US08488368B2
A static random access memory with write-through capability includes a memory cell configured to store a bit of data. A write enable signal is configured to enable writing a write value from a write line input into the static random access memory cell and to enable reading a read value from the memory cell onto a DOT line. A local evaluation circuit is configured to place the write value from the write line onto the DOT line during a single clock cycle in which the value is being written into the memory cell. An early read suppression circuit is configured to electrically isolate the DOT line from a data out line thereby preventing a leakage current loss from the local evaluation circuit and is also configured to make the value placed on the DOT line to be read from the data out line during the single clock cycle.
US08488358B2
In a semiconductor storage device, either two memory cell gates TG or a memory cell gate TG and a bit-line connecting gate SW are formed in every set of n-type doped regions OD at the intersections with word lines WL or bit-line selecting lines KS. A portion near the center of the set of n-type doped regions OD serves as a source/drain region shared by two gates, whereas portions near both ends thereof serve as source/drain regions for respective gates. Each of the source/drain regions is connected to a storage electrode SN of a memory cell capacitor via a storage contact CA or is connected to a sub bit line or a main bit line via a sub-bit-line contact CH and/or a via of a metal interconnection. A pattern formed of four memory cell gates TG and four bit-line connecting gates SW is repeated.
US08488354B2
An AC/DC converter system comprises an input circuit for connection to a three phase AC source. An isolation transformer comprises a set of primary windings and first and second sets of secondary windings magnetically coupled to the set of primary windings. The first and second sets of secondary windings are phase shifted by select amounts from the set of primary windings. The set of primary windings is connected to the input circuit. An AC/DC converter comprises first, second and third three phase rectifiers, the first three phase rectifier being powered by the first set of secondary windings, the second three phase rectifier being powered by the second set of secondary windings, and the third three phase rectifier being powered by the input circuit. An impedance matching inductor is electrically connected between the input circuit and the third three phase rectifier. An output circuit is connected between the AC/DC converter and a DC load.
US08488353B2
A control circuit for a voltage converter including a power switch for providing power to a load in accordance with an embodiment of the present application includes a driver circuit operable to provide a first control signal to the power switch to turn the power switch on and off such that a desired voltage is provided to the load, an output terminal connected to the driver circuit and operable to connect the driver circuit to the power switch; and a controller operable to control the driver circuit. The output terminal operates as an input terminal to receive external data under predetermined conditions, and the controller controls the driver circuit based on the external data.
US08488349B2
A method for tracking power supplies includes the following steps: receiving, by a controller, a signal to be tracked and outputting, according to the signal to be tracked, a control signal. The control signal controls at least two sets of voltage level selection circuits in selecting at least one tracking voltage level from at least two groups of isolation voltage levels and controls each set of the voltage level selection circuits selecting at most one tracking voltage level from a group of isolation voltage levels. An isolation power supply provides the at least two groups of isolation voltage levels according to the voltage level interval of the signal to be tracked. Each group of isolation voltage levels includes at least two tracking voltage levels. The voltage level selection circuits provide the selected tracking voltage level to supply power to a load circuit. An apparatus for tracking power supplies is also provided. The present disclosure is applicable to the power supply tracking on a reference signal.
US08488345B2
Power conversion systems and methods are provided for operating a multi-phase inverter to drive a load while mitigating reflected waves, in which one or more PWM modulating signals are selectively adjusted if at least one of the phase signals or values is transitioning into or out of an over-modulation range outside a pulse width modulation carrier waveform range.
US08488344B2
In a conventional electrical power conversion apparatus, a control microprocessor performs a control for eliminating or curbing a beat phenomenon, so that a control delay occurs because computing time is required in the control microprocessor. Because of the control delay, it is not possible to obtain an effect of sufficiently reducing a current ripple and torque pulsation. In addition, in an electric train in which a frequency of an AC power source is changed over while the train is running, it is required for a method of detecting a ripple component by a band-pass filter that a plurality of band-pass filters are provided and then the changeover is performed depending on the power source frequency, resulting in difficulties to take countermeasures. An electrical power conversion apparatus according to the present invention stores DC voltage values at predetermined sampling time-points going back from the latest, and predicts a DC voltage estimate value for a predetermined elapse time from the latest sampling time-point using the stored DC voltage values, whereby using the predicted DC voltage estimate value, an amplitude and/or a frequency of AC power that an inverter outputs is controlled so as to curb variation of the AC power that the inverter outputs, due to a ripple caused on the DC side of the inverter.
US08488341B2
A switching mode power supply (SNIPS) includes a rectifying unit transforming AC power input from outside to DC power, a main transformer transforming and outputting the rectified DC power, a pulse width modulation control unit controlling output voltage by applying a pulse signal to a primary winding of the main transformer, and a feedback control unit controlling an output signal of the pulse width modulation control unit by detecting output voltage of the main transformer, including: a first state transform unit, including: a second photo diode; and a second photo transistor included between an AC power input unit and the pulse width modulation control unit to form a photo coupler with the second photo diode, and a second state transform unit, including: a comparator connected to a secondary winding of the main transformer to apply the output voltage and reference voltage to an inverting terminal and a noninverting terminal, and compare the output voltage with the reference voltage and output the voltage through an output terminal.
US08488337B2
An offline AC-DC converter circuits including an overvoltage detection module, a current limiting module, a PWM module and a switch control module coupled to the above modules. The overvoltage detection module, the current limiting module and the PWM module share a common input terminal. The sampled current signal and the sampled voltage signal are provided at the common input terminal by way of time-division multiplexing. With the time-multiplexed terminal, overvoltage detection for the output voltage is performed during the period when the power transistor is cut off and a current through the power transistor is detected during the period when the power transistor conducts. The two signals are input by way of time-division multiplexing, which are not affected by each other. Accordingly, overvoltage in the output voltage can be precisely detected without additional terminals, and thus the overvoltage can be controlled.
US08488335B2
An electro-optical device includes: a frame that has a conductive portion; an electro-optical panel that is housed in the frame; and an electronic component that is mounted in a mounting area of the electro-optical panel, wherein a shield member having a conductive layer that covers at least a part of the mounting area is brought into contact with the electronic component through an insulating layer, and wherein the conductive layer of the shield member is electrically connected to the conductive portion of the frame.
US08488332B2
A function expansion device is electrically connected to an electronic apparatus by being inserted in a socket included in the electronic apparatus and expands a function of the electronic apparatus. The function expansion device includes a substrate on which a component is mounted, a first connecting terminal that is formed at an end portion of the substrate and is electrically connected to a first signal line that connects the electronic apparatus and the component in a one-to-one fashion, a second connecting terminal that is formed at the end portion of the substrate and is electrically connected to a second signal line that connects the electronic apparatus and the component redundantly, and a protection member that is formed to cover only the second connecting terminal.
US08488327B2
A portable electronic device with a USB connector comprising a card body complying with chip card layout standards, with at least one elastic hinge going from one edge to another of the card body allowing a 180° folding, and a contour of the card body such that, in the closed folded state, a zone supporting a USB contact has the thickness and width of a standard male USB connector. Preferably the card body is an ISO 7816 standard card body, incorporating a corresponding connection contact, and it comprises two elastic hinges dividing the card body into a central portion and two lateral portions. The hinges may advantageously be positioned so as to incorporate an antenna and/or a magnetic strip.
US08488326B2
A memory support structure includes a base for physically and electrically connecting to a substrate. When so connected, the memory support structure extends orthogonal to the substrate to a height of at least 2.5 cm. The memory support structure provides at least three sockets for receiving and engaging memory modules so that they extend parallel to the substrate. The memory support structure also includes electrical pathways for electrically connecting the sockets and the base so that a memory module inserted into one of said sockets is electrically connected to the substrate.
US08488324B2
An electrical control unit has a printed circuit board substrate, on which an electronic circuit is situated, which circuit includes multiple electrical components which are interconnected via printed conductors of the printed circuit board substrate, as well as housing parts for covering the electrical components on the printed circuit board substrate, and at least one device plug connector part situated on the printed circuit board substrate outside the section of the printed circuit board substrate covered by the housing parts. Outside the section covered by the at least one housing part and outside the section of the printed circuit board substrate provided with the device plug connector part, at least one contact point for an additional electrical component is situated on the printed circuit board substrate.
US08488322B2
The heat sink fastener includes a heat conductive board and a flexible metallic wire. The heat conductive board has a pair of pivot portions. The flexible metallic wire has a pair of flexible arms and a middle portion connecting therebetween. Each flexible arm connects to the pivot portion. The pivot portion side of the heat conductive board is formed with a blocking sheet. The middle portion is provided with a bend for being blocked by the blocking sheet. When the flexible metallic wire is hooked to a ring on a circuit board, it will generate pressure to the heat conductive board resulting from the bent flexible arms and the blocked middle portion.
US08488313B2
A container data center includes a container, servers, a monitoring device, a cooling system, and a controller. The container is divided into first regions and a second region which are separated from each other. The servers are received in the respective first regions. The monitoring device is for monitoring the servers and received in the second region. The cooling system includes a first generator for generating a first cool airflow, a second generator for generating a second cool airflow for the second region, an air pipe connecting the first regions and directing the first cool airflow to the first regions, and valves arranged in the air pipe. Each valve is positioned between each two adjacent first regions. The controller controls the first generator, the valves and the second generator.
US08488298B2
A dielectric ceramic capacitor that has excellent reliability and particularly excellent life characteristics in a load test even when the thickness of a dielectric ceramic layer is reduced uses a dielectric ceramic as a dielectric ceramic layer in a laminated ceramic capacitor which is a substance containing, as the main component, (Ba, R)(Ti, V)O3 or (Ba, Ca, R)(Ti, V)O3 in which R is at least one selected from La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, and Y, and in which both V and R are present uniformly in the main component particles.
US08488291B2
A ZnO surge arrester for high-temperature operation is characterized in that a grain boundary layer between ZnO grains thereof contains a BaTiO3-based positive temperature coefficient thermistor material, which takes 10-85 mol % in the overall grain boundary layer, and when operating temperature raises, the positive temperature coefficient thermistor material in the grain boundary layer has its resistance sharply increasing with the raising temperature, so as to compensate or partially compensate decrease in resistance of components in the grain boundary layer caused by the raising temperature, thereby making the resistance of the grain boundary layer in the ZnO surge arrester more independent of temperature. The ZnO surge arrester thus is suitable for operation where a maximum operating temperature is higher than 125° C., or even higher than 150° C.
US08488276B1
A perpendicular magnetic recording (PMR) media including a non-magnetic or superparamagnetic grain isolation magnetic anisotropy layer (GIMAL) to provide a template for initially well-isolated small grain microstructure as well as improvement of Ku in core grains of a magnetic recording layer. The GIMAL composition may be adjusted to have lattice parameters similar to a bottom magnetic recording layer and to provide a buffer for reducing interface strains caused by lattice mismatch between the bottom magnetic recording layer and an underlying layer.
US08488268B2
In a positioning control system for a head of a magnetic disk device etc, a frequency of a disturbance oscillation having a specific oscillation component whose amplitude changes with a head position, is selected as a target frequency. Next, a resonance filter is so designed that it has a resonance characteristic at the target frequency and a variable gain device A having the gain changing with head position and a variable gain device B having inverse characteristics to the device A are connected to input and output terminals of the resonance filter, respectively. Input to the filter is made 0 during seek operation and an error signal is used as the input to the filter through the device A after the end of the seek operation. The variable gain devices A and B are controlled so that their product becomes 1.
US08488257B2
This invention is a wide field surveillance, monocentric, refractive optical system with inherent features being, non-mechanical, compact, high resolution, a field of view up to two Pi steradians solid angle. The optics design uses a single optical system and multiple flat image collection devices. Multiple fiber plates translate and map the image off of the curved image surface to the flat image collection devices. The fiber plates also act to translate the image into a larger volume as compared to the curved image surface, allowing required volume for the multiple image collection devices. This invention uses a single refractive optical system with multiple CCD or CMOS detectors. Advantages over prior art are simple optical system, rugged optics, high resolution and single optics which is easily manufactured.
US08488254B2
A zoom lens optical system includes a first lens unit having a positive refractive index, a second lens unit which is arranged behind the first lens unit and has a negative refractive index, a third lens unit which is arranged behind the second lens unit and has a positive refractive index, and a fourth lens unit which is arranged behind the third lens unit and has a positive refractive index. An aperture is arranged within the third lens unit to prevent reduction of shutter speed due to large diameter of the zoom lens optical system.
US08488251B2
A zoom lens includes, in order from the object side to the image side, a first lens unit having a positive refractive power, a second lens unit having a negative refractive power, a third lens unit having a positive refractive power, and a rear lens group including one or more lens units. During zooming, the first lens unit moves along a locus convex towards the image side, and the second lens unit and the third lens unit move such that an interval between the first lens unit and the second lens unit becomes larger at a telephoto end than at a wide-angle end and an interval between the second lens unit and the third lens unit becomes smaller at the telephoto end than at the wide-angle end. The third lens unit includes a positive lens and a negative lens. Image forming magnifications β2W and β2T of the second lens unit at the wide-angle end and at the telephoto end, image forming magnifications β3W and β3T of the third lens unit at the wide-angle end and at the telephoto end, a focal length f2 of the second lens unit, and a focal length fT of the entire zoom lens at the telephoto end are appropriately set.
US08488246B2
This disclosure concerns an interactive head-mounted eyepiece with an integrated processor for handling content for display and an integrated image source for introducing the content to an optical assembly through which the user views a surrounding environment and the displayed content and a light source that directs light to a curved polarizing film of the optical assembly that reflects a portion of the light to illuminate a reflective image display. The optical assembly comprises an optically flat film that reflects the image light from the reflective image display to a curved partially reflecting mirror that reflects a portion of the image light and transmits a portion of the scene light from a see-through view of the surrounding environment, so that a combined image comprised of portions of the reflected image light and the transmitted scene light is transmitted through the optically flat film and provided to the user's eye.
US08488245B1
A system and method for producing a kilowatt laser system having a post resonator including a polarization multi-plexer, optical reconfiguration element, anamorphic element and fiber-optic module configured to arrange a multi-wavelength profile for coupling into an optical fiber.
US08488236B2
Provided is an optical system for a thermal image microscope. The optical system includes an image forming unit and a relay unit. The image forming unit forms a focus. The relay unit elongates an optical path. Here, the image forming unit includes six lenses. The relay unit includes two lenses. Aspherical surfaces of the lenses are all convex surfaces.
US08488232B2
An operating method for stimulated Raman adiabatic passage to change probability amplitude in a three-level system including states of |0>, |1> and |e>, includes the following two steps. One is to direct a first laser beam and a second laser beam which have frequencies in the vicinity of resonance frequencies corresponding to energy differences between |0> and |e> and between |1> and |e>, respectively. The other is to change temporally two-photon detuning to be a difference between first detuning and second detuning. The first detuning is a difference between a first energy difference and a frequency of the first laser beam. The first energy difference is a difference between energy of |0> and energy of |e>. The second detuning is a difference between a second energy difference and a frequency of the second laser beam. The second energy difference is a difference between energy of |1> and energy of |e>.
US08488230B2
The current disclosure shows how to make a fast switching array of mirrors for projection displays. Because the mirror does not have a via in the middle connecting to the underlying spring support, there is an improved contrast ratio that results from not having light scatter off the legs or vias like existing technologies. Because there are no supporting contacts, the mirror can be made smaller making smaller pixels that can be used to make higher density displays. In addition, because there is not restoring force from any supporting spring support, the mirror stays in place facing one or other direction due to adhesion. This means there is no need to use a voltage to hold the mirror in position. This means that less power is required to run the display.
US08488229B2
In a wavelength selection element employed in an optically variable filter array apparatus, pixels in a line form are placed into a light reflection state so that wavelength-scanned light can be incident on the optically variable filter array apparatus. On the basis of the wavelength of scanned reflection light and the location of the pixel in a light reflection state at a timing of acquisition of output, the relationship between the x coordinate of the wavelength selection element and wavelength is determined. This makes it possible to achieve calibration of the optically variable filter array apparatus capable of selection of a desired wavelength with respect to a desired channel from multi-channel WDM light.
US08488227B2
To include a light modulator having an anode electrode, a matching resistor, a first wire that is connected to the anode electrode and transmits to the anode electrode an input electric signal to the light modulator, a first conductor pad having a capacitor connected to the first wire, a second wire that connects the anode electrode and the matching resistor, and a second conductor pad having a capacitor connected to the second wire.
US08488213B2
Aspects of the present invention are related to systems and methods for scanning a document wherein a scan function is invoked implicitly by a user positioning a document object, or document objects, to be scanned near an active surface of the scanner. According to one aspect of the present invention, the user's intent to scan a document object may be determined by an active-sensing pipeline.
US08488209B2
There is provided an image reader capable of reading a good image free from the influence of foreign matter such as dust. This image reader includes an ADF, a reader section, a dust correcting section, and a CPU. The CPU controls the ADF and the reader section according to the detection result of the dust correcting section so as to selectively execute one of a first moving original reading mode and a second moving original reading mode. In the first moving original reading mode, the reader section is fixed at a predetermined position to read the images while the originals are fed at a first sheet-to-sheet interval. In the second moving original reading mode, the reader section is fixed at a predetermined position to read the images while the originals are fed at a second sheet-to-sheet interval longer than the first sheet-to-sheet interval.
US08488207B2
A fax to E-mail system and related method are shown, whereby a hardcopy document is sent via a fax device to its recipient via electronic mail through a data network, and is delivered in such a manner that it can be retrieved by the recipient at an E-mail device and displayed on the screen of the E-mail device. The document begins as a hardcopy, as an electronic file retrieved through E-mail recipient's terminal and displayed on the computer screen of the E-mail recipient's terminal. The system and method also provides for an interface device which connects to a conventional fax device for communicating E-mail addresses and routing hardcopy documents to the E-mail network, and provides a means for embedding the functions of the interface device into conventional fax devices. The system can also be used in cooperation with Internet Web service for reporting, accounting, information services, and user interaction.
US08488194B2
An image processing controller for performing screen processing for tone reduction of input image data, which has a tone value in N1 tones (where N1 is an integer that is greater than or equal to four) for each pixel, from the N1 tones into N2 tones (where N2 is an integer that is greater than or equal to three but less than N1) and generating output image data that is to be supplied to a printing unit, the printing unit being configured to be able to form an output image with the use of a recording material in accordance with the output image data, the output image data having N3 tones greater than the N2 tones of intermediate image data (N3 is an integer that is greater than N2), the intermediate image data being generated as a result of the screen processing performed on the input image data.
US08488191B2
What is disclosed is a novel system and method for determining color profiles based upon optimizing output image spatial noise. For each of a number of selected output colors, spatial noise values for a set of device-dependent color specifications that produce the selected output color are iteratively determined. The set of device-dependent color specifications is generated by varying a subset of colorants in the device-dependent color specifications while changing the remaining colorants to maintain the selected output color. The iterative process improves the spatial noise value, as determined by a spatial noise model, of the device-dependent color specifications that correspond to the selected output color. When an optimum spatial noise value is found, the device-dependent color specification having that spatial noise value is selected as the mapping for the selected device-independent color specification. Various embodiments are disclosed.
US08488185B2
According to an aspect of the invention, an image writing apparatus includes an image writing unit, a moving unit, a positioning unit. The image writing unit faces an image carrier or a support member supporting a recording medium and writes an image on the image carrier or the recording medium. The moving unit moves the image writing unit between a first position and a second position apart from the first position. A positioning unit sets the image writing unit in the first position and includes a first restriction member, a second restriction member, a third restriction member, and a restriction releasing portion. The first restriction member restricts a first movement of the image writing unit along a first direction from the image carrier to the image writing unit or from the support member to the image writing unit.
US08488184B2
According to the present invention, there is disclosed an image forming apparatus comprising a constitution driven/controlled independently for each recording head. The apparatus rewrites image data or parameters or changes a driving voltage at a desired timing, and realizes a uniform or appropriate density of an image formed by control of an ink spout amount based on a temperature detection signal of the recording head detected by a temperature detection unit disposed in each recording head. The apparatus is capable of remarkably narrowing a mutual conveying interval among a plurality of conveyed recording mediums.
US08488172B2
Apparatus and method for maximizing space in a user interface that is displayed to a user. A breadcrumb view area having a breadcrumb view pathway with active links is concealed from view and presented based on input provided in the user interface.
US08488165B2
An automated system and method for correlating an attempted rendering job with an actual rendering job. A print governance application can be configured with a set of predefined rendering rules in order to manage a rendering job behavior. A rendering policy log data and a rendering job tracking data can be retrieved from a database associated with the print governance application. The policy log data and the job tracking data can be correlated in order to retrieve matched records based on a predefined criterion utilizing a correlation algorithm. A report can be visually generated by analyzing the matched records in order to determine impact of print governance in an enterprise environment.
US08488156B2
An image processing apparatus according to the invention prevents communication with computers connected via a network from being uniformly restricted, and restricts the communication with the computers in accordance with a kind of received data or a kind of data process.
US08488152B2
In the case that a control section takes out a print job from an output queue, the control section notifies a terminal device being a transmitting source of the print job of a termination notice that a period to permit to change a print condition related to the print job has been terminated. However, when the control section receives a change request to change the printing condition for the print job before notifying the termination notice, the control section replaces the print job registered in the output queue with a print job having a changed printing condition in accordance with the change request.
US08488149B2
A communication device includes a first tag data reading unit, a storing unit, an extracting unit, a display unit, and a transmitting unit. The first tag data reading unit is configured to read tag data from a wireless tag. The tag data is written in the wireless tag. The storing unit is configured to store transmit data and identification data in association with each other from the storing unit. The extracting unit is configured to extract, if the tag data corresponds to the identification data, the transmit data in association with the identification data. The display unit is configured to display contents of the transmit data that is extracted by the extracting unit. The transmitting unit is configured to transmit the transmit data displayed on the display unit to a destination device.
US08488139B2
An image forming apparatus places restriction on a print job. A memory stores a plurality of items of first print job information and corresponding print restriction levels. A print job information obtaining section obtains a plurality of items of second print job information from the print job. A restriction level selecting section reads the print restriction levels from the memory by using the items of second print information. The restriction level selecting section selects the highest one of the print restriction levels. A printing section prints print data contained in the print job at the selected highest one of the print restriction levels. The second print restriction levels may be lower in restriction level than the first print restriction levels. The user may be advised of a third printing format if the highest one of the first print restriction levels indicates that the print job is restricted.
US08488135B2
An image forming apparatus configured to run a plurality of applications having different activation conditions includes an item acquiring unit configured to acquire from an item storage an item to be displayed on a setting screen for making a setting to an application, and a screen providing unit configured to generate and display the setting screen in response to the item acquired by the item acquiring unit, wherein the screen providing unit generates the setting screen in response to an item acquired from a file that contains one or more items that are unique for each application activation condition.
US08488131B2
A scale for a displacement detection apparatus includes a base, and reflection layers formed on the base in a lattice structure, wherein the scale is used as a member displaceable relative to a light-emitting element whose emission wavelength is approximately 1000 nm or less and a light-receiving element receiving the light that is emitted from the light-emitting element and is reflected by the reflection layers, and wherein the base is made of silicon.
US08488126B2
An optical image measurement device 1 causes an interference light generator to split a low-coherence light into a signal light and a reference light, and superimposes the signal light propagated through a measured object 5000 and the reference light propagated through the reference mirror 9 to generate an interference light. Two-dimensional photosensor arrays 14 and 15 detect the interference light. A computer 16 forms an image of the measured object 5000 based on the detection result. By inserting the optical fiber bundle 5 into the measured object 5000 to perform a measurement, a tomographic image of a deep tissue of the measured object 5000 can be obtained. Furthermore, the optical image measurement device 1 can form a high-resolution image of the deep tissue of the measured object 5000 because performing a measurement using the OCT technology.
US08488123B1
An optical detector senses the intensity of scattered light reflected by a surface coupled to a vibration source. If the vibration source is operating, the coupled surface vibrates at the same frequency. Incident light reflected by the surface is modulated by the vibration at a hypertemporal frequency. The detector produces a direct electrical current as a temporal function of the detected modulated light intensity. A transimpedance amplifier converts the current into a voltage. A voltage amplifier amplifies the voltage. An analog-to-digital converter converts the amplified voltage into digital signal. A digital signal processor converts the digital signal into a function of power spectral density and frequency using Fourier transform and principle component analyses. The vibration signature of the vibration source, if present, is discerned from a graphical display of the foregoing function.
US08488119B2
A method of applying an ellipsometer or polarimeter system which operates in a frequency range between 300 GHz or lower and extending to higher than at least 1 Tera-hertz (THz), and preferably through the Infra-red (IR) range up to, and higher than 100 THz; wherein the ellipsometer or polarimeter system includes a source such as a backward wave oscillator, a Smith-Purcell cell, a free electron laser, an FTIR source or a solid state device; and a detector such as a Golay cell a bolometer or a solid state detector; and preferably includes at least one odd-bounce polarization state image rotating system and a polarizer, and at least one compensator and/or modulator, in addition to an analyzer.
US08488113B2
The invention relates to a device and a method for optical 3D measurement, wherein said device can be switched between a first mode for optical 3D measurement using a chromatic confocal measurement method or the triangulation measurement method and a second mode for colorimetric measurement. In the first mode, a broad-band illuminating beam is focused onto a first plane and in the second mode the broad-band illuminating beam is focused onto a second plane other than the first plane at a distance d from the surface of the object to be measured.
US08488110B2
A sensor for the measurement of distances has a transmitter to transmit a signal at presettable transmission times and a receiver for the reception of the signal remitted in a monitored zone, wherein the received signals are accumulated in a histogram over a plurality of measurement periods to determine the reception time from the histogram and thus the signal transit time. The reception time is determined by an interpolation and thus with a better time resolution than that of the histogram. To facilitate the interpolation, transmission times are preset over the plurality of measurement periods in accordance with a distribution such that the time position of the reception time varies within the histogram over the plurality of measurement periods.
US08488106B2
A stage is driven (position control) using a hybrid signal which is obtained by synthesizing an output signal of an interferometer (an interferometer system) and an output signal of an encoder (an encoder system) that are made to pass through a high pass filter and a low pass filter, respectively. A cutoff frequency is set to a frequency corresponding to a speed slightly smaller than the speed of the stage at the time of scanning exposure. This allows the stage to be driven using an interferometer whose linear measurement is high at the time of scanning exposure, and using an encoder whose measurement reproducibility is high at the time of stepping.
US08488102B2
An immersion lithographic system 10 comprises an optical surface 51, an immersion fluid 60 with a pH less than 7 contacting at least a portion of the optical surface, and a semiconductor structure 80 having a topmost photoresist layer 70 wherein a portion of the photoresist is in contact with the immersion fluid. Further, a method for illuminating a semiconductor structure 80 having a topmost photoresist layer 70 comprising the steps of: introducing an immersion fluid 60 into a space between an optical surface 51 and the photoresist layer wherein the immersion fluid has a pH of less than 7, and directing light preferably with a wavelength of less than 450 nm through the immersion fluid and onto the photoresist.
US08488095B2
The present invention discloses a liquid crystal display panel, including an array substrate; a color filter substrate; and primary post spacers and secondary post spacers disposed between the array substrate and the color filter substrate, wherein the color filter substrate is divided into a side portion and a central portion inside the side portion, and the density of the secondary post spacers in the central portion is less than that in the side portion.
US08488092B2
An array substrate including: a pixel defined by both a scanning line and a signal line intersecting with the scanning line, wherein a display area on a substrate includes a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix shape, wherein the pixel includes: a switching device; a lower electrode that is connected to the switching device; an insulating film that is formed on the lower electrode; and an upper electrode that is formed on the insulating film to generate a fringe electric field between the lower electrode and the upper electrode, and wherein, in an area where the upper electrode is not formed and light is not transmitted, a contact hole is provided on a conducting pattern having the same potential as the lower electrode, by removing the insulating film.
US08488083B2
An image display device, particularly an IPS mode LCD, includes a light source, an array substrate including a display region and a peripheral region around the display region, a color filter substrate including a plurality of color filters having different transmissivities, a liquid crystal layer including a plurality of liquid crystal molecules, and an alignment film for aligning the liquid crystal molecules. Characteristically, a light transmittance per unit area in the peripheral region is equivalent to or less than a light transmittance per unit area in the display region.
US08488082B2
There is provided a polarizing film exhibiting a stable and high dichroic ratio by forming a film using a water solution in which a metal capture agent has been added, even if multivalent metal cations are included.
US08488074B2
A display medium comprises: a pair of electrodes to which a voltage is applied; and a liquid crystal layer stack provided between the pair of electrodes. The liquid crystal layer stack contains a first liquid crystal layer having a first liquid crystal that undergoes transition into a specific alignment state in response to the voltage applied to the electrodes becoming equal to or greater than a first voltage value, and a second liquid crystal layer having a second liquid crystal that undergoes transition into the specific alignment state in response to the voltage becoming equal to or greater than a second voltage value. The second voltage value is greater than the first voltage value, and the second liquid crystal has a higher isotropic phase transition temperature than the first liquid crystal.
US08488071B2
A display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, pads, and first and second flexible circuit boards. The first substrate includes a first insulating substrate, a first resistance layer formed on the first insulating substrate, and first and second signal lines formed on the first insulating substrate. The second substrate faces the first substrate and includes a second insulating substrate, a second resistance layer formed on the second insulating substrate, and third and fourth signal lines formed on the second insulating substrate. The pads comprise a first pad connected to the first signal line, a second pad connected to the second signal line, a third pad connected to the third signal line, and a fourth pad connected to the fourth signal line. The first flexible circuit board is connected to two of the pads and the second flexible circuit board is connected to the other two pads.
US08488066B2
Methods and systems for fast channel changing and for auxiliary channel generating are disclosed. The system for fast channel changing includes: an auxiliary channel generating unit, configured to generate one or more auxiliary channels corresponding to target channel and send video data of the one or more auxiliary channels; a client device, configured to receive video data from the target channel or from the one or more auxiliary channels; a video data receiving controller, configured to detect the video data received by the client device from the target channel or from the one or more auxiliary channels, and send a message of terminating receiving the video data from one of the target channel and the one or more auxiliary channels to the client device. That's the way to change channel fast, and the way occupies little resource of the network, and with little extra cost to be implemented.
