US08358950B2
Disclosed an image forming system including: an image forming section to perform an image forming processing to form an image on a sheet to eject the image-formed sheet to an sheet ejection section; a control section to control the image forming processing by the image forming section; a specify section to specify the number of units for stop in a temporary stop mode in which the image forming processing by the image forming section is temporarily stopped, wherein the control section allows the image forming section to stop the image forming processing when the image forming processing by the image forming section reaches the number of units for stop specified with the specify section.
US08358949B2
An image heating apparatus includes a coil for generating a magnetic flux by a current flowing therethrough; an image heating member having an electroconductive layer in which an eddy current is produced by the magnetic flux by which heat is generated, to heat an image on a recording material; an electroconductive magnetic flux adjusting member movable from a first position and a second position to decrease the eddy current produced in the image heating member by the magnetic flux; a sensor for sensing the temperature of the image heating member; and a controller for controlling electric power supplied to the coil on the basis of an output of the sensor. The controller changes an electric power condition to be supplied to the coil before start of the movement from the first position to the second position of magnetic flux adjusting member.
US08358946B2
An image forming apparatus includes a first reading device which reads a reference image formed on a sheet, a second reading device which reads a reference image formed on an image carrier, a control device which can execute a first control process for adjusting image formation conditions based on a density of the reference image acquired from a read result of the first reading device, and a second control process for adjusting the image formation conditions based on a density of the reference image acquired from a read result of the second reading device, wherein the control device executes the second control process before performing image formation based on the image data when the first control process has not been executed in a period from when mounting of the unit configuring the image forming device is detected to when image formation is performed.
US08358918B2
According to one embodiment, a video processing apparatus includes a decoding module, a detection module, a frame rate calculation module, and a display timing determining module. The decoding module decodes encoded moving image data including processing units each of which includes pictures for a predetermined reproduction time. The detection module detects picture group information of a reproduction target processing unit, the information indicative of the number of pictures and the ratio of progressive frame pictures to interlaced field pictures. The frame rate calculation module calculates a frame rate corresponding to a reproduced processing unit preceding the target unit based on picture group information detected when the preceding unit is decoded, if the target unit includes no timing information indicating display timing of pictures. The display timing determining module determines display timings for the pictures in the target unit based on the frame rate.
US08358912B2
A method of synchronizing broadcast contents between a broadcast recorder and a portable content player and an apparatus for the same are disclosed. The broadcast content synchronizing method includes obtaining metadata about broadcast contents stored in a portable content player from the portable content player; confirming a broadcast content that has already been reproduced among the broadcast contents stored in the portable content player by the obtained metadata; retrieving a broadcast content corresponding to the next installment of the confirmed broadcast content from recorded broadcast contents; and storing the retrieved broadcast content in the portable content player.
US08358906B2
By allowing the movement of a user to affect the playback of content, the entertainment characteristic or uplifting spirits derived from content playback itself can be enhanced. The timing at which the user places his/her foot on the ground while walking or the timing at which the user shakes or changes from swinging in one direction to swinging to another direction is detected. Then, content, such as a music piece or moving pictures, is played back by allowing the timing of beats or bars of the music piece or the timing of scene changes or cut changes of the moving pictures to be synchronized with the timing of the movement of the user.
US08358899B2
Apparatus for mechanically splicing two optic fibers, including an inner section including scoring apparatus, cleaving channels and a splicing channel; and two optic fiber restraining members, each being in operative communication with, and movable with respect to, the inner section; wherein restraining members locate end sections of optic fiber cores of said optic fibers in respective cleaving channels for scoring by said scoring apparatus; and wherein relative movement of the restraining members away from the inner section cleaves said end sections of optic fiber cores; and further relative movement between the restraining members and the inner section located cleaved end sections of said optic fiber cores into respective openings of the splicing channel to effect mechanical splicing therebetween.
US08358891B2
There is provided a waveguide type optical device whose parasitic capacitance is reduced to allow an increase in signal transmission speed. Bottom electrode 41 is formed on substrate 2, bottom cladding 51 is formed on bottom electrode 41, and bottom core 62 is formed on bottom cladding 51. Top core 61 is formed on bottom core 62, top cladding 53 is formed on top core 61, and top electrode 42 is formed on top cladding 53. Two sides of top core 61 and bottom core 62 are covered with side cladding layer 52. Vertically overlapping portions of top electrode 42 and bottom electrode 41 are located almost at a same place as a region for a core layer composed of top core 61 and bottom core 62. The width of one from among top core 61 and bottom core 62 is satisfying a single mode condition, and the width of the other is almost equal to or more than the width of a field distribution.
US08358889B2
The present invention relates to various methods of fabricating Planar Bragg Gratings (PBG) in a doped waveguide in a Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) device, suppressing unwanted parasitic grating effects during fabrication of the device. One approach to reduce parasitic gratings is to use a hard mask before the waveguide photolithography and etch, that results in a steeper sidewall angle that reduces or eliminates the parasitic grating effect. Another method of reducing parasitic grating effect is to deposit a layer of developable Bottom Anti Reflective Coating (BARC) prior to depositing the photo resist for waveguide etch. A third method of resisting parasitic gratings comprises using a planarizing undoped silica layer as a barrier layer on top of the core. During subsequent high temperature annealing germanium outdiffuses laterally into the cladding. The net effect is an optical waveguide with improved lateral uniformity because germanium diffusion smoothes out the sidewall roughness created during the waveguide reactive ion etch process. The undoped silica (SiO2) layer on top of the grating also serves the purpose of significantly reducing germanium outdiffusion from the core in the upward direction.
US08358888B2
A technique is described for generating a Bessel beam. An input optical fiber is provided that supports propagation in the fundamental mode. The input fiber is connected to a fiber mode converting device that provides phase matching, at a predetermined excitation wavelength, between the fundamental mode and a selected azimuthally symmetric higher-order mode. As an input to the fiber mode converting device, a coherent light beam is fed through the input optical fiber to provide a fundamental mode input at the excitation wavelength. The fiber mode converting device resonantly excites the selected azimuthally symmetric mode. The azimuthally symmetric mode is provided as a beam output from an endface of the fiber mode converting device to approximate a Bessel beam.
US08358887B2
In an optical waveguide 10 with a light emitting device to be used in the present invention, branched points 16 are sequentially provided in a guiding light direction 17 of a main path 14 and the width of the main path 14 becomes narrower as the main path 14 moves away from a light emitting device 11. The optical waveguide 10 having this structure can reduce a width W1 because there are no portions that correspond spaces (cladding layers) among adjacent branched paths 15. Moreover, the optical waveguide 10 has an excellent optical transmission efficiency, resulting in high intensity of light emitted. Uniformity of the light emitted is equal or more than a conventional optical waveguide 60 with a light emitting device.
US08358882B2
A modalmetric fibre sensor comprises a multimode sensor fibre (26), a light source (14) for launching light into the multimode fibre (26) to produce a multimode speckle pattern of light at an end of the fibre (26), a single mode fibre (22) to receive light from the multimode speckle pattern and a detector (18) connected to the single mode fibre (22) to detect the received light from the multimode speckle pattern. A connector (33) connects the ends of the multimode fibre (26) and single mode fibre (22) with the end faces (31,32) of the two fibres disposed at an acute single to one another. The light from source (14) may be transmitted to the multimode fibre (26) through the single mode fibre (22) and the end of multimode fibre (26) remote from single mode fibre (22) may be mirrored to reflect light back along the multimode fibre to the single mode fibre which transmits the received light to the detector (18).
US08358881B2
An electromagnetically responsive element includes sets of arrangements of self-resonant bodies, such as atoms or quantum dots that form an effective dielectric constant, typically at or near a resonance.
US08358878B2
This invention concerns the interpolation of new intermediate images within an existing set of related images, for example views of a scene captured at different times, such as a sequence of film frames or video fields, or views of a scene captured from different camera positions, either simultaneously or in a time sequence. Motion vectors established for pixels or regions in at least one existing image are used to shift those pixels or regions to the output position of the new image. The shifted pixels or regions are combined in dependence on a probability of accuracy measure for the respective motion vector. The probability of accuracy measure may be formed from displaced-field difference measurements. The occlusion of objects is determined and used in forming the probability of accuracy measure.
US08358876B1
A system and method for performing content aware cropping or expansion may be applied to translate an object within an image. The object may be selected by defining an approximate bounding box of the object. The method may receive input indicating a lowest priority edge or corner of the object to be translated (e.g., using a drag operation). Respective energy values for pixels in regions of the image adjacent to a region comprising the selected object may be weighted based on their distance from the region and/or lowest priority edge/corner, on a cropping or expansion graph, and/or on the translation dimension and direction. Relative costs may be determined for seams of these regions dependent on the energy values. Low cost seams may be removed from one region and replicated in another region, and the region comprising the translated object may be combined with these resized regions in a modified image.
US08358872B2
Structure and function for inputting information preferably includes a display device having two cameras in respective corners thereof. At least one computer readable medium preferably has program instructions configured to cause at least one processing structure to: (i) extract an object located on a plane of the display device from an image that includes the plane of the object, (ii) determine whether the object is a writing implement by determining, when a plurality of objects are extracted from the image, that one of the plurality of objects that satisfies a prescribed condition is the writing implement, (iii) calculate a position of a contact point between the writing implement and the plane as information to be input if the object has been determined as the writing implement, and (iv) input the information representing a position on the plane indicated by the object.
US08358871B2
A skewed image data detecting and correcting device includes a skew angle detecting module, and an image rotating correction module. A skewed image data detecting and correcting method includes the following steps. Firstly, a binary digitizing operation is performed to obtain a binary image data. The binary image data is rotated by multiple different rotating angles, thereby obtaining multiple rotated binary image data. The pixel numbers of all horizontal rows of the rotated binary image data are totalized, thereby obtaining multiple horizontal pixel number distribution curves. A high-pass filtering procedure is performed to filter off low-frequency noise, thereby obtaining multiple high-frequency signal curves. The square sums of respective high-frequency signal curves are calculated, thereby obtaining multiple index values. Afterward, a rotating correction operation is performed on the image data according to the rotating angle corresponding to a maximum of the index values, thereby obtaining a corrected image data.
US08358865B2
An image processing device according to an example of the invention comprises a differentiating section which differentiates input image data to generate gradient image data, a gradient domain deconvolution processing section which applies a deconvolution to the gradient image data, the deconvolution performing deblurring corresponding to a prior distribution of an image gradient of an image to generate deconvolved data, and an integrating section which integrates the deconvolved data to generate deblurred image data.
US08358864B2
An image processing apparatus includes a receiving unit configured to receive image data of program content and genre information relating to the program content, a selection unit configured to select a size selection parameter for causing the genre information received by the receiving unit to be reflected in a block size, a determination unit configured to determine a block size in accordance with the size selection parameter selected by the selection unit, the block size being used for orthogonal transformation, and an orthogonal transformation unit configured to perform orthogonal transformation on the image data received by the receiving unit at the block size determined by the determination unit.
US08358863B2
Certain embodiments provide systems and methods for adaptive compression, transmission, and display of clinical images. Certain embodiments provide a method for adaptive compression of image data for transmission and display at a client workstation. The method includes identifying one or more images for display, the one or more images including a plurality of image slices. The method also includes determining a compression scheme for the one or more images based on at least one of bandwidth, processing power, and diagnostic modality. The method further includes transferring the one or more images for display at the client workstation. The method additionally includes adapting the compression scheme based on resource availability.
US08358845B2
A method for labeling connected components and a computer system using the method are provided. With the method, during a process of scanning an image for the first time, each object pixel in the image is assigned a temporary label, and a relationship between each temporary label and a representative label is established after the completion of the process of scanning the image for the first time. Thereafter, the temporary label of each object pixel is replaced by the corresponding representative label during a process of scanning the image for the second time. As a result, the labeling of the connected components can be accomplished by only scanning the image twice such that the efficiency of labeling the connected components can be significantly improved.
US08358839B2
This disclosure provides methods, apparatus and systems for performing image processing regression for approximating multidimensional color transformation. According to an exemplary method, a shaping matrix is selected to minimize a cost function associated with a local linear regression representation of the color transformation. In addition, an alternating least squares algorithm is utilized to jointly optimize regression and shaping parameters.
US08358832B2
An improved method of high accuracy beam placement for local area navigation in the field of semiconductor chip manufacturing. This invention demonstrates a method where high accuracy navigation to the site of interest within a relatively large local area (e.g. an area 200 μm×200 μm) is possible even where the stage/navigation system is not normally capable of such high accuracy navigation. The combination of large area, high-resolution scanning, digital zoom and registration of the image to an idealized coordinate system enables navigation around a local area without relying on stage movements. Once the image is acquired any sample or beam drift will not affect the alignment. Preferred embodiments thus allow accurate navigation to a site on a sample with sub-100 nm accuracy, even without a high-accuracy stage/navigation system.
US08358827B2
A method and system for determining an optical waveform based on a plurality of print features of a selected marking of a document. The method and system comprise obtaining optical image data representing the print features of the selected marking. The optical image data is corrected for at least one of print contrast or reflectance of the print features in the optical image data using respective print contrast thresholds or reflectance thresholds to produce a converted pixel map of the selected marking, the pixel map containing an ordered sequence of values. Also included is a generation module to transform the print features represented in the converted pixel map to a plurality of corresponding waveform features to produce the optical waveform of the selected marking, the corresponding waveform features including a plurality of spaced apart peaks representing respective optical signal levels of the print features.
US08358826B1
Images of a plurality of checks to be presented for payment may be captured through the use of a check sleeve. The check sleeve includes check-holding mechanism to hold one or more checks in place in the sleeve, and contains various types of markings or other features that allow an image of the sleeve to be oriented, and to allow the portion of the image that represents a check to be distinguished from portions of the image that do not represent a check. One or more algorithms may be used to distinguish check from non-check portions of the image, and to orient the image. The check sleeves may have one or more barcodes imprinted thereon, which may encode various types of information.
US08358809B2
A pattern recognizer includes a sequential data extractor, a data pairer, and a recognition engine. The sequential data extractor extracts a region of measured data obtained from a measuring device. The measuring device is preferably capable of detecting changes in impedance. The measured data should contain position information of the changes in impedance. The data pairer associates the region of measured data with a priori pattern data that contains expected positions of the changes in impedance. The recognition engine decides whether the associated region of measured data and the a priori pattern data differ within predetermined criteria, the predetermined criteria including: non-expected impedance changes; excessive dither; and missing impedance changes.
US08358797B2
A method of changing at least two parameter settings of a device includes detecting an abnormal change in an external feedback path and an input signal generated by an abnormal pressure wave, and activating a pressure wave detection switch and an abnormal feedback path detection switch for changing the at least one parameter setting in the device. A device includes a digital signal processor configured to implement a detection algorithm to detect an abnormal change in an external feedback path, an adaptive internal feedback cancellation system for continually monitoring and responsively adapting to changes occurring in an external feedback path, a pattern recognition algorithm for detecting input signals generated when an abnormal pressure wave is generated, at least two parameter settings for adjusting the characteristics of the device, and an abnormal feedback path detection switch for switching the device to a next available parameter setting.
US08358792B2
Actuator systems for oral-based appliances utilizing transducers which are attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a dental or oral appliance to form a hearing aid assembly. Such oral appliances may be a custom-made device which receives incoming sounds and transmits the processed sounds via a vibrating transducer element. The transducer element may utilize electromagnetic or piezoelectric transducer mechanisms and may be positioned directly along the dentition or along an oral appliance housing in various configurations.
US08358789B2
A microphone system and an associated method are proposed. The microphone system comprises at least two omnidirectional, microphone signal-emitting directional microphones connected electrically to one another to establish directivity, at least one filter unit with at least one adaptation parameter for the adaptive filtering of the at least two microphone signals and a control unit to change the at least one adaptation parameter such that the sum of interference power is reduced. The value range of the at least one adaptation parameter is limited. The control unit determines limits from a comparison of the noise floor of the ambient noise with a microphone noise number. The adaptation range of an adaptive differential directional microphone is a function of stationary component of background noise, so the directivity can be selected such that the non-stationary microphone noise resulting due to directivity is masked by the stationary component of the background noise.
US08358782B2
Method of displaying a video of a scene onto a display with enhanced image quality, the video of the scene having first subframes and second subframes wherein the first subframes correspond to a first region of an image-presentation element of the display and the second subframes correspond to a second region of the image-presentation element; and selecting an access key corresponding to the first subframes. The method further includes encoding the access key into one or more of the second subframes; providing the second subframes to the display using a first data transport; the display, decoding the access key and receiving the corresponding first subframes using a second data transport different from the first data transport; and selectively providing the first and second subframes from the first and second data transports to corresponding regions in the image-presentation element of the display, whereby the displayed image has enhanced image quality.
US08358781B2
Plain text, a secret key and a primitive polynomial that defines a finite field of even characteristic are received. The plain text is divided into a plurality of plain text blocks. For each plain text block of the plurality of plain text blocks other than a first plain text block, the plain text block is multiplied by a preceding cipher text block over the finite field of even characteristic, modulo the primitive polynomial, to generate an intermediate block, wherein the preceding cipher text block was generated from a preceding plain text block. Each intermediate block is processed by a block cipher using the secret key to generate a subsequent cipher text block. The block cipher operates in a nonlinear feedback mode of operation.
US08358775B2
A method and telecommunication system is disclosed for transmission of a message from a first telecommunication terminal to a second telecommunication terminal, of which at least one is connected to a line-connected telephone network. The message is converted as a short message into the short message format, a connection setup is realized and the short message is transmitted in the short message format to a short message service center and from the latter to the second telecommunication terminal, where the transmission of the short message to the short message center and/or to the second telecommunication terminal is carried out by means of DTMF or FSK off-hook signaling in the voice band.
US08358774B2
A method and apparatus are provided for routing a contact with a client to one of a plurality of automatic contact distributors, each having a plurality of agents, by a network router. The method includes the step of determining by each automatic contact distributor of the plurality of automatic contact distributors a largest relative difference between a target occupancy and actual occupancy of each agent among the plurality of agents of the automatic contact distributor and for each contact type processed by the automatic contact distributor. The method further includes the steps of each of the plurality of automatic contact distributors transferring a value of the determined, largest relative difference for each contact type to the network router, the network router detecting a contact, the network router determining a contact type of the detected contact and the network router routing the detected contact to an automatic contact distributor of the plurality of automatic contact distributors that provided a largest relative difference for the determined contact type among the plurality of automatic contact distributors.
US08358773B2
Systems for executing a number of agents in a multiagent system are presented including: an agent executing apparatus for managing a number of active agents and for controlling activities associated with the number of active agents such that the number of active agents are cooperatively processed, where the agent executing apparatus is configured to provide an intra-transaction message mechanism and an out-of-transaction message mechanism; a cache for temporarily storing the number of active agents, where the number of active agents include a first active agent in a committed transaction and a second active agent in an uncommitted transaction; a permanent storage device for storing the number of agents before the number of agents enter a running state.
US08358770B2
The present invention enables an alert message and the display of calling party identity on all on-hook phones associated with an extension sharing the same phone number, when one phone is off-hook and in use. In one exemplary embodiment, this capability enables all other members of a household to receive information regarding an incoming call even when one phone is in use by another member.
US08358765B1
A system for causing the simultaneous, or near simultaneous, receipt by multiple pre-identified communication termination endpoints of electronic messages sent at times respectively delayed relative to one another and inviting each of the communication termination endpoints to join a communication session. The system receives identification of associated communication termination endpoints that are to receive, at substantially the same time, electronic messages to join a communication session. The system determines and stores send time delays for each such communication termination endpoint that are calculated by a respectively appropriate method. Thereafter, when an electronic message is received requesting initiation of a communication session with one of the communication termination endpoints, the system uses the send time delays to respectively delay by an appropriate amount of time the sending of electronic invite messages to join the communication session to each of the communication termination endpoints.
US08358758B2
The present invention relates to the field of telecommunications. More particularly, to an apparatus that would allow callers to time-share telephone, telecommunication or communication lines in order to truthfully vary the telephone line from which they are calling parties through the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN). The system would allow customers to manage the identity of their calls in ways that would maximize the probability that a called party would answer.
US08358757B2
A method and an apparatus for providing a customer premise based feature. For example, the method receives a call directed to a customer, wherein the call is associated with a customer premise based feature. The method then forwards the call to a customer premise based communication system located at a location of the customer, wherein the customer premise based feature is implemented locally by the customer premise based communication system.
US08358754B2
A method, which comprises receiving an indication of an intent to communicate using a first communication client registered to a user account. A memory is then consulted in an attempt to identify a communication session previously established with a party that is a communication client registered to the user account, the communication session having been placed in a held state. If the attempt is successful, the first communication client is then engaged in the communication session.
US08358732B2
Core debris generated during a molten reactor core in a reactor containment vessel penetrating the reactor containment vessel is configured to be caught by a core catcher located beneath the reactor containment vessel which has a main body having first stage cooling water channels and second stage surrounded by cooling fins extending radially. The number of the second stage cooling channels is larger than that of the first stage cooling channels. Cooling water is supplied from a cooling water injection opening and distributed to the first cooling water channels at a distributor. An intermediate header is formed between the first and the second cooling water channels, and the cooling water is distributed to the second cooling water channels uniformly.
US08358702B2
An image processing system includes a division unit adapted to divide encoding target data into divided data, a distributed encoding unit adapted to encode the divided data into distributed encode data and generate decode information file including time information, a generation unit adapted to generate decode image information on the basis of specification information including time information and the decode information file, and a decoding unit adapted to decode the distributed encode data on the basis of the decode image information and output decode data corresponding to the specification information.
US08358700B2
A computer readable storage medium has executable instructions to select a plurality of macroblocks in a video sequence to be coded as anchor macroblocks, the anchor macroblocks distributed across the video sequence and facilitating random access decoding of a portion of the video sequence. The video sequence is coded into a bit stream. Auxiliary information associated with the anchor macroblocks is generated. The auxiliary information associated with the anchor macroblocks is inserted in a supplementary section of the bit stream.
US08358695B2
An apparatus is described for attaching a motion search hardware assist unit to a processing element and its local memory. A current macro block storage unit is attached to a local memory interface unit for storage of a copy of a current macro block from the local memory. A search window reference storage unit having N rows is attached to a local memory interface unit for storage of a copy of N rows of pixels from a search window from the local memory. N independent arithmetic pipelines are attached to the current macro block storage unit and the search window reference storage. Each pipeline operates on one of the N rows of the search window reference storage unit and a corresponding row of the current macro block of the current macro block storage unit. An accumulator is attached to the N independent pipelines to accumulate results from the N arithmetic pipelines, to produce independent results for different organizations of macro blocks.
US08358692B2
In order to set a quantization step according to a target amount of code with high precision, a coefficient set according to the resolution of a moving picture to be encoded and the encoding method of a frame to be encoded is selected from a plurality of coefficient sets corresponding to the resolutions of moving pictures and encoding methods of frames. A feature amount of the frame to be encoded is extracted, and when the frame to be encoded undergoes inter-frame coding, a function indicating the relationship between a quantization step and amount of generated data is generated based on the selected coefficient set and feature amount. When the function is generated, a quantization step according to a target amount of code is set based on that function in encoding of the frame to be encoded.
US08358687B2
An apparatus and method for receiving multiple simultaneous stream bursts comprising determining if a frame size is smaller than a size of an available memory; determining if a priority of a first packet is lower than a priority of a second packet, wherein the frame size is of a frame for the second packet; requesting to abort processing the first packet and to de-assign the available memory from the first packet if the priority of the first packet is lower than the priority of the second packet; waiting for the size of the available memory to become equal or greater than the frame size if the priority of the first packet is not lower than the priority of the second packet; and assigning the available memory to the frame for the second packet.
US08358675B2
Provided is a nitride semiconductor laser device that is reduced in capacitance to have a better response. The nitride semiconductor laser device includes: an active layer; an upper cladding layer which is stacked above the active layer; a low dielectric constant insulating film which is stacked above the upper cladding layer; and a pad electrode which is stacked above the low dielectric constant insulating film.
US08358648B1
Computer systems and computerized methods for assigning network identifiers in a wireless or wired network are provided. A dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server is employed to allocate a set of socket IP addresses that include a common IPv4 address paired with a selected group of ports, where none of the ports in the selected groups overlap. When assigned to a client device, a socket IP address that includes the IPv4 address together with a particular group of ports uniquely identifies the client device within the network. The particular group of ports is selected as a function of network traffic, a set of functional capabilities exhibited by the client device, or both. The network traffic is measured dynamically, periodically, or at some earlier time. The functional capabilities are conveyed from the client device or accessed at a user profile that is readable by the DHCP server.
US08358642B1
A system comprises a receive module that transitions from a power save mode to an active mode based on a first clock to receive a delivery traffic indication message (DTIM) beacon. A beacon sensing module senses a first number of DTIM beacons missed by the receive module during a first predetermined period. A control module selectively adjusts the first clock when the first number is greater than a first threshold.
US08358639B2
A method of reducing data transfer while increasing image information over an 802.15.4 network includes obtaining an image with a sensor, modulating a representation of the image using a first 802.15.4 modem, sending the representation of the image to a coordinator, demodulating the representation of the image using a second 802.15.4 modem, and digitally enhancing at least one of the representation of the image and the image. A system for communication over an 802.15.4 network includes a sensor for obtaining data, the size of the data being at least an order of magnitude greater than the size of an 802.15.4 packet, a first 802.15.4 modem coupled to the sensor, a buffer for temporarily storing the data to allow transmission of portions of the data; the buffer being coupled to the sensor, a coordinator coupled to the sensor, the coordinator being capable of communicating with a computer, and a second 802.15.4 modem coupled to the coordinator.
US08358634B1
What is disclosed is a method of operating a wireless communication system, wherein a series of repeating overhead time cycles each comprise a plurality of time slots, and wherein the wireless communication system exchanges overhead information with wireless communication devices during individual ones of the time slots. The method includes assigning one of the overhead time cycles to one of the wireless communication devices, wherein the one of the wireless communication devices monitors the overhead time slots during the assigned one of the overhead time cycles and does not monitor the overhead time slots during the non-assigned overhead time cycles. The method also includes exchanging user communications with the wireless communication devices, monitoring loading information for the overhead time cycles, and monitoring movement information of the one of the wireless communication devices. The method also includes processing the loading information for the overhead time cycles and the movement information of the one of the wireless communication devices to assign the one of the wireless communication devices to another one of the overhead time cycles, and wirelessly indicating the other assigned one of the overhead time cycles to the one of the wireless communication devices.
US08358619B2
A method for transmitting signal, at a mobile station, in a wireless communication system is provided. Inter-cell interference information may be different for each frequency partition according to using a FFR scheme. Also, a parameter for controlling interference level between base stations may be different for each frequency partition. The present invention is advantageous in that, when uplink transmission is performed, system throughput and cell edge-user throughput are improved and inter-cell interference level control is efficiently performed.
US08358609B1
A method of providing location based service information in a situational network includes establishing the situational network linking a plurality of individuals in response to an indication of an occurrence of a situation. Information related to availability of a service at a plurality of service locations affected by the situation is received, where the service is provided by one or more of a plurality of service providers An individual location associated with each of the plurality of individuals is determined. The available service locations that are in closest proximity to the individual location of the respective individuals is transmitting to each of the individuals based on the availability of the service.
US08358608B2
For use in a wireless communication network, methods for encoding information bit streams at a relay station are provided. Each method includes receiving data packets from a base station and a mobile station. Each method also includes decoding the packets and re-encoding the packets. Each method further includes combining the re-encoded packets into another packet using an XOR operation, and transmitting the other packet to the base station and the mobile station.
US08358606B2
A method of processing a multicast frame in a wireless local area network (WLAN) and an apparatus supporting the method are provided. The method comprises receiving, at a station, a unicast frame from an access point (AP), the unicast frame including an unicast address indicating a single station which receives the unicast frame, receiving a multicast frame from the AP, the multicast frame including a group address indicating a group of stations which receives the multicast frame, determining whether the unicast frame is duplicated with the multicast frame, and discarding the multicast frame if the unicast frame is duplicated with the multicast frame.
US08358604B2
The described apparatus and methods may include a receiver configured to receive a signal, the signal being a combination of physical channel signals that each correspond to a different one of a plurality of physical channels, and a controller configured to capture signal energy from at least two of the physical channel signals, and detect a cell based on the captured signal energy.
US08358601B2
The present invention relates to a multi-antenna radio channel measurement system and method which generates a Time Division Duplex (TDD) timing signal and measures a two-way radio channel. The multi-antenna radio channel measurement system which measures a probing signal for measuring a radio channel, the multi-antenna radio channel measurement system including: a baseband unit alternately transmits the probing signal for measurement and receives the received channel signal to be measured based on a TDD synchronization time; a synchronization unit which obtains time synchronization with the other radio channel measurement system, generates a transmission/reception synchronization signal, and provides the transmission/reception synchronization signal to the baseband unit; a transceiver unit which up converts the probing signal for measurement and down converts the received channel signal; and a radio frequency (RF) front-end unit which switches suitable antennas according to a timing control signal of the baseband unit.
US08358600B2
A method of transmitting a combined audio signal to at least one of a plurality of participants in a communication event comprising; receiving an audio signal from each of said plurality of participants together with audio activity information associated with each of said received audio signals; analysing a measure of audio activity for each received audio signal based on the audio activity information associated with each of said received signals, wherein said measure of audio activity allows audio signals comprising audio activity to be compared; selecting a set of audio signals from said received audio signals based on the analysed measure of audio activity for each signal; decoding said set of audio signals; and combining said set of audio signals to generate said combined audio signal to be transmitted to said at least one of said plurality of participants.
US08358598B2
A method and system for group call services in a CDMA radio access network over a GSM-MAP or ANSI-41 core network are presented. The method and system provide for call setup, call notification, and call termination in the air interface of the CDMA radio access network. The necessary modification to the traffic and signaling channels for the CDMA radio network as well as new call flow messages are provided.
US08358595B2
A method for keeping the routing tables of the nodes of an unstable dissemination network up to date, the nodes joining or leaving said network unpredictably. A node periodically sends a synchronization message to all other remote nodes. The period for sending a synchronization message to all other remote nodes increases when the network is tending to stabilize, the remote nodes all being synchronized and the local routing table not evolving. A node sends a synchronization message to another remote node particularly when the other node is desynchronized.
