| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08233335B2 |
Semiconductor storage device and data readout method
A semiconductor storage device, a first internal bus, a second internal bus, and a third internal bus have bus widths decreasing stepwise from a memory cell array side to a data output circuit side. A first selection circuit and a second selection circuit divide the data, which is input via the first or second internal bus, according to a rate of a decrease in bus width in an input and an output, time-divide the divided data, and output the divided data to the second or third internal bus. |
| US08233324B2 |
Simultaneous multi-state read or verify in non-volatile storage
Methods and devices for simultaneously verifying or reading multiple states in non-volatile storage are disclosed. Methods and devices for efficiently reducing or eliminating cross-coupling effects in non-volatile storage are disclosed. Methods and devices for efficiently performing reads at a number of voltages to search for the threshold voltage of a memory cell are disclosed. Memory cells on different NAND strings that are read at the same time may be tested for different threshold voltage levels. Memory cells may be tested for different threshold voltages by applying different gate-to-source voltages to memory cells being tested for different threshold voltages. Memory cells may be tested for different threshold voltages by applying different drain to source voltages to the memory cells. Different amounts of compensation for cross-coupling affects may be applied to memory cells on different NAND strings that are read or programmed at the same time. |
| US08233314B2 |
Multi-state memory and multi-functional devices comprising magnetoplastic or magnetoelastic materials
Apparatus and methods are disclosed that enable writing data on, and reading data of, multi-state elements having greater than two states. The elements may be made of magnetoplastic and/or magnetoelastic materials, including, for example, magnetic shape-memory alloy or other materials that couple magnetic and crystallographic states. The writing process is preferably conducted through the application of a magnetic field and/or a mechanical action. The reading process is preferably conducted through atomic-force microscopy, magnetic-force microscopy, spin-polarized electrons, magneto-optical Kerr effect, optical interferometry or other methods, or other methods/effects. The multifunctionality (crystallographic, magnetic, and shape states each representing a functionality) of the multi-state elements allows for simultaneous operations including read&write, sense&indicate, and sense&control. Embodiments of the invention may be used, for example, for storing, modifying, and accessing data for device, sensor, actuator, logic and memory applications. Embodiments may be particularly effective for non-volatile memory or other read&write, sense&indicate, and/or sense&control functions in computer or other applications; such simultaneous operation of two (or more) of said multiple functionalities open new pathways for miniaturization of devices. |
| US08233313B2 |
Conductive organic non-volatile memory device with nanocrystals embedded in an amorphous barrier layer
A non-volatile memory device includes a plurality of unit cells. Each unit cell includes lower and upper electrodes over a substrate, a conductive organic material layer between the lower and the upper electrodes, and a nanocrystal layer located within the conductive organic material layer, wherein the nanocrystal layer includes a plurality of nanocrystals surrounded by an amorphous barrier. The unit cell receives a plurality of voltage ranges to perform a plurality of operations. A read operation is performed when an input voltage is in a first voltage range. A first write operation is performed when the input voltage is in a second voltage range higher than the first voltage range. A second write operation is performed when the input voltage is in a third voltage range higher than the second voltage range. An erase operation is performed when the input voltage is higher than the third voltage range. |
| US08233311B2 |
Variable resistance nonvolatile storage device having a source line formed of parallel wiring layers connected to each other through vias
The variable resistance nonvolatile storage device includes a memory cell (300) that is formed by connecting in series a variable resistance element (309) including a variable resistance layer (309b) which reversibly changes based on electrical signals each having a different polarity and a transistor (317) including a semiconductor substrate (301) and two N-type diffusion layer regions (302a, 302b), wherein the variable resistance layer (309b) includes an oxygen-deficient oxide of a transition metal, lower and upper electrodes (309a, 309c) are made of materials of different elements, a standard electrode potential V1 of the lower electrode (309a), a standard electrode potential V2 of the upper electrode (309c), and a standard electrode potential Vt of the transition metal satisfy Vt |
| US08233307B2 |
Analog memories utilizing ferroelectric capacitors
A ferroelectric memory having a plurality of ferroelectric memory cells, each ferroelectric memory cell including a ferroelectric capacitor is disclosed. The ferroelectric memory includes read and write lines and a plurality of ferroelectric memory cell select buses, one select bus corresponding to each of the ferroelectric memory cells. Each of the ferroelectric memory cells includes first and second gates for connecting the ferroelectric memory cell to the read line and the write line, respectively, in response to signals on the ferroelectric memory cell select bus corresponding to that ferroelectric memory cell. A write circuit causes a charge to be stored in the ferroelectric capacitor of the ferroelectric memory cell currently connected to the write line, the charge having a value determined by a data value having at least three states. A read circuit measures the charge stored in the ferroelectric capacitor of the ferroelectric memory cell currently connected to the read line to generate an output value, the output value corresponding to one of the states. |
| US08233306B1 |
Memory program circuit
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products for programming memory. In one aspect, a program circuit includes a first transistive element; a second transistive element coupled to a first end of the first transistive element; a burn subcircuit, the burn subcircuit including a third transistive element coupled to a fourth transistive element, where the drain of the third transistive element is coupled to a second end of the first transistive element, and the source of the third transistive element is coupled to the drain of the fourth transistive element; and a fifth transistive element coupled in parallel to the fourth transistive element. Control logic coupled to the first transistive element, the burn subcircuit, and the fourth transistive element selectively enables the second transistive element, selectively enables the fourth transistive element, and selectively enables the fifth transistive element to enable a read mode or a program mode. |
| US08233303B2 |
Multi-die memory device
An integrated circuit (IC) package includes an interface die and a separate storage die. The interface die has a synchronous interface to receive memory access commands from an external memory controller, and has a plurality of clockless memory control interfaces to output row and column control signals that correspond to the memory access commands. The storage die has a plurality of independently accessible storage arrays and corresponding access-control interfaces to receive the row and column control signals from the clockless memory control interfaces, each of the access-control interfaces including data output circuitry to output read data corresponding to a given one of the memory access commands in a time-multiplexed transmission. |
| US08233301B1 |
Impedance dropping dc power supply having an impedance controlled converter
An impedance dropping dc power supply having an impedance controlled converter whose impedance adaptively changes as a function of the power supply's load impedance, to maintain the ac voltage across the primary winding of its power transformer below a predetermined maximum level, and to minimize the waste heat generated by the power supply that would otherwise have to be dissipated. |
| US08233299B2 |
Dynamic phase timing control for multiple regulators or phases
A drive control circuit generates switching drive signals for a single phase of a multiphase voltage regulator. A driver circuitry generates the switching drive signals for the voltage regulator responsive to a clock signal. A clock circuitry generates the clock signal responsive to a monitored external clock signal. A phase number detector determines a number of active phases in the multiphase voltage regulator in real time responsive to an indicator on a phase number input monitored by the phase detector. |
| US08233287B2 |
Ground vias for enhanced preamp heat release in hard disk drives
Described is a preamp flex cable for use in a hard drive. The flex cable incorporates a stiffener layer operable to provide a mechanical support, an insulating layer provided over the stiffener layer and having at least one via provided therein to expose the stiffener layer, and at least one conductive layer provided over the insulating layer. The at least one conductive layer forms an electrical circuit and at least one heat removing element that extends through the via and establishes a contact with the stiffener layer. In one implementation, the heat removing element includes a rectangular plate having a recessed center portion and an edge portion. The recessed center portion protrudes through the at least one via in the insulating layer to mechanically couple with the stiffener. In another implementation, the heat removing element includes first portion and second rectangular portions. The first portion protrudes through the at least one via in the insulating layer to thermally couple with the stiffener and the second portion is disposed over the insulating layer, such that the second portion can be thermally coupled to the preamp. |
| US08233286B2 |
Printed wiring board reliably achieving electric connection with electronic component
Terminal pads are arranged on a first surface of the substrate for an electronic component to receive terminals of the electronic component. An electrically-conductive film is formed on a second surface defined on the back of the first surface over the back of a mounting area for the electronic component. The mounting area is contoured along the outer periphery of the arrangement of the terminal pads. The ratio of the area of the electrically-conductive material to the area of the surface of the substrate over the back of the mounting area is set appropriate to the ratio of the area of the electrically-conductive material to the area of the surface of the substrate over the mounting area for each electronic component. This results in suppression of flexure of the printed wiring board during reflow. |
| US08233275B2 |
Combination grill and computer add-in-card retention structure
A monolithic combination radiator grill and retention structure for computer add-in cards includes a longitudinally extending rectangular frame defining a longitudinally extending rectangular aperture. Transversely extending crossbars traverse the aperture. The crossbars are spaced so as to leave transversely extending gaps therebetween. The crossbars have transversely extending and upwardly facing grooves. Each of the grooves is dimensioned for receiving and retaining an end of a computer add-in card or extension to an add-in card. |
| US08233274B2 |
Computer chassis cooling sidecar
A computer chassis cooling sidecar for cooling one or more computers in a chassis of computers in a data center, the sidecar including an air intake chamber and a chassis delivery chamber, the air intake chamber having a first opening at a bottom end for receiving air from beneath the data center through perforated tiles in the floor of the data center located on the side of the computer chassis, the air intake chamber having at the top end a directional vane shaped to direct airflow from the side of the chassis to a chassis delivery chamber; wherein the chassis delivery chamber resides in front or back of the chassis and has an opening to receive air from the air intake chamber and an opening to deliver the received air to the front or back of the computer chassis. |
| US08233270B2 |
Modular data center
A modular data center is constructed utilizing two building modules, wherein each of two modules includes a computer rack disposed therein which computer rack is spaced apart from an exterior wall to define an exterior access space and spaced apart from an interior opening to define an interior access space. When the two building modules are joined so that the openings abut one another, the interior access spaces of the two modules form a contiguous space between the two computer racks, which space satisfies access requirements for each computer rack. The interior access space between the two computer racks may be enclosed to form an environment that can be separately cooled from the remainder of the modular data center. A method provides two building modules, each containing a computer rack, which modules are joined so that the access spaces for the computer racks overlap, wherein a portion of the computer rack access space of one module forms part of the computer rack access space of the other module. |
| US08233267B2 |
Capacitor with defined terminal plate and housing joint areas
The capacitor includes element (1) provided with electrodes at its both ends; metal case (2) with cathode electrode (1c) of element (1) joined to a joint part on the inner bottom surface of metal case (2), containing cathode electrode (1c); and a terminal plate with anode electrode (1b) of element (1) joined to a joint part on the inner surface of the terminal plate, sealing the opening of metal case (2). S1 |
| US08233266B2 |
Energy storage module
Energy storage modules generally include a housing with component parts arranged therein. The component parts are in this case either capacitors, for example double-layer capacitors and/or electrolyte capacitors. According to the invention, a filler is provided in the housing and binds electrolyte liquid occurring in the even of damage or else electrolyte gases. Beds of material with a large specific surface area, such as zeolites or else active carbons, are suitable as fillers. The surfaces are also possibly catalytically coated. |
| US08233259B2 |
Reformed inductor, a surge protection device and a surge protector
A reformed inductor, a surge protection device, and a surge protector with the reformed inductor and the surge protection device are disclosed. The surge protector includes a main body, a power plug, at least a socket, and a power protection device; wherein the power protection device include a reformed inductor, a plurality of fuses, and a plurality of surge absorber. The design of the surge protector can be used to reduce surge and stabilize current by connecting with circuit of the power outlet. |
| US08233257B2 |
Power supply circuit, overcurrent protection circuit for the same, and electronic device
A power supply circuit includes an output transistor including a source coupled to power supply voltage, and a drain from which output voltage is outputted; a first error amplifier powered by the power supply voltage and outputting a signal based on a potential difference between the output voltage and a reference voltage; a buffer transistor including a gate coupled to the output of the first error amplifier, and a source coupled via a constant current source to the power supply voltage and coupled to a gate of the output transistor; a current detection transistor coupled to the output transistor such that a gate and source are shared; and an overcurrent protection circuit configured to limit the drain current of the buffer transistor based on the increase of the drain current of the current detection transistor and thereby control the output current of the output transistor. |
| US08233253B2 |
Controlling appratus and controlling method for signal outputing circuit and video system
The invention discloses a controlling apparatus for a signal outputting circuit in an electronic system. The controlling apparatus includes a detecting circuit, a switch, and a controlling circuit. The detecting circuit is used for detecting whether the electronic system has an abnormal condition. The switch is electrically connected between a signal receiving terminal and the signal outputting circuit. The controlling circuit is electrically connected between the detecting circuit and the switch. Once the detecting circuit detects that the electronic system has the abnormal condition, the controlling circuit sets the switch into a high-impedance state. |