US08488062B2
An apparatus includes a voltage controlled oscillator for outputting a clock signal having an oscillation frequency in accordance with an input voltage; a convertor for converting the analog video signal inputted from the exterior into the digital video signal synchronizing with the clock signal outputted from the voltage controlled oscillator; a phase difference detector for detecting a phase difference between the composite synchronizing signal in the analog video signal and a feedback signal which corresponds to the clock signal from the voltage-controlled oscillator; and a voltage control unit for controlling the input voltage of the voltage controlled oscillator to change in response to the phase difference detected by the phase difference detector when the phase difference is within the certain range, and to maintain the input voltage intact when the phase difference is in exceed of the certain range.
US08488060B2
An image signal processing apparatus for converting an interlace signal which creates a frame image by alternately displaying an odd field and an even field on a single screen into a progressive signal, includes a line memory for storing the interlace signal, a writing/reading portion for writing/reading the interlace signal into/from the line memory, a signal generation portion for generating a prescribed signal, a selector for selectively outputting the interlace signal from the line memory or the prescribed signal from the signal generation portion, and a controller for controlling signal selection by the selector.
US08488059B2
At least a method and a system are described for providing frame rate upconversion by way of using “short side” or bidirectional interpolation in generating interpolated frames. In a representative embodiment, the method may comprise receiving a first frame of video corresponding to a first frame time and a second frame of the video corresponding to a second frame time, computing a first absolute difference between the first frame time and an interpolated frame time wherein the interpolated frame time temporally is located between the first frame time and the second frame time. The method further comprises using a first motion vector field and the first frame to compute a third frame at the interpolated frame time. The method further comprises outputting the third frame as the interpolated frame at the interpolated frame time if the first absolute difference is less than or equal to a first threshold value.
US08488050B2
An interchangeable lens includes a drive unit that drives a focus lens back and forth along an optical axis, a storage unit that stores driving method information indicating a driving method for autofocus control which is supported by the interchangeable lens, a sending unit that sends the driving method information to the camera body, and a lens controller that controls an operation of the interchangeable lens. A camera body determines control on the interchangeable lens by referring to the driving method information obtained from the interchangeable lens to generate a control signal. The lens controller of the interchangeable lens controls the drive unit according to the driving method instructed by the control signal received from the camera body, when autofocus control is performed.
US08488049B2
An image pickup apparatus sets focusing time for changing an in-focus state onto each in-focus point by the optical system in accordance with a plurality of in-focus points set by a setting unit and controls the change of the in-focus state by the optical system on the basis of the set focusing time and evaluation by a focus estimation unit in response to a recording instruction given to a recording unit, so that the plurality of set in-focus points are made intop the in-focus state in turn.
US08488048B2
An image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup unit including two-dimensionally arranged photoelectric conversion elements, the image pickup unit being configured to perform an photoelectric conversion of an object image formed on an image pickup plane and to output an image signal, a detector configured to detect a focus signal based on the image signal obtained by moving a focus lens, and a controller configured to find an in-focus direction based on the focus signal and to provide a control so that the focus lens can be moved in the in-focus direction. The controller selects one of a plurality of interruption timings that occur in a synchronization signal in moving the focus lens, and starts moving the focus lens with a selected interruption timing.
US08488040B2
Automated photographic capture assistance and analysis is effectuated to assist users in capturing sufficient and optimal images of a desired image scene for use in a photographic end product. Photographic capture assistance is implemented on the device that includes a user's camera. Photographic capture assistance can include audio and/or graphic information generated in real time locally on the device that includes the user's camera and informs the user where additional images of the image scene ought to be captured and/or whether or not sufficient captured images currently exist for the image scene.
US08488033B2
Photographing having a wide dynamic range is performed by adjusting a discharging time for discharging charges accumulated in an image pickup device. A photographing apparatus comprises an image pickup device having a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form and photographs a subject by exposing the image pickup device to light, and also includes: a detector that detects a photographing state of the subject; an operation controller that controls an operation of a curtain body traveling to block light to the image pickup device; and a scan controller that controls an exposure start scanning of the image pickup device by discharging charges accumulated in the image pickup device before the traveling of the curtain body, wherein the scan controller adjusts a discharging time for discharging the charges accumulated in the image pickup device according to the photographing state of the subject.
US08488029B2
An imaging apparatus captures a large dynamic range image of a scene including a backlit person with a blue sky background in a manner that the person's face has an appropriate luminance level without saturating the background sky. An imaging unit obtains analogue image signals through exposure control that prevents a highlight from being saturated, an A/D converter converts the analogue image signals to digital image signals, and a signal processing unit linearly increases the dynamic range of the digital image signals. The image signals with the increased dynamic range are nonlinearly compressed to have a dynamic range of 100% or less through nonlinear dynamic range compression that intensively compresses a highlight portion. The imaging apparatus with this structure first increases the dynamic range of an image and efficiently compresses the increased large dynamic range of the image.
US08488025B2
Systems and methods are provided that facilitate employing a plurality of independent reset buses for a column of pixels in a pixel array of a CMOS sensor imager. Utilization of the plurality of independent reset buses for the column of pixels can enable independent reset to be effectuated when employing sub-frame integration. For example, rows to be read and reset during a given readout time interval can be selected based upon one or more criteria. Further, each of the rows selected during the given readout time interval can be associated with a respective distinct reset bus. By leveraging the plurality of independent reset buses, uniformity in pixel operation can be maintained whether operating in full frame integration mode or sub-frame integration mode. Thus, noise resultant from changing between integration modes can be mitigated by using the plurality of independent reset buses.
US08488018B2
An image blur correcting unit allows the optical axis of a lens system to coincide with the center of an imager, thus correcting an image blur. The unit includes a stationary member and a holder member. The holder member holds either one of the elements of the lens system or the imager and moves relative to the stationary member in a first direction and a second direction, the first and second directions being orthogonal to each other in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis. The unit further includes a first guide section and a second guide section for guiding the holder member in the first and second directions during movement, and a driving section moving the holder member in the first and second directions. The one of the elements of the lens system or the imager is disposed outside an area surrounded by the first and second guide sections.
US08488014B2
The present invention relates to a method to create and reproduce a panoramic sound image. Initially, there is a plurality of images associated with sound sequences, these images are for example taken using a camera, this camera having recorded the ambient sound at the time of taking the photograph. The ambient sound is then filtered to keep only the stationary component. Then, the images are concatenated to form a unique image called “panoramic”, each sound sequence being associated with a part of the panoramic image containing the image associated with this sequence. Finally, the commands are introduced to display the parts of the panoramic image. The command also enables to reproduce continually the stationary component of at least a sound content associated with at least a displayed part of the panoramic image. According to an improvement, the sound sequence is reproduced continually until the introduction of a new command.The invention also relates to a reproduction device enabling the reproduction of a panoramic image and a sound sequence.
US08488003B1
A network includes a server that is operable to login a user of a wireless digital image capturing device. The server receives image information from the wireless digital image capturing device and formats the image information based on a template associated with a destination.
US08487998B2
The present invention discloses a digital peephole viewer device, which integrates with a door lens assembly on a door board to acquire optical images captured by the door lens assembly, converts the optical images into digital images, and then presents the digital images. The digital peephole viewer device of the present invention comprises a housing, an image capture unit, a signal processing unit, a display unit and a connection means. The image capture unit has a first lens to receive the optical images captured by the door lens assembly. The signal processing unit converts the optical images into continuous dynamic digital images. The display unit presents the continuous dynamic digital images. The connection means integrates the housing with the door lens assembly.
US08487988B2
A fingerprint authentication apparatus and a fingerprint authentication method are provided. The fingerprint authentication apparatus is configured to prevent infection from viruses or bacteria and quickly and accurately perform fingerprint authentication. The fingerprint authentication apparatus includes an irradiation section that irradiates a mounting section when a finger is not detected to prevent infection.
US08487981B2
A video processor decompresses stereoscopic left and right reference frames of compressed 3D video. New left and right frames are interpolated. The frames may be stored and/or communicated for display. The left and right frames are combined into a single frame of a single stream or may be sequenced in separate left and right streams. The left and right frames are interpolated based on the combined single stream and/or based on the separate left and right streams. Motion vectors are determined for one of the separate left or right streams. The frames are interpolated utilizing motion compensation. Areas of occlusion are determined in the separate left and right streams. Pixels are interpolated for occluded areas of left or right frames of separate streams from uncovered areas in corresponding opposite side frames. The left and right interpolated and/or reference frames are displayed as 3D and/or 2D video.
US08487979B2
The invention is a detection system that provides for background removal from a field of view (FOV) of spectra. A panoramic field of regard may be partitioned into a large number of FOV's. An FOV may include spectra including that of a target substance. Such detection may require removing the spectra other than that of the target. This may amount to removal of the background with an estimated background developed from spectra of one or more FOV's which may be similar to the background of the FOV with the target. An estimation of the background may be a sum of a number of FOV spectra where each spectrum is assigned a weight, the total amount of the weights being one.
US08487975B2
Initiating a conference in a conferencing system (e.g., a videoconferencing or aduioconferencing system). Input may be received to the conferencing system from a mobile communication device. The input may specify one or more participants in the videoconference, e.g., by selecting from contact information stored on the mobile communication device. Accordingly, the conferencing system may initiate the conference based on the received input. The videoconference may include the one or more participants selected from the contact information stored on the mobile communication device.
US08487963B1
Methods, systems and computer program products are disclosed for displaying a preview of pixels to be effected by a brush tip area. Input is received for specifying one or more parameters defining a brush tip area. The one or more parameters include a size of the brush tip area. Pixels associated with a canvas in a display window are scanned. The scanned pixels are mapped back into the brush tip area according to a specified transform. A shape of a brush tip taper is calculated to indicate a softness or hardness of an edge of the brush tip area. An output color is composited to the scanned pixels based on the calculated shape of the brush tip taper. A preview representation is displayed of pixels effected by the brush tip area based on the compositing.
US08487959B1
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for receiving a baseline resource and one or more candidate change resources at a computing device, the baseline resource and the one or more candidate resources being displayable on a display, rendering the baseline resource as an image to provide an image file including corresponding image data, rendering the one or more candidate change resources as respective images to provide one or more image files each including corresponding image data, processing the image files using the computing device to determine one or more statistics of interest, the one or more statistics of interest reflecting a user behavior in interacting with a resource.
US08487955B2
Methods and a system for a natural language control interface are provided to enable a user to modify colors in a digital image. A textual interface is provided to select a color to be modified within the image and a direction of change for the modification. A swipe interface is provided to select a magnitude and polarity for the modification. Actions on the textual and swipe interface are converted to natural language commands which are in turn used to derive a color transformation that is applied to relevant portions of the image to yield a modified image. The modifications are displayed in real time for a user to observe as they are inputted.
US08487953B2
The image signal converting apparatus is used in a lighting unit. The lighting unit includes a liquid crystal panel modulating a red component light according to a red image signal, a liquid crystal panel modulating a green component light according to a green image signal, and a liquid crystal panel modulating a blue component light according to a blue image signal. Yellow component light is superimposed on any of the red component light, the green component light and the blue component light. The image signal converting apparatus includes a controlling unit which controls a superimposition amount of yellow component light based on a specific image signal among a red image signal, a green image signal, and a blue image signal. A color corresponding to the specific image signal has a hue adjacent to a hue corresponding to the yellow component light. The controlling unit controls a reduction amount of the specific image signal based on the superimposition amount.
US08487952B2
A method and a computer readable medium containing instructions for devices marking pixel data as being critical symbology pixel data for verification prior to being displayed a pixel on a display device is presented. The method comprises determining by a computing device whether the pixel data is critical symbology pixel data and assigning an intensity threshold level to the pixel data. The threshold is based at least in part on the status of the pixel data as being critical symbology pixel data. Further, the method includes determining whether an intensity of the pixel data is less than or equal to the assigned intensity threshold level and then marking the pixel data as critical symbology pixel data when the intensity of the pixel data is greater than the intensity threshold.
US08487945B2
A method of setting a pixel clock frequency for a display of an information handling system (IHS) is disclosed whereby the method includes detecting an identifier associated with a wireless card operable for use with the IHS. The method also includes selecting a timing descriptor, the timing descriptor associated with a display setting and wherein the timing descriptor corresponds to the identifier. The method further includes setting the pixel clock frequency based on the timing descriptor selected.
US08487942B2
Exemplary apparatus, method, and system embodiments provide for accelerated hardware processing of an action script for a graphical image for visual display. An exemplary system comprises: a network I/O interface; a frame buffer; a first memory; and a plurality of processors to separate the action script from other data, to convert a plurality of descriptive elements of the action script into a plurality of hardware-level operational or control codes, and to perform one or more operations corresponding to an operational code to generate pixel data for the graphical image. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one processor further is to parse the action script into the plurality of descriptive elements and the corresponding data, and to extract data from the action script and to store the extracted data in the first memory as a plurality of control words having the corresponding data in predetermined fields.
US08487933B2
A computer implemented method of mapping of multiple regional center point trajectory movements of cavity walls is provided in which images are acquired and a region-of-interest is identified in each of the images. The region-of-interest is divided into a plurality of distinct regions and a regional center point for each of the regions is located in the images. For each regional center point, a center point trajectory is determined based on variances in position of the center points from each other in the images. The center point trajectory of each regional center point is decomposed into radial and circumferential components so as to isolate radial component of the center point trajectory for each regional center point in each of the images and radial motion versus time curves are displayed for each regional center point based on the determined radial component for each regional center point in each of the images.
US08487928B2
A virtual camera for displaying characters to be imaged on a monitor can be readily set. In the present program, a virtual camera and imaging space are set in a virtual game space. A plurality of characters are arranged in the virtual game space. A controller determines whether or not the plurality of characters are positioned inside the imaging space. At least one option among the viewing angle of the virtual camera and the position of the virtual camera is modified. Therefore, when any single character among a plurality of characters is positioned outside the imaging space, the character positioned outside the imaging space is positioned inside the imaging space. The plurality of characters are displayed on the image display unit.
US08487927B2
Three-dimensional model validation. As a part of the model validation, one or more three-dimensional models of a structure and at least one real world image of the structure is accessed. Features of the one or more three-dimensional models of the structure are combined with features of the at least one real world image of the structure to create a composite model of the structure. The composite model is projected into an imaging plane. The composite model of the structure is compared with at least one of the at least one real world images. Based on the results of the comparing, the accuracy of the one or more three-dimensional models of the structure is determined.
US08487923B2
A driving method of a semiconductor device for compensating variation in threshold voltage and mobility of a transistor is provided. A driving method of a semiconductor device including a transistor and a capacitor electrically connected to a gate of the transistor includes a first period where voltage corresponding to threshold voltage of the transistor is held in the capacitor, a second period where a total voltage of video signal voltage and threshold voltage is held in the capacitor holding the threshold voltage, and a third period where charge held in the capacitor in accordance with the total voltage of the video signal voltage and the threshold voltage in the second period is discharged through the transistor.
US08487916B2
An inputting apparatus, inputting method and fabrication method for inputting apparatus are provided. The inputting apparatus for inputting information making use of light, including, a body member having an end portion, a substantially spherical lens member retained at the end portion of the body member, and a reflecting member disposed between the end portion of the body member and the lens member and configured to reflect at least part of light incoming from the outside of the inputting apparatus.
US08487910B2
A touch system comprises a large scale touch surface on which an image is presented and at least two imaging devices looking across the touch surface and having overlapping fields of view. Processing structure communicates with the imaging devices and processes image data acquired by the imaging devices to determine pointer contacts on the touch surface using triangulation. The processing structure further executes at least one application to facilitate user interaction with the touch surface. Methods of interacting with the touch surface are also disclosed.
US08487902B2
An image input device is provided with: a display unit for displaying an image, the display unit including a transparent flat plate; an image sensing unit for sensing an image on a contact surface of a document placed on the flat plate, the contact surface being in contact with the display unit; a contact sensing unit for sensing a contact of the document with the flat plate; and a display control unit for controlling to display an image in an even and specific color when the contact of the document has been sensed by the contact sensing unit.
US08487896B1
Certain implementations of the disclosed technology may include systems and methods for improving image tracking based on touch events. A method is provided for outputting an image for presentation using an electronic device, the electronic device having a display refresh rate. The method includes detecting one or more touch events received via a touch sensitive surface screen associated with the electronic device, each touch event having a touch event position. The method also includes generating, by the electronic device, a synthetic touch event position based on the one or more touch event positions, the synthetic touch event position calculated to coincide in time with a predicted time, the predicted time being within an offset relative to a display refresh time corresponding to the display refresh rate. The method also includes outputting data based at least in part one or more of the synthetic touch event position.
US08487890B2
An in-cell touch-sensitive panel includes TFT and CF substrates. The TFT substrate includes a net-shaped readout circuit and conductive pads arranged in array manner. The net-shaped readout circuit includes widthwise and lengthwise readout lines. The widthwise readout lines are electrically connected to the lengthwise readout lines. The conductive pads are electrically connected to the net-shaped readout circuit. Spacers are adapted to keep a first gap between the TFT and CF substrates. Protrudent portions are arranged to be corresponding to the conductive pads, and there is a second gap between the protrudent portion and the conductive pad. A transparent electrode covers the spacers and the protrudent portion.
US08487889B2
Techniques for using virtual tools are disclosed. In one aspect, a user interface is presented. A first touch input including touch inputs at two or more locations is received, and a virtual tool corresponding to the relative positions of the two or more locations is identified. A second touch input interacting with the virtual tool is received, and a graphical object corresponding to the identified virtual tool and the second touch input is presented. In another aspect, an input activating a drafting mode of a device is received, and a drafting user interface is presented. A second touch input including touch inputs at two or more locations is received, and a third touch input is received. A graphical object corresponding to the third touch input and a virtual drafting tool corresponding to the second touch input is generated and presented.
US08487887B2
A touch display device including a main frame, a display module, a first frame, a second frame, and a touch device is provided. The main frame has a vertical sidewall part and a horizontal extension part defining a display module holding space. The display module having a display panel and a backlight module is within the display module holding space. The first frame having a side-fixing portion contacting with the backlight module and having a panel disposing portion on which the display panel is disposed is within the display module holding space. The second frame having a bottom portion on a surface of the display panel, a top portion contacting the horizontal extension part of the metal frame, and a touch device disposing portion on which the touch device within the display module holding space is disposed is within the display module holding space.
US08487885B2
Graphic objects may be displayed on the touch-screen display as part of a graphical interface presented to the user. Options relating to the graphic objects may be displayed near or around the object. The options may be displayed as one or more icons that are displayed on the graphical interface and are visually associated with the selected object.
US08487879B2
Systems and methods are described that enable a user to: select a control with a handwritten stroke at least part of which resides outside of a selectable area of the control; use a moving-input control without having to make a selection other than handwriting on, over, or near the control; and/or delete text displayed on an electronic form by handwriting over that text.
US08487873B2
A force feedback interface and method including an actuator in a non-primary axis or degree of freedom. The force feedback interface device is connected to a host computer that implements a host application program or graphical environment. The interface device includes a user manipulatable object, a sensor for detecting movement of the user object, and an actuator to apply output forces to the user object. The actuator outputs a force sensation on the user object in non-primary axis or degree of freedom. Force sensations such as a jolt, vibration, a constant force, and a texture force can be output on the user object with the actuator. The force sensations can be output in a direction perpendicular to a planar degree of freedom, radial to spherical degree of freedom, and/or along a lengthwise axis of the user object. The system may be utilized where multiple users are able to manipulate respective user manipulatable objects to interact with one another over a network environment and experience the non-primary degree of freedom/axis force sensation.
US08487872B2
A handheld device having a main body and at least one button integral with the main body for causing generation of electrical signals. A pair of thumb controllers may be integral with the main body and positioned so that a user holding the device may tactilely engage each of the thumb controllers. A pair of sensing means may be operatively connected with the thumb controllers to generate an electrical signal in response to the user's tactile engagement with the thumb controllers. The signals may be resolved by a processor to determine an alphanumeric character to be generated. The signals may also be resolved with a signal generate by movement of the button to determine a state change to be generated in a video game so a user may interact with the video game. An electrical signal indicative of the video game state change may be generated and transmitted to a processing device executing the video game.
US08487865B2
Algorithms stored on one or more computer readable medium for interfacing an imaging display with an electronic-ink generating system are described. The algorithms includes instructions for capturing an electronic-ink image, instructions for converting the electronic ink image into control instructions for controlling an electromechanical aspect of the imaging display, and, instructions for providing the control instructions to control circuitry of the imaging display. Interfacing projection systems and methods of interfacing electronic-ink images are also described.
US08487864B2
In one embodiment of the present invention, a display device includes: a display section in which a plurality of data signal lines and a plurality of scan signal lines are provided, the display section including (i) a first region including some of the plurality of scan signal lines to which a first scan signal is sequentially supplied and (ii) a second region including the others of the plurality of scan signal lines to which a second scan signal is sequentially supplied; and waveform adjusting sections for causing the first scan signal to have a waveform, during an active period, which is different from a waveform which the second scan signal has during an active period. This allows a display device, which drives a display section divided into a plurality of regions, to reduce a difference in luminance between the regions.
US08487861B2
There is provided a driving circuit that drives an electro-optic device by outputting data signals that are subjected to serial-to-parallel conversion into m (m is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) channels through m image signal lines to a plurality of data lines. The driving circuit includes an adjusting section that adjusts the m-channel data signals so that, when a reference signal whose signal level is a reference level is input, the m-channel data signals at least partly reach signal levels different from the reference level for each channel, and the differences between the signal levels and the reference level fall within a predetermined range; and an interchanging section that interchanges the adjustment values adjusted by the adjusting section among the m-channel data signals every predetermined period.
US08487855B2
A system and method to drive display matrix, comprising: a voltage level generator to provide predetermined voltages, a row voltage selector to select a group of voltages from the voltage level generator depending on select vector to drive row drivers, a column voltage selector to select a group of voltages from the voltage level generator depending on data vector to drive column drivers, and a controller to generate control signals to scan the display as dictated by addressing technique.
US08487850B1
A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel has a variable white balance. The LCD panel includes an LCD screen, a first light source, a second light source and a light path directing the first and second light sources onto the LCD screen and a control circuit used to adjust the relative intensities of the first and second light sources. The first light source has a first color spectrum and the second light source a second color spectrum. The color spectrums of the first and second light sources are mixed in the light path to create a balanced white spectrum.
US08487849B2
A liquid crystal display includes an array of pixels. Each pixel is divided into a first sub-pixel and a second sub-pixel, and different data voltages are separately applied to (or evolved at) the two sub-pixels, thereby enhancing the lateral side visibility. Each sub-pixel includes a sub-pixel electrode (connected to the drain electrode of a sub-pixel's switching element) overlapped with the sub-pixel's storage electrode. A first predetermined voltage is applied to the first sub-pixel and second predetermined voltage is applied the second sub-pixel, and thus the first sub-pixel electrode may receive a voltage lower than the voltage of the second sub-pixel electrode. The first sub-pixel electrode may be larger in area than the second sub-pixel electrode. The overlapping area between the first drain electrode and the storage electrode of a first sub-pixel may be larger than the overlapping area between the drain electrode and the storage electrode of a second sub-pixel. Thus the kickback voltage of the first sub-pixel may be substantially the same as the kickback voltage of the second sub-pixel.
US08487844B2
An object is to suppress luminance variation due to change in the amount of current flowing through a light-emitting element, caused by change in environmental temperature. A monitor circuit for compensating the cathode potential of the light-emitting element in accordance with environmental temperature is provided in the vicinity of a pixel portion in order to compensate a change in properties, due to environmental temperature, of a transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer and the light-emitting element. The monitor circuit includes a monitor power supply line, a monitor transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer, a monitor light-emitting element, a current source circuit, and an amplification circuit that compensates the cathode potential of the light-emitting element. The potential of the monitor power supply line is lower than the potential of a power supply line in the pixel.
US08487843B2
A display device and a method of driving the display device are provided. The threshold voltage of a driving transistor is compensated such that even when the threshold voltage of the driving transistor is varied, the emission of light with respect to a predetermined data voltage occurs with a predetermined luminance, based on a diode-connected compensation transistor and a plurality of switching transistors.
US08487827B2
An antenna device includes: a shielded cable having a first connection portion on one end side and a second connection portion on the other end side; and an antenna element which is connected to the second connection portion of the shielded cable, wherein the shielded cable includes an inner conductor, a first insulator, a first outer conductor, a second insulator, and a second outer conductor, which are coaxially disposed in this order from an inner side, and is covered at its outer circumference by an insulation sheath, the first connection portion of the shielded cable is formed such that the inner conductor is supplied with power and the first outer conductor is connected to a ground, and in the second connection portion of the shielded cable, the first outer conductor is connected to the antenna element, and the inner conductor is connected to the second outer conductor.
US08487824B1
A vertically polarized dipole or bicone antenna is positioned cylindrically with in many cylindrical layers of polarizing grids that slowly rotate the incident field to cross 0 degrees, i.e., 90 degrees to the horizon, and to attenuate or minimize the effects of gain nulls from reflections off of the innermost grid layer. Such an antenna is used for detecting both horizontal and vertical polarized signals over a broad bandwidth whereby the response to both polarizations is equal.
US08487820B2
An emblem includes a first thickness portion having a first thickness and a second thickness portion having a second thickness thinner than the first thickness. The first thickness is equal to an integral multiple of a half of an in-medium wavelength of the radar wave inside the first thickness portion. The second thickness is a thickness equal to an integral multiple of a half of the in-medium wavelength of the radar wave inside the second thickness portion. A difference between the first thickness and the second thickness is set to an integral multiple of a free-space wavelength of the radar wave.
US08487816B2
A communication network antenna array is described, which includes a first patch antenna element, a second patch antenna element, and a third patch antenna element, wherein the first patch antenna is adapted for transmission and/or reception of electromagnetic radiation polarized in a first direction, wherein the second patch antenna is adapted for transmission and/or reception of electromagnetic radiation polarized in a second direction, wherein the third patch antenna is adapted for transmission and/or reception of electromagnetic radiation polarized in a third direction, wherein the first, the second and the third patch antenna elements are arranged equidistant to a straight axis, and wherein the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction define an acute angle with the straight axis.
US08487814B2
A broadband antenna includes a substrate, a ground plane, a radiating path, a shorting path, a first connection path, a second connection path and a coupling path. The ground plane has a shorting point, a first grounding point and a second grounding point. The radiating path has a feeding point and a first connecting point. Two ends of the shorting path are respectively electrically connected with the shorting point and the feeding point, and the shorting path has a second connecting point. Two ends of the first connection path are respectively connected with the first connecting point and the second connecting point. Two ends of the second connection path are respectively connected with the first grounding point and the feeding point. One end of the coupling path is connected to the second grounding point and another end of the coupling path is separated from the shorting path.
US08487797B2
A method of operating an electronic video device such as a DVD player, wherein video clock signals and audio clock signals are derived from a system clock signal using two phase-lock loops, and these video and audio clock signals are used to process encoded video data and encoded audio data, but digital-to-analog conversion of the audio data stream is controlled by the system clock signal rather than the audio clock signals. By using the system clock signal to control the audio digital-to-analog converter (DAC), the DAC avoids the poor performance issues that can arise from jitter introduced into the audio clock signals by the PLL. The system clock signal may be divided by an integer to generate the sampling clock for the audio DAC. In the illustrative embodiment, the system clock signal has a rate which is not an integer multiple of the sample rate of the audio data stream.
US08487794B2
A successive approximation register analog to digital converter (SAR ADC) and a method of linearity calibration therein are provided. Each composed element Ei in a part of the composed elements includes a main constructed element Ei0 and wi sub constructed element Ei1, Ei2, . . . , Eiwi. The SAR ADC selects a part of the sub constructed elements Ei1, Ei2, . . . , Eiwi and make them non-functional when a missing decision level is caused by the composed element Ei. An overlap cancellation to the obtained missing code numbers is performed, compensation coefficients are updated according to the missing code numbers after the overlap cancellation, and a compensation to the corresponding digital value is performed according to the compensation coefficients. The present disclosure prevents the necessity of matching each composed element of the DAC in the SAR ADC.
US08487784B2
The application discloses using multiple wireless vehicular sensor nodes to wirelessly receive multiple, time-interleaved vehicular waveform reports from the nodes. Each vehicular waveform report approximates a raw vehicular sensor waveform observed by a magnetic sensor at the node based upon the presence of a vehicle. The vehicular waveform reports are products of this wirelessly receiving process. The application discloses apparatus supporting the above outlined process. The vehicular waveform reports may be time synchronized.
US08487779B2
An electronic module for use as a subsea electronic module for an underwater fluid extraction well, wherein a local area network enables communication within the module, the local area network including a plurality of interfaces with components of the network, and wherein the interfaces comprise capacitive coupling interfaces.
US08487778B2
Provided is an apparatus for controlling charging of a portable terminal equipped with a solar battery that converts solar energy into an electrical energy, the apparatus including a thermistor in which a resistance value changes according to a temperature change; a comparator which outputs a first signal when a temperature surrounding the thermistor is less than a preset reference temperature as determined by the resistance value change of the thermistor according to the temperature change and outputs a second signal when the temperature is at least the preset reference temperature or more; and a charging unit which is activated and receives the electrical energy from the solar battery to charge a battery when the first signal is inputted from the comparator, and is deactivated and blocks the charge of battery in case the second signal is inputted.
US08487776B2
Automatic devices that determine when pollutant deposits have accumulated in ductwork may be employed to notify maintenance personnel or automated cleaning equipment of the need for ducts to cleaned or replaced. Various detection devices may be employed to detect a property of accumulated grease and generate an indication of an accumulation. The detection device may present a surface to the fume stream inside a duct. The surface may be cooled to a temperature that represents a worst case temperature so that the accumulation due to condensation on the detector surface is at least as high as the coolest surface in the ductwork which is being monitored. Alternatively, the detection device may be located external to the duct. The detection device may interrogate the surface of the duct through contact or noncontact measurements to determine the thickness of an accumulated grease layer on the interior of the duct.
US08487775B2
A method of analyzing data based on the physiological orientation of a driver is provided. Data is descriptive of a driver's gaze-direction is processing and criteria defining a location of driver interest is determined. Based on the determined criteria, gaze-direction instances are classified as either on-location or off-location. The classified instances can then be used for further analysis, generally relating to times of elevated driver workload and not driver drowsiness. The classified instances are transformed into one of two binary values (e.g., 1 and 0) representative of whether the respective classified instance is on or off location. The uses of a binary value makes processing and analysis of the data faster and more efficient. Furthermore, classification of at least some of the off-location gaze direction instances can be inferred from the failure to meet the determined criteria for being classified as an on-location driver gaze direction instance.