US08358590B2
A node is configured for wireless communication with an access point according to a differentiated services control parameter. The node includes a controller configured to provide individualized control of the differentiated services control parameter setting corresponding to the node. The controller is further configured to receive data, assign a priority level to the data, and adjust the differentiated services control parameter setting for the node based on the priority level.
US08358588B2
Interference cognitive devices are described. An interference cognitive device can be collocated with a transmitter of an interference cognitive transmitter (ICT), as receive chains or portions thereof at the ICT. An interference cognitive device can also be remote with respect to the transmitter, which operates in an interference cognitive network and receives data directly or indirectly from the interference cognitive device. The ICT uses the data to mitigate interference while continuing to operate in accordance with a performance metric.
US08358586B2
A radio base station includes: a propagation path characteristic acquisition unit which acquires propagation path characteristics between a radio communication terminal and a radio base station; and a channel controller which reports to the radio communication terminal that channel allocation information is transmitted by using a dedicated control channel if the acquired propagation characteristic satisfies a predetermined condition. After the channel control unit has reported to the radio communication terminal that the channel allocation information is transmitted by using an dedicated control channel, the channel control unit and a MAP processing unit transmit the channel allocation information by using an dedicated control channel instead of a broadcast control channel in the downstream frame.
US08358585B2
A method for transmitting and receiving channel state information (CSI) periodically and aperiodically is disclosed. The method for aperiodically transmitting channel state information (CSI) by a terminal includes receiving an indicator requesting a channel state information report of a downlink channel from a base station over a downlink control channel, and aperiodically transmitting the channel state information (CSI) to the base station over a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) upon receiving the indicator from the base station.
US08358575B2
Transmitter signals are modulated with one or more codes which may represent a pulse even though the code(s) are not shaped as pulses. The code(s) may be generated by defining a pulse by its Fourier components, and then adding random phases to the Fourier components. A time-domain signal may then be created, which may serve as the code to be modulated on a carrier wave. Upon reflection of the transmitter signal, the received signal may be processed by a receiver to recover the pulse. The time-of-flight of the transmitter signal can then be determined, enabling distance measurements to be made.
US08358571B2
An optical pickup device has an astigmatism element which imparts astigmatism to reflected light of laser light reflected on a recording layer, and a spectral element into which the reflected light is entered, and which separates the reflected light. The spectral element is divided into four third areas by a first area having a certain width and formed along a straight line in parallel to a first direction, and by a second area having a certain width and formed along a straight line in parallel to a second direction. The spectral element is configured to guide the reflected light passing through the four third areas to respective corresponding sensors on a photodetector while making propagating directions of the reflected light different from each other, and to avoid guiding the reflected light entered into the first area and into the second area to the sensors.
US08358561B2
A method of locating subsurface hydrocarbon reservoirs includes acquiring seismic data, extracting seismic data attributes from the seismic data, calculating exemplar data group probability density function values using distribution values associated with the seismic attributes and applying Bayesian inversion to determine the likelihood of subsurface hydrocarbons.
US08358559B2
An imaging device is provided, comprising: a decorrelation circuit configured to receive K initial imaging signals and to perform a decorrelation operation on K initial imaging signals, respectively, to generate K decorrelated imaging signals; Kh wavelet decomposition circuits configured to perform K wavelet decomposition operations on the K decorrelated imaging signals, respectively, to generate K decomposed imaging signals; K quantization circuits configured to perform K quantization operations on the K decomposed imaging signals, respectively, to generate K quantized imaging signals; and a bit multiplexer configured to generate a compressed bit stream based on the K quantized imaging signals; a data line configured to pass the compressed bit stream; and a decompressor module configured to convert the compressed bit stream into K recovered imaging signals corresponding to the K initial imaging signals, wherein K is an integer greater than 1.
US08358554B2
A semiconductor memory device capable of performing a partial self refresh and semiconductor memory system including same is provided. The semiconductor memory device includes: a memory circuit including a memory array; a skip address storage unit storing an address of an excluded region not requiring refresh in the memory array as a skip address; a refresh address generator providing an address of a region of the memory array requiring refresh as a refresh address; and an address comparator receiving and comparing the skip address and refresh address, and providing a refresh control signal to the memory circuit based on the comparison.
US08358550B2
A memory integrated circuit has an array of nonvolatile memory cells, bit lines accessing the array of nonvolatile memory cells, and bit line discharge circuitry. The bit lines have multiple discharge paths for a bit line at a same time, during a program operation.
US08358547B2
A delay-locked-loop (DLL) circuit having a DLL that operates when an external clock signal has a low frequency and a DLL that operates when an external clock signal has a high frequency is disclosed. The DLL circuit includes a first DLL and second DLL. The first DLL adjusts a delay time of an external clock signal to generate a first internal clock signal synchronized with the external clock signal when the external clock signal has a low frequency. The second DLL adjusts the delay time of the external clock signal to generate a second internal clock signal synchronized with the external clock signal when the external clock signal has a high frequency.
US08358546B2
A semiconductor device receives a command corresponding to a memory access operation and performs the memory access operation after an additive latency period. The additive latency period begins when the command is received. The semiconductor device comprises a phase controller for controlling a phase of a clock signal and outputting a phase-controlled clock signal, and a controller for generating and outputting a control signal for enabling the phase controller that is disabled, at a predetermined time in the additive latency period.
US08358544B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a string selection transistor coupled to a bit line. The device also includes a plurality of memory cells coupled in series to the string selection transistor, wherein at least one of the memory cells is configured to be in a programmed state during an erase procedure of the plurality of memory cells.
US08358534B2
Spin Torque Transfer (STT) memory cell structures and methods are described herein. One or more STT memory cell structures include a tunneling barrier material positioned between a ferromagnetic storage material and a pinned ferromagnetic material in contact with an antiferromagnetic material and a multiferroic material in contact with the ferromagnetic storage material, wherein the antiferromagnetic material, the ferromagnetic storage material, and the pinned ferromagnetic material are located between a first electrode and a second electrode.
US08358533B2
A phase-change memory device includes: a unit cell including a phase-change resistor; a sense amplifier applying a sensing current to the phase-change resistor; and a switching unit operating in a standby mode or a read mode according to a global line signal and controlling passing presence of the sensing current passing through the phase-change resistor according to an active signal in the standby mode.
US08358531B2
Spin torque transfer magnetic random access memory devices configured to be programmed unidirectionally and methods of programming such devices. The devices include memory cells having two pinned layers and a free layer therebetween. By utilizing two pinned layers, the spin torque effect on the free layer from each of the two pinned layers, respectively, allows the memory cells to be programmed with unidirectional currents.
US08358530B2
One object is to provide a novel semiconductor device which can hold stored data even when not powered and which has an unlimited number of writing operations. Another object is to reduce a circuit size and to improve reliability of writing and reading of data. When a memory cell using a transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer is subjected to the verification operation and reading of data, a dual-gate transistor showing different threshold voltages is used as a resistor; thus, stable verification operation and reading operation can be performed by only a reference potential circuit.
US08358520B2
A charge-and-add DC-DC voltage converter design using a switch network that toggles between two states, either simultaneously charging a flying capacitor (one or any number) or creating a DC voltage on the output capacitor by connecting all flaying capacitors in series thus adding the input voltage to remaining voltages on flying capacitors after they were charged. A pulse generator delivers a train of pulses to toggle the switch network. Depending on the applications, the train of pulses can be continuous when a fixed unregulated voltage must be delivered, or a defined number of pulses when voltage (power) surge is to be produced. The charge-and-add converters should be capable of delivering a regulated output voltage, and in this case, pulse-width modulation (PWM) or pulse frequency modulation (PFM) can be used.
US08358513B2
Disclosed is an expansion module for a mobile device including, a first section at which the mobile device is mounted, the first section obscured by one surface of the mobile device, a second section having a function unit configured to provide functions relating to the mobile device, the second section rotatably connected to the first section, a magnet mounted at the first section and configured to apply a magnetic force to a magnetic member coupled to the mobile device, and an alignment mechanism configured to align the first section, having the mobile device mounted thereat, in a direction intersecting with the second section in a first state.
US08358511B2
The invention relates to an electronic-board arrangement, comprising at least two electronic boards, particularly integrated circuit boards, which are attached to a backplane which provides electrical interconnection between the at least two electronic boards. An electronic interconnect board providing electrical interconnect between the at least two electronic boards is arranged in a space in between the at least two electronic boards and the backplane.
US08358494B2
A laminated ceramic capacitor is provided which is excellent in reliability even when its dielectric ceramic layers thinned. For a dielectric ceramic in a laminated ceramic capacitor, a ceramic is used which includes a main component containing a barium titanate based composite oxide represented by the general formula: (Ba1-h-m-xCahSrmRex)k(Ti1-n-yZrnMy)O3, where Re is La or the like, M is Mg or the like, and the respective relationships of 0.05≦x≦0.50, 0.02≦y≦0.3, 0.85≦k≦1.05, 0≦h≦0.25, 0≦m≦0.50, and 0≦n≦0.40 are satisfied; and an accessory component as a sintering aid, wherein the average grain diameter of crystal grains in a sintered body is 0.6 μm or less.
US08358492B2
The present disclosure generally pertains to surge protection systems that protect outside plant equipment from high-energy surges. In one exemplary embodiment, a protection system is used for protecting Ethernet equipment that is coupled to an outside Ethernet cable. The protection system provides protection and remains capable of coupling signal energy between an Ethernet cable and Ethernet equipment without significantly degrading Ethernet performance. However, the protection system, while allowing the desirable Ethernet signals to pass between the cable and the equipment, prevents the electrical voltages and currents of high-energy surges, such as surges from lightning or AC power faults, from damaging the Ethernet equipment.
US08358488B2
A current control device is disclosed. The current control device includes control circuitry integrally arranged with a current path and at least one micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed in the current path. The current control device further includes a hybrid arcless limiting technology (HALT) circuit connected in parallel with the at least one MEMS switch facilitating arcless opening of the at least one MEMS switch, and a pulse assisted turn on (PATO) circuit connected in parallel with the at least one MEMS switch facilitating arcless closing of the at least one MEMS switch.
US08358482B2
One implementation of the present invention may take the form of a system for a hard disc drive counter-vibration device that may absorb rotational vibration or gyration of the hard disc drive module. This mounting device may incorporate at least one soft, plastic sphere and a pair of concave dished surfaces, configured to face each other and maintain the sphere between them. The sphere of the counter-vibration assembly may support the hard disc drive (HDD) while the weight of the HDD may align the dishes with each other and over the sphere. In this manner, the sphere may act as a spring and allow the HDD to vibrate or gyrate without transmitting the mechanical movement to the rest of the HDD assembly or electronic device.
US08358480B1
A system for identifying and compensating for non-linear transition shift in a magnetic medium data storage device is disclosed. The non-linear transition shift compensation system includes a non-linear transition shift estimation module adapted to generate non-linear transition shift estimates for specific bit patterns. The system further includes a pre-compensation module adapted to adjust the temporal spacing of binary transitions written to the magnetic medium based on the non-linear transition shift estimates generated by the non-linear transition shift estimation module for specific bit patterns corresponding to bit patterns appearing in the data being written to the magnetic medium.
US08358473B2
An optical lens for image pickup, sequentially arranged from an object side to an image side, comprising: the first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface, the second lens element with negative refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, the plastic third lens element with positive refractive power having a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface with both being aspheric, the plastic fourth lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface with both being aspheric. By such arrangements, the optical lens for image pickup satisfies conditions related to reduce the sensitivity and to shorten the total length for use in compact cameras and mobile phones with camera functionalities.
US08358471B2
A zoom lens and an image pickup device. The zoom lens includes sequentially from an object side a first lens group having a positive refractive power, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, a third lens group having a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group having a positive refractive power, which are arranged in order from an object side to an image side, wherein, when the zoom lens is zoomed from a wide angle position to a telephoto position, all of the first lens group, the second lens group, the third lens group, and the fourth lens group move relative to one another so that a distance between the first lens group and the second lens group increases, a distance between the second lens group and the third lens group reduces, and a distance between the third lens group and the fourth lens group increases.
US08358456B2
The image projection apparatus includes a laser light source, and a scanning device scanning a light flux from the laser light source in horizontal and vertical directions at mutually different frequencies on a projection surface. A condition of ( B + C ) X 2000 ≤ A ≤ 7 L L - X is satisfied. A represents a diameter of an exit pupil when viewed from a projection surface side, L represents a distance from the exit pupil to an image formation position of the light flux, X represents a distance from the exit pupil to an output measurement position, B and C respectively represent vertical and horizontally scanning angular subtenses of a scan pulse formed by the light flux, the scan pulse having a pulse length equal to or shorter than 18 microseconds and passing through a measurement aperture placed at the output measurement position.
US08358449B2
A device for, and a method of, detecting a document size are disclosed. The disclosed device and method can detect the speed at which the document plate cover is being closed, and can adjusting the timing of the document size detection based in part on the detected speed of the cover closure. When the cover is being closed at a relatively low speed, the document size detection can be delayed. When the cover is being closed at a relatively high speed, the document size detection can be performed sooner. The document size detection can thus be performed with the cover being in a suitable position.
US08358448B2
A scanning device includes a transparent platen, a scanning module, a document transporting mechanism and a flexible pressing member. The scanning module is located in a scan zone and acquires through the transparent platen an image of a document. The document transporting mechanism transports the document along a passageway and across the scan zone. The flexible pressing member is disposed in the passageway, upstream of the scan zone or within the scan zone and located apart from the transparent platen by a gap. The flexible pressing member is deformed in a direction away from the transparent platen due to a force applied by the document transported across the scan zone.
US08358443B2
The image forming apparatus includes a halftone processing section that executes halftone processing having a halftone processing period, a signal add-on section that adds the add-on signals on the input image signals subjected to the halftone processing, a position information acquisition section that acquires position information to determine a relative position of halftone dots by the halftone processing and the add-on signals in a first image area, the first image area is based on a common multiple of the halftone processing period and a minimum interval of the add-on dots, and the position information preventing the add-on signals added by the signal add-on section from crossing over the halftone dots, and an add-on control section that continues or repeats add-on control processing of the add-on signals, executed based on the acquired position information, in a second image area based on the common multiple and consecutive from the first image area.
US08358432B2
A method of controlling audio playback using a handheld display device having a touch-sensitive screen and a transceiver for sending and receiving digital information. The method comprises the steps of: imaging an area of a printed substrate and generating image data using an optical sensor, the printed substrate containing printed content associated with audio; determining interaction data using the image data, the interaction data identifying a substrate identity; retrieving audio data associated with said printed content; displaying, on the touch-sensitive screen, display information identifying the audio together with a static element for controlling audio playback; and controlling audio playback by interacting with the static element via the touch-sensitive screen.
US08358428B2
An image processing method controls a computer and an image processing device connected to the computer to perform an image processing. The computer includes a plurality of drivers that controls the image processing device. The image processing method includes (a) controlling the image processing device by using one of the plurality of drivers, (b) storing, in a storing unit, error information indicating which one of the plurality of drivers is used when an error is occurred in the controlling step (a), (c) accessing to the error information stored in the storing step (b), (d) selecting a subject driver from the plurality of drivers based on the error information accessed in the accessing step (c), and (e) controlling the image processing device via the subject driver selected in the selecting step (d).
US08358427B2
An image forming apparatus management system of an embodiment of the invention includes a first storage unit to store a document, an input unit to input print document data as use setting of the document after printing, a second storage unit to store the print document data inputted by the input unit, a print unit to print the document, and a control unit to manage the print document based on the print document data stored in the second storage unit.
US08358418B2
A method of real-time processing and monitoring comprises the steps of blending a material of interest (e.g., an active pharmaceutical material), with a secondary material, (e.g., an excipient), illuminating the blended materials with light, reflecting light carrying information about the blended materials through at least one multivariate optical element (148) and detecting said light with a first detector (152), detecting a deflected portion of the information carrying light with a second detector (156), and determining in real-time at least one selected property of the blended materials based on the detector outputs.
US08358415B2
An apparatus, for measuring an applied electrical field and for reducing perturbation to the electrical field being measured, includes a laser integrated into an electro optic crystal sensor head prior to the output fiber. A probe beam is passed along the crystal direction of low birefringence of nearly circular optical indicatrix, rather than one of high EO modulation. The EO crystal is placed between two crossed polarizers and oriented such that a small tilt angle is subtended between its optic axis and the path of the probe beam. Improved optical coupling is achieved by using a large core multimode fiber at the output, to reduce optical insertion losses. A collimating lens emits the intensity modulated laser beam back to a photodetector, where the intensity modulated laser beam is converted to an electrical signal representing both field strength and phase of the electrical field applied to the sensor head.
US08358413B1
A system and method for automatically removing polarized light in an environment having polarized light and unpolarized light. Light is processed by a polarizer and measured by a sensor. Multiple measurements of a light characteristic are taken, each measurement corresponding to a polarity setting of the polarizer. The polarizer is automatically adjusted to enable the multiple measurements. The measurements may be of average light intensity, contrast, saturation, or another characteristic. Based on the multiple measurements and the corresponding polarity settings, an optimal polarity setting is determined, such that the amount of polarized light is minimized. A curve fitting calculation may be used to make the determination. The polarizer is adjusted to the determined polarity setting.
US08358406B2
An object of the invention is to provide a defect inspection method which can prevent the failure in detecting a defect, caused by saturation of a pattern signal obtained by inspecting an inspected object, so that the investigation of the cause for defect occurrence can be done earlier. To achieve this object, according to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a defect inspection that irradiates laser light on an inspected object having a pattern formed thereon, detects a signal from the inspected object and thereby detects a defect, the inspection including: inputting pattern information contained in layout data on the inspected object; determining based on the inputted pattern information, at least one of arrangement, repetitiveness and density for each of a plurality of inspected areas of the inspected object; estimating a saturation level of the detected signal based on the determination result; and determining a transmittance condition so that the signal does not saturate.
US08358404B2
The present invention tracks or locates small moving objects, or generates a 3-D frame of data by using 3-D focal plane arrays with low laser energy and few mechanically moving parts. The invention may be used to determine the direction of a laser designating a target, for target tracking, used as a 3-D movie/video camera or used to provide data for autonomous navigation.
US08358400B2
A method of fabricating a switchable liquid crystal polarization grating includes creating a degenerate planar anchoring condition on a surface of a reflective substrate. An alignment layer may be formed on a transmissive substrate and may be patterned to create a periodic alignment condition therein. The transmissive substrate including the patterned alignment layer thereon may be assembled adjacent to the surface of the reflective substrate including the degenerate planar anchoring condition thereon to define a gap therebetween. A liquid crystal layer is formed on the surface of the reflective substrate including the degenerate planar alignment condition. The liquid crystal layer may be formed in the gap directly on the alignment layer such that molecules of the liquid crystal layer are aligned based on the periodic alignment condition in the alignment layer. Related fabrication methods and polarization gratings are also discussed.
US08358397B2
A system for cooling an electronic display where an isolating structure may be used to allow ambient air to cool power modules. The isolating structure substantially prohibits containments which may be present within the ambient air from contacting sensitive electrical components on the power modules or otherwise. A gasket may be used to seal the interface between the power modules and the isolating structure. Heat sinks may be placed in thermal communication with the power supplies and fans may draw air through a narrow channel in which the heat sinks are located. In some embodiments the narrow channel may have the opposing surface of the channel defined by the rear portion of an LED assembly. Exemplary embodiments may use the ambient air to cool both the power modules and a closed loop of isolated gas within the electronic display.
US08358392B2
A lateral electric field type active-matrix addressing liquid crystal display device suppresses the lateral cross talk induced by the coupling capacitances (i.e., the parasitic capacitances) between the drain bus lines and the common bus line corresponding thereto with a simple structure. In each of the pixel electrodes, at least one electrically isolated light-shielding electrode is formed to extend along the drain bus lines that define the pixel electrode near the same drain bus lines. The light-shielding electrode is overlapped with a part of a corresponding one of the pixel electrodes to the pixel region in such a way that an insulating film intervenes between the light-shielding electrode and the part, the part extending along these drain bus lines in the vicinities thereof. The light-shielding electrode may be electrically connected to the corresponding one of the pixel electrodes at a point in the pixel region.
US08358388B2
Light-emitting elements are divided into chromaticity groups on the basis of their chromaticity. In a planar light source, light-emitting elements selected from two of the chromaticity groups are alternately provided in a longitudinal direction and in a transverse direction, respectively. The two chromaticity groups are substantially equally away from a target chromaticity in directions reverse to each other. Further, pairs of two of the light-emitting elements belonging to the two chromaticity groups which are separated from each other, are provided so that distances d2 at which two of the light-emitting elements in each of the pairs are provided are less than distances d1 at which the pairs are provided.
US08358385B2
A liquid crystal display apparatus includes a liquid crystal layer which is disposed in a gap between first and second substrates with long axes of liquid crystal molecules being aligned in one direction, in substantially parallel to substrate surfaces. A plurality of thin film transistors are arranged in row and column directions on an upper side of the first substrate. Pixel electrodes are provided on the upper side of the first substrate to be electrically connected with the thin film transistors. A common electrode is formed on the upper side of the first substrate between the substrate and the liquid crystal layer to correspond to the pixel electrode through an insulating film, and generates an electric filed which controls an alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules in a plane substantially parallel with the substrate surfaces between itself and the pixel electrode.
US08358383B2
Output useable to select a desired communication channel from among multiple communication channels in a plurality of channel categories is provided by way of a remote control device. A user accomplishes this by selecting, in place of a displayed icon that is to be “unselected,” another icon, representing the desired communication channel, within a selected category of icons displayed by the remote control device representing channels in a selected channel category. Upon selection of such an icon, icons within the selected category of icons and icon categories are both dynamically reconfigured, based on how recently the icons were selected, so as to minimize inputs necessary to alternate from the selected icon back to the unselected icon. A signal output from the remote control device is receivable by a communication device in order to effect a change over to the desired communication channel.
US08358376B2
This invention relates to a device and a method of generating a first and a second fingerprint (102,104) usable for synchronization of at least two signals (101,103) and corresponding method and device for synchronizing two or more signals. A fingerprint pair is generated on the basis of a segment of a first signal e.g. an audio signal and of a segment of a second signal e.g. a video signal at each synchronization time point. The generated fingerprint pair(s) are stored in a database (203) and communicated or distributed to a synchronization device (303). During synchronization, fingerprint(s) of the audio signal and fingerprint(s) of the video signal to be synchronized are generated and matched against fingerprints in the database. When a match is found, the fingerprints also determine the synchronization time point, which is used to synchronize the two signals. In this way, a simple, reliable and efficient way of synchronizing at least two signals is obtained. Further, this is enabled without modifying either the first and second signal (or subsequent signals). The signals may even be distorted or changed to some extent while still enabling synchronization.
US08358373B2
In an image displaying device provided with a frame rate conversion (FRC) portion, the image quality deterioration in a moving image likely to include a plurality of the same consecutive images due to a FRC processing is prevented. The FRC portion (100) of the image displaying device includes a motion vector detecting portion (101) that detects motion vector information from an input image signal, an interpolation frame generating portion (106) that generates interpolation frames based on the motion vector information obtained by the motion vector detecting portion (101) and a same image detecting portion (105) that detects a case where the same images continue in the input image signal. In the case where the image of the (n−1)-th frame in the input image signal is substantially the same as the image of the n-th frame, interpolation image generating processing with the motion compensation processing made ineffective is performed between n-th frame and (n+1)-th frame to prevent that the interpolation image including a lot of errors is output.
US08358366B1
Methods and apparatus for high-speed digital imaging. Temporal modulation technology, for example digital micromirror device (DMD) technology, may be integrated with focused plenoptic camera technology to produce a compact and relatively inexpensive high-speed digital video camera capable of capturing video clips at frame rates up to and including 32,000 (32K) frames per second, or higher. In embodiments, the temporal modulation technology is used to temporally modulate image data captured in a single exposure; the temporally modulated image data is captured in a single raw image using focused plenoptic camera technology. A rendering method may be applied to the raw image data to extract multiple frames captured at the frame rate, the frames each showing an image of a scene at a different time in a sequence, the duration of which is the exposure time.
US08358365B2
A photo detecting device and method thereon capable of obtaining a color image without significant deterioration even in an optical system having a lens array. The photo detecting device includes a lens array having a plurality of lenses; and a photoelectric converter having a plurality of photoelectric conversion areas, each area comprising a plurality of pixels which generate electrical signals from light passing through a corresponding lens of the lens array and striking at least one of the plurality of pixels; wherein each of the areas has a first zone and a second zone, wherein the second zone has a spectrum sensitivity characteristic different from a spectrum sensitivity characteristic of the first zone.
US08358364B2
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes one or more first receivers, a transmitter and a change module. The first receivers are configured to receive a command signal which instructs change of a power control state from another electronic apparatus. The transmitter is configured to transmit, to the another electronic apparatus, standby-capability information that includes a communication method adopted by the first receivers and a signal form specifying the command signal. The change module is configured to change the power control state when the first receivers receive the command signal.
US08358363B2
A video-processing apparatus contains a region-setting-processing unit that sets a plurality of zoom regions each enlarging a part of an input video image and displaying the enlarged part of the input video image and creates viewpoint information indicating the set zoom regions. The input video image has a higher resolution than a display resolution. The video-processing apparatus also contains a video-data-extracting unit that extracts video data from video data of the input video image for every set zoom region, a video-data-converting unit that downconverts the extracted video data to video data of the display resolution, and an output unit that outputs the downconverted video data and the viewpoint information with the viewpoint information corresponding to the downconverted video data.
US08358360B2
A solid-state image sensor includes a pixel array unit including a plurality of pixels arranged in the form of an array, column signal lines adapted to transmit pixel signals output from pixels in respective columns, a noise adding unit adapted to add temporally constant and two-dimensional spatially random noise to the pixel signals transmitted via the column signal lines, and an analog-to-digital converter adapted to convert a signal level and a reference level of each pixel signal including the noise added thereto by the noise adding unit.
US08358356B2
Provided is an image capturing apparatus and method, in which the limit of the application of blurring to an input image is determined with the use of a database of recognizable blur levels, and the input image is processed by applying filtering properties corresponding to variations in digital gain and an exposure time. The image capturing apparatus includes a light reception module which receives an optical signal; and an image processing module which adjusts an exposure time-to-digital gain ratio with reference to the amount of light included in the optical signal.
US08358353B2
The invention enables a verifier to easily confirm that the image data was captured in the multiple exposure mode, and also to easily confirm which area in the image captured in the multiple exposure mode was greatly affected by multiple exposure. An image generating unit generates exposure image data pieces by exposing an image sensor a plurality of times. An image composition unit combines exposure image data pieces to generate a single piece of composite image data. A reference image generating unit generates reference image data composed of data pieces for distinguishing pixel positions at which the exposure amount exceeds a threshold from the other pixel positions. A verification data generating unit generates verification data for determining whether alteration has been made from the composite image data and the reference image data to output a single file.
US08358347B2
A method and system of measuring a frame rate with an imaging device may include, capturing images of a number of frames of at least a portion of a series of frames output on a display device, determining if consecutive images of the captured images are different.
US08358338B2
An image data processing includes: obtaining first image data; outputting the first image data to the image display devices; obtaining an attention area composed of one or more arbitrarily specified pixels from the first image outputted to the image display devices ; displaying a color chart whose hue and chroma are gradually changed toward around the color corresponding to the image data of the attention area; obtaining arbitrarily selected color information from the displayed color chart; obtaining a plurality of combinations of the attention area and the color information corresponding to the attention area and calculating a color parameter on the basis of the obtained plurality of combinations; converting the color of the obtained image data on the basis of the color parameter; and outputting the image data whose color is converted, to the image display devices as a second image.
US08358333B2
A method and apparatus for making measurements. Images of an object are generated. A plurality of coordinates for a plurality of points on a surface of the object is identified from the images using a number of reference points in the images. A first portion of the plurality of points on the object is visible on the object in the images. A second portion of the plurality of points on the object is visible on a number of mirror units in the images.
US08358327B2
A CODEC-driven touch screen video conferencing control system provides a touch screen entry and display device that interfaces with the CODEC of the existing video conferencing system so that remote operation is compatible with the pre-programming of the video conferencing system. A computer with video capture device captures the output video of the video conferencing CODEC and transmits it to the touch screen so that what is displayed on the touch screen is all of the controls for the video conferencing system as pre-programmed by the video conferencing system manufacturer. There is no requirement to employ a cursor on the video conferencing monitor screen. In fact, through use of the present invention, none of the control functions of the video conferencing system appear on its monitor screens. Rather, those functions are solely displayed on the touch screen of the remote control device.
US08358314B2
A method and electronic device employing a method of reducing memory accesses during the readout of a scanline of a frame buffer is provided, which includes reading out a series of bits on the scanline corresponding to a series of regions of pixels of the scanline, entering a default pixel value for each pixel of a region if a corresponding bit is set, and entering a pixel value obtained from accessing the scanline for each pixel of the region if the corresponding bit is not set.
US08358313B2
A portable development and execution framework for processing media objects. The framework involves: accepting an instruction to perform a media processing function; accepting a media object to be associated with the media processing function; wrapping the media object with an attribute that specifies a type and format of the media object, and a hardware domain associated with the media object; and causing an execution domain to perform the media processing function on the media object. The instruction to perform the media processing function is expressed in a form that is independent of the hardware domain associated with the media object, and may also be independent of the type and format of the media object. The media object may be an image, and the media processing function may include an image processing function performed on a GPU.
US08358310B2
A method for use in animation includes establishing a model having a plurality of bones with muscles attached to the bones, binding skin to the muscles when the model is in a first pose with each vertex of the skin being attached at a first attachment point on a muscle, deforming the model into a second pose, and selecting a second attachment point for each vertex of the skin in the second pose. A storage medium stores a computer program for causing a processor based system to execute these steps, and a system for use in animation includes a processing system configured to execute these steps.
