element 9, and with an outer housing 5 with screens, in which outer housing the module is at least partially accommodated. In the case of the surge arrester according to the invention, the outer housing is designed in such a way that the module is accommodated without any gas, liquid or volumes or cavities therebetween. Furthermore, each of the stabilizing discs 25 is arranged in the region of one of the screens 7.
US08305180B2

The present invention discloses an electromagnetic coil means, comprising a terminal part and pins passing through the terminal part, wherein the pins are divided into a first group of pins connected with an upper coil stator and a second group of pins connected with a lower coil stator which are spaced apart from each other; the first group of pins comprises first outer sections with first head portions and first inner sections with first root portions; the second group of pins comprising second outer sections with second head portion and second inner sections with second root portions; the first and second head portions extend out from a pin leading-out surface of the terminal part, characterized in that, at least one group of the first and second groups of pins are bent, and a distance between adjacent said first and second head portions is larger than that between adjacent said first and second root portions. By this electromagnetic coil means, the distance of solder joints between adjacent head portions of pins is increased, thus the insulation performance between the solder joints is improved.
US08305173B2

There is obtained a superconductive magnet in which there are reduced the machining costs and the amount of materials for bobbins and supporting members that support coils. In a superconductive magnet provided with a first group of coils serving as main coils for generating a magnetic field and a second group of coils serving as shield coils that are arranged coaxially with the first group of coils and generate a magnetic field whose direction is opposite the direction of a magnetic field generated by the first group of coils so that a magnetic field that leaks outside is cancelled, the second group of coils are arranged at axis-direction positions where axis-direction electromagnetic force generated by the first group of coils and exerted on the second group of coils and axis-direction electromagnetic force generated by the second group of coils balance with each other and cancel out each other.
US08305159B2

There is provided a piezoelectric thin film resonator that decreases only transverse mode waves selectively while maintaining resonance characteristics due to original thickness longitudinal vibration. The piezoelectric thin film resonator includes: a piezoelectric film (14); a first electrode (15a) formed on a first principal surface of the piezoelectric film (14); and a second electrode (13) formed on a second principal surface of the piezoelectric film (14) opposite to the first principal surface. The resonator has a resonance region (20) where the first electrode (15a) and the second electrode (13) are opposed to each other. An electrically discontinuous portion (18a) that is insulated from the first electrode (15a) is provided on the first principal surface of the piezoelectric film (14) in the resonance region (20), and the electrically discontinuous portion (18a) is surrounded by the first electrode (15a) on the first principal surface.
US08305157B2

Disclosed is a waveguide adapter able to generate a circularly polarized wave. The waveguide adapter to be coupled with a horn antenna realizes a polarized wave conversion function for converting a linearly polarized wave signal into a circularly polarized wave signal, or vice versa, and an adapter function for converting a waveguide signal into an external transmission line signal, resulting in a simplified configuration and small size of a communication system using a circularly polarized wave signal. The waveguide adaptor includes a probe to transmit a linearly polarized wave signal from an external transmission line to a waveguide transmission line, a polarized wave conversion line reflector located in the rear of the probe to convert a vertically polarized wave into a horizontally polarized wave, and a back-short member to forwardly transmit a rearward signal. The waveguide adapter is applicable to communication systems using circularly polarized wave signals.
US08305156B2

A printed circuit board includes a signal layer and a ground layer adjacent to the signal layer. The signal layer includes a pair of differential transmitting lines. The ground layer includes a common mode filter formed by hollow spiral patterns in the ground layer. The common mode filter includes two filter portions respectively arranged at opposite sides of a projection of the pair of differential transmitting lines onto the ground layer. Hollowed areas of the two filter portions are bridged by a void.
US08305152B2

An oscillator includes: a plurality of MEMS vibrators formed on a substrate; and an oscillator configuration circuit connected to the plurality of MEMS vibrators, wherein the plurality of MEMS vibrators each have a beam structure, and the respective beam structures are different, whereby their resonant frequencies are different.
US08305150B2

There are disclosed a surface mount crystal oscillator which can enhance a product quality and improve productivity while realizing miniaturization and a manufacturing method of the crystal oscillator. On wall faces of through holes formed in corner portions of a rectangular ceramic base, through terminals are formed; on the front surface of the ceramic base, leading terminals of crystal holding terminals which hold a crystal piece are connected to the diagonal through terminals; on the back surface of the ceramic base, mount terminals connected to the through terminals are formed; and an insulating film projected especially in a corner portion direction is formed at such a position as to face the opening end face of a metal cover.
US08305147B2

A power amplifier according to the embodiments includes: a silicon substrate; an input terminal configured to receive an input of a RF signal; a power dividing unit configured to divide the RF signal into a first signal and a second signal; a phase modulating unit configured to modulate a phase of the second signal; an N well formed in the silicon substrate; a P well formed in the N well and configured to receive an input of the second signal of a modulated phase; a gate insulating film formed on the P well; a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film and configured to receive an input of the first signal; source and drain electrodes formed on both sides of the gate electrode in the silicon substrate; and an output terminal configured to output a RF signal obtained from the drain electrode.
US08305146B2

A multi-stage amplifier includes a first, a second, and a third sub-amplifier, each with respective input and output ports. The multi-stage amplifier also includes a common output port. The output port of the second sub-amplifier is connected to the output port of the first sub-amplifier as well as to the common output port of the multi-stage amplifier, and the output port of the third sub-amplifier is connected to the common output port. The electrical lengths of the connections from the second sub-amplifier's output port both to the first amplifier's output port and to the common output port are longer or shorter than one quarter of a wavelength (λ) of the frequency for which the multi-stage amplifier is intended to operate.
US08305144B1

A power amplifier provides relatively stable quiescent current while maintaining relatively high signal gains and peak to quiescent current ratios. The power amplifier has an input stage and a current mirror stage and incorporates a control transistor between these stages. The control transistor transitions to the triode mode for small inputs and offset voltages thereby reducing the amplifier circuit's gain. However, the control transistor transitions from the triode region to saturation as the input signal becomes larger thereby allowing the amplifier circuit to maintain a relatively high gain for large inputs. Accordingly, better quiescent current characteristics can be obtained without significantly sacrificing performance.
US08305142B2

An actual linear amplifier distorts an input signal, such as an RF signal, and generates third order intermodulation (IM3) products. A single-port predistortion circuit is connected at a single node of an input line to the amplifier via an AC coupling capacitor. The fundamental frequency of the input signal is applied to a forward biased diode junction. The current through the diode is applied to a second capacitor. The appropriate setting of a tuning device, such as a tunable resistor or a tunable capacitor, causes the predistortion circuit to invert the second harmonic generated by the diode. The inverted second harmonic signal is applied to the single node of the input line to add predistortion to the signal applied to the amplifier. The predistortion cancels or substantially reduces the IM3 products at the output of the amplifier.
US08305140B1

Active resistive circuitry (10, 10A, 11, 11A 25, 30, 35, or 40) includes a first current divider circuit (11) having an input (15) coupled to a first signal (Vi). The first current divider circuit (11) includes a first amplifier (13) having a first input (−) coupled to the first signal (Vi). A symmetrically bilateral first bidirectional circuit (M1a,M1b; R1) is coupled between the first input (−) of the first amplifier (13) and an output (17) of the first amplifier (13), and functions as a feedback circuit of the first amplifier (13). A symmetrically bilateral second bidirectional circuit (M2a,M2b; R2) is coupled between the output (17) of the first amplifier (13) and an output (18) of the first current divider circuit (11).
US08305135B2

This invention allows for stable operation of a circuit to which an output voltage is supplied. The invention resides in a semiconductor device comprising a VREF1 regulator to which a reference voltage Vref1 relative to a first potential is input; and an output circuit which generates an output voltage Vint that is proportional to a voltage on its input terminal relative to a second potential. The VREF1 regulator comprises a constant current source which generates a constant current having a current value that is proportional to the reference voltage Vref1; and a first resistor element which is supplied with the constant current, one end of which is coupled to the input terminal of the output circuit and the other end of which is coupled to the second potential.
US08305129B2

An internal clock generating circuit and a method for generating an internal clock signal are disclosed. The internal clock generating circuit includes a transition detecting block for detecting transitions in a data signal and generating data transition information, and an internal clock generating block for generating and storing a period digital data while detecting the unit period of the data signal in a period confirming mode. In the internal clock generating circuit, the internal clock signal can be generated without the external clock signal, so that the internal clock generating circuit can be implemented with a simple constitution. Additionally, an extra locking time is not required for locking the extra clock signal, so that the operating speed of the internal clock generating circuit is improved. The internal clock signal is dependent on the data signal, so that it is easy to control the set-up and hold for data.
US08305125B2

A synchronizer circuit includes a master stage and a slave stage. The master stage may include a first master latch coupled to receive a data input signal, and a clock signal. The master stage may also include a second master latch coupled to receive the data input signal, and a delayed version of the clock signal. The master stage may further include a pull-up circuit that may drive an output line of the master stage depending upon an output of each of the first master latch and the second master latch. The slave stage may include a slave latch having an input coupled to the output line of the master stage. The slave stage may provide an output data signal that corresponds to the captured input data signal and is synchronized to the receiving clock signal.
US08305124B2

Methods, circuits and systems may operate to generate a reset signal at an input reset block and synchronously distribute the reset signal, via a number of pipelined reset blocks, to multiple ports of a core circuit. The reset signal may be transmitted successively to each of the pipelined reset blocks to provide delayed reset signals having delay times. The delay times may be based on locations of the pipelined reset blocks in the reset circuit. One or more of the delayed reset signals may be programmably coupled to one or more ports of the core circuit. Additional methods, circuits, and systems are disclosed.
US08305118B2

A power supply system, for discharging a resume and reset (RSMRST) signal during the RSMRST signal pull down, includes a voltage regulating circuit, a delay circuit, a switch circuit, and a discharge circuit. The voltage regulating circuit receives a first voltage signal and converts the first voltage signal to a second voltage signal. The delay circuit is charged by the second voltage signal and outputs the second voltage signal once fully charged. The switch circuit receives the second voltage signal and then outputs a RSMRST signal. The discharge circuit discharges the delay circuit. The delay circuit is charged during a first state and discharged during a second state.
US08305115B2

A portable frequency synthesizer is provided with fine tuning over a broad bandwidth using a Fractional N type Delta Sum Phase Locked Loop circuit that enables elimination of boundary value spurs. In the system, frequencies where spurs occur are calculated to define a region of fractional N values that cannot be used with a first time base. To avoid the boundary spurs, a second time base reference is selected that can generate boundary spurs that do not overlap with the first time base. Circuitry is provided to select the appropriate time base and the fractional N values to generate desired output frequencies throughout the synthesizer range while avoiding the boundary spurs.
US08305109B2

An object is to obtain a desired threshold voltage of a thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor. Another object is to suppress a change of the threshold voltage over time. Specifically, an object is to apply the thin film transistor to a logic circuit formed using a transistor having a desired threshold voltage. In order to achieve the above object, thin film transistors including oxide semiconductor layers with different thicknesses may be formed over the same substrate, and the thin film transistors whose threshold voltages are controlled by the thicknesses of the oxide semiconductor layers may be used to form a logic circuit. In addition, by using an oxide semiconductor film in contact with an oxide insulating film formed after dehydration or dehydrogenation treatment, a change in threshold voltage over time is suppressed and the reliability of a logic circuit can be improved.
US08305101B2

A plurality of inserts are anchored in holes or recesses in a probe head. Shafts are coupled to the inserts, and adjustable multi-part fasteners are attached to the shafts and to a stiffener. The multi-part fasteners are operated to move the shafts and couple the probe head, the stiffener, and other components of a microelectronic contactor assembly. In some embodiments, the inserts may be anchored in the probe head using an adhesive. In some embodiments, the probe head may comprise more than one major substrate, and the inserts may be anchored in either of the substrates.
US08305100B2

The apparatus (1) for checking the operational condition of an electronic sensor element (3) which measures a physical quantity comprises testing means for providing a test deflection, corresponding to a specific change in the measured physical quantity, in the measurement signal produced by the sensor element and by a measuring circuit (2) connected thereto. According to the invention, the testing means comprise a testing circuit (4) which is galvanically separated from the measuring circuit and includes a light source (5a, 5b), and a light-sensitive component (6a, 6b) connected to the measuring circuit for receiving a light signal (7a, 7b) emitted by the light source and for further providing in the measurement signal a test deflection proportional to the light signal.
US08305099B2

A full duplex, high speed test interface comprises a tester side circuit and a device under test side circuit, each comprising balancing circuits. The balancing circuit of the test side circuit is configured to cancel its own transmitted data at the test side circuit such that the transmitted data does not influence any other signal generated at the test side circuit. Similarly, the balancing circuit of the device under test side circuit is configured to cancel its own transmitted data at the device under test side circuit such that the transmitted data does not influence any other signal generated at the device under test side circuit.
US08305096B2

An apparatus and method for measuring and monitoring layer properties in web-based processes are described. The apparatus includes multiple electrode devices adjacently positioned on a surface of a web material, which advances with a predetermined speed. The electrode devices perform measurements of electrical parameters of a layer of the web material and provide an electrical signal to a layer deposition system for further adjustment of layer properties of the layer.
US08305093B2

A touch device includes a first conductive film, a plurality of first electrodes, a first auxiliary electrode, a plurality of second electrodes, a second auxiliary electrode, and a second conductive film. The first conductive film has a first side, a second side, a first area, and a second area. The first electrodes are disposed at the portion of the first side located at a side of the first area. The first auxiliary electrode is disposed at the portion of the first side located at a side of the second area. The second electrodes are disposed at the portion of the second side located at another side of the second area. The second auxiliary electrode is disposed at the portion of the second side located at another side of the first area. The second conductive film is disposed beside the first conductive film.
US08305086B2

The flame ionization detector, which comprises a supply and an ignition device (7) for the combustible gas, a supply for the sample gas, a combustion chamber (4) in which the sample gas is ionized by the flame, and electrodes (8, 1) to which a voltage is applied in order to generate and measure the ion current, is distinguished in that it is constructed as an integrated planar system of at least three parallel platelet-like substrates (1, 2, 3) which are connected to one another and are processed by microsystem technology methods, with a central substrate (1) comprising nozzles (5, 6) for the gases and the ignition device (7) and a recess which forms a part of the combustion chamber (4), is completed by recesses in the neighboring substrates (2, 3) and is essentially closed together with the nozzle region by these substrates (2, 3), and the neighboring substrates (2, 3) comprise supply channels (10, 11) for the gases.
US08305082B2

Measurements made with a multicomponent logging system oriented in a horizontal position above the surface of the earth must satisfy certain relationships. These relationships are used to establish calibration errors in the system.
US08305079B2

A feedforward control unit predicts the maximum value of the temperature of a gradient coil based on a power duty and a scan time of a pulse sequence, and a present temperature of the gradient coil. When the maximum value exceeds a predetermined upper limit, the feedforward control unit then instructs a temperature adjusting unit to start a water circulation in a chiller at the start of a prescan, and the temperature adjusting unit starts the water circulation based on the instruction.
US08305075B2

Provided is a magnetic sensor circuit of low power consumption, in which a magnetic detection level less depends on a resistance value of an internal resistor of a power source. A comparator circuit compares a voltage which is based on a magnetic field and generated after sampling under a state in which power is supplied to mainly a Hall element and an amplifier circuit to drop a power supply voltage, with a reference voltage after sampling under the same state. Both the voltages are generated based on the power supply voltage dropped by an internal resistor. Therefore, the magnetic detection level less depends on a resistance value of the internal resistor. The comparator circuit may be disabled during a sample period, and the Hall element and the amplifier circuit may be disabled during a comparison period, and hence power consumption of the magnetic sensor circuit is reduced by corresponding power.
US08305074B2

A magnetostrictive transducer that generates a large shear horizontal (SH) wave useful for non-destructive testing of a plate member, and method and apparatus for structural health monitoring by using the magnetostrictive transducer. The magnetostrictive transducer includes: a magnetostrictive patch array comprising a plurality of magnetostrictive patches that have different radii of curvature, and have the same center of curvature when arranged on a plate member and form an overall fan-shape; a static magnetic field forming unit comprising two magnets that are respectively installed on both sides of the magnetostrictive patch so that a magnetic field is formed in parallel to an arc direction of the magnetostrictive patch; and a dynamic magnetic field forming unit comprising a wound coil comprising a plurality of curved portions.
US08305068B2

A bandgap voltage reference unit on an integrated circuit (101) includes a proportional-to-absolute-temperature (PTAT) current source (100) coupled to a bandgap voltage reference circuit (200) that includes a plurality of self-cascode MOSFET structures (201-204) that are cascaded together to form a PTAT voltage generator (205). The bandgap voltage reference circuit also includes a complementary-to-absolute-temperature (CTAT) device (260). A PTAT voltage from the PTAT voltage generator is added to a CTAT voltage from the CTAT device to produce an output voltage of the bandgap voltage reference unit, such that the output voltage is the bandgap voltage of the integrated circuit and such that the output voltage does not change with temperature.
US08305052B2

A controlled power supply comprising: a) an array of low voltage current sources; b) a plurality of switch power supplies coupled to each of the storage capacitors and respective ones of the pulse loads being coupled to each of the switch power supplies; c) each of the storage capacitors being configured for storing energy during an inactive portion of a load switching cycle of the respective switch power supply to which the corresponding storage capacitor is coupled when the pulse loads are inactive; d) a respective output capacitor in association with each of the switch power supplies for feeding voltage to the respective pulse loads during an active portion of the load switching cycle; and e) the respective storage capacitor being configured for supplying the stored energy via the respective to the respective switch power supply to which the storage capacitor is coupled to each of the pulse loads coupled to switch power supply during an active portion of the load switching cycle.
US08305047B2

The present invention discloses a safety capacitor discharging method for AC-to-DC converters, wherein the AC-to-DC converters have a safety capacitor connected between two line voltages, the method comprising the steps of: detecting at least one line voltage to generate a line-off signal, wherein the line-off signal is at a first state when the peak voltage of the at least one line voltage is above a reference voltage, and the line-off signal is at a second state when the peak voltage of the at least one line voltage is below the reference voltage; and performing discharge of the safety capacitor by generating a conduction path between two plates of the safety capacitor when the line-off signal is at the second state. The present invention also provides a safety capacitor discharging apparatus for AC-to-DC converters.
US08305046B2

The present invention provides charger protection circuitry for a rechargeable battery, and a method of protecting a charger cable during charging of a rechargeable battery. A switch controller is used to turn a switch element on and off in dependence on a direction of current flow through the charger protection circuitry during charging and otherwise. If current is flowing in the first direction the switch controller turns on the switch element such that the auxiliary current tripping element is bypassed, whereby the main current tripping element controls interruption of current flow. If instead current is flowing in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the switch controller turns off the switch element, whereby the auxiliary current tripping element is connected into the current flow path to control interruption of current flow.
US08305044B2

A battery pack includes: an obtaining unit for obtaining computation information for calculating a charge current including temperature information of a battery; a computation unit for computing a charge current for the battery based on the computation information; and a notification unit for notifying a computer of the charge current computed by the computation unit. The notification unit uses a dedicated command to notify the computer of the charge current. The battery pack includes: a storage unit for storing therein a first threshold value and a second threshold value relating to the temperature information, and the computation unit may compute the optimal charge current depending on which of ranges divided by the first threshold value and the second threshold value the temperature information belongs to.
US08305041B2

In a battery pack, an overcharge detecting circuit compares a voltage between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a secondary battery with a threshold voltage to detect an overcharge of the secondary battery, and turns off a switching element. A series circuit including a thermistor and a resistor is arranged near the secondary battery and connected in parallel to the secondary battery. A comparator compares a voltage at a junction point of the thermistor and the resistor with a reference voltage corresponding to a predetermined temperature. In response to an output signal of the comparator, a changing unit changes the threshold voltage to a first value when a temperature of the secondary battery is below the predetermined temperature, and changes the threshold voltage to a second smaller value when the temperature of the secondary battery is above the predetermined temperature.
US08305040B2

A battery charging method is provided for extending life of batteries. The method includes providing an appropriate charge-off voltage with respect to variation in both of a remaining capacity and an idle time of the battery. Further, the charge-off voltage may vary according to the remaining capacity and the idle time of the battery, so as to increase charging efficiency of the battery. Additionally, the present invention also provides adjusting a charge-off current to a value according to the variation in an actual capacity of the battery.
US08305036B2

In a battery charger cradle, a battery incorporated in a battery built-in device is charged by electric power induced to an induction coil. The cradle includes a primary coil for inducing electromotive force to the induction coil, a casing having a top plate atop of which the battery built-in device is placed, a movement mechanism for moving the primary coil along an inner surface of the top plate, and a position detection controller for detecting a position of the battery built-in device placed on the top plate and controlling the movement mechanism to bring the primary coil closer to the induction coil in the battery built-in device. When the battery built-in device is placed on the top plate, the position detection controller detects the position of the battery built-in device, and the movement mechanism moves the primary coil closer to the induction coil in the battery built-in device.
US08305033B2

A proximity detection circuit suitable for use with an on-board vehicle charger, such as but not limited to the type of charges used within hybrid and hybrid electric vehicles, to facilitate current conservation during period of time when it is unnecessary or otherwise undesirable for the on-board charger to test for connection of a cordset or other connection used to connect the on-board charger to a charging station or other current source.
US08305027B2

An electric compressor control device includes: an inverter for electric compressor motor; a communication microcontroller arranged in a low-voltage region for transmission of an instruction signal via a high-speed communication bus; and a control microcontroller arranged in a high-voltage region and connected to the communication microcontroller via an insulation element for transmitting the instruction signal from the communication microcomputer as an inverter control signal to the inverter. The power voltage of the communication microcomputer is supplied from a low-voltage power source. The voltage from the low-voltage power source is transformed via a transformer and supplied as a power voltage of the control microcontroller. Thus, it is possible to use the existing insulation element at an insulation boundary between the low-voltage region and the high-voltage region so as to surely supply a predetermined power voltage to the microcontroller for controlling the inverter, thereby improving the communication reliability of the entire control device.
US08305025B2

Methods and apparatus are provided that include or provide a first three-phase induction machine including stator windings, a second three-phase induction machine including stator windings, wherein the stator windings of the first machine are coupled in series with the stator windings of the second machine, and an inverter circuit that provides a three-phase output signal coupled to the stator windings of the first machine. Other aspects are also provided.
US08305023B2

A system and method for driving a drawer of a refrigerator is provided. This system and method allows a drawer to be withdrawn from or inserted into a main body of a refrigerator at a preset speed regardless of the weight of items stored within the drawer, thus increasing reliability of the driving system and enhancing utility of the drawer.
US08305002B2

A lighting system comprising a first plurality of fluorescent lamps (17) constituted by a first and a second lamp (20, 21) having a first common terminal (18) which is connected via a first capacitor (22) to a first terminal (12) of a voltage source (11). The system further comprises a second plurality of fluorescent lamps (29) constituted by a third and a fourth lamp (32, 33) having a first common terminal (30) which is connected via a second capacitor (34) to the first terminal (12) of a voltage source (11). The second terminals of the first lamp (20) and third lamp (32) are connected to a first terminal (24) of a third capacitor (25), said third capacitor (25) being connected with its second terminal to the second terminal (13) of the voltage source (11). The second terminals of the second lamp (21) and fourth lamp (33) are connected to a first terminal (36) of a fourth capacitor (37), the fourth capacitor (37) being connected with its second terminal to the second terminal (13) of the voltage source (11).
US08304997B2

An energy recovery circuit for a plasma display panel (PDP) according to the present invention includes an energy recovery unit recovering and storing energy from the PDP; and a switching stabilizing unit electrically connected to the energy recovery unit to stabilize switching of a sustain discharge pulse applied to the PDP. The switching stabilization unit may include one diode, two switches and one capacitor for energy recovery, or include two switches and an external input voltage source that is an external voltage supply. According to the present invention, the difference of voltages applied to both drain and source terminals of a switch (SW2) for applying a sustain discharge voltage (Vsus) is minimized at the time when the switch (SW2) is switched, so that switching can be stabilized by preventing hard switching from being generated when the sustain discharge voltage is applied to a panel. Further, switching and electro-magnetic interference (EMI) noises of the circuit, generated due to the hard switching can be decreased, and therefore, driving reliability of the circuit can be improved.
US08304995B2

A lamp includes a bracket having a cover, a lamp body fixed to the bracket by a shaft, a heating device and a pressure switch. The lamp body includes first and second portions at opposite sides of the shaft. The heating device is mounted at the first portion of the lamp body and the cover. The pressure switch is mounted to the cover and engages with a top of the second portion. When a weight of the snow/ice accumulated on the first portion of the lamp body is beyond a set value, the pressure switch controls the heating device to be switched on to melt the snow/ice; when the weight of the snow/ice accumulated on the lamp body decreases to be less than the set value, the pressure switch controls the heating device to be switched off.
US08304986B2

Disclosed is an organic EL display panel which includes: a substrate; a plurality of linear luminescent regions formed on the substrate, the luminescent regions running in parallel to one another; and two or more sub-pixels arranged in a row in each of the luminescent regions; wherein the luminescent regions include a luminescent region having the sub-pixels emitting red light, a luminescent region having the sub-pixels emitting green light, and a luminescent region having the sub-pixels emitting blue light, each of the sub-pixels includes a pixel electrode disposed on the substrate, an organic functional layer disposed on the pixel electrode by coating, a counter electrode disposed on the organic functional layer, and a forward tapered bank which constitutes wall surfaces of a region in which the organic functional layer is formed, and when an inclination angle of the wall surface of the region on the substrate edge side is defined as inclination angle α, and an inclination angle of the wall surface of the region on the substrate center side is defined as inclination angle β, inclination angle α is smaller than inclination angle β in sub-pixel X in luminescent region X provided at the edge of the substrate.
US08304977B2

