US08325281B2
Systems and methods are provided for receivers of digital broadband broadcast signals to determine a time of delivery and a version of a particular signaling table. The receiver is able to determine whether an update of the signaling table is needed based on factors such as whether the update applies (e.g., a DVB-H specific change for a mobile terminal in a DVB-H network). The receiver may power down while awaiting delivery of the signaling table (or utilize the radio for other purposes), powering back up in time to receive the signaling table.
US08325280B2
A video adjustment system for processing video information is disclosed which includes a motion analyzer and an adjustment module. The motion analyzer determines a motion level metric of the video information based on at least one motion parameter. The adjustment adjusts an initial dynamic light scaling factor to provide an adjusted dynamic light scaling factor based on the motion level. The dynamic light scaling factor may be used for luminance compensation and backlight display scaling. The motion level may be based on any type of motion information, such as motion vector information or information indicating a scene change. A distortion module may perform a distortion evaluation of the video information for calculating the initial scaling factor. Alternatively, the distortion module may include a memory which stores predetermined scaling factors based on statistical distortion level characterization.
US08325278B2
When a format of a video signal or an audio signal received by a receiver of a video/audio signal input/output device is switched by a channel selecting operation by a user, a format determiner determines an output format. An output format communicator transmits format information indicating the output format to a video/audio reproduction device through a communicator. After a converter switches the output format, the communicator transmits the video signal and the audio signal to the video/audio reproduction device. When a communicator of the video/audio reproduction device receives the format information, a format switcher switches reproduction setting of a display based on the format information. After that, when the communicator receives the video signal and the audio signal, the display reproduces video and audio.
US08325272B2
It is an object to prevent the image quality deterioration of a moving image likely to include a plurality of the same consecutive images such as 2-3 or 2-2 pulldown video due to the motion-compensated frame rate conversion (FRC) processing. An image displaying device is provided with an FRC portion (10) for converting the number of frames in an input image signal by interpolating an image signal to which a motion compensation processing has been given between the frames in the input image signal, a pulldown detecting portion (14) for detecting whether the input image signal is an image signal to which pulldown conversion has been performed, and a controlling portion (15). The FRC portion (10) includes a motion vector detecting portion (11e) for detecting a motion vector between the frames of the input image signal, an interpolating vector evaluating portion (11f) for allocating an interpolating vector between the frames based on the motion vector information, and an interpolating frame generating portion (12d) for generating an interpolating frame from the interpolating vector. In the case that the input image signal is an image signal to which pulldown conversion has been performed, the controlling portion (15) set the motion vector detected by the motion vector detecting portion (11e) to zero-vector to make the motion compensation processing of the FRC portion (10) ineffective.
US08325271B2
A method of frame interpolation for frame rate up conversion method is provided. The method includes: determining a first adjusting value and a second adjusting value according to a target pixel in at least one of a first frame and a second frame; determining an interpolated pixel value of the target pixel in an interpolated frame between the first frame and the second frame according to the first adjusting value and a pixel value of the target pixel in one of the first and second frames; and adjusting a pixel value of the target pixel in one of the first and second frames according to the second adjusting value.
US08325270B2
A camera housing includes an integrated expansion module for providing expanded functionality to a camera (e.g., a display screen). Different embodiments of the housing include different expansion modules for adding a variety of features to the camera when the camera is placed in the housing. Thus, a user may modify features of a camera by swapping the housing. Furthermore, a user may add a feature to an existing camera without needing to purchase a new camera.
US08325263B2
A camera operates in cooperation with a wearable image display apparatus configured to be wearable on an eye region of a user. The camera includes an imaging unit, a vibration detection unit, a transmission availability judgment unit and a communication unit. The imaging unit acquires an image of a subject. The vibration detection unit detects vibration of the camera. The transmission availability judgment unit permits transmission of the image acquired by the imaging unit to the wearable image display apparatus when the vibration detection unit does not detect the vibration of the camera, and prohibits transmission of the image acquired by the imaging unit to the wearable image display apparatus when the vibration detection unit detects the vibration of the camera. The communication unit transmits the image acquired by the imaging unit to the wearable image display apparatus when transmission of the image acquired by the imaging unit is permitted.
US08325245B2
Apparatus and methods for using infra-red light provide for enhanced operation in camera applications. In an embodiment, a safety camera includes an optical filter that provides an input to an imager from received light having wavelengths in the infra-red spectrum. Output from the imager can be analyzed to determine safety hazard events in an area viewed by the safety camera.
US08325238B2
Disclosed herein is a test pattern signal generator for outputting a video signal adapted to display, on a display device, a test pattern of a color chart according to a standard for a first color gamut and a color chart of a test pattern according to a standard for a second color gamut which is wider than the first color gamut, the test pattern signal generator including: a color chart recording section configured to record color chart information of the standard for the first color gamut and color chart information of the standard for the second color gamut; and a test pattern signal generation section configured to generate, based on the information recorded in the color chart recording section, a video signal adapted to display test patterns in which the color charts according to the respective standards are arranged in a predetermined layout on the same screen.
US08325235B1
An arm or chest mount portable surveillance system utilizing a compact LCD display (monitor), batteries, a telescoping pole having a camera at one extremity thereof, a short at least partially flexible pole having a camera at one extremity thereof, and a recorder are described. The system allows users to observe objects and activities around and through obstacles in under any ambient light condition including in darkness through the use of an infrared camera.
US08325229B2
A camera system having a camera lens module, a slip ring connector, and a pan/tilt mechanism. In one construction, the camera system includes a circuit board, a slip ring having a stator connected to the circuit board and a rotor rotatable with respect to the stator, a camera lens module, and a flexible flat cable. The camera system can also include an anti-rotation arm connected to the rotor and in contact with a first end of the flexible flat cable. The anti-rotation arm can prevent a twist of the flexible flat cable during panning of the camera lens module.
US08325227B2
A non-frame-based motion detection method and apparatus for imagers requires only a few line buffers and little computation. The non-frame-based, low cost motion detection method and apparatus are well suited for “system-a-chip” (SOC) imager implementations.
US08325226B2
A machine vision system includes a table having a fixture for supporting an object under inspection above the table, a gantry supporting a camera further above the table, a docking station, and a profile light movable together with the gantry between an inspection position beneath the object and a docking position next to the docking station. Fittings are provided for releasably securing the profile light to the gantry and for releasably securing the profile light to the docking station. The profile light can be disengaged from the gantry and engaged with the docking station for moving the profile light to the docking position or disengaged from the docking station and reengaged with the gantry for moving the profile light to the inspection position.
US08325223B2
A shuttered filter apparatus comprises a frame, one or more shuttered filters attached to the frame, and a tracker attached to the frame. Each shuttered filter is configured to selectively prevent a viewer from seeing through the filter in response to a signal from a controller. The tracker is configured to sense an orientation of the one or more shuttered filters relative to a video screen. The controller may use a signal from the tracker indicative of an orientation of the shutter filter(s) relative to enable shuttering when the shuttered filter apparatus is facing toward the video screen and disable shuttering when the shuttered filter apparatus is facing away from the video screen.
US08325221B2
A separation type unit pixel of an image sensor, which can control light that incidents onto a photodiode at various angles, and be suitable for a zoom function in a compact camera module by securing an incident angle margin, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The unit pixel of an image sensor includes: a first wafer including a photodiode containing impurities having an impurity type opposite to that of a semiconductor material and a pad for transmitting photoelectric charge of the photodiode to outside; a second wafer including a pixel array region in which transistors except the photodiode are arranged regularly, a peripheral circuit region having an image sensor structure except the pixel array, and a pad for connecting pixels with one another; and a connecting means connecting the pad of the first wafer and the pad of the second wafer. Accordingly, manufacturing processes can be simplified by constructing the upper wafer using only a photodiode and the lower wafer using the pixel array region except the photodiode, and costs are reduced since transistors are not included in the upper wafer portion, which in turn cannot affect the interaction with light.
US08325220B2
2D image data are converted into 3D image data. The image is divided, on the basis of focusing characteristics, into two or more regions, it is determined to which region an edge separating two regions belongs. The regions are depth ordered in accordance with the rule that the rule that a region comprising an edge is closer to the viewer than an adjacent region and to the regions 3-D depth information is assigned in accordance with the established depth order of the regions. Preferably to each of the regions a depth is assigned in dependence on an average or median focusing characteristic of the region.
US08325219B2
In a stereoscopic image generation device according to the invention, an obtaining means 11 obtains sequentially a plurality of original images Ga arranged in a time line and forming a content item. A calculation means 12 calculates an image characteristic value Ng from pixel values of a plurality of pixels included in an original image Ga obtained by the obtaining means 11. A storage device 21 stores a project file Fp by which image characteristic values Nf for the original images Ga forming the content item are respectively associated with stereoscopic parameters for generating stereoscopic images Gb from the original images Ga. A retrieval means 13 compares an image characteristic value calculated by the calculation means 12 from a particular original image Ga, with each of the image characteristic values Nf stored in the storage device 21, to retrieve a stereoscopic parameter for the particular original image Ga on the basis of a comparison result. A stereoscopic imaging means 14 generates a stereoscopic image Gb from each original image Ga, based on the stereoscopic parameter retrieved by the retrieval means 13.
US08325216B2
Computer-readable media, having corresponding methods and apparatus, embodies instructions executable by a first computer to perform a method comprising: executing a first videoconference client application, wherein the first videoconference client application exchanges first audiovisual data with a videoconference server application during a videoconference; sending action commands to a second videoconference client application executing on a second computer, wherein the second videoconference client application exchanges second audiovisual data with the videoconference server application during the videoconference; and wherein the second videoconference client application operates according to the action commands during the videoconference.
US08325214B2
An enhanced interface for voice and video communications, in which a gesture of a user is recognized from a sequence of camera images, and a user interface is provided include a control and a representation of the user. The process also includes causing the representation to interact with the control based on the recognized gesture, and controlling a telecommunication session based on the interaction.
US08325209B2
There are provided a recording head capable of properly maintaining the function of a protective layer, and a recording apparatus provided with the recording head. A thermal head includes a substrate, a heat-generating element disposed on the substrate, and a protective layer disposed on the heat-generating element. The protective layer includes first layers and second layers. The first layers and the second layers are laminated one after another alternately multiple times. A constituent material of the second layer having higher sublimation resistance than a constituent material of the first layer.
US08325204B2
An image processing apparatus includes a display, a retrieving unit, a process display unit, a process receiving unit, a process storing unit, a thumbnail display unit, and a thumbnail designating unit. The retrieving unit retrieves image data. The process display unit displays on the display a plurality of candidate image processes to be performed on the image data. The process receiving unit receives an instruction indicating a selected image process selected from among the plurality of candidate image processes. The process storing unit stores the selected image process. The thumbnail display unit displays a thumbnail image corresponding to the image data on the display. The thumbnail designating unit designates a thumbnail image. The thumbnail display unit displays a processed thumbnail image that represents a result of the selected process performed on the image data corresponding to the designated thumbnail image.
US08325191B2
In order to prevent a duplicate of a still image from being generated, an MFP includes an image obtaining portion to obtain one or more still images, a moving image generating portion to generate a moving image in which the obtained still images are displayed sequentially, and a distribution portion to perform real-time streaming distribution of the moving image in response to a request from a PC connected to a network.
US08325190B2
A method for providing visual notifications related to an imaging job is disclosed. The method may implemented by an imaging device. The method may include receiving the imaging job as input. The method may also include producing desired output for the imaging job. The method may also include causing the display of at least one animated notification that depicts the progress of the imaging job.
US08325187B2
A method for navigating through a panoramic image in a handheld device comprises rendering a preview of a panoramic image on a cylindrical screen (cylinder), viewed from outside, as bird's eye view, providing 3 degrees of freedom.
US08325186B2
A method including identifying a set of shadow casters and a set of shadow receivers in a frame of a scene lighted by at least a first light source, constructing a first 3D grid from the first light source's point of view fully enclosing a first volume of the scene, projecting each of the one or more shadow casters and growing each cell of the first 3D grid that includes one or more projected casters. Constructing a second 3D grid from the first light source's point of view fully enclosing the first volume and growing each cell of the second 3D grid that includes at least a portion of one or more shadow receivers and for which a corresponding cell of the first 3D grid has been grown. Forming a third 3D grid by intersecting the first 3D grid with the second 3D grid and marking for rendering into a shadow map each shadow caster that intersects the third 3D grid.
US08325185B2
To provide a rendering program, a rendering apparatus, and a rendering method, which are capable of displaying a sterical model surface using a fabric in which the real feel of material is reproduced. A reflection property measurement device 10 receives reflected light of an actual yarn T2 and measures a reflection property representing the energy of the reflected light of the yarn T2. A correction portion 106 calculates a specular reflection coefficient Ks, a glossiness coefficient p, and first and second diffuse reflection coefficients Kd1, Kd2 by using parameter fitting so that the error between the reflection property of the actual yarn and the energy of the reflected light obtained from a reflection function becomes minimum. A rendering portion 107 renders the sterical model by using the reflection function in which the coefficients are calculated and a texture which is the model of a fabric subjected to a napping treatment.
US08325178B1
A method for processing three-dimensional data that defines a three-dimensional scene, and determining and displaying lines-of-sight (LOS) and viewsheds on all visible surfaces of the scene, includes: i) assigning at a user-selected location at least one viewpoint in the scene; ii) applying ray tracing from locations in the scene to the viewpoint to determine locations in the scene that are in a line of sight (LOS) and outside the LOS of the viewpoint, thus determining the viewshed relative to the viewpoint; and iii) color-coding every visible surface in the scene. The color coding then differentially indicates the locations in the line of sight (LOS) and outside the LOS of the viewpoint, producing a display of a color-coded viewshed relative to the viewpoint. Additionally ray tracing can be applied from locations above the scene to determine headroom contours for those locations in the scene.
US08325151B1
A touchscreen device may display various graphical user interfaces (GUIs) based on a physical orientation of the touchscreen device and a context of an application executed by an external device, to control the external device. In one example, a touchscreen device includes a touchscreen, an orientation sensor to determine a physical orientation for the touchscreen device, a context determination unit to determine a context for an application, a computer-readable medium configured to store configuration data associating combinations of contexts for applications and orientations in which the touchscreen device can be physically positioned with respective GUIs, a control unit that receives the orientation in which the touchscreen device is physically positioned and the context, selects the GUI associated with the determined orientation and the context, and causes the touchscreen to display the selected GUI, and an external device interface configured to send input received via the touchscreen to an external device.
US08325145B2
A touch panel includes a first electrode plate, and a second electrode plate separated from the first electrode plate. The first electrode plate includes a first substrate, a first conductive layer, and at least two electrodes. The second electrode plate includes a second substrate, a second conductive layer, and at least two electrodes. At least one of the first and second conductive layers includes a plurality of carbon nanotube structures. Two ends of each carbon nanotube structure are connected with two corresponding opposite electrodes, and each electrode among all the corresponding electrodes is connected with the end of at least one of the carbon nanotube structures. A display device adopting the touch panel includes the touch panel and a display element.
US08325137B2
A computer pointing device includes an interface for communicating to a computer in response to a user input. The pointing device includes a moveable input that is activated by the user. The pointing device includes at least one input electrical contact and at least one interface electrical contact. The moveable input cooperates with the resilient member to connect and disconnect the input electrical contact and the interface electrical contact from each other. The pointing device also includes a damper that is associated with at least one of the contacts to dampen noise generated by movement of the resilient member in response to user input.
US08325136B2
According to one embodiment, a computer display pointer device includes an image processor coupled to a display and a video camera. The display is configured to be worn by a user and display a computer image over a portion of the user's field-of-view. The video camera is operable to be worn by the user and boresighted to a field-of-view of the user. The image processor receives a video signal from the video camera that includes an image of a pointer element configured on a hand of the user, determines a position of the pointer element according to the received video image, and moves a cursor on the display according to the position of the pointer element.
US08325133B1
Embodiments of the invention are directed to using external interfaces. One or more external interfaces that are available for use are discovered. One or more of the discovered external interfaces are selected as selected external interfaces. The selected interfaces are connected to a wireless device. The selected interfaces are used as primary interfaces subject to a security policy.
US08325129B2
A liquid crystal display device includes a back light assembly that emits light on a liquid crystal panel; and an inverter that controls brightness of the light emitted from the back light assembly according to a difference between video data of at least three frames that are sequentially inputted to the liquid crystal panel.
US08325126B2
A liquid crystal display includes a gate driver, a control circuit and a charge-sharing circuit. The control circuit provides a charge-sharing signal according to the parasitic capacitances at a first output end and a second output end in the gate driver. The charge-sharing circuit generates a third clock signal and a fourth clock signal by performing charge-sharing on a first clock signal and a second clock signal according to the charge-sharing signal. The third clock signal includes a signal falling edge which descends from a high level to a first level, and the fourth clock signal includes a signal falling edge which descends from the high level to a second level. The gate driver outputs a first gate driving signal and a second gate driving signal respectively at the first and the second output end according the third or the fourth clock signal.
US08325121B2
A method for driving a pixel is provided. The method includes determining a first predetermined gray-level and a second predetermined gray-level which are corresponding to a target gray-level according to the target gray-level of the pixel, wherein an equivalent gray-level corresponding to the first predetermined gray-level and the second predetermined gray-level is equal to the target gray-level, thereafter, generating a first driving voltage and a second driving voltage according to the first predetermined gray-level and the second predetermined gray-level for respectively driving a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel within the pixel during a frame period. The first driving voltage is greater than the second driving voltage when the equivalent gray-level is small than a first setting gray-level; the first driving voltage is small than the second driving voltage when the equivalent gray-level is greater than the first setting gray-level.
US08325120B2
An electrooptical apparatus includes a plurality of first electrooptical panels which enable a color image to be displayed by combining output lights from the plurality of first electrooptical panels, a polarization axis correction unit through which the output lights from each of the plurality of first electrooptical panels are transmitted and which makes polarization axes of the transmitted output lights aligned, and a polarization axis switching section which switches a polarization axis of the output light from the polarization axis correction unit to a direction intersecting with the direction of the polarization axis at a predetermined timing.
US08325112B2
An organic light-emitting display device and a method of driving the display device are disclosed. A pixel circuit used in the organic light-emitting display device includes a first switching transistor, a second switching transistor and a driving transistor. The first switching transistor switches a data voltage in response to a first control signal. The second switching transistor switches a compensation voltage in response to a second control signal. The driving transistor provides an electric current to an organic light-emitting device in response to the data voltage and the compensation voltage.
US08325103B2
An apparatus such as for example an antenna sub-assembly includes a multiband antenna circuitry and feed circuitry. The multiband antenna circuitry includes a resonator; a first ground port configured to couple the resonator to a common voltage potential; and at least one reactive component disposed between the resonator and the first ground port. The feed circuitry includes: a signal feed port configured to couple to a radio; a second ground port configured to couple the feed circuitry to the common voltage potential; and a feeding element disposed between the signal feed port and the second ground port, the feeding element configured to inductively couple the feed circuitry to the antenna circuitry between the resonator and the first ground port. In some example embodiments there is a variable reactance to enable the resonator to be tunable. In those and/or other embodiments there is a second and even a third resonator for multi-band operation.
US08325089B2
A beamforming radio frequency (RF) circuit includes a plurality of antennas, a plurality of amplifiers and an adjust module. The plurality of antennas is operably coupled to interrelate a plurality of beamformed signal components with a beamformed signal. The plurality of amplifiers is operably coupled to interrelate the plurality of beamformed signal components with a plurality of adjusted signal components. The adjust module is operably coupled to interrelate coordinates of a signal with the plurality of adjusted signal components.
US08325085B2
A method and system are described whereby a magnetron-based radar transmission signal is accurately measured, allowing for measurement of absolute phase change returns from fixed clutter targets caused by changes in the refractive index of the transmission medium.
US08325082B2
A device and method for wide area surveillance of a geographic region includes identifying a search space associated with a geographic region having a plurality of sub-regions. The search space is divided into a plurality of search cells and observation data is collected for each of the plurality of search cells based on a scan of the geographic region. An event generation rate is calculated for each of the search cells based on the collected observation data. One or more of the sub-regions are identified as a region(s) of interest based on the calculated event generation rates. A coverage pattern is estimated for each of the sub-regions and a desired revisit rate is calculated for the region of interest based on the estimated coverage pattern. The desired revisit rate is then output for scanning the region of interest.
US08325080B1
Particle circuits for disrupting signals associated with a communication system or for marking a position of a device are provided. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a composite for generating radio frequency (RF) signals, the composite including a medium configured to adhere to a device for emanating communication signals, and at least one particle circuitry within the medium, wherein the at least one particle circuitry is configured to radiate radio frequency signals for disrupting the communication signals of the device.
US08325071B2
Disclosed herein is a coding method including the step of: coding an information sequence in such a manner that upon performing error correction coding after carrying out RLL coding of the information sequence, the maximum number of consecutive 1-bits or 0-bits is α−β or less in an RLL code word over a range from bit p−α to bit p+α−1 of the RLL code word and that a β-bit error correcting code parity sequence is inserted between bit p−1 and bit p of the RLL code word, where α is a number larger than 1 representing the maximum number of consecutive 0-bits or 1-bits in an n-bit RLL code word and where p is a natural number.
US08325070B2
An apparatus which efficiently decompresses encoded data based on dictionary method, by suppressing the number of times of processing of registration in a character string table used as a dictionary. A buffer controller stores a codeword in a buffer until a clear code or an end code is input. When a clear code or an end code is input, the buffer controller specifies a codeword referring a table among codes in the buffer and generates identification information to specify a codeword as a subject of registration in the table. During decoding processing, a table controller determines whether or not a codeword from the buffer is the subject of registration in the table. When the codeword is the subject of registration, the table controller registers a new character string, obtained by adding a head character of a currently decoded character string to a previously decoded character string, in the table.
US08325067B2
The invention relates to a console (1) and a safety console (101) having dual-stage functionality. The console (1) has a key (21) and a contact plate (41). According to one exemplary embodiment, the key (21) has a dual-stage safety shutdown mat (23) on which electrically conductive layers (25, 27) are located. The contact plate (41) has two contact arrangements having electrically conductive safety contact elements (43, 45) and key contact elements (47, 49). The console (1) is configured to connect the electrically conductive safety contact elements (43, 45) by means of the safety contact layer (25) in an inactive state, thus continuously monitoring the presence and active contact state of the key (21) via a safety switch (37). In an active state, the key (1) is configured to also connect the key contact elements (47, 49) via the key contact layer (27) on the safety shutdown mat (23) such that the activation can be registered by an evaluation circuit (53).
US08325066B2
A photoelectric encoder includes: a scale having a grating formed with a predetermined period Ps; and a detector head being movable relative to the scale and including a light source and a light receiving unit. In a configuration where light receiving elements in the light receiving unit output N-points light and dark signals (N is an integer of 3 or more), and where phases of the N-points light and dark signals are detected by a least-squares method to fit a sinusoidal function with fixed period to N-points digital signals digitized from the N-points light and dark signals, an N-points light and dark signal period P is set at an integral multiple of a data-point interval w of the N-points digital signals, and an overall length M of the light receiving elements is set at an integral multiple of the N-points light and dark signal period P. Thereby, position detecting errors occurring due to a stain of the scale and/or a defect in the grating can be reduced by simple computing.
US08325049B2
A method and apparatus for monitoring the quality of steam used in a process is disclosed. A pressure and temperature sensor is exposed to the steam on either side of an inline pressure drop device such as an orifice or pressure reducing valve. The measurements are transmitted to a controller that calculates the steam quality percentage or superheat value. An alarm is issued if the steam quality is beyond a predetermined tolerance.
US08325047B2
Encapsulated radio frequency identification (RFID) articles having enhanced break strength and/or temperature resistance and methods of making these articles. The RFID articles include an RFID tag embedded within a thermoplastic substrate to form the RFID article. In one embodiment, the RFID article includes an over-molded barrier material that enables the RFID article to have enhanced temperature resistance such that the articles are able to sustain repeated exposure to high temperatures and/or sterilization procedures, thereby enabling the RFID articles to be utilized in applications heretofore unavailable. In other embodiments, the RFID articles are made using an injection molding process that provides very thin encapsulated RFID tags that also exhibit an increased level of temperature resistance.
US08325041B2
A system for identifying, monitoring, and tracking a firearm includes: a low frequency radio tag affixed to the firearm, the radio tag configured to receive and send data signals, the radio tag including: a tag antenna operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 450 kilohertz, a transceiver operatively connected to the tag antenna, the transceiver configured to transmit and receive data signals at the low radio frequency; a data storage device configured to store data including identification data for identifying the firearm, and a data processor configured to process data received from the transceiver and the data storage device and to transmit data to cause the transceiver to emit an identification signal based upon the identification data stored in the data storage device.
US08325034B2
Systems and methods to generate weather alerts are provided. A particular system includes one or more sensors to detect weather data. The system also includes a weather band radio receiver to receive weather alert messages. The system also includes a processor to perform an analysis of the weather data, to determine based on the analysis whether the weather data indicates a dangerous storm condition, and to initiate a first alert when the analysis indicates the dangerous storm condition and a weather alert message has been received. The first alert is not initiated when the weather alert message is received and the analysis does not indicate the dangerous storm condition.
US08325033B2
A system and method for remotely monitoring and controlling building security are provided. A controller is communicatively coupled to various security devices of a building and can communicate an activity event detected by one of the security devices to a remote user device. The controller can then establish a communication session between the remote device and a security communication device via the controller, thereby allowing the user to communicate with any visitors. Video from a security device can be transmitted by the controller to the user device or an alternative user-device. Access instructions can be provided by the user to the controller, in response to which the controller can deactivate various building security measures. Security measures can be reactivated by the controller automatically or in response to a user command. Additionally, the controller can monitor visitor compliance with the deactivated security measures and activate alarms or notify security agencies if necessary.
US08325023B2
The present invention concerns a system for servicing a plurality of service positions which are assigned to a plurality of installation elements, in particular passenger seats in an aircraft, comprising: a plurality of service units, in particular lighting units, wherein the number of service units exceeds the number of service positions to be serviced, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is adapted to receive a respective item of control information including an identification in respect of an installation element and to control a predetermined service unit on the basis of the identification, and a method of servicing a plurality of service positions which are assigned to a plurality of installation elements, in particular passenger seats in an aircraft, and a corresponding computer program.
US08325021B2
A remote controlling system for an electric device includes one or more electric devices for communicating with a remote controlling device through a wireless communication network. The one or more electric devices transmit state information to the remote controlling device according to a state request command from the remote controlling device, and control a predetermined operation according to an operation control command from the remote controlling device. The remote controlling device is supplied with power by a common power source for transmitting the state request command to the electric device selected by the user, receiving the state information from the electric device, and displaying the state information, or transmitting the operation control command to the electric device.
US08325018B2
Methods and apparatus for providing security for mobile devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes maintaining responsibility for a first item when the first item is in a first range of a first container. Maintaining responsibility for the first item includes monitoring a locator tag associated with the first item when the locator tag is within the first range. The method also includes determining when the first item is in the first range, determining if the first item is in a second range associated with a second container when the first item is not in the first range, and determining if the second container is trusted with respect to the first container if the first item is in the second range. Additionally, the method includes transferring responsibility for the first item to the second container if the second container is trusted with respect to the first container.
US08325015B2
A flexible wristband includes conductive silicone rubber loops and an insulating rubber portion. The conductive silicone rubber loops are formed parallel to one another, and substantially define a circumference of the wristband. The conductive silicone loops are connected through a radio frequency identification (RFID) integrated circuit package to form a loop antenna. The insulating silicone rubber portion is formed parallel to the conductive silicone rubber loops, separating the conductive silicone rubber loops and providing an insulating break in the conductive loops. The RFID integrated circuit package includes multiple terminals respectively connected to the conductive silicone rubber loops to create a loop antenna, enabling the RFID integrated circuit package to transmit data through the loop antenna.
US08325011B2
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a Radio Frequency ID (RFID) tag that contains multiple Radio Frequency (RF) network nodes that provide enhanced memory capabilities, redundant functionality, and multiple frequency capabilities to the RFID tag using an inter-RF network node communication connection. The inter-RF network node communication may allow the coordination of RFID tag memory and functionality.
US08325007B2
A metal strip resistor is provided with a resistive element disposed between a first termination and a second termination. The resistive element, first termination, and second termination form a substantially flat plate. A thermally conductive and electrically non-conductive thermal interface material such as a thermally conductive adhesive is disposed between the resistive element and first and second heat pads that are placed on top of the resistive element and adjacent to the first and second terminations, respectively.
US08325006B2
A chip resistor includes a substrate, a pair of electrode elements, a resistive layer, and a protective layer. The substrate is insulating and includes a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface and a thickness defined between the first and second surface. The electrode elements are formed on the first and spaced apart. The resistive layer is formed on the first surface and electrically connected to the electrode elements. The protective layer to covers the resistive layer. The first surface faces toward a mounting target, on which the chip resistor is mounted. Each of the electrode elements comprises an electrode layer and a conductive layer formed on the electrode layer. The boundary between the electrode layer and the conductive layer in each of the electrode elements is positioned closer to the substrate than the end surface of the protective layer in the thickness direction of the substrate.
US08324995B1
A starter magnet switch includes: a solenoid; an inner iron core fixed to the solenoid; a plunger attracted to the inner iron core by a magnetic field generated when the solenoid is energized; a rod starting to move when the plunger comes into contact therewith; a movable contact attached to an insulating member loose-fit to the rod; an immovable contact with which the movable contact comes into contact when the rod moves; a contact spring pressing the movable contact against the immovable contact; and a stopper receiving a biasing force of the contact spring via the insulating member, the movable contact, and an insulating washer. The stopper is fixed to the rod by subjecting a tip end of the rod to deformation and caulking. It thus becomes possible to obtain a long-life starter magnet switch by suppressing wear and deformation of parts.
US08324983B2
A waveguide coupler is provided with a trough portion with a first trough and a second trough. A coupling slot between the inner sidewalls of the first and second troughs communicates between the first trough and the second trough. A cover closes the first trough and the second trough to form first and second waveguides. The cover includes a protrusion surface with protrusions extending into the first trough and the second trough. The protrusions form a stepped ridge with a plurality of steps in height, if desired, lateral position. The steps are provided with a maximum inward extension and a minimum lateral distance from the coupling slot at a center step proximate a center of the coupling slot. The coupler is selectable between a high coupling level and a low coupling level by exchanging the cover applied to the trough portion between a flat surface and the protrusion surface.
US08324979B2
A coupled microstrip line structure having tunable characteristic impedance and wavelength are provided. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a coupled microstrip line structure comprises a first ground plane having a plurality of first conductive strips separated by a dielectric material, and a first dielectric layer over the first ground plane. The coupled microstrip line further comprises a first signal line over the first dielectric layer, wherein the first signal line is directly above the plurality of first conductive strips, and wherein the first signal line and the plurality of first conductive strips are non-parallel, and a second signal line over the first dielectric layer, wherein the second signal line is directly above the plurality of first conductive strips, and wherein the second signal line and the plurality of first conductive strips are non-parallel, and wherein the second signal line is substantially parallel to the first signal line.