US08358308B2
Various types of data can be collected into a data set and related content and/or related concepts across the data in the data set and/or across search histories can be displayed as a visual representation. The related content/concepts can be presented as a function of incremental revealing of relationships. After reviewing the visual representation, a user can customize the data set and relationships by specifically excluding a related data segment. The visual representation can be applied across multiple searches or other obtained data. Through interaction with the visual representation, a user can drill down into common linkages of the data to more narrowly focus on a subset of the data and/or to refocus a search result and/or to provide annotations.
US08358304B2
The invention relates to method and an apparatus for depth cueing, i.e. improving the sense of depth in two-dimensional images of three-dimensional volume data, said 2D images being generated using volume rendering. The invention is characterized in that a second depth color chart generated from the original color chart by permuting at least two color channels is used in the depth dimension. Alternatively, all three color channels can be permuted.
US08358303B2
Disclosed is a method of searing an address in the octree structure having the same resolution. The method of searching address values of the neighboring cells in the octree structure having the same resolution can include performing address encoding of octree cells by giving an inherent address value that is increased according to a depth level of octree to each cell in the octree structure such that address difference values of neighboring cells in the octree structure has a sequential rule; and searching an address value of a neighboring cell that is in contact by a surface with the selected octree cell by using the sequential rule of the address-encoded address difference value of each octree cell. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to efficiently search address values of neighboring cells that are in contact with an octree cell.
US08358302B2
In various embodiments, virtual universe regions are dynamically generated within a virtual universe based on user requests. Dynamic generation allows virtual universe users or “residents” to create virtual universe regions that are tailored to their desired specifications. Additionally, in some implementations, virtual universe users may have the option to instantly discard or retain a created region after evaluation based on whether the region meets the user's expectations. Furthermore, dynamic generation of regions may increase user satisfaction and provide additional means for revenue generation for the virtual universe administrator and for virtual universe businesses and entrepreneurs.
US08358301B2
A system (1) for producing a depth map of a video sequence comprises a client (C) and a server (S) connected by a network (N). A secondary video sequence (M*) available at the client (C) is derived from a primary video sequence (M) available at the server (S), the primary video sequence (M) having a primary depth map (D). The server comprises a transmission unit for transmitting the primary depth map (D) to the client. The client comprises an alignment unit for aligning the primary depth map (D) with the secondary video sequence (M*) so as to produce alignment information (AI), and a derivation unit for deriving the secondary depth map (D*) from the primary depth map (D) using the alignment information (AI).
US08358290B2
Systems, including handheld computing devices that include system code stored within the memory and adapted to be executed by the processor. The system code can process an input byte stream that is representative of contents to be displayed on the touch sensitive display and can generate a content document file representative of an internal representation of the content.A tool document file may also be stored in the memory and may provide an internal representation of a document providing an image that is representative of a graphical tool. Associated with a tool document can be tool code that is capable of processing the content document file to create an internal representation of the contents that presents the content in a manner that achieves a display effect associated with the tool. The device will also include parsing code that processes the content document file, the tool document file, and the processed internal representation to generate a screen document for display on the touch sensitive display in a manner that portrays the display effect.
US08358284B2
The touch screen panel according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of coupling patterns arranged on a transparent substrate in an island shape, an insulating film formed on the coupling patterns and having contact holes arranged corresponding to end portions of the coupling patterns, and first and second sensing patterns formed on the insulating film. The second sensing pattern includes second sensing cells, and each of the second sensing cells are formed in a region of the insulating film having a pair of adjacent contact holes to be electrically coupled to coupling patterns exposed through the contact holes.
US08358280B2
A method for showing page flip effect when use electronic device enjoy electronic documents, including: when receiving a flip-page instruction, obtain a parameter from a parameter table from a storage unit, the parameter table contains several parameters, each parameter include a first group of coordinates, a content of a flip-page figure and a second group of coordinates; determining a target page according to the flip-page instruction; producing the flip-page figure of the current page according to the first group coordinates and the content; covering a second area of the current page determined by the second group of coordinates with a second area of the target page determined by the second group of coordinates to form a combined page; displaying the combined page. Present invention also provides an electronic device capable of showing a page flip effect.
US08358279B2
The present invention provides a sensation system comprising: a system housing; a haptic switching unit mounted at the system housing and having a haptic actuator for performing a haptic function in response to an electrical signal being inputted; a system control section electrically connected with the haptic switching unit for generating a control signal therefrom to control the haptic switching unit; and a light-emitting section electrically connected with the system control section for emitting light corresponding to each operation of the haptic switching unit in response to the control signal generated from the system control section in cooperation with the haptic switching unit. In addition, the present invention provides a sensation system comprising: a mode unit for performing a preset mode function in response to an electrical signal being inputted; a system control section electrically connected with the mode unit for generating a control signal therefrom to control the mode unit; and a light-emitting section electrically connected with the system control for emitting light corresponding to each operation of the mode unit in response to the control signal generated from the system control section in cooperation with the mode unit.
US08358278B2
An input device includes a scroll unit installed on a case and configured to select a menu, a manipulation unit configured to operate a menu selected by the scroll unit and having a translucent region, and a menu display unit mounted on a rear surface of the manipulation unit and configured to display the menu selected by the scroll unit through the translucent region.
US08358258B1
An active matrix display includes a matrix of pixel elements. The pixel element having multiple operation modes includes a first capacitive element, a first transistor having a semiconductor channel, and a light-emitting element. The first terminal of the semiconductor channel of the first transistor is electrically connected to a first terminal of the first capacitive element. The light-emitting element is operationally coupled to the first transistor such that light emitted from the light-emitting element depends upon a voltage difference between the gate of the first transistor and a first terminal of the semiconductor channel of the first transistor at least during one operation mode.
US08358257B2
An operating system for estimating thermal property of a light emitting device to operate the light emitting device, and an operating method thereof are disclosed. The operating system of a light emitting device includes a light emitting device package and a driving unit to drive the light emitting device package at frequency equal to or higher than 100 Hz.
US08358252B2
An antenna includes: a dipole antenna; and a parasitic element arranged in parallel to the dipole antenna and having a linear structure and a meander structure, wherein a directivity and a return loss of the dipole antenna are controlled by setting a distance between the dipole antenna and the parasitic element and a shape and size of the meander structure.
US08358243B2
Methods and apparatuses are provided for use by devices within a wireless communication network to request and/or provide sensitivity assistance information signals associated with one or more Satellite Positioning Systems (SPSs).
US08358239B2
An iterative clutter calibration method comprises measuring an average of a sidelobe power in a range-Doppler image for a plurality of ranges. A determined value of an objective function is responsive to an average of the sidelobe clutter power. A plurality of beamformer weights is modified and the step of determining the value of the objective function is repeated until a maximum value of the objective function is determined. Each beamformer weight determines a gain and phase of a respective antenna element in an antenna system.
US08358238B1
A hostile missile is identified as being of a type which maneuvers aerodynamically within the atmosphere when it performs an exoatmospheric maneuver which significantly changes its specific energy. When the determination is made that the hostile missile is an atmospheric maneuvering missile, the hostile missile is engaged with an interceptor which is guided toward a predicted intercept point (PIP) assuming horizontal hostile missile flight at an altitude above a specified minimum altitude.
US08358233B2
A process is provided for analyzing a radar signal using CLEAN to identify an undetected target in sidelobes of a detected target. The process includes obtaining system impulse response data of a waveform for a point target having a signal data vector based on a convolution under conjugate transpose multiplied by a target amplitude vector plus a noise vector, estimating the target amplitude vector, and applying a CLEAN Deconvolver to remove the detected target from the data signal vector based on the estimate amplitude vector absent the detected target and an amplitude vector of an undetected target. The process further includes building a detected target vector with the amplitude estimate vector, setting to zero all elements of the detected target vector except at an initial time, and recomputing the amplitude estimate vector by a Reformulated CLEAN Detector.
US08358228B2
A process allows for the modification of the least-means-square (LMS) algorithm to remove perturbations associated with measured signals in an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The process includes measuring the perturbations and determining a coefficient associated with the perturbations. The LMS algorithm is modified in accordance with whether a digital or an analog correction of the inter-stage error of a residue amplifier on the ADC is to be made.
US08358227B2
A method of encoding data related to voltages for each of a plurality of battery cells for transmission in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of generating a plurality of voltage groups, and generating a validity measure for each of the plurality of voltage groups. Each of the plurality of voltage groups comprises the voltages for a different combination of the plurality of battery cells.
US08358216B2
Various embodiments disclose a liquid level detecting device and method, which comprises: a control unit configured to output control instructions corresponding to environmental information according to the environmental information of a location of a sampling needle; an amplifying unit configured to set a gain according to the control instructions; a converting unit configured to receive and convert a capacitance signal from the sampling needle to a voltage signal; the amplifying unit receives the voltage signal and amplifies the voltage signal according to the gain; the control unit receives the amplified voltage signal and compares the amplified voltage signals with a preset voltage threshold to determine whether the sampling needle contacts the liquid level. Some embodiments further disclose a sample application system. Various embodiments consider both sensitivity and reliability of a detection system and is adaptable to various detection environments.
US08358214B2
Systems and methods are discussed for providing sensor enhanced safety, recovery, and activity evaluation systems. Sensors that monitor user activity and behavior are worn by a user and/or placed in the user environment. Data from the sensors are processed to obtain a safety, recovery, and/or activity evaluation. Based on the evaluation, recommendations or adjustments to the terms of an insurance policy covering the user, the user's employer, or a facility providing health care to the user to accurately reflect the risks associated with the user, employer, and/or facility.
US08358209B2
Techniques for detecting RFID tags in electronic article surveillance systems using frequency mixing
Disclosed are a system and method to detect RFID tags in electronic article surveillance systems using frequency mixing. The system includes an RFID module that includes an energy coupler to receive transmitted energy that includes a first signal at a first frequency and a second signal at a second frequency, and a mixing element to mix the first and second signals, to generate a third signal at a third frequency, and the energy coupler to transmit the third signal to an EAS detection system. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08358208B2
In an embodiment, a method for sensing a body includes measuring an impedance of a body occupying a seat over a plurality of frequencies and comparing the measured impedance of the body with a predefined body model. The method also includes determining whether the predefined body model corresponds to the measured impedance of the body.
US08358202B2
It is an object to provide a highly reliable semiconductor device which operates normally even when a communication distance is extremely short. A semiconductor device which transmits/receives data by wireless communication includes a comparison circuit which compares electric power supplied form outside with electric power serving as a reference; a bias circuit portion which outputs a protection signal and a modulation signal in accordance with output of the comparison circuit; and a protection/modulation circuit which performs protection to prevent degradation and breakdown of elements of the semiconductor device and modulation to transmit data, with one circuit.
US08358197B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for sending a code from a mesh network key and wirelessly communicating the code with one or more mesh network appliances over a mesh network such as ZigBee; receiving the code over the mesh network by a mesh network lock controller; and providing access to the secured area upon authenticating the code.
US08358193B2
A planar inductor device includes a ferrite body and a conductive pathway, The ferrite body extends around an opening in the ferrite body. The conductive pathway includes an input section, a current-splitting section, a coil section, a current-combining section, and an output section connected with each other, the input section extending toward the opening in the ferrite body. The current-splitting section includes a plurality of conductive coils joined with the conductive pathway and electrically disposed parallel to each other. The coil section includes the conductive coils helically wrapped around the ferrite body. The current-combining section includes the conductive coils joined with each other. The output section includes the joined conductive coils extending out of the ferrite body.
US08358192B2
A symmetrical inductor includes an integrated circuit having a plurality of conductive layers. A first loop is disposed in an upper layer of the conductive layers, and at least two strapped loops are disposed in at least two layers of the conductive layers, respectively. The strapped loops are coupled in series to the first loop, and the at least two layers are below the upper layer. A second loop is disposed in the upper layer and is coupled in series to the at least two strapped loops. A first terminal electrode is coupled to the first loop, and a second terminal electrode is coupled to the second loop. A center-tap electrode is coupled to the at least two strapped loops.
US08358188B2
An electronic module for a trip device has been optimised so as to integrate the known functionalities, in particular threshold parameter setting, current measurements, voltage taps, read-out display and communication. An electromagnetic actuator is further present in the electronic module to optimise breaking of the associated circuit breaker. The space occupation constraints inherent to location of the trip device in existing switchgear units have been respected.
US08358186B1
Slide screw impedance tuners use resonant probes in order to avoid uncontrollable reflection factors at harmonic frequencies in high power load pull transistor testing. The tuners use either coaxial slotted airlines or slablines. The probes are coupled capacitively with the central conductor of the airline and are either slotted with associated spring loaded effect for better galvanic ground contact, or solid dielectrically coated or anodized and carefully machined for slide fitting into the slabline opening or the coaxial line slot, for capacitive contact with the ground plane. The probes allow for selective reflection behavior over a given frequency range, which does not include unwanted frequencies, such as harmonic or sub-harmonic frequencies.
US08358181B2
Disclosed is a substrate attenuator circuit having a thin, long conductive pattern with a plurality of bends on a substrate, with heat generation per unit area reduced to a small amount even at a low attenuation level. A linear conductive pattern configured to have a plurality of bends on a substrate is provided with output terminals at n portions thereof. The conductive pattern has a larger line width at a first stage conductive pattern portion defined in a portion from an input terminal to m output terminals (m
US08358176B2
A microwave generator has a resonator with two mutually spaced resonator electrodes. The resonator electrodes provide a spark gap device which breaks down upon the application of a firing voltage between them. The spark gap device has at least two parallel-connected spark gaps.
US08358169B2
The presently invention is directed to ways to measure distortion effects while allowing for the possibility of significant reduction in test cost. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for amplifier distortion measurement including comparing a first amplitude response of an output signal from a power amplifier to a second amplitude response of a reference input signal to determine a set of Amplitude-to-Amplitude (“AM-AM”) distortion values. Additionally, the method for amplifier distortion measurement includes equalizing the first amplitude response of the output signal to match the second amplitude response of the reference input signal based on the set of AM-AM distortion values and creating a difference signal based on a comparison of the equalized output signal to the reference input signal. Furthermore, the method for amplifier distortion measurement includes calculating a set of Amplitude-to-Phase (“AM-PM”) distortion values based on a third amplitude response of the difference signal.
US08358168B2
A charge pump regulator has a charge pump to establish a charge path and a discharge path alternately, so as to produce a regulated voltage on an output terminal. The charge pump has at least a current control element on the charge path or the discharge path to control the current flowing therethrough according to an output-dependent feedback signal.
US08358161B2
An input circuit comprises a buffer enable signal generating circuit for generating a buffer enable signal having an predetermined enable period in response to an external command, and a buffer circuit for buffering and outputting the external command and an external address signal in response to the buffer enable signal.
US08358156B1
In one embodiment of the invention, a voltage-mode line driver circuit is provided for transmitting a differential signal. The voltage-mode line driver includes a first voltage swing circuit having an input coupled to receive an input signal and an output coupled to a first transmission line. A second voltage swing circuit is included, the second voltage swing circuit having an input coupled to receive an inversion of the input signal and an output coupled to a second transmission line. First and second pre-emphasis circuits are respectively coupled to the first and second voltage swing circuits. The first and second pre-emphasis circuits are configured to supplement the slew rate of respective first and second voltage swing circuits in response to a transition of the input signal.
US08358147B2
A method of testing integrated circuits is provided. The method includes establishing at least one first physical communication channel between a test equipment and a respective group of integrated circuits under test by having probes of the test equipment contacting at least one corresponding physical contact terminal of each integrated circuit of the respective group. The method further includes having the test equipment exchanging, over the at least one first physical communication channel, the same test stimuli with each integrated circuit of the group. The method still further includes having each integrated circuit of the group establishing a corresponding second physical communication channel with the test equipment by having at least one physical contact terminal of the integrated circuit contacted by a corresponding probe of the test equipment. The method further includes having each integrated circuit of the group exchanging, over the second physical communication channel, a corresponding test response signal based on the received test stimuli with the test equipment. The test stimuli are exchanged by modulating at least one first carrier wave based on the test stimuli; the at least one first carrier wave has at least one first frequency. The test response signals of each integrated circuit of the group are exchanged by modulating at least one respective second carrier wave based on the test response signals; each second carrier wave have at least one respective second frequency.
US08358146B2
A CIS test probe card with an optic assembly is disclosed. At least one embodiment relates to the optic assembly being located close to the CIS test probe card to collimate a light before it is projected through the CIS test probe card to the wafer. At least one embodiment relates to a change in the geometric configuration of the hole(s) and the probe(s) in the CIS test probe card. Small holes corresponding to the CIS chips in a one-on-one fashion can be implemented, such that each small hole is located over a corresponding CIS chip.
US08358143B2
One or more embodiments are directed to a resistance bridge measurement circuit configured to perform an internal self-check. The resistance bridge measurement circuit may include two or more internal resistors. In one embodiment, the resistance bridge measurement circuit may be configured to measure a first voltage across one of the resistors and a second voltage across a combination of the two resistors. The measured voltages may be converted to a resistance ratio and compared to an expected value. In another embodiment, the resistance bridge measurement circuit may be configured to measure a third voltage across the other of the two resistors and a fourth voltage across a combination of the two resistors. The measured voltages may be converted to corresponding resistance ratios, summed and compared to an expected value.
US08358138B2
PDs that can be supplied through the LAN line are discriminated from PDs that cannot be so supplied as a function of the resistance of the supply line and of the voltage drop caused by nonlinear elements in series therewith. The values of these two parameters are estimated by applying two distinct voltages to the supply terminals of the LAN line and sensing the relative steady-state currents absorbed by the power supply line, and by processing voltage and current values for estimating the resistance of the line and the voltage drop caused by nonlinear elements connected in series therewith.
US08358135B2
A receiver coil tow assembly for geophysical prospecting, comprising: multiple receiver coils, each receiver coil being housed within a respective tubular outer frame section that defines a continuous passageway in which the receiver coil extends, the tubular outer frame sections being connected together to provide a skeletal frame maintaining the receiver coils in a substantially constant position relative to each other; and a tow cable connected to the skeletal frame for towing the frame to conduct a geophysical survey.
US08358132B2
An irradiating coil includes a first ring conductor located on a plane, a second ring conductor having a smaller diameter than a diameter of the first ring conductor and located substantially on the plane of the first ring conductor, a plurality of first line conductors connected the first ring conductor and to the second ring conductor, and an arrangement for making uniform a radio-frequency-pulse that is transmitted by the irradiating coil. The pulse uniforming arrangement includes a diverger which diverges a current flow of the first line conductors.
US08358130B2
In a method and apparatus for the acquisition of measurement data of an examination region of an examination subject (in particular a patient) during continuous travel of the examination region through a magnetic resonance apparatus for the generation of an image data set, the continuous travel is interrupted and resumed at least once. The examination region is moved back by a predeterminable distance counter to the travel direction of the continuous travel before interrupting the continuous travel. Moving the examination region back makes it possible to interrupt and resume an acquisition of measurement data given (otherwise) continuous travel of the examination region, without loss of measurement data. The time during the interruption can be used advantageously for preparation of an acquisition of measurement data in the portion of the examination region of the patient that is to be examined after the interruption of the continuous travel. In particular, during the interruption a patient can be prepared to hold his or her breath for an acquisition of additional measurement data that follows the interruption. The continuous travel can be interrupted arbitrarily often.
US08358129B2
A magnetic coupling-type isolator includes a primary coil configured to generate a first magnetic field in accordance with an input signal, a bias coil configured to generate a second magnetic field in accordance with a bias signal, a first magneto-resistive element having a magnetic resistance increased by the first magnetic field and decreased by the second magnetic field, a second magneto-resistive element having a magnetic resistance decreased by the first magnetic field and increased by the second magnetic field, and a comparator configured to output an output signal in accordance with a difference between the magnetic resistance of the first magneto-resistive element and the magnetic resistance of the second magneto-resistive element.
US08358128B2
A surgical navigation system having one or more magnetoresistance sensors, where the sensors have the noise and dynamic range appropriate for electromagnetic position and orientation tracking. The surgical navigation system comprising at least one magnetoresistance reference sensor rigidly attached to an anatomical reference of a patient, at least one magnetoresistance sensor attached to at least one device, and at least one processor for determining the position and orientation of the at least one device.
US08358125B2
In a method for determining geometrical characteristics (d) of an anomaly (12) which changes the electrical conductivity in the region near the surface of an electrically conducting, in particular a metallic test object (10), a considerable simplification is achieved in that, in the region of the anomaly (12) in the test object (10), eddy currents (13, 14) of different frequencies are excited, and the magnetic field (By,0), which is produced by the excited eddy currents, is scanned in the vicinity of the anomaly (12) and the geometric characteristics of the anomaly are exclusively deduced from the distribution of the magnetic field (By,0).
US08358120B2
A method for determining a presence of live 3-phase electrical lines inside a buried pipe or conduit from outside the pipe or conduit and preferably from an above ground location. A sensor suitable for detecting vibratory signals is placed on the ground proximate the location of the buried pipe. The sensor is then used to determine the presence of a current frequency signal and a current harmonic frequency signal, whereby presence of the current frequency signal and/or the current harmonic frequency signal corresponds to a presence of a live 3-phase electrical line within the buried pipe or conduit. Although intended primarily for use in connection with buried pipes, the method may also be employed on exposed pipes and conduits.
US08358115B2
A voltage regulator includes a first phase power stage, a second phase power stage, and a controller. The first phase power stage includes a zero cross detection circuit configured to measure a current level for the first phase power stage, and to cause a diode emulation state in the first phase power stage when the current level is substantially equal to zero. The second phase power stage is in communication with the zero cross detection circuit, and configured to enter the diode emulation state in response to receiving a signal from the zero cross detection circuit. The controller is coupled to the first phase power stage and to the second phase power stage. The controller is configured to measure an output current of the voltage regulator and to activate the second phase power stage when the output current is above a first threshold current level.
US08358114B1
A hysteretic voltage regulator is disclosed comprising an inductor having a first end and a second end, wherein the second end is connected to an output capacitor in shunt with a load. A switch connects the first end of the inductor to a supply voltage when an output voltage across the load falls below a reference voltage, and disconnects the first end of the inductor from the supply voltage when a current flowing through the output capacitor rises above a reference current.
US08358109B2
A capacitor device and associated method having a housing made of a material that is folded to form a cavity sized to contain an electrolyte and electrode package. The material has a substrate and a film attached to the substrate. Respective portions of the film that are folded against each other are fused together to form a first seal that in cooperation with a folded edge of the material seals the cavity. The capacitor also has a second seal attached to the housing and to the first seal that seals the cavity.
US08358103B2
Several methods and systems to perform automatic coupling of an alternating current power source and an inductive power apparatus to charge a target device battery are disclosed. In an embodiment, an inductive battery charging system includes a connection module to determine when a target device is coupled to a charging apparatus comprised of an inductive power apparatus. The system further includes a monitoring module to determine when a target device battery is below a charging threshold while using power from a supplemental power source. In addition, the system includes an activation module to automatically couple the inductive power apparatus and an alternating current power source when a power level of the target device battery is below the charging threshold.
US08358101B2
A charging system for use in charging a battery includes an elongate handle with a working length sufficient to reach a battery that is out of reach of a user. The charging system includes a charging apparatus coupled to the elongate handle. A head member is configured to mechanically engage with and electrically connect to a battery unit and also mechanically disengage and electrically disconnect from the battery unit by manually grasping and applying mechanical force to the elongate handle. The charging system also includes a power supply configured to provide electrical power to the charging apparatus. The charging system can be used to recharge the battery of a wall or ceiling mounted device (e.g., a battery powered lighting device) that is out of reach of the user without having to remove the device or use a ladder to reach the device.
US08358099B2
The electric power system is provided with a main module 10 having a switching device 17, and a sub-module 20. The output-side of the sub-module 20 sub-reverse current protection diode 24 is connected to a connection point CP between the main module 10 main reverse current protection diode 14 and the switching device 17 to allow power to be supplied to the load from the sub-battery pack 21 through the sub-reverse current protection diode 24 and the switching device 17. The main module 10 main control circuit 13 controls the switching device 17 ON and OFF to supply power from both the main module 10 main battery pack 11 and the sub-module 20 sub-battery pack 21 to light an illumination source 3.
US08358083B2
A system and method including self oscillating feedback for acoustic operation of a discharge lamp. The system includes a ballast configured to receive a modulation input and modulate a lamp power signal in accordance with the modulation input. A photodetector senses the optical output of the lamp to provide an electrical feedback to a feedback circuit. The feedback circuit filters the feedback to couple a portion thereof corresponding to a selected acoustic resonance mode of the lamp to the ballast as the modulation input thereby causing self-oscillation at the selected acoustic resonance mode.
US08358082B2
An apparatus and method for igniting a lamp during a strike mode of an inverter comprising: sequentially controlling a duty cycle sweep and a frequency sweep of driving signals in the inverter to provide an increasing output voltage to the lamp. One embodiment advantageously includes a closed feedback loop to implement the duty cycle sweep and the frequency sweep such that an open lamp voltage is reliably regulated during the strike mode. For example, the closed feedback loop stops the duty cycle sweep or the frequency sweep when the output voltage to the lamp reaches a predetermined threshold and makes adjustments to the duty cycle or frequency the driving signals as needed to keep the output voltage at approximately the predetermined threshold if the lamp has not ignited.
US08358081B2
A lamp assembly including one or more light emitting diode (LED) arrays and a controller circuit to output a current to the one or more LED arrays. Each LED array includes at least one LED and defines a spatial radiation pattern having a first central axis. The lamp assembly also includes a lens array to redirect light received from the one or more LED arrays, a base and a light-transmissive cover. For each one of the one or more LED arrays, the lens array includes a total internal reflection (TIR) lens defining a second central axis aligned with the first central axis of the corresponding LED array. The TIR lens is configured to distribute light received from the LED array from an output face of the TIR lens such that the distributed light defines optical paths that are convergent, divergent or collimated with respect to the second central axis. The base includes a first surface to receive the one or more LED arrays, the controller circuit and the lens array. The base also includes a second surface structured to be removably received by a lamp holder. The light-transmissive cover is attached to the base and disposed over the first surface thereof such that the one or more LED arrays, the controller circuit and the lens array are contained between the cover and the base.
US08358074B2
Embodiments include lighting systems and methods for controlling the activation of daytime running lamps (DRLs). Embodiments of the method include receiving inputs from one or more on-board subsystems, and when the lighting system is set in an automatic control mode and the headlights are deactivated, selectively activating and deactivating the DRLs based on the inputs. Embodiments of the lighting system include DRLs, headlights, and a processing and control subsystem. The processing and control subsystem is adapted to determine whether a DRL activation criteria is met when the lighting system is set in an automatic control mode, to activate the DRLs when the DRL activation criteria is met and the headlights are deactivated, and to deactivate the DRLs when the DRL activation criteria is not met and the headlights are deactivated.
US08358072B2
A circuit arrangement is provided for operating a fluorescent lamp with a first and a second filament, the circuit arrangement including a heater for the first and the second filament, wherein the circuit arrangement furthermore includes: an apparatus for storing at least one threshold value for at least one operational parameter of the fluorescent lamp; an apparatus for determining the value of the at least one operational parameter; and a control apparatus, which is configured to activate the heater for the first and the second filament for a predeterminable period of time in the event of the at least one threshold value for the at least one operational parameter being exceeded by the determined value of the at least one operational parameter.
US08358063B2
Reducing the manufacturing cost of an EL display device and an electronic device furnished with the EL display device is taken as an objective. A textured structure in which projecting portions are formed on the surface of a cathode is used. External stray light is diffusely (irregularly) reflected by the action of the projecting portions when reflected by the surface of the cathode, and therefore a defect in which the face of an observer or the surrounding scenery is reflected in the surface of the cathode can be prevented. This can be completed without using a conventionally necessary high price circular polarizing film, and therefore it is possible to reduce the cost of manufacturing the EL display device.
US08358051B2
A piezoelectric actuator comprises a co-fired stack of piezoelectric elements formed from a piezoelectric material and a plurality of positive internal electrodes interdigitated with a plurality of negative internal electrodes throughout the stack to define active regions of the piezoelectric material which are responsive to a voltage applied across the internal electrodes, in use. An external positive electrode connects with the positive internal electrodes and an external negative electrode connects with the negative internal electrodes. The actuator is characterized in that the stack further comprises means for deliberately creating artificial cracks within the stack at a location at which the artificial cracks do not give rise to a short circuit between the internal electrodes but serve to relieve stresses within the piezoelectric material.
US08358047B2
In accordance with the invention, there are micro-electromechanical devices and methods of fabricating them. An exemplary micro-electromechanical device can include a first dielectric layer; a buried conductive trace disposed over the first dielectric layer, such that the buried conductor trace is electrically connected to an outside power source; a second dielectric layer disposed over the buried conductive trace; at least one conductive electrode disposed over the second dielectric layer and electrically connected to the buried conductive trace; and at least one conductive membrane including membrane anchors disposed over the second dielectric layer, such that the at least one conductive membrane is electrically isolated from the at least one conductive electrode and the buried conductor trace, wherein the at least one conductive electrode is electrically connected to the power source through the buried conductive trace.
US08358044B2
An electrical machine apparatus having magnetic gearing embedded therein includes a moveable rotor having a first magnetic field associated therewith, a stator configured with a plurality of stationary stator windings therein, and a magnetic flux modulator interposed between the moveable rotor and the stator windings. The magnetic flux modulator is configured to transmit torque between the first magnetic field associated with said moveable rotor and a second magnetic field excited by the plurality of stationary stator windings.
US08358040B2
A permanent magnet type electric rotating machine having a high resistance permanent magnet used for the electric rotating machine, the permanent magnet containing a magnetic powder and a fluorine compound, in which the current waveform is controlled for reducing the loss to satisfy a relation: A
US08358038B2
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus includes a cabinet having an outer surface and an inner surface, a plurality of operation button display portions formed on the outer surface of the cabinet, a touchpad which is provided on the inner surface of the cabinet in confrontation with the operation button display portions and configured to detect an input operation of the operation button display portions, a plurality of light sources which are disposed on the inner surface side of the cabinet in confrontation with the operation button display portions and illuminate the respective operation button display portions, a light source controller which is configured to change an illumination state of the light sources for a predetermined time in response to the input operation and thereafter returns the illumination state to an original illumination state.