A light emitting device includes a light emitting element having a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a light emitting layer disposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer above a substrate, a reflection layer which is disposed between the substrate and the first electrode layer and reflects light emitted by the light emitting layer toward the light emitting layer, a semi-transparent semi-reflective layer which is disposed above the light emitting layer and reflects a portion of light emitted by the light emitting layer toward the light emitting layer, and transmits the other portion of the light, and a reflection enhancing layer which is disposed on the semi-transparent semi-reflective layer and includes a first layer having a refractive index higher than a refractive index of the semi-transparent semi-reflective layer, the first layer being in contact with the semi-transparent semi-reflective layer.
US08304954B2

In a commutator motor, a brush holding device includes a plurality of brush holders and a substantially annular holder plate. Each of the brush holders includes a holder frame, which receives a pair of brush and spring, and a bottom plate having two opposite side portions. The holder plate is disposed around a commutator and has a major surface on which a plurality of pairs of guide walls are formed; each pair of the guide walls defines a pair of grooves. The side portions of the bottom plate of each of the brush holders are respectively fit in a corresponding pair of the grooves defined by the guide walls. Each of the brush holders has a radially outer end that abuts an inner surface of a side wall of an end frame, whereby radially outward movement of each of the brush holders is restricted by the end frame.
US08304949B2

A magnet pole portion 31 is made up of an integral magnet 44 into which are integrated a main permanent magnet piece 41 which is magnetized in the direction of a rotational axis, a pair of auxiliary permanent magnet pieces 42, 42 which are disposed at circumferential sides on one side of the main permanent magnet piece 41 with respect to the direction of the rotational axis, which are each magnetized in the direction of the rotational axis and a direction which is at right angles to a radial direction and on which magnetic poles face each other which are the same as a magnetic pole on the one side of the main permanent magnet piece 41 with respect to the direction of the rotational axis, and a pair of auxiliary magnet pieces 43, 43 which are disposed at circumferential sides on the other side of the main permanent magnet piece 41 with respect to the direction of the rotational axis, which are each magnetized in the direction of the rotational axis and a direction which is at right angles to a radial direction and on which magnetic poles face each other which are the same as a magnetic pole on the other side of the main permanent magnet piece 41 with respect to the direction of the rotational axis, with portions of the main permanent magnet piece 41 being exposed to a pair of stators 12, 12.
US08304945B2

A spindle motor includes a stator unit and a rotor unit. The stator unit includes a stator, a base portion, and a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board has a connection portion and an extending portion extending from the connection portion. The base portion is provided on its lower surface with a recess portion arranged to accommodate the connection portion of the printed circuit board and a groove portion in which the extending portion is arranged, the groove portion communicating with the recess portion. The groove portion has a bottom surface on which the extending portion is arranged and a slant surface gradually sloping downwards as it extends away from the bottom surface in a circumferential direction. The region in the recess portion extending from the connection portion to a boundary between the recess portion and the groove portion is covered with a cured flowable resin material.
US08304941B2

An exemplary arrangement is disclosed for cooling an electrical machine having an external rotor rotating around its rotation axis and a stator having sheet packs, located inside the rotor at the end of an air gap. In the arrangement, a first part of a coolant flow is conducted from both ends of the stator through axial cooling channels into the stator sheet pack. A second part of the coolant flow is conducted from both ends of the stator into the air gap and from the air gap through at least one radial cooling channel into the stator sheet pack. Both parts of the coolant flow are conductable into at least one heat exchanger placed radially inside and at a distance from the stator sheet pack. At least one fan is placed radially inside the heat exchanger to send the first and the second part of the coolant flow to the ends of the stator.
US08304938B2

An oscillatory system for a motorized drive unit for the generation of a rotary oscillatory movement is provided. The system includes a first oscillatory component and a second oscillatory component, the components capable of oscillating relative to one another around an axis of oscillation; and at least two elongate spring elements, each spring element having a first fastening point and a second fastening point spaced apart from one another. The spring elements are elastic in the direction of the rotary oscillatory movement. For each spring element the first fastening point is connected to the first oscillatory component and the second fastening point is connected to the second oscillatory component such that the spring elements intersect at the axis of oscillation, the axis of oscillation having an angle of intersection different from 0 degrees.
US08304931B2

A power integrated circuit includes, in part, a multitude of controllers, a multitude of pulse-width generators, a multitude of output stages and a configuration matrix. Each controller is adapted to be responsive to a feedback signal and a reference signal to generate a control signal carrying pulse width information. Each control signal causes a difference between an associated output voltage feedback signal and the reference signal to be less than a predefined value. Each pulse-width generator is associated with and responsive to a different one of the controllers to generate a pulse-width modulated signal in response. The configuration matrix selectively couples the plurality of pulse-width generators to the output stages.
US08304927B2

Systems and methods for providing AC power from multiple turbine engine spools are disclosed. An aircraft system in a particular embodiment includes an engine having a first shaft connected and a second shaft. The aircraft system can further include a bus system and a first energy converter including a starter/generator, coupled between the first shaft and the bus system to convert a first variable frequency energy transmitted by the first shaft to a first generally constant frequency energy. A second energy converter can be coupled between the second shaft and the bus system, with the second energy converter including a generator to convert a second variable frequency energy transmitted by the second shaft to a second generally constant frequency energy.
US08304922B2

A semiconductor package system includes providing a substrate having a plurality of thermal vias extending through the substrate. A solder mask is positioned over the plurality of thermal vias. A plurality of thermally conductive bumps is formed on at least some of the plurality of thermal vias using the solder mask. An integrated circuit die is attached to the plurality of thermally conductive bumps. An encapsulant encapsulates the integrated circuit die.
US08304919B2

A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit system includes: providing a substrate having a transistor and a metallization layer; forming a metal pad in direct contact with the metallization layer of the substrate; forming a passivation layer in direct contact with the metal pad and covering the substrate; forming a routing trace above the passivation layer in direct contact with the metal pad, and the routing trace is substantially larger than the metal pad, and the routing trace is not electrically insulated by a subsequent layer; and forming a bump connected to the metal pad with the routing trace.
US08304902B2

A power semiconductor chip (first semiconductor chip) 41 is mounted on the main surface of a first radiator plate 31, and a control IC chip (second semiconductor chip) 42 is mounted on the main surface of a second radiator plate 32. The first radiator plate 31 has an extending portion 31A extending toward the side on which the second radiator plate 32 is provided in the arrangement direction of first lead terminals (lead terminals 21 to 24). The first lead terminals (lead terminals 21 to 24) are connected to a first side of the first radiator plate 31 to function as extraction electrodes of a rear side electrode (D: drain electrode) of the power semiconductor chip 41. A second lead terminal (lead terminal 25) is connected to a bonding pad 411 serving as a source electrode (S). The third lead terminals (lead terminals 26 to 28) are connected to an electrode of the control IC chip 42.
US08304898B2

An integrated circuit package system includes: connecting a first interconnect between a carrier and a bottom integrated circuit thereover; forming a film, having an overhang portion, over the bottom integrated circuit with the overhang portion over the first interconnect; mounting a top integrated circuit over the film; connecting a second interconnect between the top integrated circuit and the carrier with the overhang portion between the first interconnect and the second interconnect; and forming an encapsulation over the carrier covering the top integrated circuit, the film, the first interconnect, and the second interconnect.
US08304896B2

An embedded die package includes a carrier with an electrical device in the cavity of the carrier, a first dielectric layer covering the sides and top of the electrical device except for vias over selected bonding pads of the electrical device, a plurality of metal conductors, each of which is in contact with at least one of the vias, one or more additional dielectric layers lying over the metal conductors and the first dielectric layer, wherein a top layer of the one or more dielectric layers has openings with metalization underneath coupled to at least one of the metal conductors, and solder bumps protruding from each of the openings.
US08304882B2

Provided is a power semiconductor device including: an insulating substrate; a circuit pattern formed on an upper surface of the insulating substrate; a power semiconductor formed on the circuit pattern; a plurality of metal socket electrode terminals formed perpendicularly to the circuit pattern or the power semiconductor so as to be in conduction with external terminals; an integral resin sleeve in which a plurality of sleeve parts are integrated, the plurality of sleeve parts being fitted with the plurality of metal socket electrode terminals from above the plurality of metal socket electrode terminals and having openings at both ends thereof; and a molding resin covering the insulating substrate, the circuit pattern, the power semiconductor, the electrode terminals, and the integral resin sleeve.
US08304878B2

An embedded electronic component semiconductor package structure and a packaging process thereof are provided. By providing two or more preformed building blocks, the electronic component can be assembled to the joined building blocks to obtain the embedded component semiconductor package structure.
US08304874B2

A stacked integrated circuit package-in-package system is provided including forming a first external interconnect; mounting a first integrated circuit die below the first external interconnect; stacking a second integrated circuit die over the first integrated circuit die in an offset configuration not over the first external interconnect; connecting the first integrated circuit die with the first external interconnect; and encapsulating the second integrated circuit die with the first external interconnect and the first integrated circuit die partially exposed.
US08304872B2

A lead frame includes a lead frame body 21 having a die pad 24 to which a semiconductor chip 12 is bonded and a plurality of leads 25 arranged around the die pad 24 and made of Cu or an alloy containing Cu, and a metallic film formed on the lead frame body 21 and to connected to a metallic wire 15 connected to the electrode pad 36 of the semiconductor chip 12. The metallic film is an Ag-plated film 22 with nanoparticles 34 arranged in gaps 33 among Ag crystal grains 31.
US08304870B2

The relay member is at least partly positioned between the semiconductor chip and lead in the plan view, and metal pieces insulated from one another are arranged on the surface. At least either of the first wire and the second wire has their respective other ends and joined to at least one of the metal pieces arranged on the surface of the relay member. Also, the first wire and the second wire have their respective other ends and joined to each other at that part of the relay member which is between the semiconductor chip and the lead. The foregoing structure is highly reliable and versatile for wire connection.
US08304868B2

A pallet (501) supporting a half-etched leadframe with cantilever-type leads (403) without metallic supports during the step of attaching components (510) to the leads in order to assemble an electronic system. After assembly, the pallet is removed before the molding step that encapsulates (601a) the components on the leadframe and mechanically supports (601b) the cantilever leads. The pallet is machined from metal or inert plastic material, tolerates elevated temperatures during soldering, and is reusable for the next assembly batch.
US08304867B2

An integrated circuit (IC) device includes a substrate having a top surface including active circuitry including a plurality of I/O nodes, and a plurality of die pads coupled to the plurality of I/O nodes. A first dielectric layer including first dielectric vias is over the plurality of die pads. A redirect layer (RDL) including a plurality of RDL capture pads is coupled to the plurality of die pads over the first dielectric vias. A second dielectric layer including second dielectric vias is over the plurality of RDL capture pads. At least one of the second dielectric vias is a crack arrest via that has a via shape that includes an apex that faces away from a neutral stress point of the IC die and is oriented along a line from the neutral stress point to the crack arrest via to face in a range of ±30 degrees from the line. Under bump metallization (UBM) pads are coupled to the plurality of RDL capture pads over the second dielectric vias, and metal bonding connectors are on the UBM pads.
US08304866B1

A semiconductor package which includes a generally planar die paddle defining multiple peripheral edge segments and a plurality of leads which are segregated into at least two concentric rows. Connected to the top surface of the die paddle is at least one semiconductor die which is electrically connected to at least some of the leads of each row. At least portions of the die paddle, the leads, and the semiconductor die are encapsulated by a package body, the bottom surfaces of the die paddle and the leads of at least one row thereof being exposed in a common exterior surface of the package body.
US08304864B2

A redistributed lead frame for use in a molded plastic semiconductor package is formed from an electrically conductive substrate by a sequential metal removal process. The process includes patterning a first side of the substrate to form an array of lands separated by channels; disposing a first molding compound within those channels; patterning a second side of the substrate to form an array of chip attach sites and routing circuits electrically interconnecting the array of lands and the array of chip attach sites; directly electrically interconnecting input/output pads on a semiconductor device to the chip attach sites; and encapsulating the semiconductor device, the array of chip attach sites and the routing circuits with a second molding compound. This process is particularly suited for the manufacture of chip scale packages and very thin packages.
US08304858B2

In a semiconductor device of the present invention, a first base region 16 is extended to a part under a gate electrode 7 while having a vertical concentration profile of an impurity that increases from the surface of a semiconductor layer 3 and becomes maximum under an emitter region 5, and the length in the lateral direction from a point where the impurity concentration becomes maximum located under an end of the gate electrode 7 to the boundary with a second base region 15 is not smaller than the length in the vertical direction from the point where the impurity concentration becomes maximum to the boundary with the second base region 15.
US08304857B2

A semiconductor device in which size reduction is possible without functional devices below pads being damaged by stress. The semiconductor device has a plurality of pads above a semiconductor substrate as terminals for external connection. A plurality of dual use pads which are used in both a probing test and assembly are provided in a first area above a main surface of the semiconductor substrate, an application of pressure by a probe during the probing test being permitted in the first area, and a plurality of assembly pads which are not used in the probing test are provided in a second area above the main surface of the semiconductor substrate, the application of pressure by the probe during the probing test being not permitted in the second area.
US08304853B2

A fuse layout structure of a semiconductor device includes a plurality of fuses in a fuse open area, wherein three neighboring fuses of the plurality of fuses form a fuse unit, and at least one of the fuses partially overlaps at least one of the other fuses of the same fuse unit in the fuse open area.
US08304852B2

A semiconductor device (200) includes: an electrical fuse (100) including: a lower layer interconnect (120) formed on a substrate; a via (130) provided on the lower layer interconnect (120) so as to be connected to the lower layer interconnect (120); and an upper layer interconnect (110) provided on the via (130) so as to be connected to the via (130), the electrical fuse being cut, in a state after being cut, through formation of a flowing-out portion, the flowing-out portion being formed when an electrical conductor forming the upper layer interconnect (110) flows outside the upper layer interconnect (110); and a guard upper layer interconnect (152) (conductive heat-absorbing member) formed in at least the same layer as the upper layer interconnect (110), for absorbing heat generated in the upper layer interconnect (110).
US08304846B2

An integrated circuit containing a capacitive microphone with a back side cavity located within the substrate of the integrated circuit. Access holes may be formed through a dielectric support layer at the surface of the substrate to provide access for etchants to the substrate to form the back side cavity. The back side cavity may be etched after a fixed plate and permeable membrane of the capacitive microphone are formed by providing etchants through the permeable membrane and through the access holes to the substrate.
US08304845B2

An integrated component having a substrate, the substrate having a cavity which surrounds a mechanical structure. The cavity is filled by a fluid of a specific composition under a specific pressure, and the mechanical properties of the mechanical structure are influenced by the fluid.
US08304838B1

An electrostatic discharge protection device structure is disclosed, which comprises a semiconductor substrate and an N-type epitaxial layer arranged on the semiconductor substrate. At least one snapback cascade structure is arranged in the N-type epitaxial layer, wherein the snapback cascade structure further comprises first and second P-type wells arranged in the N-type epitaxial layer. First and second heavily doped areas arranged in the first P-type well respectively belong to opposite types. And, third and fourth heavily doped areas arranged in the second P-type well respectively belong to opposite types, wherein the second and third heavily doped areas respectively belong to opposite types and are electrically connected with each other. When the first heavily doped area receives an ESD signal, an ESD current flows from the first heavily doped area to the fourth heavily doped area through the first P-type well, the N-type epitaxial layer, and the second P-type well.
US08304836B2

Equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) scaled high k/metal gate stacks are provided in which the capacitance bottleneck of the interfacial layer is substantially eliminated, with minimal compromise on the mobility of carriers in the channel of the device. In one embodiment, the aforementioned EOT scaled high k/metal gate stacks are achieved by increasing the dielectric constant of the interfacial layer to a value that is greater than the originally formed interfacial layer, i.e., the interfacial layer prior to diffusion of a high k material dopant element therein. In another embodiment, the aforementioned scaled high k/metal gate stacks are achieved by eliminating the interfacial layer from the structure. In yet another embodiment, the aforementioned high k/metal gate stacks are achieved by both increasing the dielectric constant of the interfacial layer and reducing/eliminating the interfacial layer.
US08304829B2

Exemplary power semiconductor devices with features providing increased breakdown voltage and other benefits are disclosed.
US08304828B2

A closed cell trench MOSFET structure having a drain region of a first conductivity type, a body of a second conductivity type, a trenched gate, and a plurality of source regions of the first conductivity type is provided. The body is located on the drain region. The trenched gate is located in the body and has at least two stripe portions and a cross portion. A bottom of the stripe portions is located in the drain region and a bottom of the cross portion is in the body. The source regions are located in the body and at least adjacent to the stripe region of the trenched gate.
US08304816B2

An image sensor capable of overcoming a decrease in photo sensitivity resulted from using a single crystal silicon substrate, and a method for fabricating the same are provided. An image sensor includes a single crystal silicon substrate, an amorphous silicon layer formed inside the substrate, a photodiode formed in the amorphous silicon layer, and a transfer gate formed over the substrate adjacent to the photodiode and transferring photoelectrons received from the photodiode.
US08304811B2

A HEMT device and a manufacturing of the HEMT device, the HEMT device includes: a buffer layer (14) on the substrate (12); a semiconductor layer on the buffer layer (14); an isolation layer (16, 17) on the semiconductor layer; a source electrode (22) and a drain electrode (23) contacted with the semiconductor layer; and a gate electrode (24, 104 114) between the source electrode (22) and the drain electrode (23); wherein, a channel, which is located in the semiconductor layer below the gate electrode (24, 104, 114), is pinched off.
US08304806B2

Devices and circuits related to Electrostatic discharge (ESD) and Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) are herein described. An ESD protection device is incorporated into a transistor in order to protect the gate of the transistor from excessive current loads related to ESD or EMC events. In an implementation, a device includes a first diode and a second diode that are electrically connected via their respective cathodes. The breakdown voltage of the first diode is lower than the breakdown voltage of the second diode in order to divert excessive current through the second diode.
US08304782B2

An array substrate and method for manufacturing the same is provided, wherein a data line is composed of first and second segments connected by a contact pad. First and second insulation layers are disposed between the first segment of the data line and a shielding electrode. In addition, the first insulation layer is disposed between the second segment of the data line and a gate line in their overlapping area. Accordingly, the coupling effect between the conductive layers can be reduced. For example, the RC delay problem due to parasitic capacitance between the shielding electrode and the data line is solved. As a result of the design of the two insulator layers between the first segment of the data line and the shielding electrode, the shorting between the conductive layers can also be simultaneously solved and the product yield can be increased.
US08304781B2

A circuit board including high-performance thin film transistors whose characteristics are hardly varied thereamong in a monolithic circuit, and a display device including the circuit board are provided. The circuit board includes a monolithic circuit including a thin film transistor on a substrate, wherein the thin film transistor includes a semiconductor layer, a gate insulating film, and a gate electrode, stacked in this order, a portion where the gate electrode overlaps with the semiconductor layer has an area of 40 .mu.m.sup.2 or less, and the gate electrode has a thickness of 300 nm or less.
US08304778B2

A thin film transistor (TFT) and a pixel structure having the TFT are provided. The TFT is configured on a substrate. Besides, the TFT includes a gate, a gate insulation layer, a source, a channel layer, and a drain. The gate insulation layer covers the gate and the substrate. The source is configured on a portion of the gate insulation layer. The channel layer is configured on the gate insulation layer and covers a portion of the source located above the gate. The drain is configured on and electrically connected to the channel layer.
US08304773B2

A transistor includes a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer including an amorphous oxide, source-drain electrodes, and a protective layer on a substrate. The semiconductor layer includes a first region corresponding to a region in which the source-drain electrodes are formed, and a second region not corresponding to the region in which the source-drain electrodes are formed. At least the first region includes a crystalline component having a composition different from the composition of the amorphous oxide in the second region.
US08304771B2

A fabricating method of a pixel structure is provided. First, a substrate with a plurality of pixel areas is provided. A common electrode is formed on the substrate to surround each pixel area. Then, a capacitance storage electrode is formed on the common electrode, and a first passivation layer is formed to cover the capacitance storage electrode and the common electrode. Following that, a scan line and a gate electrode are formed within each pixel area. Next, a gate insulation layer and a semiconductor layer are formed. A data line, a source, and a drain are formed within each pixel area. After that, a second passivation layer is formed on the substrate, and a contact window is formed in the second passivation layer above the drain. Moreover, a pixel electrode is formed within each pixel area, and the pixel electrode is electrically connected with the drain through the contact window.
US08304763B2

A semiconductor thin film (1) that is laminated on a gate electrode (13) with a gate insulation film (15) therebetween is included. The semiconductor thin film (1) has a layered structure and includes at least two semiconductor layers (a, a′). In the semiconductor thin film (1), for example, an intermediate layer (b) composed of a material different from the two semiconductor layers (a, a′) is sandwiched between the semiconductor layers (a, a′). The two semiconductor layers (a, a′) are composed of an identical material and the intermediate layer (b) is composed of an insulation material. A material constituting such a layered structure is composed of an organic material. Thus, a thin-film semiconductor device and a field-effect transistor in which a decrease in the mobility caused by heating and degradation of characteristics caused by the decrease can be suppressed and the heat resistance is enhanced are provided.
US08304760B2

A device is provided that includes a structure having a sidewall surface, a layer of material provided on the sidewall surface, and a device structure provided in contact with the layer of material. Fabrication techniques includes a process that includes forming a structure having a sidewall surface, forming a layer of material on the sidewall surface, and forming a device structure in contact with the layer of material, where the device structure and the layer of material are components of a device.
US08304755B2

A three-dimensional (3D) semiconductor structure with high density and method of fabricating the same are disclosed. The 3D semiconductor structure comprises at least a first memory cell and a second memory cell stacked on the first memory cell. The first memory cell comprises a first conductive line and a second conductive line. The second memory cell comprises another first conductive line opposite to the first conductive line of the first memory cell, and the second conductive line formed between said two first conductive lines of the first and second memory cells. The first and second memory cells share the second conductive line when the 3D semiconductor structure is programming and erasing, and each of the first and second memory cells has a diode.
US08304752B2

A method for producing extreme ultraviolet light includes producing a target material at a target location; supplying pump energy to a gain medium of at least one optical amplifier that has an amplification band to produce an amplified light beam; propagating the amplified light beam through the gain medium using one or more optical components of a set of optical components; delivering the amplified light beam to the target location using one or more optical components of the optical component set; producing with a guide laser a guide laser beam that has a wavelength outside of the amplification band of the gain medium and inside the wavelength range of the optical components; and directing the guide laser beam through the optical component set to thereby align one or more optical components of the optical component set.
US08304749B2

In a particle-beam projection processing apparatus for irradiating a target by a beam of energetic electrically charged particles, including an illumination system, a pattern definition system for positioning an aperture arrangement composed of apertures transparent to the energetic particles in the path of the illuminating beam, and a projection system to project the beam onto a target, there is provided at least one plate electrode device, which has openings corresponding to the apertures of the pattern definition system and including a composite electrode composed of a number of partial electrodes being arranged non-overlapping and adjoining to each other, the total lateral dimensions of the composite electrode covering the aperture arrangement of the pattern definition system. The partial electrodes can be applied different electrostatic potentials.
US08304747B2

A method for determining whether an item has been exposed to an environmental condition during a monitoring period. The method includes placing a sensor at least in proximity to the item at the beginning of the monitoring period so that the sensor will be exposed to a level of an environmental condition that can be correlated to an exposure level of the item to the environmental condition; reading the sensor; and determining from reading the sensor whether the item has been exposed to the environmental condition. The sensor includes a detecting material comprising a photochromic or photothermochromic material, the detecting material selected so that upon exposure to the environmental condition the detecting material exhibits a detectable color change.
US08304745B2

For the microscopy of an object or a specimen with a combination of optical microscopy and particle beam microscopy, an electrically conducting specimen carrier (1) is used which is configured for use in a particle beam microscope as well as in an optical microscope and has at least one alignment mark (2). The alignment mark is configured as a pass-through structure and is detectable from the top and from the bottom of the specimen carrier.
US08304744B2

A closed drift ion source is provided, having an anode that serves as both the center magnetic pole and as the electrical anode. The anode has an insulating material cap that produces a closed drift region to further increase the electrical impedance of the source. The ion source can be configured as a round, conventional ion source for space thruster applications or as a long, linear ion source for uniformly treating large area substrates. A particularly useful implementation uses the present invention as an anode for a magnetron sputter process.
US08304743B2

An electron beam focusing electrode and an electron gun using the same may include a plate having a polygonal through-hole; at least a projecting portion formed on at least one side of the through-hole. By using the electron beam focusing electrode, a spreading phenomenon of an electron beam having a rectangular cross section may be reduced. Further, the output of the electron gun may be increased, and electron beams may be easily focused.
US08304741B2

A radioactivity measuring apparatus with a rotating stage for waste drums is provided, which includes a case, a plurality of radioactive counters, a rotation unit, and a control unit. The case has an opening and an accommodating space in communication with the opening. A shielding gate is connected to one side of the opening. The plurality of radioactive counters is disposed in the accommodating space, and used for detecting a radioactive counting associated with a sample. The rotation unit is disposed at a wall on a side of the shielding gate corresponding to the opening, and used for supporting the sample. The control unit is electrically connected to the rotation unit and the plurality of radioactive counters, and used for controlling the rotation unit to rotate by a control signal, so as to enable the sample to rotate within the accommodating space.
US08304738B2

A positron emission tomography scanner system that includes detector modules arranged adjacent to one another to form a cylindrical detector ring. Each of the detector modules includes an array of scintillation crystal elements, a plurality of photosensors arranged to cover the array of crystal elements and configured to receive light emitted from the array of crystal elements, and a fiber optics plate arranged between the array of scintillation crystal elements and the plurality of photosensors, the fiber optics plate including a plurality of fibers configured to guide the light emitted from the scintillation crystal to the plurality of photosensors.
US08304736B2

