US08879119B2
An image tone conversion apparatus includes: a region specifying section configured to specify a region of an original image, to which region an image tone conversion is to be performed; an image tone specifying section configured to specify a different type of image tone in accordance with an elapsed time since the region specifying section has specified the region; an image converting section configured to convert an tone of the original image in the region specified by the region specifying section to the image tone specified by the image tone specifying section; and a superimposing section configured to superimpose the image in the region to which the image tone conversion has been performed by the image converting section on the region of the original image specified by the region specifying section.
US08879110B2
In a method for printing recording media successively supplied to a printing unit, and wherein a sheet gap is provided from a preceding recording medium, document print data are subjected to a rastering process. A predetermined nominal number of lines is respectively provided for the document print data of a page. The raster print data are successively stored line by line in a print data memory region of an electronic memory. A blank line memory region for a blank line that is not to be filled with print data is provided in the memory. The raster print data are successively read out per line from the print data memory region of the memory and are supplied to the printing unit. After the read out of the nominal number of lines from the print data memory region, the blank line memory region is then read out a number of times, said number of times being a whole number greater than or equal to zero and being dependent on the sheet gap.
US08879108B2
A method for controlling a document processing apparatus which registers input document data in a document management server includes acquiring, from the document management server, information about input items necessary for registration of the document data into the document management server, determining whether each of the input items necessary for the registration of the document data are input, based on the acquired information, and performing control to complete the registration of the document data into the document management server when it is determined that the input items are input, while to temporarily register the document data into the document management server when it is determined that at least one of the input items is not input.
US08879105B2
An information processing system includes an information management apparatus that accepts image generation requests and an image generation section that generates image data, which is provided independently of the information management apparatus. The information management apparatus issues a job ID in response to a print request from a client, and transmits the job ID and a URL of the image generation apparatus to the client. Based on the URL, the client directly requests the image generation apparatus for image data corresponding to the job ID.
US08879104B2
Disclosed is a communication apparatus connected via a network to an external controller capable of providing a printing optional function and one or more image forming apparatuses. The communication apparatus may include a receiving unit configured to receive a print request and image data from the external controller, a distributed printing management unit configured to perform control to distribute the image data received by the receiving unit from the external controller to the image forming apparatuses to print the distributed image data, and a reporting unit configured to send to the external controller a report on information associated with the printing of the image forming apparatuses. In the communication apparatus, the receiving unit receives the image data generated by the external controller based on the information associated with the printing of the image forming apparatuses.
US08879103B2
A computer-implemented method for identifying constraints to reducing consumable usage includes acquiring print job information for a set of print jobs submitted for printing by a set of users. A print job representation is computed for each of the print jobs based on features extracted from the print job information. Provision is made for user-annotation of the submitted print jobs with a task category and a constraint category. Each of a plurality of task categories represents a respective task with which the printing of a print job is associated. Each of a plurality of selectable constraint categories expresses a different reason for printing the print job. User-annotations are received for at least some of the submitted print jobs. The print jobs are clustered into clusters based on the print job representations and task category annotations. A representation of the set of print jobs is generated which represents reasons for printing of print jobs in at least one of the clusters, based on the users' constraint category annotations.
US08879098B2
A distributed printing system, in which a parent device divides image data into first and second image data, the first image data edited by the parent device itself, and the second image data requested of a child device to edit. The parent device sends the second image data to the child device and requests the child device to edit the second data, and generates first edited image data and sends the first edited image data to the child device. The child device generates second edited image data by editing the second image data received from the parent device, sends the second edited image data to the parent device, and prints out the first edited image data received from the parent device and the second edited image data sequentially. The parent device prints out the first edited image data and the second edited image data received from the child device sequentially.
US08879090B1
An image forming apparatus performs printing processing using first identification information in a first system in a particular organization that performs first authentication, the first identification information being information that identifies a user in the first authentication. The image forming apparatus includes an obtaining unit and a controller. The obtaining unit obtains print data from a logical printer in a second system that is a cloud service system that performs second authentication. Setting information including the first identification information is set in the logical printer, and the image forming apparatus is set as an output destination in the logical printer. The controller controls printing processing of the print data obtained by the obtaining unit using the first identification information included in setting information set in the obtained print data. Identification information of the user, which is temporarily issued in the first system, is used as the first identification information.
US08879085B2
Automatic print failure detection and correction are presented. An image is produced on media as it passes through a printer, the image produced by a first print head of the printer. The image is then inspected as it appears on the media for a predefined quality level. When the quality level is unacceptable, remote network notifications can be sent from the printer for proactive maintenance to be performed on the printer. In addition, when the quality level is unacceptable, a copy of the image can be automatically reproduced on an opposite side of the media using a different print head of the printer.
US08879080B2
An electronic device comprises a main body, a printing section which is arranged in the main body and prints various information onto a continuous-feed paper, a first display section which is arranged rotatably between a first position where the upper part of the printing section is covered and a second position where the upper part of the printing section is opened at the position adjacent to the printing section of the main body and a second display section which faces to a direction different from the first display section and is connected to the first display section, and abuts against the printing section or the main body in a state of the first display section being located in the first position, and controls the rotation of the first display section towards the printing section side is controlled.
US08879079B2
An information processing apparatus which can be operated very easily by users when the users display web pages in different display languages. An MFP is connected to a web server via a network. When registering a view button in which a URL for identify contents is specified, a window manager registers a display language in which the contents are displayed in association with the URL, and displays the view button on a display. When a view button is selected, a web browser transmits URL associated with the selected view button to thereby designate contents associated with URL and send the display language to thereby specify the display language in which the contents are displayed.
US08879075B2
A setting apparatus of the present invention is useful in simplifying user operation necessary in setting an inspection item necessary in setting a target of inspection processing of a printed product. For example, if a two-sided printing is set by the user, a setting of print misregistration inspection for inspecting print misregistration between the front side and the back side is allowed to the user, however, if a one-sided printing is set by the user, a setting of print misregistration inspection is not allowed to the user.
US08879071B2
Methods and systems for resolving and determining sub-wavelength sized features and stresses by using infrared optical and thermal wavelength probing for holographic or interferometric evaluation and testing for all phases of semiconductor device development and manufacture. Specifically, systems and methods are disclosed for extending the range of optical holographic interferometric inspection for testing and evaluating microelectronic devices and determining the interplay of electromagnetic signals and dynamic stresses to the semiconductor material in which an enhanced imaging method provides continuous and varying magnification of the optical holographic interferometric images over a plurality of interleaved optical pathways of varying optical paths and imaging devices. Electronic analysis of holographic interference patterns of varying optical probing wavelengths determines and permits the display of internal and external stresses and the various effects of such stresses acting upon the operating characteristics of semiconductor devices, features, interior structures at any stage of development or manufacture.
US08879069B2
An optical image measurement device comprises: a light amount adjustment part that adjusts the light amount of a laser beam generated by a low coherence light source 201; and a photodiode 105 placed outside the light path of the laser beam irradiated on an eye E and capable of measuring the light amount, wherein the laser beam is input to the photodiode 105 by changing the direction of a galvanomirror 170B; the photodiode 105 measures the light amount of the input laser beam; and the light amount adjustment part previously stores a specified range of light amount and adjust the light amount of the laser beam generated by the low coherence light source 201 such that the light amount measured by the photodiode 105 falls within the specified range.
US08879064B2
An apparatus can include ablation chamber body having a transmission window and defining an accommodation region configured to accommodate a target that is movable relative to the transmission window. An aerosol transmission conduit is configured to transport an aerosol produced within the accommodation region to a sample receiving region of an analysis system along a substantially straight transport path.
US08879050B2
Method for dynamically adjusting the operating parameters of a TOF camera according to vehicle speed
A method for adjusting the modulating frequency and the intensity of the IR illumination of a Time of Flight measurement system proportionally to the speed of movement and the ambient light level of the TOF system, thus adjusting the range of vision of the system dependent on speed. In an alternate embodiment the modulating frequency of a TOF measurement system is periodically adjusted to cover a larger range of vision of the TOF.
US08879038B2
The present invention discloses an array substrate, a liquid crystal display device and a manufacturing method of array substrate; an array substrate comprises a plurality of thin film transistors and a first pixel electrode connected with the drain electrode of the thin film transistor, wherein the array substrate also comprises a second pixel electrode which is arranged on the bottom of the first pixel electrode and forms mutual insulation with the first pixel electrode; The present invention can increase the penetration rate of the pixel, improve the visual color cast characteristic of a panel, and reduce uneven brightness caused by variation of electrode wire width.
US08879035B2
The present invention provides a liquid crystal display device, a color-filter substrate, a thin-film-transistor substrate and a manufacturing method thereof. The thin-film-transistor substrate has a pixel array and transparent conductive material. The pixel array has a plurality of thin-film-transistor units, pixel electrodes and metal signal lines. The transparent conductive material is mounted on the pixel array with an insulating layer placed therebetween, and correspondingly covers an area containing the thin-film-transistor units and the metal signal lines. And voltage difference between the transparent conductive layer and a common electrode of the color-filter substrate is smaller than a threshold voltage of liquid crystal cell. Therefore, without enough voltage difference for driving, the liquid crystal material between the transparent conductive material and the common electrode can maintain at a vertical status to block lights, so as to replace the function of traditional black matrix.
US08879029B2
A method of fabricating a color filter substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes steps of forming a black matrix having a first thickness on a substrate, which includes first, second and third pixel regions, the black matrix surrounding each of the first, second and third pixel regions, forming red, green and blue color filter patterns using an inkjet apparatus, the red, green and blue color filter patterns disposed in the first, second and third pixel regions, respectively and having a second thickness, and forming an overcoat layer on a substantially entire surface of the substrate including the black matrix and the red, green and blue color filter patterns, the overcoat layer having a third thickness, wherein a difference between the first and second thicknesses is less than 15% of the third thickness such that the overcoat layer has an even top surface.
US08879028B2
The LCD sequentially comprises, from bottom to top, a backlight module, a first polarizer, a first substrate, a liquid crystal layer, a second substrate, and a second polarizer. The second substrate comprises plural transparent areas thereon. The first substrate comprises plural light-focusing arrays. Each of the light-focusing arrays comprises plural high-refractive areas and low-refractive areas disposed between the high-refractive areas. The plural high-refractive areas comprises a first high-refractive area and plural second high-refractive area disposed on two sides of the high-refractive areas symmetrically, wherein the widths of the second high-refractive areas are the same and smaller than the width of the first high-refractive area.
US08879027B2
On a liquid crystal panel, plural areas whose number is larger than that of temperature sensors are defined. In a memory, temperature relation information representing a relation between an output value of a temperature sensor and a temperature of each of the plural areas is stored. A controller acquires the output value of the temperature sensor and estimates, based on the temperature relation information and the acquired output value, the temperature of each of the plural areas. According to this configuration, the temperature of each of the plural areas defined on the liquid crystal panel can be obtained with a small number of temperature sensors.
US08879016B2
A method of forming liquid crystal cell for a color display device includes forming a liquid crystal layer and a prism structure between top and bottom substrates. Forming the prism structure includes forming a lens shaped die, coating a low refractive index resin on the lens shaped die, pasting the lens shaped die to the top substrate, and irradiating the coated low refractive index resin so as to set the low refractive index resin and form a low refractive index layer. The lens shaped die is removed from the low refractive index layer, a high refractive index resin is coated on the low refractive index layer by use of a planarizing die. The coated high refractive index resin is irradiated so as to set the high refractive index resin and form a high refractive index layer, and the planarizing die is removed from the high refractive index layer.
US08879005B2
Provided is a remote control terminal, including: a first terminal-side wireless-communication unit configured to interactively communicate with a control-target information processing apparatus by using a first wireless communication system, to control the information processing apparatus; a second terminal-side wireless-communication unit configured to interactively communicate with the information processing apparatus by using a second wireless communication system, the second wireless communication system being higher in speed than the first wireless communication system; a camera unit configured to obtain video data; and a first controller configured to control the second terminal-side wireless-communication unit to transmit the video data obtained by the camera unit to the information processing apparatus by using the second wireless communication system.
US08879003B1
Various implementations address distortion and quality measurements. Certain implementations relate to distortions resulting in a freeze-with-skip and/or a freeze-without-skip. In one implementation, a pause term provides an indication of distortion associated with a pause arising from not displaying one or more consecutive pictures that are not to be displayed. A motion term provides an indication of distortion associated with a related change in motion. A combined indicator is based on an addition of the pause term and the motion term. In another particular implementation, a first indicator indicates distortion across one or more types of distortive effects that results from not displaying a first set of pictures. A second indicator indicates corresponding distortion with respect to a second set of pictures. The first indicator and the second indicator are combined in a non-linear manner.
US08879001B2
A method is provided for block artifact detection and block artifact determination using multiple features in coded images and video. A method includes identifying a plurality of overlapping blocks in a picture with respect to a current block. Each of the plurality of overlapping blocks covers a portion of the current block and a portion of an adjacent block. The method further includes transforming at least one of the plurality of overlapping blocks into respective coefficients corresponding to at least one of a luminance component and a chrominance component. The method also includes identifying a block artifact for the at least one of the plurality of overlapping blocks when coefficients corresponding to the at least one of the plurality of overlapping blocks are larger than a predefined value.
US08878997B2
A visual display includes at least a first canvas configured to display a first session on the display and a second canvas configured to display a second session on the display. The first session includes first content received from a first content source and the second session includes second content having subject matter associated with the first content. The display includes a user agent configured to determine that the first content of the first session is associated with the second content of the second session and to pair the first and second canvases such that the first content and the second content are synchronized to each other.
US08878996B2
A method of selectively decoding an input stream is provided. In the method, an encoded input stream for display as a plurality of frames in a display window is received. In addition, a location of an overlay on the plurality of frames is determined and the encoded input stream is selective decoded to selectively generate the plurality of frames based upon the location of the overlay on the plurality of frames.
US08878990B2
An image signal processing apparatus, which is capable of receiving, as inputs, images transmitted in first and second formats, includes a determination circuit that determines the first and second formats on the basis of correlation among a plurality of pieces of pixel data input in parallel with one another from the first to n-th channels, and a mapping circuit that sorts the plurality of pieces of pixel data in accordance with the determination result obtained by the determination circuit. According to the aforementioned configuration, an image signal processing apparatus that can handle two formats that divide the original image into n images and transmit the n images on n channels can be realized.
US08878985B2
Embodiments of this invention provide a flash module and an image-capturing apparatus having the flash module. The flash module includes a flash, a base, a solenoid, a linkage bar, a hook, a first elastic member, and a second elastic member. When necessary, the elements of the flash module perform a process to automatically move the flash to an open position.
US08878979B2
An image pickup apparatus includes a first image generator 3 that generates a first unit image based on a signal read from the image pickup device with each read cycle of the signal, a detector 5 that detects a luminance of the first unit image and detects a luminance variation in a plurality of the first unit images, a second image generator 6 that amplifies the first unit image in accordance with the luminance to generate a second unit image if the luminance variation exists, and a controller 8 or 9 that generates a focus evaluation signal based on the second unit image to perform a focus control using the focus evaluation signal. The controller does not use the focus evaluation signal based on the second unit image generated from the first unit image in which the luminance is lower than that of a predetermined level for the focus control, and the controller uses the focus evaluation signal based on the second unit image generated from the first unit image in which the luminance is higher than that of the predetermined level for the focus control.
US08878975B2
An image optical lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element, a second lens element, a third lens element and a fourth lens element. The first lens element with positive refractive power has a convex object-side surface. The second lens element has negative refractive power. The third lens element with positive refractive power is made of plastic material and has a convex image-side surface, wherein an object-side surface and the image-side surface of the third lens element are aspheric. The fourth lens element with negative refractive power is made of plastic material, and has a concave object-side surface and a concave image-side surface, wherein the object-side surface and the image-side surface of the fourth lens element are aspheric, and the image-side surface of the fourth lens element changes from concave at the paraxial region to convex at the peripheral region.
US08878974B2
An imaging device is provided that includes a camera body, a lens barrel, a lens barrel information transmitter, and an image sensor driver. The image sensor is housed in the camera body. The lens barrel is attachable to and detachable from the camera body. The lens barrel information transmitter regularly transmits information of the lens barrel to the camera body. The image sensor driver drives the image sensor at one of at least two different frame rates where a second frame rate is higher than a first frame rate. The amount of data being transmitted is reduced by the lens barrel information transmitter when the image sensor is driven at the second frame rate, compared to the amount transmitted when the image sensor is driven at the first frame rate.
US08878968B2
Embodiments of imaging devices of the present disclosure obtain color images from a monochromatic image sensor based on a series of several images taken at different focal positions of an optical imaging lens possessing a chromatic aberration.
US08878965B1
A black level adjustment method for a CMOS image sensor is provided. The CMOS image sensor has a pixel array with dark rows and active rows. The method has the following steps of: computing an average value of pixels from the dark rows, wherein the average value is in the form of an integer and a fraction; calculating a black level control (BLC) offset value according to the integer; generating a dithering mask based on the fraction; applying the dithering mask to pixels from the active rows; and adding the calculated BLC offset value to the dithered pixels from the active rows to generate resulting pixels.
US08878952B2
Embodiments provide a video camera that can be configured to highly compress video data in a visually lossless manner. The camera can be configured to transform blue and red image data in a manner that enhances the compressibility of the data. The data can then be compressed and stored in this form. This allows a user to reconstruct the red and blue data to obtain the original raw data for a modified version of the original raw data that is visually lossless when demosacied. Additionally, the data can be processed in a manner in which the green image elements are demosaiced first and then the red and blue elements are reconstructed based on values of the demosaiced green image elements.
US08878951B2
The present invention provides an image processing apparatus which records Raw moving image data constituted by a plurality of Raw image frames, the apparatus including a designation unit configured to designate a specific Raw image frame from the plurality of Raw image frames in accordance with an instruction from a user, and a control unit configured to control operation of the image processing apparatus, wherein the control unit controls the image processing apparatus to record, on a recording medium, development parameters corresponding to Raw image frames extracted from the plurality of Raw image frames at predetermined frame intervals, together with the Raw moving image data, and controls the image processing apparatus to record, on the recording medium, a development parameter corresponding to the specific Raw image frame designated by the designation unit, together with the Raw moving image data.
US08878948B2
A vibration correcting device includes a vibration detecting unit, a vibration correcting unit, a storage unit, and a controlling unit. The vibration detecting unit is configured to detect vibration of an image pickup apparatus. The vibration correcting unit is configured to correct blur of an image caused by the vibration. A storage unit is configured to store correction information used for correcting the blur at a predetermined frequency. The controlling unit is configured to, on the basis of the correction information, send a control signal to the vibration correcting unit.
US08878941B2
A method of testing an aircraft video system using a handheld video testing apparatus is described. The aircraft video system includes a video processing system and at least one display. The method includes generating a digital test image utilizing the video testing apparatus, receiving the digital test image at the video processing system, forwarding the digital test image to at least one of the displays through operation of the video processing system, and verifying the digital test image is correctly produced by the displays to which the digital test image was forwarded.
US08878937B2
A system and method for the capture and storage of data relating to the movements of objects, in a specified area and enables this data to be displayed in a graphically meaningful and useful manner. Video data is collected and video metadata is generated relating to objects (persons) appearing in the video data and their movements over time. The movements of the objects are then analyzed to detect the movements within a region of interest. This detection of movement allows a user, such as a manager of a store, to make informed decisions as to the infrastructure and operation of the store. One detection method relates to the number of people that are present in a region of interest for a specified time period. A second detection method relates to the number of people that remain or dwell in a particular area for a particular time period. A third detection method determines the flow of people and the direction they take within a region of interest. A fourth detection method relates to the number of people that enter a certain area by crossing a virtual line, a tripwire.
US08878928B2
A multiple ROI (region of interest) setting method and apparatus in scalable video coding and an ROI reconstructing method and apparatus are provided. The multiple ROI setting apparatus includes: an ROI setting unit which sets at least one or more ROIs and allocates ROI identification numbers to the each of ROIs; a mapping unit which allocates at least one or more slice group identification numbers to the at least one or more ROI identification numbers; and a message generating unit which generates a message including ROI-associated information, slice-group-associated information, mapping information on mapping of the ROI identification number to the at least one or more slice group identification numbers, and scalability information.
US08878927B2
A roadside infrastructure system configured to generate and broadcast basic safety message data to augment vehicle safety applications. In one example, a roadside module of the system includes a camera, video analytics to process images from the camera to detect vehicles, a BSM generator that generates a BSM for each detected vehicle, and an antenna for broadcasting the BSM. In another example, the roadside module is configured to detect BSM data generated by equipped vehicles, to determine whether any detected vehicles are equipped vehicles generating their own BSM data, and to generate a BSM only for unequipped detected vehicles.
US08878918B2
Described embodiments include a system, method, and computer program product. A described system includes a receiver circuit that receives at least two reference images that each includes a respective landmark subsurface feature of a mammalian body part; and that receives data indicative of a respective spatial relationship among each respective landmark subsurface feature. The system includes a coordinate analysis circuit that determines a common frame of reference at least partially based on a landmark subsurface feature included in a reference image. The system includes a registration circuit that registers the respective landmark subsurface feature of the mammalian body part included in each reference image. The registration is based on the determined common frame of reference and on the data indicative of a respective spatial relationship. The system maintains informational data corresponding to the registration of the respective landmark subsurface features of the mammalian body part in a computer-readable media.
US08878908B2
Automatically converging a plurality of images for use in a stereoscopic camera system including a plurality of 2-D cameras, the method including: receiving a focal distance from each 2-D camera of the plurality of 2-D cameras, wherein each 2-D camera includes at least one image sensor; calculating a system focal distance of the stereoscopic camera system by using focal distances received from the plurality of 2-D cameras; determining a center of interest using the calculated system focal distance of the stereoscopic camera system; and moving the at least one image sensor in each 2-D camera to adjust directions of view of the plurality of 2-D cameras to converge at the center of interest.
US08878907B2
The monocular stereoscopic imaging device according to one aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter includes: an imaging optical system including a zoom lens and a diaphragm; a pupil dividing unit configured to divide a light flux having passed through a imaging optical system into multiple light fluxes; an imaging unit configured to receive the multiple light fluxes, so as to continuously acquire a left-eye image and a right-eye image; and a controlling unit configured to control a zoom lens driving unit to move the zoom lens in accordance with an instruction of changing the focus distance, and configured to control the diaphragm driving unit to maintain at a substantially constant level a stereoscopic effect of the left-eye image and the right-eye image three-dimensionally displayed on a display unit before and after the zoom lens is moved.
US08878906B2
Technology is described for determining and using invariant features for computer vision. A local orientation may be determined for each depth pixel in a subset of the depth pixels in a depth map. The local orientation may an in-plane orientation, an out-out-plane orientation or both. A local coordinate system is determined for each of the depth pixels in the subset based on the local orientation of the corresponding depth pixel. A feature region is defined relative to the local coordinate system for each of the depth pixels in the subset. The feature region for each of the depth pixels in the subset is transformed from the local coordinate system to an image coordinate system of the depth map. The transformed feature regions are used to process the depth map.
US08878905B2
Disclosed is a handheld scanner for obtaining and/or measuring the 3D geometry of at least a part of the surface of an object using confocal pattern projection techniques. Specific embodiments are given for intraoral scanning and scanning of the interior part of a human ear.
US08878897B2
A method implemented in a server for sharing video conversion data includes receiving conversion data for a two-dimensional (2D) video and archiving the conversion data. A selection of a 2D video corresponding to the archived conversion data is received from a client, and conversion data corresponding to the selection received from the client is transmitted to the client.
US08878893B2
A method for creating situation awareness when scheduling video conferences includes providing a user with access to a set of names stored in a directory service database, and allowing the user to select one or more of the names. In response to selection of one or more names, geographical location values associated with the names in the directory service database are retrieved, and a map is provided. The map and one or more geographical objects showing the geographical location of the users associated with the selected names is then displayed on a display.
US08878892B2
A multi-picture synthesizing method in a conference television system is disclosed by the present invention. The method includes: synthesizing multiple pictures into a bottom layer of a multi-picture image according to a preset multi-picture layout, creating at least one layer of image layer over a bottom layer of a multi-picture image, creating at least one image frame in each image layer, and adjusting a pre-output picture corresponding to the image frame according to output characteristics of each image frame, and outputting the pre-output picture into the corresponding image frame. The present invention further discloses a multi-picture synthesizing apparatus in a conference television system. According to the technical scheme of the present invention, the multi-picture synthesizing of a conference television system is implemented flexibly and simply.
US08878890B2
A mobile terminal including a first body having a user input unit at one surface thereof; a second body slidably connected to the first body so as to be movable between a first state where the user input unit is exposed and a second state where the user input unit is covered by the second body; and a first image input unit located at the user input unit such that an external image is inputtable in the first state.
US08878889B1
A wireless communication device (WCD) that is configured to originate and receive push-to-talk (PTT) calls may be identified by a standard identifier in standard PTT calls and may be identified by an emergency identifier in emergency PTT calls. The WCD may be configured to recognize an emergency trigger and, in response to the emergency trigger, originate an outgoing emergency PTT call, using the emergency identifier. If, while engaged in a standard PTT call, the WCD receives an incoming emergency PTT call that includes the WCD's emergency identifier, the emergency PTT call may preempt the standard PTT call. For example, the WCD may convey audio from the emergency PTT call to a speaker or other audio output interface, instead of audio from the standard PTT call. The WCD may also release the standard PTT call.
US08878888B2
An interactive communication system (400) includes a plurality of in-room video communications system (1250) each including an audio microphone (460), a video camera (440), an audio speaker (470), a patient operated control (420) and a television/video monitor (430). The message sender, e.g. a medical professional, enters a request to contact a selected patient at a terminal (190). A hierarchical access control (130, 135) arbitrates among persons trying to reach a patient based on an accesses hierarchy (200). The requester with the highest role in the hierarchy establishes a video communication link with the patient and appears on the television monitor (430) in place of previously viewed video entertainment.
US08878887B2
If inclination correction of scanning line is performed while the incident position of the laser beam is not suitable, the shape of a spot of the laser beam which forms an image on a photosensitive drum may not be uniform depending on the scanning position of the laser beam. The housing is provided with a U-shaped groove to which the convex portion of a lens hold member that holds the lens is engaged. With the position of the convex portion adjusted, the convex portion is attached and secured in the U-shaped groove. Thus, the installation position of the lens to an optical path of the laser beam is adjusted, and the lens can be rotated and adjusted in order to correct an inclination or a bending of scanning line.
US08878866B2
A display control device includes: a changing unit changing a two-dimensional location representing locations in a horizontal direction and an orthogonal direction of each of a plurality of objects having different depths for a display screen of a display unit according to a direction in which a user views the display unit; a transparency adjusting unit for adjusting transparency for each of the plurality of objects; and a display control unit for displaying the plurality of objects in which the two-dimensional location is changed and the transparency is adjusted on the display unit, so as to overlap each other.
US08878865B2
A method of operating a three-dimensional (3D) map system including: receiving an image and a geo-location tag of the image; determining a building model for a physical building corresponding to an object captured in the image based on the geo-location tag; mapping, on a region-by-region basis, the image to a stored facade of the building model; and mapping, on a pixel-by-pixel basis, the image to the stored facade of the building model for displaying the image as a new facade of the building.
US08878856B1
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for depicting a body of water utilizing a height field and particles. In use, content depicting a body of water is identified. Additionally, a height field is generated for the content. Furthermore, at least a portion of the height field is converted to a plurality of particles based on predetermined criteria.
US08878855B2
To allow a video clip to be rendered within an e-mail, the video stream is converted into an animated image object (e.g. a GIF (Graphics Interchange Format) object) and stored on a server system. An HTML image element/tag (
US08878847B2
The invention relates to a method for estimation of information representative of a height. In order to minimize the required calculation time, the method comprises steps for: selection of a first point from among a plurality of points of a normal map, a normal being associated with each of the points of said plurality, a reference height being associated with said first point, estimation of a height difference between the first point and a second point of the normal map different from the first point according to the normal associated with the second point and the distance separating the first point from the second point in the normal map.
US08878845B2
A method, apparatus, system, article of manufacture, and computer readable storage medium provide the ability to create and edit a surface object in a computer implemented surface modeler. A surface object creation process is commenced and a surface object type is selected. During the surface object creation process, visual affordances are presented. The visual affordances are grips that can be used to inject modification into the surface object creation process. Subsequent to creation of the surface object, the same visual affordances are displayed and used to edit the surface object.
US08878843B2
In order to achieve reduction in size, an image position adjustment device (1) includes a light source unit (3) which emits visible light and infrared light, a movable cold mirror (12) which reflects visible light and transmits infrared light, a second scanner mirror (13) which reflects infrared light transmitted through the movable cold mirror (12), a windshield glass (F) which displays an image with visible light reflected by the movable cold mirror (12), and a first image processing unit (5) which images the driver (D) using reflected light of infrared light reflected by the second scanner mirror (13) on the driver (D) to detect a line-of-sight position of the driver (D). The position of an image is adjusted in accordance with the line-of-sight position detected by the first image processing unit (5).
US08878841B2
It is provided a computer-implemented method for designing a CAD modeled object. The method comprises displaying at least one parametric three-dimensional shape; user-interacting with the screen; defining on a support a stroke corresponding to the user-interacting; computing at least one geometrical characteristic of the stroke; determining at least one parameter of a geometrical CAD operation based on the computed geometrical characteristic. Such a method makes the design of a CAD modeled object easier.