US08358030B2
A wind turbine apparatus including a shaft, two wind turbines, and a two-piece alternator. The turbines and the alternator are mounted on the shaft. The alternator is located between the turbines. The alternator includes a circular permanent magnet component fixed to the first turbine, and a circular electrical winding component fixed to the second turbine so that, when an effective wind blows in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the first turbine and the circular magnet component will rotate around the shaft in a first direction and the second turbine and the circular winding component will rotate around the shaft in a second direction opposite the first direction, thereby generating electrical energy.
US08358022B2
A hydroelectric power generator system having a plurality of water wheels affixed to a support structure in a stair step formation. At the top of the support structure is a upper water reservoir with a plurality of spouts each having a shut off valve. At the bottom of the support structure is a water basin. When the valves on the spouts are open, water is flowing downward on the water wheels, which causes the water wheels to rotate. The rotational energy from the water wheels are transferred to rotary shafts via a pulley system. The rotational energy from the rotary shafts are transferred to generators using a ring and pinion gear system. The generators convert the rotational energy into electrical energy that is stored.
US08358012B2
Contact via holes are etched in a dielectric material layer overlying a semiconductor layer to expose the topmost surface of the semiconductor layer. The contact via holes are extended into the semiconductor material layer by continuing to etch the semiconductor layer so that a trench having semiconductor sidewalls is formed in the semiconductor material layer. A metal layer is deposited over the dielectric material layer and the sidewalls and bottom surface of the trench. Upon an anneal at an elevated temperature, a metal semiconductor alloy region is formed, which includes a top metal semiconductor alloy portion that includes a cavity therein and a bottom metal semiconductor alloy portion that underlies the cavity and including a horizontal portion. A metal contact via is formed within the cavity so that the top metal semiconductor alloy portion laterally surrounds a bottom portion of a bottom portion of the metal contact via.
US08358009B2
A semiconductor device with a transistor region has a first conductor pattern formed within a multilayer interconnect structure positioned under a signal line and above the transistor region. The first conductor pattern is coupled to ground or a power supply and overlaps the transistor region. The signal line overlaps the first conductor pattern.
US08358008B2
A semiconductor device according to one embodiment includes: a semiconductor substrate; an insulating film provided on the semiconductor substrate and containing a wiring trench; a first catalyst layer provided directly or via another member on side and bottom surfaces of the wiring trench; and a first graphene layer provided in the wiring trench so as to be along the side and bottom surface of the wiring trench, the first graphene layer being provided on the first catalyst layer so as to be in contact with the first catalyst layer.
US08357997B2
According to one embodiment, an organic EL device includes a pixel electrode, an organic layer disposed above the pixel electrode, a counter-electrode disposed above the organic layer, and an oxide layer disposed between the pixel electrode and the organic layer, the oxide layer including a first region formed with a first film thickness over a first area and a second region formed with a second film thickness which is less than the first film thickness, over a second area which is less than the first area.
US08357995B2
A semiconductor element including a substrate and at least one shallow junction formed in the substrate wherein doping atoms are disposed in the shallow junction. A plurality of carbide precipitates and micro-cavities is disposed in the substrate below the at least one shallow junction.
US08357984B2
An array of pixels is formed using a substrate, where each pixel has a substrate having a backside and a frontside that includes metalization layers, a photodiode formed in the substrate, frontside P-wells formed using frontside processing that are adjacent to the photosensitive region, and an N-type region formed in the substrate below the photodiode. The N-type region is formed in a region of the substrate below the photodiode and is formed at least in part in a region of the substrate that is deeper than the depth of the frontside P-wells.
US08357975B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide for the removal of excess carriers from the body of active devices in semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) structures. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an integrated circuit is disclosed. In one step, an active device is formed in an active layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator wafer. In another step, substrate material is removed from a substrate layer disposed on a back side of the SOI wafer. In another step, an insulator material is removed from a back side of the SOI wafer to form an excavated insulator region. In another step, a conductive layer is deposited on the excavated insulator region. Depositing the conductive layer puts it in physical contact with a body of an active device in a first portion of the excavated insulator region. The conductive layer then couples the body to a contact in a second detached portion of the excavated insulator region.
US08357974B2
A semiconductor-on-glass substrate having a relatively stiff (e.g. relatively high Young's modulus of 125 or higher) stiffening layer or layers placed between the silicon film and the glass in order to eliminate the canyons and pin holes that otherwise form in the surface of the transferred silicon film during the ion implantation thin film transfer process. The new stiffening layer may be formed of a material, such as silicon nitride, that also serves as an efficient barrier against penetration of sodium and other harmful impurities from the glass substrate into the silicon film.
US08357967B2
Some embodiments include memory cells that contain floating bodies and diodes. The diodes may be gated diodes having sections doped to a same conductivity type as the floating bodies, and such sections of the gated diodes may be electrically connected to the floating bodies. The floating bodies may be adjacent channel regions, and spaced from the channel regions by a dielectric structure. The dielectric structure of a memory cell may have a first portion between the floating body and the diode, and may have a second portion between the floating body and the channel region. The first portion may be more leaky to charge carriers than the second portion. The diodes may be formed in semiconductor material that is different from a semiconductor material that the channel regions are in. The floating bodies may have bulbous lower regions. Some embodiments include methods of making memory cells.
US08357961B2
An organic EL device includes an array substrate including an insulating substrate and an organic EL element which is disposed above the insulating substrate, a sealing substrate which is disposed on that side of the array substrate, which faces the organic EL element, and is attached to the array substrate, a light sensor which is provided in the array substrate and includes a light-sensing part which receives incident light via the sealing substrate, and a light-shield layer which is disposed between the light sensor and the sealing substrate, and includes an opening portion which is formed right above the light-sensing part of the light sensor.
US08357943B2
A light emitting device includes a first conductive type semiconductor layer, a second conductive type semiconductor layer, and an active layer between the first conductive type semiconductor layer and the second conductive type semiconductor layer; and a plurality of polarizers, wherein a distance between a polarizer and an adjacent polarizer along a first direction is different from the polarizer and an adjacent polarizer in a second direction.
US08357938B2
An organic light-emitting display device that is transparent and prevents distortion of an image transmitted therethrough by preventing light from scattering during image display. The organic light-emitting display device comprises a plurality of pixels, in which each pixel includes a light transmission area, a light emitting area, and a light absorption area. The light transmission area is configured to pass visible light incident thereto. The light absorption is configured to absorb visible light incident thereto.
US08357935B2
In order to solve the above problem, provided is an electronic component having an authentication pattern formed on an exposed surface, in which the authentication pattern includes a base section including a resin and colored particles having a hue that can be identified in the base section, and the colored particles are dispersed so as to form dotted pattern in the base section.
US08357934B2
The disclosure facilitates testing and binning of multiple LED chip or other optoelectronic chip packages fabricated on a single semiconductor wafer. The testing can take place prior to dicing. For example, in one aspect, metallization on the front-side of a semiconductor wafer electrically connects together cathode pads (or anode pads) of adjacent sub-mounts such that the cathode pads (or anode pads) in a given column of sub-mounts are electrically connected together. Likewise, metallization on the back-side of the wafer electrically connects together anode pads (or cathode pads) of adjacent sub-mounts such that the anode pads (or cathode pads) in a given row of sub-mounts are electrically connected together. Probe pads, which can be located one or both sides of the wafer, are electrically connected to respective ones of the rows or columns.
US08357921B2
Field programmable device (FPD) chips with large logic capacity and field programmability that are in-circuit programmable are described. FPDs use small versatile nonvolatile nanotube switches that enable efficient architectures for dense low power and high performance chip implementations and are compatible with low cost CMOS technologies and simple to integrate.
US08357917B2
The invention relates to a method for high resolution visualization of a compound that can be switched by a switching signal from a state of low fluorescence to a state of higher fluorescence, and then revert to the state of low fluorescence. Said switching signal is directed to a spot in a region of a material containing said compound, and an optical signal adapted to lower the probability that said switching signal will successfully switch said compound to said state of higher fluorescence is directed to said spot and shaped to have a minimum in said spot, such that the probability that said switching signal successfully switches said compound is greatest at said minimum. Said spot containing both said switching signal and said optical signal is scanned over said region of said material while monitoring the fluorescence from said compound in said spot to create an image of said region. In some embodiments of the invention a plurality of spots are simultaneously scanned, to reduce the imaging time.
US08357907B2
A method for real-time measurement of a local dose received by a region of a target upon bombardment of the target by an incident beam of hadrons generates at least prompt gamma rays and neutrons. The particles emitted by the target are measured by collimating the region of the target and by placing a detector at a distance L from the region of the target to be measured. The detector is linked to a device for particle energy and time-of-flight measurement, in which the number of prompt gamma rays received by the detector is determined by selecting the recorded events, and a two-directional charged-particle detection system, placed in the beam of incident hadrons before the target, is used so as to obtain the transverse position of the incident hadrons in order to provide spatial information about the prompt gamma rays.
US08357905B2
This invention relates to a method and an apparatus, primarily a radiation imaging apparatus and an array of coded aperture masks, for use in diagnostic nuclear medicine. The coded aperture masks are fitted with radiation attenuation tubes, each of which extends from each side of the mask in the direction of the mask apertures. The tubes are made from lead and have parallel sides. The masks are configured for gamma ray usage and are made from tungsten having a thickness of between 1 and 2 mm.
US08357902B2
An apparatus designed for generating and detecting reflected Terahertz waves using a single pixel Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) or Charge Couple Device (CCD) camera is described. Optical alignment between the components is not necessary since the Terahertz waves can propagate from the source to a collimating lens using a metal wire that can be bent obviating the need to have a clear line of sight from the lens to the source or to the camera. The present invention is well-suited for high traffic physical locations currently under surveillance such as security check points and also venues demanding significantly less obtrusive surveillance such as revolving entry doors, moving walkways, and entry gates for airplanes.
US08357894B2
An improved microcalorimeter-type energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer provides sufficient energy resolution and throughput for practical high spatial resolution x-ray mapping of a sample at low electron beam energies. When used with a dual beam system that provides the capability to etch a layer from the sample, the system can be used for three-dimensional x-ray mapping. A preferred system uses an x-ray optic having a wide-angle opening to increase the fraction of x-rays leaving the sample that impinge on the detector and multiple detectors to avoid pulse pile up.
US08357891B2
The present invention provides a speed detection device comprising: a detected body that includes a plurality of marks arranged along a first direction with intervals therebetween; a detection section that detects intervals of times of appearance of the marks when the detected body relatively moves in the first direction; and a calculation section that calculates a speed of relative movement of the detection section and the detected body on the basis of results of measuring displacements from a reference plane in a second direction, which is orthogonal to the first direction, of locations of the detected body along the first direction and the detected intervals of times of appearance of the marks.
US08357889B2
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to circuits, systems and methods that can be used to detect light beam misalignment, so that compensation for such misalignment can be performed. In accordance with an embodiment, a circuit includes a photo-detector (PD) having a plurality of electrically isolated PD segments. Additionally, the circuit has circuitry, including switches, configured to control how currents indicative of light detected by the plurality of electrically isolated PD segments are arithmetically combined. When the switches are in a first configuration, a signal produced by the circuitry is indicative of vertical light beam alignment. When the switches are in a second configuration, the signal produced by the circuitry is indicative of horizontal light beam alignment. The signals indicative of vertical light beam alignment and horizontal light beam alignment can be used detect light beam misalignment, so that compensation for such misalignment can be performed.
US08357888B2
The present invention relates to a photoelectrical feedback sensing system. A first light signal passes through the sensing apparatus. A second light signal corresponding to a characteristic of a sample within the sensing apparatus is outputted from the sensing apparatus. The first photo detector receives the first light signal and outputs a first electric signal corresponding to the intensity of the first light signal. The second photo detector outputs a second electric signal corresponding to the intensity of the second light signal. A driving signal is generated by the micro-processor to drive the light-emitting unit. The micro-processor receives the second electric signal and converts the second electric signal into a digital signal. The feedback circuit modulates the driving signal for maintaining the optical stability of the first light signal so that the sensing system is less affected by environmental temperature fluctuation and noise interferences.
US08357887B2
A microwavable apparatus capable of keeping food moist is composed of a bottom pan and at least one support frame stacked upon the bottom pan. Each of the at least one support frame includes a vapor release pan and a support member for supporting the vapor release pan up to a predetermined height. When the food is heated in a microwavable oven, the water in the accommodable cavity can pass through the microwave heating to become vapors and then the vapors can be transferred to vents and an internal space of the vapor release pan and finally ejected through the vents. Accordingly, the food put under the vapor release pan can keep moist rather than over-dried due to excessive evaporation of moisture.
US08357880B2
A far infrared ray ceramic flat plate heating module is provided. The far infrared ray ceramic flat plate heating module includes a ceramic heat-generating flat plate, an integrated terminal block for electrical distribution, a metal plate and a metal frame. The ceramic heat-generating flat plate includes a ceramic flat plate, a heat-generating film coated on a surface of the ceramic flat plate, silver paste electrodes configured on and coupled to two opposite sides of the heat-generating film, a first insulating layer coated on the heat-generating film and the silver paste electrodes, a temperature sensor configured by forming a temperature sensing paint layer on the first insulating layer, and a second insulating layer formed on the temperature sensor. The integrated terminal block is secured on the metal plate. The metal frame is disposed surrounding the periphery of the metal plate and the ceramic heat-generating flat plate.
US08357879B2
Example embodiments provide micro-heaters including a heating section, a plurality of connecting sections, and a plurality of support structures. The heating section is on the substrate, separated from the substrate and extended in a longitudinal direction. The plurality of connecting sections are arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the heating section, and extended from two sides of the heating section in a perpendicular direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the heating section. The plurality of support structures are formed between the substrate and the plurality of connecting sections, so as to support the heating section and the plurality of connecting sections from underneath the plurality of connecting sections. Therefore, since the heating section and the plurality of support structures are separated from each other by the plurality of connecting sections, temperature distribution on the heating section is not influenced by the shape of each one of the plurality of support structures. Consequently, temperature distribution on the heating section may be more uniform and power consumption of the micro-heater may decrease.
US08357872B2
A pipe processing apparatus containing a gripping mechanism with bracing rollers, further a drive wheel which is rotationally supported on the pipe processing apparatus and axially parallel to the bracing rollers and is positioned/positionable by its tread at such a site where said tread can make contact with the pipe held by the bracing rollers and can rotate said pipe by static friction; and a drive system to actuate the drive wheel.
US08357865B2
A keypad illumination apparatus having a key plate member, a flexible light guide film, a reflective layer, a plurality of metal domes, a light source and a substrate. The key plate member may have a plurality of keys formed thereon. The flexible light guide film is configured to transmit light from the light source and has a plurality of plunging structures and apertures to accommodate the plurality of metal domes, which may be configured to actuate a plurality of electrical switches on the substrate.
US08357863B1
The present invention provides a push handle switch lampholder push handle switch lampholder that pushes a lower conductive plate to move like a see-saw by pushing a push handle to move back and forth and determines whether or not to pass a current to an upper conductive plate, so as to control the ON or Off of a light emitting element. The invention can reduce the number of components and the total volume while achieving the effects of easily controlling whether or not to light the light emitting element, lowering the manufacturing, warehouse storage and transportation costs, and improving the overall service life of the lampholder.
US08357859B2
Disclosed is an insulating resin sheet laminate (an insulating resin sheet with a film or a metal foil) including an insulating resin layer with a uniform thickness that is formed without repulsion or unevenness in a process of forming the insulating resin layer on a film or a metal foil, and a multi-layer printed circuit board that includes the insulating resin sheet laminate and possesses high insulating reliability. The present invention provides an insulating resin sheet laminate (an insulating resin sheet with a film or a metal foil) obtained by forming an insulating resin layer made of a resin composition on a film or a metal foil, and the resin composition includes an acrylic surfactant.
US08357856B2
The invention relates to an electric conductor (L), made of an electrically conductive material comprising aluminum. The electric conductor is surrounded at least in a region intended for the connection of an electric contact element by a protective layer (3) serving the corrosion protection. The conductive material (2) is formed around a steel wire (1) having a diameter between 0.05 mm and 0.2 mm and a fracture strength of at least 1000 N/mm2 and having such a wall thickness that a conductor (L) having a diameter between 0.10 mm and 0.40 mm is obtained, onto which the protective layer (3) is applied having a thickness of at least 0.5 μm.
US08357851B2
The present disclosure relates to a telecommunications distribution cabinet having a cabinet housing in which a first swing frame and a second swing frame are pivotably mounted.
US08357850B2
A housing includes a first base layer and a second base layer integrally combining with the first base layer. The first base layer is formed by a first injection mold, the first base layer has a first combining surface arranged with ribs. The second base layer combines with the first base layer to form the housing with a second injection mold. The second base layer has a second combining surface combining with the first combining surface. The second combining surface defines recesses to correspondingly receive the ribs.
US08357846B2
A vessel for containing substances includes a body adapted to containing beverages or snacks, a light source, a sound module, activation switches, and a power source. The body may be provided in the shape of a guitar or other musical instrument, and may optionally include a threaded opening for receiving the substances and apertures adapted to receive ends of a strap so the vessel may be worn or otherwise supported. The vessel may further include a closure having an opening adapted to receive a straw or coins. A removable insert may be provided to slide into the opening formed in the body and rest therein.
US08357842B1
A novel maize variety designated X7H291 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 X7H291 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X7H291 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X7H291, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X7H291. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X7H291.
US08357814B2
[Problems] To provide a method of purifying interesterified oils, which is capable of efficiently purifying the interesterified oil through a series of steps effectively solving a problem of decreased oxidation stability of the interesterified oil that is purified and a problem of color tone.[Means for Solution] Water is added and mixed into an interesterified oil of animal/vegetable fat and oil in an amount of 0.30 to 5.0 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the interesterified oil, followed by dehydration. Thereafter, a decolorizing treatment is conducted by adding an adsorbent thereto, and filtration is conducted to remove soaps, an alkali catalyst and the adsorbent contained in the interesterified oil.
US08357809B2
A compound of formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are described herein.
US08357797B2
A method of forming a 3-phenylimino-3H-phenothiazine or a 3-phenylimino-3H-phenoxazine mediator includes providing a first reactant including phenothiazine or phenoxazine, providing a first solvent, providing a second reactant and providing a second solvent. The first reactant, first solvent, second reactant and second solvent are combined to form a reactants solution. Sodium persulfate is added to the reactants solution to couple the first and second reactants resulting in a reaction solution including the 3-phenylimino-3H-phenothiazine or the 3-phenylimino-3H-phenoxazine mediator.
US08357794B2
An isolated polysaccharide has the structure [-β(1,3)-D-GalpNAc-β(1,4)-D-Glcp-]n The polysaccharide may be from a Bifidobacterium strain NCIMB41003. The polysaccharide exhibits immunomodulatory activity.
US08357793B2
This invention provides for labeling reagents, labeled targets and processes for preparing labeling reagents. The labeling reagents can take the form of cyanine dyes, xanthene dyes, porphyrin dyes, coumarin dyes or composite dyes. These labeling reagents are useful for labeling probes or targets, including nucleic acids and proteins. These reagents can be usefully applied to protein and nucleic acid probe based assays. They are also applicable to real-time detection processes.
US08357792B2
A polynucleotide base sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 22, a vector containing the polynucleotide and a method of preparing a small round structure virus (SRSV) virus-like particle in insect cells with vector.
US08357785B2
A method for the aralkylation of anthracyclins by utilizing an aralkylating agent R3—CH2X (for example, BnBr) in accordance with the reaction pathway describe by the scheme shown in FIG. 1. The present invention recognizes that 4-R1, 3′-N3-Daunomycines are suitable substrates for selective 4′-O-benzylation, yielding 4-R1, 3′-N3-4′-O-Aralkyl-Daunorubicines (in particular, 4′-O-Bn-Daunomycines). Thus, the present invention provides a pathway for a simple production of 4′-O-aralkylated derivatives of anthracyclines which can be effectively used to produce anthracyclines.
US08357780B2
The invention relates to anti-IL-1R1 polypeptides and antibody single variable domains (dAbs) that are resistant to degradation by a protease, as well as antagonists comprising these. The polypeptides, dAbs and antagonists are useful for as therapeutics and/or prophylactics that are likely to encounter proteases when administered to a patient, for example for pulmonary administration, oral administration, delivery to the lung and delivery to the GI tract of a patient, as well as for treating inflammatory disease, such as arthritis or COPD.
US08357779B2
The present invention relates to a proteinaceous construct (also designated as polymer-VWF-conjugate) comprising plasmatic and/or recombinant von Willebrand factor (VWF), said VWF being bound to at least one physiologically acceptable polymer molecule, as well as to a complex between said proteinaceous construct and at least one factor VIII (FVIII) protein. The physiologically acceptable polymer molecule can be, for instance, polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysialic acid (PSA). Further the present invention relates to methods for prolonging the in vivo-half-life of VWF or FVIII in the blood of a mammal having a bleeding disorder associated with functional defects of or deficiencies of at least one of FVIII or VWF.
US08357777B2
The invention relates to methods and compositions for causing the selective targeting and killing of tumor cells. The present invention describes prophylactic or therapeutic cancer vaccines based on purified TAA proteins or TAA-derived synthetic peptides altered by chemical, enzymatic or chemo-enzymatic methods to introduce αGal epi topes or αGal glycomimetic epitopes, in order to allow for enhanced opsonization of the antigen by natural anti-αGal antibodies to stimulate TAA capture and presentation, thereby inducing a humoral and cellular immune response to the TAA expressed by a tumor. The animal's immune system thus is stimulated to produce tumor specific cytotoxic cells and antibodies which will attack and kill tumor cells present in the animal.
US08357772B2
Provided is a terminally iodized polyfluoroalkane represented by the general formula: CnF2n+1(CHXCFY)s+p(CF2CF2)t+rI [I] (in the formula, X and Y are each a hydrogen atom or a fluorine atom, wherein when Y is a fluorine atom, X is also a fluorine atom; n is an integer of 1 to 6; s+p is an integer of 1 to 5 and denotes the number of CHXCFY group; and t+r is 0 or an integer of 1 to 6 and denotes the number of tetrafluoroethylene skeleton). The terminally iodized polyfluoroalkane is produced by telomerizing a fluorine-containing olefin CHX═CFY and tetrafluoroethylene, successively, to CnF2n+1I in the presence of a peroxide initiator.
US08357762B2
An organopolysiloxane is prepared by hydrolysis and polycondensation of an organosilicon compound in the presence of a liquid hydrolytic condensation catalyst which is separable. The organopolysiloxane contains a high proportion of cyclic polysiloxanes and has a sharp molecular weight distribution due to minimized monomer and polymer contents.
US08357756B2
Compositions comprising the reaction product of: (a) a polyalkenamer; and (b) an organic modifier that includes at least one carbon to carbon unsaturated bond and at least one functional group selected from carboxyl, hydroxyl, amino, epoxy, (meth)acrylate, vinyl, ester, isocyanate, carbonyl, urethane, anhydride, or a metal salt thereof. Also disclosed are golf balls that include (i) a core, (ii) at least one intermediate layer, and (iii) at least one cover layer, wherein at least one of the core, intermediate layer or cover layer includes the polylalkenamer/functionalized organic modifier composition as a majority ingredient.
US08357752B2
A tinted coating for a hard-surfaced floor, such as a hardwood floor, includes a base component and at least one colorant. The base component comprises an acrylic polymer and water, and the colorant is selected from the group consisting of a tint, a dye, and a pigment. The tinted coating is either a tinted tiecoat or a tinted spray buff. The tinted coating is used to improve the appearance of the hard-surfaced floor.
US08357751B2
A polymer is provided comprising a first pendant group selected from at least one of a perfluorinated ether group or a perfluoroalkanesulfonamido group, a second pendant group comprising an ammonium group, wherein the second pendant group is free of silicon, and a third pendant group comprising an ammonium group and a reactive silicon containing group. A composition comprising the polymer is provided. The polymer and composition are useful for protecting a substrate, for example, to render the substrate oil repellent, water repellent, or both, or to provide stain repellency to the substrate.
US08357734B2
The drying cylinder of a papermachine is provided a creping adhesive coating including a creping adhesive resin composition and a low temperature ionic liquid or a low temperature quasi-ionic liquid, the liquid being characterized by a melting temperature of 100° C. or less as well as low volatility.
US08357732B2
A method of synthesizing hydroxyapatite nanorods, having high purity, high crystallinity and high aspect ratio is disclosed here. In one embodiment, high crystalline hydroxyapatite nanorods with relatively stoichiometric structure are prepared via hydrothermal method at 200° C. and under moderate acidic conditions. The synthesized hydroxyapatite nanorods have a diameter of 30-95 nm, a length of 850-1400 nm with an average aspect ratio of 24, degree of crystallinity of 73% and stoichiometry ratio of 1.69. Further it discloses the use of HAp in dental adhesive. The dental adhesive comprising synthesized HAp shows improved diametral tensile strength and high microshear bond strength. Energy dispersive X-ray mapping confirmed the uniform distribution of nanorods in the adhesive matrix. The synthesized hydroxyapatite nanorods have high colloidal stability in the dental adhesive solution. The nanorods are well dispersed and protected from aggregation by their high surface charges confirmed by zeta potential measurement.
US08357729B2
A conductive toner supply roller and a method of manufacturing the supply roller. The method includes preparing a polyurethane foam, impregnating the polyurethane foam with an impregnation solution including an electroconductive polymer, a binder resin, an electroconductive agent and a solvent, and drying the resulting polyurethane foam, cutting the dried polyurethane foam, and inserting a shaft into the cut polyurethane foam, and polishing an outer surface of the resulting polyurethane foam. The resulting conductive toner supply roller has a low or medium resistance, and may be user in an electrostatic recording apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a copier or the like.
US08357727B2
Olefin polymer-based, durable, open-cell foam compositions, structures and articles derived from same; methods for preparation of such foams; and use of the dry durable foams in various applications are disclosed. Further described is use of the foams and structures and articles made of same in absorption, filtration, insulation, cushioning and backing applications, and in particular for odor removal, hygiene and medical applications due to, among other properties, good absorption capabilities, softness and/or flexibility of the foams and their recyclable nature.
US08357711B2
The invention is directed to compounds of the formula in which R5, R6 B and Z are defined supra.
US08357706B2
Compounds that selectively modulate the sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor are provided including compounds which modulate subtype 1 of the S1P receptor. Methods of chiral synthesis of such compounds is provided. Uses, methods of treatment or prevention and methods of preparing inventive compositions including inventive compounds are provided in connection with the treatment or prevention of diseases, malconditions, and disorders for which modulation of the sphingosine 1 phosphate receptor is medically indicated.
US08357705B2
The invention relates to compounds that have an affinity to the μ-opioid receptor and the ORL 1-receptor, methods for their production, medications containing these compounds and the use of these compounds for the treatment of pain or other conditions.
US08357703B2
The present invention is concerned with novel isoxazoles of formula I wherein X, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as described herein, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. The active compounds of the present invention have affinity and selectivity for GABA A α5 receptor. Further the present invention is concerned with the manufacture of the active compounds of formula I, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as therapeutics.
US08357702B2
Bicyclic derivatives useful as ion channel antagonists are disclosed herein. The compositions thereof are useful for treating or relieving pain-related conditions.
US08357698B2
The invention relates to diacyl indazole derivatives of general formulae (I) or (II) and to the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: Wherein X, R1 and R2 are as defined herein. The invention also relates to the use of these compounds to treat diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic disorders.
US08357683B2
One aspect of the invention relates to inhibitors that preferentially inhibit immunoproteasome activity over constitutive proteasome activity. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of immune related diseases, comprising administering a compound of the invention. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to the treatment of cancer, comprising administering a compound of the invention.
US08357680B2
A method of screening a compound having a hypoglycemic effect (hereinafter referred to as “hypoglycemic compound”), a remedy for diabetes which contains a compound having a novel function mechanism, etc. More specifically speaking, a method of screening a hypoglycemic compound capable of binding to the β subunit of a trimeric GTP-binding protein, a remedy for diabetes comprising a hypoglycemic compound, which is characterized by being capable of binding to the β subunit of a trimeric GTP-binding protein, as the active ingredient, etc.
US08357670B2
Oligonucleotides directed against the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) gene are provided for modulating the expression of HIF-1α. The compositions comprise oligonucleotides, particularly antisense oligonucleotides, targeted to nucleic acids encoding the HIF-1α. Methods of using these compounds for modulation of HIF-1α expression and for the treatment of diseases associated with the hypoxia-inducible factor-1α are provided. Examples of diseases are cancer and pre-eclampsia. The oligonucleotides may be composed of deoxyribonucleosides, a nucleic acid analogue, or Locked Nucleic Acid (LNA) or a combination thereof.
US08357666B2
The invention relate to methods, compositions, and kits for reprogramming a cell. In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for inducing the expression of at least one gene that contributes to a cell being pluripotent or multipotent. In yet another embodiment, the method comprises inhibiting the expression of a gene that codes for a protein involved in transcriptional repression. In yet another embodiment, the invention relates to a reprogrammed cell or an enriched population of reprogrammed cells that can have characteristics of an ES-like cell, which can be re- or trans-differentiated into a differentiated cell type.
US08357661B2
The present invention relates recombinant human α1-antitrypsin (rhAAT) comprising N-linked glycans, wherein at least 10% of said N-linked glycans are tetra-antennary glycans; and the degree of capping with sialic acid on said N-linked glycans (Z/A) is at least 50%. The invention further relates to rhAAT for use as a medicament, in particular for use in the prevention and/or treatment of a disease associated with AAT deficiency, and/or a disease involving neutrophil-mediated tissue damage.
US08357653B2
Systems and methods are described providing therapeutic preparations of tachykinins, and more specifically sialokinins, for treating various types of abnormal cellular proliferation conditions in regions of tissue associated with the body of a patient. The sialokinins may be isolated and purified from natural or bioengineered sources, or may be synthesized, and may be combined into, with, or on an implant for local elution or otherwise as a powder mixed in a carrier vehicle for injection delivery. Tumors, warts, and restenosis are abnormal cellular proliferation conditions treated by therapeutic doses of sialokinin. Size of the tissue structure to be treated is used to determine the therapeutic dose of sialokinin. The sialokinins are either locally or systemically delivered at therapeutic doses for the desired effect. Implants such as stents are coated with sialokinins for local elution at the site of injury or tissue otherwise vulnerable to harmful conditions treated by the sialokinin.