When employing hygroscopic scintillation crystals (32) in a nuclear detector (e.g., PET or SPECT), Silicon photo-multiplier (SiPM) sensors (34) are coupled to each scintillation crystal (32) to improve scintillation event detection and reduce scatter. The crystals (32) and sensors (34) are hermetically sealed in a detector housing (50) using a sealant layer (51). Electrical contacts (60) from each sensor (34) extend through the sealant layer (51) or are bused together such that the bus extends through the sealant layer (51). In this manner, hygroscopic scintillation crystals (e.g., LaBr, NaI, etc.) are protected from humidity and light scatter is reduced by direct coupling of the sensors (34) and crystals (32).
US08304733B2

An infrared sensing assembly for allowing detection of a location of an external object, as well as a mobile device employing such an assembly and related methods of operation, among other things, are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the sensing assembly includes a pyramid-type housing structure having a central surface and multiple outer surfaces each of which extends in an inclined manner away from the central surface. The sensing assembly further includes multiple phototransmitters each positioned proximate to a respective one of the outer surfaces, and a photoreceiver positioned proximate to the central surface, with each respective photoelectric device being oriented so as to correspond to its respective surface. The sensing assembly is operated so that light is emitted from the phototransmitters, reflected by the object, and received by the photoreceiver. By processing signals from the photoreceiver that are indicative of the received light, the external object's location is determined.
US08304730B2

A method for measuring spectral characteristics includes capturing spectral-spatial data that includes radiance measurements over spectrally flat, highly emissive surface portions of a sample material and heater at least two different heater temperatures for transmissive and/or emissive configurations. Temperatures of the sample material and heater are determined at the different heater temperatures for each configuration using, in each instance, radiance measurements taken after the temperatures of the heater and sample material have both stabilized. The transmissivity of the sample material is determined using the temperatures determined in the transmissive configuration and spectral-spatial data collected at selected points of interest over the sample material. The emissivity of the sample material is determined using the temperatures determined in the emissive configuration, the spectral-spatial data collected at selected points of interest over the sample material, and the transmissivity. The reflectivity of the sample material is determined using the emissivity and transmissivity.
US08304715B2

A measuring cell of an ICR mass spectrometer and a method of operating a measuring cell of the ICR mass spectrometer. The method and system trap ions in a first compartment of the ICR measuring cell by generating an electric potential well in the direction of the magnetic field with a minimum of the electric potential well located inside the first compartment. The method and system excite cyclotron motion of the ions trapped in the first compartment. The method and system transfer at least a part of the excited ions from the first compartment to a second compartment of the ICR measuring cell by displacement of a position of the minimum of the electric potential well from the first compartment to the second compartment. The ions are transferred by displacing the position of the minimum of the electric potential well from the first compartment to the second compartment preferably over a period of time equal to or longer than a characteristic period of ion oscillations along the direction of the magnetic field in the electric potential well. The method and system detect ion cyclotron motion of at least a part of the ions in the second compartment.
US08304713B2

An apparatus for the calibration of a sensor system has at least one sensor and at least one excitation source, a control device for controlling the sensor system, a calibration medium and a drive which moves the calibration medium into an optical path of the sensor system in a calibration mode and moves the calibration medium out of the optical path of the sensor system in an operating mode for the testing of measuring objects. The calibration medium has more than one reference, where the drive moves the calibration medium into the optical path of the sensor system so that one of the references covers a detection area of the sensor system, and the sensor system measures the reference located in the detection area.
US08304712B2

The invention relates to devices that contain linear channels having optically transparent substances for focusing light. In some embodiments, the invention relates to improved nucleic acid sequencing methods using devices disclosed herein. In other embodiments, the invention relates to the arrangement of materials in and around capillary tubes with refractive indexes that maximize the number of channels useful for fluorescent detection of compositions after capillary electrophoresis.
US08304704B2

An autofocus apparatus and a method achieve a higher level of speed and robustness, and are particularly suited for fluorescence microscopy of biological samples, automated microscopy and scanning microscopy. A high speed is achieved via a light pattern in the sample, detected spatially resolved by a detector generating at least two signals corresponding to a reflex pattern of the light pattern. The two signals are subtracted generating a positioning signal and the focus of the objective in the sample is adjusted depending on the positioning signal.
US08304701B2

A resistive heating element 30 has a higher molybdenum carbide content in a central portion 35 than in a peripheral portion 34. Since molybdenum carbides have a low temperature coefficient of resistance compared to molybdenum, the amount of heat generated in the central portion 35 of the resistive heating element 30 does not increase as much as in the peripheral portion 34 even when the temperature is increased, and the increase in difference in temperature between the peripheral portion 34 and the central portion 35 can be suppressed. In other words, generation of hot spots near the center can be suppressed and a good uniform heating property in a wide range of operation temperatures can be obtained.
US08304692B2

A welding torch 30 has a first tip body 32, a pressurization shaft 43, and a second tip body 50 detachably connected to a distal end of the first tip body 32. A power supply tip 54 is accommodated in an accommodation hole 51 of the second tip body 50. The power supply tip 54 is removable from the accommodation hole 51 of the second tip body 50 after the second tip body 50 is removed from the first tip body 32. The power supply tip 54 is held in contact with the pressurization shaft 43 and urged by a compression spring 44 when the second tip body 50 is connected to the first tip body 32. A tip holder 60 is arranged at a distal end of the second tip body 50 in such a manner as to cover a distal end of the power supply tip 54.
US08304691B2

A method is performed for determining a suitable workpiece processing focal position of a laser beam. The method includes adjusting one or more of a laser beam and a workpiece until a periphery of the laser beam contacts a lateral edge of the workpiece, determining, from at least a focal position of the laser beam associated with the peripheral beam contact with the workpiece, a suitable workpiece processing focal position of the laser beam, and then adjusting the laser beam to the suitable workpiece processing focal position.
US08304688B2

Apparatuses for fabricating micro patterns using a laser diode array and methods for fabricating micro patterns are presented. The apparatus includes a laser diode array having at least one laser diode wherein light emitted from each laser diode is focused by a convex lens onto a second material layer attached to a first material layer. At least one driving shaft drives motion of the first and the second material layers. An adjustment means is used for adjusting the gap and pitch between adjacent laser diodes.
US08304686B2

There is provided an improved laser shock hardening method and apparatus which can eliminate spattering of a liquid and waving of the liquid surface upon laser irradiation, and can stably irradiate a workpiece with a laser beam. Thus, the present invention provides in a laser shock hardening method for carrying out surface processing of a workpiece in contact with a liquid by irradiating through the liquid the surface of the workpiece with a pulsed laser beam intermittently emitted from a laser irradiation device, the improvement comprising: providing a solid transparent to the wavelength of the laser, serving as an entrance window to the surface of the liquid; allowing the liquid to be present in the light path of the laser beam between the solid and the surface of the workpiece; and allowing the laser beam to enter through the solid and irradiating through the liquid the surface of the workpiece with the laser beam, thereby shock-hardening the surface of the workpiece.
US08304681B2

A weld gun in which the first weld arm is fixedly but removably connected to the weld gun body and the second weld arm includes a first arm segment, pivotally mounted at one end thereof on the gun body and pivotally connected at another end thereof to the gun actuator, and a second arm segment fixedly but removably connected atone end thereof to an intermediate portion of the first arm segment. Conversion of the gun from an X axis configuration to a Y axis configuration is achieved by removing the second arm segment from the first arm segment, removing the first weld arm from the body, rotating the second arm segment and the first weld arm through 90°, attaching the first arm to the first arm segment, and connecting the second arm segment to the body.
US08304674B2

A signaling device having an electrical switch configured to generate an electrical signal indicating a transition of an associated circuit breaker from a first state to a second state. A movable body is pivotally mounted around a first axis (101) so as to interact with the actuating mechanism. A return spring is operatively connected to the pivoting body (3) and is mounted around an axis substantially parallel to said first axis.
US08304673B2

A push-button switch with display screen includes a seat having an open-topped recess, a top cover located in the recess, a display screen, such as an LCD, an OLED or a TFT-LCD, located in below the top cover, an actuating member located in the recess below the display screen and connected to a microswitch located below the seat, a frame-like light-guiding member located in the recess around a periphery of the top cover, and a circuit board with light-emitting diodes located in the recess below the light-guiding member. The display screen is connected to an external circuit for displaying different dynamic or non-dynamic indicating images. When the light-emitting diodes are turned on to emit light onto the light-guiding member, a bright rim is generated along the periphery of the top cover to highlight the indicating images on the display screen and give the push-button switch a beautiful eye-catching appearance.
US08304672B2

A motorized racking mechanism for racking a circuit breaker into and out of switchgear/board equipment allows for breaker service without operator proximity to the switchgear. A motor fixed to a cradle that receives a circuit breaker is coupled to a power transmission system that turns a control screw. The control screw laterally moves a crown-wheel device that causes the circuit breaker to be moved among a remove, test, and connected positions in response to a button arm being depressed via a front panel of the cradle. The button arm can be depressed under wireless remote control. A solenoid is coupled to a crank detent actuator that includes the button arm, and a wireless module actuates the solenoid, which moves the button arm, causing the motorized movement of the circuit breaker as if the button arm had been manually depressed. Indicator lights are visible on the front panel to indicate the position of the circuit breaker relative to the cradle.
US08304669B2

A holding fixture for the drive unit of a transport device that transports objects to be weighed is arranged between the transport device and the weighing cell which detects the weight. Thus the weight force to be detected by the weighing cell is transferred to the weighing cell by the holding fixture for the drive unit.
US08304651B2

An umbilical includes a number of fluid pipes, electric wires and/or optical conductors, filler material located at least partially around and between the fluid pipes and the wires/conductors, and they are collectively gathered in a twisted bundle by a laying operation. The umbilical further includes a protective jacket that encompasses the fluid pipes, the wires/conductors and the filler material, and at least one load carrying element located in the cross section of the umbilical. Optionally, one or more fluid pipes constitute load carrying elements. The fluid pipes, the wires/conductors, the filler material and the at least one load carrying element, are alternately laid, i.e. by continuously alternating direction, in the entire or part of the longitudinal extension of the umbilical.
US08304644B2

A photovoltaic device comprising an array of elongate reflector elements mounted substantially parallel to one another and transversely spaced in series, at least one of the reflector elements having an elongate concave reflective surface to reflect incident solar radiation towards a forward adjacent reflector element in the array. The at least one reflector element includes a photovoltaic assembly which is removably and replaceably mounted on the reflector element. The photovoltaic assembly includes a photovoltaic receptor to receive reflected solar radiation from a rearward adjacent reflector element. The photovoltaic assembly also includes a heat sink in heat transfer relationship with the photovoltaic receptor, thermally isolating the photovoltaic receptor, at least partially, from the reflector element.
US08304639B2

The present invention relates to an inbred sunflower line, designated OID263R. The invention relates to the seeds of inbred sunflower line OID263R, to the plants of inbred sunflower line OID263R and to the methods for producing a sunflower plant, either inbred or hybrid, by crossing the inbred line OID263R with itself or another sunflower line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a sunflower plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other inbred sunflower lines derived from the inbred OID263R.
US08304635B1

A novel maize variety designated X08A105 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 X08A105 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08A105 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08A105, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08A105. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08A105.
US08304634B1

A novel maize variety designated PH12AZ and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH12AZ with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH12AZ 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 PH12AZ or a locus conversion of PH12AZ with another maize variety.
US08304628B2

A novel soybean variety, designated XB12D11 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB12D11, cells from soybean variety XB12D11, plants of soybean XB12D11, and plant parts of soybean variety XB12D11. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB12D11 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB12D11, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB12D11, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB12D11. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB12D11 are further provided.
US08304627B1

A novel soybean variety, designated XBP00902 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP00902, cells from soybean variety XBP00902, plants of soybean XBP00902, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP00902. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP00902 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XBP00902, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP00902, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XBP00902. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP00902 are further provided.
US08304626B1

A novel soybean variety, designated XB36F11 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB36F11, cells from soybean variety XB36F11, plants of soybean XB36F11, and plant parts of soybean variety XB36F11. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB36F11 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB36F11, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB36F11, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB36F11. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB36F11 are further provided.
US08304623B2

The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024238. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024238. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024238 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024238 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08304622B1

A novel soybean variety, designated XBP40007 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP40007, cells from soybean variety XBP40007, plants of soybean XBP40007, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP40007. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP40007 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP40007, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP40007. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP40007 are further provided.
US08304621B1

A novel soybean variety, designated XBP17002 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XBP17002, cells from soybean variety XBP17002, plants of soybean XBP17002, and plant parts of soybean variety XBP17002. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XBP17002 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XBP17002, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XBP17002. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XBP17002 are further provided.
US08304615B2

The present invention includes broccoli plants with curds having detached florets and methods for obtaining such broccoli plants. The present invention also provides reagents that can be used in methods for obtaining such broccoli plants.
US08304613B2

The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola cultivar, designated G2X0043. Also included are seeds of canola cultivar G2X0043, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola G2X0043 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola G2X0043 with itself or another canola cultivar, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola G2X0043.
US08304610B2

In various aspects, the invention provides Brassica juncea plants, seeds, cells, nucleic acid sequences and oils. Edible oil derived from plants of the invention may have significantly higher oleic acid content than other B. juncea plants. In one embodiment, the B. juncea line MJ02-357-3 contains a mutant allele MJ02-313-1/BjFAD2-a at the BjFAD2-a gene locus, having a single base-pair change (a G to A substitution in the ORF at position 281 in reference to the first ATG start codon) relative to the wild type sequence. The change is predicted to encode a Glycine-94 Aspartic acid mutation in the sequence of the predicted BjFAD2-a protein. In another embodiment, the B. juncea line MJ02-357-3 contains a mutant allele MJ02-357-3/BjFAD2-a at the BjFAD2-a gene locus, having a single base-pair change (a C to T substitution in the ORF at position 647 in reference to the first ATG start codon) relative to the wild type sequence. The change is predicted to encode a Proline-216 Leucine mutation in the sequence of the predicted BjFAD2-a protein. As a result of these mutations, it can be predicted that the function of the BjFAD2-a proteins are negatively affected in Brassica juncea lines MJ02-313-1 and MJ357-3 as reflected in the increased levels of oleic acid in seed oil in comparison with the wild-type line J96D-4830. Seeds from MJ02-313-1 and MJ02-357-3 plants may for example yield an oil having oleic acid content of greater than 70% by weight.
US08304598B2

Garments may include signaling devices. The signaling device may be configured to indicate to a user that a body fluid is present in the garment. The garment may include a chassis including an outer cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The chassis may include a crotch region positioned in between a front region and a back region. The garment may also include a signaling device including at least one first terminal and at least one second terminal.
US08304588B2

This invention is directed to methods for recovery of C3-C6 alcohols from dilute aqueous solutions, such as fermentation broths. Such methods provide improved volumetric productivity for the fermentation and allows recovery of the alcohol. Such methods also allow for reduced energy use in the production and drying of spent fermentation broth due to increased effective concentration of the alcohol product by the simultaneous fermentation and recovery process which increases the quantity of alcohol produced and recovered per quantity of fermentation broth dried. Thus, the invention allows for production and recovery of C3-C6 alcohols at low capital and reduced operating costs.
US08304586B2

Purifying and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol mixture are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In addition, the process involves returning acetaldehyde separated from the crude ethanol product to the reactor.
US08304578B2

The present invention relates to an improved, process for large scale production of 1-[2-(dimethylamino)-1-(4-phenol)ethyl]cyclohexanol (O-desmethylvenlafaxine) or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts with increased yield and minimal impurities.
US08304572B2

This invention relates to processes for preparing fluoroalcohol-substituted (meth)acrylate esters. This invention also relates to block copolymers incorporating repeat units derived from fluoroalcohol-substituted (meth)acrylate esters, and photoresists derived therefrom.
US08304570B2

A prepolymer for biomedical materials has the following formula: wherein X1 represents aliphatic compounds or aromatic compounds, X3 represents alkene-containing compounds, and X2 represents siloxane compounds having the following formula. In one embodiment of the present invention, n is between 1 and 20, m is between 10 and 20, and y is between 1 and 7.
US08304567B2

An organoruthenium complex represented by the general formula (1-1), bis(acetylacetonato)(1,5-hexadiene)ruthenium and bis(acetylacetonato)(1,3-pentadiene)ruthenium have low melting points, show excellent stability against moisture, air and heat, and are suitable for the film formation by a CVD method. (1-1) wherein X represents a group represented by the general formula (1-2); Y represent a group represented by the general formula (1-2) or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; Z represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and L represents an unsaturated hydrocarbon compound having at least two double bonds: (1-2) wherein Ra and Rb independently represent a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms.
US08304566B2

Processes and apparatus produce economically feasible biodiesel without subsidies. Toward that end, integrated small plants process materials containing lipids with anhydrous bioethanol as solvent and reactant, and sulfuric acid and potassium hydroxide mainly as catalysts to produce up to 3 million gallons of biodiesel per plant per year. The product is predominantly fatty acids ethyl esters (FAEE) and a chemically-enhanced organic fertilizer as byproduct. The raw material may include a wide variety of non-edible solid matter that contains lipids, which normally have from 0.5% to 80% by weight of free fatty acids in total oils. Multiple apparatus makes this process feasible. In addition to not competing with food production, since they supply fertilizer for small scale farmers, the processes and apparatus allow sustainable liquid fuel production.
US08304556B2

The present invention encompasses compounds of general formula (1) wherein R1 to R3 are defined as in claim 1, which are suitable for the treatment of diseases characterized by excessive or abnormal cell proliferation, and the use thereof for preparing a medicament having the above-mentioned properties.
US08304551B2

The invention relates to fatty acid niacin conjugates; compositions comprising an effective amount of a fatty acid niacin conjugate; and methods for treating or preventing an metabolic disease comprising the administration of an effective amount of a fatty acid niacin conjugate.
US08304541B2

The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of a specific indolinone derivative and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, namely 3-Z-[1-(4-(N-((4-methyl-piperazin-1-yl)-methylcarbonyl)-N-methyl-amino)-anilino)-1-phenyl-methylene]-6-methoxycarbonyl-2-indolinone and its monoethanesulfonate, to new manufacturing steps and to new intermediates of this process.
US08304534B2

A process for producing the crystals of difructose dianhydride III (DFA III), namely a indigestible disaccharide where two fructose molecules are bonded to each other at positions 1, 2′ and 2,3′ (di-D-fructofuranose-1,2′:2,3′-dianhydride), where solutions containing DFA III are adjusted to and/or maintained at pH 5 or more, preferably pH 5 to 8, and more preferably 6 to 8. DFA III can be produced industrially without lowering the crystal yield even when the crystallization thereof is done in a recycling system; additionally by adjusting the total fructose content in mother solutions for (crude) crystallization to 5% or less per a solid content basis and adjusting the fructose content to 1% or less, DFA III can more effectively be produced.
US08304529B2

Novel cap analogs which are easily synthesized, resulting in high levels of capping efficiency and transcription and improved translation efficiencies are provided. Such caps are methylated at the N7 position of one or both guanosines of the dinucleotide cap as well as at the 3′ position on the ribose ring. Substituent groups on the ribose ring also result in the cap being incorporated in the forward orientation. Also provided are methods useful for preparing capped analogs and using mRNA species containing such analogs are also contemplated herein, as well as kits containing the novel cap analogs.
US08304520B2

The present invention aims at providing a general-purpose experimental tool which specifically binds to a macromolecular substance that will be a receptor for a specific ligand such as drug, and is applicable throughout various processes to explore the nature of the macromolecular substance. In order to achieve this object, a molecular module has been developed which binds to a target compound and is used for purifying or labeling the target compound, wherein the molecular module has a rod-like spacer substance, an interacting substance that interacts with the target compound, a tag and a labeling substance, the interacting substance being positioned at one end of the rod-like spacer substance, and the tag and the labeling substance being positioned at the other end of the rod-like spacer substance.
US08304518B2

The invention relates to a method for thermally treating polyester pellets to obtain partial crystallization, whereby the polyester melt is supplied to an underwater granulating system and granulated; the thus obtained granulate are fed from the underwater granulating system into a water-solids separator. The dried granulate is then fed into a treatment device at a granulate temperature higher than 100 degrees C., without external energy or heat being supplied. The intrinsic heat of the granulate is used as the heat treatment leading to partial crystallization. The crystallization device is embodied as an at least lightly inclined reactor, into which granulate is fed at a temperature higher than 100 degrees C. The granulate passes through the reactor from the loading point to the discharge point under its own weight and exits the reactor with a temperature higher than 130 degrees C.
US08304500B2

A particulate polyglycolic acid resin composition, comprising: a blend of a first particulate polyglycolic acid resin and a second particulate polyglycolic acid resin each having a moisture content of at most 110 ppm and providing a ratio of melt-viscosity (as measured at 270° C. and a shear rate of 121 sec−1; the same as hereinafter) therebetween of above 1 and at most 10. After the polymerization, the first and second particulate polyglycolic acid resins can cause change in properties before the forming (e.g., during storage); or during the forming process. However, by adequately determining the blending ratio between the resins while taking the melt-viscosities thereof into account, it becomes possible to provide a particulate polyglycolic acid resin composition showing a stable melt-formability and suitable as a starting material for various forming processes.
US08304489B2

A curable silicone resin composition has excellent closed-system curability, adhesiveness, heat-resistant coloration stability, and balance between transparency and adhesive strength. The curable silicone resin composition is a curable silicone resin composition comprising 100 parts by mass of a silicone A, the weight-average molecular weight of which is 20,000 to 200,000, and which has 2 or more (meth)acryloyl groups per molecule; 10 parts by mass or more of a silicone B, the weight-average molecular weight of which is 1,000 or greater but less than 20,000, and which has 2 or more (meth)acryloyl groups per molecule; 2 parts by mass or more of a silicone C, the weight-average molecular weight of which is 300 or more but less than 1,000, the (meth)acrylic equivalent of which is less than 450 g/mol, and which has 2 or more (meth)acryloyl groups per molecule; and a radical initiator.
US08304484B2

Disclosed is a glass composition having a stable quality, which can be easily obtained. This glass composition can be used as a glass filler to be blended into a polycarbonate resin, and enables to reduce the load imposed on a glass manufacturing apparatus. Specifically, this glass composition contains, in mass %, 50≦SiO2≦60, 8≦Al2O3≦15, 0≦MgO≦10, 5≦CaO<21, 0
US08304483B2

A feedstock concentrate material, including a first phase including fibers having a length greater than 5 mm; and a polymeric phase including a first polyolefin having a first melt flow rate; and a second polyolefin having a second melt flow rate. Kits, methods of using and resulting articles including the concentrate are also disclosed.
US08304474B2

A two-component mortar compound including a curable resin component (A) that contains 30% to 45% by weight of at least one radically polymerizable resin, 30% to 45% by weight of fillers, 15% to 25% by weight of cement and 1% to 8% of a thickeners, and including a separately arranged so as to inhibit reaction curing component (B) that contains 1% to 20% by weight of a peroxide, 10% to 35% by weight of water, 40% to 80% by weight of fillers and 0.5% to 5% by weight of thickeners, with the proviso that the sum of the quantities of the constituents of the resin component or of the curing component is always 100% by weight, which is characterized in that the resin component (A) contains 0.01% to 5% by weight of an organic and/or inorganic acid and/or salts and esters thereof.
US08304473B2

A carbon/epoxy resin composition and a method of producing a carbon-epoxy dielectric using the same. The carbon/epoxy resin composition includes about 45 volume percent (volume %) to about 50 volume % of an epoxy composition, the epoxy composition including a bisphenol-based epoxy compound and an alicyclic epoxy compound, based on a total volume of the carbon/epoxy resin composition, about 2.0 volume % to about 3.1 volume % of carbon black, based on a total volume of the carbon/epoxy resin composition, about 80 parts by volume to about 104 parts by volume of an acid anhydride-based curing agent, based on 100 parts by volume of the epoxy composition, and about 1 part by volume to about 3 parts by volume of a tertiary alkylamine-based curing catalyst, based on 100 parts by volume of the epoxy composition.
US08304464B2

The invention relates to a method for mixing a polyester with caustic material including providing a polyester, preferably PET, mixing the polyester with the caustic material; and heating the mixture in temperature stages defined as a function of a reaction sequence of the reaction between the PET and the caustic material.
US08304462B2

The present invention provides methods of making composite materials comprising combining particles of crosslinked rubber with one or more aqueous polymer dispersion of a suspension polymer to form a mixture in aqueous dispersion, and, optionally, subjecting the aqueous dispersion mixture to solid state shear pulverization to form materials that can be processed as thermoplastics at crosslinked rubber concentrations of from 10 to as high as 95 wt. %, based on the total solids of the material. The method may further comprise kneading and/or compression molding the pulverized product to form useful articles, such as roofing membranes and shoe soles.
US08304457B2

A method and device for reprocessing used plastic containers, especially PET bottles, by analyzing the degree of contamination of the plastic, determining the decontamination process parameters as a function of the degree of contamination found in the analyzing step, and conducting a controlled decontamination of the plastic according to the decontamination process parameters thus determined. With this method and this device, it is thus possible to perform the decontamination process step in a controlled manner, yielding a more economical reprocessing method.
US08304454B2

Biguanide bonded within a cellulose sponge inhibits or prevents the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, mold, and fungus within the cellulose sponge over the useful life of the cellulose sponge.
US08304450B2

The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising anhydrous(2R,3S)4-acetoxy-2-a-benzoyloxy-5β-20-epoxy-1,7-β-10-β-tri-hydroxy-9-oxo-tax-11-en-13α-il 3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionate (I)(docetaxel) and 4-acetoxy-2-α-benzoyloxy-5-β-20-epoxy-1,7β-10-β-tri-hydroxy-9-oxo-tax-11-en-13α-il (2R,3S)3-benzoylamino-2-hydroxy-3-phenylpropionate (II) (paclitaxel), methods for treating neoplastic tumors using anhydrous docetaxel and paclitaxel, and a process for the preparation of the anhydrous docetaxel and paclitaxel.
US08304449B2