US08487774B2
A hospital monitoring system for monitoring hospital personnel, a plurality of patient locations for patients, and associated devices is configured to control the associated devices based on the presence of hospital personnel or alarms.
US08487773B2
Disclosed are a crime prevention system using human body communication and a crime prevention method using human body communication capable of actively and effectively preventing a generation of a crime by using human body communication. The crime prevention system using human body communication includes: a monitoring device attached to a monitoring target to sense his physical contact with an observer and providing information obtained by monitoring the monitoring target through human body communication when body contact of the monitoring target with the observer is sensed; and a reception device attached to the observer, receiving the monitoring information through human body communication, and transmitting the monitoring information to a pre-set destination. A criminal act of the monitoring target may be prevented in advance, and when a criminal act is attempted, an observer who may fall a victim of the criminal act can actively cope with the situation.
US08487769B2
Reversibly activating or deactivating a radio frequency identification (RFID) data tag comprising a circuit responsive to an environmental factor. An RFID tag includes an RFID chip for storing an RFID code, an antenna for communicating a radio frequency (RF) signal, and an environmentally sensitive switch.
US08487768B2
Disclosed is an electronic seal for sealing a door. The door is equipped with a latch. The electronic seal includes a plug and a socket. The plug can be inserted in the socket through the latch. Thus, the door is sealed by the electronic seal. The door cannot be opened without breaking the electric seal. The electronic seal records any event of breakage.
US08487766B2
The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal. A communication method according to another aspect includes providing a radio frequency identification device; receiving a wireless signal including an identifier within the radio frequency identification device; processing the identifier; generating a control signal after the processing; and indicating presence of the radio frequency identification device using indication circuitry of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal.
US08487764B2
A shipping and tracking system has a number of tracking stations that are geographically distributed. The tracking stations gather information from shipping items processed by the shipping and tracking system. The shipping and tracking system provides an enhanced level of security for selected shipping items. The enhanced level of security for the selected shipping items is based at least on the information gathered at the tracking stations. The enhanced security is provided in such a way that personnel of the shipping and delivery system cannot physically discern whether or not a shipping item is being shipped with enhanced security.
US08487750B2
A system and method for stimulating user motility is provided. According to the invention a monitoring system receives information associated with a user of a computer, and a display associated with the computer having the display coupled to the monitoring system. The computer generates a feedback to the user based upon the received information.
US08487746B2
An apparatus, method, and system for jump rope training is disclosed, comprising at least one jump rope, at least one RFID device associated with the at least one jump rope, at least one RFID reader antenna, at least one RFID reader, and at least one coaching device.
US08487733B2
A composite magnetic core assembly includes an inner magnetic core and an outer magnetic core. The inner magnetic core is made of a high saturation flux density and low permeability material. The outer magnetic core is made of a low saturation flux density and high permeability material. The outer magnetic core includes a ring-shaped wall and a receptacle. The inner magnetic core is accommodated within the receptacle.
US08487731B2
Provided is a magnetic element capable of enhancing fixing strength of a base with respect to a core even if the base is fixed to the core by insert molding. A magnetic element (1) includes a core (2) made of a magnetic material, and resin bases (3 and 4) formed by insert molding so as to be fixed to end portions of the core (2), in which the core (2) is provided with a recess (2b) recessed from an end face (2a). In the magnetic element (1), it is possible to enhance the fixing strength of the bases (3 and 4) with respect to the core (2).
US08487728B2
A safety apparatus for avoiding a possible fire risk in an operating magnet supplied with electric current has at least one coil former (14) arranged in a housing (76, 82). A coil winding (16) is fitted on the coil former and has an operating part (20, 36) at least partially guided in the coil former (14). At least parts of the operating magnet are equipped with active and/or passive safety mechanisms of the apparatus to effectively counteract the risk of fire. The safety mechanisms are no longer arranged remote from the actual event, for example in the form of a fuse in the electrical supply circuit, but rather are directly at the location of the event where the possible fire or scorching situation can directly occur.
US08487725B2
An extinction cover (5) is mounted on a case (4) thereby sealing an extinction chamber (S). This extinction cover has an engaging-force-increased portion (5c1) which strengthens the force of engagement with the case, and an engaging-force-decreased portion (5c2) which weakens the force of engagement with the case. In response to an increase in internal pressure in the extinction chamber due to arc gas generation, the engaging-force-decreased portion establishes disengagement of the case and provides a gap (27) with the case, for linking the extinction chamber to external air, and the engaging-force-increased portion maintains engagement with the case.
US08487721B2
A circuit interruption device includes a conductive element configured to be coupled to a circuit, a contact arm configured to move with respect to the conductive element between a first position and a second position, and a biasing element configured to apply a biasing force on the contact arm to maintain contact between the contact arm and the conductive element when the contact arm is in the first position, wherein the contact arm is configured such that a current flow through the contact arm causes an electromagnetic repulsive force to act on the contact arm in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.
US08487720B2
An acoustic wave resonator includes a piezoelectric substrate and first and second comb-shaped electrodes provided on the piezoelectric substrate and interdigitating with each other. The first comb-shaped electrode includes a first busbar and first electrode fingers extending in a direction non-perpendicular to a direction in which the first busbar extends. The second comb-shaped electrode includes a second busbar and second electrode fingers extending from the second busbar and interdigitating with the first electrode fingers at an interdigitating region. This acoustic wave resonator can suppress a spurious response due to a transverse mode and has a high Q value.
US08487719B2
A resonator comprises a bottom electrode layer (12), a top electrode layer (10) which defines a resonator body; and a piezoelectric layer (14) sandwiched between the top and bottom electrode layers. An external region (152) is provided around the outside of the periphery of the resonator body. The cutoff frequency of a first resonance mode of the external region (152) is matched to the cutoff frequency of a second, different, resonance mode of the resonator body. The invention provides a deliberate change (typically increase) in the cutoff frequency the resonance modes in the external region, so that one of the modes has a cutoff frequency close to the cutoff frequency of the fundamental mode of the resonator body.
US08487717B2
A filter circuit is provided having multipath interference mitigation. The filter includes a signal path extending from an input to an output. The signal path includes a conductive path and a ground. A pass band filter is disposed along the signal path between the input and the output. The pass band filter passes a first frequency spectrum in a provider bandwidth, and attenuates a second frequency spectrum in a home network bandwidth. The filter circuit further includes a multipath interference mitigation leg operatively branched from the signal path. The multipath interference mitigation leg increases a return loss of the home network bandwidth. A frequency response of the filter circuit is characterized by an insertion loss characteristic between the input and the output being less than 3 dB in the provider bandwidth, and more than 20 dB in the home network bandwidth. The frequency response is further characterized by a return loss characteristic at the output being more than 10 dB in the provider bandwidth and home network bandwidth.
US08487716B1
A phase-shift network may include a lattice network including a first capacitor coupling a first circuit node to a second circuit node, a second capacitor coupling a third circuit node to a fourth circuit node, and a first inductor coupling the first circuit node to the fourth circuit node. A first coupled section may couple a single-ended input node to the lattice network. A second coupled section may couple the lattice network to a single-ended output node. Each coupled section may include a plurality of conductors that may form a transmission line, such as a coaxial transmission line or a stripline. A high-pass circuit may couple the input node to the first coupled section. A phase difference network may include a signal divider producing two intermediate signals coupled to respective phase-shift networks producing output signals having substantially constant phase difference over a frequency range.
US08487711B2
The present invention relates to a transmission line to waveguide transition arrangement comprising a dielectric carrier material arrangement having a first main side and a second main side, the arrangement comprising a transition portion with an opening, having at least one edge and an electrically conducting border which follows the opening and is electrically connected to a ground metalization on the second main side. A transmission line conductor extends in the dielectric carrier material arrangement towards the border. The arrangement further comprises a transitional part with a border contact section having an outer circumference that essentially follows the border's shape except for a gap dividing the border contact section. The transitional part further comprises a conductor contact section which protrudes from the border contact section through the gap, contacting the end of the transmission line conductor and extending into the opening.
US08487704B2
A method generates a reference voltage by steps including: generating a reference signal from a voltage source; generating a comparison signal of the reference signal with a voltage reference; sampling the comparison signal; adjusting a numerical value as a function of the result of the comparison and of the numerical value; and converting the current numerical value into a voltage corresponding to the reference voltage.
US08487697B2
A fully differential amplifier with automatic offset voltage zeroing including first and second dynamically switched current mirrors and an output circuit. Each current mirror toggles operation between an autozeroing phase in which it mirrors a first current level indicative of a level of a first input terminal to provide a mirrored current, and an output phase in which it applies a difference current to a common output node. The difference current is a difference between the mirrored current and a second current level indicative of a level of a second input terminal. The first and second dynamically switched current mirrors operate out of phase with respect to each other during respective periods of each cycle of a clock signal. The output circuit develops first and second output signals on first and second output terminals at first and second polarities, respectively, based on a level of the common output node.
US08487696B2
A modularized capacitor array includes a plurality of capacitor modules. Each capacitor module includes a capacitor and a switching device that is configured to electrically disconnect the capacitor. The switching device includes a sensing unit configured to detect the level of leakage of the capacitor so that the switching device disconnects the capacitor electrically if the leakage current exceeds a predetermined level. Each capacitor module can include a single capacitor plate, two capacitor plates, or more than two capacitor plates. The leakage sensors and switching devices are employed to electrically disconnect any capacitor module of the capacitor array that becomes leaky, thereby protecting the capacitor array from excessive electrical leakage.
US08487695B2
A differential amplifier comprising a first upper device and a first lower device series coupled between two power supplies and a second upper device and a second lower device series coupled between the two power supplies. A first DC voltage enables the first upper device and the second upper device and a second DC voltage regulates current flow in the first lower device and the second lower device. An AC signal component is coupled to the first upper device and the second lower device while the AC signal complement is coupled to the first lower device and the second upper device. A first output signal between the first upper device and the first lower device. Separate RC networks couple the AC signals to their respective device. A first and second output signal forms between the upper device and the lower device, respectively. All the devices are same channel type.
US08487680B1
The present invention provides a full-digital clock duty cycle correction circuit and a method thereof. The circuit comprises a sampling unit, a duty cycle correcting module, and a phase-lock module. The duty cycle correcting module produces a first clock signal according to an input clock signal. The phase-lock module produces a second clock signal according to the first clock signal and is used for aligning the positive edges of the clock signals. The duty cycle correcting module adjusts the pulse width of the first clock signal according to the clock signals. In addition, after the pulse width is adjusted, the positive edges of the clock signals are re-aligned. When the pulse width is not equal to zero, the pulse width is re-adjusted and the positive edges are re-aligned until the pulse widths of the clock signals are identical. Finally, the second clock signal is outputted and thus producing a clock signal having 50% duty cycle.
US08487678B2
An integrated circuit for a half cycle delay locked loop is disclosed. The integrated circuit includes an input node coupled to an oscillator having a clock cycle of M. The integrated circuit also includes N delay elements outputting N different phase-shifted signals, where a total delay introduced by the N delay elements is M/2. The integrated circuit also includes a plurality of inverters, each coupled to an output of one of the N delay elements, where the plurality is less than N. The integrated circuit also includes a phase detector coupled to the input node and an inverted Nth phase-shifted signal. The integrated circuit also includes a charge pump coupled to the phase detector and the delay elements.
US08487670B2
A frequency divider involves a plurality of Injection-locked Ring Oscillators (ILRO). A first ILRO includes a pair of cross-coupled N-channel transistors, a pair of load resistors, an integrating capacitor, and a current injection circuit. The drain of each transistor is coupled to the gate of the other transistor. Each load resistor couples the drain of each transistor to a circuit voltage source. The integrating capacitor couples the sources of each transistor. The current injection circuit alternately opens and closes a path from the source of each transistor to circuit ground in response to an oscillatory input signal of a first frequency. In response, the voltage state at the drain of each transistor is alternately latched and toggled, generating a differential pair of oscillating signals frequency divided by two. A first and second ILRO driven in antiphase generate two differential output signals in phase quadrature.
US08487662B2
A multiplexer is provided. The multiplexer includes an output coupled to a complementary driving unit and a plurality of switch circuits. Each switch circuit includes a channel unit and two switches. The two switches respectively conduct two input signals to a channel end of the channel unit during different switch conduction periods, and the channel unit conducts the channel end to an output end during a channel conduction period. The switch conduction period of the first switch in the first switch circuit equals the switch conduction period of the second switch circuit, the switch conduction period of the second switch in the second switch circuit equals the switch conduction period of the first switch circuit, and the first and second switches are coupled to the same input signal.
US08487660B2
A temperature stable comparator circuit, comprised of: a branch C having a first end, a second end, a first type-1 device and first type-2 device, wherein the first type-1 device and the first type-2 device are connected to a node O; a branch B having a first end, a second end, a second type-1 device, a second type-2 device, and a resistor; and a branch A having a first end, a second end, a third type-2 device and a current-control device; wherein the first ends of the branch A, branch B, and branch C are commonly connected, and the second ends of the branch B and branch C are commonly connected.
US08487650B2
Disclosed are methods and circuits that support different on-die termination (ODT) schemes for a plurality of signaling schemes using a relatively small number of external calibration pads. These methods and circuits develop control signals for calibrating any of multiple termination schemes that might be used by associated communication circuits. The ODT control circuits, entirely or predominantly instantiated on-die, share circuit resources employed in support of the different termination schemes to save die area.
US08487645B2
A through-silicon via (TSV) testing structure is disclosed herein and includes a plurality of controllers, a plurality of transmitters and a plurality of receivers. The controllers are configured to output a first controlling signal and a second controlling signal. The transmitters are respectively connected to the output end of the through-silicon via and one of the controllers, and output a testing output signal in accordance with the first controlling signal and the second controlling signal. The receivers are respectively connected to the input end of the through-silicon via and another one of the controllers, and input a testing input signal in accordance with the first controlling signal and the second controlling signal.
US08487642B2
A burn-in socket for carrying an electronic device to let the electronic device electrically connect to a circuit board via the burn-in socket is provided. The electronic device has a body and at least a lead. The burn-in socket comprises a frame and a carrier, the frame has an opening and a plurality of first aligning potions, wherein the opening fits onto the contour of the body, and the first aligning portions surrounds the opening. The carrier has a plurality of second aligning portions. The frame is assembled to the carrier with the conjunction of the first aligning portions and the second aligning portions. The body is capable of fitting into the opening to let the lead electrically connect to the circuit board via the carrier.
US08487640B2
Methods for measuring the electrical resistance of a tire including establishing contact between a tread face portion of the omega section and a grounded conductive surface and establishing contact between a mounting portion of the omega section and a mounting rim. An embodiment further includes measuring electrical resistance between each of two or more internal nodes of the omega section and the grounded conductive surface, wherein the two or more internal nodes are each a metal component cured in the tire and measuring electrical resistance between each of the two or more internal nodes of the omega section and the mounting rim and measuring electrical resistance between each of the two or more internal nodes of the omega section. A method may further include identifying a least conductive portion of the omega section as being the portion having the highest measured electrical resistance.
US08487631B2
It is intended to provide a battery module having a long life by designing such that deterioration proceeds evenly among battery cells. Disclosed is a battery module including a plurality of battery groups being connected in series and each comprising a plurality of battery cells connected in parallel, wherein: a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal are provided; the battery groups are connected to each other by a plurality of electrically conductive strips; and an electrical resistance value of the conductive strip arranged at a position near a virtual line drawn between the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal is high, and an electrical resistance value of the conductive strip arranged at a position other than the position near the virtual line is low, the electrical resistance value being measured in a direction of charge and discharge current flow.
US08487627B2
A system and method for controlling a power storage device through the Stimulation and Intensification of Interfacial Processes (SIIP) is provided. A signal generator can provide a low voltage sinusoidal AC signal across a battery terminal, or other reactor vessel, during charging and discharging states. For example, the battery/reactor vessel can be of Li-ion and NiMH designs, a fuel cell, a Zn—O cell, or other devices that have features of rechargeable batteries. The output of the signal generator (i.e., voltage, wave type, and frequency) can be controlled based on battery parameters (e.g., internal resistance, output power, temperature). The internal resistance of the battery can be reduced, and the discharge time can be increased. Elastic waves can also be provided to a battery/reactor vessel to stimulate the interfacial processes. The signal generator can be an integrated circuit which is packaged with the battery and can be powered by the battery.
US08487625B2
An apparatus configured to evaluate an earth formation that includes a tuned transmitter antenna and an untuned broadband receiver antenna. The transmitter antenna being configured to generate electromagnetic energy and the untuned broadband antenna configured to produce an output responsive to the generated electromagnetic energy. The untuned, broadband receiver antenna is configured reduce to reduce tool complexity, antenna coupling, and cross-talk between conductors to the antenna assemblies. The method includes using the apparatus in earth formation evaluation.
US08487620B2
The present invention discloses a modular MRI imaging system. The imaging system includes MRI radio-frequency antenna arrays separate from the patient support structure. The antenna arrays are affixed to a thin, flexible film such that they may be located next to the anatomical region of interest. In addition, multiple antenna arrays may be configured in various planar or three-dimensional arrangements to optimize the FOV and SNR. Separate patient support structures are provided that enhance ergonomics and patient stabilization. By removing the antenna from the housing, the support structures may be designed without the constraints of supporting the antenna or the associated electronics. The MRI imaging system further employs a preamplifier module. The preamplifier module houses the preamplifier and much of the other associated circuitry for each of the antennae. The preamplifier module operates to combine the signals from the antenna arrays and pass the signals to the MRI system.
US08487617B2
In a method and apparatus to reduce distortions in diffusion imaging, at least one first measurement is implemented with a first diffusion weighting for a number of slices that are spatially separated from one another and at least one second measurement is implemented with a second diffusion weighting for the number of slices that are spatially separated from one another. A deskewing function is determined as are correction parameters to deskew diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images on the basis of the measurements, so that image information and/or correction parameters of different slices are linked with one another. The diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance images are distortion-corrected on the basis of the deskewing function and the correction parameters.
US08487616B2
A method for compensating for respiratory motion of a structure imaged by a magnetic resonance (MR) scanner, such as heart, is disclosed. The method comprises obtaining a sequence of navigator samples (22) representative of the progressive displacement of the structure during a first time interval (20), and adjusting a waveform (14) of predefined initial parameters to follow the sequence of navigator samples. During a second time interval (24) which follows the first time interval and during which the magnetic resonance scanner takes a number of image projection views or lines (17), the expected respiratory displacement of the structure is estimated at the times that the image projection lines are taken, by extrapolating the waveform model and estimating the displacements (26) predicted by the extrapolated waveform, so that the position at which the image projection lines are taken can be adjusted to compensate for the respiratory motion, so as to yield a sharper magnetic resonance image.
US08487615B2
The receive coil arrangement includes an inner local volume coil adjacent the part to be imaged so as to maximize the received MR signal and an outer coil, which may be the built in body coil of the magnet, connected by cable to the signal processing system. Both the coils are individually tuned to the common resonant frequency and the local volume coil include an arrangement to halt current flow therein during the transmit stage. The local volume coil has no cable and is arranged to communicate the MR signal therein to the signal processing system through the outer coil by inductive coupling to the outer coil. Despite inherent losses by interfering with the tuning of the loops and in the inductive coupling this magnifies the MR signal and makes the local volume coil wireless.
US08487599B2
A de-glitch switching converting circuit and a controller thereof are provided. In the embodiment of the invention, the circuit can filter noises with high frequency by way of time judgment, so as to avoid the erroneous operation of the controller affecting the stability of the output voltage or the output current. Compared with the method of using low-pass filters with large capacitors to filter noises, highly increasing the cost of the circuit is unnecessary in the embodiment of the invention. The circuit in the embodiment of the invention also has the capability for filtering noises with high amplitudes. In addition, by setting suitable parameters, the circuit in the embodiment of the invention can also avoid affecting the transient response of the circuit while filtering noises.
US08487595B2
A circuit includes a first resistor, a second resistor, a voltage follower and a current mirror. The first resistor converts a current flowing through the first resistor to a voltage drop between positive and negative sides of the first resistor. The second resistor is coupled to the negative side of the first resistor. The voltage follower is coupled to the positive side of the first resistor via a non-inverting terminal, and coupled to the negative side of the first resistor through the second resistor via an inverting terminal to cause a voltage at the inverting terminal to follow a voltage at the non-inverting terminal. The current mirror is coupled to the voltage follower to provide a sensing current proportional to the current flowing through the first resistor.
US08487560B2
An electric brake system for an electromechanical machine connected to output terminals of an inverter, input terminals of which are supplied by a DC voltage source. The system includes an electrical circuit connected between the input terminals of the inverter and including, connected in series: a mechanism dissipating electrical energy returned by the electromechanical machine to the input terminals of the inverter during a braking phase of the electromechanical machine, including an inductor wound around a magnetic circuit; and a switching mechanism to close the electrical circuit during a braking phase of the electromechanical machine and to open the electrical circuit in absence of a braking phase of the electromechanical machine.
US08487558B2
An electric vehicle may include a main battery, a charging system electronic device, an electrically powered system-based electronic device, a first high-voltage electric wire; and a second high-voltage electric wire. The electrically powered system-based electronic device and the charging system electronic device may be sequentially disposed in parallel. The electric vehicle may further include a first junction relay capable of isolating the first high-voltage electric wire; and a second junction relay capable of isolating the second high-voltage electric wire. The first junction relay is disposed between the main battery and the charging system electronic device, and a first pre-charge relay which bypasses the first junction relay is disposed in parallel with the first junction relay, and the second junction relay is disposed between the charging system electronic device and the electrically powered system-based electronic device.
US08487557B2
Disclosed herein is an approach that uses a motor protection system to protect a process operation. In one aspect, a motor protection system in conjunction with a controller monitor the performance of redundant motor-driven prime movers having a lead motor-driven prime mover and a lag motor-driven prime mover. In one embodiment, the controller controls operation of the redundant motor-driven prime movers as a function of motor protection measurements generated from the motor protection system. In particular, the controller uses the motor protection measurements to determine if the lead motor-driven prime mover is in distress. The controller activates operation of the lag motor-driven prime mover in response to determining that the lead motor-driven prime mover is in distress. In one embodiment, the controller activates operation of the lag motor-driven prime mover prior to tripping the distressed lead motor-driven prime mover.
US08487556B2
An rf linear accelerator for producing an electron beam. The outer wall of the rf cavity of said linear accelerator being perforated to allow gas inside said rf cavity to flow to a pressure chamber surrounding said rf cavity and having means of ultra high vacuum pumping of the cathode of said rf linear accelerator. Said rf linear accelerator is used to accelerate polarized or unpolarized electrons produced by a photocathode, or to accelerate thermally heated electrons produced by a thermionic cathode, or to accelerate rf heated field emission electrons produced by a field emission cathode.
US08487552B2
A lighting apparatus, a lighting system and a lighting control method are disclosed. The lighting apparatus includes an LED module, a heat sink for emitting heat generated from the LED module, a rectifier for rectifying an input commercial AC power, a transformer including a main coil and an auxiliary coil to transform the rectified power, and an electronic module for biasing a current used to drive the LED module based on the input voltage transported via the auxiliary coil.
US08487550B2
Provided is a multi-channel LED driver circuit, including a power supply device for providing an independent voltage source; a plurality of regulating circuits connected to the power supply device and the light light-emitting diode arrays for receiving a voltage from the voltage source and providing a plurality of output currents to the light-emitting diode arrays, and thereby generating a plurality of error signals.
US08487545B2
A lighting controller arranged to drive one or more light emitting semiconductors, the controller comprising a current source and/or a voltage source and a current and/or voltage sensor wherein the controller is arranged to drive the or each light emitting semiconductor using a substantially constant current or voltage and further arranged to either monitor the actual current passing through the light emitting semiconductor and the controller being arranged to monitor the voltage such that the disconnection or occurrence of faults within the or each light emitting semiconductor can be detected; or monitor the actual voltage across the light emitting semiconductor and the controller being arranged to monitor the current such that the disconnection or occurrence of faults within the or each light emitting semiconductor can be detected.
US08487543B2
An electrodeless plasma lamp and a method of generating light are described. The lamp may comprise a lamp body including a dielectric material. The bulb is positioned proximate the lamp body and contains a fill that forms a plasma when radio frequency (RF) power is coupled to the fill. The conductive element is located within the lamp body and configured to enhance coupling of the RF power to the fill. The lamp may include a feed coupled to the RF power source and configured to radiate power into the lamp body. The at least one conductive element is configured to enhance the coupling of radiated power from the feed to the fill. In an example, two spaced apart conductive elements may be located within the lamp body. The bulb may be an elongated bulb having opposed ends, each opposed end of the bulb being proximate a corresponding conductive element.
US08487542B2
A load driving apparatus is disclosed. The load driving apparatus includes a driving signal generator and a controller. The driving signal generator is used for providing a driving signal to a load. The controller is used for generating and providing a control signal to the driving signal generator. The driving signal generator generates N integer signals and M fractional signals in a driving period to form the driving signal according to the control signal. N and M are positive integers, and an amplitude of the integer signals is greater than an amplitude of each of the fractional signals.
US08487538B2
A driving power control circuit and method for light emitting diodes (LEDs) are provided. The driving power control circuit includes a plurality of switch units and a control unit. Each switch unit is electrically coupled to one LED string whose end generates node voltage. The control unit includes a voltage selecting module, a subtractor, and an adjusting module. The voltage selecting module is electrically coupled to the node voltages and outputs one of the node voltages as a reference node voltage. The subtractor is electrically coupled to an output terminal of the voltage selecting module and generates a corresponding feedback voltage according to the reference node voltage and the node voltage. The adjusting module is electrically coupled to an output terminal of the subtractor and outputs a corresponding adjusting signal according to the feedback voltage to determine whether the corresponding switch unit is turned on.
US08487535B2
An automotive headlamp apparatus comprises: a lamp unit configured to be capable of forming an additional light distribution pattern that includes an upper area above the cut-off line of a light distribution pattern for low beam and that is divided into a plurality of individual patterns; and a controller configured to control formation of each of the individual patterns in accordance with presence of a forward vehicle. The controller reduces the illuminance of an individual pattern overlapping an area where a forward vehicle is present and increases the illuminance of at least one of other individual patterns.
US08487532B2
An organic EL display device or a lighting device is covered by sealing the top and bottom, left and right, front and back, that is the entire body and periphery of the panel, with an air-impermeable sealing resin. Dipping the substrate plate or printing the sealing resin onto the substrate plate is applied to the substrate plate excluding the display area and light emitting area of the organic EL panel to block intrusion of air and moisture that affect the life of the organic EL element. With this, the life of an organic EL panel can be extended, and large screen size and mass production of panel can be also easily accomplished.
US08487529B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a light emitting device which is less affected by a malfunction caused in a light emitting element. It is another object of the invention to provide a light emitting device in which light emitting elements are connected in series. As to a light emitting device of the invention, groups of circuits each having a light emitting element and a limiter are connected in parallel. Here, a light emitting element and a limiter are connected in series. The number of the circuits may be at least two or more. Further, each circuit group includes at least one light emitting element.
US08487527B2
The present invention relates to organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) comprising an electroluminescent material layer comprising a mixture of at least two materials having different electron and hole transport capacities, and an electron transport layer comprising a triazine. Display devices comprising the OLEDs are also disclosed.
US08487520B2
A spark plug (1) including a noble metal tip joined to a ground electrode and forming a spark discharge gap in cooperation with a center electrode. A surface of the noble metal tip which forms the gap has an area of 0.9 mm2 or greater. The noble metal tip (32) is joined to the ground electrode (27) via a fusion zone (35) formed by irradiating at least one surface among a distal end surface and side surfaces of the ground electrode with a laser beam or an electron beam. Further, as viewed on a projection plane orthogonal to a center axis of the noble metal tip and on which the noble metal tip and the fusion zone are projected along the center axis, an overlapping region between the noble metal tip (32) and the fusion zone accounts for 70% or more of a projected region of the noble metal tip.
US08487513B2
Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric element generating vibrations by repetitively expanding and restoring according to power applied from the outside to be linearly driven; a support member contacts the piezoelectric element in order to support the piezoelectric element; and vibration control members attached to one surface of and the support member and the piezoelectric element.
US08487504B2
A dynamically induced magnetic hysteresis apparatus is described which allows for levitation and adjustable power coupling without direct mechanical attachment or linking. Adjustment of spatial and penetration gaps are adjusted to vary the ratio of rotation.
US08487503B2
A hand power tool with an oblong motor housing, particularly used as a handle, houses an electric collector motor. The brushes of the motor are housed in a brush holder with a brush shaft in a spring loaded way. Furthermore, the brush holder is solely/individually fixed in the motor housing, to which an axis intersection is associated, particularly a longitudinal, a vertical, and a transversal axis. According to the invention, the hand power tool is arranged in the motor housing in a space-saving manner with the shaft of the brush holder arranged opposite the vertical axis of the motor housing at an angle of approximately 20° in a laterally displaced way, particularly radially, relative to the longitudinal axis.
US08487502B2
A stator core includes a first lamination and a second lamination. The first lamination is formed from a plurality of first segments and has a plurality of first mounting ears. The second lamination is formed from a plurality of second segments and has a plurality of second mounting ears. The first lamination and the second lamination are aligned with a common axis and are rotated about the common axis such that the first lamination is not aligned with the second lamination.
US08487495B2
A rotor includes a hub, a rotor core, holes and permanent magnets. Salient poles are each formed between neighboring openings on a circumference of the rotor core and, when viewed from a front along a line of axis of the rotor, a recessed portion that is formed by causing one portion of an inner circumferential surface of the rotor core to bulge radially outward of another portion is provided in a region enclosed by a first virtual line connecting a center of the hub and a circumferential middle position on the circumference of a magnetic pole of the rotor core having permanent magnets provided therein and a second virtual line connecting the center of the hub and a circumferential middle position on the circumference of the salient pole adjacent to the magnetic pole at a leading side in a rotational direction of the rotor.
US08487492B2
A motor assembly comprises a gearbox (1), a motor (2) and a bushing assembly. The motor has a motor shaft (22), a worm is fixed to or formed on a worm portion of the motor shaft, which is located in the gearbox. The worm potion of a motor shaft is supported by a bushing assembly. The bushing assembly comprises a sleeve (4) and a bushing (3) fixed inside the sleeve. The bushing comprises a plurality of axial ribs (31) arranged around its outer surface. The sleeve comprises a plurality of grooves (41) in its inner surface which engage the ribs on the bushing. The sleeve also comprises a plurality of ribs around its outer peripheral surface which engage with the gearbox. The motor shaft is strengthened by the bushing assembly, and a self-locking ability of motor assembly is improved.
