US08384734B2
A method for implementing a user selectable white level includes displaying a default white patch of a default shade of white on a display, displaying a modified white patch of a modified shade of white that is different than the default shade of white on the display, receiving a selection of the modified white patch, associating another default shade of white with the modified shade of white in response to receiving the selection, receiving pixel data for a pixel, the pixel data comprising color information for displaying the default shade of white, and displaying the pixel with the second default shade of white.
US08384730B1
A present novel and non-trivial system, apparatus, and method for generating HUD image data from synthetic image data is disclosed. Based on a multi-channel pixel intensity data set generated by a synthetic vision system, a single-channel pixel intensity data set representative of a lighted solid image of terrain comprised of a plurality of intensities of one color may be generated. The single-channel pixel intensity image data set may be determined as a function of multi-channel pixel intensity data set and channel weighting, where channel weighting may be based on sky and/or terrain colors employed by an SVS. Based on the multi-channel pixel intensity data set, a three-dimensional perspective scene outside the aircraft may be presented to the pilot on a HUD combiner. Also, the multi-channel pixel intensity data set may be modified by using at least one chroma key, where such chroma key may be assigned to a specific multi-channel pixel intensity value.
US08384725B2
A method is provided for controlling an image processor to perform display of an image on a first display device in synchronization with short frames and to perform display of an image on a second display device in synchronization with long frames each of which has a time length longer than a time length of each short frame. According to the method, a synchronization signal acquisition process acquires a first synchronization signal synchronized with switching of the short frames. An estimation process estimates, each time the first synchronization signal is acquired, a generation position of a second synchronization signal synchronized with switching of the long frames within a 2-frame period corresponding to two short frames after the first synchronization signal is acquired. The image processor is provided with a drawing command instructing generation of an image to be displayed on the first display device or the second display device controllably in accordance with results of the estimating by the estimation process.
US08384723B2
A method of rendering parallel global illumination for obtaining a photo-realistic rendering image, includes: generating candidate parallel random numbers for creating a sample; creating a sample by selecting one of the generated random numbers; performing Monte Carlo integration on the basis of the created sample; and providing an application programming interface (API) common to operations having attributes of algorithm parallelism and data-level parallelism according to processed works, so that a common call interface calls a sample creating function, a random number generating function, and a Monte Carlo integration performing function. Furthermore, the method includes: demanding an operation regarding a processed work from a system call controller by the common call interface; performing parallel processing through a preset scheduling when the system call controller performs the operation demanded by the common call interface; and performing the processed work transferred from the system call controller by an operation hardware.
US08384711B2
Ray tracing a three-dimensional scene using a grid. One example embodiment is a method for ray tracing a three-dimensional scene using a grid. In this example method, the three-dimensional scene is made up of objects that are spatially partitioned into a plurality of cells that make up the grid. The method includes a first act of computing a bounding frustum of a packet of rays, and a second act of traversing the grid slice by slice along a major traversal axis. Each slice traversal includes a first act of determining one or more cells in the slice that are overlapped by the frustum and a second act of testing the rays in the packet for intersection with any objects at least partially bounded by the one or more cells overlapped by the frustum.
US08384709B2
An information processing apparatus includes a display control unit, a receiving unit, and a switching unit. The display control unit helps set information on printing product post-processing to be performed. The receiving unit receives a print instruction. If the post-processing apparatus is selected, the switching unit performs distributed transmitting processing on an image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus in response to the print instruction such that, print data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus and post-processing data is transmitted to the post-processing apparatus. If the post-processing apparatus is not selected, the switching unit performs the transmitting processing on the image forming apparatus in response to the print instruction such that both the print data and the post-processing data are transmitted to the image forming apparatus. The post-processing apparatus specifies the post-processing data transmitted with identification information in response to identification information being input in the post-processing apparatus.
US08384703B2
In a liquid crystal display device which arranges a drive circuit on left and right sides of a display region in a two-split manner, flickering at an edge of a screen can be reduced. In a liquid crystal display device which arranges first and second counter electrode drive circuits on left and right sides of a display region respectively, during an arbitrary 1 frame period, a first counter electrode signal drive circuit 3L applies a first voltage to at least one counter electrode signal line portion CX1, CX3, . . . CXn−1 and a second voltage different from the first voltage to at least one counter electrode signal line portion CX1, CX3, . . . CXn−1, and a second counter electrode signal drive circuit 3R applies the first voltage to at least one counter electrode signal line portion CX2, CX4, . . . CXn and the second voltage to at least one counter electrode signal line portion CX2, CX4, . . . CXn.
US08384696B2
A carrier for a digital pen includes a main case with an internal channel to closely receive and align the digital pen with an electronic package contained within the main case. In addition, the carrier includes an upper lid rotationally coupled to the main case. In one embodiment, the upper lid may be both partially and fully opened with a dual-action latch mechanism. In addition, the carrier may include a lower lid that may be opened to provide access to an electronic package. In one embodiment, an extendable serial communication device may be extended from the electronic package when the lower lid is open. Further, the carrier is configured to sufficiently protect the digital pen from harsh environmental conditions and even from harsh user-induced conditions, such as drops onto a hard surface, exposure of the carrier to rain, dust, and sand particulate, brief water submersion, and even temperature extremes.
US08384695B2
Provided are an automatic impedance adjuster and a control method thereof. The automatic impedance adjuster includes a specific channel for checking an operating environment. When an operation signal of the specific channel is detected or operation signals of all the channels are detected, the automatic impedance adjustment operation is performed to prevent malfunction of the impedance adjustment operation. In addition, malfunction of a touch sensor due to variation of the operating environment can be prevented to improve operating reliability of the touch sensor.
US08384682B2
An optical interactive panel includes a cladding layer, a first waveguide array, a second waveguide array, a first set of image sensor, and a second set of image sensor. The cladding layer has a first index of refraction. The first waveguide array has first waveguide channels formed on the cladding layer, wherein the first waveguide channels have a second index of refraction less than the first index of refraction, and extending at a first direction. The second waveguide array has second waveguide channels, formed on the cladding layer and extending at a second direction. The first set of image sensor detects a first set of light signals from the first waveguide channels to determine a first-direction location. The second set of image sensor detects a second set of light signals from the second waveguide channels to determine a second-direction location.
US08384679B2
A portable electronic device includes a touch-sensitive display and a piezoelectric actuator arranged to provide tactile feedback to the touch-sensitive display in response to an actuation signal. A pad is disposed in alignment with a force sensor such that depression of the touch-sensitive display causes the force sensor to generate a force signal. A processor configured to receive the force signal and to generate the actuation signal based on the force signal.
US08384678B2
A touch sensing device and a method for correcting an output thereof are disclosed. The touch sensing device includes a touch sensor array including a plurality of touch sensors, a plurality of integrated circuits (ICs) that converts an output of the touch sensor array into digital data and generates raw data, and a data correction unit that generates correction values using differential values between adjacent raw data in the raw data generated by the ICs and removes successive correction values equal to or greater than a predetermined critical value from the correction values when a number of successive correction values equal to or greater than the predetermined critical value is less than a predetermined reference value.
US08384676B2
A label having an identifier 41L is applied to the upper left corner of the key top of each character key in a left hand region of a keyboard device. A label having an identifier 41R is applied to the upper right corner of the key top of each character key in a right hand region. The identifier 41L is a mark of a reversed L shape and the identifier 41R is a mark of a mirror image pattern of the identifier 41L. Further, different colors are applied to the identifiers 41L and 41R depending on regions for individual fingers. As a consequence, the identifiers 41L and 41R have a function to visually display information representing which hand is to be used to press a key and information representing which finger is to be used to press the key. The keyboard device enables a user to naturally understand the arrangement of the keys and the use of the fingers.
US08384671B2
A reduced size and split keyboard arrangement is provided for a portable computing apparatus. The arrangement of the keys, together with mapping of multiple characters to the keys allows reduction of the keyboard to a smaller footprint of a handheld device. Keys may have a single character or multiple characters mapped thereto. For the keys with multiple character mapping, the selection of the character may be by done by simultaneous or near-simultaneous pressing of adjacent physical keys. In one embodiment, disambiguation software may be employed to determine selection of a character from a physical or virtual key with multiple characters assigned thereto.
US08384667B2
A gesture recognition based input device includes a number of finger wear components and image capture modules, and an image capture module. Each finger wear component dedicatedly reflects light of a unique wavelength. Each image capture module dedicatedly picks up light reflected by a corresponding finger wear component and thereby dedicatedly captures images of the corresponding finger wear component. The image recognition module recognizes movements of the finger wear components from the images and interprets the movements of the finger wear components into control signals.
US08384664B2
An input device for controlling a presentation program that is being run on a remote computing device is provided. The input device includes a first optical sensor configured to be activated by exposure to a focused beam of light and a second optical sensor configured to be activated by exposure to a focused beam of light. An RF communication device wirelessly delivers the instructional signals to the remote computing device to advance or reverse the presentation program.
US08384663B2
A system for generating position information includes a reflector, an image collection system, and a processor. The image collection system is configured to collect at least two sets of image data, where one set of image data includes a stronger indication of the reflector than the other set of image data. The two sets of image data can be collected in many different ways and may include using a retroreflector as the reflector. The two sets of image data are used to generate position information related to the reflector. In particular, position information related to the reflector is generated by taking the difference between the two set of image data. Because one set of image data includes a stronger indication of the reflector than the other set of image data, the difference between the two sets of image data gives a definitive indication of the reflector's position.
US08384657B2
A variable capacitor is formed from a pair of electrodes and a dielectric interposed between the electrodes over a substrate, and an external input is detected by changing capacitance of the variable capacitor by a physical or electrical force. Specifically, a variable capacitor and a sense amplifier are provided over the same substrate, and the sense amplifier reads the change of capacitance of the variable capacitor and transmits a signal in accordance with the input to a control circuit.
US08384654B2
The present invention provides a display device capable of realizing an appropriate screen display luminance in accordance with a video feature quantity and brightness around and sufficiently reducing power consumption. A liquid crystal display apparatus (1) includes: a liquid crystal panel (20) for displaying a video by an input video signal; a backlight unit (17) as a light source for irradiating the liquid crystal panel (20); and a brightness sensor (24) for detecting the brightness around the liquid crystal display apparatus (1). According to the brightness detected by the brightness sensor (24), luminance conversion characteristic defining the light emission luminance of the backlight for the feature quantity (such as APL) of the input video signal is changed. Here, the luminance conversion characteristic is changed so that the light emission luminance is reduced as the brightness around the liquid crystal display apparatus becomes darker and the position of the characteristic modification point as the point where the slope of the luminance conversion characteristic is changed is shifted in the direction of the feature quantity change. According to the obtained luminance conversion characteristic, the light emission luminance of the backlight is controlled.
US08384645B2
A method for driving an LCD panel and an LCD using the same are provided. The method includes following steps. Firstly, a number of scan signals are provided sequentially, and an enabling time of the scan signals excluding the last scan signal is adjusted according to a compensation time, so as to unfix the enabling time of these scan signals. Next, the scan signals having the unfixed enabling time are sequentially provided to an LCD panel, so as to turn on a number of row pixels of the LCD panel one by one. Thereby, the entire brightness of the LCD can be uniformed by applying the method disclosed in the present invention.
US08384643B2
A drive circuit for driving a display panel includes a first operation amplifier for operating using a first power source voltage and a second power source voltage; a second operation amplifier for operating using a third power source voltage and a fourth power source voltage; a control unit for supplying a first control voltage and a second control voltage; and a switch circuit for switching the first operation amplifier and the second operation amplifier. The switch circuit includes an n-channel type field effect transistor. The control unit applies the first control voltage to the n-channel type field effect transistor, so that the n-channel type field effect transistor transits from a non-conductive state to a conductive state.
US08384641B2
In one embodiment of the present application, during an initial setting period, switches are rendered conductive, so that voltage on a signal line becomes equal to a source voltage, and input voltages of inverters become equal to a logic threshold voltage. During a writing period, other switches are rendered conductive, and the inverters serve as amplifiers. The last-stage inverter is made up of a P-type Tr14, and an N-type Tr15 having a lower current drive capability than the P-type Tr14. At the beginning of the writing period, the voltage on the signal line varies due to current flowing through the P-type Tr14, and therefore the rate of change of the voltage on the signal line does not change by reducing the current drive capability of the N-type Tr15. On the other hand, by reducing the current drive capability of the N-type Tr15, the output resistance of the inverter increases, so that an amplifier circuit has frequency characteristics with an increased phase margin, resulting in reduced power consumption of the amplifier circuit.
US08384640B2
An image processing method for a display device, for enhancing image quality, includes receiving video signals, sequentially generating a plurality of image data according to the video signals, and sequentially displaying the plurality of image data on a panel of the display device. Each of the plurality of image data includes a frame data and a low-gray-level frame data respectively corresponding to a frame output duration and a vertical blanking duration in a timing sequence of the video signals.
US08384635B2
A gamma voltage generator adapted in a source driver and a source driver adapted in a display panel are provided. The source driver comprises a DAC and a gamma voltage generator comprising a first and a second arithmetic circuit and a gamma voltage string. The first arithmetic circuit receives a first gamma reference voltage and at least one first tuning voltage to supply a first reference voltage. The second arithmetic circuit receives a second gamma reference voltage and at least one second tuning voltage to supply a second reference voltage. The gamma resistor string has two ends coupled to the first and the second arithmetic circuits to receive the first and the second reference voltages respectively to generate a plurality of gamma voltages. The DAC receives digital pixel data and the gamma voltages to generate a plurality of driving voltages to a pixel array of the display panel.
US08384631B2
An active matrix display panel comprises a substrate, an array of pixel circuits being arranged in a matrix of at least one column and a plurality of rows on the substrate, each pixel circuit comprising a light-emitting element, capable of emitting light of an intensity determined by the value of a current passed through it, and at least one column line, each column line arranged to conduct a reference current, provided by a current driving circuit, when connected to the panel. The pixel circuits in a column are divided into a plurality of groups of at least one pixel circuit. The active matrix display panel comprises at least one current mirror circuit associated with a first group, comprising a first current mirror, arranged to mirror a reference current flowing through a column line to a first current mirror output. Each pixel circuit in the first group comprises at least a first current-memory stage, having an output terminal connected to the light-emitting element, wherein the first current-memory stage is capable of drawing a current determined at least partly by the current mirrored to the first current mirror output through the output terminal. Each current mirror circuit comprises at least one additional current mirror, arranged to mirror a reference current flowing through an associated column line to an additional current mirror output, wherein each additional current mirror output is connected in parallel to the first current mirror output.
US08384628B2
A document including an integrated display device that has several triggerable display elements, each of which is designed to emit an optical signal for representing first data stored in the document whereby the display device is designed for cyclical activation of the display elements for rendering the first data in sequential image regeneration periods, and whereby the display device is designed in such a way that the emission of the optical signals of at least a subset of the display element takes place with a chronological delay, whereby it is not possible to visually perceive the chronological delay.
US08384627B2
A display device includes: a pixel array section; and a drive section, the pixel array section including scan lines, signal lines, pixels, and power lines, the drive section including a main scanner, a drive scanner, and a signal selector, wherein each of the pixels includes a light-emitting element, sampling transistor, drive transistor, and holding capacitor.
US08384624B1
The priming or conditioning of an AC gas discharge plasma display panel for improved selective write and selective erase which comprises addressing n number of rows in an order or sequence that is changed from frame to frame such that later rows to be addressed are advanced in the sequence with each subsequent frame. Each frame consists of the addressing of all n rows. Specific embodiments include the use of plasma-shells, plasma-tubes, and/or combinations thereof.
US08384620B2
The radiance of a laser diode is a function of laser diode drive current. The radiance is also a function of other factors, such as age and temperature. A laser projection device includes laser diodes to generate light in response to a commanded radiance, and also includes photodetectors to provide a measured radiance. The commanded radiance and measured radiance are compared, and drive currents for the laser diodes are adjusted to provide luminance and color balance tracking.
US08384609B2
An RF aperture coldplate for positioning in heat transfer proximity to heat-generating elements of an RF antenna system is presented. The RF aperture coldplate has a front side and a rear side. The RF aperture coldplate includes waveguides each forming an opening therethrough from the front side to the rear side, and passages substantially around the waveguides. The passages are configured to conduct cooling medium around the waveguides and between the front side and the rear side of the RF aperture coldplate.
US08384605B2
A communication system includes a first communication module within a rotating frame of reference and a second communication module within a fixed frame of reference. The first communication module and the second communication module in wireless communication at least partially through a hollow shaft.
US08384589B2
A positioning apparatus includes: a first positioning device for calculating a reception position of a GPS receiver with respect to each combination of satellites based on a pseudo distance from each positioning satellite to the reception position; a component error calculator for calculating an error of at least one component in a calculation result of the first positioning device; a pseudo distance error calculator for obtaining a relation equation between the error of the at least one component and an error of the pseudo distance, and for solving simultaneous equations comprising the relation equation so that the error of the pseudo distance with respect to each positioning satellite is calculated; and a second positioning device for correcting the reception position based on the error of the pseudo distance.
US08384587B2
A radar being carried by an aircraft includes means for transmitting an RF wave towards a target, said wave having a double form, a first waveform being composed of at least two sinusoids of different frequencies transmitted simultaneously, the radar comprising reception circuits receiving the signals reflected by the target and analysis means performing the detection of the target on the basis of the signals received. The second waveform is of the pulse type. The transmitted waveform is dependent on the relative speed of the target with respect to the carrier and on the absolute speed of the carrier.
US08384586B2
A Mixer structure (210) for Doppler radar applications and a Doppler radar sensor (30) having an oscillator input port (LO) for output signals from an electric oscillator (32), having a radio frequency input port (RF) for output signals from receiving means (34), having an output port (IF) for an overall output intermediate signal produced in the mixer structure (210) and having two mixer branches (12a, 12b) each with a diode (18a, 18b). The mixer branches (12a, 12b) are connected to the oscillator input port (LO) and to the radio frequency input port (RF) in such a manner that intermediate signals (IF1, IF2), which are produced in these mixer branches (12a, 12b) and correspond to a Doppler shift between the oscillator signal and the radio frequency signal, are processed to the overall output signal.
US08384579B2
Systems and methods are provided for converting analog data to digital data that can include a discharge capacitor coupled to a voltage source. The voltage source supplies an initial data charge to the discharge capacitor; an amplifier coupled to the discharge capacitor; a divider circuit coupled to the amplifier; and a comparator coupled to the amplifier and the divider circuit. The divider circuit includes a first capacitor, a second capacitor, and a switch that is operated to alternately divide a remaining charge Q by 2N using the first and second capacitors until the remaining data charge Qin at the amplifier is below a threshold value in the process of converting analog data to digital data.
US08384576B2
An output circuit includes a connection switch and an operation unit. The connection switch receives first and second voltages from first and second terminals, respectively, selects and outputs the first voltage or the second voltage for first to third intermediate terminals, including selection of the same voltage and switches assignment of the first and second voltages to the first to third intermediate terminals responsive to a connection switching signal. The operation unit receives the voltages assigned to the first to third intermediate terminals and outputs to an output terminal a voltage obtained by performing a predetermined operation on the voltages.
US08384573B2
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with a digital segment having a digital data input and an analog segment coupled to the digital segment and having an analog output to output an analog signal corresponding to the digital data. The analog segment includes one or more gain stages and a feedback structure to couple the analog output to the one or more gain stages to attenuate signal distortion at the analog output. A combined gain of the one or more gain stages determines a signal distortion attenuation characteristic of the analog segment.
US08384555B2
A method and apparatus for automated detection of mobile phone usage by drivers of vehicles includes at least one mobile phone signal receiving device, at least one image capturing device, at least one infrared illuminator and at least one computer. The mobile phone signal receiving device is operative to detect a mobile phone signal transmitted from a vehicle. The at least one image capturing device is operative to capture infrared light reflected off of the driver of the vehicle. The at least one computer is operative to store, in a storage device, information associated with at least one of the mobile phone signals transmitted from the vehicle and the at least one image of the vehicle. The information stored in the storage device may be used to determine if a person associated with the vehicle should be prosecuted for illegal use of a mobile phone while driving the vehicle.
US08384553B2
A trigger mechanism including sensing electronics, a power source and a length of bifilar wire. The bifilar wire has two electrically conductive filaments separated by an insulator, with a first end in electrical connection with the sensing electronics and the power source and a second end that is free. A circuit can be created by fusing together the two filaments in a section of the bifilar wire. The sensing electronics are configured to monitor the status of a circuit created between the bifilar wire, sensing electronics and power source and to output a signal when the circuit is broken.
US08384552B2
Disclosed is a radiation monitoring system that has a radiation detector for making radiation measurements within a monitored area. An occupancy sensor may be provided for detecting a presence of an entity in the monitored area, and a motion sensor may be provided for detecting a motion of the entity in the monitored area. In a typical embodiment, a radiation measurement collection system is provided which has a first program logic element for collecting the radiation measurements as collected radiation measurements when the presence of the entity is detected and the motion of the entity is detected. Also provided is a method for monitoring an area for intermittent sources of radiation.
US08384548B2
Electronic monitoring systems and methods for detecting and verifying the adequacy of personal protective equipment needed by a person to complete a potentially hazardous task. Items providing different predetermined levels of protection may be identified and evaluated in light of specific risk potentials posed at specific locations, such as different portions of energized electrical circuitry presenting different arc flash hazard risks. Individuals may also be identified and determined to be authorized or unauthorized to perform a potentially hazardous task at a specific location. Confirmation features, alarm features, and event logs may be provided, and the monitoring systems and methods may be integrated with circuit protector monitoring systems and functionality.
US08384543B2
A security system includes a sensor attached to a merchandise item, a slave unit attached to a merchandise rack and connected to one or a plurality of sensors via a wire, and a master unit that monitors theft of the merchandise item by wirelessly receiving a signal using a first frequency band from one or a plurality of slave units.
US08384540B2
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for scanning refuse (garbage, trash) from a large geographic area to detect the presence of hazardous materials in the refuse. Hazardous material may comprise CBRNE agents, components of terrorist devices, environmental pollutants and toxins and illegal drugs and may include trace particulates of such agents as well as by-products thereof. Systems and methods, according to some embodiments, may further comprise geo-locating to a small geographic area the origin of hazardous material. Accordingly, in some embodiments the disclosure provides systems and methods to geo-locate facilities or addresses where hazardous materials are generated, thereby geo-locating facilities that make terrorist devices, sources of environmental pollutants and/or sources of illegal drugs. According to some embodiments, systems and methods of the disclosure enable focusing efforts of law enforcement authorities to identify terrorists, drug activities and/or environmental offenders to small geographic areas (e.g. a street address).
US08384534B2
An apparatus for assisting safe operation of a vehicle includes an environment sensor system detecting hazards within the vehicle environment, a driver monitor providing driver awareness data (such as a gaze track), and an attention-evaluation module identifying hazards as sufficiently or insufficiently sensed by the driver by comparing the hazard data and the gaze track. An alert signal relating to the unperceived hazards can be provided.
US08384527B2
A portable and personal alarm clock system which incorporates the use of wireless technology to wake a person up through a personal earpiece alarm. This device comprises two main components including an earpiece alarm and a receiving base. The earpiece alarm is integrated with a small rechargeable battery and charging portal and is designed to automatically turn on after removing from receiving base. The receiving base resembles an electric alarm clock having an LED face, two speakers, a snooze button, buttons for setting the clock and alarm, and an alarm sound selector function. There is a charging means for the earpiece(s) and a volume control for the ear piece and base speakers. The base could also include a backup power source.
US08384525B2
The present invention provides a method for contactless programming of a memory element of an electronic device having a wireless short range communications interface. The method comprises performing an interrogation for detecting the presence of said wireless short range communications interface, receiving, responsive to said interrogation, data from said wireless interface, said data indicating a hardware configuration of said electronic device, selecting programming data for programming said memory element based on said hardware configuration, and transmitting said selected programming data to be received by said wireless short range communications interface. The method further comprises detecting an interrogation, transmitting, responsive to said interrogation, data via said wireless interface, said data indicating a hardware configuration of said electronic device, receiving programming data at said wireless short range communications interface, and programming said memory element according to said programming data. The invention also provides devices for performing the inventive method.
US08384524B2
The present disclosure relates generally to wireless detection systems. In one illustrative embodiment, a wireless detection system includes a plurality of surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors, and an electronic reader for interrogating the plurality of SAW sensors. In some instances, each of the surface acoustic wave based sensors includes an integrated sensor coil. The electronic reader may include a plurality of reader coils and a controller. The controller may be configured to interrogate the plurality of surface acoustic wave based sensors using a time division interrogation. In some cases, each of the plurality of reader coils is inductively coupled to only one of the integrated coils of the SAW sensors at any given time.
US08384520B2
A window panel including at least one electronic device that includes at least one electronic memory in which is stored information that can be read remotely using an appropriate reading apparatus. An electronic device connected to the memory receives and processes data so as to transmit and enter information to and in the memory in response to signals received in a programmed way by one or more units for detecting and sending data associated with the window panel and/or a device accommodating the window panel.
US08384515B2
To provide cancelable biometrics, random projection transforms are used to produce transformed biometric data that may be used for authentication purposes. Each random projection transform provides a one-way or irreversible transformation such that the resulting transformed biometric data alone cannot be used to reconstruct the biometric data. Enrollment and backup transforms are produced based on enrollment biometric data. Authentication is possible by similarly transforming authentication biometric and then securely reconstructing the enrollment and authentication biometric data for comparison. In a similar manner, the enrollment and backup transforms may be used to reenroll biometric data when its corresponding transformed biometric data is compromised without requiring further user intervention.
US08384512B2
A detection sensor and method enable a communication of setting information without a dedicated communication device. In particular, the output of an output signal as well as the reception of the setting information data are conducted using a common external connecting terminal, by selectively enabling a second output circuit, which a pressure sensor essentially includes, and an input circuit commonly connected to the external connecting terminal that is connected to the second output circuit.
US08384507B2
A through via inductor or transformer in a high-resistance substrate in an electronic package. In one embodiment, the package comprises a target inductor which includes a through-via formed in the substrate through which a signal passes and a tuner inductor which includes a through-via formed in the substrate such that the through-via has an independent signal passing therethrough. The direction of the signal passing through the tuner inductor can be independently controlled to adjust the total inductance of the target inductor. In another embodiment, a transformer can comprise a primary loop and a secondary loop, each of which includes a plurality of through-vias that are coupled to a plurality of conductive traces. The primary loop forms a first continuous conductive path and the secondary loop forms a second continuous conductive path. A signal passing through the primary loop can induce a signal in the secondary loop such that the induced signal is dependent on the transformer ratio.
US08384504B2
A magnet system for generating a magnetic field may include a superconducting magnet, a switch, and a heater element thermally coupled to the switch. The superconducting magnet is structured to generate magnetic fields, and the switch includes a non-inductive superconducting current carrying path connected in parallel to the superconducting magnet. In general, the switch is structured to only carry a level of current that is a portion of the current required to obtain a full field by the superconducting magnet.
US08384503B2
A switching device (1) with a pole element (2) which exhibits a plurality of magnets (10) arranged one next to the other with alternating polarity, a first switching element (4), wherein the pole element (2) is situated next to the first switching element (4) and is movable relative to the first switching element (4), and wherein the first switching element (4) exhibits magnetisable area segments (16). According to the invention the switching device (1) exhibits magnetisable force coupling elements (8), which, in dependence on a relative motion between the pole element (2) and the first switching element (4), are arranged in such a way as to be movable with respect to the switching element.
US08384500B2
Methods and systems for MEMS switches fabricated in an integrated circuit package are disclosed and may include controlling switching of RF components, and signals handled by the RF components, within an integrated circuit. One or more MEMS switch arrays embedded within a multi-layer package bonded to the integrated circuit may be utilized for the switching and signal control. The RF components and one or more MEMS switch arrays may be integrated in the multi-layer package. The RF components may be electrically coupled to the integrated circuit via the one or more MEMS switch arrays. The MEMS switch arrays may be electrostatically or magnetically activated. The RF components may be coupled to one or more capacitor arrays in the integrated circuit. The RF components may include transformers, inductors, transmission lines, microstrip and/or coplanar waveguide filters and/or surface mount devices. The integrated circuit may be coupled to the multiple-layer package utilizing a flip-chip bonding technique.
US08384499B2
A leaky cable with a central conductor, and an outer conductor having a rectangular cross section surrounding the central conductor. The outer conductor has a first and a second surface parallel to each other, and at least one slot row formed in at least one of the first and second surface. The slot row is formed in a first direction of the outer conductor and includes a plurality of slots each configured to form a leaky electromagnetic field. An insulator is disposed between the central conductor and the outer conductor. The width of the rectangular cross section in a direction parallel to the first and second surfaces is less than half of a wavelength of an electric signal transmitted through the leaky cable.
US08384495B2
An acoustic wave duplexer includes a piezoelectric substrate, a first filter and a second filter whose center frequency is higher than that of the first filter, the first and second filters being provided on the piezoelectric substrate. The first filter is structured as a ladder type. A resonator positioned nearest to an antenna terminal out of series-arm resonators is designated as a first resonator. A pitch of a comb-shaped electrode structuring the first resonator is set such that a bulk wave emission frequency of the first resonator becomes higher than a passband of the second filter.
US08384489B2
A micro-strip transmission line capable of reducing far-end crosstalk is provided. The micro-strip transmission line having a serpentine shape is capable of reducing the far-end crosstalk of the transmission line by increasing capacitive coupling between neighboring transmission lines by allowing parallel micro-strip transmission lines to have serpentine shapes. In the structure of the micro-strip transmission line having the serpentine shape, it is possible to reduce the far-end crosstalk of the transmission line by increasing capacitive coupling between neighboring transmission lines by allowing parallel micro-strip transmission lines to have serpentine shapes.
US08384482B2
An amplifier circuit includes a first amplifier operable to turn on at a first power level, a second amplifier operable to turn on at a second power level below the first power level and a third amplifier operable to turn on at all power levels. A first power combiner is operable to combine an output of the third amplifier with an output of the second amplifier at a first power combining node to form a first combined amplifier output. A second power combiner is operable to combine the first combined amplifier output with an output of the first amplifier at a second power combining node to form a second combined amplifier output. An impedance transformer is operable to transform a load impedance of the amplifier circuit to a transformed impedance at the second power combining node, the transformed impedance matching an impedance of the first and second power combiners.