The present invention relates to novel compounds for the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases, and more particularly, to chromenone derivatives of formula (Ia), wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and A have the meanings indicated in the claims. The invention also relates to processes for the preparation of the compounds of formula (Ia), to methods of inhibiting cyclin-dependent kinases and of inhibiting cell proliferation, to the use of the compounds of formula (Ia) in the treatment and prophylaxis of diseases, which can be treated or prevented by the inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases such as cancer, to the use of the compounds of formula (Ia) in the preparation of medicaments to be applied in such diseases. The invention further relates to compositions containing a compound of formula (Ia) either alone or in combination with another active agent, in admixture or otherwise in association with an inert carrier, in particular pharmaceutical compositions containing a compound of formula (Ia) either alone or in combination with another active agent, together with pharmaceutically acceptable carrier substances and auxiliary substances.
US08304442B2

Compounds of formula I wherein I, R1-5 represents from one to five substituents independently selected from hydrogen, nitro, cyano, C1-C3-alkyl, halogen, carboxy, amino, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy, C1-C3-alkoxy groups, X is hydrogen, halo, N3, SH, ═O, ═CH2, an aromatic, preferably phenyl, ring optionally substituted by R1-5 groups as defined above, amino, mono- or disubstituted amino groups wherein the substituents are selected from C1-C4 alkyl, phenyl or benzyl groups optionally substituted by R1-5 groups as defined above Y is hydrogen, alkyl C1-C4, amino, or a group of formula —(CH2)0-1A wherein A is an aromatic, preferably phenyl, ring optionally substituted by R1-5 groups as defined above with the proviso that when X and Y are hydrogen, R1-5 cannot represent a 4-hydroxy or 4-alkoxy groups, are useful for the treatment of Tumor Necrosis Factor mediated immunopathological conditions as well as of diseases which may be treated or alleviated by inhibition of Interleukin-10 (IL-10).
US08304436B2

The compounds of a certain formula 1, in which R1, R7, R8, R9 and n have the meanings as given in the description, are novel effective inhibitors of the type 4 phosphodiesterase.
US08304427B2

Provided is a c-Met inhibitory antitumor agent which mitigates side effects by selectively affecting tumor cells in which c-Met is specifically expressed, having a formula (I) or its salt: wherein each of R1 and R2 are independently a hydrogen atom, an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl, C3-10 cycloalkyl, C6-14 aromatic hydrocarbon, or saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic group, or R1 and R2 may form, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, an optionally substituted nitrogen-containing heterocyclic ring; R3 is a C1-6 alkyl group; and R4, R5, and R6, are independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, an optionally substituted C1-6 alkyl group, a C1-6 alkoxy group, a C1-6 alkylamino group, an optionally substituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, or an optionally substituted saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic group, or R5 and R6 may form a ring together with the phenyl ring to which they are attached.
US08304424B2

This invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions consisting of a semisynthetic derivative of vinca alkaloid, stable at room temperature, in which said derivative is present in the form of a freeze dried product obtained in the presence of at least one carbohydrate.
US08304421B2

Indole derivatives that are useful in the treatment of cancer as a chemotherapeutic agent or radiosensitizing agent.
US08304412B2

The present application relates to novel 4-cycloalkyl- and 4-heterocycloalkyl-3,5-dicyano-2-thio-pyridine derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and to their use for preparing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, preferably for the treatment and/or prevention of hypertension and other cardiovascular disorders.
US08304408B2

The invention provides dBHD-based compositions and dBHD analog compositions, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, e.g., in the form of liposomes and nanoparticles comprising them, and methods of making and using them. In one embodiment, these dBHD analogs are used to inhibit a dysfunctional stem cell and/or a cancer (tumor) stem cell.
US08304405B2

A pharmaceutical product or formulation, which comprises azelastine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or physiologically functional derivative thereof, and a steroid, or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt, solvate or physiologically functional derivative thereof, preferably the product or formulation being in a form suitable for nasal or ocular administration.
US08304403B2

Compounds of formula Ia and Ib and wherein A, B, C and R1 are described herein.
US08304402B2

A composition and method for treating nosebleed, that is, epistaxis. The composition comprises bismuth subgallate and a vasoconstriction agent, preferably oxymetazoline. The composition is preferably a paste administered intranasally.
US08304395B2

The invention relates to methods of use for compounds in treating, reducing the incidence, reducing the severity or pathogenesis of an intestinal disease or condition in a subject, including, inter alia, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or a combination thereof.
US08304394B2

The present invention features a novel, low side-effect pharmaceutical compound complex, comprising the pharmaceutically effective dose of isoniazid (INH) and pharmaceutically effective dose of one of the following compounds. Said compound was selected from the following groups of compounds: Nordihydroguaiaretic acid, Trans-Cinnamaldehyde, Daidzein, Isovitexin, Kaempferol, disulfuram, β-Myrcene, Quercetin, (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, (+)-Limonene, Myricetin, Quercitrin, Luteolin-7-Glucoside, Morin, Neohesperidin, Hesperidin, Capillarisin, (−)-Epigallocatechin, Luteolin, Hyperoside, Ethyl Myristate, Tamarixetin, Phloretin, Baicalein, Rutin, Baicalin, Apigenin, Naringenin, Hesperetin, (+)-Epicatechin, (−)-Epicatechin-3-gallat, Isoliquritigenin, Silybin, Vitexin, Genistein, Isorhamnetin, gallic acid, Diosmin, 6-Gingerol, (+)-Taxifolin, Wongonin, Protocatechuic acid, (+)-Catechin, β-naphthoflavone, Embelin, Trans-Cinnamic acid, (−)-Epicatechin, Phloridzin, Puerarin, Umbelliferone, Brij 58, Brij 76, Brij 35, Tween 20, Tween 80, Tween 40, PEG 2000, PEG 400, Pluornic F68, and PEG 4000. The novel, low side-effect compound complex which contains pharmaceutically effective doses of isoniazid (INH), disulfuram (DSF) and/or a third compound, bis-nitrophenyl phosphate (BNPP) can reduce isoniazid (INH)-induced side effects, e.g. hepatotoxicity, etc.
US08304391B2

Peptide compounds that are agonists of the erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R) are described, as well as therapeutic methods using such peptide compounds to treat disorders associated with insufficient or defective red blood cell production. Pharmaceutical compositions, which comprise the peptide compounds of the invention, are also provided.
US08304390B2

A method of treatment for preventing or reducing tumor growth in liver of a patient includes administering to the patient an effective about of taurolidine, taurultam or a mixture thereof, so as to prevent or reduce the tumor growth in the patient.
US08304386B2

A polypeptide and polynucleotides encoding same comprising one carboxy-terminal peptide (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to an amino terminus of a growth hormone and two carboxy-terminal peptides (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to a carboxy terminus of a growth hormone are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptide and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using same are also disclosed.
US08304375B1

Foaming formulations including silicone polyesters are disclosed. These foaming formulations are useful as cleansing formulations such as used in hand sanitizers. The foaming formulations provide improved aesthetic properties and foaming appearance, while maintaining high antimicrobial capacity.
US08304372B2

The present invention provides a process for joining oxide-superconducting tubes with a superconducting joint. The process involves the preparation of a partially preformed superconducting material, followed by cold isopressing of the powder of partially performed superconducting material into tube shape and further provided with grooves at both ends of the tubes with a subsequent deposition of a silver layer. The process further involves the lapping of one of the end faces of a pair of said tubes to be joined. These lapped end faces of both the tubes clubbed together on a common silver bush are coated with a paste of the same partially preformed superconducting material in organic formulation. Then these coated end faces are closed pressed together to form a joint. This joint portion and the end portions of the tubes are wrapped with a perforated silver foil followed by deposition of another layer of silver. Finally, the assembly of this joint portion and the pair of tubes is heat treated in air for 100 to 150 hours and at temperatures from 830° to 850° C. The joint made according to this process is able to stably carry not less than 80% of the transport current of the high temperature superconducting tubes.
US08304366B2

One aspect of the present invention relates to a system for remediating emissions using a hybrid oxidation catalyst system. The hybrid oxidation catalyst system includes a noble metal oxidation catalyst having noble metal particles in a first ceramic layer. The system also includes a base metal oxide catalyst disposed in a second ceramic layer situated downstream of the noble metal oxidation catalyst. The noble metal oxidation catalyst is effective to substantially prevent hydrocarbon or carbon monoxide inhibition of the base metal oxide catalyst when enhancing the NO+O2 conversion effectiveness of the base metal oxide catalyst.
US08304363B2

The present invention relates generally to ultradispersed catalyst compositions and methods for preparing such catalysts. In particular, the invention provides catalyst composition of the general formula: BxMyS[(1.1 to 4.6)y+(0.5 to 4)x] where B is a group VIIIB non-noble metal and M is a group VI B metal and 0.05≦y/x≦15.
US08304354B2

Methods are disclosed herein for determining the laser beam size and the scan pattern of laser annealing when fabricating backside illumination (BSI) CMOS image sensors to keep dark-mode stripe patterns corresponding to laser scan boundary effects from occurring within the sensor array regions of the image sensors. Each CMOS image sensor has a sensor array region and a periphery circuit. The methods determines a size of the laser beam from a length of the sensor array region and a length of the periphery circuit so that the laser beam covers an integer number of the sensor array region for at least one alignment of the laser beam on the array of BSI image sensors. The methods further determines a scan pattern so that the boundary of the laser beam does not overlap the sensor array regions during the laser annealing, but only overlaps the periphery circuits.
US08304350B2

A substrate processing apparatus includes a plurality of evacuable treatment chambers connected to one another via an evacuable common chamber, and the common chamber is provided with means for transporting a substrate between each treatment chamber. More specifically, a substrate processing apparatus includes a plurality of evacuable treatment chambers, at least one of said treatment chambers having a film formation function through a vapor phase reaction therein, at least one of said treatment chambers having an annealing function with light irradiation and at least one of said treatment chambers having a heating function therein. The apparatus also has a common chamber through which said plurality of evacuable treatment chambers are connected to one another, and a transportation means provided in said common chamber for transporting a substrate between each treatment chamber.
US08304347B2

A method of actuating a semiconductor device includes providing a transistor. The transistor includes a substrate. A first electrically conductive material layer is positioned on the substrate. A second electrically conductive material layer is in contact with and positioned on the first electrically conductive material layer. The second electrically conductive material layer includes a reentrant profile. The second electrically conductive material layer also overhangs the first electrically conductive material layer. An electrically insulating material layer is conformally positioned over the second electrically conductive material layer, the first electrically conductive material layer, and at least a portion of the substrate. A semiconductor material layer conforms to and is in contact with the electrically insulating material layer. A third electrically conductive material layer is nonconformally positioned over and in contact with a first portion of the semiconductor material layer. A fourth electrically conductive material layer is nonconformally positioned over and in contact with a second portion of the semiconductor material layer. A voltage is applied between the third electrically conductive material layer and the fourth electrically conductive material layer. A voltage is applied to the first electrically conductive material layer to electrically connect the third electrically conductive material layer and the fourth electrically conductive material layer.
US08304340B2

A semiconductor device manufacturing method including: forming a first interlayer insulating film on a semiconductor substrate; forming a first hole in the first interlayer insulating film; forming a barrier film inside the first hole; filling a conductive material in the first hole to form a first plug; forming a second interlayer insulating film on the first interlayer insulating film; forming a second hole reaching the first plug in the second interlayer insulating film; selectively etching an upper end of the barrier film inside the second hole; and forming a second plug for connection to the first plug inside the second hole.
US08304333B2

A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a gate electrode over a gate dielectric. The gate dielectric is formed by forming a lanthanide metal layer over a nitrided silicon oxide layer, and then performing an anneal to inter-diffuse atoms to form a lanthanide silicon oxynitride layer. A gate electrode layer may be deposited before or after the anneal. In an embodiment, the gate electrode layer includes a non-lanthanide metal layer, a barrier layer formed over the non-lanthanide metal layer, and a polysilicon layer formed over the barrier layer. Hafnium atoms may optionally be implanted into the nitrided silicon oxide layer.
US08304327B2

At present, a forming process of a base film through an amorphous silicon film is conducted in respective film forming chambers in order to obtain satisfactory films. When continuous formation of the base film through the amorphous silicon film is performed in a single film forming chamber with the above film formation condition, crystallization is not sufficiently attained in a crystallization process. By forming the amorphous silicon film using silane gas diluted with hydrogen, crystallization is sufficiently attained in the crystallization process even with the continuous formation of the base film through the amorphous silicon film in the single film forming chamber.
US08304321B2

A wiring substrate in which a capacitor is provided, the capacitor comprising a capacitor body including a plurality of dielectric layers and internal electrode layers provided between the different dielectric layers, wherein said capacitor body has, in at least one side face of said capacitor body, recesses extending in a thickness direction of said capacitor body from at least one of a first principal face of said capacitor body and a second principal face positioned on the side opposite to the first principal face.
US08304312B2

This invention discloses a semiconductor power device disposed on a semiconductor substrate includes a plurality of deep trenches with an epitaxial layer filling said deep trenches and a simultaneously grown top epitaxial layer covering areas above a top surface of said deep trenches over the semiconductor substrate. A plurality of trench MOSFET cells disposed in said top epitaxial layer with the top epitaxial layer functioning as the body region and the semiconductor substrate acting as the drain region whereby a super-junction effect is achieved through charge balance between the epitaxial layer in the deep trenches and regions in the semiconductor substrate laterally adjacent to the deep trenches. Each of the trench MOSFET cells further includes a trench gate and a gate-shielding dopant region disposed below and substantially aligned with each of the trench gates for each of the trench MOSFET cells for shielding the trench gate during a voltage breakdown.
US08304309B2

Methods of forming memory and memory devices are disclosed, such as a memory device having a memory cell with a floating gate formed from a first conductor, a control gate formed from a second conductor, and a dielectric interposed between the floating gate and the control gate. For example, a select gate may be coupled in series with the memory cell and has a first control gate portion formed from the first conductor and a second control gate portion formed from a third conductor. A contact may be formed from the third conductor and coupled in series with the select gate. Other methods and devices are also disclosed.
US08304288B2

A method of packaging a semiconductor device may include providing a semiconductor substrate including first and second spaced apart semiconductor chip areas, and adhering a cover on the first and second spaced apart semiconductor chip areas of the semiconductor substrate. A scribe line may be formed through the semiconductor substrate between the first and second semiconductor chip areas with a semiconductor bridge pattern remaining connected between the first and second spaced apart semiconductor chip areas after forming the scribe line. The cover and the semiconductor bridge pattern may then be cut after forming the scribe line.
US08304275B2

A MEMS device assembly (20) includes a MEMS die (22) and an integrated circuit (IC) die (24). The MEMS die (22) includes a MEMS device (36) formed on a substrate (38) and a cap layer (34). A packaging process (72) entails forming the MEMS device (36) on the substrate (38) and removing a material portion of the substrate (38) surrounding the device (36) to form a cantilevered substrate platform (46) at which the MEMS device (36) resides. The cap layer (34) is coupled to the substrate (38) overlying the MEMS device (36). The MEMS die (22) is electrically interconnected with the IC die (24). Molding compound (32) is applied to substantially encapsulate the MEMS die (22), the IC die (24), and interconnects (30) that electrically interconnect the MEMS device (22) with the IC die (24). The cap layer (34) prevents the molding compound (32) from contacting the MEMS device (36).
US08304268B2

A fabrication method of a semiconductor package structure includes: patterning a metal plate having first and second surfaces; forming a dielectric layer on the metal plate; forming a metal layer on the first surface and the dielectric layer; forming metal pads on the second surface, the metal layer having a die pad and traces each having a bond pad; mounting a semiconductor chip on the die pad, followed by connecting electrically the semiconductor chip to the bond pads through bonding wires; forming an encapsulant to cover the semiconductor chip and the metal layer; removing portions of the metal plate not covered by the metal pads so as to form metal pillars; and performing a singulation process. The fabrication method is characterized by disposing traces with bond pads close to the die pad to shorten the bonding wires and forming metal pillars protruding from the dielectric layer to avoid solder bridging.
US08304263B2

A test circuit for measuring a gate delay as a function of stress is disclosed. The test circuit includes an oscillator, a reference gate chain, a test gate chain, and a counter. The counter measures the difference in propagation delay between the test chain and the reference chain in calibrated oscillator cycles. Differences in test gate delay as a function of applied stress may be measured within the calibration accuracy of the oscillator frequency. The use of the reference gate chain allows a simpler unipolar counter.
US08304252B2

The present invention is directed to a regio-and stereoselective bioconversion of selected aliphatic dinitriles into corresponding cyanocarboxylic acids. More particularly, the present invention provides methods for the conversion of 2-isobutyl-succinonitrile into (S)-3 cyano-5-methylhexanoic acid, which is a useful intermediate in the synthesis of (S)-3(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid (pregabalin). Pregabalin can be used for treating certain cerebral diseases, for example, in the treatment and prevention of seizure disorders, pain, and psychotic disorders.
US08304234B2

Methods of introducing genetic material into cells of an individual and compositions and kits for practicing the same are disclosed. The methods comprise the steps of contacting cells of an individual with a polynucleotide function enhancer and administering to the cells, a nucleic acid molecule that is free of retroviral particles. The nucleic acid molecule comprises a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that comprises at least one epitope that is identical or substantially similar to an epitope of a pathogen antigen or an antigen associated with a hyperproliferative or autoimmune disease, a protein otherwise missing from the individual due to a missing, non-functional or partially functioning gene, or a protein that produces a therapeutic effect on an individual. Methods of prophylactically and therapeutically immunizing an individual against HIV am disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and kits for practicing methods of the present invention are disclosed.
US08304233B2

The subject invention provides a unidirectional site-specific integration system for integrating a nucleic acid into the genome of a target cell. The provided system includes a site-specific integrating expression cassette (INTEC) vector, consisting of (a) a polynucleotide of interest operably linked to a promoter, (b) a single recombination site, and (c) a hybrid recombination site. In using the subject systems for site-specific integration, the INTEC vector and integrase are introduced into the target cell and the cell is maintained under conditions sufficient to provide for site-specific integration of the nucleic acid into the target cell genome via a recombination event mediated by the site-specific recombinase. Also provided are kits that include the subject systems. The subjects systems, methods and kits find use in a variety of different applications, several representative ones of which are described in detail as well.
US08304230B2

The invention features methods for separating cells from a sample (e.g., separating fetal red blood cells from maternal blood). The method begins with the introduction of a sample including cells into one or more microfluidic channels. In one embodiment, the device includes at least two processing steps. For example, a mixture of cells is introduced into a microfluidic channel that selectively allows the passage of a desired type of cell, and the population of cells enriched in the desired type is then introduced into a second microfluidic channel that allows the passage of the desired cell to produce a population of cells further enriched in the desired type. The selection of cells is based on a property of the cells in the mixture, for example, size, shape, deformability, surface characteristics (e.g., cell surface receptors or antigens and membrane permeability), or intracellular properties (e.g., expression of a particular enzyme).
US08304227B2

A method of processing organic waste which includes aerobically conditioning, in a dominantly thermophilic regime lasting at least 72 hours, a mixture of organic wastes having a carbon to nitrogen ratio between approximately 15 to 1 to 45 to 1 so as to form a feedstock, applying the feedstock to a worm bed; and maintaining a temperature and humidity of the worm bed and applied feedstock to maintain a mesophilic dominant regime within the worm bed.
US08304220B2

Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects.
US08304219B2

This invention relates to the use of microorganisms for the generation of ethanol from lignocellulosic waste materials. Yeast strains of the genus Kluyveromyces which have the capability to ferment cellulose, hexose sugars to ethanol are provided. Also provided are methods for converting cellulose, hexoses, or mixed hydrolysates of hexoses to ethanol by fermentation with Kluyveromyces strains. The invention also provides methods to isolate yeast strains which metabolize cellulose, pentoses, or hemicelluloses from waste materials.
US08304216B2

The present invention has its object to provide a method of producing an erythro- or threo-2-amino-3-hydroxypropionic acid ester, and so forth. The present invention relates to: a method of asymmetrically reducing an N-2-amino-3-oxopropionic acid ester by allowing cells of a microorganism to act thereon; a polypeptide having an activity of asymmetrically reducing a carbonyl compound to give an optically active alcohol, which is isolated from a microorganism belonging to genus Brevundimonas; a DNA coding for the polypeptide; and a transformant producing the polypeptide. The invention also relates to a method of producing an optically active alcohol by reducing a carbonyl compound with the help of the polypeptide or the transformant.
US08304212B2

Methods to convert lignocellulosic biomass to fermentable sugars with enzymes that degrade the lignocellulosic material are provided, as well as novel combinations of enzymes, including those that provide a synergistic release of sugars from plant biomass.
US08304211B2

The present invention provides a peptide having 2 to 10 amino acids or a derivative thereof which is able to restore wild type function of human p53, for use in therapy; and a method of screening a library of molecules for the ability of members of that library to restore or modify the function of a target protein in an intra-cellular environment, which method comprises introducing the library into host cells which have a reporter system which allows the identification of those cells in which the function of the target protein has been restored or modified.
US08304210B2

The present invention relates to a signal sequence peptide for the improvement of extracellular secretion efficiency of a heterologous protein in E. coli. More particularly, the present invention relates to a gene construct for the improvement of extracellular secretion efficiency of the said heterologous protein in E. coli, which comprises a polynucleotide encoding a recombinant protein composed of the heterologous protein linked to C-terminal of the signal sequence peptide represented by SEQ. ID. NO. 3. The present invention contributes to the improvement of extracellular secretion efficiency of a recombinant protein, so that it can be effectively applied to the production of a recombinant protein.
US08304204B2

A method for measuring LDL cholesterol in a sample using a test piece is provided which involves a step of measuring the total cholesterol in the sample; a step of measuring the non-LDL cholesterol in the sample; and a step of subtracting the non-LDL cholesterol value from the total-cholesterol value to obtain the LDL cholesterol level.
US08304199B2

Methods for measuring c-Met levels in urine and blood samples are provided. Methods for diagnosis and prognosis evaluation for cancer are also provided.
US08304198B2

This invention relates to a simple end point assay for detection of transient intracellular Ca2+ with broad applicability to many Ca2+ channel proteins comprising, Generation of expression constructs for the fusion proteins having the Ca2+/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) phosphorylation sites of NR2A or NR2B subunits of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) or the voltage gated potassium channel of Drosophila (Eag) or any protein sequence which binds to the T-site of CaMKII similar to NR2B, conjugated to mitochondrial localizing signal sequence, or mutants of these sequences as described herein. Generation of mammalian expression constructs of α-CaMKll as a chimera with green fluorescent protein (GFP-α-CaMKII) or its mutants as described herein. Site-Directed mutagenesis, Transfection, Ca2+ stimulation, imaging and quantification of the number of cells with Ca2+-dependent signal, wherein, NMDA receptor activity assay, TRPVI receptor activity assay, GluR4 receptor activity assay are performed to detect the activity Of Ca2+ channel proteins.
US08304192B2

The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for evaluating allelic variations with improved quality controls, methods of preparing such compositions, and applications employing such compositions and methods. In particular, the present invention provides methods and compositions for reducing false positives and/or false negatives in nucleic acid measurements.
US08304185B2

The present invention relates to methods and systems for the isolation of DNA on a microfluidic device and the subsequent analysis of the DNA on the microfluidic device. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for the isolation of DNA from patient samples on a microfluidic device and use of the DNA for performing amplification reactions, such as PCR, and detection, such as thermal melt analysis, on the microfluidic device.
US08304177B2

A process for producing an ink jet head, including forming an ink flow path pattern whose surface has been subjected to insolubilization treatment on a substrate having an energy-generating element, applying a UV curable flow path forming material on the pattern and substrate to form an ink flow path forming layer, irradiating part of the ink flow path forming layer with ultraviolet rays for development, thereby forming an ink ejection orifice, and removing the pattern, thereby forming an ink flow path. The step of forming the pattern includes applying a positive resist containing a resin having a phenolic hydroxyl group on the substrate to form a positive resist layer, patterning the positive resist layer to form an ink flow path pattern prior to insolubilization treatment, applying a coating agent containing a compound having two vinyl ether groups on the pattern, and heat-treating the pattern coated with the coating agent.
US08304174B2

A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a first mask pattern over an etch target layer, forming a second mask pattern over the etch target layer, forming spacers at sidewalls of the first mask pattern and the second mask pattern, and etching the etch target layer with an etching mask where the second mask pattern is removed. The method improves a profile of a pad pattern and critical dimension uniformity.
US08304172B2

A method of fabricating a semiconductor device begins by forming a layer of hard mask material on a substrate comprising a layer of semiconductor material and a layer of insulating material overlying the layer of semiconductor material, such that the layer of hard mask material overlies the layer of insulating material. A multiple exposure photolithography procedure is performed to create a combined pattern of photoresist features overlying the layer of hard mask material, and a recess line pattern is in the hard mask material, using the combined pattern of photoresist features. The method continues by covering designated sections of the recess line pattern with a blocking pattern of photoresist features, and forming a pattern of trenches in the insulating material, where the pattern of trenches is defined by the blocking pattern of photoresist features and the hard mask material. Thereafter, an electrically conductive material is deposited in the trenches, resulting in conductive lines for the semiconductor device.
US08304167B2

An optical information recording medium includes a recording layer that absorbs recording light in accordance with its wavelength, the recording light being condensed for information recording, and increases the temperature in the vicinity of a focus so as to form a recording mark and that has properties of increasing a light absorption amount with respect to the wavelength of the recording light by heating performed at a temperature of 120° C. or more.
US08304164B2