US08487485B2
A linear synchronous motor is provided, of which a core unit may readily be manufactured. Accordingly, the manufacturing cost of the linear synchronous motor may be reduced, and the weight of the linear synchronous motor may be lightened. The linear synchronous motor includes a frame member that is formed of a magnetic conductive material and surrounds the periphery of a core unit centering on a shaft. The frame member functions as a yoke that magnetically connects a plurality of magnetic pole portions. The frame member is constituted from a first divided frame member and a second divided frame member fixed to the core unit with screws.
US08487476B2
Embodiments of a system, topology, and methods for providing power to mobile devices are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US08487474B2
The methods and apparatus described enable automatic configuration, or commissioning, of controller devices and load control devices through a low voltage communication network controlled by one or more controller devices. These methods and apparatus further enable expansion of the load control system by connection of additional loads and or load control devices and or controller devices which will reinitialize the low voltage communication network and automatically reconfigure the controller devices and load control devices connected to the network.
US08487473B2
Power is provided to one or more devices in a system that includes a hierarchical power smoothing environment having multiple tiers. In response to a peak in power usage by the one or more devices, power is provided from a first power smoothing component in a first tier of the multiple tiers. Additionally, power is provided to the one or more devices from power smoothing components in each of other tiers of the multiple tiers if the power smoothing component in a next lower tier of the multiple tiers is unable to provide sufficient power for the peak in power usage. If the power smoothing components in the multiple tiers are unable to provide sufficient power for the peak in power usage, then performance of at least one of the one or more devices is reduced in response to the peak in power usage.
US08487471B2
The wind turbine 20 includes a wind driven turbine wheel 22 rotatable about a central axis 29 that has sail wings 30 that catch the wind and rotate the turbine wheel 22. An anchor 58 has its anchor line 56 attached to the turbine wheel at its axis of rotation 29 to prevent tilting the wind turbine in response to high wind conditions.
US08487467B2
A method for operating a gas and steam turbine system is provided. The system includes a frequency converter which is assigned to a starting device of a gas turbine, and a generator which is assigned to a steam turbine. The intention is to be able to obtain a particularly high level of operational flexibility with particularly low mechanical complexity. For this purpose, the electrical power of the generator is fed into a consumer system via the frequency converter.
US08487465B1
An object is to suppress an output power reduction of a wind turbine generator system caused by a drop in the wind speed while the output power is being reduced according to an output-power reduction demand. When the output-power reduction demand to reduce the output power at an interconnection point to a predetermined output-power limit value is notified from a utility grid side, priorities are set such that higher priorities are given to wind turbines whose output powers are larger, and a preset minimum output-power value is set in output power commands for the wind turbines sequentially in descending order of priority, until the output power at the interconnection point reaches the output power limit value.
US08487464B2
The present invention relates to a blade pitch controller for a floating wind turbine structure, wherein the floating wind turbine structure may include a support structure supporting a rotor having a number of blades. The controller may include standard blade pitch control means and active damping means. The standard blade pitch control means is arranged to control a blade pitch using a transfer function between a rotor speed error and the blade pitch. The active damping means is arranged to further control the blade pitch on the basis of a speed of a point on the wind turbine structure by converting the speed of a point on the wind turbine structure into a rotor speed error and using the same transfer function that is used in the standard blade pitch control means to convert the rotor speed error into a correction to the blade pitch.
US08487463B2
An enhanced multi-mode power generation system harnesses solar energy, wind, and heat within a designed building or within a large enclosed area, providing an indoor system to generate electricity. Air within an enclosure is heated, either by solar energy or by use of an electrified exothermic heating material, to enhance the airflow velocity within the enclosure. A system of narrowed passageways within the enclosure further increases the airflow velocity, which enhancement may also include or be supplemented by a blower. The enhanced velocity air is passed through one or multiple-staged wind turbines to generate electrical power.
US08487462B2
Methods for controlling a wind turbine connected to the utility grid by detecting status of the utility grid, and controlling one or more rotor blades and/or emitted power to the grid in returning to the operational wind turbine settings of normal grid mode, as well as wind turbines and wind parks comprising at least two wind turbines.
US08487461B2
The invention relates to a method for operating a wind energy plant having a double-fed asynchronous machine, at least one inverter and at least one control device, wherein electrical energy is at least partly supplied into a grid via the inverter, the inverter comprises per phase at least one power semi-conductor module with at least two transistor circuits and at least two free-wheeling diodes and the inverter by using the control device is actuated at least at times via a pulse width modulation (PWM). The object, namely of providing a generic method for operating a wind energy plant in which an improved power output is effected even in the low-noise rotational speed range of the rotors, is achieved in that, at frequencies of the current to be impressed by the inverter on the machine side of less than 10 Hz, preferably less than 6 Hz, the switching-on duration and/or the switching frequency of the transistor circuits and/or of the free-wheeling diodes of the inverter are altered via the control device by taking their thermal heating into account.
US08487453B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip. External connection pads and further pads are disposed over a surface of the semiconductor chip. Selected ones of the further pads are electrically connected to one another so as to activate selected functions within the semiconductor chip.
US08487450B2
Some embodiments include vertical stacks of memory units, with individual memory units each having a memory element, a wordline, a bitline and at least one diode. The memory units may correspond to cross-point memory, and the diodes may correspond to band-gap engineered diodes containing two or more dielectric layers sandwiched between metal layers. Tunneling properties of the dielectric materials and carrier injection properties of the metals may be tailored to engineer desired properties into the diodes. The diodes may be placed between the bitlines and the memory elements, or may be placed between the wordlines and memory elements. Some embodiments include methods of forming cross-point memory arrays. The memory arrays may contain vertical stacks of memory unit cells, with individual unit cells containing cross-point memory and at least one diode.
US08487436B2
To provide a semiconductor device and a display device which can be manufactured through a simplified process and the manufacturing technique. Another object is to provide a technique by which a pattern of wirings or the like which is partially constitutes a semiconductor device or a display device can be formed with a desired shape with controllability.
US08487427B2
An assembly includes a chip including an integrated circuit, a casing including an integrated circuit and having an upper portion formed on a side of the chip and lower portion formed on another side of the chip, plural through-wafer vias (TWVs) for electrically connecting the integrated circuit of the chip and the integrated circuit of the casing, and a card connected to the casing for electrically connecting the casing to a system board.
US08487425B2
The present disclosure provides a thermo-mechanically reliable copper TSV and a technique to form such TSV during BEOL processing. The TSV constitutes an annular trench which extends through the semiconductor substrate. The substrate defines the inner and outer sidewalls of the trench, which sidewalls are separated by a distance within the range of 5 to 10 microns. A conductive path comprising copper or a copper alloy extends within said trench from an upper surface of said first dielectric layer through said substrate. The substrate thickness can be 60 microns or less. A dielectric layer having interconnect metallization conductively connected to the conductive path is formed directly over said annular trench.
US08487424B2
An integrated circuit assembly is fabricated on a metal substrate strip in an array format that has raised circuitry pattern formed by photolithographic and metal etching processes. The circuitry pattern is formed on one side of the metal substrate only. The raised circuitry's etch depth extends partially through the metal substrate. Die attachment can be performed using a non-conductive material applied directly onto and around the raised circuitry features directly under the die. After wirebond and molding processes, the molded metal substrate strip assembly is processed through a metal etching process to remove the metal substrate portion that is exposed beyond the mold cap. A solder mask coating can be applied to protect the metal circuitry and to define the package pad opening to form Land-Grid-Array (LGA) packages. Solder balls can also be attached to form Ball-Grid-Array (BGA) packages.
US08487422B2
A method for stacking and interconnecting integrated circuits includes providing at least two substrates; forming a trench in each substrate; filling the trench with an insulating material; forming, in each substrate, at least one conductive area; thinning each substrate until reaching at least the bottom of the trench, to obtain in each substrate at least one electrically insulated region within the closed perimeter delineated by the trench; bonding the substrates together; making at least one hole through the bonded substrates so that the hole passes at least partially through the conductive areas and passes through the insulated region of each substrate; and filling the hole with an electrically conductive material so as to obtain a conductive column that traverses the isolated region of each substrate and is in lateral electrical contact with the conductive areas.
US08487417B2
A package for a semiconductor die includes a die attach pad that provides an attachment surface area for the semiconductor die, and tie bars connected to the die attach pad. The die attach pad is disposed in a first general plane and the tie bars are disposed in a second general plane offset with respect to the first general plane. A molding compound encapsulates the semiconductor die in a form having first, second, third and fourth lateral sides, a top and a bottom. The tie bars are exposed substantially coincident with at least one of the lateral sides. The form includes a discontinuity that extends along the at least one of the lateral sides, the discontinuity increasing a creepage distance measured from the tie bars to the bottom of the package.
US08487416B2
A power module includes at least one semiconductor die holding structure. Each die holding structure has a substantially cylindrical outer profile and a central axis. Each die holding structure is disposed within a common cylindrical EMI shield. A plurality of semiconductor devices are mounted to each die holding structure to form a substantially symmetric die mounting pattern respect to the central axis of the die holding structure.
US08487415B2
The present invention provides a rectifier element that has a titanium oxide layer interposed between first and second electrodes containing a transition metal with an electronegativity larger than that of Ti, wherein, in the titanium oxide layer, only the interface on the side facing any one of the electrodes has a stoichiometric composition, and wherein the average composition of the whole layer is represented by the formula TiOx (wherein x satisfies the relationship 1.6≦x<2), and wherein the rectifying characteristics can be reversed by applying a reverse electrical signal that exceeds the critical reverse electric power between the first and second electrodes in an opposite direction. The present invention also provides a process for producing a rectifier element, which includes the steps of depositing a first electrode that contains a transition metal with an electronegativity larger than that of Ti on a substrate; depositing a layer of titanium oxide (TiOx, wherein x satisfies the relationship 1.6≦x<2) on the first electrode; exposing the surface of the titanium oxide (TiOx) layer to oxygen atmosphere; and depositing a second electrode containing a transition metal with an electronegativity larger than that of Ti on the surface of the titanium oxide (TiOx) layer exposed to the oxygen atmosphere.
US08487410B2
A semiconductor component includes a semiconductor substrate having a top surface. An opening extends from the top surface into the semiconductor substrate. The opening includes an interior surface. A first dielectric liner having a first compressive stress is disposed on the interior surface of the opening. A second dielectric liner having a tensile stress is disposed on the first dielectric liner. A third dielectric liner having a second compressive stress disposed on the second dielectric liner. A metal barrier layer is disposed on the third dielectric liner. A conductive material is disposed on the metal barrier layer and fills the opening.
US08487408B2
A bipolar transistor of the invention has a second base region 116 which is formed in the surface layer of a deep well, placed between a first base region and a sinker, connected to the first base region, has an impurity concentration larger than that of the first base region, and has a depth shallower than that of the first base region; and a buried layer formed in a semiconductor layer, which has the top surface thereof brought into contact with the deep well and the sinker, and has an impurity concentration larger than that of the deep well.
US08487406B2
At least a first capacitor is formed on a substrate and connected to a first differential node of a differential circuit, and the first capacitor may be variable in capacitance. A second capacitor is formed on the substrate and connected to a second differential node of the differential circuit, and the second capacitor also may be variable. A third capacitor is connected between the first differential node and the second differential node, and is formed at least partially above the first capacitor. In this way, a size of the first capacitor and/or the second capacitor may be reduced on the substrate, and capacitances of the first and/or second capacitor(s) may be adjusted in response to a variable characteristic of one or more circuit components of the differential circuit.
US08487383B2
A flash memory device, including a cell array region where a plurality of memory cells are connected in series to a single cell string, the cell array region including a pocket p-well configured to accommodate the plurality of memory cells and an n-well configured to surround the pocket p-well, a first peripheral region where low-voltage (LV) and high-voltage (HV) switches are connected to the memory cells through a word line, and a second peripheral region where bulk voltage switches are connected to bulk regions of the LV and HV switches.
US08487363B2
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, and provides to reduce a contact resistance of a landing plug by forming the landing plug in such a manner that a polysilicon layer is deposited only on the surface of a landing plug contact hole, and a metal layer is buried in the rest of the landing plug contact hole in the process of forming a storage node contact or a bit line contact.
US08487353B2
An electronic component includes at least one electrode and at least one gas-sensitive region on a substrate. The gas-sensitive region is coated by at least one electrically conductive, gas-sensitive layer, and the electrode contacts the gas-sensitive layer. At least a part of the at least one electrode covers a part of the gas-sensitive region.
US08487347B2
An array substrate comprises a substrate provided with a circuit pattern and covering layers that cover the upper surfaces and side surfaces of respective portions of the circuit pattern.
US08487342B2
A separation layer containing a halogen element is formed over a glass substrate by a plasma CVD method; a semiconductor element is formed over the separation layer; and separation is then performed inside the separation layer or at its interface, so that the large-area glass substrate and the semiconductor element are detached from each other. In order to perform detachment at the interface between the glass substrate and the separation layer, the separation layer may have concentration gradient of the halogen element, and the halogen element is contained more near the interface between the separation layer and the glass substrate than in the other areas.
US08487340B2
The invention relates to a method for making optoelectronic devices comprising nanowire semiconductors, in which: the nanowires (2) are formed on a substrate (1), said nanowires being capable of emitting a light beam; a first electric contact area is formed at the substrate, and a second electric contact area is formed at the nanowires, characterized in that the second electric contact area is formed on the edge of the nanowires (2) in direct contact with said nanowires, on a predetermined height (h) thereof and in the vicinity of their end opposite the substrate, as well as between said nanowires, the upper surface (20) of the nanowires being exposed.
US08487338B2
It is an object to provide a light-emitting device which has high power efficiency and high light-extraction efficiency and emits light uniformly in a plane. It is another object to provide a manufacturing method of the light-emitting device. It is another object to provide a lighting device including the light-emitting device. One embodiment of the present invention provides a light-emitting device which includes: a first electrode provided over a substrate; a layer containing a light-emitting organic compound provided over the first electrode; an island-shaped insulating layer provided over the layer containing the light-emitting organic compound; an island-shaped auxiliary electrode layer provided over the island-shaped insulating layer; and a second electrode having a property of transmitting visible light provided over the layer containing the light-emitting organic compound and the island-shaped auxiliary electrode layer.
US08487330B2
An LED light emitting device is provided that has high color rendering properties and is excellent color uniformity and, at the same time, can realize even luminescence unattainable by conventional techniques. A phosphor having a composition represented by formula: (Sr2-X-Y-Z-ωBaXMgYMnZEuω)SiO4 wherein x, y, z, and ω are respectively coefficients satisfying 0.1
US08487317B2
This invention discloses a GaN semiconductor device comprising a substrate; a metal-rich nitride compound thin film on the substrate; a buffer layer formed on the metal-rich nitride compound thin film, and a semiconductor stack layer on the buffer layer wherein the metal-dominated nitride compound thin film covers a partial upper surface of the substrate. Because metal-rich nitride compound is amorphous, the epitaxial growth direction of the buffer layer grows upwards in the beginning and then turns laterally, and the epitaxy defects of the buffer layer also bend with the epitaxial growth direction of the buffer layer. Therefore, the probability of the epitaxial defects extending to the semiconductor stack layer is reduced and the reliability of the GaN semiconductor device is improved.
US08487313B2
An emissive device includes a substrate; a switching element disposed on a surface of the substrate; an insulating layer covering the switching element; a contact hole disposed in the insulating layer; a first electrode disposed on a surface of the insulating layer and electrically connected to the switching element via the contact hole in the insulating layer; a second electrode disposed at a side opposite the substrate with respect to the first electrode; a luminescent layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a light shield disposed at a side from which light from the luminescent layer emerges and having a portion covering the contact hole when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate.
US08487308B2
One embodiment of the present invention is a thin film transistor having a substrate, a gate electrode formed on the substrate, a gate insulating film, a semiconductor layer formed on the gate insulating film, a protective film formed on the semiconductor layer and the gate insulating film and having first and second opening sections which are separately and directly formed on the semiconductor layer, a source electrode formed on the protective film and electrically connected to the semiconductor layer at the first opening section of the protective film, and a drain electrode formed on the protective film and electrically connected to the semiconductor layer at the second opening section of the protective film.
US08487297B2
Disclosed is a carbon nanotube field effect transistor which stably exhibits excellent electrical conduction properties. Also disclosed are a method for manufacturing the carbon nanotube field effect transistor, and a biosensor comprising the carbon nanotube field effect transistor. First of all, an silicon oxide film is formed on a contact region of a silicon substrate by an LOCOS method. Next, an insulating film, which is thinner than the silicon oxide film on the contact region, is formed on a channel region of the silicon substrate. Then, after arranging a carbon nanotube, which forms a channel, on the silicon substrate, the carbon nanotube is covered with a protective film. Finally, a source electrode and a drain electrode are formed, and the source electrode and the drain electrode are electrically connected to the carbon nanotube, respectively. A field effect transistor manufactured by these processes stably exhibits excellent electrical conduction properties since the carbon nanotube, which serves as the channel, is not contaminated.
US08487289B2
An electrically actuated device includes a reactive metal layer, a first electrode established in contact with the reactive metal layer, an insulating material layer established in contact with the first electrode or the reactive metal layer, an active region established on the insulating material layer, and a second electrode established on the active region. A conductive nano-channel is formed through a thickness of the insulating material layer.
US08487288B2
A memory device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode, metal-chalcogenide material between the first and second electrodes and chalcogenide glass between the first and second electrodes. The chalcogenide glass comprises a material with the chemical formula AxB100-x, wherein A is a non-chalcogenide component and B is a chalcogenide component, and A has a bonding affinity for B relative to homopolar bonds of A. The memory device further comprises a conducting channel in the chalcogenide glass comprising bonds formed between A and a component of the metal chalcogenide material.
US08487283B1
A multi-channel polarized thermal emitter (PTE) is presented. The multi-channel PTE can emit polarized thermal radiation without using a polarizer at normal emergence. The multi-channel PTE consists of two layers of metallic gratings on a monolithic and homogeneous metallic plate. It can be fabricated by a low-cost soft lithography technique called two-polymer microtransfer molding. The spectral positions of the mid-infrared (MIR) radiation peaks can be tuned by changing the periodicity of the gratings and the spectral separation between peaks are tuned by changing the mutual angle between the orientations of the two gratings.
US08487282B2
A particle beam irradiation apparatus that can measure and display a dose two-dimensional distribution during scan while reducing degradation of a particle beam shape, including a particle beam generation portion; a particle beam emission control portion; a two-dimensional beam scanning portion; a sensor portion including first linear electrodes arranged in parallel in a first direction and second linear electrodes arranged in parallel in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; a beam shape calculation portion that calculates a center of gravity of the particle beam from outputs of each the first linear and second linear electrodes and that obtains a two-dimensional beam shape of the particle beam around the center of gravity; a storage portion that accumulates and stores the two-dimensional beam shapes; and a display portion that displays the two-dimensional beam shapes as a two-dimensional distribution of a dose.
US08487275B2
The invention refers to a method for measuring fluorescence lifetime. An excitation light radiation (12a), periodically modulated in a first frequency, is directed to a fluorescent material (20). For the measurement of fluorescence lifetime, the phase difference between the excitation light radiation (12a) and the fluorescent radiation (20a) is measured, the fluorescent radiation being detected by a fluorescent radiation detector (18).According to the invention, a correction signal (16a), periodically modulated in a second frequency, is supplied to a measuring circuit (19), and a phase drift between the emitted correction signal (16a) and the correction signal (16a) processed by the measuring circuit is measured, the phase drift being caused by the measuring circuit. This phase drift is set off against the phase difference between the excitation light radiation (12a) and the fluorescent radiation (20a) which is measured by the fluorescent radiation detector (18), so as to compensate for the measuring error caused by the phase drift of the measuring circuit.
US08487273B2
A microchip includes a sample liquid feed channel permitting a sample liquid containing particulates to flow through, at least one pair of sheath liquid feed channels configured to merge to the sample liquid feed channel from both sides thereof for permitting a sheath liquid to flow through surrounding the sample liquid, a merging channel connected to the sample liquid feed channel and the one pair of the sheath liquid feed channels for permitting the sample liquid and the sheath liquid to merge and flow through the merging channel, a vacuum suction unit for drawing into the particulate subject to collection, connected to the merging channel, and at least one pair of discharge channels formed on both sides of the vacuum suction unit for permitting to flow through from the merging channel.
US08487272B2
A light source is gated ON and OFF in response to a pulsed signal. Photo emissions from the light source are coupled to a material under test. Resonant fluorescent emissions from the material are coupled to a photodiode. Current from the photodiode is coupled into an amplifier system comprising a first and second amplifier stages. The first amplifier stage is gated to a low gain when the light source is turned ON and the gain is increased when the light source goes from ON to OFF. The second amplifier stage has digitally programmable offset and gain settings in response to control signals. The output of the second amplifier stage is digitized by an analog to digital converter. A controller generates the pulse control signal and the control signals.
US08487271B2
The present invention provides an optical microscope capable of suppressing unnecessary response light as a background and detecting desired response light in nonlinear optical response process with a good S/N ratio. The optical microscope for collecting, on a sample 8, stimulation light emitted from a stimulation light source 1 and having a single wavelength or a plurality of different wavelengths, and detecting response light emitted from the sample 8 in nonlinear optical response process, comprises: an erase light source 2 for emitting erase light having a wavelength different from that of the stimulation light and inducing an effect of suppressing secondary response light which appears due to irradiation of the stimulation light on the sample 8, wherein the erase light and the stimulation light are simultaneously irradiated on the sample 8 such that the erase light does not suppress response light emitted from a light-collecting area of the stimulation light but suppresses the secondary response light other than the response light emitted from a light-collecting area of the stimulation light.
US08487266B2
An X-ray detector includes an X-ray photoelectric conversion layer configured to produce electric charges in proportion to X-ray irradiation incident on the layer, a collecting electrode configured to collect the electric charges produced by the X-ray photoelectric conversion layer, a common electrode disposed on a surface of the X-ray photoelectric conversion layer opposite to the collecting electrode, a storage capacitor configured to store the electric charges collected by the collecting electrode, and a readout unit configured to read out the electric charges stored in the storage capacitor. A voltage is to be applied between the collecting electrode and the common electrode. The X-ray photoelectric conversion layer is formed of a polycrystalline oxide.
US08487257B2
In a device for the detection of thermal radiation and a method for production of such a device, a stack is formed with a detector support having a detector element for converting the thermal radiation into an electric signal, a circuit support with a read-out circuit for reading out the electrical signal and a cover to shield the detector element. The detector support and the cover are so arranged that a first stack cavity is formed between the detector element and the cover and a second stack cavity is formed between detector support and the circuit support. The first stack cavity and/or the second stack cavity is evacuated and hermetically sealed. In the manufacturing operation, functionalized silicon-substrates are stacked upon one another, firmly bonded together and subsequently sub-divided. Preferably, the detector elements are pyro-electric detector elements. The device finds application in motion detectors, presence reporters and thermal-image cameras.
US08487255B2
The present invention relates to a passive radiometric imaging device and a corresponding method for scanning a scene and reconstructing an image of said scene. To provide an improved image quality, the proposed device comprises a radiometer configured to detect radiation emitted in a predetermined spectral range from a plurality of spots of said scene to obtain a data set of radiation samples including at least one radiation sample per spot, and a processor configured to subsequently determine pixel values of pixels of the image to be reconstructed, said processor being configured to determine a pixel value of one of said pixels from a data sub-set of radiation samples from said data set, said data sub-set including the radiation samples detected at the spot corresponding to or being closest to the pixel, whose pixel value is to be determined, and/or radiation samples detected at neighboring spots.
US08487241B2
Provided are methods for determining the amount of one or more of one or more of epinephrine (E), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (D) in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally involve ionizing one or more of E, NE, and D in a sample and detecting and quantifying the amount of the ion to determine the amount of one or more of E, NE, and D in the sample.
US08487231B2
One sensor pixel includes amplifying transistor, coupled between first bias line and data line; switch transistor, operated by control line and coupled between data line and gate of amplifying transistor; storage capacitor, coupled to second bias line; and sensor being coupled to gate of amplifying transistor. Another sensor pixel includes first amplifying transistor coupled between first bias line and data line; second amplifying transistor being coupled between second bias line and data line; switch transistor being operated by control line and being coupled between data line and gates of first and second amplifying transistors; storage capacitor coupled to gates of first and second amplifying transistors; and sensor coupled to gates of first and second amplifying transistors. Further sensor pixel includes two photo transistors connected to first and second bias lines. Trap-assisted absorption, variable capacitor described for sensor pixels, and also biasing to reduce flicker and aging, and to compensate for aging, described for sensor pixels.
US08487230B2
A solar energy collection system comprises a plurality of solar panels and a control device. The panel further comprises a plurality of solar modules, a supporting, pivoting and tilting mechanism, a controller and a short range communication unit. The control device comprises an orientation detector for determining the optimized orientation of a panel towards the sun for receiving maximum sun radiation. The control device further comprises a communication unit. The optimized orientation determined by the control device may be transmitted to the solar panels through an ad hoc communication network.
US08487219B2
Ink drying apparatus and method for controlling ink drying apparatus are described herein. An example ink drying apparatus includes first and second heating elements positioned adjacent a drying area in a printer, and a controller to determine a temperature of the heating area and to selectively operate, based on the temperature determination, the first heating element in a burst mode and the second heating element in an on/off mode.
US08487217B2
A contact tip for a welding gun having a central passage for a welding wire moving in a given direction toward a workpiece and receiving a welding signal by contact of the wire with the tip. The passage has an innermost end, an outermost exit end and a length of at least 1.5 inches and an opening in the contact tip intersects the passage so a pressure block slidably mounted in the opening is biased toward the wire by a spring around the contact tip urging the block against the wire. This tip is dimensioned and constructed to perform pulse welding by a relatively ductile aluminum wire.
US08487214B2
A welding carriage has a frame that is adjustable in width and height and is guided by the sides of a workpiece. First and second wheel assemblies support the frame upon the workpiece, the first and second wheel assemblies forcibly engaging the sides of the workpiece for guiding the frame along a path substantially parallel thereto. The frame comprises two opposing lateral sides interconnected by a linkage therebetween. The linkage can be actuated to adjust a coarse width of the frame, dimensional variations being handles by biased guide wheels of the second wheel assembly. Each of the opposing lateral sides further has vertically adjustable leg posts for adjusting a vertical height of the frame.
US08487207B2
A rotatable workpiece holder for holding a hollow cylindrical workpiece thereon functions as a chiller for cooling the hollow cylindrical workpiece. A coolant, e.g., water, is supplied to the hollow cylindrical workpiece through second coolant passages and branch passageways defined in the workpiece holder, thereby cooling the hollow cylindrical workpiece. The coolant forms a film in a clearance between the outer surface of an annular side wall of the workpiece holder and the inner circumferential surface of the hollow cylindrical workpiece.
US08487204B2
The present invention relates to a switching device, in particular an automatic switch, a disconnector or a contactor, with high dependability, for use preferably in low voltage electrical systems. In particular the invention relates to a single-pole or multi-pole double break switching device for low voltage systems comprising, for each pole, at least a first pair of contacts and at least a second pair of contacts. Each pair comprises a stationary contact and a movable contact which can be reciprocally coupled/decoupled at the level of a first breaking cavity and a second breaking cavity respectively. Said cavities are defined inside a casing which comprises a first surface with respect to which an internally hollow portion protrudes, said internally hollow being integrally made with at least one portion of the casing. The hollow portion defines, for each pole, one or more discharge channels each of which has a first section communicating with the corresponding first breaking cavity and a second section communicating with the environment outside the casing to permit the discharge of gas from the inside of the first breaking cavity.
US08487203B2
Operating shaft 4 allows disconnecting switch-side and earthing switch-side moving contacts 7a and 7b to linearly reciprocate with the rotation of operating shaft 4. Operating shaft 4 has two-hole lever 5 allow an arc motion. Each one end of two curved links 6a and 6b is connected to two-hole lever 5 and the other end of two curved links 6a and 6b is respectively connected to the disconnecting switch-side moving contact or the earthing switch-side moving contact. When the two connecting points are axisymmetric with respect to the bisector, both the disconnecting switch and the earthing switch are in an open state; when two-hole lever 5 moves at a predetermined angle to the disconnecting switch-side, the disconnecting switch is in a closed state; and when two-hole lever 5 moves at a predetermined angle to the earthing switch-side, the earthing switch is in a closed state.
US08487197B2
An electrical fitting having a gripping device with a plurality of gripping tabs forming a helix or spiral. The gripping tabs have a twist creating increased pullout resistance and easier disassembly. The electrical fitting permits electrical metallic tubing or EMT to be quickly attached to and removed from the electrical fitting without disassembling the fitting or cutting the tubing. A body with a locking end having a plurality of griping tabs receives an end of the tubing pushed into the fitting. The gripping tabs securely hold the tubing preventing loosening or removal. The helix or spiral and twist formation of the griping tabs permits easy removal of the tubing by rotating the tubing counter-clockwise.
US08487194B2
The document describes a circuit board and an electronic module, including a conductor-pattern layer, an insulating-material layer supporting the conductor-pattern layer, and at least one component inside the insulating-material layer. The component has a plurality of contact areas and the circuit board or electronic module includes contact elements between the conductor-pattern layer and contact areas for electrically connecting the conductor-pattern layer and the at least one component such that at least two of the contact elements are in direct contact with a common contact area.
US08487183B2
The invention relates to a contact unit and particularly a solder pin, and a method for producing a contact unit, comprising a body having a metal core and a tin layer surrounding the metal core. The tin layer is thereby designed as a duplex layer, and comprises a radially inner layer overlay of matte tin and a radially outer layer overlay of glossy tin.
US08487179B2
A system and method for increasing photovoltaic cell efficiency is provided, comprising a photovoltaic cell, a filter covering the photovoltaic cell at a first angle to the photovoltaic cell, and a mirror positioned adjacent to the filter at a second angle to the photovoltaic cell, the mirror operable to reflect light into the filter.
US08487172B1
A piano action flange with an open-slotted rail attachment feature that is a slot-shaped void completely through the piano action flange, running in the longitudinal direction of the piano action flange, with width slightly larger than the outer diameter of the thread end the flange screw but smaller that the head diameter of the flange screw, where the slot-shaped void is open on one end, breaking through the end of said piano action flange, to leave the slot-shaped void open and accessible from the end of the piano action flange.