US08324977B2
The invention relates to an oscillator circuit comprising: a VCO core having an output terminal for providing an oscillatory output signal thereat and having a supply terminal for receiving a supply voltage from a voltage supply, a subsequent circuit coupled to the VCO core's output terminal and having a supply terminal for receiving a supply voltage from the voltage supply. According to the invention, a decoupling member is arranged between the VCO core's supply terminal and the subsequent circuit's supply terminal for preventing high-frequency signals generated by the subsequent circuit at its supply terminal from entering the VCO core. The decoupling member may comprise a transmission line the length of which is one quarter wavelength associated with a second-harmonic oscillation.
US08324973B2
A radio frequency (RF) power amplifier includes a low impedance pre-driver driving the input of a common-source output amplifier stage. The preamplifier includes a first transistor that has a first terminal coupled to a preamplifier RF input node, a second terminal coupled to a preamplifier RF output node, and a third terminal coupled to a supply voltage node. A first inductor is coupled between the RF output node and a bias voltage node. A voltage difference between respective first and second voltages on the RF input node and the RF output node that are substantially in phase, determines current through the first transistor.
US08324964B2
The embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include a power amplifier having a low power mode amplifier, a medium power mode amplifier, and a high power mode amplifier in communication with a radio frequency (RF) output load. The exemplary embodiments of the power amplifier permit a wireless device to select the most power efficient means to transmit an RF signal based upon the desired output power level.
US08324961B2
A charge domain filter (CDF) and a bandwidth compensation circuit of the CDF are provided. The CDF includes an amplifier, a plurality of switch-capacitor networks (SCNs), a connector, a current adder (CA) and a bandwidth compensation circuit. A first input terminal of the amplifier receives an input signal, and an output terminal thereof is connected to input terminals of the SCNs. The connector is connected between the output terminal of the SCNs and the CA for configuring coupling status of the output terminals of the SCNs and input terminals of the CA. The bandwidth compensation circuit senses a portion of or all of the output terminals of the SCNs and the CA, and outputs the sensing result to a second input terminal of the amplifier.
US08324960B2
An integrated circuit includes a first PMOS transistor, where its drain is arranged to be coupled to a voltage output, and its source is coupled to the drain of a second PMOS transistor. The source of the second PMOS transistor is arranged to be coupled to a high power supply voltage. The source and drain of a MOS capacitor are coupled to the source of the first PMOS transistor. The drain of an NMOS transistor is coupled to the drain of the first PMOS transistor. The integrated circuit is configured to receive a voltage input to generate the voltage output having a maximum voltage higher than the voltage input. The gate oxide layer thickness of the MOS capacitor is less than that of the first PMOS transistor.
US08324959B2
A bias circuit according to the present invention includes: a transistor for supplying a bias current from the emitter of the transistor; an emitter potential generating device for supplying a potential to the emitter of the transistor; a switch element; and a voltage supply circuit for supplying a base voltage to the base of the transistor in response to the on/off of the switch element, wherein the emitter potential generating device generates a potential causing a potential difference between the base and emitter of the transistor to fall below a saturation voltage at the junction of the transistor, even in the case where the base of the transistor is fed with a voltage not lower the saturation voltage at the junction of the transistor.
US08324958B2
In one embodiment, a redundancy circuit may include a comparison unit configured to record a first repair address through fuse cutting, compare a comparison address with the first repair address, and output a comparison result signal; a first fuse enable unit configured to output a first fuse enable signal for repairing the first repair address; a second fuse enable unit configured to output a second fuse enable signal for repairing a second repair address; a first determination unit configured to output a first repair determination signal in response to receipt of the first fuse enable signal and the comparison result signal; and a second determination unit configured to output a second repair determination signal in response to receipt of an inverted signal of a value of the comparison result signal corresponding to the certain bit, remaining bits, and the second fuse enable signal.
US08324948B1
A method and apparatus for duty-cycle correction with reduced current consumption have been described.
US08324943B1
A capacitive load drive circuit may comprise a high current drive amplifier configured to be coupled to a capacitive load during a high current ramp up of the voltage across the capacitive load to a cut off voltage; a low current drive amplifier configured to be connected to the capacitive load during a low current ramp up of the voltage across the capacitive load, from the cut off voltage to a maximum voltage across the capacitive load; and the high current drive amplifier configured to be connected to the capacitive load during a high current ramp down of the voltage across the capacitive load. The low current drive amplifier may be connected to the capacitive load during a period of steady state of the voltage across the capacitive load, intermediate the low current ramp up and the high current ramp down.
US08324940B2
An inverter device includes a first nanowire connected to a voltage source node and a ground node, a first p-type field effect transistor (pFET) device having a gate disposed on the first nanowire, and a first n-type field effect transistor (nFET) device having a gate disposed on the first nanowire.
US08324935B2
A bus driver circuit for driving a bus voltage is provided. The bus driver circuit comprises: a bus line output (CANL) the bus voltage of which is driven by the bus driver circuit; a first transistor (M1) having a gate, the voltage at the gate of the first transistor (M1) determining the bus voltage at the bus line output (CANL); a first capacitor (C1) connected to the gate of the first transistor (M1) for driving the voltage at the gate of the first transistor (M1); a first switch (S1) connecting/disconnecting the first capacitor (C1) to a first voltage source (Vgm) via a first RC network comprising at least one resistor and at least one capacitor; and a second switch (S2) connecting/disconnecting the first capacitor (C1) to a predetermined fixed potential (GND 2) for discharging the first capacitor (C1) via a second RC network comprising at least one resistor and at least one capacitor. The first switch (S1) and the second switch (S2) are complementarily driven by a signal (TxD) on a data line.
US08324931B2
Some embodiments provide an IC with configuration context switchers. The IC includes several configurable circuits, each of which configurably performs one of several operations at any given time, based on the configuration data set that it receives at that time. The IC includes several storage circuits for storing several configuration data sets for each of the configurable circuits. The IC also includes a context switching interconnect circuit for switchably connecting the configurable circuit to different sets of storage circuits to receive different sets of configuration data sets. The context switcher includes one or more stages for re-timing the data coming from the configuration storage elements. The stages can include interconnect circuitry or storage circuitry. Some embodiments build one of the stages in the configuration data storage elements. Some embodiments encode the configuration data bits and hence utilize a decoder in the context switcher to decode the encoded configuration data.
US08324929B1
An integrated circuit device can include a core section coupled to a plurality of signal paths having a predetermined physical order with respect to one another. A configuration circuit can selectively connect each signal path to a corresponding one of a plurality of physical connection points to the IC device according to one of at least two different physical orders in response to configuration information.
US08324928B2
A calibration circuit includes a pad connected between an external resistor connected to a first voltage source and a first node, a first resistor unit connected between the first node and a second voltage source, a second resistor unit connected between a second node and the second voltage source, a first control unit for generating and outputting a first output signal, a first pull-down circuit connected between the second node and the first voltage source, a second pull-down circuit connected between a third node and the first voltage source, a second control unit for generating and outputting a second output signal, and a pull-up circuit connected between the third node and the second voltage source.
US08324898B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for providing tailored RF pulse trains, based on estimated B0 and B1 profiles, for uniform saturation for MRI techniques. The tailored pulse trains are optimized to minimize residual longitudinal magnetization in target tissue. The B0 and B1 profiles can be measured a priori over a desired region of a patient, e.g., the heart, and can overcome or mitigate SAR and B1 inhomogeneity constraints. In exemplary embodiments, the tailored pulse trains can include hard pulses with unequal weighting. In other embodiments, the tailored pulse trains can include BIR-4 pulse trains that are optimized to minimize residual longitudinal magnetization in target tissue. The tailored pulse train designs can improve the immunity to B1 variation while maintaining low RF power. MRI systems, methods, and controllers for providing tailored pulse trains are described.
US08324892B2
An electric motor (10) has: a stator (12) and a rotor (14) having a shaft (87). The rotor (14) has a sensor magnet (82) having a number SP of sensor poles (71, 72, 73, 74) for generating a predetermined distribution of the magnetic flux density, such that SP=2, 4, 6, 8, etc. The motor also has at least two rotor position sensors (450, 455, 460, 465) for generating rotor position signals (B_S1, B_S2) characterizing the magnetic flux density, the rotor position sensors (450, 455, 460, 465) being arranged in the region (30) of the circumference of the sensor magnet (82). The motor also has an evaluation apparatus (32) that ascertains, from the rotor position signals (B_S1, B_S2), an absolute value (phi_el, phi_mech) for the rotational position of the rotor (14). A method of generating an absolute value for the rotational position of an electric motor is likewise described.
US08324891B2
A magnetic field sensor includes a sensing structure having a ring-shaped well, a plurality of contacts of equal size disposed along the ring-shaped well, a circuit having a plurality of electronic switches associated with the contacts of the sensing structure, a logic block for controlling the electronic switches, at least one current source, a voltage measuring device, a timing circuit providing a control signal for controlling the logic and providing a reference signal, wherein the logic block is configured to switch the switches under the control of the control signal so that a predetermined number of contacts of the plurality of contacts form a vertical Hall element supplied with current from the at least one current source and having two contacts connected to the voltage measuring device and circuitry configured to measure a phase shift between the reference signal and an output signal of the voltage measuring device.
US08324885B2
A mixed signal acquisition system for a test and measurement instrument allows configuring of the number of analog and digital channels in use. The instrument includes an analog input interface and an N-channel logic input interface for receiving an analog signal and an N-channel logic signal, respectively. An A/D converter converts the analog input signal into an N-bit digital signal, and N latch circuits latch the N-bit logic signal. A multiplexer selects either the N-bit digital signal from the A/D converter, or the N-bit logic signals from the N latch circuits, and the selected signal at the output of the multiplexer is stored in an acquisition memory. By controlling the multiplexer selection, the number of analog channels and the digital channels can be controlled.
US08324876B1
A low dropout (LDO) voltage regulator with unconditional frequency compensation is presented. The low dropout voltage regulator is implemented using a two-stage operational amplifier. The first stage amplifier has two input transistors, each of which is connected to a diode-connected transistor. A transistor is connected in parallel to the diode-connected transistors to increase the gain of the first stage amplifier. The LDO voltage regulator has a compensation capacitance input between the first stage amplifier and the second stage amplifier and a voltage on the compensation capacitance input adjusts the current through the diode-connected transistors, as well as the gain of the first stage amplifier. The second stage amplifier receives output from the first stage amplifier, and a compensation capacitor is connected between the compensation capacitance input of the operational amplifier and the output node of the LDO voltage regulator.
US08324875B2
A multiphase DC/DC converter according to the present invention includes: a plurality of DC/DC converters whose outputs are connected in common to supply electric power to a load; a load state detection portion which detects a state of the load connected to the plurality of DC/DC converters and outputs a detection result; and a control circuit which drives each of the plurality of DC/DC converters based on outputs from the plurality of DC/DC converters, and based on an output from the load state detection portion, drives the plurality of DC/DC converters with output phases of the plurality of DC/DC converters deviated from each other or with the output phases of the plurality of DC/DC converters aligned with each other.
US08324872B2
A voltage regulator including at least one coupled inductor including a first winding and a second winding each having a polarity. The first winding and the second winding connected in series to form a common node such that the first winding and the second winding have the same polarity. The first winding and the second winding having a coefficient of coupling approximately equal to one. A conduction switch having an on-state and an off-state, to controllably conduct an input voltage to the at least one coupled inductor at a switching frequency. A freewheeling switch having an on-state and an off-state, in communication with the common node of the at least one coupled inductor to provide a path for current when the conduction switch is in the off-state. An output capacitor in communication with the at least one coupled inductor to filter the output voltage.
US08324871B2
Integrated multi-inductor magnetic member and multi-loop power factor correction circuit having same
A multi-loop power factor correction circuit includes a first rectifier circuit, an integrated multi-inductor magnetic member, plural switching circuits, plural rectifying elements, and a power factor correction controlling circuit. The integrated multi-inductor magnetic member includes a first slab, a second slab, a middle post, plural lateral posts, and plural winding coil assemblies. The winding coil assemblies are wound around respective lateral posts to form at least a first inductor and a second inductor. The magnetic flux cross-section area of the middle post is smaller than the sum of the magnetic flux cross-section areas of the lateral posts. The switching circuits are alternately conducted, so that the distribution of an input AC current is similar to the waveform of the input AC voltage.
US08324855B2
A fan control system includes a temperature detecting circuit and a rotation rate control circuit. The detecting circuit includes a first amplifier, a second amplifier, and a thermistor. The rotation rate control circuit includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The detecting circuit detects temperature and outputs a voltage signal. The rotation rate control circuit receives the voltage signal and controls the rotation rate of the fan according to the voltage signal.
US08324850B2
A motor driver according to the invention comprises (i) an energizing unit supplying drive voltage and drive current to a motor including a moving body and coils, (ii) a speed-position detector detecting a drive speed of the motor and a position of the moving body to output a speed position signal including drive-speed information and position information. The motor driver also includes (iii) a reference signal generator outputting a reference signal, (iv) a phase signal generator using the speed-position signal, the reference signal, and a set signal to output a phase signal indicating a phase of the supplied drive voltage, and (v) a waveforms generator using the position information and the phase signal to output a control signal to the energizing unit. A phase of the supplied drive voltage is regulated to be proportional to the drive speed, wherein a degree of the proportion is set by the set signal.
US08324848B2
A system for maintaining thermal stability of a motion stage driven by a motor comprises a motion current generator operative to produce a motion current to drive the motion stage to move and a thermal current generator operative to produce a thermal current to dissipate heat in the motion stage for controlling a temperature of the motion stage without producing corresponding movement of the motion stage. A summation controller is operative to combine the motion current with the thermal current, and to produce a combined current output to the motor.
US08324839B2
A lamp control system includes a first driving circuit, an assistance DC power source having an output voltage lower than a working voltage of a lamp and a second driving circuit. The first driving circuit electrically connects the lamp with a utility power source to convert an AC power a DC power and supply the DC power to the lamp. The second driving circuit electrically connects the assistance DC power source with the lamp. The second driving circuit includes a boost circuit, which is connected to the assistance DC power source to promote the output voltage of the assistance DC power source to the working voltage of the lamp and then supply electrical power with the promoted voltage to the lamp when the utility power source is off.
US08324838B2
Technologies are described herein for an illumination device and a corresponding fixture device. The illumination device includes a luminary module for the emission of light and an identification circuit containing identifying data, while the fixture device includes a driver module for supplying power to the illumination device and a controller module. When the illumination device is connected to the fixture device, the controller module communicates with the identification circuit of the illumination device to retrieve the identifying data and causes the driver module to supply the appropriate power to the luminary module of the illumination device.
US08324835B2
A method for forming a light source includes receiving an LED light module having a plurality of LEDs on a silicon substrate coupled to a flexible printed circuit and bonding the LED light module directly to a heat-sink with a thermal adhesive A base module with LED driver circuits is inserted into an interior channel of the heat sink and contacts of the LED driver circuits are connected to the LED light module.
US08324827B2
A universal line voltage dimming method and system, with a control circuit for an electronic ballast operable to receive ballast input power and an outboard dedicated dimming signal including a power sensing circuit (27) generating a sensed power signal (52) in response to the ballast input power (20); an on-time converter (50) generating an on-time signal (54) in response to the sensed power signal (52); a dedicated dimming interface (122) operable to generate a dedicated dimming signal (124) in response to the outboard dedicated dimming signal (120); and a microprocessor (56) operable to generate a dimming control signal (58) in response to at least one of the on-time signal (54) and the dedicated dimming signal (120). The on-time signal (54) determines the dimming control signal (58) when mains power is phase cut power.
US08324824B2
A 1-wire communication protocol and interface circuitry for communication between a host controller and a LED driver is provided. The 1-wire communication protocol is configured such that both PWM signals and DC current setting commands for programming the LED driver may be transmitted from the host controller to the LED driver via the same 1-wire interface. The 1-wire communication protocol uses the length of the pulses (pulse width), rather than the number of pulses, to distinguish between different modes of communication (PWM signal transmission mode or command pulse transmission mode) and different commands of the same type (specific DC current programming commands, or specific average PWM drive current for the LED, within each transmission mode). Because the same 1-wire interface is used for transmitting both PWM signals and DC current commands, integrated circuits for the host controller and the LED driver do not require an additional wire or pin.
US08324813B1
An electronic ballast includes a filament voltage control block having first and second switches and configured to receive a filament voltage control signal. An inverter includes an inverter driver having first and second gate drive output terminals for driving first and second inverter switches, and a gate drive transformer having a primary side coupled to the inverter driver. A first secondary side is coupled to the first inverter switch and a second secondary side is arranged to drive the first switch in the control block. The control block is effective in response to a first control signal state to drive the switches in the control block and generate a lamp filament heating voltage, and is further effective in response to a second control signal state to disable the second secondary side of the gate drive transformer and thereby disable the lamp filament heating voltage.
US08324812B2
A circuit for protecting an electronic ballast for use with a remote controller for gas discharge lamps against miswiring to a power source. Depletion mode MOSFETS are employed in both sides of the circuit to the controller and the MOSFETS respond to overvoltage, including polarity reversal to create an open circuit condition in the circuit to the controller.
US08324807B2
A photomultiplier tube including a photocathode, an electron multiplier, an electron collector, and a power lead, wherein the photocathode and the electron multiplier are disposed in a sealed transparent vacuum envelope, the electron collector and the power lead are connected with an external circuit outside the vacuum envelope, the photocathode is formed on the entire inner surface of the vacuum envelope, and the electron multiplier is located on the internal center of the vacuum envelope to receive photoelectrons from the photocathode in all directions for electrons multiplication. Because the effective photocathode area is increased, the detection efficiency of unit light-receiving area is improved.
US08324806B2
One embodiment of the present invention is an organic EL element, including a substrate, a first electrode having a pixel region, the first electrode formed on the substrate, a multi-step partition wall, including a first partition wall formed on the substrate, the first partition wall sectioning the first substrate and having an inverse tapered shape, and a second partition wall formed on the first partition wall, the second partition wall having a bottom part which is narrower than a top part of the first partition wall, a light emitting medium layer, including a first light emitting medium layer formed on the pixel region, the first partition wall and the second partition wall, the first light emitting medium layer made of an inorganic material, and an organic light emitting layer on the first light emitting medium layer, and a second electrode formed on the light emitting medium layer, wherein the first light emitting medium layer is formed on the first electrode and the multi-layer partition wall.
US08324805B2
An organic electroluminescent device includes a substrate; a plurality of light-emitting elements, each including an organic light-emitting layer held between a pair of electrodes; a display region which overlaps the substrate in plan view and in which the light-emitting elements are disposed; a first connection line which is disposed around the display region and is connected to one of the pair of electrodes and on which a transparent conductive layer is disposed; and a gas barrier layer covering end and top surfaces of the first connection line and top surfaces of the light-emitting elements.
US08324803B2
A multicolor organic light emitting device employs vertically stacked layers of double heterostructure devices which are fabricated from organic compounds. The vertical stacked structure is formed on a glass base having a transparent coating of ITO or similar metal to provide a substrate. Deposited on the substrate is the vertical stacked arrangement of three double heterostructure devices, each fabricated from a suitable organic material. Stacking is implemented such that the double heterostructure with the longest wavelength is on the top of the stack. This constitutes the device emitting red light on the top with the device having the shortest wavelength, namely, the device emitting blue light, on the bottom of the stack. Located between the red and blue device structures is the green device structure. The devices are configured as stacked to provide a staircase profile whereby each device is separated from the other by a thin transparent conductive contact layer to enable light emanating from each of the devices to pass through the semitransparent contacts and through the lower device structures while further enabling each of the devices to receive a selective bias. The devices are substantially transparent when de-energized, making them useful for heads-up display applications.
US08324801B2
An organic electroluminescence element is provided with a first electrode composed of a transparent electrode or a semi-transparent electrode; a second electrode facing the first electrode; and at least one organic layer arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode. The organic electroluminescence device is further provided with an auxiliary electrode, which is electrically connected to the first electrode, composed of a material having a lower electrical resistance value compared with that of the first electrode and has an opening. The auxiliary electrode is formed on the surface of the first electrode to have an area fixed based on a lattice point specified by a quasi-periodic two-dimensional arrangement as the opening section.
US08324796B2
A lighting device includes a light emitting element that emits a first colored light; a phosphor layer disposed on the light emitting element; and a lens part that is disposed so as to cover the light emitting element and the phosphor layer, and radiates light entering inside of the lens part so as to spread the light radially. The phosphor layer allows a part of the first colored light to transmit therethrough and converts another part of the first colored light into a second colored light having a wavelength longer than that of the first colored light. The lens part has: a base portion forming a light entrance surface through which the first colored light and the second colored light enter the lens part; and a diffraction portion forming a light exit surface through which the first colored light and the second colored light exit the lens part, the diffraction portion being configured so that a refracting power with respect to the second colored light is larger than a refracting power with respect to the first colored light.
US08324789B2
A base body having a base body portion and a plurality of heat radiating fins disposed on the circumference of the base body portion is provided. On one end side of the base body, a light-emitting module having semiconductor light-emitting elements, and a globe that covers the light-emitting module are provided. A cap is provided on the other end side of the base boy. A lighting circuit is housed between the base body and the cap. The lamp total length from the globe to the cap is 70 to 120 mm, and the area of a surface of the base body which is exposed to the outside per 1 W of power charged to the light-emitting module is 20.5 to 24.4 cm2/W.
US08324785B2
Piezoelectric actuators are provided. In some instances, the piezoelectric actuators are high-precision piezoelectric actuators. The piezoelectric beams may have a bi-chevron configuration. Also provided are methods of making the piezoelectric actuators, e.g., using Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) fabrication techniques, and methods of using the piezoelectric actuators, e.g., as valves in fluid dispensing systems.
US08324784B2
A method for tuning a resonant frequency of a piezoelectric component is disclosed. The piezoelectric component includes a transducer extending in three spatial directions. The resonant frequency depends on an extension in at least one of the spatial directions and/or on a material-dependent elasticity modulus. The transducer includes a layered structure with at least two first electrodes and at least one second electrode, which is disposed between the two first electrodes. In the method, a DC voltage is applied to at least one of the at least two first electrodes and the at least one second electrode, so that a change of the resonant frequency results due to a change to the extension in the one spatial direction and the elasticity modulus. A control voltage with an excitation frequency is applied, the excitation frequency substantially corresponding to the modified resonant frequency. This generates a vibration of the piezoelectric component.
US08324780B2
An automotive dynamoelectric machine that achieves disposing of permanent magnets and thickening of field coil wire by disposing trough portions on yoke portions and disposing magnet holders that hold the permanent magnets so as to span the trough portions to ensure outlet space for field coil lead wires. In the dynamoelectric machine, trough portions are formed on respective portions of yoke portions between circumferentially adjacent claw-shaped magnetic pole portions, a magnet holder is disposed so as to span over a trough portion, and a permanent magnet is held by the magnet holder. A lead wire is led out of a rotor from a field coil so as to pass through a space that is bounded by the trough portion and the magnet holder.
US08324771B2
A spindle motor includes a stator unit and a rotor unit supported to be rotatable with respect to the stator unit. The stator unit includes a stator, a base portion including a through hole, and a circuit board. The circuit board includes a connection portion to which a conductive wire from the stator is connected after passing through the through hole, and an extending portion arranged to extend from the connection portion. A lower surface of the base portion includes a recess portion arranged to accommodate the connection portion, and a groove portion arranged to extend from the recess portion to have the extending portion arranged therein. A bottom surface of the groove portion includes a protrusion portion arranged to protrude downwards.
US08324768B2
A rotational angle detection device for a permanent magnet dynamo-electric machine, including: a stator (10); a rotor (20); and a conductive circuit that includes first conductors (1a1, 1a2) extending in a direction parallel to a rotational axis of the rotor and being disposed in at least two places in a circumferential direction of the rotor, and second conductors (1b1, 1b2) for electrically interconnecting the first conductors. In this case, the first conductors are each disposed within a range of an electrical angle between −45° and +45° in the circumferential direction with a magnetic pole center being set as a reference, and the conductive circuit is disposed in at least one place in the circumferential direction, and the rotational angle detection device further comprising a detection means for detecting a rotational angle of the rotor by measuring a value of a current flowing through the armature winding.
US08324754B2
A system is provided for supplying voltage to electrical loads in the onboard electrical system of a motor vehicle, in which system the onboard electrical system includes at least two onboard electrical system regions. The first onboard electrical system region has an electric generator, a vehicle battery, and one or more first electrical loads, and the second onboard electrical system region has a double-layer capacitor or a so-called supercap, and one or more second electrical loads. A blocking apparatus, in particular a semiconductor diode or a circuit breaker, is provided between the two onboard electrical system regions. The blocking apparatus permits current to flow from the first onboard electrical system region to the second onboard electrical system region and largely prevents current from flowing in reverse from the second onboard electrical system region to the first onboard electrical system region. The output voltage of the electrical generator is increased and the supercap is charged when a first threshold value of the electrical voltage is undershot in the second onboard electrical system region.
US08324752B2
A water wave power plant system includes a first guide rail, a first clockwise freewheel, a first counterclockwise freewheel, a first buoy queued through the through-hole by the first guide rail, first right and left roller, a first chain belt having engaging the first clockwise freewheel, the first counterclockwise freewheel, the first right roller, and the first left roller on the first plane, and corresponding second set of equivalent elements to tap the water wave energy in an opposite direction. The first buoy and the second buoy are disposed on the first chain belt and the second chain belt, such that the first and the second buoy move oppositely from each other by a water wave.
US08324750B2
A wind power energy system includes a first source of energy producing variable energy, a second source of energy producing generally constant energy from the variable energy, and a third source of energy that receives the generally constant energy.
US08324745B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for operating a free-piston linear alternator. The apparatus includes a linear machine having first and second coils wound around a path for a linearly-moving mass and a rotating machine having a rotating mass and third and fourth coils. The first coil is coupled to the third coil, and the second coil is coupled to the fourth coil, such that movement of the linearly-moving mass with respect to the first and second coils imparts a first magnetic field upon the rotating mass via the third and fourth coils. Further, movement of the rotating mass with respect to the third and fourth coils creates a second magnetic field upon the linearly-moving mass to position the linearly moving mass for combustion.
US08324744B2
A tape carrier package (TCP) includes a film, a plurality of output leads and a plurality of input leads on the film, the plurality of output leads and the plurality of input leads being disposed on different sides, first and second TCP alignment marks arranged on opposing sides of the plurality of output leads, and a third TCP alignment mark at a central portion of the plurality of output leads.
US08324740B2
A semiconductor device includes a multilayer wiring board and a semiconductor chip mounted on the multilayer wiring board. Electrode pads of the semiconductor chip include: first electrode pads including electrode pads respectively disposed in the vicinity of corners of the back surface of the semiconductor chip; and second electrode pads other than the first electrode pads. Connection pads of the multilayer wiring board include: first connection pads connected to the first electrode pads via bumps; and second connection pads connected to the second electrode pads via bumps. The first connection pads are supported by a first insulating region made of a thermoplastic resin, and the second connection pads are supported by a second insulating region made of a thermosetting resin.
US08324720B2
A power semiconductor module assembly is disclosed including a power semiconductor module comprising a load terminal electrically conductively joined to a contact conductor. Part of the heat materializing during operation of the power semiconductor module in the load terminal is dissipated by using a heat dissipating element.
US08324718B2
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor chip mounted on a mounting substrate; a first resin filling a gap between the chip and the substrate; a frame-shaped stiffener surrounding the chip; a first adhesive for bonding the stiffener to the substrate; a lid for covering the stiffener and an area surrounded by the stiffener; and a second resin filling a space between the stiffener and the chip. A thermal expansion coefficient of the second resin is smaller than that of the first resin. The first resin includes an underfill part filling a gap between the chip and the substrate and a fillet part extended from the chip region.
US08324713B2
A lateral-vertical bipolar junction transistor (LVBJT) includes a well region of a first conductivity type over a substrate; a first dielectric over the well region; and a first electrode over the first dielectric. A collector of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type is in the well region and on a first side of the first electrode, and is adjacent the first electrode. An emitter of the second conductivity type is in the well region and on a second side of the first electrode, and is adjacent the first electrode, wherein the second side is opposite the first side. A collector extension region having a lower impurity concentration than the collector adjoins the collector and faces the emitter. The LVBJT does not have any emitter extension region facing the collector and adjoining the emitter.
US08324711B2
A precision high-frequency capacitor includes a dielectric layer formed on the front side surface of a semiconductor substrate and a first electrode on top of the dielectric layer. The semiconductor substrate is heavily doped and therefore has a low resistivity. A second electrode, insulated from the first electrode, is also formed over the front side surface. In one embodiment, the second electrode is connected by a metal-filled via to a layer of conductive material on the back side of the substrate. In alternative embodiments, the via is omitted and the second electrode is either in electrical contact with the substrate or is formed on top of the dielectric layer, yielding a pair of series-connected capacitors. ESD protection for the capacitor can be provided by a pair of oppositely-directed diodes formed in the substrate and connected in parallel with the capacitor. To increase the capacitance of the capacitor while maintaining a low effective series resistance, each of the electrodes may include a plurality of fingers, which are interdigitated with the fingers of the other electrode. The capacitor is preferably fabricated in a wafer-scale process concurrently with numerous other capacitors on the wafer, and the capacitors are then separated from each other by a conventional dicing technique.
US08324709B2
A semiconductor device has an electrical fuse formed on a substrate, having a first interconnect, a second interconnect respectively formed in different layers, and a via provided in a layer between the first interconnect and the second interconnect, connected to one end of the second interconnect and connected also to the first interconnect; and a guard interconnect portion formed in the same layer with the second interconnect, so as to surround such one end of the second interconnect, wherein, in a plan view, the second interconnect is formed so as to extend from the other end towards such one end, and the guard interconnect portion is formed so as to surround such one end of the second interconnect in three directions, while placing such one end at the center thereof.
US08324694B2
An object is that contact between an upper switch electrode and a lower switch electrode is not hindered. The present invention relates to a MEMS switch including a substrate; a structural layer with a beam structure in which at least one end is fixed to the substrate; a lower drive electrode layer and a lower switch electrode layer which are provided below the structural layer and on a surface of the substrate; and an upper drive electrode layer and an upper switch electrode layer which are provided on a surface of the structural layer, which is opposite to the substrate, so as to face the lower drive electrode layer and the lower switch electrode layer, respectively, in which the upper switch electrode layer is larger than the lower switch electrode layer.
US08324687B2
Provided is a semiconductor device comprising: a PW layer formed at a surface of a semiconductor substrate; an NW layer formed at the surface of the semiconductor substrate to be in contact with the PW layer; a p+ base layer formed at the surface of the semiconductor substrate in the PW layer; an n+ collector layer formed at the surface of the semiconductor substrate in the NW layer; an n+ emitter layer located between the p+ base layer and the n+ collector layer and formed at the surface of the semiconductor substrate in the PW layer; and an n± layer formed between the n+ collector layer and the PW layer to be in contact with the n+ collector layer.
US08324677B2
A nonvolatile memory device includes gate electrodes three dimensionally arranged on a semiconductor substrate, a semiconductor pattern extending from the semiconductor substrate and crossing sidewalls of the gate electrodes, a metal liner pattern formed between the semiconductor pattern and formed on a top surface and a bottom surface of each of the gate electrodes, and a charge storage layer formed between the semiconductor pattern and the metal liner pattern.
US08324673B2
Semiconductor memory devices and methods of forming the same are provided, the semiconductor memory devices include a first and a second buried gate respectively disposed on both inner sidewalls of a groove formed in an active portion and a device isolation pattern. The first and second buried gates are controlled independently from each other.