The present invention provides a photoresist composition comprising: at least one selected from the group consisting of a monomer represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, W1 represents a C3-C20 divalent saturated cyclic hydrocarbon group, A1 represents a single bond or *-O—CO—W1— wherein * represents a binding position to W1═N— and W1 represents a C1-C10 divalent saturated hydrocarbon group, a polymer consisting of a structural unit derived from the monomer represented by the formula (I) and a polymer consisting of a structural unit derived from the monomer represented by the formula (I) and a structural unit derived from a monomer represented by the formula (II): wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, A2 represents a single bond or *-O—CO—(CH2)n— wherein * represents a binding position to R4—, n represents an integer of 1 to 7 and R4 represents a C3-C20 saturated cyclic hydrocarbon group, a resin having an acid-labile group and being insoluble or poorly soluble in an aqueous alkali solution but becoming soluble in an aqueous alkali solution by the action of an acid, and an acid generator.
US08304157B2

A toner for an electrophotography and its manufacturing method are disclosed. The toner comprises toner particles containing a cross-linked polymer having two-valent crosslinking group represented by Formula (1), wherein, R1 is a hydrogen atom or a chlorine atom, R2 is a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom or a methoxy group. The toner satisfies storage durability against heat as well as sufficient low temperature fixing ability.
US08304155B2

Images produced by electrophotography are often subjected to harsh conditions, such as high temperature and high relative humidity conditions. Prints when subjected to face-to-face stacking under these conditions tend to stick and are difficult to separate without damage. Ethylene-bis-stearamide is incorporated in a protective toner formulation employing a toner binder having a higher glass transition temperature than that of the conventional CYMK colored image toners employed to provide a protective layer in fused images. Further, ethylene-bis-stearamide does not interfere with typical oil release additives used in fuser rollers. By combining ethylene-bis-stearamide with polyalkane waxes having a weight average molecular weight of equal to or greater than 2000 and a poly dispersity of less than 2.0, addition protection can be realized.
US08304154B2

The present invention provides a particle dispersion liquid including (meth)acrylic resin-containing hydrophobic particles, an acetylene glycol surfactant adsorbed to the hydrophobic particles, and water; the particle size, in a state of being swollen due to absorbing water until saturation, of the hydrophobic particles to which the acetylene glycol surfactant has been adsorbed being 1.1 to 2 times as large as the particle size of the hydrophobic particles in a dried state.
US08304152B2

A photoconductor that includes a supporting substrate, an optional ground plane layer, an optional hole blocking layer, an optional adhesive layer, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer, and where the charge transport layer contains a spirodilactam based polycarbonate.
US08304150B1

A method for building microstructures, comprising the steps of forming a photopolymer mask on a substrate, having a mask thickness equal to or larger than a desired height of a microstructure to be formed; forming a latent image on the photopolymer mask by exposure to light; applying an electrical charge to the photopolymer mask; developing the cavities in the mask with a functional liquid toner material whose electrical charge polarity is the same as the charge on the mask; and solidifying the functional liquid toner material into a useful microstructure.
US08304146B2

A photomask is manufactured by providing a photomask blank comprising a transparent substrate, a phase shift film, and a light-shielding film, the phase shift film and the light-shielding film including silicon base material layers, a N+O content in the silicon base material layer of the phase shift film differing from that of the light-shielding film, and chlorine dry etching the blank with oxygen-containing chlorine gas in a selected O/Cl ratio for selectively etching away the silicon base material layer of the light-shielding film.
US08304145B2

A diffusion medium for use in a PEM fuel cell including a porous spacer layer disposed between a plurality of perforated layers having variable size and frequency of perforation patterns, each perforated layer having a microporous layer formed thereon, wherein the diffusion medium is adapted to optimize water management in and performance of the fuel cell.
US08304143B2

An electrically conductive plate for fuel cell applications comprises a plate body having at least one channel-defining surface and an electrically conductive hydrophilic layer disposed over at least a portion of the channel-defining surface. The electrically conductive layer includes residues of a silane coupling agent and electrically conductive hydrophilic carbon.
US08304142B2

A Direct Methanol Fuel Cell (DMFC) is provided in which the structure is simplified and the thickness is reduced without impairing diffusibility of fuel, air and generated products. An anode catalyst layer and a cathode catalyst layer sandwich an electrolyte membrane. Liquid fuel stored in a fuel chamber is directly supplied to the anode catalyst layer. Current collectors are respectively provided adjacent to the anode catalyst layer and the cathode catalyst layer. Each of the current collectors is formed of a flat conductive sheet in which a plurality of fine pores is provided to extend through the current collector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar direction. A part or the entirety of each current collector is embedded in a respective catalyst layer, and the sides of each current collector defining the pores are tapered with respect to a direction substantially perpendicular to the planar direction of the catalyst layer in which the current collector is embedded.
US08304134B2

The present invention provides a polymer electrolyte composition comprising a polymer electrolyte (A component) having an ion exchange capacity of from 0.5 to 3.0 meq/g, a compound (B component) having a thioether group and a compound (C component) having an azole ring, wherein a mass ratio (B/C) of the B component to the C component is 1/99 to 99/1, and a total content of the B component and C component is 0.01 to 50% by mass based on the solid content in the polymer electrolyte composition.
US08304130B2

The present invention relates to a manufacturing method a membrane electrode assembly which has a low proton conduction resistance at a boundary of an electrolyte membrane and a catalyst layer. Catalyst ink including solvent, electrolyte 23 having proton permeability, and a carbon 26 supporting platinum is applied on both sides of an electrolyte membrane 4 having proton permeability. The solvent is evaporated for forming catalyst layers 10, 14. Voltage is applied between the catalyst layers 10, 14 under hydrogen atmosphere for forming proton conduction paths at boundaries between the catalyst layers 10, 14 and the electrolyte membrane 4.
US08304127B2

A fuel cell stack includes a plurality of power generation cells stacked in a direction of gravity. In a cathode side separator of the power generation cell, an oxygen-containing gas discharge passage is connected to an oxygen-containing gas flow field, and a water guide member is provided for the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage for allowing condensed water to be directly dropped in the direction of gravity along the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage. The water guide member is a plate member protruding into the oxygen-containing gas discharge passage and inclined toward the direction of gravity.
US08304106B2

A hermetic cell excellent in weld strength is provided. The hermetic cell includes an can having an opening and a seal for sealing the opening of the can. A portion of engagement of the seal with the opening of the can is welded with a high energy beam, thereby hermetically sealing the can. At least one portion of a melt mark resulting from the high energy beam welding has a top surface having a lowermost point lower in a direction of a bottom of the can than a lowermost point of a top surface of an adjacent portion of the melt mark. The at least one portion of the melt mark has a bottom surface having a lowermost point lower in the direction of the bottom of the can than an lowermost point of a bottom surface of the adjacent portion of the melt mark.
US08304105B2

Provided is a cell wherein out of electrodes constituting the cell, the outermost two electrodes are both cathodes, cathode current collectors of the cathodes are single-side coated with cathode active materials on the first surfaces thereof, other sides of cathode current collectors non-coated with cathode active materials are disposed toward the outside of a cell assembly and the thickness of cathode current collectors is 70 to 150% of that of the cathode active material coated layer. The cell in accordance with the present invention exhibits excellent safety in a nail penetration test.
US08304089B1

A metallic nanowire network synthesized using chemical reduction of a metal ion source by a reducing agent in the presence of a soft template comprising a tubular inverse micellar network. The network of interconnected polycrystalline nanowires has a very high surface-area/volume ratio, which makes it highly suitable for use in catalytic applications.
US08304085B2

An article of manufacture comprising (i) at least one metal foil substrate; (ii) a coating layer on at least a portion of at least one side of the metal foil substrate wherein the coating layer comprises (a) a condensation cured silicone resin composition and (b) silica nanoparticles.
US08304080B2

A resin composition that is storable at ambient temperatures. The resin composition forms a cured resin when exposed to a curing agent and heated to a curing temperature that is relatively close to ambient temperature. The resin composition includes a crystalline resin component that is sandwiched between two non-crystalline resin components to provide a zone that is rich in crystalline thermosetting resin. The crystalline thermosetting resin has a melting point that is above ambient temperature, but below the curing temperature. The viscosity of the resin component changes from a high viscosity state to a low viscosity state when the temperature is increased from ambient temperature to the curing temperature.
US08304078B2

Chemically strengthened lithium aluminosilicate glass is characterized by a surface compression of at least 100,000 psi and a compression case depth of at least 600 microns. The glass also may be characterized by a compression at 50 microns below a surface of the glass that is at least 30,000 psi. A method of making this glass includes providing a lithium aluminosilicate glass having a composition comprising (in weight %): Li2O in an amount ranging from 3 to 9%, Na2O+K2O in an amount not greater than 3%, and Al2O3 in an amount ranging from 7 to 30%. The composition provides the glass with an annealing point temperature of at least 580° C. A mixed potassium and sodium salt bath is provided comprising predominantly potassium salt. A ratio of moles of sodium salt to moles of potassium salt in the mixed salt bath can range from 1:10 to 1:2. The temperature of the salt bath is maintained in a range of 450° C. up to an annealing point temperature of the glass. The glass is immersed in the salt bath for a period ranging from 2 to 96 hours. The inventive strengthened glass has high strength effective to resist fracture upon flexing and includes: bullet-resistant glass, blast-resistant glass, glass for armored defense vehicles, windows for government buildings, windows for monuments, windows for vehicles, train transparencies, aircraft transparencies, hurricane-resistant windows, earthquake-resistant windows, bank teller windows, display cases, and ATM touch panels.
US08304066B2

A toner release coating may be applied to a toner regulating member such as a doctor blade. The toner release coating may reduce toner adhesion at a doctoring pre-nip location of the doctor blade. The toner release coating may be formed from a mixture of lubricating particulate and polymeric binder resin in a liquid carrier.
US08304064B2

To provide a stretch-formed sheet of ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin having excellent transparency and mechanical properties, while being relatively thick. A stretch-formed sheet of ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin having a thickness of 0.2 mm or greater and having an internal haze of 70% or less in the direction of the thickness, is prepared by stretching at least in one direction a formed article of ultra-high molecular weight olefin having a density of 925 kg/m3 or less and containing a polymer of ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin having an intrinsic viscosity of 7 dl/g or greater as measured in a 135° C. decalin solution, at a temperature of less than the melting point (Tm) of the ultra-high molecular weight polyolefin and at ordinary temperature or higher.
US08304057B2

A ribbon crystal has a body and end string within the body. At least one end string has a generally concave cross-sectional shape and is formed from at least two individual strings.
US08304056B2

When forming a rubber member which is made up of a combination of a plurality of rubber compounds by winding spirally a ribbon-shaped unvulcanized rubber strip material in an overlapping fashion, the number of times of winding is reduced so as to shorten a fabrication cycle time of the rubber member to thereby increase the productivity thereof. As a means therefore, a rubber strip material whose cross section is divided into two or more regions which are made up of different rubber compounds is wound spirally on to a drum in an overlapping fashion so as to build a green tire or a tire rubber member.
US08304053B2

A composite material comprises: an open grid comprising at least two sets of strands. Each set of strands has openings between adjacent strands. The sets are oriented at a substantial angle to one another. A tack film is laminated to the open grid. The tack film has first and second major surfaces, such that a material of the tack film at its first and second major surfaces includes about 50% or more of resinous non-asphaltic component and about 50% or less of asphaltic component.
US08304050B2

Medical device polymeric tubing segments suitable for forming catheter shafts or as balloon parisons are formed with discrete regions having different orientation relative to each other. Wall thickness may also be varied of the length of the segment.
US08304048B2

A polylactic acid-based resin composition comprising: 50-90 mass % of a polylactic acid-based resin (A); and 10-50 mass % of a polyolefin-based resin (B), heat quantity of crystallization of the polyolefin-based resin (B) being 40 J/g or less as measured by using differential scanning calorimeter as measured at a thermal process comprising the steps of: heating up to 200° C. at a heating rate of 10° C./min; keeping the temperature at 200° C. for 5 minutes; and cooling down to the room temperature at a cooling rate of 10° C./min. The invention also provides: The composition may be applied, for example, to produce a polylactic acid-based film, a molded product using the film, an elongated film, a heat-shrinkable label, and a container having the heat-shrinkable label.
US08304047B2

A laminated insecticide dispenser where a central layer contains an insecticide that migrates through the outer layer to the surface of the dispenser. The outer layer also comprises a UV protector which migrates to the surface in order to minimize the UV damage induced on the insecticide.
US08304043B2

There is provided an inkjet recording ink and recording media set, which contains: an inkjet recording ink; and a recording medium, wherein the inkjet recording ink comprises at least: water; a water-soluble organic solvent; and a colorant containing carbon black, and having a volume average particle diameter of 40 nm to 100 nm, wherein the recording medium contains: a substrate; and a coating layer on at least one side of the substrate, and wherein an amount of pure water transferred to the recording medium, as measured with a dynamic scanning absorptometer at 23 C and 50% RH, at a contact time of 100 ms is 2 ml/m2 to 35 ml/m2 while an amount of pure water transferred to the recording medium at a contact time of 400 ms is 3 ml/m2 to 40 ml/m2.
US08304035B2

The present invention relates to a liquid-crystal (LC) display of the PS (polymer stabilized) or PSA (polymer sustained alignment) type, and to polymerisable compounds and LC media for use in PS (polymer stabilized) and PSA displays.
US08304028B2

The present invention relates to (1) a mesoporous silica film having a mesoporous structure including meso pores having an average pore period of from 1.5 to 6 nm, wherein the meso pores are oriented in the direction of an angle of from 75 to 90° relative to a surface of the film; (2) a structure including a substrate and the mesoporous silica film formed on the substrate; and (3) a process for producing a mesoporous silica film structure which includes the steps of preparing an aqueous solution containing a specific amount of a specific cationic surfactant; immersing a substrate in the aqueous solution and then adding a specific amount of a silica source capable of forming a silanol compound when hydrolyzed, to the aqueous solution, followed by stirring the resulting mixture at a temperature of from 10 to 100° C., to form a mesoporous silica film on a surface of the substrate; and removing the cationic surfactant from the resulting mesoporous silica film structure.
US08304026B2

Disclosed is a method for producing a pigmented composite comprising contacting a microporous material with a tin compound to form a composite then contacting the composite with a pigment comprising an elemental metal, a metal oxide, a metal alloy, a metal salt, or a combination thereof to produce the pigmented composite. The pigmented composites described herein are useful for separating one or more analytes present in a fluid sample.
US08304024B2

Compositions for bonding galvanized surfaces are disclosed. The compositions include either (i) a first part that includes at least one (meth)acrylate component in combination with a free radical inhibitor component and a phosphate ester component and a second part that includes at least one accelerator component or (ii) a first part that includes at least one (methyl)acrylate component in combination with an accelerator and a phosphate ester component and a second part that includes a carrier component and a free radical initiator component. Methods for preparing and methods for using these compositions also are disclosed, as are processes for inhibiting corrosion on galvanized surfaces.
US08304017B2

A method of producing a patterned birefringent product, having at least steps (I) to (III) in this order: (I) providing a birefringent pattern builder having an optically anisotropic layer containing a polymer having unreacted reactive groups; (II) heating a region of the birefringent pattern builder; and (III) subjecting the birefringent pattern builder to a process that reacts at least a part of the unreacted reactive groups in the optically anisotropic layer.
US08304004B2

An ovenable paper container containing an inner liner, an outer liner, and an intermediate or corrugated paper layer positioned between the inner liner and the outer liner. The ovenable paper container can be used to heat and/or cook food and then be used as a serving container without the danger of causing burns.
US08304001B1

This is a formula made up of 3.4% Eucalyptus oil [Eucalyptus Globules], 3.4% Peppermint oil [Mentha x Piperita], 3.4% Wintergreen oil [Gaultheria Procumbens], 3.4% Lavender oil [Lavandula Angustifolia], 1.7% Clove Bud oil [Syzyguium aromaticum] 60% glycerin, and 25% water. This invention is a topical muscle and joint pain reliever, as well as a decongestant.
US08303997B2

The present invention is directed to liquid compositions containing chitosan, a chitosan derivative or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, which form a film after application onto the scalp and/or the hair, which compositions are useful for delivery of actives onto the scalp surface and/or onto the hair.
US08303986B2

An oral dosage form comprising a pharmaceutical tablet of one or more layers, one of which carries a biologically active substance; the formulation of said tablet includes different percentages of hydrophilic and lipophilic polymeric materials, and adjuvant substances. The tablets of the present invention show a release rate which is independent from the amounts of active substance present in the tablet.
US08303983B2

A metal targeting complex which associates with a charged liposomal structure is provided. The metal targeting complex provides the targetability of the liposomal construct to the desired receptor sites of a warm-blooded host for therapy or diagnostic use.
US08303979B2

The invention relates to products and methods for increasing the productivity in farming by improving the fertility of healthy farming mammals. More in particular, the invention relates to products and methods for improving the fertility of animals by reducing placental insufficiency. According to the invention, this is obtained by providing a product which is enriched in L-arginine. The arginine products of the invention may be applied to improve fertility, which may be used in improving the yield in viable offspring of an animal livestock.
US08303977B2

This invention is related to the use of polyurethane-based polymer as a drug delivery device to deliver biologically active compounds at a constant rate for an extended period of time and methods of manufactures thereof. The device is very biocompatible and biostable, and is useful as an implant in patients (humans and animals) for the delivery of appropriate bioactive substances to tissues or organs.
US08303973B2

Multifunctional compounds are provided that readily crosslink in situ to provide crosslinked biomaterials. The multifunctional compounds contain a single component having at least three reactive functional groups thereon, with the functional groups selected so as to be non-reactive in an initial environment and inter-reactive in a modified environment. Reaction of a plurality of the multifunctional compounds results in a three-dimensional crosslinked matrix. In one embodiment, a first functional group is nucleophilic, a second functional group is electrophilic, and at least one additional functional group is nucleophilic or electrophilic. Methods for preparing and using the multifunctional compounds, and kits including the multifunctional compounds are also provided. Exemplary uses for the multifunctional compounds include tissue augmentation, biologically active agent delivery, bioadhesion, and prevention of adhesions following surgery or injury.
US08303964B2

The present invention provides non-toxic Gram-negative bacteria. In particular, the present invention provides viable Gram-negative bacteria (e.g., E. coli) substantially lacking lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) within the outer membrane. The present invention further provides methods of generating viable non-toxic Gram-negative bacteria and uses thereof. The present invention also provides compositions and methods for inducing immune responses and for researching and developing therapeutic agents.
US08303952B2

The present invention encompasses methods for inducing in vivo tolerance to a foreign tissue.
US08303946B2

The present invention is directed to methods and compositions that are effective in the inhibition of viral replication. In particular, the methods and compositions are effective at interfering with the activity of host cell proteins required in viral replication. For example, an embodiment of the invention is directed to inhibition of flavivirus replication wherein the replication is effected by changing the normal interactions of the host cell protein TIAR or TIA-1.
US08303945B2

The invention provides an isolated polypeptide comprising a variant amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, or a fusion or derivative of said polypeptide, or a fusion of a said derivative thereof, wherein the polypeptide, fusion or derivative retains a biological activity of wild type IL-IRa. In one embodiment, the isolated polypeptide, fusion or derivative is or comprises a polypeptide variant of amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 comprising or consisting of substitutions at one or more of the following amino acid mutations of SEQ ID NO: 1: Q29K, P38Y, P38R, L42W, D47N, E52R, H54R, E90Y, Q129L, Q129N, M136N, M136D and Q149K. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions of the above polypeptide, fusion or derivative, as well as uses of the same for treating a disease or condition capable of being treated by an agent which inhibits the function of IL-1 receptors.
US08303943B2

The present invention relates to an ampholytic copolymer based on quaternized nitrogen-containing monomers which has a molar excess of cationogenic/cationic groups compared to anionogenic/anionic groups, to cosmetic or pharmaceutical compositions which comprise at least one such ampholytic copolymer, and to further uses of these copolymers.
US08303941B2

A composition comprising mineral water and a chelating agent present in an amount sufficient to maintain all of the minerals in the water in solution. The mineral water is preferably obtained from Mount Clemens, Mich., US, and is preferably chelated with an ammonium and/or a sodium salt of an acid selected from the group consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, nitrilotetraacetic acid, β-alaninediacetic acid, ethylenediaminosuccinic acid, aminotrimethylenephosphoric acid, serinediaacetic acid, asparaginediacetic acid, methylgylcinediacetic acid and mixtures thereof. The resultant chelated mineral water may be combined with a cosmetically acceptable skin-conditioning agent and a cosmetically acceptable topical carrier, thereby resulting in a cosmetic composition that will confer beneficial effects on the skin, e.g., softening, hydrating and healing effects.
US08303936B2

Compounds and methods are disclosed that are useful for noninvasive imaging in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range. The NIR is highly sensitive for tumor detection and tracking. The application discloses targeting a tumor-enriched cell surface receptor with a ligand-conjugated fluorescent probe, which specifically allows detection of the tumor relative to the negligible animal autofluorescence.
US08303927B2

A manufacturing method of the present invention includes (a) a material preparation step of preparing a material containing lithium, manganese, and bismuth, and (b) a firing step of firing the material prepared by the material preparation step at a temperature of 830° C. to 1,000° C. In the material preparation step, the material is prepared such that the residual amount of bismuth in spinel-type lithium manganate yielded by the firing step is 0.01 mol % or less with respect to manganese.
US08303926B1

In accordance with various embodiments, there are nanostructured materials including WS2 nanostructures and composites of WS2 nanostructures and other materials and methods for synthesizing nanostructured materials. The method can include providing a plurality of precursor materials, wherein each of the plurality of precursor materials can include a tungsten reactant. The method can also include flowing, for a reaction time, a substantially continuous stream of carbon disulfide (CS2) vapor in a carrier gas over the plurality of precursor materials at a temperature in the range of about 700° C. to about 1000 C, wherein the reaction time is sufficient to permit the tungsten reactant to react with carbon disulfide to form a plurality of tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanostructures.
US08303913B2

A tissue processor for treating tissue samples comprises a process chamber (10) in which the tissue samples can be treated with at least one liquid. The process chamber (10) is formed as a vessel of a magnetic stirrer. In the process chamber, a stirring body (16) for stirring the liquid is arranged, wherein the stirring body (16) comprises at least one magnet (40a, 40b) with the aid of which the stirring body (16) can be set in rotation by a drive unit (20) of the magnetic stirrer, and at least one vane (28a to 28f) by which the liquid to be stirred is stirred when the stirring body (16) rotates. According to a first aspect of the invention, the stirring body (16) has at least three vanes (28a to 28f), according to a second aspect of the invention, the stirring body (16) has at least one further magnet (40b). The north pole (46) of the one magnet (40a) and the south pole (50) of the further magnet (40b) face the drive unit (20).
US08303905B2

A germ eliminator system is for disinfecting an enclosure which includes a green disinfectant liquid. A mechanism is for distributing the disinfectant liquid in a timely and sequentially manner throughout the enclosure, to kill germs, bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms within the enclosure, thereby the enclosure will become safe for people to use when entering the enclosure such as building, hotel, school, bus, train, or ship. The germ eliminator system can be stationary or mobile on a service cart.
US08303901B2

A manufacturing method by which alumina-silica based fibers excellent in mechanical strength can be readily and securely obtained. The method obtains precursor fibers as a material by using an alumina-silica based fiber spinning stock solution for use in an inorganic salt method. Next, the precursor fibers are heated under an environment which makes it difficult to carry out an oxidizing reaction on the carbon component contained in the precursor fibers. Thus, the precursor fibers are sintered to obtain alumina-silica based fibers.
US08303900B2

An exhaust gas purification device for an internal combustion engine that has a turn-back portion in an exhaust gas passageway which makes the device compact and causes a reducing agent to be evenly dispersed and flow into a reduction catalyst disposed in an exhaust gas passageway downstream of the turn-back portion. The device has a lid portion that is attached to a side surface of the body portion and the body portion has an outlet opening for the upstream-side exhaust gas passageway and an inlet opening for the downstream-side exhaust gas passageway, and the turn-back portion comprises a space enclosed by the body portion and the lid portion, and a guide portion for directing the flow direction of exhaust gas with which the reducing agent has become mixed toward the is downstream-side exhaust gas passageway is integrally molded in an opposing surface of the lid portion that opposes the inlet opening of the downstream-side exhaust gas passageway.
US08303890B2

A quiescent melt handling system includes a melting furnace and a holding furnace communicating with the melting furnace for holding a molten metal melt. The holding furnace has a relatively large surface area and a relatively shallow depth, having a width to depth ratio in the range of 4-100 to 1. Also provided is structure in the holding furnace for separating inclusions from the melt in the holding furnace. A mold communicates with the holding furnace. A counter gravity casting system, which might comprise a vacuum assisted casting system, draws the melt into the mold.
US08303887B2

A tool for the infusion of a resin into a preform made of fiber material includes a mould which can be closed around the preform and in the body of which at least one inlet duct is formed to allow resin to be injected into the mould so that the resin can be infused into the preform. At least one reservoir which can contain the resin, is also formed in the body of the mould and is connected to the at least one inlet duct. The mould can be inserted in an autoclave and the reservoir is configured to permit the transfer of the resin from the reservoir to the inlet duct under the effect of the temperature and of the pressure that are produced in the autoclave, thus allowing the resin to be injected into the mould.
US08303883B2

The invention provides foams of desired cell sizes formed from metal or ceramic materials that coat the surfaces of carbon foams which are subsequently removed. For example, metal is located over a sol-gel foam monolith. The metal is melted to produce a metal/sol-gel composition. The sol-gel foam monolith is removed, leaving a metal foam.
US08303878B2

Disclosed herein is a method of making a light emitting device having an LED die and a molded encapsulant made by polymerizing at least two polymerizable compositions. The method includes: (a) providing an LED package having an LED die disposed in a reflecting cup, the reflecting cup filled with a first polymerizable composition such that the LED die is encapsulated; (b) providing a mold having a cavity filled with a second polymerizable composition; (c) contacting the first and second polymerizable compositions; (d) polymerizing the first and second polymerizable compositions to form first and second polymerized compositions, respectively, wherein the first and second polymerized compositions are bonded together; and (e) optionally separating the mold from the second polymerized composition. Light emitting devices prepared according to the method are also described.
US08303870B2

