US08379715B2
A system and method for video compression utilizes non-linear quantization and modular arithmetic computation to perform differential coding on multiple blocks of video data and uses a result of the differential coding to generate a codeword.
US08379714B2
A digital broadcast transmitter/receiver, and a signal processing method thereof, includes a randomizer randomizing a dual transport stream which includes a normal data packet and a robust data packet and into which stuff bytes are inserted, a stuff-byte exchanger replacing the stuff bytes of the randomized data with known data, a first RS encoder performing RS-encoding of data output from the stuff-byte exchanger, a packet formatter performing an interleaving of the robust packet of the data output from the first RS encoder and reformatting the packet, an interleaver interleaving data output from the packet formatter, a trellis encoder performing a trellis encoding of interleaved data, a second RS encoder changing a parity by performing an RS encoding of the robust data of the trellis-encoded data, and a modulator modulating data output from the trellis encoder and RF up-converting the modulated data.
US08379709B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for channel estimation when the amplitude of a received signal is hard-limited. A channel estimator computes amplitude estimates for the received signal based on the phase samples of the received signal and previous channel estimates. The amplitude estimates may comprise the expected values of the amplitude given the phase samples and the initial channel estimates. The channel estimator then computes revised channel estimates based on the amplitude estimates and the phase samples. The process may be performed iteratively to refine the channel estimates during each iteration.
US08379681B2
A disclosed laser diode driving device drives laser diodes with driving currents obtained by adding switch currents to corresponding bias currents and includes a common switch current generating circuit configured to generate a common switch current according to an input signal; switch current generating circuits provided for the corresponding laser diodes and configured to generate the switch currents based on the common switch current and input signals; switches configured to control the output of the switch currents to the corresponding laser diodes according to input signals; bias current generating circuits configured to generate the bias currents and output the generated bias currents to the corresponding laser diodes; and a control unit configured to detect the light intensities of the respective laser diodes and to control the common switch current generating circuit, the switch current generating circuits, and the switches to adjust the light intensities of the respective laser diodes.
US08379680B1
The present embodiment provides a thin disk laser disk element having improved direct cooling through the use of a barrier material directly attached to the high reflectivity layer of the thin disk element. This barrier is needed due to noticeable degradation of the reflectivity of the thin disk element without the barrier material. A barrier material of sapphire (crystalline Al2O3) is preferable, given a desire to have adequate thermal conductivity through the barrier material, proper matching of the coefficient of thermal expansion with the other components of the thin disk, and to save monetary costs. In another preferred embodiment, an intermediate layer is interposed between the thin disk element and the barrier material to provide improved adhesion between the barrier material and the thin disk element. Preferred crystallographic orientations for sapphire barrier material are provided as well.
US08379679B2
The invention is a method and apparatus for creating a color and optical density selectable visible mark on an anodized aluminum specimen. The method includes providing a laser marking system having a laser, laser optics and a controller operatively connected to said laser to control laser pulse parameters and a controller with stored laser pulse parameters, selecting the stored laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density, directing the laser marking system to produce laser pulses having laser pulse parameters associated with the desired color and optical density including temporal pulse widths greater than about 1 and less than about 1000 picoseconds to impinge upon said anodized aluminum.
US08379655B2
A data network comprises proxy-call session control functions (P-CSCFs) serving user equipments. Each P-CSCF can request resource reservation from an associated policy manager. A serving-call session control function receives a first call session setup message and determines a set of terminating user equipments associated with a terminating user identity of the setup message. It then transmits a call session initialization message to each identified terminating user equipment via an associated P-CSCF. This message includes a session identity indication and a forking indication which indicates if the first call session is a forked call session. The P-CSCFs and/or the policy managers then restrict the resource reservation for two or more user equipments having the same session identity and forking indications indicative of a forked call session setup to the resource requirement for only one of the user equipments. This may reduce resource usage for forked call sessions.
US08379653B2
Provided is a remote access method between a remote access client (RAC) and a remote access server (RAS) in a network comprising a network address translation (NAT) device. The method includes obtaining a transport address set (TAS) with respect to a home remote access server (RAS) from an external server; registering the obtained TAS to a transport address resolution (TAR) server; receiving an IP packet transported from a remote access client (RAC) using the registered TAS; and transporting a response packet along a transport path of the received IP packet. Thus, an RAC can remotely access an RAS in a network comprising an NAT device, and an optimum communication path can be determined.
US08379651B2
Computerized methods, systems, and computer-storage media for establishing and managing a transmission control protocol (TCP)-based tunnel (“tunnel”) are provided. The tunnel spans between a data center and a private enterprise network and connects endpoints, of a service application, that reside in each location. During communication, the endpoints transmit data packets over one or more channels (e.g., higher-level channel and lower-level channel) that comprise the tunnel. Each of the channels supports reliability mechanisms (e.g., congestion-control mechanism and loss-recovery mechanism) integrally running thereon, for ensuring complete data-packet delivery. To prevent unwarranted performance degradation caused by duplicative efforts of reliability mechanisms, a fabric controller is employed to selectively disable one or more of the reliability mechanisms individually. The selective disablement of the reliability mechanisms is invoked by predefined criteria, such as instructions from a service model or detected identity of a source/destination endpoint, and is invoked on a per network connection basis.
US08379644B1
A system and method of processing management frames implement a switching strategy that supports an interface between a generic device and a distributed switching architecture enabled switch. Control or management frames may be identified and processed independent of ordinary network traffic.
US08379638B2
A technique for encapsulating data packets at a Data Link Layer to provide security functions. The technique first encrypts a payload to provide an encrypted payload. The encrypted payload is inserted in an output encapsulated frame. Also added to the output encapsulated frame is an encapsulation header that includes security information, such as a security packet index (SPI) value used to identify a security association (SA). Because the output encapsulated frame may now be longer than maximum allowed Ethernet Path Maximum Transmission Unit (PMTU), the encapsulation header also preferably includes a fragmentation field. The fragmentation field supports the ability to fragment the encrypted datagrams into smaller pieces.
US08379633B2
Speech telephones are incorporated in a LAN, and, for example, when a voice telephone 5 communicates with another voice telephone 8, call control is performed through exchange of information between a PC 1 and a PC 4, juxtaposed with the voice telephones, respectively, via a LAN hub 10, a LAN switching unit 50, and a LAN hub 20. Speech data of the respective telephones 5, and 8 are packetized in the data block of a MAC frame by concentrators 30, and 40 for voice telephones, respectively, and relayed to LAN-SW interfaces 30a, and 40a. Frames having a function of absorbing fluctuation are applied to the data block of the interfaces 30a and 40a. Respective voice data packetized according to the MAC address of the MAC frame are delivered to the voice telephones 5, and 8, respectively, via the LAN switching unit 50, and the concentrators 30, and 40 for voice telephones.
US08379629B2
A method and apparatus to transfer a data session from one device connected to a residential gateway to another. The transfer is completed within the residential gateway, without routing data through the service provider's network. In one embodiment, a native address of a communication device engaged in an active data session is stored in a memory as a temporary device address. A session address in memory is set equal to the stored temporary device address and the temporary device address is associated with the session address in memory. When a request to transfer the data session to another device is received, the temporary device address in memory set to the native address of the new communication device and the session history is sent to the new device. Any new data received in the session, intended for the original device, is routed by a data session handling engine to the new communication device.
US08379626B2
A wireless communication terminal, in accordance with a time division multiple access system, establishes radio-links to multiple base stations and conducts a communication by using slots assigned by the multiple base stations, including: a synchronization information acquisition means generating synchronization information regarding slots used between the wireless communication terminal and multiple base stations that are candidates to which a communication is conducted; and a selection means, based on the synchronization information, classifies the multiple base stations into multiple synchronized base station groups which include the base stations that provides synchronized slots, and selects one of the synchronized base station groups including the bases stations that are candidates to which the radio-link is established.
US08379624B2
A radio access network includes a transport network layer; a radio network layer having a layer 2 network for communicating between entities within the radio network layer by exchanging datagrams having a predetermined format used only within the radio network layer. Accordingly, the present invention provides for a true decoupling at layer 2 between the radio network layer and the transport network layer.Addressing at layer 2 can enable both connectionless and connection oriented using an overlay connectivity model. Layer 2 in the radio network layer is implemented as an Ethernet network.
US08379615B2
A mobile communication device is able to communicate with wireless local area network and with a cellular network. A communication system is able to route a communication session between the mobile communication device and another communication device either by way of the wireless local area network or the cellular network. The communication system is able to trigger the mobile communication device via the cellular network to search for and attempt to connect to the wireless local area network. The mobile communication device, in response to reception of signaling via the cellular network, is able to activate a wireless local area network interface of the mobile communication device and to establish a connection to the wireless local area network.
US08379608B2
A radio communication method, a radio communication system and a wireless terminal by which low power consumption and the flexibility of a network can be realized. A base station and wireless terminals change an intermittent receive period and the preamble length of data on the basis of characteristics of the multihop radio network to carry out the intermittent receiving of data. Thus, a wireless terminal relaying data can receive the data reliably and a useless boot-up of a receiving part and standby time can be largely reduced to achieve low power consumption.
US08379600B2
The present invention provides a method for resource allocation in a wireless communication system. In the method for resource allocation, a scheduler of a base station decides on a modulation scheme and an encoding scheme according to channel quality information (CQI), and decides on a number of allocated resource blocks according to transmission data size referring to a table of resource block allocation. The table of resource block allocation presents a number of allocated resource blocks and a number of transmission bits according to the number of allocated resource blocks.
US08379599B2
The invention relates to a method for managing the mobility of a mobile node that moves to a different network, but keeps the same IP address. It is proposed to perform route optimization by a Proxy MIP agent on behalf of the MN, thereby shortening the data-path while allowing network-based mobility. At session setup with a correspondent node, the PCC system in the home network derides whether route optimization is to be performed for the communication session. The PMIPa requests relevant information for the route optimization, including the decision for route optimization and the addresses of MN and CN, from the PCC system in the home network, when the MN attaches to the new network area. Accordingly, route optimization is performed by using the Return Routability Procedure according to MIPv6, thereby applying the MN's IP address as Home Address, and the PMIPa's address as Care-of Address of the MN.
US08379578B2
Systems and methodologies are described that facilitate communicating reverse link control information over OFDMA control channel(s) and CDMA control channel(s). Dedicated OFDMA control channel resources can be assigned to mobile device(s). Control information related to one or more logical control channels can be generated by a mobile device. Further, a physical control channel type (e.g., OFDMA control channel or a CDMA control channel) can be selected for sending the control information via the reverse link. For example, control information associated with periodic, logical control channels can be multiplexed and sent over the OFDMA control channel (e.g., utilizing the dedicated OFDMA control channel resources) while control information related to non-periodic, logical control channels can be transmitted over the CDMA control channel.
US08379574B2
A networked computing system capable of mitigating interference amongst neighboring base stations. The networked computing system includes multiple base stations, user equipment, a network resource controller, and a data communications network facilitating data communications amongst all network devices. A serving base station is configured to acquire interference metrics from its local user equipment and then generate an aggregate representation from the acquired interference metrics. The network resource controller is configured to acquire the aggregate representation, determine an interference reduction associated with a neighbor base station for each of the user equipment serviced by the serving base station, determine a power schedule for the first base station based on the aggregate representation and the determined interference reduction, and then modify a power schedule for the neighbor base station based on the determined interference reduction.
US08379568B2
A method and system for decoding SACCH control channels in GSM-based systems with partial combining using weighted SNR may comprise combining least one weighted bit of a GSM slow associated control channel (SACCH) frame with at least one weighted bit of a subsequent GSM SACCH block based on burst signal to noise ratios (SNRs) of the GSM SACCH block and the subsequent GSM SACCH block. The burst SNR may be determined from a mid-amble of the GSM SACCH block and its subsequent GSM SACCH block. The burst SNRs of the GSM SACCH block may be translated to a corresponding plurality of scaling factors. At least a first weighting factor may be determined from the corresponding plurality of scaling factors. At least one weighted bit of the GSM SACCH block is determined utilizing the determined first weighting factor.
US08379564B2
The present invention is generally directed to systems and device for monitoring remote device with a wireless, dual-mode communication protocol. As such, a representative embodiment is a system for monitoring and controlling remote devices. The system includes a first and a second remote device; and a first and a second wireless transceiver integrated with the respective remote devices. The wireless transceivers are configured to communicate with at least one of a spread-spectrum communication protocol and a fixed-frequency communication protocol.
US08379557B2
A method for controlling sleep mode of a base station and a mobile station in wireless communication networks, including: determining N of the N-ary exponential sleep mode to decide a length of sleep duration including a sleep interval; measuring downlink traffic addressed to the mobile station at the beginning of a listening interval right after the sleep interval; and when there exist downlink traffic, confirming whether the measured downlink traffic satisfies a mode transition condition. The method further includes: conducting a sleep interval of the next sleep duration of which the length is determined by multiplying the length of the current sleep duration by N unless the downlink traffic satisfies the mode transition condition; and transmitting the downlink traffic to the mobile station when m times the additional consecutive sleep duration is expired or when the measured amount of the downlink traffic satisfies the mode transition condition.
US08379554B2
A method of performing a ranging process between a base station and a mobile station in sleep mode in a wireless access system, wherein the base station provides the mobile station with an initial notification of a periodic ranging time that occurs during a sleep time interval and during which the mobile station is to perform the ranging process, the initial notification included in a first message, the first message indicating whether the mobile station should terminate sleep mode to receive downlink data, and wherein the base station provides the mobile station with subsequent notifications of periodic ranging times that occur during the sleep time interval, the subsequent notifications indicated in a second message, the second message transmitted to the mobile station as part of the ranging process such that the mobile station performs a plurality of ranging processes within the sleep time interval.
US08379551B2
Techniques for supporting communication by a wireless device having a set of radios and supporting a set of applications are described. In an aspect, radio selection may be performed based on interference information and additional information to obtain good performance. In one design, a plurality of radios available for use on the wireless device may be identified. Interference information indicative of interference between the plurality of radios may be obtained, e.g., from an interference database or a converted interference database. Additional information used for radio selection may also be obtained and may include information for communication profiles, communication preferences, application requirements, radio capabilities, etc. At least one radio may be selected for use for communication from among the plurality of radios based on the interference information and the additional information.
US08379547B2
In a method of operating a communication network (20) a time division duplex (TDD) frame (F) of information is communicated over a radio interface (32) between a wireless terminal (30) and a base station node (28). The method comprises the wireless terminal (30) receiving plural downlink (DL) subframes of the frame and, in response thereto, configuring a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) channel to comprise up to four acknowledgements by using only two PUCCH channel resources and using PUCCH format 1a or PUCCH format 1b. In an example embodiment a PUCCH channel resource is specified by a sequence utilized for transmission of at least part of the PUCCH channel and a cyclical shift applied to the sequence. The two sequences of the respective two PUCCH resources are orthogonal, and the cyclical shift of the two PUCCH resources can be in a frequency domain, a time domain, or both the frequency domain and the time domain.
US08379546B2
Example methods and apparatus to communicatively couple a portable device to process control devices in a process control system are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes receiving via a wireless module a selection of an I/O channel from a portable device, determining a process control device associated with the selected I/O channel, initiating a pass-through session from the wireless module to the determined process control device via the I/O channel, and enabling communication between the portable device and the process control device via the pass-through session to communicatively couple the portable device to the process control device.
US08379540B2
A system is disclosed for switching between synchronous and asynchronous network connections for implementing a turn-based multiplayer game. A network connection manager handles client device connections to set the connection to either an asynchronous network connection or a synchronous network connection. The connection manager may switch between the asynchronous and synchronous network connection modes based on a variety of triggering criteria.
US08379530B2
An application encoder generates independently accessible symbols and these symbols are aggregated by symbol aggregation means into a packet payload. The aggregated symbols in the packet payload are transported in a defined packet structure. These packets are transported over a channel by a packet transmitter that segments the packets into different segments by segmentation means. A segment receiver included in a first entity has the ability to detect whether a certain segment is lost and also knows the length of the lost segment. The segments are aggregated in the first entity to form at least one packet conforming to the packet stream. A symbol parser entity recovers the symbols and passes the individual symbols to an application decoder. The symbol parser in the second entity recovers, from the recovered non-lost information of each received packet, individual symbols.
US08379528B1
What is disclosed is a method of operating a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point. The method includes providing the WLAN for a user device to access a packet network, where the user device receives requested content transferred over the packet network through the WLAN access point. The method also includes receiving a message for delivery to the user device from a local interface of the WLAN access point, and in response to receiving the message for delivery to the user device, inhibiting transfer of the requested content received over the packet network to the user device. The method also includes transferring the message to the user device using addressing information associated with the requested content, and in response to receiving a confirmation of the message from the user device, resuming transfer of the requested content to the user device.
US08379525B2
Techniques to manage large numbers of subscribers to real-time events are described. Embodiments may filter subscribers dynamically into buckets where publications are distributed only to subscribers in the same bucket as the publisher. Buckets may be dynamically created and removed to lower or raise the publication rate for subscribers to an acceptable level. Embodiments may use a two-level bucketing algorithm for filtering that is memory and CPU efficient, and scales with large numbers of subscriptions. The techniques may also reduce the context loss for a subscriber when a new bucket has to be created and subscribers distributed between buckets. Embodiments may be scaled out to multiple servers, to accommodate very large numbers of subscribers and publications. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US08379524B1
Network switching and/or routing devices can use multiple priority data streams and queues to support prioritized serial transmission of data from line cards (or the like) through a fabric switch to other line cards (or the like). Preemption logic is used to insert within a data stream commands indicating a switch from one priority level data to another. Delimiter commands and combination switch/delimiter commands can also be used. Multiple crossbars are implemented in the fabric switch to support the various data stream priority levels.
US08379514B2
A method, system and apparatus for routing of data transmitted from a mobile electronic device to a first host of a plurality of hosts in a communication network using a Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) is provided. It is determined, at a network element having a same address as a first host of a plurality of network hosts, that the first host has failed via receipt of BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) rerouted data, the BGP rerouted data originally transmitted to the first host from a communication device. A negative acknowledgement (NACK), identifiable as having been transmitted by the network element, is transmitted to the communication device to trigger the communication device to transmit data that was to be transmitted to the first host to another of the plurality of network hosts.
US08379506B2
System and method for providing multiple access in a multi-band, orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (multi-band-OFDM) communications system. A preferred embodiment comprises determining a transmission bandwidth to support a performance requirement and configuring transmission bands in the multi-band-OFDM communications system based upon the transmission bandwidth, wherein the transmission bands may be made up of smaller transmission bands bonded together. Further comprising initializing communications with the configured transmission bands. The use of bonded transmission bands can provide increased data rates and/or increased range performance.
US08379504B2
According to one embodiment, an information storage medium includes an organic dye material which records information with a light beam having a wavelength equal to or smaller than 620 nm.
US08379498B2
Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for data processing. As an example, a data processing circuit is discussed that includes: a data buffer, an inter-track interference response circuit, an inter-track interference signal estimator circuit, and a sync mark detector circuit. The data buffer is operable to store a previous track data set that includes a first sync pattern. The inter-track interference response circuit is operable to estimate an inter-track interference response from the previous track data set based at least in part on the previous track data set and a current track data set. The current track data set includes a second sync pattern. The inter-track interference signal estimator circuit is operable to calculate an inter-track interference from the previous track data set based at least in part on the previous track data set and the inter-track interference response from the previous track data set. The sync mark detector circuit operable to identify the first sync pattern in the inter-track interference from the previous track data set in the current track data set.
US08379497B2
Analog components whose characteristics greatly differ from one another are removed as much as possible from an optical disc drive. Provided are means 38, 39 for changing the sampling frequency of a pulsed read signal to a different frequency, means 40, 41 for changing the modulation clock frequency by the same ratio as the sampling frequency, and means for automatically setting the sampling frequency changing means and the modulation clock changing means based on the channel clock.
US08379491B2
A timepiece with a dynamic, analogue display of the time. The timepiece has a first hand which rotates at a first speed and a second hand which rotates at a second speed, wherein the time is displayed with respect to a time unit when the two hands coincide in that the angular position of the coincidence indicates the current time of the time unit viewed on a dial.
US08379490B2
A time information-acquiring apparatus comprises a receiver receiving a standard time radio wave, an input waveform generator sampling a signal output from the receiver and to generating input waveform data with one or more unit time lengths, the input waveform data at each sampling point having a first value indicating a low level or a second value, the input waveform data within a first characteristic section having a predetermined value unique to codes forming a time code included in the standard time radio wave, an accumulator accumulating the value of the input waveform data during the first characteristic section, a calculator multiplying the accumulated value by characteristic values, and calculating correlation values between the input waveform data and the codes based on multiplied values.
US08379489B1
Devices, systems, and methods for presenting date and time information are described. In some embodiments, a date and/or a time value is presented as a base-36 number. In some embodiments, an integral portion of the base-36 number represents a date value, and a fractional portion of the base-36 number represents a time value. Each base-36 digit may be represented by one of the numerals 0-9 and the letters A-Z. Both digital and analog clocks displaying date and/or time information in which a day is broken into thirty-six increments are disclosed.
US08379486B2
The present invention relates to a system and method for detecting bats from a remote location. In one aspect the invention provides a bat detection system comprising an upper detection unit connected to a base computer unit. The upper detection unit can be positioned on a vertical structure, and a second lower detection unit, or additional detection units, can also be positioned on the vertical structure. Each detection unit comprises a housing which is connected to, and contains, an audio detector. The base computer unit is enclosed by a housing and comprises a data processor, a data storage device, and a remote communication interface device. The data processor is operatively connected to the data storage device, remote communication interface device, and the audio detectors of any detection units positioned on the vertical structure. The base computer unit communicates with a remote computer transferring information regarding the bat sounds detected by the detection units.
US08379485B2
Compressive Sensing (CS) is an emerging area which uses a relatively small number of non-traditional samples in the form of randomized projections to reconstruct sparse or compressible signals. Direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation is performed with an array of sensors using CS. Using random projections of the sensor data, along with a full waveform recording on one reference sensor, a sparse angle space scenario can be reconstructed, giving the number of sources and their DOA's. Signal processing algorithms are also developed and described herein for randomly deployable wireless sensor arrays that are severely constrained in communication bandwidth. There is a focus on the acoustic bearing estimation problem and it is shown that when the target bearings are modeled as a sparse vector in the angle space, functions of the low dimensional random projections of the microphone signals can be used to determine multiple source bearings as a solution of an l]-norm minimization problem.
US08379483B2
A radial shear velocity profile of an earth formation is obtained by using dipole and/or cross-dipole measurements. The non-uniqueness in the inversion is addressed by using a constraint based on the fact that high-frequency dipole shear waves are mostly sensitive to the near-borehole shear velocity.
US08379469B2
Some embodiments include apparatus and methods having a memory cell included in a device, a control line configured to receive a control signal to access the memory cell, and a first line configured to transfer information to and from the memory cell. The control signal has a first level during a first time interval and a second level during a second time interval of a memory operation. The apparatus and methods also include a module configured to reduce difference between a value of a voltage on the second line and a value of a voltage on a node of the device during a first time portion of the second time interval. Additional apparatus and methods are disclosed.
US08379453B2
The MONOS vertical memory cell of the present invention allow miniaturization of the memory cell area. The two embodiments of split gate and single gate provide for efficient program and erase modes as well as preventing read disturb in the read mode.
US08379449B2
A three dimensional stacked nonvolatile semiconductor memory according to an example of the present invention includes a memory cell array comprised of first and second blocks. The first block has a first cell unit which includes a memory cell to be programmed and a second cell unit which does not include a memory cell to be programmed, and programming is executed by applying a program potential or a transfer potential to word lines in the first block after the initial potential of channels of the memory cells in the first and second cell units is set to a plus potential. In the programming, the program potential and the transfer potential are not applied to word lines in the second block.
US08379435B2
An integrated circuit containing an array of SRAM cells with NMOS drivers and passgates, and an n-well bias control circuit which biases n-wells in each SRAM column independently. An integrated circuit containing an array of SRAM cells with PMOS drivers and passgates, and a p-well bias control circuit which biases p-wells in each SRAM column independently. A process of operating an integrated circuit containing an array of SRAM cells with NMOS drivers and passgates, and an n-well bias control circuit which biases n-wells in each SRAM column independently.
US08379434B2
A first integrated circuit containing a single sided write SRAM cell array, each SRAM cell having a bit passgate and an auxiliary bit-bar driver transistor. A process of operating the first integrated circuit including a single sided read operation in which source nodes of the auxiliary drivers in both addressed cells and half-addressed cells are floated. A second integrated circuit containing an SRAM cell array, in which each SRAM cell includes a bit-side write passgate, a bit-bar-side read passgate and a bit-bar auxiliary driver transistor. A process of operating the second integrated circuit including a single sided read operation in which source nodes of the auxiliary drivers in both addressed cells and half-addressed cells are biased to a low bias voltage.
US08379430B2
A memory device includes: a memory unit in which an electric charge discharging rate between two electrodes is different in accordance with logic of stored information; a sense amplifier that detects the logic of the information by comparing a discharge electric potential of a wiring to which one electrode of the memory unit is connected with a reference electric potential; and a replica circuit that has a replica unit emulating the memory unit and controls a sense timing of the sense amplifier in accordance with a discharge rate of the replica unit.
US08379429B2
A domain wall motion element has a magnetic recording layer 10 that is formed of a ferromagnetic film and has a domain wall DW. The magnetic recording layer 10 has: a pair of end regions 11-1 and 11-2 whose magnetization directions are fixed; and a center region 12 sandwiched between the pair of end regions 11-1 and 11-2, in which the domain wall. DW moves. A first trapping site TS1 by which the domain wall DW is trapped is formed at a boundary between the end region 11-1, 11-2 and the center region 12. Furthermore, at least one second trapping site TS2 by which the domain wall DW is trapped is formed within the center region 12.
US08379422B2
A method for operating a circuit arrangement is provided. The method may include coupling a second connection of a control device to a connection that provides an alternating signal during operation of the circuit arrangement; in the control device: generating a trigger signal for the control electrode of the mode switch that is correlated with the sum signal from the signal at the connection for providing an alternating signal and the control signal; and providing the trigger signal at the output of the control device.
US08379421B2
When a commercial power supply E operates normally, converter sections PFC1, PFC2 connected in parallel to each other can operate to approximate the input current from the commercial power supply E to the waveform and phase of the input voltage to correct a power factor while supplying stabilized output voltages Vo1, Vo2 to a load. When the voltage of the commercial power supply E drops, the smoothing capacitor Co1 operates as an input power supply to power the converter section PFC2, which allows the smoothing capacitor Co2 to supply the stabilized output voltage Vo2 to the load.
US08379415B2
Switch mode power converter system and method thereof. The system includes one or more isolation boxes including at least a first isolation box, an input primary winding for receiving an input signal for the switch mode power converter system, and an output secondary winding for generating an output signal for the switch mode power converter system. The switch mode power converter system is configured to convert the input signal to the output signal. One of the input primary winding and the output secondary winding is substantially enclosed in the first isolation box, and the other of the input primary winding and the output secondary winding is not enclosed in the first isolation box. The first isolation box is conductively connected to a constant-voltage source.
US08379414B2
A power transistor chip with built-in enhancement mode metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor and application circuit thereof provides an enhancement mode metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor in association with two series connected resistors to act as a start-up circuit for the AC/DC voltage converter. The start-up circuit can be shut off after the pulse width modulation circuit of the AC/DC voltage converter circuit works normally and still capable of offering a function of brown out detection for the pulse width modulation circuit as well. Besides, the enhancement mode metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor is built in the power transistor chip without additional masks and processes during the power transistor chip being fabricated such that the entire manufacturing process is simplified substantively with the economical production cost.
US08379407B2
Apparatus for mounting and electrical connection of a connector between a package LED lamp and a PCB
A connector for connecting surface mount devices, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), to printed circuit boards (PCBs). The connector may be prepackage with an LED assembly or on a PCB to which the LED assembly will be mounted. Connection complexity can be moved from the PCB to the connector, and LED assemblies may be customized differently for different customers. One to many and many to one connections are readily supported with variations on the connector.
US08379404B2
An exemplary electronic device includes a shell, a circuit board located in an inner side of the shell, a toggle switch positioned on the circuit board, and a slide button. The toggle switch includes a pin. The shell defines a through hole therein. The slide button includes an operating portion located at an outer side of the shell, a curved body extending obliquely from a side of the operating portion. The body of the slide button extends through the through hole of the shell. A distal end of the body of the slide button engages with the pin of the toggle switch. The pin of the toggle switch can be caused to move by moving the slide button.
US08379400B2
An interposer mounted wiring board includes a wiring board including outermost wiring layers respectively on both surfaces thereof, the outermost wiring layers being electrically connected to each other through an inside of the board, and first and second interposers electrically connected to the outermost wiring layers on the both surfaces of the board, respectively. Each of the first and second interposers has a value of a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), the value being equal or close to a value of a CTE of a corresponding one of first and second electronic components to be mounted respectively on the first and second interposers. The base member of each of the interposers is preferably formed of silicon, and the base member of the wiring board is preferably formed of resin. Further, the electronic components are mounted respectively on surfaces of the interposers and thus form a semiconductor device, the surfaces being opposite to the surfaces of the interposers facing the wiring board.
US08379399B2
A mounting apparatus includes a chassis, a mounting tray accommodated in the chassis, a base portion configured for being attached to an expansion card, and a securing member. The mounting tray includes a front panel, the front panel defines a expansion slot. A supporting piece is located on the front panel and adjacent to the expansion slot, and a clasping piece is positioned on the front panel, near to the supporting piece. A flange is located on the base portion, for abutting the supporting piece. The securing member is located between the flange and the clasping piece. Wherein the securing member is mounted to the clasping piece and the flange is located between the securing member and the supporting piece.
US08379396B2
A connecting mechanism is provided to connect an input module to a display module of an electronic device, wherein the display module is slidable relative to the input module along a first direction. The connecting mechanism includes a FPC and a sliding hinge comprising a fixed member fixed to the input module, a slider fixed to the display module, and a sliding plate fixed to the slider and movably received in a concave space of the fixed member. The FPC has a first portion extended from a side wall of the fixed member to the middle of the slider along a second direction, and the first portion is bent and extended along the first direction to an opening of the slider. A bent portion of the FPC passes through the opening to connect the first portion and a second portion of the FPC, wherein the first and second portions are on opposite sides of the slider.