US08384481B2
A signal amplification device includes: a signal generator which divides an input signal so as to generate a plurality of division signals having a specified amplitude and different phases; a plurality of amplifiers which amplify the plurality of division signals by using a field effect transistor, respectively; transmission lines through which the division signals pass, the division signals being amplified with individual amplifiers of the plurality of amplifiers, the transmission lines have different lengths and no isolation is provided between ends of the transmission lines; and a detector which performs a comparison between gate currents input to the individual amplifiers to detect whether an input of the division signal to any of the plurality of the amplifiers exceeds a saturation level.
US08384480B2
A differential amplifier includes first and second current paths, each connected between first and second power supplies (PS) and respectively outputting first and second differential output signals. The first current path includes: first transistor, selectively interconnected between the first PS and a first output terminal, its gate receiving one differential input signal; second transistor, connected between the second PS and the first output terminal, its gate receiving the other differential input signal; and first switch circuit. The second current path includes: third transistor, selectively interconnected between the second PS and a second output terminal, its gate receiving one differential input signal; fourth transistor, connected between the first PS and the second output terminal, its gate receiving the other differential input signal; and second switch circuit. One of the first and second switch circuits is connected to the first PS and the other is connected to the second PS.
US08384479B2
An amplifier circuit includes a first stage and a second stage. The first stage includes a differential input circuit coupled to a differential input node. The first stage includes a first partial cascode circuit including devices of a first type, the first partial cascode circuit being coupled to a first power supply node, a first bias node, and the differential input stage. The first stage includes a second partial cascode circuit including devices of a second type, the second partial cascode circuit being coupled to a second power supply node and the differential input circuit. The second stage is coupled to the first stage. The second stage includes a first full cascode circuit coupled to an output node.
US08384477B2
A distortion compensating apparatus that compensates signal distortion caused by an amplifier includes a distortion compensating process unit that using a distortion compensation coefficient, compensates distortion of an input signal; a memory unit storing therein the distortion compensation coefficient; and an address generating unit that generates a first address that is based on electrical power of the input signal and is for acquiring the distortion compensation coefficient from the memory unit, and a second address that is based on any one among the electrical power, phase of the input signal and amplitude of the input signal, is for acquiring the distortion compensation coefficient from the memory unit, and is normalized in a normalizing range determined according to the electrical power of the input signal. The distortion compensating process unit acquires the distortion compensation coefficient from the memory unit, based on the first and the second addresses to compensate the distortion.
US08384475B2
The present invention relates to a composite amplifier (3, 4, 120), a radio terminal (100) including such composite amplifier and to a method for improving the efficiency of such composite amplifier in particular. The composite amplifier according to embodiments of the present invention is arranged to be connected to an output combiner network (43, 53, 63, 73, 83) and to a load (49, 130). the output combiner network comprising at least one dynamically tuneable reactance (47, 48). The instantaneous efficiency of the composite amplifier (3, 4, 120) is increased by tuning the impedances/admittances seen by each of said at least two power amplifiers (41, 42, 71, 72). The amplifiers being differently driven and they may further be part of a Chireix outphasing system or a pair of a Doherty amplifier.
US08384470B2
Provided is an internal power supply voltage generation circuit with which a through current of a logic circuit supplied with an internal power supply voltage does not depend on a power supply voltage. A reference voltage (VREF) is generated based on a constant current of a current source (1) independently of a power supply voltage (VDD). Based on the reference voltage (VREF), an internal power supply voltage (DVDD) is generated independently of the power supply voltage (VDD) because of a source follower. A through current of a logic circuit (9) flows based on the internal power supply voltage (DVDD). The through current of the logic circuit (9) is therefore independent of the power supply voltage (VDD). The internal power supply voltage (DVDD) is a minimum power supply voltage for the logic circuit (9) to operate based on the specification. The through current of the logic circuit (9) is therefore small.
US08384457B2
Method and circuitry for controlling duty cycle of an input signal towards a desired value comprising a sequence of at least two inverters arranged in series and feedback circuitry. A first inverter is arranged to receive the input signal and a last inverter is arranged to output a signal having the same frequency as the input signal. The output signal is an adjusted version of the input signal. The feedback circuitry is arranged to receive the output signal and comprises a comparing and supplying means. The comparing means compares the output signal with a reference signal indicative of a desired value and generates a feedback signal based on the comparison of the output and reference signal. The supplying means supplies the feedback signal to adjust operating conditions of at least one of the inverters, such that the duty cycle of the output signal is controlled towards the desired value.
US08384456B1
A phase delay element coupled to an output of A multiplexor and a first input of the multiplexor. A reference clock line is coupled to a second input of the multiplexor. A selector that is coupled to a selector input of the multiplexor. A signal divider element coupled to an output of the phase delay element. A variable delay controller is coupled to a) the output of the variable delay controller; b) at least one output of the variable delay controller. An integrated phase detector and charge pump element (PDCHP) is coupled to at least: a) an output of the variable delay controller; and b) the selector; c) and a first and second output of the divider element. A capacitor is coupled to an output of the PDCHP, wherein the capacitor is also coupled to a controller input of the phase delay element.
US08384455B2
An apparatus for clock skew compensation is provided. The apparatus includes a first delay locked loop (DLL) module disposed in a first die and a second DLL module disposed in a second die. A first input terminal of the first DLL module receives a reference clock. A first input terminal of the second DLL module is electrically connected to an output terminal of the first DLL module. An output terminal of the second DLL module is electrically connected to a second input terminal of the first DLL module.
US08384454B2
A method of dynamically adjusting phase-chasing speed for increasing efficiency of a DLL circuit includes detecting an overall loop delay for an input clock signal in the DLL circuit, obtaining an optimal divisor according to the overall loop delay, and in the phase-locking period of the DLL circuit, dividing the frequencies of the input clock signal and a feedback clock signal corresponding to the input clock signal according to the optimal divisor.
US08384453B1
The present disclosure relates to a method, apparatus, and system for locking a phase locked loop (PLL). The method may include receiving a reference signal at a phase locked loop (PLL) circuitry having a first PLL circuitry and a second PLL circuitry. The first PLL circuitry may include a fixed frequency oscillator. The method may further include adjusting a division ratio using, at least in part, a fractional divider circuitry in communication with the fixed frequency oscillator, to generate a feedback signal having a substantially equal frequency and a substantially equal phase in relation to a reference frequency. The method may also include receiving the feedback signal and the reference frequency at a phase detector.
US08384439B2
Provided are a semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the semiconductor device. The semiconductor device may be a complementary device including a p-type oxide TFT and an n-type oxide TFT. The semiconductor device may be a logic device such as an inverter, a NAND device, or a NOR device.
US08384433B2
To include a first inverter that receives an input signal to output an inverted signal, a second inverter that receives the inverted signal to output a first internal signal, and a third inverter that receives the input signal and outputs a second internal signal by using the inverted signal as a power supply. According to the present invention, because a signal on one signal path is used as a power supply of an inverter included in the other signal path, phases of a pair of output signals based on the input signal can be exactly matched without adding a capacitor or a resistor for adjustment.
US08384431B2
Level shifting circuits and related methods are disclosed herein. The level shifting circuit includes a cross-coupled pull-up circuit coupled to a higher supply voltage, an output signal, and an inverted output signal. An input signal transitions between a ground and a lower supply voltage and an inverted input signal transitions in a direction opposite from the input signal between the ground and the lower supply voltage. A first n-channel transistor has a gate coupled to the lower supply voltage, a drain coupled to the output signal, and a source coupled to the inverted input signal. A second n-channel transistor has a gate coupled to the lower supply voltage, a drain coupled to the inverted output signal, and a source coupled to the input signal. The level shifting circuit may be included in an IC with core logic in a first voltage domain and input/output logic in a second voltage domain.
US08384429B2
An integrated circuit has one or more logic gates and a control circuit. The control circuit has one or more control elements coupled to the logic gates. The control circuit controls the states of the one or more logic gates. The one or more control elements have one or more programmable resistance elements and/or one or more threshold switching elements.
US08384428B1
In one embodiment of the invention, a programmable logic device, such as an FPGA, has programmable I/O circuits that can be programmed into any one of a number of different operating modes before configuration is completed. As such, the same set of I/O circuits and corresponding I/O pads can be used to configure the device using different configuration interfaces having different interface signaling requirements. Such a device may be able to be implemented using fewer I/O pads than conventional devices that employ a different set of I/O pads for each different type of configuration interface supported by the device.
US08384427B1
In one embodiment, a programmable logic device includes configuration memory, an SPI port for receiving a bitstream, a chip select output pin, and configuration control circuitry. The chip select output pin can provide a chip select signal having a first logic state for selecting another device (such as another PLD) to receive a bitstream and a second logic state for de-selecting the other device. The configuration control circuitry is responsive to a command embedded in the received bitstream to drive the chip select output pin from the second logic state to the first logic state, thereby selecting the other device to receive the bitstream. Several such PLDs connected in a daisy chain can thus be configured from a single configuration source or have their configuration data read back while so connected.
US08384416B2
The exemplary embodiments provide a resilient integrated circuit. An exemplary IC comprises a plurality of composite circuit elements, a state machine element (SME), and a plurality of communication elements. Each composite circuit element comprises an element interface and a selected circuit element which may vary by element type, and which may be configurable. The state machine element assigns various functions based on element type, such as assigning a first configuration to a first element type, assigning a second configuration to a second element type, and providing a first data link for the corresponding assignments. In response to detection of a fault or failure, the state machine element re-assigns the first configuration to another composite circuit element and creates a second data link for performance of the same function. The assignment, routing, fault detection, and re-assignment and data re-routing can occur in real time for a wide variety of programs and algorithms, providing for the IC to continue the same functioning despite defects which may arise during operation.
US08384413B2
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a mirror compiler is provided for each protected device or circuit resulting in a program that is embedded into the protected device's source code. The mirror compiler can be configured to have multiple selectable compilation parameters offering the programmer flexible options for mirrored power cancellations.In the preferred embodiment, the mirror compiler comprises a digital-to-analog converter and a digital-to-analog load to sink current. These elements serve to define a complement of the normal (i.e., unprotected) programmed device's output current. The digital-to-analog load currents are output and thus act to cancel the expected variations in the currents of the protected programmed device.
US08384412B2
A method distributes personalized circuits to one or more parties. The method distributes a generic circuit to each party, encrypts a unique personalization value using a secret encryption key, and transmits each encrypted personalization value to the corresponding party. Each party then stores the encrypted personalization value in their circuit. The stored encrypted personalization value allows a piece of software to be properly executed by the circuit. A semiconductor integrated circuit is arranged to execute a piece of software that inputs a personalization value as an input parameter. The circuit comprises a personalization memory arranged to store an encrypted personalization value; a key memory for storing a decryption key; a control unit comprising a cryptographic circuit arranged to decrypt the encrypted personalization value using the decryption key; and a processor arranged to receive the decrypted personalization value and execute the software using the decrypted personalization value.
US08384406B2
In a semiconductor test apparatus, a first device is tested as a device under test in a state where the first device provided with a transmitter transmitting a signal and a second device provided with a receiver receiving the signal transmitted by the transmitter, are connected together. The transmitter includes an equalizer circuit that shapes the waveform of the differential signal to be transmitted. The receiver includes a latch circuit that latches data corresponding to the differential signal thus received with the use of a clock, the timing of which is variable. A control unit varies, in a matrix, a parameter of the equalizer circuit and an edge timing of the clock CLK supplied to the latch circuit.
US08384403B2
In a system or method to detect an electrical potential and layer thickness of a layer of toner particles in a printer or copier, a measurement arrangement is provided having a first electrode and at least one second electrode situated opposite the first electrode. An intermediate image carrier is provided on a surface of which a toner image is generated. A drive unit drives the intermediate image carrier so that its surface is directed past the first electrode situated opposite the surface. An evaluation unit is electrically connected with the first electrode. The evaluation unit detects an electrical current flowing between the first electrode and the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit determines an electrical charge of toner particles arranged in a detection region in a first measurement procedure with aid of the detected current. The evaluation unit also determines the layer thickness of the layer of toner particles in an inked region via at least one second measurement procedure.
US08384390B2
A battery gas gauge includes a voltage detection unit and a processor. The voltage detection unit is coupled to a battery pack and can measure a plurality of open circuit voltages of a plurality of cells in the battery pack respectively. The processor is coupled to the voltage detection unit and can determine a minimum open circuit voltage of the open circuit voltages, and can determine a first relative state of charge of the battery pack based on a relationship between the minimum open circuit voltage and a corresponding relative state of charge of a cell having the minimum open circuit voltage. The processor can further determine a capacity level of the battery pack based on the first relative state of charge and a rated full capacity level of the battery pack.
US08384387B1
A magnetic resonance imaging configuration to straighten and otherwise homogenize the field lines in the imaging portion, creating improved image quality. Through use of calibrated corrective coils, magnetic field lines can be manipulated to improve uniformity and image quality. Additionally, when the apparatus is composed of non-ferromagnetic materials, field strengths can be increased to overcome limitations of Iron-based systems such as by use of superconductivity. A patient positioning apparatus allowing multi-positioning is also disclosed.
US08384383B2
A method for reconstructing a sequence of magnetic resonance (MR) images of an object under investigation, includes the steps of (a) providing a series of sets of image raw data including an image content of the MR images to be reconstructed, the image raw data being collected with the use of at least one radiofrequency receiver coil of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, wherein each set of image raw data includes a plurality of data samples being generated with a gradient-echo sequence, in particular a FLASH sequence, that spatially encodes an MRI signal received with the at least one radiofrequency receiver coil using a non-Cartesian k-space trajectory, each set of image raw data includes a set of homogeneously distributed lines in k-space with equivalent spatial frequency content, the lines of each set of image raw data cross the center of k-space and cover a continuous range of spatial frequencies, and the positions of the lines of each set of image raw data differ in successive sets of image raw data, and (b) subjecting the sets of image raw data to a regularized nonlinear inverse reconstruction process to provide the sequence of MR images, wherein each of the MR images is created by a simultaneous estimation of a sensitivity of the at least one receiver coil and the image content and in dependency on a difference between a current estimation of the sensitivity of the at least one receiver coil and the image content and a preceding estimation of the sensitivity of the at least one receiver coil and the image content.
US08384381B2
A biological detector includes a conduit for receiving a fluid containing one or more magnetic nanoparticle-labeled, biological objects to be detected and one or more permanent magnets or electromagnet for establishing a low magnetic field in which the conduit is disposed. A microcoil is disposed proximate the conduit for energization at a frequency that permits detection by NMR spectroscopy of whether the one or more magnetically-labeled biological objects is/are present in the fluid.
US08384371B2
A method, apparatus, and system in which a neutral deriving transformer incorporates a zig-zag transformer configuration is provided. A zig-zag transformer provides an electrical load with a neutral wire. The zig-zag transformer may be electrically connected downstream of a main AC voltage step-down transformer. Additionally, three phase AC voltage lines can be routed to the zig-zag transformer such that the zig-zag transformer comprises a neutral deriving transformer that electrically connects to a ground conductor. The neutral deriving transformer might not be electrically connected to a neutral conductor of the main voltage step-down transformer. The zig-zag transformer can phase shift each winding by approximately 120 degrees and may derive a neutral for at least one single phase load connected to the zig-zag transformer and one of the three phase AC lines in order to provide a common neutral point that takes the place of a neutral cable that connects back to the main AC voltage step-down transformer.
US08384364B2
In a unit inverter system where multiple unit inverters are connected in parallel, the quantity of operating unit inverters is determined in accordance with an amount of power to be converted. A gate signal of a semiconductor switching element of a unit inverter is turned off after an output current of the inverter is reduced when reducing the quantity of inverter units, thereby improving the partial load efficiency of the system without an adverse effect on the system. A regulator connected to the inverter determines dead time of the inverter according to the output current value and an average output current value of the unit inverters, waits for the determined dead time so as to reduce the output current of the unit inverter, and then turns off the gate signal.
US08384363B2
A method and apparatus for converting a DC voltage to a lower DC voltage, provides for conducting current from an input terminal, through an inductor to charge a capacitor connected to the inductor at an output terminal and to provide a varying range of load current from the output terminal, alternately switching the input terminal between a supply voltage and a ground potential to produce a desired voltage at the output terminal that is lower than the supply voltage, while providing the varying range of load current, and disconnecting the input terminal from both the supply voltage and the ground potential to reduce an increase in voltage at the output terminal caused by a substantial reduction in the load current, while current through the inductor adjusts in response to the reduced load current.
US08384360B2
A hybrid battery includes a converter, a controller, a power source, and an ultracapacitor configured to be discharged. The converter is operable to receive a control signal and to regulate a current level that is allowed to be drawn from the power source to charge the ultracapacitor in accordance with the control signal. The controller is operable to generate and provide the control signal to the converter. The controller is operable to generate the control signal based at least in part on a measure of the voltage level of the ultracapacitor and a measure current being drawn to charge the ultracapacitor.
US08384350B2
Disclosed herein is a battery cell voltage balancing device for connecting two or more battery cells to one another in parallel so as to minimize a voltage difference between the respective battery cells, the battery cell voltage balancing device including an insulative main body having partitions, between which the two or more battery cells are mounted, respectively, configured in a structure in which the partitions are open upward, terminal connection parts disposed at opposite ends of the insulative main body for connecting cathodes and anodes of the battery cells mounted at the insulative main body to cathodes and anodes of neighboring battery cells mounted at the insulative main body, and an interval adjustment unit for variably adjusting an interval between the partitions in a state in which the battery cells are mounted between the partitions to achieve secure mounting of the battery cells between the respective partitions and electrical connection of electrode terminals of the respective battery cells to the terminal connection parts.
US08384338B2
A system and method for determining the stator winding resistance of AC motors is provided. The system includes an AC motor drive having an input connectable to an AC source and an output connectable to an input terminal of an AC motor, a pulse width modulation (PWM) converter having switches therein to control current flow and terminal voltages in the AC motor, and a control system connected to the PWM converter. The control system generates a command signal to cause the PWM converter to control an output of the AC motor drive corresponding to an input to the AC motor, selectively generates a modified command signal to cause the PWM converter to inject a DC signal into the output of the AC motor drive, and determines a stator winding resistance of the AC motor based on the DC signal of at least one of the voltage and current.
US08384329B2
A wiper is continuously reciprocally swung between an upper return position and a lower return position by controlling an electric motor when an operational command for executing a continuous operational mode is entered by a user through a wiper switch. The wiper is reciprocally swung after stopping of the wiper for a predetermined time period at a predetermined position, which is located on an outer side of the lower return position that is opposite from the upper return position in a swing direction of the wiper and at which an influence of a wind pressure applied to the wiper is smaller in comparison to the lower return position, by controlling the electric motor when an operational command for executing an intermittent operational mode is entered through the entering means.
US08384310B2
A ballast and method are presented for detecting end-of-life conditions of fluorescent lamps in which a ballast output is controlled according to a dimming input when a DC voltage or current of the lamp is in a predefined range or when the AC lamp current is below a predefined threshold, and the output is reduced to an EOL protection level when the lamp DC voltage or current is outside the predefined range and the AC lamp current is above the predefined threshold.
US08384304B2
A novel LED driver controller, including: an auto-gain control unit, having an input end coupled to an input voltage signal which is derived from a line voltage, and an output end for providing a normalized signal; a comparator, used to perform voltage comparison on the normalized signal and a current sensing signal to generate a turn-off signal, wherein the turn-off signal will change state from inactive to active when the current sensing signal reaches the normalized signal; and a driving circuit, having a set input end, a reset input end, and an output end, the set input end being coupled to a turn-on signal, the reset input end being coupled to the turn-off signal, the output end being used for providing a gating signal.
US08384298B2
A sleep circuit for use in a resonant inverter is disclosed. The sleep circuit activates a “sleep mode” (non-continuous operation) when the inverter output has no connected load, or a connected load is non-operative (e.g., fails). The “sleep mode” utilizes hysteresis control via the under voltage lockout protection feature of a control IC of the inverter. A primary DC source permanently connects to the Vcc pin of the control IC for startup (on) and burst (non-continuous) operation modes. An auxiliary DC source connects to the Vcc pin via a switch for continuous operation mode. A load current sensor controls the switch. When a sensed output current is above a threshold level, the switch connects the auxiliary DC source, and the control IC (and the inverter) operates continuously. When the sensed output current falls below the threshold, the auxiliary DC source is not provided and the inverter operates in “sleep mode”.
US08384295B2
A ballast circuit for a light emitting diode (LED) based lamp including power factor correction with protective isolation. The circuit includes a transformer with electrically isolated windings and a power factor correction circuit that receives no feedback from a secondary winding side of the transformer. An LED-based lamp assembly and a method of driving an LED-based light source are also provided.
US08384286B2
A novel mono(benzo[k]fluoranthene) compound having a molecular structure containing at least one condensed ring aromatic group which is tricyclic or more at any of 7- to 9-positions of benzo[k]fluoranthene. Also an organic light emitting device including at least a pair of electrodes formed of an anode and a cathode, and a layer formed of an organic compound, the layer being interposed between the pair of electrodes, in which the layer formed of an organic compound contains a compound represented by the following structural formula. An organic light emitting device in which the layer is a light emitting layer.
US08384280B2
A reflective electrode (2) includes an aluminum alloy layer (2a) and an aluminum oxide layer (2b) arranged on or above a substrate and is directly connected to a transparent pixel electrode (3) without the interposition of a barrier metal layer. The aluminum alloy layer contains 0.1 to 2 atomic percent of nickel or cobalt and 0.1 to 2 atomic percent of lanthanum. The aluminum oxide layer has a ratio [O]/[Al] of the number of oxygen atoms [O] to the number of aluminum atoms [Al] of 0.30 or less. The aluminum oxide layer has a thickness in its thinnest portion of 10 nm or less. The reflective electrode has a high reflectance and a low contact resistance, even when subjected to a heat treatment at a low temperature of 100° C. or higher but 300° C. or lower. The reflective electrode also has excellent thermal stability and does not cause defects such as hillocks.
US08384279B2
A spark plug, center electrode and method of construction is provided. The spark plug has a generally annular ceramic insulator and a conductive shell surrounding at least a portion of the ceramic insulator. A ground electrode is operatively attached to the shell, with the ground electrode having a ground electrode sparking surface. A center electrode has an elongate body with a center electrode sparking surface. The center electrode sparking surface and the ground electrode sparking surface provide a spark gap. The center electrode body is constructed of a composite material including at least one ceramic material.
US08384274B2
An apparatus for producing electromagnetic radiation includes a flow generator configured to generate a flow of liquid along an inside surface of an envelope, first and second electrodes configured to generate an electrical arc within the envelope to produce the electromagnetic radiation, and an exhaust chamber extending outwardly beyond one of the electrodes, configured to accommodate a portion of the flow of liquid. In another aspect, the flow generator is electrically insulated. In another aspect, the electrodes are configured to generate an electrical discharge pulse to produce an irradiance flash, and the apparatus includes a removal device configured to remove particulate contamination from the liquid, the particulate contamination being released during the flash and being different than that released by the electrodes during continuous operation.
US08384270B2
A pressure-balanced electromechanical converter is described including a structure that converts displacement into electrical energy or electrical energy into displacement, said structure designed to separate an enclosed volume for an outside pressure wave channel, wherein said enclosed volume has a filtering pressure transparent connection to said outside pressure wave channel with said filtering connection be pressure transparent to static pressure or low frequency pressure waves and filtering pressure waves at higher frequencies.
US08384266B2
A brush wear detector system for a dynamoelectric machine is provided. The brush wear detector system includes a brush holder, and at least one brush located within the brush holder. At least one spring is in contact with the brush and the spring operates to force the brush against an electrically conductive member of the dynamoelectric machine. A wireless sensor is configured to detect when a predetermined amount of wear has occurred to the at least one brush, and is also configured to identify the brush having the predetermined amount of wear. The wireless sensor is attached to the at least one brush.
US08384260B2
A geared motor assembly has a rotation-transmitting shaft for transferring output rotation of a reducer on the front side of a motor to an output shaft sensor on the rear side of the motor. A front end portion of the rotation-transmitting shaft is securely bonded to a rotation output member of the reducer by an adhesive that exhibits flexibility or elasticity after hardening, and a rear end portion of the rotation-transmitting shaft is rotatably supported by a sensor cover via a bearing in a position adjacent to the output shaft sensor. The rotation-transmitting shaft can be supported in a state free of axial runout by deformation of the adhesive and by the bearing. Consequently, the rotation angle position of the rotation output member can be detected with precision by the output shaft sensor in a position adjacent to the bearing.
US08384249B2
A method and a device for joining a remotely controlled switching and current sensing AC device structured for attachment to standard and popular three way SPDT AC switches or cross DPDT AC switches and/or power outlets, such that the front wall plate of a single gang electrical box will cover the joined AC device with the manual switch or the AC outlet. The AC device is operated and communicates via lightguide or fiber optic cable using two way optical signals and via IR in air in line of sight and/or via RF in air. The lightguide is cascaded in series from one AC device to another and/or from a joint switch device to a joined AC outlet and to an optoport in front of an outlet socket for communicating the current drain and/or operation controls with the appliance, powered by the AC socket, via a lightguide included in the power cable with plug assembly of the appliance.
US08384247B2
A system exchanges energy wirelessly and includes a source configured to generate evanescent waves, in response to receiving the energy, on at least part of a surface of the source. The system also includes a sink configured to receive the energy wirelessly from the source via a coupling of the at least part of the evanescent waves and a load configured to receive the energy from the sink. The load and the sink are configured to move along the surface of the source such that the at least a part of the evanescent waves are coupled between the source and the sink within an energy transfer area.
US08384243B2
A method for maintaining reliability of a distributed power system including a power converter having input terminals and output terminals. Input power is received at the input terminals. The input power is converted to an output power at the output terminals. A temperature is measured in or in the environment of the power converter. A temperature signal is input responsive to the temperature. The power conversion is controlled by adjusting the input power based on the temperature signal. The power conversion of the input power to the output power may be controlled to maximize the input power by setting at the input terminals the input voltage or the input current according to predetermined criteria. One of the predetermined criteria is configured to reduce the input power based on the temperature signal responsive to the temperature. The adjustment of input power reduces the input voltage and/or input current thereby lowering the temperature of the power converter.
US08384242B2
An interconnected system that supplies power to a power system, and includes a power generator that changes in output, and an electric power storage-compensation device. The interconnected system is controlled so that operation of a sodium-sulfur battery that is included in the electric power storage-compensation device and compensates for a change in output of the power generator is stopped, or the interconnected system is set in a non-power transmission mode in which a planned power generation value of a power generation schedule is set to the sum of power generated by the power generator and local load power of the system, when the planned power generation value is 0 kW or less, and the sum of the power generated by the power generator and the local load power of the system has reached a value at which power is supplied to the interconnected system from the power system.
US08384227B2
A semiconductor device has an interposer frame mounted over a carrier. A semiconductor die has an active surface and bumps formed over the active surface. The semiconductor die can be mounted within a die opening of the interposer frame or over the interposer frame. Stacked semiconductor die can also be mounted within the die opening of the interposer frame or over the interposer frame. Bond wires or bumps are formed between the semiconductor die and interposer frame. An encapsulant is deposited over the interposer frame and semiconductor die. An interconnect structure is formed over the encapsulant and bumps of the first semiconductor die. An electronic component, such as a discrete passive device, semiconductor die, or stacked semiconductor die, is mounted over the semiconductor die and interposer frame. The electronic component has an I/O count less than an I/O count of the semiconductor die.
US08384225B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a through-silicon via (TSV) extending from the top surface of the substrate to the bottom surface of the substrate, the TSV having a height and a side profile extending along a longitudinal axis, wherein the side profile has an upper segment forming a first angle relative to the longitudinal axis, and a lower segment forming a second angle relative to the longitudinal axis, the second angle being different from the first angle, and wherein the lower segment has a height that is less than 20% of the height of the TSV.
US08384224B2
A method of forming and structure for through wafer vias and signal transmission lines formed of through wafer vias. The structure includes, a semiconductor substrate having a top surface and an opposite bottom surface; and an array of through wafer vias comprising at least one electrically conductive through wafer via and at least one electrically non-conductive through wafer via, each through wafer via of the array of through wafer vias extending from the top surface of to the bottom surface of the substrate, the at least one electrically conductive via electrically isolated from the substrate.
US08384223B2
In some embodiments, selective electroless plating for electronic substrates is presented. In this regard, a method is introduced including receiving a coreless substrate strip, forming a stiffening mold on a backside of the coreless substrate strip adjacent to sites where solder balls are to be attached, and attaching solder balls to the backside of the coreless substrate strip amongst the stiffening mold. Other embodiments are also disclosed and claimed.
US08384221B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, and a semiconductor thin film bonded to the substrate, wherein the semiconductor thin film includes a plurality of discrete operating regions and an element isolating region which isolates the plurality of discrete operating regions, and the element isolating region is etched to a shallower depth than a thickness of the semiconductor thin film, and is a thinner region than the plurality of discrete operating regions.
US08384217B2
By forming an aluminum nitride layer by a self-limiting process sequence, the interface characteristics of a copper-based metallization layer may be significantly enhanced while nevertheless maintaining the overall permittivity of the layer stack at a lower level.
US08384212B2
To provide a semiconductor equipment having high heat-transfer effect and breakdown voltage, and a method of manufacturing the same. The semiconductor equipment includes: a sealed container; a stem connected to the sealed container via a stem peripheral portion; and a semiconductor chip mounted on a top surface of the stem, inside the sealed container. The semiconductor chip is electrically connected to a lead provided to the stem, the stem peripheral portion, which is of a material that is different from the material of stem and the same as the material of the sealed container, is bonded along a periphery of the stem, and the sealed container is filled with a working fluid including at least one of ethanol, a perfluorocarbon, and a fluoroether.
US08384200B2
Semiconductor device assemblies include at least first and second semiconductor dice disposed in a face-to-face configuration. At least some of a plurality of conductive structures are electrically and structurally coupled to a bond pad of the first semiconductor die and a bond pad of the second semiconductor die. A first end of each of a plurality of laterally extending conductive elements may be structurally and electrically coupled to a conductive terminal of a substrate, and a second end of each laterally extending conductive element is structurally and electrically coupled to at least one of a bond pad of the first semiconductor die, a bond pad of the second semiconductor die, and a conductive structure. Methods include the fabrication of such assemblies. Electronic systems include at least one electronic signal processing device, at least one input or output device, and at least one memory device including such a semiconductor device assembly.
US08384199B2
Circuit structures and methods of fabrication are provided for facilitating implementing a complete electronic system in a compact package. The circuit structure includes, in one embodiment, a chips-first multichip base layer with conductive structures extending therethrough. An interconnect layer is disposed over the front surface of the multichip layer and includes interconnect metallization electrically connected to contact pads of the chips and to conductive structures extending through the structural material. A redistribution layer, disposed over the back surface of the multichip layer, includes a redistribution metallization also electrically connected to conductive structures extending through the structural material. Input/output contacts are arrayed over the redistribution layer, including over the lower surfaces of at least some integrated circuit chips within the multichip layer, and are electrically connected through the redistribution metallization, conductive structures, and interconnect metallization to contact pads of the integrated circuit chips of the multichip layer.