| US08233252B2 |
ESD protection circuit for low voltages
An ESD protection circuit is provided having a first field-effect transistor, which has a first drain terminal, a first source terminal and a first control terminal, and having an input network which, in the event that a first voltage present between the first drain terminal and the first source terminal crosses a threshold value, alters a second voltage that appears between the first control terminal and the first source terminal. The input network contains a second field-effect transistor, complementary to the first field-effect transistor, having a second drain terminal, a second source terminal and a second control terminal, wherein the first drain terminal is connected to the second source terminal and, through a first resistance, to the second control terminal, and the second drain terminal is connected to the first control terminal and, through a second resistance, to the first source terminal. |
| US08233251B2 |
Circuit interrupting device with interconnecting reset and test buttons
The present invention provides a novel circuit interrupting device, preferably a ground fault circuit interrupter, which contains a reset button that is capable of interacting with a test button to perform an end-of-life-component test on the circuit interrupting device. The circuit interrupting device also contains a reset switch coupled to the reset button which is capable of disallowing reset if the device is miswired and/or fails the end-of-life-component test. Only when the circuit interrupting device is properly wired, in a tripped state, and all of the key components in the circuit interrupting device are working properly, the depression of the reset button allows the device to be reset. |
| US08233250B2 |
Over voltage protection of switching converter
Embodiments for at least one method and apparatus of generating a regulated voltage are disclosed. One apparatus includes a voltage regulator. The voltage regulator includes regulator circuitry for generating a regulated voltage from a first power supply and a second power supply, and voltage spike protection circuitry for voltage-spike-protecting the regulator circuitry, wherein the voltage spike protection circuitry includes a dissipative element and a charge-storage circuit. One method includes a method of generating a regulated voltage. The method includes regulator circuitry generating a regulated voltage from an input voltage, and voltage-spike-protecting the regulator circuitry with voltage spike protection circuitry, wherein the voltage spike protection circuitry includes a dissipative element and a charge-storage circuit. |
| US08233249B2 |
Magnetic tunnel junction transistor device
A magnetic tunnel junction transistor (MTJT) device includes a source-drain region comprising a source electrode and a drain electrode, a double MTJ element formed between the source electrode and the drain electrode and comprising a free magnetic layer at a center region thereof, and a gate region adjacent to the source-drain region and comprising an insulating barrier layer formed on an upper layer of the double MTJ element and a gate electrode formed on the insulating barrier layer. The MTJT device switches a magnetization orientation of the free magnetic layer by application of a gate voltage to the gate electrode, thereby changing a resistance of the source-drain region. |
| US08233247B2 |
Scissoring-type current-perpendicular-to-the-plane giant magnetoresistance (CPP-GMR) sensors with damped free layer structures
A “scissoring-type” current-perpendicular-to-the-plane giant magnetoresistive (CPP-GMR) sensor has magnetically damped free layers. In one embodiment each of the two free layers is in contact with a damping layer that comprises Pt or Pd, or a lanthanoid (an element selected from the group consisting of La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Th, Yb, and Lu). Each of the two free layers has one of its surfaces in contact with the sensor's electrically conducting nonmagnetic spacer layer and its other surface in contact with its associated damping layer. A nonmagnetic film may be located between each free layer and its associated damping layer. In another embodiment the damping element is present as a dopant or impurity in each of the two free layers. In another embodiment a nanolayer of the damping element is located within each of the two free layers. |
| US08233244B2 |
Magnetic head suspension with a supporting part that has connecting beams
In a magnetic head suspension according to the present invention, each of paired right and left connecting beams that are positioned on both sides in a suspension width direction of an open section, with which piezoelectric elements are at least partially overlapped in a plan view, and connect a proximal end section directly or indirectly connected to a main actuator and a distal end section to which a load bending part is connected includes a convex portion projecting in a thickness direction that is perpendicular to the disk surface. The configuration makes it possible to improve the impact resistance and raise the resonance frequency of a magnetic head suspension capable of performing micro motion of a magnetic head slider by the piezoelectric elements. |
| US08233243B2 |
Head suspension assembly interconnect for a data storage device
Interconnections for attaching a suspension assembly to an arm of an actuator or positioning device are disclosed. In illustrated embodiments, the interconnection includes one or more weld connections formed along opposed side seams of overlapping portions of the arm and head suspension assembly. In illustrated embodiments, the weld connections are formed along side surfaces generally transverse to upper and lower surfaces of the arm. In another embodiment, a groove pattern is formed, for example via a laser etching process, in an overlapping portion of the head suspension assembly or arm and an epoxy is inlayed in the groove to connect the head suspension assembly and arm. Illustrated embodiments also include multiple connections including, for example, a swage connection and a weld or other connection. |
| US08233242B2 |
Tolerance ring with overlapping layers
A tolerance ring (10) for providing an interference fit between inner and outer components (36, 50) is disclosed. The tolerance ring (10) comprises a deformable band wound to form a first layer (111) having a plurality of radially extending projections (12, 13, 15) around its circumference and an unformed second layer (110) which overlaps with the first layer. The second layer acts as a force diffuser to spread the forces transferred through the projections on to the inner or outer component. |
| US08233237B2 |
Perpendicular magnetic write head and magnetic recording device
A main magnetic-pole layer is provided with, at the tip end portion thereof, a trailing shied on the trailing side via a non-magnetic gap layer, and the non-magnetic gap layer includes therein one or more magnetic layers. This magnetic layer appropriately controls the amount of magnetic fluxes coming from the tip end portion of the main magnetic-pole layer for capturing into the trailing shield because the magnetic fluxes coming from the tip end portion of the main magnetic-pole layer go through the magnetic layer before being captured into the trailing shield. |
| US08233236B2 |
Magnetic write head with side shield and gap layer
A magnetic write head includes a main pole, a return yoke forming a magnetic path with the main pole, a side shield formed at both sides of the main pole, and a shield gap layer formed between the side shield and the return yoke. The side shield and the return yoke have portions connected to each, and are separated from each other by the shield gap layer in an area except for the portions which contact. A first gap layer formed of a nonmagnetic insulation material is formed between both sides of the main pole and the side shield. A gap is formed between an end portion of the main pole and an end portion of the return yoke and a second gap layer is formed in the gap with a nonmagnetic insulation material. |
| US08233235B2 |
PMR writer having a tapered write pole and bump layer and method of fabrication
Methods for fabrication of tapered magnetic poles with a non-magnetic front bump layer. A magnetic pole may have a tapered surface at or near an air bearing surface (ABS), wherein a thickness of the write pole increases in a direction away from the ABS. A non-magnetic front bump layer may be formed on the tapered surface of the magnetic pole and away from the ABS. The front bump layer may increase the separation distance between a shield layer and the magnetic pole near the tapered surface, thereby improving the performance of the write head. |
| US08233233B1 |
Devices including a write pole tip with a convex shape
in certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a write pole tip having a top side that has a monotonically decreasing slope that forms a convex profile between a write pole paddle and an air bearing surface.In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a write pole tip having a first and second top bevel. The first top bevel is at an angle greater than the second top bevel with respect to a plane perpendicular to an air bearing surface of the write pole tip. |
| US08233222B2 |
Zoom lens system
A zoom lens system including at least one lens group that is positioned to be movable along an optical axis of image light for photographing; and a movable frame including a plurality of selection lens groups, the movable frame being movable between a photographing position and a storage position, wherein the photographing position is a position in which one of the selection lens groups is selectively positioned on the optical axis, and the storage position is a position in which all of the selection lens groups are outside the optical axis, and the movable frame including a storage portion that houses at least a portion of the at least one lens group when the movable frame is moved to the storage position. |
| US08233221B2 |
Adjustable lens system for real-time applications
An adjustable fluid type lens system is provided that allows e.g. ultrasound imaging through the lens during adjustment of the lens. The lens includes a container enclosing two immiscible fluids, e.g. water and oil, being in contact with each other at an interface. Incoming waves are then refracted at this interface. The shape of the interface, and thereby the refraction property, is adjustable by adjusting a voltage applied to the lens. The two fluids are selected such that they together exhibit a mechanical damping which is critical or near critical. A control circuit generates the electric voltage for adjusting the refraction from one value to another, the control circuit being arranged to change the electric voltage such that a rate of voltage change is limited to avoid oscillation of the interface, thereby adjusting refraction of incoming waves at the interface in a continuous manner. This makes it possible to use the lens while it is during adjustment from one refraction value to another, since the interface shape will at all time during the adjustment have a controlled shape. The voltage can be either a continuous voltage or a discrete stepwise (digital) voltage which is just controlled with respect to step size and temporal extension of the steps. The lens system has a number of applications e.g. within the medical field, e.g. for ‘on the fly’ high speed ultrasound imaging, or for ultrasound ablation applications where ablation can be performed during adjustment of the lens to follow a pre-defined trajectory. |
| US08233218B1 |
Decorative, ornamental, or jewelry articles having diffraction gratings
An article comprises a volume of material having at least one faceted or curved surface, and at least one diffraction grating on at least one surface of the article. The diffraction grating comprises a set of diffractive elements formed in a deformable layer attached to the surface of the article. A method comprises forming the set of diffractive elements by deformation of the deformable layer, and attaching the deformable layer to a surface of the article. The layer can be deformed to form the diffractive elements before or after it is attached to the surface of the article. |
| US08233213B2 |
Electrophoresis display panel
An electrophoresis display panel including an active device array substrate and an electrophoresis display film is provided. The active device array substrate includes a plurality of active devices and a shielding pattern. The electrophoresis display film is disposed on the active device array substrate. The electrophoresis display film includes a conductive layer, a dielectric layer and a plurality of electrophoresis display mediums. The dielectric layer is disposed on the conductive layer and has a plurality of micro-cups arranged in area array. The dielectric layer is between the conductive layer and the active device array substrate. Light passing through the dielectric layer is prevented from irradiating onto the active devices by the shielding pattern. In addition, the electrophoresis display mediums are filled within the micro-cups, respectively. |
| US08233207B2 |
Method and apparatus for reactive optical correction of galvano motor scanning heads
This invention relates to a method of optical correction of field position distortions created by galvano motor scanning heads. In addition, the invention relates to the apparatus and method to achieve a calibration of said field positions to overcome said distortions generated by the delivery optics within a galvano motor scanning head using a pre-calibrated target that may be positioned into a registration or ‘lay’ system for ease of identifying and measuring said series of marks by removal and replacing said pre-calibrated target into said registration or ‘lay’ system, pre-determined logic means to generate a series of marks on said pre-calibrated target using said galvano motor scanning head and said galvano motor scanning head control apparatus and operator input so that said logic means may calculate from a minimum number of operator entries corresponding to said series of marks on said pre-calibrated target that may be positioned into said registration or ‘lay’ system for ease of identifying and measuring said series of marks by removal and replacing said pre-calibrated target into said registration or ‘lay’ system a full field correction of the field position distortions taking into account all beam or laser beam, mounting, alignment and parallelity intolerances to generate corrected galvano motor position control optical correction data reactive to the exact parameters of an individual laser, delivery optic/s, galvano motor scanning head and target plane set-up. |
| US08233206B2 |
User interaction with holographic images
User input is facilitated through gestural inputs with displayed two and three-dimensional objects using a holographic device and film that displays a static, digitally generated, three-dimensional, autostereoscopic, full-parallax, real image and a digital projector that displays dynamic images. A system includes computer-detectable tags mounted on a user-wearable glove, and on a base plate that holds the holographic device. The system determines the locations of the tags, and calculates a location of a feature of the image based on the locations of the tags. The system also determines the location, pose, and gestural motion of the input device based on the location of the tags. The system further calculates a distance and direction between the input device and the feature of the image. |
| US08233204B1 |
Optical displays
An apparatus for providing an optical display includes an optical substrate for propagating light received from a light source, a first set of one or more switchable diffractive elements in the substrate, and a second set of one or more switchable diffractive elements in the substrate. Each diffractive element in the second set corresponds to a diffractive element in the first set. Each of the diffractive elements in the first and second sets is configured to switch between on and off states. One of the states is for diffracting light and the other state for allowing light to pass through. Each of the first set of diffractive elements is configured to diffract the light at an angle for propagation in the substrate. Each of the second set of diffractive elements is configured to diffract the light for display. |