US08379392B2
Systems and methods for manufacturing and packaging electronic devices with light absorptive thin film stacks are provided. In one embodiment, a light is applied to a light absorptive thin film stack disposed between a substrate and a backplate to seal the substrate to the backplate. In another embodiment, the light absorptive thin film stack includes a plurality of thin film layers. In yet another embodiment, the light absorptive thin film stack includes a spacer layer over a reflective layer and an absorber layer over the spacer layer. In still another embodiment, the light absorptive thin film stack is less than 200 nanometers thick. In yet a further embodiment, a light absorptive thin film stack is used to seal a substrate having glass, plastic, metal, or silicon to a backplate having glass, plastic, metal, or silicon. Thus, the light absorptive thin film stack is used to seal similar or dissimilar materials through a bonding process.
US08379378B2
The invention relates to a hybrid hinge. The hybrid hinges 7, 8 are used for rotatably adjoining segments S1, S2, S1 of a suitable electronic apparatus. The hybrid hinge 7, 8 comprise respective rigid hinges 2, 4 arranged to rotate the segments S1, S2, respectively S2, S1′ about respective shafts 2, 4. The hybrid hinges further comprise respective elastic hinges having respective portions 3a, 3b, 3c and 5a, 5b, 5c. Preferably, a central portion 3b, 5b of the elastic hinges is arranged to coincide with the shaft 2a, 4a. More preferably, the elastic hinges are arranged to seal an interface between the segments S1, S2 and S2, S1′ in the area of the rigid hinge. The invention further relates to an electronic device comprising the hybrid hinge.
US08379375B2
A power source circuit shut off device includes a plug having a terminal metal fitting and a housing to which the terminal metal fitting is attached, and a plug attachment section having a second terminal metal fitting and a second housing to which the second terminal metal fitting is attached. The housing has a second opening section at its side face perpendicular to its bottom face at a second housing side, the second opening section being adapted for attaching the terminal metal fitting to the housing. The terminal metal fitting and the second terminal metal fitting are connected to the second housing. The second housing has a closing wall which closes the second opening section in a state that the housing is positioned at the terminal contact position at which the housing is not yet accommodated in the second housing.
US08379371B2
A method for forming a hermetically sealed capacitor including: forming an anode; forming a dielectric on the anode; forming a conductive layer on the dielectric thereby forming a capacitive element; inserting the capacitive element into a casing; electrically connecting the anode to an exterior anode connection; electrically connecting the cathode to an exterior cathode connection; filling the casing with an atmosphere comprising a composition, based on 1 kg of atmosphere, of at least 175 g to no more than 245 g of oxygen, at least 7 g to no more than 11 g of water, at least 734 grams to no more than 818 grams of nitrogen and no more than 10 grams of a minor component; and hermetically sealing the casing with the atmosphere with the capacitive element contained in the casing.
US08379368B2
Method for manufacturing lithium ion capacitor and lithium ion capacitor manufactured using the same
A method for manufacturing a lithium ion capacitor, and a lithium ion capacitor manufactured using the method are provided. The method for manufacturing a lithium ion capacitor includes: disposing a lithium metal on a capacitor cell including a cathode, a separation film, and an anode; impregnating the capacitor cell with electrolyte including a lithium salt; changing the cathode and the anode to allow lithium ions within the electrolyte to be occluded into the anode; performing a primary reaction in which the cathode and the lithium metal are short-circuited to emit anions from the cathode and lithium ions from the lithium metal and a secondary reaction that the lithium ions emitted from the lithium metal are occluded into the cathode; and recharging the cathode and the anode to allow the lithium ions, which have been occluded into the cathode and the lithium ions within the electrolyte, to be occluded into the anode.
US08379362B2
Indicating apparatus for indicating the operating state of a component of an electrical load protection system, including a housing containing a longitudinal chamber, an indicating member mounted for longitudinal displacement in the chamber, a resilient device normally biasing the indicating member toward a first end of the housing, a catch arrangement for retaining the indicating member in a retracted position adjacent the housing second end; and a release device responsive to a trouble voltage pulse for operating the catch arrangement to a released condition, thereby to release the indicating member for displacement toward an indicating position adjacent the housing first end. At least the first end of the housing is transparent, thereby to provide a visual indication when the indicating member is in the indicating position. Switch contacts are operable between open and closed conditions when the indicating member is displaced between the indicating and retracted positions.
US08379351B2
An example magneto-resistance effect element includes a fixed magnetization layer of which a magnetization is substantially fixed in one direction; a free magnetization layer of which a magnetization is rotated in accordance with an external magnetic field and which is formed opposite to the fixed magnetization layer; and a spacer layer including a current confining layer with an insulating layer and a conductor to pass a current through the insulating layer in a thickness direction thereof and which is located between the fixed magnetization layer and the free magnetization layer. A thin film layer is located on a side opposite to the spacer layer relative to the free magnetization layer and a functional layer containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Si, Mg, B, Al is formed in or on at least one of the fixed magnetization layer, the free magnetization layer and the thin film layer.
US08379349B1
Jumper constructions for an integrated lead flexure for a disk drive head suspension include a conductive base layer, an insulating layer over the base layer, a plurality of traces arranged on the insulating layer, and an isolated conductor layer arranged under the insulating layer. The plurality of traces include a first trace and a second trace and the isolated conductor layer is electrically isolated from the conductive base layer and electrically connects the first and second traces.
US08379347B2
A PMR writer with a tapered main pole layer and tapered non-magnetic top-shaping layer is disclosed that minimizes trailing shield saturation. A second non-magnetic top shaping layer may be employed to reduce the effective TH size while the bulk of the trailing shield is thicker to allow a larger process window for back end processing. A sloped surface with one end at the ABS and a second end 0.05 to 0.3 microns from the ABS is formed at a 10 to 80 degree angle to the ABS and includes a sloped surface on the upper portion of the main pole layer and on the non-magnetic top shaping layer. An end is formed on the second non-magnetic top shaping layer at the second end of the sloped surface followed by forming a conformal write gap layer and then depositing the trailing shield on the write gap layer and along the ABS.
US08379343B2
A slot for releasably storing a tape cartridge is disclosed. The slot comprises an enlargeable receiving portion for releasable insertion of the tape cartridge and a plate for supporting the tape cartridge in the slot. At least a portion of the plate is moveable for enlarging the receiving portion.
US08379341B1
A data storage device preamplifier circuit including (i) a write amplifier having an input and an output, and (ii) a read amplifier has an input and an output. The data storage device preamplifier circuit further includes a loopback circuit configured to selectively connect the output of the write amplifier to the input of the read amplifier.
US08379334B2
A biasing spring is interposed between a coupling plate and a covering section while being compressed from its natural length. The biasing spring biases, by its resilient force, a lens unit toward a −Z side to bring a surface of the lens unit at the −Z side into contact with an abutment portion of a fixing frame section. When a temperature of an actuator is equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature, a biasing force of the biasing spring surpasses a force generated in the actuator, and thus the lens unit is not moved. When the actuator is heated up to a temperature equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature, the lens unit is continuously moved in the +Z direction. Thereby, movement of a lens due to a change of an environmental temperature can be prevented.
US08379331B2
A lens module includes a lens barrel and two lenses. The lens barrel has two opposite end surfaces, and a receiving hole through the two end surfaces. The receiving hole has a center axis. A ring-shaped block is formed on an inside surface of the lens barrel, and is coaxial with the receiving hole. The ring-shaped block has two contact surfaces adjacent to the two end surfaces, respectively. Each of the lenses includes an optical axis and a fixing portion. Each fixing portion has a contact surface. The contact surface of the lens has a shape matching the contact surface of the ring-shaped block, and is coaxial with the optical axis of the lens. The contact surfaces of the lenses contact tightly with the contact surfaces of the ring-shaped block.
US08379327B2
An optical system comprises, in order from the object side, an aperture stop, a first lens with positive refracting power, a second lens with negative refracting power, and a third lens, both surfaces of the third lens are an aspherical surface in which refracting power varies in accordance with distance from the optical axis in such a way that the both surfaces have a convex shape facing toward the object side in the vicinity of the optical axis and have a concave shape facing toward the object side in the vicinity of the outer circumference, and the following conditions (1) and (2) are satisfied: 2.2
US08379322B2
A projection display system and method is provided. One or more light sources, such as solid state lasers, generates light of various colors that is modulated by a spatial light modulator, such as a digital micro-mirror device. The projection optics of the system include a telecentric rear group of lenses followed by a pair of aspheric lenses formed of a continuous piece of material. A folding mirror, such as a single-piece or multi-piece angular mirror, is disposed along the optical path between the aspheric lenses, to reduce the depth of the enclosure, and an aspheric mirror projects the image onto a projection screen. A folding mirror may be used after the aspheric mirror to further reduce the depth of the enclosure.
US08379316B2
A zoom lens for projection includes a negative magnification-side lens group fixed while magnification is changed, a plurality of lens groups that move while magnification is changed, and a positive reduction-side lens group fixed while magnification is changed which are arranged in this order from the magnification side. The magnification-side lens group is composed of a negative front-group and a positive rear-group, arranged in this order from the magnification side. The rear-group is composed of a positive lens, a negative lens and a positive lens, arranged in this order from the magnification side, and focusing is performed by moving the rear-group. Further, the following formulas (1) and (2) are satisfied: 1.73
US08379312B2
A method of fabricating a contiguous microlens array is disclosed. First, an array of photoresist patterns is formed, wherein each photoresist pattern has a substantially circular or polygonal shape in a top view and neighboring photoresist patterns are connected with each other or close to each other. Then a reflow step is performed to heat the photoresist patterns thereby rounding a surface of each photoresist pattern and connecting the neighboring photoresist patterns that are close to each other. Finally, a fixing step is performed to fix a shape of each photoresist pattern. The shape of the curved surface of a microlens in the microlens array is selectively adjusted according to its position in the array and the incident angle of light incident thereto.
US08379302B2
A system for controlling an infrared light distribution pattern that includes an electrowetting lens arranged proximate to an infrared light source, and operable to vary a distribution pattern of infrared light from the infrared light source into an area; an electrowetting shutter overlaying the electrowetting lens, and operable to an opaque state where infrared light from the infrared light source is blocked from projecting into at least a portion of the area, and operable to a transparent state where infrared light passes through the electrowetting shutter; an object detector configured to detect an object in the area; and a controller configured to receive a detection signal from the object detector, and operate the electrowetting lens and the electrowetting shutter in order to control the infrared light distribution pattern based on a location of the object. The pattern may be uniform or may be customized for the object being heated.
US08379290B2
An active matrix electrochromic device array and a method of manufacturing the active matrix electrochromic device array may include a first substrate including a pixel electrode corresponding to each of the pixels, and an electrochromic layer; a second substrate including a counter electrode and a reflective layer arranged on the counter electrode, wherein the first substrate and the second substrate are coupled to each other having a distance therebetween by a partition wall supporting the first substrate and the second substrate; and the partition wall isolates a space between the first substrate and the second substrate with respect to each of the pixels, thereby preventing or reducing an electrolyte filled in the space from being diffused toward a neighboring space.
US08379286B2
A modulating retroreflector system includes a modulating retroreflector having a plurality of multiple quantum well modulator pixels and at least one transimpedance amplifier. The transimpedance amplifier receives a photocurrent generated by at least one of the plurality of modulator pixels. Each pixel is capacitively coupled to a current driver, which applies a high frequency digital electrical signal to the pixel when the voltage at the output of the transimpedance amplifier exceeds a threshold value. The modulated output of the retroreflector is reflected toward the source of the received optical beam. The system activates high frequency current drivers for only the illuminated pixels, eliminating the need for a separate angle of incidence sensor and reducing power requirements. A low frequency FSK signal can be superimposed on the DC optical interrogation beam and recovered as the unfiltered output of the transimpedance amplifier, to provide simultaneous bidirectional communication without a half-duplex communication protocol.
US08379281B2
A hologram judging apparatus includes a housing and first and second light sources attached to the housing and emitting reconstruction illumination light. In the hologram judging apparatus, the first and second light sources each include a wavelength component with a wavelength λ meeting the reconstruction condition of a Lippmann hologram, and any one of the first and second light sources is a light source making the reconstruction illumination light enter a hologram at an angle θref which is identical to another angle θref with respect to the normal in a plane of incidence, the other angle θref meeting the reconstruction condition of a Lippmann method.
US08379275B2
A scanner module and an image scanning apparatus includes an illuminator that includes a light source, a light guide extending in a main scanning direction to change a direction of the light from the light source, a guide holder recessed with a light guide mounting portion in which the light guide is mounted, and at least one supporting protrusion protruding from an entrance of the light guide mounting portion into the light guide mounting portion to support the light guide received in the light guide mounting portion. As the light guide is supported by the supporting protrusion formed at the entrance of the light guide mounting portion, it is possible to reduce deformation of the light guide and/or to prevent the light guide from being falling out of the light guide mounting portion when subjected to, e.g., a shock.
US08379274B2
An unnatural color change which occurs when combining trapping and spatial filter processing is suppressed. When image data is input, it is determined whether to perform trapping at the position of the pixel of interest of the input image data, and trapping is performed for the input image data. In addition, spatial filter processing is performed for the pixel of interest of the input data, an output of the trapping and that of the filter processing are weighted, and image data to be output is calculated.
US08379272B2
In the image processing device, method and system of the present invention, a destination identifier of an image file is stored, the destination identifier indicating one of a plurality of external stations as a destination station which receives the image file from the image processing device through a network. At least one of a sender identifier of the image file, a subject identifier of the image file and a scan condition of the image file is stored. The image file is transmitted, together with at least one of the sender identifier, the subject identifier and the scan condition, through the network to one of the external stations indicated by the stored destination identifier.
US08379269B2
Since a less-than-one-pixel-basis correction and a one-pixel-basis correction are constantly performed on an image after halftoning, unevenness in density disadvantageously occur depending on a halftoning method. According to the halftoning method, whether the less-than-one-pixel-basis correction is performed on a continuous tone image or the one-pixel-basis correction is performed on a halftone image is switched. The one-pixel-basis correction is constantly performed on the halftone image.
US08379264B2
An image forming apparatus includes: a reading mechanism having an original placement portion on which an original document is placed for reading an image; a recording mechanism having a medium supply tray on which a recording medium is set, the recording mechanism being disposed in such a manner that a longitudinal direction of the medium supply tray is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the original placement portion; an angular casing that houses the reading mechanism and the recording mechanism while stacking the reading mechanism and the recording mechanism vertically; and a cartridge holder that houses an ink cartridge and is disposed in a space located at a corner position of the casing below the reading mechanism and surrounded by a circumferential wall of the casing and a side wall of the medium supply tray.
US08379262B2
In image processing including a PDL processing in which a display list is generated from PDL data described in a page description language (PDL), and a RIP processing in which bitmap data is generated by rendering the display list, before starting the PDL processing on the PDL data, it is determined to generate a display list with overlap removed in the PDL processing when a prediction of the load on the RIP processing is larger than that on the PDL processing, and to generate a display list without overlap removed when the prediction of the load on the PDL processing is larger than that on the RIP processing. According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly and easily balance the load of PDL processing and the load of RIP processing, thereby realizing efficient pipeline processing.
US08379261B2
A document authenticating method is disclosed by which a plurality of two-dimensional barcode stamps are generated and printed on a back side of the document forming a pre-defined special pattern. The barcode stamps collectively encode the content of the document to be used for document authentication. Each barcode stamp encodes linking information indicating the position of the next barcode stamp. An index barcode may be printed on the front side of the document which encodes the position information for all of the barcode stamps on the back side.
US08379260B2
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for pre-rendering image data for a plurality of scanning paths are described here. The method includes receiving image data including a plurality of scan lines for a top portion of an image page, pre-rendering the data for a first scanning path to generate a first data set, pre-rendering the data for a second scanning path to generate a second data set, determining an initial scanning direction, and selecting the first data set or the second data set responsive to said determining. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08379259B2
An image forming system includes an image forming apparatus and a controlling apparatus connected to each other through a network and having different addresses. Information, indicating that the image forming apparatus and the controlling apparatus are connected to each other also by a communication medium that is different from the network, is registered in at least one of the image forming apparatus and the controlling apparatus. A search request for searching an apparatus connected to the network is received. The information registered by the registering unit is provided as a response to the search request. Based on the response, it is displayed that the image forming apparatus and the controlling apparatus are connected to each other by the communication medium.
US08379257B2
In a system operating under a Web environment in which a service providing server controls the provision of services with operating a Web server and a client apparatus provides service with operating a Web browser are connected via a network. The service providing server stores the history of a job with a reference destination address, and determines the status when a job status has changed, determines differing reference destination addresses to be included in the history based on the determined status, creates a file to be used to distribute updated information including the reference destination address from the history, and transmits the file to the Web browser. This arrangement enables the system providing a service in a browser-based environment and on the WWW platform to operate under a Web environment where it is possible to notify a user of an error independently of the status of a job.
US08379253B2
A structured document conversion apparatus is configured to convert structured document data that contains document data in a plurality of nodes in a tree structure and can associate a print attribute with each of the plurality of nodes. The structured document conversion apparatus reflects a print attribute of a lower node in other portions. The structured document conversion apparatus deletes the lower layer print attribute. The structured document conversion apparatus generates structured document data in which the print attribute is associated with a highest hierarchical layer in the tree structure.
US08379245B2
In a copy management system, an output device generates a print image, and list information including identification information identifying a person authorized for printing. The list information is converted to a specific code, which is in turn embedded in a print image. The code-embedded print image is output by a printer on a printing medium. The code-embedded print image on the printing medium is received by a copying device of the system. The copying device also receives and accepts copier identification information identifying a copying person. The list information is acquired from the code-embedded print image. The identification information in the list information acquired is compared to the copier identification information accepted. Allowance/non-allowance of copying is determined based on whether or not the above information coincides with each other. The copying device outputs a printed copy subject to decision for allowance of copying.
US08379244B2
A network printing system, a network communication method to print information, and a host and an image forming device to perform network communications are provided. A mail server provides a mail transmitting/receiving service, a host transmits a mail including channel information established for data communications, and an image forming device accesses a mail account allocated to the mail server to receive the transmitted mail, and communicate the host by using the channel information included in the received mail.
US08379239B2
It is set for one or more processes executable by a multi-function peripheral apparatus (101) whether or not permitting the multi-function peripheral apparatus (101) to perform, of the processes, a process, execution of which is requested by a multi-function peripheral apparatus (102) or client PC (103). Information about a process set to be permitted is transmitted to the multi-function peripheral apparatus (102) or client PC (103).
US08379237B2
Confidentiality of a job that requires authentication processing prior to printing is maintained as much as possible. A method for controlling a printing system is provided that is capable of receiving a plurality of types of print jobs including a first type print job that requires authentication processing prior to printing and a second type print job that does not require authentication processing prior to printing, comprising the steps of allowing the printing system to execute a specific operation for allowing the printing system to start printing of a target job in case where resources required to complete printing of the target job are present in the printing system and causing the printing system to execute the specific operation in case where the target job is the first type job.
US08379235B2
A method for creating and inserting a banner sheet in an output bin of a multi-function device for copy jobs. Thus, the user can leave the copy job in progress, safe in the knowledge that the copy will be recognized and filed along with other print jobs.
US08379224B1
A prismatic alignment artifact includes an artifact body having a prismatic shape.
US08379219B2
A compound common-path interferometer including first and second measurement arms for measuring a test object is arranged so that a reference optic of the first measurement arm is disconnected from a remainder of the first measurement arm and a coupling between the reference optics of the first and second measurement arms forms a monolithic measurement cavity for maintaining reference surfaces of the reference optics at a fixed spacing and orientation. Separate supports are provided for the monolithic measurement cavity and the remainder of the first measurement arm.
US08379215B2
Systems and methods determining amplitude and phase versus frequency of an incoming beam of pulsed laser light. The incoming beam is split into two beams of substantially equal intensity, one of which is delayed for a delay period t. The two split beams are recombined to shine onto a thick SHG crystal at rotation angle θ and light emitted from the thick SHG crystal is detected as data and stored with reference to the delay period t and the angle θ. The thick SHG crystal is rotated by an angle δθ, and light is detected as data and stored until the thick SHG crystal has completed 360° of rotation. This is repeated for δt increases in the delay period until a selected beam delay period range has been completed. The stored data is processed to determine amplitude and phase versus frequency of the incoming beam of pulsed laser light.
US08379208B1
The present invention includes systems and methods for quantitative and qualitative imaging of gases, vapors, fumes, and the like. In one embodiment, the system uses a moving, or a rotating filter for alternately capturing on-line and off-line images of a scene that potentially includes the target gas of interest. The moving, or rotating filter includes at least two filter segments for transmitting (a) wavelengths corresponding to a spectroscopic absorption feature for on-line elements of the target gas, and (b) nearby wavelengths not corresponding to a spectroscopic absorption feature for off-line elements of the target gas. An image processor executes an algorithm for transforming the collected on-line and off-line data, corresponding to different pixels in the imaging array, into an image map of path-integrated concentration, or concentration path lengths (CPLs). The systems and methods of the invention do not use active light sources to illuminate the target gas. Instead, imaging and processing is done entirely using passive received energy from the target gas.
US08379205B2
An arrangement for determining concentration of substances in a fluid comprising a light source for generating primary light pulses within a wavelength interval, a light pulse splitter adapted to split up the primary light pulses into a predetermined number of secondary light pulses to be transmitted through the fluid, the secondary light pulses being separated in time as well as wavelength to be differently absorbed upon passage of the fluid depending on the concentration of the substances, a detector for detecting intensity of the differently absorbed secondary light pulses, and a comparator for comparing the intensities of the differently absorbed secondary light pulses with different reference intensities corresponding to different substances to thereby determine the concentration of the substances in the fluid.
US08379203B2
The invention generally relates to spectrometers and optical systems useful therein. More particularly, the invention generally relates to optical systems and systems having improved functionalities, flexibilities, and design options. For example, optical systems of the invention employ an aberration-corrected concave grating along with one or more transmissive aberration correctors.
US08379201B2
The invention relates to methods and devices for imaging a sample, in particular to methods and devices for imaging electrophoretic gels which have been used to separate biological molecules such as proteins or nucleic acids. The invention overcomes the problems associated with interference due to Newton's Rings and chemical toxicity experienced with conventional imaging systems.
US08379193B2
The present disclosure provides for a system and method for detecting explosives and other materials in a sample scene. First interacted photons are produced from a target area wherein the first interacted photons are generated via solar radiation. The first interacted photons are assessed to thereby generate a SWIR hyperspectral image. The SWIR hyperspectral image is analyzed to identify an area of interest likely of comprising an explosive material. The area of interest is illuminated using laser light illumination to generate second interacted photons from the area of interest. These second interacted photons are assessed to determine whether it not an explosive material is present in the area of interest. The system and method may be configured in standoff, OTM, static and UGV configurations.
US08379191B2
The invention relates to a method for registering surfaces, using a scanner system comprising a radiation source for emitting electromagnetic radiation (ES), a scanning device for guiding the radiation over the surface in order to scan the latter and a receiver for receiving the radiation (RS) that is reflected by the surface. According to the invention, the radiation is spectrally separated to analyze the surface characteristics and a distance measuring unit is used to derive distance information in parallel from the received radiation.
US08379190B2
A system, apparatus, and method are disclosed for a resonant scanner for three-dimensional (3D) mapping. The system, apparatus, and method employ a small, lightweight articulating device that performs as a 3D Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR) laser from a moving scanner platform in a way that provides geolocation and takes advantage of mechanical resonance to amplify motion in the tilt axis. The device is used to map terrain in 3D space. The disclosed method involves resonating the scanner platform of the device with a spring about a pivot. The method further involves determining with a position sensor the tilt position and/or resonance rate of the scanner platform. Further, the method involves applying torque with an actuator to the scanner platform, and controlling with a controller the resonance of the scanner platform.
US08379187B2
An illumination optical apparatus has an optical unit. The optical unit has a light splitter to split an incident beam into two beams; a first spatial light modulator which can be arranged in an optical path of a first beam; a second spatial light modulator which can be arranged in an optical path of a second beam; and a light combiner which combines a beam having passed via the first spatial light modulator, with a beam having passed via the second spatial light modulator; each of the first spatial light modulator and the second spatial light modulator has a plurality of optical elements arranged two-dimensionally and controlled individually.
US08379178B2
In an image display device where a lenticular lens, a display panel, and a light source are provided in order from a viewer side, when cylindrical lenses of the lenticular lens are arrayed in a horizontal direction, in first-viewpoint pixels and second-viewpoint pixels of the display panel, openings whose sides which intersect with straight lines in the horizontal direction are not parallel to a vertical direction are formed. And, a shape of the openings of a pair of pixels mutually adjacent in the vertical direction is made line-symmetric with respect to edges of the pixels extending in the horizontal direction as an axis.
US08379177B2
An array substrate for a fringe field switching mode liquid crystal display device includes a substrate including a display region and a non-display; a gate line on the substrate and in the display region; a common pad on the substrate and in the non-display region; a gate insulating layer on the gate line and the common pad; a data line on the gate insulating layer and crossing the gate line to define a pixel region in the display region; a thin film transistor connected to the gate and data lines; a first passivation layer on the data line and the thin film transistor; a common electrode on the first passivation layer and covering an entire surface of the display region; a second passivation layer on the common electrode; and a pixel electrode on the second passivation layer and having a plate shape in each pixel region.
US08379167B2
One aspect of the present invention provides a light-reflecting strip for a liquid crystal display device. The light-reflecting strip includes a light-reflecting substrate having a configuration surface and a smooth surface; a light-reflecting base layer coated on the configuration surface; a reflecting layer deposited on the light-reflecting base layer by evaporation deposition; a high transmittance colorant layer printed on the reflecting layer by means of a screen printing with a screen having a mesh number greater than 300; an adhesive layer applied on the smooth surface of the light-reflecting substrate; and a release paper detachably adhered to the adhesive layer. Another aspect of the present invention provides a liquid crystal display device including the light-reflecting strip.
US08379159B2
A process of creating a retarder using thin-stretched polymer film to perfectly conform to a curved mold and achieving nearly-crystallized lamination thanks to minimized thickness of said retarder using PVA film; thus, achieving greatly-enhanced optical clarity, contrast, and 3-D effect during stereoscopic image viewing and greatly-reduced user discomfort. A 3-D stereoscopic viewing lens having a retarder film using a PVA film filled with a gap filling agent to create a refringent effect, a polarized film and a base material.
US08379157B2
A flat panel display device includes a cabinet, a flat panel display component, a control board, a switch unit, a switch unit holder, and a pair of screws. The switch unit has a support board and an AC switch. The switch unit holder has a holder main body with a pair of side plates that defines inside of the holder main body therebetween with the holder main body holding the support board of the switch unit inside of the holder main body, and a pair of screw mount portions that is integrally formed with the holder main body with the screw mount portions extending outside of the holder main body from the side plates of the holder main body, respectively. The screws are disposed through screw insertion holes of the screw mount portions and threaded into screw holes of the chassis of the flat panel display component.
US08379153B2
In the video signal processing device, the first color space converting section performs color space conversion on an input video signal, to generate a converted video signal configured of H, S and V signals. The first high-frequency separating section separates a high-frequency component from the luminance signal in the input video signal, to generate high-frequency luminance signals. The combining section performs a combining process based on the V signal or the S signal or both, and the high-frequency luminance signal, to generate a combined V signal or a combined S signal or both. The second color space converting section performs color space conversion on a video signal, configured of the H signal, the S signal or the combined S signal, and the V signal or the combined V signal, to generate an output video signal defined in RGB color space.
US08379151B2
A method includes synchronizing audio and video streams including aligning the audio path and the video path by introducing a variable delay to the audio path or the video path to substantially equalize the end-to-end delay of both the audio path and the video path. An apparatus includes a digital to analog convertor for synchronizing audio and video where the audio path and the video path are aligned by introducing a variable delay to the audio path or the video path to substantially equalize the end-to-end delay of both the audio path and the video path.
US08379150B2
Data transmission first initializes a transmitter system and a receiver system. The transmitter system processes audio/video data, and transmits the processed audio/video data based on information received from the receiver system. The receiver system receives and processes the audio/video data sent by the transmitter system for generating corresponding audio output data and video output data. The receiver system sends the audio output data and the video output data to an audio output apparatus and a video output apparatus, respectively.
US08379149B2
A display apparatus includes a signal input unit through which an image signal is input, the image signal comprising a synchronization signal and an active signal; an adjustment signal generating unit that generates an adjustment signal; a signal processing unit that receives the adjustment signal and adjusts the image signal based on the received adjustment signal; and a controller which analyzes the input signal and controls the adjustment signal generating unit to change characteristics of the adjustment signal if the adjustment signal does not lie within a blanking interval between the synchronization signal and the active signal. With this configuration, even when an image signal having a reduced blanking interval between the synchronization signal and the active signal is input, the adjustment signal can be generated within the blanking interval of the image signal, not within the active signal interval.
US08379147B2
Video processing circuitry to adaptively process input video data which corresponds to a plurality of video frames of a selected channel which is one of a plurality of channels of a broadcast spectrum. In one aspect, the video processing circuitry includes spatial adaptation circuitry to generate and output spatially adapted video data corresponding to the plurality of video frames, temporal adaptation circuitry to generate and output temporally adapted video data corresponding to the plurality of video frames, and video manipulation circuitry, coupled to the spatial adaptation circuitry and the temporal adaptation circuitry, to generate output video data corresponding to the plurality of video frames, using the input video data, the spatially adapted video data and the temporally adapted video data. Methods of adaptively processing input video data which corresponds to a plurality of video frames of a selected channel which is one of a plurality of channels of a broadcast spectrum are also disclosed.