US08878839B2
Three-dimensional data is compressed at a high compression ratio without deteriorating resolution and accuracy, by computing a coupling coefficient from input three-dimensional data and a three-dimensional base data group obtained from a plurality of objects and outputting the coupling coefficient as compressed data. Specifically, the three-dimensional data is input to corresponding point determination means. The corresponding point determination means generates three-dimensional data to be synthesized in which vertexes of the three-dimensional data are made to correspond to vertexes of three-dimensional reference data serving as a reference to determine association relationship between vertexes. Coefficient computation means computes a coupling coefficient for coupling a three-dimensional base data group used for synthesis of three-dimensional data to synthesize three-dimensional data to be synthesized, and outputs the computed coupling coefficient as the compressed data of the three-dimensional data.
US08878824B2
The present disclosure provides a force-sensitive stylus having a first electromagnetic coil located at a fixed position within a housing and a second electromagnetic coil that is attached to a moveable tip element and positioned to interact with the first electromagnetic coil, such that the position of the second electromagnetic coil relative to the first electromagnetic coil is dependent upon the force applied to the tip element. A control circuit energizes a transmitting coil of the first and second electromagnetic coils with a radio frequency signal and senses the current induced in the other coil to determine the force on the tip element. The force may be encoded in the radio frequency signal and then transmitted to a host electronic device by re-energizing the transmitting coil.
US08878823B1
An apparatus comprising a stylus with a dynamically switch tip shield is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated stylus housing having an end, a conductive tip disposed at least partially inside the stylus housing and extending from the end, a force sensor coupled to the conductive tip and configured to detect contact between the conductive tip and an object, a tip shield coupled with the stylus housing and extending from the end, and a switch coupled to the tip shield and the conductive tip.
US08878820B2
An optical touch module includes a transparent substrate and two light processing units. The transparent substrate includes a touch surface, a sub-surface parallel to the touch surface, and a surrounding side surface connected to the touch surface and the sub-surface. The two light processing units are positioned on two neighboring corners of the transparent substrate, and each of the two light processing units includes a light source and a detector. The light source and the detector respectively have a light emitting surface and a light entry surface, the light emitting surface of the light source and the light entry surface of the detector both face the surrounding side surface, and the two light processing units are positioned beneath the touch surface.
US08878819B2
A portable optical touch system is disclosed in the present invention. The portable optical touch system includes two camera devices movably connected with each other and respectively disposed on two corners of a plane. Each camera device includes an imaging module for capturing an image of an object on the screen, an adjusting module connected to the imaging module for determining whether the two imaging modules are positioned on the same plane, and a measuring module connected to the imaging module for calculating a distance between the two imaging modules. The portable optical touch system further includes a controlling unit electrically connected to the camera device for calculating a coordinates of the object on the plane by analyzing the distance between the imaging modules and the images captured by the imaging modules.
US08878798B2
A touch screen panel display device is provided. The touch screen panel display device includes a Y-touch sensor bonding pattern having a bonding portion bonded to a touch screen Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB), an X-touch sensor bonding pattern positioned toward the touch screen FPCB further than the bonding portion of the Y-touch sensor bonding pattern and having a bonding portion bonded to the touch screen FPCB, and a touch screen FPCB having an X-contact point portion contacting the bonding portion of the X-touch sensor bonding pattern and a Y-contact point portion contacting the bonding portion of the Y-touch sensor bonding pattern. Thereby, an Anisotropic Conducting Film (ACF) swelling failure occurring as a heat is again applied to a location at which bonding is already complete can be prevented.
US08878795B2
There are provided a touch sensing apparatus and an operating method thereof. The touch sensing apparatus includes: a panel unit including a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes, the first and second electrodes intersecting each other; a circuit unit applying first driving signals to the first electrodes and detecting sensed signals from the second electrodes; and a control unit controlling an operation of the circuit unit, wherein the control unit controls the circuit unit to simultaneously apply the first driving signals to the first electrodes during a first duration corresponding to a sleep mode and detect first sensed signals from the second electrodes, and determines whether a valid touch has occurred during the first duration to determine whether to cancel the sleep mode.
US08878794B2
A multi-display device is adapted to turn on and off certain device functionality based on one or more of device state and triggers. These triggers include a transition trigger, an open trigger and a closed trigger. Furthermore, and based on one or more of these triggers and device state, the device can provide feedback to a user, such as visual feedback, audio feedback and vibration feedback to assist a user with determining when the device is changing state. The operation of the primary screen, secondary screen, system and feedback options are also described relative to the beginning and endpoint of the device transition. Furthermore, the trigger corresponding to a transitional trigger where primary and secondary screens have a certain angle orientation and the trigger corresponding to a trigger point where the primary and secondary screens have a second angle orientation relative to one another are described.
US08878775B2
A display device and a control method thereof are discussed. A display device and a control method thereof according to an embodiment of the present invention comprise a display unit displaying an object; a receiver receiving a wireless signal from a three dimensional (3D) pointing device recognizing a three dimensional motion; and a controller calculating a trajectory of the 3D pointing device corresponding to at least one of an absolute coordinate area and a relative coordinate area based on the received wireless signal and determining a position of the displayed object according to a property of an area to which the trajectory belongs and displaying the determined position.
US08878767B2
The disclosure provides a system and method for adjusting a backlight level for an image being displayed on an electronic device. The system comprises: a display for displaying an image to be backlit; memory storing a numeric representation of the image on a pixel-by-pixel basis; and a backlight adjustment module to calculate a pixel-by-pixel, running average of an intensity of the image using the numeric representation and to determine a backlight level for the image using the running average, the running average being calculated according to an equation that calculates a new average using a previous average and a current pixel intensity value to avoid an overflow condition when calculating the running average.
US08878761B2
An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid crystal display device capable of improving a viewing angle, while not decreasing an aperture ratio and preventing an increase in electricity consumption. A liquid crystal display device (1) of the present invention includes an active matrix substrate including a plurality of drain electrodes (14) disposed in a matrix form, a counter substrate including a plurality of common electrodes, and a liquid crystal layer being sandwiched between the active matrix substrate and the counter substrate, each of the plurality of drain electrodes (14) having formed (i) a subpixel (16a) part facing a first common electrode (11) among the plurality of common electrodes, across the liquid crystal layer, and (ii) a subpixel (16b) part facing a second common electrode (12) among the plurality of common electrodes, across the liquid crystal layer. To the first common electrode (11), a first common electrode voltage (VC1) having a first center voltage (VCOMDC1) is applied, and to the second common electrode (12), a second common electrode voltage (VC2) having a second center voltage (VCOMDC2) different from the first center voltage is applied. The present invention is suitably used for televisions and portable phones.
US08878759B2
A method of displaying a video image comprises receiving sequential image frames at a processor. Each image frame is processed to obtain a kinoform. A programmable diffractive element such as an SLM represents the sequence of kinoforms allowing reproduction of the image using a suitable illumination beam.
US08878755B2
In one aspect of the invention, a method of driving an OLED display includes providing scan signals and data signals and applying the scan signals to scan lines and the data signals to the data lines, respectively. Each scan signal is characterized with a waveform having a compensation duration and a scan duration immediately following the compensation duration. The waveform has a first voltage and a second voltage periodically and alternately varied from one another defining a period in the compensation duration, and has the first voltage in the scan duration. The period is equal to the scan duration but shorter than the compensation duration. As such, during the compensation duration of a scan signal, pixels of a corresponding pixel row are charged for compensation, and during the scan duration, the data signals are written into the pixels of the corresponding pixel row for driving the OLEDs thereof.
US08878740B2
A horn antenna for a radar device comprising a metal body having a tubular hollow waveguide section opening into a hollow horn section, a dielectric filling body filling up the inner space of the horn section, and a dielectric cover, wherein the horn antenna is configured to protrude in a measurement environment, protected from highly aggressive process environments and is usable over a wide temperature range.
US08878737B2
Dual polarization in an antenna structure that results from a number of radiating elements arranged in a loop configuration. The antenna structure is excited by a single coaxial feedline in an interior portion of the antenna structure. The antenna structure may include a ground plane that enables a directional radiation pattern. The antenna structure may also be operational without a ground plane to enable an omnidirectional radiation pattern. The antenna structure may be configured in a number of loop configurations electrically connected to each other by a number of microstrip loops extending in a horizontal and vertical planar direction.
US08878725B2
According to an embodiment of the present invention, geolocations of multiple unknown radio frequency (RF) signal sources are determined using three-dimensional (3-D) geolocation techniques. The three-dimensional (3-D) geolocation techniques obtain reliable geolocation estimates of radio frequency (RF) emitters based on energy or received signal strength (RSS) of emitter transmitted signals and based on their time differences of arrival (TDOAs) at various sensor locations. The energy based geolocations and the time difference of arrival (TDOA) geolocations are combined to determine an overall set of geolocations for multiple unknown radio frequency (RF) signal sources. The geolocation information is used to track and monitor the locations of the multiple emitters.
US08878724B1
A first network device including a calibration module, a steering module, and a control module. The calibration module is configured to determine whether a second network device is capable of generating steering data for the first network device, wherein the steering data corresponds to data for steering signals in a desired direction. The steering module is configured to, if the second network device is not capable of generating the steering data for the first network device, receive channel state information from the second network device and determine the steering data based on the channel state information. The control module is configured to receive the steering data from the second network device if the second network device is capable of generating the steering data for the first network device.
US08878710B2
In an embodiment, a set of input samples are filtered to provide a set of filtered samples using an N-tap filter. A steady-state-response-output sample of the N-tap filter is determined from a N/2th sample of the set of filtered samples.
US08878705B1
A computer-implemented method of performing lossless compression of a digital data set uses an iterative compression process in which the number of symbols N and bit length per symbol n may vary on successive iterations. The process includes analyzing at least a part of the data set to establish a partition thereof into N symbols of symbol length n, and to determine whether the N symbols can be further compressed, and, if so, a model to be used in encoding the N symbols.
US08878703B2
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software. The device provides output in the form of a default output and a number of variants. The output is based largely upon the frequency, i.e., the likelihood that a user intended a particular output, but various features of the device provide additional variants that are not based solely on frequency and rather are provided by various logic structures resident on the device. The device enables editing during text entry and also provides a learning function that allows the disambiguation function to adapt to provide a customized experience for the user. The disambiguation function can be selectively disabled and an alternate keystroke interpretation system provided. Additionally, the device can facilitate the selection of variants by displaying a graphic of a special
US08878693B2
A driver assistance device to be disposed in a vehicle includes a traffic signal information acquiring section, an intersection distance acquiring section, a target speed calculating section, and an outputting section. The traffic signal information acquiring section acquires traffic signal information that includes current and future lighting colors and lighting times of respective lighting colors of a traffic signal located in a traveling direction of the vehicle. The intersection distance acquiring section acquires an intersection distance between the vehicle and an intersection at which the traffic signal is located. The target speed calculating section calculates a target speed range to enable the vehicle to enter the intersection in a state where the lighting color of the traffic signal is green. The outputting section outputs the target speed range.
US08878691B2
Medical monitor readings (150) are displayed along with an indication of along with the age of the reading. The reading display is changed by altering the intensity of the reading value (210-240), color of the reading value (310-330), a subscript next to the reading (400), a shape of the background (600-700), or icon (FIGS. 6-11) to indicate the age of a presented reading.
US08878689B2
A meter reader for reading a meter have a display portion displaying a total output of a quantity being metered and plural incremental outputs defining the total output. The meter reader includes a sensing mechanism for sensing one of the plural incremental outputs in the meter display portion, and a processing unit coupled to the sensing mechanism for accumulating incremental outputs sensed by the sensing mechanism and for determining accumulated meter output over a time period based on the accumulated incremental outputs. Also included is an output mechanism for outputting the accumulated meter output determined by the processing unit. In one example, the sensing mechanism includes a sensor for sensing only a least significant incremental output in usage included in the meter display portion, and an emitter for illuminating the least significant incremental output included in the meter display portion. Further, the sensing mechanism senses the least significant incremental output included in the meter display portion at least once every full cycle of the least significant incremental output.
US08878684B2
A scalable and ultrasensitive frequency-shift magnetic array scheme. The theoretical limit of the sensor noise floor is shown to be dominated by the phase noise of the sensing oscillators. To increase the sensitivity, a noise suppression technique, Correlated Double Counting (CDC), is described with no power overhead. As an implementation example, a 64-cell sensor array is designed in a standard 65 nm CMOS process. The CDC scheme achieves an additional 6 dB noise suppression. The magnetic sensing capability of the presented sensor is verified by detecting micron size magnetic particles with an SNR of 14.6 dB for a single bead and an effective dynamic range of at least 74.5 dB. Applications in biosensing are contemplated, among other possible uses. Measurement of electrical properties is also contemplated.
US08878673B2
Security systems and methods configured for use with an item of merchandise for retail display include a housing, at least one sensor carried by the housing and at least one output device carried by the housing. The security system further includes a controller carried by the housing and operably coupled to the sensor and to the output device. The controller is operable to determine a distance traveled by the item of merchandise from a retail display “home” position based upon a sensor input from the sensor, and to activate the output device based upon the distance traveled by the item of merchandise exceeding a threshold distance. The controller may utilize the at least one sensor in conjunction with an inertial navigation system (INS) and motion processing algorithms or techniques to determine the distance traveled by the item of merchandise from the retail display “home” position.
US08878670B2
Methods, devices, and systems for saving battery service life by preventing false alarms when a tracked asset is intentionally removed from a base safe-zone. A portable safe-zone beacon may create a portable safe-zone by broadcasting signals similar to a transmitter within a base safe-zone. A tracking device may employ a relatively low-power short-range radio transceiver to receive safe-zone broadcasts. If the tracking device does not detect safe-zone broadcasts before a timing counter expires, the tracking device may activate a high-power, long-range transceiver and transmit an alarm message via a wireless network. The tracking device may distinguish between transmissions of the portable safe-zone beacon and a transmitter of the base safe-zone and may operate differently based on being within different safe-zones. In response to receiving broadcasts, the tracking device may transmit response messages to the portable safe-zone beacon. In an embodiment, devices may relay data to and from the tracking device.
US08878668B2
The presence or absence of objects (e.g., medical implements, medical supplies) tagged with transponders may be determined in an environment in which medical procedures (e.g., surgery) are performed via an interrogation and detection system which includes a controller and a plurality of antennas positioned along a patient support structure. The antennas may, for example, be positioned along an operating table, bed, a mattress or pad or a sheet and may be radiolucent. Respective antennas may successively be activated to transmit interrogation signals. Multiple antennas may be monitored for responses from transponders to the interrogation signals. For example, all antennas other than the antenna that transmitted the most recent interrogation signal may be monitored.
US08878663B2
Frames of data are received. Each frame includes at least a sensor identifier and a changeable data field and is sent from one of a plurality of sensors. Each of the plurality of sensors is associated with a respective one of a plurality of sensor identifiers. The changeable data field includes, in some of the frames, data representing a sensed condition and, in others of the frames, counter data. The counter data is analyzed to determine whether any of the sensor identifiers can be associated with one of a plurality of sensor locations.
US08878659B2
A control unit generates an annunciation sound signal including multiple frequency components. A sound emission device emits an annunciation sound to an outside of a vehicle according to the annunciation sound signal. The control unit changes a pitch of the annunciation sound signal according to a vehicle speed and changes an output level of the annunciation sound signal according to the pitch of the annunciation sound signal.
US08878652B2
An encoding module and related systems and components are provided. The encoding module includes a plurality of encoding elements arranged in an array of columns and rows and one or more switching elements configured to selectively connect the encoding elements to a reader. The connection of the encoding elements may be based on the location of a targeted transponder disposed among multiple adjacent transponders to ensure the selective communication with the targeted transponder only. The module is configured for various types and locations transponders to be used within a system, such as a printer-encoder. Each encoding element may include a loaded conductive strip comprising a loop shape portion and a shield that corresponds to the loop shape portion. In another embodiment, an access control system having an encoding module with the plurality of couplers and an access card having a plurality of transponders corresponding to the couplers is provided.
US08878647B2
A personal authentication apparatus comprises an input unit configured to input image data; a face detection unit configured to detect a face region of a person included in the image data input by the input unit, and to detect feature data from the detected face region; a facial expression determination unit configured to determine a facial expression from the face region detected by the face detection unit; a storage unit configured to store feature data used to authenticate a person in correspondence with respective facial expressions of a plurality of faces; a selection unit configured to select feature data corresponding to the facial expression determined by the facial expression determination unit from the storage unit; and an authentication unit configured to authenticate a person by comparing the feature data of the face region detected by the face detection unit, and the feature data selected by the selection unit.
US08878644B2
A digital lighting control network protocol with forward and backward frames, each of the frames including an error check code. A no-acknowledgment (NAK) signal is sent from a receiving node to a transmitting node responsive to the error check code. An interface circuit of the receiving node may include an energy storage section to store at least some energy from the network while receiving digital signals, and an output section to transmit digital signals to the network using the stored energy. The interface circuit may also include a high voltage buffer circuit. The transmitting node may send forward frames to receiving nodes based on device type.
US08878641B2
An electronic component is provided with a substrate, a thin-film element layer provided on the substrate, first and second bump electrodes, provided on a surface of the thin-film element layer, and an insulator layer provided between the first bump electrode and the second bump electrode. The thin-film element layer contains a first spiral conductor which is a plane coil pattern. The first bump electrode is connected to an internal peripheral end of the first spiral conductor. The second bump electrode is connected to an external peripheral end of the first spiral conductor. Both of the first and second bump electrodes, have a first exposure surface exposed to a principal surface of the insulator layer and a second exposure surface exposed to an end face of the insulator layer.
US08878640B2
A common mode choke coil includes a quadrilateral core 4; first and second core covers 2, 3 disposed opposite to each other on the upper and lower surfaces of the core 4 so as to cover the outer periphery of the core 4; and rectangular copper wires 8 wound on the opposite side portions of the core 4 of the first and second core covers 2, 3. The second core cover 3 is disposed on a component-mounting face. The first and second core covers 2, 3 include a pair of linear portions surrounding the corresponding opposite sides of the core 4 which linear portions constitute winding portions 5. The lower surface of the second core cover 3 has a pedestal portion 6 which protrudes more toward the component-mounting face than the winding portions 5, and extends out along the component-mounting face in a direction perpendicular to axis lines of the winding portions 5. The lower face at the tip of the protruding part of the pedestal portion 6 has seat faces 6a on which parts of the rectangular copper wires 8 drawn from the winding portions 5 toward the component-mounting face are provided as mounting terminals 12. Tip portions of the rectangular copper wires 8 are bent upward from the seat faces 6a at the edge of the tip of the protruding part of the pedestal portion.
US08878639B2
Method and device for self-regulated flux transfer from a source of magnetic energy into one or more ferromagnetic work pieces is provided. A plurality of magnets are disposed in a medium wherein gaps of predetermined distance are maintained between neighboring magnets. And the magnets we arranged such that magnetic flux exchange may take place between the magnets across the gaps and a ferromagnetic body in close vicinity or contact with the magnets.
US08878638B2
A system and a method for the controlled manipulation of any number of magnetic particles in solution are shown. The system and the method of the present invention are based on the employment of magnetic conduits properly structured in order to inject, move and annihilate with high precision magnetic domain walls and on the fact that said magnetic domain walls exert a high attraction force on magnetic particles. The injection, movement and annihilation of domain walls along said magnetic conduit result, therefore, in the trapping, movement and release, respectively, of single magnetic particles placed in solution in proximity of said magnetic conduits. The devices of the present invention guarantee the possibility of a digital transfer of magnetic particles along conduits formed by linear segments as well as high control and nanometric precision in the manipulation of said magnetic particles on curved conduits.
US08878637B2
A cover is described that is magnetically attached to a tablet device. The cover includes at least as flap. In the described embodiment, the flap includes a plurality of segments where the first segment includes a first plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a first edge of the flap and where a second segment includes a second plurality of edge attach magnets arrayed along a second edge of the flap opposite the first edge.
US08878634B2
[Object] An object is to provide a bandpass filter that can be used for a wide frequency band and has a large degree of freedom in designing a passband, and a wireless communication module and a wireless communication device that use the bandpass filter.[Solution] A bandpass filter includes first to third resonance electrodes 31a, 31b, and 31c sequentially arranged side-by-side such that they are electromagnetically coupled to each other, the first to third resonance electrodes 31a, 31b, and 31c being grounded at one end and constituting first to third resonators, respectively; a first input/output coupling electrode 40a facing the first resonance electrode 31a and electromagnetically coupled thereto; a second input/output coupling electrode 40b facing the second resonance electrode 31b and electromagnetically coupled thereto; and a resonator coupling electrode 43 configured to provide electromagnetic coupling between the first resonance electrode 31a and the third resonance electrode 31c. The first and second resonators have the same resonance frequency which is different from a resonance frequency of the third resonator. The first to third resonators are used to produce a passband. The bandpass filter can be used for a wide frequency band and has a large degree of freedom in designing the passband.
US08878604B2
A switching circuit according to one embodiment has: N switching elements; a connection circuit including N−1 first inductance elements that are connected in series; a second inductance element; and N third inductance elements. Control terminals of the N switching elements are connected to ends of the connection circuit and connection contacts, respectively. One end of the second inductance element is connected to a power supply. The N third inductance elements electrically connects one ends of the N switching elements and the other end of the second inductance element with each other, respectively.
US08878583B2
A PWM duty cycle converter includes a PWM signal generator, a timing signal generator, a limit signal generator, and a duty cycle limiter. The PWM signal generator generates a first PWM signal by comparing a triangular carrier wave with a duty command from a signal source. The timing signal generator generates a timing signal synchronously with at least one of a maximum value and a minimum value of the amplitude of the carrier wave. The limit signal generator generates a limit signal in response to the timing signal. The limit signal sets at least one of an upper limit and a lower limit on a duty cycle of the first PWM signal. The duty cycle limiter combines the first PWM signal and the limit signal to output a second PWM signal having a limited duty cycle.
US08878581B2
Groups of phase shifted Pulse Width Modulation signals are generated that maintain their duty-cycle and phase relationships as a function of the period of the PWM signal frequency. The multiphase PWM signals are generated in a ratio-metric fashion so as to greatly simplify and reduce the computational workload for a processor used in a PWM system. The groups of phase shifted PWM signals may also be synchronized with and automatically scaled to match external synchronization signals.
US08878580B1
A clock system receiving a reference clock signal via an alignment location and developing a functional clock signal provided to a functional circuit via a clock path. The clock system includes a low bandwidth PLL, a high bandwidth PLL, and a delay path. The low bandwidth PLL receives the reference clock signal and a feedback clock signal and provides a filtered clock signal. The high bandwidth PLL receives the filtered clock signal and provides the functional clock signal, and has a feedback input coupled to its output via a local feedback path. The delay path is coupled between the output of the low bandwidth PLL and the alignment location to provide the feedback clock signal to the low bandwidth PLL. The delay and clock paths are substantially matched. The bandwidths of the low and high bandwidth PLLs may be individually configured to reduce both input jitter and internal jitter, respectively.
US08878568B1
A high speed transmit driver is provided, along with methods to improve driver slew rate, decrease transmit jitter, improve termination accuracy, and decrease sensitivity to supply noise.
US08878563B2
A system and apparatus for detecting and locating an arc fault in a photovoltaic solar power array. A plurality of capacitors divide strings of photovoltaic cells into a series of magnetic loops. When an arc fault occurs within one of the loops, a time-varying magnetic field is produced, with flux lines emanating from the area enclosed by the loop. At least three magnetic field sensors arranged at locations in or around the solar power array detect the spectral signature of the arc fault, and send related data to a computer via a communication network. The computer analyzes the data from the sensors to determine the location of the arc fault.
US08878557B2
Equipment for indicating a bed-wetting in a bed comprising a bed-wetter sheet and a measuring- and control system. A measuring circuit is furnished to test whether the electrode in the bed-wetter sheet are intact, and afterwards to measure the conductivity in the normal state between the two from each other electrically isolated electrodes whereby the conductivity between the two electrodes will fall drastically by a bed-wetting, human fluids containing salt being spread on the sheet, and indicate the bed-wetting. The measuring circuit is furnished to as a part of a routine to enter into a resting state whereby the measurement is performed with a prearranged fixed time interval.
US08878556B2
A sensing device includes an oscillator, a driver, a switch, a counter and a timer. The oscillator includes an input coupled to a reference capacitor. The driver alternately sources and sinks current in accordance with an oscillation signal outputted by the oscillator. The switch connects or disconnects the reference capacitor with a sensing capacitor. The counter counts value for the oscillation signal. The timer counts operation periods respectively when the switch connects the reference capacitor with the sensing capacitor and when the switch disconnects the reference capacitor with the sensing capacitor, and the counter counts values corresponding to conditions of the switch connecting and disconnecting the reference capacitor with the sensing capacitor during the operation periods, respectively.
US08878552B2
A system includes a capacitor, a plurality of notification devices connected in parallel with the capacitor, and a controller. The controller is capable of determining capacitance of the capacitor during charge-up of the capacitor, and the controller is capable of determining the wiring impedance of the emergency notification circuit during discharge of the capacitor.
US08878546B2
An apparatus for quickly determining a fault in an electric power system includes a current transformer, a current determination unit and a fault determination unit. The current transformer detects current supplied to the electric power system and outputs a current detection voltage. The current determination unit respectively compares the current detection voltage, the first-order differential voltage of the current detection voltage and the second-order differential voltage of the current detection voltage with predetermined first, second and third reference voltages. The fault determination unit determines whether a fault occurs based on the compared result of the current determination unit and generates a trip signal when it is determined that the fault has occurred.
US08878544B2
An electric leakage sensing apparatus includes a coupling capacitor having one end connected to a DC power supply, a pulse generator that supplies a pulse to the other end of the coupling capacitor, a voltage detector that detects a voltage at the coupling capacitor charged by the pulse, an electric leakage determination part that compares the voltage detected by the voltage detector to a threshold value, and makes a determination of existence or non-existence of an electric leakage of the DC power supply based on a comparison result, and a booster circuit that applies a boosted pulse voltage to the coupling capacitor. The pulse generator converts an output voltage of the booster circuit into the pulse voltage. The voltage detector includes an offset voltage generating circuit that generates an offset voltage.
US08878543B2
The vehicular insulation resistance detection apparatus includes a cyclic signal generating unit that generates a cyclic signal, a first resistor that has one end to which the cyclic signal is applied, a first capacitor that has one end connected to the other end of the first resistor and the other end connected to a high-voltage circuit, a second capacitor that has one end connected to the other end of the first resistor, a second resistor that has one end connected to the other end of the second capacitor and the other end connected to a low-voltage ground that is a circuit ground of a low-voltage circuit, a series circuit that includes a diode and a third resistor connected in series, and is connected in parallel with the second capacitor, this diode having a forward direction coincident with a direction from the other end of the second capacitor to the one end of the second capacitor, a voltage detection unit that detects a voltage between the low-voltage ground and the other end of the second capacitor as a detection signal, and an insulation resistance detection unit that detects a resistance value of an insulation resistance based on an amplitude of the detection signal.
US08878527B2
A system for testing a magnetic sensor has a plurality of coils, wherein the coils are positioned along perpendicular planes. A magnetic field is generated along each of the perpendicular planes when a current is sent to each of the plurality of coils.
US08878526B2
A magnetic scale includes a scale member having a plurality of grooves. The scale member defines a passive magnetic scale track. The plurality of grooves include grooves of at least a first groove type and a second groove type, the magnetic properties of the scale member in the locality of grooves of the first groove type being different than the magnetic properties of the scale member in the locality of grooves of the second groove type. The scale member is arranged to carry or encode absolute position information in the form of at least one codeword comprising a sequence of data bits, wherein each of the data bits is provided by a groove of the scale member, the data bit taking a first value if the groove is of the first groove type and a second value if the groove is of the second groove type.
US08878525B2
A permanent magnet is fixed to a stationary portion. A yoke made of magnetic material is provided to a rotating portion. The yoke is tube-shaped to surround the permanent magnet and has a chord portion into which a magnetic flux generated by the permanent magnet preferentially flows. The chord portion is arranged in such a manner as to be close to the permanent magnet. A Hall element is arranged at a specified position of the stationary portion relative to the permanent magnet 20. The Hall element outputs a signal which corresponds to a density and an angle of a magnetic flux generated between the chord portion and the permanent magnet.
US08878516B2
A method for determining each current output of a three-phase inverter (102) comprises the following steps: inspecting an initial set of control signals for the inverter (102); identifying a measurement conflict when at least two of said control signals are asserted within a predetermined amount of time of each; if there is a measurement conflict, providing a first modified set of control signals to the inverter by shifting a position of at least one control signal related to the measurement conflict; and measuring a current through a shunt resistor based on the first modified set of control signals. Also, an electronic device and a digital processor (DSP) for determining each current output of three-phase inverter (102) are provided.
US08878513B2
A regulator for providing a plurality of output voltages is provided. The regulator includes a basic unit and a plurality of replica units. The basic unit amplifies an input voltage to obtain a core voltage according to a first control signal. Each of the replica units outputs one of the output voltages according to the input voltage and one of a plurality of second control signals, wherein at least two of the output voltages have different voltage levels. The first control signal is set according to the second control signals, to make the voltage level of the core voltage substantially equal to or less than a maximum voltage level of the output voltages and substantially equal to or greater than a minimum voltage level of the output voltages.
US08878505B2
Methods and systems to translate a pulse power demand of a pulse load to a constant power draw, and to maintain a desired peak output voltage over time. A power converter (PC) provides power from a power source to a charge store, which provides pulse power to the load. A PC controller continuously monitors an output current of the PC and an output voltage of the charge store, and controls the PC to draw constant power from the source, at a level indicated by a power command. A peak voltage controller periodically adjusts the power command, such as to compensate for time-varying effects, based on a peak voltage reference and the output voltage of the charge store measured at times of synchronization pulses. The peak voltage controller generates the synchronization pulses based on rising edges of a pulse current, or receives the synchronization pulses from the radar system controller.