| US08233202B2 |
Scanner with simplified document feeding path
A scanner with a simplified document feeding path is provided for scanning a document. The scanner includes a paper path, a conveying mechanism, an optical module and a scan window. The conveying mechanism conveys the document along the paper path. The optical module, rotatably disposed, captures an image of the document conveyed to a first position and a second position in the paper path, wherein the optical module captures a front-side image of the document at the first position and a back-side image of the document at the second position. The scan window, mounted on the optical module, is turned toward the first position and the second position as the optical module rotates, and the optical module captures the image of the document through the scan window. |
| US08233199B2 |
Document presentment apparatus for use in linear document reader
A document scanner is disclosed. The document scanner includes a document bed having a surface to position a document. The document bed includes a slot in which a presentment apparatus is positioned. The presentment apparatus includes a first rigid layers a second compressible layer, and a third lower friction layer. A method of use of the document scanner is disclosed as well. |
| US08233197B2 |
Pantograph methods, apparatus and systems based on UCR/GCR
The disclosure provides pantograph methods, apparatus and systems. Specifically disclosed is a method of rendering a pantograph including defining a foreground region associated with a pantograph, defining a background region associated with the pantograph, and applying a first UCR/GCR strategy to the background region and a second UCR/GCR strategy to the foreground region, whereby the foreground region is less discernable after the pantograph is rendered with a printing device relative to a reproduction of the rendered pantograph. |
| US08233195B2 |
Method for reducing image noise
A method for reducing image noise is provided. The procedure of the method is provided in the following steps. First, the color level scale of a scanned image of a document is reduced by a plurality of bits in order to subtract a noise level from the scanned image. Then the color level scales of all pixels of the image are recombined by a halftone pattern method in order to recover the color level scales. Finally the missing codes of the image are filled out by bit enhance method. Because of the color level scales of the proceeding image are not reduced, the scanned image quality does not be blurred by the method. Because the method does not minimize the color level of the proceeding image, the image noise can be reduced without blurring the scanned image and the quality of the image can be increased after the process thereof. And because each color level of the pixel in the image is subtracted by a noise level, some of the bits are removed and the capacity of the image file is decreased. |
| US08233192B2 |
Control circuit of image reader, image reader, control method of image reader, and program
A control circuit of an image reader having at least one light source includes: a light source control portion that controls ON and OFF of the light source by performing current switching for adjusting a value of a current supplied to the light source; a black reference data creating portion that creates black reference data used for shading correction under control of the light source control portion; an image reading portion that reads image data under control of the light source control portion; and a shading correction portion that performs shading correction of the image data using the black reference data. The black reference data creating portion adds a noise, which is equivalent to a noise added to the image data by the current switching, to the black reference data, and the shading correction portion removes the noise added to the image data by performing the shading correction. |
| US08233189B2 |
System and method for disseminating color ink and colorant formulas
The present invention provides a plurality of representations of color that are stored in an electronic color library and that can be selected by a user. After a color selection is made, a plurality of color ink formulas and/or colorant formulas capable of producing the selected color are provided. Further, other selections can be made to define a substrate or other criteria that can impact the color ink formulas. The user can make a selection among the plurality of color ink formulas and/or colorant formulas. The selected color ink formula(s) (or colorant formula(s)) can be transmitted over a communication network, such as the Internet or a local Intranet to another party, such as an ink manufacturer. |
| US08233185B2 |
Page parallel RIP and cache tuning in print/copy job environment utilizing page description languages
What is provided are a system and method for print/copy job environments utilizing a page description language (PDL). In one embodiment, an input PDL stream describing embedded objects in a job is received and parsed. Reusable document components (RDCs) are identified. A determination is made as to how many placements are in the PDL for each identified RDC. If no RDCs are placed more than once, caching is disabled. If it is not efficient to split the PDL stream into smaller tasks, page parallel rip (PPR) is disabled. The embedded objects are analyzed to determine a number of PPRs for the job based on system resources. A raster image processing (RIP) time is projected for each path in the job based on the determined number of placements and the determined number of PPRs. A job processing path is prescribed for the job based on the most efficient projected RIP time. |
| US08233177B2 |
Client side rendering of printable documents in a network
In a network facilitating print functions, a means for rendering a print job intended for a remote printer on a client computer using stored administrative settings is provided. Transparently to the client's applications, the client computer keeps the stored remote printer's administrative settings synchronized with those stored on the print server. Using the stored administrative settings, the client renders the print job to a native printer language directly cognizable by the printer before sending this rendered file to the print server for forwarding to the printer. By queuing these remote print jobs, the online status of the respective print server is also transparent to the client's applications, facilitating off-line printing. |
| US08233175B2 |
Apparatus and methods for interfacing reprographic and imaging systems with multiple set finishing devices
Reprographic or imaging systems and methods issue a command to place multiple finishing devices into an alternating delivery mode such that consecutive sets are sent to different finishing devices, rather than to the same finishing device. |
| US08233173B2 |
Computer readable medium for image processing, image processing method, image processing device, and image processing system
There is provided a computer readable medium storing a program causing a computer to execute a function for an image processing. The function comprises: executing a job; creating a log image from an image handled in the job; setting a creation guarantee level of the log image; and controlling the execution of the job to be completed after the log image is created, if the creation guarantee level is set to a high level. |
| US08233171B2 |
Device managing apparatus, method of controlling the same, and control program
A device managing apparatus which can collectively manage a plurality of devices connected to a network and reduce resources such as time and costs required for developing a network device managing program. It is determined whether or not each of the devices connected to the device managing apparatus via the network has a unique device management page of the device for management of the device. If any of the devices does not have a unique device management page thereof, a device management page for the device is created. If any of the devices has a unique device management page thereof, it is then determined whether or not it is possible to communicate with the device. If it is possible to communicate with the device, information indicative of the unique device management page of the device is acquired. |
| US08233164B2 |
Rendering apparatus, rendering method, and computer-readable storage medium
It is determined whether the rasterization result of a rendering object is cashed. If it is determined that the rasterization result of the rendering object is not cashed, an image and a mask for the image are generated from the rendering object. The generated image and the generated mask are stored in a cache. If it is determined that the rasterization result of the rendering object is cached, an image and a mask are extracted from the cache. The extracted image is rendered on a portion of the extracted mask so that a background image remains on a portion other than the portion of the extracted mask. |
| US08233163B2 |
Image forming apparatus and data processing method
An image forming apparatus including: an image processing section which creates print data to be outputted out of complex original document data including both character data and diagram data in a single page of data; and an image forming section which outputs the created print data onto a sheet, wherein the image processing section determines divided character data and divided diagram data in the complex original document data, to be outputted; creates character print data by enlarging the divided character data and attaching position information in the complex original document data; creates diagram print data by enlarging the divided diagram data and attaching position information in the complex original document data; and creates position information attached print data in which the position information of the divided character data and the divided diagram data are attached to the complex original document data. |
| US08233162B2 |
Printer controller and method of printing print document which scale down a print image so that an entire area of a print sheet fits into a printable area
A printer controller includes an XPS driver operable to cause a printer to perform printing operation in conformation with XPS standard. The XPS driver includes; a receiver, operable to receive a print document; an analyzer, operable to analyze the print document; a determiner, operable to determine, based on a result of analysis, whether or not the print document includes a print instruction for performing printing outside a printable area on a print sheet; a generator, when a result of determination indicates that the print document includes the print instruction for performing printing outside the printable area, operable to generate a scaled-down print image into which a print image generated in accordance with the print document is scaled down at such a scaling factor at which an entire area of the print sheet fits into the printable area; and an outputter, operable to output data of the scaled-down print image to the printer. |
| US08233155B2 |
Inspection method and apparatus, lithographic apparatus, lithographic processing cell and device manufacturing method
In a scatterometric method, a roughness value can be obtained by using a model including a surface layer having a variable parameter relating to its refractive index. |
| US08233151B2 |
Fiber optic sensor using a hollow core fiber
An optical sensor includes at least a portion of an optical waveguide having a hollow core generally surrounded by a cladding. The cladding substantially confines a first optical signal and a second optical signal within the hollow core as the first optical signal and the second optical signal counterpropagate through the optical waveguide. Interference between the first optical signal and the second optical signal is responsive to perturbation of the at least a portion of the optical waveguide. |
| US08233146B2 |
Cuvette for flow-type particle analyzer
The present invention provides an optical cuvette for use in a flow-type particle analyzer, wherein the cuvette includes a removable flow tube containing a flow channel oriented coaxially. |
| US08233139B2 |
Immersion system, exposure apparatus, exposing method, and device fabricating method
An immersion system is used in an immersion exposure, wherein a substrate is exposed with an exposure light through an optical member and a liquid, and that fills an optical path of the exposure light between the optical member and the substrate with the liquid. The immersion system comprises: a first member, which is disposed around the optical path of the exposure light and has a first surface that faces in a first direction; a second member that has a liquid recovery port, which is disposed on the outer side of the first surface with respect to the optical path of the exposure light; a first drive apparatus that is capable of moving the first member parallel to the first direction; and a second drive apparatus that is capable of moving the second member parallel to the first direction independently of the first member; wherein, a space between the first surface and a front surface of an object can hold the liquid; and a liquid between the liquid recovery port and the front surface of the object is recovered via the liquid recovery port. |
| US08233137B2 |
Lithographic apparatus and device manufacturing method
In a single or multiple stage lithography apparatus, a table provides a confining surface to a liquid supply system during, for example, substrate table exchange and/or substrate loading and unloading. In an embodiment, the table has a sensor to make a measurement of the projection beam during, for example, substrate table exchange and/or substrate loading and unloading. |
| US08233136B2 |
Method and apparatus for generating periodic patterns by step-and-align interference lithography
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for generating periodic patterns by step-and-align interference lithography, wherein at least two coherent light beams with a pattern are controlled to project onto a substrate to be exposed to form an interference-patterned region on the substrate. Thereafter, by means of moving the substrate or the light beams stepwisely, a patterned region with a large area can be formed on the substrate. According to the present invention, the optical path and exposure time may be shortened to reduce defect formation during lithographic processing and to improve the yield. |
| US08233133B2 |
Exposure method, exposure apparatus, and method for producing device
A liquid immersion photolithography system has an exposure system that exposes a substrate with electromagnetic radiation and includes a projection optical system that focuses the electromagnetic radiation on the substrate. A liquid supply system provides liquid flow between the projection optical system and the substrate. In addition, a plurality of nozzles are arranged so as to provide a substantially uniform velocity distribution of the liquid flow between the substrate and the projection optical system. |
| US08233131B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes a TFT substrate and a CF substrate arranged to face each other and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched therebetween, wherein a plurality of first supports are arranged to extend from one of the substrates to reach the other substrate and a plurality of second supports, which are shorter than the first supports, are arranged to extend from one of the substrates to the other substrate. |
| US08233129B2 |
Method of manufacturing liquid crystal display device including forming beveled sides of substrates forming liquid crystal panel
Provided is a method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device containing a liquid crystal panel which holds a liquid crystal between first and second glass substrates. The method includes: an injecting step of injecting the liquid crystal from an injection hole for injecting the liquid crystal, which is provided on at least one side of the liquid crystal panel; a sealing step of sealing the injection hole with a sealing material; a beveling step of processing sides of the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate, at which the injection hole is provided, into a shape in which a thickness of each of the sides increases from end portions of the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate toward central portions thereof; and an etching step of etching the first glass substrate and the second glass substrate by chemical polishing. |