US08324671B2
A semiconductor device has a ferroelectric capacitor having a ferroelectric film, an interlayer insulating film having a first layer formed on the ferroelectric capacitor, a plug and a wiring connecting to the ferroelectric capacitor, and a dummy plug in the vicinity of the ferroelectric capacitor.
US08324664B2
A method for forming a fuse of a semiconductor device includes performing an ion-implanting process at sides of a fuse blowing region of a metal fuse, thereby increasing the concentration of impurity ions of a thermal transmission path region. In a subsequent laser blowing process, as a result of the increased resistance of metal fuse the electric and thermal conductivity is reduced, thereby increasing the thermal condensation efficiency of the fuse blowing region and improving the efficiency of the laser blowing process.
US08324663B2
One-time programmable (OTP) Electronically Programmable Read-Only Memories (EPROMs) have been used in a number of applications for many years. One drawback with these OTP EPROMs is that these nonvolatile memories tend to be slow and/or may use a considerable amount of area. Here, however, a bit cell is provided that employs a compact dual cell, which generally includes two OTP cells. These OTP cells are generally arranged in differential configuration to increase speed and are arranged to have a small impact on area.
US08324662B2
A semiconductor device includes an electric fuse formed on a substrate. The electric fuse includes: a first interconnect formed on one end side thereof; a second interconnect formed in a layer different from a layer in which the first interconnect is formed; a first via provided in contact with the first interconnect and the second interconnect to connect those interconnects; a third interconnect formed on another end side thereof, the third interconnect being formed in the same layer in which the first interconnect is formed, as being separated from the first interconnect; and a second via provided in contact with the third interconnect and the second interconnect to connect those interconnects, the second via being lower in resistance than the first via. The electric fuse is disconnected by a flowing-out portion to be formed of a conductive material forming the electric fuse which flows outwardly during disconnection.
US08324646B2
A chip coated LED package and a manufacturing method thereof. The chip coated LED package includes a light emitting chip composed of a chip die-attached on a submount and a resin layer uniformly covering an outer surface of the chip die. The chip coated LED package also includes an electrode part electrically connected by metal wires with at least one bump ball exposed through an upper surface of the resin layer. The chip coated LED package further includes a package body having the electrode part and the light emitting chip mounted thereon. The invention improves light efficiency by preventing difference in color temperature according to irradiation angles, increases a yield, miniaturizes the package, and accommodates mass production.
US08324633B2
A light emitting module comprises a light emitting device (LED) mounted on a high thermal dissipation sub-mount, which performs the traditionally function of heat spread and the first part of the heat sinking. The sub-mount is a grown metal that is formed by an electroplating, electroforming, electrodeposition or electroless plating process, thereby minimizing thermal resistance at this stage. An electrically insulating and thermally conducting layer is at least partially disposed across the interface between the grown semiconductor layers of the light emitting device and the formed metal layers of the sub-mount to further improve the electrical isolation of the light emitting device from the grown sub-mount. The top surface of the LED is protected from electroplating or electroforming by a wax or polymer or other removable material on a temporary substrate, mold or mandrel, which can be removed after plating, thereby releasing the LED module for subsequent processing.
US08324627B2
The present invention is a method for manufacturing an organic thin-film transistor substrate including an organic thin-film transistor as a transistor element, and an object of the invention is to provide a manufacturing method capable of forming a bank in a smaller number of steps. The method for manufacturing the organic thin-film transistor substrate of the present invention, in which an organic thin-film transistor is formed in a first region on a substrate, a second region for forming a light-emitting element in abutment with the first region is included, and a bank part is formed in a peripheral part of the second region, is characterized by including: a first step of forming the organic thin-film transistor in the first region on the substrate and forming at least one of the gate insulation layer and the organic semiconductor layer included by this organic thin-film transistor as far as the second region, thereby forming, in the second region, a bank precursor layer composed of a laminated structure formed on the second region; and a second step of removing the regions of the bank precursor layer other than the peripheral part, thereby forming the bank part made of the remaining bank precursor layer.
US08324619B2
There is provided an electroactive material having Formula I wherein: Q is the same or different at each occurrence and can be O, S, Se, Te, NR, SO, SO2, or SiR3; R is the same or different at each occurrence and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, or alkynyl; R1 through R8 are the same or different and can be hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, halogen, hydroxyl, aryloxy, alkoxy, alkenyl, alkynyl, amino, alkylthio, phosphino, silyl, —COR, —COOR, —PO3R2, —OPO3R2, or CN.
US08324616B2
An optoelectronic device including a first electrode, an active layer disposed on the first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the active layer, and a self-assembled monolayer interposed between the first electrode and the active layer, interposed between the active layer and the second electrode, or disposed inside the active layer, wherein the self-assembled monolayer includes a first compound and a second compound having different functional groups from each other.
US08324614B2
The disclosure provides methods, materials, and devices suitable for use in electroluminescent devices. In one embodiment, for example, there is provided a layered cathode comprising a metal substrate and an intermediate organic or organometallic layer having an electron accepting group. The intermediate layer provides an interface with an overlaying electroluminescent layer. The disclosure finds utility, for example, in the field of microelectronic devices.
US08324613B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a layer structure in an electronic device, especially in an organic light emitting device, the method comprising a step of producing the layer structure as a composite layer structure with free charge carriers generated by charge transfer between a first material and a second material, wherein the composite layer structure is provided as a stack of at least three non-mixed sub-layers made of the first material and the second material, respectively, wherein within the stack of the at least three non-mixed sub-layers each first material sub-layer is followed by an adjacent second material sub-layer and each second material sub-layer is followed by an adjacent first material sub-layer, and wherein the first material and the second material are selected to form a host-dopant material system for the electrical doping. The invention also relates to an electronic device.
US08324612B2
A thin film transistor (TFT), a method of fabricating the TFT, and a flat panel display having the TFT, wherein the TFT includes a substrate; a gate electrode provided on the substrate; a gate insulating layer provided on the gate electrode; a source electrode and a drain electrode provided on the gate insulating layer and insulated from the gate electrode; and an organic semiconductor layer contacting the source and drain electrodes and insulated from the gate electrode.
US08324611B2
A semiconductor light emitting device includes a first layer made of at least one of n-type GaN and n-type AlGaN; a second layer made of Mg-containing p-type AlGaN; and a light emitting section provided between the first layer and the second layer. The light emitting section included a plurality of barrier layers made of Si-containing AlxGa1-x-yInyN (0≦x, 0≦y, x+y≦1), and a well layer provided between each pair of the plurality of barrier layers and made of GaInN or AlGaInN. The plurality of barrier layers have a nearest barrier layer and a far barrier layer. The nearest barrier layer is nearest to the second layer among the plurality of barrier layers. The nearest barrier layer includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is made of Si-containing AlxGa1-x-yInyN (0≦x, 0≦y, x+y≦1). The second portion is provided between the first portion and the second layer and is made of AlxGa1-x-yInyN (0≦x, 0≦y, x+y≦1). The Si concentration in the second portion is lower than a Si concentration in the first portion and lower than a Si concentration in the far barrier layer.
US08324606B2
A resistance change type memory of an aspect of the present invention including a first wiring configured to extend in a first direction, a second wiring configured to extend in a second direction crossing the first direction, a series circuit configured to connect to the first and second wirings, the series circuit including a non-ohmic element being more conductive in the first to second wiring direction than in the second to first direction and a resistance change type storage element in which data is stored according to a change of a resistance state, an energy supplying circuit configured to connect to the first wiring to supply energy to the first wiring, the energy being used to store the data in the resistance change type storage element, and a capacitance circuit configured to include a capacitive element and being connected to the second wiring.
US08324603B2
Methods and structures provide galvanic isolation for electrical systems using a wide oxide filled trench, and that allows power across the system divide with a transformer, and that transmits data at a high baud rate using an optical link. The system solution allows the integration of all of these elements onto a single semiconductor substrate in contrast to currently available galvanic isolation systems that require multiple individual silicon die that are connected by wire bonds and are relatively slow.
US08324602B2
An optical sensor device, according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes a light source and a light detector. The light source includes one or more light emitting elements, and the light detector includes one or more light detecting elements. A first opaque light barrier portion, between the light source and the light detector, is configured to block light from being transmitted directly from the light source to the light detector. A second opaque light barrier portion, extending from the first opaque light barrier portion in a direction towards the light source, is configured to reduce an amount of specular reflections that would occur if a light transmissive cover plate were placed over the optical sensor device. A third opaque light barrier portion, extending from the first light barrier portion in a direction towards to the light detector, is configured to reduce an amount of specular reflections that would be detected by the light detector, if a light transmissive cover plate were placed over the optical sensor device.
US08324601B2
An extreme ultra violet light source apparatus by which EUV light can be efficiently obtained uses a driver laser which can realize a desired pulse width with substantially homogeneous intensity. The apparatus generates extreme ultra violet light by applying a laser beam to a target, and includes a chamber in which extreme ultra violet light is generated; a target supply unit which supplies a liquid or solid metal target to a predetermined position within the chamber; a laser beam generating unit which synthesizes pulse laser beams having delays different from one another to generate a single pulse laser beam or a pulse train laser beam having substantially homogeneous intensity, and applies the laser beam to the target supplied by the target supply unit to generate plasma; and a collector mirror which collects the extreme ultra violet light radiated from the plasma and outputs it.
US08324599B2
An ion implanter has an implant wheel with a plurality of wafer carriers distributed about a periphery of the wheel. Each wafer carrier has a heat sink for removing heat from a wafer on the carrier during the implant process by thermal contact between the wafer and the heat sink. A respective wafer lift structure on each carrier is moveable between first and second positions, with the wafer supported spaced away from the heat sink and in thermal contact with the heat sink respectively. The lift structure is operated to move between the first and second positions wheel the implant is rotating. This allows control of wafer temperature during the implant process by adjusting the thermal contact between wafers and heat sinks.
US08324597B2
Disclosed herein is a light detection device including, at least, a substrate provided with a plurality of detection regions where to perform detection of fluorescent light emitted from the inside of a sample upon irradiation of the sample with light, a light irradiation section operable to perform the irradiation with light, an optical control section configured to irradiate the detection regions with the light radiated from the light irradiation section, and a light detection section operable to detect the fluorescent light.
US08324596B2
A device and method for fluorescence observation have good operability, high sensitivity, and high acid reliability. The device is used for fluorescence observation using evanescent light. The angle of incidence of the excitation light is adjusted so that the excitation light is totally reflected from the surface of a substrate irrespective of the angle of the substrate surface. The method includes a step of shining the excitation light on the observation substrate while continuously varying the angle of the excitation light with respect to the observation substrate. In addition, the method includes a step of sensing the shone excitation light via optical sensors, and a step of setting the angle of total reflection according to the result of the sensing by the optical sensors. In the present device and method, the direction in which the shone excitation light travels varies with the angle of incidence.
US08324591B2
A method for generating a pulsed flux of energetic particles comprises the following steps: —initiating an ion plasma at a first electrode (111) in a vacuum chamber (110) and allowing said plasma to develop towards a second electrode (112) in said vacuum chamber, —at a time at which said ion plasma is in a transitional state with a space distribution of ions or electrons at a distance from said second electrode, applying between said electrodes a short high voltage pulse so as to accelerate said distributed ions or electrons towards said second electrode, whereby a high-energy flux of charged particles is generated while overcoming the space charge current limit of a conventional vacuum diode, and —generating said energetic particles at said second electrode (112). A particle source is also disclosed. Application in particular to ultra-short pulse neutron generation.
US08324573B2
In a conventional micro-channel plate (MCP), a secondary electron (SE) detector or a semi-conductor detector the number of the electrons is amplified through its own structure. For such amplification a small voltage difference is applied externally or generated due to its own structure and material. The electric current of electrons undergoing the above-described procedure is amplified by an external amplification circuit. In the present invention electrons—resulting from the collision of the electron beam generated by a microcolumn—are detected by surrounding conductive wiring. The detected electrons are amplified using an amplification circuit on the outside similar to a conventional detection method.
US08324569B2
An MS analysis is performed for each micro area within a specified mass analysis area on a sample. Based on the data obtained by this analysis, a distribution image of a specified m/z ratio of m/z range is created and displayed on a display screen (S10-S14). When an operator selects a substance of interest on the displayed image and indicates its m/z (S15), one or more micro areas in which the MS spectrum intensity at the specified m/z is equal to or higher than a threshold are extracted, and an MS/MS analysis using the m/z of the substance of interest as the precursor is performed on the extracted micro areas (S26 and S27). An average MS/MS spectrum is calculated from the MS/MS spectrum data obtained for those micro areas (S28), and the substance of interest is identified based on the information relating to the peaks appearing on the average MS/MS spectrum (S19).
US08324560B2
The invention relates to an optical detector device (1) for generating at least one electrical output signal in response to a received beam of light, comprising an optical band-pass filter (3a), adapted to receive the beam of light and to provide a filtered beam of light, which filter (3a) has a transmission wavelength which increases in direction of at least one axis (4) and an array of detector elements (2) arranged in direction of the axis (4) to receive the filtered beam of light for generating the electrical output signal.
US08324551B2
An image reader includes a first calculation unit for calculating an output value from an output value of a photodetector adjacent to a specific photodetector in read-width direction; a second calculation unit for calculating a ratio between a first value and a second value, the first value being an output value of the photodetector disposed in conveyance direction of the specific photodetector, and the second value being an output value of the photodetector adjacent, in the read-width direction, to the photodetector disposed in the conveyance direction of the specific photodetector; and a pixel correcting circuit that multiplies the values obtained by the first calculation unit and second calculation unit, substitutes the product for the output value at the pixel position of the photodetector specified by the pixel detecting circuit, and produces as a line output the substitute together with output values at pixel positions of the photodetectors not specified.
US08324550B2
An imaging system may include an imager with pixels and with reset lines that can be selectively deactivated and floated. When the reset lines are deactivated and floated, the reset lines may be connected to floating diffusion nodes in the pixels to increase the capacitance of the floating diffusion nodes. The reset lines may have parasitic capacitances that are used to supplement the capacitances of the floating diffusion nodes, when the reset lines are connected to the floating diffusion nodes. The imager may be used to capture high dynamic range images by simultaneously capturing a first image with a long integration time and a second image with a short integration time. The first and second images may be combined into a high dynamic range image.
US08324549B2
A detector for detecting electromagnetic radiation includes a semiconductor substrate of a first doping type, and a well in the semiconductor substrate, the well being of a second doping type. The first doping type and the second doping type are different and the well has an increasing dopant concentration in a direction parallel to a surface of the semiconductor substrate. In addition, the detector includes a detector terminal doping region which is arranged at least partly in the well in a terminal region of the well. The detection of electromagnetic radiation is based on a generation of free charge carriers by the electromagnetic radiation in a detection region of the well. The detection region has a maximum dopant concentration which is lower than a maximum dopant concentration of the terminal region of the well.
US08324546B1
A congruence reduction algorithm that forms composite lenslets by reducing data of a plurality of focal spot locations using linear transformations. Use of the congruence reduction algorithm increases the speed of calculations by which corrective elements such as deformable mirrors function, reduces the number of lenslets in an array and improves reconstruction time and focal spot quality.
US08324525B2
A method processing a workpiece in a plasma reactor chamber in which a first one of plural applied RF plasma powers is modulated in accordance with a time-varying modulation control signal corresponding to a desired process transient cycle. The method achieves a reduction in reflected power by modulating a second one of the plural plasma powers in response to the time-varying modulation control signal.
US08324513B2
A wiring substrate includes a core substrate including an inorganic dielectric insulating base material having first and second surfaces, and linear conductors penetrating the insulating base; a first wiring layer on the first surface electrically connected to a portion of linear conductors; a second wiring layer on the second surface electrically connected to the portion of the linear conductors; a first insulating layer on the first surface covering the first wiring layer and including a first through-hole; a third wiring layer on the first insulating layer electrically connected to the first wiring layer via the first through-hole; a second insulating layer on the second surface covering the second wiring layer and including a second through-hole; and a fourth wiring layer on the second insulating layer electrically connected to the second wiring layer via the second through-hole.
US08324500B2
An electrical outlet safety cap is easily removed from an electrical outlet by adults but not by children. The safety cap includes a disk, prong or prongs, and at least one keyhole. The prongs extend outwardly from the rear surface of the disk. When in place, the prongs are secured tightly in the contact holes to prevent removal by children. The rear surface of the disk has one or more keyholes. To remove the safety cap, the prong of a second safety cap is slid into the keyhole of a first safety cap that is in use. The second safety cap is pulled outward, away from the electrical outlet, removing the prongs of the first safety cap from the contact holes to free the first safety cap from the electrical outlet.
US08324482B2
Disclosed herein are transgenic plants having recombinant DNA which expresses a G1073 transcription factor which provides enhanced resistance and/or tolerance to water deficit. More specifically the DNA constructs comprise a polynucleotide which encodes at least a functional part of a G1073 transcription factor or a homologous transcription factor.
US08324478B1
A novel maize variety designated PHR0D and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHR0D with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHR0D 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 PHR0D or a locus conversion of PHR0D with another maize variety.
US08324477B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH918848. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH918848, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH918848 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH918848.
US08324453B1
A novel maize variety designated X05A234 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 X05A234 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X05A234 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X05A234, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X05A234. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X05A234.
US08324444B2
An absorbent article, such as a diaper, a pant diaper, a sanitary napkin, an incontinence guard etc., includes components that are joined together by a bonding pattern. The bonding pattern has color-changing properties triggered by heat and/or pressure exerted during the bonding process, the color-changing properties being either irreversible or reversible. The color-changing properties may be accomplished by thermochromic pigments, thermochromic fibers and/or pressure-sensitive pigments. A laminate is formed from two or more web material layers joined together by a bonding pattern having color-changing.
US08324441B2
A process is presented for the production of light olefins from a paraffin stream comprising pentanes. The process includes a series of pentane cracking reactors where a process stream having pentane in the process stream passes through the reactors with the process stream heated between each pair of successive reactors, and where the process is operated at low pressures.
US08324439B2
A method of treating feedstocks from renewable sources in order to produce diesel fuel bases of excellent quality. The feedstocks used can be, for example, raw vegetable oils or such oils that have been previously subjected to a prerefining stage, animal fats, or mixtures of such feedstocks. The method includes fixed bed catalytic hydrotreatment, followed by fixed bed hydroisomerization with a catalyst based on monodimensional 10 MR zeolite and at least one metal from group VIII and/or VIB.
US08324437B2
An unleaded aviation fuel composition, containing at least one saturated branched aliphatic hydrocarbon having a carbon number in the C4 to C10 range, further contains sufficient m-xylene to yield a fuel having a MON of at least 98. A process is further provided for producing the unleaded aviation fuel composition by admixing a m-xylene enriched liquid with alkylate.
US08324407B2
Disclosed is an alcohol compound which is useful as a raw material and an intermediate for paints, adhesives, medicines, cosmetics, food additives, surfactants and the like, further disclosed is a method for producing the above compound.The above alcohol compound is represented by the following Formula (1): wherein A represents an aromatic ring selected from the group consisting of benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, phenanthrene and pyrene; R1 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group having 6 to 10 carbon atoms or a halogen atom; n represents an integer of 0 to 4; provided that when A is benzene, n represents an integer of 1 to 4; when n represents an integer of 2 to 4, plural R1 may be the same or different from each other; and R2 represents a hydrogen atom, methyl or ethyl.
US08324404B2
The compounds of formula I in which A, R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings as given in the description, are novel effective PDE4 inhibitors.
US08324403B2
There are provided an organic having both excellent hole transporting property and satisfactory electron transporting and showing excellent durability against electric oxidation/reduction and a high triplet excitation level, and a charge transporting material and an organic electroluminescent device each using the organic compound. The organic compound is represented by following Formula (I): wherein Cz1 and Cz2 each represent a carbazolyl group; Z represents a direct bond or an arbitrary linkage group enabling the conjugation of nitrogen atoms in the carbazole rings of Cz1 and Cz2 with each other; and Q represents a direct bond connecting to “G” in following Formula (II):
US08324395B2
Provided is a heterocyclic compound showing strong Raf inhibitory activity. A compound represented by the formula wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof.
US08324387B2
Disclosed is a harmful arthropod control composition comprising, as an active ingredient, a fused heterocyclic compound represented by formula (1) [wherein A1 and A2 independently represent a nitrogen atom or the like; R1 and R4 independently represent a halogen atom or the like; R2 and R3 independently represent a halogen atom or the like; R5 and R6 independently represent a linear C1-C6 hydrocarbon group which may be substituted, or the like (provided that both R5 and R6 cannot represent a hydrogen atom simultaneously); and n represents 0 or 1]. The harmful arthropod control composition has an excellent efficacy to control harmful arthropods.
US08324380B2
The present invention relates to certain novel compounds of Formula (I): and methods for preparing these compounds, compositions, intermediates and derivatives thereof and for the treatment of prokineticin 1 or prokinetin 1 receptor mediated disorders.
US08324379B2
The present invention provides hydrophobic prodrugs of bases, nucleosides, and nucleotides as well as methods of using the prodrugs as antiviral and anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agents.
US08324371B2
Molecules are provided for inducing or facilitating exon skipping in forming spliced mRNA products from pre-mRNA molecules in cells. The molecules may be provided directly as oligonucleotides or expression products of vectors that are administered to a subject. High rates of skipping can be achieved. High rates of skipping reduce the severity of a disease like Duchene Muscular Dystrophy so that the disease is more like Becker Muscular Dystrophy. This is a severe reduction in symptom severity and mortality.
US08324369B2
The present invention provides adjuvants, vaccines and therapies in which antigen presentation is enhanced through inhibition of negative immune regulators. The compositions and methods are useful for generating immune responses against antigens, including microbial pathogens and tumor-associated antigens, by way of inhibiting a negative immune regulator in a cell and providing a proinflammatory stimulus. In particular, nucleotides encoding inhibitors of negative immune regulators, antigens, and co-stimulatory molecules are contacted with immune cells in order to elicit a therapeutic or prophylactic response.
US08324364B2
Compositions and methods for the rapid and sensitive detection of a carbapenemase in a sample are provided. The compositions include novel primer and probe compositions for use in detecting the presence of this enzyme in a sample, particularly using PCR methods. These primers and probe sets can be used in amplification methods (such as PCR, particularly quantitative PCR) and packaged into kits for use in amplification methods for the purpose of detecting carbapenemase in a test sample, particularly a patient sample, particularly a direct sample. Thus, in one embodiment, the present invention provides for novel oligonucleotide primers set forth in SEQ ID NOs:1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 14, 15, 17, 18, and 20, and the novel oligonucleotide probe sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:3, 6, 9, 16, and 19. These sequences can be used in a method of detecting carbapenemase in a sample.
US08324361B2
The present invention relates to compositions and methods for characterizing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. In particular the invention provides the means and methods for the diagnosis, characterization, prognosis and treatment of cancer and specifically targeting cancer stem cells. The present invention provides a soluble FZD receptor comprising an extracellular domain of a human FZD receptor that inhibits growth of tumor cells. The present invention still further provides a soluble receptor comprising a Fri domain of a human FZD receptor that binds a ligand of a human FZD receptor and said soluble receptor is capable of inhibiting tumor growth. The present invention still further provides a method of treating cancer comprising administering a soluble FZD receptor comprising for example, either an extracellular domain of a human FZD receptor or a Fri domain of a human FZD receptor, in an amount effective to inhibit tumor growth.
US08324357B2
A universal detection system based on allosteric aptamers, signal amplification cascade, and eye-detectable phrase transition. A broadly applicable homogeneous detection system is provided. It utilizes components of the blood coagulation cascade in the presence of polystyrene microspheres (MS) as a signal amplifier. Russell's viper venom factor X activator (RVV-X) triggers the cascade, which results in an eye-visible phase transition—precipitation of MS bound to clotted fibrin. An allosteric RNA aptamer, RNA132, with affinity for RVV-X and human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF165) was created. RNA132 inhibits enzymatic activity of RVV-X. The effector molecule, VEGF165, reverses the inhibitory activity of RNA132 on RVV-X and restores its enzymatic activity, thus triggering the cascade and enabling the phase transition. Similar results were obtained for another allosteric aptamer modulated by a protein tyrosine phosphatase. The assay is instrumentation-free for both processing and readout.
US08324354B2
The invention relates to the field of the diagnosis of and vaccination against Streptococcal infections, and to the detection of virulence markers of Streptococci. The invention discloses a method for modulating virulence of a Streptococcus comprising modifying a genomic fragment of the Streptococcus, wherein the genomic fragment comprises at least a functional part of a fragment identifiable by hybridization in Streptococcus suis to a nucleic acid or fragment thereof.
US08324352B2
The invention provides antibodies that inhibit activation of complement, which may be used to treat various inflammatory diseases or disorders.
US08324346B2
Compositions containing biologically active peptides are disclosed. Active peptides are isolated fragments derived from human hair or sheep wool keratin proteins. Compositions may be prepared for pharmaceutical or topical administration or for use in cosmetic preparations.
US08324345B2
There is provided an HLA-binding peptide being excellent in binding affinity to an HLA-A type molecule. An HLA-binding peptide capable of binding to an HLA-A type molecule, including one or more amino acid sequences selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1 to 50, and being composed of 8 or more and 11 or less amino acid residues, is provided. All of the amino acid sequences are the amino acid sequences that are predicted to be capable of binding to an HLA-A molecule by using a prediction program utilizing an active learning method shown in FIG. 1.
US08324342B1
A porphyrin coordination polymer nanostructure comprising a network of pyridyl porphyrin molecules and coordinating metal ions coordinatively bound through the pyridyl groups. In some embodiments, the porphyrins are metalloporphyrins. A variety of nanostructures are formed by the network polymer, including nanospheres, polygonal nanostructures, nanorods, and nanofibers, depending on a variety of factors including coordination metal ion, porphyrin type, metal of the metalloporphyrin, and degree of agitation during nanostructure formation. Reduction of coordinating metal ions may be used to form metal nanoparticles on the coordination polymer nanostructure.
US08324333B2
Materials and methods for the generation of polyelectrolyte multilayers that can erode to release cationic components. The multilayers comprise layers that contain one or more cations and one or more charge-dynamic anionic polymers. Charge-dynamic anionic polymers contain side chains having removable functional groups. Removal of the functional groups results in a change in the net change in the charge of the polymer which can disrupt interactions between cations and the anionic polymers and facilitate release of cations.
US08324332B2
A resin for thermal imprint including a cyclic-olefin-based thermoplastic resin that contains at least one of skeletons represented by the following chemical equation 1 or the following chemical equation 2 in a main chain. The glass transition temperature Tg (° C.) and the value ([M]) of MFR at 260° C. satisfy the following equation 1, and [M]>10. The thermal imprint characteristics (transferability, mold release characteristic, and the like) are superior and the productivity (throughput) is improved. Tg (° C.)<219×log [M]−104 [Equation 1]
US08324328B2
An apparatus defined as a set of loop reactors suitable for the polymerization process of a monomer, preferably ethylene and optionally an olefin co-monomer, comprising for each of said reactors: a plurality of interconnected pipes P defining a flow path for a polymer slurry, said slurry consisting essentially of ethylene, optionally a co-monomer, a polymerization catalyst, liquid diluent and solid olefin polymer particles, means for feeding monomer, optionally a co-monomer, diluent and optionally hydrogen in the reactor, means for feeding a polymerization catalyst in the reactor, a pump suitable for maintaining the polymer slurry in circulation in such reactor, one or more settling legs connected to the pipes P of such reactor for settling of polymer slurry, one or more control valves connected to the outlet of such settling legs, and one or more flash lines for discharging settled polymer slurry out of the reactor characterized in that each of said loop reactors comprises a three-or-more-way valve defining three-or-more ends, one end A being positioned at the outlet of said one or more control valves.
US08324321B2
The present invention provides a thermoplastic resin composition that gives a solar cell sealing sheet having, even without being crosslinked, good mechanical strength, solar cell sealability, transparency, and weatherability.The thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention comprises 1 to 95% by weight of a propylene-based polymer (A) and 5 to 99% by weight of a copolymer (B) with at least one •-olefin having 2 to 20 carbon atoms other than propylene, wherein (A) satisfies the following (i) and (ii), and (B) has a melting point below 80° C. or does not show a melting point as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). (i) Melting point measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) method is in the range of 80 to 135° C. (ii) Endotherm attributable to crystal melting is not observed at 140° C. or more in the endothermic curve measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) method.
US08324306B2
Disclosed are surfacing materials formed from a suitable angular or sub-angular base sand mixture that is coated with a polymer or polymer/oil blend and then combined with short fibers to produce the final surfacing composition. The polymers and polymer/oil blends are selected to reduce temperature dependent viscosity variations in the surfacing materials, thereby providing a more consistent “going” for horses or other livestock being worked on these surfacing materials. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such surfacing compositions and methods of using such surfacing compositions in constructing riding venues including, for example, arenas and tracks.
US08324305B2
The invention relates to preparations comprising a wax in which polymer particles are present, where the polymer particles comprise at least one effect substance, obtainable by, by means of a miniemulsion polymerization carried out in the presence of a wax-immiscible solvent, distributing at least one effect substance in polymer particles, and incorporating the polymer particle dispersion obtained in this way into a wax by phase transfer.Furthermore, the invention relates to compositions comprising a polymeric matrix in which, in essentially homogeneous distribution, the aforementioned polymer particles are present, obtainable by incorporating the aforementioned polymer-particle-comprising wax as preparation into a polymeric matrix.
US08324302B2
A method is provided that includes providing a resin in liquid form. The resin can be partially cured, and subsequent to partially curing the resin, the resin can be mixed with filler particles. The resin and filler particles can be mixed, say, in a planetary mixer, and can be exposed to an ambient pressure less than atmospheric pressure during mixing. Subsequent to mixing the resin and filler particles, the resin can be fully cured. The fully-cured resin can be disposed between first and second conductive components configured to be maintained at different potentials, such as between a phase conductor and a ground conductor.
US08324301B2
Alkaline earth metal carbonate exhibiting a resistance to acids expressed as pH of less than 7 measured after suspending 1.0 g of the particles in a mixture made of 20 ml of toluene and 80 ml of an aqueous phase consisting of deionized water, 11.76 g/L of citric acid monohydrate, 2.57 g/L of NaCl and 0.068 mol/L of NaOH, after 35 minutes of stirring at 25° C. and at 1 000 rpm, or expressed as a moisture pick-up lower than or equal to 2 g water/kg of calcium carbonate after one week of storage at 22° C. and 50% relative humidity, or as a Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) spectrum showing at least one peak between 170 and 190° C. when measured at a heating rate of 10° C./min under nitrogen atmosphere from 25 to 250° C. in open cells. Process for the preparation of said particles, compositions containing said particles and the use thereof.
US08324296B2
Described herein is a non-halogen flame-retardant synthetic resin composition which contains the (poly)phosphate compound represented by the following formulae (1)and (3)and layered silicate: where X1 is ammonia or a triazine derivative and Y1 is a diamine containing a [R1R2N(CH2)mNR3R4] group, piperazine or a diamine containing a piperazine ring.
US08324294B2
High performing nanoparticle compositions suitable for printing, such as by inkjet printing, are provided herein. In particular, there is provided a conductive ink formulation comprising silver nanoparticles which has optimal performance, such as, reduced coffee ring effect, improved adhesion to substrates, and extended printhead de-cap time or latency time. The ink formulation comprises two or more solvents and a resin.