A tire forming method is disclosed in which letters and lines having different colors are formed in a side wall portion of the tire.
US08303869B2

A method of producing a composite material which includes a carbon-based material and a particulate or fibrous metal material Z. The method includes steps (a) to (c). In the step (a), at least a first carbon material and the metal material Z mixed into an elastomer, and dispersing the first carbon material and the metal material Z by applying a shear force to obtain a composite elastomer, the metal material Z having a melting point lower than a melting point of the first carbon material. In the step (b), the composite elastomer is heat-treated to vaporize the elastomer to obtain an intermediate composite material including a second carbon material and the metal material Z. In the step (c), the intermediate composite material is heat-treated together with a substance including an element Y having a melting point lower than the melting point of the metal material Z to vaporize the substance including the element Y.
US08303866B2

A micro-optical element includes a support substrate, a micro-optical lens in a cured replication material on a first surface of the support substrate, and an opaque material aligned with and overlapping the micro-optical lens along a vertical direction.
US08303862B2

Disclosed are a photosensitive resin composition for a color filter and a color filter including the same. The photosensitive resin composition for a color filter may include (A) an acrylic-based copolymer including a structural unit represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 and a structural unit represented by the following Chemical Formula 2, wherein the substituents of Chemical Formula 1 and Chemical Formula 2 are the same as defined in the specification; (B) an acrylic-based photopolymerizable monomer; (C) a photopolymerization initiator; (D) a pigment; and (E) a solvent.
US08303854B2

An object of the present invention is to provide a composition of a sintering Ag paste which can metallically bond to a nonprecious metal member with high strength as well as to a precious metal member, in a sintering Ag paste which metallically bonds to a metal at a low temperature, and to provide a bonding method to obtain a joint part having high strength. The sintering Ag paste is a material containing a solution of an organic silver complex that is easily decomposed by heat regardless of an atmosphere. Furthermore, the bonding method includes: metallizing a face of a nonprecious metal with Ag in a non-oxidizing atmosphere in a step prior to sintering Ag particles; and then sintering the Ag particles in an oxidizing atmosphere.
US08303852B2

A carbon black-dispersed polyamic acid solution composition that utilizes carbon black excelling in safety and environmental adaptability and excels in the dispersion stability and fluidity of carbon black dispersed in polyamic acid solution, and that realizes high solid content and high carbon black content. An intermediate transfer belt of polyimide, which produces a transfer image of high quality in a color image-forming apparatus, produced from the polyamic acid solution composition. In particular, a carbon black-dispersed polyamic acid solution composition containing a polyamic acid solution obtained by reaction of approximately equimolar amounts of biphenyltetracarboxylic acid dianhydride and an aromatic diamine, and containing a carbon black of 2 to 6% volatile content produced by oil furnace process, wherein the solid content of the solution composition is 23 wt. % or more and wherein the carbon black content of the solid is in the range of 20 to 30 wt. %.
US08303847B2

To provide a phosphor given by a general composition formula expressed by MmAaBbOoNn:Z, (wherein element M is one or more kinds of elements having bivalent valency, element A is one or more kinds of elements having tervalent valency, element B is one or more kinds of elements having tetravalent valency, O is oxygen, N is nitrogen, and element Z is one or more kind of activating agent, satisfying m>0, a>0, b>0, o≧0, and n>0), with a change rate of a ratio of element B atoms to the total numbers of atoms being smaller by 10% or the change rate of oxygen atoms to the total numbers of atoms being smaller by 40% in a range from a particle surface up to depth 2000 nm, having a broad emission spectrum in a range of blue color, having a broad flat excitation band in a range of near ultraviolet/ultraviolet, and having excellent emission efficiency, emission intensity, and luminance.
US08303845B2

The present invention discloses a porous phosphor and manufacturing method of the same. The method includes manufacturing an organic-inorganic hybrid porous structure from solution comprising deep eutectic solvent, the 13th group metal source, phosphorous acid source, and counter species source. With 4,4′-trimethylenedipyridine, the structure can be used as an intrinsic phosphor owning properties of photoluminescence without doping additional activator. The present invention also discloses a lighting device coated with the porous phosphor.
US08303841B2

A method for preparing a cathode active material of lithium battery is shown. The method includes providing MnOOH and lithium source material, and mixing the MnOOH and the lithium source material in a liquid solvent to achieve a mixture. Then, the mixture is dried to remove the liquid solvent, thereby achieving a precursor. A temperature of the precursor is elevated from room temperature to a sintering temperature of about 500° C. to about 900° C. at a uniform rate, and the precursor is sintered at the sintering temperature for about 3 hours to about 24 hours.
US08303839B2

Semiconductor processing compositions for use with silicon wafers having an insulating layers and metallization layers on the wafers comprising water and one or more Troika acids which is also referred to as α,α-disubstituted trifunctional oximes or α-(Hydroxyimino) Phosphonoacetic acids, their salts, and their derivatives.
US08303835B2

Compositions useful for conferring a flame-retardant finish on polyester materials by means of an exhaust process comprise a triester of phosphoric acid, a polyester and an amine or ammonium salt as well as water.
US08303833B2

A method for fabrication of microscopic structures that uses a beam process, such as beam-induced decomposition of a precursor, to deposit a mask in a precise pattern and then a selective, plasma beam is applied, comprising the steps of first creating a protective mask upon surface portions of a substrate using a beam process such as an electron beam, focused ion beam (FIB), or laser process, and secondly etching unmasked substrate portions using a selective plasma beam etch process. Optionally, a third step comprising the removal of the protective mask may be performed with a second, materially oppositely selective plasma beam process.
US08303831B2

Methods are provided for fabricating a semiconductor device on and in a semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, a method comprises the steps of forming etch masking features overlying the semiconductor substrate, the etch masking features having a first thickness, and forming an etch barrier layer overlying the substrate, the etch barrier layer having a second thickness less than or substantially equal to the first thickness. The method also comprises removing the etch masking features to expose the substrate, and etching the substrate using the etch barrier layer as an etch mask.
US08303824B2

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for filtering contaminated water from an oil or gas well.
US08303822B2

The present invention relates to a fixed bed, for example for the isolation and/or purification of components originating from a biological system, which fixed bed comprises magnetic beads and a magnetizable fabric arranged at least in part in the fixed bed, a fluidized bed-fixed bed, which comprises the fixed bed of the invention after application of an alternating magnetic field, and also to a process for the isolation and/or purification of components originating from a biological system.
US08303818B2

The invention relates to use of an active ionic liquid to dissolve algae cell walls. The ionic liquid is used to, in an energy efficient manner, dissolve and/or lyse an algae cell walls, which releases algae constituents used in the creation of energy, fuel, and/or cosmetic components. The ionic liquids include ionic salts having multiple charge centers, low, very low, and ultra low melting point ionic liquids, and combinations of ionic liquids. An algae treatment system is described, which processes wet algae in a lysing reactor, separates out algae constituent products, and optionally recovers the ionic liquid in an energy efficient manner.
US08303817B2

A nitrification carrier having made nitrifying bacteria dominant therein and a denitrification carrier having made anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria dominant therein are mixed in a treatment tank. Both of a nitrification reaction with the nitrification carrier and a denitrification reaction with denitrification carrier are allowed to proceed in the treatment tank to decompose ammonium nitrogen in wastewater to nitrogen gas. The ratio of the bacterial loads of the nitrifying bacteria and the anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria can be easily controlled by immobilizing the nitrifying bacteria and the anaerobic ammonium-oxidizing bacteria on different carriers from each other (nitrification carrier and denitrification carrier) and by controlling the volume ratio (ratio of the feeding amounts) of the nitrification carrier and the denitrification carrier.
US08303799B2

A process for grinding workpieces is obtained which includes attaching honing stones to a tool, each of the honing stones including grinding particles and an electroconductive connection for fixing the grinding particles to each other; grinding the workpieces with the honing stones by applying a honing liquid having substantially no electroconductive property to a region between the workpiece and the honing stones, the workpieces being successively ground during a series of processing periods, while interposing non-processing periods between the processing periods, each of the workpieces being ground in one of the processing periods; and performing an electrolytic dressing with respect to the honing stones by using an electrode provided to face the honing stones with a space therebetween, a voltage being applied between the honing stones and an electrode in the presence of an electroconductive liquid in the space between the honing stones and the electrode, the electrolytic dressing being carried out during the non-processing periods.
US08303795B2

In the method and system, a number of electrolytic cells are arranged as a cell group, which cells are separated by a number of partition walls; in each cell, a number of anodes and cathodes are arranged in an alternating order, so that in each cell, next to each anode, there is arranged a cathode, and so that in each cell, each individual anode is fitted in the same anode line with the anode of the adjacent cell, and in each cell, each individual cathode is fitted in the same cathode line with the cathode of the adjacent cell, and each anode is galvanically connected to at least one cathode of the adjacent cell. The flowing direction of the current passing in the cell group is deviated in different directions in order to make the current flow mainly in the direction of the cell group.
US08303792B1

A method of preparing an additive suspension circuit for a hard disk drive suspension includes electrodepositing an alloy of copper using an electrolytic bath containing copper sulfate, tin, iron, sulfuric acid, and hydrochloric acid, using pulsed current of about 10-45 amperes per square foot.
US08303790B2

The invention relates to a protocol for pre-staining a protein prior to electrophoresis, an electrophoresis method including the protocol, and a kit for carrying out the protocol. The protocol comprises the steps of incubating the protein sample with a pyrylium dye in the presence of a buffer, a detergent and a denaturing agent.
US08303788B2

An electrochemical gas sensor has a working electrode having a gas porous membrane and a catalyst layer formed on one side of the membrane; a counter electrode, electrolyte in contact with the catalyst both of the working electrode and of the counter electrode; and a support that is in contact with, and presses against the side of the working electrode remote from the electrolyte and that compresses the electrodes and the electrolyte together. The support includes open areas enabling gas to contact the membrane. The support provides a faster response and provides greater efficiency of catalyst usage.
US08303774B2

A headbox includes a feed device for feeding at least one fiber suspension, a perforated distribution pipe plate arranged immediately downstream thereof and having a plurality of channels arranged in lines and columns and an intermediate channel arranged downstream thereof extending over the width of the headbox and having a plurality of apparatuses for dosing a fluid in partial fluid streams to the at least one fiber suspension in an adjustable/controlled manner. The apparatuses are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the headbox and the individual apparatuses include a plurality of dosing channels having respective dosing channel openings on the outlet side and a dosing channel length, arriving at different levels and being connected to a common supply channel. The headbox further includes a downstream turbulence generator having a plurality of flow channels arranged in lines and columns and a headbox nozzle which is directly contiguous to the turbulence generator and which has a nozzle gap. At least some sections of the channels of the perforated distribution pipe plate have a diffuser and the perforated distribution pipe plate has a length which is ≧0.5·√{square root over (partition)} area the partition area being the surface of the downstream perforated distribution pipe plate divided by the total number of the channels of the perforated distribution pipe plate.
US08303769B2

Apparatus for screening cellulose pulp streams is disclosed including first and second screens contained in a housing, and a primary inlet for directing the cellulose pulp stream into the housing, an accept outlet for withdrawing an accept portion from the housing, a reject outlet for withdrawing a reject portion from the housing, a first accept chamber for receiving the accept portion which has passed through the first screen, a second screen chamber for directing the first accept portion to the second screen, and a secondary pulp inlet for receiving a second cellulose pulp feed stream comprising a screened cellulose pulp accept fraction and directing it to the second screen whereby the second accept fraction is delivered to the accept outlet. Methods and systems for screening cellulose pulp systems are also disclosed.
US08303768B2

A method of monitoring and inhibiting scale precipitation and deposition from spent liquor in pulp mill evaporators and concentrators is disclosed. The method includes connecting a black liquor deposition monitor to a pulp mill evaporator or concentrator and measuring the thermal conductivity on the outer surface of the monitor. A controller interprets the measured thermal conductivity and determines a level of scale deposition. If the level of scale deposition is above a predetermined level, the controller is operable to introduce a scale-inhibiting composition to the spent liquor. The scale-inhibiting composition may include organic polycarboxylic acids; organic fatty acids; low molecular weight and polymeric aromatic acids; organic acid esters, anhydrides, and amides; low molecular weight and polymeric aliphatic and aromatic sulfonic acids; and low molecular weight and polymeric amines; and any combinations.
US08303752B2

Provided is a method of manufacturing a wiring board, in which: a composite adhesive sheet 20 is attached to one of the surfaces of a support substrate 10, and a double-sided CCL 30 is attached to the other surface. Then, in an integrated state of the above components, a multilayer wiring structure including a conductive layer and a resin insulating layer is formed on a metal layer 33 of the double-sided CCL 30 by a known build-up method. A thermally foamable adhesive layer 22 of the composite adhesive sheet 20 is then heated, thereby thermally decomposing a thermal foaming agent to generate gas, and the support substrate 10 is separated from the remaining bonded body. Thereafter, a carrier foil layer 32b and a copper foil layer 32a of a carrier-foil coated copper foil 32 are mechanically peeled from each other at a boundary between both the layers, thereby obtaining a wiring board 1.
US08303751B2

A fiber reinforced panel is manufactured to include an integral vent screen. Holes are made in each of first and second sheets of fiber and the holes register with each other when the sheets are stacked within a mold. A screen material is placed between the first and second sheets so that a part of the screen material that registers with the holes in the first sheet and second sheet is exposed. Filler inserts are inserted into the holes of the first and second sheets to mask the screen. A resin is provided and cured to bond together the first and second sheets and the screen. Thus, the screen remains exposed after the first and second sheets and screen have been bonded together by the resin, thereby forming a fiber reinforced panel having an integrally molded vent screen therein.
US08303749B2

The present invention is related to a method for manufacturing composite film. The method includes the following steps: a substrate is provided; an interface agent is uniformly spread on the substrate; a silicone compound is uniformly spread on the interface agent; a first mold processed with sandblasting is provided; the substrate and the silicone compound are disposed inside the first mold so that the silicone compound is contacted to the inner surface of the first mold; the substrate and the silicone compound are vulcanized by a predetermined time; afterward, a composite film with a writing layer and the substrate is formed. The present invention is characterized in that the silicone compound is uniformly mixed with 37.5% of first silicone, 37.5% of second silicone and 25% of dimethicone; the glass sand is composed of particles with diameter of 75±25 μm and 125±25 μm by proportion of 1:9.
US08303738B2

A metal heating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a light output portion for outputting light having a center wavelength in a wavelength range of 200 nm to 600 nm.
US08303724B2

Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus for cleaning and drying a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer. This substrate processing apparatus includes a liquid processing unit for processing a substrate by immersing the substrate in stored purified water, a drying unit arranged above the liquid processing unit and configured to dry the substrate, a substrate transfer apparatus for transferring the substrate between the liquid processing unit and drying unit, a fluid supply mechanism for supplying a fluid mixture containing vapor or mist of purified water and vapor or mist of a volatile organic solvent to the drying unit, and a controller for controlling the supply of the fluid mixture.
US08303723B2

In a liquid processing apparatus configured to remove, from a substrate including a first film and a second film formed above the first film, the first film and the second film, a first chemical-liquid supply part supplies, to a substrate W, a first liquid for dissolving the first film, a second chemical-liquid supply part supplies a second chemical liquid for weakening the second film, and a fluid supply part serving also as an impact giving part gives a physical impact to the second film so as to break the second film and supplies a fluid for washing away debris of the broken second film. A control device controls the respective parts such that, after the second liquid has been supplied and then the fluid has been supplied from the fluid supply part, the first chemical liquid is supplied.
US08303713B2

A flow inlet element (22) for a chemical vapor deposition reactor (10) is formed from a plurality of elongated tubular elements (64, 65) extending side-by-side with one another in a plane transverse to the upstream to downstream direction of the reactor. The tubular elements have inlets for ejecting gas in the downstream direction. A wafer carrier (14) rotates around an upstream to downstream axis. The gas distribution elements may provide a pattern of gas distribution which is asymmetrical with respect to a medial plane (108) extending through the axis.
US08303708B2

A ductile ultra-high performance concrete which includes in relative parts by weight: 100 of Portland cement; 50 to 200 of a sand having a single grading with a D1O to D90 between 0.063 and 5 mm, or a mixture of sands, the finest sand having a D1O to D90 between 0.063 and 1 mm and the coarsest sand having a D1O to D90 between 1 and 5 mm; 0 to 70 of a particulate pozzolanic or non-pozzolanic material or a mixture thereof having a mean particle size less than 15 μm; 0.1 to 10 of a water-reducing superplasticizer; 10 to 30 of water; and 0.5 to 5% by volume relative to the volume of the hardened composition of glass fibers having an aspect ratio of 6 to 120.
US08303705B2

This invention relates to cyanoacrylate compositions that include, in addition to the cyanoacrylate component, a compound embraced by structure A: where D is independently a member selected from O or S, and A is independently a member selected from hydrogen, linear, branched or cyclic alkyl groups having from 1 to about 20 carbon atoms, alkenyl groups having from 2 to about 20 carbon atoms, alkynyl groups having from 2 to about 20 carbon atoms, and aryl groups having from 6 to about 20 carbon atoms, with or without interruption or substitution by a member selected from halogen, silicon, hydroxy, ester, and sulfate, provided that at least one A is not H and that at least one A has at least one carboxyl group attached thereto.
US08303704B2

A siloxane based coating composition having excellent dyeability, abrasion resistance, glossiness and transparency, a preparation method thereof, and an optical lens coated by the coating composition are suggested. The siloxane based coating composition includes organo silane compound, inorganic oxide (H-index filler), solvent and a dyeing improving material. The dyeing improving material adopts nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, phosphoric acid, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, silver nitrate, or the like. The siloxane based coating composition shows excellent dyeability owing to the dyeing improving material, excellent abrasion resistance owing to the organo silane compound, and excellent glossiness and transparency, so it may be applied as a coating film on a surface of a plastic lens such as optical lens, industrial safety lens and leisure-purpose goggle that require high transparency.
US08303703B2

An exhaust pipe paint for application to an exhaust pipe base includes an inorganic glass particle, an inorganic particle, and at least one of an inorganic binder and an inorganic binder precursor.
US08303702B2

Preparation for producing refractory materials, characterized in that it comprises one or more particulate, refractory components and one or more binders, where—the particulate, refractory component has a mean particle diameter of >0.3 m and—the binder is selected from among—from 0.05 to 50% by weight of a very finely particulate binder having a mean particle diameter of from 10 nm to 0.3 m selected from the group consisting of aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide, zirconium dioxide and/or mixed oxides of the abovementioned oxides, —from 0 to 20% by weight of an inorganic binder, from 0 to 20% by weight of a hydraulically setting binder, —from 0 to 15% by weight of an organic, silicon-free binder—and the preparation additionally contains from 0 to 35% by weight of water, where—the proportion of the particulate, refractory component is equal to 100 and the percentages of the further materials in the preparation are based on the particulate component.
US08303700B1

The present invention is related to a coating composition for the production of a magnetically induced image, consisting of volatile components (S) and non-volatile components, the latter consisting of an ink vehicle (I) and magnetically orientable optically variable interference pigment (P), to a process for manufacturing the coating composition, and to the use of the composition for the production of a magnetically induced image coating on a substrate with the help of applied magnetic fields. Said magnetically induced image coating may be used as a security device on value- or identity documents, brand protection labels and the like.
US08303699B2

An ink compatibility including a dye and surface functionalized photocatalytically active semiconductor nanoparticles is provided. This ink composition enables the reuse of a print substrate, because the surface functionalized photocatalytically active semiconductor nanoparticles bleach the dye under an activating radiation.
US08303698B2

The present invention provides a system and method for transmitting information between a device within a housing to a second device, preferably a test or monitoring unit, outside of the housing. There are numerous issues associated with transferring information from within a sealed housing to an external device. In some cases, the use of wires inside the housing may be impractical, due to internal conditions, such as fluid flow, pressure or temperature. In one embodiment, the antenna of the external RF reading device is electrically connected to the dome of the housing. In another embodiment, the device within the housing is electrically connected to a housing component. In another embodiment, the gasket is used to pass information from within the housing to an external device.
US08303693B2

A filtration medium includes a fine filter layer having a plurality of nanofibers and a coarse filter layer having a plurality of microfibers attached to the fine filter layer. The coarse filter layer is positioned proximal to a direction of fluid flow, and the fine filter layer is positioned distal to the direction of fluid flow.
US08303688B2

Disclosed herein is a filter apparatus comprising a fluid inlet for a fluid to be filtered in the apparatus; a first fluid outlet for fluid that has been filtered; and one or more barrier filters arranged between the fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet for filtering material from the fluid. In use, the fluid to be filtered is directed from the fluid inlet so as to promote a continuous erosion of material built up on the barrier filter(s). Also disclosed is a method of filtering particles from a particle laden fluid.
US08303685B2

An improved acid gas regeneration and injection process wherein the separated acid gas stream emerging from a regenerator is compressed and injected into subsurface reservoir, the improvement comprising conducting the acid gas separation in the regenerator under pressure that exceeds 50 psia and does not exceed 300 psia.
US08303683B2

Guard layers are employed in the adsorbent beds of rapid cycle pressure swing adsorption (RCPSA) devices to protect the adsorbent therein from certain contaminants (e.g. water vapour). Conventional PSA devices typically pack the guard layer with as much guard material as is practical. In RCPSA devices however, the performance of the guard layer can be improved by using a reduced amount of guard material and increasing access to it. Such embodiments are characterized by guard layers with a channel fraction of greater than 50%.
US08303681B2

A mixed powder and a sintered body obtained by sintering the mixed powder. The mixed powder includes a solid-solution powder with complete solid-solution phase. The solid-solution powder includes a carbide or a carbonitride of at least two metals selected, including Ti, from metals of Groups IVa, Va and VIa of the periodic table, or a mixture thereof. A mixed cermet powder and a cermet obtained by sintering the mixed cermet powder are also disclosed. The mixed cermet powder includes at least a cermet powder with complete solid-solution phase. The cermet powder includes a carbide or a carbonitride of at least two metals selected, including Ti, from metals of Groups IVa, Va and VIa of the periodic table, or a mixture thereof, and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Ni, Co and Fe. Also disclosed are a sintered body and a fabrication method of a cermet.
US08303678B2

An air intake filter system for a gas turbine. The air intake filter system comprises a housing connectable with a gas turbine for fluid communication with the gas turbine. A frame is located within the housing. A filter assembly comprises a flange connectible with the frame to mount the filter assembly. The flange has a portion contained in a first plane that is adapted to extend in a substantially vertical direction when mounted in the frame. A filter portion is attached to the flange for filtering air therethrough that is communicated to the gas turbine. The filter portion includes filter media capable of separating moisture from air flowing through the filter portion. A moisture resistant first end is attached to the flange and filter portion. The first end has a portion contained in a second plane that extends at an acute angle relative to the first plane. The first end is adapted to form a drain surface to direct moisture away from the interior of the filter assembly.
US08303675B2

With a system for synthesis gas production, having a reactor as well as a gas cooler/purifier connected with it in terms of flow, a solution is supposed to be created, with which the most compact possible connection between reactor, on the one hand, and the gas cooler or purifier, on the other hand, is made possible, whereby heat expansions that occur due to different temperatures are absorbed. This is accomplished in that the connection between reactor (1) and gas cooler/purifier (7) is formed by a horizontal connection piece (5) having a throttle element (6) configured as a Venturi element.
US08303664B1

Joint replacement spacers that fully seat against the cut surface of a bone while remaining free to move on the cut surface within prescribed limits; methods of joint replacement using such spacers.
US08303660B1

A prosthesis is adapted for implantation into the spine. The prosthesis has a first member and a second member. The first member and the second member have a permitted range of rotational motion with respect to one another. The amount of permitted rotation of the first member relative to the second member is dependant on the extent of flexion and extension of the spine.
US08303659B2

Instrumentation for implanting an artificial intervertebral disc includes static trials and a dynamic trial for determining the appropriate size of disc to be implanted, static trial holders for manipulating the static trials, inserter/impactors for inserting and removing the static trials and for inserting the artificial intervertebral discs, repositioners/extractors for repositioning and extracting the static trials or the artificial intervertebral discs, and a leveler for setting the proper position of the artificial intervertebral disc. Methods for using the same are also disclosed. Features for artificial intervertebral discs and intervertebral spacer devices useful for manipulation by the instrumentation are also disclosed.
US08303658B2

An expandable spinal implant including at least two expandable branch portions extending generally along a longitudinal axis and each including a fixed end portion and an opposite movable end portion with the fixed end portions coupled together adjacent a base portion of the implant. A first of the branch portions includes at least one transverse projection having opposite axially-facing outer surfaces. A second of the branch portions defines at least one transverse recess having opposing axially-facing inner surfaces. The transverse projection is positioned within and displacable along the transverse recess with the outer surfaces of the projection positioned in close proximity with the inner surfaces of the recess to provide structural support to the implant subsequent to expansion. In one embodiment, the branch portions are separated from one another by at least one slot including a narrow portion that defines the close fitting transverse projection and transverse recess.
US08303655B2

An ocular implant alters iris color for medical and cosmetic purposes and is made of an inert, nontoxic, foldable and preferably permeable to fluid flow material. It is an annular non-planar structure that fits over the iris yet leaves the natural lens uncovered and extends approximately to the iridocorneal angle. Two different kinds of arc sections of a non-uniform thickness make up the structure: passage arc sections and support arc sections. The passage arc sections permit humor aqueous flow under the implant. The support arc sections make contact with the iris and provide the necessary support for the passage arc sections. Auricles extend from the support arc sections and are configured to hold the implant in place by engaging the eye at the iridocorneal angle. The implant may include an artificial lens, a limbal ring, and various means to anchor for the artificial lens.
US08303646B2