| US08233124B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device is disclosed, which can control a viewing angle in vertical and horizontal directions without forming a specific liquid crystal display panel, the liquid crystal display device comprising a display screen including a plurality of color pixels and liquid crystal molecules; and a viewing-angle control pixel controlling the liquid crystal molecules, an alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules being inclined to a vertical or horizontal direction in the display screen, wherein the viewing-angle control pixel is formed independently of RGB pixels, to thereby control the viewing angle in the horizontal and vertical directions. |
| US08233122B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device has pixel regions defined by gate lines and data lines perpendicular to the gate lines. The gate electrodes of thin film transistors (TFTs) at a first side of the data lines project from the gate lines. Active layers are disposed on the gate electrodes. Source electrodes overlap the active layers. Drain electrodes are parallel to the gate lines, spaced from the source electrodes and overlap the active layers. Pixel electrodes formed on the pixel region are connected to the drain electrodes. This structure prevents poor picture quality by minimizing the differences between the parasitic capacitance formed between the gate electrode and the drain electrode in adjacent pixel regions even if Y- or X-axis misalignment occurs. |
| US08233121B2 |
Display panel and color filter substrate
A display panel having a reflective region and a transparent region is provided. The reflective region and the transparent region respectively have sub-pixel regions. The display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a plurality of color filter patterns, a single complementary color filter pattern and a display medium. The first substrate has a plurality of pixel structures disposed corresponding to the sub-pixel regions. The second substrate is disposed opposite to the first substrate. The color filter patterns are respectively disposed in the sub-pixel regions of the transparent region on the first or second substrate. The single complementary color filter pattern is disposed in the sub-pixel regions of the reflective region on the first or second substrate. The sub-pixel regions of the reflective region are not completely covered by the single complementary color filter pattern. The display medium is disposed between the first substrate and second substrate. |
| US08233120B2 |
Liquid crystal display device with light-shielding color filter pattern and method for fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display device includes gate and data lines defining a pixel region on a first substrate. A first insulating layer covers the gate line and a gate electrode. A thin film transistor, formed at a crossing region of the gate and data lines, has the gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode. A red, green or blue color filter is formed over the first insulating layer in the pixel region. A drain contact hole exposes the drain electrode. A light-shielding color filter pattern including at least two of red, green and blue resins is formed over the semiconductor layer. A pixel electrode is formed over the color filter in the pixel region and contacts the drain electrode. A common electrode is formed on a second substrate facing the first substrate with a liquid crystal layer interposed between the common and pixel electrodes. |
| US08233113B2 |
Surface illumination apparatus and liquid crystal display using same
A surface illumination apparatus has: a plurality of light sources (12a, 12b) which emit lights; a light guiding plate (15) which allows the lights emitted from the light sources to enter through one of the side faces and emits the lights through one principal plane; a polarizing filter (19) which transmits lights in a predetermined polarizing direction and reflects lights in a polarizing direction perpendicular to the predetermined polarizing direction; a polarizing modulation plate (18) which performs predetermined modulation on the polarizing characteristics of the incident lights; and a reflection sheet (17) which regularly reflects the incident light. The polarizing filter and the polarizing modulation plate are disposed near the one principal plane of the light guiding plate, in order of the polarizing modulation plate and the polarizing filter from the light guiding plate side, the reflection sheet is disposed near the other principal plane of the light guiding plate on the opposite side to the one principal plane, at least two out of the lights emitted from the plurality of light sources include linearly polarized lights of which polarizing directions are perpendicular to each other in a stage of the lights entering the light guiding plate, and the polarizing modulation plate has a polarizing modulation cell (18a) which functions as a ½ wavelength plate, and a non-modulation cell (18b) which does not modulate the polarizing characteristics. |
| US08233112B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal panel and a lighting device. The liquid crystal panel has a liquid crystal layer provided between a pair of glass substrates. The lighting device supplies illumination light to the liquid crystal panel. At least one of the glass substrates has a photonic crystal formed in a position so that it stops light from reaching a luminance point defect occurrence portion in the liquid crystal layer that is a cause of a luminance point defect. The photonic crystal absorbs light having a color displayable in the luminance point defect occurrence portion. |
| US08233108B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal module includes: a liquid crystal display panel; a backlight unit that irradiates light onto the liquid crystal display panel; a panel guide that supports the liquid crystal display panel and the backlight unit in a stacked condition and ensures a panel gap between the liquid crystal display panel and the backlight unit; and a top case facing the panel guide. The panel guide includes one or more ventilation openings that penetrate side walls of the panel guide facing the panel gap. |
| US08233107B2 |
Display device
An object of the present invention is to increase the reliability in the assembly of display devices. The display device according to the present invention is provided with: a display panel; a mold frame for containing the above described display panel; and a front panel provided on a surface of the above described display panel on the viewer side, and the form of the above described mold frame in a plane is rectangular, with four corners, and at least two corners on a diagonal line, from among the above described four corners, have a cut structure with a diagonal side which is inclined relative to the two sides forming the corner. |
| US08233105B2 |
Image display device
In order to restrain increase in frame area caused along with a larger number of channels to a minimum, there is provided an image display device that adopts a communication method in which a signal is transmitted/received with the use of electrostatic capacitance coupling. A first board includes: a tabular first power supply line, a tabular second power supply line, a semiconductor element, and a tabular first electrode group. A second board includes: a tabular second electrode group and a tabular common electrode. In a state where the first board and the second board are laid on each other, the first electrode group overlaps the second electrode group while one of the first power supply line and the second power supply line overlaps the common electrode. |
| US08233104B2 |
Stereoscopic TFT-LCD with wire grid polarizer affixed to internal surfaces substrates
A stereoscopic TFT-LCD with a wire grid polarizer affixed to internal surfaces substrates, applies to a LCD device having a thin polarizing film and a thin phase retardation film to display a 2D image and a 3D image, a thin film polarizing film formed by accurately processing a thin aluminum film, a polarizing film of a nano imprint lithography method that uses polymer, and a polarizing film and a liquid crystal material that form a polarizing nano material thin film by uniformly coating a polarizing nano material (TCF), wherein a ¼ phase retardation plate is disposed at a front surface of the second transparent substrate so as to produce circularly-polarized light. |
| US08233102B2 |
Apparatus and method for adjustable variable transmissivity polarized eyeglasses
Adjustable variable transmissivity (AVT) eyeglasses for patients. In one embodiment, the eyeglasses include: (1) a frame having earpieces coupled thereto, (2) liquid crystal lenses coupled to the frame and configured to assume a transmissivity in response to a lens control signal, (3) a light sensor coupled to the frame and configured to sense light in a field of view and produce a sensor signal in response thereto, (4) a light plug coupled to the frame and configured to define a field of view and (5) an electronic circuit coupled to the frame and configured to employ the sensor signal to generate the lens control signal. |
| US08233100B2 |
Shared light source in an electronic device
An optical module is used in an electronic device to share a light source. The light source can be shared concurrently with an image projection device and a different component, such as a liquid crystal display device. Alternatively, the light source is used for providing illumination to the component only when the light source is not used by the image projection device. When the light source is used for providing illumination to the liquid crystal display device, at least part of the light beam from the light source is coupled to a back-light unit of the display device, for example. In addition to providing illumination to the liquid crystal display device, part of the light beam can also be used to provide illumination to other accessories or components, such as a keyboard of the electronic device. |
| US08233099B1 |
Temporary birefringent color image apparatus and method
Disclosed is an apparatus and method for making temporary colorful birefringent displays. In its preferred embodiment, cellophane 104 is laminated between self-adherent vinyl sheets 108 with non-water soluble adhesive 112 and desired shapes 212 are cut therefrom. Plane polarizing filter 213 is similarly laminated between sheets of self-adherent vinyl 214. One of the polarizer laminations is adhered to a gloss surface such as a window 217. Shapes 212 cut from the cellophane-vinyl laminations are adhered to the polarizer lamination 215. Colors created by the polarized light passing through the birefringent cellophane laminations 100 are viewed through a polarizing analyzer 230 which can be a second lamination of polarizer between self-adherent vinyl sheets and placed over the completed design, or through analyzers held separately from the design such as polarized glasses 218 or hand held viewers 222, 230. Transmissive 214 and reflective 304 and transflective 604 types are disclosed. A less-resilient but less expensive version using low-tack adhesive 710 in place of surface-adherent vinyl 104 is also described. Embodiments and methods are disclosed for using the apparatus as educational devices 400, games, toys 200, hobby activities and making decor and temporary signs 504. |
| US08233097B2 |
Scanning projector ambient lighting system
A display device including a plurality of image projection devices and a display. The display device provides received content to the display and provides image signals to the plurality of image projection devices. In response to the provided image signals, the plurality of image projection devices project images on an area of a display surface that is separate from the display. A plurality of image capture devices positioned around the display device operate during a calibration and/or alignment procedure of the plurality of image projection devices to calibrate and/or align the projected images. |
| US08233091B1 |
Positioning and time transfer using television synchronization signals
Methods having corresponding apparatus and computer-readable media comprise: receiving television signals and a message at an apparatus, wherein the television signals include an NTSC television signal and an ATSC television signal, wherein the message represents first and second arrival times representing absolute times of arrival at the apparatus of a first wavefront of the NTSC and ATSC television signals, respectively; measuring third and fourth arrival times, based on a local clock, after receiving the message, wherein the third and fourth arrival times represent times of arrival at the apparatus of a second wavefront of the NTSC and ATSC television signals, respectively; and providing a clock correction signal for the local clock based on the first arrival time, the second arrival time, the third arrival time, and the fourth arrival time. |
| US08233086B2 |
Process for digitizing video over analog component video cables
A method for efficient digital capturing of analog video signals of computer game consoles is provided. The video format of the signal is changed from 480p to 720p, without any scaling artifacts. The number of active horizontal resolution lines and active vertical resolution lines is reduced in the higher definition space, so that the output picture is a pixel-for-pixel transformed replica of the 480p image. |
| US08233085B1 |
Method and system for interpolating a pixel value of a pixel located at an on-screen display
A method for interpolating a pixel value of a pixel located at an OSD object during frame rate conversion includes determining current forward motion vectors between a first previous video frame and a current video frame, and at least one other set of forward motion vectors between two temporally consecutive previous video frames. The method also includes determining that a block adjoining a target block includes pixels depicting at least a portion of an OSD object. The method also includes determining that a position of the adjoining block relative to the target block coincides with a direction of a current forward motion vector associated with the target block, setting a magnitude of the current forward motion vector to zero (0), and calculating a pixel value of a pixel in the target block in the interpolated video frame based on the current forward motion vector associated with the target block. |
| US08233084B1 |
Method and system for detecting video field parity pattern of an interlaced video signal
Methods and systems are described for detecting a video field parity pattern in a video signal comprising a plurality of interlaced video fields, wherein each video field includes a plurality of pixels located in a plurality of positions in a plurality of scan lines. One method includes receiving pixel data of a plurality of current pixels in a current video field, and pixel data of a plurality of first pixels in a first previous video field, where the first previous video field immediately precedes the current video field and together form an image frame. The method continues by determining, for each of the plurality of current pixels in the current video field, a first and a second set of absolute differences between a current pixel in a current position in a current scan line and at least one first pixel in the current position in at least one vertically adjacent scan line relative to the current scan line, where the first and the second set of absolute differences is based on a first field parity pattern and a second field parity pattern, respectively. A first accumulated value based on a sum total of each of the first set of absolute differences and a second accumulated value based on a sum total of each of the second set of absolute differences are determined, and a correct field parity pattern of the current video field is determined based on the first accumulated value and the second accumulated value. |
| US08233075B2 |
User-aided auto-focus
Methods and systems for adjusting a video imaging system that includes an auto-focus mechanism wherein an input from a user of the video imaging system invokes an auto-focus procedure. Responsive to the input, the auto-focus mechanism is scanned over a range of focal distance from a first setting to a second setting indicated by the input. A sequence of images using the video imaging system is captured while scanning the auto-focus mechanism over the range. The images in the sequence are processed so as to compute a measure of focal quality with respect to each of the images. The measure of the focal quality is analyzed so as to select an optimal focal distance, and the auto-focus mechanism is set to the selected focal distance. |