US08357652B2
Fibrillar human serum albumin was shown to be effective in the treatment of various types of cancers. Methods and compositions are disclosed for using fibrillar human serum albumin as a medicament to treat subjects having cancer.
US08357650B2
A particle comprising an aminocarboxylic builder and sulphate or citrate wherein the aminocarboxylic builder and the sulphate or citrate are present in a weight ratio of from about 6:1 to about 1:1.
US08357648B2
According to the present invention there is provided a pearlescent unitary dose composition comprising a water-soluble film encapsulating a liquid treatment composition suitable for use as a laundry or hard surface cleaning composition having turbidity of greater than 5 and less than 3000 NTU, the composition comprising a pearlescent agent and from 2% to 15% by weight of the composition of water.
US08357645B2
The present invention relates to semi-rigid gels, methods of manufacture and uses thereof.
US08357636B2
The present invention generally relates to a process for preparing the alkoxylated alkylamines and/or alkyl ether amines. The process consists of three stages, and utilizes an alkali catalyst. The alkoxylated alkyl amines and alkoxylated alkyl ether amines prepared by the process possess the peaked distribution and contain less hazardous by-product.
US08357626B2
There is provided an oxygen storage/release material using a rare earth oxysulfate or oxysulfide, which has a high oxygen storage/release capacity even at lower temperatures. The oxygen storage/release material of the present invention comprises a compound consisting of Pr2O2SO4 and/or Pr2O2S and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Rh and Fe supported thereon.
US08357621B2
A method of imparting soil resistance to a substrate comprising applying to the substrate a composition comprising a) a polyfluoro organic compound having at least one urethane or urea, b) 1,3-propanediol, and c) a surfactant, the soil resist composition having freeze thaw stability.
US08357615B2
The present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: a process vessel including a stage on which a substrate is placed, the substrate having a low dielectric constant film with a resist pattern being formed in an upper layer of the low dielectric constant film; an etching-gas supply unit that supplies an etching gas into the process vessel so as to etch the low dielectric constant film; an ashing-gas unit means that supplies an ashing gas into the process vessel so as to ash the resist pattern formed in the upper layer of the low dielectric constant film after the low dielectric constant film has been subjected to an etching process; a plasma generating means that generates a plasma by supplying an energy to the etching gas and the ashing gas in the process vessel; a unit that supplies a dipivaloylmethane gas into the process vessel, after the low dielectric constant film has been subjected to an ashing process, in order to recover a damage layer of the low dielectric constant film which has been damaged by the plasma; and a heating unit that enables the dipivaloylmethane gas to come into contact with a surface of the substrate under a heated condition.
US08357601B2
Disclosed are methods and devices depicting fabrication of non-planar access devices having fins and narrow trenches, among which is a method that includes wet etching a conductor to form a recessed region and subsequently etching the conductor to form gates on the fins. The wet etching may include formation of recesses which are may be backfilled with a fill material to form spacers on the conductor. In some embodiments, portions of a plug may be removed during the wet etch to form overhanging spacers to provide further protection of the conductor during the dry etch.
US08357600B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided, the method includes forming a plug conductive layer over an entire surface of a substrate, etching the plug conductive layer to form landing plugs, etching the substrate between the landing plugs to form a trench, forming a gate insulation layer over a surface of the trench and forming a buried gate partially filling the trench over the gate insulation layer.
US08357599B2
A method of processing a microfeature workpiece generally includes depositing a first conducting layer, at least partially reducing oxides on the first conducting layer to provide a reduced first conducting layer, and exposing the reduced first conducting layer to a substantially oxygen-free environment to provide a passivated first conducting layer. A microfeature workpiece generally includes a first conducting layer, a monolayer directly on the first conducting layer, and a second conducting layer.
US08357598B2
The present invention provides an antenna with low resistance and a semiconductor device having an antenna whose communication distance is improved. A fluid containing conductive particles is applied over an object. After curing the fluid containing the conductive particles, the fluid is irradiated with a laser to form an antenna. As a method for applying the fluid containing the conductive particles, screen printing, spin coating, dipping, or a droplet discharging method is used. Further, a solid laser having a wavelength of 1 nm or more and 380 nm or less is used as the laser.
US08357578B2
A semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The method for manufacturing the semiconductor device forms a recess gate region on a semiconductor substrate, forms an isolation layer isolated from the recess gate region using a high-temperature thermal process, and guarantees a larger channel region by filling the isolation layer with a gate electrode material, so that a cell current is increased and on/off characteristics of a transistor are improved.
US08357564B2
A prefabricated multi-die leadframe having a plurality of contact pads is mounted over a temporary carrier. A first semiconductor die is mounted over the carrier between the contact pads of the leadframe. A second semiconductor die is mounted over the contact pads of the leadframe and over the first die. An encapsulant is deposited over the leadframe and first and second die. The carrier is removed. A first interconnect structure is formed over the leadframe and the first die and a first surface of the encapsulant. A channel is cut through the encapsulant and leadframe to separate the contact pads. A plurality of conductive vias can be formed through the encapsulant. A second interconnect structure is formed over a second surface of the encapsulant opposite the first surface of the encapsulant. The second interconnect structure is electrically connected to the conductive vias.
US08357560B2
A package of a micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) device includes a cap wafer, a plurality of bonding bumps formed over the cap wafer, a plurality of array bumps arrayed on an outer side of the bonding bumps, and an MEMS device wafer over which a plurality of first outer pads are formed corresponding to the array bumps, wherein the array bumps are bonded to the respective outer pads when the cap wafer and the MEMS device wafer are bonded together.
US08357558B2
A method of making a semiconductor light-emitting device involves the steps of selecting at least one tilt angle for a primary surface of a substrate to evaluate the direction of piezoelectric polarization in a light-emitting layer, the substrate comprising a group III nitride semiconductor; preparing a substrate having the primary surface, the primary surface having the selected tilt angle, and the primary surface comprising the group III nitride semiconductor; forming a quantum well structure and p- and n-type gallium nitride semiconductor layers for the light-emitting layer at the selected tilt angle to prepare a substrate product; measuring photoluminescence of the substrate product while applying a bias to the substrate product, to determine bias dependence of the photoluminescence; evaluating the direction of the piezoelectric polarization in the light-emitting layer at the selected tilt angle on the primary surface of the substrate by the determined bias dependence; determining which of the primary surface or the back surface of the substrate is to be used, based on the evaluation to select a plane orientation of a growth substrate for making the semiconductor light-emitting device; and forming a semiconductor laminate for the semiconductor light-emitting device on the primary surface of the growth substrate. The tilt angle is defined by the primary surface of the substrate and the (0001) plane of the group III nitride semiconductor. Each of the well layer and the barrier layer of the light-emitting layer extends along a reference plane tilting from a plane perpendicular to a reference axis extending along the c-axis of the group III nitride semiconductor.
US08357557B2
One aspect of the present invention provides a semiconductor light-emitting device improved in luminance, and also provides a process for production thereof. The process comprises a procedure of forming a relief structure on the light-extraction surface of the device by use of a self-assembled film. In that procedure, the light-extraction surface is partly covered with a protective film so as to protect an area for an electrode to be formed therein. The electrode is then finally formed there after the procedure. The process thus reduces the area incapable, due to thickness of the electrode, of being provided with the relief structure. Between the electrode and the light-extraction surface, a contact layer is formed so as to establish ohmic contact between them.
US08357556B2
A method and apparatus are provided for protecting a semiconductor device from damage. The method may include the steps of providing an active semiconductor device on a surface of a semiconductor substrate where the active device is surrounded by an inactive semiconductor area, and providing a soft metallic guard element in the inactive semiconductor area around at least a portion of the periphery of the active device wherein the metallic guard element is connected to ground potential and not to the active device.
US08357551B2
A method of manufacturing a light emitting device is provided which requires low cost, is easy, and has high throughput. The method of manufacturing a light emitting device is characterized in that: a solution containing a light emitting material is ejected to an anode or cathode under reduced pressure; a solvent in the solution is volatilized until the solution reaches the anode or cathode; and the remaining light emitting material is deposited on the anode or cathode to form a light emitting layer. A burning step for reduction in film thickness is not required after the solution application. Therefore, the manufacturing method, which requires low cost and is easy but which has high throughput, can be provided.
US08357550B2
A method for manufacturing a sensor device (100; 200; 300; 400) comprising a thermal sensor (23), a battery (33), an antenna (34), an electronic circuitry (22) and a solar cell (43) together integrally in one semiconductor carrier (10), the method comprising the steps of:—providing a silicon wafer (10) with two main surfaces (11, 12); a first functional layer (20) is manufactured in one main surface (11), comprising a thermal sensor portion (21) and comprising electronic circuitry (22) arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with the thermal sensor portion; a second functional layer (30) containing a battery (33) and an antenna (34) is arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with the thermal sensor portion; a third functional layer (40) containing one or more solar cells (43) is arranged in a non-overlapping relationship with the thermal sensor portion; the portion of the wafer underneath the thermal sensor portion (21) is removed.
US08357547B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor bio-sensor comprises providing a substrate, forming a first dielectric layer on the substrate, forming a patterned first conductive layer on the first dielectric layer, the patterned first conductive layer including a first portion and a pair of second portions, forming a second dielectric layer, a third dielectric layer and a fourth dielectric layer in sequence over the patterned first conductive layer, forming cavities into the fourth dielectric layer, forming vias through the cavities, exposing the second portions of the patterned first conductive layer, forming a patterned second conductive layer on the fourth dielectric layer, forming a passivation layer on the patterned second conductive layer, forming an opening to expose a portion of the third dielectric layer over the first portion of the patterned first conductive layer, and forming a chamber through the opening.
US08357546B2
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to ferromagnetic microdisks, methods of detecting target bioanalyte using ferromagnetic microdisks, and kits (such as for using in the laboratory setting) containing the reagents necessary to make, and/or use ferromagnetic microdisks for bioanalyte detection, depending on the user's planned application. The methods and products allow the fabrication of ferromagnetic microdisks, and their use in the detection of biological molecules with high sensitivity, little or no signal decay, improved safety, convenience, and lowered cost for use and disposal.
US08357544B2
The present invention relates to a method for classifying a liquid (1) in a known pipetting system for this liquid (1), the method being characterized in that the changes of a selected, measurable, and physically founded virtual parameter are detected as a data set typical for this liquid (1); this typical data set of the selected virtual parameter is compared to corresponding data sets of known liquids, and the liquid (1) is classified on the basis of this comparison. An especially preferred method and a device for classifying a liquid (1) relate to a device which comprises a fluid chamber (2), to which a measuring chamber (3) is connected, whose internal pressure is monitored using a pressure transducer (4). At least a first part (5) of this fluid chamber (2) may be brought into fluid connection with a sample (6) of this liquid (1).
US08357541B2
Rapid, animal protein free, chromatographic processes and systems for obtaining high potency, high yield botulinum neurotoxin for research, therapeutic and cosmetic use.
US08357539B2
An activated partial thromboplastin time measuring reagent, including a first reagent containing a phospholipid and an activator and a second reagent containing a herparin neutralizer and a calcium salt is disclosed. An activated partial thromboplastin time measuring method, and a determination method for determining a presence or absence of a blood coagulation inhibitor are also disclosed.
US08357538B2
An automated assay processing method including transferring a first number of samples from respective sample containers to a first intermediary vessel, determining the testing adequacy of a second number of samples in a second intermediary vessel, preparing a third number of samples in a third intermediary vessel for downstream testing; and transferring a fourth number of samples from a fourth intermediary vessel to an output sample tray. These steps are all performed essentially simultaneously within the duration of a single clock cycle and are repeated during one or more subsequent clock cycles. The clock cycle may be relative to each intermediary vessel. The clock cycle also may be universal to the first, second, third and fourth intermediary vessels.
US08357537B2
The present invention provides a system and method for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a sample. The detection system includes a housing that holds a reagent carousel rotatably coupled thereto. Further included in the housing is an incubator carousel rotatably coupled thereto. The housing also includes magnetic material that is associated with the incubation carousel for assisting in separation beads from reagent and wash solution. A robot, associated with the housing is configured to manipulate at least either the reagent carousel or the incubator carousel and transfer materials therebetween. Reaction vessels hold samples and reaction vessels handlers move the reaction vessels. Sample analysis is determined by at least one laser based detector.
US08357530B2
The instant invention is directed to a microfluidic device which separates and captures with high efficiency a large amount of cells in a sample at one-cell level without damaging the cells by utilizing a microfabrication technology.
US08357528B2
The present invention relates to a three-dimensional system, and compositions obtained therefrom, wherein individual layers of the system comprise channels divided longitudinally into two compartments by a centrally positioned membrane, and wherein each compartment can comprise a different cell type.
US08357523B2
The invention provides variants of the Azospirillum irakense CelA β-glucosidase that have improve β-glucosidase activity, particularly improved thermoactivity, compared to the wild type enzyme. The invention further provides related polynucleotides, vectors, host cell, and methods for making and using the variants.
US08357518B2
The present disclosure relates to hydrolysis of mannan-containing poly- or oligo-saccharides by use of a polypeptide having endo-β-mannanase activity. In particular the present disclosure relates to compositions comprising a bacterial endo-β-mannanase, polynucleotides encoding the endo-β-mannanase, and methods of use thereof.
US08357515B2
The present provides a fusion protein comprising a latency associated peptide (LAP) and a pharmaceutically active agent in which the LAP and the pharmaceutically active agent are connected by an amino acid sequence comprising an aggrecanase proteolytic cleavage site.
US08357494B2
The invention concerns anti-clusterin oligoclonal antibodies able to recognize and bind in a selective and specific way antigenic epitopes of clusterin isoforms to be used in tumors diagnosis and in the prediction of their malignancy grade, diagnostic method and related kits.
US08357487B2
A method of degumming jute fibres with complex enzyme, wherein said complex enzyme comprises pectinase and laccase, wherein comprising the steps of: a. soaking the jute fibres in the water solution of said complex enzyme made from pectinase and laccase, wherein the weight proportion of said complex enzyme water solution and jute fibres ranges from 12:1 to 40:1; b. adjusting the PH value of said complex enzyme water solution to more than 5.0, but no more than 6.5, and adjusting the temperature of said complex enzyme water solution to 35° C.-65° C., then keeping said complex enzyme water solution with such temperature value for 20-120 minutes; c. adjusting the PH value of said complex enzyme water solution to 7.5-9.5, and adjusting the temperature of said complex enzyme water solution to 40° C.-70° C.; then, keeping said complex enzyme water solution with such temperature value for 20-120 minutes; d. conducting enzyme deactivation of the jute fibres processed with said complex enzyme.
US08357482B2
A light absorbent for forming an organic anti-reflective layer, represented by the following formula 1 or formula 2, is provided: wherein A represents a substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched, saturated tetravalent hydrocarbon group, a substituted or unsubstituted, linear or branched, saturated hydrocarbon group and containing one or more heteroatoms, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaromatic group, a substituted or unsubstituted alicyclic group, a substituted or unsubstituted heteroalicyclic group, a substituted or unsubstituted diaryl ether, a substituted or unsubstituted diaryl sulfide, a substituted or unsubstituted diaryl sulfoxide, a substituted or unsubstituted diaryl ketone, or a substituted or unsubstituted diaryl bisphenol A; R1, R2, and R3 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, a substituted or unsubstituted acetal group, or a substituted or unsubstituted hydroxyl group; and n is an integer from 2 to 500.
US08357479B2
A toner comprising: a component consisting of a thermoplastic resin containing an amorphous plant-derived resin having a carboxyl group; a component consisting of a crystalline epoxy resin having a glycidyl group; a component consisting of a cross-linked resin generated through a reaction between the carboxyl group of the plant-derived resin and the glycidyl group of the crystalline epoxy resin; and a colorant.
US08357475B2
The present invention discloses nanowires for use in a fuel cell comprising a metal catalyst deposited on a surface of the nanowires. A membrane electrode assembly for a fuel cell is disclosed which generally comprises a proton exchange membrane, an anode electrode, and a cathode electrode, wherein at least one or more of the anode electrode and cathode electrode comprise an interconnected network of the catalyst supported nanowires. Methods are also disclosed for preparing a membrane electrode assembly and fuel cell based upon an interconnected network of nanowires.
US08357474B2
A solid oxide fuel cell electrolyte is fabricated by combining an yttria-stabilized zirconia powder with α-Al2O3 having a d50 particle size in a range of between about 10 nm and about 200 nm and Mn2O3 to form an electrolyte precursor composition, and then sintering the electrolyte precursor composition to thereby form the electrolyte. The α-Al2O3 and Mn2O3 can be present in the electrolyte precursor composition in an amount in a range of between about 0.25 mol % and about 5 mol %. The electrolyte can be a component of a solid oxide fuel cell of the invention.
US08357463B2
A polymer battery is provided with a positive electrode active material layer, a negative electrode active material layer placed in opposition to the positive electrode active material layer, a polymer electrolyte layer disposed between the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer, and a distance defining member included in the polymer electrolyte layer to define a distance between the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer.
US08357454B2
A ceramic thermal barrier coating (TBC) (18) having first and second layers (20, 22), the second layer (22) having a lower thermal conductivity than the first layer for a given density. The second layer may be formed of a material with anisotropic crystal lattice structure. Voids (24) in at least the first layer (20) make the first layer less dense than the second layer. Grooves (28) are formed in the TBC (18) for thermal strain relief. The grooves may align with fluid streamlines over the TBC. Multiple layers (84, 86, 88) may have respective sets of grooves (90), Preferred failure planes parallel to the coating surface (30) may be formed at different depths (A1, A2, A3) in the thickness of the TBC to stimulate generation of a fresh surface when a portion of the coating fails by spalling. A dense top layer (92) may provide environmental and erosion resistance.
US08357449B2
Self-adhesive tape comprising a laminate composed of at least two pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) layers A and B laminated directly to one another, one or both of the surfaces to be laminated to one another of the PSA layers A and B having been chemically and/or physically pretreated prior to lamination, and the shear strength tSA/B of the self-adhesive tape at 25° C., 40° C. and 70° C. under a weight load of 1000 g being at least 80% of the shear strength tSo of the PSA layer A and/or of the PSA layer B, where tSo represents the shear strength of the PSA layer having the lower shear strength.
US08357444B2
There is provided a special effects greenscreen having a plurality of marks dispersed thereon in a selected pattern, wherein each of the marks is embedded in the greenscreen by weaving, knitting, felting, crocheting, screening, stamping, embossing or similar method to integrate the mark into the greenscreen material. The pattern may be a single repeated mark evenly spaced along horizontal lines, along vertical lines, or along both horizontal and vertical lines. The pattern may comprise a familiar ordered series of unique marks dispersed in a selected pattern on the greenscreen, for example, letters of the alphabet. The pattern may comprise a first mark embedded at a selected point on the greenscreen, a plurality of second marks each embedded a first distance away from the first mark, and a plurality of third marks each embedded a second distance from the first mark, wherein the second distance is greater than first distance.
US08357438B2
A recording medium includes a substrate and at least two ink receiving layers formed on the substrate. In the recording medium, an uppermost ink receiving layer of the at least two ink receiving layers has a dry coated amount of 5 g/m2 or more and 20 g/m2 or less and contains hydrated alumina which a divalent metal compound adheres to. The ratio of an element content of the divalent metal to an element content of aluminum (element content of divalent metal/element content of aluminum) in the uppermost ink receiving layer is 0.001 or more and 0.03 or less.
US08357435B2
Methods of depositing and curing a dielectric material on a substrate are described. The methods may include the steps of providing a processing chamber partitioned into a first plasma region and a second plasma region, and delivering the substrate to the processing chamber, where the substrate occupies a portion of the second plasma region. The methods may further include forming a first plasma in the first plasma region, where the first plasma does not directly contact with the substrate, and depositing the dielectric material on the substrate to form a dielectric layer. One or more reactants excited by the first plasma are used in the deposition of the dielectric material. The methods may additional include curing the dielectric layer by forming a second plasma in the second plasma region, where one or more carbon-containing species is removed from the dielectric layer.
US08357434B1
A method for depositing a conformal film on a substrate in a plasma processing chamber of a plasma processing system, the substrate being disposed on a chuck, the chuck being coupled to a cooling apparatus, is disclosed. The method includes flowing a first gas mixture into the plasma processing chamber at a first pressure, wherein the first gas mixture includes at least carbon, and wherein the first gas mixture has a condensation temperature. The method also includes cooling the chuck below the condensation temperature using the cooling apparatus thereby allowing at least some of the first gas mixture to condense on a surface of the substrate. The method further includes venting the first gas mixture from the processing chamber; flowing a second gas mixture into the plasma processing chamber, the second gas mixture being different in composition from the first gas mixture; and striking a plasma to form the conformal film.
US08357432B2
A mixed solvent process for preparing structured organic film comprising a plurality of segments and a plurality of linkers arranged as a covalent organic framework, wherein the structured organic film may be a multi-segment thick structured organic film.
US08357431B2
The present invention relates to the use of certain amine-modified siloxanes, exhibiting at least one molecular unit with an amine-modified radical and at least one molecular unit with a hydrophilic radical, as protecting agents. These protecting agents are suitable for protecting materials, such as wood and other substances based on cellulose and/or lignin, but also other materials, such as plastics, minerals, and metals, from infestation by and spread of harmful microorganisms, such as fungi. The present invention further relates to a method of enhancing surfaces and workpieces, comprising the application and/or incorporation of the protecting agent of the invention to the surfaces and/or into the workpieces.
US08357427B2
Processes are provided for making partially coated monolith catalysts that are useful, for example, as pre-combustor catalysts for diesel exhaust aftertreatment. Monolith substrates are provided with interconnectivity and/or temporary barriers that allow from about 10 to about 90% of the monolith channels to be coated after the monolith substrate is assembled without having to carefully pick out among a large number of openings which ones to inject into or which ones to plug. The invention includes options of injecting into a multipath monolith substrate and of emplacing blocking material during monolith construction. Either catalyst coating material or coat-blocking material can be injected. Blocking materials allow the use of machinery for ordinarily non-selective processes, such as machinery for dip coating. Both multipath injections and pre-placed barriers can be used in a single partial coating process.
US08357424B2
Fabrication and arrangement of nanoparticles into one-dimensional linear chains is achieved by successive chemical reactions, each reaction adding one or more nanoparticles by building onto exposed, unprotected linker functionalities. Optionally, protecting groups may be used to control and organize growth. Nanoparticle spheres are functionalized in a controlled manner in order to enable covalent linkages. Functionalization of nanoparticles is accomplished by either ligand exchange or chemical modification of the terminal functional groups of the capping ligand. Nanoparticle chains are obtained by a variety of connectivity modes such as direct coupling, use of linker molecules, and use of linear polymeric templates. In particular, a versatile building block system is obtained through controlled monofunctionalization of nanoparticles.
US08357420B2
An oil-in-water emulsion comprising hydrophobin and oil wherein the oil phase has an iodine value of greater than 40 characterised in that the ratio of hydrophobin to oil is greater than 30 g/liter and less than 140 g/liter is provided. A product comprising such an oil-in-water emulsion is also provided.
US08357419B2
A process for enhancing polyphenolics content of beverages brewed from polyphenolic containing, processed beverage substrate by pre-soaking substrate (coffee beans, for example) before roasting and then quenching the substrate after processing with the liquid in which the substrate was first “pre-soaked.” Beverages produced from the treated substrate exhibit substantially increased polyphenolics content, when compared to conventionally processed beverage substrate of the same nature and processing.
US08357417B2
The invention provides a process for producing a low calorie composite sweetener as a sugar alternative. The invention further provides a low calorie composite sweetener that can be used in many products. The low calorie composite sweetener is useful as non-caloric sweeteners in edible and chewable compositions such as any beverages, confectionaries, bakeries, cookies, chewing gums, and alike.
US08357416B2
During a method for the production of milk foam or milk-based drinks, milk is sucked with a pump (1) out of a container (3, 3′) and conveyed to an outlet (11′), wherein air and/or a gas is added to the milk. The milk/air mixture is processed in a cold state into milk foam and conveyed as cold milk foam to the outlet (11′).
US08357412B2
A semi-automated food processing station, system and method is provided that allows food to be dispensed, stored and packaged in a suitable container, which may be an individual portion-sized container for serving to a customer. In one embodiment, the system includes an automated salting device, and may include a pivotable food receiving tray that automatically transfers the food items to one or more storage bins, where an infrared heater maintains the temperature of the food items by directing infrared radiation thereon. In a preferred embodiment, the infrared radiation passes through a filter that filters out the wavelengths of infrared radiation that may be irritating to an operator.
US08357405B2
The invention relates to a method of treating or preventing a nitric oxide (NO)-responsive disease or disorder by administering to a subject in need thereof a composition, including foods such as confectionary and pet foods, comprising nut skins and/or a procyanidin-containing nut skins extract. Said composition may further comprise cocoa polyphenol(s) and/or L-arginine.
US08357398B2
Oral dosage forms of benzonatate useful for anti-tussive and anti-tussive/combination applications.
US08357381B2
The invention relates to dispersions comprising water, lipophilic phase and emulsifier, characterized in that the emulsifier is preferably present in an amount of less than or equal to about 3% by weight based on the total weight of the dispersion, and in that the emulsifier comprises at least one acylglutamate. Preferred dispersions of the invention are suitable for cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical preparations.
US08357377B2
This application discloses cyclodextrin-modified materials for carrying drugs and other active agents, such as nucleic acids. Compositions are also disclosed of cyclodextrin-modified materials that release such active agents under controlled conditions. The invention also discloses compositions of cyclodextrin-modified polymer carriers that are coupled to biorecognition molecules for assisting the delivery of drugs to their site of action.
US08357373B2
The invention relates to the use of the type III secretion system of bacteria to stimulate immune responses against tumor antigen(s) for treating antigen-loss variant tumors. Methods are provided for stimulating and/or increasing an immune response against tumor antigens. The invention also relates to the preparation of antigen presenting cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells using bacteria having a type III secretion system.
US08357371B2
The present invention provides methods for treating hypercholesterolemia. The methods of the present invention comprise administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutic composition comprising an anti-PCSK9 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof.
US08357366B2
An adsorbent for an oral administration, comprising a surface-modified spherical activated carbon wherein an average particle diameter is 50 to 200 μm, a specific surface area determined by a BET method is 700 m2/g or more, a bulk density is less than 0.54 g/mL, a total amount of acidic groups is 0.30 to 1.20 meq/g, and a total amount of basic groups is 0.20 to 0.9 meq/g is disclosed. The adsorbent for an oral administration has a high adsorbability, and is capable of adsorbing a large amount of toxins during a retention period in an intestine, and of remarkably reducing an amount of urinary proteins excretion.
US08357356B2
A hydrogen peroxide-containing composition comprising at least one antioxidant and at least one free radical scavenger operable to neutralize reactive oxygen species generated by the hydrogen peroxide and a method for stabilizing hydrogen peroxide containing compositions.
US08357346B2
Techniques for manufacturing an enhanced carbon nanotube (CNT) wire are provided. In one embodiment, an enhanced CNT wire may be manufactured by immersing a metal tip into a CNT colloidal solution, withdrawing the metal tip from the CNT colloidal solution, and then coating the CNT wire with a polymer.
US08357345B1
Disclosed is a method for removing oxygen from aluminum nitride by carbon. At first, an oven is provided. An aluminum nitride substrate is located in the oven. Nitrogen is introduced into the oven to form an atmosphere of nitrogen. The temperature is increased to the transformation point of the aluminum nitride substrate in the oven. Then, the heating is stopped and quenching is conducted in the oven. Carbon is introduced into the oven in the quenching. Thus, oxygen included in the aluminum nitride substrate reacts with the carbon to produce carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. The carbon monoxide or carbon is released from the oven as well as the nitrogen. Thus, the aluminum nitride substrate is purified.
US08357344B2
The gaseous effluent to be treated is contacted in column C1 with an absorbent solution selected for its property of forming two separable phases when it is heated. The regenerated absorbent solution is separated into two phases in drum B1; a fraction rich in water and a fraction rich in reactive compounds.Separation allows to optimize the operations performed on the regenerated absorbent solution. On the one hand, separation allows to carry out vaporization, through reboiler R1, of a fraction of the absorbent solution, preferably containing a limited reactive compound concentration in relation to the absorbent solution, thus limiting their degradation. On the other hand, separation of the phases allows to reduce the amount of solution to be treated in order to remove the non-regeneratable salts and thus to reduce the costs linked with their elimination. Finally, separation allows to eliminate the degradation products by carrying out a specific and suitable purification for each phase.The method can be applied to combustion fumes decarbonation and to natural gas or synthesis gas deacidizing.
US08357337B2
Pipette with adjustable volume of aspirated liquid built of a handle (1) and of a nozzle (3) and of coupled with them: an exchangeable pipette tip ejection mechanism, a drawing up and discharging mechanism with a plunger (12) arranged in said pipette nozzle (3), a plunger working stroke adjustment mechanism with at least one driving member (16), a manually actuated lock mechanism locking a drive assembly of an adjustment screw of a plunger working stroke, an engaging mechanism which engages said plunger working stroke adjustment mechanism with a counter (14) of an aspirated liquid volume by said pipette, a calibration mechanism for a change of a pipette calibration coefficient, whereas said driving member (16) of said drive assembly of said adjustment screw of the plunger working stroke is accessible from outside through at least one window (38) in a wall of said handle (1), said pipette is characterized in that said lock mechanism of said drive assembly of said adjustment screw of the plunger working stroke comprises a lock member which is non-rotatably mounted relative to said pipette handle (1) and is axially slidable between LOCKED POSITION and UNLOCKED POSITION of said plunger working stroke adjustment mechanism, whereas said driving member (16) of said drive assembly of said adjustment screw of the plunger working stroke is axially fixedly and rotatably mounted relative to said pipette handle (1).