US08324293B2
Aqueous ink, ink jet recording method, ink cartridge, recording unit and ink jet recording apparatus
An aqueous ink comprising a polymer having hydroxyl groups and a pigment, which can provide images excellent in scratch resistance and highlighter resistance and can inhibit the seeping out phenomenon of the polymer and the deterioration of ejection characteristics even when it is stored for a long period of time. The aqueous ink comprises a polymer having hydroxyl groups, a pigment and a water-soluble organic solvent, wherein the water-soluble organic solvent comprises a poor medium for a polymer that is not adsorbed on the pigment (out of the polymer having hydroxyl groups), and wherein when the segment constituting the polymer that is not adsorbed on the pigment (out of the polymer having hydroxyl groups) is comprised of a segment A having hydroxyl groups and a segment B having no hydroxyl group, at least one of the poor medium is a good medium for either one of the segment A and the Segment B.
US08324287B2
Prepare a polymeric foam from a foamable polymer composition containing a thermoplastic polymer composition and a blowing agent wherein 75 percent or more by weight of all non-halogenated polymers in the foamable polymer composition is a styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer composition having a polymerized acrylonitrile content distribution with a positive skew in a copolymerized AN content distribution and a positive percent difference between the mean and the median copolymerized AN content distribution.
US08324286B2
Heat-expandable microspheres include a shell of thermoplastic resin and a blowing agent encapsulated therein having a boiling point not higher than the softening point of the thermoplastic resin, have a maximum expanding ratio not lower than 50 times, and are thermally expanded into hollow particulates having a repeated-compression durability not lower than 75 percent. The method of producing the heat-expandable microspheres includes the steps of dispersing an oily mixture containing a polymerizable component and the blowing agent in an aqueous dispersing medium containing a specific water-soluble compound and polymerizing the polymerizable component contained in the oily mixture.
US08324277B2
Nitro oleic acid and related metabolites are agonists of PPAR-γ. Surprisingly, nitro oleic acid is a more potent agonist of PPAR-γ, relative to nitro linoleic acid. Thus, nitro oleic acid and its metabolites, as well as their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrug forms, are candidate therapeutics for the treatment of type-2 diabetes, which results from insulin resistance accompanying the improper functioning of PPAR-γ.
US08324267B2
The present invention relates to protein kinase inhibitors and to the use thereof for the treatment of diseases induced by pathological signal transduction cascades.
US08324254B2
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I) or salts thereof: having pharmacological activity, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of various disorders mediated by S1P1 receptors.
US08324251B2
The present application describes modulators of MIP-1α or CCR-1 of formula (I) or stereoisomers or prodrugs or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein n, ring A, T, V, X, R1, R2 and R8, are defined herein. In addition, methods of treating and preventing inflammatory diseases such as asthma and allergic diseases, as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis and transplant rejection using modulators of formula (I) are disclosed.
US08324245B2
An objective of the present invention is to provide compounds having potent antitumor activity. The compounds of the present invention are represented by formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof: wherein X═CH or N; Z═O or S; L=O or S; M=CR10R11, wherein R10 and R11═H, alkyl, or alkoxy, NR12 wherein R12═H or alkyl; R1, R2, and R3═H or optionally substituted alkoxy; R4═H; R5-8═H, halogen, alkoxy or the like; and R9=alkyl optionally substituted by —R14, -T-R15, or —NR16R17 wherein T=O, S, or NH; R14=an optionally substituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring; and R15-17=alkyl or an optionally substituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring, or —NR18R19 wherein R18 and R19═H, optionally substituted alkyl, or an optionally substituted carbocylic or heterocyclic ring, or optionally substituted carbocyclic or heterocyclic ring.
US08324239B2
The present invention provides a compound of formula I; a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a pharmaceutical composition.
US08324238B2
Disclosed are aspartic acid salts of 1-cyclopropyl-6-fluoro-7-(8-methoxyimino-2,6-diaza-spiro[3.4]oct-6-yl)-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-[1,8]naphthyridine-3-carboxylic acid, methods for preparing the same, and antimicrobial pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same.
US08324235B2
The patent application relates to new heterocyclic compounds of the general formula (I), in which R, R1, R2, Q, T, n and p have the definitions elucidated in more detail in the description, to a process for preparing them and to the use of these compounds as medicaments, particularly as aldosterone synthase inhibitors.
US08324234B2
The present invention provides a compound having an excellent inhibitory action on melanin production and being useful as a whitening agent, and a skin external preparation containing the compound. The whitening agent of the present invention comprises, as an active ingredient, a compound represented by formula (1) or a pharmacologically acceptable salt thereof: wherein, R1, R3, R4, and R6 are each independently C1-3 alkyl; and R2 and R5 are each independently a hydrogen atom or C1-3 alkyl.
US08324221B2
The present invention provides compounds of Formula (I) including tautomers, resolved enantiomers, resolved diastereomers, solvates, metabolites, salts and pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs thereof. Also provided are methods of using the compounds of this invention as Akt protein kinase inhibitors and for the treatment of Akt-mediated diseases, for example, hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer.
US08324220B2
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of voltage-gated ion channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders.
US08324219B2
This invention relates to certain biologically active chemical compounds, such as benzoimidazolyl-pyrazine derivatives of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. These compounds are useful as immunosuppressive agents and for treating and preventing inflammatory conditions, allergic disorders, and immune disorders.
US08324205B2
The present invention relates to nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which have inhibitory activity on the phosphorylation of kinases, which inhibits the activity of such kinases. The invention is also related to a method of inhibiting kinases and treating disease states in a mammal by inhibiting the phosphorylation of kinases. In a particular aspect the present invention provides nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compounds and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof which inhibit phosphorylation of a PDGF receptor to hinder abnormal cell growth and cell wandering, and a method for preventing or treating cell-proliferative diseases such as arteriosclerosis, vascular reobstruction, cancer and glomerulosclerosis.
US08324202B2
Novel hydroxamate histone deacetylase inhibitors of formula (I) wherein X is C═O or CH2 used as antineoplastic agent.
US08324200B2
Disclosed are compounds of formula I, compositions containing them, and methods of use for the compounds and compositions in the treatment of conditions in which modulation of the JAK pathway or inhibition of JAK kinases, particularly JAK 2 and JAK3, are therapeutically useful.
US08324196B2
The invention relates to a method for chelating metal ion and/or dissolving amyloid aggregates, including chelating metal ions and/or dissolving amyloid aggregates with a compound of formula (I):
US08324193B2
The present invention comprises systems, methods and devices for the delivery of visualizable or treatment compositions or therapeutic agents comprising device elements for diagnosis and/or treatment of conduits. A delivery system comprising an introducer shaft having at least one exit port and at least one delivery catheter for placement of compositions into the conduit, such as a fallopian tube.
US08324191B2
The present invention relates to oral nutritional and therapeutic products which are useful for providing vitamins and minerals required for bone health. The present invention is an oral nutritional and therapeutic composition of calcium succinate, magnesium R-(+)-alpha-lipoate, and Vitamin D for use in the maintenance of bone health, the optimization of bone growth, reducing the risk of bone fracture, and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. The pharmaceutical products and methods of the present invention are particularly useful in building bone mass, quality, and density during growth, maintaining bone mass, quality, and density over time, reducing bone fracture risk, and treating osteoporosis in men and women.
US08324190B2
Methods of treating cancer using compounds according to Formula (I) are disclosed herein, wherein X, X1, X2, Ra, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, g, M, y, a, b, d, e, V, W, Z and Q are as defined herein.
US08324189B2
A method of intravenously administering a bisphosphonate to a patient in need of bisphosphonate treatment comprising intravenously administering 4 mg of 2-(imidazol-1yl)-1-hydroxyethane-1,1-diphosphonic acid (zoledronic acid) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof over a period of 15 minutes to a patient in need of said treatment.
US08324182B2
Methods and compositions for treating a subject having age-related macular degeneration (AMD), methods of assaying human macular degeneration (MD), and methods and kits for assaying potential therapeutic agents for treatment of human MD are provided herein.
US08324174B2
Peptide-based compounds including heteroatom-containing, three-membered rings efficiently and selectively inhibit specific activities of N-terminal nucleophile (Ntn) hydrolases. The activities of those Ntn having multiple activities can be differentially inhibited by the compounds described. For example, the chymotrypsin-like activity of the 20S proteasome may be selectively inhibited with the inventive compounds. The peptide-based compounds include at least three peptide units, an epoxide or aziridine, and functionalization at the N-terminus. Among other therapeutic utilities, the peptide-based compounds are expected to display anti-inflammatory properties and inhibition of cell proliferation.
US08324172B2
The invention relates generally to G protein coupled receptors and in particular to agonists and antagonists of G protein receptors and methods of using the same.
US08324171B1
Ophthalmic composition that includes 0.05% w/v to 2% w/v diglycine or a salt thereof; 1.0 ppm to 8.5 ppm alexidine, and 0.1% w/v to 2% w/v of one or more boron buffering compounds.
US08324153B2
Disclosed herein are cell penetrating peptides useful as treatment for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
US08324145B2
The invention relates to a detergent which contains a surfactant and optionally further conventional additives of detergents and cleaning agents, the detergent comprising an anti-grey polycarbonate-, polyurethane- and/or polyurea-polyorganosiloxane compound or a precursor compound thereof containing specific reactive groups, which can be used for the production thereof.
US08324143B2
Provided is a cleaning agent for electronic materials, which enables very efficient advanced cleaning such that yield in the production of the electronic materials is improved and cleaning in a short period of time becomes possible, the cleaning agent having excellent cleaning power for fine-grained particles and organic matter and being able to reduce metallic contamination on the substrate. The cleaning agent for electronic materials comprises sulfamic acid (A), an anionic surfactant having at least one sulfonic acid group or a salt thereof in the molecule (B), a chelating agent (C), and water, wherein the pH at 25 C is preferably not more than 3.0 and the (B) is preferably a polymeric anionic surfactant (B1) having a weight average molecular weight of 1,000 to 2,000,000.
US08324139B2
A composition of the reaction product of (a) an polyisobutylene substituted succinimide dispersant; (b) an amine component comprising at least one aromatic amine containing at least one N—H group capable of condensing with said carboxylic acid functionality; and (c) an aldehyde; which may optionally be reacted with (d) a maleinated copolymer, is a useful dispersant viscosity modifier.
US08324138B2
The invention documents an anti-friction lacquer containing at least one additive (5) that has a polymer matrix distributed within. Additive (5) is subject to change in temperature conditions in a temperature region with an upper threshold of 600° C. for a particular irreversible energy consuming conversion, such as phase change or modification change.
US08324137B2
The present invention includes methods and compositions that include a latex, and at least one of a natural pozzolan or cement kiln dust. An embodiment includes a method comprising: placing a latex composition in a subterranean formation, wherein the latex composition comprises: latex, a component selected from the group consisting of a natural pozzolan, cement kiln dust, and a combination thereof, and water; and allowing the latex composition to set. Another embodiment of the present invention includes a latex composition comprising: latex, a component selected from the group consisting of a natural pozzolan, cement kiln dust, and a combination thereof.
US08324136B1
A drilling fluid lubricant and method for drilling using same comprising a blend of beads having varying densities such that the beads provide lubricity at both the top and bottom portions of a horizontal drill string during horizontal, directional, or expanded extended reach drilling.
US08324126B2
The present invention relates a process for the preparation of catalytic support and the supported metallocene catalysts used in the production of ethylene homopolymers and ethylene copolymers with α-olefins, of high and ultra high molecular weight with broad molecular weight distribution, in gas or liquid phase polymerization processes, the latter being in slurry, bulk or suspension, and the products obtained from these processes.
US08324124B2
A process for producing a glass substrate, which includes forming molten glass obtained by melting raw materials into a glass ribbon in a float bath, annealing the glass ribbon by a cooling apparatus, and cutting the glass ribbon to form the glass substrate, where the hydrogen concentration in the atmosphere of a float bath exceeds 3%, and the glass retention time in the float bath is from 4 to 15 minutes.
US08324123B2
To provide a glass plate which has a low B2O3 content and which can be used as a glass plate for e.g. an LCD panel.A glass plate which comprises, as a glass matrix composition as represented by mass % based on oxide, from 53 to 74 mass % of SiO2, from 15 to 23 mass % of Al2O3, from 0 to 3 mass % of B2O3, from 2 to 17 mass % of MgO, from 0 to 12 mass % of CaO, from 0 to 6 mass % of SrO, from 6 to 28 mass % of MgO+CaO+SrO, from 0 to 9 mass % of Na2O, from 0 to 6 mass % of K2O and from 0.8 to 11 mass % of Na2O+K2O, contains from 100 to 500 ppm of SO3, has an average coefficient of thermal expansion from 50 to 350° C. of at most 60×10−7/° C., and has a strain point of at least 600° C.
US08324114B2
A method for removing silicon oxide based residue from a stack with a doped silicon oxide layer with features with diameters less than 100 nm is provided. A wet clean solution of between 25% to 60% by weight of NH4F, and between 0.05% and 5% by weight of phosphoric acid, and between 0.05% and 5% by weight citric acid, in a water solvent is provided to an area on a surface of the stack. The wet clean solution is removed from the area on the surface of the stack between 0.5 to 10 seconds after the area on the surface of the stack was exposed to the wet clean solution.
US08324105B2
A stacking carrier and a stacking method are provided. The stacking method is used between a wafer and a stacking carrier having the same shape. The stacking method includes the following steps. Firstly, an adhesive layer is coated on a surface of the carrier. Then, the adhesive layer corresponding to an edge of the carrier is partially removed, thereby defining at least one adhesive layer indentation. Afterwards, the wafer is stacked on the carrier through the adhesive layer having the adhesive layer indentation.
US08324100B2
Methods of forming a conductive via may include forming a blind via hole partially through a substrate, forming an aluminum film on surfaces of the substrate, removing a first portion of the aluminum film from some surfaces, selectively depositing conductive material onto a second portion of the aluminum film, and exposing the blind via hole through a back side of the substrate. Methods of fabricating a conductive via may include forming at least one via hole through at least one unplated bond pad, forming a first adhesive over at least one surface of the at least one via hole, forming a dielectric over the first adhesive, forming a base layer over the dielectric and the at least one unplated bond pad, and plating nickel onto the base layer.
US08324097B2
A copper-topped interconnect structure allows the combination of high density design areas, which have low current requirements that can be met with tightly packed thin and narrow copper traces, and low density design areas, which have high current requirements that can be met with more widely spaced thick and wide copper traces, on the same chip.
US08324094B2
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of first interconnection layers which are provided in an insulating layer and formed in a pattern having a width and space smaller than a resolution limit of an exposure technique, and a second interconnection layer which is provided between the first interconnection layers in the insulating layer and has a width larger than that of a first interconnection layer. A space between the second interconnection layer and each of first interconnection layers adjacent to both sides of the second interconnection layer equals the space between the first interconnection layers.
US08324085B2
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing crystalline Si by using plasma. According to the disclosed method, silicon (Si) deposition and reduction processes using plasma are cyclically performed in order to completely remove an a-Si layer so as to form crystalline Si on a substrate early in the process.
US08324084B2
An object is to provide a manufacturing method of a semiconductor substrate provided with a single crystal semiconductor layer with a surface having a high degree of flatness. Another object is to manufacture a semiconductor device with high reliability by using the semiconductor substrate provided with a single crystal semiconductor layer with a high degree of flatness. In a manufacturing process of a semiconductor substrate, a thin embrittled region containing a large crystal defect is formed in a single crystal semiconductor substrate at a predetermined depth by subjecting the single crystal semiconductor substrate to a rare gas ion irradiation step, a laser irradiation step, and a hydrogen ion irradiation step. Then, by performing a separation heating step, a single crystal semiconductor layer that is flatter on a surface side than the embrittled region is transferred to a base substrate.
US08324082B1
A method for fabricating a conductive substrate for an electronic device includes the steps of providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a plurality of grooves part way through the semiconductor substrate; filling the grooves with a polymer insulating material to form a plurality of polymer filled grooves; thinning the substrate from the back side to expose the polymer filled grooves; and singulating the semiconductor substrate into a plurality of conductive substrates. An optoelectronic device includes a conductive substrate; a polymer filled groove configured to separate the conductive substrate into a first semiconductor substrate and a second semiconductor substrate; a first front side electrode on the first semiconductor substrate and a second front side electrode on the second semiconductor substrate; and a light emitting diode (LED) chip on the first semiconductor substrate in electrical communication with the first front side electrode and with the second front side electrode.
US08324080B2
A method for increasing semiconductor device effective operation area, comprising following steps: depositing first conductive layer on the substrate; using laser for scribing a plurality of the first scribe lines on the first conductive layer, where the scribe lines are scribed on the bottom of the first conductive layer; depositing a plurality of the semiconductor material layers on the first conductive layer and in the plurality of the first scribe lines; using laser for scribing a plurality of the second scribe lines on the semiconductor material layer, where the scribe lines are scribed on the bottom of the semiconductor material layer, each second scribe line is comprised of a plurality of the second pores; depositing a second conductive layer on the semiconductor material layer and in the plurality of the first scribe lines and the plurality of the second scribe lines; using laser for scribing a plurality of the third scribe lines on the second conductive layer, where the scribe lines are scribed on the bottom of the semiconductor material layer; wherein the second pores are shortened for shortening the distance between the first scribe line and second scribe line and the distance between the third scribe line and second scribe line.
US08324071B2
A method for forming a silicon film may be performed using a microheater including a substrate and a metal pattern spaced apart from the substrate. The silicon film may be formed on the metal pattern by applying a voltage to the metal pattern of the microheater to heat the metal pattern and by exposing the microheater to a source gas containing silicon. The silicon film may be made of polycrystalline silicon. A method for forming a pn junction may be performed using a microheater including a substrate, a conductive layer on the substrate, and a metal pattern spaced apart from the substrate. The pn junction may be formed between the metal pattern and the conductive layer by applying a voltage to the metal pattern of the microheater to heat the metal pattern. The pn junction may be made of polycrystalline silicon.
US08324060B2
A method is provided for fabricating a NAND flash memory array having vertical channels and sidewall gate structure and a fabricating method of the same. The NAND flash memory array has insulator strip structure and one or more semiconductor strips are next to the both sides of the insulator strip. The NAND flash memory array allows for an improvement of the integrity by decreasing the memory cell area by half and less, and solves the problems of the conventional three-dimensional structure regarding isolation between not only channels but also source/drain regions at the bottom of trenches. The method for fabricating the NAND flash memory array having a pillar structure uses the conventional CMOS process and an etching process with minimum masks, enables to cut down costs.
US08324054B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate including an active area defined by an device isolation region, a buried gate formed on both side walls of a trench formed in the semiconductor substrate, and a storage node contact which is buried between the buried gates, and is connected to the active region of a middle portion of the trench and the device isolation region.
US08324053B2
This invention discloses a method for manufacturing a semiconductor power device in a semiconductor substrate comprises an active cell area and a termination area. The method comprises the steps of a) growing and patterning a field oxide layer in the termination area and also in the active cell area on a top surface of the semiconductor substrate b) depositing and patterning a polysilicon layer on the top surface of the semiconductor substrate at a gap distance away from the field oxide layer; c) performing a blank body dopant implant to form body dopant regions in the semiconductor substrate substantially aligned with the gap area followed by diffusing the body dopant regions into body regions in the semiconductor substrate; d) implanting high concentration body-dopant regions encompassed in and having a higher dopant concentration than the body regions e) applying a source mask to implant source regions having a conductivity opposite to the body region with the source regions encompassed in the body regions and surrounded by the high concentration body-dopant regions; and f) etching contact trenches into the source, body contact, and body regions.
US08324041B2
Electron mobility and hole mobility is improved in long channel semiconductor devices and resistors by employing complementary stress liners. Embodiments include forming a long channel semiconductor device on a substrate, and forming a complementary stress liner on the semiconductor device. Embodiments include forming a resistor on a substrate, and tuning the resistance of the resistor by forming a complementary stress liner on the resistor. Compressive stress liners are employed for improving electron mobility in n-type devices, and tensile stress liners are employed for improving hole mobility in p-type devices.
US08324039B2
In sophisticated SOI devices, the thickness of the active semiconductor layer in the N-channel transistor may be reduced compared to the P-channel transistor for a given transistor configuration, thereby obtaining a significant increase in performance of the N-channel transistor without negatively affecting performance of the P-channel transistor.
US08324036B2
A method for fabrication of features for an integrated circuit includes patterning a mandrel layer to include structures having at least one width on a surface of an integrated circuit device. Exposed sidewalls of the structures are reacted to integrally form a new compound in the sidewalls such that the new compound extends into the exposed sidewalls by a controlled amount to form pillars. One or more layers below the pillars are etched using the pillars as an etch mask to form features for an integrated circuit device.
US08324028B2
An assembly includes a support element and a chip having contact elements. The chip is mounted onto the support element with the contact elements facing the support element. A shield layer is on the support element for electrically or magnetically shielding a circuit element of the chip.
US08324025B2
A method for packaging one or more power semiconductor devices is provided. A lead frame comprising one or more base die paddles, multiple lead terminals, and a tie bar assembly is constructed. The lead terminals extend to a predetermined elevation from the base die paddles. The base die paddles are connected to the lead terminals by the tie bar assembly. The tie bar assembly mechanically couples the base die paddles to each other and to the lead terminals. The tie bar assembly is selectively configured to isolate the lead terminals from the base die paddles and to enable creation of multiple selective connections between one or more of the lead terminals and one or more power semiconductor devices mounted on the base die paddles, thereby enabling flexible packaging of one or more isolated and/or non-isolated power semiconductor devices and increasing their power handling capacity.
US08324023B2
An apparatus and a method for producing three-dimensional integrated circuit packages. In one embodiment, an electronics package with at least two dice are stacked one atop another is disclosed. A top die is of smaller size compared with a bottom die such that after a die attach operation, wire-bond pads of the bottom die will be exposed for a subsequent wire bonding operation. The bottom die contains contact pads on the front side that couple with one or more passive components fabricated on the back side of the top die to complete the circuit. In another exemplary embodiment, a method to form one or more three-dimensional passive components in a stacked-die package is disclosed wherein partial inductor elements are fabricated on the front side of the bottom die and the back side of the top die. The top and bottom elements are coupled together completing the passive component.
US08324021B2
An advanced smart card with a top layer, a core layer of thermoset polymeric material, and a bottom layer comprising an integrated electronics assembly mounted on a substrate. The advanced smart card is formed by positioning a bottom layer in a bottom mold, placing a top layer in a top mold, closing the mold, injecting a thermosetting polymeric material to form a precursor advanced smart card, removing the precursor, and trimming the precursor to produce a finished smart card.
US08324018B2
Conductive layers having knots are adjacently formed with uniform distance therebetween. Droplets of the conductive layers are discharged to stagger centers of the droplets in a length direction of wirings so that the centers of the discharged droplets are not on the same line in a line width direction between the adjacent conductive layers. Since the centers of the droplets are staggered, parts of the conductive layers each having a widest line width (the widest width of knot) are not connected to each other, and the conductive layers can be formed adjacently with a shorter distance therebetween.
US08324009B2
Magnetic materials and uses thereof are provided. In one aspect, a magnetic film is provided. The magnetic film comprises superparamagnetic particles on at least one surface thereof. The magnetic film may be patterned and may comprise a ferromagnetic material. The superparamagnetic particles may be coated with a non-magnetic polymer and/or embedded in a non-magnetic host material. The magnetic film may have increased damping and/or decreased coercivity.
US08323999B2
Gallium nitride-based III-V group compound semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same. According to the present invention, there is provided a gallium nitride-based III-V group compound semiconductor device comprising a gallium nitride-based semiconductor layer and an ohmic electrode layer formed on the gallium nitride-based semiconductor layer. The ohmic electrode layer comprises a contact metal layer, a reflective metal layer, and a diffusion barrier layer.
US08323994B2
A method for producing a Group III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device with a face-up configuration including a p-type layer and a transparent electrode composed of ITO is provided in which a p-pad electrode on the transparent electrode and an n-electrode on an n-type layer are simultaneously formed. The p-pad electrode and the n-electrode are composed of Ni/Au. The resultant structure is heat treated at 570° C. and good contact can be established in the p-pad electrode and the n-electrode. The heat treatment also provides a region in the transparent electrode immediately below the p-pad electrode, the region and the p-type layer having a higher contact resistance than that of the other region of the transparent electrode and the p-type layer. Thus, a region of an active layer below the provided region does not emit light and hence the light-emitting efficiency of the light-emitting device can be increased.
US08323993B2
A method of fabricating an inkjet printhead assembly having backside electrical connections. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing printhead integrated circuits, each having a backside recessed edge portion and connectors extending through the integrated circuit, each connector having a head connected to frontside drive circuitry and a base in the recessed edge portion; (b) positioning a connection end of a connector film in the recessed edge portion; (c) connecting each film contact to the base of a corresponding connector; and (d) attaching the backside of each printhead integrated circuit together with the connector film to an ink supply manifold so as to provide the inkjet printhead assembly having backside electrical connections.
US08323990B2
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to structures and methods allowing stress-induced electromigration to be tested in multiple interconnect metallization layers. An embodiment of a testing structure in accordance with the present invention comprises at least two segments of a different metal layer through via structures. Each segment includes nodes configured to receive force and sense voltages. Selective application of force and sense voltages to these nodes allows rapid and precise detection of stress-induced immigration in each of the metal layers.
US08323989B2
During the formation of a complex metallization system, the influence of a manufacturing environment on sensitive barrier/seed material systems may be monitored or controlled by using an appropriate test pattern and applying an appropriate test strategy. For example, actual probe and reference substrates may be prepared and may be processed with and without exposure to the manufacturing environment of interest, thereby enabling an efficient evaluation of one or more parameters of the environment. Furthermore, an “optimized” manufacturing environment may be obtained on the basis of the test strategy disclosed herein.
US08323980B2
An early warning sulfur detection system for detecting the presence of corrosive gases, especially elemental sulfur (S8), in air employs a substrate that includes a polymer-bound phosphine compound having sulfur-getting functionality. The phosphine compound in the polymer reacts with any airborne elemental sulfur. This reaction is accompanied by a decrease in the fluorescence intensity (If) of the substrate. The If of the substrate is monitored in real time by a spectrofluorometer to detect a change in fluorescence intensity (ΔIf). In an embodiment sited in a data center, an alarm is triggered if the ΔIf is above a predetermined threshold, thereby providing a real-time, early warning to IT professionals that corrective action is required to protect metal conductors from corrosion. Preferably, the phosphine compound in the polymer does not react with other components in the air (e.g., carbon dioxide).
US08323979B2
The invention provides a method for labeling an analyte comprising a primary amino group, the method comprising: a. a labeling process comprising reacting the analyte with a dialdehyde in the presence of a label, wherein the label bears a charge, and b. an analysis process comprising subjecting the labeled analyte to MS, preferably LC-MS-MS. Herein, preferably, the labeling process comprises reacting an analyte with a dialdehyde, wherein the dialdehyde carries a label bearing a charge, to provide a labeled analyte carrying the charge.The present invention also provides a labeling method to provide a labeled analyte carrying a charge, wherein the labeling method comprises a labeling process comprising reacting an analyte with a dialdehyde, wherein the analyte comprises a primary amino group and wherein the dialdehyde carries a label bearing the charge.The dialdehyde is preferably an aromatic dialdehyde, most preferably an aromatic 1,2- or 1,3-dicarboxaldehyde. The label preferably comprises a quaternary ammonium group and/or a quaternary phosphonium group.The present invention also provides for a kit for labeling the analyte.
US08323970B2
The instant invention is based, at least in part, on the discovery that T-bet controls ThI cell recruitment to sites of inflammation. This invention pertains to, inter alia, methods of identifying agents that modulate the effects of T-bet on the recruitment of T cells to sites of inflammation by modulating P-selectin-mediated T cell rolling and/or stable adherence of a T cell to a vascular endothelial cell, as well as methods of use therefore.
US08323968B2
Osteopontin for the prediction and treatment of cardiovascular diseases The present invention relates to the use of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and osteopontin for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases or complications. The invention also relates to the use of EPC osteopontin levels as a marker of the risk of the development of these cardiovascular complications. In particular, the invention provides compositions and methods based on osteopontin and the genes encoding osteopontin.
US08323963B2
This invention relates to the design and construction of a gene encoding an encephalogenic epitope of proteolipid protein (PLP), design and construction of a gene encoding an encephalogenic epitope of myelin based protein (MBP), to methods of expression of a PLP epitope, to methods of expression of a MBP epitope, to methods of in vivo secretion of a PLP epitope, and to methods of transferring the partial PLP gene to a host to ameliorate the progression of an immune response to self antigens derived from myelin proteins, to methods of in vivo secretion of a MBP epitope, and to methods of transferring the partial MBP gene to a host to ameliorate the progression of an immune response to self antigens derived from myelin proteins.
US08323961B2
The invention provides a composition comprising four adenoviral vectors, each comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a clade A HIV Env protein, a clade B HIV Env protein, a clade C HIV Env protein, and a clade B HIV Gag-Pol fusion protein, respectively. The invention also provides a method of inducing an immune response against HIV-1 in an animal comprising administering the composition to the animal.
US08323959B2
Therapeutic methods and microorganisms therefor are provided. The microorganisms are designed to accumulate in immunoprivileged tissues and cells, such as in tumors and other proliferating tissue and in inflamed tissues, compared to other tissues, cells and organs, so that they exhibit relatively low toxicity to host organisms. The microorganisms also are designed or modified to result in leaky cell membranes of cells in which they accumulate, resulting in production of antibodies reactive against proteins and other cellular products and also permitting exploitation of proferating proliferating tissues, particularly tumors, to produce selected proteins and other products. Vaccines containing the microorganisms are provided. Combinations of the microorganisms and anti-cancer agents and uses thereof for treating cancer also are provided.
US08323946B2
The present invention relates to a method of constructing a variant of a parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and at least one altered property as compared to the parent alpha-amylase, comprises i) analyzing the structure of the parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase to identify at least one amino acid residue or at least one structural part of the Termamyl-like alpha-amylase structure, which amino acid residue or structural part is believed to be of relevance for altering the property of the parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase (as evaluated on the basis of structural or functional considerations), ii) constructing a Termamyl-like alpha-amylase variant, which as compared to the parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylase, has been modified in the amino acid residue or structural part identified in i) so as to alter the property, and, optionally, iii) testing the resulting Termamyl-like alpha-amylase variant with respect to the property in question.
US08323940B2
Disclosed are a formaldehyde dehydrogenase-containing air cleaning filter, and a method for manufacturing the same. The method includes coating a carrier with formaldehyde dehydrogenase to immobilize the formaldehyde dehydrogenase thereon. Alternatively, the method includes coating a carrier with a coating solution, and drying the carrier, wherein the coating solution comprises a metal selected from the group consisting of zinc, gold, silver, copper, platinum and combinations thereof, a formaldehyde dehydrogenase, a polyphenol-based compound, a binder selected from the group consisting of silicon-modified acrylic resins, urethane resins, acrylic resins and silicon resins, and water or alcohol. Accordingly, the air cleaning filter wherein a carrier is coated with formaldehyde dehydrogenase, manufactured by the method, is capable of efficiently removing VOCs, in particular, formaldehyde, present in air.