| US08233074B2 |
Lens unit and imaging device
A lens unit having a first lens (2) whose optical surface on the imaging surface side is made of resin (32), a first lens holder (3) for holding the first lens (2), a second lens (6) placed to the imaging side of and spaced in the optical axis direction from the first lens (2), and a second lens holder (4) for holding the second lens (6). The first lens (2) and the second lens (6) are movable relative to each other. A second lens holder recess (8) which a resin projection (33) of the first lens (2) can enter and exit from is formed in the second lens holder (4). |
| US08233072B2 |
Electronic device, control method thereof, and recording medium
With regard to an electronic device including a display function in a rotatable housing, operations necessary for function calling and determining processes are facilitated. An electronic device (portable terminal apparatus) including a display function in a rotatable housing includes a displaying unit that displays a first screen (e.g., vertical screen) or a second screen (e.g., horizontal screen) in accordance with rotation, and a controlling unit (CPU) that launches a function by rotating the displaying unit and switching the first screen to the second screen and that determines an selected item from the switched second screen by rotating and returning the displaying unit from the second screen to the first screen. |
| US08233071B2 |
Image capturing apparatus comprising image sensor and plurality of pixels with simultaneous transfer of pixel electric charge from a first to an oppositely arranged second storage device
An object of the present invention is to eliminate the influences of the leakage etc. of charges from a photodiode to a storage part during the electronic shutter operation. To achieve this object, the present invention includes: a photodiode which generates and accumulates a signal charge according to the amount of light from an object; an amplification part which amplifies a signal charge outputted from the photodiode and outputs the amplified signal to the outside; a storage part which temporarily stores the signal charge; and a transfer device which transfers the signal outputted from the photo-electric conversion device to the storage part via the amplification part. |
| US08233069B2 |
Dithering techniques to reduce mismatch in multi-channel imaging systems
An embodiment of the present invention may be directed to a multi channel imaging system. The multi channel imaging system may include an input for a light signal and a plurality of channel circuits. Each of the channel circuits may have an analog signal processing chain converting some portion of the light signal into to a digital representation, the plurality of channel circuits may operate in parallel. The multi channel imaging system may further comprise at least one dither circuit coupled to a point in at least one of the analog signal processing chains to add dither. |
| US08233065B2 |
Charge detection device and charge detection method, solid-state imaging device and driving method thereof, and imaging device
A charge detection device includes: a substrate having a first conductive type of predetermined region; a second conductive type of drain region disposed in the predetermined region of the substrate; a second conductive type of source region disposed in the predetermined region of the substrate; a second conductive type of channel region disposed between the drain region and the source region; a gate formed via an insulating film on the channel region; a second conductive type of charge accumulation region disposed in the predetermined region of the substrate and changing a threshold voltage of a transistor having the drain region, the source region, and the gate by accumulating signal charges as a target to be measured; a first conductive type of channel barrier region disposed between the channel region and the charge accumulation region; and a charge sweep region sweeping away the signal charges accumulated in the charge accumulation region. |
| US08233063B2 |
Solid state image pick-up device for imaging an object placed thereon
The solid state image pick-up device comprises a chip wherein an object to be photographed is put directly on the back surface of the chip, a light incident on the object enters the inner portion of the chip, signal electric charges generated in the inner portion of the chip by the light, the signal electric charges are collected in a photo detective region and the photo detective region has a barrier diffusion layer adjacent thereto so as to collect the signal electric charges effectively. The above-mentioned structure of the solid state image pick-up device can provide superior features that the chip of the solid state image pick-up device is protected from the deterioration of elements included in the chip and the destruction of the elements by Electro Static Discharge, resulting in the reliability improvement of the chip. |
| US08233055B2 |
Image processing device and program
A chronological sequence of a plurality of images is obtained, and one of the plurality of images obtained is set as a reference image while remainders thereof are set as object images. A plurality of parameters for converting each of main subject portions of respective plurality of object images to be aligned so as to be superimposed on a main subject portion of the reference image are calculated. Images are combined such that the main subject portions are superimposed with alignment degrees of the parameters degrading as distance from a predetermined location increases. |
| US08233053B2 |
Imaging apparatus and image signal generating apparatus
Disclosed is an imaging apparatus including an imaging element photo-electrically converting light from a subject to generate an electric signal, an output unit generating an image signal based on the electric signal output from the imaging element, a timing generator generating a clock for image signal processing to drive the imaging element and the output unit based on a reference clock externally input, a control unit controlling the imaging element, the output unit, and the timing generator. The imaging apparatus further includes a phase delaying unit delaying a phase of the clock for the image signal processing output from the timing generator to supply the clock to the control unit. |
| US08233051B2 |
Method for testing camera function of electronic device
A method is provided for testing a camera function of an electronic device. The electronic device communicates with a testing device. The method comprises the following steps. Parameters are configured by a parameter module of the electronic device. A camera of the electronic device takes pictures according to the configured parameters. The pictures and the configured parameters are sent to the testing device by a sending module of the electronic device. The pictures and the configured parameters are received by a receiving module of the testing device. Parameters of the pictures are got by a judging module of the testing device, and the judging module judges whether the parameters are identical to the configured parameters. |
| US08233050B2 |
Multiple view infrared imaging system
An infrared imaging system used for providing images from a plurality of views. The multiple view infrared imaging system includes a plurality of lens and infrared focal plane array (FPA) pairings, wherein each pairing can be used to provide an image and/or sample scene data of a distinct view. A single set of processing circuitry and a single set of one or more output elements may be utilized to provide such images. A multi-input switch may be utilized in combination with the single set of processing circuitry and output elements to provide images from any of the lens and FPA pairings based on the positioning of the switch. |
| US08233048B2 |
Method for indexing a sports video program carried by a video stream
A method for indexing a sports video program carried by a video stream is disclosed. The method includes temporarily indexing a plurality of shots of the video stream by performing shot detection. In addition, the method further includes extracting a plurality of shots of the sports video program from at least one portion of the shots indexed during the shot detection at least according to low level visual features of the at least one portion, whereby the extracted shots are temporarily kept indexed. Additionally, the method further includes validating a plurality of shots by comparing one of the extracted shots with at least the others of the extracted shots, whereby the validated shots are kept indexed for use of playback of at least one portion of the sports video program. |
| US08233044B2 |
Method, device and computer program product for demultiplexing of video images
A method for demultiplexing time-division multiplexed digital video data which originates from multiple sources. The video data is not indexed nor identified to the sources. A first set of digital video data representative of a first image is identified as representative video data of the first source. A second set of digital video data representative of a current image is then retrieved. A difference ratio is calculated using the representative digital video data and the current set of digital video data. If the difference ratio is above a threshold, a display query is prompted to a user to indicate the source. If the response is indicative with a new source, the current set of digital video data is stored to a second memory location associated with the second source and identified as a representative of the second source. |
| US08233042B2 |
Preservation and/or degradation of a video/audio data stream
In one aspect, a method related to data management includes but is not limited to accepting input for a designation of a reference designator and a beginning demarcation designator and/or an ending demarcation designator in a video/audio data stream, wherein the beginning demarcation designator and/or the ending demarcation designator are defined relative to the reference designator; and accepting input for a retention at a first resolution of a first portion of the video/audio data stream, the first portion beginning substantially at the beginning demarcation designator and ending substantially at the ending demarcation designator. In addition, other method, system, and program product aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and/or text forming a part of the present application. |
| US08233036B2 |
Three-dimensional image display apparatus
A three-dimensional image display apparatus having improved resolution and an expanded elementary three-dimensional space is disclosed. The three-dimensional image display apparatus includes a display device sampling, multiplexing, and displaying a plurality of parallax images so as to implement a three-dimensional image; and a lenticular lens plate provided on the front surface of the display device and having a vertical axis tilted from a vertical axis of the display device by a predetermined angle α. The number of parallax images included in an elementary three-dimensional image of the three-dimensional image is a multiple of 5. |
| US08233026B2 |
Scalable video encoding in a multi-view camera system
The present invention employs scalable video coding (SVC) in a multi-view camera system, which is particularly suited for video conferencing. Multiple cameras are oriented to capture video content of different image areas and generate corresponding original video streams that provide video content of the image areas. An active one of the image areas may be identified at any time by analyzing the audio content originating from the different image areas and selecting the image area that is associated with the most dominant speech activity. |
| US08233024B2 |
Affecting calls to a person associated with a telecommunications terminal based on visual images and audio samples of the environment in the vicinity of the telecommunications terminal
A video camera and microphone associated with a telecommunications terminal are used to gather information about the environment in the vicinity of the telecommunications terminal. Such information includes, but is not limited to: (i) how many people are in the environment, (ii) which specific people are in the environment, (iii) if the environment is dark, (iv) if the environment is quiet, and (v) if the environment comprises human speech. When a specific person is associated with the telecommunications terminal and a request arrives to establish a telephone call with that person, then the information about the environment can be used to decide whether: (1) to transmit the call to the telecommunications terminal, or (2) forward the call away from the telecommunications terminal. |
| US08233019B2 |
Thermal head
To provide a thermal head which provides an excellent adhesion between the common electrode and the heat element, and in which the content of Pb is sufficiently reduced. A thermal head 5, comprising a substrate 7, a glaze layer 3 provided on the substrate 7, a common electrode 4 provided on the glaze layer 3, a heat element 1 provided on the common electrode 4 and the glaze layer 3, and lead electrodes 2a and 2b provided on the heat element 1, wherein the common electrode 4 includes an electrically conductive material composed of metal and a glass frit, and the glass frit contains 15 to 35% by mass of ZnO, 14 to 34% by mass of SiO2, 2 to 25% by mass of Al2O3, 2 to 15% by mass of TiO2, 5 to 25% by mass of CaO, and 7 to 27% by mass of BaO. |
| US08233017B2 |
Digital electrostatic latent image generating member
Provided are electrostatic latent image generators, printing apparatuses including the electrostatic latent image generators, and methods of forming an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image generator can include a substrate and an array of pixels disposed over the substrate, wherein each pixel of the array of pixels can include a layer of one or more nano-carbon materials, and wherein each pixel of the array of pixels is electrically isolated and is individually addressable. The electrostatic latent image generator can also include a charge transport layer disposed over the array of pixels, wherein the charge transport layer can include a surface disposed opposite to the array of pixels, and wherein the charge transport layer is configured to transport holes provided by the one or more pixels to the surface. |
| US08233014B2 |
Color sequential display and power saving method thereof
For further reducing power consumption of a color sequential display, a frame rate or a field rate is reduced according to conditions, which include whether a received frame is dynamic or static and whether a backlight mode is activated, for reducing power consumption. Besides, images may be outputted in forms of color images or of grey levels selectively so as to reduce an amount of processed data and related data transmission. |
| US08233012B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program
An image processing apparatus displaying an image on a display screen having a predetermined image size includes an image scaling unit scaling image information on a main image layer in a first memory area in accordance with the image size of the display screen; an on-screen display enlarging unit enlarging image information on an on-screen display layer read out from a second memory area so as to be fitted in the image size of the display screen; and a mixing unit mixing the enlarged image information on the on-screen display layer with the enlarged or reduced image information on the main image layer. The on-screen display enlarging unit includes first and second on-screen display partial enlargement units that enlarge the image information in an area without the display information on the on-screen display layer and in an area with the display information thereon, respectively. |
| US08233011B2 |
Head mounted display and control method therefor
A viewpoint information calculation unit (710) calculates a difference value (α) between reference position and orientation information and position and orientation information held by a camera viewpoint storage unit (207), and a difference value (β) between the reference position and orientation information and position and orientation information held by a CG viewpoint storage unit (208). If |α|≧|β|, a physical space image is shifted by a shift amount calculated in accordance with the resolution of a display unit (213), a difference amount, and the angle of view of a camera (203), and is composited with a virtual space image. If |α|<|β|, the virtual space image is shifted by the shift amount, and is composited with the physical space image. |