US08384196B2
Methods and structures are provided for formation of devices on substrates including, e.g., lattice-mismatched materials, by the use of aspect ratio trapping and epitaxial layer overgrowth. A method includes forming an opening in a masking layer disposed over a substrate that includes a first semiconductor material. A first layer, which includes a second semiconductor material lattice-mismatched to the first semiconductor material, is formed within the opening. The first layer has a thickness sufficient to extend above a top surface of the masking layer. A second layer, which includes the second semiconductor material, is formed on the first layer and over at least a portion of the masking layer. A vertical growth rate of the first layer is greater than a lateral growth rate of the first layer and a lateral growth rate of the second layer is greater than a vertical growth rate of the second layer.
US08384187B2
To provide a semiconductor device provided with an element isolation structure capable of hindering an adverse effect on electric characteristics of a semiconductor element, and a method of manufacturing the same. The thickness of a first silicon oxide film left in a shallow trench isolation having a relatively narrow width is thinner than the first silicon oxide film left in a shallow trench isolation having a relatively wide width. A second silicon oxide film (an upper layer) having a relatively high compressive stress by an HDP-CVD method is more thickly laminated over the first silicon oxide film in a lower layer by a thinned thickness of the first silicon oxide film. The compressive stress of an element isolation oxide film finally formed in a shallow trench isolation having a relatively narrow width is more enhanced.
US08384177B2
A semiconductor device has an active region formed on a semiconductor substrate, a trench-type element isolation region formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a diffusion region in which fluorine is diffused that surrounds the element isolation region and is formed on the semiconductor substrate so as not to contact the active region.
US08384176B2
A solid-state imaging device includes a photoelectric conversion section which is provided for each pixel and which converts light incident on a first surface of a substrate into signal charges, a circuit region which reads signal charges accumulated by the photoelectric conversion section, a multilayer film including an insulating film and a wiring film, the multilayer film being disposed on a second surface of the substrate opposite to the first surface, and a transmission-preventing film disposed at least between the wiring film in the multilayer film and the substrate.
US08384175B2
Certain embodiments provide a method for manufacturing a solid state imaging device, the method including: forming a plurality of first semispherical lens bodies; forming a second transparent resin layer; and forming a second lens body. The plurality of first semispherical lens bodies are respectively formed on a plurality of photodiode layers formed on a principal surface of a semiconductor substrate. The second transparent resin layer is a resin layer having an etching rate higher than that of the first lens body, and is formed so that the semiconductor substrate including the plurality of first lens bodies is covered with the second transparent resin layer. The second lens bodies are formed on a surface except the top part of each of the first lens bodies by etching an entire surface of the second transparent resin layer until top parts of the first lens bodies are exposed.
US08384169B1
The present invention provides a DC high voltage converter having an oscillator driver, main switch array and topological enhanced capacitors. The switch array utilizes MEM cantilevers and topological capacitors for charge storages for the generation of a high voltage output from a low voltage input.
US08384167B2
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate in which a SiGe layer having a first width in a channel direction is embedded in a channel forming region; gate insulating film formed on the channel forming region; a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating film and having a region protruding from a forming region of the SiGe layer with a second width wider than the first width; and source/drain regions having extension regions formed on the semiconductor substrate which sandwiches the channel forming region, thereby forming a field effect transistor, wherein the extension region is apart from the SiGe layer so that a depletion layer extending from a junction surface between the extension region and the semiconductor substrate does not reach the SiGe layer.
US08384166B2
A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes the steps of: successively forming, on a semiconductor substrate, a gate insulating film and first and second dummy sections stacked in this order; forming a notch section by processing the gate insulating film and the first and second dummy gate sections into a previously set pattern and making the first dummy gate section move back in the gate length direction relative to the second dummy gate section; forming a side wall of an insulating material in a side part of each of the gate insulating film and the first and second dummy gate sections and embedding the notch section therewith; removing the first and second dummy gate sections to leave the gate insulating film and the notch section in the bottom of a removed portion; and forming a gate electrode made of a conductive material by embedding the removed portion with the conductive material.
US08384163B2
Design time (TAT) is reduced in a layout design of a semiconductor integrated circuit having a well supplied with a potential different from a substrate potential. A layout design method of the present invention includes preparing a first cell pattern placed on a semiconductor substrate of a first conductive type, preparing a second cell pattern having a deep well of a second conductive type, placing the first cell pattern in a first circuit region, and placing the second cell pattern in a second region different from the first circuit region. This reduces TAT in chip design.
US08384161B2
By appropriately designing the geometric configuration of a contact level of a sophisticated semiconductor device, the tensile stress level of contact elements in N-channel transistors may be increased, while the tensile strain component of contact elements caused in the P-channel transistor may be reduced.
US08384156B2
Improvements in Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) devices; in particular, field effect transistors (FETs) and devices using said transistors which are able to take advantage of the higher carrier mobility of electrons compared to holes by replacing the conventional p-channel transistor with an n-channel transistor having a double gate (or vice versa): Such a. Unipolar CMOS (U-CMOS) transistor can be realized by adapting the source and/or the drain such that when the body region undergoes inversion at a first surface current, is able to flow between the drain and the source and when the body region undergoes inversion at a second surface current is not able to flow between the drain and the source. Various logic gates may be constructed using U-CMOS transistors.
US08384153B2
A semiconductor device includes: a substrate; multiple first and second conductive type regions on the substrate for providing a super junction structure; a channel layer on the super junction structure; a first conductive type layer in the channel layer; a contact second conductive type region in the channel layer; a gate electrode on the channel layer via a gate insulation film; a surface electrode on the channel layer; a backside electrode on the substrate opposite to the super junction structure; and an embedded second conductive type region. The embedded second conductive type region is disposed in a corresponding second conductive type region, protrudes into the channel layer, and contacts the contact second conductive type region. The embedded second conductive type region has an impurity concentration higher than the channel layer, and has a maximum impurity concentration at a position in the corresponding second conductive type region.
US08384150B2
A semiconductor device of the present invention includes vertical double diffused MOS transistor. A gate electrode of the vertical double diffused MOS transistor is disposed within a trench formed on a semiconductor substrate and projects from a surface of the semiconductor substrate. On a side surface of the gate electrode, a side wall is formed. On the surface of the semiconductor substrate and a surface of the gate electrode, a metal silicide film is formed.
US08384135B2
A phase-change random access memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, a bottom electrode structure formed on the semiconductor substrate, a cylindrical bottom electrode contact that includes a conductive material layer, which is in contact with the bottom electrode, and a cylindrical phase-change material layer that is in contact with the bottom electrode contact. Therefore, the contact area between the bottom electrode contact and the phase-change material layer can be minimized.
US08384131B2
The semiconductor device includes a fuse structure disposed on a substrate. An interlayer dielectric disposed on the fuse structure. A first contact plug, a second contact plug, and a third contact plug penetrate the interlayer dielectric and wherein each of the first contact plug, the second contact plug and the third contact plug are connected to the fuse structure. A first conductive pattern and a second conductive pattern are disposed on the interlayer dielectric. The first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern are electrically connected to the first contact plug and second contact plug, respectively.
US08384116B2
Disclosed herein is a substrate with chip mounted thereon, including: a solder pattern having a plan-view shape in which projected parts are projected radially from a central part; and a chip fixed in the state of being aligned to the central part of the solder pattern.
US08384115B2
An improved bond pad design for increased light extraction efficiency for use in light emitting diodes (LEDs) and LED packages. Embodiments of the present invention incorporate a structure that physically isolates the bond pads from the primary emission surface, forcing the current to flow away from the bond pads first before traveling down into the semiconductor material toward the active region. This structure reduces the amount of light that is generated in the area near the bond pads, so that less of the generated light is trapped underneath the bond pads and absorbed.
US08384082B2
Disclosed are a transistor including a gate insulation layer and an organic passivation layer of a polymer thin film, and a fabrication method thereof. The transistor comprises a substrate, a gate electrode formed on the substrate, a gate insulation layer including a polymethacrylic acid thin film, formed on the gate electrode and the substrate, a channel layer formed on the gate insulation layer, source electrode and drain electrode formed on the channel layer so as to expose at least a part of the channel layer, and an organic passivation layer including a polymethacrylic acid thin film, formed on the source electrode, drain electrode and the partially exposed channel layer. The method for fabricating a transistor comprises steps of forming a gate electrode on a substrate, forming a gate insulation layer of a polymethacrylic acid thin film on the gate electrode and the substrate, forming a channel layer on the gate insulation layer, forming source electrode and drain electrode on the channel layer so as to expose at least a part of the channel layer, and forming an organic passivation layer of a polymethacrylic acid thin film on the source electrode, drain electrode and the partially exposed channel layer.
US08384080B2
A thin film transistor, which is capable of improving carrier mobility, and a display device and an electronic device, each of which uses the thin film transistor, are provided. The thin film transistor includes: a gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor layer including a multilayer film including a carrier travel layer configuring a channel and a carrier supply layer for supplying carriers to the carrier travel layer; a gate insulating film provided between the gate electrode and the oxide semiconductor layer; and a pair of electrodes as a source and a drain. A conduction band minimum level or a valence band maximum level corresponding to a carrier supply source of the carrier supply layer is higher in energy than a conduction band minimum level or a valence band maximum level corresponding to a carrier supply destination of the carrier travel layer.
US08384066B2
Disclosed is a polymer light-emitting device having a light-emitting layer arranged between an anode and a cathode, and a hole transport layer arranged between the light-emitting layer and the anode. This polymer light-emitting device is characterized in that the hole transport layer is a layer containing a polymer compound which contains a repeating unit represented by the general formula (I) below, a repeating unit represented by the general formula (II) below and a repeating unit represented by the general formula (III) below.
US08384064B2
An electroluminescent device comprising a pair of electrodes, and an electroluminescent layer containing at least a luminescent layer, situated between the electrodes. The luminescent layer has a matrix material containing at least one organic compound, and quantum dots whose surfaces are protected by a protective material and that are dispersed in the matrix material. The protective material contains a first protective material. The absolute value of the ionization potential Ip(h), the absolute value of the electron affinity Ea(h), and the band gap Eg(h) of the first protective material, the absolute value of the ionization potential Ip(m), the absolute value of the electron affinity Ea(m), and the band gap Eg(m) of the organic compound, and the band gap Eg(q) of the quantum dots fulfill all of the conditions (A) to (C): (A) Ip(h)
US08384059B2
A phase-change memory device has a plurality of first wiring lines WL extending in parallel to each other, a plurality of second wiring lines BL which are disposed to cross the first wiring lines WL while being separated or isolated therefrom, and memory cells MC which are disposed at respective cross points of the first wiring lines WL and the second wiring lines BL and each of which has one end connected to a first wiring line WL and the other end connected to a second wiring line BL. The memory cell MC has a variable resistive element VR which stores as information a resistance value determined due to phase change between crystalline and amorphous states thereof, and a Schottky diode SD which is connected in series to the variable resistive element VR.
US08384058B2
A battery can be fabricated from a substrate including silicon. This allows the battery to be produced as an integrated unit. The battery includes a anode formed from an array of spaced elongated structures, such as pillars, which include silicon and which can be fabricated on the substrate. The battery also includes a cathode which can include lithium.
US08384047B2
A solution for managing illumination of an organism with ultraviolet light is provided. A set of ultraviolet fluorescence characteristics of the organism can be determined using fluorescence data for the organism. The set of ultraviolet fluorescence characteristics can be used to determine a set of target properties of the ultraviolet light. The set of target properties can be used to illuminate the organism with ultraviolet light. The illumination can be managed during growth of the organism, breeding of the organism, and/or maintenance of the organism after harvest.
US08384041B2
Exemplary embodiments provide a radiographic array, flat detector panel and/or X-ray imaging apparatus including the same and/or methods for using the same or calibrating the same. Exemplary embodiments can reduce or address noise occurring in the optically sensitive pixels that is temporally not related to image data detected by the optically sensitive pixels or dark reference frames detected by the optically sensitive pixels. Exemplary embodiments can include a capacitive element in a calibration pixel coupled between a row conductive line and a column conductive line in an imaging array.
US08384037B2
A method, disclosure relates to for improving detection of true coincidence events and differentiating them from events detected from scattered and random gamma photons, comprises receiving electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of photo detectors that was generated by a scintillating crystal impacted by a gamma photon, and processing data received at a subset of the plurality of photo detectors that are closer to a scintillating crystal, thereby improving a timing coincidence window for detecting a coincidence event.
US08384032B2
A method for saving power consumption of a position sensitive detector used in a smart bathroom product includes changing infrared light emitting strength modes depending on the received strength of reflected infrared light. If the emitting mode is already the strongest, and the strength of the reflected infrared light received back from a reflecting object is weak, the method includes conducting multiple subsequent emissions and averaging the returns to estimate a distance to the infrared light reflecting object.
US08384023B2
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for ionizing a neutral MALDI desorption plume, and in particular, for efficiently measuring the ionized MALDI desorption plume when post-ionization techniques are combined with a medium pressure MALDI-IM-oTOFMS instrument. Additionally, the present disclosure provides a method and apparatus that simultaneously separates tissue-sample MALDI ions by IM-oTOFMS according to their chemical family. After separation, the MALDI ions are directly compared to the ions created by post-ionizing the co-desorbed neutral molecules with a second laser wherein the second laser is delayed by a few hundred microseconds. The present disclosure further provides novel approaches that enhance the analysis of ions, including the use of giant fullerene internal standards to enhance mass accuracy, and ultraviolet (UV) declustering lasers to generate intact peptides and proteins, either of which may be followed by VUV post-ionization which generates identifiable structural fragments.
US08384022B1
A method of calibrating an ion trap having electrodes to which main RF trapping and resonant ejection voltages are applied comprises: identifying, for each of a plurality of ion types having different respective mass-to-charge ratios, an optimum resonant ejection voltage amplitude at which a mass peak quality is optimized when the ion trap mass analyzer is operated at a selected scan rate; determining a best-fit function of the form Vreseject=mc(a+bm), where Vreseject and m represent resonant ejection voltage amplitude and mass-to-charge ratio and a, b and c are constants; identifying, for each of a plurality of ion types, a respective RF voltage amplitude at which ions of each respective type are ejected from the ion trap using a resonant ejection voltage calculated according to the best-fit function; and determining a second best-fit function relating the identified trapping voltage amplitudes to mass-to-charge; ratio.
US08384010B2
A touch sensing apparatus includes a light source generating a light. The light travels though a light distribution part. A light guide part guides the light to the light distribution part. A light sensing part outputs an output signal corresponding to an intensity of the light incident through the light guide part and the light distribution part when a touch occurs. A light reflection part reflects the light provided to the light distribution part, and a coordinate generating part calculates a coordinate value of the touch using the output signal from the light sensing part.
US08384005B2
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods that are related to projection. In one instance, a method includes, but is not limited to, obtaining information associated with one or more changes in one or more positions associated with one or more projection surfaces; and transmitting one or more signals that include the information associated with one or more changes in one or more positions associated with one or more projection surfaces.
US08383994B2
A transparency, e.g. an aircraft laminated windshield, includes one or more sensors to monitor performance of one or more properties, e.g. a heating arrangement of the windshield, and to generate signals representative of the performance of the properties. One part of a connector, external of the transparency and connected to the sensors is connected to a system positioned in the aircraft. The system receives a signal from each of the sensors, and processes the signals to determine difference between performance of the property as indicated by the signal received and a preferred performance of the property to provide real time monitoring of the performance of the windshield. With this arrangement information regarding the performance of the windshield is available to schedule timely repair or replacement of the windshield that is performing outside of acceptable limits.
US08383987B2
A contact tip for a welding torch includes a body having a front discharge end, an opposite rear feed end, and a bore extending through the body. A cap is mounted on the body at the front end. The cap has an aperture generally aligned with the bore. The cap is composed of a material having an electrical conductivity between 1.74×107 and 4.35×107 Siemens per meter at 20° C. The body is composed of a material selected from the group consisting of copper and a copper alloy. The body has an electrical conductivity that is higher than the electrical conductivity of the cap. A portion of the bore at the front end of the body and at least a portion of the aperture in the cap define a contact area for a consumable electrode wire.
US08383982B2
Methods and systems selectively irradiate structures on or within a semiconductor substrate using multiple laser beams. The structures may be laser-severable conductive links, and the purpose of the irradiation may be to sever selected links.
US08383962B2
A packaged semiconductor is disclosed. The packaged semiconductor comprises a conductive integral frame that includes an inner portion and a ring portion encircling the inner portion, a semiconductor die that is mounted to a first surface of the inner portion of the conductive frame, and a casing that supports the conductive frame and covers the semiconductor die. Sections of the conductive frame that connect the inner portion to the ring portion are removed after the casing is applied to the conductive frame.
US08383961B2
An electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding apparatus generally includes a lid and a framework. The lid includes a top portion having at least one projection joining part thereon. The at least one projection joining part has a peripheral contour. The framework includes a top portion and a lateral side extending downward from the top portion. The top portion includes at least one joining opening having a peripheral contour coinciding with the peripheral contour of the at least one projection joining part of the lid. Accordingly, the at least one projection joining part of the lid is engagable with the at least one joining opening of the framework via an interference fit.
US08383960B2
A one-piece board level shielding element with a top cover peel panel is secured to a circuit board to shield and provide access to a shielded component. The shielding element is formed with a top having a peel line to facilitate removal of the peel panel with a peel tool. Once the repair is completed, a new cover is put on to the remaining side-walls to reestablish the shielding. The shield top cover is formed with a peel tool insertion slot and an adjacent peel start slot. The peel panel is removed by a peel tool having a peel hook mounted to a cylindrical peel key that is inserted into the insertion slot and hooks the cover at the peel start slot. Upon rotating the peel key away from the peel start slot, the peel panel is easily removed. A fixture plate may be used to support the peel tool and assist in removal of the peel panel.
US08383956B2
A multilayer printed circuit board has an insulation layer, a first conductor layer provided over a first side of the insulation layer, a second conductor layer provided over a second side of the insulation layer opposite to the first side, and multiple filled vias electrically connecting the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer. The filled vias have upper surfaces, respectively, and each of the upper surfaces is made such that a difference between a lowest point and a highest point of each of the upper surfaces is less than or equal to about 7 μm.
US08383946B2
A heat sink capable of being surface-mounted, the heat sink having a 3D shape and comprising a body made of metal, having a rear side which is horizontal and a front side which is at least partially horizontal, such that the front side is partially surface-mounted on a conductive pattern of a printed circuit board (PCB) by pick-and-place and the rear side is attached to the conductive pattern by reflow-soldering.
US08383942B2
A connecting member includes a cable configured to transfer signal, and a resilient component secured to the cable. The cable includes a first connector and a second connector for being electronically connected to two electronic components. The resilient component is elastically deformable between a first state, in which the resilient component and the cable are contracted, spiraled about the second connector in a first direction up to the first connector, shortening a distance between the first and second connectors, and a second state, in which the resilient component and the cable are pulled away from the first connector, thus a greater distance between the first and second connectors.
US08383939B2
A bus bar assembly used for establish electric connections with semiconductor modules of an electric power converter. The bus bar assembly includes a resinous body, a first and a second bus bar to which terminals of the semiconductor modules are to be connected. Each of the first and second bus bars includes a plate body and a plurality of connecting terminals extending from the plate body substantially in parallel to a major surface of the plate body. At least a portion of the body plate of the first bus bar is disposed inside the resinous body. The second bus bar is mounted at the plate body on the resinous body and laid to overlap the first bus bar at a given distance away from the first bus bar. This structure minimizes the misalignment between the first and second bus bars after the resinous body is formed.
US08383934B2
An electrical junction box having a in which a plurality of connecting bolts are juxtaposed on a bolt support section and that exerts excellent strength to realize a reinforcing structure without interfering with mounting of a connecting plate onto the connecting bolts. Inserting slits are provided in a peripheral wall and a proximal end of a partition wall. A connecting plate is previously disposed through the slits on one surface of a bolt support section. A plurality of connecting bolts are attached to the bolt support section so that the bolt support section bridges the plural connecting bolts.
US08383933B2
The invention relates to an earthing system for a wind turbine connected to a utility grid. The wind turbine comprises at least one electric system such as low or high voltage power systems and cables (16), at least one control system such as a SCADA system and control cables (18), and/or at least one safety system such as a lightning protection system, wherein a connection to an electrically earth potential is established from one defined place (12) within the wind turbine for said systems.
US08383926B2
The thermoelectric structure is formed by a network of wires oriented substantially in a weft direction of the structure. It comprises first and second conducting wires of different kinds, interwoven to form cold and hot junctions distributed respectively in a top plane and a bottom plane. The junctions are alternately cold and hot along any one conducting wire. The thermoelectric structure comprises at least one high dielectric wire in the top plane, and at least one low dielectric wire in the bottom plane. The dielectric wires are interwoven with the first and second conducting wires so as to keep the top and bottom planes at a distance from one another.
US08383920B2
A keyboard apparatus includes a key supported for pivoting movement about a pivot point, a mass member for imparting a reaction force to performance operation of the key in interlocked relation to the key, a transmission member provided in abutment with both of the key and mass member to transmit a load from one of the key and mass member to the other, and an electromagnetic actuator for driving, via a fixed coil, the transmission member toward at least one of the key or mass member. Good key touch feeling can be achieved not only by a load applied from the mass member to the key but also through load control by the actuator. Thus, it is possible to faithfully reproduce a key touch feeling approximate to that in a natural keyboard instrument, such as an acoustic piano, with a simple construction and facilitated control.
US08383919B2
A method of one reaction step for synthesis of peptide template fluorescent metal nanoclusters as bioprobes. Specific targeting peptide containing a metal reactive group is synthesized and used to react with a metal salt solution under a sufficient pH condition at room temperature in forming peptide template fluorescent metal nanoclusters. The dialyzed metal nanoclusters is used directly as bio-probes.
US08383918B2
A wheat variety designated 25R34, the plants and seeds of wheat variety 25R34, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety 25R34 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety 25R34 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety 25R34. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety 25R34 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US08383910B1
A novel maize variety designated X8K858 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X8K858 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X8K858 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X8K858, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X8K858. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X8K858.
US08383909B1
A novel maize variety designated X08A117 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X08A117 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X08A117 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X08A117, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X08A117. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X08A117.
US08383906B1
A novel maize variety designated X13A494 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X13A494 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X13A494 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X13A494, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13A494. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X13A494.
US08383903B1
A novel maize variety designated PH17PC and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH17PC with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH17PC through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH17PC or a locus conversion of PH17PC with another maize variety.
US08383894B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1023199. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1023199. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1023199 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1023199 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08383888B1
A method of processing plant cellulose includes providing plant cellulose that is from a plant expressing a CESA polypeptide variant having at least one amino acid mutation in its carboxy-terminal transmembrane region; and saccharifying the plant cellulose to produce fermentable sugars. The method can also include fermenting the fermentable sugars to produce alcohol. A method of producing a plant having beneficial saccharification properties includes introducing into a plant a polynucleotide encoding a CESA polypeptide variant having at least one amino acid mutation in its carboxy-terminal transmembrane region; and expressing in the plant the CESA polypeptide variant, wherein plant cellulose of the plant expressing the CESA polypeptide variant has beneficial saccharification properties as compared to a wild-type plant.
US08383885B1
A novel maize variety designated X00A926 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X00A926 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X00A926 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X00A926, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X00A926. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X00A926.
US08383878B2
An absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant, and the like comprises a containment member that has a central zone and a barrier zone. The central zone has greater air flow according to the Air Permeability Test than the barrier zone. The barrier zone a greater hydrohead according to the Hydrostatic Head Pressure Test than the central zone. The containment member may be used for absorbent core formation and may have portions configured to serve as barrier leg cuffs for the finished absorbent article.
US08383875B2
An absorbent article is provided for absorbing a liquid, the absorbent article including a chassis including a liner, an outer cover, and an absorbent structure positioned between the liner and the outer cover, the chassis including a front region and a back region, the front region and the back region defining a waist region therebetween. The absorbent article also includes a wetness indicator positioned adjacent the liner or the outer cover, the wetness indicator including a hydrophanous tissue layer having an absorbent-structure-facing side and being in liquid communication with the absorbent structure or the liner, and an indicator material disposed between the absorbent-facing side of the tissue layer and the absorbent structure. The absorbent article can also include a film layer disposed adjacent the tissue layer, and the indicator material can include an active constituent adapted to wick along the tissue layer when the absorbent article is insulted.
US08383869B2
An oligomer of alpha olefin is produced in a three step process comprising 1) oligomerization to a vinylidene, 2) hydroformylation to a primary alcohol, and 3) dimerization of the alcohol. The final product can be hydrogenated to form a branched alkane with improved lubricating oil properties.
US08383861B2
The present invention relates to processes for the manufacture of one or more ethanolamines and one or more ethyleneamines starting from the reaction of ethylene oxide with ammonia to produce one or more ethanolamines and the conversion of the ethanolamine(s) to ethyleneamine(s). The present invention also relates to separating alkylethyleneamines from ethyleneamines.
US08383859B2
The present application relates to novel methods for the preparation of primary, secondary and tertiary carbinamine compounds, particularly the preparation of compounds of formulae I, IV and VI, from a carbonyl compound of formula II in the presence of ammonia or an ammonium equivalent of the formula NH4+X−, by way of allylation, crotylation, arylation, reductive amination and catalytic hydrogenation.
US08383855B2
In recognition of the need to develop novel therapeutic agents, the present invention provides novel histone deacetylase inhibitors. These compounds include an ester bond making them sensitive to deactivation by esterases. Therefore, these compounds are particularly useful in the treatment of skin disorders. When the compounds reaches the bloodstream, an esterase or an enzyme with esterase activity cleaves the compound into biologically inactive fragments or fragments with greatly reduced activity Ideally these degradation products exhibit a short serum and/or systemic half-life and are eliminated rapidly. These compounds and pharmaceutical compositions thereof are particularly useful in treating cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, neurofibromatosis, psoriasis, hair loss, skin pigmentation, and dermatitis, for example. The present invention also provides methods for preparing compounds of the invention and intermediates thereto.
US08383845B2
A process for obtaining lipids containing highly unsaturated fatty acids from plant or animal material, including contacting the material with liquid dimethyl ether to give a dimethyl ether solution containing lipids and a residue of plant or animal material, separating the solution from the residue of plant or animal material, and recovering lipids from the solution.
US08383844B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl dodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furans from crude (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl dodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furans obtained by subjecting (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl dodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furan-2(1H)-ones which are produced by cyclizing a homofarnesylic acid amide or a monocyclohomofarnesylic acid amide in the presence of an acid agent and then hydrolyzing the cyclized product, to reduction reaction and then to cyclization reaction, said process including (i) an alkali treatment step in which the crude (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl dodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furans are heated in the presence of an alcohol and a metal hydroxide; and (ii) a washing treatment step in which the crude (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl dodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furans are washed with an aqueous acid solution. The thus obtained (±)-3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyl dodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furans have a less off-odor and hardly suffer from deterioration of their smell during storage.
US08383840B1
The present invention provides a method for extracting fulvic minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and phytonutrients from complexes of humic substances. The fulvic minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and phytonutrients extracts are safe for human and animal consumption and for application to plant foliage. As a result of the extraction method, the fulvic minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and phytonutrients extracts further comprise calcium and may comprise magnesium.
US08383831B2
The dye for a dye-sensitized solar cell, which dye is a compound classified into melocyanine dyes and has a structure in which an electron donor unit and an electron acceptor unit are connected with conjugated double bonds, provided by this invention, has excellent photoelectric conversion efficiency and excellent durability, and according to this invention, there can be provided a semiconductor electrode sensitized by the dye and a dye-sensitized solar cell using the semiconductor electrode.
US08383825B2
The present invention relates to drug delivery systems comprising ocular implant, which include organic molecules, capable of modulating tyrosine kinase signal transduction in order to regulate, modulate and/or inhibit abnormal cell proliferation, in combination with a polymer, which polymer serves to control, modify, modulate and/or slow the release of the therapeutic component into the environment of the eye in which said composite is placed.
US08383824B2
Compounds having the formula I wherein wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined herein are Hepatitis C virus NS5b polymerase inhibitors with improved bioavailability. Also disclosed are compositions and methods for treating an HCV infection and inhibiting HCV replication.
US08383818B2
In its many embodiments, the present invention provides a novel class of heterocyclic derivatives as a2C adrenergic receptor agonists, methods of preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more such compounds, methods of preparing pharmceutical formulations comprising one or more such compounds, and methods of treatment, prevention, inhibition, or amelioration of one or more conditions associated with the a2C adrenergic receptors using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions.
US08383816B2
The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds for treating proliferative disorders, cancer, etc., and more specifically to certain aryl-quinolyl compounds, as described herein, which, inter alia, inhibit RAF (e.g., B-RAF) activity. The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit RAF (e.g., BRAF) activity, to inhibit receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) activity, to inhibit cell proliferation, and in the treatment of diseases and disorders that are ameliorated by the inhibition of RAF, RTK, etc., proliferative disorders such as cancer (e.g., colorectal cancer, melanoma), etc.
US08383813B2
The present invention relates generally to selected fused pyrrolocarbazoles, including pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of treating diseases therewith. The present invention is also directed to intermediates and processes for making these fused pyrrolocarbazoles.
US08383808B2
A method to prepare D-glucosamine hydrochloride, obtaining product from raw material of citric acid residue from citric acid production by means of fermentation, and through processes of hydrolysis, suction filtering, concentration etc. Due to recovery of the citric acid residue, the present invention alleviates the environment pollution caused by the residue; Moreover, the D-glucosamine hydrochloride product produced from the raw material of citric acid residue is vegetarian D-glucosamine hydrochloride, without fishy odor and heavy metal pollution, safe and environment-friendly, with product purity up to 98-102%, and in line with the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) 32nd edition quality standards; Meanwhile, due to sufficient resources of the raw material, there is no limitation of resources for production, and production cost is low; the present invention further saves the cost to treat environment pollution and has a good effect of recycling economy; More importantly, it overcomes people's bias in this technical field, reduces the time of hydrolysis reaction, and enhances product output and production efficiency while ensuring a high product purity.
US08383797B2
The present invention provides a gene construct encoding pH insensitive luciferase for visualizing intracellular information, wherein an intracellular expression activity is higher compared with a gene construct of luciferase derived from a firefly.