US08487171B2
The foot machine according to the invention for a bass drum of a drum kit basically comprises a shaft mounted rotatably in a frame, a beater supported on the shaft, and a pedal connected to the beater, operation of the pedal bringing about an excursion of the beater. Also provided are permanent magnet restoring means which bring the displaced beater back into a resting position and which are formed by at least one inner and at least one outer permanent magnet arrangement arranged concentrically around the shaft.
US08487168B1
Method for forming a musical instrument string and string formed thereby in which a core wire having a coating thereon is formed and a wrap wire is wound around the coated core wire. Musical instrument string that glows in the dark and may be formed by providing a first wire that will serve as a core wire of the string, providing a second wire that will serve as a wrap wire of the string, applying a thermoplastic or thermosetting luminescent polymer to the second wire, e.g., by electrostatic application, and then curing the second wire, controlling the curing conditions under which the second wire is cured to ensure the second wire, after curing is windable, and then winding the cured, second wire around the first wire to provide the string that glows in the dark.
US08487162B2
A novel garden bean cultivar, designated H29126, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of garden bean cultivar H29126, to the plants of garden bean line H29126 and to methods for producing a bean plant by crossing the cultivar H29126 with itself or another bean line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a bean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other garden bean lines derived from the cultivar H29126.
US08487160B2
The present invention relates generally to the field of molecular biology and concerns a method for increasing plant yield relative to suitable control plants. More specifically, the present invention concerns a method for increasing plant yield comprising increasing expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a Dof (DNA-binding with one finger) domain transcription factor polypeptide. The present invention also concerns plants having increased expression of a nucleic acid encoding a Dof domain transcription factor polypeptide, which plants have increased yield relative to suitable control plants. The invention also provides constructs useful in the methods of the invention.
US08487158B2
Provided is an isolated polypeptide having triterpene methyltransferase activity. Also provided is an isolated nucleic acid molecule that encodes the triterpene methyltransferase polypeptides; a vector comprising the nucleic acid molecules that encode the triterpene methyltransferase polypeptides; and a host cell(s) transfected with the aforementioned nucleic acid molecule or vector. In another aspect, a method of producing a methylated triterpene is provided. The method comprises providing a metabolizable carbon source to a host cell transfected with a nucleic acid molecule that encodes a triterpene methyltransferase under conditions sufficient for production of a methylated triterpene. The method optionally further comprises isolating the methylated triterpene produced by the host cell.
US08487153B2
Methods for dimerizing alpha-olefins utilizing immobilized buffered catalysts wherein a buffered ionic liquid is mixed with an organometallic complex of the formula: where X is a halogen, n=2 or 3, M=Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni and R1, R2, R3 and R4 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkyloxy, substituted aryl, and X are provided. A method for dimerizing alpha-olefins utilizing the immobilized buffered catalysts and a co-catalyst is also provided.
US08487150B2
In the process for hydrogenating butadiyne over a catalyst which comprises at least one platinum group metal on an inorganic metal oxide as a support, the hydrogenation is performed at a pressure in the range from 1 to 40 bar and a temperature in the range from 0 to 100° C., and from 0.05 to 5% by weight, based on the overall catalyst, of platinum group metal is present on the support.
US08487145B2
Disclosed is a process for the manufacture of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene comprising: (a) contacting 1,1,1,2,3-pentafluoropropane with a catalyst comprised of chromium (III) oxide having a surface area of at least 150 m2/g and having an alkali metal loading of at least 7 milligrams of alkali metal per 100 square meters of catalyst surface area, to produce a product mixture comprising 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene and hydrogen fluoride; and (b) recovering said 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene from the product mixture produced in (a).
US08487141B2
To provide a method for producing a perfluoro compound having hydroxyl groups, whereby agglomeration of a reduction reaction intermediate tends not to occur during a reduction reaction, and a perfluoro compound having —C(═O)OH can be used as a starting material.Reducing (A-C(═O)=Q=)nRfn in the presence of a metal hydride and an inorganic salt of lithium in an alcohol solvent to obtain (B—CH(OH)-Q-)n-m(A-C(═O)-Q-)mRfn, wherein A is a hydroxyl group, a C1-5 alkoxy group, a hydrogen atom, a C1-5 alkyl group or the like, Q is a perfluoroalkylene group or the like, n is an integer of at least 1, m is an integer at least 0 and less than n, Rfn is an n valent perfluoro saturated hydrocarbon group or the like, and B is a group depending on A wherein when A is a hydroxyl group, a C1-5 alkoxy group or the like, B is a hydrogen atom, and when A is a hydrogen atom, a C1-5 alkyl group or the like, B is the same group as A.
US08487135B2
A process for preparing an amine by reacting a primary or secondary alcohol, aldehyde and/or ketone with hydrogen and a nitrogen compound selected from the group of ammonia and primary and secondary amines, in the presence of a supported copper-, nickel- and cobalt-containing catalyst, wherein the catalytically active material of the catalyst, before the reduction thereof with hydrogen, comprises oxygen compounds of aluminum, of copper, of nickel and of cobalt, and in the range from 0.2 to 5.0% by weight of oxygen compounds of tin, calculated as SnO, and catalysts as defined above.
US08487132B2
The present invention discloses compounds of formula (I), their optical isomers or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their preparation and uses thereof, wherein the definitions of R1, R2, R3 and R4 are shown in the description. These compounds are optical isomers or racemic mixtures. After these compounds are uptaken, they are metabolically transformated in vivo into 1-[2-dimethylamino-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-ethyl]-cyclohexanol that has neuropharmacological activity, by interrupting reuptake of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and/or norepinephrine (NA), which is used for treating diseases associated with central nerve system, such as depression, etc.
US08487131B2
A compound of Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is disclosed. In addition, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, methods for preparing and methods for using this compound or composition for treating a variety of diseases, including cancer and inflammation are also provided.
US08487129B2
Compounds of Formula (Ia) wherein R is a C6-C12 substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a C6-C12 substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl, a C1-C6 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or —NR′R′, Q is C(O), O, NR′, S, S(O)2, C(O)2 (CH2)p Y is C(O), O, NR′, S, S(O)2, C(O)2 (CH2)p Z is H or C1-C4 alkyl, R′ is H, C(O), S(O)2, C(O)2, a C6-C12 substituted or unsubstituted aryl, a C6-C12 substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl or a C1-C6 substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, when substituted, aryl, heteroaryl and alkyl are substituted with halogen, C6-C12 heteroaryl, —NR′R′ or COOZ, which have diagnostic and therapeutic properties, such as the treatment and management of prostate cancer and other diseases related to NAALADase inhibition. Radiolabels can be incorporated into the structure through a variety of prosthetic groups attached at the X amino acid side chain via a carbon or hetero atom linkage.
US08487120B2
Processes are provided for producing 3-(methylthio)thiophene by (i) combining at least an alkyl lithium, one or more alkanes and an ether to form a first combination, (ii) at a temperature of about −30° C. to about −25° C. and over a time period of at least about 30 minutes, adding 3-bromothiophene diluted in an ether to the first combination to form a second combination, (iii) at a temperature of about −25° C. to about −20° C. combining at least the second combination and dimethyl disulfide, and (iv) yielding at least the 3-(methylthio)thiophene.
US08487119B2
The present invention relates to new organic sensitizer compounds and to photoelectric conversion devices, in particular dye-sensitised solar cells comprising the new sensitizers. The present invention also relates to flexible photoelectric conversion devices, which are based on ionic liquid electrolytes or organic charge transporting materials.
US08487118B2
The present invention relates to the use of compounds of Formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, X, n and G have the meanings given above as insecticides and/or acaricides and/or fungicides.
US08487117B2
The present invention comprises a compound for the prevention and/or treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The compound is an atropisomer of a compound represented by the following general formula (I): wherein R1 represents a C1-C3 alkyl group; R2 represents a 2-hydroxy-C4-C6 alkyl group; R3 represents a halogeno group, a halogeno-C1-C3 alkyl group and the like; R4 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogeno group and the like; R5 represents a C1-C3 alkyl group; and R6 represents a hydrogen atom, a halogeno group and the like] or atropisomers thereof.
US08487115B2
An ester compound represented by formula (1): wherein R3 represents hydrogen or methyl, R4 represents hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl, and R5 represents hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl; has an excellent pest control effect and is therefore useful as an active ingredient of a pest control agent.
US08487113B2
The invention deals with a preparation method of salts of 5-chloro-4-(2-imidazolin-2-yl-amino)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (tizanidine) of formula I, especially tizanidine hydrochloride, comprising preparation of a salt of tizanidine of formula I and a carboxylic acid as an intermediate, from which, after acidification with hydrogen chloride, tizanidine hydrochloride is obtained in a high yield and purity.
US08487111B2
The invention relates to novel substituted oxazolidinones, to processes for their preparation, to their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and their use for preparing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, in particular of thromboembolic disorders.
US08487110B2
A method for preparing isofagomine, its derivatives, intermediates and salts thereof using novel processes to make isofagomine from D-(−)-arabinose and L-(−)-xylose.
US08487106B2
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 2-methyl-2′-phenylpropionic acid derivatives showing antihistamine activity in more simplified way, intermediate compounds and their preparation processes used therefore. According to the present invention, pharmaceutically useful 2-methyl-2′-phenylpropionic acid derivatives can be prepared with high yield and purity on industrial scale.
US08487100B2
The current invention is in the field of molecular biology/pharmacology and provides compounds which modulate the effects of GPR30 as well as the classical estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ERα and ERβ). These compounds may function as agonists and/or antagonists of one or more of the disclosed estrogen receptors. Diseases which are mediated through one or more of these receptors include cancer (particularly breast, reproductive and other hormone-dependent cancers, leukemia, colon cancer, prostate cancer), reproductive (genito-urological) including endometreitis, prostatitis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, bladder control, hormone-related disorders, hearing disorders, cardiovascular conditions including hot flashes and profuse sweating, hypertension, stroke, obesity, osteoporosis, hematologic diseases, vascular diseases or conditions such as venous thrombosis, atherosclerosis, among numerous others and disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system, including depression, insomnia, anxiety, multiple sclerosis, neuropathy, neurodegenerative disoders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease, as well as inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, coeliac (celiac) disease and related disorders of the intestine. A contraceptive indication to prevent or reduce the likelihood of pregnancy after intercourse is a further aspect of the present invention.
US08487097B2
Provided are rosuvastatin degradation products and their use as a reference standard (including reference marker) for analysis of rosuvastatin.
US08487094B2
Disclosed are syntheses of 11β-HSD1 inhibitors and corresponding intermediates that are promising for the treatment of a variety of disease states including diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, hypertension, hypertension-related cardiovascular disorders, hyperlipidemia, deleterious gluco-corticoid effects on neuronal function (e.g. cognitive impairment, dementia, and/or depression), elevated intra-ocular pressure, various forms of bone disease (e.g., osteoporosis), tuberculosis, leprosy (Hansen's disease), psoriasis, and impaired wound healing (e.g., in patients that exhibit impaired glucose tolerance and/or type 2 diabetes).
US08487087B2
Provided is a technique for observing in real time the state of a disease condition in a tissue of an animal or the state of a functionally adverse condition which is a prelude to the disease condition without injuring the animal. This can be achieved by the use of a gene construct having a reporter gene integrated under the control of a hypoxia responsible promoter an ODD domain (oxygen dependent degradation domain) integrated upstream to the reporter gene.
US08487085B2
The present teachings provide methods, compositions, and kits for performing primer extension reactions on at least two target polynucleotides in the same reaction mixture. In some embodiments, a reverse transcription reaction is performed on a first target polynucleotide with a hot start primer comprising a self-complementary stem and a loop, and extension products form at high temperatures but extension products form less so at low temperatures since the self-complementary stem of the hot start primer prevents hybridization of the target specific region to the target. However, non-hot start primers with free target specific regions can hybridize to their corresponding targets at the low temperature and extension can happen at the low temperature.
US08487077B2
A non-aqueous single pot synthesis of [18F]SFB is set forth. The [18F]SFB produced with this method is then used, for example, to label a peptide or an engineered antibody fragment (diabody) targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) as representative examples of labeled compounds for use as an injectable composition to locate abnormal tissue, specifically tumors within an animal or human using a PET scan.
US08487076B1
There is provided an HLA-binding peptide binding to a HLA-A type molecule, the HLA-binding peptide comprising at least one type of amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS: 1 to 80, and consisting of not less than 8 and not more than 11 amino acid residues. All of these amino acid sequences herein mentioned are the predicted amino acid sequences binding to a human HLA-A type molecule with the prediction program using the certain active learning method.
US08487068B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a polybenzoxazole precursor having reduced contents of residual aprotic polar solvent and residual halogen without discharging a large amount of waste water during purification. The present invention specifically relates to a method for producing a polybenzoxazole precursor, which comprises synthesizing a polybenzoxazole precursor in an aprotic polar solvent, adding and mixing water and a water-insoluble solvent with the resulting polybenzoxazole precursor solution to still stand the solution, and then separating a water layer from the solution to reduce a content of impurities remaining in the polybenzoxazole precursor.
US08487067B2
A polycarbonate resin which is excellent in terms of optical properties, hue, thermal stability, and mechanical properties and a transparent film formed from the resin are provided. The invention relates to a polycarbonate resin which has a glass transition temperature of 110-150° C. and a reduced viscosity, as measured at 20° C. with respect to the methylene chloride solution having a concentration of 0.6 g/dL, of 0.30-0.46, and which, when being molded, gives a film wherein the ratio of the retardation thereof measured at a wavelength of 450 nm (Re450) to the retardation thereof measured at a wavelength of 550 nm (Re550) is 0.50-0.93.
US08487066B2
Nanocomposites comprising a sulfonated telechelic polycarbonate and an organically modified clay are disclosed. The polycarbonate nanocomposites have improved physical and mechanical properties.
US08487065B2
A copolycarbonate-polyester, comprising units of formula wherein at least 60 percent of the total number of R1 groups are divalent aromatic organic radicals and the balance thereof are divalent aliphatic or alicyclic radicals; units of formula wherein T is a C7-20 divalent alkyl aromatic radical or a C6-20 divalent aromatic radical, and D is a divalent C6-20 aromatic radical; and units of the formula wherein R2 and R3 are each independently a halogen or a C1-6 alkyl group, R4 is a methyl or phenyl group, each c is independently 0 to 4, and T is as described above. A method of making a copolycarbonate-polyester is also disclosed.
US08487062B2
The present invention provides a polyimidesilicone having a primary alcoholic hydroxyl group, which is represented by the following general formula (1): in which k and m are each a positive integer where k and m satisfy a relation of 0.01≦k/(k+m)<1; and X, Y and W are as those defined in the specification.
US08487061B2
Provided is a process for making a saturated star hydrocarbon polymer. The process has the following steps: (A) hydrosilylating tetraethylene silicon with methyldichlorosilane in the presence of a hydrosilylating catalyst to form a chlorosilane dendrimer; (B) reacting the chlorosilane dendrimer with vinylmagnesium bromide in the presence of a lithium and/or organolithium initiator stepwise to build a higher generation chlorosilane dendrimer; (C) anionically polymerizing polybutadiene in the presence of a lithium and/or organolithium initiator to form living poly(butadienyl)lithium; (D) attaching the living poly(butadienyl)lithium to the higher generation dendrimer to form a star polybutadiene; and (E) hydrogenating the star polybutadiene to form the saturated star hydrocarbon polymer. There is also provided a saturated star hydrocarbon polymer made according to the above process and a polymer composition of a matrix ethylene polymer and the saturated star hydrocarbon polymer.
US08487052B2
The present invention provides a resin composition for a fiber-reinforced composite material, which has excellent fluidity and impregnation into a fiber base material and which produces a cured product having excellent heat resistance. A resin composition for a fiber-reinforced composite material contains, as essential components, a poly(glycidyloxyaryl) compound (A), a polymerizable monomer (B) which is an unsaturated carboxylic acid or an anhydride thereof and has a molecular weight of 160 or less, an aromatic vinyl compound or a (meth)acrylate (C), and a radical polymerization initiator (D), wherein an equivalent ratio [glycidyloxy group/acid group] of a glycidyloxy group in the component (A) to an acid group in the component (B) is 1/1 to 1/0.48, and a molar ratio [(B)/(C)] of the component (B) to the component (C) is in the range of 1/0.55 to 1/2.
US08487050B2
A composition comprises a fluorine-containing aromatic polymer, an epoxy compound and an initiator. Its use as film, laminate with polyimide or copper foils, copper-clad laminated board and adhesive film. The fluorine-containing aromatic polymer is preferably a fluorine-containing aryl ether polymer. The initiator is preferably a cationic initiator.
US08487048B2
Objects of the present invention are: to provide a water-absorbent resin which exhibits excellent balances between water absorption performances; and further to provide a process by which a water-absorbent resin having excellent absorption properties can be produced even if no hydrophilic organic solvent is used, or even if its amount is extremely reduced, when carrying out the surface-crosslinking treatment; and further to provide a water-absorbent resin optimum to absorbent articles such as diapers. As a means of achieving these objects, the process according to the present invention for production of the water-absorbent resin comprises: a step (1) of polymerizing a monomer component including an acid-group-containing unsaturated monomer as an essential component to thereby obtain a hydrogel polymer; a step (2) of drying and pulverizing the hydrogel polymer to thereby obtain a water-absorbent resin powder; a step (3) of adding a surface-crosslink-treating agent to the water-absorbent resin powder, wherein the surface-crosslink-treating agent includes a surface-crosslinking agent and water as essential components and has a hydrophilic organic solvent content of 0 to 10 mass % relative to the surface-crosslink-treating agent; and a step (4) of heating the resultant mixture to thereby carry out surface-crosslinking treatment; wherein a time of from the end of the step (3) till the beginning of the step (4) is within 5 minutes.
US08487045B2
Articles, particularly pressure pipes, having high strength as well as high stiffness and very good impact resistance even at low temperatures can be obtained by using a heterophasic polyolefin composition comprising (percent by weight) 70-90% of a random copolymer of propylene with 0.5-6% of 1-hexene, and 10-30% of a polymer of ethylene with a C3-C10 α-olefin and optionally a diene, wherein the polymer of ethylene has an ethylene content higher than 45% and an intrinsic viscosity [η] value from 3 to 5 dl/g.A particular advantage of the present invention is that articles comprising the above heterophasic polyolefin composition show a low ductile to brittle transition temperature (DBTT).
US08487044B2
The invention provides a oriented white polyester film, which includes at least one polyester film with a cavitation additive, wherein the cavitation additive includes poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylamide), a copolymer of sulfophthalate salt and nylon, polyarylate (PAR), ethylene methacrylate (EMA), ethylene methacrylate acrylic acid terpolymer (EMAAA), polyetherimide (PEI), metallocene catalyzed cyclic olefin copolymer (mCOC) or combinations thereof.
US08487039B2
Disclosed is a polyamide composition including at least one semi-aromatic copolyamide, said semi-aromatic copolyamide consisting essentially of 40 to 60 mole percent repeat units of the formula —C(O)(CH2)4C(O)NHCH2ArCH2NH— (I) and 40 to 60 mole percent repeat units of the formula —C(O)(CH2)4C(O)NH(CH2)6NH— (II) wherein Ar is a meta-substituted benzene ring. Also disclosed are molded articles including the polyamide composition.
US08487035B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a resin composition in which a surface resistivity and a volume resistivity actually measured in an antistatic region and an electrostatic diffusion region are equivalent to each other, and a remolded product produced by reutilizing a molded product which can hold the above properties. Specifically, disclosed is a resin composition comprising: 100 parts by weight of (a) a thermoplastic resin; 20 to 80 parts by weight of (b) a nonconductive fibrous inorganic filler having an average fiber diameter of not more than 15 μm; and 10 to 70 parts by weight of the total of (c1) a graphite and (c2) a graphite in which (c) graphite having an average particle diameter of 1 μm to 50 μm wherein each kind thereof has a different particle diameter; and at least one of differences in average particle diameter between two kinds thereof is not less than 5 μm.
US08487030B2
Disclosed are an organic-inorganic hybrid composition including a fluorene-based monomer, an inorganic particle, an initiator, and a solvent, and an image sensor made using the same. The organic-inorganic hybrid composition can have a high refractive index and excellent transmittance to minimize light loss, and the image sensor produced using the same may transport a greater amount of light to a photodiode. Accordingly, it is possible to accomplish a high resolution image sensor having improved sensitivity.
US08487024B2
The present invention relates to a polyamide obtainable by polymerizing an (a) dicarboxylic acid comprising at least 50 mol % of an alicyclic dicarboxylic acid and a (b) diamine comprising at least 50 mol % of a diamine having a substituent branched from a main chain.
US08487019B2
A method of making a filled resin includes providing functionalized particles; and combining and homogenously mixing the functionalized particles with an organic matrix in a vacuum kneader to provide the filled resin so that the functionalized particles comprise at least about 20% by weight of the filled resin. The step of providing functionalized particles can also include providing a feedstock of (i) untreated particles, (ii) a surface treatment agent reactive with the particles, and (iii) solvent, and directing the feedstock through a continuous reactor maintained at a temperature sufficient to react the particles with the surface treatment agent to provide the functionalized particles in less than about 4 hours; and directing the functionalized particles from the continuous reactor directly into the vacuum kneader. In another aspect, the a finished resin comprises at least about 20% by weight of functionalized particles in an organic matrix.
US08487014B1
In one embodiment, a filler composition includes a filler including silica; and a bio-based oil contacting the filler and including at least one soy polyol, wherein an elastomer, if present, is less than 25 weight percent of the total weight of the filler composition. The filler composition does not contain appreciable amount of petroleum oil, which if present, is less than 25 weight percent of the filler composition. The filler composition does not contain appreciable amount of epoxidized oil which, if present, is less than 25 weight percent of the total weight of the filler composition. The soy polyol may include a hydroxyl number of from 10 to 350 KOH/g. The bio-based oil may further include soy oil.
US08487013B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing a porous resin particle containing an aromatic vinyl compound-aromatic divinyl compound copolymer having a hydroxyl group, the method including: dissolving a monomer mixture containing an aromatic vinyl compound, an aromatic divinyl compound and a (meth)acrylic acid ester having one hydroxyl group within the molecule thereof, and a polymerization initiator in an organic solvent to obtain a solution containing the monomer mixture and the polymerization initiator; suspending the solution in water in the presence of a dispersion stabilizer; and performing a suspension copolymerization. The method of the invention is capable of easily producing a porous resin particle containing an aromatic vinyl compound-aromatic divinyl compound copolymer having a hydroxyl group, that is used as a support for solid phase synthesis and enables efficient nucleic acid synthesis.
US08487008B2
Administration of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor is useful in the prevention and treatment of muscle dystrophy. Methods and compositions for inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species in a muscle cell overproducing reactive oxygen species are provided herein.
US08487007B2
The invention concerns new pharmaceutical formulations containing a blend of palmitoyl ethanolamide or PEA and stearoyl ethanolamide or SEA compounds as active principles. The formulation is suitable for oral, parenteral, topical, transdermic, rectal, sublingual, nasal, topical, transdermic, rectal, nasal or sublingual administration, whereby the dosage form of said formulations can be in patches, suppositories, ovules, pessaries, aerosol or spray, emulsions, suspensions, solutions. Said pharmaceutical formulations are useful for the treatment or prevention of skin pathologies, for the treatment or prevention of gynaecological pathologies, for the treatment of disorders or pathologies characterized by improper metabolism of fatty acids as well as for the treatment of disorders or pathologies characterized by inflammatory states
US08487000B2
Compounds useful for the treatment of various metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance syndrome, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver disease, cachexia, obesity, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, are disclosed.
US08486996B2
The invention relates to novel substituted 2-(phenyl-, pyridyl- or pyrimidyl-carbonyl)-furanes and -thiophenes and related phenoxy/phenylthio-acetophenones and corresponding heterocyclic compounds, processes for the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing same, the use thereof optionally in combination with one or more other pharmaceutically active compounds for the therapy of neoplastic diseases and autoimmune diseases, and a method for the treatment of such a diseases.
US08486980B2
Provided is a tricyclic compound having a PPAR γ agonist activity, which is represented by the general formula (I) wherein Z represents a single bond or the like, Y represents a hydrogen atom, lower alkyl optionally having substituent(s) or the like, X represents a hydrogen atom or the like, A represents aryl or the like, B and C are the same or different and each represents an aromatic carbocycle or the like, R4-R9 are the same or different and each represents hydrogen or the like, V represents a single bond or the like, R10 and R11 are the same or different and each represents hydrogen or the like, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or the like:
US08486971B2
The invention relates to compounds of the formula (I), where: R1 is: a —NR5R6 group; an unsubstituted or substituted phenyl; R2 is: a (C1-C4)alkyl; an —X—R7 group; R3 and R4 each are independently a substituted phenyl; R5 is a hydrogen atom or a (C1-C4)alkyl; R6 is an unsubstituted or substituted (C1-C4)alkyl; or R5 and R6 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bonded constitute an unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclic compound; X is a (C1-C5)alkylene; R7 is an —OR8 group, a —NR9R10 group, an —SO2—(C1-C4)alkyl group; R8 is a hydrogen atom or a (C1-C4)alkyl; R9 is a hydrogen atom or a (C1-C4)alkyl; R10 is a hydrogen atom, a —COR11 group, an —SO2R11 group or a —CO(CH2)mOH group; R11 is an unsubstituted or substituted (C1-C4)alkyl; m is 1, 2 or 3. The invention also relates to methods for preparing same and to the therapeutic use thereof.
US08486970B2
[Problems] To provide a pharmaceutical, in particular a compound which can be used as a therapeutic agent for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).[Means for Solving Problems] It was found that a tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative having an amide group at the 4-position or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has an excellent bombesin 2 (BB2) receptor antagonistic action. It is also found that the tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative is highly effective on bowel movement disorders. From the above, the tetrahydroisoquinolin-1-one derivative of the present invention is useful as a therapeutic agent for diseases associated with a BB2 receptor, in particular IBS.
US08486962B2
Compounds of formula (I), and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, may be used in therapy, for example as antifungal agents: (I) wherein: R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, X and X1 are as defined herein. Certain compounds of formula (I) are also provided. Compounds of formula (T), and agriculturally acceptable salts thereof, may also be used as agricultural fungicides.
US08486959B2
A group of novel dibenzo[f,h]isoquinoline derivatives as shown in the specification. Also disclosed are methods of using the compounds for treating a disease associated with NO overproduction, cancer, or viral infection.
US08486957B2
A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof comprises administering said subject reserpine, yohimbine, an analog thereof, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof, in an amount effective to treat the cancer. Compounds and compositions useful for carrying out the method are also described.
US08486955B2
Cyclopenta[g]quinazolines of the formula (I):—wherein: A is a group OR or NR0R1 wherein R0 and R1 are each independently hydrogen C1-4 alkyl, C3-4 alkenyl, C3-4 alkynyl, C2-4 hydroxyalkyl, C2-4 halogenoalkyl or C1-4 cyanoalkyl, or R0 and R1 together with the intermediate N form a five- or six-membered heterocyclic ring; p is an integer in the range 1 to 4; R2 is hydrogen, C1-4 alkyl, C3-4 alkenyl, C3-4 alkynyl, C2-4 hydroxyalkyl, C2-4 halogenoalkyl or C1-4 cyanoalkyl; Ar1 is phenylene, thiophenediyl, thiazolediyl, pyridinediyl or pyrimidinediyl which may optionally bear one or two substituents selected from halogeno, hydroxy, amino, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, C1-4 alkyl and C1-4 alkoxy; and R3 is a group of one of the following formulae: -A1—Ar2-A2-Y1-A5-CON(R)CH(Y4)Y5-A8-X—Ar4 and pharmaceutically acceptable salts or esters thereof are of therapeutic value particularly in the treatment of cancer.
US08486949B2
The present invention relates to a method for improving growth performance in animals without causing sedation by orally administering azaperone in a low dose together with food or drinking water. Improving growth performance comprises the increase of growth rate over a certain period of time.
US08486948B2
The invention relates to the novel dihydrothienopyrimidine sulfoxides of formula (I) and to the pharmacologically acceptable salts thereof, wherein X represents SO or SO2, preferably however SO, and wherein R3, R4, R4′, R5, R6 and R7 are defined as in claim 1. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds. The novel dihydrothienopyrimidine sulfoxides are suitable for use in the treatment of respiratory or gastrointestinal disorders or diseases, inflammatory diseases of the joints, the skin or the eyes, diseases of the peripheral or central nervous system or cancers.
US08486944B2
A composition to enhance efficiency of Photosynthesis and thereby increase agriculture/horticulture yield, containing approximately 5% to 90% Melamine, approximately 10% to 80% Ortho Phosphoric acid, approximately 8% POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, approximately 8% Sodium Hydroxide, and up to approximately 30% POTASSIUM SULPHATE, with approximately 5% of 0.5% DIETHYL AMINOETHYL HEXANOTE, approximately 10% ZINC SULPHATE MONOHYDRATE, approximately 8% to 15% Octoborate with IGSURF 6000, and approximately 5% to 10% wetting agent to get a product for boosting Photosynthesis in liquid, soluble powder, and/or granule form.
US08486922B2
This disclosure relates to a pharmaceutical composition that includes a first agent selected from the group consisting of an oxidative phosphorylation inhibitor, an ionophore, and an adenosine 5′-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator; a second agent that possesses anti-inflammatory activity; and a third agent that is a serotonin metabolite.
US08486921B2
The tetracycline class of antibiotics has played a major role in the treatment of infectious diseases for the past 50 years. However, the increased use of the tetracyclines in human and veterinary medicine has led to resistance among many organisms previously susceptible to tetracycline antibiotics. The modular synthesis of tetracyclines and tetracycline analogs described provides an efficient and enantioselective route to a variety of tetracycline analogs and polycyclines previously inaccessible via earlier tetra-cycline syntheses and semi-synthetic methods. These analogs may be used as anti-microbial agents or anti-pro liferative agents in the treatment of diseases of humans or other animals.
US08486914B2
Compositions comprising Hirsutella sinensis mycelia extracts and chromatographically separated polysaccharide-enriched fractions thereof are provided. Methods for extracting Hirsutella sinensis mycelia are provided. Compositions for methods for their use in amelioration, prevention and treatment of sepsis, acute endotoxemia and inflammatory responses are disclosed.