US08323926B2
The present invention relates to a novel H. polymorpha gene regulating Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) and a method for improving the efficiency of secretory expression of a recombinant protein using the same, more particularly, a method for improving the efficiency of secretory expression of a recombinant protein by identifying, modifying, and optimizing the HpHAC1 gene, which encodes a key transcription regulatory factor of the UPR mechanism in H. polymorpha, and a regulatory mechanism mediated by the gene. According to the present invention, the secretory expression system of H. polymorpha can be used for the mass-production of secretory proteins for industrial and medical applications, thereby producing a large amount of the proteins at low cost. Accordingly, the method is employed in the production of the proteins for industrial and medical use, so as to reduce economic burden for a patient, and contribute to the improvement in the welfare of all mankind.
US08323923B1
A method for producing ethanol is disclosed that uses a distributed production method where processing and pretreatment of combined liquid and solid material takes place outside of a centralized ethanol producing plant at a distributed feedstock processing plant, and separation of the resulting liquid and solid occurs prior to fermentation using this distributed production method. The resulting process liquid is then transported from each distributed feedstock processing plant to a centralized ethanol producing plant for fermentation, distillation and related processing. This novel distributed process reduces transportation costs, operating costs of ethanol producing plants, increases ethanol production throughput and improves the overall economics of ethanol production.
US08323915B2
Biomarker proteins that can be used in the diagnosis of early-stage ovarian cancer (OC) are described. The biomarker panels not only permit the distinction of patients with ovarian neoplasia (benign or malignant) from normal subjects, but they also allow the identification of patients with early-stage (stage I/II) ovarian cancer from those patients with benign ovarian tumors or normal individuals. The invention additionally provides methods for detecting and treating various cancers, including cancer of the ovary using OC-related molecules.
US08323911B2
In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for determining an inhibitor of acetylcholine-activated potassium channel is described. The method includes incubating a cardiac cell in a solution comprising a test compound. The method further includes adding a muscarine (M2) receptor agonist to the cardiac cell in the solution and monitoring the cardiac cell for a change in membrane potential. A statistically insignificant change in the membrane potential following addition of the muscarine (M2) receptor to the solution signifies that the test compound is a K+ channel blocker that inhibits opening of the acetylcholine-activated potassium channel.
US08323908B2
The inventions provides methods and kits for the dissociation of Fcγ-receptor-IgG complexes, and methods and kits for the isolation of IgG and Fc and Fab fragments of IgG.
US08323898B2
A system rapidly detects and identifies pathogenic bacteria responsible for infection (particularly septicemia), and selects an appropriate antimicrobial drug. A method according to the present invention for detecting and identifying pathogenic bacteria includes performing gene amplification such as real-time PCR, and analyzing the combination of the melting temperatures (Tm values) determined by gene amplification product melting curve analysis or the difference between the Tm values. Specifically, real-time PCR is performed using 4 to 16 primer sets including 1 to 7 primer sets for the 16S ribosomal RNA of bacteria, 1 to 6 primer sets for the 18S ribosomal RNA of fungi, and one primer set respectively for the spa gene and the mecA gene specific to MRSA, and the combination of the Tm values of the amplification product or the combination of the differences between the Tm values is compared with a database to identify pathogenic bacteria responsible for septicemia. Pathogenic bacteria responsible for infection (particularly septicemia) can be rapidly detected and identified using the method according to the invention so that a rapid septicemia diagnosis method and evidence-based medicine in septicemia treatment are implemented.
US08323897B2
The present invention provides methods, reagents and kits for carrying out a variety of assays suitable for analyzing polynucleotides or samples that include an amplification step performed in a multiplex fashion. Also provided are methods for analyzing and improving the efficiency of amplification and for carrying out gene expression analysis.
US08323895B2
The present invention relates to various processes by a template-dependent extension reaction using a dual specificity oligonucleotide and a dual specificity oligonucleotide composed of three different Tm portions therefor. Demonstrated in the present invention are the features of the dual specificity oligonucleotide, which are high hybridization specificity and mismatch tolerance.
US08323887B2
The present invention provides a method for combining a fluid delivery system with an analysis system for performing immunological or other chemical of biological assays. The method comprises a miniature plastic fluidic cartridge containing a reaction chamber with a plurality of immobilized species, a capillary channel, and a pump structure along with an external linear actuator corresponding to the pump structure to provide force for the fluid delivery. The plastic fluidic cartridge can be configured in a variety of ways to affect the performance and complexity of the assay performed.
US08323886B2
Provided is an assay method for acquiring sequence information about a single ribonucleic acid, the method comprising: (A) contacting components including a ribosomal particle comprising a ribosome and the ribonucleic acid with a complex comprising moieties that are aa1-tRNA, EF-Tu and GTP or a functional analog, wherein at least one said moiety is labeled with a fluorescent molecule, wherein aa1-tRNA is a tRNA for first amino acid aa1; (B) providing, in conjunction with the contacted components, a ribosomal translation component mixture; (C) generating a fluorescent signal from a labeled moiety in correlation with the incorporation of aa1 into protein and the labeled moiety is thereby separated from the complex; and (D) detecting the signal to provide sequence information about the ribonucleic acid.
US08323885B2
An isolated nucleic acid molecule comprising the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1.
US08323883B1
Cancer treatment with a combination of an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor and an Interleukin-6 inhibitor.
US08323880B2
Disclosed is a positive resist processing liquid composition which is composed of an aqueous solution containing a quaternary ammonium hydroxide represented by the following general formula (I). In the formula, R1 and R3 independently represent a methyl group, and R2 represents an alkyl group having 12-18 carbon atoms.
US08323879B2
The present invention relates to a method of forming a resist pattern for obtaining an electronic device in which a development defect is eliminated, and aims at providing a process that is simple and low-cost, and can impart a high hydrophobicity capable of high-speed scan. It relates to a method of forming a resist pattern including the steps of: providing immersion exposure to a resist film; solubilizing the resist film subjected to the immersion exposure in an alkaline developer; developing the resist film solubilized in the alkaline developer by alkali immersion; and performing a deionized water rinse treatment on the developed resist film in this order, wherein the step of solubilization in the alkaline developer is performed by exposing the resist film subjected to the immersion exposure to ozone gas without irradiating ultraviolet rays (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as ozone treatment).
US08323875B2
Disclosed is a method for forming banks during the fabrication of electronic devices incorporating an organic semiconductor material that includes preparing an aqueous coating composition having at least a water-soluble polymer, a UV curing agent and a water-soluble fluorine compound. This coating composition is applied to a substrate, exposed using UV radiation and then developed using an aqueous developing composition to form the bank pattern. Because the coating composition can be developed using an aqueous composition rather than an organic solvent or solvent system, the method tends to preserve the integrity of other organic structures present on the substrate. Further, the incorporation of the fluorine compound in the aqueous solution provides a degree of control over the contact angles exhibited on the surface of the bank pattern and thereby can avoid or reduce subsequent surface treatments.
US08323863B2
An image forming method includes forming at least one electrostatic charge image on at least one image holding member, developing the at least one electrostatic charge image using a black toner and a color toner to form toner images, transferring toner images to a receiving body, and fixing the toner images by light-irradiation fusing, the black toner being melted in the light-irradiation fusing, the color toner containing an infrared absorber, a light absorptance of the color toner at a peak wavelength of the light irradiated in the light-irradiation fusing being from about 79% to about 98% of a light absorptance of the black toner at the peak wavelength, and the color difference ΔE of the color toner due to the presence or absence of the infrared absorber is in a specific range.
US08323846B2
A fuel cell comprising a membrane-electrode assembly having an anode electrode face; an anode plate adjacent said membrane-electrode assembly electrode face and coupled thereto by a sealing gasket. The sealing gasket, electrode face and anode plate together define a fluid containment volume for delivery of anode fluid to the electrode face. A sheet of porous diffuser material is situated in the fluid containment volume and having at least one plenum defined between at least one lateral edge of the sheet of diffuser material and the sealing gasket. Fluid for delivery to an active surface of the membrane-electrode assembly may be delivered by the plenum and by diffusion through the diffuser material to such an extent that fluid flow channels in the anode plate are not required.
US08323840B2
Disclosed is a hydrogen recirculation apparatus for a fuel cell vehicle. More specifically, the apparatus described herein includes a humidifier/heat exchanger humidifies and heat-exchanges dry hydrogen flowing through a low-pressure regulator and recirculated hydrogen flowing through a hydrogen recirculation blower. The humidifier/heat exchanger utilizes the condensed water flowing from a water separator as a source of humidity. The water heat-exchanged with hydrogen by the humidifier/heat exchanger is reused for cooling the hydrogen recirculation blower, and the water used in the hydrogen recirculation blower. The temperature increased by the operation of the hydrogen recirculation blower, is mixed with water flowing from the water separator before introduction into humidifier/heat exchanger.
US08323839B2
A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery in which the decomposition of an electrolyte solution is reduced exhibits high coulombic efficiency and excellent charge and discharge cycle performance, and has high energy density. This nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery includes a negative electrode that is formed by depositing a thin film of active material on a collector by a CVD method, sputtering, evaporation, thermal spraying, or plating, wherein the thin film of the active material can lithiate and delithiate and is divided into columns by cracks formed in the thickness direction, and the bottom of each column is adhered to the collector; a positive electrode that can lithiate and delithiate; and a nonaqueous electrolyte solution containing a lithium salt in a nonaqueous solvent. The electrolyte solution contains a compound expressed by a general formula (I). Rn-M=0 (I) (wherein, Rs are alkyl groups optionally having a substituent, may be identical or different from one another, may be independent substituents, or may be bound together to form a ring; M is S or P; and n is 2 when M is S and is 3 when M is P).
US08323834B2
Disclosed is an electrical storage device having excellent safety and high battery capacity. Specifically disclosed is an electrical storage device comprising at least a positive electrode having a positive electrode active material layer and a positive electrode collector, a negative electrode having a negative electrode active material layer and a negative electrode collector, a separator and an organic electrolyte solution. This electrical storage device is characterized in that the negative electrode active material layer is composed of a metal complex oxide which absorbs and desorbs lithium ions, the positive electrode active material layer contains a carbonaceous material having a layered crystal structure, and the interlayer distance d002 of the layered crystal structure in the carbonaceous material is within the range of 0.36-0.38 nm.
US08323829B2
An electrode is used for an electric storage device that includes plural electrodes that are stacked such that an ion-conductive layer is disposed between each pair of the electrodes. Each of the plural electrodes includes a current collector, and an electrode layer, formed on the current collector, which contains an active material. The configuration of the electrode layer (for example, the amount of the active material) varies according to the position in the electrode layer such that a current density in a first region of the electrode, where heat radiation performance is lower than the heat radiation performance in a second region of the electrode, is lower than the current density in the second region of the electrode.
US08323827B2
In a laminated external packaging material for a battery according to the present invention, a metallic foil 2 is adhered to one surface side of a base film 1, and a coated film layer 4 of thermal adhesive resin having a softening point of 160° C. or below and capable of thermally bonding to a surface film of a battery main body is formed on the other surface side of the base film 1. With this laminated external packaging material for a battery, without using an adhesive tape or a hot-melt adhesive, this packaging material can be easily and assuredly bonded to the battery main body and also can be bonded firmly to an end portion reinforcing plastic component.
US08323823B2
A battery pack is provided that includes a plurality of batteries, a connection substrate being connected to the plurality of batteries, a circuit substrate for connecting an external electronic device, and a connection member for connecting the connection substrate and the circuit substrate. Each battery has a drawer portion for leading out a cathode terminal and an anode terminal provided at a same side of the battery. The drawer portion has wall portions standing against the drawer portion so that the side portions of the drawer portion are opposed each other. The plurality of batteries are arranged in row so that the drawer portion of the plurality of batteries face to a same direction. A part of the connection substrate is disposed on the drawer portion of the battery. The rim of the connection substrate is provided with cutouts to let the wall portions disposed therein.
US08323813B2
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a rechargeable battery includes a case, a first electrode coupled to the case, a second electrode coupled to the case and the second electrode having a portion extending outside of the case, a short bar electrically coupled to the portion of the second electrode, and an extensible member extending from the case and at least a portion of the short bar being on the extensible member with a gap therebetween. The extensible member is configured to couple the short bar electrically to the first electrode in response to an overcharging condition of the rechargeable battery, thereby short-circuiting the first and second electrodes via the short bar.
US08323812B2
It is aimed to provide a battery pack capable of securing safety by preventing A battery contained in the battery pack from entering a burning state even if the battery releases high-temperature gas in an abnormal state. An exhaust duct 1C for permitting the flow of gas released from the battery is provided and the gas is exhausted to the outside after reducing the temperature thereof in the exhaust duct 1C. A flow passage area of the exhaust duct 1C is in the range of not less than 0.5 mm2 and not more than 15 mm2 per 1 Ah of the battery capacity. The exhaust duct 1C is provided with a gas cooling portion 1L and a spark trapping portion 1M.
US08323808B2
There is provided a perpendicular magnetic recording medium according to which both the thermal stability of the magnetization is good and writing with a magnetic head is easy, and moreover the SNR is improved. In the case of a perpendicular magnetic recording medium comprising a nonmagnetic substrate 1, and at least a nonmagnetic underlayer 2, a magnetic recording layer 3 and a protective layer 4 formed in this order on the nonmagnetic substrate 1, the magnetic recording layer 3 comprises a low Ku region 31 layer having a perpendicular magnetic anisotropy constant (Ku value) of not more than 1×105 erg/cm3, and a high Ku region 32 layer having a Ku value of at least 1×106 erg/cm3. Moreover, the magnetic recording layer 3 is made to have therein nonmagnetic grain boundaries that contain a nonmagnetic oxide and magnetically isolate crystal grains, which are made of a ferromagnetic metal, from one another.
US08323802B2
The present invention relates generally to polyimide composites having dispersed in the polyimide base matrix, useful spinel crystal fillers wherein the composite has a visible-to-infrared light extinction coefficient between and including 0.05 and 0.60 microns−1. The composite polyimides formed therefrom are typically used to make circuits having fine electrically conductive pathways adjacent to the polyimide substrate. These fine electrically conductive pathways are typically formed on the substrate using an electro-less metal plating step. First, the surface of the polyimide composite is light activated, typically by using a laser beam, then the light activated portions are plated to form thin lines, or pathways, on the film's surface.
US08323799B2
Soft, flexible highly lubricious coatings for polymeric IOL insertion cartridges that allow IOLs to be easily inserted through small bore cartridges suitable for use with small (less than 3 mm) incisions are provided. These lubricious coatings allow IOLs to be inserted into the eye of a patient without the risk of lens damage or transfer of lubricants to the lens surface during implantation. Specifically, polymeric coatings comprising a matrix polymer having an equivalent weight greater than 5000 g/eq are used to form interpenetrating networks (IPN) on the surface of hydrophobic structural polymers. The IPNs thus formed entrap highly lubricious hydrophilic compounds within the IPN using multi-functional cross linkers.
US08323793B2
A system and method for preparing a pelletized carbon black product is provided. The system includes a source of a carbon black product from a pyrolysis process. A mixer is in communication with the source of the carbon black product. A binder oil storage tank is in fluid communication with the mixer. The binder oil storage tank is configured to inject a desired amount of a binder oil into the mixer to form the pelletized carbon black product.
US08323781B2
There is described a method of forming a transfer member suitable for use with an image forming system. The method includes coating an ultraviolet (UV) curable mixture comprising a chlorinated polyester resin, a reactive diluent, conductive species and a photoinitiator on a substrate. The UV curable mixture is cured with ultraviolet energy. The cured mixture is then removed from the substrate.
US08323779B2
A cleaning card for use in cleaning internal surfaces of a machine-reading mechanism includes a substrate having plurality of discrete raised areas in opposed surfaces thereof. The discrete raised areas each include a peak and a peripheral wall having an edge remote from the peak, and the peak of each raised area is farther from a central plane of the card than the edge of the peripheral wall remote from the peak. Relief means are provided in the substrate for preventing the peaks of at least some of the discrete raised areas from flattening toward the central plane to an extent that such peaks will not effectively engage and clean desired internal surfaces of a machine-reading mechanism when the cleaning card moves in the machine direction in other than a single, substantially linear plane.
US08323774B2
A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.
US08323763B2
The information recording medium (1) of the present invention includes a recording film (114, 124). The information recording medium (1) allows information to be recorded and reproduced on and from the information recording medium by irradiation of the recording film (114, 124) with a laser beam (18). The information recording medium (1) of the present invention further includes a mixed dielectric film (the second dielectric film 116, 126) disposed on the laser beam (18) incident side with respect to the recording film (114, 124). The mixed dielectric film contains a mixed dielectric material consisting of Zn sulfide, Si oxide and an oxide X (where the oxide X is an oxide of at least one element selected from Ti, Nb, Ta and Ce).
US08323762B2
A method by which depressions and projections (pit pattern) can be formed directly and easily in a substrate made of inorganic material is provided. A method for forming a medium on which information is recorded in a pit pattern comprises the steps of: forming a recording material layer over a substrate made of inorganic material wherein the recording material layer is of a thermally deformable heat mode recording material; forming a plurality of holes by application of condensed light to the recording material layer; and forming a plurality of pits in the substrate wherein the plurality of pits corresponding to the plurality of holes are etched by using as a mask the recording material layer in which the plurality of holes are formed.
US08323758B2
A design cover attachment structure is provided configured to facilitate an attachment/removal of a design cover composed of a plurality of decorative plates. At least a top surface and each of side surfaces of a casing of an electronic apparatus are covered with a design cover composed of a top surface decorative plate, and left and right side surface decorative plates. The left and right side surface decorative plates are provided with second engagement portions configured to be engaged with first engagement portions provided to a bottom surface decorative plate mounted on the casing or a bottom surface of the casing, so that the left and right side surface decorative plates are mounted on the casing. Third engagement portions configured to be engaged with fourth engagement portions provided to the top surface decorative plate, so that the top surface decorative plate is mounted on the left and right side surface decorative plates.
US08323754B2
In one embodiment, a method for forming a dielectric stack on a substrate is provided which includes depositing a first layer of a dielectric material on a substrate surface, exposing the first layer to a nitridation process, depositing a second layer of the dielectric material on the first layer, exposing the second layer to the nitridation process, and exposing the substrate to an anneal process. In another embodiment, a method for forming a dielectric material on a substrate is provided which includes depositing a metal oxide layer substantially free of silicon on a substrate surface, exposing the metal oxide layer to a nitridation process, and exposing the substrate to an anneal process.
US08323752B2
The present invention provides a novel carbon-based material in which carbons different in property are combined in such a manner as to be applicable to a device. The carbon-based thin film provides a carbon-based thin film 10 including first phases 1 that contain amorphous carbon and extend in a film thickness direction, and a second phase 2 that contains a graphite structure and intervenes between the first phases 1. In the thin film, at least one selected from the group consisting of the following a) to e) is satisfied: a) the second phase contains more graphite structures per unit volume than the first phases; b) a density of the second phase is larger than that of the first phases; c) an electric resistivity of the second phase is lower than that of the first phases; d) an elastic modulus of the second phase is higher than that of the first phases; and e) in the second phase, a basal plane of the graphite structure is oriented along the film thickness direction.
US08323745B2
An application liquid capable of forming a dense silica-based coating film even when embedded into a fine groove, and a method for formation of a silica-based coating film using the application liquid are provided. An application liquid is used including (A) a siloxane polymer, and (B) a base generator represented by the following general formula (I): wherein, R1 and R2 are a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms and which may be the same or different; or one of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom and the other is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; when R1 and R2 are both a hydrocarbon group, these may bind to one another to form a ring structure; R3 is a linking group; and R4 is a condensed ring.
US08323744B2
A variety of methods, devices, systems and arrangements are implemented involving nanowire meshes. One such method is implemented to include synthesizing metal nanowires in a solution containing a structure-directing agent. The metal nanowires are deposited on a substrate to form a sheet of nanowires. The deposited metal nanowires are heated to a temperature less than about 200 degrees Celsius and for a period of time of about 10 minutes to 60 minutes, thereby removing the structure-directing agent and modifying the electrical conductivity and optical transmittance of the sheet of nanowires.
US08323741B2
A composition for enhancing the corrosion resistance of an article comprising a silver coating deposited on a solderable copper substrate. The composition comprises: a) a multi-functional molecule comprising at least one organic functional group that interacts with and protects copper surfaces and at least one organic functional group that interacts with and protects silver surfaces; b) an alcohol; and c) a surfactant.
US08323735B2
A method and a system are provided for forming planar absorber layers or structures by planarizing and reacting precursor layers in a reactor. A precursor structure is first formed over the front surface of a foil substrate and then planarized through application of pressure by a smooth surface while heated to a first temperature range to obtain a planar layer. The planar layer may be only partially reacted. The planar layer is further reacted at a second temperature range to form a fully or completely reacted planar absorber layer. The planar absorber layer may include at least one Group IB material, at least one Group IIIA material and at least one Group VIA material. The planar absorber layer may be a Group IBIIIAVIA compound layer.
US08323725B2
A soft magnetic material is a soft magnetic material including a composite magnetic particle (30) having a metal magnetic particle (10) mainly composed of Fe and an insulating coating (20) covering metal magnetic particle (10), and insulating coating (20) contains an iron phosphate compound and an aluminum phosphate compound. The atomic ratio of Fe contained in a contact surface of insulating coating (20) in contact with metal magnetic particle (10) is larger than the atomic ratio of Fe contained in the surface of insulating coating (20). The atomic ratio of Al contained in the contact surface of insulating coating (20) in contact with metal magnetic particle (10) is smaller than the atomic ratio of Al contained in the surface of insulating coating (20). Thus, iron loss can be reduced.
US08323724B2
A liquid droplet discharging apparatus includes a substrate having a plurality of film formation regions; a plurality of nozzles discharging droplets of a liquid, the nozzles being positioned facing the substrate and moved relatively with respect to the substrate to perform a scanning operation so as to discharge the droplets in the film formation regions during the scanning operation; a first moving mechanism moving the substrate relatively with the nozzles in a first direction; a plurality of driving units provided, each corresponding to one of the nozzles; a nozzle driving section generating a plurality of driving signals to supply one of the driving signals changing amounts of the droplets to be discharged to the driving units so as to allow the droplets to be discharged from the nozzles; and a control section controlling the first moving mechanism to allow the scanning operation to be performed a plurality of times over a same film formation region and controlling the nozzle driving section to allow a predetermined amount of the liquid to be discharged as droplets in the same film formation region during the plurality of times of the scanning operations and to change the driving signal applied to the driving units corresponding to nozzles positioned over the film formation region among the nozzles in each of the scanning operations.
US08323717B2
The method of producing baker's yeast involves producing yeast from a substrate composed of date syrup (Dips) diluted by molasses in sufficient quantity to lower the concentration of organic acids present in the date syrup that are toxic to yeast to safe levels, preferably a 1:1 mixture (w/w) of date syrup (Dips) and molasses. The substrate is inoculated with viable cells of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and placed in a bioreactor or fermentation vessel. The yeast is produced by a fed-batch process to ensure continuous yeast production and prevent or minimize the production of alcohol by the yeast, additional increments of the substrate being added about hourly for the duration (about 12 hours) of the yeast propagation process. The process produces baker's yeast comparable in quality to yeast produced from a pure molasses substrate for such purposes as making bread, and in sufficient quantity to be practical for industrial production.
US08323716B2
Sweeteners on the basis of a simultaneously transglucosylated sweet glycoside mixture of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni are prepared. The transglucosylation was developed in the presence of starch under the action of cyclodextrin glucanotransferase. The remaining maltodextrins are transformed to the fructose-terminated oligosaccharides by the addition of sucrose. The sweeteners are purified to not less than 98% content of sweet glycosides and derivatives. The preparations are almost non-caloric, non-cariogenic, non-bitter, non-lingering sweeteners, which may be advantageously applied in foods, beverages, cosmetics and milk products.
US08323715B2
The complementary parts of food products destined to be coupled together are located on the frontal surfaces of half-moulds travelling on two different loop conveyor lines. The first conveyor line extends, at least partially, above the second, so to be included within the surface area occupied by the second line itself. Spatial occupation is further reduced since, downstream to the coupling station, the coupled half-moulds travel with the same spacing step that they had before coupling, with additional advantages in terms of energy absorption and advancing velocity in a successive thermal conditioning station, such as a refrigerating tunnel. One of the half-moulds can be removed upstream to the thermal conditioning station, resulting in an additional reduction in energy absorption since needless subjecting of the half-mould to the thermal cycle to which the products are subjected is avoided.
US08323706B2
The flavonoid family of phytochemicals, particularly those derived from soy, has received attention regarding their hormonal activity and their effects on human health and disease. The types and amounts of these compounds in soy and other plants are controlled by both constitutive expression and stress-induced biosynthesis. The health benefits of soy may therefore be dependent upon the amounts of the various hormonally active phytochemicals present. We have identified increased biosynthesis of the isoflavonoid phytoalexin compounds, Glyceollins I, II and III, in soy plants grown under stressed conditions (elicited soy), which exhibit marked anti-estrogenic effects on ER function. Here we demonstrate that specific glyceollins, isolated from elicited soy, displayed anti-estrogenic activity, suppressing basal and estrogen stimulated colony formation of ER-positive estrogen dependent breast cancer cells and inhibiting ER-dependent gene expression of progesterone receptor (PgR) and stromal derived factor-1 (SDF1/CXCL12). Examining the effects of glyceollin on in vivo tumor formation/growth we demonstrate the ability of glyceollins to significantly suppress basal and estrogen-stimulated tumor growth of ER-positive MCF-7 breast and BG-1 ovarian carcinoma cells in ovariectomized female nude mice. We further demonstrate that the effects of glyceollins on suppression of tumor growth correlate with inhibition of estrogen stimulated PgR expression. In contrast to the uterotropic activity of tamoxifen the glyceollins displayed no uterine agonist activity. The Glyceollin (I-III) compounds may represent an important component of the health effects of soy as well as represent novel anti-estrogens useful in the prevention or treatment of breast and ovarian carcinoma.
US08323698B2
The present invention generally relates to polymers and macromolecules, in particular, to block polymers useful in particles such as nanoparticles. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. The moiety, in some embodiments, may have a molecular weight greater than about 1000 Da; for example, the moiety may include a polypeptide or a polynucleotide, such as an aptamer. The moiety may also be a targeting moiety, an imaging moiety, a chelating moiety, a charged moiety, or a therapeutic moiety. Another aspect of the invention is directed to systems and methods of producing such polymeric conjugates. In some embodiments, a solution containing a polymer is contacted with a liquid, such as an immiscible liquid, to form nanoparticles containing the polymeric conjugate. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using such libraries, methods of using or administering such polymeric conjugates, methods of promoting the use of such polymeric conjugates, kits involving such polymeric conjugates, or the like.
US08323688B2
The present invention relates to dosage forms of human growth hormone, the use of an absorption enhancer to allow absorption of human growth hormone into the systemic circulation in a biologically active form, in particular after oral administration, as well as the use of oral dosage forms comprising human growth hormone and an absorption enhancer for the treatment of human growth hormone deficiencies and disorders associated therewith.
US08323679B2
The present invention is directed to flexible, compressed intravaginal rings comprising a substantially homogeneous compressed mixture comprising a polymethacrylate, a plasticizer, and an active agent, and methods of making and using the same, and apparatus for making the same.
US08323676B2
This invention is generally related to coatings for implantable medical devices, such as drug delivery vascular stents. The coating includes a drug reservoir layer above the outer surface of the device body, the drug reservoir layer with a peptide or protein, a hydrophobic drug, and a polymer with a weight average molecular weight between about 10,000 to about 150,000 Daltons. A preferred polymer is a poly(ester amide) polymer.
US08323673B2
A concentrated quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) solution comprising a QAC with a concentration greater than about 10% by weight and at least one solubility enhancing agent, such as an alcohol, is disclosed. A diluted QAC solution is useful on food products to prevent microbial growth on the food from a broad spectrum of foodborne microbial contamination. Also disclosed is a method of contacting food products with the dilute QAC for an application time of at least 0.1 second. Foods that can be treated by this method are meat and meat products, seafood, vegetables, fruit, dairy products, pet foods and snacks, and any other food that can be 10 treated and still retain its appearance and texture. One of the treatment methods is spraying and misting the QAC solutions on the food products for an application time of at least 0.1 second to prevent broad spectrum foodborne microbial contamination.
US08323668B2
The present invention describes a novel mechanism of adhesion by flagellated Gram-negative bacteria such as enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), where the bacteria secretes a protein, EtpA which binds to the conserved region of the flagellin protein located at the tip of the flagella. The present invention also discloses that EtpA-mediated interaction and intestinal colonization require interaction with flagellin. Also disclosed herein is a vaccine composition that can be used for either active or passive immunization of mammals for the prevention or treatment of infections caused by flagellated Gram-negative bacteria.
US08323658B2
Antigenic isolates and vaccines for Infectious Bursal Disease Virus include variants of the molecular Group 6 family of IBDV isolates, in particular the 28-1 isolate.
US08323655B2
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B cell malignancy and remains essentially incurable by conventional anti-tumor therapy. Patients with MM have a median survival of only three years. MM is characterized by proliferation and accumulation of mature plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM) leading to bone destruction, BM failure, anemia, and reduced immune function. The identification of MHC Class I, HLA-A2, associated peptides presented on multiple myeloma cells is an important step in developing immunotherapies for MM. Presented here are methods for creating activated T lymphocytes that are cytotoxic to both peptide loaded T2 target cells and multiple myeloma cell lines.
US08323653B2
The present invention provides chimeric and humanized versions of anti-CD19 mouse monoclonal antibodies. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions, immunotherapeutic compositions, and methods using therapeutic antibodies that bind to the human CD19 antigen and that may mediate ADCC, CDC, and/or apoptosis for the treatment of B cell diseases and disorders, such as, but not limited to, B cell malignancies, for the treatment and prevention of autoimmune disease, and for the treatment and prevention of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), humoral rejection, and post-transplantation lymphoproliferative disorder in human transplant recipients.
US08323636B2
A polypeptide and polynucleotides encoding same comprising carboxy-terminal peptides (CTP) of chorionic gonadotrophin attached to an IFN protein are disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the polypeptide and polynucleotides of the invention and methods of using same are also disclosed.
US08323633B2
This invention provides a method of inactivating non-enveloped virus particles. The method includes the step of contacting the virus with a virucidally-enhanced alcoholic composition that includes an alcohol, and an enhancer selected from the group consisting of cationic oligomers and polymers, proton donors, chaotropic agents, and mixtures thereof.
US08323632B2
The invention provides a multi-arm block copolymer for use in delivering a variety of bioactive agents. The copolymer of the invention contains a central core from which extend multiple (3 or more) copolymer arms. Each copolymer arm possesses an inner polypeptide segment and an outer hydrophilic polymer segment. Thus, the overall structure of the copolymer comprises an inner core region that includes the central core and the inner polypeptide segment, while the outer core region is hydrophilic in nature. The multi-arm copolymer of the invention is particularly useful for delivery of biologically active agents that can be entrapped within the inner core region.
US08323631B2
Dihydroxybenzotriazole UV absorbing compounds that are particularly useful in ophthalmic devices are disclosed.