US08383794B2
The present invention relates to novel nucleic acid ligands or aptamers that demonstrate potent and selective inhibition of the open-channel conformation of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors.
US08383780B2
The present invention relates to antibody molecules, in particular antibody molecules that bind Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGFβ), and uses thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to antibody molecules that bind and preferably neutralize TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3, so-called “pan-specific” antibody molecules, and uses of such antibody molecules. Preferred embodiments within the present invention are antibody molecules, whether whole antibody (e.g. IgG, such as IgG1 or IgG4) or antibody fragments (e.g. scFv, Fab, dAb).
US08383774B2
The present invention refers to a fusion protein comprising a TNF-superfamily (TNFSF) cytokine or a receptor binding domain thereof fused to a collectin trimerization domain, to a nucleic acid molecule encoding the fusion protein, and to a cell comprising the nucleic acid molecule. The fusion protein is present as a trimeric complex or as an oligomer thereof. The fusion protein, the nucleic acid, and the cell is suitable as pharmaceutical composition or for therapeutic, diagnostic and/or research applications.
US08383764B2
The invention relates to block polymers, for example, arborescent copolymer compounds, and to methods of making and purifying such compounds. In one embodiment, the invention relates to arborescent polymer compounds that contain one or more styrene polymeric blocks in combination with one or more isobutylene polymeric blocks. In another embodiment, the invention relates to methods for purifying arborescent polymer compounds that contain at least one styrene polymeric block in combination with at least one isobutylene polymeric block.
US08383761B2
Green to transmissive soluble electrochromic polymers are conjugated polymers having a plurality of repeating units where repeating units are a plurality of substituted dioxyheterocycle based donor groups coupled to an acceptor group. The conjugated polymer absorbs radiation within a first band of the visible spectrum and a second band of the visible spectrum when in a neutral state resulting in a green color and is transmissive when in an oxidized state. The polymers are soluble allowing processing of films and coatings from solution.
US08383760B2
Provided herein are methods for preparing vinylidene-terminated polyolefins. Further, provided herein are novel sulfide-terminated polyolefins of the formula: wherein R1 is a polyolefin group and R2 is hydrocarbyl; and methods for producing the same.
US08383758B2
The present invention relates to biodegradable biocompatible polyketals, methods for their preparation, and methods for treating animals by administration of biodegradable biocompatible polyketals. In one aspect, a method for forming the biodegradable biocompatible polyketals comprises combining a glycol-specific oxidizing agent with a polysaccharide to form an aldehyde intermediate, which is combined with a reducing agent to form the biodegradable biocompatible polyketal. The resultant biodegradable biocompatible polyketals can be chemically modified to incorporate additional hydrophilic moieties. A method for treating animals includes the administration of the biodegradable biocompatible polyketal in which biologically active compounds or diagnostic labels can be disposed.The present invention also relates to chiral polyketals, methods for their preparation, and methods for use in chromatographic applications, specifically in chiral separations. A method for forming the chiral polyketals comprises combining a glycol-specific oxidizing agent with a polysaccharide to form an aldehyde intermediate, which is combined with a suitable reagent to form the chiral polyketal. A method for use in chiral separations includes the incorporation of the chiral polyketals in the mobile phase during a chromatographic separation, or into chiral stationary phases such as gels.The present invention further relates to chiral polyketals as a source for chiral compounds, and methods for generating such chiral compounds.
US08383748B2
Process for the preparation of impact-strengthened cast PMMA sheets comprising the following stages: 1. a mixture comprising: at least one alkoxyamine Z(-T)n, in which Z denotes a polyvalent group and n an integer greater than 2, preferably of between 2 and 10, advantageously between 2 and 8, and the monomer(s) intended to form a central block B is heated to a temperature sufficient to activate the alkoxyamine and polymerize the monomer(s); 2. the central block B, optionally mixed with the unconsumed monomer(s) from stage 1, is reactivated in the presence of the monomer(s) intended to form the branches A; 3. MAM and optionally at least one comonomer M which can be copolymerized by the radical route with MMA and at least one radical initiator are added to the mixture obtained in stage 2; 4. the mixture from stage 3 is cast in a mould and then heated.
US08383733B2
The present invention relates to novel polymer polyols which have low viscosities and high hydroxyl numbers, and to a process for the preparation of these novel polymer polyols. These polymer polyols have hydroxyl numbers of ≧20, solids contents of about 30 to about 65% by weight and a viscosity that is less than or equal to: be[2.7c]. These comprise the reaction product of a base polyol, a preformed stabilizer and at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer, in the presence of a free-radical polymerization initiator and at least one polymer control agent. The base polyol has a hydroxyl number of 60 to 1900, a functionality of 1 to 10, and an equivalent weight of 30 to 900.
US08383726B2
Disclosed is a thermoplastic resin composition having excellent impact resistance at a low temperature, while maintaining high transparency; this thermoplastic resin composition is obtained by compounding an impact resistance improver into a thermoplastic resin, the impact resistance improver being composed of a graft copolymer which is obtained by polymerizing a vinyl monomer component in the presence of a polymer mixture containing a polymer having butadiene units as an essential component and a polymer having styrene units as an essential component, the polymer mixture containing 45 to 65% by mass of the butadiene units and 35 to 55% by mass of the styrene units.
US08383719B2
Water-borne polyurethane coating compositions are provided. One exemplary water-borne coating composition includes a substantially water-free base component and an activator component. The substantially water-free base component includes at least a hydrophilic polyol, and the activator component includes at least a hydrophobic isocyanate.
US08383714B2
A process for producing the alumina fiber aggregate which, when examined by the electron microscope method, gives a frequency distribution regarding number of fibers, wherein the number of fibers having a fiber length of 50-200 μm is 70% or more (including 100%), the number of fibers having a fiber length smaller than 50 μm is 30% or less (including 0), the number of fibers of 50-100 μm is 30-50%, the number of fibers longer than 100 μm but not longer than 200 μm is 30-50%, and the number of fibers longer than 200 μm is 20% or less (including 0). The process including the steps of grinding cottony alumina-based fibers comprising 70-100% by mass of Al2O3 and 0-30% by mass of SiO2 while applying a pressure of 0.1-20 MPa thereto and then classifying the ground fibers.
US08383710B2
Waterborne coating compositions are disclosed that include a latex emulsion polymer, and, as a coalescent, a levulinic acid ester of a monohydric aliphatic alcohol having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms. The coating compositions of the invention have a reduced VOC content, and provide improved coalescing activity compared with esters of polyols such as glycerol.
US08383704B2
A molded propylene polymer product improved in flexural properties and/or impact resistance is prepared by a process comprising the steps of blending fibrous inorganic filler-containing pellets with a propylene polymer-containing matrix resin composition, in which the pellets comprises 35-80 wt. % of a fibrous inorganic filler, 1-45 wt. % of an olefin polymer, 5-45 wt. % of an elastomer, and 0.3-10.0 wt. % of a specific lubricant; kneading the blended product under molten condition; and molding the kneaded product.
US08383700B2
A recording ink containing a pigment dispersion, a surfactant, a water-dispersible resin, a humectant and water. The pigment dispersion contains a pigment dispersant, which is an anionic surfactant or a nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of 10 to 20. The pigment dispersion also contains a polymer dispersion stabilizer, which is an alpha-olefin/maleic anhydride copolymer expressed by the formula (1) below, where R is an alkyl group having 6 to 25 carbon atoms, and where the mass average molecular weight of the copolymer is 5000 to 20000. An ink cartridge, an inkjet recording method, an inkjet recording apparatus, and an ink recorded matter, each employing the recording ink, are also provided.
US08383698B2
It has been discovered that the use of a plasticizer, an ester of a cyclohexanepolycarboxylic acid, especially a 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid ester, that is environmentally non-toxic, can replace environmentally unfriendly phthalate plasticizers, such as dioctyl phthalates used in vulcanizable rubber compositions, especially for tires, on a one to one weight basis (phr) without sacrificing beneficial rubber properties.
US08383684B2
Disclosed embodiments describe pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating ineffective esophageal motility in which bethanechol and pharmaceutically acceptable absorption enhancers including bile acids and mixtures thereof are topically introduced to the esophagus. Therapeutically effective amounts of bethanechol are delivered while reducing or eliminating parasympathetic nervous system side effects normally associated with systemic bethanechol delivery.
US08383682B2
A composition comprises surface-modified nanoparticles of at least one amphoteric metal oxide or oxyhydroxide. The nanoparticles bear, on at least a portion of their surfaces, a surface modification comprising (i) at least one surface modifier selected from lactate, thiolactate, and mixtures thereof, and (ii) at least one surface modifier selected from halide, nitrate, acetate, carbonate, formate, propionate, sulfate, bromate, perchlorate, tribromoacetate, trichloroacetate, trifluoroacetate, carboxylate comprising from one to about four alkyleneoxy moieties, chlorate, and mixtures thereof.
US08383679B2
The present invention relates to a novel crystal form of calcium 3-acetylaminopropane-1-sulfonate, to a process for the preparation thereof, and to the use thereof in medicaments.
US08383674B1
Silver nanoclusters were synthesized by reducing silver nitrate with ethylene glycol at a certain temperature in the presence of zeolite. A one-pot procedure rendered uniform size distributions of quasi-spherical silver clusters synthesized on the surfaces of cubic-like zeolite.
US08383668B2
The use of substituted amides for modulating the activity of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) and the use of these compounds as pharmaceutical compositions, are described. Also a novel class of substituted amides, of the general formula I. Their use in therapy, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, as well as their use in the manufacture of medicaments are described. The present compounds are modulators and more specifically inhibitors of the activity of 11βHSDI and may be useful in the treatment of a range of medical disorders where a decreased intracellular concentration of active glucocorticoid is desirable.
US08383667B2
Novel forms of atorvastatin magnesium salt designated Form A, Form B, Form C, Form D, Form E, and Form F, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, methods for their preparation and methods utilizing the compounds for treatment of hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolemia, osteoporosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and Alzheimer's disease are described.
US08383658B2
The invention relates to isoxazole derivatives, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods of preventing or treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions.
US08383652B2
Novel biaromatic compounds that modulate peroxisome proliferator-activator receptors, known as PPAR, having the formula (I): are formulated into pharmaceutical compositions useful in human or veterinary medicine, or alternatively, in cosmetic compositions.
US08383645B2
The invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of N-ethyl-N-phenyl-1,2,-dihydro-4-hydroxy-5-chloro-1-methyl-2-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide, N-methylglucamine, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
US08383635B2
The invention is directed to pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidin-5(6H)-one derivatives. Specifically, the invention is directed to compounds according to Formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are defined below. The compounds of the invention are inhibitors of PDK1 and can be useful in the treatment of disorders characterized by constitutively activated ACG kinases such as cancer and more specifically cancers of the breast, colon, and lung. Accordingly, the invention is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of the invention. The invention is still further directed to methods of inhibiting PDK1 activity and treatment of disorders associated therewith using a compound of the invention or a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the invention.
US08383633B2
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of Aurora protein kinases. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising those compounds and methods of using the compounds and compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, and disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the invention.
US08383630B2
Provided are methods for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis using compounds of formula Ia and Ib: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate or N-oxide thereof.
US08383629B2
This invention relates to novel compounds of the Formulae I or II and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof which are useful for the therapeutic treatment of diseases associated with the modulation or inhibition of 11 β-HSD 1 in mammals. Formula (I).
US08383619B2
The invention provides a compound of the formula (1): or a salt, solvate, N-oxide or tautomer thereof; wherein either R1 is R1a and R2 is R2a; or R1 is R1b and R2 is R2b; provided that in each case at least one of R1 and R2 is other than hydrogen; R1a and R2a are the same or different and each is selected from hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, C2-4 alkenyl and C2-4 alkynyl wherein the C1-4 alkyl is optionally substituted by C1-2 alkoxy; R1b and R2b are the same or different and are selected from hydrogen, C(O)NR4R5, C(O)R6 and C(O)OR6 where R6 is C1-4 alkyl, R4 and R5 are both C1-4 alkyl, or NR4R5 forms a 4 to 7 membered saturated heterocyclic ring optionally containing a second heteroatom ring member selected from O, N or S and oxidized forms of N and S, the heterocyclic ring being optionally substituted by one or two C1-4 alkyl groups and/or one or two oxo groups; and R3 is a group D: wherein the asterisk denotes the point of attachment to the isoindoline ring; but excluding acetic acid 5-acetoxy-4-isopropyl-2-[5-(4-methyl-piperazin-1-ylmethyl)-1,3-dihydro-isoindole-2-carbonyl]-phenyl ester.
US08383614B2
This invention provides compositions and methods of inhibiting, suppressing, or treating a tendinous or musculoskeletal soft tissue injury. The invention further provides a method of ameliorating symptoms associated with a tendinous or musculoskeletal soft tissue injury. Additionally, the invention provides methods for evaluating the risk of developing a tendinous or musculoskeletal soft tissue injury.
US08383604B2
The invention relates to methods and uses of modulating fetal hemoglobin expression (HbF) in a hematopoietic progenitor cells via inhibitors of BCL11A expression or activity, such as RNAi and antibodies.
US08383602B2
The present invention relates to a new use of TRIM72 as a target for muscle enhancer and heart enhancer, more particularly to a composition for enhancing muscle or heart comprising an expression or action inhibitor of TRIM72 protein. The present invention further relates to a new TRIM mutant protein inducing muscle differentiation and hypertrophy and its gene. The inventors of the present invention have identified that TRIM72 overexpression inhibits myogenesis whereas TRIM72 knockdown enhances myogenesis, and first elucidated that TRIM72 is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle differentiation. Accordingly, the inhibition of TRIM72 acts exclusively on skeletal muscle and heart muscle, but does not affect IGF-I signaling pathway in other tissues. Therefore, a drug or gene therapy using TRIM72 as a target may be helpful in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes by promoting skeletal muscle differentiation, hypertrophy and energy consumption in adipose tissue and inducing strong muscle by promoting physiological hypertrophy of heart muscle, without cancer or other side effects.
US08383597B2
The invention provides an agent that reduces the expression of Gα12 or Gα13 polypeptide, as well as an agent that enhances G protein Gα12 or Gα13 expression and/or activity. An agent of the invention may be used to decrease or increase G protein Gα12 or Gα13 expression and/or activity thereby to treat or prevent the onset of a disease or condition associated with Gα12 or Gα13 expression and/or activity. The invention also provides a method for screening for an anti-cancer or anti-angiogenesis agent, as well as an agent that promotes angiogenesis.
US08383587B2
A nutritional composition comprising a partially hydrolysed milk protein having a degree of hydrolysis between 15 and 25% and 50 to 1000 nanograms of TGF-β per 100 ml of ready to consume composition and methods for the primary prevention of allergic reactions to newly introduced dietary protein at weaning and the prevention of development of atopic diseases in a young mammal at weaning comprising feeding to the young mammal a therapeutic amount of the composition are disclosed.
US08383584B2
Compounds of the formula I: including a stereoisomer thereof, or an N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable addition salt, or a pharmaceutically acceptable addition solvate thereof; useful as HCV inhibitors; processes for preparing these compounds as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds as active ingredient.
US08383582B2
An inhibitor against the formation of biofilm includes κ-casein macropeptide. The inhibitor prevents or reduces the formation of a biofilm by inhibiting attachment or attachment/invasion followed by biofilm formation on the abiotic or biotic surfaces by L. monocytogenes. The inhibitor can be applied as a food or pharmaceutical additive, a detergent for food or equipments for manufacturing food or pharmaceutics as well as a packing material for food or pharmaceutics.
US08383580B2
A method of treating an LCN13-related condition is provided comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a lipocalin or a physiologically active fragment thereof.
US08383578B2
Human proIslet Peptides (HIP) and HIP analogs and derivatives thereof, derived from or homologous in sequence to the human REG3A protein, chromosome 2p12, are able to induce islet neogenesis from endogenous pancreatic progenitor cells. Human proIslet Peptides are used either alone or in combination with other pharmaceuticals in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes and other pathologies related to aberrant glucose, carbohydrate, and/or lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, overweight, obesity, polycystic ovarian syndrome, eating disorders and the metabolic syndrome.
US08383571B2
New fabric care compositions including soil release polymers containing anionic substitution, nitrogen containing substitution, and alkoxy substitution are disclosed. In particular, fabric care compositions containing modified polysaccharides having anionic substitution, nitrogen containing substitution, and alkoxy substitution and methods of forming the same are disclosed.
US08383564B2
A heterocoagulate comprises first particles, having a particle size of at most 999 nm, on a second particle, having a particle size of at least 3 microns. The first particles comprise cerium oxide, and second particle comprises at least one member selected from the group consisting of silicon oxides, aluminum oxides and zirconium oxides.
US08383563B2
The resistance to oxidation and nitration of a gas engine oil is improved by the use of a combination of a hindered phenolic antioxidant and an (alkylated) phenyl-α-naphthylamine antioxidant. The additional use of an organo molybdenum compound further enhances the resistance to oxidation and nitration.
US08383557B2
Incorporating water-based polymer breakers, such as oxidizers, enzymes and/or acids, into a mixture of an oil and oil-soluble surfactants creates an emulsion that can then perform as a dual-functional breaker for reducing the viscosity of hybrid fluids gelled with both a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) and a polymer. The outer phase of the dual-functional breaker emulsion is oil, e.g. a mineral oil, containing an oil-soluble surfactant that will, over time and with heat, break the VES portion of the gel. As it does so, the polymer breaker in the internal aqueous phase will be released to then break the polymer portion of the gel. The polymer breaker will not start to break the polymer gel before the oil-soluble surfactant starts to break the VES gel. The overall breaking using the emulsion is slower as compared to introducing the polymer breaker and the oil-soluble surfactant in a non-emulsified form.
US08383555B2
The present invention relates to a well drilling, completion or workover fluid wherein the continuous phase of the fluid essentially consists of a liquid fluorinated compound. In a variant, the liquid fluorinated compound is a perfluorinated compound.
US08383547B2
The present invention relates to provide an aflatoxin production inhibitor that inhibits aflatoxin production specifically and efficiently, is highly safe, and is practical, and an efficient production method thereof; and a method for controlling aflatoxin contamination that uses the aflatoxin production inhibitor, specifically relating to an aflatoxin production inhibitor that includes at least one of a dioctatin represented by the following formula (I) and a derivative thereof, as an active ingredient: where, in the formula (I), R represents one of hydrogen and a methyl group.
US08383539B2
A carried material is carried only on a surface of nano-fibers. It includes a raw material liquid spray step that sprays raw material liquid, which is a raw material of nano-fibers, into a space, a raw material liquid electrically charging step, which applies an electric charge to the raw material liquid and makes the raw material liquid electrically charged, a nano-fiber manufacturing step that manufactures the nano-fibers by having the electrically charged and sprayed raw material liquid explode electrostatically, a carried material electrically charging step that electrically charges a carried material carried on the nano-fibers with a polarity opposite to a polarity of the electrically charged nano-fibers, and a mixing step that mixes the manufactured nano-fibers and the electrically charged carried material in a space.
US08383530B2
A glass substrate for a display, which is formed of a glass having a light weight and having high refinability with decreasing environmental burdens, the glass comprising, by mass %, 50 to 70% of SiO2, 5 to 18% of B2O3, 10 to 25% of Al2O3, 0 to 10% of MgO, 0 to 20% of CaO, 0 to 20% of SrO, 0 to 10% of BaO, 5 to 20% of RO (in which R is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba), and over 0.20% but not more than 2.0% of R′2O (in which R′ is at least one member selected from the group consisting of Li, Na and K), and containing, by mass %, 0.05 to 1.5% of oxide of metal that changes in valence number in a molten glass, and substantially containing none of As2O3, Sb2O3 and PbO.
US08383519B2
An etching method by which a fluorine-added carbon film formed on a substrate is etched by plasma includes a first step of etching the fluorine-added carbon film with plasma of an oxygen-containing processing gas, and a second step of etching the fluorine-added carbon film with plasma of a fluorine-containing processing gas.
US08383518B1
A method for forming contact holes is applied in a transistor array substrate. The transistor array substrate includes first contact pads, second contact pads located over the first contact pads, a first insulation layer covering the first contact pads, and a second insulation layer covering the second contact pads. Firstly, a photoresist pattern layer having recesses and first openings is formed on the second insulation layer. The first openings expose the second insulation layer partially. Then, the first insulation layer and the second insulation layer inside the first openings are removed partially, to expose the first contact pads. Then, the thickness of the photoresist pattern layer is reduced, so that the recesses form a plurality of second openings which expose the second insulation layer partially. After that, a part of the second insulation layer which is located inside the second openings is removed, to expose the second contact pads.
US08383517B2
A substrate processing method that can selectively remove deposit produced through dry etching of silicon. A substrate has a silicon base material and a hard mask that is made of a silicon nitride film and/or a silicon oxide film and formed on the silicon base material, the hard mask having an opening to which at least part of the silicon base material is exposed. A trench corresponding to the opening is formed in the silicon base material through dry etching using plasma produced from halogenated gas. After the dry etching, the substrate is heated to a temperature of not less than 200° C., and then hydrogen fluoride gas and helium gas are supplied toward the substrate.
US08383512B2
A method provides electrical connections to a stack of contact levels of an interconnect region for a 3-D stacked IC device. Each contact level comprises conductive and insulation layers. A portion of any upper layer is removed to expose a first contact level and create contact openings for each contact level. A set of N masks is used to etch the contact openings up to and including 2N contact levels. Each mask is used to etch effectively half of the contact openings. When N is 3, a first mask etches one contact level, a second mask etches two contact levels, and a third mask etches four contact levels. A dielectric layer may be formed on the sidewalls of the contact openings. Electrical conductors may be formed through the contact openings with the dielectric layers electrically insulating the electrical conductors from the sidewalls.
US08383511B2
Openings are formed in first and second mask layers. Next, diameter of the opening in the second mask layer is enlarged so that the diameter of the opening in the second mask layer becomes larger by a length X than diameter of the opening in the first mask layer. Thereafter, mask material is formed into the opening in the second mask layer, to form a cavity with a diameter X within the opening in the second mask layer. There is formed a mask which includes the second mask layer and the mask material having therein opening including the cavity.
US08383510B2
Upon forming a complex metallization system, the parasitic capacitance between metal lines of adjacent metallization layers may be reduced by providing a patterned etch stop material. In this manner, the patterning process for forming the via openings may be controlled in a highly reliable manner, while, on the other hand, the resulting overall dielectric constant of the metallization system may be reduced, thereby also significantly reducing the parasitic capacitance between stacked metal lines.
US08383505B2
A solder ball contact and a method of making a solder ball contact includes: a first insulating layer with a via formed on an integrated circuit (IC) chip and a metal pad; an under bump metallurgy (UBM) structure disposed within the via and on a portion of the first insulating layer, surrounding the via; a second insulating layer formed on an upper surface of an outer portion of the UBM structure that is centered on the via; and a solder ball that fills the via and is disposed above an upper surface of an inner portion of the UBM structure that contacts the via, in which the UBM structure that underlies the solder ball is of a greater diameter than the solder ball.
US08383492B2
A method is provided for producing a thin substrate with a thickness below 750 microns, comprising providing a mother substrate, the mother substrate having a first main surface and a toughness; inducing a stress with predetermined stress profile in at least a portion of the mother substrate, said portion comprising the thin substrate, the induced stress being locally larger than the toughness of the mother substrate at a first depth under the main surface; such that the thin substrate is released from the mother substrate, wherein the toughness of the mother substrate at the first depth is not lowered prior to inducing the stress. The method can be used in the production of, for example, solar cells.
US08383476B2
A method of forming a device is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate prepared with a cell area and forming first and second gates of first and second transistors in the cell area. The first gate includes a second sub-gate surrounding a first sub-gate. The first and second sub-gates of the first gate are separated by a first intergate dielectric layer. The second gate includes a second sub-gate surrounding a first sub-gate. The first and second sub-gates of the second gate are separated by a second intergate dielectric layer. The method also includes forming first and second junctions of the first and second transistors. A first gate terminal is formed and coupled to the second sub-gate of the first transistor. A second gate terminal is formed and coupled to at least the first sub-gate of the second transistor.
US08383467B2
A thin film transistor (TFT) and a method of manufacturing the same are provided, the TFT including a gate insulating layer on a gate. A channel may be formed on a portion of the gate insulating layer corresponding to the gate. A metal material may be formed on a surface of the channel. The metal material crystallizes the channel. A source and a drain may contact side surfaces of the channel.
US08383449B2
A thin film transistor array panel includes a substrate, a plurality of first and second signal lines crossing each other on the substrate, source electrodes connected to the first signal lines, drain electrodes connected to the second signal lines, pixel electrodes connected to the drain electrodes, a first partition formed on the source and drain electrodes and having a first opening, wherein a lower width of the first opening is wider than an upper width of the first opening, an organic semiconductor formed in the first opening and at least overlapping the portions of the source electrode and the drain electrode, and a gate electrode connected to the second signal line and at least overlapping the portion of the organic semiconductor.
US08383447B2
A reverse image sensor module includes first and second semiconductor chips, and first and second insulation layers. The first semiconductor chip includes a first semiconductor chip body having a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface, photodiodes disposed on the first surface, and a wiring layer disposed on the second surface and having wiring lines electrically connected to the photodiodes and bonding pads electrically connected to the wiring lines. The second semiconductor chip includes a second semiconductor chip body having a third surface facing the wiring layer, and through-electrodes electrically connected to the bonding pads and passing through the second semiconductor chip body. The first insulation layer is disposed on the wiring layer, and the second insulation layer is disposed on the third surface of the second semiconductor chip body facing the first insulation layer and is joined to the first insulation layer.
US08383446B2
A solid-state imaging device includes: a photoelectric conversion portion that receives an incident light from a back surface side of a silicon layer to perform photoelectric conversion on the incident light; and a pixel transistor portion that outputs signal charges generated in the photoelectric conversion portion towards a front surface side of the silicon layer, wherein a gettering layer having internal stress is provided on the front surface side of the silicon layer at a position to overlap the photoelectric conversion portion on a plan view layout thereof.
US08383440B2
System and method for providing a light shield for a CMOS imager is provided. The light shield comprises a structure formed above a point between a photo-sensitive element and adjacent circuitry. The structure is formed of a light-blocking material, such as a metal, metal alloy, metal compound, or the like, formed in dielectric layers over the photo-sensitive elements.
US08383438B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fabricating light-emitting diodes. The method includes etching grooves on a growth substrate, thereby creating mesas on the growth substrate. The method further includes fabricating on each of the mesas an indium gallium aluminum nitride (InGaAlN) multilayer structure which contains a p-type layer, a multi-quantum-well layer, and an n-type layer. In addition, the method includes depositing one or more metal substrate layers on top of the InGaAlN multilayer structure. Moreover, the method includes removing the growth substrate. Furthermore, the method includes creating electrodes on both sides of the InGaAlN multilayer structure, thereby resulting in a vertical-electrode configuration.
US08383433B2
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclose a light emitting diode (LED) and a method of fabricating the same. The LED includes a substrate, a semiconductor stack arranged on the substrate, the semiconductor stack including an upper semiconductor layer having a first conductivity type, an active layer, and a lower semiconductor layer having a second conductivity type, isolation trenches separating the semiconductor stack into a plurality of regions, connectors disposed between the substrate and the semiconductor stack, the connectors electrically connecting the plurality of regions to one another, and a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) having a multi-layered structure, the DBR disposed between the semiconductor stack and the connectors. The connectors are electrically connected to the semiconductor stack through the DBR, and portions of the DBR are disposed between the isolation trenches and the connectors.
US08383432B2
Colloidal-processed Si particle devices, device fabrication, and device uses have been presented. The generic device includes a substrate, a first electrode overlying the substrate, a second electrode overlying the substrate, laterally adjacent the first electrode, and separated from the first electrode by a spacing. A colloidal-processed Si particle layer overlies the first electrode, the second electrode, and the spacing between the electrodes. The Si particle layer includes a first plurality of nano-sized Si particles and a second plurality of micro-sized Si particles.
US08383431B2
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) including: a substrate; a reflection layer on the substrate and including metal; a first electrode on the reflection layer and including a light transparent aluminum zinc oxide (AZO); an organic layer on the first electrode and including an emitting layer; and a second electrode on the organic layer and including a semi-transparent reflection layer.
US08383428B2
An exhaust pressure measuring device including a connection pipe connected to a middle of an exhaust line for carrying byproduct gas, the connection pipe having an opening formed in a middle of a body thereof; a chamber provided at an outer side of the connection pipe and communicating with an inside of the connection pipe through the opening, the chamber having a nitrogen supply line connected thereto, the nitrogen supply line allowing nitrogen gas to be supplied from the outside; and a pressure sensor installed to the chamber to measure pressure in the chamber, whereby a change of exhaust pressure in the exhaust line is measured from the measured pressure in the chamber.
US08383425B2
The invention provides methods and compositions for the rapid and sensitive detection of post-translationally modified proteins, and particularly of those with post-translational glycosylations. The methods can be used to detect O-GlcNAc posttranslational modifications on proteins on which such modifications were undetectable using other techniques. In one embodiment, the method exploits the ability of an engineered mutant of β-1,4-galactosyltransferase to selectively transfer an unnatural ketone functionality onto O-GlcNAc glycosylated proteins. Once transferred, the ketone moiety serves as a versatile handle for the attachment of biotin, thereby enabling detection of the modified protein. The approach permits the rapid visualization of proteins that are at the limits of detection using traditional methods. Further, the preferred embodiments can be used for detection of certain disease states, such as cancer, Alzheimer's disease, neurodegeneration, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
US08383423B2
A peptide-coated nanoparticle that includes a nanocrystal surrounded by a graded shell that is composed of at least two different semiconductor molecules. At least one peptide is attached to the surface of the graded shell to render the nanoparticle biocompatible. The nanocrystal core and graded shell are optionally annealed with ultra violet radiation prior to and/or after attachment of the peptide(s).
US08383422B2
The present invention provides an immunochromatographic device, which contains the following (a) and (b): (a) a first device part holding a first insoluble carrier used for developing a complex formed with an analyte and a labeling substance comprising a metal labeled with a first binding substance that can bind to the analyte and capturing the analyte and the labeling substance at a reaction portion containing a second binding substance that can bind to the analyte, and (b) a second device part holding a second insoluble carrier used for developing a liquid and a third insoluble carrier used for absorbing a liquid, in such a way that the first insoluble carrier does not come into contact with the second insoluble carrier and the third insoluble carrier.