US08878503B2
The voltage regulators are capable of limiting undershoots of the output voltage without having a similar effect on overshoots because of the presence of a current cancellation network, input with the reference voltage and coupled to the second input of the error amplifier. This current cancellation network is adapted to inject into the second input a unidirectional compensation current of the first and second currents injected by the first and second feedback networks, respectively, the compensation current being determined by time variations of the difference between a replica of the output regulated voltage and the reference voltage and/or by time variations of the reference voltage.
US08878490B2
A power tool powered by a battery having a guide post, a first battery terminal, a second battery terminal, and a third battery terminal. The power tool including a battery interface for electrically interfacing with the battery and a battery receptacle for receiving the battery. The battery interface including a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal, and a third electrical terminal. The battery receptacle including a channel for receiving the guide post, the channel having a first portion, a second portion connected to the first portion by a first elbow, and a third portion connected to the second portion by a second elbow. Wherein the guide post travels through the first portion to the second portion, and through the second portion to the third portion in order to secure the battery within the battery receptacle.
US08878488B2
The present invention has an objective to provide a charge-and-discharge connector which makes it possible to transfer of electric power mutually between vehicles and the vehicles exterior under control by a charge-and-discharge management system at normal times, and makes it possible to supply electric power from vehicles to the vehicles exterior without depending on the charge-and-discharge management system in an emergency. It is possible to make vehicles perform an electric supply operation without using a charge-and-discharge control signal in an emergency by preparing an operating part in a charge-and-discharge connector for delivering and receiving electric power between vehicles and the charge-and-discharge control device outside the vehicles and operating the operating part to make the vehicles detect that an electric supply operation is possible without using the charge-and-discharge control signal used for controlling charge and discharge at normal times.
US08878485B2
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a recharging device includes a recharging port that receives a flameless candle and recharges a battery in the candle. The recharging device includes a first stacking structure that has a top portion and a bottom portion. There is a top stacking contact on the top portion. An electrical power bus is connected with the top stacking contact. The electrical power bus is also configured to provide electrical power to the flameless candle through the recharging port. The top portion of the first stacking structure is configured to mate with a bottom portion of a first stacking structure of another recharging device.
US08878480B2
In sequentially selecting and driving two phases of the three-phase stator windings of a synchronous motor, detect a speed electromotive voltage of a de-energized phase, relate the speed electromotive voltage to rotor position information beforehand, then count rotor position information backward based on the detected the speed electromotive voltage to estimate rotor position; and then detect rotation speed from the change rate of the rotor position information so as to achieve highly accurate position and speed control.
US08878476B2
A PCU drives a motor generator using electric power from a power storage device. The PCU includes a power conversion device, a capacitor and a control unit. When detecting a crash, the control unit drives the power conversion device and discharges charges remaining in the capacitor. Each of a plurality of reverse conducting-type semiconductor elements included in the power conversion device is integrally formed of a first semiconductor element operating as a switching element and a second semiconductor element operating as a free wheeling diode. In response to detection of the crash of a vehicle, the control unit changes a voltage applied to a gate terminal of the first semiconductor element and increases an electric power loss during a current-circulating operation by the second semiconductor element. As a result, the remaining charges stored in the capacitor in the drive apparatus is discharged as soon as possible.
US08878461B2
Apparatus and methods for detecting lamp failure in a rapid thermal processing (RTP) tool are provided. Lamp failure detection systems are provided that can accommodate DC and/or AC voltages. The systems sample voltage signals along a circuit path formed by at least two serially connected lamps, calculate a voltage drop across the first lamp of the at least two serially connected lamps based on the sampled voltage signals, and determine whether a lamp failure has occurred based on a relationship between the voltage drop across the first lamp and a total voltage applied to the circuit path.
US08878454B2
A solid state lighting system includes an electronic driver having a power input configured to receive power from a power source and the electronic driver having a power output. The electronic driver controls the power supply to the power output according to a control protocol, and the electronic driver has at least one expansion port having a separable interface. The system also includes a light emitting diode (LED) subassembly having an LED board having at least one LED that receives power from the power output of the electronic driver to power the LED. The system further includes a first expansion module configured to be coupled to the at least one expansion port of the electronic driver having a first functionality affecting the control protocol, and a second expansion module configured to be coupled to the at least one expansion port of the electronic driver having a second functionality affecting the control protocol. The first and second expansion modules are selectively coupled to the at least one expansion port to change the control protocol.
US08878450B2
Emission systems having solid-state transducers (SSTs) for producing a target chromaticity of light are disclosed herein. An emission system or SST device in accordance with a particular embodiment can include a first emitter having a first plurality of SSTs positioned to emit light having a first chromaticity, and a second emitter having a second plurality of SSTs positioned to emit light having a second chromaticity different than the first chromaticity. The SST device can further include a controller having a first channel with a variable output, coupled to the first emitter to adjust the brightness level of the first emitter, and a second channel with a variable output, coupled to the second emitter to adjust the brightness level of the second emitter.
US08878449B2
There is provided an LED drive circuit that can be connected to an alternating-current power supply through a phase control dimmer and that drives an LED load, the LED drive circuit including: an LED current control circuit; a capacitance component and a resistance component that are connected in series between an input of the LED current control circuit and a reference potential; a switch element that is connected to both ends of the resistance component; and a switch control portion that turns off the switch element for a given period of time after a timing when the phase control dimmer is turned on and that turns on the switch element after the given period of time elapses.
US08878444B2
A controller for a dimmable LED lighting circuit is disclosed, the controller comprising: an LED current controller configured to set a current of a constant current source in dependence on a conduction angle of the phase-cut dimmer; a first feedback circuit configured to control the circuit's power converter in dependence on the constant current source by adjusting an output of the power converter; and a second feedback circuit configured to control a supplementary output load arranged in parallel with the series arrangement of the constant current source and plurality of LEDs, wherein the second feedback circuit is operable to adjust the supplementary output load faster than the first feedback circuit adjusts the output of the power convertor.A driver and lighting circuit also disclosed, as is a method for controlling a dimmable lighting circuit.
US08878428B2
A display device of the invention includes: a self-light-emitting display panel including a first substrate and a second substrate; a first heat-shrinkable film for anti-reflection bonded to a surface of the first substrate on the side opposite to the second substrate and having different shrinkage rates depending on directions; and a second heat-shrinkable film bonded to a surface of the second substrate on the side opposite to the first substrate and having different shrinkage rates depending on directions, wherein a first shrinkage direction that is a direction having a highest shrinkage rate among directions in which the first heat-shrinkable film shrinks is the same as a second shrinkage direction that is a direction having a highest shrinkage rate among directions in which the second heat-shrinkable film shrinks.
US08878422B2
Device for producing an electron beam includes a housing, which delimits a space that is evacuatable and has an electron beam outlet opening; an inlet structured and arranged for feeding process gas into the space; and a planar cathode and an anode, which are arranged in the space, and between which, a glow discharge plasma is producible by an applied electrical voltage. Ions are accelerateable from the glow discharge plasma onto a surface of the cathode and electrons emitted by the cathode are accelerateable into the glow discharge plasma. The cathode includes a first part made of a first material at least on an emission side, which forms a centrally arranged first surface region of the cathode, and a second part made of a second material, which forms a second surface region of the cathode that encloses the first surface region.
US08878420B2
Disclosed is an apparatus used in an electronic device for providing haptic feedback. The apparatus includes a main board defining a mounting surface, a vibration unit mounted on the mounting surface of the main board, the vibration unit being capable of vibrating along a direction parallel to the mounting surface. At least two screws are provided to fix the vibration unit on the main board, and a pair of stop block is provided to restricting the position of the vibration unit.
US08878417B2
A carbon commutator, for an electric motor, has a plurality of segments forming a brush contact surface and a hub supporting the segments. Each segment has a connector having a terminal for connection of a lead wire, a carbon layer forming the brush contact surface, and a connecting layer fixed to the carbon layer and electrically connecting the carbon layer to the connector. A plurality of micro structures is formed at the interface between the connecting layer and the carbon layer.
US08878413B2
An alternating-current generator, in particular a three-phase generator, for a motor vehicle, having a rotor including north and south poles, particularly having claw-pole fingers extending in the axial direction and alternating as north and south poles at the rotor's periphery, a stator having a magnetic core, especially laminated core, having slots and a stator winding disposed in the magnetic core's slots, the stator winding having winding overhangs that are coolable by an approximately radial air flow produced by at least one fan mounted at the rotor, the stator being situated opposite the rotor, and the stator and the rotor having defined positions relative to each other, the multiphase stator winding being made up of winding elements, at least one winding element having more than two sections inserted in slots, and at least one winding element having more than one reversal section which brings about a change in the radial position.
US08878412B2
Alternating current electric induction motor, in particular a motor (12-22) which is fed by a frequency variator, comprising a casing (4) which supports a rotor (9) by means of roller bearings (8) and which supports a stator (13) with a coaxial ring-shaped core (16) made of a magnetic material, characterized in that the stator (13) is provided with an auxiliary closed loop toroidal winding (20).
US08878411B2
A permanent magnet motor, generator or the like that uses ceramic magnets in the rotor to concentrate the magnetic flux in the airgap. Poles are formed by pole plates with integral tabs forming north and south poles with magnetic separators therebetween. Magnet sections are stacked axially.
US08878407B2
Busbars that are disposed so as to correspond to respective phases of a stator coil each include: a base portion that is formed so as to have an incomplete annular shape; external electric power supply terminals that extend radially inward from a first circumferential end of the base portion; and a plurality of coil connecting terminals that each extend radially outward from the base portion, that are arranged in a row so as to have a predetermined spacing in a circumferential direction of the base portion, and that are connected to coil terminals of concentrated winding coils, and the busbars are held by the electrically insulating holder such that the external electric power supply terminals extend radially inward so as to pass over omitted portions of the base portions of the busbars that are positioned radially inside the electrically insulating holder.
US08878405B2
A spindle motor is provided, the motor including a bearing assembly including an upper surface-opened cylindrical bearing housing and a bearing accommodated in the bearing housing and formed with a rotation shaft hole; a stator including a core coupled to a periphery of the bearing housing and a coil wound on the core; a rotation shaft inserted into the rotation shaft hole; a rotor including a disk-shaped yoke coupled to the rotation shaft and a magnet coupled to the yoke to face the core; and a suction magnet arranged at the yoke facing the core, wherein the bearing housing includes a body coupled to the core and a core fixture bent from the body to face the core, and the suction magnet is so arranged as to face the core fixture corresponding to an external side of a bent unit bent from the body for forming the core fixture.
US08878397B2
In an electrical cord reel, a rotatable member can rotate about a winding axis to spool and unspool a linear material. An input power connector can couple to an electrical power source. An output power connector on the rotatable member can couple to an electrical cord at least partially wound about the rotatable member. A switch is adjustable to allow or prevent electrical current flow from the input power connector to the output power connector. One or more temperature sensors detect temperature inside a housing enclosing the rotatable member, output power connector, and a fan. A control system activates the fan if the detected temperature rises from a level below a fan-activation threshold to a level above the fan-activation threshold but below a power shut-off threshold. The control system moves the switch to an open position if the detected temperature is greater than or equal to the power shut-off threshold.
US08878366B2
A contact pad for an electronic device integrated in a semiconductor material chip is formed from a succession of protruding elements. Each protruding element extends transversally to a main surface of the chip and has a rounded terminal portion. Adjacent pairs protruding elements define an opening which is partially filled with a first conductive material to form a contact structure that is in electrical contact with an integrated electronic device formed in the chip. A layer of a second conductive material is deposited to cover said protruding elements and the contact structures so as to form the contact pad.
US08878364B2
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device according to an embodiment, includes forming a dielectric film above a substrate; forming an opening in the dielectric film; forming a high melting metal film on a side wall and a bottom surface of the opening; forming a seed film of copper (Cu) on the high melting metal film; performing nitriding process after the seed film is formed; and performing electroplating process, in which a Cu film is buried in the opening while energizing the seed film after performing nitriding process.
US08878348B2
A semiconductor device has a die support and external leads formed integrally from a single sheet of electrically conductive material. A die mounting substrate is mounted on the die support, with bonding pads coupled to respective external connection pads on an external connector side of the substrate. A die is attached to the die mounting substrate with die connection pads. Bond wires selectively electrically couple the die connection pads to the external leads and the bonding pads and electrically conductive external protrusions are mounted to the external connection pads. An encapsulant covers the die and bond wires. The external protrusions are located at a central region of a surface mounting side of the package and the external leads project outwardly from locations near the die support towards peripheral edges of the package.
US08878339B2
In a chip-component structure, a monolithic ceramic capacitor is a structure including a predetermined number of substantially flat internal electrodes stacked on each other. An interposer includes a substrate larger than the outer shape of the monolithic ceramic capacitor. The substrate includes a first major surface on which first front electrodes for use in mounting the monolithic ceramic capacitor are disposed and a second major surface on which first back electrodes for use in connecting to an external circuit board are disposed. The interposer includes a depression in its side surface. The depression includes a wall surface on which a connection conductor is disposed. The front surface of the substrate is overlaid with resist films extending along its edges.
US08878336B2
A fuse includes a first conductor, an insulating film on the first conductor, a second conductor on the insulating film, a first plug coupled to the first conductor, a second plug and a third plug each coupled to the second conductor, and a cover film formed on the second conductor and having tensile strength.
US08878333B2
A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate having a main surface; an electrode in a device region on the main surface; a metal wiring on the main surface and having a first end connected to the electrode; an electrode pad outside the device region and spaced from the metal wiring; an air gap between the main surface and an air gap forming film on the main surface, enveloping the first end of the metal wiring and the electrode, and having a first opening; a resin closing the first opening and covering a second end of the metal wiring; a liquid repellent film facing the air gap and increasing contact angle of the resin, when liquid, relative to contact angles on the semiconductor substrate and the air gap forming film; and a metal film connecting the metal wiring to the electrode pad through a second opening located in the resin.
US08878326B2
Structures and design structures for improved adhesion of protective layers of imager microlens structures are disclosed. A method of fabricating a semiconductor structure includes forming an interfacial region between a microlens and a protective oxide layer. The interfacial region has a lower concentration of oxygen than the protective oxide layer.
US08878325B2
A device includes an image sensor chip having formed therein an elevated photodiode, and a device chip underlying and bonded to the image sensor chip. The device chip has a read out circuit electrically connected to the elevated photodiode.
US08878324B2
The present invention relates to a magnetoresistive element including a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, a first nonmagnetic layer, a third magnetic layer. The first magnetic layer includes a magnetic film of MnxGey (77 atm %≦x≦82 atm %, 18 atm %≦y≦23 atm %, x+y=100 atm %). The first nonmagnetic layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The third magnetic layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the first nonmagnetic layer or between the second magnetic layer and the first nonmagnetic layer, or is provided between the first magnetic layer and the first nonmagnetic layer and between the second magnetic layer and the first nonmagnetic layer. The third magnetic layer includes a Heusler alloy. The present invention also relates to a magnetic memory containing the magnetoresistive element.
US08878310B2
An integrated circuit with MOS and DEMOS transistors with at least one of indium, carbon, nitrogen, and a halogen dopant raising the threshold voltage of a portion of the DEMOS transistor gate overlying the DEMOS transistor channel. An integrated circuit with MOS and LDMOS transistors with at least one of indium, carbon, nitrogen, and a halogen dopant raising the threshold voltage of a portion of the LDMOS transistor gate overlying the DEMOS transistor channel. A method of forming an integrated circuit with MOS and DEMOS transistors with at least one of indium, carbon, nitrogen, and a halogen dopant raising the threshold voltage of a portion of the DEMOS transistor gate overlying the DEMOS transistor channel. A method of forming an integrated circuit with MOS and LDMOS transistors with at least one of indium, carbon, nitrogen, and a halogen dopant raising the threshold voltage of a portion of the LDMOS transistor gate overlying the DEMOS transistor channel.
US08878309B1
A semiconductor device includes a substrate having first, second and third fins longitudinally aligned in a first direction. A first trench extends between the first and second fins, and a second trench extends between the second and third fins. A first portion of field insulating material is disposed in the first trench, and a second portion of field insulating material is disposed in the second trench. An upper surface of the second portion of the field insulating material is recessed in the second trench at a level below uppermost surfaces of the second and third fins. A first dummy gate is disposed on an upper surface of the first portion of the field insulating material, and a second dummy gate at least partially extends into the second trench to the upper surface of the second portion of the field insulating material.
US08878308B2
The present disclosure provides a method includes forming a multi-fin device. The method includes forming a patterned mask layer on a semiconductor substrate. The patterned mask layer includes a first opening having a first width W1 and a second opening having a second width W2 less than the first width. The patterned mask layer defines a multi-fin device region and an inter-device region, wherein the inter-device region is aligned with the first opening; and the multi-fin device region includes at least one intra-device region being aligned with the second opening. The method further includes forming a material layer on the semiconductor substrate and the patterned mask layer, wherein the material layer substantially fills in the second opening; performing a first etching process self-aligned to remove the material layer within the first opening such that the semiconductor substrate within the first opening is exposed; performing a second etching process to etch the semiconductor substrate within the first opening, forming a first trench in the inter-device region; and thereafter performing a third etching process to remove the material layer in the second opening.
US08878295B2
A DMOS transistor with a lower on-state drain-to-source resistance and a higher breakdown voltage utilizes a slanted super junction drift structure that lies along the side wall of an opening with the drain region at the bottom of the opening and the source region near the top of the opening.
US08878287B1
The present invention provides an FET which includes an epitaxial layer and first and second body regions formed over the epitaxial layer. Further, the FET includes a first trench formed in the epitaxial layer between the first and the second body regions. The FET also includes a conductive layer formed on the sidewall of the first trench. The conductive layer acts as gate of the FET. The FET also includes a second trench formed at the bottom of the first trench, a first dielectric layer formed over the conductive layer and on the sidewall of the second trench, and a second dielectric layer formed on the first dielectric layer. Further, the FET includes a conductive layer, which acts as drain, deposited in the first and the second trenches. The FET also includes first and a second source regions formed in the first and second body regions, respectively.
US08878284B2
A protection circuit for a DMOS transistor comprises an anode circuit having a first heavily doped region of a first conductivity type (314) formed within and electrically connected to a first lightly doped region of the second conductivity type (310, 312). A cathode circuit having a plurality of third heavily doped regions of the first conductivity type (700) within a second heavily doped region of the second conductivity type (304). A first lead (202) is connected to each third heavily doped region (704) and connected to the second heavily doped region by at least three spaced apart connections (702) between every two third heavily doped regions. An SCR (400, 402) is connected between the anode circuit and the cathode circuit. The DMOS transistor has a drain (310, 312, 316) connected to the anode circuit and a source (304) connected to the cathode circuit.
US08878269B2
A method for forming a DRAM MIM capacitor stack having low leakage current and low EOT involves the use of an compound high k dielectric material. The dielectric material further comprises a dopant. One component of the compound high k dielectric material is present in a concentration between about 30 atomic % and about 80 atomic and more preferably between about 40 atomic % and about 60 atomic %. In some embodiments, the compound high k dielectric material comprises an alloy of TiO2 and ZrO2 and further comprises a dopant of Al2O3. In some embodiments, the compound high k dielectric material comprises an admixture of TiO2 and HfO2 and further comprises a dopant of Al2O3.
US08878262B2
An insulating film provided between adjacent pixels is referred to as a bank, a partition, a barrier, an embankment or the like, and is provided above a source wiring or a drain wiring for a thin film transistor, or a power supply line. In particular, at an intersection portion of these wirings provided in different layers, a larger step is formed there than in other portions. Even in a case that the insulating film provided between adjacent pixels is formed by a coating method, there is a problem that thin portions are partially formed due to this step and the withstand pressure is reduced. In the present invention, a dummy material is arranged near the large step portion, particularly, around the intersection portion of wirings, so as to alleviate unevenness formed thereover. The upper wring and the lower wiring are arranged in a misaligned manner so as not to align the end portions.
US08878257B2
An ISFET includes a control gate coupled to a floating gate in a CMOS device. The control gate, for example, a poly-to-well capacitor, is configured to receive a bias voltage and effect movement of a trapped charge between the control gate and the floating gate. The threshold voltage of the ISFET can therefore by trimmed to a predetermined value, thereby storing the trim information (the amount of trapped charge in the floating gate) within the ISFET itself.
US08878250B2
Electronic device is provided, including: a base wafer whose surface is made of silicon crystal; a Group 3-5 compound semiconductor crystal formed directly or indirectly on partial region of the silicon crystal; an electronic element including a portion of the Group 3-5 compound semiconductor crystal as active layer; an insulating film formed directly or indirectly on the base wafer and covering the electronic element; an electrode formed directly or indirectly on the insulating film; a first coupling wiring extending through the insulating film, having at least a portion thereof formed directly or indirectly on the insulating film, and electrically coupling the electronic element with the electrode; a passive element formed directly or indirectly on the insulating film; a second coupling wiring extending through the insulating film, having at least a portion thereof formed directly or indirectly on the insulating film, and electrically coupling the electronic element with the passive element.
US08878244B2
Gases for film formation are introduced from a plurality of holes provided at a gas nozzle into a processing chamber of a batch-type CVD film-forming apparatus to cause a turbulence of the gases within the processing chamber. In the state where the chamber is kept at a pressure within an atmospheric and quasi-atmospheric pressure region, a silicon-germanium film is epitaxially grown on a semiconductor wafer placed within the processing chamber. Subsequently, a strained silicon film is epitaxially grown on the silicon-germanium film. Thereafter, a semiconductor element is formed in the semiconductor wafer on which the silicon-germanium film and the strained silicon film have been formed, respectively.
US08878243B2
Lattice-mismatched materials having configurations that trap defects within sidewall-containing structures.
US08878240B2
A variable resistance memory device that includes a first electrode, a second electrode, a variable resistance layer interposed between the first electrode and a second electrode. A metal oxide electrode is interposed between the first electrode and the variable resistance layer, and the metal oxide electrode does not include a nitrogen constituent.
US08878238B2
Methods and systems for a gate-controlled thyristor which switches between narrow-base operation in the ON state and wide-base operation in the OFF state, and which can only sustain latch-up in the narrow-base ON state.
US08878235B2
In some aspects, a method of fabricating a memory cell is provided that includes fabricating a steering element above a substrate, and fabricating a reversible-resistance switching element coupled to the steering element by selectively fabricating carbon nano-tube (“CNT”) material above the substrate, wherein the CNT material comprises a single CNT. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08878220B2
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to light emitting diodes. A light emitting diode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate having a first side edge and a second side edge, and a light emitting structure arranged on the substrate. The light emitting structure includes a first conductivity-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductivity-type semiconductor layer. A transparent electrode layer including a concave portion and a convex portion is arranged on the second conductivity-type semiconductor layer. A first electrode pad contacts an upper surface of the first conductivity-type semiconductor layer and is located near a center of the first side edge. Two second electrode pads are located near opposite distal ends of the second side edge to supply electric current to the second conductivity-type semiconductor layer. A first pad extension extends from the first electrode pad and a second pad extension extends from each of the two second electrode pads.
US08878217B2
Packages for containing one or more light emitting devices, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), are disclosed with an efficient, isolated thermal path. In one embodiment, LED package can include a thermal element and at least one electrical element embedded within a body. The thermal element and electrical element can have the same and/or substantially the same thickness and can extend directly from a bottom surface of the LED package such that they are substantially flush with or extend beyond the bottom surface of the LED package. The thermal and electrical element have exposed portions which can be substantially flush with lateral sides of the body such that the thermal and electrical element do not have a significant portion extending beyond an outermost edge of the lateral sides of the body.
US08878214B2
A semiconductor light emitting device comprises a semiconductor light emitting element comprising a semiconductor laminate including a p-type semiconductor layer, an active layer and an n-type semiconductor layer which are sequentially laminated, and a conductive support substrate joined to the p-type semiconductor layer side of the semiconductor laminate. The semiconductor laminate is divided into at least two semiconductor regions by a trench. The semiconductor light emitting device further comprises a first transparent sealing resin covering at least a portion of the semiconductor light emitting element, the first transparent sealing resin comprising a plurality of first fluorescent particles, each of the first fluorescent particles having an individual average particle diameter. A width of the trench is smaller than an overall average of the individual average particle diameters of the first fluorescent particles.
US08878212B2
A light emitting device includes a substrate, at least one electrode, a first contact layer, a second contact layer, a light emitting structure layer, and an electrode layer. The electrode is disposed through the substrate. The first contact layer is disposed on a top surface of the substrate and electrically connected to the electrode. The second contact layer is disposed on a bottom surface of the substrate and electrically connected to the electrode. The light emitting structure layer is disposed above the substrate at a distance from the substrate and electrically connected to the first contact layer. The light emitting structure layer includes a first conductive type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductive type semiconductor layer. The electrode layer is disposed on the light emitting structure layer.
US08878211B2
Provided are a heterogeneous substrate, a nitride-based semiconductor device using the same, and a manufacturing method thereof to form a high-quality non-polar or semi-polar nitride layer on a non-polar or semi-polar plane of the heterogeneous substrate by adjusting a crystal growth mode. A base substrate having one of a non-polar plane and a semi-polar plane is prepared, and a nitride-based nucleation layer is formed on the plane of the base substrate. A first buffer layer is grown faster in the vertical direction than in the lateral direction on the nucleation layer. A lateral growth layer is grown faster in the lateral direction than in the vertical direction on the first buffer layer. A second buffer layer is formed on the lateral growth layer. A silicon nitride layer having a plurality of holes may be formed between the lateral growth layer on the first buffer layer and the second buffer layer.
US08878209B2
A high efficiency Group III nitride light emitting diode is disclosed. The diode includes a Group III nitride-based light emitting region including a plurality of Group III nitride-based layers. A lenticular surface directly contacts one of the Group III nitride-based layers of the light emitting region. The lenticular surface includes a transparent material that is different from the Group III nitride-based layer of the light emitting region that the lenticular surface directly contacts.
US08878208B2
An illuminating device that may include a substrate; a first light emitting chip which is disposed on the substrate; a second light emitting chip which is spaced apart from the first light emitting chip and is disposed on the substrate; a first lens which includes a first cylindrical side having a height greater than the thickness of the first light emitting chip and includes a first spherical or hemispherical curved surface formed on the first side, and which surrounds the first light emitting chip; and a second lens which includes a second cylindrical side having a height greater than the thickness of the second light emitting chip and includes a second spherical or hemispherical curved surface formed on the second side, and which surrounds the second light emitting chip, wherein at least a portion of the first side contacts with at least a portion of the second side.
US08878206B2
An organic light emitting display apparatus is manufactured using a simplified manufacturing process and prevents or reduces the formation of dark spots. The organic light emitting display apparatus includes: red, green, and blue sub-pixel regions, each including a first electrode on a substrate; a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) layer between the substrate and the first electrode; a hole injection layer on the DBR layer and covering the first electrode; a hole transport layer on the hole injection layer; an auxiliary layer between the hole injection layer and the hole transport layer in the green sub-pixel region; a green light-emission layer on the hole transport layer in the blue and green sub-pixel regions; a blue light-emission layer on the green light-emission layer in the blue sub-pixel region; and a red light-emission layer on the hole transport layer in the red sub-pixel region.
US08878200B2
The present invention discloses a light emitting package, including: a base; a light emitting device on the base; an electrical circuit layer electrically connected to the light emitting device; a screen member having an opening and disposed on the base adjacent to the light emitting device; and a lens covering the light emitting device, wherein a width of a cross-sectional shape of the screen member is larger than a height of the cross sectional shape of the screen member, wherein the lens is disposed on the screen member, and wherein the lens is connected to an uppermost surface of the screen member.
US08878197B2
Disclosed are a light emitting device, a light emitting device package, and a lighting system. The light emitting device includes a substrate; a light emitting structure including a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductive semiconductor layer, which are formed on the substrate such that a part of the first conductive semiconductor layer is exposed; a dielectric layer formed from a top surface of the second conductive semiconductor layer to an exposed top surface of the first conductive semiconductor layer; a second electrode on the second conductive semiconductor layer; and a first electrode on the exposed top surface of the first conductive semiconductor layer while making contact with a part of the dielectric layer on the second conductive semiconductor layer.
US08878192B2
A silicon carbide substrate includes a first layer of a first conductivity type, a second layer of a second conductivity type provided on the first layer, and a third layer provided on the second layer and doped with an impurity for providing the first conductivity type. The silicon carbide substrate has a trench formed through the third layer and the second layer to reach the first layer. The first layer has a concentration peak of the impurity in a position away from the trench in the first layer. As a result, a silicon carbide semiconductor device having an electric field relaxation structure that can be readily formed is provided.
US08878168B2
An organic light-emitting display device including a red light-emitting layer that includes a deep-red light-emitting layer and a light-red light-emitting layer, and a blue light-emitting layer that includes a deep-blue light-emitting layer and a light-blue light-emitting layer. The organic light-emitting display device is capable of displaying a deep color and a light color so as to be distinguishable from each other.
US08878166B2
A display apparatus having an organic light emitting display panel is provided. The organic light emitting display panel includes a front substrate and a rear substrate which are arranged parallel to each other, an image forming portion which is formed on a rear surface of the front substrate and which includes at least one organic layer, a sealing member which surrounds the image forming portion between the front substrate and the rear substrate to seal the image forming portion, and an input key flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) which includes user input keys. The input key FPCB is mounted on the front substrate or the rear substrate.