US08357335B1
An assay for screening potential hydrolysis enhancing agents capable of facilitating the hydrolysis of a substantially water insoluble halogenated compound such as mustard gas (HD) in an aqueous reaction mixture is disclosed. The assay includes at least one chamber adapted for receiving and retaining the substantially water insoluble mustard gas compound and a potential hydrolysis agent in an aqueous reaction mixture, and a pH indicating agent adapted to produce a visible color change corresponding to the amount of the substantially water insoluble mustard gas compound hydrolyzed in the aqueous reaction mixture wherein the rate of hydrolysis can be established by measuring the change in the detectable signal over time.
US08357334B2
Subject of the invention is a method for the production of a cyanopyridine, comprising the steps of (a) providing a column comprising an absorber section and a stripping section, the absorber section being positioned above the stripping section, such that liquid which passed the absorber section enters the stripping section, (b) feeding a gaseous phase comprising the cyanopyridine into the column, (c) contacting the gaseous phase with an aqueous solution in the absorber section, such that at least a portion of the cyanopyridine is dissolved in the aqueous solution, (d) stripping the aqueous solution obtained from the absorber section in step (c) with a stripping gas in the stripping section, and (e) eluting an aqueous solution comprising the cyanopyridine from the bottom of the column. Another subject of the invention is a device for carrying out the invention.
US08357328B2
A formed article comprising a nanostructured ferritic alloy is provided. Advantageously, the article is not formed via extrusion, and thus, cost savings are provided. Methods are also provided for forming the article, and the articles so produced, exhibit sufficient continuous cycle fatigue crack growth resistance and hold time fatigue crack growth resistance to be utilized as turbomachinery components, and in particular, large, hot section components of a gas or steam turbine engines. In other embodiments, a turbomachinery component comprising an NFA is provided, and in some such embodiments, the turbomachinery component may be extruded.
US08357317B2
Embodiments related to the fabrication of a light guide are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises extruding a thermoplastic polymer through a die to form an extrusion, machining the extrusion to one or more fixed dimensions, and maintaining a face of the extrusion in contact with a heated mold surface to soften or melt the face of the extrusion while applying pressure to the extrusion.
US08357315B2
A cathode active material, a cathode including the cathode active material, and a lithium battery including the cathode. A lithium manganese phosphate cathode active material having an olivine structure represented by LixMn1-y-zM′yM″zPO4, where 0.6≦x≦1.0, 0
US08357311B2
A polishing liquid composition includes composite oxide particles containing cerium and zirconium, a dispersing agent, and an aqueous medium. A powder X-ray diffraction spectrum of the composite oxide particles obtained by CuKα1 ray (λ=0.154050 nm) irradiation includes a peak (first peak) having a peak top in a diffraction angle 2θ (θ is a Bragg angle) range of 28.61 to 29.67°, a peak (second peak) having a peak top in a diffraction angle 2θ range of 33.14 to 34.53°, a peak (third peak) having a peak top in a diffraction angle 2θ range of 47.57 to 49.63°, and a peak (fourth peak) having a peak top in a diffraction angle 2θ range of 56.45 to 58.91°. A half-width of the first peak is 0.8° or less.
US08357306B2
A process for removing a sulfur species from a stream selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon stream, an aqueous stream, and mixtures thereof is disclosed herein, which may include introducing a treating mixture into the stream. The treating mixture may include a compound of the general formula selected from the group consisting of: or combinations of compound (I) or compound (II). R1 may be a C1-C30 hydrocarbyl group that is saturated, unsaturated, cyclic or branched, or may contain a heteroatom. ‘A’ may be an oxygen atom or a methylene group. R2 may be a C1-C30 hydrocarbyl group that may be saturated, unsaturated, cyclic or branched, or may contain a heteroatom(s) other than C and H. The treating mixture may reduce the reactive sulfur species in the stream. The sulfur species reduced from the stream may be hydrogen sulfide, mercaptans, polysulfides, or combinations thereof.
US08357305B2
A pre-treatment method injecting sulfur dioxide into waters containing suspended solids to undergo ultra violet disinfection to form sulfurous acid (H2SO3) to self-agglomerate and precipitate solids from the wastewater for settling or filtration removal and provide acid to reduce bicarbonate and mineral scaling and microbial buildup on ultraviolet light tubes to improve their performance.
US08357297B2
Anaerobic Wastewater treatment system and process in which the influent is passed through a mixing chamber and then through a series of filters of progressively smaller size to separate the materials carrying the colonized bacteria from finer solids in the influent and separate the materials according to size in a completely enclosed and flooded environment. The materials from the filters are progressively reduced to a smaller size, the materials of smaller size are returned to the mixing chamber, and new influent is inoculated with the colonized bacteria carried by the materials returned to the mixing chamber.
US08357294B2
Ferromagnetic particles are separated from a suspension using a tubular reactor having at least one magnet, where a suspension is able to flow through the reactor. A displacer is arranged inside the reactor.
US08357293B1
An aerobic bacteria waste digester uses a rocking paddle to mix a waste fluid. A pair of spaced-apart inflatables engaged with the paddle and alternately inflated provide buoyancy forces to drive the rocking action. The paddle has two decks and a peripheral skirt. The paddle is of a trestle-type construction with light weight planks forming the decks. The position and motion of paddle surfaces and air bubbled through the fluid from below, is able to enhance bacteria colony growth and thus the rate of bio-mass digestion.
US08357288B2
A capacitive deionization apparatus, wherein a spacing distance between electrodes of cells is uniformly maintained and a flow in the cells is optimized to improve efficiency of the deionization apparatus and contact resistance between a carbon material and a collector is reduce to improve electrical conductivity, is disclosed. The capacitive deionization apparatus which includes a plurality of electrode modules, each having a collector and electrodes disposed on upper and lower surfaces of the collector to electrically and chemically remove ions from liquid, includes a plurality of plates made of a stiff material are alternately stacked with the electrode modules such that the electrode modules are spaced at specific intervals, wherein the collector and the electrodes are pressed by a pair of adjacent plates among the plurality of plates to maintain a contact therebetween.
US08357283B2
An electric separating apparatus has a separating tank and an electrical control. The separating tank has at least one first electrode panel, a second electrode panel, an upper separating region and a lower separating region. The electrode panels are vertically mounted in the separating tank to form the separating regions. The electrical control is electrically connected to the separating tank and has a transformer, a high-power resistor, a first A/C transformer, a second A/C transformer and a control unit. The transformer is electrically connected to an A/C source and the electrode panels. The high-power resistor is electrically connected to the transformer and the at least one first electrode panel in series. The A/C transformers are respectively connected to the high-power resistor and the electrode panels. The control unit is electrically connected to the A/C transformers to determine an electrical impedance of a liquid mixture in the tank.
US08357279B2
Methods are provided for concentrating particles on the surface of a drop or bubble in a continuous phase, for separating different types of particles, and for removing particles from the surface of the drop or bubble. The methods also facilitate separation of two types of particles on a drop or bubble, optionally followed by solidification of the drop or bubble, to produce a particle for which the surface properties vary, such as a Janus particle. The methods can be also used to destabilize emulsions and foams by re-distributing or removing particles on the surface of the drop or bubble, facilitating coalescence of the particle-free drops or bubbles.
US08357277B2
The invention relates to an enhanced method of detecting and/or quantifying at least one analyte in a sample.
US08357276B2
The present disclosure provides small volume analyte sensors having large sample fill ports, supported analyte sensors, analyte sensors having supported tip protrusions and methods of making and using same.
US08357272B2
A quantum dot manipulating method and a generation/manipulation apparatus are provided which can control the size of a large number of generated quantum dots on or below the order of percent which is required for optical applications of the dots.Quantum dots are generated by shining a dot production laser (4a) onto a solid object (3) in a quantum dot production/manipulation apparatus (1) containing superfluid helium (7) therein. A dot manipulation laser (5a) is shone onto the generated quantum dots to manipulate the quantum dots.
US08357258B2
Thermal insulation assemblies, methods for fabricating thermal insulation assemblies, and thermally insulated structures are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, a thermally insulated structure is disclosed that includes a thermal insulation assembly comprises a ceramic tile having a surface coated with an alumina-mullite slurry. A ceramic matrix composite is disposed on the coated surface. The ceramic matrix composite comprises a first ply of a ceramic fiber impregnated with a ceramic matrix.
US08357249B2
A high strength aluminum alloy is suitable for ultra thick gauge wrought product. The alloy can have 6 to 8 wt % zinc, 1 to 2 wt % magnesium, and dispersoid forming elements such as Zr, Mn, Cr, Ti, and/or Sc with the balance made of aluminum and incidental elements and/or impurities. The alloy is suitable for many uses, including in molds for injection-molded plastics.
US08357246B2
A method of controlling the rotation of a spray arm for a dishwasher having a washing chamber, in which the spray arm is located, by rotating the spray arm with of a motor operably coupled to the spray arm.
US08357241B2
There is provided a method of vacuum evaporation comprising causing evaporated material (5) from vacuum evaporation source (20) furnished with container (1) with its one side open accommodating organic material (2) to form a film on opposed substrate (7), wherein the vacuum evaporation source has heating element (3) not fixed to the container, and being in contact with the surface of organic material held in the container, and wherein the organic material is evaporated by heating of the heating element only, the evaporated material released through at least one hole (6) or at least one slit made in the heating element.
US08357230B2
The invention relates to a process for purifying crude synthesis gas (1) containing metal carbonyls, in which undesirable substances such as sulphur components and/or carbon dioxide (CO2) and/or hydrocyanic acid (HCN) are scrubbed out by scrubbing with a physically acting scrubbing medium in at least one process step (main scrub (H)), and also an apparatus for carrying out the process. The crude synthesis gas (1) before introduction into the main scrub (H) is subjected to a gas scrub (carbonyl scrub (C)) in which a partial amount (4) of the laden scrubbing medium (2) taken off from the main scrub is used as scrubbing medium, with the partial amount (4) being chosen so that the metal carbonyls are (selectively) separated off from the crude synthesis gas (1) in the carbonyl scrub (C) largely independently of the other gas components.
US08357228B2
A gas purification method of the present invention uses a carbon membrane having a molecular sieving action to purify at least one selected from the group consisting of a hydride gas, a hydrogen halide gas, and a halogen gas, each gas containing an impurity at 10 ppm or less. The present invention can be used for a recovery unit that recoveries a used gas to reuse it as an ultrapure semiconductor material gas, and a unit or equipment that produces or charges an ultrapure semiconductor material gas.
US08357225B2
The present disclosure provides a method for making magnesium-based composite material. The method comprises the following steps. Firstly, a semi-solid-state magnesium-based material is provided. Secondly, at least one nanoscale reinforcement is added into the semi-solid-state magnesium-based material to obtain a semi-solid-state mixture. Thirdly, the semi-solid-state mixture is heated to a liquid-state mixture. Fourthly, the liquid-state mixture is ultrasonically processed. Fifthly, the liquid-state mixture is cooled to obtain the magnesium-based composite material.
US08357224B2
A method of iron smelting in blast furnace with high temperature coal gas comprises the following steps: (1) charging raw materials consisting of pellets, basic sintered ore, coke and limestone into a blast furnace from top of the furnace, in which the amount of the coke is 125-210 kg per ton of molten iron, raw materials containing iron is composed of 90% pellets and 10% basic sintered ore, and ore grade is above 62%; (2) preheating coal gas to 1250-1450° C. with an horizontal high temperature blast heater, blowing the preheated coal gas having a thermal value of 11.7-12.5 mj/m3 into the blast furnace from top of the furnace at an amount of 1000 m3 per ton of molten iron and a pressure of 0.1-0.6 MPa; blowing air preheated to higher than 1250-1450° C. at an amount of 300-400 n m3 per ton of molten iron. The coal gas used in the method acts as a reducer and fuel, as a result the coke consumption would be reduced.
US08357220B2
Multi-phase filter media, as well as related articles, components, filter elements, and methods, are disclosed.
US08357219B2
An air filter media construction or arrangement is disclosed. The air filter media construction or arrangement includes strips of media comprising corrugated sheets secured to facing sheets and forming inlet and outlet flutes secured to one another in a stack. A preferred projection/receiver arrangement is described. Methods of assembly and use are also provided.
US08357214B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for generating a gas. One or more liquid permeable pouches each define a cavity that contains a solid anhydrous reactant, such as a chemical hydride. A reaction chamber made of a heat, chemical and/or pressure resistant material receives the one or more pouches from a pouch feeder that transfers the one or more pouches into the reaction chamber successively at a feed rate. One or more liquid sources inject a liquid reactant into the reaction chamber so that the liquid reactant contacts a portion of the one or more pouches. The one or more liquid sources inject the liquid reactant at an injection rate that corresponds to the feed rate. A gas outlet releases a gas, such as hydrogen, oxygen, ammonia, borazine, nitrogen, or a hydrocarbon, that is produced by a reaction between the solid reactant and the liquid reactant.
US08357211B2
A process is provided for producing a salt pill for use in very low temperature adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators (ADRs). The method can include providing a thermal bus in a housing. The thermal bus can include an array of thermally conductive metal conductors. A hydrated salt can be grown on the array of thermally conductive metal conductors. Thermal conductance can be provided to the hydrated salt.
US08357206B2
Disclosed is a prosthesis suspension assembly, the assembly comprising: a prosthetic liner comprising a distal outer surface comprising a porous or continuously cavitated, compressible material and a proximal surface comprising an elastomeric material; and a suspension sleeve which seals against the proximal surface.
US08357203B2
Devices and treatments for various joint conditions include a resilient elongate orthopedic device inserted into a joint space using a suture. The suture is passed through the joint space and used to pull the orthopedic device into the joint space. The suture may be using a percutaneously inserted needle or other type of needle-based delivery instrument. The resilient elongate orthopedic device may be restrained to a reduced profile that permits minimally invasive implantation, but assume an enlarged profile when positioned at an implantation site.
US08357201B2
An implant designed e.g. as a replacement for an articulating surface of a human or animal joint is secured to the bone tissue with the aid of a plurality of fasteners (3). The implant (2) comprises a bone side to be brought into contact with the bone tissue, which bone side is equipped with a plurality of fastening structures restricted to this bone side. The fasteners (3) comprise a distal and a proximal side, wherein the distal side is equipped for being anchored in bone tissue and the proximal side is equipped for being connected with one of the fastening structures of the implant (2). The distal sides of the fasteners (3) are anchored in the bone tissue of the appropriately prepared bone and the implant (2) is then attached to the anchored fasteners (3) by connecting the fastening structures with the proximal sides of the fasteners (3), wherein the implant (2) is pressed against the proximal sides of the anchored fasteners (3).
US08357199B2
A method of performing a procedure on an intervertebral disc includes inserting a cannulated delivery tube through an opening in an annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc, positioning an expandable portion of the tube within the opening in the annulus fibrosus, expanding the expandable portion into contact with the annulus fibrosus about the opening to create a seal between the expandable portion and the annulus fibrosus, performing a procedure through the cannulated delivery tube within the annulus fibrosis, removing the tube, and closing the opening in the annulus fibrosus.
US08357197B2
A system for the percutaneous stabilization of adjacent vertebrae includes a plurality of elongated stabilization devices. Each stabilization device includes a radius of curvature. Each stabilization device further includes a leading end and a trailing end wherein the leading end is pointed for penetration through a vertebral body.
US08357195B2
A catheter-based annuloplasty system for use in repairing a heart valve having leaflets and a valve annulus, includes a delivery catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, and an expandable stent disposed on the distal end of the catheter. An adjustable annuloplasty ring is disposed on the expandable stent and is configured to expand and contract in response to expansion and contraction of the stent.
US08357188B2
A device for directly applying thermotherapeutic liquid to an area upon the surface of an afflicted patient, and methods of use thereof, are described. In particular, a device for apply water-based liquid at a therapeutic temperature directly to an afflicted area in order to create a localized hyperthermia, is presented. The afflicted area may be either on the skin of the patient, or subcutaneous. The device is also effective for disinfection, irrigation, lavage, and the like, when employing a suitable solution. The liquid may also have a mild oxidizing effect, which, if greater upon afflicted than upon non-afflicted cells, would enhance the therapeutic effect in conjunction with the therapy herein described.
US08357185B2
In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides an orthopedic plate blocking assembly that can be used for the fixation or fastening of an orthopedic plate to bone tissue. In particular, the present invention, in one embodiment, provides an orthopedic plate having a plurality of cavities where each cavity is configured and dimensioned to receive a bone anchoring member. The orthopedic plate further provides a blocking mechanism having a plurality of blocking members that block the bone anchoring members to prevent the bone anchoring members from “backing out” of cavities once the bone anchoring members are finally seated in the cavities.
US08357181B2
A prosthetic device and a method of implanting same between two vertebrae of a vertebral column to stabilize the column, according to which each vertebrae is engaged by a spacer, and the spacers are connected to permit relative movement between the spacers so that the distance between the spacers can vary to conform with the distance between the vertebrae and accommodate bending movements of the vertebral column.
US08357175B2
A tissue cutting device especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. At least one position transducer for tracking a location in space of the tissue cutting device is rigidly associated with the handpiece. The position transducer is operable for sending a signal indicative of a location of a distal end of the outer cannula. The tissue cutting device may also include an angular position sensor for determining an angular position of the outer cannula relative to the position transducer.
US08357174B2
A system for tissue approximation and fixation is described herein. A device is advanced in a minimally invasive manner within a patient's body to create one or several divisions or plications within a hollow body organ. The system comprises a stapler assembly having a tissue acquisition member and a tissue fixation member. The stapler assembly approximates tissue from within the hollow body organ with the acquisition member and then affixes the approximated tissue with the fixation member. In one method, the system can be used as a secondary procedure to reduce the size of a stoma within the hollow body organ.
US08357173B2
An anastomosis device (11) for use in coupling two ends of tubular stumps (13). The device comprises two hollow tubular members (21), adapted to be placed over said tubular stumps. The hollow tubular members are further capable of radially expanding from a first inner diameter to a second, larger inner diameter. Each hollow tubular member, while having the first inner diameter, being further adapted to allow everting of the stump proximal end over the tubular member proximal end. The device further comprises an elastic sleeve (31), adapted to be put on said tubular member proximal ends with the everted ends of said stumps, the sleeve further being adaptable to maintain said everted ends in a predetermined distance.
US08357162B2
A device for intramedullary fixation of mandibular condyle fractures is provided. This device includes a proximal screw portion and a distal peg portion. The screw portion includes threads and a taper at the proximal tip. The peg portion contains a taper at the distal end, it may be of circular or ovoid cross-sectional shape to accommodate variations in individual patient anatomy, and may contain peg holes oriented perpendicular to its long axis. Perpendicular grooves are present on the distal end of the device to allow coupling with a surgical screwdriver. The method of application includes reaming of the intramedullary canal, insertion of the device into the proximal condyle fragment, and manipulation of the intramedullary canal of the distal mandible onto the device to achieve stable fracture fixation. This device and method provide the benefits of intramedullary fixation and a total endoscopic surgical approach to the treatment of mandibular condyle fractures.
US08357159B2
An open electrosurgical forceps includes a pair of first and second shaft members each having a jaw member disposed at its distal end. The jaw members are movable about a pivot assembly from an open position in spaced relation relative to one another to a closed position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue. Each of the jaw members includes an electrically conductive sealing surface for communicating electrosurgical energy through grasped tissue. One or both of the jaw members includes a knife channel defined along its length. The pivot assembly includes a knife slot and is configured to prevent reciprocation of a cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the open position and to permit reciprocation of the cutting mechanism when the jaw members are disposed in the closed position. An actuator selectively advances the cutting mechanism from a first position to at least one subsequent position.
US08357158B2
A jaw angle detection system for an end effector assembly includes a first electrical contact that connects to a first jaw member and connects to a generator. A sensor connects to a second jaw member (or an actuator) and connects to the generator, and configured to move relative to the first electrical contact upon movement of the second jaw member (or the actuator) when the first and second jaw members are moved to close about tissue disposed therebetween. Information relating to the position of the sensor relative to the first electrical contact is relayed back to the generator to determine an angle between the first and second jaw members.
US08357153B2
Devices suitable for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure within a patient for the purpose of ablating tissue within or surrounding the hollow structure so as to induce occlusion of the hollow structure are provided. The devices are in the form of guidewires with functional tips, that comprise at least one heating module, at their distal ends. The devices of the invention are suitable for occluding hollow anatomical structures selected from vasculature or from non-vascular ducts and tubes, via percutaneous, laparoscopic or endoscopic routes of access. Methods of using the devices in the treatment of patients are also described.
US08357152B2
A medical probe includes a flexible insertion tube, having a distal end for insertion into a body cavity of a patient, and a distal tip, which is disposed at the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to be brought into contact with tissue in the body cavity. A resilient member couples the distal tip to the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to deform in response to pressure exerted on the distal tip when the distal tip engages the tissue. A position sensor within the probe senses a position of the distal tip relative to the distal end of the insertion tube, which changes in response to deformation of the resilient member.
US08357146B2
A handpiece and method of use for laser-assisted liposuction for melting, disrupting, and removing cellulite and adipose tissue. Electromagnetic energy is used to selectively melt or disrupt cellulite and adipose tissue and ablate the collagen in the constricting bands of connective tissue that causes the dimpled appearance of cellulite and adipose tissue, while avoiding damage to the surrounding fatty cells.
US08357137B2
Anti-vacuum-lock assemblies for preventing vacuum lock when withdrawing medicinal fluid from a vial comprising a multi-finger bung-type stopper in which the fingers are of sufficient length to protect a collapsing or expanding bladder in the vial from being punctured by the hypodermic needle. In a first embodiment the vial includes one or more side or bottom wall holes to permit ambient air to enter in the space between an internal bladder containing a medicinal fluid and the inner wall of the vial. In another embodiment, an expanding bladder in communication with the exterior expands as fluid is withdrawn from the vial. In a third embodiment a fluted collar is inserted in the vial neck to provide air passages into the space between the medicinal fluid-containing bladder and the interior wall of the vial. The collapse of the medicinal bladder or expansion of the compensation bellows or bladder prevents vacuum lock.
US08357135B2
A method of making a plurality of diaper side panels (10, 12) from a continuous strip (40). The strip (40) comprises a central region (42), a first lateral region (44), a second lateral region (46), a first set of fasteners (36) anchored to the first lateral region (44), and a second set of fasteners (38) anchored to the second lateral region (46). The strip (40) is separated in the machine direction (M) to form a first set of the side panels (10) and a second set of the side panels (12), so that the side panels (10) each include a fastener (36) from the first set and the side panels (12) each include a fastener (38) from the second set.
US08357132B1
A urine capturing assembly includes a sleeve that has an upper edge, a lower edge and a perimeter wall extending between the upper and lower edges. The upper and lower edges define openings in the sleeve. A penis is positionable in the sleeve to direct urine from the penis toward the lower edge. A pouch has an open top end. The pouch is integrally coupled to the perimeter wall and the top end is positioned adjacent to the upper edge of the sleeve. A scrotum is positionable in pouch through the top end. A conduit is fluidly coupled to and extends between the sleeve and the pouch to direct urine held in the pouch into the sleeve. A collection bag is fluidly couplable to the lower edge of the sleeve to collect and retain urine.
US08357130B2
Disclosed is an apparatus for the treatment of a wound on a patient. The apparatus is capable of administering localized negative pressure therapy to the wound using a hospital wall vacuum source and a drain line for removing exudate from the wound. The apparatus may also be capable of administering localized hyperbaric oxygen therapy to the wound using a hospital wall oxygen source and a supply line for supplying oxygen to the wound. The apparatus includes at least one regulator to control the application of negative pressure therapy and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
US08357127B2
A catheter assembly including a coaxial catheter and insert, and method of making. The catheter assembly includes a coaxial catheter, an insert, and a hub. The coaxial catheter includes an inner lumen and an outer lumen. The insert includes first and second passageways, the first passageway defined from a first opening on a distal end of the insert to a second opening on a proximal end of the insert, the second passageway branching from the first passageway to a third opening. A portion of the insert distal end is received in a proximal opening of the outer lumen, and a proximal section of the inner lumen extends through the first passageway. The hub is molded over the insert and a proximal section of the outer lumen.
US08357126B2
The disclosed devices and methods provide for the minimization of fluid extravasation during use of infusion catheters such as peripherally inserted central catheters and central venous catheters. The anti-extravasation catheter allows a surgeon to drain fluids from soft tissue surrounding an infusion site while also providing fluid inflow to a patient.
US08357123B2
A surgical portal assembly provides access to underlying tissue. The surgical portal has a seal which includes a gel layer and a fabric layer. The seal includes internal surfaces defining a passage for reception and passage of a surgical object in substantial sealed relation therewith.
US08357122B2
An introducer assembly includes a sheath having a sheath proximal end and distal end, and a passage therethrough. The introducer assembly further includes a valve assembly that is sealingly associated with the passage of the sheath. The valve assembly includes a valve having a first seal and a second seal, where the first and second seal optionally have different sealing properties. For example, the first seal and the second seal have different thicknesses, different sealing durometers, or otherwise different sealing features. In another option, the sheath is removable from the instrument disposed therethrough. In yet another option, the valve of the valve assembly further includes a chamber disposed between the first and second seals. The seals are spaced to accommodate devices with multiple flow holes therein.
US08357119B2
A septum activator is disclosed herein. The septum activator has an outer tubular body and an inner tubular body. The outer tubular body and the inner tubular body each have a plurality of openings therein. The inner tubular body has a first position relative to the outer tubular body and a second position relative to outer tubular body. In the first position, the plurality of openings of the inner tubular body do not overlap with the plurality of openings in the outer tubular body. In the second position, the plurality of openings of the inner tubular body overlap with the plurality of openings of the inner tubular body.
US08357105B2
A urine collection system includes an anti-flux mechanism to reduce the amount of urine that may flow from within the collection bag back into the urine meter. The urine collection system includes a urine meter, a collection member defining at least a first opening for receiving urine from the urine meter and a shield positioned adjacent the opening of the collection member. The shield is affixed to the collection member at predetermined connection points along a periphery of the shield whereby urine flows between the connection points from the urine meter to the collection member. The shield may be affixed to an internal surface of the bag. The shield may be spot welded to the collection member at the connection points. The shield may include at least a first slot configured to permit the passage of fluid therethrough.
US08357096B2
The present invention relates to an ultrasound system and a method of forming a Doppler mode image. The ultrasound system comprises a transmission/reception unit operable to transmit/receive ultrasound signals at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) to form an n number of Doppler signals. The ultrasound system further comprises a signal processing unit. The signal processing unit computes a first mean frequency based on an nth Doppler signal and an (n−1)th Doppler signal and a second mean frequency based on an nth Doppler signal and an (n−k)th Doppler signal, wherein k is a positive integer equal to or greater than 2. The signal processing unit estimates a Doppler frequency and compensate for aliasing of the Doppler signal based on the first and second mean frequencies to produce Doppler signal with the aliasing compensated. An image processing unit operable to form a Doppler mode image based on the Doppler signals produced by the signal processing unit.
US08357095B2
Various methods and devices for minimally invasive treatment and prevention of conditions of the fascia are provided. In one aspect, a method includes providing an acoustic wave source effective to deliver a focused acoustic wave to a target site within a patient's body focusing an acoustic wave through a patient's skin such that at least one location in the patient's fascia is fenestrated in a desired pattern.
US08357091B2
An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US08357078B2
According to an embodiment, a sheet folding apparatus includes: a conveying roller pair configured to convey a sheet; a conveying path provided on a downstream side of the conveying roller pair, an opening being formed in a part of the conveying path if the sheet is triple-folded and being closed if the sheet is double-folded; a retracting conveying path, an inlet of which is opened to the opening of the conveying path and an outlet of which is closed by a stopper, the retracting conveying path leading the front end of the sheet, which is conveyed through the conveying path, from the inlet to the stopper and temporarily retracting the front of the sheet if the sheet is triple-folded; a first folding roller pair disposed near the inlet of the retracting conveying path, the first folding roller pair nipping, if the sheet is triple-folded, a bend caused by pushing of the sheet led by the conveying rollers into the retracting conveying path to form a first fold and nipping, if the sheet is double-folded, the front end of the sheet, which is conveyed through the closed conveying path, and conveying the sheet further downstream; and a second folding roller pair configured to further form a second fold in the sheet on which the first fold is formed to triple-fold the sheet, and form only the second fold in the sheet on which the first fold is not formed to double-fold the sheet.
US08357077B2
A physical fitness and rehabilitation apparatus is provided for use in combination with an inflatable exercise ball. The apparatus may include a plurality of handles. In use, a user may rest against the ball and the platform while gripping the plurality of handles to improve the user's strength, balance, flexibility, and/or joint stabilization.
US08357076B2
A therapeutic device includes a weight distributing portion and a weight attaching portion. The weight distributing portion includes a relief area. The weight attaching portion is adapted to attach weights to the weight distributing portion.
US08357074B2
A system for robust fault detection in an electrically variable, hydraulically controlled transmission includes independently monitoring hydraulic pressure within a hydraulic control circuit and electric machine rotation for detecting clutch state faults.
US08357067B2
A transmission is provided having an input member, an output member, three planetary gear sets, three external gear sets or sprockets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. Each of the external gear sets includes first and second gears. The torque transmitting devices include clutches and a brake.
US08357057B2
Wood-type golf club heads (e.g., drivers, fairway woods, wood-type hybrid clubs, or the like) include: (a) a ball striking face; (b) a club head body engaged or integrally formed with the ball striking face, wherein the club head body includes a crown portion, the crown portion including a fixed portion proximal to the ball striking face, and a removable weight portion, which is configured to be coupled with the fixed portion on a side of the crown portion away from the ball striking face. The club head body may further include an interior portion with a frame member defined therein. The crown weight may further include a weight member attached to the frame member, the weight member including at least one receptacle defined therein. The removable weight portion may further include at least one weight insert supported within the weight member in the at least one receptacle.
US08357056B2
A golf club head having a crown, a sole having a length, ls, a strike face, a structural response modifying element having a constraining portion and a cantilever portion, the constraining portion extending from the sole to the crown and having a length lsc that is between about 10% to about 40% of length ls, wherein the cantilever portion extends form the constraining member toward the strike face. In another embodiment the constraining portion extends from the crown to a skirt portion of the club head, but is not connected to the strike face.