US08383421B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a cartridge for automatic measurement used in an automatic measuring device, capable of automatically performing measurement including heat treatment of a sample, and a measuring device using the cartridge.The present invention relates to a cartridge for use in measuring a component to be measured contained in a sample, comprising: at least a heat-treatment well for performing heat treatment of the sample; and a reaction well for reacting the component to be measured in the sample with a material specifically reacting therewith.
US08383418B2
A method for operating a tissue processor is described. During the operation of a tissue processor a reagent is fed from a container into a retort of the tissue processor, which retort does not contain any tissue samples. Thereafter, the reagent is returned into the container. During feeding, returning and/or in between feeding and returning a measured value is detected by a sensor of the tissue processor. This value is representative of a concentration of the reagent. During this feeding, this returning and/or in between no tissue sample is placed in the retort.
US08383417B2
Methods are described for monitoring the amounts of PTH variants in a biological sample by digesting the sample to produce surrogate peptides specific to the targeted PTH variants, and detecting and quantifying the surrogate peptides by selective reaction monitoring (SRM) mass spectrometry, using a set of precursor-to-product ion transitions optimized for sensitivity and selectivity. The PTH variants, or a portion thereof, may be concentrated in the sample by means of immunoaffinity capture or other suitable technique. The mass spectrometric method described herein enables the concurrent measurement of peptides representative of a plurality of targeted PTH variants in a single assay.
US08383414B2
An optic light guide test sensor comprises a light guide, a reagent-coated membrane, and a mesh layer. The reagent-coated membrane and the mesh layer are attached to the light guide at an output end of the light guide. The light guide test sensor is adapted to be used to test the level of an analyte in a biological fluid sample when used with a readhead. A method of manufacturing the light guide test sensor involves providing a plurality of light guides, providing a strip of reagent-coated membrane, and providing a strip of mesh layer. The reagent-coated membrane and mesh layer are attached to the light guides by ultrasonic welding. The reagent-coated membrane and mesh layer may also be attached to the light guides by adhesive.
US08383413B2
The present invention provides a novel method for assaying OPC contained in natural substances, foods and beverages, pharmaceuticals and/or cosmetics.The present invention is a novel method for assay of OPC which assays anthocyanidin, obtained by hydrolysis of OPC, to determine the total amount of OPC, and elucidates the proportions of the polymerization degrees of OPC by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the contents of the respective polymers in OPC.
US08383404B2
The present invention relates to methods of identifying, collecting and isolating hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and compositions of purified HSCs. Specifically, the present invention provides methods of isolating and purifying CD150+ HSCs, CD48− HSCs, and CD244− HSCs. The present invention also relates to purified cell samples with enriched CD150+ HSCs, CD48− HSCs, and CD244− HSCs populations, as well as methods of treating subjects with such compositions.
US08383403B2
In one aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a method for preparing reticulocyte mimetics. In another aspect of the present disclosure there are provided reticulocyte mimetics obtained using the method. In yet another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a whole blood reference control including the reticulocyte mimetics as provided. In still another aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a composition useful for preparing reticulocyte mimetics.
US08383399B2
A transgenic avian containing in its genome an exogenous nucleotide sequence which includes a promoter component and a vector with reduced promoter interference wherein the exogenous nucleotide sequence is integrated into the genome and the avian.
US08383398B2
A conventional shuttle vector constructed by fusing an E. coli-derived plasmid and a transformant-derived plasmid functions in both E. coli and the transformant bacterium, and there exists no expression vector that functions only in a non-E. coli transformant. The present invention provides an plasmid expression vector comprising (1) a plasmid replication unit that functions in an anaerobic microorganism other than E. coli and (2) a protein expression unit formed from DNA coding for a protein having target activity and a DNA fragment containing a promoter and a terminator that function in the anaerobic microorganism. The expression vector of the present invention is capable of being replicated only in a transformant, eliminating the risk of the replication of the transformant gene in other pathogenic or aerobic bacterium, providing an extremely safe and reliable vector and gene transporter for therapeutic application.
US08383392B2
Disclosed is a transformant prepared by introducing a ketoreductase gene involved in the biosynthesis of L-epivancosamine into an actinobacterium originally capable of producing daunorubicin. Also disclosed is a process of efficiently producing a non-natural daunorubicin derivative using the transformant. The transformant is capable of efficiently producing a non-natural daunorubicin derivative such as epidaunorubicin.
US08383386B2
Factor Xa variants and methods of use thereof are disclosed.
US08383367B2
IL-21 variants nucleic acid sequences are provided that encode a peptide having deletions and zero to ten conservative amino acid substitutions in the region of amino acid residues 65-96 of SEQ ID. NO:2.
US08383358B2
The invention provides anti-SPARC antibody-based techniques for predicting a response to chemotherapy.
US08383356B2
The present invention is directed to the detection of target analytes using electronic techniques, particularly AC techniques.
US08383353B2
Method for in vitro detection and/or quantification and/or identification of bacteria present in a fluid medium M constituting a biological material, in which method a suspension of microbeads of solid polymer material capable of binding proteins is prepared; the microbeads are loaded with β2GPI proteins; said loaded microbeads are brought into contact with the fluid medium M, in the presence of ions of an oxidizing metal, so as to bind the bacteria to the β2GPI proteins; the microbeads thus prepared are separated from their suspension medium, so as to obtain a residue; and the bacteria of the residue are detected and/or quantified and/or identified.
US08383344B2
The invention relates to ribonucleic acids, probes and methods for detection, quantification as well as monitoring the expression of mature microRNAs and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). The invention furthermore relates to methods for monitoring the expression of other non-coding RNAs, mRNA splice variants, as well as detecting and quantifying RNA editing, allelic variants of single transcripts, mutations, deletions, or duplications of particular exons in transcripts, e.g., alterations associated with human disease such as cancer. The invention furthermore relates to methods for detection, quantification as well as monitoring the expression of deoxy nucleic acids.
US08383340B2
The application describes a method for the preparative purification of RNA, which method is distinguished in that the RNA is purified by means of HPLC using a porous reversed phase as the stationary phase. The use of the porous reversed phase in this HPLC method is also described.
US08383339B2
The present invention is directed to methods and materials for producing complements and reproductions of a master, including such preparation in a high throughput setting, using, inter-alia, liquid supramolecular nanostamping (LiSuNS).
US08383322B2
A method of performing immersion lithography on a semiconductor substrate includes providing a layer of resist onto a surface of the semiconductor substrate and exposing the resist layer using an immersion lithography exposure system. The immersion lithography exposure system utilizes a fluid during exposure and may be capable of removing some, but not all, of the fluid after exposure. After exposure, a treatment process is used to neutralize the effect of undesired elements that diffused into the resist layer during the immersion exposure. After treatment, a post-exposure bake and a development step are used.
US08383316B2
New routes involving multi-step reversible photo-chemical reactions using two-step techniques to provide non-linear resist for lithography are described in this disclosure. They may provide exposure quadratically dependant on the intensity of the light. Several specific examples, including but not limited to using nanocrystals, are also described. Combined with double patterning, these approaches may create sub-diffraction limit feature density.
US08383310B2
The present disclosure relates to a binder resin system suitable for use in forming toner compositions. In embodiments, the binder resin system includes at least one amorphous resin, at least one crystalline resin, and at least one fatty acid salt. The presence of the fatty acid salt reduces plasticization which may otherwise occur upon combining the amorphous and crystalline resins, thereby increasing the glass transition temperature of the binder resin, as well as any toner produced with such binder resin. Toners produced with the disclosed binder resin may also include one or more optional ingredients such as optional colorants, optional waxes, and combinations thereof.
US08383307B2
The toner includes a binder resin; a release agent; a colorant; and a dispersing resin configured to disperse the release agent. The dispersing resin includes a polyhydroxycarboxylic acid unit obtained from an optically active monomer. The polyhydroxycarboxylic acid unit has an optical purity of not greater than 80%, wherein the optical purity is defined as the absolute value of difference between the mole percentage of a L-monomer in the optically active monomer and the mole percentage of a D-monomer in the optically active monomer.
US08383291B2
One embodiment includes three-dimensional hydrophilic porous structures for fuel cell collector plates.
US08383288B2
The present invention provides a resin molding method for fuel cell separator. The fuel cell separator includes: a resin mold region formed inward a predetermined distance from an edge; a through hole formed at the resin mold region; and a front end region formed between the through hole and the edge at the resin mold region. The resin molding method includes: a die set process that the resin mold region of the fuel cell separator is set in the die such that the front end region is held by a pair of anti-deformation pins of the die; and a resin filling process that a resin is filled in the die, wherein the resin is molded on the resin mold region of the fuel cell separator so as to be filled in the through hole, and a resin member is thereby molded on the resin mold region so as to extend outward from the edge.
US08383286B2
A metal oxide thin film structure for a solid oxide fuel cell, prepared by a method comprising dispersing a metal oxide nanopowder in a metal oxide salt solution and subsequent coating of the resulting metal oxide powder dispersed sol and the metal oxide salt solution on a porous substrate, has excellent gas impermeability, excellent phase stability, and is devoid of cracks or pinholes.
US08383283B2
A fuel cell includes an electrolyte matrix having a cathode side with a cathode disposed thereon and an anode side with an anode receiving portion and a sealing portion positioned peripherally to the anode receiving portion. The anode receiving portion has an anode disposed thereon. A fuel conduit has one or more one sealing platforms and having an opening extending through the fuel conduit. The anode is positioned in the opening.The fuel cell includes one or more devices for preventing the occurrence an electrical short circuit between the cathode and the sealing platform. The device for preventing the electrical short circuit is aligned with the sealing portion and sealing platform and is positioned on the electrolyte matrix, the cathode and/or the sealing platform.
US08383280B2
A fuel cell separator plate having a planar substrate having a main body with first and second opposed major surfaces, a first open channel reactant flow field recessed in the first major surface, and a first segment extending from the main body, and a thermally and electrically conductive first current collector layer having a flow field portion on the first major surface of the main body and a heat exchange portion extending from the flow field portion onto the first segment such that heat in the flow field portion conducts to the heat exchange portion during fuel cell use.
US08383274B2
Disclosed are a nonaqueous electrolytic solution for lithium secondary battery comprising an electrolyte dissolved in a nonaqueous solvent and containing at least one compound represented by the formula (I) in an amount of from 0.01 to 10% by mass of the nonaqueous electrolytic solution; a lithium battery containing the electrolytic solution and excellent in low-temperature and high-temperature cycle property; and a formyloxy group-containing compound having a specific structure which is used in lithium batteries, etc. (wherein X represents an alkylene group, an alkenylene group or an alkynylene group; R1 represents H, an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group or a group of the formula (II); R2 represents an alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group or a group of the formula (II); R3 to R7 each represent H, F, a methoxy group or an ethoxy group.)
US08383273B2
A nonaqueous electrolyte composition includes: a nonaqueous solvent; an electrolyte salt; a matrix resin; a filler; and a surfactant.
US08383271B2
An electrode 30 (such as a positive electrode for a lithium ion battery) is provided in which an active material layer (35), having an electrode active material as a main component thereof, is held by a metallic power collector (32). A barrier layer (33) containing a non-water-soluble polymeric material (334) and a conductive material (332) is provided on the surface of the power collector (32). An interconnecting layer (34), having higher electrical conductivity than the barrier layer (33) and containing a polymeric material (344) and a conductive material (342), is interposed between the barrier layer (33) and the active material layer (35).
US08383264B2
A cover assembly for a Lithium-ion battery container to improve the durability of the battery. A high pressure injection molded polymer is combined with flanges disposed on the current collecting posts of the battery to provide an improved seal for the battery cover, especially at the interface of the cover and the current collecting posts. The injection molded polymer is fused to the flanges, current collecting posts and container cover to result in a diffusion path of increased length for gases and/or liquids which are known to enter or escape from battery containers. Additional polymer layers can be applied to the assembly to further improve the seal.
US08383260B2
A cooling system for a battery pack module with a plurality of battery cells includes a cooling plate assembly having a first side wall and a second side wall spaced apart from one another. The first and second side walls are connected by a base wall. The first side wall, the second side wall and the base wall have at least one flow channel formed therein. The first side wall has an inlet in fluid communication with the flow channel. The second side wall has an outlet in fluid communication with the flow channel. The cooling plate assembly is configured to be placed in heat transfer communication with the battery cells disposed between the first and second side walls. The cooling plate assembly permits a coolant to flow into the inlet, through the at least one flow channel, and out of the outlet to regulate a temperature of the battery cells.
US08383255B2
An end assembly seals a cylindrical electrochemical cell. The assembly includes a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device and a gasket having a protrusion that cooperates with the end assembly isolates the PTC device from primary axial compression forces present in the closure assembly. In further embodiments of the present invention, the end assembly may be produced by insert molding a seal element about the terminal cover and the gasket itself has an E or F shaped cross section.
US08383251B2
A substituted pyrene for electroluminescent applications and a method to produce the substituted pyrenes.
US08383250B2
A light-emitting element includes a cathode, an anode, a red-light-emitting layer that is disposed between the cathode and the anode and emits red light, a blue-light-emitting layer that is disposed between the red-light-emitting layer and the cathode and emits blue light, a green-light-emitting layer that is disposed between the blue-light-emitting layer and the cathode and emits green light, and an intermediate layer that is disposed between and in contact with the red-light-emitting layer and the blue-light-emitting layer and functions so as to control the transfer of positive holes and electrons between the red-light-emitting layer and the blue-light-emitting layer, wherein the intermediate layer contains a first material and a second material different from the first material, the red-light-emitting layer contains a material of the same type as the first material, and each of the blue-light-emitting layer and the green-light-emitting layer contains a material of the same type as the second material.
US08383245B2
Gas barrier multilayer structure precursors are not clouded even when exposed to cold water and have excellent abuse resistance. Gas barrier multilayer structures are obtained from the gas barrier multilayer structure precursors.A gas barrier multilayer structure precursor includes a support and a gas barrier layer precursor formed on the support, the gas barrier layer precursor including a layer (A) and a layer (B), the layer (A) including a polycarboxylic acid polymer and a silicon-containing compound (i) derived from a silane coupling agent represented by Formula (1) below, the weight ratio of the polycarboxylic acid polymer and the silicon-containing compound (i) being in the range of 99.5:0.5 to 80.0:20.0, the layer (B) including a polyvalent metal compound, the layer (A) analyzed by a transmission method showing an infrared absorption spectrum in which the maximum peak height (α) in the range of 1490 to 1659 cm−1 and the maximum peak height (β) in the range of 1660 to 1750 cm−1 have a ratio (α/β) of less than 1. A gas barrier multilayer structure is obtained by subjecting the gas barrier multilayer structure precursor to retort treatment, boil treatment or humidity conditioning treatment. Si(OR)3Z (1)
US08383243B2
Disclosed herein is a component comprising a substantially homogeneous composition of at least one polymer selected from the group consisting of epoxies, acetals, polyesters, non-ionic rubbers, non-ionic polyurethanes, polyether sulfones, polyether ether ketones, polyether imides, polystyrenes, polyethylene terephthalates, polyamides, polyimides, polyvinylchlorides, polyphenylene oxides, polycarbonates, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymers, silicones, fluropolymers, and polyolefins, a filler, and a metal plating catalyst. A method of making a component also is described comprising obtaining a polymeric material, a liquid, a filler and a metal plating catalyst; combining the metal plating catalyst with the polymeric material, liquid, and filler to form a substantially homogeneous mixture; and evaporating and/or curing the mixture to form a solidified component. The method is useful for making small, precisely engineered, electronic components without requiring the use of caustic solutions or complex equipment.
US08383242B2
The present invention relates to lightweight components of hybrid design, also termed hybrid component or hollow-chamber lightweight component, composed of a parent body which is composed of galvanized iron and which is reinforced by means of thermoplastics and is suitable for the transmission of high mechanical loads.
US08383238B2
Fine particles of a highly porous, low density material in which the pore chambers have been at least partially evacuated and refilled with a gas having a low thermal conductivity, and the obtained particles are encapsulated with a protective, durable coating. The particles are particularly useful as durable thermal insulating material.
US08383232B2
A printing substrate is provided, wherein the printing substrate includes a top layer; a middle layer, wherein the middle layer is attached to the top layer, and wherein the middle layer further includes a material that is different than the material of the top layer; and a bottom layer, wherein the bottom layer is attached to the middle layer, and wherein the bottom layer further includes a material that is different than the material of the middle layer and a material that is the same as the material of the top layer; and wherein the printing substrate is adapted specifically for use with use with digital imaging systems such as large, flatbed digital printers and the like.
US08383230B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a flexible printed wiring board and multilayered flexible printed wiring board in which, in methods of laminating substrates comprising a non-adhering section and an adhering section, adhesion of the FPC substrates of the flexure part can be prevented and adequate flex resistance can be maintained.The present invention provides a flexible printed wiring board comprising at least an electric insulating layer and a conductor layer wherein the surface of the electric insulating layer has a 10-point average roughness of at least 1.5 μm and less than 2.0 μm and contact angle of at least 60° and less than 120°, or has a 10-point average roughness of at least 2.0 μm and less than 4.0 μm, and also provides a multilayered flexible printed wiring board formed by the lamination of two or more of the flexible printed wiring boards in which the surface of the electric insulating layers of the two or more flexible printed wiring boards exposed in a bendable state are opposing in a non-adhered state, and a part of the wiring boards is laminated on each of a first multilayered flexible printed wiring board and a second multilayered flexible printed wiring board.
US08383226B2
Structures are provided that include electroactive polymers. According to these structures, the electroactive materials have enhanced conductivity in a first direction. Also, the structures include either pores or inclusions. These pores or inclusions are non-parallel to the first direction. In addition, methods for forming structures that include electroactive polymers that have enhanced conductivity in a first direction are provided. These methods allow for pores and/or inclusions to be formed in the electroactive polymers.
US08383222B2
A self-laminating assembly for providing information, such as emergency medical or contact information, or a temporary identification card, for general purposes. Medical data or contact information is entered on a card which is predisposed within the assembly. The card can then be covered with a transparent plastic sheet and folded in half, along a perforation in its center to permanently seal the card within the transparent plastic enclosure.
US08383210B2
A method is described of depositing film of an amorphous or microcrystalline material, for example silicon, from a plasma on to a substrate. Microwave energy is introduced into a chamber as a sequence of discrete microwave pulses, a film precursors gas is introduced into the chamber as a sequence of discrete gas pulses, and gas for generating atomic hydrogen is supplied to the chamber at least during each microwave pulse. Each microwave pulse is followed in non-overlapping fashion with a precursor gas pulse, and each precursor gas pulse is followed by a period during which there is neither a microwave pulse nor a precursor gas pulse.
US08383203B2
A method of imparting high-temperature, degradation resistance to a component associated with an internal combustion engine involving applying a metal slurry comprising a Co-based metallic composition, a binder, and a solvent to a surface of the component, and sintering the Co-based metallic composition to form a substantially continuous Co-based alloy coating on the surface of the body. An internal combustion engine component comprising a metallic substrate and a Co-based metallic coating thereon which has a thickness between about 100 and about 1000 microns.
US08383198B2
The water dispersibility of water-soluble polymer particles can be improved by a method which comprises the following step: i) foaming a fluid composition comprising a compound A) having a weight average molecular weight of less than 10,000 or a water-insoluble polymer B) having a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000; ii) contacting the produced foam with water-soluble polymer particles having a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000; and iii) drying the particles, whereby the foam collapses during the contacting and/or drying step and the water-soluble polymer particles are encrusted with the compound having a weight average molecular weight of less than 10,000 or the water-insoluble polymer having a weight average molecular weight of at least 10,000.
US08383186B2
A method for treating citrus peel by processing pieces of raw citrus peel through a plurality of progressive, continuous clean steaming and mechanical pressing stages; rupturing at least some of the cells of the pieces of raw citrus peel to release liquid, sugar and oil bound within the pieces of raw citrus peel; and transforming the pieces of raw citrus peel into press cake and pressate. The clean steaming step ay involve using clean steam that is free of chemical water treatment additives.
US08383157B2
The invention relates to novel chitin derivatives and their use in medical treatments of plastic surgery, dermocosmesis and therapy, in particular it relates to natural chitin derivatives, like chitin in nanofibrillar form, oxychitin and other chemical derivatives of chitin, chitosan-hyaluronate and associations for use as subcutaneous fillers or skin protectants.
US08383156B2
Methods for making comb-type antithrombotic conjugate wherein substantially all side chains of water soluble poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) are extended by ring-opening polymerization to form a copolymer wherein substantially all terminals are conjugated to an antithrombotic molecule. In addition, a method is provided for applying a coating comprising a comb-type anti-thrombotic conjugate to at least a portion of an implantable device to prevent or reduce the formation of thrombosis on the surface of the device. A first or sub-layer of the coating is prepared by mixing a polymeric material and a biologically active agent with a solvent, thereby forming a homogeneous solution. A second or outer layer comprising a comb-type anti-thrombotic conjugate may be applied over the inner drug-containing layers using, for example, a dip coating or spray coating process. Alternatively the comb-type antithrombotic conjugate may be used as a matrix material to encapsulate a pharmaceutical agent to form microspheres or nanospheres before depositing the microspheres or nanospheres onto a medical device.
US08383154B2
A novel dosage form. The dosage form is presented in particulate form and before oral ingestion the particulate material is subjected to an aqueous medium, whereby it is converted to a semi-solid form by swelling or gelling of one or more of the components, especially of a gellan gum, of the particulate matter. The invention also relates to a vehicle for oral administration of one or more active substances, the vehicle comprising a gellan gum arranged in a configuration allowing optimal water diffusion so that upon addition of a predetermined amount of an aqueous medium, without the necessity of applying shear forces or other mixing forces, within a time period of 5 minutes or less swells and/or gels and the texture of the swelled vehicle being similar to that of a soft pudding and having a viscosity of at least about 10,000 cps as measured by a Brookfield Viscometer with a #4 LV spindle at 6 rpm and at 20-25° C. In one embodiment of the invention, the particulate matter can be molded into a desired shape or pressed onto a dispensing unit such as a spoon.
US08383150B2
A capsule formulation of pirfenidone is provided that includes pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. In one embodiment, this capsule formulation is capable of sustaining desirable pharmacokinetic responses in a patient. Further provided are methods of treating fibrotic conditions and other cytokine-mediated disorders by administering pirfenidone capsules of such formulation to a patient in need.
US08383142B2
Coatings for implantable devices or endoluminal prosthesis, such as stents, are provided, including a method of forming the coatings. The coatings can be used for the delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients.
US08383141B2
Dry cross-linked gelatin compositions are prepared that rapidly re-hydrate to produce gelatin hydrogels suitable as hemostatic sealants. Gelatin is cross-linked in the presence of certain re-hydration aids, such as polyethylene glycol, polyvinylprovidone, and dextran, in order to produce a dry cross-linked gelatin powder. The use of the re-hydration aids has been found to substantially increase the re-hydration rate in the presence of an aqueous re-hydration medium, typically thrombin-containing saline.
US08383133B2
Conjugates of ookinete surface protein Pfs25 are provided that are efficacious as vaccines against Plasmodium falciparum, the most severe form of malaria. Conjugates of ookinete surface protein Pvs25 for use as a vaccine against Plasmodium vivax are also provided. Methods for preparing the conjugates, which comprise the ookinete surface protein bound onto itself or onto another protein by a linking group, are also provided.
US08383131B2
A method of predicting the virulence of a new or uncharacterized PRRS virus strain is provided wherein the strain is injected into swine and allowed to replicate for a period of from about 3-15 days. During this period, the rate of virus growth and/or the magnitude of viremia is determined, and this data is compared with a corresponding growth rate and/or viremia magnitude of a PRRS virus strain of known virulence, as a measure of the virulence of the new or uncharacterized strain.
US08383130B2
The invention provides a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, which is a particular partial sequence of lacritin, and having an amino acid length of not more than 70 residues. The polypeptide of the invention can promote adhesion between a cell and an extracellular matrix, and can promote tear fluid secretion from lacrimal gland acinar cells.
US08383127B2
The present invention relates to a polysaccharide extract derived from a mushroom of the Lentinus genus and also to the method for preparing such an extract. This polysaccharide-rich extract can be used as a nutraceutical, cosmetic or pharmaceutical preparation.
US08383118B2
The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to Fucosyl-GM1 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of this disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. This disclosure also provides methods for detecting Fucosyl-GM1, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer, using anti-Fucosyl-GM1 antibodies.
US08383113B2
The present invention relates to antibodies that differentially recognize multi-dimensional conformations of Aβ-derived diffusible ligands, also known as ADDLs. The antibodies of the invention can distinguish between Alzheimer's Disease and control human brain extracts and are useful in methods of detecting ADDLs and diagnosing Alzheimer's Disease. The present antibodies also block binding of ADDLs to neurons, assembly of ADDLS, and tau phosphorylation and are there useful in methods for the preventing and treating diseases associated with soluble oligomers of amyloid β 1-42.
US08383106B2
Immunoglycoproteins, including antibodies, with improved ADCC and altered glycosylation patterns are provided. Also provided are cell culturing methods and media for producing such immunoglycoproteins, and therapeutic uses of such immunoglycoproteins.
US08383092B2
The invention describes substrates, such as prosthetics, films, nonwovens, meshes, etc. that are treated with a bioadhesive. The bioadhesive includes polymeric substances that have phenyl moieties with at least two hydroxyl groups. The bioadhesive constructs can be used to treat and repair, for example, hernias and damaged tendons.
US08383085B2
A method of making iron-containing nanoparticles (e.g., magnetite nanoparticles) that includes contacting an iron-containing precursor with a reducing agent at a temperature less than 200° C. and allowing the mixture to react to form magnetite nanoparticles.
US08383083B2
One aspect of the present invention relates to novel compounds that can be used to prepare radiolabeled compounds in an effective manner. A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method of synthesizing radiolabeled compounds.
US08383082B1
The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of bioactive nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and a bioactive agent for oral delivery. The chitosan-based nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge and enhanced permeability for oral drug delivery.
US08383078B2
Reactive diluent fluid (22) is introduced into a stream of synthesis gas (or “syngas”) produced in a heat-generating unit such as a partial oxidation (“POX”) reactor (12) to cool the syngas and form a mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid. Carbon dioxide and/or carbon components and/or hydrogen in the mixture of cooled syngas and reactive diluent fluid is reacted (26) with at least a portion of the reactive diluent fluid in the mixture to produce carbon monoxide-enriched and/or solid carbon depleted syngas which is fed into a secondary reformer unit (30) such as an enhanced heat transfer reformer in a heat exchange reformer process. An advantage of the invention is that problems with the mechanical integrity of the secondary unit arising from the high temperature of the syngas from the heat-generating unit are avoided.
US08383076B2
A silica composition and a method for forming the silica composition using low surfactant concentrations are disclosed. A metal silicate precursor including a silica source and a hydroxide MOH is prepared, where M is a cation with a valence of 1. In addition, a surfactant solution including a cationic surfactant and an anionic co-surfactant is prepared. Next, the metal silicate precursor and the surfactant solution are mixed to form a mixture. Then the mixture is crystallized to form the silica composition and the silica composition is isolated. The cationic surfactant can have 10 or more carbon atoms, the anionic co-surfactant can have 4 or more carbon atoms, the molar ratio of the cationic surfactant to the silica source can be less than or equal to 0.1:1, the molar ratio of the anionic co-surfactant to the silica source can be less than or equal to 0.1:1, and the molar ratio of the anionic co-surfactant to the silica source can be less than the molar ratio of the cationic surfactant to the silica source.
US08383073B2
A method and apparatus for controlling emissions of acid forming gases such as sulfur dioxide from cement plants is disclosed. Gaseous effluent from the cement plant pyroprocessing chamber is routed to the plant's raw mill to heat and dry the feed meal used in cement production. When the raw mill is in operation microfine lime particles are sprayed into the raw mill using a nozzle system. The spraying of hydrated lime into the raw mill scrubs acid forming gases in the process gaseous effluent. When the raw mill is not operational, microfine lime is sprayed into a gas conditioning tower that is also used to reduce the temperature of the effluent gases to facilitate efficient collection of dust particles prior to emission of the cleansed effluent flow into the atmosphere.
US08383069B2
This application relates to an incubation device for serology or histology supports. It also relates to any apparatus comprising one such device, and to the use of said apparatuses and/or devices in analysis or diagnosis methods.
US08383057B2
A probe array substrate suitable for forming a probe array that has high packing density, that can hold sufficient amounts of probe molecules, and that has little variation in the amounts of probe molecules. A plurality of arrayed probe-holding portions are defined by recesses, and isolating grooves are formed between the adjacent probe-holding portions to prevent probe solutions introduced into the probe-holding portions from spreading to adjacent probe-holding portions. Inner surfaces of the probe-holding portions are made hydrophilic, whereas inner surfaces of the isolating grooves are made hydrophobic. Liquid-introducing protrusions are formed in the probe-holding portions.
US08383053B2
Provided is a microwave reactor including a reaction container for receiving a reaction solution, a microwave radiator for irradiating the reaction solution received in the reaction container with microwaves, and a cooler for cooling the reaction solution received in the reaction container, wherein a heat-generating medium generating heat by absorbing the microwaves is arranged on a surface of the cooler or in the vicinity of the surface at a position receiving the microwaves from the microwave radiator through the reaction solution.
US08383044B2
A blood sampling device useful for collecting a blood sample from a separate vascular access device is described herein. The blood sampling device includes a body shaped and sized for partial insertion into a separate vascular access device. The body includes a reservoir defined within the body, which has an internal volume sufficient to contain enough blood for use in a diagnostic blood test. The body also includes a gas permeable vent disposed on the body, in which the gas permeable vent is in gaseous communication with the reservoir. When connected to a separate vascular access device the blood sampling device collects a blood sample as blood flows into the reservoir from the separate vascular access device and as gases pass out the reservoir via the gas permeable vent.
US08383043B2
A system relating to sample analyzers, and more particular, to sample analyzers that are simple to operate and have a reduce risk of providing an erroneous result to a user. In some cases, the sample analyzer may be a portable sample analyzer that includes a disposable fluidic cartridge. The operators of the analyzers need not be trained.
US08383038B2
A method and apparatus is provided for efficiently supplying a liquid with ions or radicals generated by plasma and so on, or for effectively sterilizing microorganisms present in a liquid or on the surface thereof. The method includes generating plasma in a gas phase by a plasma generation device, producing ions or radicals in the gas phase by the plasma; electrophoresing the ions or radicals toward the liquid by an electric field applied to the produced ions or radicals; and diffusing the ions or radicals into the liquid. The liquid is adjusted to have a pH value of 4.8 or lower for effective sterilization.