US08323623B2
A pharmaceutical dosage form [11, 11g] has reduced susceptibility to counterfeiting, due to the forming directly thereon of a pattern or base layer [10, 10g] of a Moiré pair, wherein a Moiré effect is visually observable by looking through a revealing layer [12, 12g] positioned closely to and superimposed on the base layer [10, 10g]. The pattern fanned on the pharmaceutical dosage form [11, 11g] may be formed by embossing, oblation, inkjet printing, or tampon printing. The revealing layer [12, 12g] of the Moiré pair can be part of a blister package containing the pharmaceutical dosage form [11, 11g], so that the Moiré effect is observable while looking at the pharmaceutical dosage form [11, 11g] as it remains within the package.
US08323622B2
Disclosed are Ionic complex nanoparticles for detecting heparanase activities and a method for preparing the same. More specifically, disclosed are Ionic complex nanoparticles for detecting heparanase activities, wherein negative-ion substrate polymers specifically degraded by heparanase and positive-ion biocompatible polymers ionically bind to each other, and fluorophores or quenchers bind to each of the polymers. The ionic complex nanoparticles for detecting heparanase activities may be applied to a method for screening novel drugs such as inhibitors that prevent over-expression of heparanase. Various cells and tissues where over-expression of heparanase occurs may be non-invasively imaged in cancer cells, cancer tissues, and tissues of various inflammatory diseases. Accordingly, the ionic complex nanoparticles for detecting heparanase activities may be effectively used to early diagnose various diseases and incurable diseases including autoimmune diseases such as cancers, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and dementia.
US08323614B2
In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for hydrolysis of a chemical hydride is provided. The method includes adding a chemical hydride to a reaction chamber and exposing the chemical hydride in the reaction chamber to a temperature of at least about 100° C. in the presence of water and in the absence of an acid or a heterogeneous catalyst, wherein the chemical hydride undergoes hydrolysis to form hydrogen gas and a byproduct material.
US08323611B2
A solid acid catalyst represented by HTixNbyO5 wherein x is 1.1
US08323610B2
The invention relates to a catalyst for the oxidation of SO2 to SO3. The catalyst contains an active substance which contains vanadium, alkali metal compounds and sulfate applied to a support. The support contains naturally occurring diatomaceous earth, wherein the support contains at least one relatively soft naturally occurring uncalcined diatomaceous earth which has a percentage reduction of at least 35% in its D50 value determined in a particle size determination according to the dry method in comparison with the wet method.
US08323608B2
The invention is directed to a method of positioning nanoparticles on a patterned substrate. The method comprises providing a patterned substrate with selectively positioned recesses, and applying a solution or suspension of nanoparticles to the patterned substrate to form a wetted substrate. A wiper member is dragged across the surface of the wetted substrate to remove a portion of the applied nanoparticles from the wetted substrate, and leaving a substantial number of the remaining portion of the applied nanoparticles disposed in the selectively positioned recesses of the substrate. The invention is also directed to a method of making carbon nanotubes from the positioned nanoparticles.
US08323606B2
Hetero-nanocapsule, which is a carbon nanocapule containing heteroatoms, comprises a closed graphite layer represented by a chemical formula C(D)x, wherein C is carbon atom exhibiting sp2 hybrid orbital, D is hetero-atom, such as B, N, P, or S atom, bonded to the carbon atom; and X is a molar equivalent ranging from 0.0001 to 0.1, based on the molar equivalent of carbon atom as 1. The hetero-nanocapsules may be hollow or filled with metal or metal compound.
US08323600B2
The invention relates to a method and a catalyst for removal of nitrogen oxides in a flue gas from a combustion engine or gas turbine by injecting a reducing agent and reducing the nitrogen oxides in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst is a zeolite based catalyst on a corrugated monolithic substrate, the substrate has a density of 50-300 g/l and a porosity of at least 50%. The monolithic substrate is a paper of high silica content glass or a paper of E-glass fiber with a layer of diatomaceous earth or a layer of titania, and the catalyst is a Fe-β zeolite.
US08323599B2
Disclosed herein is a layered, three-way conversion catalyst having the capability of simultaneously catalyzing the oxidation of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide and the reduction of nitrogen oxides being separated in a front and rear portion is disclosed. Provided is a catalytic material of at least two front and two rear layers in conjunction with a substrate, where each of the layers includes a support, all layers comprise a platinum group metal component, and the rear bottom layer is substantially free of a ceria-containing oxygen storage component (OSC).
US08323593B2
Processes for reducing hexavalent chromium, Cr(VI) in a chromite ore processing residue matrix and processes for analyzing and determining effective treatment are disclosed.
US08323587B2
A microchip device of the present invention includes: a microchip in which a liquid flow path is formed for liquid to flow; a gas flow path provided along the liquid flow path; and a plurality of gap sections formed between the liquid flow path and the gas flow path and having one opening thereof facing the liquid flow path and the other opening thereof facing the gas flow path, the gap of the gap section being made so as to be gap through which gas can pass but the liquid cannot pass, and a gas liquid interface being formed at the gap section.
US08323577B2
A layered adaptive membrane structure that has movable membranes is provided. The structure can change its gas, liquid and/or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. Applications include protective apparel that is comfortable to wear wherein the level of protection provided is based on conditions in the environment. Hence, the protective apparel is highly breathable and comfortable in a non-hazardous environment but impermeable or only semipermeable in a hazardous environment.
US08323575B2
A method includes compressing chemical-analysis data points with no loss of information, generating, from the stored data points, nested data arrays, storing the nested data arrays in a video memory, rendering an image from the nested data arrays, and displaying the rendered image. A chemical-analysis instrument includes a chromatography module, a mass-spectrometry module that receives an eluent from the chromatography module, a computer unit that receives data points from the chromatography and mass-spectrometry modules, and a monitor for displaying rendered images.
US08323572B2
A measuring device includes a first substrate; and a second substrate bonded on the first substrate. The second substrate has at least two inflow ports, at least two outflow ports, and an injection port. The two inflow ports, the two outflow ports, and the injection port penetrate the second substrate. The first substrate includes partition wall portions opposing to each other, and forming a first cavity between the partition wall portions, and forming at least two second cavities close against one of the partition wall portions. Each second cavity is provided adjacent to the first cavity. Through holes are provided in the respective partition wall portions to connect the first cavity and the second cavity to each other, and the through holes are adapted to capture an object to-be-tested introduced in the first cavity.
US08323570B2
The invention relates to different designs of a microelectronic sensor device comprising an array of heating elements (HE) and an array of sensor elements (SE) that are aligned with respect to each other adjacent to a sample chamber (SC). By applying appropriate currents to the heating elements (HE), the sample chamber can be heated according to a desired temperature profile.
US08323558B2
A jet of gas injected from a lance is fluidically deviated with a gas flowing in either the same or opposite direction as the jet of gas. The gas used to fluidically deviate the jet is the same as or different from the gas in the jet.
US08323551B2
Provided in this invention are polyethylene terephthalate resins which can suppress the formation of acetaldehyde as a by-product in melt molding of the resins and can provide the molded products reduced in acetaldehyde content.A polyethylene terephthalate resin which has an intrinsic viscosity [η2] of not less than 0.70 dl/g and not more than 1.50 dl/g and an acetaldehyde content [AA0 (ppm by weight)] of not more than 10 ppm by weight, and has such properties that the acetaldehyde content [AA1 (ppm by weight)] of the molded product obtained by injection molding the resin at 280° C. with its moisture content adjusted to 30±20 ppm by weight and the acetaldehyde content [AA2 (ppm by weight)] of the molded product obtained by injection molding the resin at 280° C. with its moisture content adjusted to 120±20 ppm by weight satisfy the following formula (1): [(AA1−AA2)/AA1]×100≧30 (1).
US08323549B2
A method for forming temporary protective coatings and bondable surfaces is disclosed. In the method, a soluble layer is disposed on a material surface, such as the interior surfaces of cell walls of a web material. The soluble material is then removed or leached from the web material to form and expose a roughly textured, bondable surface for bonding with another material, such as AVCOAT insulation. Use of the soluble layer, therefore, enhances the bondability of any surface that requires good adhesion, such as where the surface is difficult to reach for conventional surface preparation techniques.
US08323545B2
A co-extrusion process for making decorative moldings having a simulated wood appearance and a given profile includes mixing a base material and color particles to form a mixture, the base material having a rigid polymer and the color particles having a different color from the base material and a higher melt temperature than the base material. The mixture is heated and displaced using a feed screw such that the color particles move helically along the trajectory of the feed screw while avoiding backflow and melting to create corresponding helical vein segments within the base material. The mixture is forced through a tubular channel while controlling heat and shear conditions such that the helical vein segments remain substantially intact. The mixture is fed into a die having at least a first tubular inlet communicating with the tubular channel, a first outlet having a planar shape corresponding to the given profile, and a first cavity between the inlet and the outlet, the cavity having a form to flatten and widen the mixture to produce a planar surface coating at the outlet wherein the helical vein segments are transposed into two-dimensional nested arches simulating wood appearance. The surface coating is extruded onto a first side of a core having cellular polymer material, producing the decorative mouldings.
US08323542B2
A method of forming pigment flakes includes using a deposition substrate having a plurality of regions; some of the regions are raised or lowered so that there is a level difference between each two adjacent regions. A coating deposited onto this substrate breaks along region borders when it is separated from the substrate. In one embodiment, the substrate includes first and second regions, wherein each of the first regions is in an abutting relationship with at least one of the second regions. All the first regions are at a first level and all the second regions are at a second level, and the difference between the first and second levels is greater than a predetermined value. The first and second regions are preferably square-shaped regions for manufacturing square flakes with practically no debris.
US08323536B2
A near-infrared absorbing dye has an anion of formula (1) wherein A1 is H or CF3, R0 is OH or —OC(═O)—R′, and R′ is a monovalent hydrocarbon group. The dye has excellent solvent solubility as well as good optical properties and heat resistance, offering the advantages of easy coating and effective working during film formation. The dye free of heavy metal in its structure is advantageously used in the process of fabricating semiconductor devices.
US08323529B2
The present invention relates to a thiogallate phosphor expressed as AB2S4. The thiogallate phosphor of the present invention is configured by replacing a position A where a divalent ion is required with a trivalent element having an ion size similar to that of the element at the position A and with a monovalent element having an ion size similar to that of the element at the position A. Preferably, the trivalent and monovalent elements are replaced by the same amount. Further, the present invention relates to a white light emitting diode and is to manufacture a white light emitting diode with excellent luminous efficiency.
US08323519B2
A method for manufacturing a liquid discharge head including a flow path forming member to form a flow path communicating with a discharge port for discharging liquids includes forming an organic material layer on a substrate, applying a soluble resin on the organic material layer to form a resin layer, patterning the resin layer to form a pattern with a shape of the flow path, forming a cover layer as the flow path forming member on the pattern, forming the discharge port to expose a part of the pattern from the cover layer, eluting the pattern from the discharge port to form the flow path, irradiating a substance sticking to a surface of the flow path forming member on which the discharge port is formed with ultraviolet light, wherein the substance contains at least the organic material, and removing the sticking substance.
US08323517B2
A method of forming a magnetic pole section of a perpendicular magnetic recording type thin-film magnetic head and a method of manufacturing a perpendicular magnetic recording type thin-film magnetic head that include forming on an under layer a resist pattern having an opening, forming a first nonmagnetic layer, forming a first magnetic layer forming a magnetic layer pattern, removing the resist pattern and then applying a resist layer onto a first nonmagnetic layer and a magnetic layer pattern, developing or ashing partway the applied resist layer and baking the remaining resist layer, removing the first nonmagnetic layer from at least a side surface of the magnetic layer pattern by etching with the baked resist layer being left, removing all of the resist layer and then forming a second nonmagnetic layer on at least the magnetic layer pattern, and forming a second magnetic layer on the formed second nonmagnetic layer.
US08323514B2
The present invention is related to a method and system for cleaning a media support structure in a filter cell in a liquid filter system, wherein a cleaning solution does not significantly enter a filter media zone. The method comprises supplying a cleaning solution to a filter cell to a level sufficient to submerge the media support structure, but not to significantly enter the filter media zone. Additionally, the cleaning solution level is monitored to ensure the cleaning solution does not significantly enter the filter media zone. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be continuously recirculated and reintroduced to the filter cell during the cleaning operation.
US08323502B2
Multi-layered macromolecules wherein the layers are covalently bonded together and wherein the macromolecules are covalently bonded to solid particulate substrates, methods for the preparation of such compositions, and methods for their uses in a multitude of end use applications ranging from the purification of waste chemical and metal process streams to the separation and identification of proteins, peptides, and oligionucleotides.
US08323500B2
A process for removing water from solid material using liquid-solid extraction and liquid-liquid extraction. In most embodiments, multiple solvents are used to step-wise remove the water from the solids and obtain dry solids. Multiple solvents facilitate the removal of the water from the solids, by step-wise replacing the water with a solvent, replacing that solvent with a different solvent, and then eventually removing the second solvent from the solids. The process utilizes a lesser amount of thermal energy to dry the solids and separate the solvents than conventionally used in drying processes. The first solvent selected has a lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property, than water. Each subsequent solvent has a still lower heat of vaporization, enthalphy of vaporization, boiling point, or other such physical property then its predecessor.
US08323496B2
The invention provides systems and methods for removing perchlorate from water. The systems comprise reactors comprising biomass for degrading perchlorate, and the operation of the systems can be controlled according to novel logic specifications. Also provided are filters and filtration systems for clearing water in advance of analysis of the concentration of contaminants within the water. The filters comprise a length of tubing configured to generate backpressure at the filter sufficient to facilitate the flow of a water sample through the filter without overpressurization.
US08323484B2
A home RO filtration system includes a membrane module having an inlet connected to a feed line, the membrane module also having a concentrate outlet coupled to a concentrate line, and a permeate outlet coupled to a permeate line. The permeate line communicates with a faucet. The system includes a flush reservoir communicatively coupled between the permeate line and the feed line. The system is configured such that after the faucet is turned off, a portion of permeate is delivered to the reservoir and then delivered to the inlet of the module to flush the module.
US08323479B2
A process for converting heavy sulfur-containing crude oil into lighter crude oil with lower sulfur content and lower molecular weight is provided. The process is a low-temperature process using controlled cavitation.
US08323471B2
A method of automatic deposition profile targeting for electrochemically depositing copper with a position-dependent controllable plating tool including the steps of depositing copper on a patterned product wafer, measuring an actual thickness profile of the deposited copper and generating respective measurement data, feeding the measurement data to an advanced process control (APC) model and calculating individual corrections for plating parameters in the position-dependent controllable plating tool.
US08323469B2
A galvanic sensor for analyzing gases present in blood includes a duct suitable for being crossed by a flow of gas and provided with an inlet opening and an outlet opening, a reference galvanic element including a container containing an electrolytic solution in which a reference electrode is inserted, and a measuring galvanic element. The container is fixed to the duct and the measuring galvanic element includes a measuring electrode arranged transversally to the axis of the duct and a filiform element having a high capillarity so as to act as a wick. The filiform element is anchored to the container and has a first end contacting the measuring electrode and a second end contacting the electrolytic solution. The measuring element of the galvanic sensor is extremely miniaturized and allows to detect in real time and continuously gases in traces, on the order of parts per million or even lower.
US08323459B2
An electropolishing system including an anode, a cathode, a rolling block and a motion controller. The anode is configured to removably retain a metal device to be electropolished, and may be formed as a bar made from a solid cylindrical piece of metal or other configurations, such as wires with hooks. The anode transfers the electricity to the metal device while grooming the surface of the metal device as it contacts the rolling block. The cathode may be configured as a mesh and completes the electrical circuit. The rolling block is formed from a relatively smooth, solid material and positioned so as to allow the metal device to roll against the surface of the block. The motion controller is configured to provide vertical and horizontal movement of the anode and metal device, using force transducers to control the compression of the metal device against the rolling block.
US08323456B2
A process and system for removing bound water from bio-oil by azeotropic distillation. The process includes combining a bound-water-containing bio-oil with an azeotrope agent and subjecting the resulting treated bio-oil to azeotropic distillation under reduced pressure. The azeotropic distillation removes a substantial portion of the bound water from the bio-oil, thus producing a water-depleted bio-oil that is less corrosive, more stable, and more readily miscible with hydrocarbons.
US08323455B1
A vent scraping apparatus (10) includes a mount (20) fixably attached a carbonizing machine (14) at an opening (18) in the carbonizing machine. A duct (28) is fixably attached within the mount (20). The duct (28) conducts gas vented from the carbonizing machine. A scraper (24) is movably attached between the mount (20) and the duct (28). The scraper (24) slides between an inner surface (22) of the mount (20) and an outer surface (30) of the duct (28). The scraper (24) includes a leading edge (36) for scraping an inner surface (44) of the carbonizing machine opening (18) as the scraper is extended.
US08323454B2
Described is a method for the coking of coal, in particular coal with a high or alternating volatility, in coking plants comprising coking chambers, according to the non-recovery method or the heat-recovery method. Also described is device, which can be used to carry out said method simply, as the overheating of the coking furnace is prevented by the injection of water vapor. If a battery of coking furnaces is used, the disclosed method can be carried out irrespective of the number of said furnaces.
US08323446B2
In order to manufacture beams of composite material with a J-shaped cross-section, a curing apparatus includes a bar supported parallel to a table by two end supports. A J-shaped beam of uncured composite material is prepared and arranged on the apparatus, positioning the bottom flange of the beam so that it faces the table and resting the web and the upper flange against two respective sides of the bar. The beam is covered with a vacuum bag and pressure and heat are applied inside an autoclave in order to cure the resin in the beam.
US08323444B2
An implant applicator and method for positioning a resistive implant material on a first plastic component to be used to form a resistive implant weld between that first plastic component and a second plastic component. The resistive implant material is heated and pressed into a targeted surface of the first plastic component to tack the resistive implant into place. The second plastic component is positioned over the tacked resistive implant and a weld formed in a known manner. The resistive implant material can be heated for tacking by passing an electric current through it before it is pressed into the first plastic component by a second member or by contacting the resistive implant material against a separately heated surface prior to pressing it into the first plastic component.
US08323436B2
A transparent, reinforced, composite polymeric fiber that has a polymeric body portion made from a first thermoplastic polymer that is transparent to visible light. The fiber includes polymeric reinforcement elements embedded within the polymeric body portion. The polymeric body portion extends between and about the polymeric reinforcement elements. Each polymeric reinforcement element is formed from a second thermoplastic polymer that is transparent to visible light. The peripheral portion and outer surface of the polymeric body portion defines a peripheral portion and outer surface, respectively, of the transparent, reinforced, composite polymeric fiber. A plurality of the fibers are formed into an array that is processed with a consolidation process to form a transparent, reinforced, composite structure.
US08323429B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing three-dimensional plaster objects via thin layer deposition. The inventive method comprises steps of depositing a layer of a calcium sulfate hemihydrate slurry onto the surface of a support in a predetermined pattern and activating the slurry with an activating agent so as to accelerate the setting reaction of calcium sulfate hemihydrate and water to form set calcium sulfate dihydrate. The depositing and activating steps can be repeated as necessary until the desired three-dimensional plaster object is formed.
US08323428B2
Dispersion strengthened aluminum base alloys are shaped into metal parts by high strain rate forging compacts or extruded billets composed thereof. The number of process steps required to produce the forged part are decreased and strength and toughness of the parts are increased. The dispersion strengthened alloy may have the formula Albal,Fea,SibXc, wherein X is at least one element selected from Mn, V, Cr, Mo, W, Nb, and Ta, “a” ranges from 2.0 to 7.5 weight-%, “b” ranges from 0.5 to 3.0 weight-%, “c” ranges from 0.05 to 3.5 weight-%, and the balance is aluminum plus incidental impurities. Alternatively, the dispersion strengthened alloy may be described by the formula Albal,Fea,SibVdXc, wherein X is at least one element selected from Mn, Mo, W, Cr, Ta, Zr, Ce, Er, Sc, Nd, Yb, and Y, “a” ranges from 2.0 to 7.5 weight-%, “b” ranges from 0.5 to 3.0 weight-%, “d” ranges from 0.05 to 3.5 weight-%, “c” ranges from 0.02 to 1.50 weight-%, and the balance is aluminum plus incidental impurities. In both cases, the ratio [Fe+X]:Si in the dispersion strengthened alloys is within the range of from about 2:1 to about 5:1.
US08323424B2
An alloy disc includes a hub portion, a rim portion and a web portion disposed between the hub portion and the rim portion. The disc includes a fine grain structure substantially in a first region of the disc and a coarse grain structure substantially in a second region of the disc. The fine grain structure may be in the hub portion of the disc, and the coarse grain structure may be in the rim portion of the disc. The coarse grain structure may extend a greater distance radially inwardly from the rim portion into the web portion on the first axial end of the disc than on the second axial end of the disc. The fine grain structure may extend a greater distance radially outwardly from the hub portion into the web portion on the second axial end of the disc than on the first axial end of the disc.
US08323422B2
Provided is a dust core excellent in flux density, iron loss, and mechanical strength.A production process of a dust core according to the invention includes a step of compacting a mixture obtained by mixing an iron-based soft magnetic powder for powder compact having a phosphate conversion coating film on the surface of an iron-based soft magnetic powder with a lubricant to obtain a powder compact, a heat treatment step of heating the resulting powder compact at 550° C. or more but not more than 650° C. in an inert atmosphere, and a heat treatment step of heating the heat-treated powder compact at 420° C. or more but not more than 530° C. in an oxidizing atmosphere.
US08323418B2
A method of operating a dishwasher having a treating chamber for washing utensils for removing wash liquid with soil particles from the treating chamber and storing a portion of the removed wash liquid for subsequent use.
US08323411B2
Various embodiments of an apparatus for holding and processing semiconductor workpieces are provided. In one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes a first base, a second base and three elongated members coupled to and between the first base and the second base. The three elongated members are spatially arranged so that a semiconductor workpiece may be positioned therebetween. Each of the elongated members has a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge and at least one radially inwardly projecting member. The at least one radially inwardly projecting member has a third lateral edge, a fourth lateral edge and an upper surface for receiving a portion of the semiconductor workpiece and a lower surface. The third lateral edge is displaced laterally inward from the first lateral edge and the fourth lateral edge is displaced laterally inward from the second lateral edge.
US08323408B2
Processes and apparatus are described that form a solar cell absorber on a surface of a workpiece by reacting a precursor layer disposed on the surface of the workpiece with an absorber constituent vapor in a heating chamber. The absorber constituent material is delivered from an absorber constituent material delivery system in molten form into a container in the heating chamber and vaporized to be used during the reaction.
US08323402B2
Methods of growing and manufacturing aluminum nitride crystal, and aluminum nitride crystal produced by the methods. Preventing sublimation of the starting substrate allows aluminum nitride crystal of excellent crystallinity to be grown at improved growth rates. The aluminum nitride crystal growth method includes the following steps. Initially, a laminar baseplate is prepared, furnished with a starting substrate having a major surface and a back side, a first layer formed on the back side, and a second layer formed on the first layer. Aluminum nitride crystal is then grown onto the major surface of the starting substrate by vapor deposition. The first layer is made of a substance that at the temperatures at which the aluminum nitride crystal is grown is less liable to sublimate than the starting substrate. The second layer is made of a substance whose thermal conductivity is higher than that of the first layer.
US08323398B2
The disclosure concerns cost effective concrete formulations based on an alkali activated binder. The construction material of the concrete type, contains sand, fine aggregates, coarse aggregates, water and a binder comprising: from 55 to 80 wt. % of fly ash containing less than wt. 8% of CaO; from 15 to 40 wt. % of blast furnace slag; a chemical activator containing: from 0.8 to 4 wt. % of alkaline silicates; and from 1.5 to 9 wt. % of alkaline carbonates; wherein the chemical activator has an silica to alkali molar ratio from 0.1 to 0.55; and a booster comprising at least one strong base. The disclosure also concerns a method to produce such a concrete construction material.
US08323387B2
An air filtering assembly capable of filtering the air having particle matter prior to entrance of the air into a compressor compartment of a refrigeration apparatus comprising: an air filtering device where it said air filtering device includes a frame and a filter member where the filter member includes a front surface and a rear surface; and a support device, where said support device is capable of attaching to an underneath portion of a door of the refrigeration apparatus. The filter member is made of a filtering material, where the filtering material is selected from at least one of a micro fiber material, a plastic material and a paper material. The frame of the air filtering device may be either a rectangular shape or a square shape.
US08323377B2
A process for recovering a target metal from an oxidized metalliferous material comprises the steps of: in an acid generation stage, adding sulfuric acid to a solution comprising a metal halide to generate an acidic aqueous halide solution; in a leaching stage that is separate to the acid generation stage, leaching the oxidized metalliferous material with the acidic aqueous halide solution to leach the target metal into solution; passing the solution from the leaching stage to a target metal recovery stage in which the target metal is recovered from the solution while the metal halide is retained in solution; and returning the solution with the metal halide therein from the target metal recovery stage to the acid generation stage.
US08323372B1
Low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) cermet compositions of this invention generally comprise a hard phase material and a ductile phase formed from a binder alloy, wherein the binder alloy is specially designed having a CTE that is closely matched to the hard phase material. Hard phase materials used to form low CTE compositions of this invention are selected from the group of carbides consisting of W, Ti, Mo, Nb, V, Si, Hf, Ta, and Cr carbides. The binder alloy is formed from a mixture of metals selected from the group consisting of Co, Ni, Fe, W, Mo, Ti, Ta, V, Nb, C, B, Cr, and Mn. In a preferred embodiment, low CTE compositions comprises WC as the hard phase material, and a ductile phase binder alloy formed from a mixture of Fe, Co, and Ni. The so-formed low CTE composition has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is less than that of conventional WC—Co at the same temperature and having the same metal content, thereby providing improved resistance to thermal shock and thermal fatigue related failure.
US08323371B2
A method forming a potassium chloride particle form potassium chloride powder having resistance to moisture absorption and shrinkage. The original feedstock comprises potassium chloride in a size distribution of 30 mesh and 100 mesh as well as a gluten based binder.
US08323369B2
Apparatus for treating materials, the apparatus including a main body which includes an elongated retort section having a primary treatment chamber therein, a feed inlet at an upstream end of the retort section and a discharge outlet at a downstream end of the retort section. The main body further includes a filtering section with a filtering chamber therein which is in communication with the primary treatment chamber, the filtering chamber being disposed laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the retort section which extends between the ends of the retort section and is spaced from the upstream end.
US08323363B2
The invention discloses an apparatus and process for the reformation of hydrogen containing fluids to hydrogen and other constituents, more particularly, the reformation of hydrocarbons or mixtures of hydrocarbons in a cyclic flow inert porous media reactor for the production of hydrogen and other constituents. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus and process can be used for the reformation of hydrogen sulfide to produce hydrogen and sulfur.The cyclic flow reactor comprises a reaction chamber filled with a porous media matrix containing an unconstrained reaction zone located in any portion of the reactor chamber. This reactor system employs valves to canalize the reactant mixture and product mixture during flow cycling channeling the reactant mixture through the porous media matrix, and reacting the reactant mixture. In another embodiment, the reactor system may further comprise at least one aperture along the axial length of the reactor casing to enable mounting of an external energy source and/or at least one heat exchanger to provide a source of heat transfer to the inlet pipe and outlet pipe as well as the reactant mixture and product mixtures.
US08323359B2
A crystallizer system for forming solid crystals includes a vessel defining a cylindrical sidewall, a sparge device located at a bottom of the vessel, a plurality of impellers attached to a shaft, and a plurality of redistribution funnel assemblies vertically spaced apart. Each funnel assembly may be positioned underneath a respective impeller of the plurality of impellers. Each funnel assembly may include a funnel, a disc attached to the shaft such that the disc rotates with the impellers, and a channel extending radially inward from a location near the sidewall. The channel may be adapted to direct gas bubbles from the sidewall to a location near blade outer edges of the respective impeller A lower edge of the funnel and the disc may define a lower gap therebetween, such that solid particles falling from within the funnel are directed out of the lower gap when the disc is rotated.
US08323357B2
The use of fluorine-substituted perylenes in color filters for liquid-crystal displays is described.
US08323350B2
A stent for positioning within a lumen is provided. The stent includes a stent region and a pair of transition regions extending from respective ends of the stent region, wherein each of the transition and stent regions define an aperture therethrough. At least a portion of at least one of the transition regions is configured in a helix including a plurality of turns, wherein the stent region is capable of expanding to conform to a stricture and each of the transition regions is capable of expanding to conform to the lumen proximally and distally of the stricture.
US08323348B2
This invention relates to a bone implant that includes a bioinert substrate covered with a ceramic layer containing a plurality of indentations. The total surface area of the indentations is 30-70% of the total surface area of the ceramic layer. This invention also relates to a method of preparing such a bone implant. The method includes: (1) affixing a ceramic layer on the surface of a bioinert substrate; (2) forming a plurality of indentations in the ceramic layer, wherein the total surface area of the indentations is 30-70% of the total surface area of the ceramic layer; and (3) immobilizing a biopolymer onto the ceramic layer via covalent bonding.
US08323347B2
A humeral prosthesis includes a stem component and a head component joined by an inclination component. The inclination component is provided with an opening that is designed to accommodate a pair of expandable tabs extending from a side of a plate. The plate is also provided with a taper extending opposite to the pair of expandable tabs. Inclination angle, radial offset, and version are adjustable and are separately and independently set and fixed.
US08323342B2
An intervertebral implant for separating an upper vertebra and a lower vertebra. The implant includes an upper mount having a first surface sized and shaped for mounting on the upper vertebra and a second surface opposite the first surface. The implant includes a lower mount having a first surface sized and shaped for mounting on the lower vertebra and a second surface opposite the first surface. The implant includes an element positioned between the upper mount and the lower mount spacing the first surface of the upper mount from the first surface of the lower mount by a predetermined distance. The element is configured to permit the upper mount to pivot relative to the lower mount. The element allows the upper vertebra to pivot relative to the lower vertebra while maintaining spacing between the upper vertebra and the lower vertebra.
US08323338B2
A surgical device includes a member having first and second opposing surfaces. The member includes an intermediate portion in which the first surface has a recessed surface portion. The intermediate portion defines a hole extending from the recessed surface portion to the second surface. End portions extend from the intermediate portion, and each end portion defines a hole extending from the first surface to the second surface. The member has a tapered surface portion on the second surface. The surgical device includes a second member sized to be received within the recessed surface portion. A method includes locating a tissue fixation device at an opening to a bone hole, and increasing the size of the tissue fixation device by placing the tissue fixation device within a larger device.
US08323334B2
The methods, devices, and systems are provided for performing endovascular repair of atrioventricular and other cardiac valves in the heart. Regurgitation of an atrioventricular valve, particularly a mitral valve, can be repaired by modifying a tissue structure selected from the valve leaflets, the valve annulus, the valve chordae, and the papillary muscles. These structures may be modified by suturing, stapling, snaring, or shortening, using interventional tools which are introduced to a heart chamber. Preferably, the tissue structures will be temporarily modified prior to permanent modification. For example, opposed valve leaflets may be temporarily grasped and held into position prior to permanent attachment.
US08323333B2
A medical device that includes at least one surface structure and/or micro-structure that is at least partially coated with a protective coating.