| US08233010B2 |
Display interface and display method for on screen display
A display interface for on screen display is disclosed. The display interface comprises a pattern and a layer with black and transparent background. When an on screen display (OSD) is activated, the pattern corresponding to the OSD is displayed, the black and transparent background is rendered, and radiative transition effect is implemented to the pattern. |
| US08233009B2 |
Rollback in a browser
Methods, apparatus, computer program products and systems are provided for editing an image. One method includes editing, by a processor, an image including maintaining a list of transformations applied to the image including a last transformation; receiving a selection from a user to rollback a transformation, the selection not including the last transformation, where receiving a selection includes receiving a selection from the list of transformations that include plural selections that are not contiguous in an order in which the transformations were applied; generating, by the processor, a unique identifier associated with the edited image without the selection, the unique identifier including data identifying the image and all transformations to be applied to the image; and after receiving a request for an edited image, the request including the unique identifier, transmitting the edited image to a requesting device. |
| US08233005B2 |
Object size modifications based on avatar distance
A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for modifying objects. In one embodiment, tracking data is obtained which identifies a location of a set of avatars in relation to a range of the object. The range of the object includes a viewable field. In response to determining that the object requires modification, a size of the object is compared with a set of size constraints to form a comparison. Thereafter, the size of the object is modified based on the comparison to form a set of size modifications. |
| US08232999B2 |
Fast oceans at near infinite resolution
The surface of a body of water can be animated by deconstructing a master wave model into several layer models and then reconstructing the layer models to form an optimized wave model. A wave model is obtained, which describes the wave surfaces in a body of water. The wave model is comprised of a range of wave model frequencies over a given area. A primary layer model, secondary and tertiary layer models are constructed based on portions of the wave model frequencies. An optimized wave model is constructed by combining the primary, secondary, and tertiary layer models. A wave surface point location is determined within the given area. A wave height value is computed for the wave surface point location using the optimized wave model. The wave height value that is associated with the surface point location is stored. |
| US08232998B2 |
Methods and apparatus for estimating and controlling behavior of animatronics units
A method for determining behavior of an animatronics unit includes receiving animation data comprising artistically determined motions for at least a portion of an animated character, determining a plurality of control signals to be applied to at least the portion of the animatronics unit in response to the animation data, estimating the behavior of at least the portion of the animatronics unit in response to the plurality of control signals by driving a software simulation of at least the portion of the animatronics unit with the plurality of control signals, and outputting a representation of the behavior of at least the portion of the animatronics unit to a user. |
| US08232997B2 |
System and method for providing a dynamic expanded timeline
Generating a child timeline on a drawing sheet of a diagramming program such that the child timeline is dynamically linked to a parent timeline. An automated method allows for the automatic placing of information on the child timeline that was on the parent timeline when the child timeline is created. Parent and child timelines can be modified and a child timeline can be automatically updated when changes are made to the parent timeline and these changes affect the time interval corresponding to the child timeline. |
| US08232996B2 |
Image learning, automatic annotation, retrieval method, and device
A first image having annotations is segmented into one or more image regions. Image feature vectors and text feature vectors are extracted from all the image regions to obtain an image feature matrix and a text feature matrix. The image feature matrix and the text feature matrix are projected into a sub-space to obtain the projected image feature matrix and the text feature matrix. The projected image feature matrix and the text feature matrix are stored. First links between the image regions, second links between the first image and the image regions, third links between the first image and the annotations, and fourth links between the annotations are established. Weights of all the links are calculated. A graph showing a triangular relationship between the first image, image regions, and annotations is obtained based on all the links and the weights of the links. |
| US08232991B1 |
Z-test result reconciliation with multiple partitions
The current invention involves new systems and methods for computing per-sample post-z test coverage when the memory is organized in multiple partitions that may not match the number of shaders. Shaded pixels output by the shaders can be processed by one of several z raster operations units. The shading processing capability can be configured independent of the number of memory partitions and number of z raster operations units. The current invention also involves new systems and method for using different z test modes with multiple render targets with a single or multiple memory partitions. Rendering performance may be improved by using an early z testing mode is used to eliminate non-visible samples prior to shading. |
| US08232989B2 |
Method and apparatus for enhancing control of an avatar in a three dimensional computer-generated virtual environment
A method and apparatus for enhancing control of an Avatar in a three dimensional computer-generated virtual environment is provided. In one embodiment, a user can control one or more controllable aspects of an Avatar directly via interacting with a touch sensitive user input device such as a touchpad or touch sensitive screen. Interaction with the touch sensitive user input device enables more precise control and more direct control to be implemented over the action of the Avatar in the virtual environment. Multiple aspects of the Avatar may be controlled, such as the Avatar's forward motion, orientation, arm movements, and grasping of objects. |
| US08232982B2 |
Driving method of an electric circuit
A variation in threshold may be suppressed by structuring an analog switch by a MOS transistor and forming a signal synchronized to a clock by making the clock which is a common signal in continuity or discontinuity. An object of the present invention is to reduce the variation in the signal synchronized to the clock by the variation in threshold of the MOS transistor in a circuit which is synchronized to the clock. |
| US08232978B2 |
Optical reflected touch panel and pixels and system thereof
An optical reflective touch panel and pixels and a system thereof are provided. Each pixel of the optical reflective touch panel includes a display circuit and a sensing circuit. The display circuit controls the display of the pixel. The sensing circuit is coupled to the display circuit for sensing a sensitization state of the pixel during a turned-on period and a turned-off period of a backlight module and outputting a digital signal to notify an optical reflective touch panel system that whether the pixel is touched or not. |
| US08232976B2 |
Physically reconfigurable input and output systems and methods
Systems and methods for altering the shape of a reconfigurable surface area are presented. The present systems and methods facilitate efficient and effective interaction with a device or system. In one embodiment, a surface reconfiguration system includes a flexible surface; an elevation unit that creates alterations in the contours of the surface; and an elevation control component that controls adjustments to the elevation unit. Thus, the surface of the device is reconfigurable based on system, application, mode, and/or user needs. Accordingly, the surface can be used to provide input and output functionality. The surface can include touch detection functionality for added input functionality. |
| US08232975B2 |
Touch panel
A touch panel including at least a first sensing string and at least a second sensing string is provided. The first sensing string arranged in a first direction includes first sensing pads electrically connecting with each other and at least a first connecting pattern. The first connecting patterns are located between two adjacent first sensing pads. The second sensing string does not contact the first sensing string and is arranged in a second direction which crosses with the first direction. The second sensing string includes second sensing pads and at least a second connecting pattern. The second sensing pads electrically connected with one another are located among the first sensing pads. The second connecting pattern is located between two adjacent second sensing pads. Resistivities of the first connecting pattern and the second connecting pattern are lower than those of the first sensing pad and the second sensing pad respectively. |
| US08232951B2 |
Dynamic image control device using coincident blank insertion signals
An image control device has display signals and blank insertion (BI) signals. Polarities of the display signals and those of the BI signals are coincident. Thus, BI signals are displayed in a way of 1+2 line inversion and differences of response times are eliminated to avoid affecting MPRT. |
| US08232950B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of driving the same capable of increasing display quality by preventing polarity lean of data
A liquid crystal display and a method of driving the same are disclosed. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel including data lines and gate lines crossing each other, and liquid crystal cells arranged in a matrix forma, a horizontal polarity controller that compares digital video data with a critical value and inverts a logic state of a horizontal polarity conversion signal when polarities of the digital video data lean based on the comparative result, a data drive circuit that converts the digital video data into positive and negative data voltages and controls horizontal polarity inversion periods of the data voltages in response to the horizontal polarity conversion signal, and a gate drive circuit that supplies scan signals to the gate lines. |
| US08232949B2 |
Liquid crystal display device, driving control circuit and driving method used in same
A liquid crystal display device is provided which is capable of improving quality of moving images. A field dividing driving operation is performed in which an odd field during which each of scanning electrodes in odd-numbered rows is sequentially driven and an even field during which each of scanning electrodes in even-numbered rows is sequentially driven occur, alternately and repeatedly, with time width of a refresh rate. In the former half of the odd field, display data is written in each of pixel regions corresponding to scanning electrodes in odd-numbered rows and, in the latter half of the odd field, black data is written in each of the pixel regions corresponding to scanning electrodes in the odd-numbered rows. In the former half of the even field, display data is written in each of pixel regions corresponding to scanning electrodes in the even-numbered rows and, in the latter half of the even field, black data is written in each of pixel regions corresponding to scanning electrodes in the even-numbered rows. |
| US08232948B2 |
Multilevel voltage driving device
Provided is a multilevel voltage driving device and system. The multilevel voltage driving device comprises a level converter, which is provided with an AC signal input terminal for inputting an AC signal, a high level output terminal for outputting a high level, and an intermediate level output terminal for outputting an intermediate level; and a switch selector, which is connected with the high level output terminal and the intermediate level output terminal, and which is provided with a control signal input terminal, for inputting a control signal to alternately select the high level and intermediate level, and an output terminal for outputting the selected level. |
| US08232946B2 |
Liquid crystal display and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display and a driving method thereof having a plurality of common electrodes to which a common voltage is independently applied, and divided into more than two portions to change a potential of a common voltage into divided common electrode units, and reducing amplitude of a scanning pulse to prevent a deterioration of a display quality by a feed through voltage. |
| US08232945B2 |
Gamma voltage generator and control method thereof and liquid crystal display device utilizing the same
A gamma voltage generator can control brightness of a first color pixel unit and a second color pixel unit. A first potential divider is coupled between a first node and a second node for generating a first main gamma voltage. At least one second potential divider is coupled between the second node and a third node for generating a first sub-gamma voltage and a second sub-gamma voltage. The brightness of the first color pixel unit is controlled by the first main gamma voltage and the first sub-gamma voltage. The brightness of the second color pixel unit is controlled by the first main gamma voltage and the second sub-gamma voltage. |
| US08232944B2 |
Display device
The deterioration (darkness) of image quality due to a reduction in the brightness of a single color as a result of the conversion from RGB pixels to RGBW pixels is prevented and a reduction in the power is achieved.A processing portion for conversion from RGB to RGBW 106 is formed of a W generating circuit 201, which is the same as in the prior art, a sub-pixel rendering circuit 202, a W intensity calculating portion 203 which transmits a W intensity setting value 205 to a W generating circuit 201, and a low power backlight control circuit 204 which expands data on the basis of the RGBW pixels generated by the sub-pixel rendering portion 202 and lowers the backlight in accordance with the amount by which the data is expanded. The inputted RGB data is used as the RGBW data with the W intensity calculated by the W intensity calculating portion 203. A backlight control signal is generated in accordance with the amount of data expansion in the sub-pixel rendering portion 202. |
| US08232943B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes pixel cells that can be dot-inverted by a row-inversion driving scheme. According to an embodiment of the invention, a liquid crystal display device includes a first data line, a second data line, a first gate line, a second gate line, a third gate line, at least three of the sub-pixels arranged immediately adjacent along one of the data lines and corresponding to different colors to form a pixel, and a driving integrated circuit for sequentially driving the first, second and third gate lines in a horizontal period. During the horizontal period, a first signal supplied to a first sub-pixel of the pixel has a polarity opposite from a second signal supplied to a second sub-pixel of the pixel and the same as a third signal supplied to a third sub-pixel of the pixel. |
| US08232936B2 |
Electronic circuit, method of driving the same, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
To reduce time for writing a target voltage in the gate of a driving transistor. In a first period, a transistor 211 is switched on to allow a driving transistor 210 to function as a diode and transistors 212 and 213 are switched on to electrically connect the drain of the driving transistor 210 to a data line 112, to which an initial voltage is applied, such that the initial voltage is applied to the gate of the driving transistor 210. In a second period, a transistor 212 is switched off such that the gate of the driving transistor 210 is maintained to have an off voltage corresponding to the power source. In a third period, the transistor 211 is switched off such that the voltage of the data line 112 is converted into a grayscale voltage to maintain the gate of the driving transistor at the target voltage. In a fourth period, the driving transistor 210 flows the current corresponding to the maintained gate voltage to an OLED element 230. |