US08878160B2
A device includes a semiconductor structure comprising a III-phosphide light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. A transparent, conductive oxide is disposed in direct contact with the n-type region. In some embodiments, a total thickness of semiconductor material between the light emitting layer and the transparent, conductive oxide is less than one micron.
US08878159B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a light-emitting element having a layer containing a light-emitting material and a transparent conductive film between a pair of electrodes, in which electric erosion of the transparent conductive film and metal can be prevented, and also to provide a light-emitting device using the light-emitting element. According to one feature of the invention, a light-emitting element includes a first layer 102 containing a light-emitting material, a second layer 103 containing a material having a donor level, a third layer 104 including a transparent conductive film, and a fourth layer 105 containing a hole-transporting medium between a first electrode 101 and a second electrode 106, in which the first layer 102, the second layer 103, the third layer 104, the fourth layer 105, and the second electrode 106 are provided sequentially, in which the second electrode 106 has a layer containing metal.
US08878155B2
A chalcogenide-based programmable conductor memory device and method of forming the device, wherein a nanoparticle is provided between an electrode and a chalcogenide glass region. The method of forming the nanoparticle utilizes a template over the electrode or random deposition of the nanoparticle.
US08878151B2
Multistate nonvolatile memory elements are provided. The multistate nonvolatile memory elements contain multiple layers. Each layer may be based on a different bistable material. The bistable materials may be resistive switching materials such as resistive switching metal oxides. Optional conductor layers and current steering elements may be connected in series with the bistable resistive switching metal oxide layers.
US08878150B2
A system for electro-hydrodynamically extracting energy from wind includes an upstream collector that is biased at an electric potential and induces an electric field. An injector introduces a particle into the electric field. The wind drag on the particle is at least partially opposed by a force of the electric field on the particle. A sensor monitors an ambient atmospheric condition, and a controller changes a parameter of the injector in response to a change in the atmospheric condition.
US08878149B2
A charged particle beam writing apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store writing data in which there are defined a plurality of figures and resizing information indicating, with respect to each of the plurality of figures, a resizing status whether or not to perform resizing and a resizing direction used when performing resizing, a judgment determination unit configured to input the writing data and judge, with respect to each of the plurality of figures, the resizing status whether or not to perform resizing and the resizing direction used when performing resizing, a resize processing unit configured to resize, with respect to each of the plurality of figures, a dimension of a figure concerned in a judged resizing direction when it is judged to perform resizing, and a writing unit configured to write a pattern onto a target workpiece with using a resized figure and a charged particle beam.
US08878148B2
A method of pre-treating an ultra high vacuum charged particle gun chamber by ion stimulated desorption is provided. The method includes generating a plasma for providing a plasma ion source, and applying a negative potential to at least one surface in the gun chamber, wherein the negative potential is adapted for extracting an ion flux from the plasma ion source to the at least one surface for desorbing contamination particles from the at least one surface by the ion flux impinging on the at least one surface.
US08878145B1
An apparatus and method for fluorescence spectral and color measurements of diamonds, gemstones and the like. The apparatus comprises a spectrometer, and computer and a dual integrating sphere measurement arrangement comprising a measurement integrating sphere, a sample integrating sphere, a sample platform, a lens system, a baffle, an ultraviolet radiation source on the top of the sample integrating sphere, and another light source attached to the measurement integrating sphere. The sample on the sample platform is radiated by the ultraviolet radiation source on the top of the measurement integrating sphere. The sample emits fluorescent light into the measurement integrating sphere, and the fluorescent light is received by the lens system. The spectrometer separates the fluorescent light into spectral signals, and the computer calculates the fluorescence spectrum and colorimetric data.
US08878144B2
The electron beam apparatus sample holding means has a diaphragm which is placed on upper and lower sides of a sample to form a cell for separating a gas atmosphere and a vacuum atmosphere of a sample chamber and sealing an ambient atmosphere of the sample; a gas supply means for supplying gas to an inside of the cell; and exhaust means for exhausting gas. The exhaust means includes a gas exhaust pipe provided in the inside of the cell and an openable/closable exhaust hole provided in a sidewall of the sample holding means so as to pass through the cell. The diaphragm is an amorphous film made of light elements which can transmit an electron beam, such as carbon films, oxide films, and nitride films.
US08878141B2
The present invention provides a drawing apparatus which performs drawing on a substrate with a plurality of charged particle beams, the apparatus including a stage configured to hold the substrate and to be moved, a charged particle optical system including a deflector configured to deflect the plurality of charged particle beams, a detector configured to detect a charged particle arrived thereat by causing a charged particle beam to impinge on a mark including a plurality of mark elements formed on one of the substrate and the stage, and a processor configured to perform a process of obtaining a position of the mark.
US08878138B2
An apparatus for determining a location of a neutron emitting source includes: a plurality of neutron detectors configured to receive incoming neutrons from an area of interest, each neutron detector being configured to produce an image of a path of light depicting a direction of travel of an incoming neutron; and a central processor coupled to each neutron detector in the plurality of neutron detectors and configured to receive the direction of travel of the incoming neutron from each neutron detector and to compute the location using the received directions.
US08878137B2
An X-ray imager includes a photo detector, a pixel array, a scan line and a data line. The photo detector includes a plurality of X-ray sensitive particles that are configured to be electrically isolating and to generate charge carriers upon absorption of X-ray photons. In one example embodiment, the photo detector includes a layer of an electrically isolating material, within which the plurality of X-ray sensitive particles are distributed. The pixel array includes multiple pixels each defined by a space between a first surface and a second surface of the layer. The scan line is configured to activate a corresponding row of the pixels in the pixel array. The data line is configured to read data from a corresponding column of the pixels in the pixel array.
US08878135B2
A neutron scintillator composite (NSC) is made of a neutron scintillator and a binder. The neutron scintillator of the composite has the formula LiyMgBry+2, where y=2, 4 or 6 and may further comprise cerium as a scintillation activator. The binder of the composite has an index of refraction substantially identical to that of the neutron scintillator. The neutron scintillator and binder are mixed into a solid or semi-solid neutron scintillator composite having sufficient flowability for molding into a shaped article, such as a neutron sensing element of a radiation detector. The neutron scintillator composite collects and channels photons through the material itself and into a photosensing element optically coupled to the composite. Because the indices of refraction for both the neutron scintillator and the binder are substantially identical, scattering at the scintillator-binder interface(s) is minimized, thereby producing transmission efficiencies that approach single crystals.
US08878133B2
A probe assembly for measuring the concentration of exhaust's emissions in a turbine engine. The probe assembly including a first probe member configured and operable to passively generate a beam of light wherein the wavelength of the beam of light is contingent upon the configuration of the first probe member. A second probe member positioned in the probe assembly to receive the beam of light generated by the first probe member, the second probe member configured and operable to attenuate the light passively generated from the first probe member contingent upon the gaseous species present in the exhaust emissions of the turbine engine.
US08878130B2
A scanning transmission electron microscope according to the present invention includes an electron lens system having a small spherical aberration coefficient for enabling three-dimensional observation of a 0.1 nm atomic size structure. The scanning transmission electron microscope according to the present invention also includes an aperture capable of changing an illumination angle; an illumination electron lens system capable of changing the probe size of an electron beam probe and the illumination angle; a secondary electron detector (9); a transmission electron detector (13); a forward scattered electron beam detector (12); a focusing unit (16); an image processor for identifying image contrast; an image processor for computing image sharpness; a processor for three-dimensional reconstruction of an image; and a mixer (18) for mixing a secondary electron signal and a specimen forward scattered electron signal.
US08878129B1
According to one embodiment, a pattern measurement apparatus includes a scan controller, a focus controller, a stage, a sensor, a signal processor, and a measurement unit. The scan controller is configured to control a scanning direction of an electron beam. The focus controller is configured to control a focus position of the electron beam. The stage is configured to have a substrate placed on the stage, a pattern being provided in the substrate. The sensor is configured to sense secondary electrons due to the electron beam irradiated onto the pattern. The signal processor is configured to process a signal sensed by the sensor. The signal processor is configured to determine at least one of third signals from at least one of first signals and at least one of second signals. The measurement unit is configured to measure a position of the pattern from the third signals.
US08878127B2
A miniature electrode apparatus is disclosed for trapping charged particles, the apparatus including, along a longitudinal direction: a first end cap electrode; a central electrode having an aperture; and a second end cap electrode. The aperture is elongated in the lateral plane and extends through the central electrode along the longitudinal direction and the central electrode surrounds the aperture in a lateral plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to define a transverse cavity for trapping charged particles.
US08878121B2
A solid-state imaging device includes: a plurality of substrates stacked via a wiring layer or an insulation layer; a light sensing section that is formed in a substrate, of the plurality of substrates, disposed on a light incident side and that generates a signal charge in accordance with an amount of received light; and a contact portion that is connected to a non-light incident-surface side of the substrate in which the light sensing section is formed and that supplies a desired voltage to the substrate from a wire in a wiring layer disposed on a non-light incident side of the substrate.
US08878120B2
In a method for adjusting the sensitivity of a photodetector, the bandgap of the photodetection material is adjusted by inducing strain in the photodetection material. Such adjustments can be made in situ and continuously, in a reproducible and repeatable manner. In embodiments of the method, the photodetection material is graphene, carbon nanotubes or graphene nanoribbon. The use of graphene permits a dynamically-adjustable sensitivity over a dynamic range of radiation having wavelengths of 1.38 microns or less, up to at least 60 microns. In an adjustable photodetector, a graphene layer is suspended over a silicon substrate by a layer of an insulating material. Adjusting the voltage across the graphene layer and the silicon substrate induces strain in the graphene layer by electrostatic attraction.
US08878117B2
An image sensor includes pixel sections corresponding to unit pixels, a column signal line arranged for each column of the pixel sections, a row scanning circuit which selects the pixel sections for each row and transfers an analog signal to the column signal line, a column amplifier which amplifies the analog signal, an A/D converter which converts the analog signal into a digital signal for each column, a column scanning circuit which outputs the signal converted into the digital signal to a horizontal signal line, and a digital adder which adds the digital signals. The column amplifier adds the signals output from the pixel sections to the column signal line. The column scanning circuit outputs digitized signals of a plurality of columns. The digital adder adds the signals of the plurality of columns.
US08878116B2
A method of manufacturing a solid-state imaging element includes: manufacturing an element chip in which photoelectric conversion units are arranged on a main surface side; preparing a base configured using a material with an expansion coefficient greater than the element chip and having an opening of which the periphery of the opening is shaped as a flat surface; expanding the base by heating, mounting the element chip on the flat surface of the base in a state where the opening of the base is covered; and three-dimensionally curving a portion corresponding to the opening in the element chip by cooling and contracting the base in a state where the element chip is fixed to the flat surface of the expanded base.
US08878111B2
Vehicles with bidirectional control surfaces and associated systems and methods are disclosed. In a particular embodiment, a rocket can include a plurality of bidirectional control surfaces positioned toward an aft portion of the rocket. In this embodiment, the bidirectional control surfaces can be operable to control the orientation and/or flight path of the rocket during both ascent, in a nose-first orientation, and descent, in a tail-first orientation for, e.g., a tail-down landing.
US08878109B2
A mechanism for constraining a product package as it is conveyed through a microwave applicator. In one preferred embodiment, the conveyor is provided by a pair of parallel guide belts arranged to travel through a microwave applicator. The guide belts have a series of slots or other guide elements formed therein. The guide elements engage edges of the product packages. In one arrangement, the pair of belts are disposed on either side of a series of packages, and thus constrain the location of the packages in three dimensions.
US08878104B2
A voltage switching microswitch is provided for supplying power to a hot surface igniter in a gas burning system. The microswitch is configured to operate concurrently with manual operation of a gas control valve such that rotation of an operating stem of the gas control valve produces rotation of a cam within the microswitch. The cam is configured to operate a pair of reed switches so that a relatively high voltage from a power supply is applied to the hot surface igniter following a first predetermined amount of rotation of the cam and a relatively lower voltage is applied to the hot surface igniter following a second predetermined amount of rotation of the cam to maintain the temperature of the igniter.
US08878101B2
The present specification relates to a heating element in which a heating value for each region is controlled or a heating element in which the heating value for each region is controlled and which is inconspicuous, and a method for manufacturing the same.
US08878098B2
A welding system having a welding gun with a contact tip having an bore extending therethrough and a consumable weld wire. The cross-sectional shape of the bore of the contact tip being is essentially identical to the cross-sectional shape of the weld wire. The bore having an essentially elliptical cross-sectional shape and the weld wire having an essentially elliptical cross-sectional shape.
US08878094B2
In a direct metal deposition system which builds up a metallic overlay on a substrate by moving the substrate relative to a laser in a metallic powder feed, the laser power is adjusted for successive layers by sensing the weld pool in a plurality of selected points in each layer and adjusting the power during successive layers to maintain a weld pool that corresponds to those achieved during deposition of a lower optimal layer. This compensates for heating of the substrate resulting from the deposition which tends to increase the pool size or temperature in the higher layers.
US08878092B2
A gas-insulated switchgear includes a fixed-side electrode having a tubular fixed-side-conducting contact and a fixed-side shield for housing the fixed-side-conducting contact, and a movable-side electrode having a movable conductor driven by a driving unit to be connected to and separated from the fixed-side-conducting contact, facing each other in a container filled with an insulating gas. The switchgear includes a fixed-side-arc shield in the form of a circular plate, which is made of an arc-resistant member and has an opening of a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the movable conductor, the opening being formed on the side of the fixed-side shield facing the movable-side electrode. The fixed-side-arc shield is formed into a thin plate so as to cause an arc current to flow outward in a radial direction during contact parting of the fixed-side-conducting contact and the movable conductor to generate magnetic flux on a surface thereof in a circumferential direction.
US08878090B2
The method relates to the field of mineral enrichment. It involves establishing threshold values of the intensity of a luminescence signal arising during the action of a pulse of exciting radiation on a material being separated and after a specified time following the end of the exciting pulse, and, during the processing of the recorded signal, first of all determining the value of the intensity of the luminescence signal, comparing the value obtained with the specified threshold value and, in the event of the threshold value being exceeded, processing the signal in order to determine the value of the selected separation criterion, comparing the processing result with the specified threshold value and isolating the mineral to be enriched from the material being separated if the comparison result satisfies the specified criterion; in the event of the value of the intensity of the luminescence signal after a specified time following the end of the exciting pulse being less than the threshold value thereof, determining the value of the intensity of the luminescence signal arising during the pulse of exciting radiation, comparing said value with the threshold value specified therefor and isolating the mineral to be enriched from the material being separated if the threshold value is exceeded.
US08878068B2
An electric wire contains a conductive wire having at least a groove structured on the surface of the conductive wire, and an additional wire to be filled into the groove. The groove is provided on an outer surface of the conductive wire along a longitudinal direction of the conductive wire. The additional wire is inserted in the groove.
US08878067B2
An electronic-component lead terminal includes a lead terminal one end of which is connectable to an electronic component and the other end of which is connectable to an electrode, and a solder-wicking prevention area formed on a surface of the lead terminal so as to intersect a solder-wicking direction oriented from the other end toward the one end, the solder-wicking prevention area including a plurality of portions projecting to a downstream side in the solder-wicking direction.
US08878064B2
A flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) includes a main portion and a number of interfaces connected to the main portion. The main portion incorporates a low-voltage differential signal (LVDS) cable and at least one function cable. The main portion includes a first connecting strip, a second connecting strip, and a third connecting strip, which are all connected together at one end. The interfaces includes a first interface connected to the first connecting strip, a second interface connected to the second connecting strip, and a third interface connected to the third connecting strip. The first interface incorporates a LVDS interface and a function module interface. The second interface is a LVDS interface. The third interface is a function module interface.
US08878062B2
A cable connection structure includes a multi-core coaxial cable connected to a board. The multi-core coaxial cable includes a plurality of parallel-arranged coaxial cables each including a center conductor and an inner insulator, an outer conductor and an outer insulator sequentially formed on an outer periphery of the center conductor. The board includes a signal electrode connected to the center conductor and a ground electrode connected to the outer conductor. The cable connection structure further includes a positioning member lying between the signal electrode and the ground electrode for positioning the center conductor while the inner insulator is attached to the positioning member.
US08878060B2
An electronic device may include housing structures, electronic components, and other structures. A gap may be formed between the structures. A membrane structure may be used to bridge the gap to form and environmental seal and electrical pathway between the structures. The membrane structure may be deployed using a temporary biasing member or may be installed by forming an inflatable structure. The inflatable structure may include an elastomeric balloon that may be pressurized. Adhesive such as conductive adhesive may be used in attaching the membrane structure to the structures in the electronic device. An inflatable structure may be depressurized following installation in an electronic device to minimize residual forces.
US08878057B2
Device for establishing an efficient grounding of an installation of different types includes one or more cables, wherein the ground rail or ground conductor, ground rails or ground conductors or ground point or ground points of the installation being grounded by the one or more cables including a combination of electrically conductive wires or conductors in at least one inner core and at least one outer layer which surrounds the inner core wholly or partly, and the cable or the cables are laid in one and the same or each in a separate bore in ground and/or rock of a considerable depth, preferably more than 200 m, e.g. 240 m or more.
US08878047B2
A heat engine system for a vehicle, wherein the vehicle is operable on a road surface, includes a collector configured for collecting an air layer disposed adjacent the road surface. The heat engine system also includes a heat engine configured for converting thermal energy provided by a temperature difference between the air layer and an ambient air surrounding the vehicle to another form of energy. The air layer has a first temperature, and the ambient air has a second temperature that is lower than the first temperature. In addition, the heat engine system includes a guide configured for transferring the air layer from the collector to the heat engine. A vehicle includes a body defining an interior compartment and having an underside surface spaced opposite the road surface, and the heat engine system.
US08878046B2
Provided are a tone control device and a method for adjusting a volume level at which to generate a new tone and at least one current tone according to a target volume level and a current volume level. A note-on event associated with a received volume level is received from an input device. A current volume level is processed to determine a new volume level in response to receiving the note-on event while generating at least one current tone at the current volume level. The at least one current tone and a new tone associated with the received note-on event are generated at the new volume level.
US08878040B2
A music support apparatus includes: a display unit; a bar width calculating unit configured to set display widths of the plurality of bars at a constant width; a bar width correcting unit configured to correct the display width of the bar to which the musical symbol for changing a performance tempo is designated; and a display information generating unit configured to generate display information to be displayed on the display unit from the plurality of bars of which display widths are calculated by the bar width calculating unit and the bar width correcting unit. The display unit is configured to display the display information and a performance position display portion for displaying a current performance position, and scroll either one of the display information and the performance position display portion at a constant tempo.
US08878039B2
A drumstick holder, comprising: a member providing a surface; one or more retaining members (for example clips arranged to grip a drumstick) arranged to prevent or restrict free movement of a drumstick across the surface; a plurality of protrusions from the member; wherein the drumstick holder is adapted for fitting to a rim of a drum or further comprises means for fitting the member to a rim of a drum (for example a clamp); and when the drumstick holder is fitted to a drum rim, each respective protrusion engages a drum at a different respective position around a circumference of a drum rim. The surface may be substantially planar. The drum may be a bass drum.
US08878034B2
A wheat cultivar, designated XY06-892, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds, plants, and hybrids of wheat cultivar XY06-892, and to methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing plants from wheat cultivar XY06-892 with themselves or with plants from another wheat variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a wheat plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic wheat plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to wheat varieties or breeding varieties and plant parts derived from wheat cultivar XY06-892, to methods for producing other wheat varieties, lines or plant parts derived from wheat cultivar XY06-892, and to the wheat plants, varieties, and their parts derived from the use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing wheat cultivar XY06-892 with another wheat cultivar.
US08878033B1
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH333708. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH333708, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH333708 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH333708.
US08878026B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH235629. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH235629, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH235629 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH235629.
US08878024B2
According to the invention, there is provided plants and plant parts of the variety designated GSV206860. The invention also relates to methods for using a GSV206860 plant to produce various plants and plant parts.
US08878021B1
A novel soybean variety, designated XB74E12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB74E12, cells from soybean variety XB74E12, plants of soybean XB74E12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB74E12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB74E12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB74E12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB74E12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB74E12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB74E12 are further provided.
US08878019B2
A soybean cultivar designated S110123 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S110123, to the plants of soybean cultivar S110123, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S110123, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S110123. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S110123. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S110123, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S110123 with another soybean cultivar.
US08878018B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1026622. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1026622. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1026622 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1026622 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08878015B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1026415. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1026415. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1026415 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1026415 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08878004B2
Transgenic plants that express CIVPS or intein modified proteins, compositions of matter comprising them, products of diverse applications made from the transgenic plants, methods to construct the transgenic plants containing CIVPS or intein modified genes, methods to express CIVPS or intein modified proteins in plants, and methods of using the transgenic plants.
US08877993B2
The invention concerns a process for hydrotreatment and/or hydroconversion of a feed of bio-renewable origin containing triglyceride and/or fatty acid structures and wherein the fatty chains contain in the range 8 to 25 carbon atoms, said process comprising the following steps: a) hydrotreatment and/or hydroconversion of said bio-renewable feed in an ebullated bed reactor in the presence of a granular catalyst comprising, on an amorphous support, at least one metal or compound of a metal having a hydrodehydrogenating function, to produce a first effluent; b) sending the effluent produced in step a) to a distillation zone from which a gaseous fraction and at least one distillate cut the end point of which is less than 400° C.
US08877976B2
The invention relates to an improved process for preparing 3-aminomethyl-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexylamine, referred to hereinafter as isophoronediamine or IPDA for short, by means of catalytic hydrogenation and/or catalytic reductive amination (also referred to as aminating hydrogenation) of 3-cyano-3,5,5-trimethylcyclohexanone, also called isophoronenitrile or IPN for short hereinafter.
US08877964B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing acrylic acid through vapor-phase contact oxidation of acrolein, wherein a reactor tube is divided into at least two catalyst layers, and catalysts having a higher activity are charged in the reactor tube sequentially toward an outlet port side from a material source gas inlet port side for a reaction therein to give acrylic acid, and wherein a catalyst activity-controlling method is a method comprising: a step of mixing a molybdenum-containing compound, a vanadium-containing compound, a copper-containing compound and an antimony-containing compound with water, then drying and calcining a resulting mixture, in which a catalytically-active element composition is kept constant but material source compounds are made to vary in type to give composite metal oxides having a different activity.
US08877952B2
Methods to pre-esterify primary polyols used in converting biobased oils, oil derivatives, and modified oils to highly functionalized esters, ester polyols, amides, and amide polyols.
US08877945B2
The present invention provides redox drug derivatives. In particular, 9-fluoro-2,3-dihydro-3-methyl-10-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-7-oxo-7H-pyrido[1,2,3-de]-1,4-benzoxazine-6-carboxylic acid, 1-ethyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-7-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-4-oxo-3-quinolinecarboxylic acid, (3R,4R,5S)-4-(acetylamino)-5-amino-3-(1-ethylpropoxy)-1-cyclohexene-1-carboxylic acid ethyl ester, (3S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid, (3S)-1-[2-(2,3-dihydro-5-benzofuranyl)ethyl]-α-α-diphenyl-3-pyrrolidineacetamide, (1S,2S,3S,4R)-3-[(1S)-1-acetamido-2-ethyl-butyl]-4-(diaminomethylideneamino)-2-hydroxy-cyclopentane-1-carboxylic acid and (2R,3R,4S)-4-[(diaminomethylidene)amino]-3-acetamido-2-[(1R,2R)-1,2,3-trihydroxypropyl]-3,4-dihydro-2H-pyran-6-carboxylic acid redox derivatives.
US08877933B2
The present invention relates to a novel form, thermodynamically stable at room temperature, of the tosylate salt of 4-{4-[({[4-chloro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino}carbonyl)amino]phenoxy}-N-methylpyridine-2-carboxamide, to processes for its preparation, to medicaments comprising it and to its use in the control of disorders.
US08877931B2
The invention provides synthetic processes and synthetic intermediates that can be used to prepare 4-oxoquinolone compounds having useful integrase inhibiting properties.
US08877928B2
A PEGylated cyclopamine analog, preparation method, uses thereof and methods for treating proliferative diseases using the same are disclosed. The PEGylated cyclopamine analog is a compound represented by the following formula I, a compound comprising at least one group represented by the following formula I (in formula I, R is straight or branched polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight between 200 and 200,000 Dalton, L and X are linking groups), or their single enantiomers, mixture of enantiomers, mixture of diastereomers, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, or hydrates.
US08877926B2
The disclosure relates to a process for the preparation of the enantiomeric forms of 2,3-diaminopropionic acid derivatives of formula I, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are defined as in the disclosure, by racemate resolution. The separation of the racemate into its enantiomers takes place through formation of diastereomeric salts upon addition of an enantiomerically pure auxiliary, and subsequent separation by fractional crystallization.
US08877925B2
2,6-Dihalo-5-alkoxy-4-substituted-pyrimidines, 2,6-dihalo-5-alkoxy-4-pyrimdine carbaldehydes, and derivatives of each are useful intermediates in forming potent herbicides that demonstrate a broad spectrum of weed control. These compounds are disclosed, as are methods of forming and using these compounds.
US08877913B2
An anti-CD4 antibody which binds to CD4, has a high affinity and has a high effector activity, such as an antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC activity) or complement-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (CDC activity), is required for a disease relating to a CD4-expressing cell.The present invention can provide a monoclonal antibody or an antibody fragment thereof, which binds to a CD4 extracellular region with high affinity and also exhibits a high ADCC activity or a high CDC activity; a hybridoma which produces the antibody; a DNA which encodes the antibody; a vector which contains the DNA; a transformant obtainable by introducing the vector; a process for producing an antibody or an antibody fragment thereof using the hybridoma or the transformant; and a therapeutic agent using the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof or a diagnostic agent using the antibody or the antibody fragment thereof.
US08877905B2
The present invention relates generally to labeled and unlabeled cleavable terminating groups and methods for DNA sequencing and other types of DNA analysis. More particularly, the invention relates in part to nucleotides and nucleosides with chemically cleavable, photocleavable, enzymatically cleavable, or non-photocleavable groups and methods for their use in DNA sequencing and its application in biomedical research.
US08877903B2
The present invention relates to a method of isolating an insoluble target protein from a suspension of intact or disrupted host cells. The invention also relates to insoluble target proteins which are obtainable by said method, in particular to silk proteins.
US08877899B2
The present disclosure describes a pharmaceutical combination of an anti-CD38 antibody and lenalidomide and a pharmaceutical combination of an anti-CD38 antibody and bortezomib.
US08877898B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide for the facile generation of a stable recombinant fusion polypeptides with intrinsic fluorescent properties. The recombinant antibodies may be suitable for qualitative and/or quantitative immunofluorescence analysis. Generally, the fluorescent polypeptides include a fluorescent domain comprising a C-terminus and an N-terminus; a first antibody domain covalently linked to the C-terminus; and a second antibody domain covalently linked to the N-terminus.
US08877897B2
The present invention is directed to compositions of matter useful for the diagnosis and treatment of tumor in mammals and to methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.
US08877876B2
A plastic article having a thickness of about 2 mm to about 3.2 mm is disclosed. The article is formed from a thermoplastic composition that includes a first polymer that is a polycarbonate, a second polymer that is a polyphthalatecarbonate, a perfluoroakyl sulfonate salt; and a cyclic siloxane compound. The thermoplastic has a light transmittance at a thickness of 3.2 mm of at least 86% according to ASTM D1003-11E1, a UL94 flammability rating of V0, a notched Izod impact strength at a thickness of 3.2 mm of at least 500 J/m according to ASTM D256-05 with a 2.27 kg weight at a, and a heat deflection temperature at a thickness of 3.2 mm of at least 160° C. according to ASTM D648-06 under a load of 0.45 MPa.
US08877875B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a golf ball that satisfies both of the flight distance at the shot with a driver, a long iron, and a middle iron and the controllability at the approach shot with a short iron and is also excellent in the abrasion resistance of the cover. The present invention provides a golf ball comprising a core consisting of a center and at least one intermediate layer covering the center, and a cover covering the core, wherein the cover is formed from a cover composition containing, as a resin component, a thermoplastic polyurethane (A) and a polyisocyanate mixture (B) in which a urethane prepolymer (b-1) having at least two isocyanate groups or a polyisocyanate (b-2) having at least three isocyanate groups is dispersed in a thermoplastic resin (b-3) which does not substantially react with an isocyanate group; and wherein the cover composition has a slab hardness of 60 or less in Shore D hardness, and the core has a hardness difference (Hs−Ho) between a surface hardness Hs and a center hardness Ho of from 15 to 50 in Shore D hardness.
US08877863B2
The present invention provides a process for preparing a polymer polyol (PMPO) by alkoxylating a starter compound(s) having active hydrogen atoms in the presence of a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst, radical initiator(s) and optionally PMPO stabilizers and simultaneously polymerizing unsaturated monomer(s) with radical initiator(s). The polymer polyols (PMPOs) made by the inventive process may find use in the preparation of polyurethane foams and elastomers.
US08877853B2
A plastic preform, container or article includes a multilayer wall having at least one layer of a matrix resin, at least one layer of a barrier resin, an adhesion-promoting material blended with the barrier resin and/or matrix resin, and an active oxygen barrier composition blended with the barrier resin and/or matrix resin. The adhesion-promoting material promotes bonding between the barrier and matrix resin layers and includes an amine polymer, preferably an imine polymer having a number of available primary, secondary or tertiary amine groups. The matrix resin preferably is an ester-containing resin, such as PET. The barrier resin preferably is EVOH. The active oxygen barrier composition includes a metal with an additive compound, and may also include a host polymer.