US08323326B2
A catheter device having a shaft that extends from a proximal end to a distal end to carry on its distal end a self-expanding implant for intraluminal advance on a guidewire and delivery of the implant to an implant site by proximal withdrawal of a longitudinal sheath that lies radially outside the implant in the catheter, the catheter including a first shaft element to pull the sheath proximally and a second shaft element to push the implant distally to prevent the implant moving proximally with the sheath when the sheath is pulled proximally, wherein the sheath is freely rotatable with respect to the first shaft element during the said intraluminal advance and, during proximal movement, is caused to abut the first shaft element at an abutment position by a reduced inner diameter portion of the sheath proximal of the abutment position.
US08323324B2
Methods and apparatus are provided for heating or cooling a patient's whole body or a selected portion of a patient's body. In one embodiment, the method begins by inserting a catheter having a dual balloon system into the large intestine of a patient. A heated or chilled liquid is conducted through a supply tube of the catheter and into the inner balloon. The liquid is evacuated from the inner balloon through a return lumen of the catheter. The outer balloon conducts heat transfer between the patient's tissues and the inner balloon, and further provides a degree of safety against rupture of the inner balloon.
US08323323B2
Implants (7) for forming a positive connection with human or animal parts include a material, such as thermoplastics and thixotropic materials, that can be liquefied by means of mechanical energy. The implants (7) are brought into contact with the tissue part, are subjected to the action of ultrasonic energy while being pressed against the tissue part. The liquefiable material liquefies and is pressed into openings or surface asperities of the tissue part so that, once solidified, the implant is positively joined thereto. The implantation involves the use of an implantation device that includes a generator (2), an oscillating element, and a resonator (6). The generator (2) causes the oscillating element to mechanically oscillate, and the element transmits the oscillations to the resonator (6). The resonator (6) is used to press the implant (7) against the tissue part to transmit oscillations to the implant (7).
US08323321B2
The invention relates to a fixation device for bones, consisting of all implant (1; 11), having at least one through hole (2; 12), to be fastened to the bone, and of at least one bone screw (3; 13) to be fastened in said through hole (2; 12), fastening elements (5; 15) being arranged in the through hole (2; 12) and at the top end of the bone screw (3; 13) and engaging with each other. In order to allow various angular positions of the bone screw (3; 13) relative to the implant (1; 11) without cold welding, interlocking earns (6, 7; 16, 17) are arranged on the associated surfaces of the through hole (2; 12) and the bone screw (3; 13) as the fastening elements (5; 15).
US08323316B2
A suture including a knotted end effector is provided. The suture includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and an end effector formed from the body portion. The end effector includes first and second extensions which extend outwardly from the longitudinal axis in opposite directions when the end effector is in a permanent configuration. The extensions of the end effector extend substantially along the longitudinal axis when the end effector is in a temporary position. In embodiments, at least a portion of the end effector includes a shape memory material.
US08323308B2
A dynamic nasal molding device for presurgical molding of cleft lip deformities, the device having a pair of rotation assemblies each having an internal shaping member for insertion in a nostril and an external shaping member to be positioned external to the nostril, wherein the internal and external shaping members are progressively pivoted about the rotation assemblies, while simultaneously the separation distance between the rotation assemblies is decreased, to mold the nasal anatomy into the desired shape.
US08323307B2
A balloon catheter is provided that may be used to dilate hardened regions of a stenosis. The balloon catheter is provided with dilation elements that extend along a surface of a balloon. The dilation elements may comprise a coil and dilation wire. The coil and wire may be configured in various ways such that inflation of the balloon creates a concentration of forces along the dilating wires which are thereafter transmitted to stenosed regions of a vessel wall. The force exerted by the dilation elements against the stenosed region is sufficient to fracture plaque from the vessel wall.
US08323304B2
The present invention provides balloon dissection apparatus and methods of use in which an elongate balloon is utilized to dissect along a region that follows a naturally existing path alongside a vessel or structure, such as an artery, a vein, a lymphatic vessel, the trachea, the esophagus, or even a nerve bundle.
US08323300B2
A device for treating GERD is provided. The device includes a device body capable of at least partially preventing reflux of stomach content to the esophagus while enabling flow of esophageal content around said device body and into the stomach.
US08323293B2
The present invention relates to a surgical method or procedure for securing a prosthesis to bone. More particularly, the present invention relates to (i) a surgical method or procedure for securing a low load bearing prosthesis such as, for example, an adhesion barrier, to a patient's bone, (ii) a tack or drive screw for securing the low load bearing prosthesis and (iii) associated instrumentation for driving the tack or drive screw into the patient's bone.
US08323292B2
An adjustable pin drill guide and method for using an adjustable pin drill guide to prepare a vertebral body space to receive an implant are disclosed. The method includes providing an adjustable pin drill guide, producing a gap by removing tissue between a first vertebral body and a second vertebral body, inserting into the gap first and second extensions of the guide in a first position, moving the first extension and the second extension to a second position, drilling a first hole in the first vertebral body through a first opening in the guide, drilling a second hole in the second vertebral body through a second opening in the guide, placing a first pin into the first hole, and placing a second pin into the second hole. The first and second extensions are preferably in parallel planes when in the first and second positions.
US08323286B2
One nonlimiting embodiment of the present application is directed to a system for positioning a connecting element adjacent one or more bones or bony portions, such as the spinal column, through a minimally invasive surgical approach. The system generally includes a number of bone anchors engageable to the one or more bones or bony portions and a number of anchor extenders removably engaged to the bone anchors. A connecting element inserter instrument is engageable with one of the anchor extenders and is movable along a longitudinal axis of the anchor extender. As the inserter instrument is moved along the longitudinal axis toward the bone anchors, a leading end of the connecting element is rotated away from the longitudinal axis and the connecting element is positioned at a location adjacent the number of bone anchors in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. However, in other embodiments, different forms and applications are envisioned.
US08323283B2
A plating system includes bone portion engaging anchors coupled to a connecting plate in moveable relationship to vary the spacing between the anchoring points of the plating system to the bone portions. The plating system includes instrumentation and method for installation thereof. The plating system is capable of both passive and active dynamization and the ability to produce the former from the latter.
US08323279B2
An electrosurgical instrument with a movable fluid delivery sheath assembly for variable fluid supply during surgical procedures is disclosed. The instrument comprises at least one active electrode and at least one return electrode, positioned on the instrument distal end. The sheath assembly has an outer sheath that is external to the instrument shaft, to provide a lumen. The sheath assembly lumen is axially movable between first and second positions relative to a fluid delivery element, for varying target site treatment and fluid delivery. In the first position the shaft distal end is axially distal to a leading edge of the sheath assembly. In the second position the sheath assembly distal leading edge is positioned axially adjacent or distal to the end of the shaft. The fluid delivery element comprises an inner lumen extending through at least a portion of the shaft, and at least one port extending radially through the shaft. The port is in communication with the inner lumen. A fluid supply source provides fluid through the port, sheath lumen and inner lumen.
US08323276B2
Described herein are methods and apparatus for cutting a material including biological tissue. The apparatus has a cutting electrode with an elongate cutting portion. A voltage pulse waveform (typically comprising repeated bursts of minipulses) having a low or very low duty-cycle is applied to the cutting electrode to cut the tissue or other material by producing a vapor cavity around the cutting portion of the electrode and ionizing a gas inside the vapor cavity to produce a plasma. A low duty cycle cutting waveform may prevent heat accumulation in the tissue, reducing collateral thermal damage. The duration of the burst of minipulses typically ranges from 10 μs to 100 μs, and the rep rate typically ranges from 1 KHz to 10 Hz, as necessary. The apparatus and method of invention may cut biological tissue while decreasing bleeding and maintaining a very shallow zone of thermal damage.
US08323275B2
A radiation detector disposed on a microwave antenna assembly to receive unintended field exposure in an insufflated abdomen. The radiation detector includes a receiving antenna made up of at least two pieces of metal externally attached to the microwave antenna within the abdomen. The radiation detector is adapted to receive errant microwave energy that resonates in the abdomen. A rectifier is coupled between the two pieces of metal, where the pieces of metal are strips, rings, patches, or other geometric combinations. The rectifier is adapted to rectify at least a portion of the errant microwave energy. A filter is coupled to the rectifier and is adapted to convert the rectified microwave energy into a detection signal. An inflatable stop is located on a distal end of the microwave antenna and the inflatable stop is inflated when inserted within the abdomen. The inflated stop prevents inadvertent removal of the microwave antenna.
US08323273B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provides systems, devices, and methods for non-invasively modifying, maintaining, or controlling local tissue optical properties. Methods and devices of the disclosure may be used for optically clearing tissue, for example, for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes. A method of optically clearing a tissue may comprise contacting the tissue with an optical clearing device having a base, an array of pins fixed to one side of the base, a brim fixed to the base, an inlet port in the base, an exit port in the base, and a handpiece interface tab fixed to the side of the base opposite the array of pins, applying a mechanical force to the tissue, and illuminating said tissue with at least one wavelength of light through the optical clearing device. A method may further comprise controlling the temperature of the tissue illuminated.
US08323268B2
Implantable infusion apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of a sensor that is associated with the catheter outlet.
US08323262B2
Certain aspects of the invention relate to an applicator, and methods of use thereof, which can house multiple component formulations in separate material receptacles, which can then be easily reconstituted at time of use without any assembly by the user. A device of the invention can be used for, but is not limited to, applying hydrogel formulations to dura mater, abdominal tissue in hernia repair, tissues near the spine, lung tissue, intestinal tissue, and any of the internal tissues. A device of the invention can be configured to apply a spray or a stream of liquid formulation onto a surface to be treated. A device of the invention can be configured to deliver the formulation through an endoscope or laparoscope.
US08323253B2
Methods and devices for treatment of skin are disclosed. These methods and devices use electromagnetic radiation to create networks or patterns of treatment zones. The networks or patterns of treatment zones comprise at least four treatment zones, at least two of the treatment zones in the network or pattern are slanted at angles in the skin, and the treatment zones extend at least as deep as the dermal-epidermal junction of the skin. Producing intersecting treatment zones and/or overlapping treatment patterns can increase the effectiveness of the treatments. The devices comprise a hand piece operably coupled to a delivery element, wherein delivery of electromagnetic radiation through the device to a portion of skin produces a network or pattern of treatment zones. The use of these methods and devices results in tightening of the skin and/or improvement in the cosmetic appearance of wrinkles in the portion of skin treated.
US08323246B2
A liquid delivery apparatus for the intrathecal delivery of one or more medications to a patient is disclosed. The liquid delivery apparatus generally includes a liquid reservoir, a liquid metering unit fluidly connected to the liquid reservoir, and a catheter delivery tube fluidly connected to the liquid metering unit. Preferably, the liquid delivery apparatus includes two or more liquid reservoirs. In various embodiments, the liquid reservoir includes a deformable balloon and a compressive sleeve spring as a pressure source, the liquid metering unit is a piezoelectrically actuated microvalve, and/or diagnostic sensors are included in the apparatus. The disclosed apparatus are compact, volume-efficient, energy-efficient, capable of delivering accurate fluid volumes, and address problems associated with multi-medication therapies. Methods of operating the liquid delivery apparatus are also disclosed.
US08323230B2
A long term oxygen therapy system having an oxygen supply directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to more efficiently treat hypoxia caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. The system includes an oxygen source, one or more valves and fluid carrying conduits. The fluid carrying conduits link the oxygen source to diseased sites within the patient's lungs. A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating another aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve and an air carrying conduit. In various embodiments, the system may be intrathoracic, extrathoracic or a combination thereof. A pulmonary decompression device may also be utilized to remove trapped air in the lung or lungs, thereby reducing the volume of diseased lung tissue. A lung reduction device may passively decompress the lung or lungs. In order for the system to be effective, an airtight seal between the parietal and visceral pleurae is required. Chemical pleurodesis is utilized for creating the seal and various devices and/or drugs, agents and/or compounds may be utilized to accelerate wound healing in thoracic anastomosis applications.
US08323228B2
A medical catheter comprising a first return lumen, a plurality of withdrawal lumens, a first clamping member and a plurality of intake extension tubes. Each intake extension tube communicates with an intake lumen of the catheter to provide fluid communication with the respective intake lumens. The intake extension tubes are positioned in a stacked arrangement, and the clamping member has a plurality of posts to receive the stacked tubes to limit lateral movement thereof.
US08323221B2
The present invention relates to a hydrogel-containing temperature indicating element for use in ultrasound therapy. The temperature indicating element of the present invention and the therapeutic device and method making use of the same enable in some embodiments an automated adaptation of the power output as a function of the tissue temperature, avoiding therefore overheating or burning of the skin.
US08323204B2
An event-based approach to collecting and organizing information associated with events affecting respiration is presented. The detection or prediction of an event affecting the respiration of a patient initiates acquisition of information associated with the event. The respiratory logbook system acquires information associated with the event during the event and during intervals proximate in time to the event. The information is organized as a respiratory log entry. The user can access the information by operating a user interface. The information may be presented in textual or graphical form.
US08323196B2
The invention relates to medicine. The inventive device for measuring intraocular tension through an eyelid comprises a body, a movable sleeve provided with a support and placed in the body in such a way that it is reciprocally displaceable for producing a static load applicable to the eyebulb through the eyelid, a rod which is provided with a flat base and is arranged in the sleeve cavity in such a way that it is displaceable with respect to the support and produces an impact action for deforming the eyebulb through the eyelid and at least one measuring coil placed in the movable sleeve. A permanent magnet is mounted on the rod and the measuring coil is disposed with respect to the magnet in such a way that it is enabled to control the direction and speed of the rod displacement and is connected to a control, processing and display unit, which is embodied in such a way that it produces opposite polarity voltage in the coil for returning the rod to the initial position thereof and for consequently creating the rod motion pulse in a direction of the support in such a way that the signal received from the measuring coil is converted and the obtained results are displayed.
US08323195B2
A blood glucose measurement system in which a blood glucose level measured with an invasive blood glucose measurement apparatus 101 is used to calibrate a blood glucose level measured with a non-invasive blood glucose measurement apparatus 102, comprising a controller that outputs an invasive actuation signal that starts the detection of a characteristic quantity in the body with the invasive blood glucose measurement apparatus, and a blood sampling component for collecting blood from the body on the basis of the invasive actuation signal, wherein measurement with the invasive blood glucose measurement apparatus is begun when the amount of change in the estimated blood glucose level has reached or exceeded a non-invasive blood glucose threshold.
US08323182B2
An endoscope including a rigid section having opposed first and second ends and an opening situated between the first and second ends, the rigid section defining a longitudinal axis; a handle portion coupled to a first end of the rigid section and having first and second scissor-type handles suitable for grasping by a user; and a base part situated at the second end of the rigid section and coupled to the first handle of the scissor-type handles such that displacement of the first handle causes a rotation of the base part.
US08323180B2
A self-regulating gastric band apparatus for adjusting stoma size. The apparatus includes an adjustable gastric band with an expandable inner ring. A band adjustment assembly includes a sensor for sensing fluid pressure in the inner ring and a pump assembly connected to the inner ring and to a controller for adjusting the volume of the fluid in the band based on the sensed fluid pressure. A memory stores an operating range of a target fluid pressure, and the pump assembly maintains the sensed band pressure within the operating range. An elongated fluid reservoir extends along part of a fill tube. An expandable fluid reservoir stores a volume of the fluid for adjusting the volume of fluid in the lumen. A protective outer sheath is provided around the exterior of an expandable fluid reservoir in both a first, deflated state, and a second, inflated state of the reservoir.
US08323179B2
The present invention provides devices and methods for associating an implantable sling with a delivery device for delivering the sling to an anatomical location in a patient.
US08323174B2
Devices and methods are disclosed for implanting, positioning, removing, replacing and operating intra-aortic balloon pumps.
US08323172B2
Methods of forming a low-dose-rate (LDR) brachytherapy device include depositing a solution comprising a soluble form of a radioactive material on a substrate. A water-insoluble form of the radioactive material is formed on the substrate by chemical precipitation and/or thermal decomposition.
US08323168B2
The invention describes a self-powered centrifugal separator comprising a base, a rotor mounted on an operably substantially vertical axis for rotation thereabout by reaction to fluid emission from rotor nozzles therein, a housing mounted on the base and enclosing the rotor, a sump formed in the base below the rotor, a fluid passageway through the base extending from an inlet port to an outlet port and including a diversion port to supply fluid to the interior of the rotor by way of the rotation axis, a drain passage in the base for draining fluid from the sump to the fluid passageway, and a venturi arrangement provided in the fluid passageway in the base to develop suction pressure to draw fluid from the drainage passage into the fluid passageway, whereas a spring loaded valve body is provided in the fluid passageway, said body being configured and arranged to shut off supply of fluid to the interior of the rotor when pressure of fluid entering the inlet port falls below a predetermined minimum pressure value and also to restrict and/or shut off supply of fluid to the interior of the rotor when pressure of fluid entering the inlet port rises above a second predetermined pressure value.
US08323162B2
An inclined position of a product, leaving a nip between two folding rollers of a longitudinal folding machine, is corrected. The product is pressed into the nip between the rollers by a folding blade that can be moved up and down relative to a folding table. The product thus leaves the nip between the rollers and is transported in a direction of transport. The time of passage of a leading or a trailing edge of a product is detected at two measurement points which are spaced apart from each other and which are arranged transversely to the direction of transport of the product to be folded. Based on the times of passage that are detected by the two measurement points, and on commutation and/or data processing techniques, a deviation between a time offset detected during the passage of the corresponding product edge at the two measurement points, and a nominal time offset, is determined and analyzed. In the event that the deviation exceeds at least a tolerance range, a measure is initiated, by the use of a control device, in order to act against the deviation. The measure that is to be taken is based on retaining the product to a greater or lesser extent when the product is passing the folding rollers and/or in the provision of more or less friction between the braking elements and the product.
US08323161B2
A method for controlled installation of a brush filament population on a shaft for making a toner adder brush roller includes applying a layer of adhesive over a surface of a roller shaft, applying a template over at least a portion of the shaft surface, and flocking a multiplicity of filaments on the shaft surface to provide a brush on the roller shaft having a filament population controlled by the application of the template. The method also includes removing the template from the shaft surface after flocking the multiplicity of filaments such that a set of filaments less than the multiplicity of filaments is removed with the template. The method further includes flocking additional filaments on the portion of the shaft surface after removing the template from the portion of the shaft surface, the additional filaments differs from said previously flocked filaments in one of material, length, denier, or combinations of the foregoing.
US08323155B2
An exercise device providing a fore and aft horizontal component of striding motion that is dynamically user-defined, while providing a vertical component of the motion that is maintained on a predetermined vertically reciprocating path in some embodiments. The exercise device guides the user's foot in a pseudo-elliptical stride path, while providing a dynamically variable stride length that allows the user to move with a natural stride length. The exercise device allows tall and short users to extend or curtail the stride length to match their natural stride lengths. The length of the reciprocating path is dynamically adjusted during the exercise operation without equipment adjustments by changes in the length of the stride input by the user at a pair of foot engagement pads disposed on laterally spaced apart foot support members.
US08323151B2
Systems and methods of driving and controlling pneumatic and hydraulic devices and, more particularly, to a system and method of driving a hydraulic pump via one output shaft of a motor, and driving a pneumatic compressor via another output shaft of the motor via a clutch. When a user control is engaged, a control system causes the motor to operate at a higher speed, driving the hydraulic pump faster to produce additional hydraulic pressure. When a low air pressure condition is sensed in the pneumatic system, the control system causes the motor to operate at the higher speed and engages the clutch, allowing the pneumatic compressor to supply additional air pressure.
US08323150B2
A control system includes a shift stage determination module and a clutch control module. The shift stage determination module determines a duration of a first power-on downshift when a second power-on downshift is requested, where a power-on downshift is a downshift of a transmission that occurs when an accelerator pedal is depressed. The clutch control module completes the first power-on downshift and selectively starts controlling the second power-on downshift before the first power-on downshift ends.
US08323147B2
An electric vehicle and a range extender engine are shown including the controls to operate the same.
US08323144B1
A vehicle hybrid drive supplies torque to an axle. The drive includes a first engine and a transmission which couples the first engine to the axle. The drive also includes a second engine, a flywheel driven by the second engine, an electric generator driven by the flywheel, a generator controller coupled between the generator and a motor controller, and an electric motor coupled to the motor controller. A gearbox is coupled between the electric motor and the axle. The vehicle drive may also include a further flywheel driven by the first engine, with the transmission being driven by the second flywheel.
US08323134B2
A transmission controller for a continuously variable transmission system steadily returns a gear ratio toward the low-ratio range, even after a driving pulley has stopped during sudden deceleration. A control unit is provided which drives an actuator to move a driving-pulley movable half part to a position in the low-ratio range when a vehicle speed sensor detects the sudden deceleration of a body, a pulley number-of-revolution sensor detects stopping of the driving pulley, and then a gear ratio sensor detects that the gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission system has not returned to the low-ratio range where a sufficient acceleration is obtainable at the time of restart. Upon detecting a restart, the control unit presses the driving-pulley movable half part onto a V-belt to prevent sliding therebetween and thereby reduce a loss in the transmission of a driving force at the time of restart.
US08323131B2
Baseball bats described herein may have handle, throat and/or barrel portions that include non-circular cross-sections.
US08323126B1
A training device comprising a pole and a frame mounted to the pole. The frame supports a pocket for holding a ball therein. A support is mounted to the device adjacent the pocket to thereby form a barrier for holding a ball in the pocket when the ball is positioned in the pocket.
US08323122B2
A method for making golf club heads includes using direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), selective laser melting (SLM) and other computer controlled high energy sintering or melting techniques to form club heads with customized user parameters. The powdered metals can be selected by type and quantity to achieve a desired density or weight distribution. Club heads made by these techniques are characterized by having customized parameters chosen for individual golfers. By sintering powdered metal to form areas of different porosity, club heads with desired weight distributions can be achieved.
US08323121B2
A golf head club has a high moment of inertia and thus produces a pleasing hitting sound. A metallic golf club head 1 having a hollow space therein includes a face member 30 provided with a face part 31, and a body member 10 provided with a sole part 11, a crown part 12, a side part 13, and ribs 20. The hollow space is defined by the inner surfaces of the face part 31, the sole part 11, the crown part 12, and the side part 13, and the wall surfaces of the ribs. The ribs 20 extend from the inner surface of the sole part 11 to the inner surface of the crown part 12, and the body member 10 is molded integrally by casting.
US08323115B2
A cushion sub-assembly (10) for connection to a drill string to absorb vibrations in the drill string, the cushion sub-assembly (10) including a main body (12) defining a chamber therein (24), a piston member (28) disposed within the chamber (24) capable of axial movement at least partially within the chamber (24) between a first and second position, at least one axially extending piston rod (42) disposed inside a respective axial bore of the piston member (28), the at least one piston rod (42) preventing relative rotation between the piston member (28) and the main body (12) while permitting axial movement of the piston member (28) between the first and second positions, and a vibration absorbing means (44, 46, 48, 50) at opposite ends of the chamber (24) for engagement by the piston member (28) when in either of the first or second positions for absorbing axial vibrations, the configuration of the at least one piston rod (42) inside the piston member (28), and engagement of the piston member (28) with the vibration absorbing means (44, 46, 48, 50) serving to minimize transmission of axial vibrations between the piston member (28) and the main body (12).
US08323113B2
A gaming machine has a display panel with permanent indicia and optionally also adapted for display of transient indicia which act with the permanent indicia as part of the gaming played on the machine. At least a portion of the permanent indicia may comprise an ink or other iridescent coating that glows in the presence of activating light, typically ultraviolet radiation. A source of the activating light is positioned to irradiate the permanent indicia portions. A controller is typically present for activating the activating light source in a predetermined manner which correlates with one or more events taking place in the particular game being played on the machine.
US08323110B2
A game system is provided with a player information storage unit that stores a communication address of a communication device owned by a player, a preliminary match totaling unit that obtains a game evaluation of the player, a game history information storage unit that stores the game evaluation of each player for each game, a standard condition setting unit that sets a ranking for preliminary match passage, a monitoring unit that continuously monitors whether or not the game evaluation of each player has crossed over the standard condition, and notification means for sending, to a player for whom the monitoring means has determined according to continuous monitoring that the game evaluation has crossed over the standard condition, information to that effect to a communication device of that player. When a relative standard condition among the players has been crossed over, information to that effect is sent to the communication device of a player concerned, thereby carrying out notification processing effectively and greatly reducing server load.
US08323101B2
A method of operating a wagering game comprises activating a progressive game having a first set of configuration parameters and providing a primary wagering game having a second set of configuration parameters. The method further comprises comparing the first set of configuration parameters with the second set of configuration parameters to determine, in accordance with at least a first rule set, if the primary wagering game can be activated and paired with the progressive game. The method further displays results from the comparing step.
US08323100B2
A betting method used in a variety of games of chance, including but not limited to Craps. The method offers a variation of true odds bets referred to as TruePlace bets (TP) in which the pay-out ratio is equal to the probability of the forecasted outcome being randomly generated. A player make a prerequisite Flat bet (FB) and then is permitted to make any of several available TruePlace bets (TP), provided the amount placed at risk for the TruePlace bet (TP) does not exceed a calculated Amount Available. An outcome is randomly generating from the defined set of possible outcomes. The generated outcome is compared to the so that each respective bet (FB, TP) can be assessed as a win, loss or unresolved, which can be different for the Flat bet (FB) and TruePlace bet (TP). The Amount Available for TruePlace bets is (TP) defined by a TruePlace bets Pool less the sum of TruePlace bets already booked (TPB). The method can be used as a vehicle to implement new and innovative strategies to offer player rewards intrinsically made via better player payouts.
US08323094B2
A wagering game system and its operations are described herein. In embodiments, the operations can include determining possible wagering game events that can occur for a wagering game. The operations can further include determining a subset of the possible wagering game events and configuring an award ladder game to award prizes in a stair-step fashion based on occurrence of the subset of possible wagering game events. The operations can further include ordering a plurality of awards, or prizes, on an award ladder in an order of value and configuring the award ladder to award the plurality of awards in a sequential order of value according to an order of occurrence of the subset of possible wagering game events. The operations can further include configuring the award ladder to reset when the plurality of awards have been awarded.
US08323089B2
The gaming system of the present invention comprises: a common image display having a common-image-display cabinet provided with an opening over substantially the entire front surface thereof, and a common flat display panel portion that is provided in the opening, and allowing the common flat display panel portion to rotate upwardly and downwardly with respect to the floor surface with a hinge as a shaft by having an upper end of the common flat display panel portion mounted on an upper end of a front surface of the common-image-display cabinet via the hinge.
US08323081B2
To provide a positioning system that clearly defines a disposition of a base station for identifying a position of a radio set. While a wireless base station 1 that transmits and receives a distance-measuring signal to and from a terminal 2 to be measured by wireless communication is disposed at each corner forming an equilateral triangular, the length of each side of the equilateral triangle is made to be a maximum communication distance of the wireless base station 1.
US08323066B2
A method of manufacturing a flexible display device is disclosed. The flexible display device manufacturing method includes: preparing a support substrate; coating a sealant on edge areas of the support substrate; combining a flexible substrate and the support substrate coated with the sealant in a vacuum state; hardening the sealant between the support substrate and the flexible substrate; forming display components used in a configuration of the flexible display device on the flexible substrate; and cutting the flexible substrate along a cutting line on the flexible substrate to separate the flexible substrate from the support substrate.
US08323056B2
A coaxial cable connector includes an internally corrugated member, an internally corrugated sealing member, and a back nut. Axial advancement of the back nut causes a back end of the internally corrugated member to compress radially inwardly.
US08323054B2
Provided is a technique to connect connectors that electrically connect coaxial cables to each other, the technique capable of reducing errors in manual work and improving work efficiency by making the work easier and simpler. Plural slots 123 each extending in an axial direction are provided in a base-end-side supporting region α of an outer conductor 12 of a contact-section portion 14. Base-end-side supporting pieces 124 deformable radially are formed by the slots. The base-end-side supporting region of the contact-section portion is attached to the inside of a supporting tubular portion 171 of a housing 17, and thereby a leading-end-side un-supported region β that is not supported by the housing is allowed to incline with respect to the axial direction.
US08323051B2
A device (1) for implementing a dry electrical connection of a motor vehicle lock (27), comprising a fastening part (2) for a lock housing (3), wherein an electrical connection to the lock housing (3) can be implemented through an opening (4) of the fastening part (2) from a first side (5) of the fastening part (2), wherein the lock housing (3) has an external plug (7) that is positioned at a distance to the fastening part (2) and at the circumference (8) of which a flexible collar (9) is fastened, extending to the first side (5) of the fastening part (2) and forming a seal (11) with a second distance (10) to the opening (4) of the fastening part (2).
US08323038B2
An electrical connector includes an insulating housing and a plurality of terminals. The terminal includes a base having an upper end and a lower end, a flexible arm extending upward from the upper end of the base, a retaining portion extending upward from the upper end of the base, and at least one holding leg extended from the lower end of the base. Each holding leg includes a transition arm extending downward from the lower end of the base and a welding portion extending downward from the transition arm. The welding portion is formed with a substantially arc-shaped inner edge. The inner edge of the holding leg defines a claw structure to retain a solder ball with the insulating housing corporately.
US08323036B2
A wiring substrate connects an electrical system of a towed vehicle to an electrical system of a towing vehicle and includes a wiring connector configured to connect to a connector from a wiring harness of the towed vehicle, a first set of connections to connect to tail light assemblies in the towed vehicles, a second set of connections to connect to vehicle signal connections in the towed vehicle, the first and second sets of connections electrically coupled on the wiring substrate by at least one diode, and a third set of connections to connect to the towing vehicle. A towing connector connects an electrical system of a towed vehicle to an electrical system of a towing vehicle and includes a first connector configured to provide connection to a native vehicle wiring harness of the towed vehicle, a second connector arranged to provide connection to wires of the towing vehicle, a wiring substrate having conductive traces connecting selected wires from the first connector to the second connector, and diodes residing on the wiring substrate in an electrical path form by the conductive traces.
US08323033B2
Disclosed are methods and systems of demonstrating advantages and benefits of premium animal care products, the methods comprising the steps of: presenting a first demonstration aid wherein the first demonstration aid demonstrates a first feature or characteristic; presenting a second demonstration aid wherein the second demonstration aid demonstrates a second feature or characteristic; describing to an audience the first feature or characteristic; describing to an audience the second feature or characteristic; and comparing the first and second features or characteristics to demonstrate the advantages and benefits of the animal care product. The methods and systems can include methods and systems of demonstrating reduced hair ingestion and hairball related effects; methods and systems of demonstrating improvements in skin and coat; and methods and systems of demonstrating better absorption and/or retention of food and nutrients, and production of less waste.
US08323032B2
An embodiment of the invention provides a method wherein a simulation system having a simulator, a processor, and at least one display is assembled. This includes assembling a birthing mannequin and a mobile cart having at least one touch-screen monitor, wherein the birthing mannequin includes a means for shaking to simulate a generalized seizure. The simulation system is provided along with documentation to a plurality of medical facilities within a system. Training on use of the simulator, different simulations, and criteria for grading performance on the simulations is also provided. The training includes team training for conducting the simulations using the simulation system.