| US08232934B2 |
Display module
A display module to prevent the leakage current generated between a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer that constitute a pixel via an organic light emitting layer and obtains uniform luminance. An interlayer insulation layer is provided between an edge of a first electrode layer and an organic light emitting layer that constitute the pixel and the distance between the edge and a second electrode layer is secured sufficiently. Further, the interlayer insulation layer ILI is coated with a resin material having fluidity, and flatness is improved as a whole. An aperture that accommodates the organic light emitting layer is formed in this interlayer insulation layer and the coated organic light emitting layer is formed in uniform thickness and through a necessary and sufficient spread. |
| US08232931B2 |
Auto-calibrating gamma correction circuit for AMOLED pixel display driver
A drive circuit is provided for an OLED in a pixel array. The circuit includes input voltage signal receiving means. Output voltage signal generating means are operably connected to the pixel diode. Means are provided for processing the input voltage signal to replicate the inverse IV characteristic of the pixel diode, to form the output voltage signal. |
| US08232929B2 |
Microwave antenna for wireless networking of devices in automation technology
A microwave antenna for wireless interconnection of automation devices has a first printed circuit board, on which a first conductor loop is arranged as a printed conductor track. A second printed circuit board having a second conductor loop in the form of a printed conductor track is arranged transversely with respect to the first printed circuit board. The second printed circuit board is attached to the first printed circuit board. The conductor loops are connected to a common feed connection. A bypass line connects one end of each the first and the second conductor loops. |
| US08232924B2 |
Broadband patch antenna and antenna system
A patch antenna includes a ground plane on a surface of a substrate. Patch radiators are formed on another surface of the substrate. Each patch radiator includes tuning slots extending from an edge of the patch radiator toward an interior section such that the slot is separate from a feed point of the patch radiator. In some embodiments, the patch antenna includes a first feed-through conductor disposed through the ground plane and substrate and coupled to the patch radiator. In some embodiments the patch antenna with the first feed-through conductor is a razor patch antenna. An antenna system includes a patch antenna and a transceiver board, which includes a substrate and a ground plane on the substrate. A second feed-through conductor runs through the ground plane and transceiver substrate to connect to a transceiver device. The transceiver board and patch antenna are abutted such that the first and second feed-through conductors connect. |
| US08232922B2 |
Ultra wide band antenna with a spline curve radiating element
The present application relates to microstrip-fed printed planar antennas and in particular to the geometry of same. More particularly an antenna is provided with a radiating or ground plane element having a generally continuous curved shape and being symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and non-symmetrical about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis. |
| US08232920B2 |
Integrated millimeter wave antenna and transceiver on a substrate
A semiconductor chip integrating a transceiver, an antenna, and a receiver is provided. The transceiver is located on a front side of a semiconductor substrate. A through substrate via provides electrical connection between the transceiver and the receiver located on a backside of the semiconductor substrate. The antenna connected to the transceiver is located in a dielectric layer located on the front side of the substrate. The separation between the reflector plate and the antenna is about the quarter wavelength of millimeter waves, which enhances radiation efficiency of the antenna. An array of through substrate dielectric vias may be employed to reduce the effective dielectric constant of the material between the antenna and the reflector plate, thereby reducing the wavelength of the millimeter wave and enhance the radiation efficiency. A design structure for designing, manufacturing, or testing a design for such a semiconductor chip is also provided. |
| US08232919B2 |
Integrated circuit MEMs antenna structure
An integrated circuit (IC) antenna structure includes a micro-electromechanical (MEM) area, a feed point, and a transmission line. The micro-electromechanical (MEM) area includes a three-dimensional shape, wherein the three dimensional-shape provides an antenna structure. The feed point is coupled to provide an outbound radio frequency (RF) signal to the antenna structure for transmission and to receive an inbound RF signal from the antenna structure. The transmission line electrically coupled to the feed point. |
| US08232909B2 |
Doppler radar motion detector for an outdoor light fixture
A motion detector system includes the ability to detect motion through the use of a Doppler radar sensor or a combination of PIR sensors and a Doppler radar sensor. The system includes an outdoor light fixture having one or more lamps and a housing coupled to the outdoor light fixture. The housing includes a Doppler radar sensor and a microprocessor for analyzing the signals received by the Doppler radar sensor. Alternatively, the housing includes a combination of PIR sensors and a Doppler radar sensor and a microprocessor for analyzing the signals received from these sensors. The lamps in the light fixture are activated when either the PIR sensor or the Doppler radar sensor generates a signal indicating motion within the monitored area. Alternatively, the lamps can be activated when either the PIR sensor or the Doppler radar sensor senses predetermined number of motion activities over a limited time period. |
| US08232901B2 |
Determining an alternative character string
Method and apparatus for determining an alternative character string, in response to an invalid character string being received by a consumer application, wherein the invalid character string is derived from the selection of a series of keyboard keys in combination with a modifier key and wherein each key is associated with at least one glyph. An embodiment includes: a converter component for converting each glyph of the invalid character string into a first format; a converter component for parsing each of the converted first formats into a second format; an alternatives engine for determining from each of the second formats a third format which can be derived from a combination of a selection of the key and an alternative modifier key; and a converter component for converting each of the determined third formats into their associated glyphs for compiling into a list of alternative character strings. |
| US08232899B2 |
Notification systems and methods enabling selection of arrival or departure times of tracked mobile things in relation to locations
Systems and methods are disclosed for automated notification systems. A representative method, among others, can be summarized as follows: engaging in a communication session with a personal communications device, based upon impending arrival or departure of one or more mobile things in relation to a location; during the communication session, providing a plurality of arrival or departure times in relation to a location and enabling selection of one of the times; and causing a mobile thing to arrive at or depart from the location at substantially the selected time. A representative system, among others, is a computer system that has been programmed to perform the foregoing steps. |
| US08232897B2 |
Vehicle locator key fob with range and bearing measurement
An apparatus and method of determining bearing and distance measurements between a mobile device and an object using Rf based measurements. The mobile device communicates with a control in the object to determine the relative bearing between the mobile device and the object with respect to magnetic north and, optionally, the distance between the mobile device and the object. An indicator on the mobile device aid in directing s the user of the mobile device toward the object as the mobile device is moved relative to the object. The mobile device can be a key fob and the object can be a vehicle. |
| US08232892B2 |
Method and system for operating a well service rig
A system for automating service operations at a well includes a service rig having at least one input device, an engine connected to an engine electronic control unit having a engine controller area network, a plurality of crown sheeves, a cable, an output device, a communication infrastructure, and at least one of a computer and an operator station; at least one remote server in electronic communication with the communication infrastructure; and a web portal in electronic communication with the at least one remote server. |
| US08232891B2 |
Indicator light
An indicator light includes a first ring shaped light and a second ring shaped light. The first ring shaped light is divided into two first curved lights. One of the first curved lights is configured to indicate a system status of an electronic device. The other one of the first curved lights is configured to indicate a connection status of a network of the electronic device. The second ring shaped light is configured to indicate a working status of at least one data storage device of the electronic device. |
| US08232883B2 |
Optical proximity sensor with improved shield and lenses
Various embodiments of an optical sensor comprising a novel shield that may be quickly and accurately aligned and positioned with respect to an underlying light emitting and light detecting assembly are disclosed. Also disclosed are novel lens arrangements for efficiently collimating light emitted and received by the optical proximity sensor, and for reducing crosstalk. |
| US08232882B2 |
Photodetector used to control near field communication
A communication apparatus includes: an antenna; a first communication means that performs near field communication with a non-contact card via the antenna; a photodetecting means that is provided near the antenna and detects an amount of incoming light; and a near field communication control means that activates the first communication means when the amount of incoming light becomes less than a predetermined threshold value, the communication apparatus being driven by a battery. |
| US08232877B2 |
Navigation system with context boundary monitoring mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a navigation system includes: receiving a context boundary; receiving a boundary criteria for the context boundary; identifying a personal physical characteristic for monitoring a monitored person; detecting a personal noncompliance to the boundary criteria based on a discrepancy of the personal physical characteristic; and generating an alert based on the personal noncompliance for displaying on a device. |
| US08232876B2 |
System and method for monitoring individuals using a beacon and intelligent remote tracking device
A system for monitoring an individual is described where the system includes a fixed beacon at a known location, the fixed beacon periodically emitting a signal indicating the identity of the beacon, a remote tracking device securely affixed to the individual, the remote tracking device including a short range transceiver, a long range transceiver, and a rule set establishing operating parameters for the remote tracking device, wherein the short range transceiver is operable to receive the signal from the beacon and to use the signal to determine compliance with one or more rules in the rule set, and a monitoring center monitoring the status of the remote tracking device using data sent by the remote tracking device using the long range transceiver. The beacon includes a transmitter for transmitting a short range signal, a movement detector operable to indicate when the beacon has been moved, an internal power supply for the beacon, and a processor connected to the transmitter and movement detector, the processor operable to maintain a log of the movement of the beacon and to cause the transmitter to periodically transmit the signal, wherein the signal includes a identification number for the beacon, a status for the internal power supply; and information related to the movement log. |
| US08232872B2 |
Cross traffic collision alert system
A cross traffic collision alert system is provided that includes an image-based detection device for capturing motion data of objects in a region of a direction of travel. A motion analysis module monitors the captured motion data. A salient region detection module identifies regions of interest within the captured motion data. A predictive object detection module is responsive to the outputs of the motion analysis module and the salient region detection module for generating at least one object candidate. Non-imaging object detection sensors sense a region for detecting the at least one object candidate. An object tracking module tracks the at least one object candidate and fuses the at least one object candidate transitioning between the regions. A threat assessment module determines a threat assessment of a potential collision between a tracked object candidate and the driven vehicle and determines whether a warning should be provided. |
| US08232870B2 |
Vehicle control apparatus and vehicle having the same
A vehicle control apparatus that informs that a smart key has been dropped at a location as proximate to a location of the dropping the smart key as possible while minimizing consumption of a battery of the smart key. A transmitting/receiving circuit transmits to the smart key a code request signal for confirming whether the smart key is disposed within a predetermined range of a motorcycle by a predetermined transmission period, and receive a code signal transmitted from the smart key receiving the code request signal. A code checking portion checks a code of a code signal received by the transmitting/receiving circuit. A control portion changes a period of transmitting the code request signal in accordance with a situation of running the motorcycle to detect dropping of the smart key. |
| US08232868B2 |
Method and system for networking radio tags in a radio frequency identification system
A radio frequency tag for a radio frequency identification system is provided that includes an antenna and a receiver coupled to the antenna. The receiver receives and demodulates a message received on at least one frequency. A retransmit controller receives the message, determines a retransmit status for the message, and if the retransmit status is positive, initiates retransmission of the message for reception by another radio tag. |
| US08232865B2 |
Wireless communication devices
A method and apparatus for wirelessly performing identification. A wireless communications apparatus comprising a cellular receiver communicatively coupled to the processing unit and a first antenna and configured to perform wireless communications via the antenna using a first protocol. The wireless apparatus further contains a short range wireless communications module coupled to a second antenna and configured to perform wireless communications via the second antenna by modulating a radio frequency field using a second protocol, the second protocol being different than the first protocol. In accordance with the second protocol the short-range wireless communications apparatus uses a random number as an identifier of the short-range wireless communications apparatus. The wireless device employs a location determining unit and a communication port configured to provide a control signal to a second device via a wired connection. |
| US08232860B2 |
RFID reader for facility access control and authorization