US08877851B2
Polyester compositions comprising: 3 to 40 weight percent, preferably 3 to 30 weight percent, of at least one polyester, preferably polybutylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate, poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthoate), and poly(1,4-cyclohexyldimethylene terephthalate); 25 to 50 weight percent non-fibrous graphite, preferably a platy or particulate graphite; 10 to 40 weight percent inorganic filler selected from the group consisting of wollastonite, glass fibers, aramid fibers, ceramic fibers, potassium titanate whiskers, or combinations of them; 3 to 10 weight percent copolyether ester elastomer; wherein: the amount of a+b+c+d is 100 weight percent of the composition; the amount of b+c is at least 50 weight percent of the composition; the weight ratio of copolyether ester elastomer to polyester is from 0.3 to 0.4; and the composition has at least a 0.2 percent elongation, a thermal conductivity of at least 3 WmK, and a tensile strength of at least 25 MPa. Articles prepared from these compositions.
US08877838B2
The present invention relates to flame retardant polymer compositions which comprise melamine phenylphosphinates and mixtures with dihydro-oxa-phosphaphenanthrene derivatives. The compositions are especially useful for the manufacture of flame retardant compounds based on polyfunctional epoxides or polycondensates like polyesters, polyamides and polycarbonates.
US08877837B2
A process for curing epoxy resins which comprises curing epoxy resin compositions comprising a) epoxy resins and b) a compound of the general formula I in which R1 and R2 independently of one another are hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy-C1-C4-alkyl, C5-C6-cycloalkyl, phenyl, phenyl-C1-C4-alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl or C2-C6-alkynyl, or R1 and R2 together are a C3-C11-alkylene group; R3 and R4 independently of one another are hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C4-alkoxy-C1-C4-alkyl, C5-C6-cycloalkyl, phenyl, phenyl-C1-C4-alkyl, C2-C6-alkenyl or C2-C6-alkynyl, or R3 and R4 together are a C4-C6-alkylene group; by adding amino hardeners, and the curing takes place in the presence of a compound of the following formula II in which at least one of the radicals R11, R12 and R13 is a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 C atoms, which is substituted with a hydroxyl group and optionally remaining radicals R11 to R13 are an unsubstituted hydrocarbon group having 1 to 10 C atoms.
US08877836B2
The present invention is a drying composition comprising spherical beads and a stable aqueous dispersion of polymer particles and also a dried composition of the spherical beads and a polymer film. The composition is useful as a wall repair formulation.
US08877830B2
The invention provides methods for inducing reversible chain cleavage of polymer chains in a crosslinked polymeric material or during polymerization of a polymeric material. Reversible cleavage of the polymer backbone is capable of relieving stress in the polymeric material as the bonds reform in a less stressed state. The invention also provides mixtures for making crosslinked polymeric materials, methods for making polymeric materials capable of reversible chain cleavage, materials made by the methods of the invention, and linear monomers containing reversible chain cleavage groups which are useful in the materials and methods of the invention. The mixtures of the invention may be dental restorative compositions used for forming dental restorative materials.
US08877815B2
The present invention provides a compound of formula I; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, B, X, m and n are defined herein. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the compounds of the invention, and its therapeutic uses. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical composition of compounds of the invention, and a combination of pharmacologically active agents and a compound of the invention.
US08877808B2
This invention describes a method of preventing and treating inflammatory skin diseases by topical application of aurin tricarboxylic acid and its derivatives. Such diseases are characterized by immune attack, especially involving aberrant complement activation. The diseases include, but are not limited to, androgenetic alopecia (baldness), seborrheic dermatitis/dandruff, allergic dermatitis, primary cicatricial alopecia, pemphigus, psoriasis, discoid lupus erythematosis, and dermatitus herpetiformis.
US08877803B2
The present invention relates to a novel naphtho class of compounds as Stat3 pathway inhibitors and as cancer stem cell inhibitors; to methods of using such compounds to treat cancer; to methods of using such compounds to treat disorders in a mammal related to aberrant Stat3 pathway activity; to pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds.
US08877794B2
The present invention relates to phenalkylamine derivatives of the formula (I) or a physiologically tolerated salt thereof. The invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such phenalkylamine derivatives, and the use of such phenalkylamine derivatives for therapeutic purposes. The phenalkylamine derivatives are GlyT1 inhibitors.
US08877790B2
An allantoin-containing skin cream composition can comprise allantoin and at least one anionic or nonionic emulsifier that is substantially hydrophilic and is soluble in water. The composition is in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. The pH of the composition is in a range of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; preferably, the pH of the composition is from about 5.0 to about 6.0. The composition can further comprise an acidic anionic polymer. A preferred acidic anionic polymer is a carboxypolymethylene polymer. The composition can further comprise a carbohydrate polymer such as galactoarabinan, polygalactose or polyarabinose. The composition can additionally comprise other ingredients such as herbal extracts, an antioxidant component, an emollient component, a chelator, a solvent component, or a preservative component. The composition is useful as a skin protectant.
US08877789B2
An allantoin-containing skin cream composition can comprise allantoin and at least one anionic or nonionic emulsifier that is substantially hydrophilic and is soluble in water. The composition is in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. The pH of the composition is in a range of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; preferably, the pH of the composition is from about 5.0 to about 6.0. The composition can further comprise an acidic anionic polymer. A preferred acidic anionic polymer is a carboxypolymethylene polymer. The composition can further comprise a carbohydrate polymer such as galactoarabinan, polygalactose or polyarabinose. The composition can additionally comprise other ingredients such as herbal extracts, an antioxidant component, an emollient component, a chelator, a solvent component, or a preservative component. The composition is useful as a skin protectant.
US08877788B2
An allantoin-containing skin cream composition can comprise allantoin and at least one anionic or nonionic emulsifier that is substantially hydrophilic and is soluble in water. The composition is in the form of an oil-in-water emulsion. The pH of the composition is in a range of from about 3.0 to about 6.0; preferably, the pH of the composition is from about 5.0 to about 6.0. The composition can further comprise an acidic anionic polymer. A preferred acidic anionic polymer is a carboxypolymethylene polymer. The composition can further comprise a carbohydrate polymer such as galactoarabinan, polygalactose or polyarabinose. The composition can additionally comprise other ingredients such as herbal extracts, an antioxidant component, an emollient component, a chelator, a solvent component, or a preservative component. The composition is useful as a skin protectant.
US08877784B2
Compounds of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, and Y are defined in the description are TRPA1 antagonists. Compositions comprising such compounds and methods for treating conditions and disorders using such compounds and compositions are also disclosed.
US08877782B2
The present invention is concerned with isoxazole-pyridine derivatives of formula I wherein X, R1 to R6 are as described herein. The compounds are active on the GABA A α5 receptor binding site and useful for the treatment of cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease.
US08877778B2
The present invention is concerned with novel dual modulators of the 5-HT2A and D3 receptors of formula (I) wherein n, x, Y, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as described herein, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and esters thereof. Further the present invention is concerned with the manufacture of the compounds of formula (I), pharmaceutical compositions comprising them and their use as pharmaceuticals.
US08877775B2
This invention relates to 2-Aza-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-3-carboxylic acid (benzyl-cyano-methyl)-amides of formula 1 and their use as inhibitors of Cathepsin C, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, and methods of using the same as agents for treatment and/or prevention of diseases connected with dipeptidyl peptidase I activity, e.g. respiratory diseases.
US08877774B2
Compounds of formula(I) act both as muscarinic receptor antagonists and beta2 adrenergic receptor agonists and are useful for the prevention and/or treatment of broncho-obstructive and inflammatory diseases.
US08877758B2
The present invention relates to new medicament combinations which contain in addition to one or more PDE4-inhibitors (1) at least one EP4 receptor antagonist (2), as well as the use thereof for the treatment of preferably respiratory complaints such as particularly COPD, chronic sinusitis and asthma.The invention relates in particular to those medicament combinations which contain at least one EP4 receptor antagonist (2), in addition to one or more, preferably one, PDE4 inhibitor of general formula 1 wherein X is SO or SO2, but preferably SO, and wherein R3 denotes an optionally substituted, mono- or bicyclic, unsaturated, partly saturated or saturated heterocyclic group or an optionally substituted, mono- or bicyclic heteroaryl and wherein R1 and R2 have the meanings given in claim 1, the preparation thereof and the use thereof for the treatment of respiratory complaints.
US08877749B2
The present application describes modulators of chemokine receptor activity of formula (I) or stereoisomers or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. In addition, methods of treating and preventing inflammatory diseases such as asthma and allergic diseases, as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis and transplant rejection using modulators of formula (I) are disclosed.
US08877746B2
Compositions and methods of making the same for in vivo delivery of lixivaptan to a subject in need thereof are described. The composition includes a substantially water-insoluble pharmacologically active agent (e.g., lixivaptan) and a substantially water-insoluble matrix forming material (e.g., a Vitamin E semi-ester), wherein the pharmacologically active agent is dispersed in said matrix forming material, and wherein the composition delivers said substantially water-insoluble pharmacologically active agent upon exposure to physiological medium.
US08877742B2
The present invention relates to novel NADPH oxidase II inhibitors and their use in the treatment of diseases mediated by the NADPH oxidase enzymes.
US08877739B2
A medicament having an excellent CaSR agonist action which enables the prevention or treatment of diabetes or obesity is provided by a composition comprising the compound represented by general formula (I) as defined, or a salt thereof.
US08877726B2
The invention relates to an isolated RNA that mediates RNA interference of an mRNA to which it corresponds and a method of mediating RNA interference of mRNA of a gene in a cell or organism using the isolated RNA.
US08877719B2
A pest controlling composition comprising spinetoram and a cyclic keto-enol compound having an acetyl CoA carboxylase-inhibiting activity as active ingredients.
US08877716B2
The invention relates to peptide derivatives (peptides and pseudo-peptides) and the use thereof as vectors for molecules of interest. The invention also relates to conjugates containing a peptide derivative of the invention bound to a molecule of interest. The peptides of the invention can be used, in particular, to vectorize, generally in the form of prodrug conjugates, molecules of pharmaceutical or diagnostic interest such as, for example, therapeutic molecules, imaging or diagnostic agents, or molecular probes, across cell membranes of different tissues or organs, healthy or pathologic, and in particular to enable their transport across physiological barriers of the nervous system such as the Blood brain barrier (BBB), Blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), or Blood-retinal barrier (BRB).
US08877715B2
There is provided a series of novel neuropeptide Y-cytotoxic conjugates, compositions comprising the same, and methods relating to their therapeutic use for the treatment of disease or condition states associated with aberrant or undesirable proliferation of cells that express NPY-Y1 receptors.
US08877711B2
A method is described that improves the transport properties of albumin produced on an industrial scale, wherein the albumin is mixed, during the production process, with substances that saturate the binding points on the albumin. Furthermore, pasteurized and then octanoate-reduced human albumin and therapeutic uses of such albumin is described. Such albumin may be useful in detoxifying human plasma, e.g. for the intravenous treatment of acute or chronic liver diseases, and as a dialysate in extracorporeal liver dialysis.
US08877710B2
The present invention relates to compounds for treatment that protects the endothelium, prevent pathologic thrombus formation in the microcirculation and preserve platelet number and function and thus may be related to minimizing or preventing development of organ failure, including multiple organ failure (MOF), and, hence, death in critically ill patients by administration of agent(s) limiting the platelets ability to aggregate and form clots and/or by agents modulating/preserving endothelial integrity and/or by agent(s) increasing the rate of thrombus lysis, and Another aspect of the invention related to by a cell-based whole blood viscoelastical haemostatic assay identifying critically ill patients at increased risk of development of organ failure, including multiple organ failure (MOF) and death.
US08877708B2
The present invention is directed to a method of treating a metabolic disorder or key elements of a metabolic disorder such method comprising the use of an agent(s) that increases central dopaminergic activity plus a first-phase insulin secretagouge.
US08877693B2
Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of an internal breaker composition that contains at least one mineral oil, at least one polyalphaolefin oil, at least one saturated fatty acid and/or at least one unsaturated fatty acid. The internal breaker may initially be dispersed oil droplets in an internal, discontinuous phase of the fluid. In one non-limiting embodiment, the internal breaker, e.g. mineral oil, is added to the fluid after it has been substantially gelled. An oil-soluble surfactant is present to enhance or accelerate the reduction of viscosity of the gelled aqueous fluid.
US08877682B2
A substantially dry, flowable adjuvant compositions comprising, based on 100 parts by weight (“pbw”) of the adjuvant composition: (a) from about 25 pbw to about 75 pbw of a polysaccharide and (b) from about 75 pbw to about 20 pbw of a salt composition. In one embodiment, the salt composition is diammonium hydrogen phosphate, sodium carbonate or a combination thereof, and the polysaccharide is a derivatized guar. Also disclosed are methods of preparing such agricultural compositions comprising adding, to a heel solution, (a) a water dispersible adjuvant composition, in an amount effective to provide deposition and/or drift control properties, comprising, based on 100 pbw of the adjuvant composition: (i) from about 25 pbw to about 75 pbw of a polysaccharide, and (ii) from about 75 pbw to about 20 pbw of a salt composition, wherein an aqueous solution of the adjuvant composition has a pH value of between about 7 and about 12, and (b) an effective amount of an active. The adjuvant composition can further comprise (iii) from about 20 pbw to about 30 pbw of a dispersing agent, wherein typically the dispersing agent is sodium polyacrylate.
US08877671B2
A chelated hydroprocessing catalyst exhibiting low moisture is obtained by hearing an impregnated, calcined carrier to a temperature higher than 200° C. and less than a temperature and for a period of time that would cause substantial decomposition of the chelating agent.
US08877664B2
Provided is a high-strength zirconia sintered body in which the progression of low-temperature degradation is inhibited. The zirconia sintered body contains partially-stabilized zirconia as a matrix phase and contains at least one element from among phosphorus (P), arsenic (As), antimony (Sb), and bismuth (Bi). The content of the abovementioned element(s) in the zirconia sintered body ranges from 4×10−4 mol to 4×10−2 mol with respect to 1 mol of zirconium(IV) oxide. Preferably, the zirconia sintered body further contains 0.03% to 3% by mass of silicon dioxide.
US08877656B2
A method for manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device includes the following steps. A silicon carbide substrate is heated in an atmosphere containing oxygen, so as to form a gate insulating film on and in contact with the silicon carbide substrate. The silicon carbide substrate having the gate insulating film is heated at 1250° C. or more in an atmosphere containing nitrogen and nitrogen monoxide. A value obtained by dividing partial pressure of the nitrogen monoxide by a total of partial pressure of the nitrogen and the partial pressure of the nitrogen monoxide in the second heating step is more than 3% and less than 10%. Accordingly, there can be provided a method for manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device having high mobility.
US08877649B2
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a thin film transistor array substrate, a method of manufacturing the same, and display device. A method of manufacturing a thin film transistor array substrate, comprises: forming a resin layer on a substrate formed with a thin film transistor array, patterning the resin layer by using a mask process to form a spacer and a contact hole filling layer, the contact hole filing layer is used for filling contact holes on the thin film transistor array substrate; forming an alignment film on the substrate patterning with the spacer and the contact hole filing layer.
US08877648B2
Methods of forming integrated circuit devices include forming a sacrificial layer on a handling substrate and forming a semiconductor active layer on the sacrificial layer. A step is performed to selectively etch through the semiconductor active layer and the sacrificial layer in sequence to define an semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate, which includes a first portion of the semiconductor active layer. A multi-layer electrical interconnect network may be formed on the SOI substrate. This multi-layer electrical interconnect network may be encapsulated by an inorganic capping layer that contacts an upper surface of the first portion of the semiconductor active layer. A step can be performed to selectively etch through the capping layer and the first portion of the semiconductor active layer to thereby expose the sacrificial layer. The sacrificial layer may be selectively removed from between the first portion of the semiconductor active layer and the handling substrate to thereby define a suspended integrated circuit chip encapsulated by the capping layer.
US08877644B2
The polishing solution for copper polishing of the invention comprises a first organic acid component which is at least one type selected from among an organic acid containing a hydroxyl group, an organic acid salt and an organic acid anhydride, an inorganic acid component which is at least one type selected from among a dibasic or greater inorganic acid and an inorganic acid salt, an amino acid, a protective film-forming agent, an abrasive grain, an oxidizing agent and water, wherein the inorganic acid component content in terms of inorganic acid is 0.15 mass % or greater, the amino acid content is 0.30 mass % or greater, the protective film-forming agent content is 0.10 mass % or greater, based on the entire polishing solution for copper polishing, and the ratio of the first organic acid component content in terms of organic acid with respect to the protective film-forming agent content is at least 1.5.
US08877641B2
A method for mitigating line-edge roughness on a semiconductor device. The method includes line-edge roughness mitigation techniques in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The techniques include: reducing the SiON film thickness below a conventional thickness; increasing the photoresist thickness above a conventional thickness; etching the SiON film with an etch bias power less than a conventional wattage amount with an overetch percentage less than a conventional overetch percentage; removing the SiON film layer immediately after completion of the amorphous carbon film layer etching; and lowering the lower electrode temperature below a conventional temperature.
US08877638B2
Roughly described, an antenna diode is formed at least partially within the exclusion zone around a TSV, and is connected to the TSV by way of a metal 1 layer conductor at the same time that the TSV is connected to either the gate poly or a diffusion region of one or more transistors placed outside the exclusion zone.
US08877637B2
Through-silicon-via (TSV) based 3D integrated circuit (3D IC) stacks are aligned, bonded and electrically interconnected using a transparent alignment material in the TSVs until the wafers are bonded. Embodiments include providing a first wafer having a first device layer and at least one first TSV filled with a conductive material, providing a second wafer having a second device layer, forming at least one second TSV in the second wafer, filling each second TSV with an alignment material, thinning the second wafer until the transparent material extends all the way through the wafer, aligning the first and second wafers, bonding the first and second wafers, removing the alignment material from the second wafer, and filling each second TSV in the second wafer with a conductive material.
US08877629B2
A semiconductor manufacturing process includes the following steps of providing a silicon substrate having at least one connection pad and a protection layer, forming a first seed layer having at least one first section and at least one second section, forming a first photoresist layer, forming a first buffer layer having a coupling portion and a cladding portion, removing the first photoresist layer, removing the second section of the first seed layer to form a first under bump metallurgy layer, forming a support layer on the protection layer and the first buffer layer, the first under bump metallurgy layer has a first ring wall, the first buffer layer has a second ring wall, wherein the first ring wall, the second ring wall and the cladding portion are cladded by the support layer, and forming a connection portion and covering the coupling portion with the connection portion.
US08877621B2
Embodiments of the invention provide an approach for bottom-up growth of a low resistivity gate conductor. Specifically, a low resistivity metal (e.g., aluminum or cobalt) is selectively grown directly over metal layers in a set of gate trenches using a chemical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition process to form the gate conductor.
US08877618B2
The semiconductor-on-insulator substrate includes a support, an electrically insulating film, a crystalline film made from semiconductor material, and a protection layer. Germanium ions are implanted in the semiconductor material film through the protection layer so as to form an amorphized area in contact with the protection layer and a crystalline area in contact with the electrically insulating film. The semiconductor material film is annealed so as to recrystallize the amorphized area from the crystalline area.
US08877608B2
The present invention provides a method for preparing a GOI chip structure, where, in the method, first, a SiGe on insulator (SGOI) chip structure is made by using a SMART CUT technology, and then, germanium condensation technology is performed on the SGOI chip structure, so as to obtain a GOI chip structure. Because the SGOI made by the Smart-Cut technology basically has no misfit dislocation in an SGOI/BOX interface, the threading dislocation density of the GOI is finally reduced. A technique of the present invention is simple, the high-quality GOI chip structure can be implemented, and the germanium condensation technology is greatly improved. An ion implantation technology and an annealing technology are quite mature techniques in the current semiconductor industry, so that such a preparation method greatly improves the possibility of wide use of the germanium concentration technology in the semiconductor industry.
US08877599B2
A semiconductor device having dislocations and a method of fabricating the semiconductor device is disclosed. The exemplary semiconductor device and method for fabricating the semiconductor device enhance carrier mobility. The method includes providing a substrate having an isolation feature therein and two gate stacks overlying the substrate, wherein one of the gate stacks is atop the isolation feature. The method further includes performing a pre-amorphous implantation process on the substrate. The method further includes forming a stress film over the substrate. The method also includes performing an annealing process on the substrate and the stress film.
US08877588B2
One method includes forming first and second spaced-apart trenches extending at least partially into a semiconducting substrate defining a fin structure for the device, forming a stress-inducing material having a first type of stress in the first trench, forming a second stress-inducing material in the second trench, the second stress-inducing material having a second stress that is a different than the first type of stress, and forming a gate structure around a portion of the fin structure. One device includes first and second spaced-apart trenches in a semiconducting substrate defining at least a portion of a fin for the device, a stress-inducing material having a first type of stress in the first trench, a second stress-inducing material in the second trench, the second stress-inducing material having a second stress that is a different type than the first stress, and a gate structure around a portion of the fin structure.
US08877587B2
A method for fabricating a nonvolatile memory device includes forming a stacked structure over a substrate defining a cell area and a peripheral area and having a source region, the stacked structure including interlayer dielectric layers and sacrifice layers, forming channel layers connected to the substrate through the stacked structure of the cell area, forming a first slit in the stacked structure of the cell area, forming a second slit in the stacked structure, the second slit including a first portion and a second portion, removing the sacrifice layers exposed through the first and second slits, forming conductive layers to fill spaces from which the sacrifice layers are removed, forming an insulating layer in the second slit, and forming a source contact by burying a conductive material in the first portion of the second slit having the insulating layer formed therein.
US08877586B2
A process for forming reversible resistance-switching memory cells having resistance-switching nano-particles which provide a reduced contact area to top and bottom electrodes of the memory cells, thereby limiting a peak current. Recesses are formed in a layered semiconductor material above the bottom electrodes, and one or more coatings of nano-particles are applied. The nano-particles self-assemble in the recesses so that they are positioned in a controlled manner. A top electrode material is then deposited. In one approach, the recesses are formed by spaced-apart trenches, and the nano-particles self-assemble along the spaced-apart trenches. In another approach, the recesses for each resistance-switching memory cell are separate from one another, and the resistance-switching memory cells are pillar-shaped. The coatings can be provided in one layer, or in multiple layers which are separated by an insulation layer.
US08877581B2
An integrated circuit (IC) includes a plurality of strained metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) devices that include a semiconductor surface having a first doping type, a gate electrode stack over a portion of the semiconductor surface, and source/drain recesses that extend into the semiconductor surface and are framed by semiconductor surface interface regions on opposing sides of the gate stack. A first epitaxial strained alloy layer (rim) is on the semiconductor surface interface regions, and is doped with the first doping type. A second epitaxial strained alloy layer is on the rim and is doped with a second doping type that is opposite to the first doping type that is used to form source/drain regions.
US08877580B1
An intermediate semiconductor structure in fabrication includes a substrate. A plurality of gate structures is disposed over the substrate, with at least two of the gate structures separated by a sacrificial material between adjacent gate structures. A portion of the sacrificial material is removed to form openings within the sacrificial material, which are filled with a filler material having a high aspect ratio oxide. The excess filler material is removed. A portion of the gate structures is removed to form gate openings within the gate structures. The gate openings are filled with gate cap material and the excess gate cap material is removed to create a substantially planar surface overlaying the gate structures and the sacrificial material to control sacrificial oxide recess and gate height.
US08877563B2
An electrical package with improved thermal management. The electrical package includes a die having an exposed back surface. The package further includes a plurality of fins extending outwardly from the back surface for dissipating heat from the package. The die can be arranged in a multi-die stacking configuration. In another embodiment, a method of forming a die for improved thermal management of an electrical package is provided.
US08877560B2
A method for assembling a heat generating element and a heat dissipating element includes: preparing a pressure sensitive element including a pressure sensitive layer and first and second release films connected to the pressure sensitive layer; separating the second release film from the pressure sensitive layer and then adhering a heat dissipating element to the pressure sensitive layer; forcing the first release film; separating the first release film from the pressure sensitive layer, and then adhering a heat generating element to the pressure sensitive layer; and fixedly attaching the heat generating element onto the pressure sensitive layer. A pressure sensitive element and a power supplying unit are also disclosed.
US08877556B2
A method comprises forming semiconductor flip chip interconnects having electrical connecting pads and electrically conductive posts terminating in distal ends operatively associated with the pads. We solder bump the distal ends by injection molding, mask the posts on the pads with a mask having a plurality of through hole reservoirs and align the reservoirs in the mask to be substantially concentric with the distal ends. Injecting liquid solder into the reservoirs and allowing it to cool provides solidified solder on the distal ends, which after mask removal produces a solder bumped substrate which we position on a wafer to leave a gap between the wafer and the substrate. The wafer has electrically conductive sites on the surface for soldering to the posts. Abutting the sites and the solder bumped posts followed by heating joins the wafer and substrate. The gap is optionally filled with a material comprising an underfill.
US08877552B2
A method (and apparatus) of assembling a die on an electronic substrate, includes processing an assembly including a substrate and a die, and during the processing, introducing a pre-stress to the assembly during a cure process.
US08877550B2
Resistive switching nonvolatile memory elements are provided. A metal-containing layer and an oxide layer for a memory element can be heated using rapid thermal annealing techniques. During heating, the oxide layer may decompose and react with the metal-containing layer. Oxygen from the decomposing oxide layer may form a metal oxide with metal from the metal-containing layer. The resulting metal oxide may exhibit resistive switching for the resistive switching memory elements.
US08877547B2
Provided is a thin film transistor including a gate electrode on a substrate; a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode; source and drain electrodes including first source and drain layers on the gate insulating layer, respectively, and spaced apart from each other, wherein at lease one of the first source and drain layers includes indium-tin-oxide doped with at least one Group III element; and an organic semiconductor layer on the gate insulating layer and contacting the first source and drain layers.
US08877544B2
In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a solar cell includes forming a first electrode over a substrate; forming a light-converting layer over the first electrode and patterning the light-converting layer to form a plurality of patterned light-converting layers that are spaced apart from each other; forming a transparent insulating layer over the first electrode including the patterned light-converting layers; and forming a second electrode over the transparent insulating layer.
US08877539B2
A method for producing of at least one photovoltaic cell includes successively the anisotropic etching of a surface of a crystalline silicon substrate and the isotropic etching treatment of said surface. The isotropic etching treatment includes at least two successive operations respectively consisting in forming a silicon oxide thin film with a controlled average thickness, ranging between 10 nm and 500 nm and in removing said thin film thus-formed. The operation consisting in forming a silicon oxide thin film on the face of the substrate is carried out by a thermally activated dry oxidation. Such a method makes it possible to improve the surface quality of the surface of the substrate once said surface is etched in an anisotropic way.
US08877534B2
A display device includes a substrate; a gate wire including a gate electrode and a first capacitor electrode formed on the substrate; a gate insulating layer formed on the gate wire; a semiconductor layer pattern formed on the gate insulating layer, and including an active region overlapping at least a part of the gate electrode and a capacitor region overlapping at least a part of the first capacitor electrode; an etching preventing layer formed on a part of the active region of the semiconductor layer pattern; and a data wire including a source electrode and a drain electrode formed over the active region of the semiconductor layer from over the etching preventing layer, and separated with the etching preventing layer therebetween, and a second capacitor electrode formed on the capacitor region of the semiconductor layer.
US08877533B2
A method of manufacturing oxide thin film transistor and display device are provided. In the method of manufacturing an oxide thin film transistor, the method includes: forming an active layer of an oxide semiconductor on a substrate, and performing surface treatment with plasma for the active layer to permeate oxygen into the active layer.
US08877525B1
Mechanisms are provided for chip (e.g., semiconductor chip) identification (e.g., low cost secure identification). In one example, a method of manufacturing for implementing integrated chip identification is provided. In another example, a method of using a chip with an integrated identification is provided.
US08877518B2
Provided are nanoscale devices suitable for multiplexed, parallel detection of multiple analytes and methods for fabricating such devices.
US08877517B1
A method for determining the amount of pore forming bacterial toxin protein in a sample is provided, the method including the steps of a) forming a membrane comprising a lipid bilayer and a receptor, b) contacting the membrane with an ion solution and the sample, c) measuring ion flow through the membrane, d) comparing the ion flow through the membrane to a standard curve, and e) determining the amount of pore forming bacterial toxin protein in the sample.
US08877515B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a measurement kit for developing a first developing solution and a second developing solution from different directions to suppress background noise, and an immunochromatography kit. The present invention provides a measurement kit, which comprises a first developing member for supplying a first developing solution and a second developing member for supplying a second developing solution, wherein the developing direction of the first developing solution is allowed to intersect with the developing direction of the second developing solution, so that development is carried out by developing the first and second developing solutions in different developing directions, and a water absorbent portion is established on the downstream of each of the developing directions.
US08877512B2
The present invention is directed to a droplet actuator and methods of making and using the droplet actuator including one or more substrates configured to form a droplet operations gap and including a physical or chemical feature that may be provided at a predetermined locus within or exposed to the droplet operations gap and configured to retain a bubble in position within the droplet operations gap.
US08877503B2
Compositions and methods relating to the use of sulfonylurea-responsive repressors are provided. Compositions include polypeptides that specifically bind to an operator, wherein the specific binding is regulated by a sulfonylurea compound. Compositions also include polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides as well as constructs, vectors, prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and eukaryotic organisms including plants and seeds comprising the polynucleotide, and/or produced by the methods. Also provided are methods to provide a sulfonylurea-responsive repressor to a cell or organism, and to regulate expression of a polynucleotide of interest in a cell or organism, including a plant or plant cell.