US08357055B2
A golf club shaft includes a base made of a metal material, a nickel plated layer formed on the base, a chrome plated layer formed on the nickel layer, and a coating layer formed on the chrome plated layer. The chrome plated layer has a surface roughness Ra of 0.1 to 0.3 μm and a thickness of 0.2 to 1 μm.
US08357054B2
A child entertainment apparatus is convertible between a swing mode and a jumper mode. An example apparatus includes a frame, and a seat. The seat is coupled to the frame by a substantially rigid support when the apparatus is in the swing mode, and the seat is coupled to the frame through a substantially flexible support when the apparatus is in the jumper mode.
US08357050B2
A torque fluctuation absorber includes a first plate member to which power of rotation is transmitted from a first rotational shaft, a second plate member arranged at a preset distance from the first plate member, a third plate member arranged between the first plate member and the second plate member and configured to transmit power of rotation to a second rotational shaft. The torque fluctuation absorber also includes a fourth plate member arranged at a preset distance from the second plate member, and a resilient member arranged between the second plate member and the fourth plate member and configured to bias the second plate member towards the third plate member. The resilient member includes a first end abutting against the second plate member in an area where the second plate member faces the third plate member in the axial direction, and a second end abutting against the fourth plate member.
US08357049B2
A torque-transfer assembly includes a fluid transfer tube located within a bore of a shaft. The fluid transfer tube seals to the shaft and includes at least one fluid groove that communicates between a plurality of fluid ports located in the shaft. The fluid groove is defined by an outer surface of the fluid transfer tube.
US08357045B2
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a computer program product embodied in a computer readable medium that, when executing on one or more computers, receives a request for game play, and in response to the request, causing prior game play data to be retrieved, where the prior game play data was stored in response to prior game play of another user. Further, an asynchronous game play environment may be provided where an active participant, who made the request, is able to play against and interact with an apparently live participant based on the prior game play data.
US08357035B2
Systems and methods provide for reserving wagering game themes in a network of wagering games.
US08357029B2
A polishing apparatus is used for polishing a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer to a flat mirror finish. The polishing apparatus includes a polishing table (100) having a polishing surface (101a), a top ring body (2) configured to hold and press a substrate against the polishing surface (101a), and a retainer ring (3) provided at an outer peripheral portion of the top ring body (2) and configured to press the polishing surface (101a). A fulcrum for receiving a lateral force applied from the substrate to the retainer ring (3) during polishing of the substrate is located above a central portion of the substrate.
US08357024B2
A size-adjustable, breastfeeding band that helps to lessen the likelihood of infant suffocation during breastfeeding, comprising a primary band, comprised of elastic (or stretchable material) that securely and comfortably extends around the entire middle portion of the breast and fastens via button, snap, drawstring, Velcro, or any other related material or adhesive that can securely hold band in place; and an adjustable strap attachment co-operable with the primary band by attaching into it and preventing slippage.
US08357022B2
A manufacturing apparatus for liquid crystal (LC) panels, including a temperature control device, an LC status monitor, a backlight source and an ultraviolet set. The temperature control device, on which an LC panel is placed, provides temperature control and is perforated to pass light therethrough. The LC status monitor is operative to observe the LC panel while the light is emitted from the backlight source and transmitted through the LC panel and the temperature control device as back-lights of the LC panel. The ultraviolet set is operative to expose the LC panel to ultraviolet light. The relative position between the temperature control device and the backlight source is adjustable, to switch the operating state of the apparatus. In the first operating state, the LC panel can be observed by the LC status monitor. In the second operating state, the LC panel can be exposed to ultraviolet light.
US08357016B2
A plug and jack electrical connector arrangement for connecting together the conductors of a pair of cables, comprising a connector housing containing an open-ended chamber, a plurality of contacts adapted for connection with the bare ends of the conductors, and a contact mounting unit for mounting the contacts in the connector housing chamber, which mounting unit includes a contact support member containing a plurality of parallel longitudinal passages, a contact holder member arranged to retain the contacts relative to the contact support member, and a connecting arrangement connecting together the contact support and contact holder members. In one embodiment, the contact hold member contains a plurality of bores in alignment with the contact support member passages. In a second embodiment, the contact holder member contains a through passage for receiving the contact support member, thereby to retain certain contacts in external grooves contained in the support member.
US08357014B2
Methods and systems for providing crosstalk compensation in a jack are disclosed. According to one method, the crosstalk compensation is adapted to compensate for undesired crosstalk generated at a capacitive coupling located at a plug inserted within the jack. The method includes positioning a first capacitive coupling a first time delay away from the capacitive coupling of the plug, the first capacitive coupling having a greater magnitude and an opposite polarity as compared to the capacitive coupling of the plug. The method also includes positioning a second capacitive coupling at a second time delay from the first capacitive coupling, the second time delay corresponding to an average time delay that optimizes near end crosstalk. The second capacitive coupling has generally the same overall magnitude but an opposite polarity as compared to the first capacitive coupling, and includes two capacitive elements spaced at different time delays from the first capacitive coupling.
US08357008B2
A mounting system for a circuit receptacle is provided. The mounting system includes a socket and a circuit receptacle. The socket includes a locking recess that is disposable in an opening of an installation surface. The circuit receptacle includes a locking tab that engages the locking recess and secures the circuit receptacle to the socket. The locking tab may be configured to engage the locking recess in the opening of the installation surface, such that the locking tab is hidden.
US08357002B2
A locking device that locks a power feeding plug to a power receiving connector and locks a lid covering the power receiving connector. The locking device includes a lock bar that locks a hook, which is arranged on the power feeding plug, to a catch, which is arranged on the power receiving connector. A hook restriction member permits and restricts movement of the lock bar. A lid restriction member permits and restricts opening of the lid. A motor moves the hook and lid restriction members.
US08357000B1
An electrical make-break connection for an apparatus having a recoiling portion and a non-recoiling portion may include a non-recoiling assembly fixed to the non-recoiling portion and a recoiling assembly fixed to the recoiling portion. Each of the non-recoiling and recoiling assemblies may include a mounting bracket and an electrical contact assembly disposed in the mounting bracket. Each contact assembly may include one or more electrical conductors. The non-recoiling contact assembly may float in its mounting bracket. Part of the mating surface of the recoiling contact assembly may be more elastic than part of the mating surface of the non-recoiling contact assembly. Elastic deformation of the recoiling mating surface by the non-recoiling mating surface may provide a fluid seal for the make-break connection.
US08356993B1
A removable orthodontic appliance of discrete plastic sleeves, each being receivable over a corresponding tooth of a patient. Lingual clips are fastened to the corresponding tooth and which are engageable with corresponding structure of the sleeves for removably retaining each of said plastic sleeves to the corresponding tooth of the patient. Buccal brackets are fixably carried on a side of each of the sleeves positionally corresponding to a buccal surface of the corresponding tooth to which each of the sleeves is receivable. An arch wire is ligated to each of the buccal brackets to extend therebetween. The system can be conveniently removed for cleaning and adjustment.
US08356988B2
A process and apparatus for forming wallboard panels having recessed edges along all four edges.
US08356984B2
A hand air pump includes a connecting member having a barrel and an outlet port and a mouth, a receptacle having a cylinder engaged onto the barrel and having a slidable piston, the receptacle includes a channel for engaging with a cover plate which includes a longitudinal hole communicative with the mouth of the connecting member, and a gauge device includes a notch for receiving the receptacle and includes one or more latching members for retaining the gauge device to the receptacle and includes a connector engaged with the hole of the cover plate for receiving the pressurized air from the cylinder and for measuring an air pressure within the cylinder.
US08356980B2
A method for joining a cast metal material blade ring and a metal material hub structure into a turbine rotor. One of the blade ring and the hub structure is mounted in a holder and the other is mounted in a rotation holder for being rotated. At least one of these mountings is heated, and then they are pressed together with a selected force while rotating to weld the ring interior wall and the disk side to form the assembled structure.
US08356976B2
A mounting apparatus for a fan includes a plate and a frame. The plate includes a venting portion. A number of locking holes and an engaging hole are defined in the plate, surrounding the venting portion. The frame includes a main body and a resilient portion extending from a side of the main body. An airflow opening is defined in the main body aligned with the venting portion of the plate. A number of hooks extend from the main body, around the airflow opening, to be engaged in the corresponding locking holes of the plate. A bulge protrudes out from the resilient portion to be engaged in the engaging hole.
US08356974B2
A steam turbine 20 is provided with a casing 109, a turbine rotor 25 disposed through the casing 109, and labyrinth portions 50, 55 which are disposed at the boundary between the casing 109 and the turbine rotor 25. The steam turbine 20 is further provided with a sealing steam pipe 65 for supplying sealing steam to the labyrinth portions 50, 55 and a gas supply pipe 60 for supplying the labyrinth portions 50, 55 with a cooling gas for cooling the turbine rotor 25 or a heating gas for heating the turbine rotor 25.
US08356969B2
Pumping units are known to have an inlet channel, opening out into a pumping channel and tapering from an inlet cross section to an outlet into the pumping channel with an outlet cross-section. The flow is deflected through ninety degrees on entry to the pumping channel which induces strong swirling. The transition from the inlet channel into the pumping channel is not optimal for flow. This effect reduces the efficiency of the pumping unit. The inlet flow into the pumping channel is improved in the pumping unit according to the invention and hence efficiency is improved. According to the invention, the outlet is essentially provided in a first quadrant with relation to the inlet cross section and the tapering of the inlet channel essentially occurs in the other three quadrants. The tapering wall of the inlet channel is formed by a plane-generating shape which goes around from one side of the outlet to the other side of the outlet and is shaped to be increasingly flat relative to a plane of the outlet.
US08356963B2
A channel and anchor assembly includes a channel and an anchor. The channel has a generally c-shaped cross-section that includes first and second upper extensions that define a plurality of openings, first and second side edges connected at first ends to the first and second upper extensions, respectively, and a lower cross member that extends between second ends of the first and the second side edges. The first and the second upper extensions lie in substantially a first plane, and the lower cross member lies in substantially a second plane that is separated from the first plane by a distance sized to allow an anchor member to be inserted into the channel. The openings are sized and positioned to receive complementary protrusions extending from the anchor member. The anchor includes a substantially rectangular lower planar member configured to enter the channel. A plurality of protrusions extend from a top surface of the lower planar member. The protrusions are positioned adjacent to first and second edges of the lower planar member and are configured to enter the plurality of openings defined by the channel.
US08356959B2
A biomimetic system for mitigating marine bio-fouling is disclosed which is based upon the sacrificial skin mechanism found in the pilot whale species. The anti-bio-fouling system is characterized by the continuous in-situ underwater formation of a conformal protective skin around a submerged object or structure and employs a circulatory system embedded in a diffuser layer conformably fitted and secured to the structure to controllably deliver a sacrificial skin-forming material to the structural surface. The system advantageously utilizes the unique chemical properties of the skin-forming material to alter the material's viscosity in response to contact with sea water such that the material is uniformly distributed over the structure surface by a self-diffusion process, notwithstanding structural configuration or gravitational orientation, thus forming a stabilized waterproof layer or sacrificial skin. The sacrificial skin controllably self-dissolves and is shed in response to continuous contact with sea water, thereby carrying away the marine bio-fouling material.
US08356954B2
A connector assembly is used to connect subassemblies such as parts of a knockdown or modular sofa or similar item of furniture. The furniture item can be an upholstered item in which the multiple components are stackable into a volume that is smaller than the assembled item of furniture for shipping. The connector assembly includes a keyhole slot on a frame member in one component and a male connector assembly on a frame member in the other assembly. The male connector includes a sleeve with a cylindrical shank and an adjacent enlarged or conical portion, and the sleeve, which may be plastic, is mounted the bolt. The narrow section of the keyhole slot has a beveled surface and as the sleeve progresses into the narrow section, engagement of the conical sleeve section with the beveled slot surface tightens the two members being attached.
US08356935B2
Methods for assessing a temperature in an opening in a subsurface formation are described herein. A method may include assessing one or more dielectric properties along a length of an insulated conductor located in the opening and assessing one or more temperatures along the length of the insulated conductor based on the one or more assessed dielectric properties.
US08356933B2
A calorimeter (1) with a decomposition chamber (3) with a combustion chamber (2), in which a receiving device (4) for a sample, an ignition device (5), and at least one supply line (6) for oxygen are provided. The decomposition chamber (3) is surrounded by a liquid or water jacket (7) into which at least one temperature sensor (8) extends. The liquid or water jacket (7) is surrounded by an outer container (9), which is a pressure container and which absorbs pressure generated during the combustion of a sample in the decomposition chamber (3) at the walls (10) thereof as a result of a tight sliding fit (15) by way of the water or the incompressible liquid. The decomposition chamber (3) therefore has an accordingly thin wall so that the heat generated during combustion of a sample can reach the temperature sensor or sensors (8) quickly.
US08356914B2
A light projection device of a stack of at least 2 LED light projection modules. Each module shares a common optical axis and each includes an LED at least partially surrounded by an off-axis collimating optic and each projects a radially collimated canted beam towards and onto. There is a refracting plate for redirecting and changing the angle in respect to the optical axis of at least one of the radially collimated canted beams.
US08356904B2
A lighting system (100) includes at least one controllable light source (125) configured to provide a light having at least one attribute; an image renderer (135) configured to render at least one image; and a system controller (110) configured to select the image in corresponding to the selected attribute. The system controller (110) may be configured to receive at least one script associated with different light attributes such as different light intensity or brightness levels, and to change the image in response to changes of the light attribute in accordance with the script.
US08356902B2
A system comprises means (PL; MI) for projecting an image light beam (ILB) on a projection area (PA) for display of an image (PI) on the projection area (PA), and means (1) for generating an ambient light beam (ALB; ALB1, ALB2) and comprising: an ambient light source (LS; LS1, LS2) for generating ambient light, a collimator (CO) or a light-guide (LG1, LG2) for receiving the ambient light to supply the ambient light beam (ALB; ALB1, ALB2), and a reflector (RF; RF1, RF2) for reflecting the ambient light beam (ALB; ALB1, ALB2) towards the projection area (PA) to obtain an ambient lighting area (ALI) adjacent the image (PI).
US08356895B2
Embodiments of the present invention include a lens configured to adapt to varying light conditions. The lens comprises a first layer made of a transparent thermoplastic material and a second layer made of a transparent thermoplastic material. The lens also includes a polarized film and a photochromatic film that adjusts to vary the amount of light that is transmitted through the film in response to the amount of ultraviolet radiation received by the film. The lens is thermoformed to have a selected radius of curvature. Embodiments of the lens disclosed herein are adapted for use with a frame that is configured to receive the lens and position the lens proximate a user's face and eyes.
US08356891B2
A damper includes a reservoir which stores a liquid and damps a pressure fluctuation in the liquid and includes a gas-liquid separation membrane which demarcates an upper portion of the reservoir, and a flexible damper film which demarcates the reservoir at a lower side of the gas-liquid separation membrane. Accordingly, there is provided a damper which is capable of improving an air-discharge efficiency while suppressing an increase in the size, and moreover improving a pressure relaxation efficiency.
US08356886B2
A liquid ejection head may include a first flow channel member and a second flow channel member, wherein the first flow channel member and the second flow channel member are disposed to form a liquid supply flow channel configured to supply liquid to an ejection port, a supply and discharge flow channel communicated with a supply port and a discharge port, and a communicating flow channel configured to communicate the supply and discharge flow channel to the liquid supply flow channel. The liquid ejection head may also include a seal member which constitutes a part of the supply and discharge flow channel and connects the first flow channel member to the second flow channel member in a water-tight manner. The communicating flow channel may be communicated with the supply and discharge flow channel via a filter disposed in the interior of the second flow channel member.
US08356883B2
A printing method includes applying at least one of a plurality of pigmented colored inks to a receiving surface. A colorless ink is applied to the receiving surface. A majority of the colorless ink is ejected from of first nozzles on a printhead used for ejecting the colorless ink. At least 30% of an area on the receiving surface, which is passed over by the first nozzles, is covered with the colorless ink during a single pass of the printhead over the area.
US08356874B2
A multi-color ink jet printing system uses a two-part (Binary) imaging solution, where the precise mixture of the multiple fluid parts (Colorant(s) and Reactant) is controlled with the use of multiple drop size (Grey Scale) ink jet print heads. The precise mixture of colorant(s) and reactant initiates a chemical reaction, which cures the imaging solution into a solid or nearly solid compound that ensures proper drop location.
US08356873B2
A multi-color ink jet printing system uses a two-part (Binary) imaging solution, where the precise mixture of the multiple fluid parts (Colorant(s) and Reactant) is controlled with the use of multiple drop size (Grey Scale) ink jet print heads. The precise mixture of colorant(s) and reactant initiates a chemical reaction, which cures the imaging solution into a solid or nearly solid compound that ensures proper drop location.
US08356871B2
An inkjet printing apparatus includes a print head that scans a same area of a printing medium plural times and ejects plural kinds of ink and a treatment liquid thereon to form an image, and an ejection data generating unit for generating ejection data for ejecting the plural kinds of ink and the treatment liquid to each predetermined area of the printing medium in a predetermined order from the print head. The plural kinds of ink are classified in plurality based upon a minimum application amount of the treatment liquid per a predetermined area required for realizing an effect of the treatment liquid, and the ejection data generating unit generates the ejection data in such a manner as to eject the plural kinds of ink and the treatment liquid from the print head according to the order determined in accordance with the classification of the ink ejected within the predetermined area.
US08356869B2
A device has an output circuit arranged to receive a voltage pulse, a body diode associated with the output circuit, and a detection circuit electrically coupled to the voltage pulse and the output circuit, such that when the voltage pulse transitions from high to low, the detection circuit is configured to activate the output circuit to reduce current in the body diode. A circuit to control parasitic power dissipation in an integrated circuit has a P-channel FET having a source electrode coupled to a high voltage signal source and a drain electrode coupled to a load, a body diode associated with the P-channel FET, and a detection circuit. An apparatus has a print head arranged to dispense ink, a print driver circuit electrically coupled to the print head and configured to provide voltage pulses to actuate the ejection ports through an output circuit, and a detection circuit electrically coupled to the output circuit.
US08356834B1
An airbag with a bent head portion and a repeated sealing and filling effect comprises a bag body formed of buffer air columns, and heat-sealing nodes formed on the air column, such that the air column is bent when passing the node. A containing groove is formed in the bag body, and the bag body includes a bag mouth interconnected to the containing groove; a plurality of inflatable extended-section air columns arranged on a side of the external periphery of the bag mouth, and a non-inflatable protruding plate is arranged at an edge of the extended-section air column; an extended-section plate, disposed on the other side of the bag mouth, and a disposing entrance is formed between the extended-section plate and the protruding plate for a repeated use of the airbag. The airbag and its manufacturing method overcome the problem of the conventional packaging bag that cannot be used repeatedly.
US08356833B2
An airbag is formed of two base fabrics. An adhesive agent is pasted with some width on one of the base fabrics and then another of the base fabrics is put on the one of the base fabrics. The two fabrics are adhered together to form the airbag. Pasting start/end portions of the adhesive agent is set at a gas introducing portion of the airbag. Pasting start/end points (terminal ends of the start/end portions) is located outside a path in the gas introducing portion through which a gas is introduced into an inside of the airbag. According to an airbag with the airbag, assembling workability of the airbag can be improved.
US08356825B2
A stabilizer device having high reliability and light weight is provided. The stabilizer device has a stabilizer consisting of a torsion part and arm parts each extending from both ends of the torsion part and having an overall shape of a square bracket, a “]” shape, a bushing for fixing the stabilizer to an automobile body arranged at both ends of the torsion part, and a resin misalignment preventing member which has a contacting part contacting with the bushing, which is arranged neighboring the bushing, and which is integrally formed with the torsion part and covering all therearound in a predetermined range of axial direction of the torsion part.
US08356822B2
Some embodiments are directed to a board for riding on a snow surface, comprising a base having a first snow engaging element, a second snow engaging element, and a third snow engaging element positioned on a bottom surface of the base. The first snow engaging element can be positioned beneath a user's front foot during operation of the board and positioned entirely on a forward half of the base. The second and third snow engaging elements can be positioned such that a fore portion of each is positioned beneath a user's front foot during operation of the board and extends toward the rear portion of the board at least to the user's rear foot. In some embodiments, the snow engaging elements can be protrusions, depressions, or otherwise, and can be removably supported by the base.
US08356821B2
A seal assembly forming a seal with a rotatable shaft of a hydrogen-cooled generator is provided. The seal assembly includes a ring assembly disposed about the rotatable shaft. The ring assembly includes a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A hydrogen side ring is coupled to a generator frame of the generator. An insulating structure is positioned between the hydrogen side ring and the generator frame to provide electrical insulation between the hydrogen side ring and the generator frame. An air side ring is disposed adjacent to the hydrogen side ring and the seal structure is coupled to the air side ring. Structure for supplying oil to the ring assembly is provided, such that the oil flows through the ring assembly to an interface between the rotatable shaft and the seal structure so as to substantially limit direct contact between the rotatable shaft and the seal structure.
US08356809B2
An adjustable delivery web conversion apparatus is provided. The adjustable delivery web conversion apparatus includes a variable cutting apparatus cutting a printed web into a first signature and a second signature, a first assembly receiving the first signature and a second assembly downstream of the first assembly receiving the second signature. Also included are a first delivery section for receiving the first signature from the first assembly, a second delivery section for receiving the second signature from the second assembly and a stack receiving conveyor for receiving the first signature and the second signature. The first delivery section is movable between a first delivery and a first non-delivery position. The second delivery section is movable between a second delivery position and a second non-delivery position. The stacking receiving conveyor is movable between a conveying position and a non-conveying position. A method of producing and delivering signatures is also provided.
US08356803B2
A method and apparatus for attaching balusters for a stair, balcony, deck, landing or the like providing an adjustable connection of a baluster to a rail and a base surface. The apparatus includes a ball adapter and a socket. The ball adapter is joined with the socket and mounted on a stair surface. The ball adapter and its mounting to the socket provides for limited adjustable movement of the adapter with respect to the socket and the stair surface. The ball adapter provides for the attachment of a baluster to the adapter. The adjustable connection of this apparatus can be used to attach to a rail or to a base of a stair, balcony, deck, landing or the like. The ball adapter and socket can be used to produce modular prefabricated baluster systems that can be adjusted for any slope or level rail and baluster installation.
US08356794B1
A quick release connector has a body, a positioning mount, a sealing valve and an outer sleeve. The body is hollow and has a threaded end, a connecting end, an air inlet chamber, a mounting recess, a threaded segment, a sealing ring and a pressing ring. The positioning mount is detachably connected to the body and has a fixing end, an inserting end, an air outlet chamber, a returning spring, multiple ball holes and multiple balls. The sealing valve is movably mounted between the body and the positioning mount, selectively abuts the sealing ring of the body and has a closed end, an open end and at lease one air inlet. The outer sleeve is slidably mounted between the body and the positioning mount and has a mounting end, a pushing end, an internal surface, a spring recess, a holding recess and a pressing spring.
US08356785B2
An extension arm apparatus is provided for mounting devices such as flat panel monitors above a workspace. The apparatus includes upper and lower channels connected to a pair of endcaps. One endcap may connect to the workspace and the other endcap may connect to an extension arm or to the device to be mounted. At least one of the channels includes a reinforcement structure providing additional support to the apparatus. The reinforcement structure is tapered. A forearm extension may also include a reinforcement structure. The endcaps may have interior spacers that provide clearance for the sidewalls of the channels, which may be fabricated without parting lines.
US08356782B2
A device is disclosed for supporting an object, such as a picture frame, on a wall. The device includes an arcuate member having a penetration end that terminates in at least one point. The arcuate member further includes a support end, opposite the penetration end, that has a support hook. A pressure disk may be slidably retained at an aperture therethrough on the arcuate member. A plurality of different support accessories may be included, the support hook being adapted to support each support accessory thereon. In use, with the penetration end of the arcuate member contacting the front surface of the wall, pressure is applied to the pressure disk that binds against the arcuate member to force the penetration end of the arcuate member through the wall. The arcuate member is curved such that when the support hook contacts the front surface of the wall the penetration means contacts the rear surface of the wall to retain the device firmly in the wall and to support the object.
US08356778B2
An extruded or molded elastomeric (e.g., rubber) or polymeric multi-piece (e.g., two-piece) modular pipe support system utilizes a wide base with protrusions and/or recesses, and a separate top with recesses and/or protrusions that engage the protrusions and/or recesses of the top. The tops are configured to securely capture a pipe/conduit without any additional parts, straps, etc. The top may have one or more pipe-receiving recesses for receiving the pipes (conduits).
US08356776B2
A device for automatically controlling a system of high-lift elements of an aircraft, which high-lift elements can be set to a retracted and to several extended configurations for cruising, holding flight, takeoff or landing; comprising a flap control unit that by way of a control connection is connected, so as to be functionally effective, to a drive system of the high-lift elements; and an operating unit, connected to the flap control unit, for entering operating instructions that influence the setting of the high-lift elements, where the flap control unit is provided for calculating switching speeds that are associated with the respective configurations of the high-lift elements, where the direction of the configuration change and the operating modes of the automatic system for adjusting the high-lift elements, depending on flight state data and further flight-operation-relevant data; and where, in addition, the flap control unit can also automatically carry out switchover of the operating modes for takeoff or for the landing approach and is provided to automatically generate the instructions that instruct the configuration change, depending on the flight speed.
US08356775B2
Provided is a space object deployment system. Specifically, the system in at least one embodiment, includes at least one deployable object. A deployment chamber is paired with each deployable object, each chamber including: a base opposite from the deployable object; and a spring loaded countermass coupled to the base and slidably disposed within the chamber, the deployment chamber at least partially disposed within a rotatable body transverse to the axis of rotation. At least one coupler is paired to each deployable object and adapted to detachably couple the deployable object to the body and constrain the countermass within the chamber. An associated method of use is provided as well.
US08356761B2
An actuator includes at least one drive arrangement configured to generate output mechanical power from input electrical power. The actuator also includes a communication line input port and a control unit. The communication line input port is configured to connect to a communication line, and is configured to obtain electrical power from the communication line. The control unit is configured to obtain first information from the communication line via the communication line input port, and is further configured to adjust the operation of the at least one drive arrangement based on the first information and based upon information identifying electrical power available for use as input electrical power.
US08356749B2
An integrated scanner and scale is provided having a thin profile and incorporating imaging technology to scan and read optical codes. The scanner-scale is sufficiently thin to allow a cash drawer to fit beneath the scanner-scale in a check stand. Side imagers are positioned and configured to scan multiple sides of an item. The field of view (FOV) of each imager defines at least a portion of a scan volume, wherein scanning is nearest to optimal. One or more imagers can be positioned on the checker side and the customer side, such that an optical path (or a portion thereof) from the scan volume to the one or more imagers is positioned entirely above a platter of the scanner. Mirrors fold and direct the optical path to direct the FOV of a bottom imager such that the bottom imager is positioned sufficiently close to the platter to allow the scanner-scale to have a thin profile.
US08356748B2
A cash dispensing banking machine that operates responsive to data bearing records includes a card reader that reads identifying data from a user card. The machine dispenses cash from a cash dispenser for a financial account without causing the card reader device to read data from a card corresponding to the financial account, when a determination indicates that a voice of the user corresponds to a particular recognized user stored in a data store in correlated relation with the financial account.
US08356740B1
An exemplary surgical apparatus may include a staple holder and an anvil connected to the staple holder, where the anvil includes an anvil body and an anvil plate that floats relative to the anvil body. Another exemplary surgical apparatus may include a staple holder, an anvil connected to the staple holder, and at least one sensor fixed to at least one of the staple holder and the anvil, where at least one sensor is configured to measure stress and/or strain. An exemplary surgical method for treating tissue may include providing an end effector that includes a staple holder and an anvil connected to the staple holder, closing the end effector onto tissue, exerting force on that tissue during closing, and adjusting the gap between the anvil and staple holder during closing along at least a portion of the anvil.
US08356739B2
A stapler includes a main arm having two slots and two pivots, wherein two links have two respective first ends thereof are movably and pivotably connected to the two slots, and two respective second ends of the links are pivotably connected to the two pivots of the main arm. An operation arm having a strike plate is pivotably connected to a base and a magazine is located between the operation arm and the base. By pivoting the main arm downward, the two links are movable in the two slots and drive the operation arm to lower the strike plate to eject the staples in the magazine.
US08356734B2
A trigger type head cap for an aerosol sprayer allows residual gas inside of an aerosol container of the sprayer to be easily and reliably discharged and eliminated. The cap includes a cap cover to be placed on the aerosol container, which has a stem provided on a top thereof; a tubular member that has a stem mating part to mate with the stem and ends with a jet orifice to form a flow path continuous from the stem mating part to the jet orifice in the tubular member; and a trigger lever member capable of thrusting down the stem mating part. In addition, the cap has a rotatable rotary stopper (21) to hold the stem mating part in the state that it is thrust down, and a stopper operating lever for effecting rotation of the stopper.
US08356729B2
A material metering method which is executed by way of multistage metering including a memory in which a target metering time for the each stage of metering except for a first stage of metering is memorized, each of the target time including unstable metering time for drop amount of material whose drop amount per unit time after changed from prior stage of the metering is unstable; a metering time measuring unit for measuring an actual metering time at the each stage of metering; and a set value correction unit for correcting the supply mass switch value at each stage of the metering except for the first stage of metering based on the target metering time and the actual metering time after performing one batch metering, whereby the entire metering time for subsequent batch metering to be performed is more reduced than one batch metering performed.
US08356725B2
A container for receiving objects has a lower part with an opening and a receiving space, which is accessible via the opening, for objects, an upper part which can be connected to the lower part via at least one connecting region, wherein the at least one connecting region is designed in such a manner that the receiving space is tightly closed, and a device for releasing the connection between the upper part and lower part. The device for releasing the connection is formed between the opening and the at least one connecting region.
US08356722B2
A container, particularly a beverage bottle, can be closed in a bottle opening of a bottle body with a closure made of a plastic material or glass. A fixing element is detachable fastened to the bottle body and holds the closure in the bottle opening. Such a bottle closure solves the problems involving, in particular, wine bottles and which arise when otherwise common bottle cork stoppers are used.