US08379141B2
A method of dynamically changing a parameter of a frame is disclosed. An input frame is determined as a special scene or a general scene. A subsequent frame is predicted by changing the parameter of the subsequent frame according to a special-scene operation when the input frame is the special scene, and by changing the parameter of the subsequent frame according to a general-scene operation when the input frame is not the special scene. The predicted frame is determined whether to be a special scene. Accordingly, the parameter of the input frame is changed according to the special-scene operation when both the input frame and the predicted frame are the special scenes; the parameter of the input frame is changed according to the general-scene operation when both the input frame and the predicted frame are not the special scenes; and the parameter of the input frame is maintained without change when only one of the input frame and the predicted frame is the special scene.
US08379139B2
A focus control apparatus and method capable of shortening a focus adjustment time in focus control. The method includes extracting a first high frequency component depending upon a first cutoff frequency and a second high frequency component depending upon a second cutoff frequency higher than the first cutoff frequency from a video signal, generating first and second contrast signals of the video signal respectively based on the first and second high frequency components, using a quotient obtained by dividing a value of the first contrast signal by that of the second contrast signal as a parameter, exercising focus control based on the parameter, and setting the first and second cutoff frequencies so as to cause a value of the parameter to assume a peak when a focus lens in an image pickup apparatus is located in a position at a predetermined distance from an in-focus position.
US08379137B2
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to photoelectrically convert an object image projected on an imaging region and to output a photoelectrically converted electrical signal starting with a selected one of a plurality of predetermined reading start positions; an electronic zooming processing unit configured to perform an electronic zooming process based on an electrical signal output from the imaging unit; a focus adjustment processing unit configured to detect a signal for focus adjustment based on an electrical signal output from the imaging unit at timing different from that of outputting of the electrical signal used in the electronic zooming process; and a control unit configured to set at least one of the plurality of predetermined reading start positions as a reading start position common to the electrical signal used in the electronic zooming process and the electrical signal used in the focus adjustment.
US08379136B2
A system and method for high numeric aperture imaging systems includes a splitter, a defocusing system, and a combiner. The splitter reflects a portion of collected light and transmits another portion of the collected light. The defocusing system is configured to modify optical power of either the transmitted portion or reflected portion of the collected light. The combiner is oriented with respect to a mechanical angle. The combiner recombines portions of the transmitted portion and the reflected portion such that the transmitted portion and reflected portion are subsequently transmitted being separated by an optical separation angle based upon the mechanical angle of orientation of the combiner. Various other implementations are used to maintain focus with regards to the imaging systems involved.
US08379135B2
A zoom lens includes a focus cam for converting a first rotation amount given upon a focus operation into a movement of the focus lens group and further converting a second rotation amount given upon a zoom operation into the movement of the focus lens group, and a focus cam follower engaged with the focus cam and operable to move in the focus cam. The focus cum follower rotates in the focus cum according to the rotation amount of the zoom driving unit to move the focus lens group. A lift amount of the focus cam is defined so that a rotation amount of the focus driving unit from a far end position to an infinite position when the rotation position of the zoom driving unit is at a wide-angle end becomes larger than the rotation amount when the rotating position of the zoom driving unit is at a telephoto end.
US08379113B2
An imaging apparatus includes: an imaging unit for acquiring a plurality of viewpoint images imaged from a plurality of view-points by a plurality of imaging optical systems each including a zoom lens; a storage unit for storing an error of the imaging optical system; an optical zoom magnification specifying unit for receiving specification instruction of an optical zoom magnification; a zoom lens driving unit for moving the zoom lens to a position corresponding to the instruction of the optical zoom magnification; and a correction unit for setting an electronic zoom magnification corresponding to the position of the zoom lens, magnifying a viewpoint image to be corrected from within the plurality of viewpoint images based on the electronic zoom magnification, and extracting a part of the magnified viewpoint image to eliminate an object point shift amount corresponding to the error from the magnified viewpoint image.
US08379110B2
An image sensing apparatus which senses the optical image of an object using a lens unit having a movable lens can reduce the influence of noise generated upon driving the lens from the first sound signal, based on the first sound signal obtained by the first microphone unit for collecting an object sound, and a second sound signal obtained by the second microphone unit for collecting noise. The second microphone unit is arranged at a position where the relative positional relationship with the generation source of noise generated upon driving the lens does not change even if the lens is moved.
US08379106B2
An image processing device that reproduces under a second observation condition an appearance of a color of a subject as perceived under a first observation condition, includes: a characteristic quantity calculation unit that calculates a characteristic quantity related to a state of visual perception adaptation under an observation condition that is at least one observation condition of the first observation condition and the second observation condition, by taking into consideration information related to an illuminating light source used under another observation condition in addition to information related to an illuminating light source used under the one observation condition; and a color conversion unit that executes color conversion to convert the first image data to second image data to be used to reproduce, under the second observation condition, the appearance of the color of the subject as perceived under the first observation condition, based upon the characteristic quantity having been calculated.
US08379104B2
In a method for capturing non-blinking images of people using a camera device, the camera device includes an image capturing unit and a storage system. The image capturing unit captures a series of digital images of a group of persons. A face feature value and an eyes feature value of people are predefined, and are stored in the storage system. The number of faces is detected from each of the digital images according to the face feature value, and the number of eyeballs is detected from each of the face area according to the eyes feature value. The method calculates the ratio of the number of faces and the number of eyeballs, and selects the digital image of which the ratio of the face number and the eyeball number is 1:2 as a non-blinking image of the a group of persons.
US08379103B2
A digital camera includes an object detecting unit which analyzes an analysis target image including a through image data taken in from an image pickup device to compose a shot of an object, a shot image, or a reduced image, based on a feature appearing in an image representing a subject of shooting, and detects at least one main object captured in the analysis target image, a subject information extracting unit which extracts, for each image of object detected by the object detecting unit, subject information including a position in a screen corresponding to the analysis target image and its expansion, and a tag data writing unit which writes the subject information, as a part of tag data corresponding to the shot image, to a storage medium, thereby enabling use of the information acquired by object detection at the time of shooting, also after the acquisition of the image.
US08379102B2
An image processing synthesizing a plurality of pieces of images photographing an identical scene and having different exposure amounts to generate a high-contrast image expanding a dynamic range and having a wide tonal range, includes a selecting unit selecting a reference image based on information of brightness components of the pieces of images, a gain calculating unit calculating brightness ratios of remaining images among the pieces of images to the reference images excluding the reference image as gains based on the information of the brightness components of the pieces of images, a weight calculating unit calculating weights to be applied to the remaining images based on the gains and information of a brightness component of the reference image, and a generating unit performing weighting synthesis between the reference image and the remaining images by using the weights, to obtain a high-contrast image with fine image quality.
US08379095B2
A method is provided for determining presence of a user's hand tremor or intentional motion during recognition of an image through photographing. Image sample blocks of a previous frame are detected by using an edge detecting method. A block distance between the detected image sample block of the previous frame and an estimated image sample block of a current frame is calculated. The calculated block distance is compared with a first threshold. The calculated block distance is compared with a second threshold when the calculated block distance is less than the first threshold.
US08379089B2
A support device for camera modules is disclosed. The support device is capable of panning or spinning a camera module without separating an outer casing that surrounds the camera module. The support device includes a body, a second middle support unit, a rear cover, and a rotary support unit. The body includes a camera module therein. The second middle support unit is rotatably fitted to a side surface of the body, and has on an outer surface of the second middle support unit two opposing wheels to be fitted into coupling bosses of the rotary support unit. The rear cover is coupled to the second middle support unit, and has on an inner surface thereof a seating step so that the body is rotatably seated thereon. The rotary support unit has the two coupling bosses to support the two wheels of the second middle support unit.
US08379085B2
A sequence layer in a machine-learning engine configured to learn from the observations of a computer vision engine. In one embodiment, the machine-learning engine uses the voting experts to segment adaptive resonance theory (ART) network label sequences for different objects observed in a scene. The sequence layer may be configured to observe the ART label sequences and incrementally build, update, and trim, and reorganize an ngram trie for those label sequences. The sequence layer computes the entropies for the nodes in the ngram trie and determines a sliding window length and vote count parameters. Once determined, the sequence layer may segment newly observed sequences to estimate the primitive events observed in the scene as well as issue alerts for inter-sequence and intra-sequence anomalies.
US08379081B2
Visibility of defects is improved for inspection of structures and the like, by generating an image having higher resolution than pixel resolution of a TV camera itself. An appearance inspection apparatus is provided with a TV camera; a camera driving device for making the TV camera scan an inspection object; an image capture device for capturing the image in the TV camera as a digital image; a camera motion measuring device for measuring scanning motion of the TV camera; a high definition image generating device, which generates a high definition image having a higher pixel resolution than that of the TV camera, based on the digital images captured by the image capture device and the TV camera scanning motion data measured by the camera motion measuring device; and a recording device which records and stores positional information of the inspection object.
US08379080B2
According to various illustrative embodiments, a device, system, and method for reducing stereoscopic phase-lag distortion under motion in a 3-dimensional video display are described. In one aspect, a method comprises reducing a phase difference between a first image and a second image in a portion of a frame time of the 3-dimensional video display. The method also comprises redistributing respective bit sequences of at least portions of the first image and the second image by respective amounts arranged to effect the reduction of the phase difference between the first image and the second image. The method also comprises displaying the redistributed respective bit sequences of the portions of the first image and the second image during the frame time of the 3-dimensional video display.
US08379077B2
Techniques are provided for managing display layouts for a continuous presence video conference. Each display layout has a fixed number of positions, and one of the display layouts has a maximum number of positions for display to participants in the video conference. The display layouts comprise video display positions for participants in a video conference. When the number of participants is greater than a threshold, one of the positions in that layout is used as a shared position assigned to a video stream of participants not assigned to fixed positions in that layout. The shared position is used in a scanning manner such that video streams of participants not assigned to fixed positions in the layouts are classified as scanning streams and are displayed in the non-fixed (shared) position over a predetermined time interval.
US08379073B2
A system for storing data during a video telephony call includes a portable terminal which requests data storing; a base station connected to the portable terminal and requests storing of the data to a recording server; a recording server which requests a user registration and data storing to a data management server, and transmits a message indicative of the start of the data storing to the base station; and a data management server which provides the storage of the recorded data.
US08379065B2
The present invention discloses a method for displaying a high resolution picture in a mobile communication terminal having a low resolution display means, the mobile communication terminal and a system for converting a picture file format therefor. The method for displaying the high resolution picture in the mobile communication terminal includes the steps of: dividing picture data into a plurality of unit blocks, and converting the picture data into a picture file format including the plurality of unit block picture data and indexes for access to each of the block picture data; extracting minimum unit block picture data composing a partial picture which will be initially outputted to a display unit from the picture file by using the index information of the picture file format, and outputting the initial picture; and extracting the corresponding unit block picture data from the picture file in the movement direction by using the index information of the picture file format in accordance with generation of scroll action during the display of the picture, and outputting the position-moved picture.
US08379057B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for generating an image for a user based on an image captured by a scene-facing camera or detector. The user's position relative to a component of the system is determined, and the image captured by the scene-facing detector is modified based on the user's position. The resulting image represents the scene as seen from the perspective of the user. The resulting image may be further modified by augmenting the image with additional images, graphics, or other data.
US08379049B2
The invention provides tools and techniques for clone brushing pixels in an image while accounting for inconsistencies in apparent depth and orientation within the image. The techniques do not require any depth information to be present in the image, and the data structure of the image is preserved. The techniques allow for color compensation between source and destination regions. A snapping technique is also provided to facilitate increased accuracy in selecting source and destination positions.
US08379048B2
A method and software for converting a digital representation of a reference image to a preferred representation having higher chroma in selected subject areas.
US08379044B2
The present invention relates to the compression of color image data. A combination of hard decision pixel mapping and soft decision pixel mapping is used to jointly address both quantization distortion and compression rate while maintaining low computational complexity and compatibility with standard decoders, such as, for example, the GIF/PNG decoder.
US08379037B1
Systems and methods for aggregation of textures at multiple resolution levels are described herein. An embodiment includes a preprocessing system that aggregates textures associated with objects of interest at multiple resolution levels. Individual textures may have a “pyramid” of resolution levels, and aggregated textures may be combined into a “tree” or a “forest”. Additionally, a texture forest may also be organized spatially and in resolution using the nodes of a quadtree, based on the 3D coordinates of the geometric primitives using each texture. A client identifies a resolution level for each object of interest in an image frame, groups objects based on resolution levels. The client may then test one texture coordinate per object at the beginning of a texture tree, recursively towards each child node of the tree, accumulating texture replacement transforms as a texture matrix. The client may then draw all the textures with the appropriate transform.
US08379029B2
A method for generating a looping motion space for real-time character animation may include determining a plurality of motion clips to include in the looping motion space and determining a number of motion cycles performed by a character object depicted in each of the plurality of motion clips. A plurality of looping motion clips may be synthesized from the motion clips, where each of the looping motion clips depicts the character object performing an equal number of motion cycles. Additionally, a starting frame of each of the plurality of looping motion clips may be synchronized so that the motion cycles in each of the plurality of looping motion clips are in phase with one another. By rendering an animation sequence using multiple passes through the looping motion space, an animation of the character object performing the motion cycles may be extended for arbitrary length of time.
US08379028B1
In various embodiments, techniques are provided for collaborating and developing a body of knowledge for animation rigging for use in CGI and computer-aided animation. In an embodiment, a computer system may be used to facilitate the creation of rigging for computer-generated models. Using one or more graphical user interfaces, a user can provide the computer system with information defining a set of controls for a computer-generated model. The user can provide the computer system with information providing a description of each control in the set of controls. The user can also provide the computer system with information providing an example of use of each control in the set of controls. A body of knowledge for a standard rig can be created based on the information defining the set of controls, the description of each control, and the example of use of each control using the computer system. A user or group of users can interact with the body of knowledge to formalized definitions of artistic or technical content.
US08379003B2
A display device for displaying an image using matrix driving includes: an emission element corresponding to each pixel to be displayed, disposed on L lines, with the scanning direction as lines; a display portion whereby the M lines worth of the emission elements are simultaneously driven; and a connection unit for connecting an on-substrate wiring line extracted from the emission element of the display portion externally; with the connection units including connection terminals for connecting each of the on-substrate wiring lines externally, and at least a part of the connection terminals being arrayed two-dimensionally so as to make up M columns; and with each of the M columns worth of the connection terminals being connected with the on-substrate wiring lines which are thinned out (M−1) wiring lines at a time.
US08378996B2
Embodiments described herein are to provide a touch panel display apparatus which includes a horizontal row of light-emitting elements and a horizontal row of light-receiving elements arranged on horizontal sides of a display unit. The touch panel display apparatus further include a vertical row of light-emitting elements and a vertical row of light-receiving elements arranged on vertical sides of the display unit. The touch panel display apparatus further include a control unit which activates a first set of the light-emitting elements and the corresponding light-receiving elements when the touch pattern is disposed between the light-emitting elements and the corresponding light-receiving elements, and inactivate a second set of the light-emitting elements and the corresponding light-receiving elements when the touch pattern is not disposed between the light-emitting elements and the corresponding light-receiving elements.
US08378990B2
An exemplary display apparatus includes a plurality of pixel units, a plurality of gate lines, a readout line and a plurality of touch control units. The gate lines are for deciding whether to enable the pixel units. Each of the touch control units is electrically coupled to the readout line and a corresponding one of the gate lines and includes a switching element. When one of the touch control units is touched, the switching element of the touched touch control unit is turned on, and thereby a waveform on the gate line corresponding to the touched touch control unit is coupled to the readout line and a position of the touched touch control unit is determined according to a timing sequence of a waveform on the readout line. The present invention also provides a touch detection method adapted to be implemented on the above-mentioned display apparatus.
US08378984B2
A pressure operating apparatus is used for controlling the movement of an operation object. One user can press down an insulating element to make a conductive element dispose below the insulating element to turn on at least one of switching elements. The turned on switching elements transmits a conductive signal respectively to a processing module. Finally, the processing module controls the movement of the operation object according to the conductive signal received simultaneously.
US08378978B2
An input/output apparatus includes a main body and a display. The main body includes a power supply, a driver and a controller connected to the power supply. The driver is used for sending drive signals. The display module is fixed to the main body and connected to the power supply. The display module is driven by the driver to display information. The display module includes a display and a sensor. The display is used for displaying information according to the drive signals. The display is E-paper type. The sensor is attached to the display, and is capable of sensing external operations and generating corresponding sensor signals. The controller is connected to the sensor and used for receiving the sensor signals and controlling the sensor.
US08378974B2
A method for detecting a touch event on a touch panel comprises obtaining at least first and second signals from at least two sensors where the at least first and second signals are responsive to a touch event. A first amplitude magnitude associated with the first signal is calculated and a second amplitude magnitude associated with the second signal is calculated. A magnitude ratio is determined between the first and second amplitude magnitudes, and a touch location is identified based on the magnitude ratio.
US08378971B2
A wireless mouse includes a switch unit arranged between a circuit board and a lower cover of the wireless mouse. The circuit board defines two electrical connection contacts which can control to provide power for the wireless mouse. The switch unit can make the electrical connection contacts be connected to each other in response to the wireless mouse is pressed by a user. The switch unit also can make the electrical connection contacts be not connected to each other in response to the wireless mouse is not pressed by a user.
US08378968B2
A haptic interface system includes a cable based haptic interface device and a controller. The controller receives information related to movement of a grip in real-space and generates a stereoscopic output for a display device. The stereoscopic output includes images of a virtual reality tool whose motions mimic motions of the real-space grip.
US08378967B2
A wearable input device includes a pair of ring-shaped signal electrodes and a current sensor arranged in parallel in the direction of the axis of a finger. The current sensor is provided outside an area sandwiched between the signal electrodes. An alternating current signal is applied between the signal electrodes. When the top end of the finger with this device worn thereon is brought into contact with any other body site, a current flows through the current measure point of the current sensor. When the top end of the finger is not in contact with any other body site, no current flows through the measurement point of the current sensor. Based on the measured current, it is determined whether the finger is in contact with any other body site. A command is outputted to an external device according to the result of the determination.
US08378961B2
System(s) and method(s) are provided to regulate backlighting in a light emitting diode (LED)-based display through a sequence of alternate pulse-width-modulation (PWM) frame or sub-frame insertions. Alternate PWM frames or sub-frames can be black or non-black. A plurality of pixels in the display is partitioned into at least one zone including one or more rows of pixels; the at least one zone determines sub-frame period based on refresh frequency of the display. A sequence of alternate PWM sub-frames includes at least one alternate sub-frame and at least one normal sub-frame. Alternate PWM frames or alternate PWM sub-frames include a phase delay during which a backlight unit is turned off, and a PWM sequence in which the backlight unit is turned on with a finite duty cycle for the remainder of the PWM frame or sub-frame. A sequence of alternate PWM sub-frames can be configured internally or externally. Internal configuration can be synchronous with a reference signal whereas external configuration relies on external reference signal.
US08378960B2
An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for controlling an electronic display. An activity module receives a brightness restore signal and sets a brightness level of an electronic display to a default brightness level in response to the brightness restore signal. A brightness decay module dims the brightness level of the electronic display from the default brightness level to an intermediate brightness level at a first dimming rate. The intermediate brightness level is selected from one or more intermediate brightness levels. A plateau module maintains the brightness level of the electronic display at the intermediate brightness level for a predefined period of time. A minimum brightness module dims the brightness level of the electronic display from an intermediate brightness level to a minimum brightness level at a second dimming rate.
US08378954B2
An active matrix liquid crystal device comprises an active matrix substrate (1) and a counter electrode substrate separated by a layer of liquid crystal material. A temperature sensing capacitor (11) comprises electrodes on the substrates separated by the liquid crystal layer, which thus forms the dielectric of the capacitor. A reference capacitor (CREF) and a calibration capacitor (CCAL) are also provided and have nominally the same capacitance. These capacitors form part of charge-transfer capacitance measuring branches (25, 26, 30) within a sample/hold circuit (12). During a calibration cycle, the sample/hold circuit (12) provides a signal dependent on the difference between the capacitances of the calibration capacitor (CCAL) and the reference capacitor (CREF) and this is supplied to an analog/digital converter (20-22, 31, 32), which forms a reference voltage. During subsequent parts of the measurement cycle, the converter converts the output of the sample/hold circuit using the reference voltage in order to improve the accuracy of measurement of the liquid crystal capacitor (11), and hence the temperature of the liquid crystal material. This temperature measurement may be used, for example, to compensate the AMLCD for the effects of temperature variation in the liquid crystal properties.
US08378952B2
A liquid crystal display device and a method of driving the same are discussed. The liquid crystal display device according to an embodiment comprises a liquid crystal panel including a plurality of pixel units arranged in a matrix configuration; red, green and blue pixel cells provided in the pixel units respectively; a data driver to supply data to pixel cells included in each pixel unit, so as to realize the adjacent pixel units displayed with black and white; and a gate driver to drive the pixel cells included in each pixel unit, so as to make the green pixel cell in the pixel unit of displaying the white supplied with corresponding data under condition of that a data line connected to the corresponding green pixel cell is previously charged with the data corresponding to the pixel cell included in the pixel unit of displaying the black.
US08378944B2
An array substrate for an in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device includes a first TFT in a pixel region and connected to a gate line and a first data line; a second TFT in the pixel region and connected to the gate line and a second data line; a first pattern connected to the first TFT and extending along the gate line; a plurality of first electrodes connected to the first pattern; a second pattern extending to be parallel to the first pattern; a second electrode extending along the first data line; a third electrode connected to the second pattern and extending along the second data line, the third electrode connected to the second TFT; and a plurality of fourth electrodes connected to the second pattern and alternately arranged with the plurality of first electrodes, wherein the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of fourth electrodes are disposed between the second and third electrodes.
US08378942B2
A source driver that drives a source line of an electro-optical device based on (j+k)-bit (j and k are natural numbers) grayscale data includes 2j grayscale signal lines, a grayscale voltage select circuit that outputs two grayscale voltages among 2j grayscale voltages supplied through the 2j grayscale signal lines, and a source line driver circuit that outputs a grayscale voltage corresponding to lower-order k-bit data of the grayscale data from the source line driver circuit to the source line, the grayscale voltage output to the source line being a voltage among voltages between the low-potential-side grayscale voltage and the high-potential-side grayscale voltage output from the grayscale voltage select circuit to the source line driver circuit.
US08378937B2
In an image display apparatus, each sub-pixel includes a phosphor configured to emit light of a predetermined color when the phosphor is irradiated with electrons, an electron emission device configured to irradiate the phosphor with the electrons, and a resistor connected in series to the electron emission device and having a negative temperature characteristic of resistance. In three or more sub-pixels with different luminescent colors included in each pixel, the resistor is configured such that a sub-pixel having a phosphor with a smaller temperature dependency of luminescent brightness has a resistor with a greater activation energy, or the resistor is configured such that the resistor is made of the same material for the three or more sub-pixel and such that a sub-pixel having a phosphor with a smaller temperature dependency of luminescent brightness has a resistor with a greater resistance.
US08378931B2
A pixel and an organic light emitting display device using the same is provided. The pixel includes an organic light emitting diode (OLED). A pixel circuit controls an amount of current that flows into the OLED. In the pixel, the pixel circuit includes a first transistor controlling an amount of current that flows into a second power source via the OLED from a first power source. A storage capacitor is positioned between a gate electrode of the first transistor and the second power source. A boosting capacitor is positioned between the gate electrode of the first transistor and a boost line.
US08378925B2
When headphone housings are tilted such that their upper portions are separated from side faces of the user's head and their lower portions are near the side faces, an arm of the display section is horizontal. Generally, the human head at ear portions is formed in a shape that is large at the upper portion and small at the lower portion. Accordingly, when the headphone housings are installed at the ear portions, the headphone housings are installed according to the shape and the arm is horizontal. This means that the arm is horizontal in a natural installation state. Adjustment of the display section is not complex and the display section has a well-balanced appearance.
US08378920B2
An electrically small antenna includes a first plurality of helical arms extending in one direction from a central portion of the antenna and a second plurality of helical arms extending from the central portion in a direction opposite from the direction of the first plurality of helical arms. A plurality of switches are coupled to control signal transmission and reception on the helical arms, each of the plurality of switches is coupled between a corresponding one of the first plurality of helical arms and the second plurality of helical arms.
US08378915B2
An antenna assembly and a method of mounting such an assembly are disclosed. A first and a second assembly portion are joined together, wherein the assembly portions each comprise a elongated reflector body serving as a reflector for electromagnetic power radiated by the antenna assembly portion, and a set of antenna element receiving means located in a linear row along a longitudinal direction of the reflector body for respectively receiving an antenna element, and side portions along the long sides of the said reflector body. The assembly method comprises the step of fastening the first and second assembly portions to each other along a respective side portion of the said assembly portions so as to form a dual array antenna assembly.
US08378911B2
An electronic entity (2) includes an electronic circuit (4) having connected thereto an antenna. The antenna includes a loop (6) electrically connected to the electronic circuit (4) and a resonator (8) coupled with the loop (6). The resonator (8) can be capacitively coupled to the loop. The resonator can be formed from a turn facing the loop (6) over at least a portion of its perimeter.
US08378907B2
A retaining socket for mounting a vehicle glazing accessory is disclosed. The retaining socket comprises a base portion for mounting on the surface of a glazing; a retaining portion for retaining a vehicle glazing accessory; and a retaining portion for retaining a communication device. The base portion comprises an electrically conductive coupling portion, connected to the communication device. A glazing having such a socket mounted thereon is also disclosed.
US08378904B1
An antenna is provided for use with a vehicle that includes a body that is encased by a thermal protection system (TPS). An opening extends through the TPS and the vehicle body, and an antenna assembly and a seal member are positioned within the opening. The seal member extends about the antenna assembly and is radio frequency (RF) opaque. A window extends across the opening to retain the antenna assembly and seal member within the opening. The window is RF transparent.
US08378898B2
A mobile wireless communications device may include at least two antennas having a different structure. The device may also include wireless transceivers, a load(s), signal processing circuitry, and a controller. The controller may be for selectively switching the signal processing circuitry to a desired one of the wireless transceivers, selectively switching a desired one of the antennas to the desired one of the wireless transceivers, and selectively switching a different one of the antennas to at least one of the loads.
US08378892B2
An antenna component (200) with a dielectric substrate and two radiating antenna elements. The elements are located on the upper surface of the substrate and there is a narrow slot (260) between them. The antenna feed conductor (241) is connected to the first antenna element (220), which is connected also to the ground by a short-circuit conductor (261). The second antenna element (230) is parasitic; it is galvanically connected only to the ground. The component is preferably manufactured by a semiconductor technique by growing a metal layer e.g. on a quartz substrate and removing a part of it so that the antenna elements remain. In this case the component further comprises supporting material (212) of the substrate chip. The antenna component is very small-sized because of the high dielectricity of the substrate to be used and mostly because the slot between the antenna elements is narrow. The efficiency of an antenna made by the component is high.
US08378891B2
A location server may be operable to refine a location for a RF node based on a weight applied to one or more location samples that are received from one or more mobile devices. The received location samples may be weighted based on a manufacturer and/or a model information of each of the mobile devices, properties and/or conditions of a RF environment associated with each of the mobile devices, a GNSS dilution of precision, motion sensors used by each of the mobile devices and/or a geometrical population condition associated with each of the mobile devices within range of the RF node. A valid location for the RF node may be generated utilizing the weighted location samples. The location server may update location information for the RF node, which may be stored in a location database, utilizing the valid location for the RF node.
US08378885B2
Device and a method for locating a mobile object approaching a surface reflecting electromagnetic waves. The location device includes an emission antenna and a reception antenna. The emission antenna has one or more emission positions emitting a detection signal toward the mobile object. The reception antenna has at least one column of one or more reception positions, receiving a signal transmitted by the mobile object. An emission of the detection signal is activated on each emission position. An emission position that produces a detection by the reception antenna, of the signal of maximum energy transmitted by the mobile object, is selected to track the mobile object. One or more signals of maximum energy, received by one or more reception positions, are used to angularly locate the mobile object. The invention can be used to determine the position of an aircraft in the final landing phase for a guidance device.
US08378883B2
A device and method for correcting a position of at least one target point relative to a motor vehicle depending on a movement of the motor vehicle over a given number of cycles; starting from at least one target point, forming a first group with adjacent target points depending on a first given characteristic; verifying if the first group is homogeneous depending on a second given characteristic; and calculating a position of a formed group relative to the motor vehicle over the given number of cycles, a formed group corresponding to a target object.
US08378877B2
The present invention relates to porous structures embedded with nanoparticles, methods of forming the structures, and methods of using the structures. In most general form, the invention relates to porous materials embedded with nanoparticles having characteristics, such as magnetic, enabling to align or arrange the nanoparticles in the material by exposure, e.g. to a magnetic field. Therefore, a method according to the invention provides manufacturing materials having variable magnetic and electromagnetic properties which can be adapted during manufacture for various applications, such as electromagnetic wave absorbers, lens, concentrators, etc.
US08378866B2
A heater controller for controlling a heater precisely in the equi-power mode is disclosed. The controller includes a current source, a voltage monitor to detect a voltage drop caused in the heater, and a controller. The voltage drop may be converted to the digital form as refereeing to the first reference, while, the heater current is converted from the digital form as referring to the second reference. The second reference shows substantial temperature dependence, while, the first reference has lesser temperature dependence. The control corrects the temperature dependence of the second reference as referring to the first reference.
US08378865B2
A method of testing a digital-to-analog or analog-to-digital converter including coarse and fine voltage dividers corresponding respectively to more and less significant bits of the digital signal. Reference input signals are applied corresponding to a first selection of the fine resistor elements with each selection of the coarse resistor elements in succession, corresponding output signals of the converter are measured, and differential non-linearity values and integral non-linearity values for these selections of fine and coarse resistor elements are calculated. Similar measurements and calculations are made for a first selection of the coarse resistor elements with each of the selections of the fine resistor elements in succession. Differential non-linearity values and integral non-linearity values for other combinations of the coarse resistor elements with the fine resistor elements are then calculated using combinations of the calculated differential non-linearity values and the calculated integral non-linearity values.
US08378857B2
Input devices having backlighting for associated input mechanisms. The backlighting may be supplied by a light source coupled to a light guide. Both the light guide and light source may be located completely beneath the input mechanism and above a mechanical support for the mechanism. Each input mechanism generally has its own dedicated light guide and light source.