US08877501B2
The present invention relates to the production of alkaloids from Liliaceae cell culture.
US08877497B2
The invention relates to methods for differentiating progenitor cells into insulin producing pancreatic islet cells and compositions and methods for using such cells.
US08877496B2
The invention provides a method for transferring cells to carriers, including: (a) providing a hydrophobic cell culture container or a cell culture container coated with a hydrophobic material on a bottom thereof; (b) adding carriers which are more hydrophilic than the hydrophobic cell culture container or hydrophobic materials and a culture medium containing cells into the hydrophobic cell culture container or the cell culture container coated with the hydrophobic material on the bottom thereof; and (c) culturing the cells, wherein the cells attach to the carriers and grow.
US08877490B2
The invention relates to a fermenter for generating biogas from pumpable organic material with a low content of organic dry matter (oTS), comprising at least one inlet for the pumpable organic material, at least one fixed bed reactor for the pumpable organic material with at least one primary and one secondary section and at least one outlet the remaining fermentation residue. Furthermore, the fermenter can optionally comprises at least one sedimentation chamber for the pumpable organic material, arranged between the primary and secondary sections and at least one recycling section connected to the sedimentation chamber and designed such that specific lighter fractions of the pumpable organic material can be recovered and reintroduced to the rising (primary) section of the fixed bed reactor or a preceding or subsequent conventional fermenter.
US08877489B2
Thin parylene C membranes having smooth front sides and ultrathin regions (e.g., 0.01 μm to 5 μm thick) interspersed with thicker regions are disclosed. The back sides of the membranes can be rough compared with the smooth front sides. The membranes can be used in vitro to grow monolayers of cells in a laboratory or in vivo as surgically implantable growth layers, such as to replace the Bruch's membrane in the eye. The thin regions of parylene are semipermeable to allow for proteins in serum to pass through, and the thick regions give mechanical support for handling by a surgeon. The smooth front side allows for monolayer cell growth, and the rough back side helps prevents cells from attaching there.
US08877488B2
Certain embodiments and aspects of the invention relate to a photobioreactor including covered photobioreactor units through which a liquid medium stream and a gas stream flow. The liquid medium comprises at least one species of phototrophic organism therein. Certain methods of using the photobioreactor system as part of fuel generation system and/or a gas-treatment process or system at least partially remove certain undesirable pollutants from a gas stream. In certain embodiments, a portion of the liquid medium is diverted from a photobioreactor unit and reintroduced upstream of the diversion position. In certain embodiments, the disclosed photobioreactor system, methods of using such systems, and/or gas treatment apparatus and methods provided herein can be used as part of an integrated combustion method and system, wherein photosynthetic organisms used within the photobioreactor are harvested from the photobioreactor, processed, and used as a fuel source for a combustion system like an electric power plant.
US08877484B2
A microfluidic device comprising at least one test channel, which test channel comprises an upper test channel section with an upstream end and a sampling region at its upstream end and at least one reference channel, which reference channel comprises an upper reference channel section with an upstream end and a sampling region at its upstream end. The test channel and the reference channel comprise a merging region downstream to the upper test channel section and a common downstream channel section. The merging region and the common downstream channel section are arranged such that a reference liquid flowing from the upper reference channel section into the merging region will block a test liquid flow in the upper test channel section when the test liquid flow has not yet reached the merging section. The microfluid device may be used for detecting change of flow properties e.g. due to agglomeration, agglutination or viscosity change in a liquid preferably selected from water, urine, blood, or blood plasma.
US08877483B2
An accelerating agent for elimination of dioxins which comprises, as an active ingredient, a microorganism having an activity of accelerating elimination of dioxins in the body to the outside of the body.
US08877480B2
The present invention relates to a method for enhancing growth of plants which comprises contacting a Trichoderma strain with the plant or a plant seed under conditions effective for the Trichoderma strain to colonize the roots of the plant or a plant grown from the plant seed, thereby creating a plant-Trichoderma system. The plant or plant seed is grown under conditions effective to sustain the plant-Trichoderma system in a planting medium and to enhance plant growth, where the Trichoderma strain is selected from the group consisting of Trichoderma atroviride strain WW10TC4 (ATCC accession number PTA 9707), Trichoderma harzianum strain RR17Bc (ATCC accession number PTA 9708), Trichoderma harzianum strain F11Bab (ATCC accession number PTA 9709), and combinations thereof. Also, disclosed are methods of enhancing resistance of plants to abiotic stress, increasing nitrogen use efficacy in plants, reducing nitrous oxide emissions in air, reducing leaching of nitrates into soil and water, and enhancing sequestration of carbon from air.
US08877479B2
Compositions and methods relating to an alpha-amylase enzyme obtained from Halomonas variabilis WDG195 are described.
US08877474B2
The present invention provides various GH61 protein variants comprising various amino acid substitutions. The GH61 protein variants have an improved ability to synergize with cellulase enzymes, thereby increasing the yield of fermentable sugars obtained by saccharification of biomass. In some embodiments, sugars obtained from saccharification are fermented to produce numerous end-products, including but not limited to alcohol.
US08877472B2
Corn or soy plant biomass is electron beam irradiation processed and saccharified to produce sugars. The sugars are then converted to products such as alcohols, organic acids, hydrocarbons, hydrogen, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, oils, lipids, amino acids, vitamins, and mixtures thereof.
US08877470B2
The present invention includes methods, devices and systems for isolating a nucleic acid from a fluid comprising cells. In various aspects, the methods, devices and systems may allow for a rapid procedure that requires a minimal amount of material and/or results in high purity nucleic acid isolated from complex fluids such as blood or environmental samples.
US08877465B2
Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) compositions and EPA-rich polar lipids for prophylactic or therapeutic applications are described. Production from certain cultured micro-organisms (like Nitzschia laevis) promotes synthesis of EPA, including polar lipids including EPA. The EPA-rich polar lipids themselves may be used as polar compounds. EPA can be selectively hydrolysed from particular positions in isolated polar lipids by lipase activity, then optionally further purified. The process bypasses reliance on diminishing fish stocks and on physico-chemical processes that may not adequately separate desirable n-3 HUFAs from unwanted products like DHA also found in fish oil and cultured organisms.
US08877461B2
A method of producing β-santalene by contacting at least one polypeptide with farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP). This method may be carried out in vitro or in vivo to produce β-santalene, a very useful compound in the fields of perfumery and flavoring. The present invention also provides the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide useful in the method of the invention. A nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide of the invention and an expression vector containing the nucleic acid are also disclosed, along with a non-human host organism or a cell transformed to be used in the method of producing β-santalene.
US08877453B2
The present invention provides methods for diagnosing a venous thromboembolism or intracardiac thrombi in an individual in need of such treatment. A representative method of the present invention comprises the steps of: obtaining a plasma sample from said individual; determining the baseline level of D-dimer in said sample; contacting said sample with a compound that catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen into plasmin; and measuring the level of D-dimer is said sample after administering or contacting said sample with a compound that catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen into plasmin, wherein a significantly greater concentration of D-dimer after contact with a compound that catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen into plasmin than prior to contact with a compound that catalyzes the conversion of plasminogen into plasmin indicates that said individual has pulmonary embolism or venous thromboembolism.
US08877447B2
The present invention, in some aspects, relates to systems and methods for determining oxidized proteins, including glutathionylated proteins such as S-glutathionylated proteins. The systems and methods of the invention can be used in vitro (e.g., in cell or tissue culture) or in vivo, for example, to diagnose a person having an oxidative stress condition. For instance, in some cases, the invention can be used to spatially determine the location and/or concentration of oxidized proteins within cells and/or tissues (e.g., through visual detection). In one set of embodiments, a glutathionylated or otherwise oxidized moiety on a protein may be reacted with a detection entity, which may be, for example, fluorescent, radioactive, electron-dense, able to bind to a signaling entity or a binding partner in order to produce a signal, etc. As a specific example, a glutathionylated moiety on a glutathionylated protein may be reacted with an alkylating agent to form an alkylthio moiety; the alkylthio moiety may include a detection entity or otherwise be able to interact with a signaling entity. In some embodiments, other moieties on the protein may be altered or blocked before reaction of the protein with the detection entity. Such moieties on the protein may be, for instance, non-oxidized or non-glutathionylated moieties able to react with the detection entity. As a particular example, in a protein containing a glutathionylated moiety and non-glutathionylated thiol moieties, the thiol moieties may first be altered or blocked prior to reaction of the protein with the detection entity. Also provided in certain aspects of the present invention are kits for determining oxidized proteins, which may include components such as detection entities, alkylating agents, blocking agents, reducing agents, signaling entities, binding partners, antibodies, instructions, and the like.
US08877440B2
Disclosed herein are compositions, methods and kits for analyzing three-dimensional chromatin and/or chromosome conformation. Method are also disclosed for using the methods disclosed herein for diagnosing diseases such as cancer.
US08877438B2
The present application provides polynucleotide structures such as nucleic acid ribbons and nucleic acid tubes, methods for making the polynucleotide structures, and methods for making two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects comprising the nucleic acid ribbons and nucleic acid tubes.
US08877436B2
The present invention comprises a method that provides fast and reliable results for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid molecule in a sample.
US08877435B2
Methods and means are provided for producing chimeric nucleic acid constructs capable of producing dsRNA for silencing target nucleic acid sequences of interest using recombinational cloning.
US08877406B2
A fuel cell includes a separator and a power generating body. The separator and power generating body are laminated each other. The power generating body is equipped at least with an electrolyte membrane. The fuel cell comprises: a sealing part that seals reaction gas supplied for electrochemical reactions at the fuel cell between the power generating body and the separator at an outer circumference part of the fuel cell, wherein a convex part and a recess are fit together in the sealing part. The convex part is formed projecting in the lamination direction on one of the power generating body and the separator, and the recess is formed recessed in the lamination direction on the other of the power generating body and the separator. At least one of the convex part and the recess is formed with a polymer material that expands with moisture absorption.
US08877403B2
A drainage system for a fuel cell, including a gas-liquid separator configured to separate fuel gas and liquid water from a gas-liquid mixture discharged from the fuel cell, a water tank configured to receive the liquid water separated by the gas-liquid separator, a drain valve in fluid communication with the water tank, the drain valve configured to selectively discharge the liquid water from the water tank, and a control unit configured to selectively open and close the drain valve. The water tank includes a lower portion having a first horizontal cross sectional area and an upper portion having a second horizontal cross sectional area, the first horizontal cross sectional area being smaller than the second horizontal cross sectional area. The control unit opens and closes the drain valve to maintain a first water level within the upper portion of the water tank when the fuel cell is in an operating state and to maintain a second water level within the lower portion of the water tank when the fuel cell is in a stopped state.
US08877396B2
A control device of a fuel cell system sets a required output of a fuel cell stack that is required according to a present power demand and predicts the required output and the current according to the temperature of the fuel cell stack from a predetermined output state map that is preset. The control device sets an operation state quantity according to the predicted current and the temperature of the fuel cell stack from a predetermined operation state quantity map that is preset. The control device includes at least one of a pressure at an air supply port of air that is supplied to the cathode electrode of the fuel cell stack, a utilization rate of the air at the cathode electrode, a flow rate of a cooling medium that cools the fuel cell stack, and humidity of the air at the air supply port as the operation state quantity.
US08877391B2
The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell for generating electrical power that includes an anode, a cathode, a charging electrode and an ionically conductive medium containing at least metal fuel ions and poly(ethylene glycol)tetrahydrofurfuryl. The present invention also relates to a method for charging the cell by electrodeposition of metal fuel on the anode thereof.
US08877387B2
The method for producing a lithium ion secondary battery includes: selecting a positive electrode sheet, negative electrode sheet, and separator sheet; constructing an electrode assembly by superimposing the selected sheets; and housing the above electrode assembly in a battery case along with an electrolyte solution. In the method, at least one of the sheets is selected such that it satisfies the relationship 0.8
US08877386B2
The electrode production method provided by the present invention includes a step of mixing microbubbles 52 into a binder solution 50 containing a binder, a step of forming a binder solution layer 56 by imparting the bubble-containing binder solution 50 to a current collector 10, a step of depositing the binder solution layer 56 and a paste layer 36 on the current collector 10 by imparting an active material layer-forming paste containing an active material 32 over the binder solution layer 56, and a step of obtaining an electrode in which a binder layer and an active material layer are formed on the current collector 10 by drying both the deposited binder solution layer 56 and the paste layer 36.
US08877385B2
The non-aqueous secondary battery of the present invention includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a non-aqueous electrolyte and a separator. The positive electrode includes a positive electrode mixture layer containing a positive electrode active material, a conductive polymer, an organic silane compound, a conductive assistant and a binder, the conductive polymer is polythiophene or a derivative thereof, and the content of the conductive polymer is 0.05 to 0.5 mass % with respect to the total mass of the positive electrode mixture layer.
US08877383B2
An electrochemical device, such as a magnesium-ion battery, comprises a first electrode including a first active material, a second electrode, and an electrolyte located between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electrolyte may include a magnesium compound, such as a magnesium salt. In representative examples, an improved active material includes a group 15 chalcogenide, in particular a bismuth chalcogenide, such as bismuth oxide or other chalcogenide. In various examples, the improved active material may be used in a positive or negative electrode of an example battery.
US08877382B2
A method for preparing a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery includes: a) providing a furnace and a crucible that is included in the furnace; b) putting a mixture of a composite metal precursor and a lithium compound into the crucible; and c) preparing a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery by firing the mixture in the crucible, wherein during the process b), the mixture in the crucible is positioned so that a minimum distance from a predetermined position inside the mixture to an exterior of the mixture in the crucible is about 5 cm or less. A rechargeable lithium made by this method is disclosed.
US08877381B2
A composite oxide is produced via the following: a raw-material mixture preparation step of preparing a raw-material mixture by mixing a metallic-compound raw material and a molten-salt raw material with each other, the metallic-compound raw material at least including one or more kinds of Mn-containing metallic compounds being selected from the group consisting of oxides, hydroxides and metallic salts that include one or more kinds of metallic elements in which Mn is essential, the molten-salt raw material including lithium hydroxide and lithium nitrate, and exhibiting a proportion of the lithium hydroxide with respect to the lithium nitrate (i.e., (Lithium Hydroxide)/(Lithium Nitrate)) that falls in a range of from 0.05 or more to less than 1 by molar ratio; a molten reaction step of reacting said raw-material mixture at from 300° C. or more to 550° C. or less by melting it: and a recovery step of recovering said composite oxide being generated from said raw-material mixture that has undergone the reaction.
US08877378B2
The performance of an ABx type metal hydride alloy is improved by adding an element to the alloy which element is operative to enhance the surface area morphology of the alloy. The alloy may include surface regions of differing morphologies.
US08877374B2
A variety of methods and apparatus are implemented in connection with a battery. According to one such arrangement, an apparatus is provided for use in a battery in which ions are moved. The apparatus comprises a substrate and a plurality of growth-rooted nanowires. The growth-rooted nanowires extend from the substrate to interact with the ions.
US08877369B2
A secondary battery including a case having a lengthwise direction and including a space therein, an electrode assembly disposed in the space in the case, the electrode assembly including a rolled laminate of a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate and a separator interposed therebetween and having non-coating portions at ends thereof, a pair of current collectors, each current collector being electrically connected to one of the non-coating portions of the electrode assembly, each current collector including a current collector plate having an end portion, each end portion extending along the lengthwise direction of the case such that the end portions of the current collector plates of the pair of current collectors are spaced apart from each other in a central region in the lengthwise direction of the case, and a cap plate coupled to a top of the case to seal the case, the cap plate having a vent disposed therein at a position corresponding to the end portions of the current collector plates.
US08877368B2
A thin battery having an electric connector is provided. The electric connector can be used for plugging a mating connector along a first direction or a second direction. Therefore, when a mating connector is provided on mobile electronic equipment, the thin battery according to the present disclosure can be connected to the mobile electronic equipment along the first direction or second direction through the electric connector, thereby supplying power to it. Apart from the electric connector, the thin battery also includes a base plate, a first flange, a second flange, a third flange, a cover plate, at least two positioning blocks, a battery cell, and a circuit board. The cover plate can be bent toward the base plate and be clamped with the base plate. The electric connector is disposed between the base plate and a top sealing area, and is exposed from the opening.
US08877363B2
The present invention provides a cable-type secondary battery capable of wireless charge. The cable-type secondary battery according to the present invention can be applied in a wireless charging method, thereby being conveniently charged as compared with conventional batteries which are charged with wires, and has a charging coil configured in a wound form, which can overcome the problem of local charge caused by the shape of conventional cable-type batteries. Also, the charging coil is formed in a packaging to act as a reinforcement material, thereby enhancing the mechanical property of the cable-type secondary battery.
US08877358B1
A method for providing a capping layer configured for an energy assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) head including at least one slider. The method comprises etching a substrate having a top surface using an etch to form a trench in the substrate, the trench having a first surface at a first angle from the top surface and a second surface having a second angle from the top surface. The method further comprises providing a protective coating exposing the second surface and covering the first surface, removing a portion of the substrate including the second surface to form a laser cavity within the substrate configured to fit a laser therein, and providing a reflective layer on the first surface to form a mirror, the cavity and mirror being configured for alignment of the laser to the laser cavity and to the mirror and for bonding the laser to the laser cavity.
US08877353B2
Described are novel platinum (II) containing organometallic materials. These materials show green to orange emissions with high emission quantum efficiencies. Using the materials as emitting materials; pure green emitting organic light-emitting diodes can be fabricated. Since the novel platinum (II) containing organometallic materials are soluble in common solvents, solution process methods such as spin coating and printing can be used for device fabrication.
US08877347B2
A wear element for component subject to abrasive influences, for example in a region of a receiving element for bulk material, includes an element formed by a one-piece, approximately plate-shape molded body made of a wear resistant alloy. The molded body is configured not to be planar in any plane. The molded body has an approximately rectangular cross-section and includes longitudinal sides and lateral sides that are rounded sections flowing into each other.
US08877343B2
The present invention provides a laminated polyester film which can be prevented from suffering from occurrence of interference fringes owing to reflection of external light and is excellent in adhesion to various surface functional layers such as a hard coat. The laminated polyester film of the present invention comprises a polyester film and a coating layer formed on at least one surface of the polyester film which is produced by applying a coating solution comprising a compound having a condensed polycyclic aromatic structure and an oxazoline compound or an epoxy compound thereonto, which coating layer has a thickness of 0.04 to 0.15 μm.
US08877341B2
According to the present invention, a polycarbonate resin having a repeat unit represented by the following formula (1) and a repeat unit represented by the following general formula (2), and an optical film using the same, can be provided. In the formula, Y is a cycloalkylene group having a carbon number of 4 through 20 or a structure represented by the following general formula (3). In the general formula (3), R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently a hydrogen atom or a monovalent alkyl group having a carbon number of 1 through 5.
US08877338B2
The development described provides methods of producing functionalized cellulose in a one-step acid treatment process and of using the cellulose so derived to make composite polymer materials. The composite materials may include mixtures of the acid treated cellulose, functionalized cellulose polymers, including but not limited to cellulose acetate, cellulose butyrate, cellulose propionate, methyl cellulose, and ethyl cellulose, biobased and/or biodegradable polymers, impact modifying agents, and other components such as nucleating agents and pigments. The composite materials formed possess thermomechanical properties that differ from those of similar polymer composites made using prior art. In particular, the composite and nanocomposite materials are characterized by increased heat distortion temperatures and improved impact strengths.
US08877334B2
Provided is a surface protection film having a hard-coat property, an anti-glare property and transparency as well as a sufficient weather resistance property. A surface protection layer is provided on at least one surface of a substrate film, the surface protection layer is formed by a cured paint comprising an ionizing radiation curable resin composition, a matting agent, an ultraviolet ray absorbing agent, a dispersant and inorganic fine particles having an average primary particle diameter of 50 nm or smaller whose surfaces are subjected to a hydrophobization treatment with dimethyldichlorosilane. The inorganic fine particles are included by 200 parts or more by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of a dispersant. The inorganic fine particles can be silica.
US08877330B2
The present invention provides a light-weight fiber-reinforced composite material that has excellent flame retardance and mechanical properties and never emits a halogen gas. The present invention also provides a prepreg and en epoxy resin composition suited to obtain the above described fiber-reinforced composite material. The present invention also provides an integrated molding which is produced using the above described fiber-reinforced composite material, thereby suitable for use in electric/electronic casings. The epoxy resin composition is such that it contains the following components [A], [B] and [C]: [A] epoxy resin, [B] amine curing agent, and [C] phosphorus compound, wherein the concentration of the component [C] is 0.2 to 15% by weight in terms of phosphorus atom concentration.
US08877328B2
The invention relates to a data carrier having at least one printed area produced by intaglio printing and partly covered with a film, and to a method for producing said data carrier.
US08877327B2
A glass or glass ceramic article is provided that has a glass or glass ceramic substrate with a decorative coating. The decorative coating includes a decoration layer and a sealing layer. The decoration layer is applied to at least some surface portions of the glass or glass ceramic substrate, and the sealing layer is applied to at least portions of the decoration layer. The decoration layer is a cured sol-gel coating having inorganic solid particles, and the sealing layer is a cured silicone coating comprising inorganic solid particles. Methods for producing such glass or glass ceramic articles are also provided.
US08877325B2
Disclosed is a coating composition and coated film having the coating composition adhered thereto in which the coating composition comprises particulate filler; binder composition comprising acrylic polymer and ethylene acrylic acid copolymers; non-cross-linking adhesion promoter; and optionally urethane polymer, styrene-acrylic copolymer, or a combination thereof; and wherein cross-linker(s) are substantially absent from the composition; and wherein the coated film has a 45° Gloss (ASTM D2457) of less than 30 or 25 or 20 or 15. The coated film is useful for pressure sensitive labels for thermal transfer ribbon printing labels.
US08877321B2
A novel sizing-adhesive composition for corrugating characterised in that it comprises at least one low molecular weight, water soluble polymer such as a maltodextrin, corrugating boards prepared therewith and methods of producing them.
US08877319B1
A multi-layer composite structure contains metal plates and wooden plates. On a contacting surface of each plate is applied an adhesive. Top surfaces and bottom surfaces of the metal plates are ground by a grinding wheel to form finely concaved patterns. The top surfaces and the bottom surfaces of the metal plates and surfaces of the finely concaved patterns are sandblasted to form plural rough faces which are soaked in a chemical agent to form plural tiny pores, are anodized to generate oxidation, and are back anodized to eliminate oxide. On the top surfaces and the bottom surfaces of the metal plates and the surfaces of the finely concaved patterns are formed plural micro-pores. Thus, when the adhesive is applied on each metal plate and each wooden plate, each metal plate and each wooden plate are stuck together.
US08877318B2
A graphite structure includes a graphite plate (1) that is made of a highly heat conductive material and has a thickness of 15 μm or less. A Ti layer (3) having a thickness of 10 nm to 200 nm covers the inner surfaces of through holes (2) penetrating the laminate of the graphite plate (1) from the front side to the back side of the laminate. Furthermore, continuous holes (4) are formed inside the through holes (2). This configuration can achieve a smaller thickness and high reliability while keeping high thermal conductivity of graphite.
US08877308B2
There is provided an easily opened multilayer laminated package suitable for the field of flexible packaging, which has easy cuttability, heat resistance, high seal strength and drop impact resistance.A package to be used as a multilayer package, comprising a multilayer laminate body composed of a base layer and a sealant layer, wherein the value of the tear strength measured according to JIS K7128-2, when substituted into the formula (TD value)/(MD value), is such that (TD value)/(MD value)=1.5 or greater, and the value of the tear strength of the film used in the sealant layer is such that (TD value)/(MD value)=3 or greater.
US08877307B2
The present invention is directed toward an improved elastic drawstring for use with a trash bag. The elastic drawstring is comprised primarily of a two-component polyethylene blend. The first polyethylene component is a linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) having a density of 0.915 g/cc or less, with a preferred range of between 0.900 g/cc and 0.915 g/cc. In certain preferred embodiments, the density of the first polyethylene component is approximately 0.906 g/cc. The second polyethylene component is a low-density polyethylene (LDPE) having a density of between 0.915 g/cc and 0.929 g/cc. In a preferred embodiment, the second polyethylene component has a density of approximately 0.918 g/cc.
US08877296B2
A method for producing a brake disc (BS) for a vehicle, with a main body (G) of a metal material, in particular gray cast iron, which has friction surfaces (R). The friction surfaces (R) are coated with a coating of tungsten carbide, chromium carbide, and nickel or of tungsten carbide, cobalt and nickel and after-treated by carbonizing, carbonitriding, case hardening, gas nitriding, oxide nitriding, gas nitro carburizing, plasma nitriding, plasma oxidizing, borating, plasma carborating or plasma borating.
US08877291B2
The present invention provides a thin film manufacturing method which realizes stable, highly-efficient film formation using a nozzle-type evaporation source while avoiding unnecessary scattering and deposition of a film formation material before the start of the film formation. Used is a film forming apparatus including: an evaporation chamber 16; a film forming chamber 17 in which a substrate 21 is provided; an evaporation source 19 holding a film formation material 15 and including an opening surface 14; a moving mechanism 35 configured to cause the evaporation source 19 to move; and a conductance variable structure 34. The film forming chamber 17 and the evaporation chamber 16 are evacuated. In a state where the differential pressure between these chambers can be secured by the conductance variable structure 34, the nonreactive gas is introduced to the evaporation chamber 16 to adjust the pressure in the evaporation chamber 16 to predetermined pressure or more. Thus, the evaporation of the film formation material is suppressed. In the same state as above, the nonreactive gas is introduced to the film forming chamber 17 to adjust the pressure in the film forming chamber 17 to the predetermined pressure or more. The conductance variable structure 34 is activated to cancel the above state. Then, the evaporation source 19 is moved by the moving mechanism 35, so that the opening surface 14 is located close to the substrate 21. The pressure in each chamber is decreased to less than the predetermined pressure. Thus, the suppression of the evaporation of the film formation material is canceled, and the film formation is started.
US08877289B2
A method for anti-stain treatment of fabric is disclosed. The method for anti-stain treatment of fabric includes: immersing fabric in an aqueous solution containing a telomerized perfluoroalkyl acrylate copolymer, and a crosslinking agent, such as an isocyanate crosslinking agent; dehydrating the immersed fabric; drying the dehydrated fabric; heat treating the dried fabric; and coating the heat-treated fabric with a flame retardant, such as an acrylic flame retardant, to provide flame retardancy. The method provides a car seat fabric having superior stain resistance, water repellency and oil repellency without degradation of other properties required for the car seat fabric, such as flame retardancy, lightfastness, frictional coloration, or the like. The method is widely applicable to commercially applicable car seat fabrics, including flat woven, flat tricot, double raschel, or the like.
US08877286B2
The method for producing an optical film includes a step of preparing a first coating liquid containing a certain amount of light-transmitting particles, a resin, and a solvent, a second coating liquid containing an amount less than the certain amount of light-transmitting particles, a resin, and a solvent, or not containing the light-transmitting particles but containing a resin and a solvent; a step of coating the second coating liquid and the first coating liquid in this order from the support side on a traveling band-shaped support in the form of a multilayer to form a second coating film and a first coating film; a step of transferring the light-transmitting particles in the first coating film to the side of the second coating film while drying the first coating film and the second coating film.
US08877285B2
A method of repairing an inner surface of a cylinder liner housed in an engine block. Material is removed from the inner surface to produce a reduced-thickness region, the reduced-thickness region extending axially relative to the cylinder and stopping short of an end of the liner to leave a region of original diameter between the reduced thickness region and the end of the liner. The surface the reduced-thickness region is then roughened, for example by hammer brushing. A plasma coating is applied to the reduced-thickness region and to at least a portion of the region of original diameter. The coating is then finish-machined to produce a uniform internal diameter equal to an original internal diameter of the region of original diameter prior to the application of the coating.
US08877281B2
Canola protein isolates consisting predominantly of 7S canola proteins are formed by isoelectric precipitation from aqueous salt solution extracts of canola oil seed meal. Canola protein isolates consisting predominantly of 2S canola protein are recovered from supernatant from the isoelectric precipitation step.
US08877273B2
A device for extracting oil, the oil extracting device comprising: a hammer-shear olive milling grinder, a malaxation bowl for malaxation of milled olives having at least one opening; at least one filter for separating malaxation solids from liquids, said filter is located within said opening. The device is especially adapted to home users and can be placed on a counter, such as a kitchen counter. The subject matter further includes a process for obtaining olive oil, comprising the steps of malaxation of milled olives in a malaxation bowl, the malaxation bowl comprising at least one filter configured for separating solids from liquids and collecting oil.
US08877268B2
The invention relates to a confectionery product comprising a plurality of beads, each bead comprising an aqueous core, a hydrophobic first coating layer surrounding the aqueous core, and a hydrophilic second coating layer surrounding the first coating layer; to a confectionery product comprising these beads. The invention also relates to a method of production thereof.
US08877267B2
The present invention relates to methods for reducing fat uptake in the gastrointestinal tract of a mammal in order to prevent a positive energy balance, weight gain, overweight and obesity, and to induce a negative energy balance and weight loss in subjects who wish to reduce their body weight. In particular, food and/or beverage ingredients and dietary supplements of the present invention comprises flaxseeds useful for increasing faeca fat excretion from the gastrointestinal tract.
US08877253B2
The invention describes methods and agents for improving cosmetic appearance, for promoting, improving or restoring health of cells and tissues, preferably skin, and more preferably, for restoring aged or damaged skin to a healthy appearance. The agents include compositions of cells, eggs, cell extracts, egg extracts, and extract components such as purified nucleic acids, polypeptides, lipids, carbohydrates or other natural products.