US08383034B2
A ferritic stainless steel sheet for a water heater with excellent corrosion resistance of welds and toughness includes, in terms of mass %, 0.020% or less of C, 0.30 to 1.00% of Si, 1.00% or less of Mn, 0.040% or less of P, 0.010% or less of S, 20.0 to 28.0% of Cr, 0.6% or less of Ni, 0.03 to 0.15% of Al, 0.020% or less of N, 0.0020 to 0.0150% of O, 0.3 to 1.5% of Mo, 0.25 to 0.60% of Nb, and 0.05% or less of Ti, the remainder being composed of Fe and unavoidable impurities, and the ferritic stainless steel sheet satisfying the following formulae (1) and (2): 25≦Cr+3.3Mo≦30 (1) 0.35≦Si+Al≦0.85 (2) wherein Cr, Mo, Si, and Al represent the content (mass %) of Cr, Mo, Si, and Al, respectively.
US08383033B2
A method for preparing an implant having a porous metal component. A loose powder mixture including a biocompatible metal powder and a spacing agent is prepared and compressed onto a metal base. After being compressed, the spacing agent is removed, thereby forming a compact including a porous metal structure pressed on the metal base. The compact is sintered, forming a subassembly, which is aligned with a metal substrate portion of an implant. A metallurgical bonding process, such as diffusion bonding, is performed at the interface of the subassembly and the metal substrate to form an implant having a porous metal component.
US08383028B2
A method for manufacturing a co-molded insert part for use in composite, plastic, or metal parts is disclosed. The method comprises the step of providing a three-dimensional molding insert produced by a layer additive manufacturing process. The method further comprises the step of applying a layer material in contact with at least a portion of the molding insert. The method further comprises the step of co-molding the layer material and the molding insert simultaneously to produce a co-molded insert part.
US08383018B2
Provided is a method of forming a nanocomposite solution, and a nanocomposite photovoltaic device. In the method, a metal oxide nanorod solution is prepared and a nanoparticle solution is prepared. The metal oxide nanorod solution and the nanoparticle solution are mixed to form a nanocomposite solution.
US08383006B2
Improved polisiloxane composite barrier to control, preventing the ingress, limiting the level of H2O within devices sensitive to its presence, method for its production, sensitive devices employing such barriers for the control of the H2O level within.
US08383005B2
A thermally conductive silicone grease composition comprising: (A) an organopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups in one molecule and having a kinetic viscosity of 5,000 to 100,000 mm2/s at 25° C.; (B) a hydrolyzable methylpolysiloxane having a trifunctional termination at one end and represented by the following general formula (2): wherein R2 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and b is an integer of 5 to 100; (C) a thermally conductive filler having a thermal conductivity of at least 10 W/m·° C.; (D) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane containing from 2 to 5 hydrogen atoms in one molecule directly bound to silicon atoms (Si—H groups); (E) a bonding aid having a triazine ring and at least one alkenyl group in one molecule; and (F) a catalyst selected from the group consisting of platinum and platinum compounds.
US08382993B1
A removable drain filter apparatus (20) with an housing (22) connectable with upstream and downstream drain pipes (40, 46) has a filtering chamber wider than the drain pipes and divided into an upstream portion (78) and a downstream portion (82) by a generally planer filter element (50). A hatch cover (32) carries a downwardly extending central core (76) with an O-ring seal (84), a filter securement member (86) for pressing the filter element (50) against an underlying support ledge (29) and a drain hole plug (88). The location of the O-ring (84) relative to the filter element (50) and the plug (88) being tapered enables the filter housing (22) to be drained of any water during removal of the hatch cover and before the watertight seal is broken to eliminate leakage of drain water out of the housing (22) when the hatch (31) is completely opened. The filter (50) bends out of the way of a plumber's auger (96).
US08382992B2
An apparatus for disinfecting a fluid has a fluid-containing structure; an inward-facing first electrically conductive cylindrical body contained within said fluid-containing structure; an outward-facing electrically conductive-second cylindrical body disposed within said first cylindrical body, in mutually facing parallel and coaxial relation thereto, and spaced apart therefrom to define a fluid-occupiable cavity; a power supply electrically coupled between said first cylindrical body and said second cylindrical body, said power supply producing therebetween an electric field, said field comprising a waveform approximating a series of alternating square wave pulses of opposite polarity, said pulses having a maximum absolute value of approximately 60 volts per centimeter, a complete cycle of said waveform, comprising a first pulse and a succeeding pulse of opposite polarity, recurring with a frequency of between about 2 kHz: and about 5 kHz and providing about 2 amps to about 4 amps.
US08382987B2
Capture particles for harvesting analytes from solution and methods for using them are described. The capture particles are made up of a polymeric matrix having pore size that allows for the analytes to enter the capture particles. The pore size of the capture particles are changeable upon application of a stimulus to the particles, allowing the pore size of the particles to be changed so that analytes of interest remain sequestered inside the particles. The polymeric matrix of the capture particles are made of co-polymeric materials having a structural monomer and an affinity monomer, the affinity monomer having properties that attract the analyte to the capture particle. The capture particles may be used to isolate and identify analytes present in a mixture. They may also be used to protect analytes which are typically subject to degradation upon harvesting and to concentrate low an analyte in low abundance in a fluid.
US08382984B2
The invention relates to a method for biologically treating waste water, using a set of micro-organisms having different metabolic spectra, in order to eliminate carbon and nitrogen, even phosphorus. Some of the micro-organisms are fixed to mobile solid carriers (2) and form a fluidised fixed biomass. Some of the micro-organisms are free to be used in an activated mud treatment. To this end, a first non-aerated treatment zone (21a) is followed by a second aerated treatment zone (21b); the treated effluent is subjected to a solid/liquid separation by flotation (6) at a speed higher than 10 m/H; and part of the mud recovered by flotation is recirculated (8) towards the activated mud treatment, said recirculation being controlled (9, 10, 11) so that the MES concentration of the effluent subjected to the liquid/solid separation remains compatible with the retained flotation.
US08382977B1
A pool has an opening formed with upper and lower surfaces and first and second side surfaces. A chamber located interiorly of the opening has a cylindrical well with a vertical axis. A first diverter plate has an exterior edge adjacent to the first side surface and an interior edge between the opening and the well. The first diverter plate is arcuate with a vertical axis of rotation adjacent to the first side surface. A second diverter plate has primary and secondary sections. The primary section has an exterior edge adjacent to the second side surface and an interior edge between the opening and the well and is arcuate with a vertical axis of rotation adjacent to the second side surface. The secondary section is located adjacent the primary section with a vertical axis of rotation essentially co-extensive with the axis of the well.
US08382972B2
The evaporation of the stripping liquid 6 changes the concentration of the standard electrolyte. This causes the quantification accuracy of the chemical substance to be lowered.In order to solve the above problem, this invention provides a method for quantifying a chemical substance contained in a sample solution, characterized by the following stripping gel.The stripping gel covers the stripping electrode, and contains a standard electrolyte and an ionic liquid; however, the stripping gel contains no water.Furthermore, the ionic liquid is hydrophobic and nonvolatile, and the standard electrolyte is consisted of the anion and a metallic ion.
US08382971B2
A method of electrochemical dissolution of ruthenium-cobalt (Ru—Co)-based alloy is disclosed, in which a Ru—Co-based alloy bulk is subjected into an electrolyte solution comprising about 50 wt. % to 75 wt. % of sulfuric acid, thereby electrolyzing the Ru—Co-based alloy bulk and forming a product solution comprising Ru and Co ions in the electrolyte solution.
US08382966B2
A sputtering system is disclosed. The sputtering system includes: a first sputter unit including: a first deposition material plate, a second deposition material plate, where the first and second deposition material plates face each other, and a first magnetic field generator disposed behind each of the first deposition material plate and the second deposition material plate, configured to generate a magnetic field, a second sputter unit including: a third deposition material plate, disposed next to the first deposition material plate, a fourth deposition material plate, disposed next to the second deposition plate, where the third and fourth deposition material plates face each other, and a second magnetic field generator disposed behind each of the third deposition material plate and the fourth deposition material plate, configured to generate a magnetic field, a first gas supply pipe disposed between the first and third deposition material plates, configured to discharge gas to the second and fourth deposition material plates, a second gas supply pipe disposed between the second fourth deposition material plates, configured to discharge gas to the first and third deposition material plates, a first substrate support unit, configured to support a first deposition substrate, oriented toward outer edges of the first and second deposition material plates, and a second substrate support unit, configured to support a second deposition substrate, oriented toward outer edges of the third and fourth deposition material plates.
US08382963B2
A droplet-free wear-resistant coating is manufactured by depositing a wear resistant nitride coating containing a nitride layer which contains at least one metal or metal compound of a metal selected from the group consisting of Ti, Cr, Al, Si and combinations thereof, on a surface of a substrate by cathodic-arc evaporation using a Venetian blind filter system in front of an arc cathode; to reduce metal microdroplets and/or metal microparticles in the wear resistant coating compared to an wear resistant coating obtained without a Venetian blind filter system.
US08382954B2
A belt for wet-web conveyance which includes a hydrophilic fibrous structure formed by needle punching in a wet-web-side layer thereof and which can be inhibited from increasing in belt width dimension with water absorption of the hydrophilic fibrous structure and from forming base fabric marks. The belt for wet-web conveyance includes a wet-web-side layer including a hydrophilic fibrous structure and a machine-side layer. A base fabric disposed in the belt is constituted of a first woven fabric disposed on the wet-web side and, laminated therewith, a second woven fabric disposed on the press roll side. The first woven fabric is woven from a machine-direction yarn material and a cross-direction yarn material, the machine-direction yarn material being a spun yarn and the cross-direction yarn material being a yarn having a low water absorption.
US08382940B2
A device (6) and a method for generating chlorine trifluoride is described, a high-density plasma (105) being generated in the interior of a plasma reactor (100) using plasma generating means (110, 120, 130, 150, 155, 160, 170, 180), and a first gas and a second gas, which react with one another under the influence of the high-density plasma (105) in the plasma reactor (100) under the formation of chlorine trifluoride, being supplied to the plasma reactor (100) via gas supply means (21, 22, 25, 26). In addition, a gas outlet (20) is provided, via which the generated chlorine trifluoride can be removed from the plasma reactor (100). Finally, a system (5) for etching semiconductor substrates (30), silicon wafers in particular, is described including such an upstream device (6), the system (5) having a process chamber (10) which is connected to the plasma reactor (100) via the gas outlet (20), and the semiconductor substrate (30) being situated in the process chamber (10) and exposed to the gaseous chlorine trifluoride generated by the device (6).
US08382939B2
A method and apparatus for providing flow into a processing chamber are provided. In one embodiment, a vacuum processing chamber is provided that includes a substrate support pedestal disposed in an interior volume of a chamber body, a lid enclosing the interior volume, a gas distribution plate positioned below the lid and above the substrate support pedestal, and a vortex inducing gas inlet oriented to induce a vortex of gas circulating in a plenum around a center line of the chamber body prior to the gas passing through the gas distribution plate.
US08382937B2
Natural oils, fats and other fatty acid triglycerides are transesterified with polyalcohols such as trimethylolpropane or glycerol to yield polyhydroxyl-functionalized reaction products which are useful materials in the formulation of two component laminating adhesives.
US08382935B2
A balloon catheter including an elongated shaft having an inflation lumen, a guidewire lumen, a proximal shaft section, and a distal shaft section with a balloon on the distal shaft section, the distal shaft section formed by an outer tubular member having an opening in a sidewall, and an inner tubular member having a distal portion in the outer tubular member and a proximal portion extending through the sidewall opening and along an outer surface of a portion of the outer tubular member located proximal to the sidewall opening, with polymeric filler material around the outer surface of at least the proximal portion of the inner tubular member. The inner tubular member preferably comprises a polymeric tube having a reinforcing coiled member embedded therein. Preferably, a crescent shaped portion of the inflation lumen extends along side the proximal portion of the inner tubular member.
US08382932B2
A new lens blocking material (adhesive composition 78) is proposed that essentially overcomes the drawbacks of previous blocking materials. This new material combines traditional UV and/or visible light (VIS) curable polymer materials with specially selected filler (s) as a non polymerizing solid in order to achieve or improve certain desirable material properties, including those of low shrinkage, low exothermic heat of polymerization, and improving the ability to deblock, while simultaneously reducing the high cost associated with such UV/VIS radiation curable materials. The new material is being used in methods for blocking a lens blank (54) onto a lens block (62) with a lens mounting face (64) that has a predetermined block curve, in which the number of different block curves required to cover the full range of standard lenses is minimized.
US08382925B2
Adhering a belt edge tape to both respective side edge portions of the belt on the outer peripheral surface of the building drum by supplying a belt edge tape toward the outer peripheral surface of the building drum by pressing using an extruder which constitutes a supply device facing the building drum in an opposed manner and by pressing the tape to the building drum using a press roller on a leading side as viewed from a position where the tape is supplied in the rotational direction of the building drum, the building drum is rotated in the direction that end portions of the reinforcing cords on the side edge portion of the belt which constitutes a tape adhering side are positioned on a trailing side in the rotational direction of the building drum thus adhering the tape to the side edge portion.
US08382921B1
An apparatus for compressing powders and the like including a head assembly with a distensible elastic platen mounted in a chambered header plate containing a pressurizing fluid. The elastic platen distends in response to the pressurizing fluid. Further, a base assembly includes a rigid platen mounted in a base plate. The rigid platen includes a face with at least one cavity, into which is added powder to be compressed. The elastic platen is aligned with the rigid platen, and during compression, the two platens may be held firmly in contact. The pressurizing fluid pumped into the head assembly causes the elastic platen to deform forming a single distention per cavity. The distensions compress the powder to an optimal density. The apparatus safely and easily compact multiple small samples of explosives and the like into miniature charges.
US08382919B2
A process of forming an ultrafine crystal layer in a workpiece constituted by a metallic material. The process includes: performing a machining operation on a surface of the workpiece, so as to impart a large local strain to the machined surface of the workpiece, where the machining operation causes the machined surface of the workpiece to be subjected to a plastic working that causes to have large local strain in the form of a true strain of at least one, such that the ultrafine crystal layer is formed in a surface layer portion of the workpiece that defines the machined surface of the workpiece. Also disclosed are a nanocrystal layer forming process, a machine component having the ultrafine crystal layer or the nanocrystal layer, and a machine component producing process of producing the machine component.
US08382905B2
Cellulose contained in plant fiber material is hydrolyzed with the use of a pseudo-molten cluster acid as a hydrolysis catalyst to produce saccharide, most of which is glucose. After the glucose is produced, the saccharide is precipitated with the use of an organic solvent, and the saccharide including a solidified saccharide during the hydrolysis and the precipitated saccharide is separated from residues and the cluster acid.
US08382895B2
A method of manufacturing a silicon monocrystal by FZ method, wherein a P-type or N-type silicon crystal having been pulled up by CZ method is used as a raw material. While impurities whose conductivity type is the same as that of the raw material are supplied by a gas doping method, the raw material is recrystallized by an induction-heating coil for obtaining a product-monocrystal.
US08382894B2
Silicon wafers wherein slip dislocations and warpages during device production are suppressed, contain BMDs with an octahedral shape, and of BMDs at a depth greater than 50 μm from the surface of the wafer, the density of BMDs with diagonal size of 10 nm to 50 nm is ≧1×1012/cm3, and the density of BSFs is ≦1×108/cm3. The present silicon wafers preferably have an interstitial oxygen concentration of 4×1017 atoms/cm3 to 6×1017 atoms/cm3, and a density of BMDs with diagonal size of ≧200 nm of not more than 1×107/cm3.
US08382892B2
The invention relates to a monophase amorphous hydraulic binder containing silicon, calcium and oxygen atoms in an arrangement comprising silicate building units having an average connectedness of at least Q1, with none or a part of the calcium atoms being substituted for by a metal atom M[6]x+ sixfold or higher-coordinated with oxygen and/or none or no more than 45 atomic percent of the silicon atoms being substituted for by a metal atom M[4]y+ tetrahedrally coordinated with oxygen, the molar ratio of [CaO+(x/2)·(M[6]x+Ox/2)]:[SiO2+M[4]y+Oy/2] having a value of 0.2 to 1.5, and the binder having less than 3.5% by weight of water, as well as a mixture containing this binder. Furthermore, the invention relates to methods for manufacturing the binder or a mixture containing this binder by reaction grinding a starting material containing silicate building units having a connectedness of Q0 to Q2, with a solid silicate raw material having a connectedness of the silicate building units of Q3 to Q4 and optionally drying the monophase hydraulic binder to a water content of below 3.5% by weight.Finally, the invention relates to a building material made by setting the binder or a mixture containing this binder with water and subsequent hardening.
US08382883B2
In one aspect, the present invention provides a curable composition useful in the preparation of a gas separation membrane. The curable composition comprises a polyvinyl alcohol; an aliphatic polyamine; a polyglycidyl ether; and a salt of a C2 to C4 heterocyclic amino acid. In another aspect the present invention provides a composition comprising a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol comprising structural units derived from a polyglycidyl ether, a polyamine and the salt of a C2 to C4 heterocyclic amino acid. The compositions are useful in the preparation of gas separation membranes in which the C2 to C4 heterocyclic amino acid in the form of its salt functions as a mobile carrier of carbon dioxide.
US08382877B2
The present invention provides an approach to control the generation and grow of nanocrystal with membrane diffusion method and related apparatuses to produce inorganic oxide nanopowders and metal nanoparticles. With this method, the size and size distribution of inorganic oxide nanopowders and metal nanoparticles can be tuned. It overcomes the shortcomings possessed by the common chemical and physical method of preparing nanoparticles.
US08382871B2
A vacuum cleaner filter bag with an inlet opening including a deflection device and an air-permeable material is provided. The deflection device is arranged in the interior of the vacuum cleaner filter bag in the area of the inlet opening and which is implemented such that an air current flowing in through the inlet opening can be deflected by the deflection device. The air-permeable material layer is arranged in the interior of the vacuum cleaner filter bag, is connected to the vacuum cleaner filter bag at least one point, and includes at least one part that is not connected to the vacuum cleaner filter bag and that includes part of the boundary of the material layer.
US08382869B2
A particulate filtration reverse pulse cleaning system is disclosed. The system comprising a housing, a tubesheet disposed within the housing, a filter for fluid communication with a tubesheet aperture, a support frame connectable with the tubesheet, and a cleaning system associated with the support frame. A filter cleaning system is also disclosed, the support frame comprising a plurality of hollow support legs comprising at least one cleaning aperture and a cleaning system associated with the plurality of hollow support legs. A method for cleaning a filter is also disclosed.
US08382868B2
A method of making polycrystalline CBN compacts, high in CBN content, is provided. The method includes making a powdered composition by subjecting a mixture of CBN, present in an amount of at least 80 volume percent of the mixture, and a powdered binder phase to attrition milling. This powdered mixture is subjected to conditions of elevated temperature and pressure suitable to produce CBN compacts.
US08382867B2
Systems and methods for producing synthetic natural gas are provided. The method can include gasifying a carbonaceous feedstock within a gasifier to provide a raw syngas. The raw syngas can be cooled to provide a cooled raw syngas. The cooled raw syngas can be processed in a purification system to provide treated syngas. The purification system can include a flash gas separator in fluid communication with the gasifier and a saturator. The treated syngas can be converted to synthetic natural gas to provide steam, a methanation condensate, and a synthetic natural gas. The methanation condensate can be introduced to the flash gas separator.
US08382854B2
Oxidative hair coloring compositions comprising a non-ammonia alkalizing agent, such as monoethanolamine, and hydrogen peroxide in a specific ratio. The compositions of the invention have a relatively high lift power for relatively low hair damage. The compositions may comprise little or no ammonia.
US08382848B2
A trial system for an implantable joint replacement includes a guide assembly having a baseplate and a guide plate, the guide plate translatable relative to the base plate along a straight path while directly connected to the baseplate. A first adjustment mechanism may selectively control the translational juxtaposition of the guide plate relative to the baseplate. The guide plate may further be rotatable relative to the baseplate around a rotation axis. A second adjustment mechanism may selectively control the rotational juxtaposition of the guide plate relative to the baseplate, and can lock the plates together. The rotation axis may be medially offset from the center of the guide assembly. The guide plate provides in situ positionable cutting guidance for implantation of prosthetic joint components. The system may further include an articulating insert trial mounted on the guide assembly to determine preferred joint alignment and/or optimal positioning of the guide plate.
US08382847B2
A femoral component of a knee prosthesis has spaced condyle surfaces defining a notch therebetween. The notch defines an elongated cam housing having an anterior cam and a posterior cam at opposite ends of the housing. The tibial component of the knee prosthesis includes a platform and a bearing supported on the platform, the bearing defining bearing surfaces configured to articulate with the condyle surfaces. The tibial component includes a spine projecting superiorly from the bearing that defines an anterior face and a posterior face. The posterior face and the posterior cam define complementary curved surfaces configured for cooperative engagement when the femoral component and the tibial component are at a predetermined flexion angle. The cam housing is configured to form a gap between the posterior cam and the spine when the knee is normally extended. In another feature, the spine includes a stiffening pin extending therethrough.
US08382845B2
A knee joint prosthesis including a femoral component for attachment to a femur. The femoral component includes an anterior portion, first and second condylar portions extending from the anterior portion and having first and second bearing surfaces, the first and second condylar portions having first and second posterior ends, and a third condylar portion defined between the first and second condylar portions and extending anteriorly beyond the first and second posterior ends.
US08382844B2
Methods are provided for preserving and restoring cranial bone flaps. In one aspect, the method to preserve a cranial bone flap includes cleaning a cranial bone flap, washing the cranial bone flap with a sterile saline solution including gentamycin, and washing the bone with a sterile saline solution including vancomycin. The cranial bone flap may be dried, wrapped, and packaged before being stored in a freezer. The fixing method may include removing the preserved cranial bone flap from a freezer and unwrapping the preserved cranial bone flap from any wrappings. A previous wound may be opened for insertion of the preserved cranial bone flap. The preserved cranial bone flap may be washed with a sterile saline solution including gentamycin and a sterile saline solution including vancomycin. The edges of the previous wound may be refreshed by nipping free margins to expose diploic spaces, and the preserved cranial bone flap may be fixed in place within the previous wound.
US08382836B2
A method to impregnate a porous bone replacement material (1) with a liquid impregnating agent (5), wherein a) the bone replacement material (1) is or will be enclosed in a chamber (2) with two openings (3, 4) that can be closed, b) the impregnating agent (5) is introduced into the chamber (2) until the bone replacement material (1) is at least partly immersed in the impregnating agent (5), c) one of the two openings (3, 4) will be closed, d) the chamber (2) is evacuated at least partly via the other, open, opening (4, 3), so that the air contained in the pores of the bone replacement material (1) is at least partly removed from it, e) the vacuum produced in the chamber is terminated again by supplying air or a gas through one of the openings (3, 4), and f) the vacuum produced in the pores of the bone replacement material (1) is terminated by the impregnating agent (5) penetrating into the pores of the bone replacement material (1) immersed into the impregnating agent (5).
US08382832B2
A foldable intraocular lens for providing vision contains an optic body that includes an optical zone and a peripheral zone entirely surrounding the optical zone. The optic body has an anterior face, a substantially opposing posterior face, an optic edge, and an optical axis. The anterior face comprises a central face, a peripheral face, and a recessed annular face therebetween that is disposed posterior to the peripheral face. The intraocular lens further comprises at least one haptic that is integrally formed with the peripheral zone. The haptic comprises a distal posterior face, a proximal posterior face, and a step edge disposed at a boundary therebetween. The haptic further comprises a side edge disposed between the optic edge and the step edge. The proximal posterior face and the posterior face of the optic body form a continuous surface. An edge corner is formed by the intersection of the continuous surface with the optic edge, the side edge, and the step edge.
US08382824B2
A endoprosthesis includes a body comprising a plurality of interconnected struts. The body includes a bioerodible metal. At least a first strut of the plurality of interconnected struts includes a stripe on the surface of the first strut. The stripe including a nitride of the bioerodible metal, a fluoride of the bioerodible metal, or a combination thereof. The stripe runs along the length of the first strut. The stripe is part of a continuous network of stripes on struts adjacent to the first strut.
US08382822B2
A valve prosthesis, such as an artificial venous valve, having a support frame and leaf structure comprising one or more leaflets in which the outer edge of each leaflet engages the inner circumference of the bodily passageway along a serpentine path urged against the passageway by an expandable frame, while the inner edges move in response to fluid to restrict retrograde flow. Optionally, one or more elements can extend from the support frame/leaf structure to provide centering support and/or protection from the leaflet adhering to the vessel wall. In one embodiment, the centering support structure comprises a second or third expandable frames attached to and extending from the proximal and/or distal ends of main valve structure and support frame. In another embodiment, one or more support elements extend outward from the valve support frame to engage the vessel wall to provide greater longitudinal stability.
US08382814B2
Stents and methods of using stents are provided. Stents of the invention provide external support structure for a blood vessel segment disposed within, wherein the stents are capable of resilient radial expansion in a manner mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. The stent may be formed of a knitted or braided mesh formed so as to provide the needed compliance properties. A venous graft with the stent and a vein segment disposed within is provided, wherein graft is capable of mimicking the compliance properties of an artery. Methods of selecting stents for downsizing and methods of using the stents of the invention in downsizing and smoothening are provided. Methods of replacing a section of an artery with a venous graft including a stent of the invention are provided. Methods of reducing intimal hyperplasia in implanted vein segment in a venous graft using stents of the invention are provided.
US08382807B2
Certain embodiments of the invention provide plates for treating periarticular fractures or other non-full body weight bearing applications that combine polyaxial fixation with a low profile and enhanced contouring that more closely conforms to bone. Such plates can be designed to achieve buttressing effect and/or to be used in a reinforcement mode. Other features can be combined with these. Such plates can be created for use on bone sites such as on a tibia, fibula, metatarsal, calcaneous, other foot bone, humerus, radius, ulna, spinal, maxillofacial, as well as sites on other bones.
US08382805B2
A limited angulation bone screw assembly adapted to couple a spinal rod with a vertebra including a bone screw, a bushing and a housing. The pedicle screw having a shaft and an upper head portion, the upper head portion comprising a spherical surface with flats disposed on opposite sides of the upper head portion. The bushing comprising a lower rounded surface for mating with the spherical surface and flats of the upper head portion to restrict the angular movement of the bone screw. The coupled bone screw and bushing are inserted into the housing in a first orientation and then rotated to a second orientation to secure the coupled bone screw and bushing to complete the housing.
US08382774B2
A surgical instrument for applying sutures to tissue includes a needle deployment mechanism and a catch mechanism. In some embodiments, the needle deployment mechanism employs a linear path. Alternatively, it can employ a curved needle. The surgical instrument may include a rotatable head, a bend, and/or a malleable elongated body member formable into various shapes.
US08382772B2
A gastropexy kit includes a plurality of safety needle assemblies. Each safety needle assembly includes a needle and a stylus. A fastener is positioned in a distal end of the needle. The fastener is coupled to one end of the suture and a suture retention hub is coupled to an opposite end of the suture. The fastener is deployed in a patient's stomach via the needle and stylus which has a blunt distal end which extends through the needle to push the fastener out of the needle and to blunt the needle. The suture retention hub is positioned on a patient's skin and adjustably tensions the suture, which, desirably, is a resorbable suture.
US08382769B2
There is provided an intraocular lens insertion device capable of easily positioning a circumference of an optical portion of an intraocular lens with respect to a distal end of a plunger. An intraocular lens insertion device 1 comprises: a cartridge 3 having a lens placement section 16 in which an intraocular lens 2 is to be placed; an insertion device main body 4 having a plunger 5 for pushing out the intraocular lens 2 with the cartridge 3 being attached to the insertion device main body 4; and a deforming means 6 for deforming the lens placement section 16. A slit 21 is formed on the lens placement section 16, and the deforming means 6 deforms the lens placement section 16 in a diameter-decreasing direction thereof when attaching the cartridge 3 to the insertion device main body 4. In this way, the intraocular lens 2 is settled at a predetermined position in the lens placement section 16, thus making it possible to position a circumference of an optical portion 2a of the intraocular lens 2 with respect to a distal end portion of the plunger 5.
US08382764B2
An instrument for use in determining an anterior-posterior dimension of a femur during a minimally invasive surgical procedure includes a body having a base and a member extending upwardly from the base, said member providing a first part of a sliding mechanism. A stylus includes a stylus support providing a second part of a sliding mechanism which can engage with the member to allow relative sliding movement between the stylus and base, and a stylus member mounted on the stylus support. An implant size indicator interacts with the sliding mechanism to be moved relative to a scale by the member to indicate a size of an implant corresponding to the relative positions of the body and stylus.
US08382756B2
A method of positioning an external adjustment device relative to a patient includes placing a magnetic viewing sheet adjacent to a patient and identifying the location of an implanted magnetic assembly using the magnetic viewing sheet by visualizing a magnetic image of the implanted magnetic assembly in the magnetic viewing sheet. The external adjustment device is placed on the patient adjacent to the location where the magnetic image was located.
US08382755B2
Apparatuses and methods for externally fixing and precisely adjusting fractures, such as fractures near the ankle, are disclosed. In one embodiment, an external fixation apparatus includes a first member attachable to a first bone segment through pins, a second member coupled to the first member through a lockable ball joint, wherein first and second ends of the second member may be translated transversely relative to a longitudinal axis of the second member, and a pin clamp coupled to and rotatable about the second member through a lockable joint and attachable to a second bone segment. The pin clamp and the second member may be releasably coupled.
US08382754B2
Electrosurgical bipolar forceps for sealing tissue is disclosed. The forceps includes a shaft member having an end effector assembly disposed at a distal end thereof. The end effector assembly includes jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a sealing plate that communicates electrosurgical energy through tissue held therebetween. One or more of the sealing plates includes one or more springs, the sealing plate is configured to slowly flex to accommodate pressure applied to the tissue until a specified closure pressure is obtained based upon at least one of tissue type and tissue thickness.
US08382749B2
An electrosurgical return electrode is disclosed. The return electrode includes a first and second flexible conductive material layers and a material layer disposed between the first and second conductive material layers. The material layer is transitionable between a solid state and a non-solid state, the material layer is also configured to melt upon an increase in temperature beyond a predetermined threshold, thereby increasing conductivity between the first and second conductive material layer.
US08382738B2
A catheter having an elongated shaft with a tubular member which forms at least a portion of the shaft and which is formed of a biaxially oriented thermoplastic polymeric material, and a method of forming the catheter shaft by radially and longitudinally expanding the tubular member to biaxially orient the polymeric material, and, in one embodiment, tapering the tubular member to form a bending stiffness transition. A catheter of the invention has an improved combination of low bending stiffness, high rupture pressure, and high tensile strength, for improved catheter performance.