US08486913B2
Described herein is a method of decreasing expression of HOXA1 in a subject having a cancer and/or myeloproliferative disorder associated with overexpression of a HOXA1 gene product where an effective amount of at least one miR-10a gene product or an isolated variant or biologically-active fragment thereof is administered to the subject sufficient to decrease expression of the HOXA1 gene product in the subject.
US08486911B2
Described herein is the identification of miRNAs (miRs) that are up-regulated in Th1 cells compared to Th2 cells (referred to herein as Th1-associated miRs). In particular, the miR-17-92 gene cluster was found to exhibit significantly greater expression in Th1 cells. Over-expression of miR-17-92 in T cells promotes the Th1 phenotype. Thus, the use of Th1-associated miRs for cancer immunotherapy is described. Provided herein are isolated T cells containing a heterologous nucleic acid molecule encoding a Th1-associated miR, such as the miR17-92 gene cluster, or a portion thereof. Further provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject by administering to the subject an isolated T cell as disclosed herein. Also provided is a method of treating a subject with cancer by transfecting isolated T cells obtained from the subject with a heterologous nucleic acid molecule encoding a Th1-associated miR and administering the transfected T cells to the subject.
US08486907B2
An antisense molecule capable of binding to a selected target site to induce exon skipping in the dystrophin gene, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 202.
US08486903B2
We provide an anti-TAZ agent for the treatment, prophylaxis or alleviation of cancer. We further provide a kit for detecting breast cancer in an individual or susceptibility of the individual to breast cancer comprising means for detection of TAZ expression in the individual or a sample taken from him or her as well as a method of detecting a cancer cell, the method comprising detecting modulation of expression, amount or activity of TAZ in the cell.
US08486902B2
The present invention provides hydroxyl, keto, and glucuronide derivatives of 3-(4-(7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-3-cyclopentylpropanenitrile.
US08486896B2
There is provided a hydrogelator that is capable of forming a hydrogel with an extremely small amount thereof over a liquid property range from acidic to alkaline, and a hydrogel having high environmental suitability, biocompatibility and biodegradability. A hydrogelator comprising a lipid peptide represented by Formula (1): (where R1 represents an aliphatic group having 9 to 21 carbon atoms; R2, R3 and R4 independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atom(s) which may have a branched chain having 1 or 2 carbon atom(s), a phenylmethyl group or a —(CH2)n—X group, and at least one of R2, R3 and R4 represents a —(CH2)n—X group; n represents the number of 1 to 4; X represents an amino group, a guanidino group, a —CONH2 group or a 5-membered ring, a 6-membered ring or a fused heterocyclic ring composed of a 5-membered ring and a 6-membered ring which may have 1 to 3 nitrogen atom(s)) or a salt thereof, and a hydrogel comprising the hydrogelator.
US08486887B2
The subject invention relates in part to the discovery that a fragment from a cadherin of the western corn rootworm enhances Cry3 toxicity to larvae of naturally susceptible species. The subject invention also relates in part to the discovery that a cadherin fragment from a beetle enhances Cry3Aa and Cry3Bb toxicity to coleopteran larvae, particularly those in the family Chrysomelidae. Such cadherin fragments are referred to as Bt Boosters (BtBs). The subject invention can be extended to the use of BtBs with other coleopteran-toxic Cry proteins for controlling a wide range of coleopterans.
US08486884B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing granular or pulverulent detergent compositions, comprising the production of a detergent base powder by drying an aqueous detergent slurry, which comprises adding to the slurry a copolymer which is obtained by free-radical copolymerization of (A) from 20 to 80% by weight of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of monoethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids and dicarboxylic anhydrides, and (B) from 20 to 80% by weight of at least one monomer selected from the group consisting of aliphatic or aromatic monoolefins.
US08486880B2
Provided are a composition for removing a photoresist and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device using the composition. The composition includes about 60-90 wt % of dimethyl sulfoxide, about 10-30 wt % of a polar organic solvent, about 0.5-1.5 wt % of hydroxy alkyl ammonium and about 1-10 wt % of an amine containing no hydroxyl group.
US08486875B2
Provided herein are compounds of the formula: in which n is an integer equal to or greater than 1; R2 is selected from hydrogen and optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched; and R1, R3, and R4, independently for each occurrence, are selected from optionally substituted alkyl that is saturated or unsaturated, and branched or unbranched, wherein compositions comprising the compounds are characterized by particular combinations of values for estolide number, kinematic viscosity, and pour point. Also provided are compositions containing the compounds and methods of making both the compounds and compositions thereof.
US08486866B2
The present invention relates in particular to a method for the quantitative measurement of biomolecular targets that have been deposited on a biochip (1) of the type with a matrix of probes hybridized by the targets, the matrix comprising a multitude of measurement points (2) each comprising a plurality of probes, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) at least one laser beam (18) is focused onto each measurement point, in order to extract therefrom a hot confined plasma comprising a chemical element to be quantified that is present in the targets and optionally in the probes; b) the light emission lines from the plasma are detected and analysed for each measurement point, by measuring the respective intensities of these lines; and then c) the concentration in each measurement point of the element or of a group incorporating it within the targets is determined via a prior calibration of the lines establishing a correlation between the intensities of the lines specific to the element to be quantified and given concentrations of this element.
US08486865B2
Methods are provided for, inter alia, detecting nucleic acid molecules resistant to degradation, such as a plurality of RNA molecules bound to a ribosome, using various technologies including deep sequencing.
US08486849B2
Absorbent articles such as disposable diapers, incontinent briefs, diaper holders, training pants and the like, having elastomeric ear panels and a fastening system that provides the user with different options as to how the absorbent article may be fitted to and removed from the wearer. The absorbent articles allow the wearer to choose between conventional and pull-on diaper configurations, or combinations thereof, and properly and comfortably fit a large range of wearer sizes. Further, the absorbent articles can be pulled on and/or off as a pant. This feature is provided by the ear panels which maintain sufficient tension to hold the diaper on the wearer throughout the period of use without harming the wearer's skin, while providing enough stretch to allow the diaper to be pulled up or down over the wearer's hips. The fastening system is refastenable for convenience yet strong enough to maintain the diaper in a fastened configuration without becoming detached if the diaper is pulled on or off the wearer.
US08486839B2
A method for tiling selected vias in a semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device includes a plurality of vias. The method includes: generating a layout database for the semiconductor device; identifying isolated vias of the plurality of vias; selecting the isolated vias; defining a zone around each of the selected isolated vias; and adding tiling features on a metal layer above the selected isolated vias and within the zone. The method improves reliability of the semiconductor device by allowing moisture to vent from around the vias.
US08486832B2
A trench is formed in an interlayer dielectric formed on a substrate, then a barrier seed film is formed to cover the interlayer dielectric and the inner walls of the trench, and copper is embedded in the trench by electrolytic plating using the barrier seed film as an electrode. The barrier seed film is a single-layer film made of an oxide or nitride of a refractory metal and contains a low-resistance metal other than copper.
US08486826B2
A process of forming a front-grid electrode on a silicon wafer having an ARC layer, comprising the steps: (1) printing and drying a metal paste A comprising an inorganic content comprising 0.5 to 8 wt.-% of glass frit and having fire-through capability, wherein the metal paste A is printed on the ARC layer to form a bottom set of thin parallel finger lines, (2) printing and drying a metal paste B comprising an inorganic content comprising 0.2 to 3 wt.-% of glass frit over the bottom set of finger lines, wherein the metal paste B is printed in a grid pattern which comprises (i) thin parallel finger lines forming a top set of finger lines superimposing the bottom set of finger lines and (ii) busbars intersecting the finger lines at right angle, and (3) firing the double-printed silicon wafer, wherein the inorganic content of metal paste B contains less glass frit plus optionally present other inorganic additives than the inorganic content of metal paste A.
US08486823B2
A through via process is performed on a semiconductor substrate with a contact plug formed in an interlayer dielectric (ILD), and then a via plug is formed in the ILD layer to extend through a portion of the semiconductor substrate, followed forming an interconnection structure electrically connected with the contact plug and the via plug.
US08486822B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming an interlayer dielectric film on a semiconductor substrate including a pattern region and a dummy region, forming a photoresist pattern on the interlayer dielectric film such that the pattern region and the dummy region are partially exposed, etching the interlayer dielectric film exposed through the photoresist pattern as an etching mask to form a contact hole and a dummy contact hole, filling the contact hole and the dummy contact hole with a conductive material to form a contact plug and a dummy plug, depositing a semiconductor layer on the contact plug and the dummy plug, and subjecting the semiconductor layer to patterning to form a semiconductor layer pattern and a dummy pattern.
US08486821B1
A method of combinatorially processing a substrate and combinatorial processing chamber are provided. The processing chamber includes opposing annular rings defining a conductance gap that extends radially outward. The opposing annular rings are configured to vary the conductance gap in-situ. The variation of the conductance gap is another parameter for processing regions of a substrate differently to evaluate the impact of the conductance variation on a deposition process.
US08486809B2
A method for producing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming a semiconductor layer; forming a non-silicon-containing resin layer on the semiconductor layer; forming a pattern in the non-silicon-containing resin layer; forming a silicon-containing resin layer on the non-silicon-containing resin layer; etching the silicon-containing resin layer; selectively etching the non-silicon-containing resin layer; and etching the semiconductor layer. The step of forming the silicon-containing resin layer includes the steps of applying a silicon-containing resin solution with a first viscosity on a surface of the non-silicon-containing resin layer, the silicon-containing resin solution containing a silicon-containing resin and a volatile solvent; heating the silicon-containing resin layer to a first temperature, the silicon-containing resin layer having a second viscosity by heating to the first temperature, the second viscosity being larger than the first viscosity; and applying a rinse solution containing a volatile component to an edge portion of the silicon-containing resin layer.
US08486801B2
A fabricating method of a DRAM structure includes providing a substrate comprising a memory array region and a peripheral region. A buried gate transistor is disposed within the memory array region, and a planar gate transistor is disposed within the peripheral region. Furthermore, an interlayer dielectric layer covers the memory array region, the buried gate transistor and the planar gate transistor. Then, a capping layer of the planar gate transistor and part of the interlayer dielectric layer are removed simultaneously so that a first contact hole, a second contact hole and a third contact hole are formed in the interlayer dielectric layer. A drain doping region of the buried gate transistor is exposed through the first contact hole, a doping region of the planar gate transistor is exposed through the second contact hole, and a gate electrode of the planar gate transistor is exposed through the third contact hole.
US08486794B1
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor structure is provided. The method includes following steps. A patterned gate layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A compensation layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate outside the patterned gate layer. A trench is formed in the compensation layer and the semiconductor substrate. An epitaxial layer is formed in the trench. The step for forming the compensation layer is between the step for forming the patterned gate layer and the step for forming the epitaxial layer.
US08486791B2
Technology is described herein for manufacturing a three-dimensional 3D stacked memory structure having multiple layers of single crystal silicon or other semiconductor. The multiple layers of single crystal semiconductor are suitable for implementing multiple levels of high performance memory cells.
US08486787B2
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a first contact opening having a relatively larger depth than a second contact opening to expose first and second contacts through an insulation layer, where the first and second contacts are located at different depths with respect to an upper surface of the insulation layer. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive over-etch of the second contact opening and minimize etching damage to the contact region exposed by the second contact opening.
US08486785B2
The semiconductor device includes: a columnar silicon layer on the planar silicon layer; a first n+ type silicon layer formed in a bottom area of the columnar silicon layer; a second n+ type silicon layer formed in an upper region of the columnar silicon layer; a gate insulating film formed in a perimeter of a channel region between the first and second n+ type silicon layers; a gate electrode formed in a perimeter of the gate insulating film, and having a first metal-silicon compound layer; an insulating film formed between the gate electrode and the planar silicon layer, an insulating film sidewall formed in an upper sidewall of the columnar silicon layer; a second metal-silicon compound layer formed in the planar silicon layer; and an electric contact formed on the second n+ type silicon layer.
US08486784B2
A vertical semiconductor device with improved junction profile and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The vertical semiconductor device includes a pillar vertically extended from a surface of a semiconductor substrate, a silicon layer formed in a bit line contact region of one sidewall of the pillar, and a junction region formed within a portion of the pillar contacting with the silicon layer.
US08486783B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: forming a trench for forming buried type wires by etching a substrate; forming first and second oxidation layers on a bottom of the trench and a wall of the trench, respectively; removing a part of the first oxidation layer and the entire second oxidation layer; and forming the buried type wires on the wall of the trench by performing a silicide process on the wall of the trench from which the second oxidation layer is removed. As a result, the buried type wires are insulated from each other.
US08486765B2
A method for making a structure for thermal management of circuit devices. The method provides a first substrate and a second substrate where at least one of the first and second substrates includes a circuit element. The method forms in at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate an entrance through-hole extending through a thickness of the first substrate or the second substrate, forms in at least one of the first substrate and the second substrate an exit through-hole extending through a thickness of the first substrate or the second substrate, forms respective bonding elements on at least one of the first and second substrates, and bonds the first and second substrates at the respective bonding elements to form a seal between the first and second substrates and to form a first coolant channel in between the first and second substrates.
US08486762B2
A leadless integrated circuit (IC) package comprising an IC chip mounted to a die-attach area and a plurality of electrical contacts electrically connected to the IC chip. The IC chip, the electrical contacts, and the die-attach area are all covered with a molding material, with portions of the electrical contacts and die-attach area protruding from a bottom surface of the molding material.
US08486751B2
A method of manufacturing a photovoltaic cell using a semiconductor wafer having a front side and a rear side, wherein the photovoltaic cell produces electricity when the front side of the semiconductor wafer is illuminated.
US08486748B2
A solid-state imaging device having a light-receiving section that photoelectrically converts incident light includes an insulating film formed on a light-receiving surface of the light-receiving section and a film and having negative fixed charges formed on the insulating film. A hole accumulation layer is formed on a light-receiving surface side of the light-receiving section. A peripheral circuit section in which peripheral circuits are formed is provided on a side of the light-receiving section. The insulating film is formed between a surface of the peripheral circuit section and the film having negative fixed charges such that a distance from the surface of the peripheral circuit section to the film having negative fixed charges is larger than a distance from a surface of the light-receiving section to the film having negative fixed charges.
US08486743B2
Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells. Programmable material may be formed directly adjacent another material. A dopant implant may be utilized to improve adherence of the programmable material to the other material by inducing bonding of the programmable material to the other material, and/or by scattering the programmable material and the other material across an interface between them. The memory cells may include first electrode material, first ovonic material, second electrode material, second ovonic material and third electrode material. The various electrode materials and ovonic materials may join to one another at boundary bands having ovonic materials embedded in electrode materials and vice versa; and having damage-producing implant species embedded therein. Some embodiments include ovonic material joining dielectric material along a boundary band, with the boundary band having ovonic material embedded in dielectric material and vice versa.
US08486738B2
A light emitting device having auto-cloning photonic crystal structures comprises a substrate, a first semiconductor layer, an active emitting layer, a second semiconductor layer and a saw-toothed multilayer film comprising auto-cloning photonic crystal structures. The saw-toothed multilayer film provides a high reflection interface and a diffraction mechanism to prevent total internal reflection and enhance light extraction efficiency. The manufacturing methods of the light emitting device having auto-cloning photonic crystal structures are also presented.
US08486729B2
A semiconductor light-emitting device having a thinned structure comprises a thinned structure formed between a semiconductor light-emitting structure and a carrier. The manufacturing method comprises the steps of forming a semiconductor light-emitting structure above a substrate; attaching the semiconductor light-emitting structure to a support; thinning the substrate to form a thinned structure; forming or attaching a carrier to the thinned substrate; and removing the support.
US08486721B2
Methods and devices for reducing interference from leukocytes in an analyte immunoassay are provided. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of amending a biological sample with magnetic sacrificial beads opsonized to leukocytes, binding leukocytes in the sample to the magnetic sacrificial beads, and magnetically retaining the beads out of contact from an immunosensor.
US08486720B2
The present invention provides a method for the generation of novel libraries of encoded magnetic particles from sub-libraries of by the generation of novel sub-libraries of magnetic nanoparticles and encoded particles. The sub-libraries are functionalized on demand are useful in the formation of arrays. The present invention is especially useful for performing multiplexed (parallel) assays for qualitative and/or quantitative analysis of binding interactions of a number of analyte molecules in a sample.
US08486719B2
Luminescence assays and compositions for assay of biomolecular interaction and activity and detection of modulators of biomolecular interaction and activity are provided. Technology described herein has utility in a variety of assay formats and types, for example, simultaneous monitoring multiple parameters which affect interaction and activity of biological molecules. Compositions and methods are provided herein which include a first solid-phase support associated with a first specific binding agent and a photosensitizer; a second solid-phase support associated with a second specific binding agent and a first emission system; and a third solid-phase support associated with a third specific binding agent and a second emission system.
US08486714B2
The invention concerns reagent delivery system for an apparatus for processing of biological samples arranged on microscope slides, comprising a reagent section having one or more reagent containers; a slide section in which at least one microscope slide is arranged; a probe for dispensing a portion of reagent onto a predetermined microscope slide, and means for handling the probe. The probe comprises a continuous prove tubing element extending through a rigid probe member and connecting the probe tip to a pneumatic pressure regulation device. The reagent containers are adapted for cooperation with the probe tip. In this manner a high though-put and a very low carry over of fluid residues is achieved since there is no assembled parts making up the inside volume of the probe in which the fluid may be retained.
US08486707B2
A computer-implemented method for confirming the nucleotide sequence of an oligonucleotide is provided. In certain embodiments, the method comprises: a) inputting the nucleotide sequence of an oligonucleotide; b) executing an algorithm that provides the predicted molecular formulas of fragments of the oligonucleotide; c) comparing the predicted m/z values of the predicted molecular formulas to experimentally-obtained m/z values obtained by analysis of the oligonucleotide by tandem mass spectrometry to determine if the predicted masses correspond with the experimentally-obtained masses. The method may be used, for example, to confirm the identity of an oligonucleotide after it is synthesized.
US08486693B2
Modified antigen presenting cells provided herein have improved lifespan and immunogenicity compared to unmodified antigen presenting cells, and are useful for immunotherapy. The modified antigen presenting cells express an altered protein kinase, referred to herein as “Akt.” The altered Akt associates with the cell membrane with greater frequency than unaltered Akt, and is referred to herein as “membrane-targeted Akt.”
US08486691B2
A device useful in determining the efficacy of a chemical sterilization process includes a dead end cavity closed by an access cap having a port coupled to a challenge tube defining the only path by which a substantial quantity of sterilant can reach the cavity. A biological indicator is located within the cavity and a chemical indicator is also provided. These indicators, and particularly the biological indicator, provide an indication of whether chemical sterilant would reach all interior exposed surfaces of a load in sufficient concentrations to adequately sterilize the load.
US08486690B2
The present invention relates to a method for determining the ideal time for and outcome of reproductive health procedures including in vitro fertilization by establishing a correlation between the successful outcome of said procedure and the spectra of a body fluid obtained using a chosen analytical modality for a population of patients, acquiring for a patient a spectrum of the body fluid of the patient using said chosen modality.
US08486687B2
A thermophilic microorganism comprising a modification that prevents sporulation, wherein the modification inactivates the native spo0A gene.
US08486686B2
A new culture method for producing high levels of a metabolite, such as succinic acid uses oxygen rich culture without pH adjustment to increase the biomass, acclimation in under oxygen lean conditions having <5% partial pressure of oxygen, and the production of high levels of succinate under oxygen deprived conditions. The method can be performed in a single reactor, and is amenable to efficient scale up.
US08486684B2
A stable asparaginase solution is disclosed. In one aspect, drinking water is treated to reduce the level of chlorine to enhance the residual enzyme activity of asparaginase. The treatment can occur by removing chlorine constituents or by supplying additives that reduces the level of chlorine. Additives can include reducing agents and chlorine scavengers. Removal technologies can include use of activated carbon, ion exchange, and air stripping.
US08486681B2
The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits altered properties relative to the parent alpha-amylase.
US08486674B2
Disclosed is a method of producing ethanol from a sustainable renewable biomass feedstock. The ethanol is produced in a processing plant contiguous to the acreage providing the biomass. The process is a closed loop operation having a dedicated crop grown year round producing multiple crops per acre. The biomass feedstock is a sugar containing feedstock such as sweet sorghum and is grown year round for producing ethanol.
US08486668B2
The invention provides methods and pharmaceutical compositions for treating symptoms associated with lactose intolerance and for overall improvement in gastrointestinal health. Described herein are methods and pharmaceutical compositions for improving overall gastrointestinal health or for decreasing symptoms of lactose intolerance by administering to subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising a prebiotic, optionally in combination with effective amount of a probiotic microbe or microbes.
US08486665B2
A heat labile alkaline phosphatase enzyme and methods of using the same and kits including the same are disclosed. Specifically, a nucleotide sequence of, peptide sequence of, methods of using, and kits comprising, a heat labile alkaline phosphatase isolated from Colwellia psychrerythraea are provided. Methods of over-expression and purification of the recombinant alkaline phosphatase and mutants thereof are also disclosed. Methods of over-expressing and purifying commercially useful quantities of active recombinant heat labile alkaline phosphatase fusion enzymes from C. psychrerythraea, wherein the fusion enzymes comprise one or more heterologous leader sequences are disclosed. The disclosed C. psychrerythraea heat labile alkaline phosphatase has properties similar to shrimp alkaline phosphatase and can be substituted for shrimp alkaline phosphatase in assays involving the same.
US08486661B2
The present invention relates to antibodies against sclerostin and compositions and methods of use for said antibodies to treat a pathological disorder that is mediated by sclerostin or disease related to bone abnormalities such as osteoporosis.
US08486653B2
An antibody comprising an antigen recognition region which comprises CDR amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
US08486647B2
Methods and compositions for using genetically modified non-human animals are provided, wherein the genetic modification comprises a humanization of the one or more extracellular pore loops of a NaV1.7 channel protein or a complete humanization of an endogenous NaV1.7 gene. Methods for using isolated DRG cultures from genetically modified non-human animals are also provided, wherein the isolated DRG express a human or chimeric NaV1.7 protein on the surface, in particular measuring primary nociceptive activation through the release of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in isolated DRG in vitro, and wherein the isolated DRG cultures are capable of generating action potentials and communicating through an excitable signal via the expressed human or chimeric NaV1.7 protein the cell surface. In vivo and in vitro methods for characterizing NaV1.7-specific antagonists and evaluation of corresponding therapeutic potential for NaV1.7-mediated disease are also provided.
US08486646B2
The present invention relates to methods of using GPR119 receptor to identify peptide YY (PYY) secretagogues and compounds useful in the treatment of conditions modulated by PYY, such as conditions modulated by stimulation of NPY Y2 receptor (Y2R). Agonists of GPR119 receptor are useful as therapeutic agents for treating or preventing a condition modulated by PYY, such as a condition modulated by stimulation of Y2R. Conditions modulated by PYY such as may be a condition modulated by stimulation of Y2R include bone-related conditions, metabolic disorders, angiogenesis-related conditions, ischemia-related conditions, convulsive disorders, malabsorptive disorders, cancers, and inflammatory disorders.
US08486644B2
Systems, devices, and methods for accurately imaging chemiluminescence and other luminescence are disclosed. A compact, flat-bed scanner having a light-tight enclosure, one or more detector bars of linear charge-coupled device (CCD) or complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imaging chips, and high working numerical aperture (NA) optics scans closely over a sample in one direction and then the opposite direction. Averages or other combinations of intensity readings for each pixel location (x, y) between the two or more passes are averaged together in order to compensate for luminescence that varies over time. On-chip pixel binning and multiple clock frequencies can be used to maximize the signal to noise ratio in a CCD-based scanner.
US08486632B2
A method for the in vitro diagnosis of bronchopulmonary carcinoma, in particular of non-small cell bronchial carcinoma, that includes a stage of detecting, in a biological sample derived from a patient suspected to be suffering from bronchopulmonary carcinoma, at least one of the major alternative transcripts of the KLK8 gene encoding kallikrein 8. This method is particularly useful for the survival prognostication of patients suffering from bronchopulmonary carcinoma.
US08486622B2
A method of detecting a nucleic acid sequence in a genomic sample, includes: providing the genomic sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence of a duplex nucleic acid; providing, a probe containing a probe nucleic acid sequence; providing a hybridization mixture containing the genomic sample, the probe, a hybridization promoting agent and labels; incubating the hybridization mixture; irradiating the incubated mixture with radiation effective to stimulate at least some of the labels to emit energy; and detecting from a fluorescent signal whether the probe perfectly matches the target nucleic acid sequence, wherein the detecting is completed within sixty minutes of the hybridization mixture providing, and the method is conducted without denaturing and without PCR amplifying the duplex nucleic acid. A kit for practicing the method includes the probe, the hybridization promoting agent, and labels.
US08486618B2
A heterogeneous inseminate including a first amount of sperm of a first animal and a second amount of sperm of a second animal of the same species, the first amount of sperm and the second amount of sperm sex-selected sperm of the same sex, useful in the in-vivo or in-vitro fertilization of an egg of a female animal of the same species for the production of sex-selected embryos and sex-selected offspring.
US08486612B2
A cap material may be formed over a photopatternable material on a semiconductor substrate. The cap material absorbs or reflects radiation and protects the photopatternable material from a first wavelength of radiation used in patterning the photoresist layer. Upon exposure to a first wavelength of radiation, the photopatternable material may be converted into a silicon dioxide-based material. The silicon dioxide-based material may be selectively removed.
US08486609B2
The invention relates to an antireflective coating composition comprising a crosslinker and a crosslinkable polymer capable of being crosslinked by the crosslinker, where the crosslinkable polymer comprises a unit represented by structure (1): A-Bn (1) where A is a fused aromatic ring and B has a structure (2), where R1 is C1-C4alkyl and R2 is C1-C4alkyl. The invention further relates to a process for forming an image using the composition.
US08486608B2
The present invention relates to the implementation of minute patterns and thus improving pattern resolution and transcription property. Provided is a printing substrate for a liquid crystal display comprising a transparent insulating substrate, and a material layer for dry etching formed on an upper surface of the transparent insulating substrate, the material layer for dry etching constituting a printing pattern, and a manufacturing method of a printing substrate for a liquid crystal display comprising forming a material layer on a transparent insulating substrate, applying a photo resist along a printing pattern on the upper side of the material layer, dry-etching the material layer along the printing pattern using the photo resist as an etching mask, and striping the photo resist.
US08486600B2
A carrier for developing an electrostatic charge image, including a core, and a coating layer including a resin and inorganic oxide particles that exhibit electroconductivity, by which the core is coated, wherein the inorganic oxide particles have, when they are aggregated, an aggregation size of, or when they are not aggregated, a primary particle size of, from 230 nm to 970 nm.
US08486592B2
A radiation-sensitive material comprising a support and a radiation sensitive composition on the support is disclosed, wherein the radiation sensitive composition includes a dispersion containing nanoparticles of a sensitizer.
US08486588B2
A photomask blank includes a transparent substrate and a film containing at least two layers having at least a first layer and a second layer formed on the transparent substrate. The first layer is made of a material containing one or more materials selected from the group Ta, Hf, Si, Cr, Ag, Au, Cu, Al, and Mo. The second layer is made of MoSiN, MoSiO, MoSiON, SiN, SiO, or SiON. A phase difference of the film containing at least two layers is from −30° to +30°.
US08486587B2
A method for correcting a layout pattern includes the following steps. A first layout pattern, a second layout pattern, and a mis-alignment value are provided. The first layout pattern includes a first conducting line pattern, and the second layout pattern includes at least one contact via pattern. The contact via pattern at least partially overlaps the first conducting line pattern. The layout pattern is verified whether spacing between the contact via pattern and the first conducting line pattern is smaller than the mis-alignment value by a computing system. A first modified contact via pattern is then obtained by expanding the contact via pattern along a direction away from the spacing smaller than the mis-alignment value.
US08486586B2
A laser irradiation device and a method of fabricating an organic light emitting display device (OLED) using the same are disclosed. The laser irradiation device includes: a laser source generating a laser beam; a mask disposed below the laser source and patterning the beam and a projection lens disposed below the mask and determining magnification of the laser beam through the mask, wherein the laser beam penetrating the mask has different doses in at least two regions. Thus, the laser irradiation device can maximize emission efficiency and enhance the quality of a transfer layer pattern when an organic layer of the OLED is formed using the laser irradiation device.
US08486582B1
A surface modification to prevent oxide scale spallation is disclosed. The surface modification includes a ferritic stainless steel substrate having a modified surface. A cross-section of the modified surface exhibits a periodic morphology. The periodic morphology does not exceed a critical buckling length, which is equivalent to the length of a wave attribute observed in the cross section periodic morphology. The modified surface can be created using at least one of the following processes: shot peening, surface blasting and surface grinding. A coating can be applied to the modified surface.
US08486577B2
In a fuel cell system of the invention, a hydrogen leakage detection process closes a shutoff valve, which shuts off a supply of hydrogen from a hydrogen supply unit into a hydrogen supply flow path, and opens a pressure regulator, which reduces a pressure of hydrogen in the hydrogen supply flow path, so as to keep the hydrogen supply flow path in a state with no pressure regulation and make the fuel cell system in a leakage detectable state. In this leakage detectable state, the hydrogen leakage detection process measures at least one of a pressure and a flow rate as a state quantity of hydrogen in the hydrogen supply flow path that feeds the supply of hydrogen to fuel cells. The hydrogen leakage detection process analyzes a detected behavior of the state quantity in the leakage detectable process and specifies the occurrence of a hydrogen leakage in the downstream of the hydrogen supply unit. This arrangement enables highly accurate detection of a hydrogen leakage in the fuel cell system with the pressure regulator provided in the hydrogen supply flow path.
US08486573B2
An example fuel cell component includes an energizeable coating on at least a portion of a surface of the fuel cell component. A controller is configured to energize the energizeable coating to break a bond between any ice and the surface of the fuel cell component.
US08486565B2
The present invention provides an electrode comprising a carbon material obtained from an azulmic acid and a current collector and/or a binder.
US08486559B2
A secondary battery includes a bare cell and a protection circuit module electrically connected to the bare cell. The protection circuit module includes a flexible printed circuit board including a circuit board body and a terminal-forming portion providing a first external terminal and a second external terminal and a support member to which the terminal-forming portion is attached, the support member having a support surface spaced from the circuit board body.