US08877252B2
This invention relates to compositions for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides, and methods of forming and using said compositions, for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. The sustained release compositions of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer having dispersed therein, a biologically active polypeptide and a sugar.
US08877249B2
A dosage form for controlled release is produced from a composition comprising a granular material having a mean particle diameter of 150 to 350 micrometers and a compactibility resulting in a compact with a tensile strength of at least 1.7 MPa when the granular material is subjected to a compaction pressure of 266 MPa, at least 80 percent of the granular material being a water-soluble cellulose ether, water-soluble cellulose ester, an alkylene oxide homo- or copolymer, or a blend thereof; and an active ingredient.
US08877245B2
A unit dosage form, such as a capsule or the like, for delivering a skeletal muscle relaxant, such as cyclobenzaprine hydrochloride, into the body in an extended or sustained release fashion comprising one or more populations of drug-containing particles (beads, pellets, granules, etc.) is disclosed. At least one bead population exhibits a pre-designed sustained release profile. Such a drug delivery system is designed for once—daily oral administration to maintain an adequate plasma concentration—time profile, thereby providing relief of muscle spasm associated with painful musculoskeletal conditions over a 24 hour period.
US08877243B2
A process for making cross-linked polysaccharide gels, particularly cross-linked hyaluronic acid gels, under basic conditions. The resulting gels possess improved degradation characteristics, and are useful in a variety of medical and cosmetic applications.
US08877234B2
The invention relates to clear, liquid preservatives, which contain a) one or several 1-hydroxy-4-methyl-6-alkyl-2(1H)-pyridones and/or one or several salts thereof, wherein alkyl represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1-12 carbon atoms, and b) one or several alcohols containing one or several aromatic groups.
US08877233B2
Described are hemostasis devices useful for implantation in biopsy tracts, which device comprise highly compact, dried hemostatic sponge elements. Preferred devices also include compacted sponge matrices exhibiting high density and rigidity in combination with high volumetric expandability when wetted. Also described are methods for making and using such devices.
US08877230B2
This invention relates to a pernasally administrable preparation for the controlled release of sexual hormones to the systemic circulation, in particular to a formulation which enables its active ingredient to be absorbed in a sustained manner providing a better bioavailability at very low doses and longer duration of action.
US08877227B2
The present invention relates to reversible hydrogel systems. Particularly, the hydrogel of the present invention is made up of copolymers that can be a hydrogel when in an oxidized state and can be a solution when in a reduced state. A solution of the copolymer can be oxidized to form a hydrogel; and the hydrogel can be reduced to form a solution of the copolymer. Reversible nanogels can also be formed from a dilute solution of the copolymers. The hydrogel is formed with nanoparticles embedded therein to form a nanocomposite whose refractive index and modulus can be controlled by varying the amounts of nanoparticles and the polymer concentration of the hydrogel, respectively.
US08877219B2
Pesticidal compositions containing rosemary oil and/or wintergreen oil and methods for using same are disclosed.
US08877204B2
The present invention relates to the use of alpha (2) macroglobulin complexes isolated from the serum of a mammal. The invention also relates to methods for making such complexes and compositions comprising alpha (2) macroglobulin complexes, isolated from the serum of a mammal, wherein such compositions are used in methods for the treatment and prevention of cancer and infectious disease. The invention also relates to methods for treating and preventing cancer and infectious disease using such complexes comprising, isolated from the serum of a mammal. The invention also encompasses methods for production of alpha (2) macroglobulin complexes.
US08877202B2
Disclosed are methods, compositions and uses of conjugates of prodrug forms of 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin (P2PDox) with antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof (ADCs), with targetable construct peptides or with other targeting molecules that are capable of delivering the P2PDox to a targeted cell, tissue or pathogen. Once delivered to the target cell, the ADC or peptide conjugate is internalized, a highly toxic 2-pyrrolinodoxorubicin (2-PDox) is released intracellularly. The P2PDox-peptide or ADC conjugates are of use to treat a wide variety of diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disease or infectious disease.
US08877199B2
The invention relates to antibodies that are reactive to the cell surface of CD19+ B cells, including B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) cells, and compositions and methods for using such antibodies, including in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders associated with CD19+ B cells, such as B-CLL.
US08877195B2
The present invention provides an isolated antibody that binds a fibrin or fibrinogen γC domain. In various aspects, the antibody inhibits microglial adhesion to the fibrin or fibrinogen γC domain, inhibits Mac-1 binding to the fibrin or fibrinogen γC domain, and/or suppresses clinical symptoms of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis (EAE). Various methods of using the antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions, kits, vectors, cells comprising the vectors, and antibody generating methods are provided.
US08877184B2
A cleansing composition comprising surfactants comprising decyl glucoside and coco glucoside, wherein the decyl glucoside is present in an amount by weight that is 1.5 to 2.5 times the weight of coco glucoside.
US08877182B2
A method of obtaining expanded and activated natural killer (NK) cells with the phenotype CD3−CD56+ and NK-like T cells with the phenotype CD3+CD56+ comprises providing a cell sample of peripheral blood from a tumor bearing subject; isolating cells from the blood sample and re-suspending the cells in growth medium; adding the isolated cells to a closed cell culture bag bioreactor at a concentration of about 0.5×106 to about 2×106/ml of growth medium; incubating and expanding the cells of step ii) with rocking motion agitation and heating until at least 50% of the expanded cell population comprises activated NK cells and NK-like T cells; and harvesting the expanded cell suspension of therapeutically active NK-cells and NK-like T cells from the bioreactor, wherein the cells exhibit an increased cytotoxicity compared to freshly isolated cells as determined by an in vitro cytotoxicity test.
US08877179B2
The present invention relates to the field of frozen yoghurt. In particular, the present invention provides frozen yoghurt compositions comprising non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms. These non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms may bioactive heat treated probiotic micro-organisms, for example. The present inventions also relates to health benefits provided by these non-replicating probiotic micro-organisms.
US08877172B2
Zwitterionic polymer and mixed charge copolymer bioconjugates, methods for making and using the bioconjugates.
US08877168B1
An aqueous liquid preparation containing (+)-(S)-4-[4-[(4-chlorophenyl) (2-pyridyl)methoxy]piperidino]butyric acid or a pharmacologically acceptable acid addition salt thereof, which is stabilized with a water-soluble metal chloride, is provided.
US08877164B2
Aerosol solution formulation for use in an aerosol inhaler which includes at least one active ingredient selected from 20-ketosteroids and quinolinone derivatives, a propellant containing a hydrofluoroalkane, a cosolvent, and a specific amount of a sequestering agent that stabilizes the formulation. By way of example, the stabilizing agent may be phosphoric acid or sulphuric acid.
US08877161B2
Compositions and methods relating to interfering with the interaction of gangliosides, such as GM1, with their ligands are provided. For example, methods are provided for treating infections by blocking the infectious agent from binding with GM1 using GM1-like peptides. Also provided are methods of inhibiting ligands from binding to GM1 on the surface of cells and for neutralizing anti-GM1 antibodies in neurological diseases.
US08877158B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide a targeting agent that enables drug delivery to a neovascular site and the imaging of such a neovascular site, utilizing the effect of the agent to accumulate in the neovascular site. The present invention provides a targeting agent to a neovascular site, which comprises a gelatin-like protein.
US08877147B2
A system for converting fuel is provided and includes a first reactor comprising a plurality of ceramic composite particles, the ceramic composite particles comprising at least one metal oxide disposed on a support, wherein the first reactor is configured to reduce the at least one metal oxide with a fuel to produce a reduced metal or a reduced metal oxide; a second reactor configured to oxidize at least a portion of the reduced metal or reduced metal oxide from the said first reactor to produce a metal oxide intermediate; a source of air; and a third reactor communicating with said source of air and configured to regenerate the at least one metal oxide from the remaining portion of the solids discharged from the said first reactor and the solids discharged from the said second reactor by oxidizing the metal oxide intermediate.
US08877139B2
Compositions having a mixture of functional perfume components are provided. In one embodiment, the functional perfume components comprise iso-nonyl acetate, dihydro myrcenol, linalool, and benzyl acetate. In one embodiment, the functional perfume component may be present in an amount from about 75% to about 100%, by weight of said mixture, wherein said composition is substantially free of a VOC.
US08877133B2
Apparatuses and processes are provided for stripping gaseous hydrocarbons from particulate material. One process comprises the step of contacting particles containing hydrocarbons with a stripping vapor in countercurrent flow to remove at least a portion of the hydrocarbons with the stripping vapor to form stripped particles. Contacting the particles includes advancing the particles down a sloping element of a structured packing toward a lower section of the sloping element. The particles are passed through a drainage gap formed between a pair of reinforcing rod sections that are disposed adjacent to the lower section of the sloping element. The particles are contacted with the stripping vapor that is rising up adjacent to the drainage gap.
US08877129B2
The invention relates to a device for optical detection of substances in a liquid or gaseous medium, with a substrate with molecules for detecting the substances that are to be detected, wherein these molecules are immobilized at a surface of the substrate or in the substrate and wherein the substances that are to be detected can essentially be selectively bound to these molecules, wherein light waves can be coupled into the substrate and can be guided through this, and wherein the substrate is a foil element made of a transparent material in which a coupling structure for coupling the light waves is integrally formed and in which the coupled light waves can be guided.
US08877124B2
Provided is an apparatus, system, and method for evaluating and adjusting the effectiveness of ultraviolet light disinfection of areas such as hospital rooms or other areas. Provided in certain example embodiments are UV dosimeters adapted to visually indicate when they have been exposed to light in the UV C band range at a predetermined fluence level, the UV dosimeters being removably adhesable to surfaces in the room or area. Provided is an inexpensive, easy-to-use UV dosimeter and accompanying iterative process for optimizing UV disinfection parameters for a given area, including light source location(s), duration, and power level, and then recording that information for future use in connection with that area.
US08877121B2
An austenitic stainless steel composition having low nickel and molybdenum and exhibiting high corrosion resistance and good formability. The austenitic stainless steel includes, in weight %, up to 0.20 C, 2.0-6.0 Mn, up to 2.0 Si, 16.0-23.0 Cr, 5.0-7.0 Ni, up to 3.0 Mo, up to 3.0 Cu, 0.1-0.35 N, up to 4.0 W, up to 0.01 B, up to 1.0 Co, iron and impurities. The austenitic stainless steel has a ferrite number less than 11 and an MD30 value less than −10° C.
US08877116B2
A method of manufacturing a wind turbine blade shell part comprising fiber material impregnated with cured resin is described. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing a first mold part having a first forming surface with a contour that defines at least a part of an outer surface of turbine blade shell part, b) arranging fiber material in the first mold part, the fiber material comprising fibers of a magnetizable material, c) providing a resin in the first mold part simultaneous with and/or subsequent to step b), and d) curing the resin in order to form the wind turbine blade shell part or wind turbine blade. The fiber material is retained against the first forming surface by use of magnet means during step b) and/or step c).
US08877107B2
The present invention relates to increasing the molecular weight during a thermal treatment of polyester in combination with a latent heat granulation. With the newly-developed method, an SSP (Solid State Postcondensation) can be directly combined with an underwater granulation. The method differs from a conventional solid state postcondensation by an increase in the molecular weight being possible without additional heat input and hence only by using the residual heat and the crystallization heat present. A characterizing element is improved water separation and dehumidification during the granulation. Only in this way is an increase in viscosity possible even with a small granulate of an average particle weight less than 20 mg.
US08877103B2
Disclosed in this specification is a process for manufacturing a thermochromic contact lens. The process includes (1) selecting a photoinitiator that absorbs at a first wavelength and at least one thermochromic dye that displays substantial absorption at the first wavelength when the dye is at a first temperature and exhibits at least an 80% reduction in absorbance at the first wavelength at a second temperature, (2) maintaining the reaction mixture at the second temperature and (3) providing cure light that includes the first wavelength.
US08877102B2
The invention relates to thermally-stable mineral wool which can dissolve in a physiological medium, comprising fibres containing the following constituents, expressed in percentage by weight, namely: 35-60 % SiO2, preferably 39-55 %; 12-27% Al2O3, preferably 16-25%; 0-35% CaO, preferably 3-25%; 0-30% MgO, preferably 0-15%; 0-17% Na2O, preferably 6-12%; 0-17% K2O, preferably 3-12%; 10-17% R2O (Na2O+K2O), preferably 12-17%; 0-5% P2O5, preferably 0-2%; 0-20% Fe2O3; 0-8% B2O3, preferably 0-4%; and 0-3% TiO2, and at least one phosphorous compound that can react with said fibres at a temperature of less than 1000° C. in order to form a coating on the surface thereof. The invention is characterised in that the phosphorous content of said compound, as expressed in phosphorus atom weight, varies between 0.0005%, in particular more than 0.01%, and 1%, in particular less than 0.5%, of the total weight of the fibres. The invention is also characterised in that a phosphorus compound is a molecule in which the phosphorus atom(s) are bound to at least one carbon atom either directly or by means of an oxygen atom.
US08877099B2
The present invention provides a Ti3SiC2 based material that exhibits excellent arc resistance, an electrode, a spark plug, and methods of manufacturing the same. A Ti3SiC2 based material according to the present invention includes Ti3SiC2 as a main phase, the Ti3SiC2 based material having a TiC content of 0.5 mass % or less and an open porosity of 0.5% or less. It may be preferable that 0 to 30 mol % of Si in the main phase Ti3SiC2 be substituted with Al. A spark plug according to the present invention includes an electrode formed using the Ti3SiC2 based material.
US08877087B2
Nonflammable compositions comprising fluorinated compounds selected from the group consisting of hydrofluoroalkanes, hydrofluoroalkenes, partially or perfluorinated aromatic compounds, hydrofluoroethers, and fluoroketones; 1,2-dichloroethylene, especially trans-1,2-dichloroethylene; and a stabilizer. These non-flammable compositions which preferably contain 1,1,1,3,3-pentafluorobutane, can be used especially as solvents for cleaning and defluxing electronic components and for degreasing metals. The compositions further may comprise a propellant, e.g. 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane. These compositions are especially suitable as flushing agent.
US08877076B2
A substrate treatment apparatus is used for treating a major surface of a substrate with a chemical liquid. The substrate treatment apparatus includes: a substrate holding unit which holds the substrate; a chemical liquid supplying unit having a chemical liquid nozzle which supplies the chemical liquid onto the major surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit; a heater having an infrared lamp to be located in opposed relation to the major surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit to heat the chemical liquid supplied onto the major surface of the substrate by irradiation with infrared radiation emitted from the infrared lamp, the heater having a smaller diameter than the substrate; and a heater moving unit which moves the heater along the major surface of the substrate held by the substrate holding unit.
US08877059B2
The invention relates to a method for separating organosilicon compounds from organosilicon wastewater. In the first step, the wastewater is heated to at least 10° C. In the second step, the wastewater is stored for at least 30 minutes at at least 10° C. In the third step, the wastewater is conducted through a phase separation element, in which droplets that are formed and contain organosilicon compounds are separated.
US08877057B2
A filter for use with bulk filtration includes filters arranged in parallel flow and a manifold arrangement. The manifold arrangement has a first pipe within a second pipe. An inlet channel conveys unfiltered fluid to the filters, and an outlet channel conveys filtered fluid from the filters. The inlet channel is an interior volume between an outside surface of the first pipe and an inside surface of the second pipe. The outlet channel is an interior volume of the first pipe. Methods of servicing and filtering are provided.
US08877054B2
A high capacity suction strainer for a nuclear reactor has a frame, a flow-through plenum, and a filter array. The flow-through plenum is mechanically mounted to the frame and has a plurality of inlets and an outlet. The filter array is also mechanically mounted to the frame and has a plurality of filter groupings in fluid communication with the inlet on the plenum.
US08877050B2
The present invention relates to a process for the treatment of liquid effluents laden with hydrocarbons, which comprises: feeding the effluents into a treatment tank; supplying the treatment tank with a reversible sorbent having a defined particle size; mixing the effluents with the reversible sorbent in the treatment tank in order to load said reversible sorbent with the hydrocarbons in the effluents; removing the hydrocarbon-laden reversible sorbent from the top of the treatment tank; extracting the treated effluents from the bottom of the treatment tank; and separating the hydrocarbons from the laden reversible sorbent from the treatment tank.
US08877045B1
Embodiments of a water treatment unit are disclosed. An embodiment of a water treatment unit according to the present disclosure comprises a generally vertical riser having a lower end and an upper end, at least one inlet adjacent the lower end, and at least one outlet adjacent the upper end, a substantially spherical housing surrounding the riser, the housing comprising at least one opening in a lower portion of the housing, the housing enclosing a chamber, a motor coupled to the housing, a shaft coupled to the motor, the shaft extending downward from the motor within the riser, the shaft being in general axial alignment with the riser, at least one propeller coupled to the shaft, and a biomedia material within the chamber.
US08877038B2
The invention provides an electrochemical assay for a phenol analyte in a body fluid sample wherein said sample, or fluid therefrom, is contacted with the working electrode of an electrode assembly comprising a working electrode, a counter-electrode, a voltage supply to said working and counter-electrodes and a current meter for determining the current between said working and counter-electrodes, and wherein a first compound capable of reversible oxidation and reduction is disposed at said working electrode, said first compound being capable in either an oxidized or a reduced form of binding to said phenol analyte, characterized in that said first compound in its oxidized or reduced form comprises a group of structure I R1-NH—C*—(C*—C*)n—C*-QR′ (I) (where n is 0 or 1; Q is 0, S, NH or NR′; C*—(C*—C*)n—C* is a two or four carbon string in a conjugated delocalised electron system optionally substituted by a group comprising R; R is an electron-donating or withdrawing substituent; and R′ is H or a group R, at least one group R′ being a group R).
US08877033B2
The presence of a select analyte in the sample is evaluated in an electrochemical system using a conduction cell-type apparatus. A potential or current is generated between the two electrodes of the cell sufficient to bring about oxidation or reduction of the analyte or of a mediator in an analyte-detection redox system, thereby forming a chemical potential gradient of the analyte or mediator between the two electrodes After the gradient is established, the applied potential or current is discontinued and an analyte-independent signal is obtained from the relaxation of the chemical potential gradient. The analyte-independent signal is used to correct the analyte-dependent signal obtained during application of the potential or current. This correction allows an improved measurement of analyte concentration because it corrects for device-specific and test specific factors such as transport (mobility) of analyte and/or mediator, effective electrode area, and electrode spacing (and as a result, sample volume), without need for separate calibration values. The analysis can be performed using disposable test strips in a hand held meter, for example for glucose testing.
US08877030B2
A magnetic film plating apparatus employs a dip method that allows relatively good escape of bubbles and does not require a wide footprint and, even when a ferromagnetic material is used for an anode, can form a magnetic film on a substrate surface while minimizing the influence of the anode on the uniformity of magnetic anisotropy in the magnetic film. The magnetic film plating apparatus includes a plating tank for holding a plating solution, an anode vertically disposed in the plating tank at a position to be immersed in the plating solution, a substrate holder for holding a substrate W and positioning the substrate W opposite the anode, and a magnetic field generator, disposed outside the plating tank, for generating a magnetic field around the substrate W held by the substrate holder and positioned opposite the anode.
US08877023B2
An electrochemical-based analytical test strip for the determination of an analyte (such as glucose) in a bodily fluid sample (for example, a whole blood sample) and/or a characteristic of the bodily fluid sample (for example, hematocrit) includes a first sample-receiving chamber with first and second sample-application openings, and first and second electrodes. The first and second electrodes are disposed in the first sample-receiving chamber between the first and second sample-application openings. The electrochemical-based analytical test strip also includes a second sample-receiving chamber and a plurality of electrodes disposed in the second sample-receiving chamber. In addition, the second sample-receiving chamber intersects the first sample-receiving chamber between the first and second electrodes, thereby defining a chamber intersection.
US08877011B2
Systems and methods for forming fiber webs, including those suitable for use as filter media and battery separators, are provided. In some embodiments, the systems and methods may involve the use of one or more fiber mixtures to form a fiber web. The fiber mixtures may flow in different portions of a system for forming a fiber web that may be separated by a lamella, and may join at a fiber web forming zone to produce a fiber web having multiple layers. The amount of mixing of the fiber mixtures at or near the fiber web forming zone may be controlled to produce fiber webs having different structural and/or performance characteristics. In some embodiments, the systems and methods described herein can be used to form fiber webs having a gradient in a property across a portion of, or the entire, thickness of the fiber web.
US08877005B2
A plasma processing apparatus includes a depressurizable processing chamber; an electrode provided in the processing chamber; and a high frequency power supply for supplying a high frequency power into the processing chamber to thereby generating a plasma. Further, the electrode includes a base formed of a dielectric material; a dielectric body buried in the base and formed of the same dielectric material as the base; and a conductive adhesive layer provided in a bonding portion between the base and the dielectric body, the conductive adhesive layer bonding together and fixing the base and the dielectric body to each other.
US08876996B2
The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of double-sided metallized ceramic substrates according to the direct-bonding process. The method enables a ceramic substrate to be bonded to a metal plate or foil on the upper side and the underside in only one process sequence. The composite to be bonded is located on a specially designed carrier structured on the upper side with a plurality of contact points. After the bonding process the composite of metal plates and ceramic substrate can be detached from the carrier free of any residue.
US08876986B2
Disclosed is a high-strength cold-rolled steel sheet having improved stretch-flange formability and excellent hydrogen embrittlement resistance. In addition to Fe, C, Si, Mn, P, S, N, and Al, the steel sheet contains V or at least one element of Nb, Ti and Zr. The contents of the at least one element of Nb, Ti and Zr, if present, satisfy the expression of [% C]−[% Nb]/92.9×12−[% Ti]/47.9×12−[% Zr]/91.2×12>0.03. The steel sheet has an area ratio of tempered martensite of 50% or more with ferrite as the remainder. The number of precipitates having a circle-equivalent diameter of 1 to 10 nm is 20 particles or more per 1 μm2 of the tempered martensite. The number of precipitates containing V or the at least one element of Nb, Ti and Zr and having a circle-equivalent diameter of 20 nm or more is 10 particles or less per 1 μm2 of the tempered martensite.
US08876985B2
The invention relates to a cleaning system for a set of instruments associated or in contact with an image plate readout device, as well as to a readout device comprising the cleaning system. The cleaning system comprises a disinfecting element, which emits electromagnetic radiation and/or ultrasonic radiation capable of destroying disease carriers, and which is adapted to emit said radiation towards an image plate conveyor mechanism encompassed by the image plate readout device.
US08876983B2
A method for in-line cleaning of ultrasonic welding tools is described. The method includes applying cleaning solution onto a work surface of a welding tool to be cleaned using an application device. Then the method involves removing residue dissolved in the cleaning solution from the work surface using a cleaning device. Next, the work surface is neutralized and rinsed using purified water and polished with a cleaning cloth. Finally, the work surface is rinsed using cleaning alcohol and blow-dried with compressed air.
US08876975B2
A thin film deposition apparatus can be simply applied to produce large-sized display devices on a mass scale and improves manufacturing yield. The thin film deposition apparatus for forming a thin film on a substrate includes: a deposition source that discharges a deposition material; a deposition source nozzle unit disposed at a side of the deposition source and including a plurality of deposition source nozzles arranged in a first direction; and a patterning slit sheet disposed opposite to the deposition source nozzle unit and including a plurality of patterning slits arranged in the first direction; wherein each of the patterning slits includes a plurality of sub-slits.
US08876970B2
In the method according to the invention for producing cement clinker, raw cement meal is preheated in a preheater, the preheated raw cement meal is precalcined in a calciner and the precalcined raw cement meal is burnt in a kiln, fuel and combustion air having an oxygen content of at least 75 mol % being used in the calciner, and the raw cement meal being precalcined in a fluidised bed in the calciner. The exhaust gases occurring in the kiln are delivered to the preheater, bypassing the calciner, and the exhaust gases of the calciner are delivered to a CO2 preparation device.
US08876969B2
A process for lowering the carbon content in ash includes introducing the ash having a carbon content of 1 to 20 wt-% into a reactor where the ash is burnt at a temperature between 700 and 1100° C. Fuel is also introduced into the reactor. During combustion, microwave radiation is fed into the reactor. At least part of the energy released during the combustion is recovered.
US08876964B2
The invention relates to a method of making a particulate material comprising; providing mineral wool base material in a form having size at least 80% not more than 40 mm, subjecting the mineral wool base material to sintering by use of a pulse combustor and thereby forming a particulate material in the form of particles having size at least 80% not more than 20 mm. An apparatus for carrying out the method comprises means for size reduction of coherent mineral wool substrate and a reaction chamber in communication with a pulse combustor.
US08876963B2
A dielectric coating material system for use in a single-sided back contact solar cell is disclosed. The material system serves to electrically isolate electrodes of opposite polarity types on the same side of a silicon-based solar cell, and includes titanium and phosphorus.
US08876961B2
A particle separator and air filter system are provided and may include a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The housing may remove debris from air entering the housing at the inlet prior to expelling cleansed air at the outlet. A baffle may be disposed within the housing and may define a first path for directing cleansed air to the outlet and may cooperate with an inner surface of the housing to define a second path that causes the air to circulate within the second housing. The baffle may include an opening permitting communication between the first path and the second path.
US08876955B2
Method for removing dissolved gases from water to produce boiler feed water in a catalytic steam reforming process where boiler feed water is heated by indirect heat transfer with a reformate stream and/or a combustion product gas stream and the boiler feed water subsequently flash vaporized to form steam and residual liquid water, where the steam formed by flash vaporization strips the dissolved gases from the water.
US08876953B2
Methods and compositions useful for gas storage and separation are provided. More particularly, compositions and methods for CO2 storage and separation are provided comprising an open metal organic framework.
US08876952B2
A method of removing mercury from a fluid stream comprising contacting the fluid stream with a sorbent comprising cupric sulfide. The cupric sulfide is formed from direct sulfidation of copper carbonate, without thermal decomposition of the copper carbonate to an oxide, at a temperature less than about 150° C.
US08876932B2
A power tool dust collecting device includes a fan chamber and a dust collecting chamber. The fan chamber is formed in a housing which is mountable on a hammer drill and in which a suction opening is provided protrudingly. The fan chamber houses a fan that rotates in accordance with driving of a motor. The dust collecting chamber is formed on an upstream side of the fan chamber. Mounted on the dust collecting chamber is a filter through which passes air that has been sucked up from the suction opening by the rotation of the fan and which collects dust included in the air. An air pumping unit that pumps air from a downstream side of the filter toward an upstream side is provided inside the housing.
US08876930B2
This invention relates in general to a fixed guard(s)/cap(s) and/or screen(s) apparatus (single and/or double formation) shall effect multiple aspects for example the nacelle and inlet for numerous craft, jets, turbojet, turboprop and turboshaft engines—(Helicopters and other VTOL aircraft) such as power plants or the like. This apparatus contains the rotational system(s) which may be applied to the engine shaft attached apparatus and/or pole that allows the mechanism to function by self-induced movement, without limiting engine thrust. Additional security measures have been introduced to the guard(s), cap(s) and/or screen(s) apparatus, which includes a gaseous intake cavity, centrifuge, chamber, manifold and processes—static free and or purification chamber, and a particle collector without limiting engine thrust.
US08876926B2
Suspensions of cerium oxide particles, well suited for polishing applications, the particles (secondary particles) of which have an average size of at most 200 nm, these secondary particles are formed from primary particles whose average size measured by TEM is at most 150 nm with a standard deviation of at most 30% of the value of this average size, and for which the ratio of the average size measured by TEM to the average size measured by BET is at least 1.5. Such suspensions are prepared from solutions of a cerium III salt, comprising a colloidal dispersion of cerium IV, which are contacted, in the presence of nitrate ions and under an inert atmosphere, with a base, and the medium obtained is subjected to a thermal treatment under an inert atmosphere and then acidified and washed.
US08876915B2
There is provided a coloring composition and an ink for inkjet recording which have an excellent ozone fastness and a high print density and is excellent in storage stability over time, and one example of the coloring composition is a coloring composition contains a compound (1A) and a compound (2B):
US08876914B2
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide polymer compositions, methods of making polymer compositions, structures (e.g., textile articles) having the polymer composition covalently bonded to the structure, methods of attaching the polymer to the surface of the structure, methods of decreasing the amount of microorganisms formed on a structure, and the like.
US08876912B2
The invention relates to a device and method for controlling an artificial orthotic or prosthetic joint of a lower extremity, comprising a resistance unit with which at least one actuator is associated, via which the bending and/or stretching resistance is varied depending on sensor data. During the use of the joint, status information is provided via sensors. According to the invention, the resistance is increased in the standing phase or while standing from a starting value depending on the ground reaction force up to a locking point of the joint.
US08876909B2
A method for centering a stem of an implant at an implantation site. The method includes implanting at the implantation site the implant having a sleeve rigidly mounted to the stem of the implant, the stem extends through an interior area of the sleeve. The method further includes compressing the sleeve by applying force to the sleeve to expand a mesh portion of the sleeve outward from the stem and into engagement with sidewalls of the implantation site to thereby center the stem at the implantation site.
US08876908B2
A prosthesis is provided and may include a central body having a longitudinal axis and an opening that receives an installation tool. The prosthesis may additionally include a plurality of arms each including a solid body attached to the central body and a porous coating covering the solid body. The porous coating may provide each of the plurality of arms with an outer shape having a different shape than the solid body.