US08323030B2
A heart compression simulation device featuring a base with a compression spring; an actuator atop the compression spring that can move between an extended and fully compressed position; two pedestals atop the base opposite each other; actuator prongs on the actuator facing each pedestal; a hub attached to each pedestal that can pivot between a disengaged position and engaged position; leaf springs disposed on each hub adapted to engage the actuator prongs when the hubs are in the disengaged position and the actuator is moved to the fully compressed position, which causes a cracking sound to be produced; and a lock-out mechanism for securing the hubs in the engaged position keeping the leaf springs out of range of the actuator prongs, the lock-out mechanism is activated when the actuator is moved to the fully compressed position.
US08323028B2
A portable, folding-laptop style endotrainer including: a base defining a work area for endotraining; a camera for viewing said work area; one or both of i) a display screen for displaying an image from said camera said display screen being attached to said base; and ii) a wireless or wired link coupled to said camera for connecting said camera to a display screen; and a fold-up endotraining dashboard, said endotraining dashboard having at least one portal to enable access of a surgical instrument to said work area; and wherein said endotrainer has two configurations, a first, folded configuration in which said endotrainer is folded substantially flat and a second, operational configuration in which said display screen, if present, is unfolded to a viewing position for an operator of said endotrainer and in which said endotraining dashboard is unfolded such that it is displaced away from said base for endotraining.
US08323027B2
A method and system of teaching success, comprising: instructing student(s) 1) to select at least one Creative Ambition(s) or compelling personal goal (CA′); 2) to identify at least one Thought (T) as in a STARS roadmap for achieving CA′; 3) to ascertain in which thought awareness stage their T for achieving CA′ is; and 4) to adjust their pleasure index so that the at least one T that is in a thought awareness stage other than a Willed Action or Willed Inaction is displaced to the Willed Action or Willed Inaction thought awareness stage. CA′ may be derived from a Supreme Collective Intelligence (SCI′) or from a collective group of people (SCI). A method and a system, comprising: teaching that a higher Success Ratio may be achieved by de-compartmentalizing success and offsetting intensification of resistance from the Ego by tagging or attaching an intense pleasure or displeasure to achieving the CA′.
US08323024B2
A system for controlling signals coming from or going to an aircraft simulator has a first slave circuit and a second slave circuit. The second slave circuit is used to monitor signals coming from the aircraft simulator. A multiplexer circuit is coupled to the first slave circuit. The first slave circuit sends control signals to the multiplexer circuit for controlling digital output signals being sent to the aircraft simulator. A master controller is coupled to the first slave circuit and the second slave circuit. The master controller is used for controlling operation of the first and second slave circuit. A computer system is coupled to the master controller. The computer system will display a listing of the aircraft simulator signals to be controlled. Selection of a desired aircraft simulator signal by an input device of the computer system will allow one to control the selected aircraft simulator signal.
US08323017B2
Apparatus for producing an object by sequentially forming thin layers of a construction material one on top of the other responsive to data defining the object, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of printing heads each having a surface formed with a plurality of output orifices and controllable to dispense the construction material through each orifice independently of the other orifices; a shuttle to which the printing heads are mounted; a support surface; and a controller adapted to control the shuttle to move back and forth over the support surface and as the shuttle moves to control the printing heads to dispense the construction material through each of their respective orifices responsive to the data to form a first layer on the support surface and thereafter, sequentially the other layers; wherein each printing head is dismountable from the shuttle and replaceable independently of the other printing heads.
US08323013B2
An improved system for changing sipe blade configurations on equipment for the manufacture of tires is provided. This system allows the replacement of damaged sipe blades, the replacement of sipe blades of one configuration with those of another configuration, and the elimination of a sipe blade altogether. Certain embodiments allow sipe blades to be changed by providing a sipe blade that is held by a blade holder with a slit in its heel that allows a compact assembly of the sipe blade and blade holder that is easy to manufacture. Other embodiments allow sipe blades that have an undercut in the direction of draw in, their midportion and side portions without undercuts to be easily made and installed. Finally, other embodiments allow for the effective replacement and fabrication of sipe blades that have undercuts in the direction of draw that blend into other projections found on a curing member.
US08323007B2
A pump having a disposable fluid contacting portion which defines a fluid inlet and outlet and a fluid path there between is presented. The pump includes a drive portion configured to engage the disposable portion to cause fluid to be moved from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. The disposable portion is configured to be selectively coupled to the drive portion. The disposable portion includes a driven membrane which forms a portion of the fluid path, and the drive portion includes a drive membrane. The two membranes are vacuum coupled to each other, whereby movement of the drive membrane causes the driven membrane to move, causing fluid to be pumped through the disposable portion. The pump has particular utility in the medical field for moving fluid from a source to a patient. The pump may include features such as an air-trap, bubble detection, fluid flow controls, and pressure detection.
US08323004B2
A male terminal is provided in a terminal hole formed in a flange unit. A female terminal and a grommet having a sealing portion to be fitted into the terminal hole are provided to a harness. A distance from an end of the sealing portion to a fore-end of the female terminal is set smaller than a distance from a fore-end of the male terminal to an opening of the terminal hole. With such setting, the grommet is retained in the terminal hole even if the female terminal is disconnected from the male terminal, thereby ensuring support of the female terminal. Moreover, a stopper is attached so as to cover the terminal hole to prevent the grommet from slipping out of the terminal hole.
US08323002B2
A heat dissipation device includes a heat sink, a cooling fan, an electric motor and a belt. The cooling fan includes a fan housing and an impeller. The impeller includes a hub, a plurality of fan blades and a shaft extending from the hub and having a distal end protruded out of the fan housing. A fan pulley is fixed to the distal end of the shaft. The electric motor includes a driving pulley. The belt has one end engaging with the driving pulley of the electric motor and an opposite end engaging with the fan pulley of the cooling fan. Rotation of the driving pulley of the electric motor is transferred to the fan pulley via the belt to cause the impeller to rotate.
US08323001B2
A compression element is provided with a block, a piston, a valve plate arranged in an opening end of a compression chamber and forming a suction hole, a suction valve, a suction muffler forming a sound absorbing space and provided with a communication pipe, and a cylinder head, the communication pipe has a suction muffler outlet portion communicated with the suction hole, is arranged in such a manner as to extend in a vertical direction with respect to a center line passing through the suction hole, and is arranged in such a manner that a part of the suction muffler outlet portion covers a part of the suction hole in the suction muffler outlet portion positioned in a downstream side of refrigerant gas flowing through the communication pipe, in the case of projection the suction muffler outlet portion in a direction of a center line.
US08322994B2
A diaphragm metering pump suitable for metering an effervescent gas. The pump has a pump head with a product chamber having an inlet end with a one-way inlet valve and an outlet end with a one-way outlet valve. A displaceable diaphragm member defines a boundary of the product chamber. The diaphragm member is capable of being reciprocated to cause pumping displacements. A discharge side is disposed downstream from the outlet valve. A passageway is disposed in fluid communication between the discharge side and the product chamber. A valve is disposed in the passageway. The valve is opened intermittently to allow liquid to re-enter the product chamber in an amount effective to purge gas from the product chamber to prevent loss of prime.
US08322988B1
An air cooled turbine airfoil, such as a rotor blade, with a sequential impingement cooling circuit that provides a high level of cooling with a low amount of cooling air. The airfoil is formed of a spar and shell construction in which the spar is formed from a series of alternating layers that form the cooling circuit with the shell forming the gap for the impingement cooling channels. Two different layers form the impingement cooling channels with a third layer being a separation layer. The impingement cooling circuit includes a first impingement channel to cooling a forward half of the pressure side wall, a second impingement cooling channel to cool the aft half of the pressure side wall, a third impingement cooling channel to cool a forward section of the suction side wall, and a fourth impingement cooling channel to cool the aft section of the suction side wall.
US08322983B2
A composite structure (10), which may be a 2-dimensional ceramic matrix composite material, may include a first body (30) made of a composite material defining a first in-plane direction, a second body (20) made of a composite material defining a second in-plane direction wherein the first body (30) is connected with the second body (20) so that the first in-plane direction is substantially normal to the second in-plane direction. The second body (20) of the composite structure may include a first leg (24), a first bolting surface (22) extending from the first leg (24) and at least one aperture (56) formed in the first bolting surface (22) substantially normal to the second in-plane direction. A first recess (32) may be formed within the first body (30) sized to receive the first leg (24).
US08322981B2
An inlet system, including for an auxiliary power unit includes an inlet louver mounted to an inlet duct, the inlet louver defines a multiple of vanes positioned to shield the inlet duct from fluids which fall in direction generally transverse to a free stream airflow.
US08322972B2
A system for reducing flow separation in a turbo machine is provided, the system including a stationary vane coupled to a stationary vane support; at least one circumferential extraction band through the stationary vane or the stationary vane support; the circumferential extraction band having a first side proximate to an operative fluid flow through the turbo machine; at least one opening in the first side of the circumferential extraction band; and a channel having a first end in fluid connection with the circumferential extraction band and a second end extending through the stationary vane support, such that the operative fluid flow through the turbo machine is redirected through the extraction opening into the circumferential extraction band and through the channel towards a rotating blade.
US08322968B1
A fork lift for a truck may have at least one mounting beam for pivotally supporting a fork lift mast on a truck frame. The mounting beam may be mounted in a bed of the truck via other structural members and bolts that extend through the members, bed, and truck frame. The fork lift may extend well below a level of the truck bed to enable engagement of palletized loads resting on the ground by the forks of the fork lift. The fork lift may have hydraulics including pumps, solenoids and motors that may be supported in a tool box that also helps to secure the mounting beam. An electric over hydraulic control system enables remote control from within the cab of the truck. Fork position during stabbing of a pallet may be viewed on a monitor in the cab, with the monitor operatively connected to one or more cameras.
US08322961B2
A fixing assembly is adapted to be secured to a workpiece with a fastener that is struck out from a nose part of a nailer. The fixing assembly includes a fixing formed with an insertion hole through which the fastener is to be inserted, and a guide member. The guide member includes a base part fixed to the insertion hole, and a guide part adapted to be elastically engaged with the nose part. An outer diameter of a distal end portion of the guide part is larger than an inner diameter of the nose part.
US08322960B2
A fastener for use in concrete includes a shank and a head. The shank has a tip distal most from the head. The shank includes a first helical thread formation having a thread form thereon formed from two portions disposed upon opposite lateral sides of the thread form. The thread form has a root and the two portions include an alternating series of lobe members and base portions. The lobe members have a height as measured from the root and the base portions have a height as measured from the root. The height of the lobe members is greater than the height of the base portions and the height of the base portions is greater than zero. The fastener includes a second helical thread formation that is disposed adjacent to and spaced from the first helical thread formation.
US08322959B2
A self-boring screw (2) having a boring section (6) attached to the free end of the screw shaft (4), two vanes (12) radially protruding from the boring section, the edges of the vanes facing toward the boring tip (8) of the boring section (6) being configured as boring blades (13). The boring section (6) includes a chip discharge zone (14) that is configured such that the edges of the vanes (12) facing toward the boring tip (8) forms a cutting point (S) with a boring radius (16), the cutting point having a distance (A) to the screw shaft (4) that is at least ⅔ of the cutting edge length of the bore tip (8). The chip discharge zone (14) makes it possible that the chips produced by the boring blade (10) at the boring tip (8) can be discharged freely and without buildup. The material cut by the boring blade (10) is conveyed as chipped material away from the boring tip (8) in the direction of the cutting point (S) at a lower vane connection (15) as a result of the rotational motion of the screw (2), thus ensuring unhindered chip discharge. It is possible to compress the chips to be discharged to a maximum of ⅔ of the cross section occurring after the cut. This ensures that even critically sized chips are removed without blocking the discharge of chips from the area of the boring section (6).
US08322945B2
Embodiments of a safety trailer are shown and described. The safety trailer includes a trailer body defining a protected workzone, and having a first end and a second end and king pins at both the first and second ends. Also provided is a removable caboose engageable with either of the king pins at the first and second ends of the trailer body, the caboose having a fixed king pin plate, a nose portion and at least one axle and wheels. The fixed king pin plate distributes at least a portion of the force of a vehicle colliding with the safety trailer. The caboose is also provided with a caboose receiving member, the caboose receiving member comprising an alignment device. The caboose further comprises at least one of: a vertical adjustment member adapted to maintain a level ride height, provide additional ground clearance and level the caboose; and an auxiliary mechanism adapted to engage a caboose brake system.
US08322943B2
A transportation system for rider propelled vehicles, zero-emission vehicles, and pedestrians is disclosed. The system includes pathways (517, 317, 717, 519, 119, 319, 719, 919, 523, 123, 323, 723, 923, 525, 325, 725) that are integrated into a building structure (101) or a series of building structures (100, 300, 500, 700, 900) connected by bridges (34, 35, 36, 37, 30, 31, 32, 33) which have an overall downward sloping grade. Elevators (515, 520, 522, 527, 115, 120, 122, 127, 315, 320, 322, 327, 715, 720, 722, 727, 915, 920, 922, 927) are utilized to transport riders, vehicles, and pedestrians to the integrated pathway.
US08322932B2
A coupling device for coupling optical fiber cables reduces contact with the internal parts when coupling a connector. The coupling device includes a projection of a connector device housing insertable into a groove of an adapter device groove of an adapter device housing. The coupling device which connects optical fiber cables compresses an elastic member, and connects an optical fiber connector of the connector device and the optical fiber end on the adapter device side.
US08322919B2
A fiber-optic temperature sensor with a cantilever beam including two different material strips with different thermal expansion coefficients, the cantilever beam having a reflective surface on an end of the cantilever beam, an optical fiber probe including a transmitting multimode optical fiber and at least one receiving multimode optical fiber for receiving reflected light from the reflective surface. Temperature changes at the sensor are indicated by a change in reflected light coupled into the receiving multimode optical fiber due to lateral displacement of the edge of the reflective surface caused by bending of the cantilever beam. Some embodiments have additional reference receiving fibers for compensation for noise, changes in gap length, and other factors.
US08322917B2
The operational reliability of a heat pipe 200 provided for carrying heat dissipated by an electronic component 101 to a heat exchanger 300 is tested by using the heat pipe in the reverse direction, by providing energy in the form of heat at the exchanger 300, and by measuring the propagation time ΔP of the heat from the exchanger to the electronic component. Application to heat pipe tests in onboard computers.
US08322907B2
A process for continuously producing an elastomeric composition includes the step of dosing into at least one extruder at least one ingredient by means of a dosing device, wherein the dosing step is regulated on the basis of: i) actual weight values of the at least one ingredient measured at dosing instants of an evaluation time period of predetermined duration preceding a given dosing instant; ii) expected weight values of the at least one ingredient calculated for corresponding dosing instants of the evaluation time period of predetermined duration preceding the dosing instant; and iii) expected weight values of the at least one ingredient calculated for a prediction time period of predetermined duration following the dosing instant; so as to minimize a prediction weight error between actual weight values measured during the prediction time period and the expected weight values calculated for the prediction time period, and a model weight error between actual weight values measured during the prediction time period and theoretical weight values of the at least one ingredient corresponding to the target weight loss of the at least one ingredient.
US08322906B2
Systems and methods which provide a versatile lighting module which may be utilized alone or in combination with other lighting modules to provide any number of lighting unit configurations are shown. Lighting modules of embodiments herein are adapted to facilitate electrical connection, whether to one or more power supply and/or to one or more other lighting module, along any portion of the entire periphery of the lighting module. Accordingly, lighting modules may be coupled together in any orientation, geometry, and topology to cooperate as a light source having various desired characteristics according to embodiments herein.
US08322901B2
An illuminated vehicle wheel assembly having arrays of illuminated electrical elements such as light emitting diodes, which are powered by the vehicle power systems by way of a slip ring assembly associated with the bearing or bearing seal of the vehicle wheel.
US08322899B1
A base member has a top and a bottom with laterally spaced sides, a generally planar front face, and a generally planar rear face. A battery extends through a cylindrical hole through the base member. A lens cap is threadedly coupled to the rear face of the base member rearwardly of the hole to create a light chamber rearward of the base member. A battery switch is threadedly coupled to the base member. A printed circuit board with rearward facing LEDs is within the chamber. The LEDs are adapted to be turned on and off through the energizing and de-energizing of the battery by the switch.
US08322897B2
Lighting assemblies or lighting fixtures suitable for use in a hazardous location are provided. Generally, the lighting fixtures include a light source assembly, a heat sink, a driver housing or gear module, and a conductive sealing member between the light source assembly and the heat sink. The conductive sealing member has a thermal conductivity of at least about 6 Watts per meter-Kelvin, and/or a thermal impedance of less than about 0.21 degree-C. inch squared per Watt. The lighting fixtures have controlled directional heat transfer from the light source assembly to the exterior of the lighting fixture, while minimizing the heat transferred to the driver housing.
US08322895B2
A filter for a fluorescent lighting tube. The filter includes a sheet of polymeric material having fold lines scribed thereon, defining a plurality of sections. The sections allow the filter to be positioned about and secured to a fluorescent tube without removal of the tube from its mounting fixture. The filter of the may be configured to filter color, ultraviolet light, or other wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum.
US08322886B1
A lighting tube fitting apparatus, method and system that allows movement of a lighting tube about two axes while preventing rotation about the longitudinal axis of the lighting tube it. A lighting tube within one of the disclosed fittings provides greater ability to align the electrode ends of a lighting tube with electrode holders. This reduces the need for the tight tolerances that are typically required in the art of conventional tube lighting. The movement of the lighting tube is enabled in the disclosed implementation using one or more pressure arcs within a clamp body make contact with a clamp ring that holds a lighting tube in place and prevents its rotation about its own axis. The lighting tube fittings provide the additional benefit of supporting the entire weight and position of the lighting tube, eliminating the need for any additional lighting tube supports along the length of the lighting tube.
US08322874B2
Lightguides, devices incorporating lightguides, and processes for making lightguides are described. A lightguide includes light extractors arranged in a pattern on a surface of the lightguide. The pattern of light extractors is arranged to enhance uniformity of light output across a surface of the lightguide and to provide enhanced defect hiding. The efficiency of the light extractors is controlled by a shape factor. The areal density of the light extractors across the surface of the lightguide may be substantially constant or may decrease along the direction of propagation of light from the light source.
US08322871B1
An optical fiber tracing system for efficiently tracing one or more optical fibers within a fiber-optic communication system. The optical fiber tracing system generally includes an optical fiber and a luminescent member positioned adjacent to the optical fiber. The luminescent member illuminates along the length thereof for allowing a selective visual tracing of an individual optical fiber or group of optical fibers. The luminescent member is preferably comprised of an electroluminescent wire (EL wire) that extends along the length of the optical fiber.
US08322866B2
A dual lamp illumination system includes a first light source, a second light source, a light-deflecting device, a light-homogenizing device, and a lens assembly. The light-deflecting device is positioned in both a first light path of the first light beam and a second light path of the second light beam to combine the first light beam with the second light beam. The lens assembly includes a first set of varifocal lenses neighboring the light-deflecting device and a second set of varifocal lenses neighboring the light-homogenizing device. The composition of the first set of varifocal lenses is identical to the composition of the second set of varifocal lenses, and the first set of varifocal lenses and the second set of varifocal lenses are positioned substantially in symmetry.
US08322860B2
According to one of embodiment, an apparatus for image projecting and a method for controlling color fluctuation of light are acquired the temperatures of a plurality of light sources configured to emit light beams of different colors or the temperature at a position near the light-emitting elements, set an amount of light each of the light sources emits, in accordance with the temperature acquired of the light source, and set at least one of the color and brightness of the image to be projected. The fluctuation of the color or brightness of the image to be projected can therefore be controlled.
US08322857B2
An embodiment of the invention relates to vision testing apparatus comprising: a local display (9); means (13) for obtaining data characterising the performance characteristics of said local display; means (9) for displaying to a user at said local display, a vision test that comprises an adaptation of a reference vision test; means (11) for registering user input in response to said displayed vision test; and means (9) for providing the user with the results of said displayed test; wherein said reference vision test comprises a test that is optimised for display on a high quality display, and the vision test for display at said local display is obtained by adapting said reference test in accordance with said characterising data so that the vision test displayed on said local display is a faithful reproduction of said reference test.
US08322844B2
A recording apparatus includes a recording head for performing a recording operation by ejecting ink onto a recording surface of a recording medium while moving; a transport section for transporting the recording medium along a transporting path that passes through a recording region in which the recording head performs the recording operation; a platen located in the recording region for supporting a surface opposite the recording surface of the recording medium; and pressing members located in the recording region and being in contact with outer edge portions in a width direction of the recording surface of the recording medium; wherein the pressing members move so as to press the recording medium at an upstream side and at a downstream side of the recording head, with a movement of the recording head.
US08322843B2
An inkjet recording apparatus which ejects an ink so as to record an image on a recording medium has: a conveyance device which conveys a recording medium; a liquid deposition device which deposits a liquid onto a recording surface of the recording medium which is conveyed by the conveyance device; an intermediate conveyance body which moves the recording medium in rotation onto the recording surface of which the liquid has been deposited by the liquid deposition device while holding an edge of the recording medium; a conveyance guide which guides a non-recording surface of the recording medium which is moved in rotation by the intermediate conveyance body; and a pressure application device which applies a pressure differential between the recording surface and the non-recording surface of the recording medium which is moved in rotation by the intermediate conveyance body.
US08322840B2
A pattern is formed by carrying out the steps of dropping curable ink linearly onto a substrate, curing the ink dropped onto the substrate, and depositing layers of ink by repeating a process of linearly dropping a predetermined amount of ink onto the cured ink and a process of curing the predetermined amount of ink. In the step of depositing layers of ink, the ink is dropped at dot pitch p that satisfies pmin≦p when the ink is dropped at dot pitch p, and a minimum dot pitch for preventing the dropped ink from spreading beyond cured landing-position ink that is located at a landing position of the dropped ink is pmin.
US08322837B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising: a liquid reservoir unit, a liquid ejection head, a supply channel, a collecting channel; and a first pressure applied to the downstream side of the valve member in the circulation channel by the suction pump is larger than a second pressure on the downstream side of the valve member in the circulation channel required for causing the film to act so that the valve member opens the circulation channel, and a sum of a waterhead pressure determined by the height from the liquid reservoir unit to the circulation channel opened and closed by the valve member provided in each of the circulation channel and the first pressure is smaller than the second pressure.
US08322835B2
The invention provides a fluid-outlet-section sealing structure that includes: a fluid outlet section, a sealing member, and a sealing film. The fluid outlet section has a fluid flow channel and an open-end surface. The open-end surface of the fluid outlet section is formed at a fluid outlet end of the fluid flow channel of the fluid outlet section. The sealing member is provided in the fluid flow channel of the fluid outlet section. The sealing film is provided to cover the fluid flow channel of the fluid outlet section and the open-end surface of the fluid outlet section. The sealing film is thermally adhered to the open-end surface of the fluid outlet section and the sealing member.
US08322827B2
A thermal inkjet printhead integrated circuit has an array of ink chambers formed on a wafer substrate, each having a nozzle aperture and a thermal actuator. The thermal actuator has a heater element extending between two contacts. The printhead IC also has CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) drive circuitry formed by a plurality of flat, metal layers interleaved with interlayer dielectric for selectively providing the thermal actuators of the array with drive signals. The CMOS drive circuitry has a top-most metal layer providing electrodes for each of the thermal actuators respectively. The electrodes each have a flat surface that the contacts of each of the thermal actuators overlie for face to face contacting engagement. The contacts and the heater element are coplanar such that the thermal actuator is an integral planar structure. Each of the chambers has an opening for refill ink, and the thermal actuator is positioned such that during use the refill ink flows over one of the contacts to enter the chamber.
US08322825B2
A liquid dispenser includes liquid supply, dispensing, and return channels. A portion of a first wall of the liquid dispensing channel defines an outlet opening. A second wall of the liquid dispensing channel, opposite the first wall, extends along portions of the liquid supply and return channels. A liquid supply passage, in communication with the supply channel, extends through the second wall. A liquid return passage, in communication with the return channel, is positioned through the second wall and overlaps the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel as viewed from a direction perpendicular to a surface of the first wall of the liquid dispensing channel. A liquid supply provides liquid that flows from the supply passage through the supply, dispensing, and return channels to the return passage. A diverter member selectively diverts a portion of the flowing liquid through the outlet opening of the liquid dispensing channel.
US08322822B2
An ink supply device includes a cartridge mounting portion to which an ink cartridge is configured to be mounted, a first detector configured to detect a first detection target portion of the ink cartridge and to output first detection information when the first detector detects the first detection target portion, a second detector configured to detect a second detection target portion of the ink cartridge and to output second detection information when the second detector detects the second detection target portion, and a controller configured to perform a first determination process of determining a type of the ink cartridge based on a temporal precedence between a time at which the first detector begins outputting the first detection information and a time at which the second detector begins outputting the second detection information during insertion of the ink cartridge into the cartridge mounting portion in an insertion direction.
US08322818B2
A maintenance device for use in a liquid ejection apparatus including a liquid ejection head is disclosed. The maintenance device maintains the liquid ejection head and includes a cap, wiper, and head guide portion. The cap is movable between a capping position, in which the cap contacts the liquid ejection head, and a retreat position, in which the cap is separated from the liquid ejection head. The wiper is capable of wiping a nozzle forming surface of the liquid ejection head by moving in a wiping direction. The head guide portion positions the cap relative to the liquid ejection head so that the cap is parallel to the nozzle forming surface when arranged at the capping position and positions the wiper relative to the liquid ejection head so that the wiper is parallel to the nozzle forming surface during the wiping.
US08322816B1
The hand-held printer includes a print module configured for multidirectional printing, a print head in communication with the print module. The print head includes a plurality of nozzle arrays and wherein the nozzles in each of the plurality of nozzle are disposed substantially equidistant from a reference point. The hand-held printer further includes a circular cap configured to rotatably cooperate with the print head, wherein the circular cap cooperates with the print head to define a seal when the circular cap is disposed in a closed position.
US08322815B2
Provided is a method of cleaning a fluid ejecting apparatus including an ejection head including a plurality of ejection nozzles for ejecting a fluid to a target and a common fluid chamber from which the fluid is supplied to the ejection nozzles, the method including: performing a preliminary discharge operation for discharging the fluid from the ejection nozzles before the fluid is ejected to the target; detecting a fluid ejection state of the ejection nozzles after the preliminary discharge operation is finished; determining a processing parameter at the time of cleaning of the ejection head on the basis of the detected result; and performing cleaning with respect to the ejection heads on the basis of the processing parameter, wherein, in the performing of the preliminary discharge operation, the fluid of the amount corresponding to at least the volume of the common fluid chamber is ejected.
US08322814B2
The inkjet recording apparatus includes: an abnormal nozzle detective waveform signal generating device which generates a drive signal having an abnormal nozzle detective waveform including a waveform that is different from a recording waveform and applied to pressure generating elements when performing ejection for abnormality detection to detect an abnormal nozzle among nozzles; an abnormal nozzle detective device which identifies the abnormal nozzle showing an ejection abnormality from results of the ejection for abnormality detection; a correction control device which corrects image data in such a manner that ejection is stopped from the identified abnormal nozzle and a desired image is recorded by the nozzles other than the abnormal nozzle; and a recording ejection control device which performs image recording by controlling ejection from the nozzles other than the abnormal nozzle in accordance with the image data that has been corrected by the correction control device.
US08322811B2
Methods and apparatus herein provide for automated calibration of multiple printheads used in a multi-pass printing system. Aspects hereof print a plurality of gray scale printed patterns each printed pattern corresponding to a gray scale value for each of the multiple printheads. The printed patterns are then measured to determine the intensity (e.g., optical density) of each of the printed patterns. A measurement function is derived from the measured intensity and gray scale levels used to print each pattern. Calibrated transfer functions are then determined from the measurement function and target function where each calibrated transfer function relates, for a corresponding printhead, an input gray scale level of a pixel in an image to be printed to a calibrated gray scale level to use for the corresponding printhead when operating in multi-pass mode.
US08322809B2
A recording head having a plurality of recording elements that are grouped into a plurality of blocks and ejecting ink by driving the recording elements in a time-divisional manner includes driving units configured to drive the recording elements, an input unit configured to receive an enable signal that defines a period during which the driving of the recording elements is enabled at one ink ejection, and a control unit configured to control the time-divisional driving by the driving units on the basis of pulses detected during the period defined by the enable signal received by the input unit.
US08322805B2
Disclosed is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a cabinet configured to define an exterior boundary of the refrigerator with at least one opening therein. The refrigerator also includes a storage chamber defined by interior walls of the cabinet and configured to store food stuffs. The refrigerator further includes a door configured to open and close an access point to the storage chamber by rotating about a rotational axis. In addition, the refrigerator includes a supporting member positioned at the storage chamber and configured to be moved in connection with opening and closing of the door.
US08322803B2
Provided is a cabinet including an outer shell having a plurality of doors, disposed such that edges of the plurality of doors form a corner of the outer shell when the doors are in a closed position; wherein, if the doors are open, continuous access is obtained to a plurality of working surfaces.
US08322801B2
A housing for an electronic device includes a housing body, a bottom cover, and a locking member. The housing body includes an engaging slot and a through hole. The bottom cover includes an engaging hook for engaging the engaging slot. An inner surface of the housing body or the bottom cover is provided with a positioning element. The locking member extends through the through hole, and includes an engaging portion disposed on the inner surface of the housing body, and a control portion exposed from the through hole. The control portion is operable to move the engaging portion between a locking position where the engaging portion engages the positioning element and an unlocking position where the engaging portion is separated from the positioning element to thereby facilitate assembly and disassembly of the bottom cover to and from the housing body.
US08322797B2
A hydraulic device for actuating the braking of work vehicles and the like, comprising a duct for connecting the delivery duct to the discharge duct or to an auxiliary duct, along which there are auxiliary pumping elements, which can be actuated in order to pump pressurized liquid into the feed duct; a one-way valve being provided which allow the liquid to flow along the connecting duct exclusively toward the delivery duct.
US08322792B2
This invention concerns a sofa which solves the problems of the prior art by providing a sofa that can easily be assembled or disassembled by the end consumer at home. The furniture set described can be assembled so the major piece is either to the left of the secondary piece or to the right of the secondary piece. The way this invention accomplishes these results is as follows: Chaise sections can be assembled by placing the seat back flat on the ground and placing the seat frame/arm upright on top of the seat back. A metal threaded rod is used to connect the seat frame and the seat back. A metal nut is used to secure the seat frame to the back using a wrench that comes provided in the package of the kit. The legs are then twisted onto the bottom of the seat frame.
US08322786B2
A vehicle seat is provided comprising a seat back frame having right and left side frames, a headrest for supporting a head of a seat occupant, and a back-and-forth movable body provided inside a backrest that is positioned at a rear of the seat occupant, wherein a backward movement of the back-and-forth movable body forwardly moves the headrest to support the head of the seat occupant. The back-and-forth movable body is attached to each side frame through a link member and is provided with a backward protrusion protruding backward, and the backward protrusion extends laterally.
US08322785B2
Collapsible articles of furniture comprise at least one leg assembly including a first leg and a second leg, each with an upper leg segment and a lower leg segment coupled together by a link. The two links are pivotally connected to each other for movement between an open position wherein the first and second legs cross each other to form a generally X-shaped configuration and a closed position wherein the upper and lower leg segments are aligned, the upper leg section of the first leg receivable within the lower leg section of the second leg and the upper leg section of the second leg is receivable within the lower leg section of the first leg.