US08486554B2
An alkaline battery separator comprises a fused fiber layer, and a fine fiber layer adjacent to the fused fiber layer and comprising fine fibers and second fusible fibers, which are fused in the fine fiber layer, wherein part of the fine fibers are incorporated into the fused fiber layer, so that in determining a delamination strength between the fused fiber layer and the fine fiber layer, delamination occurs in the fine fiber layer and therefore the determination results in failure. A process for manufacturing the separator includes preparing a fused fiber sheet, preparing a slurry containing fine fibers and second fusible fibers, scooping up the slurry with the fused fiber sheet, to thereby incorporate part of the fine fibers into the fused fiber sheet, and fusing the second fusible fibers in the fused fiber sheet.
US08486552B2
A battery module having a cooling manifold is provided. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cell assemblies having a plurality of heat exchangers. The battery module further includes a first cooling manifold having a first inlet aperture extending therethrough and a first plurality of outlet apertures extending therethrough. The battery module further includes a first plurality of ported screws disposed through the first plurality of outlet apertures and configured to fluidly and physically couple the plurality of heat exchangers to the first cooling manifold.
US08486549B2
A lithium ion secondary battery including: a positive electrode current collector; a positive electrode active material layer that is provided in contact with the positive electrode current collector; a separator layer that is provided on a side of the positive electrode active material layer on which the positive electrode current collector is not provided; a negative electrode active material layer that is provided on a side of the separator layer on which the positive electrode active material layer is not provided, that primarily contains silicon or tin, and that includes a opposing portion opposing the positive electrode active material layer and a non-opposing portion not opposing the positive electrode active material layer, the opposing portion and the non-opposing portion containing lithium produced by a thin film-forming method; and a negative electrode current collector that is provided on a side of the negative electrode active material layer on which the separator layer is not provided. Thereby, deformation of the negative electrode and deterioration in cycle characteristics accompanied by such deformation can be prevented.
US08486546B2
A cap assembly for a battery and a battery incorporating the cap assembly. The cap assembly includes a plate that connects the electrodes of the bare cell of the battery. The cap assembly includes a vent member that includes a protrusion that is physically connected to the plate. Excess pressure within the bare cell results in the protrusion disconnecting from the plate thereby interrupting current. The vent further includes two circular notches, an inner notch and an outer notch. The vent further includes a cross notch that extends radially outward so as to intersect and extend beyond both the first and second notches. The notches are configured to release when the pressure within the bare cell exceeds a burst pressure.
US08486544B2
A quinoxaline derivative represented by Formula (I) of or Formula (II) of is provided. In Formula (I) or (II), R1, R2, R3 and R4 are, independently, hydrogen, halogen, methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, aryl or heteroaryl, for example phenyl, furyl, thienyl, pyridyl, pyrimidyl, benzothiazolyl or benzoimidazolyl. The disclosure also provides an organic light-emitting diode including the quinoxaline derivative.
US08486539B2
The invention relates to coating compositions comprising (a) at least one hydroxyl-containing compound (A), (b) at least one saturated compound (B) having free and/or blocked isocyanate groups and containing at least in part hydrolyzable silane groups, and (c) at least one catalyst (D) for the crosslinking of silane groups, wherein the coating composition comprises as hydroxyl-containing compound (A) at least one hyperbranched, dendritic hydroxy-functional polyester in which on average at least one hydroxyl function of the polyester is esterified with at least one acid selected from the group of the isomeric C8 to C9 monocarboxylic acids. The present invention also provides a multistage coating method using these coating compositions, and also the use of the coating compositions as clearcoat material for producing multicoat effect and/or color paint systems, and use of the coating method for automotive OEM finishing and automotive refinish.
US08486532B2
The present invention relates to treating of reflective surfaces to prevent fouling. The present invention also relates to reflective materials treated to prevent fouling, as well as methods of using such reflective materials.
US08486518B2
An epoxy resin composition suitably used for a prepreg which can complete curing in a short time even at a low temperature and secure a sufficient usable period under preservation at room temperature, in comparison with conventional epoxy resin compositions. An epoxy resin composition comprising at least one of an epoxy resin, an amine compound having at least one sulfur atom in the molecule thereof, and a reaction product of an epoxy resin and an amine compound having at least one sulfur atom in the molecule thereof, and an amine compound having at least one sulfur atom in the molecule thereof, and a urea compound and a dicyandiamide, wherein each of the contents of the sulfur atom and the urea compound in the epoxy resin composition is respectively 0.2 to 7% by mass and 1 to 15% by mass.
US08486516B2
Disclosed are composite building boards and associated manufacturing methods. The composite boards may include, for example, one or more slurry layers with embedded fibrous mats. An exterior plastic coating is mechanically adhered to the underlying slurry layer. The plastic layer chemically bonds and cross-links with polymer additives within the slurry layer. The result is an integrated polymer matrix with greatly improved durability and surface strength.
US08486515B2
Disclosed is a coating composition for a plastic label, which contains an oxetane compound, an epoxy compound, and a cyclic acetal and/or a poly(vinyl butyral). The coating composition excels in suitability for printing such as gravure printing or flexographic printing, cures rapidly to give excellent productivity, and after curing, gives a coating layer that excels in adhesion to a plastic base film and in toughness. A plastic label formed using the coating composition excels in surface scratch resistance and crumpling resistance, and therefore is particularly useful as a label for use in plastic containers, and metal containers such as bottle cans.
US08486499B2
An ink jet recording medium including a substrate and two or more ink receiving layers provided on the substrate, wherein a first ink receiving layer that is an outermost ink receiving layer of the two or more ink receiving layers and a second ink receiving layer adjacent to the first ink receiving layer contain an alumina pigment, polyvinyl alcohol and boric acid. The first ink receiving layer contains polyvinyl alcohol in an amount of 7.0-10.5% by mass or less based on the alumina pigment and contains boric acid in an amount of 1.1-1.4% by mass or less based on the alumina pigment. The second ink receiving layer contains polyvinyl alcohol in an amount of 10.5-17.0% by mass or less based on the alumina pigment and contains boric acid in an amount of 1.5-2.5% by mass or less based on the alumina pigment.
US08486497B2
An embodiment of the invention provides a liquid crystal compound having the following formula: wherein A1, A2, and A3 are independently hydrogen, halogen, cyano, thiocyanato, or —OCF3; R1 is hydrogen, halogen, C1-C12 alkyl, C1-C12 alkoxy, C1-C12 haloalkyl, C2-C12 alkenyl, or C2-C12 alkynyl; R2 is hydrogen, halogen, C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6 haloalkyl, cyano, or —OCF3; and Z is —O—, —CH2O—, —C(O)O—, —OCO—, —C(O)NH—, —CH═CH—, or —C≡C—. In another embodiment, a liquid crystal display including the liquid crystal compound is also provided.
US08486495B2
A method of forming a photocatalyst device includes depositing a layer of UV photocatalyst and depositing islands of a sequestering agent on a surface of the layer of the UV photocatalyst.
US08486489B2
Methods and a structure. The method includes applying a solution including two or more immiscible polymers to a substructure including features having at least one sidewall and a bottom surface. The immiscible polymers include a first polymer and a second polymer. The at least one sidewall includes a material. A selective chemical affinity of the first polymer for the material is greater than a selective chemical affinity of the second polymer for the material. The first polymer is segregated from the second polymer. The first polymer selectively migrates to the at least one sidewall, resulting in the first polymer being disposed between the at least one sidewall and the second polymer. One or more immiscible polymers is selectively removed. At least one immiscible polymer remains, resulting in forming structures including the substructure and the immiscible polymer remaining. Two additional methods and a structure are also included.
US08486469B2
A low-calorie nutrition energy food bar with high fiber and reduced sugar alcohol contents, which have excellent flavor and multi-texture properties, is provided. The food bar has less than 110 Cal/28 g serving, and includes a core component comprising, as a unitary matrix, protein crisps, caramel, water-soluble dietary fiber, and a binder system; a caramel component; and the core component and caramel components are enrobed with a compound coating layer. The low-calorie food bar has a high protein core component and a caramel component formulated with high water-soluble dietary fiber content which is cohesive, crunchy yet soft/moist enough to be chewable, and flavorful throughout the product's shelf life.
US08486461B2
A method of improving the appearance of aging skin may comprise the step of applying a composition comprising an effective amount of banyan tree serum fraction, lotus serum fraction, and clover serum fraction to a sign of aging on a skin surface, wherein the composition is applied for a period of time sufficient to improve the appearance of the aging skin. The method may include the step of identifying a sign of aging on a facial skin surface.
US08486448B2
Disclosed is a misuse preventative, controlled release formulation comprising a core comprising a superabsorbent material (for example, polycarbophil), a controlled release coat surrounding the core, and a plurality of controlled release microparticles having a pharmaceutically active agent (for example, an opioid analgesic) disposed within the core, the coat, or both the core and the coat. When crushed, either intentionally or accidentally, and exposed to an aqueous medium, the superabsorbent material present in the core swells to encapsulate the microparticles, which remain substantially intact thereby retarding the release of the pharmaceutically active agent from the formulation. Also disclosed is a method of using the misuse preventative, controlled release formulation to deliver a pharmaceutically active agent to a mammal, for example, a human, in need thereof.
US08486447B2
The present invention provides processes for making and forms of solid dispersions of pharmaceutical active ingredients.
US08486443B2
The invention relates to a UV stable transdermal therapeutic system (TTS) consisting of a back layer, at least one matrix containing an active substance and, optionally, a withdrawal film and an UV-radiation absorber. An adhesive layer containing said UV-radiation absorber is arranged between the back layer and the matrix containing an active substance which is distant as much as possible from a surface, a separation layer is arranged between the adhesive layer containing said UV-radiation absorber and the matrix containing an active substance, which is as remote as possible from the surface which is impermeable to the active substance and UV radiation absorber. The inventive transdermal therapeutic system exhibits a high stability and is devoid of inconveniences of existing TTS containing a light-sensitive substance.
US08486442B2
An external patch capable of stable prolonged release and transdermal absorption of active ingredient hormones (estrogens and/or progestogens) contained in a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, which external patch ensures low irritation on the skin. In particular, an external patch comprising a support and, superimposed thereon, a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, characterized in that the pressure sensitive adhesive layer comprises, as indispensable components, 5 to 50 wt. % of styrene/isoprene/styrene block copolymer, 20 to 70 wt. % of tackifier resin, 10 to 60 wt. % of softener and 1 to 20 wt. % of polyvinylpyrrolidone and contains, as an active ingredient, estrogen and/or progestogen.
US08486435B2
The core-sheath implant device allows for a bioactive agent release profile that can be tailored to a particular therapy. The device features one or more lobes extending from an inner core at least partially through the outer sheath. Depending on the particular design of such an implant device, a variety of release profiles can be achieved.
US08486434B2
One embodiment of the invention concerns a medical implant having a basic body that includes the antioxidative substance squalene incorporated into at least one of the basic body and a coating on at least a portion of the basic body, the incorporated squalene being present in quantities of 0.4 μg to 2000 μg.
US08486425B1
The present invention is directed to two-phase sunscreen compositions containing (1) a water phase including an alcohol having five or fewer carbons and a polyol; and (2) an oil phase including at least one sunscreen active, a first emollient, and a second emollient, the first emollient having a first polarity, the second emollient having a second polarity, the first polarity differing from the second polarity. The present invention is also directed to a two-phase sunscreen product formed from the two-phase sunscreen composition and a method of protecting a keratinous substrate from UV radiation by applying onto a surface of the keratinous substrate the two-phase sunscreen product.
US08486424B1
One embodiment includes a method including boiling unsalted butter over low heat until it appears golden to form purified butter; cooling the purified butter by removing it from the heat; straining or filtering the purified butter; refrigerating the purified butter for at least 24 hours; thoroughly blending together the elements of an organic carrier medium, wherein the organic carrier medium comprises the purified butter, olive oil, and honey; adding distilled water to the blended organic carrier medium; mixing the distilled water and the blended organic carrier medium at high speed; and adding at least one of sodium acid pyrophosphate, cornstarch, bismuth subnitrate, salicylic acid, or alkali metal salicylates, and mixing.
US08486418B2
The present invention encompasses engineered APMV compositions or vaccines. The vaccine or composition may be a recombinant APMV composition or vaccine. The present invention encompasses methods for modifying the genome of APMV to produce recombinant APMV; modified APMV prepared by such methods; DNA and protein sequences; and methods for infecting cells and host animals with such recombinant APMV.
US08486417B2
This invention relates to bicistronic flavivirus vectors, methods of using such vectors in the prevention and treatment of disease, and methods of making such vectors.
US08486416B2
A method is provided for increasing trafficking of endothelial progenitor cells to an ischemic myocardium in a subject's heart comprising administering to the subject's heart an amount of Stromal-Derived Factor-1 (SDF-1).
US08486415B2
The present invention relates to a method of preventing or treating allergic diseases such as allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, anaphylaxis, and asthma, which comprises administering an extract of Laurencie undulata in a therapeutically effective amount to a patient in need thereof.
US08486408B2
Methods are disclosed for treating or preventing graft versus host disease in a subject. The methods include selecting a subject in need of treatment for graft versus host disease; and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a TLR5 agonist such as a flagellin polypeptide, or a polynucleotide encoding the flagellin, thereby treating or preventing graft versus host disease in the subject. Methods are also disclosed for reducing susceptibility to an opportunistic infection in a subject who is a bone marrow transplant recipient. The methods include selecting a subject who has had a bone marrow or hematopoietic stem cell transplant; and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a TLR5 agonist such as a flagellin polypeptide or a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide, and administering to the subject an effective amount antigen of the opportunistic infection, thereby reducing the susceptibility to the opportunistic infection in the subject.
US08486407B2
The invention is in the field of molecular immunology, more in particular in the field of the prevention or treatment of autoimmune diseases, more in particular systemic sclerosis or scleroderma. The invention is based on the observation that SSC patients have an elevated plasma level of CXCL4. This was found to contribute to the pathogenesis of SSc, in particular fibrosis. When CXCL4 was neutralized in in vitro experiments, the fibrotic effects could be neutralized. This led us to conclude that SSc may be cured by reducing the plasma level of CXCL4. The invention therefore relates to a method for treatment or prevention of fibrosis in patients with scleroderma, wherein the plasma level of CXCL4 is reduced.
US08486394B2
The present invention provides novel antibodies and functional fragments thereof specific for CD38, and methods of using the same for the treatment of diseases associated with CD38 expression, including hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma.
US08486392B2
Methods and compositions are provided for assessing, treating, and preventing diseases, especially cancer, using cancer-associated targets (CAT). Methods and compositions are also provided for determining or predicting the effectiveness of a treatment for these diseases or for selecting a treatment, using CAT. Methods and compositions are further provided for modulating cell function using CAT. Also provided are compositions that modulate CAT (e.g., antagonists or agonists), such as antibodies, proteins, small molecule compounds, and nucleic acid agents (e.g., RNAi and antisense agents), as well as pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Further provided are methods of screening for agents that modulate CAT, and agents identified by these screening methods.
US08486391B2
Disclosed are the surprising discoveries that aminophospholipids, such as phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylethanolamine, are stable and specific markers accessible on the luminal surface of tumor blood vessels, and that the administration of an anti-aminophospholipid antibody alone is sufficient to induce thrombosis, tumor necrosis and tumor regression in vivo. This invention therefore provides anti-aminophospholipid antibody-based methods and compositions for use in the specific destruction of tumor blood vessels and in the treatment of solid tumors. Although various antibody conjugates and combinations are thus provided, the use of naked, or unconjugated, anti-phosphatidylserine antibodies is a particularly important aspect of the invention, due to simplicity and effectiveness of the approach.
US08486389B2
The present invention comprises methods and compositions for the reduction of oxalate in humans, animals and plants. For example, the invention provides methods and compositions for the delivery of one ore more oxalate-reducing enzymes to the intestinal tracts of persons and animals. The methods and compositions can be used in treating and preventing oxalate-related conditions.
US08486383B2
A method of treating a pulmonary disease such as, for instance idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), mixed connective tissue disease and asthma, comprising administering an aerosolized interferon such as interferon γ in a therapeutically effective amount is provided herein. Also, pharmaceutical compositions of one or more aerosolized interferon(s) alone or in combination with other therapeutic agents are provided.
US08486382B2
Use of Interleukin-20 for treating cervical cancer or cells infected with human papilloma virus. IL-20 can be administered alone or in conjunction with radiation or chemotherapeutic agents or surgical excision of the involved cells or lesions.
US08486380B2
Disclosed herein are multi-component formulations for enzymatically producing aqueous solutions of peroxycarboxylic acids suitable for use in, e.g., disinfectant and/or bleaching applications. The multi-component peroxycarboxylic acid formulations comprise at least one carbohydrate esterase family 7 enzyme having perhydrolytic activity.
US08486372B2
The present application is directed to radiolabeled cyclic polyazapeptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising radiolabeled cyclic polyazapeptides, and methods of using the radiolabeled cyclic polyazapeptides. Such polyazapeptides can be used in imaging studies, such as Positron Emitting Tomography (PET) or Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT).
US08486370B2
The present invention provides α4β1 integrin ligands that display high binding affinity, specificity, and stability. The ligands comprise a peptide having n independently selected amino acids, wherein at least one amino acid is an unnatural amino acid or a D-amino acid, and wherein n is an integer of from 3 to 20. Methods are provided for administering the ligands for treating cancer, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune diseases. Also provided are methods for administering the ligands for imaging a tumor, organ, or tissue in a subject.
US08486369B2
Compositions and methods for preparing mesoporous materials from low Si/Al ratio zeolites. Such compositions can be prepared by acid wash and/or isomorphic substitution pretreatment of low Si/Al ratio zeolites prior to introduction of mesoporosity.
US08486365B2
To minimize the inhibitory effect of sulfur on the oxidation of hydrogen sulfide with oxygen in a gas stream on the solid catalysts, first, the elemental sulfur content in the gas stream is reduced to less than 3.0 mg/l, preferably 0.3 mg/l, and second, the temperature in the oxidation reactor is maintained so that the relative vapor pressure of sulfur in it remains less than 0.25, preferably less than 0.1. The removal of sulfur from the gas stream by washing it with water or aqueous solution decreases the ignition temperature of the process to 155-160° C. Because of this the initial concentration of H2S might be elevate up to about 2% for a regular adiabatic reactor and to 10% by volume for a reactor with a heat-redistributing system.
US08486359B2
The processes are utilized to recover ammonium from waste water using CO2 acidified absorption water. The process is particularly suited for utilization of cellular matter and a CO2 rich tail gas from a syngas fermentation process and derives significant benefit from the recovery of ammonium bicarbonate and ammonium carbonate. Ammonia and ammonium are recovered from the treatment of the syngas as an ammonium rich solution, at least a portion of which is recycled to the fermentation zone to aid in the production of liquid products. A carbon dioxide rich gas produced by fermentation is used to capture the ammonia and ammonium, forming the ammonium rich solution.
US08486357B1
A method of using condensed water produced in a desulfurization apparatus includes the steps of: bringing a gas to be treated, containing a sulfur dioxide and a desulfurization absorption liquid, into contact with each other to absorb and eliminate the sulfur dioxide from the gas to be treated; cooling a desulfurized gas obtained by the elimination of the sulfur dioxide to produce condensed water from the desulfurized gas; and washing the desulfurization apparatus with the condensed water. In the step of washing the desulfurization apparatus, an inlet for introducing the gas to be treated into the desulfurization apparatus may be washed with the condensed water, and a mist eliminator for eliminating the desulfurization absorption liquid accompanying the desulfurized gas from the gas may be washed with the condensed water.
US08486353B2
Medical and environmental diagnostic devices are described and claimed. Preferred embodiments feature cup (1) within cup configurations wherein one cup is dedicated, for the most part, to sample collection and another cup (2) is dedicated, for the most part, to assay performance. Communication between the cups is afforded by what is believed to be a unique valve assembly (3) and lid (7) tandem.
US08486349B2
A microfluidic-based flow assay and methods of manufacturing the same are provided. Specifically, the microfluidic flow assay includes a micropatterned surface that induces clot formation and an array of microfluidic channels though which blood flows. The micropatterned surface contains two clotting stimuli, one for inducing platelet adhesion and another for inducing the coagulation cascade.
US08486347B2
Provided are a carrier-enclosed transformable container, a carrier-enclosed transformable container processing apparatus, and a carrier-enclosed transformable container processing method about which a carrier to which various substances such as biogenic substances are bonded or bondable is held in a transformable container as the container to be in a substantially stationary state, thereby making it possible to make the handling of the carrier, measurement, and other treatments effective, speedy, and easy. The container is formed to have: a containing part which can contain liquid and gas at its inside surrounded by a wall face, a part of this wall face having a transformable wall face capable of undergoing a predetermined transformation without changing the entire internal surface area of the wall face substantially; an orifice part which is connected to the containing part and can undergo the inflow and outflow of a liquid sucked and discharged by the expansion and contraction of the inside by the transformation of the transformable wall face, respectively; and a carrier to which a predetermined substance enclosed in the containing part to be in a substantially stationary state is bonded or bondable.
US08486341B2
Systems and methods for treating exhaust gases are described. The described systems and/or methods for treating exhaust gases could be used with any power plant, engine, hydrocarbon burning system, other NOx producing system, or combinations thereof. A method (400) for treating exhaust gases is provided. The method (400) may include converting (402) ammonia (44) and NOx to nitrogen and water using an ammonia-SCR catalyst (30) after converting (404) ammonia to NOx using an ammonia-to-NOx catalyst (20) located upstream of at least a portion of the ammonia-SCR catalyst (30). The described systems and/or methods create NOx so excess ammonia added to the exhaust stream may be used to convert NOx to nitrogen and water.
US08486329B2
A process for the production of a semi-solidified iron alloy slurry having a crystallized solid phase and a residual liquid phase, wherein a material having a hypoeutectic cast iron composition is used, and an additive agent having a boiling point that is lower than at least a crystallization initiation temperature of primary crystals of the material is added to a melt of the material when the melt temperature is within a specific temperature range of not lower than the crystallization initiation temperature of the primary crystals and not greater than a temperature that is 50° C. higher than the crystallization initiation temperature, to thereby simultaneously conduct the stirring of the melt by the boiling of the additive agent and the cooling of the melt to a temperature falling within a semi-solidification temperature range thereof.
US08486328B2
Powders of respective metal elements (Mn,Co) constituting a transition metal oxide (MnCo2O4) having a spinel type crystal structure are used as a starting material. A paste containing the mixture of the powders is interposed between an air electrode and an interconnector, and with this state, a sintering is performed, whereby a bonding agent according to the present invention can be obtained. This bonding agent has a “co-continuous structure”. In the “co-continuous structure”, a thickness of an arm portion that links many base portions to one another is 0.3 to 2.5 μm. The bonding agent includes a spherical particle in which plural crystal faces are exposed to the surface, the particle having a side with a length of 1 μm or more, among the plural sides constituting the outline of the crystal face. The diameter of the particle is 5 to 80 μm.
US08486327B2
A sealing plug 1, consisting of fireproof material 10 located between the upper shaping plate 19 and the lower shaping plate 20, is used to seal the tap hole 3 of a tiltable converter 2. Said fireproof material 10 consists of bonding clay, water, oil and other constituents, particularly of 10-30% by weight hollow glass balls made of “foam glass” produced from recovered glass which have a rough surface suitable for binding large volumes of moisture. The sealing plug 1 thus retains the necessary stability even over longer periods and can thus be shaped in the tap hole 3 so that it is arrested against the wall 28, even after longer periods of storage. The hollow glass balls 11, 12, 13, 14 also entail a significant reduction in the weight of the entire sealing plug 1.
US08486324B2
A method and apparatus for molding a plurality of tiered containers from a single parison. Two or more parisons can be arranged next to each other. A molding apparatus of this invention can have one or more mold sections that can be operated in a controlled fashion to form a stacked or tiered arrangement of containers from a single parison or can be arranged to form an array of containers including two or more columns of containers each having two or more tiered containers, all during a single cycle of the molding apparatus. Each container formed by the method and apparatus of this invention can be blow molded and/or vacuum formed and/or filled and/or sealed. Each seal can be a hermetic seal or any other suitable seal formed through a molding step.
US08486315B2
An injection molding device comprises a mold-clamping device that operates in both of a mold-closing state in which a mold is closed under predetermined pressure and a micro mold-open state in which the mold is held in a state in which the mold is open from the mold-closing state by a predetermined amount, an injection device that molds a molded product by injecting a molding material into the mold set to the mold-closing state or the micro mold-open state and a controller that changes a stop position of the mold in the micro mold-open state in accordance with a change of a mold-closing position when the mold-closing position of the mold in the mold-closing state is changed.
US08486304B2
A composition including a polymer and a liquid, wherein the polymer exhibits lower solubility in the liquid at room temperature but exhibits greater solubility in the liquid at an elevated temperature, wherein the composition gels when the elevated temperature is lowered to a first lower temperature without agitation, wherein the viscosity of the composition results from a process comprising (a) dissolving at the elevated temperature at least a portion of the polymer in the liquid; (b) lowering the temperature of the composition from the elevated temperature to the first lower temperature; and (c) agitating the composition to disrupt any gelling, wherein the agitating commences at any time prior to, simultaneous with, or subsequent to the lowering the elevated temperature of the composition to the first lower temperature, wherein the amount of the polymer dissolved in the liquid at the elevated temperature ranges from about 0.2% to about 5% based on the total weight of the polymer and the liquid.
US08486303B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a granule mass containing an antioxidant as a main component, which is excellent in flowability, produces little dust from an additive, and can be prepared by a simple facility when an additive such as an antioxidant is added to a plastic such as polyolefin, and affords a plastic having thermal stability which is hardly ununiformized, and a process for producing the same. There is provided a granule mass comprising a granule containing a phenol-based antioxidant represented by the following formula (1) and a sulfur-based antioxidant represented by the following formula (2), wherein a content of the sulfur-based antioxidant (2) relative to a total of 100 parts by weight of phenol-based antioxidant (1) and the sulfur-based antioxidant (2) is 3 to 70 parts by weight.
US08486300B2
The present invention provides for a composition comprising an inorganic scintillator comprising a lanthanide-doped strontium barium mixed halide useful for detecting nuclear material.
US08486298B2
The invention relates to a liquid-crystalline medium comprising one or more compounds of the formula I in which R0 and X0 have the meanings indicated in Claim 1, and to the use thereof in electro-optical liquid-crystal displays.
US08486296B2
A process for preparing a formulation comprising a carbon-deposited lithium metal phosphate, as precursor of a lithium ion battery electrode coating slurry.
US08486294B2
The present invention relates to compositions containing hydrofluoroolefins and to the uses thereof as heat transfer fluids, blowing agents, solvents and aerosols. More particularly, the invention relates to compositions having: 10 to 90% by weight, of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, 5 to 85% by weight of HFC-134a and 2 to 20% by weight of HFC-152a.
US08486291B2
In the present invention, provided is a plasma processing method which reduces or eliminates the emission of contaminating matters caused by a quality-altered layer on the surface of yttria of a processing chamber's inner wall and parts inside the processing chamber. It is the plasma processing method including an etching step of setting a sample inside the processing chamber, and etching the sample, a deposition-product removing step of removing a deposition product by using a plasma, the deposition product being deposited inside the processing chamber by the etching step, the plasma being generated using a gas which contains fluorine or chlorine, and a step of exposing, to a rare-gas-based plasma, the inside of the processing chamber after the deposition-product removing step.
US08486289B2
A method of fabricating a c-aperture or E-antenna plasmonic near field source for thermal assisted recording applications in hard disk drives is disclosed. A c-aperture or E-antenna is built for recording head applications. The technique employs e-beam lithography, partial reactive ion etching and metal refill to build the c-apertures. This process strategy has the advantage over other techniques in the self-alignment of the c-aperture notch to the c-aperture internal diameter, the small number of process steps required, and the precise and consistent shape of the c-aperture notch itself.
US08486288B2
A pattern forming method including: (a) forming a porous layer above an etching target layer; (b) forming an organic material with a transferred pattern on the porous layer; (c) forming, by use of the transferred pattern, a processed pattern in a transfer oxide film that is more resistant to etching than the porous layer; and (d) transferring the processed pattern to the etching target layer by use of the transfer oxide film as a mask.
US08486286B1
A method and system for providing an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) transducer coupled with a laser are described. The laser provides energy. The EAMR transducer has an air-bearing surface (ABS) configured to reside in proximity to a media during use. The EAMR transducer includes a near field transducer (NFT) proximate to the ABS for focusing the energy onto the region of the media. The method and system include providing a heat sink having a bottom thermally coupled with the NFT and a top surface at an angle with respect to the ABS. The angle is greater than zero and less than ninety degrees. The method and system also include providing a write pole and at least one coil. The write pole is configured to write to a region of the media. The write pole has a bottom surface thermally coupled with the top surface of the heat sink. The at least one coil is for energizing 24.
US08486283B2
Methods of fabricating the fusible link are directed to processing a multi-layer clad foil having a first layer suitable for forming a fusible link and a second layer suitable for forming one or more welding pads. In some embodiments, the first layer is an aluminum layer and the second layer is a nickel layer. A two-step etching process or a single step etching process is performed on the clad foil to form an etched clad foil having multiple tabs made of the second layer used as current collector conductor pads and battery cell conductor pads, and one or more tabs made of the first layer that form aluminum conductors. The aluminum conductors are shaped and sized to form aluminum fusible conductors during either the etching process or a subsequent stamping process. A single fusible link or an array of fusible links can be formed.
US08486280B2
The present invention provides a method of forming a nanostructured surface (NSS) on a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) of a membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell, in which a nanostructured surface is suitably formed on a polymer electrolyte membrane by plasma treatment during plasma assisted etching in a plasma-assisted chemical vapor deposition (PACVD) chamber, where catalyst particles or a catalyst layer are directly deposited on the surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane having the nanostructured surface.
US08486279B2
The invention relates to a method (1) of manufacturing a silicon-metal composite micromechanical component (51) combining DRIE and LIGA processes. The invention also relates to a micromechanical component (51) including a layer wherein one part (53) is made of silicon and another part (41) of metal so as to form a composite micromechanical component (51). The invention concerns the field of timepiece movements.
US08486273B2
A device for removing silt from flowing water by temporarily slowing the water enough to permit silt to settle naturally to the bottom is disclosed. The water may be slowed by a combination of increased depth and obstructions in the form of rough rocks and chain link fencing.