A stent (10) is provided with a plurality of stent rings (12) formed of a plurality of interconnected struts (14). Adjacent stent rings (12) are coupled to one another by a plurality of tie bars (16). Within each tie bar (16) there is provided a hinge (36) which facilitates the curving of the stent (10) in its longitudinal direction and minimizes the generation of returning force to a non-curved configuration by the stent (10). The hinge could, for example, be formed by heat treating a portion of the tie bar (16). This arrangement is particularly suitable for stents or other medical devices intended to be placed in delicate vessels, such as cerebral vessels.
US08303645B2

The present invention provides a stent comprising a tubular flexible body having a wall with a web structure that is expandable from a contracted delivery configuration to deployed configuration. The web structure comprises a plurality of neighboring web patterns, where each web patterns is composed of adjoining webs, and the web patterns are interconnected. Each adjoining web comprises a central section interposed between two lateral sections to form concave or convex configurations.
US08303644B2

Polymeric stents having fracture toughness and resistance to recoil after deployment are disclosed along with methods of manufacturing such stents. Improvements to mechanical characteristics and other improvements may be achieved by having polymer chains within individual stent struts oriented in a direction that is closer to or in line with the axis of the individual stent struts. The struts are connected to each other by hinge elements that are configured to bend during crimping and deployment of the stent. The hinge elements may be tangent or non-tangent to the adjoining struts so as to form W-shaped closed cells arranged in an offset brick pattern in which the size each W-shaped closed cell can be defined in part by a curvilinear length that is approximately 4.5 mm, which allows the stent to be crimped down to an OD of about 1.3 mm and expanded to an OD of at least about 3.5 mm.
US08303638B2

A cushion (1) includes a flexible cover (2) defining a chamber (15). A water-absorbing material (3) is placed inside the chamber, upon absorption of water said water-absorbing material is suitable for heating by means of microwaves. The cover (2) has a sealable feeding mouth (4) so that water may be poured into the chamber (15).
US08303635B2

A light emitting device to awaken an animal and stimulate the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus in the brain to suppress melatonin secretion. The device can be programmed for an initiation time, color of light, brightness, frequency of pulsating light, and level of gradual intensity. It has the advantage of being silent and does not to disturb other people sleeping in the same room.
US08303634B2

A bone screw (1) having a threaded proximal portion (2), a threaded median portion (3), and a threaded distal portion (4). Threaded proximal portion (2) has a core (11) with a constant diameter and a proximal thread (12) with a constant diameter and a proximal pitch (P2). The threaded median portion (3) has a core (15), which is conical, with a diameter becoming increasingly larger from the distal end of the threaded median portion (3) to the proximal end thereof, and thread (16), which has a constant diameter smaller than the diameter of the thread (12) of the proximal threaded portion (2). The pitch of thread (16) of the threaded median portion (3) becomes increasingly smaller from the distal end of the threaded median portion (3) towards its proximal end. At the proximal end of the threaded median portion (3), the pitch of thread (16) is larger than the pitch (P2) of the thread (12) of the threaded proximal portion (2). The threaded distal portion (4) has a core (17) and thread (18), both having a constant diameter, and with thread (18) having a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the thread (16). The pitch (P4) of the thread (18) of the threaded distal portion (4) is larger than the pitch of thread (16) at the distal end of the threaded median portion (3).
US08303625B2

Described herein are a group of degradable, thermoplastic polymers, which are able to change their shape after an increase in temperature. Their shape memory capability enables bulky implants to be placed in the body through small incisions or to perform complex mechanical deformations automatically. The shape memory polymers are preferably biocompatible and can be biodegradable or non-degradable polymers. Preferably, the biodegradable polymer has a linear degradation rate. In a specifically preferred embodiment, the suture is formed of biodegradable polymer capable of forming a self-tightening knot. In a most preferred embodiment, the suture is used to close a wound or body scission.
US08303623B2

An occluder (7) for sealing body orifices (6, 6a) of the human or animal body is illustrated and described, in particular an occluder (7) for percutaneous transcatheter sealing of atrium septum defects of the human or animal heart (1). According to the invention it is provided that the occluder (7) or parts of the occluder (7) form an electric oscillating resonance circuit, whereby at least one conductive loop forming the inductivity of the oscillating resonance circuit is provided and the occluder (7) or parts of the occluder (7) are formed by the conductive loop.
US08303616B2

A medical device delivery system comprises a catheter having a catheter shaft with a proximal region and a distal region. The catheter shaft has a pull wire lumen therein. An expandable medical device is disposed about medical device receiving region of the catheter shaft. The expandable medical device has a reduced configuration and an expanded configuration. The system further comprises a retractable retaining wire, at least a portion of which is coiled about the expandable medical device and retains the expandable medical device in the reduced configuration. One end of the retractable retaining wire terminates in a pull-wire. The pull-wire extends into the pull-wire lumen to the proximal region of the catheter shaft.
US08303615B2

A lancing device comprises a main housing, a movable housing and a pushbutton. The main housing encloses a portion of a lancing mechanism. The lancing mechanism includes a lancet holder attached to a shaft. The lancet holder receives a lancet and has a slot formed therein. The lancing mechanism moves between a rest position, a cocked position, and a puncture position. The movable housing is adjacent to the main housing. The movable housing moves from a rest position to a cocking position and a lancet-release position. The pushbutton allows the lancing mechanism to move from the cocked position to the puncture position upon depression of the pushbutton. The pushbutton includes a lancet-release tab that extends into the slot formed in the lancet holder and engages the lancet. The lancet is released from the lancet holder in response to the continued depression of the pushbutton and the movable housing is moved from the rest position to the lancet-release position.
US08303610B2

A device for producing anastomoses between hollow organs. The device includes an inner sleeve mounted around the end of the first hollow organ and an outer sleeve mounted around the end of the second hollow organ, the end being arranged over the end of the first hollow organ, which is turned inside out over the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve and outer sleeve are separable. In order to obtain a secure and durable anastomosis that is easy to carry out, the inner sleeve and outer sleeve comprise electricity-conducting materials, for example in the form of contact surfaces that can be connected to an external power or voltage to electrocoagulate the hollow organs that are to be joined.
US08303609B2

Medical devices, and in particular implantable medical devices, may be coated to minimize or substantially eliminate a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. The medical devices may be coated with any number of biocompatible materials. Therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may be mixed with the biocompatible materials and affixed to at least a portion of the medical device. These therapeutic drugs, agents or compounds may also further reduce a biological organism's reaction to the introduction of the medical device to the organism. Various materials and coating methodologies may be utilized to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned.
US08303604B2

A soft tissue repair device can include a housing having a handle, a deployment system having an actuation member, and an insertion system having an inserter and a slider. The slider can be coupled to the actuation member and movable relative to the inserter between deployed and retracted positions. First and second anchors can be carried on an external surface of the slider such that the anchors are spaced apart and portions of the anchors are coaxial with the slider and each other. A flexible strand can couple the anchors. The insertion system can cooperate with the deployment system to move the slider to the deployed position to deploy the first anchor upon activating the actuation member a first time, and to move the slider to the deployed position from the retracted position to deploy the second anchor upon actuating the actuation member a second time after the first time.
US08303594B2

A surgical instrument includes a deflectable cutting element extending from the distal end of the instrument. The deflection of the cutting element is controllable based on a user operating a moveable member of the instrument. The deflectable cutting element is normally disposed within a circumferential region defined by the distal end of the instrument. The moveable member can be moved in relation to the instrument to deflect the deflectable cutting element, such that the cutting element is at least partially outside of the circumferential region. The extent that the cutting element is outside of the circumferential region is a function of the position to which the moveable member is moved in relation to the instrument. The instrument further includes direct imaging of the distal end, such that the deflection of the cutting element for selective removal of bone tissue at the distal end of the instrument can be controlled in real-time.
US08303592B2

A system for forming a tendon-bone graft. The system can include at least one support that is adapted to support the tendon-bone graft. The system can further include at least one clamp that is adapted to engage the tendon-bone graft to clamp the tendon-bone graft to the at least one support. The system can also include at least one cutting member that is operable to resect the tendon-bone graft. The at least one cutting member or the at least one support can be moveable relative to the other of the at least one cutting member or the at least one support to resect the tendon-bone graft.
US08303589B2

A fixation system, including an intramedullary fixation assembly and an instrument for coupling the intramedullary fixation assembly to bones. The intramedullary fixation assembly includes a proximal screw member positioned at a proximal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly, a distal member positioned at a distal end of the intramedullary fixation assembly, where the proximal screw member is slideably coupled to the distal member and makes a fixed angle with the distal member.
US08303573B2

Systems and methods are described for implementing or deploying medical or veterinary utility modules (a) operable for mooring at least partly within a digestive tract, (b) small enough to pass through the tract per vias naturales and including a wireless-control component, (c) having one or more attachment protrusions positionable adjacent to a mucous membrane, (d) configured to facilitate redundant modes of attachment, (e) facilitating a “primary” material supply deployable within a stomach for an extended and/or controllable period, (f) moored by one or more adaptable extender modules supported by a subject's head or neck, and/or (g) configured to facilitate supporting at least a sensor within a subject's body lumen for up to a day or more.
US08303571B2

A multiple-line connective device for use in a medication infusing system includes a connective device body forming a main flow passage from an inlet to an outlet along a longitudinal axis, the main flow passage including an interior surface having a raised surface feature configured to induce turbulent liquid flow through the main flow passage. One or more branches extend from the connective device body, each defining at least one branch passage in communication with the main flow passage. Each branch passage enters the main flow passage at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis that imparts a flow through the branch passage that has a directional component that is parallel to the longitudinal axis and in the direction from the inlet to the outlet.
US08303567B2

A method for transferring a macromolecular complex to muscle cells by exsanguinating a region of the subject's microvasculature and delivering the complex to this region under high hydrostatic pressure. A balloon catheter having a balloon that extends substantially the full length of the cannula that is inserted into the subject is provided for use in the systemic delivery of macromolecular complex.
US08303558B2

A tampon applicator which has an elongate insertion member having a length extending from an insertion end to a gripper end opposite. The gripper end has a grip region dimensioned to substantially accept a user's grip. The grip region has a plurality of corrugations, a first transition portion, and a second transition portion. Each corrugation has a trough and a ridge. The first transition portion is substantially adjacent the gripper end and a second transition portion is disposed toward the insertion end.
US08303553B2

The invention relates to a flow limiter for a fluid flowing in an aspiration branch of a surgical system, which fluid is a surgical fluid and has emulsified particles in a surgical intervention, with a limiter element that comprises at least one flow channel arrangement with at least one main channel and at least one subsidiary channel that opens into the main channel at an angle of greater than or equal to 90°. The invention also relates to a surgical system, in particular an ophthalmic microsurgical system for lens surgery.
US08303552B2

A reduced pressure treatment appliance is provided for treating a wound on the body of a patient. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises a cover, which can have a top cup member and an interface member. The interface member can have flow control means, configured to permit exudate from the wound to flow through the flow control means into the volume under the cover, but not in the opposite direction. Also, in some embodiments, the top cup member can have a lid member, a cup body member, and lid attachment means to removably attach the lid member to the cup body member. In some embodiments, the cover can be configured to facilitate access to the wound for monitoring, treatment and other purposes without removing the cover from the body. The wound treatment appliance can have a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the site of the wound in the volume under the cover. A suction bulb can be used to provide a source of reduced pressure to the cover. Additionally, methods are provided for using various embodiments of the treatment appliance.
US08303550B2

A novel system for coloring the sclera of a human eye, including steps of accessing the sclera, drying a portion of the sclera, applying one or more colorants to the dried portion of the sclera, drying the colorant, and closing access to the sclera. The system avoids tattooing, implanting, and corneal modification. Permanent results may be obtained. Colorants may be coatings or stains.
US08303544B2

A catheter capture device comprising a urethral sound and a sleeve that utilizes balloon inflation to capture the catheter. A catheter capture device comprising a urethral sound and a clamshell device. The clamshell device comprises two halves, one of which comprises two pins. One pin passes through the lateral holes in the tip of the catheter, and the other pin fits into a notch in the bottom half of the clamshell device. A catheter capture device comprising a urethral sound, a sleeve and a pin that passes through the lateral holes in the tip of the catheter. A catheter capture device comprising a urethral sound, a wire and a nodule, wherein the nodule captures the catheter by lodging in the tip of the catheter. The nodule could be a ball, hook, crimped wire or similar object. A method of capturing a catheter in an obese or non-obese patient.
US08303543B2

An insertion apparatus, including an object for insertion into a patient; an insertion structure including an annular mounting structure having a mounting structure interior, the mounting structure containing a resilient membrane barrier extending across the mounting structure interior with a resiliently closing membrane opening for passing the object; so that the object can be inserted forwardly through the membrane opening and into a patient and subsequently withdrawn from the patient and rearwardly from the membrane opening, the membrane opening resiliently closes as the object exits the membrane opening and thereby preventing patient bodily fluid from flowing rearwardly out of the insertion structure.
US08303539B2

The present invention provides a balloon having a non-uniform thickness that is adapted to facilitate folding of the balloon. The balloon comprises at least one relatively thin section formed between inner and outer surfaces of the balloon, and at least one relatively thick section formed between the inner and outer surfaces. The balloon may be formed from a balloon preform that similarly comprises at least one relatively thin section and at least one relatively thick section. The shape of the balloon preform may be formed, for example, by extrusion. The balloon preform may be placed in a balloon mold having a substantially cylindrical interior surface, and blow-molded to form the finished balloon configuration. The balloon comprises a non-uniform thickness, while comprising a substantially cylindrical outer diameter both after removal from the balloon mold and in an inflated state.
US08303535B2

A compact and one time use, self-administration device (10) for administering medication is disclosed. The device includes a housing (12) having a start button (26), a status indicator (28), a window (30), and a surface removably attachable to a user. The device (10) has a cartridge holder (34) providing in an aseptic environment a cartridge (32) containing the medication. The cartridge (32) is viewable through the cartridge holder (34) and the window (30). An included drive unit (42) provides a movable plunger (126) that breaks through a sterile barrier (130) of the cartridge holder (34) to dispense the medication from the cartridge (32) to an hollow needle (38) for administering the medication into the user. The device (10) provides means (36, 44) for extending and retracting the hollow needle (38) and an electronic control unit (40) which controls the drive unit (42), the extending and retracting means (36, 44), and interfaces with the start button (26), the status indicator (28), and the body sensor (24) to automatically administer the medication.
US08303526B2

A medical sling made from material that is suitably shaped for use in a medical application has sides, portions of which are smoothed to prevent abrasion of surrounding tissue.
US08303523B2

Provided is a walking assist device including a load transmit portion, a ground contacting portion capable of using a commercially available shoe, and a leg link disposed therebetween. The ground contacting portion is composed of a footboard for supporting the shoe thereon. The footboard is provided with a connection member connected to the leg link and a front holding member and a rear holding member for stably holding a front vamp portion and a rear vamp portion, respectively, of the shoe in an anteroposterior direction. When a pressure sensor for detecting a stepping force from a user is provided in the footboard, the front holding member is located ahead of the pressure sensor.
US08303522B2

A miniature device for generating shock waves using the energy of combustion of a nanoenergetic material and directing the shock waves into biological tissues is described.
US08303513B2

A hospitalization management system including a heart failure analyzer that receives diagnostic data including at least sensor data representative of one or more physiological signals sensed from a hospitalized patient using one or more sensors and assesses risk of rehospitalization for the patient using the diagnostic data. The outcome of the risk assessment is used during and following the patient's hospitalization for reducing the risk of rehospitalization.
US08303508B2

An ultrasound endoscope has an ultrasound probe which is disposed at a distal end side of a distal end rigid portion configuring a distal end portion out of a flexible tube portion, a bending portion and the distal end rigid portion configuring an insertion portion, and forms an ultrasound scanning surface having a normal line in a direction orthogonal to an endoscope insertion axis L1, and a treatment instrument outlet of a treatment hole in the distal end rigid portion. The ultrasound probe is configured by a plurality of ultrasound transducers arranged in a convex circular arc shape, and a center of curvature of the plurality of ultrasound transducers is disposed at a proximal end side from the treatment instrument outlet.
US08303490B2

A capsule type medical device, including: a capsule shaped casing which can be ingested to within the living body; an electrical stimulation device which comprises a plurality of electrodes which are used for applying electrical stimuli to living body tissue; an electrode selection device which selects an electrode from among the plurality of electrodes, to apply an electrical stimulus; a contact detection device which electrically detects the electrode which is in contact with the living body tissue; and a control section which controls the various devices.
US08303485B2

A magnetically guiding system includes: a capsule medical device that has a magnet provided therein; an information acquiring unit that acquires physical information about magnetic guiding of the capsule medical device; a magnetic field generating unit that generates a magnetic field for magnetically guiding the capsule medical device; and a control unit that sets a magnetic field condition based on the physical information acquired by the information acquiring unit and controls the magnetic field generating unit to generate a magnetic field corresponding to the magnetic field condition.
US08303471B2

A bi-directional tensioning apparatus including one or more elongate resilient members, one or more support members, one or more first guide members, and one or more optional second guide members is provided. A method of using the bi-directional tensioning apparatus is also provided.
US08303469B2

A trampoline comprises a flexible mat, a plurality of resiliently flexible rods each having an upper end retained in the flexible mat, and a base frame arranged to retain the lower ends of the flexible rods. The base frame comprises for each rod an aperture through an upper side of the base frame into the interior of the tubular frame, and a formation into the interior of the tubular base frame from the lower side of the base frame and spaced laterally from the aperture, which may be formed by deforming material of the underside wall of the base frame into the interior of the base frame, for receiving the lower end of the flexible rod.
US08303466B2

In an apparatus for controlling an outboard motor having an internal combustion engine to power a propeller and a torque converter interposed between the engine and a drive shaft and equipped with a lockup clutch, it is configured to, based on input rotation speed and output rotation speed of the torque converter, calculate a speed ratio of the torque converter and a change amount of the input rotation speed, and make the lockup clutch ON/OFF based on the calculated speed ratio and change amount. With this, it becomes possible to appropriately make the lockup clutch ON/OFF, thereby improving speed performance.
US08303465B2

A method for controlling engine temperature of an engine with a wide dynamic range is disclosed. In one example, the derivative of an engine temperature is assessed by a controller. The controller may adjust engine actuators to limit engine temperature in response to the derivative.
US08303460B2

The invention relates to a connection of sheet metal components of a transmission, wherein the connection has at least one form fit between at least one first sheet metal component and at least one second sheet metal component, and here, the form fit is formed by means of at least one journal which projects out of the first sheet metal component, wherein the journal engages into an opening, which at least partially corresponds to the outer contour of the journal, on the second sheet metal component.
US08303458B2

An automatic speed reduction ratio switching apparatus is equipped with a sun gear connected to an input shaft, first and second carriers connected to a feed screw shaft, planetary gears meshed with the sun gear and which are mounted rotatably in the first and second carriers, and an internal gear meshed with the planetary gears and which is capable of movement in an axial direction. A packing member is arranged between the internal gear and the second carrier, for regulating movement in the axial direction of the internal gear, while enabling movement of the internal gear in the axial direction when a thrust force is applied at or above a predetermined value.
US08303454B1

A transmission for a vehicle employs parts as few as possible to provide forward 11-speed and reverse 1-speed gear ratios while having a relatively simple configuration, thereby allowing the operational state of an engine connected to the transmission to be in an optimal state. Thus, the transmission makes it possible to improve fuel efficiency and secure smooth driving performance of the vehicle.
US08303448B2

Disclosed is an apparatus including a stepless speed change device receiving an engine drive; a planetary transmission device for, by a plurality of planetary transmission mechanisms, combining an output from the stepless speed change device and the engine drive not subject to a speed change by the stepless speed change device; and a speed range setting device for outputting the drive combined by the planetary transmission device and divided into a plurality of speed ranges. The planetary transmission device, the speed range setting device and a forward-reverse changeover device are located forwardly of a rear end of an upstream transmission case portion. An electric motor may be used instead of the stepless speed change device.
US08303433B2

The present invention is directed toward a golf club head with an adjustable insert. The insert is moveable in a face to back direction, and may be locked into place by one or more locking mechanisms. The insert may be adjustable so that the overall distance from the face to the back approaches the distance from the heel to the toe.
US08303429B2

A golf club having a golf club head 20 with a keel zone that makes the actual face angle of the golf club appear differently when the golf club is at address. The golf club head 20 has a keel zone that is preferably 0.5 inch wide in the fore-aft direction and 1.0 inch wide in the heel-toe direction, which changes the appearance of the face angle while the golf club is at address.
US08303424B2

A shoe mounts an outer spring defining a longitudinal direction and an inner spring arranged within the outer spring. The outer and inner springs define corresponding end sides of the outer and inner springs, and the shoe defines an end side of the shoe. A spring-position limitation limits the outer spring in its longitudinal direction and enables the inner spring to emerge at the end side of the shoe out of the outer spring. A driver primary element exerts a pressure on the inner spring as the driver approaches the outer and inner springs in a direction of the corresponding end sides of the outer and inner springs.
US08303420B2

Wagering game systems, gaming machines, and methods of changing the appearance of a gaming machine are presented herein. In one embodiment, a gaming machine for playing a wagering game is presented. The gaming machine includes a display for displaying the outcomes of the wagering game, and an input device for receiving wagers from players. The gaming machine also includes a cabinet with a mounting base integrated to the top of the cabinet. The mounting base is configured to support any of a plurality of different top-box mounted fixtures, such as tower lights, marquees, and other signage. In some embodiments, the gaming machine also includes at least one electrical connector that is accessible from the exterior of the cabinet. The electrical connector is configured to electrically couple the selected top-box mounted fixture to the cabinet.
US08303418B2

An illustrative method controls changes to be made in electronic gaming machines (EGMs) that permit wagering on games. A schedule of conditions to be implemented by one or more EGMs is stored in memory. The schedule includes records containing the identity of an EGM, conditions to be implemented by the identified EGM, dates on which the conditions are to be implemented, and start and end times during which the implementation is to occur. Each record stores a priority parameter. It is determined that at least two records are to be implemented on the same date such that a time overlap in servicing the implementation of first and second conditions associated with the first and second records would result. A time sequence of execution of the first and second records is determined based on the respective priority parameters of each of the first and second records. The execution of the first and second records is caused in accord with the determined sequence to avoid the time overlap in servicing the implementation of first and second conditions.
US08303417B2

A system, apparatus and method for gaming-related communications in a hierarchical multi-tiered system are described herein. In some embodiments, a method includes transmitting a master configuration from a central operations of a hierarchical multi-tiered system to a local gaming site having one or more gaming components. The method also includes receiving a selected configuration for one or more of the gaming components based on the master configuration. The method includes downloading the selected configuration to the one or more of the gaming components through the hierarchical multi-tiered system.
US08303414B2

A remote gaming method comprising a player accessing, via a remote terminal, a gaming site on a global computer network connected to the remote terminal. The player is able to provide via the remote terminal, personal identification information to the gaming site and select, via the remote terminal, a game of chance located at a gaming establishment for remote play. The remote terminal is located outside the gaming establishment. The player places, via the remote terminal, a wager for playing the selected game and receives randomly generated text or graphical outcome data at the remote terminal for the selected game. The outcome data being generated by either a gaming server or a gaming machine at the gaming establishment and is subsequently relayed to the gaming site.
US08303410B2

A method of operation of a navigation system includes: receiving a game search preference; locating a compliant opponent location conformant to the game search preference; identifying a first preference region encompassing the compliant opponent location; locating a noncompliant opponent location violating the game search preference; and adjusting the first preference region to exclude the noncompliant opponent location for displaying on a device.
US08303406B2

There is provided a system comprising a venue including a mapped physical space; a venue management system configured to control real events occurring within the venue; a transporter designed to transport at least one occupant through the mapped physical space along a known path, the transporter configured to move through the mapped physical space under the control of the venue management system; an augmented reality experience server including a virtual venue generator in communication with the venue management system, the virtual venue generator for producing a virtual venue having a virtual representation of the mapped physical space including virtual events and real events occurring within the venue; the augmented reality experience server configured to provide the at least one occupant of the transporter with an augmented sensory perspective including a selective combination of the real events occurring in the venue and the virtual events produced by the virtual venue generator.
US08303399B2

Concerning with the game insurance objectifying the game result in each of the gaming machines, based on the game information transmitted from each of the gaming machines (S103) and the information of the insurance contents stored in the insurance control server, the insurance control server determines whether or not the insurance money of the game insurance is paid (S407). At that time, based on the ID number of the member's card transmitted from the card unit (S203) and the member information transmitted from the member control server (S301), the insurance control server specifies the player of the member who is the object person of the game insurance (S407).
US08303393B2

A gaming system includes at least one display configured to display a plurality of symbols positions. The plurality of symbol positions are configured to display symbols indicative of a randomly selected outcome of a wagering game in relation to a plurality of paylines. The gaming system further includes a controller configured to award an award for any winning outcome occurring along a payline and to add a number of winning paylines to a counter configured to track a number of winning paylines. The controller is further configured, in response to a number of winning paylines in the counter exceeding a predetermined threshold number, to activate a game feature in which a second award is awarded.
US08303389B2

An assembly for electronically performing card games through data transmission between a game console and RFID elements, for reading out and/or changing game status or game course representing data and data characterizing player features. A game pad is provided with defined game fields for receiving data carriers whose information can be read out. An antenna coil device is embedded into the game pad, allowing the readout of game fields. At least one RFID-element is provided with autonomous power supply and a transmitter/receiver unit for data transfer to the console, and with optical and/or acoustic display elements. The RFID-element inductively enters into a data exchange connection with a coupling coil section of the antenna coil device so that the game card data carriers of the respective game field group are readable and possibly changeable, wherein furthermore a signaling element signalizes the reading of the game card data carriers.
US08303387B2