US08382734B1
A primary component is formed of a flexible sheet with a periphery and a central opening, an exterior recipient surface, and an interior surface with an adhesive for removably coupling to a user with the central opening positionable over the anus of the user. A container has a chamber and an opening for receiving and collecting fecal matter. An intermediate member has a separable fastener removably coupling the container with the primary component.
US08382732B2
An ostomy coupling is disclosed comprising a floatable coupling part. The coupling part is supported with respect to an adhesive wafer by means of a flexible support collar that permits displacement of the coupling part in a floatable manner. The flexible collar comprises plastics film and has bistable shapes. The collar is configured to hold the coupling part stably in (i) an extended position spaced from the adhesive wafer, to facilitate an ostomate to manually brace the coupling part in order to relieve the attachment force when an ostomy appliance is press fitted to the coupling part, and (ii) in a retracted position close to the adhesive wafer.
US08382729B2
Provided is an adhesive patch including a stretchable support and an adhesive layer laminated on at least one side of the support, wherein the stretchable support comprises a woven fabric knitted in stockinette stitch on both sides having two or more rows of crimped polyethylene terephthalate multifilament yarns, the adhesive layer contains 25 to 50% by mass of a liquid organic ingredient and 25 to 50% by mass of a thermoplastic elastomer based on the total mass of the layer and contains 10% by mass or more of methyl salicylate as the liquid organic ingredient based on the total mass of the layer, and the storage elastic modulus (G′) of the adhesive layer is 30000 to 75000 Pa at 10 rad/s and 37° C.
US08382728B1
An emergency medication storage and integrated single use device for providing oral dissolving medications strips in a convenient transparent transfer environment. A thin card size dispenser holds a single medicated strip in user access orientation positioned for direct card insertion to the user's mouth assuring proper dispensing of the medication in an emergency situation.
US08382722B2
A method of manufacturing a metal cannula is disclosed. The method includes the step of providing a metal cannula having a longitudinal axis and defining a fluid channel. Next, the metal cannula is pressed to substantially close the fluid channel and define a first segment and a second segment. In a next step, the metal cannula is cut to separate the first segment from the second segment of the metal cannula. Each of the first and second segments have a pressed edge. The pressed edge substantially seals the fluid channel and has two pressed corners. Afterwards, each of the pressed corners are cut from the pressed edge of the first segment to define a pair of side openings and a distal blunt edge on the first segment. The side openings are in fluid communication with the fluid channel.
US08382721B2
A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub, thereby to prevent removal of the protected needle from the needle guard.
US08382716B2
Pneumoperitoneum needles for providing and/or insufflating a corporal and/or abdominal cavity are provided. The pneumoperitoneum needle can include a housing, an elongate tubular body extending from a distal surface of the housing, and an elongate hollow tubular rod slidably received within the tubular body. The tubular body preferably includes a passage formed therethrough for connection to a gas administration system. The tubular rod preferably includes a blunt distal end defining an opening, and a proximal end portion defining an opening formed therethrough.
US08382714B2
A rail-guided epidural-spinal needle, which includes an epidural needle including a base and a needle shaft connected to the base, the needle shaft having a groove that is formed on an outer surface of the needle shaft and extends along an axis of the needle shaft, the base having an elevated spinal needle inlet disposed thereon, the spinal needle inlet having a conduit formed therein, the conduit being of an acute angle with the groove in a side view of the epidural needle, and being in alignment with the groove in a top view of the epidural needle. The rail-guided epidural-spinal needle also includes a spinal needle having a tip with a unilaterally curved conformation down one side, such that, when the spinal needle is inserted into the conduit of the spinal needle inlet, and pushed forward, the tip thereof reaches the groove and slides along the groove.
US08382711B2
An intravenous (“IV”) liquid delivery system includes: an IV pump tubing set; a shuttle pump or membrane pump actuator operable with the IV pump tubing set; upstream and downstream valve actuators operable with the IV pump tubing set; the IV pump tubing set including an air removal device; an air detector configured to sense air in the IV pump tubing set; a control unit configured and arranged to (i) open the upstream valve actuator and close the downstream valve actuator to allow the pump actuator to draw liquid into a pump actuation portion of the IV pump tubing set, and (ii) close the upstream valve actuator and open the downstream valve actuator to allow the pump actuator to push liquid out of the pump actuation portion, the system configured to attempt to remove the air via the air removal device while operating the upstream and downstream valve actuators according to (i) and (ii).
US08382705B2
A conveyor apparatus and a method for supplying a medicine-solution mixture from a plurality of medicine-active ingredient solutions and additional solution constituents in a body by means of a plurality of feed devices is disclosed. The medicine-active ingredient solutions have different medicine-active ingredient parameters and constituents; the solution constituents have different parameters and constituents. The constituents of at least two medicine-active ingredient solutions and solution constituents are saved in at least one storage device; and are selected by means of one selection device for selection of at least one specific parameter and/or constituent of each medicine-active ingredient solution and/or the solution constituents. By means of a calculating device, at least one additional parameter from all selected parameters is calculated for the control and operation of at least one additional feed device for supplying at least one additional medicine-solution mixture to the body.
US08382688B2
A foot sensor device and method for gait enhancement, the device including: (a) a sensor unit having a casing, the sensor unit for disposing within a shoe of a user, the sensor unit for sensing a parameter associated with a gait event; (b) an electronic communication unit, electrically associated with the sensor unit, for receiving a signal pertaining to the parameter, the electronic unit having: (i) a microcontroller; (ii) a transmitting unit for transmitting, in a wireless fashion, gait information based on the signal, to a unit of an orthosis external to the foot sensor device, and (iii) a housing for housing at least one of the microcontroller and the transmitting unit, and (c) a fastening unit, attached to the housing, adapted to fasten on to the shoe, so as to secure the communication unit in a fixed position during gait.
US08382680B2
The present invention provides a hand-held analysis instrument for analyzing a body fluid. The instrument comprises a housing with a housing opening to which a body part, in particular, a finger, can be applied to generate a puncture wound, an analysis unit for analyzing a sample of a body fluid obtained at the puncture wound, and a piercing unit including a lancet and lancet drive for generating a puncture movement of the lancet. The piercing unit, including the lancet drive, is movable between an operating position and a rest position, the piercing unit being located at the housing opening in the operating position in such a manner that by means of the lancet a puncture wound can be generated in a body part pressed against the housing opening, and the piercing unit being remote from the housing opening in the rest position in such a manner that the space in front of the housing opening is free for the analysis unit, so that it can be moved into a position for receiving blood. An operating device is used for actuating a functional mechanism of the piercing unit. The piercing unit is decoupled from the operating device in one of its two positions and is coupled to the operating device in the other position.
US08382679B2
An autonomic nerve activity measuring apparatus includes: a pulse wave acquiring unit, configured to acquire at least two pulse wave signals from a living body; an electric stimulation unit, configured to apply electric stimulation to the living body; a comparison unit, configured to compare the pulse wave signals acquired by the pulse wave acquiring unit; and an analysis unit, configured to analyze comparison result provided by the comparison unit.
US08382653B2
The present invention provides a system for improving diastolic function of the heart comprising elastic elements and attachment elements, wherein said elastic elements and said attachment elements are configured such that they are capable of being interconnected to form a chain formed of an alternating series of said elastic elements and said attachment elements, and wherein said attachment elements are adapted to be anchored in the wall of the heart and with option for drug delivery to the wall of the heart. The invention further provides devices, methods and kits, for mounting the ventricular function assisting device of the invention.
US08382646B2
The invention relates to a walking aid for a mechanically driven treadmill, comprising at least one tractive element that is guided over two respective deflection rollers and that is driven directly or indirectly by means of the treadmill. The tract of said element that directly faces the treadmill belt is displaced in the same direction as said belt and the tract of the element that faces away from the belt is displaced in the opposite direction to the latter. The aid also comprises at least one fixing element, which is located on the tractive element, for supports for part of the feet and/or legs.
US08382644B1
A training device for diaphragmal breathing exercises, the device including (a) a beaker having a substantially cylindrical shape, with a bottom on one end and an opening on the other end; (b) an inner chamber within the beaker, the inner chamber having a bottom end and an open end on the same side as the open end of the beaker; (c) a lid having inner and outer circumferential ridges, wherein the lid fittingly mounts over the open end of beaker using an outer ridge and fittingly mounts over the inner chamber using the inner ridge; and (d) the lid further having a tubular coupling portion. A breathing tube is fittingly coupled to the tubular coupling portion on one end. A mouthpiece mounted on the other end of the breathing tube. The bottom end of the inner chamber has a stepped shape with a plurality of openings on each step. The lid has a plurality of openings.
US08382642B2
A vehicle control apparatus includes: an automatic-stop-and-restart-control-unit stopping/restarting an engine, a brake-fluid-pressure-control-unit controlling wheel-cylinder-pressure using a brake-system, which intensifies brake-manipulation-force by a brake-booster to cause master-cylinder-pressure in a master-cylinder while the engine operates, and which transfers the master-cylinder-pressure to wheel-cylinders to cause the wheel-cylinder-pressure, the brake-system including an actuator automatically increasing pressure in the wheel-cylinders irrespective of the brake-manipulation-force; a negative-pressure-detection-unit which detects the vacuum-pressure; a first-determination-unit which determines whether the vacuum-pressure is not more than a first threshold while the engine stops, a restarting-unit which allows the automatic-stop-and-restart-control-unit to restart the engine when the first-determination-unit determines that the vacuum-pressure is not more than the first threshold; a second-determination-unit which determines whether the vacuum-pressure is not more than a second threshold; and a braking-boost-unit which allows the brake-fluid-pressure-control-unit to automatically increase the pressure in the wheel-cylinders when the second-determination-unit determines that the vacuum-pressure is not more than the second threshold.
US08382636B2
A continuously variable transmission having a continuously variable transmission mechanism for transmitting torque between an input side and an output side by means of frictional forces generated by pushing the input disc and the output disc against the planetary balls and continuously varying a transmission gear ratio between the input side and the output side includes a second group of helical gears capable of generating a first axial force for pushing the input disc toward the output disc, a first group of helical gears capable of generating a second axial force for pushing the output disc toward the input disc, and a thrust bearing and a central shaft for transmitting, when an opposite force in such a direction as to move the input disc away from the output disc and opposite force to the first force is generated on a side of the input disc, the opposite force to the output disc.
US08382629B2
A reduction gear transmission capable of realizing a large reduction ratio while preventing both an increase in its diameter and a decrease in the diameter of its through hole, including: a motor gear; an intermediate shaft; a first and second gear; an input shaft; and an external and internal gear. The first and second gears are fixed to the intermediate shaft. The first gear meshes with the motor gear. The input shaft causes an eccentric rotation member to rotate eccentrically with the rotation of the input gear, which meshes with the second gear. The external gear engages the eccentric rotation member, revolving orbitally around an axis line of the input shaft. The internal gear meshes with the external gear, each having a different number of teeth. The motor gear and first gear mesh at a position offset from a straight line formed by connecting an axis line of the intermediate shaft and of the input shaft.
US08382614B1
A method of marking the position of a golf ball on a putting green and assisting in aligning an ensuing putt of the golf ball. A marker is obtained. The marker comprises a thin object having a first major surface, a second major surface, and a peripheral edge. A segment of the object is pivotable relative to the balance of the object as between a first position in which the segment rests parallel with and within the same plane as the balance of the object and a second position in which the segment rests perpendicular to the balance of the object. The peripheral edge along the segment is conspicuously colored. The marker is placed proximate a golf ball on a putting green. The segment is pivoted from the first position to the second position. The marker is rotated as necessary to align the conspicuously colored edge of the segment resting in the second position with a predicted putting direction.
US08382611B2
The present invention is directed to golf balls comprising a dual-layer core and a cover. The core comprises a center formed from a high modulus HNP composition, and an outer core layer formed from a low modulus HNP composition. Low modulus HNP compositions of the present invention have a modulus of from 1,000 psi to 50,000 psi. High modulus HNP compositions of the present invention have a modulus of from 25,000 psi to 150,000 psi. The modulus of the highly neutralized copolymer of the low modulus HNP is at least 10% less than the modulus of the highly neutralized copolymer of the high modulus HNP composition. The cover comprises an inner cover layer formed from a thermoplastic composition and an outer cover layer formed from a polyurethane or polyurea composition.
US08382610B2
The present invention generally relates to golf balls and more particularly to golf balls having multi-layered cores comprising a thermoset rubber center, a thermoplastic intermediate core layer, and a thermoset rubber outer core layer. A cover layer is disposed about the multi-layered core. At least one of the center, intermediate core layer, and outer core layer comprises a polyalkenamer rubber. The rubber composition helps improve resiliency of the core and provides the ball with a comfortable and soft feel.
US08382607B2
A length adjustment system for joining a golf club head to a shaft is provided. The length adjustment system may be utilized to produce a minor length, an intermediate length, and an extended length of a golf club. In a minor length configuration, the length adjustment system includes a shaft sleeve attached to an end of the shaft. A retainer releasably secures the shaft and shaft sleeve to the golf club head. The minor length configuration also features a minor length weight system. The intermediate length configuration further includes a first spacer, a first hosel sleeve, and an intermediate length weight system. The extended length configuration further includes a second spacer, a second hosel sleeve, and an extended length weight system. The length adjustment system incorporates the discovery of unique relationships among its components so that the resulting golf club has similar characteristics in each configuration.
US08382603B1
A golf putter is provided having a training strike plate for training a user to consistently strike a golf ball at an optimal point on the putter face while putting. The golf putter has a club head. A training strike plate is selectively couplable to the club head. The training strike plate has a protrusion that extends from a face of the club head when the training strike plate is coupled to the club head. The protrusion has an elongated narrow face such that the protrusion is designed for driving a golf ball away from the protrusion at an acute angle relative to the face of the club head when the golf ball is contacted by an edge of the face of the protrusion.
US08382597B2
A vibration damper comprising at least two damper assemblies connectable in series, coupled with one another through a floating intermediary flange, and torque transmission devices and/or damping coupling devices and rotation angle limiting devices between the floating intermediary flange and a damper component of one of the damper assemblies, wherein the damper component is disposed in a force flow in front and/or behind the floating intermediary flange.
US08382594B2
A torque limiter comprises a first body, a second body, and a biasing mechanism. The second body is rotationally attached relative to the first body. The biasing mechanism comprises at least first and second compression springs and an adjustment device. The first spring has a maximum compression condition. The first and second springs are configured and adapted to create a torque-threshold below which the second body cannot be rotated relative to the first body and above which it can. The torque-threshold is adjustable via the adjustment device throughout a first torque range and a non-overlapping second torque range. The biasing mechanism is configured and adapted such that the first spring progressively compresses as the torque-threshold increases throughout the first torque range, and such that throughout the second torque range the first spring is in its maximum compression condition and the second spring progressively compresses as the torque-threshold increases.
US08382583B2
A method and system for managing tokens in an electronic gaming environment includes managing computer-readable tokens that may be issued by an issuer and transferred to an original recipient of the issued tokens, and thereafter, to one or more players of electronic casino games and/or to electronic gaming devices at which the players intend to play the casino games. The issued tokens may not be redeemable by the issuer, but may be redeemable by the original recipient of the issued tokens or an intermediary device of a hierarchy of devices including the original recipient and the electronic gaming devices. The players may play single-player and/or multi-player games. Tokens wagered during a single-player game may be cancelled if the wager is lost. Tokens wagered during a multi-player game may not be cancelled, but instead transferred to the winner of the multi-player game.
US08382581B2
A system and method for rewarding and providing real world rewards for online game participation is provided. The system allows a user to access an online website having a plurality of different games to play or other activities to participate in, whereby the online website is able to track and monitor online participation and award points that may be redeemed for physical prizes that may be sent to the individual participating in the online activity. Additionally, the system allows the user to accumulate a sufficient amount of points which may be redeemed for better prizes after prolonged play and utilization of the online activity. Moreover, the system may reward the individual for specific contributions or reward for superior activity or play within the participation activity.
US08382577B2
A gaming machine according to the present invention variably displays a plurality of symbols wherein a speed of the variable display of the plurality of symbols while executing a free game is different from a speed of variable display of the plurality of symbols while executing a basic game. In this manner, it is possible to impart a sense of expectation for free game to a player without separately preparing any effect video image such as a video image showing a process of adding WILD symbols.
US08382576B2
To provide a gaming machine and a control method therefor, having a new entertainment characteristics, a slot machine 10 of the present invention, when a “BONUS” symbol 250 associated with a pick-up bonus game is selected, receives selection of any one of twenty little pig's noses 210 displayed. Then, a benefit associated with the selected little pig's nose 210 is awarded. When the benefit to be awarded is a “stick house” 218 which means “step-up”, a step-up occurs to the stick house stage and the expectation value for a payout is raised. Thus, when one little pig's nose 210 is selected out of the twenty little pig's noses 210 displayed in the stick house stage, the payout amount of the benefit associated with the little pig's nose 210 is increased.
US08382571B2
A gaming system of the present invention includes: a plurality of gaming machines; and a common display device connected to the gaming machines; wherein each of the gaming machines has: a display device, which displays a plurality of symbols; a controller, which executes a process of rearranging symbols arranged on the display device, after a gaming medium is betted, and executing a first game of making a payment according to the rearranged symbols and a process of transferring to a second game which is different from the first game while it is triggered that a predetermined condition is met; a communication interface, which notifies an execution state of the second game to the common display device, and the common display device has: a communication interface, which receives notification from each of the gaming machine; a memory, which stores an effect image relating to the second game and an explanatory image explaining contents of the second game; and a control, which executes a process of judging whether or not the second game is started at each of the gaming machines, based upon the notification from each of the gaming machines, a process of displaying the explanatory image stored in the memory while the second game is started at each of the gaming machines, and process of displaying an effect image stored in the memory in place of the explanatory image.
US08382569B1
A poker-type card game offers a player the opportunity to play successive poker hands having increasing numbers of cards. In a method of the game, a player plays a 3 card draw poker stage of the game. If the outcome of that game is winning, the player uses that hand and an additional two cards in the play of a 5 card draw poker game. If the outcome of that game is winning the player uses that hand an additional two cards in the play of a 7 card draw poker hand. Winnings may be paid for winning outcomes at each stage of the game.
US08382568B2
A variation of casino blackjack. The player can have the option to split any two cards whether they are identical or not. The player can also double down and receive a double down card, and if the player does not like his or her double down card, then the player can discard the double down card and receive a second double down card.
US08382565B2
The invention generally relates to ventilation systems and methods, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control systems and methods for use in data centers and the like. A device includes a support element and a plurality of ducts connected to the support element. The device also includes a manifold in fluid communication with each one of the plurality of ducts and a plurality of valves. Each respective one of the plurality of valves is associated with a respective one of the plurality of ducts. Moreover, there is at least one actuator operatively connected to the plurality of valves, which is structured and arranged to individually actuate each one of the plurality of valves.
US08382560B2
To provide a barrel worm-shaped tool capable of grinding processing in high precision, while maintaining the reduction of heavy load during the processing and partial wear. For this purpose, a barrel worm-shaped tool that is used in the gear machining of an internal gear (11) is formed with its diameter gradually increasing from the two end portions in the axial direction thereof towards the middle portion thereof. The barrel worm-shaped tool (12) is formed so that edge shapes (31) of the grinding wheel (12) becomes gradually smaller from the edge shape (31) located in the middle portion, in the axial direction of the barrel worm-shaped tool (12) towards the edge shape (31) located in the two end portions, in the axial direction, of the barrel worm-shaped tool (12) in accordance with the amount of machining allowance for the internal gear (11).
US08382558B2
An apparatus dresses a polishing pad. The apparatus includes a dresser drive shaft which is rotatable and vertically movable, a dresser flange coupled to the dresser drive shaft and configured to secure a dressing member thereto, a spherical bearing provided in the dresser flange and configured to allow the dressing member to tilt with respect to the dresser drive shaft, and a spring mechanism configured to generate a force against a tilting motion of the dressing member.
US08382552B2
A simulated eye includes a semi-spherical eyeball with a light-transmitting area, a light source, a light transmitting board, and a photochromic layer. The light transmitting board disposed between the eyeball and the light source faces the light-transmitting area. The light transmitting board includes a first portion and a second portion surrounding the first position. The first portion is in a first color. The second portion is in a second color other than the first color. The photochromic layer is formed by photochromic materials coated on a side of the second portion facing the light source. When the light source is turned on, the emitted light irradiates the photochromic layer, whereby an area of the second portion covered by the photochromic layer changes from the second color to a third color similar to or the same as the first color.
US08382549B2
There is provided a whistle which suppresses any delay of sound to a listener and any attenuation of a sound volume, can transmit sound waves directly, can be blown with various tones, and has a large sound volume. Two kinds of whistles are stacked up and down and integrated together as a single whistle, an orifice is formed opposite to an air feeding opening to transmit sound waves directly to a listener. Moreover, an amount of air flowing into each air feeding tube of the whistle is controlled depending on an angle of putting a mouthpiece in a mouth to select a tone. A tone selecting member or an air amount adjusting flap is provided, and tone can be selected by mechanically blocking off each air feeding tube. Furthermore, an air amount adjusting flap which changes an air-feeding-path cross-sectional area of the air feeding opening, the air feeding tube, or the orifice is provided, and a sound volume can be changed by adjusting an amount of passing air.
US08382537B2
A marine vessel includes a hull and a jet propulsion device arranged to take in water through an intake port and eject the water through an ejection port rearward with respect to the hull. The ejection port is arranged posterior to the intake port. The marine vessel also includes a reversing member arranged to be movable between a forward drive position and a reverse drive position. The reversing member is arranged to, when placed at the reverse drive position, reverse the direction of the water ejected from the jet propulsion device forward with respect to the hull (in a direction capable of generating a propulsive force in the reverse drive direction). The marine vessel further includes an operation unit arranged to be operated by a marine vessel maneuvering operator to locate the reversing member at the forward drive position or the reverse drive position, and an internal combustion engine arranged to drive the jet propulsion device. The marine vessel also includes a control unit arranged and programmed to operate in a reverse drive mode in which when the reversing member is located at the reverse drive position by the operation unit, and such that the control unit controls the internal combustion engine to operate within a predetermined speed range.
US08382530B2
A case-integrated connector (10) is such that a connector (11) is integrally assembled into a resin-made case body (12) by insert molding using the connector (11) as an insert. The connector (11) is provided with a first housing (20) including a receptacle (22) at one end and a second housing (30) including a connecting portion (33) to be fit into the receptacle (22). The case body (12) covers the outer peripheral surface of a fitting portion (11A) in which the receptacle (22) of the first housing (20) and the connecting portion (33) of the second housing (30) face each other. One of facing surfaces of the receptacle (22) and the connecting portion (33) is formed with annular projections (40) that project outward over the entire periphery to be held in contact with the other facing surface.
US08382529B2
An IS-4 terminal connector assembly includes three terminal electrodes positioned over an inner tubular member such that they are radially offset from one another. Each of the terminal ring electrodes are configured such that they can withstand both tensile and cyclical bending loads with minimal compromise in their outer geometry. Additionally, each of the terminal electrodes is configured such that they have both an inner and outer geometry that facilitates adequate insulation between a select terminal electrode and an adjacent conductor. Additionally, each of the terminal ring electrodes is configured such that they facilitate an external approach to staking a cable conductor.
US08382527B2
A plurality of contacts are arranged in a first direction along a side wall of a housing. The housing has a plurality of ribs projecting in a second direction from the side wall and interposed between the contacts, respectively. Each rib has a tapered portion adjacent to the side wall.
US08382525B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a direct-connect fuse unit for a battery terminal that can restrain from being upsized and can mount various kinds of electrical components. A conducting hardware is integrally provided with a connecting terminal. The connecting terminal is bent in a plate thickness direction of the conductive hardware to project from a surface of a casing. An electrical component housing contains and holds an external electrical component connected to the connecting terminal. The electrical component housing is separated from the casing and is adapted to be fitted in the casing.
US08382520B2
A connector assembly includes contact modules each having a dielectric frame and contacts held by the dielectric frame. The contacts are arranged along a contact plane within the frame. The dielectric frame includes frame members connected by connecting segments. The frame has windows between the frame members located between adjacent contacts. Holders support corresponding contact modules. The holders are electrically grounded. The holders each have a support wall and tabs that extend outward from the support wall. The contact modules are coupled to the holders such that the tabs are received in the windows to provide shielding within the contact modules. The holders are coupled together such that the contact modules are stacked together with the tabs of at least some of the holders that extend into the contact module held by the adjacent holder and across the contact plane defined by the contact module of the adjacent holder.
US08382518B2
Disclosed is type THHN cable having a reduced surface coefficient of friction, and the method of manufacture thereof, in which the central conductor core and insulating layer are surrounded by a nylon sheath. A high viscosity, high molecular weight silicone based pulling lubricant for THHN cable, or alternatively, erucamide or stearyl erucamide for small THHN gauge wire, is incorporated, by alternate methods, with the nylon material from which the outer sheath is extruded, and is effective to reduce the required pulling force on the cable during installation.
US08382516B2
A multimedia delivery system of a vehicle is provided comprising a passive configuration plug designed as a line-replaceable unit that permits quick and easy reconfiguration based on changing needs of the vehicle owner. The system comprises a plurality of multimedia servers comprising multimedia data files, a plurality of end user display devices that display information from the multimedia servers, and a configuration plug designed as a line-replaceable unit comprising: a frame, one or more covers connected to the frame, a plug mount comprising an end-user device plug and a server plug, wherein both the device plug and the server plug each contain a plurality of cable connectors, a plurality of cables, each connecting to a connector of the device plug on one end, and a connector of the server plug on an other end, the connections defining a cable mapping between the devices and the servers.
US08382508B1
An electrical power assembly comprises a motor lead with individual metal sheathed conductors, a power cable with individual metal sheathed conductors and a splice connector for connecting each of the conductors. Each splice connector has a tubular metal fastener body with an upward facing shoulder at an upper end and a downward facing shoulder at a lower end. A metal nut assembly is fixed to one of the power cable conductors with a downward facing shoulder in metal-to-metal sealing engagement with the upward facing shoulder of the fastener body. A metal coupler fixed to one of the motor lead conductors with an upward facing shoulder in metal-to-metal sealing engagement with the downward facing shoulder of the fastener body. Contacts electrically connect one of the motor lead conductors to one of the power cable conductors within the fastener body. An elastomeric seal disposed between the nut assembly and the fastener body, has expansion relief voids operable to collapse and relieve stresses exerted by the seal when the seal undergoes thermal expansion.
US08382504B2
A connector has a base having an opening formed at a front surface, to which a distal end of a flexible printed circuit is inserted, and insertion holes passing from the front surface to a rear surface arranged in a line, a connection terminal inserted into the insertion hole of the base, a support fitting arranged on both side edges of the base in which an elastic temporary holding portion is extended from one end to a first side and a lock long tongue piece is extended to a second side opposite the first side, and an operation lever for supporting a turning shaft portion arranged in a projecting manner from both side end faces on the same axis center at the base so as to be turnable, and including a lock cutout portion so as to communicate to a slit formed along an edge of the side end faces.
US08382500B2
A rotary connector device includes a stator, a rotator rotatable relative to the stator, a base ring arranged between the stator and the rotator, a flexible flat cable (14), and a rotating roller. The flexible flat cable (14) has a conductor part (14a), and is configured to electrically connect the stator side and the rotator side to each other. The rotating roller is rotatably supported on the base ring, and brings an outer circumferential surface thereof into contact with the flexible flat cable (14), thereby guiding it. The rotating roller is molded by using a die. When a plane including a parting line that is formed at the outer circumferential surface of the rotating roller at a time of the molding is defined as an imaginary plane (90), the imaginary plane (90) is perpendicular to an axis of the rotating roller and does not overlap the conductor part (14a) of the flexible flat cable (14).
US08382492B2
A domestic appliance that includes at least one mains connection for the supply of power to the domestic appliance from a building supply mains. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mains connection may include data transfer contacts.
US08382490B2
An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical junction box having a new structure that can simplify a parts control and can lower a cost in production by enabling already available connecting terminals to be converted. Support projections are provided on an insulation plate. The support projections receive and support connecting terminals and have projecting dimensions corresponding to the connecting terminals. A casing contains the insulation plate. The casing is provided on a surface opposed to the support projections with recess-like or bump-like matching portions that contact with projection end surfaces of the support projections to position the support projections.
US08382479B2
According to one embodiment, an apparatus for removing enamel from a person's tooth includes a blade portion and a handle portion. The blade portion includes an abrasive surface adapted to remove enamel from the tooth in response to reciprocating movement of the abrasive surface against the enamel of the tooth. The handle portion is coupled to the blade portion, has a substantially solid cross-section, and is adapted to be inserted into a corresponding opening in a driver mechanism that is adapted to drive reciprocating movement of the blade portion to provide the reciprocating movement of the abrasive surface.
US08382474B2
A dental articulator is provided in which at least one of the two arms thereof has a base member that is articulated with respect to a bracket element onto which a dental model may be mounted, allowing independent movement of the dental model with respect to the pivot axis hingedly linking the arms.
US08382472B2
The invention relates to a light curing device, comprising a light source which is accommodated in a housing which has a light exit, through which light leaves the housing. It is provided that the light exiting direction of the light beam is variable, in particular infinitely variable.
US08382461B2
An impeller for a vane cell pump includes, but is not limited to vane receptacles for receiving an at least radially movable pump vane. A chamber wall is formed between two adjacent vane receptacles to form a conveying chamber. The chamber wall has an axially projecting web for delimiting a movement of a position ring with respect to the radial movement of the pump vane. The chamber wall includes, but is not limited to a first wall region for secure receiving of the respective pump vane in the vane receptacle. The chamber wall further includes, but is not limited to a second wall region for forming a web thickness d of the web for secure abutment of a sintering tool. In addition, the chamber wall has a third wall region for forming an enlarged conveying chamber volume. As a result, the impeller is easily manufactured and has an enlarged pump capacity for the same installation space.
US08382453B2
Disclosed is a piezoelectric pump. The piezoelectric pump includes a pump body, a drive unit, a detection section, and a control unit. The pump body includes a hole for introducing a fluid from outside thereinto and jetting the fluid from inside, a wall portion disposed so as to face the hole, and a piezoelectric body provided on the wall portion to vibrate the wall portion. The drive unit drives the piezoelectric body. The detection section detects a signal corresponding to a discharge rate of the fluid from the hole. The control unit controls a drive voltage and a drive frequency of the drive unit on the basis of the signal.