US08378851B2
A vehicle warning system that includes: a first camera mounted on the vehicle at a first longitudinal position along the length of the vehicle, which acquires consecutively in real time a plurality of first camera image frames; a second camera mounted on the vehicle at a second longitudinal position along the length of the vehicle, which acquires second camera image frames; and a processor configured to use information in both first and second camera image frames to determine whether there is a danger of a collision between the vehicle and an object shown in both the first and second camera images. The first and second longitudinal positions may be at different positions along the length of the vehicle.
US08378848B2
Various embodiments include a virtual meter. The virtual meter includes a controller configured to communicate, with a utility meter, meter information, using a first communications protocol. The controller may also be configured to translate between the meter information and virtual meter information. The controller may further be configured to communicate, with a smart energy network, the virtual meter information using a second communications protocol. Other devices and methods are disclosed.
US08378845B2
A system for measuring energy consumption including a plurality of devices of which at least a subset includes a communication unit for supplying operating status information indicating an actual operating status with respect to an actual energy consumption of the associated one of the plurality of devices. A meter measures a total energy consumption of the plurality of devices. A controller calculates an individual energy consumption of a particular one of the plurality of devices from a change of the total energy consumption occurring at a change of the operating status of the particular one of the plurality of devices.
US08378841B2
Identification and tracking of hollow pipes at a site where the hollow pipes are to be stored or interconnected, such as an oil drilling site where the aforesaid hollow pipes are to be connected and the drillstring of pipes is to be inserted into a drilled hole on solid ground or under a deepsea drilling platform is achieved. Each hollow pipe is provided with a low frequency radio frequency identification (RFID) tag attached to the pipe's outer surface. The RFID tag is operable at a low radio frequency not exceeding 1.0 megahertz and may be disposed within a recess in the pipe's outer surface. A tracking system provides communication be the tags and a reader.
US08378840B2
A device for communicating with a downhole measurement tool includes a processor module comprising a set of commands and configured to issue a command from the set to the downhole tool and receive a corresponding reply from the downhole tool. The set of commands includes at least one of a command to switch the downhole measurement tool between a sleep mode and an active mode and a command to download data from the downhole measurement tool. The device includes a transceiver module coupled to the processor module and an antenna coupled to the transceiver module. The antenna and transceiver module are configured to transmit commands and replies between the processor module and the downhole measurement tool.
US08378836B2
A magnetic field strength threshold alarm that includes sensing means responsive to a magnetic field and actuating in response to field strength above a predetermined threshold, the sensing means being configured to be operational and able to actuate without consumption of energy; and alarm means for outputting an alarm responsive to the sensing means actuation, the alarm means being configured not to consume energy prior to actuation of the sensing means and only consuming energy subsequent to actuation of the sensing means. So, energy is not consumed by the alarm means prior to actuation. The alarm may be considered to include energy storage means for providing electrical energy, wherein the sensing means, the alarm means and energy storage means being operatively connected such that the electrical energy from the energy storage means is provided only when the sensing means is actuated.
US08378831B2
System and method for coordinated health monitoring, emergency response, and medical record delivery
A computer-based system for providing coordinated health monitoring, emergency response, and medical record delivery. The system can include computing devices configured to process emergency-related indicators and data. The system can also include monitoring devices linked to the computing devices. The monitoring devices can monitor a particular area for the emergency-related indicators and data, where the monitoring devices detect among speech, sounds, images and other detectable emergency-related indicators. The monitoring devices can also transmit the emergency-related indicators and data to the computing devices. Furthermore, the system can include a module linked to the monitoring devices and configured to execute on the computing devices. The module can analyze the transmitted emergency-related indicators and data to determine whether there is an emergency, communicate with a monitoring service to validate that an emergency exists, and provide access to patient records to authorized personnel, based upon whether an emergency exists.
US08378827B2
In one embodiment, an antenna configuration for locating RFID tags has two sets of (mutually orthogonal) elongated reader coils, where each elongated reader coil corresponds to two or more different possible locations of RFID tags, and each possible location is associated with one reader coil in each of the two sets. The identities and locations of RFID tags can be determined by (sequentially) energizing the different sets of reader coils and correlating the recorded responses from RFID tags. In one application, the antenna configuration is used at the box level of a cold storage system for biological samples having one or more freezers, each freezer having one or racks, each rack receiving one or more boxes, each box receiving one or more sample containers, where, in addition to the biological sample, each sample container has a unique passive RFID tag.
US08378825B2
A system for stockkeeping in an aircraft galley includes a plurality of receiving devices which are provided for reception in a base body of the aircraft galley and are each provided with a transponder which is configured to emit an identification signal characteristic of the content of the corresponding receiving devices. Furthermore, the stockkeeping system includes at least one transmitting/receiving unit which is provided on the aircraft galley and is configured to read in identification signals emitted by the transponders of the receiving devices and transmit these signals to a data processing unit, the data processing unit being configured to determine, on the basis of the identification signals transmitted by the transmitting/receiving unit, the inventory of the aircraft galley. An output unit of the system is configured to output the inventory of the aircraft galley determined by the data processing unit.
US08378820B2
An infrared motion sensor system has an infrared (IR) sensor having a predetermined field of view, a target positioned within the field of view of the sensor which emits a spatially or temporally non-uniform pattern of IR radiation, and a processor which receives an output signal from the IR sensor, compares the received output signal to a signature temperature profile signal corresponding to the non-uniform pattern of IR radiation emitted by the target, and detects deviation of the sensor output signal from the signature temperature profile signal, indicating intervention of an object in a monitored volume between the target and sensor. The size of the target may be of the order of human size.
US08378817B2
This invention relates generally to computer systems, and more specifically, to a premise monitoring system. In one embodiment, the invention includes operations of receiving one or more signals containing a device identifier and a device condition from one or more remote alarm monitoring systems; retrieving enhanced information based on the device identifier and/or the device condition; determining one or more communication methods and/or communication destinations based on the device identifier and/or the device condition; and dispatching the enhanced information to the one or more communication destinations using the one or more communication methods.
US08378815B1
Systems and methods for tracking assets from central stations using tracking devices enabled to receive GPS coordinates or site identities broadcast from transmitters at fixed locations within a wireless network. Plural position fixes are taken over time and forwarded to the central station. The position fixes are compared to establish a likelihood that apparent excursions from a predetermined boundary area are valid or not, prior to generating an alert signal that the asset has moved from the boundary area.
US08378807B2
A Bluetooth connection establishment method and system is provided for facilitating establishment of a communication channel between a master device and a target slave device. The method has the steps of broadcasting an inquiry signal for discovering a slave device and transmitting an inquiry response signal. The inquiry response signal is communicated from the slave device to a master device and the inquiry response signal indicates that the inquiry signal has been received by the slave device. The method requests at the master device that the at least one slave device transmits identification information. A slave device list is displayed. An alarm is transmitted by the at least one slave device that received the inquiry signal and a second alarm is transmitted by a target slave device selected from the slave device list in response to an alarm trigger signal transmitted by the master device.
US08378806B2
A pseudo non-addressable alarm system that uses addressable notification appliances and/or detectors is disclosed. In one aspect, the addressable notification appliances and/or detectors may be entirely automatically (or partially automatically) grouped. One manner of automatic grouping is to use the wiring of the pseudo non-addressable system in order to automatically form the groupings of notification applications, such as grouping the notification appliances based on the signal line circuit to which they are connected. In another aspect, labels for the notification appliances and/or detectors in the pseudo non-addressable system may be entirely automatically (or partially automatically) generated. The labels may be automatically generated based on wiring of the pseudo non-addressable system and/or based on grouping information (such as grouping based on the particular signal line circuit to which the notification appliance is connected).
US08378788B2
An antenna assembly is operative for receiving interrogating radiation at a variable frequency tag and generating a corresponding received signal, and for receiving a signature signal and radiating corresponding response radiation. A logic unit is operative for receiving the received signal and outputting the signature signal in response, the signature signal including a signature code for use in identifying the tag. A voltage controlled oscillator is operative for controlling a rate at which the signature code is output; and a power supply is operative for providing an electrical potential difference for energizing the tag. The voltage controlled oscillator is operable to output the signature code at a rate which is governed by the magnitude of the received signal.
US08378759B2
An apparatus for reducing crosstalk including a substrate having a bottom surface and a top surface defining a horizontal plane, a ground plane coupled to the bottom surface of the substrate, first and second microstrip lines formed on the top surface of the substrate, the first and second microstrip lines formed on the top surface of the substrate and spaced apart from one another, and a first plurality of vias traveling through the substrate from the top surface of the substrate to the ground plane and positioned between the first and second microstrip lines for reducing crosstalk between the first and second microstrip lines.
US08378757B2
A resonator and a method of manufacturing a resonator are provided. The resonator includes a sacrificial layer formed on a substrate, and a resonant structure formed on the sacrificial layer, the resonant structure comprising a carbon nano-substance layer and a silicon carbide layer.
US08378746B2
A voltage-mode line driving circuit is provided. The voltage-mode line driving circuit includes a driving circuit, the driving circuit receiving, as an input signal, a feedback signal, and outputting an output signal. The voltage-mode line driving signal also includes an adaptive tuning circuit coupled to the driving circuit, the adaptive tuning circuit receiving as input signals the feedback signal and the output signal and adaptively outputting a modifying signal to the driving circuit which modifies the feedback signal.
US08378743B2
A class D amplifier that includes circuitry to apply a non-linear correction to pulse error distortion. The amplifier includes an output voltage controlling circuit, comprising at least two switches, controlled by a modulator; an output inductor, coupling the switching circuit to an output terminal; and correction circuitry to provide to the modulator a correction signal characterized by a non-linearity. The correction circuitry includes a current sensor that senses the current from the output inductor to the output terminal.
US08378740B2
A switching circuit includes a source follower current mirror having an input, an output, a first source terminal, a bias terminal, and a second source terminal; a current source coupled to the input of the current mirror; an output terminal coupled to the output of the current mirror; a first bias transistor coupled to the first source terminal; a second bias transistor coupled to bias terminal of the current mirror; and a driver transistor coupled to the second source terminal. An input transistor in the current mirror is sized such that the input voltage is substantially independent of the supply voltage.
US08378730B2
A clock generation circuit is provided, having a bandgap reference circuit, a frequency controlled resistor, a comparison circuit and a voltage controlled oscillator. The bandgap reference circuit generates a first voltage. The frequency controlled resistor is coupled to a first node to provide a second voltage. The comparison circuit generates a first current according to a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage. The voltage controlled oscillator outputs first, second and third output clocks according to a third voltage on a second node, wherein the third voltage is generated according to the first current, and the second and third output clocks are fed back to the frequency controlled resistor such that the frequency controlled resistor converts the first current into the second voltage according to the second and third output clocks.
US08378727B2
A common-source circuit including two branches in parallel between a terminal of application of a voltage and a current source, each branch comprising: a series association of a resistor and a transistor, having their junction point defining an output terminal of the branch; a first switch connecting an input terminal of the branch to a control terminal of the transistor; and a controllable stage for amplifying data representing the level present on the output terminal of the opposite branch.
US08378721B2
A gm-C VCO oscillates at a frequency that corresponds to an input control voltage. A divider divides the frequency of an oscillation signal output from the gm-C VCO. A phase comparison signal generating unit generates a phase difference signal that corresponds to the phase difference between the oscillation signal thus frequency-divided by the divider and a reference clock signal. A loop filter performs filtering of the phase difference signal so as to generate the control voltage. A startup circuit injects a seed pulse into the gm-C VCO at a timing determined based upon the level of a detection signal that corresponds to the control voltage.
US08378708B2
An inspecting method using an electro-optical detecting device is disclosed. The electro-optical detecting device includes: an upper substrate and a lower substrate; a nematic liquid crystal layer interposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate; a transparent electrode interposed between the nematic liquid crystal layer and the upper substrate, the transparent electrode connected to a device under test (DUT) via a power supply; a polarizing plate located over the nematic liquid crystal layer; and a reflecting plate located under the nematic liquid crystal layer. A method using the electro-optical detecting device includes applying a voltage between the transparent electrode and the DUT to generate an electric field across the liquid crystal layer; illuminating the detector and capturing an image of the detector using the light reflected from the detector; and determining the DUT has some defects from the image of the detector by an abnormal electric field generated between the transparent electrode and the DUT.
US08378702B2
Apparatus and methods for non-contact testing of electronic components printed on a substrate (3) are provided. Test circuits (11) are printed on the substrate (3) at the same time as the desired electronic component. The test circuits (11) are all optical and include a first portion (13) for providing electrical energy for the test circuit (11) and a second portion (15) for generating a detectable optical signal that is indicative of at least one electrical property of the electronic component. The test circuits are used in real time and minimize the production of unusable scrap in the printing of such products as ePaper.
US08378696B2
The behavior of a component subjected to pulsed laser radiation is measured. The polarization value, frequency, and temperature (or other operating conditions) to which the component is sensitive are determined by detecting a temporary or permanent fault in the operation of the component. If necessary, the parasitic currents generated are prevented from destroying the tested component at the time of testing. A susceptibility of the component to energetic interactions and the preferred operating conditions for the component are deduced.
US08378693B2
A front end of a vector network analyzer (VNA) on an integrated circuit includes a clock generator and two ports. The VNA couples to a device under test (DUT) using the two ports. Each port may include a plurality of receivers and a VSWR bridge, and can be configured as either an input or an output. The clock generator can generate a stimulus signal, an in-phase I clock signal, and a quadrature-phase Q clock signal. The output port provides the stimulus signal to the DUT and measures both reference and reflected power from the DUT, such as by utilizing two receivers by using direct conversion and the I and Q clock signals. The input port measures transmitted power through the DUT using a second VSWR bridge and one of its receivers by using direct conversion along with the I and Q clock signals. The VNA IC can provide S-parameter measurements to a processing unit for further processing and/or analysis to compute the DUT S-parameters.
US08378687B2
A measuring method of a battery includes the step of measuring frequency characteristics of an internal impedance of the battery by an AC impedance method, and determining a parameter of an element representing ease of mobility of charges on a surface of a positive electrode of the battery and that of an element representing the ease of mobility of charges on the surface of a negative electrode.
US08378682B2
Field Image Tomography (FIT) is a fundamental new theory for determining the three-dimensional (3D) spatial density distribution of field emitting sources. The field can be the intensity of any type of field including (i) Radio Frequency (RF) waves in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), (ii) Gamma radiation in SPECT/PET, and (iii) gravitational field of earth, moon, etc. FIT exploits the property that field intensity decreases with increasing radial distance from the field source and the field intensity distribution measured in an extended 3D volume space can be used to determine the 3D spatial density distribution of the emitting source elements. A method and apparatus are disclosed for MRI of target objects based on FIT. Spinning atomic nuclei of a target object in a magnetic field are excited by beaming a suitable Radio Frequency (RF) pulse. These excited nuclei emit RF radiation while returning to their normal state. The intensity or amplitude distribution of the RF emission field g is measured in a 3D volume space that may extend substantially along the radial direction around the emission source. g is related to the 3D tomography f through a system matrix H that depends on the MRI apparatus, and noise n through the vector equation g=Hf+n. This equation is solved to obtain the tomographic image f of the target object by a method that reduces the effect of noise.
US08378679B2
A system includes a computation processor for determining phase angles of RF pulses for use in acquiring MR signal data of a desired coherence pathway in response to, predetermined data indicating a number of coherence pathways in multiple MR datasets to be acquired, predetermined information indicating different types of MR signals present in the multiple MR datasets to be acquired and at least one phase equation selected in response to a corresponding at least one type of the types of MR signals present in the MR datasets to be acquired. The number of coherence pathways represents a corresponding number of groups of protons having substantially the same proton spin precession angle. An RF signal generator generates RF pulses for acquiring multiple MR datasets including MR signal data of the desired coherence pathway using the determined phase angles. Multiple MR datasets are acquired using the generated RF pulses.
US08378676B2
Methods and apparatuses for detecting corrosion in one or more blades of a gas turbine system includes a detection head having a shape that conforms to a surface geometry of a filet section of a gas turbine blade, whereby the detection head is operable to move along the axial length of the filet section for detecting corrosion pitting. At least one coil device located within the detection head induces a first magnetic field within an area of the filet in contact with the detection head. A receiver device is adapted to detect a signal corresponding to a second magnetic field received from the area of the filet exposed to the first magnetic field, where the second magnetic field is generated by induced currents in the area by the first magnetic field. A signal processing device then processes the detected signal for correlating a corresponding amplitude of the detected signal with the presence of corrosion pitting in the area such that the presence of corrosion pitting is determined without any casing disassembly of the gas turbine system.
US08378669B2
According to one aspect, an integrated magnetic particle measurement device for detecting a presence or absence of magnetic particles in a sample volume includes at least one sensor cell having a differential sensor pair. An active sensor oscillator frequency is responsive to one or more magnetic particles situated within a sample volume. The sensor cell is configured to be operative in the absence of an externally applied magnetic field. A frequency measurement circuit provides as a time-multiplexed output a first count representative of the active sensor oscillator frequency and a second count representative of the reference sensor oscillator frequency. A calculated difference between the first count and the second count is indicative of a presence or an absence of one or more magnetic particles within the sample volume. An integrated magnetic particle measurement system array and a method for detecting one or more magnetic particles are also described.
US08378665B2
A rotation sensor equipped wheel support bearing assembly detects rotational speed and rotational direction, in which a high resolution rotation signal is utilized in various vehicle controls with a suppressed size. The bearing assembly includes a plurality of rows of rolling elements between rolling surfaces in outer and inner members. A magnetic field generating element having anisotropy about a bearing center axis is provided in the outer member in alignment with the axis. The inner member is provided with a sensor for sensing the magnetic field of the magnetic field generating element oriented axially. The sensor detects the angle of rotation of the magnetic field generating element and is in the form of magnetic sensor arrays or elements for detecting the orientation of the magnetic field with a two-dimensional vector sensor to detect rotation of the magnetic field generating element.
US08378664B2
In order to reduce the dimensions of the mechanical components and the number and size of the sensory and electronic components in an arrangement comprising a magnetic-field-dependent angle sensor which is effectively connected to a magnetic transmitter which is arranged such that it can rotate with respect to the angle sensor, while maintaining or improving the resolution of the output signal, the angle sensor is formed by at least one magnetoelectric converter, the electrical properties of which are dependent on the magnetic field strength but independent of the polarity of the magnetic field acting on the at least one converter. The magnetic field strength is selected such that the at least one converter is controlled in saturation.
US08378661B1
A solar simulator which uses a honeycomb structure for providing highly collimated light for testing one or more photovoltaic cells.
US08378657B2
Circuits and methods for paralleling voltage regulators are provided. Improved current sharing and regulation characteristics are obtained by coupling control terminals of the voltage regulators together which results in precise output voltages and proportional current production. Distributing current generation among multiple paralleled voltage regulators improves heat dissipation and thereby reduces the likelihood that the current produced by the voltage regulators will be temperature limited.
US08378644B2
An active rectifier controller decouples measurements of the phase and speed of a variable frequency synchronous generator from measurements of the AC output voltage. The active rectifier controller receives position information representative of the rotor position of the VFSG independent of a load connected to the VFSG that is used to determine the phase position and speed of the VFSG. Based on measurements of the generator speed and phase, the active rectifier controller controls the active rectifier to draw AC currents in-phase with the back-electromotive force (BEMF) voltage of the VFSG.
US08378640B2
A charging circuit with an application system thereof provides an error amplifier to control a transistor switch for controlling the charging power source to charges the battery. When the voltage difference between the power source and load terminals of the transistor switch drops along with the transistor switch being turned on, the output voltage of the error amplifier changes as well to increase the turning-on resistance of the transistor switch such that the voltage difference between the power source and load terminals is capable of maintaining at a value above a certain reference level for avoiding the unstable state resulting from the charging circuit being turned on and off frequently.
US08378626B2
The present disclosure provides a management device for a charging circuit and a wireless terminal, which belong to the technical field of management control of a linear charging circuit. The device includes a power supply management module (5), a buck switching voltage converter (1) and a linear charging circuit (2). The power supply management module (5) includes an adjustable Low Dropout (LDO) linear regulator (6) and an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) (4), wherein the output terminal of the adjustable LDO linear regulator (6) is connected with the feedback terminal of the buck switching voltage converter (1) through a first preset resistor (R62). The input terminal of the ADC (4) is connected with the anode of a battery (3). The control terminal of the power supply management module (5) is connected with the control terminal of the linear charging circuit (2). The output terminal of the buck switching voltage converter (1) is connected with the input terminal of the linear charging circuit (2). The output terminal of the linear charging circuit (2) is connected with the anode of the battery (3). With the device, the energy loss can be reduced and the whole power loss can be reduced.
US08378625B2
A device for mounting a mobile electronic device to an alternating current charger is provided. The mount allows the user to charge a mobile electronic device with the alternating current charger provided by the original equipment manufacturer of the mobile electronic device. The mount also protects the mobile electronic device from damage.
US08378624B2
An energy-efficient and compact multi-port battery charger. The battery charger includes, among other things, a power supply module, a battery charger control module or controller, a power switching module, one or more power control safety modules, a plurality of battery charger switches, and a plurality of indicators. The controller, the power switching module, the power control safety modules, and the battery charger switches work in conjunction with each other to control the operation of the battery charger. The controller is configured to execute a charging control process which detects the insertion of a battery pack into a charging port, selects a charging port for charging, controls the power output from the power switching module, and controls the illumination or display of the indicators. The power switching module uses control signals from the controller to switch the power received from the power supply module such that a charging current is applied to a single charging port. Each of the power control safety modules includes a power control safety circuit that is configured to prevent the charging current and/or the charging voltage from damaging the battery charger or battery pack during a malfunction.
US08378623B2
An energy management system (ESMS) includes energy storage devices coupled to a vehicle drivetrain and configured to store DC energy, a power electronic conversion system having energy ports, the power electronic conversion system comprising a DC electrical converters, each DC electrical converter configured to step up and to step down a DC voltage, wherein each of the energy ports is coupleable to each of the energy storage devices and each of the energy ports is coupleable to an electrical charging system. The EV includes a controller configured to determine a voltage of each energy port having either an energy storage device or a DC electrical charging system coupled thereto, and electrically connect a first energy port to a second energy port such that at least one of the DC electrical converters either steps up or steps down an input DC voltage based on the determined voltage of each energy port.
US08378620B2
A medical work station having a solar charging system. The medical work station includes a cart that carries a computer for providing access to and keeping track of medical information. The solar charging system is operatively connected to the computer to provide a solar power input. This solar input provides a constant replenishing of power to the computer as long as there is a source of UV light, such as through inside lighting or through sunlight.
US08378612B2
A control system for a massage device. The massage device has a base, a carriage movably engaged with the base, a plurality of kneading heads mounted on the carriage, and a motor operative to drive the plurality of kneading heads to produce a kneading effect on a body of a user and to drive the carriage up and down relative to the base such that various areas of the body can be massaged. In one embodiment, the control system includes: an on-off switch for a user to activate or deactivate the massage device; a mode selector for a user to select one of a plurality of operating modes, wherein the plurality of operating modes includes at least two of (i) full range massage, (ii) shoulder area massage, (iii) upper back massage, (iv) lower back massage, (v) waist area massage, and (vi) any combination of (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v); and a motor controller configured to start the motor in response to the user's activating the on-off switch to drive the plurality of kneading heads and to drive the carriage up and down relative to the base in a range according to the operating mode selected by the user.
US08378605B2
A multiphase alternating current permanent magnet synchronous electric motor is coupled to an actuator. A sensorless electric motor drive control system controls operation of the electric motor. An initial phase angle and a rotational speed of a rotor of the electric motor are estimated. Operation of the sensorless electric motor drive control system and the electric motor are monitored using the estimated initial phase angle and the estimated rotational speed of the rotor of the electric motor. A fault in one of the sensorless electric motor drive control system and the electric motor is detected based upon the monitored operation.
US08378603B2
Methods and systems for controlling an electric motor are provided. The electric motor includes at least one winding. A winding current flowing through the at least one winding is monitored. The winding current has an oscillating component and an offset component. The offset component of the winding current is isolated from the oscillating component of the winding current. The electric motor is controlled based on the offset component of the winding current.
US08378602B2
A system and method are presented for aligning a rotor in a motor. The motor may include the rotor and a plurality of pairs of electromagnets. One or more pairs of electromagnets may be excited at a first excitation level. The one or more pairs of electromagnets may be less than all of the plurality of pairs of electromagnets. The excitation of the one or more pairs of electromagnets may be increased to a second excitation level over a first period of time. The excitation of the one or more pairs of electromagnets may be decreased to a third excitation level over a second period of time. Exciting the one or more pairs of electromagnets, increasing the excitation, and decreasing the excitation may cause the rotor to stop in a known position.
US08378595B2
A modular area washlight illumination system and method for operating are providing that comprises an intelligent light module group that has: one or more light modules, each of which comprises a plurality of discrete illumination sources; a power supply; and an intelligent module group controller comprising: a) circuitry that controls the illumination levels of the illumination sources; and b) an interface for receiving and sending information. The system further comprises a system controller that comprises: a) an attendant control panel serving as a user interface; and b) a system controller interface that is connected to the module group controller interface.
US08378594B2
Techniques are disclosed for controlling the light output of a lamp, where lamp efficacy is estimated as a function of estimated lamp temperature and instantaneous input power, or as a function of estimated lamp temperature only. Whether efficacy is estimated as a function of temperature and power, or as a function of temperature only can depend on changes in the lamp operating scenario. The techniques estimate lamp temperature by tracking energy input to and losses from (losses such as radiation, conduction, emission) the lamp arc tube, and determine the corresponding instantaneous light producing ability. The techniques may further be implemented to deliver the appropriate power command to obtain a desired light output. The techniques can be applied towards a general control in which arbitrary or custom light output vs. time paths are produced, and may be implemented by a processor programmed or otherwise configured to execute the desired control scheme.
US08378591B2
A light output device comprises a power supply and a plurality of light source device arrangements arranged in a line extending from a power connection, with adjacent light source device arrangements in the line connected together with an electrical connector arrangement. Each light source device arrangement is associated with a control circuit from the plurality of control circuits for providing independent control of the light source device arrangement output based on the control signal. The device can be reduced in length by disconnecting the connector arrangement between an adjacent pair of light source device arrangements and the remaining light source device arrangements extending from the power source are independently controlled by the control signal.
US08378589B2
A dimming controller for controlling dimming of a light-emitting diode (LED) light source includes a monitoring terminal and a control terminal. The monitoring terminal receives a switch monitoring signal indicative of an operation of a power switch which transfers power from an AC power source to a bridge rectifier when the power switch is on. A power converter receives input power from the bridge rectifier and provides output power to the LED light source. The control terminal generates a control signal to adjust the output power according to the switch monitoring signal so as to control dimming of the LED light source.
US08378586B2
A backlight system for light emitting diodes (LEDs), the backlight system constituted of: a controllable power source; a plurality of LED based luminaires arranged to receive power in parallel from the controllable power source; a plurality of driving circuitries, each of the plurality of driving circuitries arranged to control the light output of at least two of the plurality of LED based luminaires and further arranged to output information regarding the voltage drop of at least one of the at least two LED based luminaires controlled thereby, wherein the controllable power source is arranged to output a voltage whose value is responsive to the output information.
US08378581B2
In at least one embodiment of the disclosure, a discharge lamp lighting device comprises a discharge lamp driving section and a control unit. The control unit alternately performs a first DC driving processing and a first AC driving processing in a first section of the driving current. The control unit alternately performs a second DC driving processing and a second AC driving processing in a second section of the driving current different from the first section. The control unit temporally changes a length of at least one of: (i) a period for which the first DC driving processing is performed, and (ii) a period for which the second DC driving processing is performed.
US08378559B2
The disclosed system includes a two-phase cooling apparatus configured for cooling an array of LED dies.
US08378556B2
An actuator element includes a first element unit configured to have one end being a fixed end and the other end being a free end and bends when voltage is applied, and a second element unit configured to have a shorter element length than the first element unit, have one end connected to the first element unit and bend in the opposite direction to the first element unit when voltage is applied and may support the first element unit.
US08378549B2
Each of a plurality of brushes is tilted relative to an imaginary plane that is perpendicular to a rotational axis of an armature and is placed on one axial side of a brush holder, at which an interior of a yoke housing is located. A radial inner end part of each brush has a slide contact surface, which is generally parallel to the rotational axis of the armature and slidably contacts an outer peripheral surface of a commutator. At least a portion of the slide contact surface of each brush is axially disposed outside of an opening of the yoke housing.
US08378548B2
The present approaches provide a current control assembly with a rotor and a stator. The stator includes a drain for channeling contaminants away from the assembly and the rotor includes one or more slots that rotate with the rotor for outwardly slinging the contaminants. In one embodiment, a system is provided that includes the current control assembly having a first ring including a first shaft opening and a first discharge opening. The current control assembly also includes a second ring having a second shaft opening and a second discharge opening, wherein the first and second rings rotate relative to one another, and the first and second discharge openings align with one another to discharge a contaminant. The current control assembly further includes a plurality of conductive filaments configured to transfer current between the current control assembly and a shaft.
US08378539B2
A flat vibration motor for suppressing deformation of coils even in a reflow at a high temperature, having a stator structure 10 fixing a shaft 1 and having no-core coils C1 and C2; a cover case 20 covered by the stator structure 10 and supporting the other end of the shaft 1; and a rotor frame 30; wherein the stator structure 10 includes: a board 12 having a first face 12a being provided with electrode patterns E1-E3 and a second face 12b being provided with a wiring pattern to be connected to the electrode patterns and to the no-core coils; and a base frame 14 having a burring part 15a into which one end of the shaft 1 is fitted, and being sandwiched between the rotor frame 30 and the upper surfaces of the coils C1 and C2 by abutting against the coils C1 and C2.