Systems and methods of simulated objects and applications thereof are disclosed here. In one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure include a method, which may be implemented on a system, of simulating a virtual sports game played by a real participant in a real world environment. One embodiment includes generating a simulated playing field that represents a physical location in the real world environment and is provided for access via a device. The simulated playing field can include characteristics that correspond to physical characteristics of the physical location where the real participant is located. One embodiment further includes, identifying a user requested action to be performed on a simulated object in the simulated playing field by detecting user interaction with the device.
US08303382B2

A polishing pad, comprising a mounting surface and an opposing polishing surface with a polishing pattern having at least one aperture thereon, is formed with an adhesive layer adhered to the mounting surface with uniform adhesive strength therebetween. Embodiments include applying an adhesive layer to the mounting surface with uniform pressure prior to forming the polishing pattern on the polishing surface. Embodiments also include forming the polishing pattern having at least one aperture, forming a fitter having a surface pattern opposite to the polishing pattern and having a projection, positioning the fitter on the polishing pattern so that the projection fills the aperture in the polishing pattern forming a composite having substantially parallel opposing surfaces, applying pressure to bond the adhesive layer to the mounting surface with substantially uniform adhesive strength therebetween, and removing the fitter.
US08303377B2

Provide is a heat-resistant roll with improved effectively characteristics, a production method thereof, and a method of producing sheet glass using the heat-resistant roll. A method of producing a heat-resistant roll equipped with a roll portion containing 5% by weight or more of clay includes: a grinding step (S101) of grinding a roll surface of the roll portion; and a surface treatment step (S102) of performing surface treatment of smoothening the ground roll surface in a wet state.
US08303367B2

A neutrally buoyant flying toy has a tail fin assembly and a movable weight element that are configured such that the toy moves forward and can be steered left and right by controlled motion of the tail fin, and such that the toy ascends or descends by controlled motion of the weight element. Most preferably, the toy is configured as a fish and is remote controlled.
US08303347B2

An electrical connector includes an insulative housing defining a plurality of passageways extending in a mating direction and a plurality of contacts secured in the passageways of the insulative housing. The insulative housing further defines a plurality of communicating slots extending downwardly and communicating with the passageways. Each passageway is wider than the communicating slot which is thereabove. Each contact defines a connecting portion receiving in the passageway and a contacting portion bending upwardly from the connecting portion and extending beyond the communicating slot. The connecting portion defines a pair of restricting portions respectively extending from two sides thereof in a direction perpendicular to the mating direction, the pair of restricting portions is prevented in the passageway from extending beyond the communicating slot.
US08303345B2

An electrical connector includes an insulative housing and a plurality of contacts secured in the insulative housing. The insulative housing defines a mating face and a plurality of receiving passageways running through the mating face for receiving the contacts and arranged along a first direction thereof. Each contact defines a contacting portion protruding out of the receiving passageway from the mating face. The electrical connector further includes a baffled stick assembled in the mating face and across the receiving passageways along the first direction of the insulating housing.
US08303341B2

A connector includes female and male connectors. The female connector includes a housing having a groove recessed from a front surface of the housing, a signal terminal including a signal contact section provided at a first wall of the groove and an external connection section connected with the signal contact section and protruding out of the housing through a rear surface of the housing, and a grounding terminal including a grounding contact section provided at an opposing wall facing the first wall of the groove and a grounding connection section connected with the grounding contact section, the grounding connection section extending out of the groove at the front surface of the housing.
US08303337B2

Hybrid cables for conveying data and conducting operating power to electrically powered devices and a vehicle utilizing such cables are disclosed.
US08303336B2

A quick mounting device for appliances that is quickly and easily engaged and disengaged mechanically and electrically without the use of tools and furthermore has two mechanical engagement mechanisms.
US08303328B2

The present invention provides a device for connecting together first and second complementary connector elements, the device comprising first and second parts that are movable in rotation relative to each other, wherein the device comprises a spring having a first end connected to the first part and a second end connected to the second part; the spring, the first part, and the second part being such that turning the first part in a first direction of rotation, or turning the second part in a second direction of rotation opposite to the first direction of rotation increases the inside diameter of the spring; and the spring, the first part, and the second part being such that turning the first part in the second direction of rotation or turning the second part in the first direction of rotation decreases the inside diameter of the spring.
US08303327B1

A connector retaining device for retaining interconnection between two connectors a support board and two flexible fastening strips. The support board includes two through holes. The flexible fastening strips respectively extend through the through holes. Each fastening strip includes a loop at one end thereof, the other end of the fastening strip is passable through the loop. The fastening strips are configured for embracingly gripping the cables at opposite sides of the combined connectors and sandwiching the combined connectors therebetween.
US08303326B1

A cable connector assembly includes a matable connector and a cable connector intended to mate with the matably connector. The matable connector includes a pair of guiding boats at opposite ends thereof and each guiding boat defines a guiding groove and a locking slot in the guiding groove. The cable connector includes a case, a connector body with a mating port exposing to a front edge of the case and cables running through a rear edge of the case and a pair of locking members located at the case. The connector body defines a pair of guiding posts intended to be communicated in the guiding grooves of the matably connector. Each guiding post defines a first receiving groove therein. Each locking members includes a rear end retained in the case and a front end with a locking end extending forward and received in the first receiving groove.
US08303315B2

A lead arrangement suitable for an electrical connector includes a lead lane. The lead lane includes a pair of first differential signal leads, a pair of second differential signal leads, and a ground lead positioned between the two pairs of first and second differential signal leads. Each of the first and second differential signal leads has a surface mounting segment for being soldered onto a surface pad of a circuit board. The ground lead has a via passing segment for being soldered into a through via of the circuit board.
US08303307B2

Holding element for a dental implant including: an engagement section adapted for engagement with a manipulating tool; a retention section joined to the engagement section and adapted for engagement with a package, in particular an ampule; and a clamping section joined to the retention section and adapted for connecting the holding element to the dental implant, the clamping section including a force transmission element, wherein the clamping section further includes a clamping element provided with an elastic means extending in a non-compressed position thereof at and beyond the outer perimeter defined by the force transmission element.
US08303299B2

An orthodontic implant structure including: an upper structure body having an insertion hole; a pair of bolts each having a head thread portion, a hexagonal locking portion, an engaging ring, and an embedding thread portion; and a base plate in which are formed a first locking hole and a second locking hole that lock with the hexagonal locking portions and having a projecting thread portion. Both bolts are embedded in bone, the first locking hole is locked on the hexagonal locking portion and a first nut is screwed onto the head thread portion, and the insertion hole is fitted over the projecting thread portion and a second nut is screwed onto the projecting thread portion.
US08303294B2

An apparatus for simultaneously activating two or more portions of a web in different directions. The apparatus includes a pair of intermeshing activation rolls with three-dimensional surface features disposed thereon. The three dimensional surface features are arranged in discrete regions on the rolls such that at least two of the regions provide different directions of activation. The rolls include one or more buffer regions positioned between the discrete regions on the roll that provide different directions of activation.
US08303291B2

Imprint templates for use in nanoimprint lithography methods, a nanoimprint device suitable for UV nanoimprint lithography methods and a nanostructuring method for direct structuring of a UV-sensitive imprint material on a substrate are provided. The imprint templates, nanoimprint device and nanostructuring method can be used both for ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography and for thermal nanoimprint lithography. The imprint template includes a nontransparent structured chip and a transparent substrate. An at least partially nontransparent imprint template as well as a UV source situated above the imprint template holder are used for structuring by indirect exposure by reflection of light emitted from the UV radiation source in the direction of a photoactive layer.
US08303286B2

A mold includes at least one axial member carrying at least one sidewall molding surface for molding a sidewall of a tire, radial segments each carrying at least one surface for molding a tread of the tire and locking surfaces for connecting the axial member with the radial segments. First radial and axial locking surfaces which are displaceable and carried by the axial member cooperate with second radial and axial locking surfaces. The sidewall molding surface is integral with a fixed portion of the axial member. The first radial and axial locking surfaces are integral with at least one locking member mounted in the axial member and are movable relative to the fixed portion.
US08303271B2

An electric compressor integral with a drive circuit incorporates a compression mechanism section, a motor for driving the compression mechanism section, and a motor drive circuit. A refrigerant gas chamber having a refrigerant gas expansion space, into which refrigerant gas is introduced, is formed between a drive circuit installation section and a motor installation section, by a first partition wall provided on the drive circuit side and a second partition wall provided on the motor side, the side opposite the drive circuit side. The refrigerant gas chamber is interrupted by the first partition wall against the drive circuit installation section and is communicated with the motor installation section by a through hole that is provided in the second partition wall and through which the refrigerant gas can pass. Heat generating components, particularly in the drive circuit, can be easily and effectively cooled, and also on the motor installation side, cooling of the motor and lubrication of a bearing section can be easily and excellently performed.
US08303261B1

A wheeled, manually movable, internal combustion engine powered air compressor is mounted in a rigid frame formed of tubular steel elements. A pair of aligned wheels is pivotally mounted independently to each opposite side of the frame. Each pair of aligned wheels is provided with a pivot pin mechanism that enables the rear wheels to be lifted off the ground to facilitate pivoting the unit on the front wheels. Each pair of aligned wheels is selectively detachable from the frame to facilitate shipping. Two gas storage tanks are mounted to the bottom of the frame and disposed side-by-side. The internal combustion engine is mounted toward the front end of the frame. The upper front portion of the frame houses a fuel tank completely within the outline of the frame, and the tank holds more than two gallons of fuel.
US08303256B2

A blade pitch driving apparatus of a wind-driven generator and a driving method therefor are adapted to receive an external electrical power and impel a blade toward a corresponding pitch angle according to a pitch command. The apparatus includes an UPS, a permanent magnet synchronous motor drive (PMSM drive), an AC pitch motor (ACPM) and a hub controller. The hub controller normally switches the external power to the PMSM drive, receives the pitch command and control the ACPM to impel the blade toward the corresponding pitch angle. When the PMSM drive fails or the external electrical power is interrupted, the hub controller switches the electrical power of the UPS to the ACPM and controls the blade being impelled toward a feathered position.
US08303253B1

A turbine airfoil includes a plurality of mini serpentine flow passages to provide near wall cooling to a thin thermal skin that forms the outer airfoil surface. The airfoil includes a spar with a number spanwise extending external ribs with a series of mini pin fins extending between adjacent ribs. The thin skin includes an arrangement of mini pin fins that, when bonded to the spar, form the serpentine flow passages. The thin thermal skin is bonded to the spar to form the airfoil. The mini serpentine flow passages can be formed in the airfoil walls with a small size that cannot be formed in an airfoil formed by the investment casting process. With the use of a thin thermal skin, higher levels of cooling can be produced using the near wall cooling process.
US08303251B2

A method of assembling a pitch assembly for use with a wind turbine. The wind turbine includes a rotor and a plurality of rotor blades coupled to the rotor. The method includes coupling a pitch drive system to at least one of the plurality of rotor blades for rotating the rotor blade about a pitch axis. At least one sensor is coupled in signal communication with the pitch drive system. The pitch drive system rotates the rotor blade when the sensor senses rotor overspeed.
US08303249B2

A method for optimizing energy production in a wind turbine includes pitching a plurality of rotor blades to a full operational angle, and utilizing an active flow control device in accordance with a generator speed and a rotor blade pitch setting to facilitate maintaining a predetermined generator rated power level.
US08303237B2

A feeding mechanism and method for feeding minute items, such as capacitors, resistors, or solder preforms. The mechanism is adapted to receive a plurality of the randomly-positioned and randomly-oriented extremely small or minute items, and to isolate, orient, and position the items in a specific repeatable pickup location wherefrom they may be removed for use by, for example, a computer-controlled automated assembly machine. The mechanism comprises a sliding shelf adapted to receive and support the items; a wiper arm adapted to achieve a single even layer of the items; and a pushing arm adapted to push the items into the pickup location. The mechanism can be adapted for providing the items with a more exact orientation, and can also be adapted for use in a liquid environment.
US08303229B2

A bookbinding apparatus which makes it possible to shorten a time period required to heat an adhesive when the power of the bookbinding apparatus is turned on again. A glue preparation section heats glue. A glue applying section applies the heated glue to a recording sheet bundle. A CPU of the bookbinding apparatus determines at the power-on of the apparatus whether or not there is a recording sheet bundle to which glue is to be applied within the apparatus. When there is no such recording sheet bundle, the glue applying section applies glue to a recording sheet bundle after the temperature of the glue has reached a first target temperature, whereas when there is such a recording sheet bundle, the glue applying section applies the glue to the recording sheet bundle after the glue temperature has reached a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature.
US08303228B2

A cleat is provided, including a head and a shank connected to the head. The shank has a pair of opposing planar faces and a pair of opposing short edges, a wide portion and a point. The edges are provided with at least one serration fixed relative to the wide portion.
US08303225B2

According to one embodiment, described herein is a wall anchor system includes an insert that is positionable within a hole in a wall. The wall anchor system further includes an anchor that is insertable into and passable through the insert. Additionally, the wall anchor system includes an elastic member that couples the insert and anchor. The insert and anchor remain coupled via the elastic member as the anchor is inserted into and passes through the insert.
US08303224B2

An anchor assembly for walls comprises a toggle member and a strap member pivotally mounted together, and a locking member. In a first position thereof, the toggle member is aligned with the strap member for insertion through the wall, whereas in a second position thereof, the toggle member extends behind the wall at an angle relative to the strap member which extends from the toggle member through the hole in the wall. The locking member is adapted to be displaced along the strap member until it engages the wall and to be locked on the strap member to prevent the locking member from displacing away from the toggle member. Therefore, the locking member and the toggle member are connected by the strap member and imprison the wall by abutting respectively the visible and hidden sides thereof. A fastener introduced through the locking member and the wall threadably engages an opening defined in the toggle member.
US08303222B2

A fastening body structure having a screw member which uses a module screw having a countersunk head and a washer made of a shape memory alloy. With this structure, the washer does not expand even if subjected to large fastening force and the washer can be easily removed when the screw fastening is released. The fastening body structure fastens and fixes a desired part to the installation section by using the screw member having the module screw and the washer. The module screw has a male screw used as a pair with a female screw thread section formed in the installation section. The washer has an inner diameter corresponding to the module screw. An irregular surface section is formed on a slope surface at the lower part of the head of the module screw or on the surface of the washer that makes contact with the screw.
US08303217B2

The present invention relates to a support system for supporting a conduit. In one exemplary embodiment, the system includes support beams extending across an excavated opening. For example, a pair of beams may be positioned to span the excavated opening with the opposing ends of the beams supported on the ground above the excavated opening. Support rods may be positioned to extend through and/or from the beams and into the excavated opening. In one exemplary embodiment, the support rods include a J-hook configured for receipt within an opening in sections of curved sheet pile positioned beneath a conduit. By using a plurality of rods, the individual sections of curved sheet pile may be connected to the beams to provide a support structure for the curved sheet pile and, correspondingly, the conduit extending above the curved sheet pile and below the beam.
US08303215B2

A wick assembly for installation under a roadway according to the invention includes a perforated drain pipe, an inner sheet of a wicking fabric disposed on the perforated drain pipe in a manner effective to cover the perforations therein, an outer sheet of a wicking fabric, and a layer of filter aggregates confined between the inner and outer wicking fabric sheets to form a wick drain in combination with the perforated drain pipe. Water passes through the sheets and filter aggregates in order to enter the perforated drain pipe through the perforations therein. The wick drain may be disposed inside an outer pipe with the outer fabric sheet in slidable contact with the inner periphery of the pipe casing. The outer pipe casing serves to protect the wick drain during installation and is later removed once the wick drain is in position.
US08303212B2

A boom mooring system for anchoring containment booms over extended periods and in varying sea conditions. The system generally includes a buoy having a frame, a buoyancy member mounted thereto, connecting plates located on first and second ends of the frame for connecting containment booms, and an anchor secured to the frame for mooring the buoy. The frame evenly distributes stresses caused from securely anchoring the containment boom in a dynamic sea environment. The anchor may be secured to the frame in various manners, such as via a pipe movably extending through the frame or an elongated member, such as a rope, cable, etc. secured to the frame or pin of the frame. Various signaling devices may extend from the buoy, such as lights, flags, etc. to designate presence of the buoys and containment boom and/or to designate openings in the containment boom to allow passage of spill response vessels.
US08303209B2

A sectional I-beam post for use along a roadside in which the post has a first elongate lower section securable via a first slip type coupling to a base anchored in the ground. Slip movement of such coupling is in a direction across the length of the post. The first coupling includes L-shaped brackets with one leg thereof attached to the post by bolts so as to be detachable therefrom and notches in the outer end of the other leg which projects outwardly from the post A second elongate upper post section has the lower end thereof connected to the upper end of the first post section by a second slip type coupling. Slip movement of the second coupling is in a direction lengthwise of the post. The second coupling includes an end plate bolted to at least one post section including at least one notch that providing a slip connection with the other post section. A third coupling includes end plates bolted to opposing post sections having a slip plate thereinbetween, each one of the end plates having notches that provide a slip connection between the opposing post sections.
US08303207B2

A swing head assembly with a swing head and pin affixed to a first horizontal member. A vertical member with a rosette positioned in coaxial alignment therewith. The rosette has radially arranged cut-outs for receiving the swing head assembly. The swing head assembly is rotatably coupled to the rosette. A second horizontal member has a horizontal member head at an end thereof. The rosette is also able to also receive mating elements of the horizontal member head, the second horizontal member having therein an internal wedge assembly with a wedge portion that extends and retracts from the horizontal member head to lock and unlock the horizontal member head to the rosette. The invention further includes a horizontal member having a swing head assembly at one end and an internal wedge assembly at the second end thereof.
US08303201B2

A card cleaning mechanism has a cleaning roller that cleans a surface of a card by contacting the conveyed card, and a roller-shaped cleaner that cleans a surface of the cleaning roller by contacting the cleaning roller. The cleaning roller is configured to move between a retreated position separated from a card conveyance path, and an operating position contacting a surface of the card being conveyed and the roller-shaped cleaner by advancing into the card conveyance path. Accordingly, the card cleaning mechanism can securely remove dust and dirt adhering to the card printing surface and does not reduce card printing quality.
US08303200B2

A thermal printer with enhanced cutting performance includes a thermal head for performing printing on successively supplied recording sheets, and a platen roller for feeding the recording sheets. A cutter for cutting the recording sheets has a fixed blade and a movable blade. A main body unit supports the fixed blade, and a cover unit supports the movable blade and is removable with respect to the main body unit. A pinion gear meshes with a rack constructed integrally with the movable blade to move the movable blade. The main body unit supports the pinion gear, and the cover unit supports only the movable blade and the platen roller.
US08303196B2

According to one embodiment, there is provided a camera module formed with substantially the same scale as a chip of an image sensor, includes a lens held by a lens holder, an image sensor placed in a position in which an image is formed by the lens, and a wiring board disposed between the lens and the image sensor and electrically connected to the image sensor. An opening that permits light entering the image sensor to pass therethrough is formed in the wiring board. Further, a passive component is contained in the wiring board.
US08303191B2

A multi-part axial cage for a large diameter roller bearing, which has a metal strip connected to plastic cage windows. The metal strip is configured as a washer-ring-type flat cage and each cage window has a sealing element on the edge lying opposite the guiding edge. The element covering an axial gap is formed between the races of the roller bearing. The sealing elements of the individual cage windows overlap around the circumference.
US08303185B2

A rotating machine is disclosed including a rotor, a stator, a radial bearing arranged for supporting radial forces between the rotor and the stator by mechanical contacts and a bearing housing. The bearing housing is provided in the stator or the rotor in direct mechanical contact with the radial bearing and the rotating machine further comprises a thermal energy exchanger, arranged in the bearing housing, and a thermal controller. The thermal energy exchanger is capable of providing both heat and cold, and the thermal controller is arranged to control the thermal energy exchange during operation of the rotating machine. The rotating machine is typically a large machine, such as a refiner. A method for vibration control of a rotating machine is also disclosed comprising measuring properties related to vibrational properties.
US08303183B2

A slide assembly may be associated with a foldable cable management arm. The slide assembly includes inner and outer rails. The inner rail is slidable in the outer rail. The inner rail includes a ball bearing carrier disposed close to an end of the inner rail. The ball bearing carrier includes upper and lower ball receiving channels. The inner rail may be directly provided with the upper and the lower ball receiving channels and the ball bearings. Each of the upper and the lower ball receiving channels includes an open section positioned in use facing the outer rail. A plurality of ball bearings are contained in both the upper and the lower ball receiving channels and roll along the open sections of the upper and the lower ball receiving channels to support the outer rail.
US08303179B2

In an exemplary embodiment, a temperature sensor and a 4-20 mA transmitter on a single flexible circuit subassembly with a separate housing suitable for use in industrial control or HVAC applications. In a preferred embodiment, a narrow flex circuit substrate includes a silicon diode-based surface-mount sensor at a sensor end, a surface-mount programmable transmitter IC on a flex circuit substrate in the transmitter section, conductive traces connecting the sensor to the transmitter IC, and two conductive pads at an output end for connecting the 4-20 mA output to a pair of external wires. Additional traces on the flex subassembly are provided for testing and programming the transmitter IC and sensor. The sensor end of the flex subassembly is mounted in a metal sensor tube, filled and sealed in the same manner as RTD or thermistor sensors with leads are currently assembled for use in industrial control or HVAC applications.
US08303176B2

This invention teaches the fiber optic sensors temperature sensors for cryogenic temperature range with improved sensitivity and resolution, and method of making said sensors. In more detail, the present invention is related to enhancement of temperature sensitivity of fiber optic temperature sensors at cryogenic temperatures by utilizing nanomaterials with a thermal expansion coefficient that is smaller than the thermal expansion coefficient of the optical fiber but larger in absolute value than the thermal expansion coefficient of the optical fiber at least over a range of temperatures.
US08303170B2

The present invention aims to provide a bearing structure allowing direct adjustment between itself and an opposing bearing even after assembly and a watch equipped with the same. A bearing structure of a watch rotatably supports a forward end portion of a shaft of a wheel with respect to a base body, and includes: a bearing, a bearing support body supporting the bearing and having a male screw portion on an outer peripheral surface concentric with the shaft of the wheel, and an adjustment nut equipped with a female screw portion threadedly engaged with the male screw portion of the bearing support body, regulated in its displacement in the extending directions of the shaft of the wheel by the base body, and adapted to adjust the position of the bearing with respect to the extending direction of the shaft via the bearing support body.
US08303169B2

A watch comprising: a watch bezel; a watch case in communication with the watch bezel, the watch case comprising several vents which are generally configured to allow air to flow through the vents.
US08303165B2

The present invention provides a stirring mechanism with magnetic force. It has a central rotary arm with permanent magnet, as well as a plurality of lever arms, each having one respective permanent magnet. A track disk rotates synchronously with the central rotary arm. An elliptic track slot in the track disk traps the lever arms to swing forward and backward. The lever arms exhibit alternate motions of approaching and leaving, thereby causing a stirring effect.
US08303163B2

An in-line mixing apparatus is especially useful for iodine extraction from brine. Three fluids (brine, an oxidant such as sodium hypochlorite, and an acid such as HCl) are mixed in the apparatus. The apparatus includes an inner tube and an outer tube. Openings are present in the sidewall of the inner tube to connect the interior volume of the inner tube with the annular volume between the inner tube and the outer tube. Fluid is passed into the inner tube and flows through the openings into the annular volume, causing immediate and vigorous mixing and chemical reaction to obtain elemental iodine.
US08303160B2

The invention relates to an apparatus for extruding thermoplastic material, comprising an extruder screw (2) which is mounted in a housing (1), comprises a plasticizing section (P) on the inlet side, a degasification section (E) upstream of an outlet section (A), a flow arrester (S) between the plasticizing section (P) and the degasification section (E) with a screw section with a counter-rotating delivery flight (3), and at least one flow channel (5) bridging the flow arrester (S) and containing a melt filter (4). In order to reduce the driving power of the extruder screw (2) it is proposed that a sleeve (7), which encompasses the screw (6) and is mounted in the housing (1) in a rotationally fixed manner, is associated with the screw section that forms the flow arrester (S), and the screw (6) in the screw section of the flow arrester (S) has a smaller screw diameter in relation to the plasticizing section (P) and preferably also to the degasification section (E).
US08303156B2

A light emitting device includes at least one light source, a rigid nonconductive light source fixing member having at least one fastening unit that includes a plurality of sections defining spaces where the at least one light source is fixed, a wiring line, which transmits a driving signal to the at least one light source, wherein the wiring line is formed in the light source fixing member such that the wiring line is not directly exposed on the outer surface of the light source fixing member, and an optical waveguide that guides light emitted from the at least one light source.
US08303139B1

An illuminator device for efficiently increasing a projected light intensity. The illuminator device includes a hood for retaining a light source, a first reflector proximally supported by the hood, a second reflector spaced apart from the first reflector and distally supported by the hood, the second reflector aligned with the first reflector, and a third reflector laterally projecting from the hood, the third reflector aligned with the second reflector. The second reflector is adapted to reflect light rays from the light source back to the first reflector, wherein the light rays travel back and forth from the second to the first reflector at least once before being reflected to the third reflector to be directed away from the luminaire. A transparent cover may be supported between the first and second reflectors for containing reflected light rays. A hanging bracket may also be used for hanging the luminaire.
US08303138B1

A LED lamp holder includes a heat sink made of aluminum or copper by stretching molding and defining opposing recessed top end and hollow bottom end, one or a number of LED chips mounted in the recessed top end of the heat sink and adapted for emitting light, and a light transmissive lampshade fastened to the recessed top end of the heat sink by a hook joint or screw joint, or by means of adhesive bonding. The heat sink can be configured to provide a hollow block in the recessed top end thereof for holding multiple LED chips on multiple peripheral walls thereof.
Patent Agency Ranking