US08486271B2
Described herein is a cementitious article and a method of making using a water-based manufacturing system that incorporates a closed-loop or partially closed loop water recycling system and an alkali removal process. The system, as such is environmentally friendly, saves resources, such as water and other raw materials, and reduces waste disposal. The system further provides for a cementitious article having a low alkali content. Articles prepared by one or more processes described herein have characteristics that include a low apparent density, high strength and high freeze-thaw performance as compared with an article of the same general formulation but made from a comparative manufacturing system that does not include an alkali removal process. Articles described herein are suitable for use as building products, such as siding, the underlayment panel, board, trim, fascia, roofing, decking, and fence.
US08486263B2
An improved filter arrangement solves problems associated with dislodging the filter from a support basket at change-out when intimate contact between the filter and basket is no longer desirable. An elastomeric end cap is bonded to the distal end of the filtering medium. The end cap has a circular, outer perimeter defining a diameter less than the inner diameter of the filter basket. The end cap is dome shaped, such that when the filtering element is inserted into the filter basket with the end cap positioned adjacent the bottom of the filter basket, the end cap assumes a pressurized state when a fluid entering the filtering element applies pressure to the end cap, causing the outer perimeter of the end cap to expand radially outwardly, and a non-pressurized state wherein the outer perimeter of the end cap contracts, facilitating an easier removal of the element from the basket.
US08486259B2
The invention relates to a bulk catalyst comprising at least 60 wt % metal oxidic particles comprising one or more Group VIII metals and Group VIB metal molybdenum, comprising less than 10 mole % of a second Group VIB metal (relative to the total amount of Group VIB metals) and comprising a Group V metal in an amount less than 10 mole % (relative to the total of the Group VIB metals), which bulk catalyst has been calcined at a temperature below a temperature where the hexagonal metastable crystal structure changes to an inactive crystalline structure, preferably below 450° C. and which bulk catalyst has a metastable hexagonal phase characterized by an X-ray diffraction pattern having reflections at 33-35 and 58-61° 2θ. Preferably, the main reflections have a full width at half maximum (FWHM) of less than 2.5. The invention further relates to a process for the manufacture of the bulk catalyst, to the corresponding sulphided bulk catalyst and to the use of said catalyst or sulphided catalyst in the hydroprocessing, in particular the hydrodesulphurisation and hydrodenitrogenation, of a hydrocarbon feedstock.
US08486250B2
The present invention is directed to structures having a plurality of discrete insulated elongated electrical conductors projecting from a support surface which are useful as probes for testing of electrical interconnections to electronic devices, such as integrated circuit devices and other electronic components and particularly for testing of integrated circuit devices with rigid interconnection pads and multi-chip module packages with high density interconnection pads and the apparatus for use thereof and to methods of fabrication thereof. Coaxial probe structures are fabricated by the methods described providing a high density coaxial probe.
US08486246B2
This invention provides a reference electrode that can be downsized and stable in voltage. The reference electrode in accordance with this invention is a reference electrode that does not require an internal aqueous solution such as a KCl aqueous solution and comprises a metal body, a slightly soluble salt film that comprises a slightly soluble salt of the metal body and that coats the metal body and a hydrophobic ionic liquid that is arranged to make contact with both the slightly soluble salt film and a sample to be measured.
US08486236B1
A electrolysis chamber. The electrolysis chamber has first initial product sub-chambers, second initial product sub-chambers, at least one positive electrode, at least one negative electrode, and electrolysis membranes. The first initial product sub-chambers and second initial product sub-chambers communicate with respective manifolds, which in turn communicates with an exterior of the electrolysis chamber through respective ports. Flow control valves set the flow into the first initial product sub-chambers. First, second and third end product manifolds communicate with an exterior of the electrolysis chamber through respective ports. The ports and manifold configuration provides for simple and easy connection and installation of the electrolysis chamber.
US08486230B2
A belt (shoe press belt) for papermaking machines having good wet paper web water squeezing capability, and wherein damage, cracks, and abrasion of the outer circumferential belt surface during use is small, and due to the reduced abrasion between the cutting chips, the cutter and the groove walls, the cutter life is long and the surface roughness is small. The cross-section in the cross-machine direction of the water draining grooves is provided in the machine direction in the felt-side surface of the shoe press belt and the groove corner parts formed by the groove sidewalls and the groove bottom part of the water draining grooves are chamfered in the shape of a trapezoid or a rectangle.
US08486224B2
Method for separating lignin from black liquor includes the following steps: a) precipitating lignin by acidifying black liquor and thereupon dewatering, b) suspending the lignin filter cake obtained in step a) to obtain a second lignin suspension and adjusting the pH level to approximately that of the washing water of step d) below, c) dewatering of the second lignin suspension, d) adding washing water and performing a displacement washing at substantially constant conditions without any dramatic gradients in the pH, and e) dewatering the lignin cake produced in step d) into a high dryness and displacing the remaining washing liquid in the filter cake, whereby a lignin product is obtained which has an even higher dryness after the displacement washing of step d). The lignin product or an intermediate lignin product obtained by the method, and its use, preferably for the production of heat or chemicals is also disclosed.
US08486222B2
A substrate processing apparatus includes a processing chamber configured to process a substrate, a substrate support member provided within the processing chamber to support the substrate, a microwave generator provided outside the processing chamber, a waveguide launch port configured to supply a microwave generated by the microwave generator into the processing chamber, wherein the central position of the waveguide launch port is deviated from the central position of the substrate supported on the substrate support member and the waveguide launch port faces a portion of a front surface of the substrate supported on the substrate support member, and a control unit configured to change a relative position of the substrate support member in a horizontal direction with respect to the waveguide launch port.
US08486214B2
Methods and apparatuses for adhering optoelectronic components in optical, electronic or optoelectronic devices are disclosed. A UV-active adhesive is applied to an alignment sensitive component of the device. A first, relatively low dose of UV radiation sufficient to solidify an outer layer of the adhesive is applied to the adhesive. A second, relatively high dose of UV radiation sufficient to solidify the remaining thickness of the adhesive is then applied. The methods and apparatuses of the present invention advantageously reduce or eliminate changes in the position of a component during the adhesive curing process. The present method and apparatus allow for shorter total time for solidifying the adhesive, provide stable positioning during the adhesive solidification process, and enable increased manufacturing output and decreased waste.
US08486201B2
Disclosed is a method for drying a plate-like article; the method including rinsing with an aqueous rinsing liquid with subsequent rinsing with an organic solvent, wherein the organic solvent has a water content of below 20 mass-% wherein the organic solvent is supplied at a solvent temperature, which is at least 30° C. and not higher than 60° C.
US08486199B2
A device and method for treating the surface of a semiconductor wafer provides a treatment fluid in the form of a dispersion of gas bubbles in a treatment liquid generated at acoustic pressures less than those required to induce cavitation in the treatment liquid. A resonator supplies ultrasonic or megasonic energy to the treatment fluid and is configured to create an interference pattern in the treatment fluid comprising regions of pressure amplitude minima and maxima at an interface of the treatment fluid and the semiconductor wafer.
US08486190B2
A raw material mixture containing an easily oxidizable material is weighed. The raw material mixture is melted and then solidified within a reaction vessel 1 set in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to thereby produce a solidified matter 19. The reaction vessel 1 and the solidified matter 19 are heated in a non-oxidizing atmosphere within a crystal growth apparatus to melt the solidified matter to thereby produce a solution. A single crystal is grown from the solution.
US08486174B2
A filter pack includes a filter construction and a sealing system for sealing the construction within a duct or housing. The filter construction has first and second opposite flow faces and is configured for a straight-through flow. The sealing system includes a frame construction and a compressible seal member. The compressible seal member is molded around a portion of the frame construction. The compressible seal member is sufficiently compressible to form a radial seal between and against the frame construction and a surface of a housing when the filter pack is inserted within the housing.
US08486171B2
Dry dust removal method in organic chlorosilane production is provided, in which the detailed steps are as follows: delivering high-temperature flue gas (a) from fluidized bed reactor (I) into inorganic film cross-flow filter (E) to remove dust for the first time; delivering the concentrated dust gas (c) trapped by inorganic film cross-flow filter (II) into bag filter (III) to remove dust for the second time; returning the gas mixture (f) of passing through bag filter (EI) to the air intake of inorganic film cross-flow filter (II); condensing the residual clean gas (b) from the osmotic side of inorganic film in condenser (A), and then rectifying in rectifying column (B) to separate the products of chloromethane (g) and methyl chlorosilane (h) to obtain the product of methyl chlorosilane (h); returning chloromethane to fluidized bed reactor to take part in reaction; retreating the dust (e) trapped by inorganic film cross-flow filter and bag filter, and then returning it to fluidized bed reactor (I) to take part in reaction.
US08486167B2
The invention provides a method for operating a reformed gas production apparatus with which it is possible to achieve a high reforming efficiency while preventing a drop in catalyst activity due to the deposition of carbon. The reformed gas production method uses a reforming catalyst to reform a fuel that contains a hydrocarbon having at least two carbon atoms to produce a reformed gas that includes methane, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide. With this method, a fluid that includes the fuel, at least one of steam and a carbon dioxide-containing gas, and an oxygen-containing gas, is supplied to a reforming reaction region, and with the thermal decomposition index temperature of the fuel, which is determined by the type and the concentration of the hydrocarbons having at least two carbon atoms that make up the fuel, serving as an upper limit temperature of the reforming reaction region, the fluid is brought into contact with the reforming catalyst to produce the reformed gas.
US08486158B2
The invention proposes a method and a device for continuously producing a crystallite, wherein a metered amount of seed crystals is fed continuously to the internal solution circuit of a crystallizer, in particular a DTB crystallizer, through a crystallization seed line from a seed generator preferably designed as a flash crystallizer. The amount of seed crystals fed is controlled by an electronic control system as a function of a measured value determined by a sensor, said value being representative of the particle size distribution of the crystallites in the solution in the internal circuit in the crystallizer. By way of a line, the seed generator receives a partial stream of the external solution circuit of the crystallizer, said external circuit being routed through a line. Excess fine crystalline suspension can be fed back to the external circuit from the seed generator by way of a return line.
US08486155B2
A surgical device is operable to coextrude a multilayered biocompatible tissue repair plug in situ within a lumen in a patient. The device comprises a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, a plurality of conduits extending through the shaft, a plurality of media chambers, and an actuator. At least one of the media chambers contains a suspension of at least one tissue fragment having at least one viable cell in a biocompatible carrier. The actuator is operable to cause media in each of the chambers to be urged through, and expelled from the orifice of, the conduit in communication therewith. The orifices are located at the distal end of the shaft such that media from the media chambers may be ejected into a lumen in a patient in order to form a multilayered biocompatible tissue repair plug in situ. The conduits and their orifices are all coaxially aligned.
US08486151B2
The invention relates to a cotyloid component of a hip prosthesis, said cotyloid component being hollow and in the form of a cup whose outer part has a thread allowing it to be fixed in the iliac bone, said thread being a discontinuous self-cutting double thread (20, 21), and said cotyloid component having a flattened upper pole (1), a coating that promotes osseointegration on its outer face (10), and a concave, substantially hemispherical and polished inner surface (11), characterized in that: (a) the pitch of the threads (20, 21) decreases from the upper pole (1) towards the equatorial periphery (3) of the cotyloid component, (b) the thicknesses of the threads (20, 21) increase from the upper pole (1) of the cotyloid component towards its periphery (3), (c) the crest of the threads (20, 21) is sharp towards the pole (1) of the cotyloid component and rounded or substantially trapezoidal towards the equatorial periphery (3) of the cotyloid component.
US08486147B2
An intervertebral joint assembly includes an upper support and a lower support, each of which has two or more components. The upper and lower support components are arranged in situ to form the upper and lower supports, respectively. By arranging the supports in situ, the supports can be introduced from the back of the patient, for example with an arthroscope. Each of the upper and lower supports has a surface adapted to engage a vertebra and a surface adapted to engage the other support or an intermediate member to form an articulate joint which articulates the joint assembly. In some embodiments, the components of the upper and lower supports are assembled in situ, for example with pivoting, telescoping or bending, to form the upper and lower supports, respectively. The supports can be attached to vertebrae with pedicles screws, and/or other anchors attached to the supports.
US08486143B2
A multi-region device for repair, regeneration or reconstruction in articular tissue injury such as torn ligaments and tendons is provided. The device comprises at least one degradable material and biocompatible non-degradable polymeric fiber-based material, in a three-dimensional braided scaffold. The two end sections are designed for attachment of the device at the site of implantation and are designed to allow bone cell ingrowth, and one or more middle regions are designed to allow ligament or tendon cell ingrowth.
US08486142B2
An intraocular lens is disclosed, with an optic that changes shape in response to a deforming force exerted by the zonules of the eye. A haptic supports the optic around its equator and couples the optic to the capsular bag of the eye. Certain haptic features improve the accommodative performance of the haptic, such that compressive/tensile forces may be more efficiently transferred from the haptic to optic. Furthermore, certain aspects also provide enhanced bag-sizing capability so that the IOL better fits within the capsular bag.
US08486140B2
A refractive intraocular lens (104) and method of locating the lens within the eye and attaching the lens to the iris. The refractive intraocular lens (104) may be attached via a staple (230), a fastener (312), anchor (412) or by the tip of the haptic (118). The intraocular lens (104) works in combination with the human crystalline lens to treat conditions selected from the group consisting of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism.
US08486137B2
A system for implanting a heart valve prosthesis in a patient's heart includes a balloon expandable, tissue, stented heart valve, and an apical valve delivery device for delivering the stented heart valve to a target site in the patient's heart. The delivery device includes an inflation balloon module for expanding the stented heart valve prosthesis, markers on the delivery device to assist in location of the delivery device at an appropriate location, and a streamlined cap.
US08486124B2
A phototherapy treatment dispensing device provides therapeutic light emissions treatments. The device provides additional means for controlling a patient's exposure to those treatments through a controlled protocol timer. The controlled protocol timer can provide for incremental exposure increases; monitors patient compliance with a treatment regimen; and reminds the patient when a treatment will soon be overdue.
US08486113B2
Spinal stabilizing elements and spinal stabilization systems composed of spinal stabilizing elements in combination with disc prostheses or disc nucleus replacements are provided. The stabilizing elements and stabilization systems are designed to preserve the natural mobility of vertebral discs and facet joints in patients with facet joint disease or patients who has undergone a prior destabilizing procedure, such as a facetectomy. The stabilizing elements may be pivoting elements or dynamic elements.
US08486112B2
A multi-level spine stabilization system comprises a plurality of securing members configured for attachment to a plurality of vertebrae. A plurality of adjustable rods segments extend between the plurality of securing members. The adjustable rod comprises a first rod segment that engages a second rod segment in an adjustable relationship. The length of the rod may be adjusted by moving the first rod segment relative to the second rod segment. For example, the first rod segment may be in a slideable relationship with the second rod segment such that sliding the first rod segment relative to the second rod segment results in a change in the length of the rod. In one embodiment, portions of both the first rod segment and the second rod segment are positioned within and secured to the securing member. Advantageously, the multi-level spine stabilization system described herein may be used to center dynamic portions of the rod between securing members.
US08486110B2
A spinal implant system for restricting flexion of a spine includes an elongate band proportioned to engage at least two spinous processes. During use, the band is positioned engaging the spinous processes at a spinal segment of interest, where it restricts flexion at the segment. The length and tension of the band may be adjustable following to implantation using percutaneous or transcutaneous means.
US08486108B2
A clip for engaging tissue includes a generally annular-shaped body defining a plane and disposed about a central axis extending normal to the plane. The body includes alternating inner and outer curved regions, defining a zigzag pattern about a periphery of the clip. The body is biased towards a planar configuration lying in the plane and deflectable towards a transverse configuration extending out of the plane. Tines extend from the inner curved regions, the tines being oriented towards the central axis in the planar configuration, and parallel to the central axis in the transverse configuration. The tines may include primary tines and secondary tines that are shorter than the primary tines. The primary tines may be disposed on opposing inner curved regions and oriented towards one another such that they overlap in the planar configuration.
US08486100B2
To provide a guide tube equipped with a balloon for puncture, devised to ensure a deeper level of puncture when the balloon is punctured with a puncture needle, in order to safely and reliably ensure a route for percutaneous approach to the inside of the body.
US08486093B2
The present embodiments provide systems and methods for repairing tissue using one or more tacking devices. In one embodiment, the system comprises a graft member and at least one protective member configured to enclose at least a portion of a tacking device. The protective member may include, without limitation, a pocket having an enclosure forming an interior space, a plug of material or a barrier layer. When at least one tacking device is deployed to couple the graft member to the tissue, at least a portion of the tacking device is enclosed by the protective member to reduce the exposure of the tacking device.
US08486082B2
A device for dimensioning a circumference of a cavity includes a body with a lumen and a distal aperture. The device also includes a longitudinal member extending through the lumen with a distal end and a proximal end. The longitudinal member is capable of slidable movement through the body between retracted and advanced positions. The device also includes a flexible member adapted to conform to a circumference of a cavity contained, e.g., in an intervertebral disc space. The flexible member is operatively connected to a longitudinal member such that upon retraction of the longitudinal member the flexible member retracts into the lumen. When the longitudinal member is moved toward the advanced position, the flexible member is advanced out of the lumen and expands to conform to a dimension which approximates the circumference of the cavity. An apparatus is provided which includes a device for dimensioning a circumference of a cavity and an access member for facilitating conduction of the device to a surgical site, the device adapted and configured to fit within the access member. A kit is provided which includes a working tube incorporating a vertebral distractor, a spreader for assisting and maintaining the vertebral distractor in a distracted configuration, a closing tube for maintaining the working tube in a closed configuration, and a cavity circumference measuring device.
US08486073B2
The invention relates in general level to a method for coating articulating surfaces of medical products. The invention also relates to coated medical products manufactured by the method. The coating is carried out by employing ultra short pulsed laser deposition wherein pulsed laser beam is preferably scanned with a rotating optical scanner including at least one mirror for reflecting the laser beam. The invention has several both industrially and qualitatively advantageous effects such as high coating production rate, excellent coating properties and overall low manufacturing costs.
US08486053B2
Devices, systems, and methods for compensate for friction within powered automatic systems, particularly for telesurgery and other telepresence applications. Dynamic friction compensation may comprise applying a continuous load in the direction of movement of a joint, and static friction compensation may comprise applying alternating loads in positive and negative joint actuation directions whenever the joint velocity reading falls within a low velocity range.
US08486044B2
A port assembly includes a housing with an opening and a bore therethrough, a slit septum disposed in the opening to control access through the opening, a base joined to the housing and having a membrane attached thereto, a perforator having a first end abutting the slit septum and a second end aligned with the membrane, and a resilient member disposed between the perforator and the base. The perforator has first and second lumens, the first lumen extending between the first and second ends of the perforator and the second lumen extending between a point between the first and second ends and the second end. The perforator also has a seal disposed about the first lumen at the first end of the perforator, and a valve associated with the second lumen to limit flow of fluid through the second lumen in the direction of the second end.
US08486038B2
A disposable pull-on garment to be contained in a package is disclosed. The pull-on garment has a waist opening and leg openings, and has a longitudinal centerline and a transverse centerline. The pull-on garment comprises a main portion and side portions extending transversely outwardly from the main portion. The pull-on garment has longitudinal side contour lines to define a transverse width of the pull-on garment. The pull-on garment has a first transverse width between the longitudinal side contour lines at the waist opening and a second transverse width between the longitudinal side contour lines at the side portions. The second transverse width is greater than the first transverse width and is the greatest transverse width at the side portions in a flat contracted and unfolded condition of the pull-on garment. The side portions are folded along a folding line toward the longitudinal centerline when the pull-on garment is contained in a package such that the second transverse width decreases and the difference between the first transverse width and the second transverse width decreases when the side portions are folded compared with when the side portions are unfolded.
US08486030B2
A spray nozzle system includes separate air outlets to deliver one or more streams of supplemental warming or drying air. The air may be applied while spray is emitted from the nozzle to increase the spray cloud temperature, or may be applied for warming or drying before or after the spray application, with the spray turned off. In the case of air-atomizing nozzles, the air is delivered through low pressure ports separately from the atomizing or pattern shaping air to minimize the expansion cooling effect. In another implementation, the air is redirected from the nozzle using a control valve which proportions the amount of airflow directed for atomization, pattern shaping and drying.
US08486027B2
Apparatus are disclosed for intraosseous fluid infusion or aspiration of bone marrow of a subject. Particular apparatus include a bone portal (bone-penetrating member) comprising axially-aligned distal and proximal sections. The proximal section extends in a distal direction from a proximate end of the bone portal and the distal section extends in the distal direction from the proximate section to the distal end of the bone portal. The bone portal also comprises a fluid-transport bore extending between a proximal opening in the proximal section and a distal opening in the distal section. At least a portion of the distal section has a cross-sectional area, perimeter, diameter and/or dimension greater than that of the proximal section.
US08486026B2
An improved anchor system and method for holding an intravenous catheter to the patient's body that is easier to clean. The system includes an intravenous catheter having a main line, a yoke attached to the main line, an elastic band made of non-porous material, and a neck lanyard with a clamp. During use, the elastic band is positioned around the two lumens and twisted into a figure eight configuration, forming two loops. Each lumen is extended into one of the elastic band's two loops. The lanyard's clamp is then attached to the crossover section of the elastic band located between the two loops. The elastic band is sufficient in size and resiliency so that when the clamp is released, each loop may be stretched so the lumens may be removed so the elastic band may be replaced.
US08486011B2
A balloon of a balloon catheter is inflated with a liquid inflating medium by a syringe through a flow line. Air in the flow line and the balloon is displaced into a return line. The balloon is deflated by drawing the liquid inflating medium from the balloon along with the air in the return line into the syringe where the air is trapped in the syringe. The balloon is reinflated and deflated by the syringe until the level of air in the liquid inflating medium has been reduced to a predefined level. A first non-return valve and a second non-return valve are provided in the flow and return lines, so that the liquid inflating medium is prevented from flowing from the balloon to the syringe in the flow line and from the syringe to the balloon in the return line.
US08486010B2
The bendable catheter includes a flexible tubular main tube; a bendable part having a longitudinal axis and an internal space formed along the longitudinal axis, and being capable of being bent; a first coil provided in the internal space along the longitudinal axis; a second coil having a central axis extending parallel to a central axis of the first coil and provided adjacent to the first coil in a space formed between the bendable part and the first coil; and a bending manipulation wire arranged within the second coil, being capable of bending the bendable part, and having one end fixed to the bendable part.
US08486004B1
A dressing having integral antimicrobial includes a transparent film layer having a top side, an opposite bottom side, and an insertion site viewing portion. The dressing also includes an antimicrobial member having a top side and an opposite bottom side. The antimicrobial member top side is adhered to the film layer bottom side in the insertion site viewing portion. The antimicrobial member includes at least one pair of elongated, spacedly disposed portions defining a slot therebetween. A zone of inhibition defined by the antimicrobial member covers an entire area of the slot between the member portions.
US08486001B2
A method of treating and ameliorating capsular contracture having the steps of providing ultrasound at or near the site of a breast implant, providing specific massage and/or physical manipulation the implant site, and providing a compression bandage at the implant site.
US08485997B2
An improved vibrating massager is disclosed. The massager includes an inner shell, at least one vibrating unit, at least one power-supply unit, a control circuit board, at least two conductive strips having a first conductive strip and a second conductive strip, a switch, a first outer shell, a waterproof o-ring, and a second outer shell. Particularly the switch and the control circuit board are integrated and a program for memorizing previously-used vibrating frequency is installed in the control circuit board. As a result, the previously-used vibrating frequency can be re-applied in next use without extensive control (e.g., number of times for pushing button is decreased).
US08485994B1
A physical therapy system featuring a leg portion and at least one arm portion, wherein the leg portion comprises a base with two half cylinders, each divided into two portions that can pivot via hinges operatively connected to motors, wherein the two half cylinders can also pivot about their first ends via a first central motor, and wherein the arm portion comprises a base with a half cylinder divided into two portions that can pivot via a hinge operatively connected to a motor, wherein the half cylinder can also pivot about its first end via a second central motor.
US08485993B2
A switched resonant power amplifier system for ultrasonic transducers is disclosed. The system includes an amplifier that receives and processes a driver output signal for generating a drive signal that is provided to an ultrasonic device for controlling output of the ultrasonic device. An output control circuit receives and processes a signal related to a feedback signal generated by the ultrasonic device and a divider reference signal, and generates a compensated clock signal that is adjusted for at least one of phase and frequency differences between the received feedback signal and the divider reference signal. A compensated drive circuit receives and processes the compensated clock signal for generating the divider reference signal, and for generating the driver output signal.
US08485992B2
A medical device having a segmented construction. In at least some embodiments, a medical device including a plurality of conductive elongated members that are of such a length and are connected together in such a manner to impart a degree of MRI compatibility to the device. In some embodiments, the elongated members can include a series of solid elongate members and tubular elongate members, which construction provides one way to control at least some properties of the device, for example, stiffness, torque transmission, flexibility, shape retention, and the like. In yet some additional embodiments, at least one of the elongated members has a recess into which a protrusion of another elongated member may fit.
US08485972B2
A structured illumination probe is disclosed, one embodiment comprising: an optical fiber, to receive and transmit a light beam; a handpiece, coupled to the optical fiber; an optical element, comprising a distal optical fiber and a distal light guide, wherein the proximal ends of the distal optical fiber and the distal light guide can be selectably optically coupled to the optical fiber, for receiving the light beam and scattering the light beam to illuminate an area, and wherein the surface area of the proximal end of the distal light guide is greater than the surface area of the distal end of the optical fiber; an actuator, coupled to the handpiece, for selectably coupling the optical fiber to the distal optical fiber and the distal light guide; and a cannula, coupled to the handpiece, for housing and directing the optical fiber and the optical element.
US08485970B2
Various devices are provided for allowing multiple surgical instruments to be inserted through a single surgical access device at variable angles of insertion, allowing for ease of manipulation within a patient's body while maintaining insufflation. Safety shields and release mechanisms are also provided for use with various surgical access devices.
US08485968B2
A rigid, rod-shaped endoscope for medical applications includes a distal end having a light-permeable distal window and a light outlet disposed adjacent to the distal window, which includes a device configured to prevent the incidence of stray light onto sides of the deflection prism facing the distal window. An endoscope shank includes a plurality of telescoping hollow tubes. An inner fixed optical tube includes a moveable optical deflection prism and an optical system configured to transmit light beams. The optical deflection prism is mounted rotatably on a shaft that is disposed at a right angle to a longitudinal axis of the endoscope. At least one moveable sliding tube is configured to move relative to the inner fixed optical tube in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the endoscope using magnetic forces generated by a plurality of moveable permanent magnets.
US08485963B2
Implantable devices are designed to provide support to the bulbar urethral region of a patient experiencing incontinence. Surgical methods are utilized to implant the devices, and surgical tools are utilized with the surgical methods.
US08485936B2
A planet shaft for supporting a planet gear has a supporting portion extending along a central axis and having a first outer diameter. A flange is formed at one end of the supporting portion, which has a smaller section formed about a portion of a circumference around the central axis, and an enlarged portion extending away from the central axis for a greater distance than the smaller portion. A hole to receive a lock member is formed in the enlarged portion. A planetary gear assembly including such a planet shaft is disclosed as is an air turbine starter including the planetary gear system. Further, a method of installing a planet gear and planet shaft is also disclosed and claimed.
US08485933B2
Infinitely variable motion control (IVMC) provides motion control without any requirement for changing gears or use of a clutch. A spur gear transgear, defined as a system having an input, an output and a control, a variable pitch cam having an eccentric inner and outer cam assembly and a driver may be used to form a speed converter. The speed converter is used in various forms to provide an infinitely variable transmission, a differential, embodiments of wind and river turbines and pumps/compressors. In one embodiment, the speed converter drives first and second directional control assemblies to provide a vehicle with zero turn radius. A variable torque converter may be used in various embodiments to control torque from a minimum to a maximum by controlling movement of a rotor along a shaft in relation to a stator.
US08485927B2
A power transmission chain includes a plurality of links respectively having front and rear insertion parts into which pins are inserted, a plurality of first pins and a plurality of second pins which are arranged in front and back for connecting the links. A plurality of the links includes two types of the links having different pitch lengths, wherein provided that a radius of a pulley shaft is RA, a radius of curvature of a face of the link having a shorter pitch length at an inner diameter side of the chain is RS, and a radius of curvature of a face of the link having a longer pitch length at an inner diameter side of the chain is RL, relation is set to be RA≦RS≦1.5RA, and RS
US08485921B2
According to the various features, characteristics, and embodiments of the present invention which will become apparent as the description thereof proceeds, the present invention provides partial hand covers and uses of said covers, intended to increase the overall performance in sports activities.
US08485917B2
A golf club head includes a body member having a ball striking face, a crown, a toe, a heel, a sole, and a skirt extending between the crown and the sole and between the toe and the heel. The club head includes a drag-reducing structure that may include one or both of a continuous groove extending from a front portion to a rear edge of the toe, and along an entire length of the skirt, and a substantially V-shaped recess formed in the sole and having a vertex positioned proximate the ball striking face and the heel and away from the skirt and the toe, and a pair of legs extending to a point proximate the toe and away from the ball striking face, and curving toward the skirt and away from the ball striking face.
US08485915B2
A variable length shaft assembly comprising a shaft adapter, a grip support, and an engagement device is disclosed herein. The variable length shaft assembly of the present invention allows a golfer to quickly, semi-permanently, and inexpensively change the overall length of the shaft assembly, such that the shaft performs as desired and conforms to USGA rules. The variable length shaft assembly of the invention may further a travel limiter to prevent parts of the shaft assembly from disengaging from each other. Methods of adjusting the length of a golf club shaft without damaging any portion of the shaft are also disclosed herein.
US08485910B2
A fastener includes a t-nut having a barrel and a flange. The flange includes an opening which leads to a threaded barrel. The threaded barrel extends from the opening in the flange to a distal end portion thereof. An end cap has an annular recess on a first side thereof and has a raised annular ridge on a second side thereof. The raised annular ridge of the end cap is affixed to the flange of the t-nut by welding the end cap to the flange. Dirt, water and moisture cannot enter the barrel because the end cap is sealed to the flange. Additionally, the barrel may be relatively short as it is fully threaded prior to the affixation of the end cap to the flange.
US08485906B2
The invention includes a system and method for planning and customizing a gaming vacation. Initially, a central controller receives preference and configuration data from a user at a user terminal. A preparation code is then determined and associated with the configuration data. The configuration data and the associated preparation code are transmitted from the central controller to a casino server. The central controller provides feedback regarding the user's requests. The feedback may include, for example, marketing offers for the user and/or configuring a gaming device according to the configuration data associated with a preparation code received from a user at the gaming device.