US08378536B2
A mill drive system with a transmission arranged beneath a milling table and with at least one planetary and/or spur gear stage as well as a vertical shaft position is provided. In addition, an electric motor is integrated in a housing of the transmission and is connected to a lubricant supply circuit of the transmission. A rotor and a stator of the electric motor have vertically extending axes. Cooling of the motor is performed by a lubricant circulating through the transmission. Furthermore, a lubricating-oil-proof sheath for rotor and/or stator windings of the electric motor for sealing with respect to the lubricant is provided. In addition, the mill drive system includes a converter with a regulation device for backlash-free speed regulation of the electric motor.
US08378530B1
A power distribution system for a data center includes a transformer that transforms three-phase source power to three-phase operating power. The phase-to-neutral operating voltage for each phase is at least about 260 volts. Power distribution units are coupled to the transformer. The power distribution units supply operating power from the transformer to computer systems in the data center.
US08378529B2
A switching actuator for controlling the energy supply to at least one electrical consumer (102) with an energy supply input (142), an energy supply output (144), a signal line input (146), a signal line output (148) and an evaluation unit (154), the evaluation unit (154) being adapted to activate or deactivate the energy supply output (144) on the basis of signals input via the signal line input (146).
US08378513B2
A method and device for generating electric power from ocean waves is described. The device includes at least one magnetostrictive element and at least one buoy. When the buoy is deployed in a body of liquid subject to wave motion, the buoy remains partially submerged during normal wave motion. The buoy is coupled to the magnetostrictive element to continuously exert a varying force on the magnetostrictive element during the normal wave motion.
US08378497B2
Methods of forming a contact structure in a semiconductor device include providing a semiconductor substrate including active regions and word lines crossing the active regions. A first interlayer dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate. Direct contact plugs are formed extending through the first interlayer dielectric layer to contact selected ones of the active regions. Bit line structures are formed on the first interlayer dielectric layer and crossing the word lines that are coupled to the selected ones of the active regions by the direct contact plugs. A second interlayer dielectric layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate including the bit line structures. Barrier patterns are formed extending in parallel with bit line structures and into the second interlayer dielectric layer. Mask patterns are formed overlying an entirety of top surfaces of the direct contact plugs on the second interlayer dielectric layer and the bit line structures. The second and first interlayer dielectric layers are etched using the mask patterns, the barrier patterns and the bit line structures as an etching mask to form buried contact holes and buried contact plugs are formed in the buried contact holes.
US08378487B2
Wafer level chip packages including risers having sloped sidewalls and methods of fabricating such chip packages are disclosed. The inventive wafer level chip packages may advantageously be used in various microelectronic assemblies.
US08378483B2
Disclosed are a fabrication process and a device of a multi-chip package having spliced substrates, characterized in utilizing an incomplete substrate and a substrate block with different dimensions to combine as a spliced complete substrate during the fabrication process. Two kinds of chips with different functions, including memory and controller, are disposed on the incomplete substrate and the substrate block, respectively. Then, the incomplete substrate and the substrate block are then spliced together by joining their spliced portions formed on their substrate sidewalls. Finally, an encapsulant is formed on the incomplete substrate and further formed on the substrate block. Accordingly, it is possible to integrate different functional chips into a single multi-chip package by optimizing packaging processing parameters with optimized materials.
US08378474B2
A computer or microchip comprising an outer chamber and at least one inner chamber inside the outer chamber. The outer chamber and the inner chamber being separated at least in part by an internal sipe, and at least a portion of a surface of the outer chamber forming at least a portion of a surface of the internal sipe. The internal sipe has opposing surfaces that are separate from each other and therefore can move relative to each other, and at least a portion of the opposing surfaces are in contact with each other in a unloaded condition. The outer chamber including a Faraday Cage. A computer, comprising a semiconductor wafer having a multitude of microchips. The multitude of microchips forming a plurality of independently functioning computers, each computer having independent communication capabilities.
US08378471B2
Various semiconductor chip packages and methods of making the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of manufacturing is provided that includes coupling a solder bump to a side of a semiconductor chip and bringing the solder bump into contact with a conductor pad coupled to a substrate and positioned in an opening of a solder mask on the substrate. The conductor pad has a first lateral dimension and the opening has a second lateral dimension that is larger than the first lateral dimension. A metallurgical bond is established between the solder bump and the conductor pad.
US08378468B2
By increasing the area of a source electrode 3a of a semiconductor element 3 and the area of a source terminal 2b of a lead frame 2, it is possible to extend a joint 8a of the source electrode 3a bonded to a conductive ribbon 6 and a joint 8b of the source terminal 2b. Thus it is possible to reduce an on resistance and easily reduce the number of times a bonding tool comes into contact with the joints to reduce a stress on the semiconductor element 3.
US08378464B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes steps of: (a) forming a thin film containing a phenyl group and silicon on a substrate while obtaining a plasma by activating an organic silane gas containing a phenyl group and silicon and nitrogen as not original component but unavoidable impurity and exposing the substrate to the plasma, temperature of the substrate being set at 200° C. or lower; and (b) obtaining a low-permittivity film by supplying energy to the substrate to allow moisture to be released from the thin film. With this method for manufacturing the semiconductor device, it is possible to obtain a silicon-oxide based low-permittivity film containing an organic substance which is not significantly damaged by the release of the organic substance when subjected to a plasma treatment such as an etching treatment, an ashing treatment, and/or the like.
US08378456B1
An array of vertically constructed, electronic switches is disclosed having three, four or more contacts and having a common bottom contact and a plurality of common middle contacts. This switch array will find use in memory devices or display devices.
US08378436B2
An electromechanical transducer includes a plurality of devices each including at least one cell including a first electrode and a second electrode facing each other across a gap, and an outer frame extending along an outer periphery of the plurality of devices. The first electrode of each of the devices includes a plurality of portions formed by electrically separating a device substrate with grooves, and the outer frame includes a part of the device substrate surrounding the plurality of portions and electrically separated from the plurality of portions by the grooves. The first electrodes each including the plurality of portions are respectively bonded to a plurality of conductive portions of another substrate via a plurality of electrode connection portions, and the outer frame is bonded to a corresponding portion of the another substrate via a circular outer frame connection portion which surrounds the electrode connection portions.
US08378429B2
A memory cell has N≧16 transistors, in which two are access transistors, at least one pair [say (N-2)/2] are pull-up transistors, and at least another pair [say (N-2)/2] are pull-down transistors. The pull-up and pull-down transistors are all coupled between the two access transistors. Each of the access transistors and the pull-up transistors are the same type, p-type or n-type. Each of the pull-down transistors is the other type, p-type or n-type. The access transistors are floating body devices. The pull-down transistors are non-floating body devices. The pull-up transistors may be floating or non-floating body devices. Various specific implementations and methods of making the memory cell are also detailed.
US08378427B2
An IGBT with almost no tail during turning-off is formed by connection of both the base and the emitter of the BJT of the IGBT at the bottom of the chip to two regions in an area of the top surface of the chip. The two regions keep non-depleted even under a maximum voltage being applied across the collector and the base of the BJT. The current through the two regions can be controlled by a gate voltage of a place close to the active region of the MISFET of the IGBT through a surface voltage-sustaining region. The injection efficiency of minorities of the IGBT can thus be controlled.
US08378421B2
A thin film transistor substrate. The thin film transistor substrate includes a substrate, an adhesive layer on the substrate, and a semiconductor layer having a first doped region, a second doped region and a channel region on the adhesive layer. The thin film transistor substrate further includes a first dielectric layer on the semiconductor layer, a gate electrode overlapping the channel region, a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer and the gate electrode, a source electrode disposed on the second insulating layer, and a drain electrode spaced apart from the source electrode on the source electrode. The channel region is disposed between the first doped region and the second doped region, and has a transmittance higher than those of the first doped region and the second doped region.
US08378418B2
A bidirectional Trench Lateral Power MOSFET (TLPM) can achieve a high breakdown voltage and a low on-resistance. A plurality of straight-shaped islands having circular portions at both ends are surrounded by a trench arrangement. The islands provide first n source regions and a second n source region is formed on the outside of the islands. With such a pattern, the breakdown voltage in the case where the first n source regions are at a high potential can be higher than the breakdown voltage in the case where the second n source region is at a high potential. Alternatively, in the case of not changing the breakdown voltage, the on-resistance can be reduced.
US08378416B2
MOS-gated devices, related methods, and systems for vertical power and RF devices including an insulated trench and a gate electrode. A body region is positioned so that a voltage bias on the gate electrode will cause an inversion layer in the body region. Permanent electrostatic charges are included in said insulation material. A conductive shield layer is positioned above the insulated trench, to reduce parasitic capacitances.
US08378415B2
A semiconductor device includes a cylindrical main pillar that is formed on a substrate and of which a central axis is perpendicular to the surface of the substrate, source and drain diffused layers that are formed in a concentric shape centered on the central axis at upper and lower portions of the main pillar and made from a first-conduction-type material, a body layer that is formed at an intermediate portion of the main pillar sandwiched between the source and drain diffused layers and made from the first-conduction-type material, and a front gate electrode that is formed on a lateral face of the main pillar while placing a gate insulating film therebetween. Moreover, a back gate electrode made from a second-conduction-type material is formed in a pillar shape penetrating from an upper portion to a lower portion on an inner side of the main pillar.
US08378413B2
Described is a method for fabricating a semiconductor device having an FET of a trench-gate structure obtained by disposing a conductive layer, which will be a gate, in a trench extended in the main surface of a semiconductor substrate, wherein the upper surface of the trench-gate conductive layer is formed equal to or higher than the main surface of the semiconductor substrate. In addition, the conductive layer of the trench gate is formed to have a substantially flat or concave upper surface and the upper surface is formed equal to or higher than the main surface of the semiconductor substrate. Moreover, after etching of the semiconductor substrate to form the upper surface of the conductive layer of the trench gate equal to or higher than the main surface of the semiconductor substrate, a channel region and a source region are formed by ion implantation. The semiconductor device thus fabricated according to the present invention is free from occurrence of a source offset.
US08378410B2
A semiconductor device having a non-volatile memory and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes a base material and a stack structure. The stack structure disposed on the base material at least includes a tunneling layer, a trapping layer and a dielectric layer. The trapping layer is disposed on the tunneling layer. The dielectric layer has a dielectric constant and is disposed on the trapping layer. The dielectric layer is transformed from a first solid state to a second solid state when the dielectric layer undergoes a process.
US08378403B2
An object is to provide a semiconductor device with a novel structure in which stored data can be held even when power is not supplied and there is no limit on the number of write operations. The semiconductor device includes a first memory cell including a first transistor and a second transistor, a second memory cell including a third transistor and a fourth transistor, and a driver circuit. The first transistor and the second transistor overlap at least partly with each other. The third transistor and the fourth transistor overlap at least partly with each other. The second memory cell is provided over the first memory cell. The first transistor includes a first semiconductor material. The second transistor, the third transistor, and the fourth transistor include a second semiconductor material.
US08378402B2
An image sensor having a backside illumination structure can include a photo diode unit in a first wafer, where the photo diode unit includes photo diodes and transfer gate transistors coupled to respective ones of the photo diodes. A wiring line unit can be included on a second wafer that is bonded to the photo diode unit, where the wiring line unit includes wiring lines and transistors configured to process signals provided by the photo diode unit and configured to control the photo diode unit. A supporting substrate is bonded to the wiring line unit and a filter unit is located under the first wafer.
US08378401B2
A solid state imaging apparatus includes: a plurality of photoelectric conversion cells each including a plurality of photoelectric sections arranged in an array of at least two rows and two columns; a plurality of floating diffusion sections each being connected to each of ones of the photoelectric sections which are included in the same row of each said photoelectric conversion cell via each of a plurality of transfer transistors, and being shared by said ones of the photoelectric sections; a plurality of read-out lines each being selectively connected to at least two of the transfer transistors; and a plurality of pixel amplifier transistors each detecting and outputting the potential of each said the floating diffusion section. Charges of the photoelectric conversion sections each being connected to one of the read-out lines and being read out by the transfer transistors are read out by different floating diffusion sections.
US08378383B2
A semiconductor device has a first semiconductor die with a shielding layer formed over its back surface. The first semiconductor die is mounted to a carrier. A first insulating layer is formed over the shielding layer. A second semiconductor die is mounted over the first semiconductor die separated by the shielding layer and first insulating layer. A second insulating layer is deposited over the first and second semiconductor die. A first interconnect structure is formed over the second semiconductor die and second insulating layer. A second interconnect structure is formed over the first semiconductor die and second insulating layer. The shielding layer is electrically connected to a low-impedance ground point through a bond wire, RDL, or TSV. The second semiconductor die may also have a shielding layer formed on its back surface. The semiconductor die are bonded through the metal-to-metal shielding layers.
US08378379B2
A substrate for mounting a light-emitting element, containing a substrate main body having a mounting surface on which a light-emitting element is to be mounted, a reflection layer formed on a part of the mounting surface of the substrate main body and containing silver to reflect light emitted from the light-emitting element, and a vitreous insulating layer formed on the reflection layer, wherein the vitreous insulating layer contains a glass containing SiO2, at least one of Al2O3 and B2O3, and at least one member selected from Li2O, Na2O and K2O, wherein (Li2O+Na2O+K2O)—Al2O3 is from −20 to 1.5% and Si02+3×Al2O3 is at most 90% calculated using the mol % of each of said SiO2, Al2O3 B2O3, Li2O, Na2O and K2O in said glass.
US08378375B2
The present invention provides a light emitting apparatus comprising a three-color light emitting device unit including at least three light emitting diode (LED) chips for respectively emitting red, green and blue light; a white light emitting device unit including at least one blue LED chip with a fluorescent substance formed thereon; and a substrate provided with a first electrode connected in common to ends of the LED chips and second electrodes formed to correspond respectively to the LED chips. Further, the present invention provides a light emitting apparatus comprising a plurality of LED chips; a substrate provided with a first electrode connected in common to ends of the plurality of LED chips and second electrodes formed to correspond respectively to the plurality of LED chips; an upper package formed on the substrate to surround the plurality of LED chips and to have a partition crossing the first electrode at the center of the upper package; and a molding member that encapsulates the plurality of LED chips and is divided by the partition of the upper package.
US08378362B2
An organic light emitting diode display and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The organic light emitting diode display includes a substrate, a first electrode positioned on the substrate, an organic light emitting layer positioned on the first electrode, and a second electrode positioned on the organic light emitting layer. The organic light emitting layer includes an inorganic oxide layer between a light emitting layer and a common layer.
US08378360B2
The present invention discloses a light emitting package, comprising: a base; a light emitting device on the base; an electrical circuit layer electrically connected to the light emitting device; a gold layer on the electrical circuit layer; a wire electrically connected between the light emitting device and the gold layer; a screen member having an opening and disposed on the base adjacent to the light emitting device; and a lens covering the light emitting device, wherein a bottom surface of the screen member is positioned higher than the light emitting device, and wherein an entire uppermost surface of the screen member is in contact with the lens.
US08378358B2
A light emitting device includes a carrier, a light emitting element electrically connected to the carrier, a transparent plate having at least one through hole formed therein and including a flat-portion and a lens-portion and a permeable membrane structure disposed on a surface of the transparent plate. The lens-portion covers the light emitting element and has a light incident surface, a light emitting surface, a first and a second side surfaces. A first partial beam of the light beam passes through the light incident surface and leaves from the light emitting surface. A second partial beam of the light beam passes through the light incident surface and is transmitted to the first or the second side surface. The first or the second side surface reflects at least a part of the second partial beam of the light beam to be passed through the light emitting surface.
US08378356B2
A voltage equal to the threshold value of a TFT (106) is held in capacitor unit (109). When a video signal is inputted from a source signal line, the voltage held in the capacitor unit is added thereto and a resultant signal is applied to a gate electrode of the TFT (106). Even when a threshold value is varied for each pixel, each threshold value is held in the capacitor unit (109) for each pixel. Thus, the influence of a variation in threshold value can be eliminated. Further, holding of the threshold value is conducted by only the capacitor unit (109) and a charge does not move at writing of a video signal so that a voltage between both electrodes is not changed. Thus, it is not influenced by a variation in capacitance value.
US08378354B2
A liquid crystal display panel where pixel cells defined by gate lines and data lines which are located to cross each other are arranged in a matrix shape, wherein each of the pixel cells includes a thin film transistor located at a crossing of the gate line and the data line, a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor, and a protrusion that overlaps a gate electrode of the thin film transistor to form a parasitic capacitor with the gate electrode and is connected to the pixel electrode, wherein each protrusion in the pixel cells of the liquid crystal display panel have an area determined in accordance with a location of the pixel cell in the liquid crystal display panel.
US08378345B2
A memory device includes a first metal layer and a first metal oxide layer coupled to the first metal layer. The memory device includes a second metal oxide layer coupled to the first metal oxide layer and a second metal layer coupled to the second metal oxide layer. The formation of the first metal oxide layer has a Gibbs free energy that is lower than the Gibbs free energy for the formation of the second metal oxide layer.
US08378334B2
Embodiments of the invention relate to apparatus, system and method for use of a memory cell having improved power consumption characteristics, using a low-bandgap material quantum well structure together with a floating body cell.
US08378327B2
A scanning apparatus that can operate as both a computed and direct style radiography device. In the computed radiography mode, an internal imaging plate is removed or maintained inwardly within the housing assembly to allow a cassette handling mechanism holding a removable imaging plate to pass adjacent the scanning head. In the direct radiography mode, the cassette handling mechanism is retracted and the internal imaging plate is moved outward from the within the housing such that it is located adjacent the reading slot of the scan head assembly. In both modes of operation, the imaging plate being used is maintained adjacent the scan head while the scan head and imaging plate surface are moved relative to each other allowing the scanning and acquisition of the image data stored on the plate.
US08378323B1
The sterilizing toybox apparatus addresses illness risk, especially with children, by providing UV light sterilization within. UV lighting is offered both above and beyond toys within the apparatus. A time-release latch ensures exposure for a time determined to be optimal for UV exposure of contents. The apparatus provides UV lighting both in the bottom of the chest and in the lid. The clear shelf above the lower UV bulbs is in communication with the vibrator that jostles any toys so that full UV exposure is ensured. Reflective material distributed fully within the chest further guarantees full exposure of contents to sterilization. Additionally, the optional mesh basket is selectively suspended within the chest.
US08378322B2
Micro-channel-cooled UV curing systems and components thereof are provided. According to one embodiment, a lamp head module includes an optical macro-reflector, an array of LEDs and a micro-channel cooler assembly. The array is positioned within the reflector and has a high fill factor and a high aspect ratio. The array provides a high irradiance output beam pattern having a peak irradiance of greater than 25 W/cm2 at a work piece surface at least 1 mm away from an outer surface of a window of the reflector. The micro-channel cooler assembly maintains a substantially isothermal state among p-n junctions of the LEDs at less than or equal to 80° Celsius. The micro-channel cooler assembly also provides a common anode substrate for the array. A thermally efficient electrical connection is formed between the array and the common anode substrate by mounting the array to the micro-channel cooler assembly.
US08378296B1
Methods and instruments for high dynamic range analysis of sample components are described. A sample is subjected to time-dependent separation, ionized, and the ions dispersed with a constant integration time across an array of detectors according to the ions m/z values. Each of the detectors in the array has a dynamically adjustable gain or a logarithmic response function, producing an instrument capable of detecting a ratio of responses or 4 or more orders of magnitude.
US08378295B2
Species that may be required to enhance an upstream sample preparation or separation process may be less compatible with the downstream electrospray (ES) processes and cause reduction in mass spectroscopy (MS) signal. New electrolytes have been found that increase positive and negative polarity analyte ion signal measured in ESMS analysis when compared with analyte ESMS signal achieved using more conventional electrolytes. The new electrolyte species increase ES MS signal when added directly to a sample solution or when added to a second solution flow in an electrospray membrane probe, it has also been found that running the ES membrane probe with specific electrolytes in the second solution of the ES membrane probe have been found to enhance ESMS signal compared to using the same electrolytes directly in the sample solution being electrosprayed. The new electrolytes can be added to a reagent ion source configured in a combination atmospheric pressure ion source to improve ionization efficiency.
US08378272B2
Disclosed is a heat treatment apparatus for performing a heat treatment on an object to-be-processed by a heater, which can inhibit variation in thermal histories among the objects to-be-processed. The heat treatment apparatus includes, among others, a correction part to correct a power control signal output from an adjusting unit so that a conduction rate of an AC voltage applied to a heater is decreased. Specifically, the correction is performed based on a value obtained by multiplying a first correction value with a second correction value, where the first correction value is generated according to a ratio of the voltage detection value of AC power source to a predetermined reference voltage, and the second correction value is generated according to a ratio of the resistance value of the heater to a predetermined reference resistance value.
US08378269B2
A wafer thermometer includes a wafer, a plurality of temperature sensors, a converter, a wafer data transmitter, and a photoelectric conversion element. The wafer has an upper surface divided to a plurality of regions. The plurality of temperature sensors are arranged at the plurality of regions, respectively. The converter is provided on the wafer and configured to convert signals output from the plurality of temperature sensors to temperature data. The wafer data transmitter is provided on the wafer and configured to transmit the temperature data converted by the converter. The photoelectric conversion element is provided on the wafer and configured to supply a current to the converter and the wafer data transmitter in response to light with which the photoelectric conversion element is irradiated.
US08378266B2
A heater system and related methods of heating a surface are provided by the present disclosure that includes, in one form, a substrate defining a heating surface and a layered heater formed on the heating surface. A plurality of nodes are disposed along the heating surface and are in electrical contact with a resistive heating layer of the layered heater, along with a plurality of lead wires connected to the plurality of nodes. In one form, a multiplexer is in communication with the plurality of nodes through the plurality of lead wires, and a controller is in communication with the multiplexer, wherein the multiplexer sequences and transmits resistances from the plurality of nodes to the controller, and the controller controls an amount of power provided to each of the plurality of nodes based on the differences in resistances between the nodes.
US08378258B2
A laser machining system and method uses a shaped laser beam, such as a long, narrow beam, and effectively scans the beam in the narrow direction across a mask having an aperture pattern. The pattern on the mask is imaged onto a moving workpiece and the patterned laser beam selectively removes material from the workpiece. The workpiece may be moved using a coordinated synchronized rotational motion. The laser may use a longer wavelength (e.g., 248 nm) and the beam may be scanned at a high rate of speed to reduce the dissipation of the residual thermal energy in the material being machined. In one embodiment, this system and method may be used to machine a complex pattern into a curved surface with relatively high resolution and high speeds.
US08378256B2
A method of sealing a surface crack in a member is provided includes steps of irradiating a region of the member at which the crack is produced with a heating laser beam so as to heat the region to a temperature lower than a melting point of the member, and then irradiating a region of the member at which the crack is produced with a welding laser beam subsequent to irradiation of the heating laser beam so as to heat the region to a temperature higher than or equal to the melting point of the member, thereby sealing an opening of the surface crack of the member.
US08378241B1
A clip for connecting a conductor to a circuit interrupter in an electrical device is generally U-shaped and self-locking. The clip has a generally arcuate body and two generally linear legs. The legs extend vertically from the body. The legs have beveled edges that together with the generally arcuate body of the clip and a flat portion of the clip, allow an interlock to be formed between the clip and the conductor when the clip is in close contact with the conductor.
US08378234B2
A case for an electric device has a case part with sidewalls and a cover connected to the sidewalls, wherein the sidewalls and the cover enclose an explosion-protected interior in which electric and/or electronic components are accommodated. A case reinforcement is disposed in the sidewalls and in the cover.
US08378227B2
A method of forming a wiring board comprises: a step of forming a receptive layer having a porous structure on a substrate; a step of forming wiring portions in a desired conductive pattern on a surface of the receptive layer by ejecting a colloidal metal solution for drawing by an ink-jet system based on image date of the conductive pattern; and a step of performing a migration-proof treatment on at least part of the receptive layer exposed between mutually adjacent wiring portions.
US08378225B2
The invention provides a printed circuit board and method for fabricating the same. The printed circuit board includes a substrate having an internal circuit structure. An additional circuit structure is disposed on the substrate, electrically connected to the internal circuit structure. A solder mask insulating layer having an opening is disposed on the additional circuit structure. A conductive bump pattern is disposed in the solder mask insulating layer, wherein the conductive bump pattern extends into the opening horizontally, wherein a side, a portion of an upper surface and a portion of a lower surface of the conductive bump pattern are exposed from the opening. A solder ball is formed in the opening, wherein the solder ball is electrically connected to the additional circuit structure.
US08378218B2
An electrically conductive spring having first and second coils defining first and second electrical pathways for completing an electric circuit between two components which may move relative to each other. In one embodiment, the spring is a double start helical spring with first and second coils extending between respective, electrically insulated ends with the coils extending in alternating, spaced relation to each other.
US08378211B2
The invention provides an electric connection box having a novel structure in which a load applied to substrate terminals at the time of insertion and pulling out of electric components is alleviated with a small number of components, while the effective utilization of the printed board is realized. A circuit body is stacked on the printed board with an insulating plate interposed therebetween. The substrate terminals are formed so as to project from a surface of the printed board on the side where the circuit body is stacked at portions which are not covered with the circuit body, and each are formed with a locking portion to be placed on the surface of the printed board at a base portion thereof. On the other hand, pressing portions for pressing the locking portions are integrally formed with the insulating plate.
US08378208B1
An AMTEC power system including a housing that defines a cold chamber and a hot chamber, at least one AMTEC cell received in the housing, the AMTEC cell having a first portion extending into the hot chamber and a second portion extending into the cold chamber, and a thermally conductive material positioned adjacent to the first portion.
US08378206B2
There are described thermoelectric elements that are manufactured by using a porous matrix or a porous substrate. The matrix consists of an electrically insulating material having sufficient thermal and chemical resistance as well as the lowest possible thermal conductivity, and is provided in predetermined regions with different thermoelectric materials, so that continuous conductors are formed in the matrix. These are electrically connected to one another to form thermocouples, which in turn are electrically interconnected with one another to form the thermoelectric element.
US08378203B2
Embodiments of an electronic instrument simulating a percussion instrument using capacitive touch sensitive sensors are described herein. Embodiments described comprise an art layer, a sensor layer, a shielding layer, an electronics package and a speaker. The art layer has depictions of one or more percussion instruments. The sensor layer is deposed under the art layer. The sensor layer has one or more instrument sensors, each comprising one or more capacitive touch sensors. Instrument sensors are positioned underneath one of the depicted percussion instruments in the art layer so that a finger tapping the depicted instrument will trigger the sensor. The capacitive touch sensors are electrically connected to the electronics package configured to detect changes in capacitance when a particular capacitive touch sensor is touched, causing the electronics package to play on the speaker a sound sample of an percussion instrument associated with that capacitive touch sensor.
US08378200B1
The Source-Dependent Instrument is a signal processing and signal generation system that uses one or more signal event generators that can be functionally activated and controlled by the analysis of an external input signal. These output generators and signal processors can be set to re-synthesize aspects of the input or synthesize a more complex or perceptually shifted output based on the input.
US08378197B1
In providing a music program, a personal music player displays personal activity choices. A user selects a personal activity and provides a time duration for the activity. The player sends a request to a music program server for a music program. The request includes the personal activity and the time duration. The music program server selects a music program record from a plurality of music program records that has an activity attribute which matches the personal activity and a program duration which matches or is less than the time duration. The server extracts location information for the music program from the program entry in the music program record, and sends this to the player. The player uses the location information to obtain the music program. In this manner, a music program is provided to a user based on the personal activity of the user.
US08378196B2
A sonically controlled motor has a rotating shaft and an escapement selectively allowing or denying rotation there-of. An acoustic element cooperates with the escapement such that selective operation of the acoustic element selectively allows or denies rotation of, or controls the rotational speed of the shaft. A machine, such as a toy, having one or more moving elements may be controlled by the motor such that selective operation of the acoustic element selectively allows or denies movement of the machine. Alternation of the volume and/or frequency of the acoustic element may be used to alter the operation of the motor, or the motor may be operated according to the beat and qualities of music. The motor may be operated by remote control of the acoustic element.
US08378195B2
The invention provides a musical indicating device for finding the 12 most common chord types and their inversions on string and fretted musical instruments. It can be generally formed as a thin sheet-like base member with a front featuring 12 different transparent chord dials that are each pivotally attached to the base member over a color-coded, pie-shaped diagram of the Willoughby Scale/Chromatic Scale. On the back is a transparent Diatonic Octave Dial pivotally attached to the base member over a color-coded diagram of the Chromatic Scale/Willoughby Scale with the Key Signatures surrounding the diagram. The octave dial has selectively aligned indicia that represent the notes of the major form of the diatonic scale.
US08378193B2
A pick worn on the finger or thumb of a player of a stringed instrument to aid in the plucking of the strings. The pick rests comfortably like a saddle upon the upper surface of the finger because it's large inner surface mimics the unique contour of the finger or thumb, enabling the pressure required to secure it to be distributed equally on the finger. It has a picking edge that is placed at a point on the finger where the string naturally first contacts the finger, making for a very natural playing experience. The angle of orientation of the picking edge allows the string to move easily and quietly across the striking surface, reproducing the sound of a traditional flat pick. It's unique design holds it place without slipping using wide and thin elastic band which also eliminates unwanted noise from inadvertently contacting adjacent strings.
US08378177B2
The present invention relates to a new and distinctive canola cultivar, designated DN051493. Also included are seeds of canola cultivar DN051493, to the plants, or plant parts, of canola DN051493 and to methods for producing a canola plant produced by crossing the canola DN051493 with itself or another canola cultivar, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of canola DN051493.
US08378176B2
The invention provides seed and plants of the lettuce line designated RS 16884606. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of lettuce line RS 16884606, and to methods for producing a lettuce plant produced by crossing a plant of lettuce line RS 16884606 with itself or with another lettuce plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of lettuce line RS 16884606, including the gametes of such plants.
US08378175B2
The invention provides seed and plants of the pea line designated EX 08250826. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pea line EX 08250826, and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line EX 08250826 with itself or with another pea plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of pea line EX 08250826, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants.
US08378162B2
The invention relates to the integration of a dehydroaromatization process with the processes for the utilization of associated gas; gases comprising methane and higher hydrocarbons, and/or liquefied natural gas (LNG) production or usage.