US08876907B2
A prosthetic glenoid component has a body having a concave bearing surface and a convex glenoid contacting surface. First and second pegs extend outwardly from adjacent respective first and second ends of the bone contacting surface of the body, the first and second pegs have portions with a first diameter at the bone contacting surface extending for a first length and a second diameter extending from the first diameter for a second length, the first diameter larger than the second diameter. A third peg extends outwardly from the bone contacting surface intermediate the first and second pegs. The third peg has a third diameter greater than the second diameter portion of the first and second pegs and a third length greater than the first length of the first diameter portion of the first and second pegs. The third length is less than the sum of the first and second lengths.
US08876904B2
A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site. The tissue retraction assembly has a plurality of blades which may be introduced while in a closed configuration, after which point they may be opened to create an operation corridor to the surgical target site, including pivoting at least one blade to expand the operative corridor adjacent to the operative site.
US08876903B2
The invention relates to a multi-layered biological in vitro tissue containing: dermis layer, containing a collagen biomatrix with fibroblasts embedded therein and epidermis layer, containing epithelial cells. It is provided that latently virally infected neuronal cells are integrated at least into the dermis layer.
US08876900B2
Apparatus and methods for fixation of bone to bone, or soft tissue to bone. The apparatus comprises two fixation devices (for example, two buttons) joined by a biologic material (for example, a graft or tendon). Each fixation device is provided with at least one opening that allows the passage of the flexible material attached to the biologic material. The button may be formed, for example, of metal, PEEK or PLLA.
US08876896B2
A prosthetic valve comprises a valve assembly having a base, a plurality of leaflets, and commissures. The valve also comprises a support stent having a plurality of expandable cells and a plurality of longitudinal struts. The support stent is configured to be collapsible for transluminal delivery and expandable to contact the anatomical annulus of the native valve when the prosthetic valve is positioned in situ. The support stent supports the base. The commissures of the valve assembly are secured at the longitudinal struts and adjacent one or more of the expandable cells. The longitudinal struts of the support stent further comprise a plurality of holes, and the plurality of leaflets are secured to the longitudinal struts via threads passing through the plurality of holes.
US08876890B2
Disclosed is a stent comprising a bioabsorbable polymeric scaffolding; and a plurality of depots in at least a portion of the scaffolding, wherein the plurality of depots comprise a bioabsorbable material, wherein the degradation rate of all or substantially all of the bioabsorbable polymer of the scaffolding is faster than the degradation rate of all or substantially all of the bioabsorbable material of the depots.
US08876887B2
A stent suitable for the repair of lesions in bifurcated blood vessels is provided, having a deformable end portion such that a free end of the end portion can be aligned with the surface of an abutting stent or angioplasty balloon in a main branch of the bifurcated vessel. A method of blood vessel repair using this stent is also provided.
US08876877B2
A stent graft is deployed by a steerable catheter delivery system having a integral tip capture release mechanism. The steering mechanism provides for a locked interference with a distal lock at the distal end of the delivery catheter. The configuration allows for selective circumferentially distributed release of one half or less of the number of crowns of a proximal spring which are captured by a tip capture mechanism so that new positioning of the stent graft can be verified and assured before full release of all proximal spring crowns is done. In this way, one or more steering elements of a catheter can be maintained in tension until catheter position is verified and acceptable stent graft position is achieved. This apparatus and method is particularly useful for deploying stent graft in curved passages such a thoracic aorta.
US08876875B1
The present invention is a two-layer garment adapted to receive one or more body parts to provide a user with compression and thermal therapy. The two layers comprise of an inner base layer having a compression fit and an outer mesh layer. The layers are attached to one another such that an intermediate space exists between the two layers. The intermediate space is accessible through one or more openings to the intermediate space. The opening and intermediate space are adapted to receive a thermal transferring element. A thermal pouch having a plurality of projections on an outward facing surface may receive the thermal transferring element prior to insertion into the intermediate space or the projections may be located on the thermal transferring element itself. The outer mesh layer receives the projections securing the thermal transferring element at any location, resulting in unmatched customizable thermal and compression therapy.
US08876874B2
The distal bone screw segment of a bone screw system is driven into bone. In a first state, the assembly permits relative motion between its component parts in order to facilitate the placement and correct alignment of an interconnecting rod that is used to couple multiple bone screw systems and/or other orthopedic devices. In a second state, the assembly provides relative immobilization between the assembly components and the inter-connecting rod.
US08876873B2
A bone plate has an underside on the side of the bone, an upper side and a plurality of holes in the plate connecting the underside with the upper side, with a central hole axis. At least one of these holes in the plate has an internal jacket surface that tapers towards the underside, while the internal jacket surface has N≧3 recesses which extend radially away from the axis of the hole.
US08876871B2
A transverse connector system having a first and a second locking element. The present invention also provides transverse rod having opposing first and second ends, the first end being retained within a portion of the first locking element and the second end being retained within a portion of the second locking element. The first locking element is configured with a connector body for engaging and capturing an elongated rod and a transverse rod simultaneously.
US08876860B2
The present invention provides a porous structure that works very effectively to seal a puncture site with optimum porosity, absorbent capacity and perfect anatomical fit. The plug density and other fiber properties/geometry (total denier; number of filaments; etc) have provided an efficient structure that allows instantaneous absorption of blood during deployment. The final size of the plug with absorbed fluids provides an anatomical fit and seals the puncture site within few minutes after deployment.
US08876857B2
End effectors with redundant closing mechanisms, and related tools and methods are disclosed. The disclosed end effectors may be particularly beneficial when used for minimally invasive surgery. An example surgical tool comprises an elongate shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a tool body disposed at the distal end of the shaft, a jaw movable relative to the tool body between a clamped configuration and an open configuration, a first actuation mechanism coupled with the jaw and operable to vary the position of the jaw relative to the tool body between the clamped configuration and the open configuration, and a second actuation mechanism coupled with the jaw. The second actuation mechanism has a first configuration where the jaw is held in the clamped configuration and a second configuration where the position of the jaw relative to the tool body is unconstrained by the second actuation mechanism.
US08876837B2
A method of implanting a prosthetic component is disclosed that includes attaching a guide rod to the prosthetic component, removably coupling the guide rod to a shaft extending from a handle, and positioning the prosthetic component in an anatomical feature. The method also includes impacting an impaction portion of the handle and uncoupling the guide rod from the shaft, leaving the guide rod attached to the prosthetic component. The method further includes positioning a reamer over the guide rod to create a reamed opening in the anatomical feature.
US08876836B2
In an insertion instrument for a three-piece intervertebral implant that includes an upper part that can be placed against a vertebra, a lower part that can be placed against the adjacent vertebra, and a pivot element that can be inserted between these two parts, the instrument having two arms, disposed side by side and supported pivotably relative to one another on one end, which at their free ends each have one retention device for the upper part and lower part, respectively, of the intervertebral implant, it is proposed that a longitudinal guide for the pivot element is disposed in one of the arms.
US08876829B2
Methods and apparatus for inserting an implant into an intervertebral cavity between adjacent vertebral bodies provide for: adjust an initial height between inner surfaces of respective first and second ramps of an inserter; simultaneously sliding first and second ramps of the inserter, and the implant, proximally, toward distal ends of the first and second ramps, such that the vertebral contact surfaces of the respective first and second ramps separate and distract the vertebral bodies and receive the implant into the intervertebral space with no compressive loading, while holding an initial angle between the ramps substantially constant.
US08876826B2
An apparatus and method for penetrating bone marrow is provided. The apparatus may include a housing such as a handheld body, a penetrator assembly, a connector that releasably attaches the penetrator assembly to a drill shaft, a gear mechanism, a motor and a power supply and associated circuitry operable to power the motor. The penetrator assembly may include a removable inner trocar and an outer penetrator or needle. It may also include a grooved trocar that allows bone chips to be expelled as the apparatus is inserted into bone marrow. Various connectors are provided to attach the penetrator assembly to the drill shaft.
US08876825B2
A single use bone cutter comprised of two concentric cylinders and a series of insert blades or cutter disc is described. The cutter blades or cutter disc is preferably positioned at the distal end of the cutter. The bone cutter also comprises a guide rod that aids in the line of sight when using the cutter device.
US08876823B2
A steel plate for funnel chest orthopaedic surgery includes a supporting plate (1), a fixing piece (2), a telescopic fixing piece (3), a guiding head (4) and screws (6). The supporting plate (1) is an elongate steel plate. One end of the supporting plate (1) is designed to be integrated with the fixing piece (2), and the other end is provided with a size-adjusting strap (5). The telescopic fixing piece (3) is an elongate steel plate with the same width as that of the supporting plate (1). One end of the telescopic fixing piece (3) is designed to be integrated with the fixing piece (2), and the other end is provided with a groove. The guiding head (4) is an elongate steel plate with the same width as that of the supporting plate (1). One end of the guiding head (4) is provided with a hook, and the other end is provided with a groove.
US08876817B2
An electrophysiology system comprises an ablation catheter, a radiofrequency generator, and a mapping processor. The ablation catheter has a tissue ablation electrode and a plurality of microelectrodes distributed about the circumference of the tissue ablation electrode and electrically isolated therefrom. The plurality of microelectrodes define a plurality of bipolar microelectrode pairs. The mapping processor is configured to acquire output signals from the bipolar microelectrode pairs, compare the output signals, and generate an output to a display providing a visual indication of a characteristic of the microelectrodes and the tissue ablation electrode relative to myocardial tissue to be mapped and/or ablated.
US08876816B2
In an electrosurgical system having a generator for generating radio frequency (RF) power and an electrosurgical instrument, the instrument includes a passive electrical identification component having a parameter of finite non-zero value identifying the instrument. The generator has a sensing circuit with a second electrical component, a signal source providing a voltage step-change, and a signal detector for detecting a transient response of the combination of the identification component and the second electrical component, the detector output signal being representative of the parameter value thereby allowing automatic identification of the instrument when it is connected to the generator. Also disclosed is an electrode assembly in which the identification component is associated with a digital device including a memory, the instrument having a pair of contacts interconnected by the identification component and serving to supply power from the generator to the digital device and/or convey data from a data output of the digital device.
US08876801B2
A valve assembly is provided which includes a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end and defining a fluid channel and a central chamber. A dissolvable valve member is positioned to obstruct flow through the channel within the chamber. The dissolvable valve member is formed of a material which is dissolvable at a predetermined rate upon contact with a preselected fluid. The preselected fluid is selected from the group consisting of blood, urine, saline and antimicrobial solutions. The dissolvable valve member can be formed from a fluid soluble glass or a starch based material.
US08876800B2
A urological device comprises a urological valve having a plurality of valve leaflets with a region of co-aption between the valve leaflets. The valve has a normally closed configuration in which the valve leaflets are engaged at the region of co-aption and an open configuration in which the leaflets are separated at the co-aption region for fluid flow through the valve. The valve is automatically movable from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to applied urological pressure.
US08876795B2
An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a bodily cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a drug supply reservoir to supply drug into a delivery channel and an actuator for delivering the drug to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear. The drug is loaded into the delivery channel while producing substantially negligible flow at an outlet of the delivery channel.
US08876790B2
A connector according to the invention includes a first connection region for connecting a first container, a piercing element and a break-open element, wherein the piercing element has a first end section and a second end section and a channel, running from the first end section to the second end section, for transporting a medicinal active substance, wherein the first end section is formed for piercing a membrane of the first container connected in the first connection region, and, at the second end section, the break-open element is attached such that it can be broken open and/or broken off, wherein, in the attached state, the break-open element seals the channel of the piercing element in liquid tight fashion.
US08876788B2
The subcutaneously implantable vascular access port has two parts including a body and a wing. The body supports a chamber covered by a septum, with a septum held in place over the chamber by a collar. The chamber is coupleable to a vascular structure, such as through tubing extending from the body, for delivery of medical preparations. The body is preferably elongate in form. The wing is configured to be adjustable in width. In one embodiment the wing rotates relative to the body and has an elongate form similar to that of the body. When the wing is rotated it extends laterally from the body and enhances a stability of the body. In another embodiment, the wing is provided as a deformable wing which can expand laterally out of side openings of a cavern in the body into which the deformable wing is inserted.
US08876784B2
A medical valve includes a housing having an interior forming an inlet and an outlet. A longitudinally movable member is secured within the interior of the housing. External to the movable member and within the interior is a fluid path. Movement of the movable member controls fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet via the fluid path. The outlet produces no greater than a negligible drawback or positive push during withdrawal of a nozzle.
US08876783B2
The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising a housing (12); a medicament container (14) arranged within said housing; medicament delivery drive means (22, 24); manually operable release means (38); and a movement speed control mechanism (44, 46, 48) comprising at least one fixed, flexible and elongated compartment (48) containing a liquid, and at least one flexible speed control member (44, 46) connected to the medicament delivery drive means; wherein said at least speed control member is arranged to be pressing on said at least one compartment for forcing said liquid past said member and thereby creating a movement speed control of said medicament delivery drive means when moved.
US08876775B2
A safety cap for use with a needle, the cap including an opening in the cap adapted to receive a needle therein, a releasable lock mechanism disposed within the opening, and a permanent lock mechanism disposed within the opening. The safety cap may be provided on a needle, the releasable locking mechanism being actuated to release the needle from the cap. After use, the needle may be reinserted into the safety cap and permanently locked therein by the permanent locking mechanism, thereby providing for safe disposal of the used needle.
US08876768B2
The invention refers to an auto-injector for administering a medicament (M), comprising of a chassis, a syringe with a hollow needle and a stopper; a drive spring capable of, upon activation: advancing the needle (3), injecting the medicament (M), and retracting the syringe with the needle after delivering the medicament (M); and; activating means arranged to lock and release the drive spring, wherein the drive spring is a compression spring arranged to be grounded at a distal end in the chassis for advancing the needle and for injecting the dose of medicament (M) via a plunger and wherein the drive spring is arranged to have its ground in the chassis switched to its proximal end for retracting the syringe. A refraction sleeve is axially movable arranged around the syringe, wherein the retraction sleeve is fixable in a maximum proximal position for providing ground at the distal end of the drive spring, wherein the retraction sleeve is arranged to take the syringe with it when released and translated in distal direction (D), wherein the compression spring is wrapped over the retraction sleeve with its distal end bearing against a thrust face on the retraction sleeve and with its proximal end bearing against a thrust collar arranged to be coupled to the plunger for joint axial translation for advancing the needle and for injecting the dose of medicament (M) and to decouple from the plunger for retraction.
US08876765B2
A pump module for use in a medical fluid dispensing system is provided that includes a pump body and first and second pump chambers formed in the pump body. The module further includes a pair of chamber inlets and chamber outlets formed in the pump body, each associated with one of the pump chambers. Each of the pump chambers further includes a first portion having a generally spherical segment shape and a second portion integral with the first portion and having a generally conical shape, with the first and second portions in fluid communication with the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet. The second, conically shaped portion converges to the chamber outlet.
US08876763B2
A reinforced composite balloon may comprise a body layer and a reinforcing layer. The reinforcing layer may comprise a single-layer structural network having a plurality of apertures. The reinforcing layer may be molded from a reinforcing tube having a plurality of apertures or aperture precursor holes.
US08876759B2
An injection system (200) including an injection chamber (202) and an injectate reservoir (204) that is removably attached to the injection chamber via an intermediate connector (206). The connector extends at a first end from the chamber and terminates at an opposite end with a fitting, such as a luer fitting, to which the injectate reservoir can be attached. The connector can be a relatively flexible component, such as a flexible tube, which is capable of absorbing the energy of an impact or other manipulation of the system to prevent or minimize the possibility of premature disconnection of the reservoir from the system.
US08876751B2
In various embodiments, a handpiece may include an irrigation line coupled to an adjacent line reservoir with a piston configured to move within the adjacent line reservoir to increase an irrigation pressure in the irrigation line near a surgical site. In some embodiments, a sensor may be used to detect an occlusion break in the aspiration line and information from the sensor may result in signaling an actuator to move the piston in response to the occlusion break detection to compensate for a vacuum pressure drop associated with the occlusion break. The handpiece may further include a purge bypass line between the irrigation line and the adjacent line reservoir to allow flow from the irrigation line to travel through the adjacent line reservoir to purge the adjacent line reservoir.
US08876749B2
The present invention provides an apparatus for producing medical foam for wound care or hair stimulation. The apparatus includes a foam generation unit having a fluid reservoir, a fluid delivery line and a foam generation tip. The apparatus also includes a compressed gas unit having at least one container of compressed gas, a source of electric power, and a gas regulator valve. A supply of wound care or hair stimulating solution is communicably connected to the foam generation tip such that when the apparatus is operated medical foam is produced by the foam generator tip.
US08876748B2
A cover for gas mist pressure bath includes a living-body cover member having an extension part extending from substantially center part of the living-body cover member, an adhesive part adhering the cover member to the skin and the mucous membrane of the living-body, a gas mist supply port for introducing the gas mist into the cover member for gas mist pressure bath, an outlet for exhausting air, the gas mist or the mixed gas sealed in the cover member for the gas mist pressure bath and controlling amounts of the gas, a fixing member fixing the cover member on the living-body, including a pair of belts extending from an edge of the adhesive part and a pair of belt stoppers adjusting the pair of belts, and a constricting ring pressurizing an inside of the living-body cover member to carry out pressurization.
US08876733B2
The present invention relates to a male fluid coupling to be pushed into a female coupling in order to form a fluidic coupling device with no dead volume able to transfer a fluid, and to such a device. The female coupling (102) is coupled to a first pipe (C1) communicating with a second pipe (C2) passing through the male coupling, this female coupling having an internal push-fitting surface (103) ending in a female end (104) at which the first pipe emerges, and male coupling comprises an external push-fitting surface (106) ending in a male end (107) intended to lie inside the female coupling. This second pipe is pushed into the male coupling beyond the male end and has a free end (110) pressed fluid tightly against the female end by return means (111) which, during a push-fitting operation, collaborate with guiding and retaining means (114) designed to guide this second pipe as it slides through the male coupling while keeping this free end against the female end so as to eliminate any dead volume between the first pipe and the male coupling, making this male coupling compatible with all kinds of corresponding female couplings.
US08876728B2
The lung compliance of a subject that is at least partially self-ventilating is determined. The quantification of lung compliance may be an estimation, a measurement, and/or an approximate measurement. The quantification of lung compliance may be enhanced over conventional techniques and/or systems for quantifying lung compliance of self-ventilating subjects in the lung compliance may be quantified relatively accurately without an effort belt or other external sensing device that directly measures diaphragmatic muscle pressure, and without requiring the subject to manually control diaphragmatic muscle pressure. Quantification of lung compliance may be a useful tool in evaluating the health of the subject, including detection of fluid retention associated with developing acute congestive heart failure.
US08876727B2
A method and system of detecting phrenic nerve stimulation in a patient that includes detecting an activation event, obtaining a heart sound signal of a patient from an implanted heart sound sensor, determining that an electrical stimulation has been applied to the patient, in response to detecting the activation event, monitoring a portion of the heart sound signal, the portion defined by a predetermined window after the application of the electrical stimulation, and determining whether phrenic nerve stimulation occurred based on the portion of the heart sound signal.
US08876720B2
A device for acquiring ultrasound-generated data from a patient including a securing system and a probe configured for connection to the securing system, the probe including a base having an interfacing surface, an imaging mechanism adjustable relative to the base and configured to send and receive ultrasound signals along an imaging direction, and an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust the imaging mechanism relative to the base thereby adjusting the imaging direction.
US08876719B2
Beam enhancement through sidelobe reduction and/or mainlobe sharpening is shown. Embodiments utilize dynamic resolution, improved dynamic resolution, and/or enhanced dynamic resolution techniques to synthesize beams, such as ultrasonic beams used in ultrasonic imaging, having desired attributes. Embodiments simultaneously form a first sample beam and a second or auxiliary sample beam for every sample to synthesize enhanced scan beams. According to a dynamic resolution techniques herein a new beam may be formed from the sum of the two sample beams. A synthesized dynamic resolution beam of embodiments has reduced sidelobes with relatively little or no spread of the mainlobe. An enhanced dynamic resolution beam sharpening function can be applied to provide a further enhanced beam, such as to further narrow the mainlobe.
US08876716B2
A method for characterizing tissue of a patient, including receiving acoustic data derived from the interaction between the tissue and the acoustic waves irradiating the tissue; generating a morphology rendering of the tissue from the acoustic data, in which the rendering represents at least one biomechanical property of the tissue; determining a prognostic parameter for a region of interest in the rendering, in which the prognostic parameter incorporates the biomechanical property; and analyzing the prognostic parameter to characterize the region of interest. In some embodiment, the method further includes introducing a contrast agent into the tissue; generating a set of enhanced morphology renderings of the tissue after introducing the contrast agent; determining an enhanced prognostic parameter from the enhanced morphology renderings; and analyzing the enhanced prognostic parameter.
US08876714B2
Certain aspects and examples are directed to systems and methods for assessing risk of chromosomal disorders. Certain embodiments are directed to systems and methods that use nuchal translucency values from both twins to provide a fetus specific risk of a chromosomal disorder in at least one fetus of the twins fetuses.
US08876710B2
A surgical portal apparatus includes a housing and a portal member extending from the housing. The portal member is dimensioned for insertion within tissue to access an underlying tissue site and defines a longitudinal axis. The portal member includes an outer wall having a longitudinal opening for reception of a surgical object. The outer wall includes first and second peripheral segments extending along the longitudinal axis. The first peripheral segment includes a substantially rigid material and the second peripheral segment includes a substantially elastomeric material. The first peripheral segment and the second peripheral segment cooperate to permit the outer wall to radially expand from a first condition where the outer wall defines a first internal dimension to a second condition where the outer wall defines a second internal dimension greater than the first internal dimension upon insertion of the surgical object.
US08876707B2
An ear speculum that includes a body having an ear-contacting tip with an opening; a light providing member; a viewing member; and a vacuum intake port, wherein the members and intake port are provided within the ear speculum with the vacuum intake port occupying a larger portion of the of the cross-sectional area of the ear speculum opening than the light providing or viewing members to facilitate removal of material from an ear canal. Also, an otoscope that includes a head; an ear speculum as described herein in operative association with the head; an image detector in image communication with the viewing member; a suction source in vacuum communication with the vacuum intake port; and a light source in illumination communication with the light providing member. Also, a system and method for removing material or debris from an ear canal using the otoscope described herein.
US08876700B2
A processor of an endoscope apparatus that is a medical apparatus generates two images that are a normal-light observation image and a special-light observation image that are obtained by picking up a return light, determines matching of observation fields of view with respect to the two images, generates a marker M that indicates a position on a living tissue for at least one of the two images based on the determination result, causes the generated two images to be displayed within a screen of a monitor, and displays the generated marker M by superimposing the marker M on at least one of the two images.
US08876691B2
The invention relates generally to surgical implants, and in various embodiments to surgical implants configured for promoting growth of collagenous tissue at an anatomical site.
US08876690B2
Devices, system and methods for deforming body channels are disclosed herein. At least some embodiments described may be used to deform a body channel so as to decrease or prevent the normal intrachannel flow of material within the body channel. Such deformation may be used to treat such maladies as Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.
US08876684B1
Brachytherapy radioisotope carrier systems and methodology for providing real-time customized brachytherapy treatment to subjects with tumors difficult to control using conventional radiation therapy techniques. The invention generally relates to devices, methods and kits for providing customized radionuclide treatments, to help cure, slow progression or regrowth, or ameliorate the symptoms associated with tumors.
US08876682B2
A folding device (100) for folding a paper web (102) in the longitudinal direction includes a first rolling device (104) adapted to receiving the paper web from a supplying device (110). A fold-creating means (106) is adapted to create at least one fold along the paper web. A fold-pressing means (108) is adapted to press together portions of the paper web which are separated by the fold. A second rolling device (109) is adapted to receive and guide the folded paper web out from the folding device to a receiving device (112). At least a first and a second motor (114, 116) are connected to a control unit and are adapted to drive the paper web through the folding device and to maintain a predetermined tension in the paper web.
US08876679B2
The present application includes various embodiments of apparatuses, systems, kits, and methods for physical exercise of a user. Some embodiments, for example, include an apparatus comprising: a strap having a length between a first end and a second end, the strap having an elastic portion between and spaced apart from the first and second ends; a first handle coupled to the strap on a first side of the elastic portion and spaced apart from the elastic portion; a second handle coupled to the strap on a second side of the elastic portion and spaced apart from the elastic portion; and one or more suspension members configured to be coupled (i) to the strap at a first point between the elastic portion and the first handle, and at a second point between the elastic portion and the second handle, and (ii) to be coupled to a supporting structure.
US08876675B2
An exercise device and method of use is provided. The exercise device includes an elongated elastic element having a first end and a second end. The elongated elastic element is stretchable along its length. The exercise device further includes a pulley system comprising a pulley having a channel along its outer circumference through which the elongated elastic element runs. An engagement mechanism removably anchors the pulley to a fixed point while allowing the pulley to rotate as the elongated elastic element passes through the channel.
US08876672B2
An apparatus including a rigid frame structure, a first device for holding a first end of a first weightlifting bar, and a second device for holding a second end of a first weightlifting bar, opposite the first end of the weightlifting bar, is provided. The first device may include a first flexible device and a first retainer device. The second device may include a second flexible device and a second retainer device. The first and second flexible devices can be removably attached to the rigid frame structure. The apparatus provides a safe structure for working out with free weights.
US08876668B2
A selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus supports a user ambulating thereon. The selectively inclining hiking exercise apparatus includes a support base and a treadbase that selectively inclines with respect to the support base. The treadbase includes a motor for driving an endless belt upon which the user ambulates. The treadbase also includes a magnetic braking assembly for regulating the speed of the endless belt to prevent the endless belt from moving at a rate that is faster than the rate at which the treadbase motor is driving the endless belt. The magnetic braking assembly includes a magnet that selectively moves relative to the treadbase flywheel along a threaded lead screw to provide the braking force.
US08876667B2
A weighted wrist band or wrist cuff utilized during sport training or exercise. The weighted wrist band includes a gel mold provided with a plurality of metallic chips therein to be inserted into a pouch within the weighted wrist band. The weighted wrist band includes a first section, a second section and an offset cuff section provided between the first section and the second section. The upper edge of the offset cuff section is spaced below the upper edge of the first section and the second section, thereby resulting in the offset cuff section being offset from the first and second sections. This configuration would prevent any contact of the weighted wrist band with any sports implement during training or exercise.
US08876658B2
In an electrically driven vehicle propelled by an electric machine (motor)equipped with a collaborative braking system of regenerative and frictional braking capacities, in order to achieve the “rollback prevention” at starting on an sloping road, when the regenerative braking is not available due to charging restriction to battery, frictional braking is used instead of regenerative braking and wheels are (automatically, i.e. not manually by driver) braked with friction to prevent the rollback. Moreover, in addition to braking wheels by frictional braking, further control is performed to adjust and match the magnitude of frictional braking force to a braking force in accordance with the starting operation. Thus, at the time of rollback prevention by the frictional braking as well, the similar prevention of rollback will be possible as the prevention by way of regenerative braking such that the effect of rollback prevention may be achieved without a feel of discomfort.
US08876650B2
A transmission assembly is provided and includes a load, an input shaft rotatably driven by a low pressure section of a turbomachine and a transmission coupled to the load and the input shaft. The transmission is operable to transmit rotation of the input shaft to the load and configured to convert a first rotational speed range of the input shaft to a second rotational speed range for transmission to the load. The second rotational speed range is narrower than the first rotational speed range.
US08876649B2
Assuming that a direction in which a first member and a second member are arranged is a first direction and a direction orthogonal to the first direction is a second direction, a welding structure includes: a pressure fit portion; a first cavity; a second cavity; a first weld bead formed between the first cavity and an end of a joining part of the first member and the second member on one side in the second direction by welding the first member and second member while the second cavity is communicated with outside; a second weld bead formed between the second cavity and an end of the joining part on the other side in the second direction; and a cutout groove communicating between the first cavity and the second cavity.
US08876647B2
A reduction gear includes a sun pinion and planet pinions driven by the sun pinion and rolling on a fixed ring gear. The device includes an oil tank, an oil supply duct and oil routing ducts. The device also includes an oil ejection device at the end of the fixed supply duct, the orientation of which includes a radial component directed away from a common axis of rotation, and a cylindrical device for recovering the oil that can move in rotation about the common axis of rotation. The oil ejection device is linked by at least one duct to a lubrication device for the gear formed by the cooperation of the teeth of at least one planet pinion with an adjacent pinion. This device feeds the ducts which supply the oil to the parts to be lubricated, by virtue of the action of the centrifugal field.
US08876646B2
A movable furniture part, such as a furniture drawer, includes an ejector device having an ejector lever and an electric motor for driving the ejector lever. A retracting device has a pulling member that can be wound onto a roll. The roll can be driven by an electric motor, and the ejector device and retracting device are mechanically connected to one another such that they can be mounted as a unit in or on a furniture body.
US08876640B2
The archery arrow having improved flight characteristics of the present invention is designed to improve the accuracy of the arrow which is equipped with a dampening medium within the central bore of the arrow shaft. The dampening materials in an embodiment may include, but not be limited to, silicon, epoxies or urethanes and selection of various dampening materials may provide for varying degrees of stiffness. The dampening effects of internal dampening materials decrease the initial deflection distance of the arrow and also serves to decrease the deflection with each oscillation. In addition, the dampening medium adopted in the present invention provides for an arrow having a selectable center of gravity location that has improved flight characteristics. Thus, the dampening materials adopted in the present invention provide for a selected location of center of gravity and a desired attenuation of oscillations.
US08876634B2
A golf club head according to this invention includes a face portion, a crown portion having a shape which bulges out upward, and a sole portion. The crown portion includes a vibration promotion region and a surrounding region which surrounds the vibration promotion region. The vibration promotion region has a circular or elliptical shape, and is flatter than the surrounding region.