US08356719B2
A crockery basket of a dishwasher for receiving pieces of crockery. The crockery basket includes a bottom; lateral parts that frame the bottom; and at least one row of rods that are arranged on the bottom to hold the pieces of crockery. The at least one row of rods has a base wire and individual rod wires that are attached to the base wire. Each end of the base wire is bent and pivotally mounted on the bottom. When the at least one row of rods is pivoted upright, the base wire is arranged at a distance from the bottom.
US08356718B2
A server rack assembly includes a base with a pair of opposite stands, a rack spanning between the stands, and a pair of mounting apparatuses respectively mounted on two ends of the rack. Each stand defines one first positioning hole therein. Each mounting apparatus includes a fixing member comprising a hook thereon for engaging with the corresponding first positioning hole of one of the stands, and a locking member comprising of a restriction portion slidably positioned on the fixing member and moveable between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the restriction portion is received in the corresponding first positioning hole. In the second position, the restriction portion is out of the corresponding first positioning hole.
US08356715B2
An apparatus for sorting material, includes a frame, at least one first shaft rotatably mounted onto the frame, and at least one second shaft rotatably mounted onto the frame in a substantially adjacent and parallel relationship with respect to the at least one first shaft. The first and second shafts define a conveying surface along which material to be sorted is intended to travel via a rotation of the shafts. At least one single disc is mounted in a substantially transverse relationship with respect to the at least one first shaft. At least one compound disc is mounted in a substantially transverse relationship with respect to the at least one second shaft, each compound disc having a main disc and an associated secondary disc, each main disc having an outside perimeter greater than that of the associated secondary disc, each secondary disc being in alignment with the at least one single disc of an adjacent first shaft. Such a simplified disc arrangement provides a zigzagging pattern of spacings, while enabling an easier interchangeably of components which is advantageous in reducing assembling, operating, maintenance and/or repair costs, as well as in improving sorting capability.
US08356714B2
An apparatus for separating particles includes a first planar wall and a spaced apart second planar wall parallel to the first planar wall. The first planar wall and the second planar wall define a passage therebetween, which is disposed along a fluid flow axis. A first plurality of spaced apart elongated ridges extends into the passage from the first planar wall. The first plurality of spaced apart elongated ridges is disposed along a diagonal direction relative to the fluid flow axis. When a fluid is moved through the passage in a direction corresponding to the fluid flow axis, particles of a first type will tend to move in a first direction that is diagonally away from the fluid flow axis and particles of a second type, different from the first type, will tend to move in a second direction that is different from the first direction.
US08356710B2
Disclosed is a modular conveyor belt device with a system for easy removal of the belt modules. The belt comprises at least one driving chain and a plurality of belt modules extending transversally and parallely mounted over the entire length of the chains. The belt modules include underside openings, shaped to receive a locking pin extending outwardly from the driving chains and comprising a notch. The belt modules further include side openings intersecting with corresponding bottom openings in which fasteners are removably mounted. Each fastener comprises a projection positionable between a locked configuration and a released configuration. In the locked configuration the projection is embedded in the notch of the locking pin whereas the projection is disembedded from the notch of the locking pin when in the released configuration. The device using the disclosed locking system provides excellent locking capabilities while offering fast and easy removal of the belt modules.
US08356708B2
Modular belt link of the type having a leading and trailing edge and a top surface there between, and two side surfaces at right angles to the leading and trailing edges, and a lower carrying surface and furthermore provided with a plurality of eye parts for hingedly connecting to adjacent modular belt links, characterised in that the modular belt link is made from a polymer material, and that at least in a side surface a conductive material insert is embedded, such that the conductive material is exposed on the top surface and the side surface, and is part of said top and side surface.
US08356705B2
An improved handling device for driving, immersing/removing and rotating motor vehicle, truck cabin, van and metal article vessel bodyworks into/from processing basins is characterized in that said device comprises a sliding frame designed for sliding on sliding rails, driven by one or two driving chains, and supporting a pair of arms bearing, at their free end portion, a swinging platform, in turn adapted to bear a skid for supporting a bodywork, the sliding frame comprising one or two winch assemblies driving respective pulleys thereon are entrained ropes, belts, chains or the like, and being associated with a respective arm at a swinging shaft, said sliding frame comprising moreover two rack assemblies, therealong slide respective end portions of the arms coupled to the frame, said swinging platform being driven by a chain driving system.
US08356704B2
A robotic mount is configured to move an entertainment element such as a video display, a video projector or a staircase. The robotic mount is movable in three-dimensions, whereby the associated entertainment element is moveable in three-dimensional space. In one embodiment, a unitary display comprises a plurality of closely spaced individual displays which are mounted to robotic mounts, whereby the configuration of the unitary display may be altered by changing the position of one or more of the displays relative to the others.
US08356691B2
An energy absorber for use in a personal fall arresting system wherein a pair of webbing are held together by tear away binder elements which are arranged to rupture under controlled conditions to prevent failure of the absorber when experiencing high load conditions.
US08356688B2
An industrial vehicle includes an operator compartment, a steering control device mounted for access from a first selectable operator position located outside of the operator compartment, and a steering column supporting the steering control device. The steering control device configured to rotate about the steering column and provide steering control from the operator compartment in a second selectable operator position opposite the first selectable operator position.
US08356674B2
Generally, the present disclosure is directed to wellbore tubular running systems and methods of their use. In one illustrative embodiment, a tubular running system is disclosed that includes, among other things, a torque frame, a main shaft extending through a top opening of the torque frame and rotatable by rotation apparatus, slip setting apparatus connected to the torque frame and including a levelling beam and a plurality of slip assemblies, each of the slip assemblies connected independently and pivotably to the levelling beam, and movement apparatus connected to the levelling beam for moving the slip assemblies in unison with respect to a tubular projecting into the torque frame.
US08356664B2
Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.
US08356663B2
The present invention generally relates to a swage assembly that is movable from a compliant configuration having a first shape to a substantially non-compliant configuration having a second shape. In one aspect, an expansion swage for expanding a wellbore tubular is provided. The expansion swage includes a body and a solid cone disposed on the body. The expansion swage further includes a deformable cone disposed on the body, wherein the solid cone is made from a first material and the deformable cone is made from a second material and wherein the deformable cone is movable relative to the body when the expansion swage is in a compliant configuration. In another aspect, a method of expanding a wellbore tubular is provided.
US08356658B2
A heat transfer device includes a plurality of heat transfer walls configured to separate a first fluid and a second fluid. A heat transfer enhancing system is provided to one or more heat transfer walls. The heat transfer enhancing system includes a plurality of micro turbulating particles bonded to the one or more heat transfer walls using a binding medium.
US08356651B2
This invention is a personal bead attachment device. It consists of a base with a hot plate, a piston arm, a piston holder, spring and piston forming a pressure handle. There is a power source and a laser light from the piston. The user of the bead attachment device will plug it in and turn machine and laser light on from the back of the machine, in about 30 second the plate should be hot and ready to use. The user will place the fabric on top of the hot plate and place a bead on the top of fabric, the laser dot will tell the user the exact position of where the bead will be adhered.
US08356646B2
A solid tire for a wheel comprising electrically conducting means (15) made according to the method of any one of claims 1-16 comprising a cured first cylindrical layer (1) comprising a first outer circumferential surface (10) provided for contacting the ground, the first layer (1) having an electrical resistance being larger than 1010 Ωcm, the tire (5) comprising an electrically conducting path (6) in electrical connection with the electrical conducting means (15) and extending through the first layer (1), the electrical conducting path (6) comprising a path-filling material (16) having a lower electrical resistance than the electrical resistance of the first layer (1), characterized in that the first layer (1) comprises less than 2 pphr carbon black, in that the first layer (1) comprises more than 30 pphr reinforcing filling material and in that the electrically conducting path (6) has a ground contacting surface (19) having an area of at least 150 mm2.
US08356642B2
Automotive service equipment and method for brake fluid exchange with wireless brake bleeding system
Automotive service equipment for brake fluid exchange includes a central unit having a controller for operating the equipment and a communication module for wirelessly communicating with each of a plurality of remote bleed modules to control bleeding brake fluid from respective brake bleeders of a vehicle connected to the modules. The brake fluid from the brake bleeders is stored in containers in the modules for later removal. When disconnected from the brake bleeders, the modules are moved to docking stations on the central unit for emptying brake fluid from the module containers and vacuum charging the containers for brake bleeding. The automotive service equipment and related method of performing brake fluid exchange in an automotive vehicle avoid the use of hoses for returning the waste fluid to the central unit thus reducing the problem of storage and handling of such hoses and spillage of residual fluid left in the hoses.
US08356639B2
A double-walled exhaust system component having hollow ceramic microspheres disposed between inner and outer pipes and method of making the same. The hollow ceramic microspheres have a size distribution wherein, on a bulk volume basis, at least 90 percent of the hollow ceramic microsphere have a size of less than 150 micrometers.
US08356638B2
A multi-layer hose usable for a fuel hose of an automotive vehicle. The multi-layer hose includes an intermediate layer formed of a resin whose main component includes polyester. An outer layer is provided formed of rubber and disposed outside the intermediate layer. Additionally, an inner layer is provided formed of fluoroelastomer and disposed inside the intermediate layer to be laminated directly on the intermediate layer.
US08356636B2
A hose comprising a tubular body of flexible material arranged between an inner and an outer helically wound wire, the tubular body serving to transport fluid through the hose and to prevent fluid leakage through the body, the tubular body comprising a reinforcing layer and a sealing layer, wherein the hose further comprises axial strengthening strips extending along the length of the hose.
US08356620B2
A pressure-controlled three-way valve device for inflating, keeping inflated and deflating tires, the device having a plunger axially traversed by an inlet passage normally closed by a spring-urged inlet valve. The plunger's outer sidewall has a recess in which an O-ring extends to abut against the steps of the recess to limit the plunger stroke and keep an outlet circuit closed to a venting port formed in the sidewall of the body of the device. The plunger moving between a position to open air supply to the tire, a position to keep an outlet circuit to a tire closed and a position to open a venting port to deflate the tire. The plunger being mounted into the valve body by a diaphragm sealing an outer wall of the plunger against the valve body and permitting the moving of the plunger with minimal friction between the plunger and the valve body.
US08356619B2
The present invention relates to a non-return valve (100) intended to be joined to a container (11) for air or liquids. The non-return valve is formed of non-rigid plastic or rubber material (1, 15), which forms reliable, tight non-return valve function in an opening channel (2) of the non-return valve. The invention is primarily characterized in that a resilient device (5) is arranged in a channel (50) arranged on the side of the opening channel (2) of the non-return valve and that said resilient device (5) extends from one side (52) of the channel (50) to the opposite side (52) of said channel (50). The invention also relates to a method for producing in a common stage the non-return valve together with a container (11) or for joining said non-return valve to a container (11) after the production of the non-return valve.
US08356618B1
A portable fuel tank includes a recess formed in a top wall that accommodates a fuel/water separator canister. The canister includes an inlet in fluid communication with liquid fuel in the enclosure and an outlet in fluid communication with a motor. The canister retains water separated from the fuel. A fuel intake tube is disposed within the tank and a fuel inlet conduit is disposed externally of the tank. The fuel inlet conduit has a first end in fluid communication with the fuel intake tube and a second end in fluid communication with an inlet of the canister. A manifold includes a first branch providing fluid communication between the fuel inlet conduit and the canister inlet and a second branch providing fluid communication between the canister outlet and a fuel outlet conduit that supplies water-free fuel to a motor.
US08356606B2
A method of providing a comestible plant material taken orally by coating a micronized plant material with a first layer of polysaccharides or proteins, then a second layer of polysaccharides or proteins is disclosed. A bi-encapsulated plant material produced by this process is also disclosed.
US08356604B2
An immobilization device including an anterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human chest and an anterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped anterior section generally corresponding to the sternum of the wearer. The device also includes a posterior component including a two-dimensional shaped section contoured to a shape of the human back and a posterior outwardly bowed area relative to the two-dimensional shaped section corresponding to the spinal column of the wearer, with elongate cushion elements connected to and extending within a width of the posterior outwardly bowed area. A strapping system connects both the anterior and posterior components to one another.
US08356601B2
An arm stabilizer includes a stabilizer bar and one or more modular attachments that can be detachably secured to the stabilizer bar. A wrist support attachment can be secured to the distal end of the stabilizer bar. A reducer attachment can be secured to the stabilizer bar between the wrist support attachment and the proximal end of the stabilizer bar. The reducer attachment includes a telescoping post with a rest plate that provides a support for applying reduction force to the arm. The reducer attachment can be moved along the length of the stabilizer bar at various angular orientations. A removable wrist pad and a removable brace pad are also provided. In some embodiments stabilizer bar is pivotable about a base to allow the stabilizer bar with attachments to be pivoted away from the patient and repositioned at various points in space during use.
US08356596B2
A device for supplying a respirator with breathing gas is designed in a modular design. To accomplish the object, a cover plate (9), a distributor plate (20) and a half shell body (11) are provided in a sandwich-like design, wherein said distributor plate (20) has walls (3, 5) projecting on both sides, which are connected to the cover plate (9) and to the half shell body (11) and define gas ducts (7) as well as a buffer volume (12).
US08356591B2
A boiler for a solar receiver includes a first wall of substantially coplanar side by side boiler panels. A plurality of contiguous panels of the first wall each have an inlet header thereof at a common first wall header elevation. A second wall includes substantially coplanar side by side boiler panels. A plurality of contiguous panels of the second wall each have an inlet header thereof at a common second wall header elevation. The second wall is adjacent to and angled with respect to the first wall so that one end panel of the first wall is adjacent to one end panel of the second wall to form a boiler wall corner. The inlet headers of the two end panels of the boiler wall corner are at different elevations relative to one another.
US08356579B2
A dog training collar includes a plurality of releasable interconnecting links connected together to form a string of links having opposite ends with a tensioning member connected between the opposite ends of the link string to form a collar. A releasable fastener is included that releasably connects between the tensioning member and at least one of the opposite ends of the link string. The interconnecting links each include an inner side and outer side where the inner side includes a pair of v-shaped protrusions extending away from the inner side. The string of links having a plurality of v-shaped protrusion pairs forms two columns of links arranged in spaced apart relation extending from the inner sides, whereby the string of links is placed around a neck of a dog with said v-shaped protrusions directed toward the neck and connected to said tensioning member by the releasable fastener to form said collar such that adjustment of said tensioning member during wear causes a physical correction to be applied to the neck. The number of links used may be adjusted according a dog's neck size. An anti-tangling device is coupled to the tensioning member whereby the anti-tangling device restores unintended twists in the collar when applied to the neck of the dog.
US08356576B2
A vent plug for a milking liner has an outlet that discharges the vent air in the downstream direction. The vent plug has an outlet disposed in the downstream portion of the inner flange of the vent plug so that vent air is directed toward the outlet of the short milk tube. The vent plug outlet also may be disposed in the upstream portion of the inner flange while being configured to direct the vent air in a downstream direction.
US08356570B2
To provide an indicator apparatus in which a pointer is secured to a pointer drive means by attraction force of magnets and the pointer can be secured more tightly to prevent an overshoot and pulsation of the pointer. The indicator apparatus has a display plate 21, a pointer 22 provided on a front-face side of the display plate 21, a pointer drive means provided on a back-face side of the display plate 21 for rotating the pointer 22, a first magnet 22c in a ring shape provided for the pointer 22, and a second magnet 25a provided for the pointer drive means to be opposite to the first magnet 22c, in which the pointer 22 is rotated in association with rotation drive of the pointer drive means by attraction force of the first and second magnets 22c, 25a. A shaft portion 23 rotatably supporting the pointer 22 is located in the display plate 21. The shaft portion 23 includes a main shaft 23a, a main-shaft receive portion 23b securing the main shaft 23a to the display plate 21, and a rotation shaft portion 23c provided rotatably about the main shaft 23a and located on and secured to the pointer 22.
US08356562B2
A pallet may include a first portion and a second portion that may be arranged in a use position. The first and second portions may also be arranged in one or more nested positions that may be more compact than the first position to help facilitate more efficient storage of the portions. The portions may also include one or more magnets that may be used to help secure the portions in the use position and/or the nested positions. The portions may include one or more interlocking and/or engaging features that may be used to help secure the portions in the use position and/or the nested positions. If desired, the first and second portions may be sized and configured to be independently used as pallets.
US08356557B2
A rail vehicle having a car body, which is supported on a running gear by a spring device, and a rolling compensation device, which is coupled to the running gear and the car body. The rolling compensation device may be arranged kinematically in parallel to the spring device. The rolling compensation device counteracts rolling motions of the car body toward the outside of the curve about a rolling axis during travel in curves. The rolling compensation device, in order to increase the tilting comfort, is designed to impose, in a first frequency range and under a first transverse deflection of the car body, upon the car body, a first rolling angle about the rolling axis, which corresponds to a current curvature of a current section of track being travelled.
US08356546B2
A holding control valve of the present invention is configured such that: a spool is configured to perform strokes by a piston configured to operate by introduction of pilot pressure and have a larger diameter than the spool; the piston is divided into a pilot piston configured to receive the pilot pressure and a relief operation piston disposed adjacent to the spool to receive pressure of relief oil discharged when a relief valve operates; and the relief oil is introduced to between the pilot piston and the relief operation piston.
US08356545B2
An LS control system is disclosed that includes an inlet metering orifice and a pressure compensator, via which the pressure drop across the inlet metering orifice may be held constant. The signalling pressure that acts on the pressure compensator in the opening direction may be varied as a function of the displacement in order to prevent the system from oscillating if a negative load should occur.
US08356528B2
A transmission for an industrial vehicle has an input shaft; first and second transmission mechanisms each having a plurality of speed-change steps; a second transmission mechanism; a clutch mechanism; a rotation direction switching mechanism; and an output shaft. The clutch mechanism is disposed on the input side of the first and second transmission mechanisms and is provided with a forward clutch and a reverse clutch for switching between forward and reverse travel, and is further provided with first and second snap clutches for selecting which of the first and second transmission mechanisms will receive rotational input from the engine. The rotation direction switching mechanism is a mechanism for switching the direction of rotation inputted to the first transmission mechanism or the second transmission mechanism to the direction of rotation for forward travel or the direction of rotation for reverse travel in accordance with the switching of forward and reverse travel.
US08356527B2
An elongated insertion tube can be provided having a wall having one or multiple layers. A layer of a wall can include composite material having healing agent storage structures that store healing agent material and a catalyst dispersed within a polymer matrix. The layer can be formed so that when force is imparted to the layer, healing agent material stored within a storage structure reacts with a catalyst and polymerizes, to heal damage imparted to the layer.
US08356525B2
An analyzer comprising: a first measurement unit for measuring samples; a second measurement unit; and a transportation device operable to transport a plurality of sample containers accommodated in a first rack and containing samples and a plurality of sample containers accommodated in a second rack and containing samples, to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit, wherein the transportation device comprises a first transportation section operable to transport the plurality of sample containers on the first rack to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit by transporting the first rack on a transport path, and a second transportation section operable to transport the plurality of sample containers on the second rack to the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit by transporting the second rack on the transport path independently from movement of the first rack, is disclosed. A transportation device is also disclosed.
US08356523B2
An sensor of a measuring system for determining and/or monitoring the flow of a measured medium through a measuring tube, wherein the ultrasonic sensor is seated in a shiftable manner in a sensor housing parallel to a first inner surface of the sensor housing. The ultrasonic sensor has a coupling element and an electromechanical ultrasound transducer element, wherein the ultrasonic sensor can, at least at times, at least partially, lie against the first inner surface of the sensor housing, and that a guide hanger at least partially lies against a second inner surface of the sensor housing lying opposite the first inner surface, wherein the ultrasonic sensor is seated in a shiftable manner essentially perpendicularly to the first inner surface in the guide hanger, and wherein a spring between the guide hanger and ultrasonic sensor acts essentially perpendicularly to the first inner surface.
US08356521B2
A pressure sensor device includes a substrate having a first section and a second section being adjacent to the first section and thinner than the first section, a piezoelectric film having flexibility and disposed on the second section, an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric film and including a center electrode disposed at a substantially center of the second section in plan view, and a peripheral electrode disposed apart from the center electrode so as to surround the center electrode, a lower electrode formed between the second section and the piezoelectric film and disposed so as to face the upper electrode, and a detection circuit including a differential circuit electrically connected to the center electrode and the peripheral electrode, and the detection circuit detects a difference between a voltage caused between the center electrode and the lower electrode in response to the piezoelectric film being distorted, and a voltage caused between the peripheral electrode and the lower electrode in response to the piezoelectric film being distorted.
US08356520B2
The invention relates to a housing (2) for a drive device, especially for an adjusting device and/or a windshield wiper drive in a motor vehicle, comprising a pressure compensating membrane (4) obturating a housing opening (7). The invention is characterized in that the pressure compensating membrane (4) has a peripheral sealing surface (11) which extends continuously in the direction of circumference. The invention further relates to a drive device and to a method for testing the operativeness of a pressure compensating membrane (4).
US08356518B2
An apparatus for inspecting a pipe comprising a body adapted for passage through the bore of a pipe to be inspected, a main transducer array comprising a plurality of circumferentially spaced transducers for transmitting ultrasound energy, the transducers being mounted on the body for movement between a retracted position, wherein the body can freely move through the bore of the pipe, and an extended position wherein the plurality of transducers are pressed into operative contact with the inner wall of the pipe. An actuator selectively urges the plurality of transducers to their extended positions. A control transmits ultrasound energy into the pipe to propagate a guided wave within the pipe walls in at least one longitudinal direction along the pipe when the transducers are in their operative position and receives the propagated wave and analyzes the wave to determine the presence or absence of defects in the pipe wall.
US08356514B2
Improved sensors are disclosed that include a heater resistor and/or one or more sensor resistors. In some instances, the heater resistor may be configured to have a zero or near-zero temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR), while one or more sensor resistors may be configured to have a non-zero higher TCR. In some instances, the heater resistor may include a polysilicon material that is doped with a first concentration of dopant, and the one or more sensing elements may include a polysilicon material that is doped with a second higher concentration of dopant. In some cases, the first concentration of dopant may be configured to provide a heater resistor that has a zero or near-zero temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR).
US08356509B2
A densitometer suitable for fluid measurements in remote, hostile environments comprises one or more pairs of matched weight masses housed within a tube and having respectively different densities. When immersed in the subject fluid, the buoyancy differential between the masses is converted to a proportional torque oriented about an axis aligned substantially parallel with a pipe bore. The torque is transferred through a calibrated environmental isolation cylinder to an electric property sensor positioned in a protected environment. A proportionalized electric property signal is transmitted to a value reading station.
US08356499B2
An electric lock includes an outer door assembly, a nexus, an inner door assembly, and a latch bolt. The outer lock assembly is arranged to an outer side of a door. The nexus is connected to the outer door assembly. The inner door assembly is connected to the nexus and arranged to an inner side of the door. The latch bolt is connected to a latch bolt retaining unit of the nexus. An actuator of the nexus will move an engagement rod and a protruded block forward to engage an outer handle to the nexus for opening the door when inputting a correct password to the electric lock. The door can be opened by a proper key also. The nexus will be isolated from the outer handle to prevent damage to the nexus when a user does not have a right key and a correct password to the electric lock.
US08356497B2
A water-conducting domestic appliance having a connector, a neck, and a connecting element that has at least one section formed by elastic material and an insertion end, wherein the connecting element connects the connector to the neck. A supporting ring is arranged at the insertion end, and the connecting element has an insertion region with an insertion rounding on the insertion end, wherein the insertion rounding runs tangentially into a sealing region.
US08356494B2
A process for producing a porous quartz glass body containing hydrolyzing a metal dopant precursor and an SiO2 precursor in a flame of a burner to form glass fine particles, and depositing and growing the formed glass fine particles on a base material, in which the burner has at least two nozzles, and in which a mixed gas containing (A) a metal dopant precursor gas, (B) an SiO2 precursor gas, (C) one gas of H2 and O2, and (D) one or more gases selected from the group consisting of a rare gas, N2, CO2, a hydrogen halide and H2O, with a proportion of the gas (D) being from 5 to 70 mol %; and (E) the other gas of H2 and O2 of (C), are fed into different nozzles of the burner from each other.
US08356491B2
A refrigerant system is provided with at least two stages of compression connected in series. An intercooler is positioned intermediate the two stages and is cooled by an indoor air stream. The intercooler is positioned to be in a path of air flow passing over an indoor heat exchanger, and preferably downstream of the indoor heat exchanger, in relation to this airflow. The intercooler cools the refrigerant flowing between the two compression stages as well as provides the reheat function. Benefits with regard to system performance (efficiency, capacity and reliability) are achieved with no additional circuitry or components required to provide the intercooler and reheat functions. This invention is particularly important for the CO2 refrigerant systems operating in the transcritical cycle. Methods of control are presented for both the intercooler and reheat functions.
US08356486B2
A compressor bleed air valve in an auxiliary power unit (“APU”) modulates bleed air flow both for accessory pneumatic systems powered by the bleed air and for reducing or removing surge in the compressor.
US08356484B2
According to one aspect, the subject application involves a method of controlling a transition of a gas turbine. The method includes receiving a request of the gas turbine to drive an increased load. The increased load is greater than a load being driven by the gas turbine when the request is received. The method further includes determining that a temperature of a fuel to be ignited within a combustor of the gas turbine is less than a target temperature of the fuel to be introduced into the combustor for driving the increased load. Responsive to this determination, the method also includes controlling introduction of an additive into the combustor of the gas turbine when the temperature of the fuel is less than the target temperature to establish a suitable Wobbe Index of a fuel combination to promote a substantially continuous transition of the gas turbine to drive the increased load, wherein the fuel combination includes the fuel and the additive.
US08356482B2
A method for the application and/or renewal of a protection for a thermal barrier coating system of a heat engine involves a thermal barrier coating system that includes a bond coat layer (2) and a thermal barrier coating layer (3) of porous structure (4), wherein the bond coat layer (2) is located between and in contact with a base metal (1) of a heat engine component and with the thermal barrier coating layer (3) and bonds the thermal barrier coating layer (3) to the base metal (1). At least one substance is applied inside the engine as a liquid or carried by a liquid by spraying and/or by flowing it across a hot gas exposed surface (9) of the barrier coating layer (3) of the heat engine component mounted within the heat engine in the assembled state prior to the initial start-up of the engine, before the first operation interval, or during a washing cycle of the thermal engine and/or at the end of an operation interval, before a subsequent operation interval, wherein the substance covers and/or at least partly penetrates into the porous structure (4), and concomitantly or subsequently hardens to remain within the pores (4) and/or on the upper surface (9) of the thermal barrier coating layer. Preferably, but not necessarily, for the application, the turbine washing equipment of the engine is used.
US08356480B1
A cluster of thrust rods are disposed in a module oriented to extend somewhat beyond the surface of a road or trackway adapted to receive vehicular traffic thereon, the thrust rod fastened to reciprocate in the presence of vehicular traffic and spring biased to return the thrust rod to an original, unstressed position. Each deflection of an associated thrust rod causes a fluid contained within a hydraulic piston/cylinder to be pulsed in response to pressure formed from a piston associated with the thrust rod, the thrust rod operating against spring tensioning to return to its unstressed state. Each fluid pulse is allowed to communicate through a single fluidic line to a second piston/cylinder arrangement having reduced cross section for a pulse of greater intensity and deflection, and spring biased to return to an original, unstressed position simultaneously with the thrust rod. This piston cylinder arrangement is provided with double sided piston surfaces one surface remote from the single fluidic line fluid. The remote surface deflection communicates with a pump/manifold system communicating with a reservoir executing its fluid to travel in a fluid conduit past a turbine and generator arrangement or a similar instrumentality for the useful output associated with a liquid impinging against the turbine's blades. Tailwater from the turbine flows to a reservoir to be reinitialized.
US08356477B2
An actuator having two or more interconnected movement components, wherein the movement components are designed as linear actuators with substantially coaxial longitudinal axes or longitudinal axes that are parallel to each other and that are interconnected in longitudinal direction such that their linear movements are superimposed on one another, and such that at least one of the linear actuators can be stopped at one or several predetermined positions.
US08356474B2
Desulfation methods for an exhaust treatment system having a fuel reformer configured upstream of a LNT. Reductant is injected upstream of the fuel reformer. The reductant reacts within the reformer to generate heat, but the system is configured for some reductant to breakthrough and react in the LNT to generate further heat. This configuration allows the LNT to operate at temperatures higher the than first device and facilitates independent control of the LNT and first device temperatures.
US08356468B2
In one embodiment, a gas turbine engine exhaust nozzle comprises a housing having a length which extends along a central longitudinal axis and comprising an interior surface and an exterior surface, and a row of chevrons extending from an aft end of the housing, the chevrons having a root region and a tip, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the interior surface or the exterior surface is scalloped proximate the root region of a chevron. Other embodiments may be described.
US08356456B2
A wrapping apparatus, system, station and/or process is generally provided. As to the apparatus, it includes a wrap bar for engaging and directing a wrapper about the product, a wrap bar carrier from which the wrap bar extends, and a drive assembly operatively linked to the wrap bar carrier. The carrier block, which translatingly retains the carrier intermediate opposing end portions thereof, is adapted for driven rotation about a wrapping axis of the apparatus so as to thereby rotatingly drive the bar about the axis via rotation of the carrier. The drive assembly, which is operatively linked to the carrier, selectively translates the carrier in relation to the carrier block during driven rotation of the carrier such that a radial distance for the bar from the axis is thereby capable of selective establishment in furtherance of delimiting a wrap bar travel path commensurate with the product profile of the product.
US08356454B2
In an embodiment, a unitized overhead glazing system of the present invention includes an array of assembled structural framing cassettes each having at least five photovoltaic modules. In an embodiment, each cassette forms one electrical string and is pre-wired, tested, and shipped ready to install for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to, parking canopies, covered walkways and specialty awnings. The unitized overhead glazing system can be utilized to generate electricity, provide shade, collect water, reduce heat island effect, provide more controlled lighting and support infrastructure for plug-in vehicles. The unitized overhead glazing system is designed to be installed and maintained from below, eliminating safety concerns associated with conventional canopies where work must be performed while on top of the canopy. The unitized overhead glazing system incorporates sealing methods and components to manage water, limit debris build up, and maximize energy yield.