US08378154B2
The invention provides a process for the preparation of an alkylene glycol from an alkene wherein conversion of alkylene oxide to alkylene glycol occurs in an alkylene oxide absorber and optionally in further reactors, and alkylene glycol is extracted from fat absorbent by contacting the fat absorbent with a lean solvent, thereby producing fat solvent, recovering alkylene glycol from the fat solvent and recycling the lean solvent.
US08378150B2
A process for the production of dimethyl ether from a methanol reactor effluent is disclosed. The process may include: contacting an aqueous extractant comprising water and an effluent from a methanol synthesis reactor comprising methanol and one or more of methane, water, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and nitrogen. At least a portion of the methanol partitions into the aqueous extractant; recovering an extract fraction comprising the aqueous extractant and methanol. The extract fraction is fed to a catalytic distillation reactor system for concurrently: contacting the methanol with catalyst in a reaction zone thereby catalytically reacting at least a portion of the methanol to form dimethyl ether and water; and fractionating the resulting dimethyl ether and the water to recover a first overheads fraction comprising dimethyl ether and a first bottoms fraction comprising water.
US08378141B2
The present invention is directed to a method of heating a light ends column through directing one or more vapor side streams from a drying column to the light ends column. The present invention is also directed to a carbonylation process for producing acetic acid, wherein one or more vapor streams from a drying column provide the external energy required to drive separation in the light ends column.
US08378134B2
In one aspect, the present invention provides a contrast enhancement agent comprising an iron chelate having structure I wherein R1 is independently at each occurrence a hydroxy group, a C1-C3hydroxyalkyl group, or a C1-C3 alkyl group, and b is 0-4; R2-R7 are independently at each occurrence hydrogen, a C1-C3 hydroxyalkyl group, or a C1-C3 alkyl group, with the proviso that at least one of R1-R7 is a hydroxy group or a C1-C3hydroxyalkyl group; and wherein Q is a charge balancing counterion. Also provided is a metal chelating ligand having structure IX and medical formulations comprising the contrast enhancement I.
US08378127B2
The invention relates to a method for producing 2,6-dioxabicyclo-(3.3.0)-octane-4,8-dione (I), comprising the oxidation of dianhydrohexitols (II-IV), or of corresponding hydroxy ketones, with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalyst composition, the reaction proceeding without the addition of halogen sources.
US08378119B2
The invention provides an industrial method for producing a spiroaminopyrrolidone derivative, which is an intermediate for producing a quinolone antibacterial agent.
US08378115B2
Monomethine dyes that have no or minimal fluorescence in buffer or in the presence of single stranded DNA or RNA, but strongly fluoresce in the presence of double-stranded DNA. In one embodiment, the dye is useful in quantitative RT-PCR.
US08378108B2
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula (I): where in X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, X8, R1, R2, R3 are as defined above. The compounds have apoptosis signal-regulating kinase (“ASK1”) inhibitory activity, and are thus useful in the treatment of ASK1-mediated conditions, including autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more of the compounds of Formula (I), and to methods of preparing the compounds of Formula (I).
US08378104B2
Compounds of Formula 1, as shown below and defined herein: pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, synthesis, intermediates, formulations, and methods of disease treatment therewith, including treatment of cancers, such as tumors driven at least in part by TAK1 or for which an appropriate TAK1 inhibitor is effective. This Abstract is not limiting of the invention.
US08378100B2
The present invention provides β-hydroxy phosphonate compounds that are autotaxin inhibitors.
US08378095B2
The invention provides a compound which is an amide of the formula (1), or a salt, solvate, N-oxide or tautomer thereof; wherein: a is 0 or 1; b is 0 or 1: provided that the sum of a and b is 0 or 1; T is O or NH Ar1 is a monocyclic or bicyclic 5- to 10-membered aryl or heteroaryl group containing up to 4 heteroatoms selected from O, N and S, and being optionally substituted by one or more substituents R1; Ar2 Js a monocyclic or bicyclic 5- to 10-membered aryl or heteroaryl group containing up to 4 heteroatoms selected from O, N and S and being optionally substituted by one or more substituents R2; and R1 and R2 are as defined in the claims. The compounds are inhibitors of kinases and in particular FLT3, FLT4 and Aurora kinases.
US08378078B2
The invention relates to a method for in vitro seriological diagnosis of Whipple's disease, whereby the bacteria responsible for the disease are isolated and established in a culture and brought into contact with the serum or biological fluid of an infected patient. The invention also relates to useful oligonucleotides with a probe and a primer for amplifying, sequencing and detecting the gene rpoB of the bacteria, Tropheryma whippelii.
US08378074B2
The present invention provides TCRs having high affinity. The TCR binds to SLYNTVATL (SEQ ID NO:16)-HLA-A*0201 with a KD of less than or equal to 1 μM and/or an off-rate (koff) of 1×10−3 S−1 or slower using Surface Plasmon Resonance. The TCRs are non-native, isolated or recombinant. The TCRs are useful, either alone, or with a therapeutic agent, for targeting HIV infected cells that present the SLYNTVATL (SEQ ID NO:16)-HLA-A*0201 complex.
US08378061B2
Provided are films made from copolyesters having improved oil repellency as compared to conventional copolyesters. The copolyesters are derived from certain perfluorinated monomers.
US08378059B2
This invention pertains generally to supramolecular polymers comprising a polymeric molecule linked to a first CB[8] guest molecule and an attachment compound linked to a second CB[8] guest molecule, wherein the first and second CB[8] guest molecules form a ternary host-guest complex with a CB[8] molecule which non-covalently links the polymeric molecule and the attachment compound in a supramolecular polymer. These polymers are useful as vehicles for delivery of a therapeutic compound for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body, in particular for use in a method of delivering the therapeutic compound to a target site in an individual. The invention also provides methods for the preparation of the supramolecular polymers.
US08378056B2
New polyols; oligomers, and polymers made from the polyols; and binders made from the new polyols, oligomers, or polymers that can be used in binders, where the binders typically include one or more polyols, and a polyfunctional acid or a polyfunctional nitrile.
US08378048B2
Provided are amorphous ethylene propylene copolymer, compositions thereof, and methods for making same, whereby the copolymer can include of from about 40 wt. % to about 60 wt. % ethylene derived units; and of from about 60 wt. % to about 40 wt. % propylene derived units. The copolymer can be characterized by having no discernable melting point as measured by DSC, an MFRR (MI (21.6 kg; 230° C.)/MI (2.16 kg; 230° C.)) (MI (2.16 kg; 230° C.)) of about 38 or more, a molecular weight distribution (MWD) of from about 1.5 to about 2.5, and a shear viscosity η* at 0.01 rad/sec measured at 70° C. that satisfies the relation |η*|(70° C.; 0.01 rad/sec)>1.2*106*|MFR|−0.77, wherein MFR is the melt flow rate.
US08378047B2
The present technology relates to a biaxially oriented polypropylene film. The biaxially oriented polypropylene film comprises a polypropylene material having xylene solubles of at least 0.5 percent by weight. The polypropylene also has a strain hardening index of at least 0.15 measured at a deformation rate dε/dt of 1.00 s−1 at a temperature of 180° C. In certain embodiments, the strain hardening index is defined as the slope of a logarithm to the basis 10 of a tensile stress growth function as a function of a logarithm to the basis 10 of a Hencky strain for the range of Hencky strains between 1 and 3.
US08378046B2
The present invention provides pressure-sensitive adhesives having a refractive index of at least 1.50. The pressure-sensitive adhesives comprise at least one monomer containing a substituted or an unsubstituted biphenyl group.
US08378040B2
A method for cleaning a distributor plate in a fluidized bed polymerization reactor system according to one embodiment includes, in a first mode, operating with about a normal, baseline value of superficial gas velocity in a fluidized bed polymerization reactor system having a reactor vessel, a recycle line, and a distributor plate in the reactor vessel near an inlet of the reactor vessel. In a second mode, the superficial gas velocity is increased above the baseline value of the first mode to a level sufficient to raise the temperature of the cycle gas at the inlet above an average temperature of the cycle gas at the inlet in the first mode, and to a level sufficient to dislodge foulant from holes in the distributor plate.
US08378029B2
Provided are various compositions, including but not limited to a bimodal polyethylene composition having a density of 0.940 g/cc or more, the composition comprising a high molecular weight polyethylene component and a low molecular weight polyethylene component, wherein the composition qualifies as a PE 100 material such that in accordance with ISO 1167 a pipe formed from the composition that is subjected to internal pipe resistance has an extrapolated stress of 10 MPa or more when the internal pipe resistance curve is extrapolated to 50 or 100 years in accordance with ISO 9080:2003(E), and wherein the melt strength is greater than 18 cN.
US08378024B2
The present invention relates to a low surface gloss styrene resin composition. The composition of the present invention is composed of (A) 80-99.9 weight % of the basic resin comprising rubber-modified styrene resin and (B) 0.1-20 weight % of syndiotactic polystyrene, the matting agent. The composition also includes (C) hydrogenated styrene block copolymer comprising styrene block and butadiene rubber block as a compatibilizer by 0.1-20 weight % for the total weight of the low surface gloss styrene resin composed of (A) the basic resin and (B) the matting agent and additionally includes (D) a plasticizer by 0.1-30 weight %. The composition of the present invention has excellent weatherability and impact-resistance in addition to the low surface gloss properties, so that it can be applied in various products, particularly exterior products for structures such as sidings and window frames, etc.
US08378020B1
The present disclosure relates to processes for recovery of derivatives of native lignin from lignocellulosic feedstocks wherein the derivatives have a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content. Surprisingly, it has been found that stable and predictable antioxidant activity is provided by selecting for derivatives of native lignin having a certain aliphatic hydroxyl content.
US08378019B2
An Adhesive Composition Comprising a Polyol Base Part and an Isocyanate Hardener and the Use thereof An adhesive composition comprising a two-component polyurethane binder composition comprising a polyol base part comprising a catalyst and a low viscosity solvent-free MDI hardener may be used for assembling an object from a number of parts to be assembled by a glue joint and even by heating only the free end of the glue joint to a temperature activating the catalyst a quick hardening will occur allowing an early moving of an assembly being assembled using the adhesive composition and thus allowing the use of the same site for assembling another assembly within the same working day.
US08378005B2
Provided is an active energy ray-curable inkjet ink comprising a pigment and polymerizable monomers that is superior in nozzle ejection stability, adhesiveness to recording medium and storage stability, wherein the polymerizable monomers comprise N-acryloyloxyethyl hexahydrophthalimide.
US08377995B2
The invention provides an orally disintegrating tablet that has both adequate tablet hardness and rapid disintegrability in the oral cavity, and that undergoes minor hardness reduction and maintains good oral disintegrability even when preserved under moist conditions. In particular, the invention relates to an orally disintegrating tablet containing (a) crystalline cellulose, (b) a calcium hydrogen phosphate compound, (c) a natural starch and (d) a lubricant, wherein the blending ratio to 100 wt % of the disintegrating tablet is (a) 9 to 60 wt %, (b) 16 to 60 wt %, (c) 3 to 40 wt % and (d) 0.01 to 1.8 wt %.
US08377988B2
Use of L-carnitine and/or of one or more alkanoyl L-carnitines or one of their pharmaceutically acceptable salts for the preparation of an ophthalmic physiological supplement or medicament in the form of eye-drops, for the treatment of corneal diseases.
US08377981B2
A unique class of N-acyl O-amino phenol prodrugs of CBI-TMI and CBI-indole2 were synthesized and shown to be prodrugs, subject to reductive activation by nucleophilic cleavage of a weak N—O bond, effectively releasing the free drug in functional cellular assays for cytotoxic activity approaching or matching the activity of the free drug, yet remain essentially stable to ex vivo DNA alkylation conditions. Most impressively, assessment of the in vivo antitumor activity of a representative O-(acylamino) prodrug, 8, indicate that they approach the potency and exceed the efficacy of the free drug itself (CBI-indole2), indicating that the inactive prodrugs not only effectively release the free drug in vivo, but that they offer additional advantages related to a controlled or targeted release in vivo.
US08377977B2
An extended release tablet formulation comprising pramipexole or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in a matrix comprising at least one water swelling polymer other than pregelatinized starch.
US08377976B2
The present invention is directed to N-hydroxyamidino compounds which are modulators of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), as well as compositions and pharmaceutical methods thereof.
US08377974B2
The present invention is directed to compounds represented by Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, hydrates, and prodrugs thereof which are inhibitors of Factor Xa. The present invention is also directed to and intermediates used in making such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, methods to prevent or treat a number of conditions characterized by undesired thrombosis and methods of inhibiting the coagulation of a blood sample.
US08377969B2
Compound of Formula I or a salt thereof for treating cancer, wherein X represents CH or N; R1 represents hydrogen or —CH2COR5; R5 represents hydroxy, optionally hydroxylated alkoxy, amino or alkylamido; R2 represents ZYR6; Z represents a bond, or a C1-3 alkylene or oxoalkylene group optionally substituted by R7; Y represents a bond, an oxygen atom or NR6; R6 is a hydrogen atom, COOR8, an alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or aralkyl group optionally substituted by one or more selected from COOR8, CONR82, NR82, OR8, ═NR8, ═O, OP(O)(OR8)R7 and OSO3M; R7 is hydroxy, an optionally hydroxylated, optionally alkoxylated alkyl or aminoalkyl group; R8 is a hydrogen atom or an optionally hydroxylated, optionally alkoxylated alkyl group; M is a hydrogen atom or one equivalent of a physiologically tolerable cation; R3 represents C1-8 alkylene, 1,2-cykloalkylene, or 1,2-arylene, optionally substituted with R7; and R4 represents hydrogen or C1-3 alkyl.
US08377965B2
The invention provides crystalline forms of biphenyl-2-ylcarbamic acid 1-(2-{[4-(4-carbamoylpiperidin-1-ylmethyl)benzoyl]methylamino}ethyl)piperidin-4-yl ester, and pharmaceutically acceptable solvates thereof. The crystalline form can be a freebase, or a salt such as a diphosphate, monosulfate or dioxalate salt. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising these crystalline compounds or prepared using these compounds; processes and intermediates for preparing the crystalline compounds; and methods of using these compounds to treat a pulmonary disorder.
US08377961B2
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I), their use as an inhibitor of a p53-MDM2 interaction as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising said compounds of formula (I) wherein n, m, p, t, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, Q, Y and Z have defined meanings.
US08377949B2
Disclosed are small molecule inhibitors which are useful in treating various diseases and conditions involving Chymase.
US08377946B1
Disclosed herein are compounds of Formula (II) that form covalent bonds with Bruton's tyrosine kinase (Btk). Also described are irreversible inhibitors of Btk. Methods for the preparation of the compounds are disclosed. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions that include the compounds. Methods of using the Btk inhibitors are disclosed, alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents, for the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions, heteroimmune diseases or conditions, cancer, including lymphoma, and inflammatory diseases or conditions.
US08377942B2
Novel isoxazoline compounds, compositions containing the compounds and methods for making the compounds are disclosed. The compounds and compositions have pesticidal properties and are suitable for controlling ectoparasites on non-human animals.
US08377939B2
Compounds of Formula I: wherein R1 and Q are as described in the specification, pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, methods of making, pharmaceutical compositions containing and methods for using the same.
US08377937B2
The present invention provides compounds of Formula I, including tautomers, resolved enantiomers, diastereomers, solvates, metabolites, salts and pharmaceutically acceptable prodrugs thereof. Also provided are methods of using the compounds of this invention as AKT protein kinase inhibitors and for the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases such as cancer.
US08377932B2
1-(substituted benzyl)-5-trifluoromethyl-2(1H)pyridone compounds and their pharmaceutical acceptable salts are disclosed. The preparation methods of the compounds and their salts and the use of the same for preparing the medicaments for treating fibrosis are also disclosed. New pyridine compounds and their salts are obtained from trifluoromethyl pyridone as starting material.
US08377930B2
Compounds that inhibit PDE10 are disclosed that have utility in the treatment of a variety of conditions, including (but not limited to) psychotic, anxiety, movement disorders and/or neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease, encephalitis, phobias, epilepsy, aphasia, Bell's palsy, cerebral palsy, sleep disorders, pain, Tourette's syndrome, schizophrenia, delusional disorders, drug-induced psychosis and panic and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Pharmaceutically acceptable salts, stereoisomers, solvates and prodrugs of the compounds are also provided. Also disclosed are compositions containing a compound in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, as well as methods relating to the use thereof for inhibiting PDE10 in a warm-blooded animal in need of the same.
US08377919B2
Ingenol angelate is a potent anticancer agent, and can be stabilized by dissolving it in an aprotic solvent in the presence of an acidic buffer.
US08377918B2
Apigenin is a nontoxic compound. The present invention is appropriate for apigenin use in people who have a high risk of getting cancer, and in people who have cancer through chemoprevention and chemotherapy, respectively. We showed that apigenin inhibited cancer cell proliferation, tumor growth and angiogenesis. Apigenin selectively inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis of cancer cells, enhanced the sensitivity of different cancer cells to different therapeutic drugs including cisplatin and taxol. Apigenin also inhibits angiogenesis and tumor growth in human cancers, and inhibits angiogenic inducers such as hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Apigenin inhibited expression of HIF-1 and VEGF through PI3K, AKT, p70S6K1 and HDM2 pathways, which are commonly observed in all kinds of human cancers. Thus, our results indicate that apigenin can be applied to various human cancers for chemoprevention, and for chemotherapy when combined with other therapeutic reagents.
US08377916B2
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein R is ethyl, propyl or allyl, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or amino acid conjugates thereof. The compounds of formula (I) are useful as FXR agonists.
US08377913B2
The invention relates to compounds that are vitamin D receptor activators, compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds and compositions, processes for preparing such compounds, and intermediates obtained during such processes.
US08377910B2
The invention relates to sphingosine derivative compounds, like D-erythro-sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), to be used as immunomodulators in a microbicidal treatment of infections derived from bacteria and specifically Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Such compounds are characterized in that they stimulate macrophagic Phospholipase D (PLD) (FIG. 1). The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing sphingosine derivative compounds and diagnostic methods for the preparation thereof. Further objects of the invention are methods of inducing or restoring the microbicidal activity in vitro of macrophages for monitoring the efficiency of phagocytosis and degradation processes performed by the same and assay methods suitable to evaluate therapeutic effectiveness of candidate microbicides.
US08377909B2
The present invention relates to the use of myo-inositol hexaphosphate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the prevention or treatment of a disease associated with the dissolution of crystals of calcium salts, in particular osteoporosis. These compounds may be utilized in the manufacture of functional foods, dietetic supplements, vitamin supplements, nutritional supplements, food supplements, or phytotherapeutic products having properties of inhibition of dissolution of crystals of calcium salts.
US08377898B2
The invention provides novel immune regulatory oligonucleotides (IRO) as antagonist of TLRs and methods of use thereof. These IROs have unique sequences that inhibit or suppress TLR-mediated signaling in response to a TLR ligand or TLR agonist. The methods may have use in the prevention and treatment of cancer, an autoimmune disorder, airway inflammation, inflammatory disorders, infectious disease, skin disorders, allergy, asthma or a disease caused by a pathogen.
US08377890B2
A hair treatment agent having advantageous properties is provided. The hair treatment agent contains, based on weight of the agent, 0.00001 to <0.05% by weight of at least one oligopeptide having at least one amino acid sequence Glu-Glu-Glu (formula (A)), wherein the amino group may be present in a free or protonated manner, and the carboxy groups may be present in a free or deprotonated manner.
US08377887B1
The present invention provides a use of soluble P-selectin in treating systemic hemorrhagic conditions, stabilizing blood pressure, and protecting hypoxic/ischemic tissues. Also provided is a use of anthrax lethal toxin in treating thrombotic conditions.
US08377885B2
Long acting parenteral pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of glatiramer are provided. In particular, the present invention provides a long acting pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of glatiramer acetate in depot form suitable for administering at a medically acceptable location in a subject in need thereof. The depot form is suitable for subcutaneous or intramuscular implantation or injection.
US08377883B2
The present invention relates to a peptide for anti-angiogenesis and use thereof, in particular, to a peptide useful for treating angiogenesis diseases; a polynucleotide coding the peptide; a vector and a cell comprising the polynucleotide; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the peptide, the fused peptide or the fused protein, the polynucleotide, the vector and/or the cell. The peptide, the fused peptide or the fused protein, the polynucleotide, the vector, the cell and/or the pharmaceutical composition can be used for treatment of associated diseases such as tumor by anti-angiogenesis.
US08377878B2
The present invention provides methods for the treatment, and pharmaceuticals for use in the treatment, of mammalian subjects in, or at risk of chronic renal failure, or at risk of a need for renal replacement therapy. The methods involve the administration of certain proteins of, or based upon, the osteogenic protein/bone morphogenetic protein (OP/BMP) family within the TGF-β superfamily of proteins.
US08377869B2
A method for preventing or reducing adverse effects such as profuse sweating, nausea and vomiting, which normally are associated with subcutaneous and intravenous administration of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) therapy is provided. In particular, the method comprises the rapid administration of a GLP-1 formulation into the pulmonary circulation such as by inhalation, directly into pulmonary alveolar capillaries using a dry powder drug delivery system.
US08377868B2
The present invention relates to blood products, and more particularly to compositions comprising a modified oxygenated hemoglobin having a high affinity for oxygen and methods for making such compositions. Such compositions according to the present invention have better stability to auto oxidation and superior oxygen carrying characteristics.
US08377863B2
Acid-containing oral pharmaceutical compositions are provided wherein the pharmaceutical active agents are peptide compounds (i.e., those that include a plurality of amino acids and at least one peptide bond in their molecular structures). Certain barrier layers and/or particulate coated acid are used to reduce any adverse interactions that might otherwise occur between the acid of the compositions and other components of the composition. Use of these barrier layers and/or use of particulate coated acid is believed to promote a more simultaneous release of the components of the composition than is achieved by prior art acid-protection techniques, thus enhancing, and making more consistent, the bioavailability of the active peptide compounds.
US08377861B2
The club cleaner, conditioner and protectant comprises alpha-olefins, low-odor aromatic solvents; and at least one base oil selected from the base oil group consisting of Hydroisomerized high base oils and HT Severe Hydro-cracked Base oils; as well as other (optional) ingredients. Also disclosed is a method for producing this product and related product-by-process. This product uses a formulated cleaning mixture to clean and restore the face of the club while rejuvenating the grips. The invention when sprayed on the clubface removes foreign materials and when wiped dry protects the face of the clubs from harsh stains, caused by soils, grass and chemicals related to fertilizers. In experimental testing, the invention increases drive distances by reducing sidespin and increasing backspin. The club is left with a factory-like finish making it easy to wipe clean of soiling. The invention when applied to the grips restores the surface to the new feel.
US08377855B2
Methods and compositions for breaking treatment fluids utilized in the stimulation of a subterranean formation.
US08377843B2
A method of producing activated carbon fibers (ACFs) includes the steps of providing a natural carbonaceous precursor fiber material, blending the carbonaceous precursor material with a chemical activation agent to form chemical agent-impregnated precursor fibers, spinning the chemical agent-impregnated precursor material into fibers, and thermally treating the chemical agent-impregnated precursor fibers. The carbonaceous precursor material is both carbonized and activated to form ACFs in a single step. The method produces ACFs exclusive of a step to isolate an intermediate carbon fiber.
US08377841B2
The invention contemplates a method of making a catalytic material, and uses of the material. The catalytic material is made by depositing catalytic metals, such as gold or platinum, on substrate materials, such as lanthanum-doped ceria or other oxides. The catalytic metal, which comprises both crystalline and non-crystalline structures, is treated, for example with aqueous basic NaCN solution, to leach away at least some of the crystalline metallic component. The remaining noncrystalline metallic component associated with the substrate exhibits catalytic activity that is substantially similar to the catalyst as prepared. The use of the catalyst in an apparatus such as a reactor or analytic instrument is contemplated, as is the use of the catalyst in efficient, cost-effective reactions, such as removal of carbon monoxide from fuel gases, for example by performing the water gas shift reaction.
US08377837B2
A wear resistant member formed of silicon nitride sintered body having a volume of 4000 mm3 or more, the silicon nitride sintered body containing 1 to 5 mass % of a rare earth component in terms of rare earth element, 1 to 6 mass % of an Al component in terms of Al element, 10 to 3500 ppm of an Fe component in terms of Fe element, and 10 to 1000 ppm of a Ca component in terms of Ca element, wherein a β-phase ratio of silicon nitride crystal grains is 95% or more, a maximum longer diameter of the silicon nitride crystal grains is 40 μm or less, and each of dispersions in Vickers hardness and fracture toughness of an inner portion of the wear resistant member is within a range of ±10%. According to this structure, the wear resistant member can be manufactured with a low cost, and there can be provided a wear resistant member comprising a silicon nitride sintered body excellent in reliability and the dispersion in characteristics is effectively suppressed.
US08377836B2
The present disclosure relates to methods of making ceramic bodies using catalyzed pore formers and compositions for making the same.
US08377834B2
A glass composition for substrates excellent in productivity is provided by lowering the high temperature viscosity while securing characteristics and quality required for FPD substrates, particularly for PDP substrates. A glass composition for substrates, which is characterized by comprising, as represented by mass% based on oxides, from 55 to 75% of SiO2, from 5 to 15% of Al2O3, from 4 to 18% of MgO, from 3 to 12% of CaO, from 4 to 18% of SrO, from 0 to 20% of BaO, from 6 to 20% of Na2O+K2O, from 0.5 to 6% of ZrO2 and from 18 to 25% of MgO+CaO+SrO+BaO, as a glass matrix composition, and containing from 0.001 to 0.6% of SO3, and which is further characterized in that when the viscosity is represented by η, the temperature satisfying logη=2 is at most 1,545° C. and the devitrification temperature is at most the temperature satisfying logη=4, the thermal expansion coefficient is from 75×10−7 to 90×10−7/° C., the specific gravity is at most 2.8, and the glass transition point is at least 600° C.
US08377830B2
An electrically conductive first chemical solution is supplied to the back surface of a semiconductor substrate, on the front surface of which elements are formed. After starting supplying the first chemical solution, wet processing is performed by supplying an electrically conductive second chemical solution to the front surface of the semiconductor substrate.
US08377829B2
A substrate is provided having an oxide layer, a first nitride-silicon, a STI, and a second nitride-silicon. A pattern poly-silicon layer on the second nitride-silicon layer is etched to form a deep trench opening. Etching the pattern poly-silicon layer also deepens the deep trench opening. Then, a conductive layer is filled in the deep trench opening.
US08377826B2
A fin mask for forming saddle type fins in each of active regions formed in an island shape having a certain size with a major axis and a minor axis includes a first fin mask of a line type, and a second fin mask of an island type, wherein the first fin mask and the second fin mask in combination expose saddle type fin regions and cover ends of the neighboring active regions along the major axis.
US08377824B1
Apparatus and methods for depositing copper on tungsten are presented. The invention finds particular use in the semiconductor industry for depositing copper seed layers onto fields or through silicon vias having tungsten barrier layers, both reducing cost and complexity of existing methods.
US08377823B2
A method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a trench on a porous insulating film, placing a chemical material including a structure comprising —Si—O— including vinyl group on a surface of the porous insulating film or in the porous insulating film, and performing polymerization of the chemical material to provide a dielectric film having a density higher than that of porous insulating film on the surface of the trench. The structure may be a structure defined by a formula 1.
US08377811B2
An object of the invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device having constant characteristics with reduced variations in forward characteristics. The method for manufacturing the silicon carbide semiconductor device according to the invention includes the steps of: (a) preparing a silicon carbide substrate; (b) forming an epitaxial layer on a first main surface of the silicon carbide substrate; (c) forming a protective film on the epitaxial layer; (d) forming a first metal layer on a second main surface of the silicon carbide substrate; (e) applying heat treatment to the silicon carbide substrate at a predetermined temperature to form an ohmic junction between the first metal layer and the second main surface of the silicon carbide substrate; (f) removing the protective film; (g) forming a second metal layer on the epitaxial layer; and (h) applying heat treatment to the silicon carbide substrate at a temperature from 400° C. to 600° C. to form a Schottky junction of desired characteristics between the second metal layer and the epitaxial layer.
US08377809B2
Disclosed is a method of fabricating a semiconductor device, including the steps of forming a diffusion preventing mask on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, applying a dopant diffusing agent containing a dopant of a first conductivity type or a second conductivity type onto the surface of the semiconductor substrate at a spacing from the diffusion preventing mask, and forming a dopant diffusion layer by diffusing the dopant from the dopant diffusing agent into the semiconductor substrate.
US08377807B2
Defects in a semiconductor substrate due to ion implantation are minimized by forming an implant region in the semiconductor substrate and subjecting the semiconductor substrate to a first anneal to recrystallize the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate is subjected to a second anneal to suppress diffusion of implanted ions in the semiconductor substrate. The first anneal being at a lower temperature and longer duration than the second anneal.
US08377806B2
A method for controlled growth of silicon carbide and structures produced by the method are disclosed. A crystal of silicon carbide (SiC) can be grown by placing a sacrificial substrate in a growth zone with a source material. The source material may include a low-solubility impurity. SiC is then grown on the sacrificial substrate to condition the source material. The sacrificial substrate is then replaced with the final substrate, and SiC is grown on the final substrate. A single crystal of silicon carbide is produced, wherein the crystal of silicon carbide has substantially few micropipe defects. Such a crystal may also include a substantially uniform concentration of the low-solubility impurity, and may be used to make wafers and/or SiC die.
US08377805B2
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor thin film is provided which can form its crystal grains having a uniform direction of crystal growth and being large in size and a manufacturing equipment using the above method, and a method for manufacturing a thin film transistor. In the above method, by applying an energy beam partially intercepted by a light shielding element, melt and re-crystallization occur with a light-shielded region as a starting point. The irradiation of the beam gives energy to the light-shielded region of the silicon thin film so that melt and re-crystallization occur with the light-shielded region as the starting point and so that a local temperature gradient in the light-shielded region is made to be 1200° C./μm or more. In the manufacturing method, a resolution of an optical system used to apply the energy beam is preferably 4 μm or less.