US08382452B2
A pump arrangement includes a pump having a pump inlet and a pump outlet, and a safety valve arranged between the pump outlet and an outlet of the pump arrangement and having a valve seat and a valve lid. The valve seat, the pump outlet and the pump inlet are patterned in a first surface of a first integrated part of the pump arrangement, whereas the valve lid is formed in a second integrated part of the pump arrangement. An inlet of the pump arrangement and a fluid region fluidically connected thereto are formed in a third part of the pump arrangement. The second integrated part is arranged between the first integrated part and the third part of the pump arrangement such that a pressure in the fluid region has a closing effect on the safety valve, the pump inlet and the inlet of the pump arrangement being connected fluidically.
US08382446B2
A method for removing a fluid and a material in contact with the fluid from a borehole penetrating the earth, the method including: operating a pump coupled to the borehole at a first speed for a first time interval to remove the fluid; and operating the pump at a second speed greater than the first speed for a second time interval to remove the fluid and the material.
US08382442B2
Controllable pitch blade non-ducted propeller for a jet engine, comprising a rotor member comprising radial housing for mounting blade support plates, each plate being attached in a ring centered and guided in rotation in a housing of the rotor member and comprising external toothing engaged and locked in internal toothing of the ring, to withstand the centrifugal forces to which the propeller blades are subjected in operation.
US08382440B2
Wind turbine systems and methods are disclosed herein. A representative system includes a wind turbine blade having an inner region that has an internal load-bearing truss structure, and an outer region that has an internal, non-truss, load-bearing structure. In particular embodiments, the truss structure can include a triangular arrangement of spars, and/or can include truss attachment members that connect components of the truss without the use of holes in the spars. Spars can be produced from a plurality of pultruded composite members laminated together in longitudinally extending portions. The longitudinally extending portions can be connected at joints that interleave projections and recesses of each of the spar portions. The blades can include fan-shaped transitions at a hub attachment portion, formed by laminated layers and/or a combination of laminated layers and transition plates.
US08382439B1
A turbine rotor blade made from the spar and shell construction in which the shell is a thin wall shell made from a high temperature resistant material that is formed by a wire EDM process, and where the shell is secured to the spar using a retainer that is poured into retainer occupying spaces formed in the shell and the spar, and then hardened to form a rigid retainer to secure the shell to the spar. The spar and the shell both have grooves facing each other to form a retainer groove. A retaining material, such as a liquid or a powdered metal, is poured into the grooves and hardened to form a retainer to secure the shell to the spar. The retaining material also forms a seal on the top of the spar and between the spar and shell.
US08382427B2
A blower fan includes a housing having a compartment. A stator and an impeller are mounted in the compartment. The housing further includes an air inlet and an air outlet both communicated with the compartment. The impeller has a hub and a plurality of vanes coupled to the hub. Each vane includes an upper edge whose end is an air input portion adjacent to the air inlet of the housing, and an air gap is formed between the upper edge of each vane and a top of the housing, with various widths of the air gap ranging from 0.3 mm to 2.0 mm, while a shortest width of the air gap is formed between the air input portion of the upper edge and the top of the housing for providing reduced turbulence and noises.
US08382426B2
A high-speed air spindle including a spindle 1 supported by a first bearing 3 at the leading end side in the axial direction and a second bearing 2 at the rear end side, a driving air turbine 4 fixed in a spindle portion between the first bearing 3 and the second bearing 2, a speed-increasing air turbine 5 fixed in a spindle portion ahead of the first bearing 3, and an air passage 9 of an exhaust of compressed air supplied in the driving air turbine 4, flowing in the sequence of the first bearing 3 and the speed-increasing air turbine 5.
US08382419B2
The apparatus of the present invention is designed to provide an apparatus for placement and removal of gas containing tanks in various locations for usage or transport. The apparatus includes a transport carriage assembly with wheels for moving thereof and a generally vertical beam with an angularly positioned reinforcing member for strengthening thereof. A parallel swing brace is pivotally connected to the vertical beam and extends outwardly therefrom. A tank retaining bracket assembly is secured to the outermost end of the parallel swing brace. Holding brackets and a foot plate are secured to the parallel swing braces and define a tank holding zone. A strap secures the tank to the retaining bracket. A drive is connected to the parallel swing brace to power movement thereof in a vertical direction either upwardly or downwardly as needed.
US08382416B2
A method collates multiple-layer brochures containing a plurality of n signatures having a gathering and stitching machine. Here, in a first step, the depositing of a first signature takes place by a first feeder into a first transport segment and, in a second step, the depositing of a second signature takes place by a second feeder into a second transport segment. Correspondingly further depositing of further signatures can take place by further feeders into further transport segments. Finally, depositing of an n-th signature takes place by an n-th feeder into an n-th transport segment. The signatures which are deposited on a gathering element in this way are transported through the stitching station and the trimming station and are delivered in the delivery station. A gathering and stitching machine performs the method and has a control unit which has a machine program for collating multiple-layer brochures having a plurality of n signatures.
US08382411B2
The invention relates to a self-locking nut (1) having an upper threaded collar (3) provided with longitudinal slots (7), being V or U shaped, also with sharp edge, defining in the collar a plurality of circular arc segments (9) compressed by an external helical spring (5), and in which the collar slots have such a width as not to allow the mutual contact of the circular arc segments (9) compressed by the spring. The spring of the self-locking nut is made of precipitation hardening stainless steel whereby it shows high constancy of braking torque features even for repeated screwing/unscrewing cycles. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the nut.
US08382408B2
A trailer system for inspecting a vehicle inspection includes a trailer having a trailer body, the trailer bearing a vehicle to be inspected, a turning member rotatably provided on an upper surface of the trailer for abutting against wheels of the vehicle to be inspected that has halted on the trailer, and a turning plate rotation driving mechanism provided on the trailer for driving the turning plate to turn toward the upper surface of the trailer. The trailer system can trail the trailer with various loads passing through an inspection system such as a scanning passage, while bearing a heavy load, and maintaining the strength and rigidity thereof without damaging the vehicle to be inspected. A radiation imaging inspection system includes the trailer system.
US08382406B2
A parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system. Exemplary embodiments include a parallel shaft strap tie down apparatus and system for vehicle transports. Exemplary embodiments include a central shaft having a ratchet wheel and a pawl configured to wrap a strap around the central shaft. A parallel shaft is positioned parallel to the central shaft. The strap can be inserted between a variable gap between the central shaft and the parallel shaft. When the central shaft is rotated the strap is wound around the central shaft and the parallel shaft, both of which cooperate to create a self-tightening response of the strap on the central and parallel shafts.
US08382366B2
The invention concerns a programmable and reprogrammable mechanical memory wheel (30) for a timepiece, including a wheel (31) that is mobile about an axis of rotation (33).It is wherein it includes a mobile heart-piece (40) which pivots relative to said wheel (31), between indexing positions (34) of said wheel (31) with which said heart-piece (40) is arranged to cooperate via an indexing finger (41) included therein and towards which said heart-piece is returned radially by resilient return means (43), and which includes at least one support surface (45) arranged for cooperating with a timepiece mechanism.The invention also concerns a timepiece mechanism incorporating at least one memory wheel of this type (30), wherein, in proximity to each wheel (30), it includes support means arranged for cooperating with said support surface (45) of said memory wheel (30) in a disconnectable manner.
US08382360B2
The present invention provides a planar light guide film for a backlight unit having at least one point light source, the light guide film comprising a light input surface for receiving light from the point light source, a light redirecting surface for redirecting light received from the light input surface and a light output surface for outputting at least the light redirected from the light redirecting surface. The light input surface further comprises a composite lens structure having a circular tip segment with a first contact angle, and a first and second elliptical base segments with a second contact angle, the second contact angle being greater than the first contact angle and the second contact angle being equal to each other andwherein the circular tip segment satisfies the following equation: y1=a1+√{square root over ((r12−x2))} and the elliptical base segments satisfies the following equations: y4=d4+b4×√{square root over ((1−((x+c4)/a4)2)} y5=d5+b5×√{square root over ((1−((x−c5)/a5)2)}.
US08382348B2
A display device includes a generally annular display (10) and a light source (3a) disposed to oppose a rear surface of the display (10). The display (10) is indicated by a rotatable pointer (4) and includes an indicator portion (12) disposed along a trace of displacement of a tip end portion (4a) of the pointer (4), and a transparent member (20) having a light incidence surface (a light incidence portion) (21) on which light from the light source (3a) is incident. The transparent member (20) is disposed on a front side of the indicator portion (12) and spaced from a front surface of the indicator portion (12) with a clearance (K) therebetween, and extends toward a center axis of the pointer (4).
US08382345B2
A porcelain enamel substrate (1) mounts a light emitting element in which a porcelain enamel layer (5) is coated onto a surface of a core metal (4), and a reflective cup portion (7) that has a flat bottom surface and a sloping portion that surrounds this bottom surface is provided on a light emitting element mounting surface, and an electrode (6) for energizing a light emitting element (3) is provided on the light emitting element mounting surface, and the thickness of the electrode (6) within the reflective cup portion (7) is within a range of 5 μm to 100 μm.
US08382344B2
A low profile lighting assembly includes a lighting fixture and a remote ballast housing mounted on a ceiling grid. The ballast housing encloses emergency ballast provides emergency power to the lighting fixture in the event of a power outage. The ballast housing can enclose a fluorescent ballast connected to one or more fluorescent lamps of the lighting fixture. The emergency ballast is recessed with respect to the top end of the ceiling grid to provide a low profile structure. Inclined side walls of the emergency ballast provide easy connection of the wiring harness and power cable to the emergency ballast while maintaining the low profile structure.
US08382343B2
In an electronic device including a temperature sensor and an electronic component which is a heat generation source, the temperature is measured while the influence of heat from the electronic component is reduced. The electronic device includes: a base formed of a resin material; a board which is disposed at one side of the base, and includes an electronic component and a temperature sensor; and a heat sink which is disposed at the other side of the base for dissipating heat generated by the electronic component. The heat sink includes an extension part extending from the other side of the base toward a position of the board at which the electronic component is provided.
US08382339B2
A light output device comprises at least one light source having a light source output comprising at least a light output, and a switchable member through which the light output is provided, and which is switchable between at least two optical states. These at least two optical states provide different levels of uniformity of the light output. The switching of the switchable member is induced by the light source output.
US08382336B2
A lighting apparatus includes a body having a bottom surface and a side surface, a poly-pyramid shaped reflector being placed on the bottom surface of the body and including at least three reflective surfaces, and a light source being placed on the side surface of the body, including at least one light emitting device and being placed in an area corresponding to at least one of the reflective surfaces of the reflector.
US08382325B2
In one embodiment, a lamp with a ferrule includes a substrate to support a light emitting element and a wire insertion portion formed therein. A support portion to arrange the substrate is formed in one end portion of a base body. A through-hole is formed in the support portion corresponding to the wire insertion portion. A concave container portion is provided in the other end portion of the base body to accommodate a circuit board to mount electric parts. An insulating case is arranged between the circuit board and the concave container portion. The insulating case includes a protection element inserted in the through-hole and the wire insertion portion. The protection element is projected at least to inside of the wire insertion portion. A ferrule for supplying electric power to the light emitting element is provided in the other end portion of the base body.
US08382316B2
An LED lamp A1 includes at least one elongated LED unit 1 including a plurality of light emitting diodes 13, and bases 2 and 3 configured to be attached to the ends of the LED unit 1 in the longitudinal direction to receive power from outside. The lamp is configured to allow a plurality of LED units 1 to be serially connected. Such configuration contributes to reducing the manufacturing cost and facilitating the management of the products, with respect to a plurality of types of products of different lengths.
US08382315B2
An illumination apparatus includes an adapter that is detachably and electrically connected a fluorescent lamp socket; a power supply unit in the adapter to supply power; a light emitting device driver that generates driving power from the power supplied by the power supply unit; a controller that controls the light emitting device driver; and a light emitting device illumination unit that emits light according to the driving power from the light emitting device driver and that is electrically connects the power supply unit to another fluorescent lamp socket.
US08382297B2
A method, apparatus and system for combining non-visible data and visible data for a projector enabled to project visible images and non-visible images are provided. Visible bits representative of the visible images to be projected by the projector in a visible light spectrum are received; non-visible bits representative of the non-visible images to be projected by the projector in a non-visible light spectrum are received; a portion of the visible bits are replaced with at least a portion of the non-visible bits in video data such that the visible images and the non-visible images can be co-projected by the projector upon processing the video data.
US08382294B2
A method and apparatus for displaying an image on a communication device are provided. The communication device is formed of a housing (305) having a plurality of surfaces and includes an electronically controlled display (310) coupled to one of the surfaces. The housing further includes a reflecting device (345) for reflecting an image from the display (310) onto another, non-electronic, display (320) located on another surface of the housing. The image is thus viewable on both surfaces of the housing.
US08382290B2
A projector adapted to project an image includes: a detection section adapted to detect a motion of the projector; a determination section adapted to compare a detection result of the detection section with a predetermined criterion to perform determination on whether the projector is in a moving state or in a resting state; an adjustment section adapted to begin adjustment of at least one projection condition of the image in response to a transition of a determination result of the determination section from the moving state to the resting state; an auxiliary operation section adapted to auxiliary support the projection of the image by performing an operation with vibration; and a criterion determination section adapted to change the criterion based on a operation state of the auxiliary operation section.
US08382288B2
A projector includes: a first solid-state light source device including a first solid-state light source emitting main excitation light, and a fluorescent layer converting the main excitation light to light including a first color light component and a second color light component different from the first color light component, and emitting converted light; a second solid-state light source device including a second solid-state light source emitting a third color light component different from the first and second color light components; a light modulation device modulating the first, second and third color light components in accordance with image information; a projection optical system projecting the modulated light components from the light modulation device as a projection image; and a color light combining optical system combining light emitted from the first solid-state light source device and the third color light component.
US08382274B2
A printing system includes: a head that discharges electromagnetically-curable ink of multiple colors, each color having a different ease of curing with respect to electromagnetic wave, onto a medium; a provisional curing unit, common for all of the colors, that provisionally cures the electromagnetically-curable ink that has landed on the medium by irradiating the electromagnetically-curable ink with electromagnetic waves; and a controller that determines an irradiation condition of the provisional curing unit based on an ink discharge amount for each of the multiple colors per unit of area that has been found based on print data that has undergone a halftone process for each of the multiple colors, the ink discharge amount being weighted based on the ease of curing of each of the colors.
US08382272B2
A recording apparatus includes: a guide that includes a convex portion formed along a transport direction and guides a recording medium in the transport direction by allowing the convex portion to come in contact with a lenticular lens of the recording medium having the lenticular lens; and a pressing member that presses the recording medium against the guide.
US08382271B2
The present invention provides an inkjet ink which is excellent in image quality and high-speed printing on plain paper, in storage stability and in ejection stability and gives less load on a maintenance device for an inkjet recording apparatus; and an ink cartridge, an inkjet recording apparatus, and an inkjet recording method, using the inkjet ink. An inkjet ink containing a water dispersion of pigment-containing water-insoluble vinyl polymer particles; a water-soluble organic solvent; and water, wherein an ink residue from the inkjet ink has a viscosity of 3,000 mPa·s or less, the ink residue is obtained by leaving the inkjet ink to stand at a temperature of 25° C. and a humidity of 15% until substantially no mass change occurs, and wherein the inkjet ink, pH of which is adjusted to 7 with an acid, has a viscosity of 500 mPa·s or more.
US08382264B2
A universal inkjet cartridge usable in an inkjet printer the inkjet cartridge having an inkjet tank, the inkjet tank storing ink and having an upper surface and a lower surface is disclosed. Mounted on the lower surface are configurable color identification tabs and mounted on the upper surface are printer identification fins, the configurable color identification tabs are configured to allow the universal inkjet cartridge to be used in multiple inkjet cartridge locations within the inkjet printer identified by the printer identification fins.
US08382258B2
A printhead includes a jetting module that forms liquid drops travelling along a first path. A deflection mechanism causes selected liquid drops formed by the jetting module to deviate from the first path and begin travelling along a second path. A moving liquid curtain is positioned relative to the first path such that the liquid drops travelling along one of the first path and the second path contact the liquid curtain in a drop interception region of the liquid curtain. A liquid collection device is positioned to collect the liquid curtain downstream from the drop interception region.
US08382257B2
A piezoelectric actuator includes: a piezoelectric layer formed by a film formation method so as to have orientation in a prescribed orientation direction; and a pair of electrodes, disposed on a same surface which is substantially perpendicular to the orientation direction of the piezoelectric layer, for applying to the piezoelectric layer an electric field in a direction substantially perpendicular to the orientation direction.
US08382255B2
An inkjet printhead includes a substrate having a recessed cavity formed therein. The cavity has a continuous sidewall around the perimeter of the cavity. The printhead includes a heating element formed onto the sidewall of the cavity.
US08382253B1
In an embodiment, a fluid ejection device includes a die including a fluid feed slot that extends from a back side to a front side of the die, a firing chamber formed on the front side to receive fluid from the feed slot, a fluid distribution manifold adhered to the back side to provide fluid to the feed slot, and a corrosion-resistant layer coating the back side of the die so as not to extend into the feed slot.
US08382250B2
A printing material container is detachably attachable to a printing apparatus having a plurality of apparatus-side terminals. The printing material container comprises a first device, a second device, and a terminal group that includes a plurality of first terminals, at least one second terminal and at least one third terminal. The plurality of first terminals are connected to the first device and respectively include a first contact portion for contacting a corresponding terminal among the plurality of apparatus-side terminals. The at least one second terminal is connected to the second device and includes a second contact portion for contacting a corresponding terminal among the plurality of apparatus-side terminals. The at least one third terminal is for the detection of shorting.
US08382245B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus includes: a plurality of flow channel units, each of which includes a pressure generating chamber operable to generate pressure therein and a nozzle plate formed with a nozzle from which liquid is ejected by the pressure; a plurality of drive units, each of which includes a piezoelectric vibrator operable to apply a pressure vibration to the pressure generating chamber, and which correspond to the plurality of the flow channel units, respectively; and a head casing, in which the plurality of the drive units are stored, and to which the plurality of the flow channel units are fixed.
US08382237B2
A liquid ejecting apparatus comprising a liquid ejecting head that ejects liquid from nozzles; a carriage capable of carrying the liquid ejecting head; a plurality of cap spaces capable of covering the nozzles; a suction pump capable of applying a negative pressure to each of the cap spaces so as to suck liquid from the nozzles; a plurality of suction channels that communicate with the plurality of cap spaces and carry the liquid sucked by the suction pump; a channel selection means for selecting one or more suction channels for cutting off the communication with the cap spaces based on the position of the carriage; and a communication cut-off means for cutting off the communication of the one or more suction channels selected by the channel selecting means.
US08382231B2
A print head having high printing reliability, in which temperature unevenness is suppressed even when printing is performed using a print head having an increased length and density of an ejection opening array, can be provided. Specifically, a temperature equalizing member such as a heat pipe and a cooling liquid passage is disposed between a first support substrate and each of second support substrates or is disposed inside the first support substrate. This makes it possible to equalize temperature among the plurality of second support substrates and further equalize temperature among the printing element substrates bonded to these support substrates. In addition, the temperature equalizing member is made close to the printing element substrate, thus making it possible to efficiently equalize temperature.
US08382227B2
A printing apparatus for performing printing on a recording medium includes a printing unit configured to perform printing a plurality of images sequentially on a recording medium, a detection unit configured to detect an unsuitable area that is not suitable for printing on the recording medium, and a control unit configured to control, when the detection unit detects the unsuitable area, so as to define an unprintable region, including the unsuitable area, where the image is not to be printed on the recording medium based on a length of the unsuitable area in a direction of conveyance of the recording medium, and to continue printing the images while avoiding the set unprintable region.
US08382224B2
A fluid ejection device includes: a modulator adapted to pulse-modulate a drive waveform signal forming a basis of a drive signal of an actuator to obtain a modulated signal; a digital power amplifier circuit adapted to power-amplify the modulated signal to obtain a power-amplified modulated signal; a low pass filter adapted to smooth the power-amplified modulated signal to obtain the drive signal; and a power amplification stopping section operating when holding a voltage of the actuator constant.
US08382213B2
A wheel hub assembly is fitted to a vehicle axle via a wheel bearing mounted on the axle. The assembly includes a hub mountable on the wheel bearing and rotatable relative to the vehicle axle and fastening members to releasably secure the hub relative to the wheel bearing. The hub can be removed without removing the wheel bearing.
US08382201B2
A safety device for children, specifically a cover for use with a variety of surfaces that provides a barrier to protect a child from the heat and/or contamination of a surface. In some embodiments, the device can prevent a child from being burned or uncomfortable by the heat of a swing seat or car seat by minimizing thermal transfer between a child's skin and the swing seat for an adequate amount of time. In some embodiments, the cover can be used in a planar configuration as a changing pad or play mat.
US08382197B2
A composite is provided that includes, but is not limited to a first steel plate, which is welded via a weld seam to a second steel plate, in which the two steel plates and the weld seam bonding them are hardened and the composite has a broadening in the area of the weld seam. Furthermore, a B-column is provided for a motor vehicle body that includes, but is not limited to a reinforcement B-column, the reinforcement B-column including, but not limited to a first steel plate, which is welded via a weld seam to a second steel plate, and the two steel plates include, but are not limited to a heat-treated steel and are hardened like the weld seam bonding them, and the reinforcement B-column has a broadening in the area of the weld seam.
US08382193B2
A spoiler includes an upper member and a lower member. The upper and lower members are joined together by vibration welding. One of the upper and lower members includes a main welding rib and an auxiliary welding rib. Each of the main welding rib and the auxiliary welding rib is protruded toward the other of the upper and members so as to be vibration welded to the other of the upper and lower members. The main welding rib is arranged to extend along a vibration direction of the vibration welding, and the auxiliary welding rib is arranged to extend along a direction perpendicular to the vibration direction. A height of the auxiliary welding rib is less than a height of the main welding rib before the vibration welding. The auxiliary welding rib is spaced apart from the main welding rib.
US08382179B2
An extendable device engages and operates a handle mounted on an electrical switching apparatus. The extendable device includes a first linear portion and a second linear portion, each of the first and second linear portions having a first end and a second end, a handle adaptor extending away from the second end of one of the first and second linear portions and a retainer mechanism structured to engage the first linear portion and the second linear portion such that the extendable device can be adjusted to a particular length and maintained at the particular length. The handle adaptor is structured to engage the handle such that the handle can be moved from a first position to a different second position.
US08382173B2
An advertising device for an improved golf ball retriever is provided. The golf ball retriever includes a hollow shaft made of a clear plastic material wherein an advertising slip can be placed into the hollow shaft by the use of a pole. The shaft may include a grip on one end for secure maneuvering of the golf ball retriever during retrieval. The shaft includes a suction cup with a hollow center on the opposite end where the grip may be located for retrieving a golf ball. The top end of the shaft also includes apertures in the shaft that allow a hanging device to be removably affixed to the shaft of the golf ball retriever. The top end of the shaft also has an end cap removably attached to the shaft to enclose the top end of the hollow shaft.
US08382170B2
A door handle device for a vehicle is arranged in a door thereof. The door handle device includes a support member, door handle, lock detection electrode, and capacitance sensor. The door handle includes a first end, second end, pivot portion, and operation portion. A capacitance sensor detects issuance of a door lock command from a change in capacitance between an outer panel and lock detection electrode. The door handle includes a first handle case and second handle case covering the first handle case. The lock detection electrode is proximal to and faces an inner surface of at least one of an upper wall and lower wall of the second handle case. The lock detection includes an electrode end face facing the outer panel and formed to be non-planar.
US08382168B2
A latch with dual rotary magnets is disclosed. The latch is particularly suited for releasably securing dual doors of a compartment in the closed position. Each rotary magnet helps secure in a closed position a respective door that is provided with a magnetic insert. Hook-like rotary pawls that rotate with the magnets provide for mechanical securing of the doors in the closed position. The latch is provided with a safety feature that makes the latch resistant to opening in the event that the vehicle in which the latch is installed is involved in a collision.
US08382167B2
A latch system for a liftgate of a motor vehicle. The system includes a handle rotatable relative to the liftgate. The system also includes a switch having a first contact biased apart from a second contact by a biasing member. The first contact is movable relative to the second contact to close the switch upon rotation of the handle. The system further includes a power actuation system in communication with and responsive to the switch to move the liftgate from the closed position to the opened position when the switch is in the closed position.
US08382158B2
An all terrain vehicle includes a steering shaft to which a handle is coupled, a pair of right and left frame members extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle body, at both sides in a width direction of the vehicle body, a steering shaft support member provided over and coupled to the pair of right and left frame members, and a bearing configured to rotatably couple a lower portion of the steering shaft to the steering shaft support member.
US08382157B2
An apparatus for supporting a steering column (40) in a vehicle (50) adjacent an instrument panel of the vehicle includes a mounting assembly (30) that connects the steering column (40) to the vehicle (50). The mounting assembly (30) includes at least one holding element (170) that has a first condition that blocks pivotal movement of the steering column (40) relative to the vehicle (50). The at least one holding element (170) has a second condition that permits pivotal movement of the steering column (40) relative to the vehicle (50) in response to impact forces urging the steering column (40) to pivot relative to the vehicle (50).
US08382155B2
A gas generator includes, a housing having a defining a first combustion chamber, an ignition chamber cup, defining an ignition chamber, and a combustion chamber cup, defining a second combustion chamber, being aligned at a distance in a radial direction, a first communication hole communicating the ignition chamber with the first combustion chamber being provided in a circumferential wall portion of the ignition chamber cup, a second communication hole communicating the second combustion chamber with the first combustion chamber being provided in a circumferential wall portion of the combustion chamber cup, a cup-shaped cover member covering the combustion chamber cup and closing the second communication hole, a disk-shaped retainer retaining a gas generating agent, being provided with a first opening for fitting the ignition chamber cup and a second opening for fitting the combustion chamber cup, an annular gap being formed between the second opening and the cover member.
US08382153B2
A child car seat for a land vehicle comprises a support for supporting at least a part of a body of a child, the support being positionable on a vehicle seat of the land vehicle and a restraint for holding the body in position relative to the support. A data processing unit forms when in operational mode and connected to an in-vehicle data communication network in the land vehicle, a child car seat network node in the in-vehicle data communication network. The seat includes a first network connector for establishing, in cooperation with a matching second network connector, a data communication connection between the child car seat network node and the in-vehicle data communication network. The child car seat has a signal carrier connecting the data processing unit to the first network connector.
US08382145B2
A system for braking a trailer being coupled to a pulling vehicle by means of a coupling device, comprising a supply circuit on the pulling vehicle side, and a brake circuit on the trailer side, wherein the brake circuit is removably attached to the supply circuit by means of at least one plug-in coupling. The invention is based on the object of providing a system for braking a trailer, wherein the risk of an uncontrolled vehicle movement, at least of the trailer vehicle, is reduced. The problem is solved according to the invention by means of a system wherein disposed within the brake circuit is a ventilation valve that can be remotely controlled by the pulling vehicle.
US08382144B2
The subject of the invention is a corrugation bellows of a transfer between two vehicles which are articulated together, comprising a plurality of corrugations which are U-shaped in cross-section, wherein two adjacent corrugations are connected together by a frame, wherein the corrugation of U-shaped cross-section has two limbs as well as a web connecting the limbs, wherein the material thickness of the web is greater than the material thickness of the limbs, wherein the material of web and limbs is identical and wherein the web is of substantially planar construction so that the limbs and the web extend at right angles to one another in a substantially neutral setting of the bellows.
US08382133B2
A foldable device is adapted to connect a front fork to a handlebar of a bicycle, and includes a linking member hingedly connected to lower and upper hingeable flanges about first and second hinge axes, respectively. The first and second hinge axes are transverse to each other. The upper and lower hingeable flanges are respectively coupled with the handlebar and the front fork. The handlebar is turned relative to the front fork about the first and second hinge axes to permit a handlebar line of the handlebar to be parallel to a longitudinal direction in which the bicycle extends so as to fold the bicycle and to minimize the entire width of the folded bicycle.
US08382123B2
The invention relates to a metal cylinder head gasket provided with at least one opening corresponding to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, comprising a function layer and an annular support arranged thereon. The functional layer comprises one full bead. The cylinder head gasket is characterized in that the annular support comprises one full bead which is defined on the functional layer, and the annular support comprises one bead which is arranged on the side of the full bead which is oriented away from the combustion chamber The invention also relates to a metal cylinder head gasket provided with at least one opening corresponding to a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, comprising an upper functional layer, an annular support and a lower functional layer. The annular support is arranged between the upper functional layer and the lower functional layer and is adjacent to the lower functional layer. The upper functional layer comprises one full bead which is adjacent to the annular support. The cylinder head gasket is characterized in that the lower functional layer comprises one bead which is arranged on the side of the full bead which is oriented away from the combustion chamber.
US08382120B2
A seal assembly for a turbomachine includes a plurality of compliant plate members attached to an interior surface of a stationary housing. The compliant plate members define a sealing ring between the stationary housing and a rotor. Each of the compliant plate members comprises at least one slot therein. The seal assembly further includes at least one arcuate static ring attached to the interior surface of the stationary housing and extending radially into the at least one slot in the compliant plate members. Each of the at least one static ring extends circumferentially through and between a plurality of the compliant plate members. Finally, the seal assembly includes a vibration damper disposed adjacent to or provided on the plurality of compliant plate members. The vibration damper is configured to dampen vibration of the plurality of compliant plate members.
US08382116B1
Presently disclosed is modular archery target with specialized components for stopping multiple arrow types. The target consists of a hollow outer shell, in round or polygon configuration, a plurality of interchangeable cores, and an optional rigid cap. In some embodiments, the interchangeable cores may comprise a compression core and a broadhead core. To maintain inner compression core location, elastic bands may be used to secure the rigid cap to the hollow outer shell. The compression core may be made of various loose materials contained in a bag. The broadhead core may be made of laminated or molded foam material. The outer shell may be comprised of molded of laminated foam.
US08382114B2
Systems, methods and apparatus for providing, hosting and conducting a wagering game associated with Blackjack, which includes steps and/or components configured for generating a random initial hand of playing cards in the underlying game to form an initial player hand and an initial dealer hand; comparing the random initial player hand of playing cards with a preset qualifying criteria comprising the initial player hand being composed of playing cards which are consecutively ranked; conducting the Blackjack game until a final outcome is achieved; determining a payout award which is at least partially determined by the number of consecutively ranked playing cards in the final player hand if the preset qualifying criteria is satisfied by the initial player hand; and providing the determined payout award or collecting the wager if the preset qualifying criteria is not satisfied.