US08377804B2
To provide a semiconductor substrate in which a semiconductor element having favorable crystallinity and high performance can be formed. A single crystal semiconductor substrate having an embrittlement layer and a base substrate are bonded with an insulating layer interposed therebetween; the single crystal semiconductor substrate is separated along the embrittlement layer by heat treatment; a single crystal semiconductor layer is fixed to the base substrate; the single crystal semiconductor layer is irradiated with a laser beam; the single crystal semiconductor layer is in a partially melted state to be recrystallized; and crystal defects are repaired. In addition, the energy density of a laser beam with which the best crystallinity of the single crystal semiconductor layer is obtained is detected by a microwave photoconductivity decay method.
US08377788B2
A SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistor is fabricated by etching an epitaxially-formed structure to form a mesa that has a collector region, a cap region, and a notched SiGe base region that lies in between. A protective plug is formed in the notch of the SiGe base region so that thick non-conductive regions can be formed on the sides of the collector region and the cap region. Once the non-conductive regions have been formed, the protective plug is removed. An extrinsic base is then formed to lie in the notch and touch the base region, followed by the formation of isolation regions and an emitter region.
US08377784B2
The present disclosure discloses an exemplary method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises selectively growing a material on a top surface of a substrate; selectively growing a protection layer on the material; and removing a portion of the protection layer in an etching gas.
US08377780B2
A method of forming a field effect transistor and a field effect transistor. The method includes (a) forming gate stack on a silicon layer of a substrate; (b) forming two or more SiGe filled trenches in the silicon layer on at least one side of the gate stack, adjacent pairs of the two or more SiGe filled trenches separated by respective silicon regions of the silicon layer; and (c) forming source/drains in the silicon layer on opposite sides of the gate stack, the source/drains abutting a channel region of the silicon layer under the gate stack.
US08377778B2
Structures, layouts and methods of forming integrated circuits are described. In various embodiments, the current invention includes an asymmetric segmented transistor. The asymmetric segmented transistor includes a source region and a drain region disposed within an active region, a floating source/drain region disposed within the active region, a first channel region disposed in the active region between the source region and the floating source/drain region, the first channel having a first length and a first width. A second channel region is disposed in the active region between the drain region and the floating source/drain region, the second channel having a second length and a second width. A first gate dielectric overlies the first channel region and a second gate dielectric overlies the second channel region. A gate line overlies the first gate dielectric and the second gate dielectric.
US08377775B2
In an insulated-gate type semiconductor device in which a gate-purpose conductive layer is embedded into a trench which is formed in a semiconductor substrate, and a source-purpose conductive layer is provided on a major surface of the semiconductor substrate, a portion of a gate pillar which is constituted by both the gate-purpose conductive layer and a cap insulating film for capping an upper surface of the gate-purpose conductive layer is projected from the major surface of the semiconductor substrate; a side wall spacer is provided on a side wall of the projected portion of the gate pillar; and the source-purpose conductive layer is connected to a contact region of the major surface of the semiconductor substrate, which is defined by the side wall spacer.
US08377774B2
A split gate-type non-volatile semiconductor memory device includes a floating gate having an acute-angled portion between a side surface and an upper surface above a semiconductor substrate; a control gate provided apart from the floating gate to oppose to the acute-angled portion; and an insulating portion provided on the floating gate. A side surface of the insulating portion on a side of the control gate is inclined to a direction apart from the control gate with respect to a vertical line to the semiconductor substrate.
US08377752B2
In regard to a semiconductor device having a multilayered wiring board where a semiconductor chip is embedded inside, a technology which allows the multilayered wiring board to be made thinner is provided. A feature of the present invention is that, in a semiconductor device where bump electrodes are formed over a main surface (element forming surface) of a semiconductor chip embedded in a chip-embedded wiring board, an insulating film is formed over a back surface (a surface on the side opposite to the main surface) of the semiconductor chip. As a result, it becomes unnecessary to form a prepreg over the back surface of the semiconductor chip. Therefore, an effect of thinning the chip-embedded wiring board in which the semiconductor chip is embedded is obtained.
US08377730B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing a sensor structure, where vertically-well-aligned nanotubes are formed and the sensor structure having an excellent performance can be manufactured at the room temperature at low cost by using the nanotubes. The method of manufacturing a sensor structure includes: (a) forming a lower electrode on a substrate; (b) forming an organic template having a pore structure on the lower electrode; (c) forming a metal oxide thin film in the organic template; (d) forming a metal oxide nanotube structure, in which nanotubes are vertically aligned and upper portions thereof are connected to each other, by removing the organic template through a dry etching method; and (e) forming an upper electrode on the upper portions of the nanotubes.
US08377727B2
Provided is a method of manufacturing a surface-emitting laser capable of preventing characteristics fluctuations within the plane and among wafers and oscillating in a single fundamental transverse mode. The method includes after performing selective oxidation: exposing a bottom face of a surface relief structure by etching a second semiconductor layer with a first semiconductor layer where a pattern of the surface relief structure has been formed as an etching mask and a third semiconductor layer as an etching stop layer; and exposing a top face of the surface relief structure by etching the first semiconductor layer where the pattern of the surface relief structure has been formed, with the second semiconductor layer and the third semiconductor layer as etching stop layer.
US08377724B2
A semiconductor light-emitting element includes, a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer provided between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, a first electrode connected to the first semiconductor layer, and a second electrode provided on the second semiconductor layer. A side of the second electrode facing to the second semiconductor layer is composed of at least any one of silver and silver alloy. The second electrode has a void having a width of emission wavelength or less of the light-emitting layer in a plane of the second electrode facing to the second semiconductor layer.
US08377722B2
Methods for forming structures to use in atomic force probing of a conductive feature embedded in a dielectric layer and structures for use in atomic force probing. An insulator layer is formed on the dielectric layer such that the conductive feature is covered. A contact hole penetrates from a top surface of the insulator layer through the insulator layer to the conductive feature. The contact hole is at least partially filled with a conductive stud that is in electrical contact with the conductive feature and exposed at the top surface of the insulator layer so as to define a structure. A probe tip of an atomic force probe tool is landed on a portion of the structure and used to electrically characterize a device structure connected with the conductive feature.
US08377697B2
The present disclosure provides test strip carriers for insertion into test strip vials and methods of making the same. Also provided are test strip vials including test strip carriers, and systems including test strip vials, test strip carriers and analytical test strips. The test strip carriers of the present disclosure are capable of engaging with the caps of test strip vials and thereby facilitating the retrieval of one or more test strips from the test strip vials upon opening of the test strip vials.
US08377690B2
Described herein are cell lines and methods for preparing antibodies that bind RANKL, including cell lines that produce blocking antibodies to human RANKL.
US08377683B2
A dynamic and noninvasive method of monitoring the adhesion and proliferation of biological cells through multimode operation (acoustic and optical) using a ZnO nanostructure-modified quartz crystal microbalance (ZnOnano-QCM) biosensor is disclosed.
US08377681B2
The invention provides methods employing iterative cycles of recombination and selection/screening for evolution of whole cells and organisms toward acquisition of desired properties. Examples of such properties include enhanced recombinogenicity, genome copy number, and capacity for expression and/or secretion of proteins and secondary metabolites.
US08377680B2
The invention provides a non-naturally occurring microbial organism having a 6-aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, hexametheylenediamine or levulinic acid pathway. The microbial organism contains at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding an enzyme in the respective 6-aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, hexametheylenediamine or levulinic acid pathway. The invention additionally provides a method for producing 6-aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, hexametheylenediamine or levulinic acid. The method can include culturing a 6-aminocaproic acid, caprolactam or hexametheylenediamine producing microbial organism, where the microbial organism expresses at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a 6-aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, hexametheylenediamine or levulinic acid pathway enzyme in a sufficient amount to produce the respective product, under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce 6-aminocaproic acid, caprolactam, hexametheylenediamine or levulinic acid.
US08377679B2
The present invention pertains to the use of probiotics for the preparation of a carrier for balancing the skin's immune function. In particular, the present invention pertains to the use of probiotic micro-organisms for balancing the skin's immune function under stress conditions, such as a exposure to ultraviolet radiation, specifically for enhancing the skin's immune activity and reducing the tendency to develop allergic reactions under such conditions.
US08377678B2
A method to propagate, enumerate and quantify bacteriophage(s) in a water sample or other aqueous sample was designed which contains ingredients to stimulate the growth of select bacterial species which are susceptible to infection by specific bacteriophage(s), in which interfering background organisms are either inhibited or inconsequential. Important features of the medium include oxidation-reduction compounds producing colored and/or fluorescent products, chromogenic and/or fluorogenic enzyme substrates, and temperature-independent gelling agent(s). A preferred combination is the growth medium containing 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride, 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl-B-D-galactoside, and appropriate gelling agents, which (when properly used) produces a dark red bacterial lawn containing teal blue-green, irregularly circular spots representing individual phage plaque, all discernible to the eye in visible light. The procedure can also be readily applied towards automatic counting systems under artificial illumination. The procedure can be employed with water samples and with elution buffers that can retain bacteriophages in suspension following contact by the buffer with foods, soils, hard surfaces and other solids that may be contaminated by bacteriophages.
US08377674B2
Rationally-designed LAGLIDADG meganucleases and methods of making such meganucleases are provided. In addition, methods are provided for using the meganucleases to generate recombinant cells and organisms having a desired DNA sequence inserted into a limited number of loci within the genome, as well as methods of gene therapy, for treatment of pathogenic infections, and for in vitro applications in diagnostics and research.
US08377672B2
Ligand functionalized substrates, methods of making ligand functionalized substrates, and methods of using functionalized substrates are disclosed.
US08377671B2
The invention relates to [NiFe]-hydrogenases having an improved resistance to dioxygen, said [NiFe]-hydrogenases may be obtained by:—providing an initial polynucleotide comprising a sequence encoding a large subunit of a [NiFe]-hydrogenase, said large subunit comprising the following peptide motifs: •L1: RGXE, wherein X=L, I, F, V or M•L2: [R/K]X1C[G/R]X2C, wherein Xi is any amino acid residue, X2=L, V, I or M; L1 and L2 being separated by 16 any amino acid residues; •L3: X1X2X3X4X5X6X7X8X9X10X11X12[D/S/E], wherein X1=D, S, N or E, X2=H, D, S, N or L, X5=H, S, A, Q or W, X6=F, T, Y or G, X9=L, F, M or Y, the other Xn being any amino acid residue; •L4: D[P/I/S]CX1X2CX3X4[H/R], wherein X2=A, S, V, G or T, X1, X3 and X4 are any amino acid residue • and optionally comprising a motif LO: R[I/V/A]EG[H/D/A].—modifying said initial polynucleotide in order to substitute at least one of the residues X2 of motif L2 and Z or X4 of motif L3 and Z or X9 of motif L3 of said large subunit by a methionine.
US08377668B2
Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed for use in the production of useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems can use biomass materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to enhance the production of a product, e.g., the production of ethanol and/or butanol by fermentation.
US08377661B2
The invention relates to a method for synthesizing ω-amino-alkanoic acids or the esters thereof from mono-unsaturated natural fatty acids comprising at least one step of forming the unsaturated diacid corresponding to the original fatty acid.
US08377657B1
Primers having abasic regions or mismatches for amplifying sequences suspected of having methylation. Primers having abasic regions or mismatches for amplifying sequences adjacent to suspected or known methylated sequences. Methods of using primers having abasic regions or mismatches for identification of methylated sequences or sequences adjacent to suspected or known methylation sequences.
US08377642B2
In accordance with the invention, novel gene deletions and translocations involving chromosome 2 resulting in fusion proteins combining part of Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) kinase with part of a secondary protein have now been identified in human solid tumors, e.g. non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). Secondary proteins include Echinoderm Microtubule-Associated Protein-Like 4 (EML-4) and TRK-Fusion Gene (TFG). The EML4-ALK fusion protein, which retains ALK tyrosine kinase activity, was confirmed to drive the proliferation and survival of NSCLC characterized by this mutation. The invention therefore provides, in part, isolated polynucleotides and vectors encoding the disclosed mutant ALK kinase polypeptides, probes for detecting it, isolated mutant polypeptides, recombinant polypeptides, and reagents for detecting the fusion and truncated polypeptides. The disclosed identification of this new fusion protein enables new methods for determining the presence of these mutant ALK kinase polypeptides in a biological sample, methods for screening for compounds that inhibit the proteins, and methods for inhibiting the progression of a cancer characterized by the mutant polynucleotides or polypeptides, which are also provided by the invention.
US08377637B2
The present invention provides novel methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of lung cancer. The invention also provides methods of identifying anti-lung cancer agents.
US08377628B2
A heat-sensitive negative-working lithographic printing plate precursor includes on a grained and anodized aluminum support a coating including hydrophobic thermoplastic polymer particles, a hydrophilic binder, and an organic compound, wherein the organic compound includes at least one phosphonic acid group or at least one phosphoric acid group or a salt thereof.
US08377626B2
A method of forming a pattern and a negative-type photoresist composition, the method including forming a photoresist film on a substrate by coating a photoresist composition thereon, the photoresist composition including a polymer, a photoacid generator, and a solvent, wherein the polymer includes an alkoxysilyl group as a side chain and is cross-linkable by an acid to be insoluble in a developer; curing a first portion of the photoresist film by exposing the first portion to light, the exposed first portion being cured by a cross-linking reaction of the alkoxysilyl groups therein; and providing a developer to the photoresist film to remove a second portion of the photoresist film that is not exposed to light, thereby forming a photoresist pattern on the substrate.
US08377625B2
Method for producing a copolymer solution with a uniform concentration for semiconductor lithography
A method of producing a copolymer solution for semiconductor lithography having a copolymer and a solvent for coating film formation, which copolymer contains at least one repeating unit selected from the group consisting of: a repeating unit (A) having a hydroxyl group; a repeating unit (B) having a structure in which a hydroxyl group is protected by a group which suppresses dissolution into an alkaline developer and which dissociates in the action of an acid; a repeating unit (C) having a lactone structure; and a repeating unit (D) having a cyclic ether structure, the difference in the copolymer concentration among a plurality of containers which were filled with copolymer solution from the same manufacturing lot is not more than a certain range, or the method includes a certain production step.
US08377624B2
Negative-working imageable elements have a hydrophilic substrate and a single thermally-sensitive imageable layer. This layer can include an infrared radiation absorbing compound and polymeric particles that coalesce upon thermal imaging. These coalesceable polymeric particles comprise a thermoplastic polymer and a colorant to provide improved visible contrast between exposed and non-exposed regions in the imaged element, such as lithographic printing plates.
US08377622B2
The invention is related to thermal imageable dielectric layers and thermal transfer donors and receivers comprising dielectric layers. The thermal transfer donors are useful in making electronic devices by thermal transfer of dielectric layers having excellent resistivity, good transfer properties and good adhesion to a variety of receivers.
US08377618B2
A toner is provided including a mother toner including a crystalline polyester resin, an amorphous resin, and a wax, and an external additive in an amount of from 0.30 to 0.55 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the mother toner. The toner satisfies the following equation 0.36≦(2.77×C/R+1.97×W/R)/X≦1.85, wherein each of C, W, and R represents a height of an absorbance peak specific to the crystalline polyester resin, the wax, and the amorphous resin, respectively, measured by a FT-IR ATR method, and X represents an amount (parts by weight) of the external additive. An image forming method and apparatus using the toner are also provided.
US08377615B2
A photoconductor that includes a supporting substrate, a ground plane layer, a hole blocking layer, an adhesive layer, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer of a charge transporting polycarbonate or a mixture of a charge transporting polycarbonate and a second polymer such as a polycarbonate.
US08377609B2
The present invention provides a fuel cell bipolar plate and a method for manufacturing the same, in which a carbon or metal fuel cell bipolar plate is surface-treated with a complex transition metal oxide, which is a main component of a variable resistance heating element having a negative temperature characteristic, so that the bipolar plate can ensure a sufficient amount of heat, required to prevent product water from freezing, by itself in a short time without any external energy, thus improving cold start performance of a fuel cell vehicle at a temperature below zero.
US08377607B2
A flow field plate or bipolar plate for a fuel cell that includes a combination of TiO2 and a conductive material that makes the bipolar plate conductive, hydrophilic and stable in the fuel cell environment. The TiO2 and the conductive material can be deposited on the plate as separate layers or can be combined as a single layer. Either the TiO2 layer or the conductive layer can be deposited first. In one embodiment, the conductive material is gold.
US08377604B2
A fuel cell stack structure is basically provided with a stack entity and at least one tie rod. The stack entity includes a plurality of solid electrolyte fuel cell units stacked together in a stacking direction. The tie rod extends through the stack entity to fasten the solid electrolyte fuel cell units so that the solid electrolyte fuel cell units are pressed against each other in the stacking direction. The tie rod has an outer cylinder, an inner shaft fitting into the outer cylinder, and a joining material disposed between the outer cylinder and the inner shaft. The joining material fastens the outer cylinder and the inner shaft together in an axial direction of the tie rod and is configured and arranged to maintain a cured state at an operating temperature.
US08377596B2
There are provided a nonaqueous-type electrolyte solution having high flame retardancy and a good capacity retention rate, and a device comprising the nonaqueous-type electrolyte solution. The nonaqueous-type electrolyte solution is used in a device comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode and the nonaqueous-type electrolyte solution, and contains a lithium salt and a compound having a phosphazene structure, and further contains 0.05% by mass or more and 12.0% by mass or less of at least one disulfonate ester selected from a cyclic disulfonate ester and a chain disulfonate ester based on the total of the nonaqueous-type electrolyte solution.
US08377591B2
An objective of this invention is to provide an anode material for a secondary battery for forming a secondary battery exhibiting a higher initial charge/discharge efficiency, a higher energy density and excellent cycle properties; an anode for a secondary battery; and a secondary battery therewith. An anode material for a secondary battery according to this invention comprises an Si oxide and at least one noble metal. Furthermore, the anode material for a secondary battery of this invention preferably contains lithium metal. Alternatively, an anode material for a secondary battery of this invention may comprise a lithium silicate and at least one noble metal. An anode comprising the anode material for a secondary battery of this invention comprises an activator layer being film-structure or particulate. In this invention, such an anode material can be used to provide an anode material for a secondary battery for forming a secondary battery exhibiting a higher initial charge/discharge efficiency, a higher energy density and excellent cycle properties; an anode for a secondary battery; and a secondary battery therewith.
US08377576B2
Disclosed herein is a magnetic paste that generally includes a magnetic component and a liquid organic component. The magnetic component includes a plurality of discrete nanoparticles, a plurality of nanoparticle-containing assemblies, or both. Magnetic devices can be formed from the magnetic paste. Methods of making and using the magnetic paste are also described.
US08377550B2
Methods and associated structures of forming underfill material are described. Those methods may include applying an underfill to an interconnect structure comprising residue from a no clean flux, wherein the underfill comprises at least one of a functionalized nanofiller and a micron-sized filler.
US08377546B2
A plastics electrode material includes a mixture having a nitrogen-containing conductive polymer and a conductive carbon material mixed with the polymer. The polymer is polyquinoline, polyphenylquinoxaline, polycarbazole, polypyridine, polypyrrole, polyaniline or polyindole. The conductive carbon material is 1% to 40% by weight of the mixture. The mixture is activated by a 0.2 M to 5 M proton-containing acidic electrolytic solution. The present invention further comprises second cells using the plastics electrode material. Because the conductive carbon material and high concentration acidic electrolytic solution are added to the polymer, the plastics electrode material has a high conductivity. Thus, the secondary cells have a high efficiency of charging and discharging and a long cyclic life.
US08377542B2
Adhesive structures are disclosed which enable easy release of a strongly adherent dry adhesive pad or film. The adhesive pads or films are fabricated into structures or composites which exhibit a directional flexural modulus due to the incorporation of a plurality of spaced-apart, aligned, elongated reinforcements. The adhesive structure or composite will adhere strongly when loaded along the direction of the highest flexural modulus but release more readily when loaded along the direction of lowest flexural modulus.
US08377539B2
A member with skin includes a substrate, and a skin. The substrate includes a body, and a core. The skin includes a first skin segment, and a second skin segment. The body and core make a rear side-face section, which is disposed beneath a rear face of the core, within a side face in the substrate. The member further includes a stitching allowance, which is disposed to face the rear side-face section in the substrate, between the first skin segment and the second skin segment. The first skin segment covers a front face of the body, and a front face of the core. The second skin segment covers a rear face of the body. The member further includes ornamental stitches that are disposed at a boundary between a part of the first skin segment covering the body and another part of the first skin segment covering the core.
US08377529B2
A coextruded multilayer film includes a core layer including a polyamide; two intermediate layers each including an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer; a first and second outer layer each including an olefinic copolymer or an amorphous cyclic olefin copolymer; and two tie layers each adhering an intermediate layer to a respective outer layer; the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer of the first intermediate layer having a mole % ethylene at least 5 greater than the mole % ethylene of the ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer of the second intermediate layer An aseptic package includes a sterilized food product, and a sterilized pouch in which the sterilized food product is disposed, the sterilized pouch including the film of the invention. A method of making an aseptic package is also disclosed.
US08377519B2
The instant invention relates to liquid crystal media comprising one or more bimesogenic compounds, one or more chiral dopants and one or more additives, liquid crystal displays comprising these media, in particular displays exploiting the flexoelectric effect and to a method of improving the response time of such displays.
US08377518B2
In-situ flux measurement methods, devices, and systems are provided. According to some embodiments, an in-situ molecular flux device generally comprises a electrically conductive container configured to hold a precursor material, a heat source proximate the electrically conductive container to heat the precursor material to release ions such that an ion current is produced; and a current-measuring device in electrical communication with the electrically conductive container to measure the ion current associated with the heated precursor material. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.
US08377513B2
The invention relates to a method for coating a cooling element (1) mainly made of copper, provided with water cooling pipes (2) and used particularly in connection with metallurgic furnaces or the like, wherein the cooling element includes a fire surface (3) that is in contact with molten metal, suspension or process gas; side surfaces (6) and an outer surface (7), so that at least part of the fire surface (3) is coated by a corrosion resistant coating (5).
US08377498B2
Disclosed is a production method for medical devices with a hydrophilic coating, which ensures adequate adhesion to the substrate, as well as good water retention and low friction properties. Specifically, the method comprises providing a coating solution comprising a hydrophilic polymer to a surface of a substrate to form a non-cross-linked hydrophilic coating; and irradiating the coated substrate, thereby cross-linking the hydrophilic coating and simultaneously sterilizing the medical device. Hereby, a non-cross linked hydrophilic coating is first obtained which is not fit for use as a catheter coating. However, after the step of irradiating the coated substrate, the hydrophilic coating becomes cross-linked, and fit for use e.g. on a urinary catheter. Further, since one and the same irradiation step is used to effect both cross-linking and sterilization, the production can be made more efficient, using fewer production steps and with a shortened production time.
US08377496B2
Disclosed are compositions comprising carbohydrate; lipid, comprising from about 0.25% to about 2.5% lecithin by weight of total lipid; from about 90% to about 99.5% of intact protein by weight of total protein; and from about 0.5% to about 10% of at least one hydrolyzed protein selected from the group consisting of hydrolyzed casein protein and hydrolyzed whey protein; wherein the hydrolyzed protein has a degree of hydrolysis of between about 23% and about 90%, and wherein the compositions are nutritional powders. The nutritional powders provide improved oxidative stability and sensory performance.
US08377492B2
The invention provides a water-soluble dietary fiber enriching agent comprising a modified starch which contains dietary fibers in an amount not more than 5% by mass measured by Prosky's method and a low-molecular weight water-soluble dietary fiber in an amount not less than 25% by mass. The water-soluble dietary fiber enriching agent contains a low-molecular weight water-soluble dietary fiber, and does not deteriorate the mouthfeel of the food obtained using the same.
US08377473B2
The present invention provides compositions that contain magnesium and threonate, or a threonate precursor molecule, formulated for extended or modified release to provide physiological concentrations over a desired time period. The extended release or modified release form is particularly useful in providing Mg to a subject while avoiding adverse side effects such as diarrhea.
US08377472B1
The invention concerns a rapidly disintegrating tablet similar to those designed to disintegrate in the mouth on contact with saliva in less than 30 seconds, forming an easy-to-swallow suspension, and based on an active substance in the form of coated microcrystals or microgranules and a mixture of excipients including at least a disintegrating agent, a soluble agent and a lubricating agent. The invention is characterized in that the lubricating agent is in powder form and is distributed at least for the greater part on the tablet surface and its friability, measured as specified in the French Pharmacopoeia (10th Edition, V.5.1—Friability of Tablets, January 1993), is less than 1%, and preferably less than 0.5%, whereby said tablet can be packaged by standard processes, and has the required and adequate hardness to enable it to be removed with ease from the blister pack in which it is packaged, by perforating the seal thereof by pushing the tablet, with a substantially reduced risk of the tablet breaking during removal. The invention also concerns the method for producing said tablet.
US08377462B2
Provided herein are coating comprising PEA-TEMPO/PEA-BZ for implantable medical devices, the coating being useful for the controlled delivery of bioactive agents into a patient's body.
US08377457B1
The present invention is directed to a series of polymeric glyceryl esters that have two different molecular weight ester chains, one solid and one liquid, which when combined into a single molecule make a polymer that is solid, and crosslinked by dimer acid. These products have very unique skin feel and water proofing properties. These materials find applications as additives to formulations in personal care products where there is a desire to have a structured film (provided by the solid fatty group) and flow properties, (provided by the liquid fatty group). These compounds by virtue of their unique structure provide outstanding skin feel.
US08377453B2
Compositions and methods for the treatment of pain in a mammal are described. More specifically, a dosage form designed for release of acetaminophen and an opioid is described, wherein the dosage form provides delivery of the drugs to the upper gastrointestinal tract (“GI”) of a mammal for an extended period of time.
US08377450B2
A new clone of Newcastle disease virus which is interferon insensitive and has an ICPI between 1.2 and 2.0 and which may be used in the treatment of cancer and other diseases.
US08377441B2
Use of an anti-IL-19 antibody for treating breast cancer, either alone or in combination with an anti-IL-20 and/or anti-IL-20R1 antibody.
US08377427B2
The invention concerns a composition comprising, in a cosmetically acceptable medium containing water and/or a solvent, metal, metal oxide, metal carbide or nitride nanoparticles or mixtures thereof, and one or several organic silicon compounds soluble in water and/or in the solvent, having one, two or three silicon atoms, and at least two hydroxyl or hydrolysable groups per molecule. The invention is applicable to hair care compositions.
US08377421B2
A tooth glossing and/or finishing composition including one or both of a wax and an acidic neutralizer with an optional additive of a vegetable gelling agent.
US08377410B2
The invention relates to a method for preparing pelletized ammonium sulfate particles, the method comprising—providing ammonium sulfate crystals;—isolating a fraction comprising crystals having an intermediate size from crystals having a small size and from crystals having a large size, thereby obtaining remaining crystals comprised of crystals having small size and crystals having large size; and—pelletizing through a die at least part of the remaining crystals, i.e. at least part of the crystals from which the fraction comprising crystals having the intermediate size have been isolated, thereby forming pelletized ammonium sulfate particles.
US08377409B2
Methods for making brines may generally comprise forming a mixture comprising: (i) a solid material produced as a by-product of the Kroll process including solid anhydrous magnesium chloride and solid elemental magnesium; (ii) an amount of a previously-produced brine; and (iii) an amount of water sufficient to provide a predetermined brine concentration. At least a portion of the solid material in the mixture is dissolved while simultaneously controlling the temperature of the mixture. At least a portion of insoluble matter is separated from the mixture.
US08377408B2
Process for producing carbon nanospheres and other nano materials with carbon dioxide and magnesium. The carbon dioxide and magnesium are combusted together in a reactor to produce carbon nanospheres and magnesium oxide, which are then separated to provide the individual reaction products. The reaction occurs at a very high temperature, e.g. 2000° F.-5000° F. and also produces large amounts of useful energy in the form of heat and light, including infrared and ultraviolet radiation. Other oxidizing agents such as aluminum can be combined with the magnesium, and the metal oxides produced by the reaction can be recycled to provide additional oxidizing agents for combustion with the carbon dioxide. By varying the reaction temperature, the morphology of the carbon products can be controlled.
US08377404B2
UI3(1,4-dioxane)1.5 and UI4(1,4-dioxane)2, were synthesized in high yield by reacting turnings of elemental uranium with iodine dissolved in 1,4-dioxane under mild conditions. These molecular compounds of uranium are thermally stable and excellent precursor materials for synthesizing other molecular compounds of uranium including alkoxide, amide, organometallic, and halide compounds.
US08377401B2
A process for separating carbon dioxide from a fluid containing carbon dioxide, NO2, and at least one of oxygen, argon, and nitrogen comprises the steps of separating at least part of the fluid into a carbon dioxide enriched stream, a carbon dioxide depleted stream comprising CO2 and at least one of oxygen, argon, and nitrogen and a NO2 enriched stream and recycling said NO2 enriched stream upstream of the separation step.
US08377398B2
Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.
US08377397B2
A combustion tube comprises a generally cylindrical body with an outwardly extending annular tube stop spaced from one end of the combustion tube for engaging a combustion tube mounting assembly and fixing the tube in a precise position. Near the opposite end of the tube is an enlarged opening for receiving an upper seal assembly of a combustion furnace with the outer annular shoulder of the upper end of the tube having a rolled edge to facilitate the insertion of the tube through the seal in the upper seal assembly of the furnace. The combustion tube is made of quartz glass to withstand the temperatures encountered in the furnace. The combustion tube is specifically designed and adapted to be precisely positioned in an induction furnace with an easy tube removal system for the furnace.
US08377395B2
A blood specimen processor by means of which blood specimens are collected into a collection tube containing an anticoagulant and a molded buoy of predetermined density between 1.045 and 1.084 with an embedded water swellable o-ring that expands to form a robust seal in a leucocyte density gradient between the buoy's outer surface and tube's inner surface. The buoy is made of a first resin and a second resin, the first resin having a lower density than the second resin, the first resin and the second resin being present in such amounts and relative proportions so that the body has an overall density between 1.045 and 1.084 and preferably, a center of gravity below a geometric center of the body. When the blood specimen contained in the processor is centrifuged, the buoy is thrust through the separating blood and the developing interface of erythrocytes, leucocytes, and plasma. A reproducible gradient develops that builds a reproducible buffy coat ring around the upper trough at the junction of the edge of the separator buoy and the tube wall. The relative proportions of resin are controlled to create a separator buoy of a desired density so that after centrifugation the buffy coat or other cells of interest will be above or below the water swellable o-ring.
US08377392B2
An apparatus and method for sealing a fluid sample collection device, comprising loading a fluid sample collection device with a fluid sample, said device comprising a housing having at least one substantially planar surface that includes an orifice in fluid communication with an internal fluid sample holding chamber which terminates at an internal capillary stop; and slidably moving a sealing element over at least a portion of said substantially planar surface in a way that displaces any excess fluid sample away from the orifice, seals the fluid sample within said holding chamber, and inhibits the fluid sample from prematurely breaking through the internal capillary stop.
US08377387B2
A system includes a fluidization device including a flow passage configured to convey a flow of solid fuel particles in a downstream direction, and a body disposed within the flow passage. The body is configured to direct the flow of solid fuel particles between the body and an outer wall of the flow passage. The fluidization device also includes a carrier gas injection port positioned radially outward from the body. The carrier gas injection port is configured to provide a flow of carrier gas in the downstream direction to break up agglomerations within the flow of solid fuel particles.
US08377386B2
Flow deflector that is capable of changing the flow direction of a fluid during passage through a duct. The duct is formed by an inner and outer duct, which creates an annular region in the duct. The flow deflector forces the fluid passing through the annular region of the duct to flow inside the inner duct, while the fluid passing through the inner duct is forced to flow through the annular region. Reactor tubes for catalytic reactors are formed by assembling tubes comprising said flow deflector and having a catalyst arranged in the inner tube.
US08377372B2
A jet of gas injected from a lance is fluidically deviated with a gas flowing in either the same or opposite direction as the jet of gas. The gas used to fluidically deviate the jet is the same as or different from the gas in the jet.
US08377371B2
A battery of stationary hearth furnaces, and method for using, for producing metallic iron nodules having a furnace having a stationary hearth, an inlet and an outlet; a heating chamber beneath the stationary hearth having heated fluids circulated thereto and heating reducible material on the stationary hearth; passageways circulating fluids, through ports from the furnace housing above the reducible material to the heating chamber beneath; burners and air inlets in the furnace and optionally in at least one passageway and a heating chamber for drying and heating the reducible material, driving off and burning volatile material, and forming metallic iron nodules; a loading device for loading reducible material and optionally hearth material onto the stationary hearth through the inlet; and a discharging device capable of discharging metallic iron nodules and optionally related material from the stationary hearth through the outlet.
US08377370B2
Disclosed are high-porosity cordierite honeycomb substrates having fine pore size, narrow pore size distribution, little or no microcracking, and a high thermal shock resistance. The porous ceramic honeycomb substrates generally include a primary cordierite ceramic phase as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the cordierite substrates.
US08377369B2
A method for pressureless sintering of B4C without sintering agents which reduces sintering time without sacrificing relative density, and avoids decomposition of B4C and loss of relative density.
US08377365B2
The system and method for stent manufacture includes a method of supercritical stent manufacture including mixing a polymer and a supercritical fluid to form a supercritical mixture; electrically charging a mold to a first polarity, the mold having a mold wall defining a mold plenum; discharging the supercritical mixture through a nozzle; electrically charging the supercritical mixture to a second polarity opposite the first polarity; repeatedly directing the charged supercritical mixture into the mold plenum to form a plurality of polymer layers on the mold wall, the plurality of polymer layers having a predetermined thickness; and separating the plurality of polymer layers from the mold wall.
US08377363B2
A method of automatically de-molding a tread from a mold is provided utilizing an automatic de-molding apparatus. The automatic de-molding device utilizes at least one anchor member that is inserted into the mold and automatically secures the tread to the de-molding apparatus wherein the mold is mechanically removed from the mold.
US08377358B2
The present invention is premised upon an inventive method of producing an over-molded edge portion on a flexible substrate, wherein the edge portion is void of open areas due to support devices in the mold cavity.
US08377354B2
The invention relates to a method of producing a film comprising at least one layer of a thermoplastic fluoro-polymer and at least one layer of another polymer (A). The inventive method consists in using extrusion blow molding to coextrude a fluoro-polymer and polymer (A) which adhere to one another; with a layer of another thermoplastic polymer (B) such that it forms a layer which is adjacent to the fluoropolymer/polymer (A) layer According to the invention, the thermoplastic polymer (B) is incompatible with the fluoro-polymer and polymer (A) and has adequate extrudate behavior to support the layers of fluoro-polymer and/or polymer (A). Once the coextrudate has been cooled, by separating the layer(s) of (B), at least the film is recovered, said film comprising at least one layer of a polymer selected from among thermoplastic fluoro-polymers and polymers (A).
US08377348B1
Concepts and technologies described herein provide for the repair of a crack in a paved surface such as a recreational court. According to one aspect of the disclosure provided herein, a crack is filled with a patching compound. A non-bonding soft coat is applied to the surface over the patching compound. A bond coat is applied to the surface adjacent to opposing sides of the soft coat. A membrane overlaid onto the soft coat, overlapping the bond coat on both sides of the membrane. A top coat is applied to the membrane, overlapping onto the bond coat. A finishing coat is applied to the top coat.
US08377344B2
An optical film comprising: a resin material; and an additive in an amount of at least 0.3% by mass based on the resin material, wherein when the optical film is divided into 10 equal portions in a thickness direction of the optical film, an amount of the additive existing in each of 8 portions excepting the two outermost layer portions of the 10 equal portions is from 80 to 120% based on a mean additive amount in an entire optical film; a method for producing it; an optically-compensatory film, a polarizing plate and a liquid-crystal display device that comprise the optical film.
US08377343B2
The invention relates to a novel optical function layer and its production, the function layer imparting to materials coated with it protection against uv radiation while transmitting electromagnetic radiation of larger wavelengths. The function layer of the invention and the manufacturing method of the invention offer advantages over the state of the art by allowing very accurate and precise adjustability in the uv range of the relatively sharp absorption constant.
US08377342B2
A titanium suboxide powder comprising Ti4O7, Ti5O9 and Ti6O11, wherein the Ti4O7, Ti5O9 and Ti6O11 provide over 92% of the powder, and wherein the Ti4O7 is present at above 30% of the total powder.
US08377340B2
Disclosed is an electromagnetic wave suppression sheet obtained by mixing metallic magnetic particles into a resin and formed into a sheet shape. In the electromagnetic wave suppression sheet, a coercive force is 320 [A/m] or more and a saturation magnetization is 0.35 [Wb/m2] or more at a time when an external magnetic field of 1 kOe in an in-plane direction is applied.
US08377333B2
A semiconductor nanocrystal including a core comprising a first semiconductor material comprising at least three chemical elements and a shell disposed over at least a portion of the core, the shell comprising a second semiconductor material, wherein the semiconductor nanocrystal is capable of emitting light with an improved photoluminescence quantum efficiency. Also disclosed are populations of semiconductor nanocrystals, compositions and devices including a semiconductor nanocrystal capable of emitting light with an improved photoluminescence quantum efficiency. In one embodiment, a semiconductor nanocrystal includes a core comprising a first semiconductor material comprising at least three chemical elements and a shell disposed over at least a portion of the core, the shell comprising a second semiconductor material, wherein the semiconductor nanocrystal is capable of emitting light upon excitation with a photoluminescence quantum efficiency greater than about 65%.
US08377316B2
This is structure and method for providing a textured surfaced that can be used in a plurality of systems including ink jet printing. In ink jet printing, the textured surface of this invention controls ink drawback and significantly improves image quality. The textured surface has an average roughness, Ra, of about 0.2 to 1.5 microns, a texture density of about 104-107 pits per cm2, a texture size of about 0.5-5 microns, and a texture depth of about 0.5-10 microns.
US08377313B2
The present invention relates to an agglomerate of at least one particle P which is hydrophobicized on the surface with at least one first surface-active substance and at least one magnetic particle MP which is hydrophobicized on the surface with at least one second surface-active substance, a process for producing it and also the use of these agglomerates.
US08377309B2
Methods for depositing a stationary phase in a tube for chromatography, in particular, as a variable gradient column are disclosed. The methods include providing a tube having a first end and a second end, the tube containing a fluid composition comprising a stationary phase precursor and a solvent, connecting the first end of the tube to a flow device, removing the solvent from a meniscus of the fluid composition, the solvent exiting the tube at the second end, and operating the flow device while removing the solvent such that the amount of the stationary phase precursor deposited within the tube changes as the meniscus retreats within the tube to deposit a stationary phase having a thickness gradient along the length of the interior of the tube.
US08377306B2
The invention concerns a method for treating a fluid. According to the invention, the fluid is contacted with a substrate at the surface of which there is a network of organic molecules, hereafter referred to as “network molecules”. There is a central core and at least one lateral arm, the molecules being adsorbed at the surface of the substrate. The invention also concerns a two-dimensional molecular sieve formed by the substrate at the surface of which a network of network molecules is adsorbed. The invention further concerns a module for treating a fluid including a circulating device for the fluid to be treated, the device containing one or more two-dimensional molecule sieves.
US08377303B2
A channel groove pattern 38 allowing the passage of a permeated liquid having passed through a filtration membrane 37 is provided on one filtration plate surface of a filtration plate 36, and a permeated liquid outlet nozzle 39 is provided on the filtration plate 36. The channel groove pattern 38 includes multiple channel grooves 38a, and a header groove 44 for averaging suction pressures is formed on the filtration plate 36. An area where the channel groove pattern 38 is formed is divided into upper and lower water collection areas 46 and 47 by the header groove 44. The permeated liquid outlet nozzle 39 and the header groove 44 communicate with each other through the channel grooves 38a of the water collection area 46, and the channel cross-sectional area of the header groove 44 is larger than that of the channel groove 38a.
US08377300B2
A fluid separation element is provided including: a membrane winding having two ends and obtained by layering a separation membrane, a feed water channel material, and a permeate channel material and spirally winding them; and one or more anti-telescoping devices attached to one or both of the ends of the membrane winding, wherein a brine seal fitting groove is provided in an outer circumferential surface of the anti-telescoping device and a hole that communicates with a feed water channel side is provided inside the groove. When the anti-telescoping devices are attached to the both ends of the membrane winding, a brine seal is fitted into the groove of the upstream-side anti-telescoping device and no brine seal is fitted into the groove of the downstream-side anti-telescoping device.
US08377299B2
A water filtering device and system. The system includes: a rod in a reservoir of the water cooler under an inverted, installed water bottle, the rod aligned with a neck of the water bottle; a hollow cylinder having a diameter less than the neck, an open end, and a closed end opposing the open end, the open end having an external flange at a perimeter thereof with a diameter greater than the neck, the closed end configured to removable retain a water filter, the hollow of the cylinder dimensioned to accept a portion of the rod; a cover having a ring-shaped base and a sidewall, the base having an inner perimeter, an outer perimeter with a diameter greater than the diameter of the flange, the sidewall extending from the base at the outer perimeter, the cover configured to receive at least the flange of the cylinder; and a filter.
US08377297B2
A desalination apparatus is disclosed which uses a salt sponge unit to remove a majority of salt from water. A parallel plate capacitor can be connected after the salt sponge to remove remaining salt ions. The salt sponge is a nanoporous, high surface area carbon scaffold to which crown ethers are attached. A power supply is connected to the salt sponges for applying a bias voltage to regenerate the salt sponges. A chlorine treatment unit can be connected after the parallel plate capacitor. A method of purifying sea water using the apparatus also is disclosed.
US08377296B2
A filter holder to be used in a chromatography column is provided. Said filter holder comprising a filter squeezing part (356) facing the filter of the column essentially in the form of a plate and a squeezing means (354) adapted to squeeze the filter squeezing part (356) against the filter (204) to prevent any leakage of particulate medium from the bed space (209) of the column in between the filter holder and the filter (204). According to the invention said filter squeezing part (356) comprises at least one channel (338), providing fluid connections through the filter squeezing part (356) from the side of the filter squeezing part (356) facing the filter (204) and to the side of the filter squeezing part (356) facing the bed space (209).
US08377292B2
The present invention relates to a low pressure water filter and dispenser system for use in a refrigerator which enables an effluent from said system exhibiting a log 6 bacteria reduction and a log 4 virus reduction with pressures as low as 0.35 kg/cm2 (5 psi). The system can be located in various places, for example it can sit on the shelf, it can be mounted to the ceiling of the refrigerator, or it can be attached to the wall or other internal components.
US08377282B2
The invention relates to a device and a method of applying a coating on a workpiece by electrodeposition. In the method, a workpiece is mounted on the mandrel of a lathe. A vessel, connected to a current generator and containing a bath of electrolyte and a conductor forming an anode, is placed beneath the workpiece. All or part of the workpiece is immersed in the bath by moving the vessel into a first position. The workpiece is turned by the lathe so that the entire surface of the workpiece is immersed at least once in the bath while a material is electrodeposited on the workpiece. The vessel is moved into a second position to break contact between the workpiece and the bath of electrolyte.
US08377261B2
The high pressure sluice feeder has a conical rotor mounted in a housing having a complementary conical interior. The rotor has a plurality of trough-going pockets arranged offset to each other in the rotor. The housing has ports distributed evenly around a circumference of the housing and exposed to the pockets during rotation of the rotor. A conical exterior surface of the rotor or the conical interior surface of the housing is equipped with a flush-out groove. The groove catches any abrasive particles caught between the complementary conical surfaces of the rotor and housing. The abrasive particles are flushed out towards the trough-going pockets of the rotor when one end of the groove is pressurized by either one neighboring trough-going pocket or a sealing liquid supply to a gable end of the rotor/housing.
US08377255B2
A plasma processing apparatus performing a plasma processing to a substrate includes a processing vessel having a vacuum exhaustible processing chamber; a mounting table serving as a lower electrode for mounting thereon the substrate in the processing chamber; a circular ring member arranged to surround a periphery of the substrate whose radial one end portion is supported by the mounting table; an upper electrode arranged above the lower electrode to face same; and a power feed for supplying the mounting table with a high frequency power. The plasma processing apparatus further includes a first intermediate electrical conductor supporting a middle portion of the circular ring member; and a first movable electrical conductor which is selectively electrically connected or disconnected to the power feed; and a second intermediate electrical conductor supporting a radial opposite end portion of the circular ring member.
US08377252B2
The present invention relates to an apparatus for spraying an etchant and a method for manufacturing a printed circuit board. In one exemplary embodiment the apparatus includes a manifold, a plurality of feed pipes in fluid communication with the manifold, each of the feed pipes having a plurality of spray nozzles mounted thereon, the feed pipes cooperatively constitute a spray region, and a pressure-boosting device configured for increasing a spray pressure of the spray nozzles which are located at a central area of the spray region. The apparatus can overcome “the puddle effect” on an upper surface of the printed circuit board.
US08377231B2
An apparatus and method for cleaning a vessel are disclosed. The vessel may include a coker for the extraction of crude oil, for example. The apparatus may include an elongated flexible conduit insertable through an elongated rigid conduit into the vessel, for conducting pressurized liquid into the vessel to clean the vessel. The apparatus preferably includes a sealing device for sealing a gap between the flexible conduit and the rigid conduit to prevent fluid from travelling through the gap.
US08377220B2
A method for operating a dishwasher that has a washing container; at least two spray devices disposed inside the washing container; a circulating pump to deliver liquid to the at least two spray devices; a first drive to drive the circulating pump; and a reversing device; wherein, based on a position of the reversing device, the circulating pump delivers the liquid to one or both of the two spray devices. The method includes adjusting the position of the reversing device and detecting the current position of the reversing device based on an operating parameter assigned to the first drive.
US08377214B2
A vapor chamber includes a sealed flattened casing containing working liquid therein, a wick structure arranged on an inner face of the casing, a supporting plate received in the casing and a plurality of supporting posts. The supporting plate defines a plurality of fixing holes therein. The supporting posts are engagingly received in the fixing holes of the supporting plate. Top and bottom ends of the supporting posts engage with the wick structure to reinforce a structure of the vapor chamber.
US08377213B2
Methods and apparatus for increasing flow uniformity are provided herein. In some embodiments, a slit valve having increased flow uniformity may be provided, the slit valve may include a housing having an opening disposed therethrough, the opening configured to allow a substrate to pass therethrough; a gas inlet formed in the housing; an outer plenum disposed in the housing and coupled to the gas inlet; an inner plenum disposed in the housing and coupled to the outer plenum via a plurality of holes; and a plurality of gas outlets disposed in the housing and fluidly coupling the opening to the inner plenum.
US08377209B2
The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for depositing a layer onto a substrate as the substrate is moving through the processing chamber. The substrate may move along a roll to roll system. A roll to roll system is a system where a substrate may be unwound from a first roll so that the substrate may undergo processing and then re-wound onto a second roll after the processing. As the substrate moves through the processing chamber, a plasma source may produce a plasma. An electrical bias applied to the substrate may draw the plasma to the substrate and hence, permit deposition of material onto the substrate as the substrate moves through the chamber.
US08377197B2
Provided are cementitious compositions and related systems and methods. The cementitious compositions, or admixtures, according to the present invention generally comprise gypsum, a first alkaline component and glass. The admixture may further comprise fly ash, which is preferably obtained as a waste by-product from a coal-burning power plant. A method according to the present invention comprises an initial step of analyzing or receiving an analysis of a fly ash sample. Based at least in part on the analysis of the fly ash sample, a mix rate may be selected and an initial admixture can be formulated, which, when added to the fly ash sample, creates an alternative or additive to Portland cement for use in concrete, for example.
US08377191B2
The present invention relates to organoalkoxysilane compositions which comprise at least one organoalkoxysilane S, and at least one anhydrous surfactant T, where the weight fraction of all of the organoalkoxysilanes S is 33% by weight, based on the weight of the organoalkoxysilane composition, and where the ratio of the weight sum of all of the organoalkoxysilanes S to the weight sum of all of the anhydrous surfactants T (S:T) has a value of from 5:1 to 1:2.
US08377185B2
This invention is a dust removal system for dust gas which comprises at least an atomizer. The atomizer comprises an atomizing chamber and an atomizing mechanism; the atomizing chamber includes an inlet for the dust gas and an outlet for the gas after mixture; the atomizing mechanism comprises a water chamber, the first atomizing ball, the second atomizing ball, an umbrella-shaped atomizer, and a regulating mechanism; the water chamber includes the first and second water inlet and the first and second water outlet; the regulating mechanism adjusts the fit clearance between the first atomizing ball and the first water outlet, the fit clearance between the second atomizing ball and the second water outlet, and the flare angle of the umbrella surface of the umbrella-shaped atomizer. The beneficial effect is: the two-stage atomization—coordinating the atomizing balls and the water outlets, and using an umbrella-shaped atomizer—guarantees the atomizing effect. When there are burrs accumulating in and/or corroding the water outlets, regulate the fit clearances between the atomizing balls and the water outlets to remove completely the influence of the blockage on the atomizing effect.
US08377181B2
A portable oxygen concentrator designed for medical use with a novel housing and internal component design that reduces noise and vibration while increasing durability. The improved design of the portable oxygen concentrator further facilitates easy maintenance and repair over the life of the equipment.
US08377177B2
In order to provide a method for supplying fresh auxiliary material, which is added to a stream (120) of crude gas laden with wet paint overspray before the stream of crude gas passes through at least one filter element (172) for separating the overspray from the steam of crude gas, to at least one filter device (132) which comprises at least one receptacle (176) for auxiliary material, which is in its operating position, while the stream of crude gas is passing through the filter element, which method enables better action of the auxiliary material on the stream of crude gas and makes a particularly efficient supply of fresh auxiliary material to the at least one filter device possible, it is suggested that the fresh auxiliary material be supplied directly into the receptacle for auxiliary material while the receptacle for auxiliary material is in the operating position.
US08377176B1
There is provided method and apparatus for creating a longitudinally disposed, sharp puff of gas, useful for puffback renewal of gas-entry faces of a panel-bed gas filter or a panel-bed gas-powder contactor. Perforations are disposed along the wall of a tank in a path generally parallel to the tank's axis. Stoppers are provided for stoppering the perforations. With the perforations so stoppered, a gas is introduced at high pressure into the tank. Thereafter, quickly unstoppering the perforations releases the gas from the tank in form of a longitudinally disposed, sharp puff of gas moving in a direction perpendicular to the tank's axis. If the tank is placed vertically alongside or within a space receiving gas from a panel bed, the sharp puff can effectively puffback the panel bed.
US08377175B2
Presented is a method and apparatus for treating an exhaust gas. A series of filters and conditioning units are used to separate and extract various substances from the exhaust gas, typically originating from an industrial process. In an exemplary embodiment, a cyclone filter, a ceramic filter, a baghouse filter, and a pair of gas conditioners are used to initially separate and extract iron-rich dust from an exhaust gas and then extract zinc from the gas.
US08377174B2
A gas sparger (30) is operative for supplying an oxidation gas containing oxygen to a tank (18) of a wet scrubber which is operative for removing sulphur dioxide from a process gas by means of a slurry (S). The gas sparger (30) is provided with at least a first liquid supply nozzle (38), which is located inside an oxidation gas supply duct (32) and is operative for spraying a liquid containing water towards a first oxidation gas supply nozzle (44). The oxidation gas supply duct (32) has a characteristic cross-sectional measure, such as a diameter (D), at said first oxidation gas supply nozzle (44). The first liquid supply nozzle (38) is located a distance (L1) of maximum 5 times said characteristic cross-sectional measure (D) from said first oxidation gas supply nozzle (44).
US08377171B2
The present invention relates to methods and systems for purifying gases, such as for example semiconductor process gases. The invention more particularly relates to fluid purification methods and systems having improved heat transfer capabilities and controls such that the purified fluid produced from the process contains reduced impurity levels and/or exhibits more uniform concentrations within the final product. In another aspect of the invention, the activation time for adsorbent beds used in such processes and systems can be reduced.
US08377170B2
A CO2-facilitated transport membrane of excellent carbon dioxide permeability and CO2/H2 selectivity, which can be applied to a CO2 permeable membrane reactor, is stably provided. The CO2-facilitated transport membrane is formed such that a gel layer 1 obtained by adding cesium carbonate to a polyvinyl alcohol-polyacrylic acid copolymer gel membrane is supported by a hydrophilic porous membrane 2. More preferably, a gel layer supported by a hydrophilic porous membrane 2 is coated with hydrophilic porous membranes 3 and 4.
US08377169B2
A method for manufacturing granular metallic iron by reducing a raw material mixture including an iron oxide-containing material and a carbonaceous reducing agent, comprises: a step of charging the raw material mixture onto a hearth of a moving hearth-type thermal reduction furnace; a step of reducing the iron oxide in the raw material mixture by the carbonaceous reducing agent through the application of heat, thereby forming metallic iron, subsequently melting the metallic iron, and coalescing the molten metallic iron to granular metallic iron while separating the molten metallic iron from subgenerated slag; and a step of cooling the metallic iron to solidify; wherein the heat-reducing step includes a step of controlling the flow velocity of atmospheric gas in a predetermined zone of the furnace within a predetermined range. This method makes it possible to manufacture the granular metallic iron of high quality.
US08377164B2
A composition, and its manufacture, used to add supplemental materials to plants for the purpose of increasing or modifying growth or the composition of the plant. The composition comprises silicon, sodium hydroxide, water, and a humic acid and fulvic acid blend.
US08377161B2
An integrated air intake system may include an integrated body formed by combining a cylinder head cover at the top of an engine with an air cleaner body at a side of the cylinder head cover, an air duct connected to a side of the air cleaner body to make a channel for air sucked from the outside into the air cleaner body, an upper cover combined in contact with the air cleaner body at the top thereof, an intake hose connected to a side of the upper cover to supply purified air to an engine intake port, and an intake filter disposed in a space formed in the air cleaner body and the upper cover to purify the air sucked from the outside.
US08377160B2
A cyclonic dust collector arrangement employs a cyclone that has a conic body formed of a conic wall. An upper divider plate closes off the upper end of the conic body, with a vortex tube descending from a central passage in the divider plate. The conic body has a narrow nose at a lower end so that the upper divider plate and the lower nose define a cyclonic chamber within the conic body. The inlet conduit penetrates the conic wall below the divider plate. The fan chamber of the separator is mounted above the divider plate, and serves to induce air flow from the inlet conduit into the cyclonic chamber, and through said vortex tube into the fan chamber. The air is discharged through a final filter. This construction has reduced manufacture costs and improved dust separation.
US08377159B2
A synthetic grinding stone used for the polishing of a silicon wafer is composed of a structure containing cerium oxide fine particles as abrasive grains, a resin as a binder, a salt as a filler and a nano diamond as an additive. This synthetic grinding stone is characterized in that the purity of the cerium oxide is not less than 60% by weight, the content of the salt as a filler is not less than 1% but not more than 20%, the volume content of the nano diamond as an additive is not less than 0.1% but less than 20% relative to the total volume of the structure, and the porosity as the volume fraction relative to the total volume of the structure is less than 30%.
US08377145B1
An adjustable pylon to be used with a prosthetic limb. The adjustable pylon including a fixed tube having an attachment end to attach to the prosthetic limb, a receiving end, and a retainer bulkhead with a hole. The adjustable pylon including an adjustable tube having an attachment end to attach to the prosthetic limb, an insert end sized to fit inside the fixed tube, a threaded bulkhead with a threaded hole inside the adjustable tube. The adjustable pylon including a length adjustment screw including a threaded body and a centering post.
US08377134B2
A total disc implant (TDI) is provided for total replacement of a spinal disc or discs in a human patient or other mammal, wherein the TDI is designed to maintain a substantially full range of natural motion (ROM) following implantation. The TDI generally comprises, in one preferred form, upper and lower end plates for affixation to adjacent vertebral bodies, with an intervening insert disposed therebetween. The end plates each include elongated part-cylindrical surfaces oriented, generally perpendicular to each other, with one of the surfaces extending in an anterior-posterior direction and the other extending in a medial-lateral direction. The intervening insert defines concave upper and lower part-cylindrical seats oriented, for respectively engaging these part-cylindrical surfaces, wherein these part-cylindrical seats are defined by offset radii to include a somewhat flattened central base region merging smoothly with upwardly curving radiused sides.
US08377130B2
An apparatus and method are provided that allow for the realignment and stabilization of adjacent vertebrae. An implant of this invention both repositions adjacent vertebrae and remains in situ to maintain the new position. The implant has two halves which are interlocked such that they can slide horizontally with respect to each other. Movement of the implant halves and their respective positions are controlled by set screw within the implant. The implant includes radial anchors which fit into alignment slots made in the misaligned vertebra by the disclosed method. The set screws are used to advance the halves of the implant which in turn move the misaligned vertebrae back into correct positions. The correct position of the vertebrae is locked in place through a nut and a plate.
US08377119B2
A heart valve assembly includes a base including a multi-lobular annular shape within a plane, a valve member or other annular body including a multi-lobular shape complementary to the shape of the base, and cooperating connectors on the base and the annular body for connecting the annular body to the base. The base includes an anchoring ring, and a flexible cuff for attaching the base to a biological annulus. The base and the annular body include guides for aligning their multi-lobular shapes, e.g., visual, tactile, or other markers, or tethers that extend from the base that are slidable through the annular body. During use, the base is attached to a biological annulus, the annular body is directed adjacent the annulus, oriented such that the multi-lobular shape of the annular body valve member is aligned with the base, and the annular body is attached to the base.
US08377109B2
A medical device delivery system, having a rolling retractable sheath covering a medical device mounting region on the system is disclosed. The rolling retractable sheath comprises an inner wall and an outer wall and may be formed of one or more materials, optionally porous. Optionally, a lubricant may be applied selectively to the interior and exterior walls of the stent.
US08377105B2
A bone plate for use in a surgical procedure, in particular an osteotomy comprises a fixation portion provided with at least one opening adapted to receive a fastening device for fastening the fixation portion to a bone of a patient. A guiding portion of the bone plate having a guiding edge for guiding a bone cutting instrument during the surgical procedure, wherein the guiding portion is removably connected to the fixation portion, and wherein at least one of the fixation portion and the guiding portion has a size and shape which are customized based on anatomic data of the patient.
US08377099B1
A surgical fixation system comprising at least one pair of elongate members and a plurality of pedicle screws. The elongate members are installed along the length of the spine of the patient. The elongate members are coupled to vertebrae by a set of pedicle screws.
US08377098B2
A stabilization system for a human spine is provided. The stabilization system may include one or more dynamic interbody devices and/or one or more dynamic posterior stabilization systems. The dynamic interbody devices may allow for coupled axial rotation and lateral bending of vertebrae adjacent to the dynamic interbody devices. The dynamic posterior stabilization systems may provide resistance to movement that mimics the resistance provided by a normal functional spinal unit.
US08377094B2
Disclosed herein is an implantable fistula closure device. The device may include an expandable longitudinally segmented body including a proximal end and a distal end. The segmented body may further include a plurality of porous bodies and a connecting member operably joining together the plurality of porous bodies. The plurality of porous bodies includes a first porous body with a proximal end and a distal end and a second porous body with a proximal end and a distal end, and the connecting member operably connects the proximal end of the first porous body with the distal end of the second porous body.
US08377091B2
Devices for the occlusion of body cavities, such as the embolization of vascular aneurysms and the like, and methods for making and using such devices. The devices may be comprised of novel expansile materials, novel infrastructure design, or both. The devices provided are very flexible and enable deployment with reduced or no damage to bodily tissues, conduits, cavities, etceteras.
US08377074B2
A surgical screw cartridge system apparatus and method is provided wherein the cartridge has a body for storing a plurality of surgical screws. A spring-biased plunger is positioned within the body for presenting the surgical screws head first to a driver. A tab within the body prevents removal of the surgical screws from the body in absence of a screwdriver.
US08377066B2
A patient-specific alignment guide includes a three-dimensional engagement surface customized in a pre-operating planning stage by computer imaging to closely mate and conform to a corresponding bone portion of a patient's elbow joint. The patient-specific alignment guide defines a first longitudinal guiding bore aligned with a reference axis associated with the elbow joint of patient when the alignment guide is mounted onto the corresponding bone portion.