An access control system (1) for a secure facility includes an authorization system having an interface, in the form of an interrogator (7), for receiving the request signal indicative of a user seeking authorization for a predetermined action, where that action is to unlock a door that presently blocks a doorway. If that action occurs, the user will be able to progress through the doorway. A processor (8) is responsive to the request signal for determining if the access is to be granted to that user at that particular time. If access is to be granted, processor (8) generates the secure signal. An operating device, which is collectively defined by ports (13), processor (14) and locking device (15), is physically spaced apart from processor (7) and responsive to the secure signal for initiating the action. That is, the action is to progress the locking device to the second configuration. This, in turn, will allow the user to subsequently gain access through the doorway. The action of progressing the locking device to the second configuration is initiated ultimately by device (15)—after processor (14) provides the required signals via one of ports (13)—to allow the user to then physically progress through the doorway. |
| US08232858B1 |
Microelectromechanical (MEM) thermal actuator
Microelectromechanical (MEM) buckling beam thermal actuators are disclosed wherein the buckling direction of a beam is constrained to a desired direction of actuation, which can be in-plane or out-of-plane with respect to a support substrate. The actuators comprise as-fabricated, linear beams of uniform cross section supported above the substrate by supports which rigidly attach a beam to the substrate. The beams can be heated by methods including the passage of an electrical current through them. The buckling direction of an initially straight beam upon heating and expansion is controlled by incorporating one or more directional constraints attached to the substrate and proximal to the mid-point of the beam. In the event that the beam initially buckles in an undesired direction, deformation of the beam induced by contact with a directional constraint generates an opposing force to re-direct the buckling beam into the desired direction. The displacement and force generated by the movement of the buckling beam can be harnessed to perform useful work, such as closing contacts in an electrical switch. |
| US08232853B2 |
Transmission line with left-hand characteristics including a spiral inductive element
The present invention relates to a transmission line in which a physical value of an inductive element can be changed in various ways while minimizing a size. The transmission line of the present invention includes a transmission unit, a ground unit and inductive elements. The inductive element connects the transmission unit and the ground unit, and has a predetermined pattern. The inductive element is provided between two surfaces of a substrate. According to the present invention, a physical value of the inductive element, in particular, an inductance value can be changed in various ways while not increasing an overall size. Accordingly, a transmission line can be designed freely according to its application. |
| US08232851B2 |
On-chip millimeter wave lange coupler
A Lange coupler having a first plurality of lines on a first level and a second plurality of lines on a second level. At least one line on the first level is cross-coupled to a respective line on the second level via electromagnetic waves traveling through the first and second plurality of lines. The first and second plurality of lines may be made of metal, and the first level may be higher than the second level. A substrate may be provided into which the first and second plurality of lines are etched so as to define an on-chip Lange coupler. |
| US08232850B2 |
Method and system for flip chip configurable RF front end with an off-chip balun
Methods and systems for a flip chip configurable RF front end with an off-chip balun may include bonding a balun package to a single integrated circuit (IC) comprising an integrated transmitter and a receiver. The balun package may comprise one or more layers and may be electrically coupled to the IC. The balun package may comprise various devices such as, for example, inductors, capacitors, resistors, and/or switches, which may be on an exterior surface and/or inner layers of the balun package. Accordingly, the balun package and/or the IC may be configured for receiving RF signals and/or transmitting RF signals. The balun package and/or the IC may also be configured for single-ended RF input, single-ended RF output, differential RF input, and/or differential RF output. An off-chip amplifier may be used to amplify signals on the single transmit line in the single-ended RF output mode of operation. |
| US08232848B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
Disclosed is a semiconductor integrated circuit device that includes a ring oscillator circuit, performs a proper oscillation operation, and expands the range of oscillation frequency variation. The ring oscillator circuit includes, for instance, plural differential amplifier circuits. MOS transistors are respectively added to input nodes of a differential pair of the differential amplifier circuits. Further, gate control circuits are incorporated to control the gates of the MOS transistors, respectively. The gate control circuits cause the MOS transistors to function as an amplitude limiter circuit in mode 3, exercise control to turn off the amplitude limiter circuit in mode 2, and use the amplitude limiter circuit to start oscillation in mode 1. |
| US08232845B2 |
Packaged device with acoustic resonator and electronic circuitry and method of making the same
A device includes: a base substrate having a bonding pad and a peripheral pad, the peripheral pad encompassing the bonding pad; an acoustic resonator on the base substrate; a cap substrate having a bonding pad seal and a peripheral pad seal, the bonding pad seal bonding around the perimeter of the bonding pad and the peripheral pad seal bonding with the peripheral pad to define a hermetically sealed volume between the cap substrate and the base substrate, the cap substrate having a through hole therein over the bonding pad providing access for a connection to the bonding pad; a low-resistivity material layer region disposed on a portion of a surface of the cap substrate disposed inside the hermetically sealed volume, the material layer region being isolated from the bonding pad seal; and electronic circuitry disposed in the material layer region and electrical connected with the acoustic resonator. |
| US08232843B2 |
Matrix structure oscillator
An oscillator having a plurality of operatively coupled ring oscillators arranged in hyper-matrix architecture. The operatively coupled ring oscillators are either identical or non-identical and are coupled through a common inverter or tail current transistors. Due to the arrangement of the ring oscillators in a hyper-matrix structure, the ring oscillators are synchronized and resist any variation in frequency or phase thereby maintaining a consistent phase noise performance |
| US08232833B2 |
Charge pump systems and methods
Digital multilevel memory systems and methods include a charge pump for generating regulated high voltages for various memory operations. The charge pump may include a plurality of pump stages. Aspects of exemplary systems may include charge pumps that performs orderly charging and discharging at low voltage operation conditions. Additional aspects may include features that enable state by state pumping, for example, circuitry that avoids cascaded short circuits among pump stages. Each pump stage may also include circuitry that discharges its nodes, such as via self-discharge through associated pump interconnection(s). Further aspects may also include features that: assist power-up in the various pump stages, double voltage, shift high voltage levels, provide anti-parallel circuit configurations, and/or enable buffering or precharging features, such as self-buffering and self-precharging circuitry. |
| US08232829B2 |
Active rectifier
In accordance with the present invention, the active rectifier is a circuit which directly takes the place of a passive rectifier by using a switching module (or simply a device in cases where a single device is used) controlled by a sensing circuit. Where passive devices have a single knee value determined by the physical properties of the semi-conductive material being used, the active circuit can be designed to a range of knee voltages and other performance criterion. Additional flexibility is available to the designer through the active rectifiers ability to allow for manipulation of the curve of response from the circuit in the knee region. Flexibility both in production, in designs, and in characteristics make the active rectifier highly valuable for engineering firms designing larger electronic circuits. |
| US08232826B1 |
Techniques for multiplexing delayed signals
A circuit with N primary outputs and a delay chain with M selection multiplexers. M can be less than N, and M is based on the number of primary outputs that simultaneously require a delayed signal from the delay chain. The N primary outputs may include core outputs and/or registers. Each of the M selection multiplexers feed directly or indirectly a subset of the N primary outputs. |
| US08232824B2 |
Clock circuit and method for pulsed latch circuits
Circuits and methods for providing a pulsed clock signal for use with pulsed latch circuits are described. A variable pulse generator is coupled to form a pulsed clock output responsive to a control signal and a clock input signal. A feedback loop is provided with a pulse monitor and a pulse control circuit. Samples of the pulsed clock signal are taken by the pulse monitor and an output is formed in the form of a pattern. The pulse control circuit receives the output of the monitor and determines whether it matches a predetermined pattern. Adjustments are made to the control signal to adaptively adjust the pulsed clock signal. The feedback loop may operate continuously. In alternative embodiments the feedback loop may be powered down. Methods for adaptively controlling a pulsed clock signal are disclosed. |
| US08232823B1 |
Frequency control clock tuning circuitry
Circuits and a method for tuning an integrated circuit (IC) are disclosed. The IC includes multiple programmable fuses coupled to a control block. The programmable fuses used may be one-time programmable (OTP) fuses. The control block reads settings or data stored in the programmable fuses. A tuning circuit coupled to the control block receives the delay transmitted by the control block. The tuning circuit allows tuning of the IC without changes to the fabrication mask. The tuning circuit may include delay chains to provide additional delay to the IC when needed and the delay in the tuning circuit is configured based on the delay value stored in the programmable fuses and transmitted by the control block. |
| US08232820B2 |
Method and SOC for implementing time division multiplex of pin
A method for using pins in different mode during different time is provided. The method is able to make at least one pin of a SOC be used in a first interface mode or a second interface mode during different time; wherein the SOC comprises a first interface circuit, a first pin, a second interface circuit, and a second pin; the first interface circuit comprises a first bidirectional PAD unit, a first signal interface unit of the first interface mode and a interface unit of the second interface mode; the second interface circuit comprises a second bidirectional PAD unit, a second signal interface unit of the first interface mode. The method comprises: selecting the output of the first signal interface unit or the output of the interface unit of the second interface mode to be connected with the first pin through the first bidirectional PAD unit during different time. |
| US08232815B2 |
Plunger for holding and moving electronic components in particular ICS
A plunger for holding and moving electrical components in particular IC's to and from a contacting device connected to a test bed, comprises a head piece with a fluid distribution chamber through which temperature-controlled fluid flows. A suction head is arranged such that the temperature-controlled fluid flows around the suction head and is diverted along the suction head to the component. |
| US08232812B2 |
Corrosion testing method
The present invention discloses a process for determining which material within a vicinity of an electrically conducting material is causing corrosion of the electrically conducting material. The process includes providing a piece of electrically conducting material, a piece of potentially corrosive material that is present in the vicinity of the electrically conducting material, an electrical resistance measuring device and a testing chamber. Thereafter, the piece of electrically conducting material and the piece of potentially corrosive material are placed within the testing chamber and the electrical resisting measuring device monitors the electrical resistance of the piece of electrically conducting material as a function of time. |
| US08232810B2 |
Extended proximity sensor device with electrostatic discharge protection
An input device is provided with improved electrostatic discharge protection. Specifically, the input device includes a plurality of capacitive sensing electrodes configured for object detection. An electrostatic discharge (ESD) shunt is disposed near the capacitive sensing electrodes and configured to provide ESD protection to the capacitive sensing electrodes. The input device also includes an extended-proximity capacitive sensing electrode configured to for object detection of relatively distant objects. The ESD shunt has an associated first resistance, and the extended-proximity capacitive sensing electrode has an associated second resistance. The second resistance is greater than the first resistance such that an electrostatic discharge at a first exposed location would be attracted to the ESD shunt via a first potential discharge path instead of being attracted to the extended-proximity capacitive sensing electrode via a second potential discharge path, where the first discharge path is longer than the second discharge path. |
| US08232809B2 |
Determining critical current density for interconnect
Solutions for determining a critical current density of a line are disclosed. In one embodiment a method of determining a critical current density in a line includes: applying a temperature condition to each of a plurality of samples including the line; calculating a cross-sectional area of the line for each of the plurality samples using data about an electrical resistance of the line over each of the temperature conditions; measuring an electrical current reading through the line for each of the plurality of samples; determining a current density through the line for each of the plurality of samples by dividing each electrical current reading by each corresponding cross-sectional area; determining an electromigration (EM) failure time for each of the plurality of samples; and determining the critical current density of the line using the current density and the plurality of EM failure times. |
| US08232806B2 |
Insulation state detector
An insulation state detector detects an insulation state with respect to a ground potential portion of a DC power source on the basis of a charging voltage of a flying capacitor. The insulation state connector includes a detecting section that detects the insulation state of the DC power source by defining the charging voltage of the flying capacitor in the ground fault state as a charging voltage, in an unbalanced state where voltages across both ends of the positive-side Y capacitor and the negative-side Y capacitor are not equal to voltages obtained by dividing the voltage of the DC power source according to a voltage division ratio of the positive-side ground fault resistor and the negative-side ground fault resistor. |
| US08232803B2 |
Tool for electrical investigation of a borehole
A tool 1 is used in electrical investigation of geological formations GF surrounding a borehole BH. The tool 1 is comprised in a string of tools TS. The tool 1 comprises a current injection section CIS and a current return section CRS. The string of tools TS comprises at least one other section OS1. The current injection section CIS is electrically decoupled from the current return section CRS. The current injection section CIS is electrically decoupled from the at least one other section OS1 when the current injection section CIS and the at least one other section OS1 are adjacent to each other. The current return section CRS is electrically decoupled from the at least one other section OS1 when the current return section CRS and the at least one other section OS1 are adjacent to each other. |
| US08232802B2 |
RF coil assembly for MRI using differently shaped and/or sized coils
A radio frequency coil assembly is provided that includes a first radio frequency coil for receiving a magnetic resonance signal from a tested body; a second radio frequency coil for receiving a magnetic resonance signal from the tested body; and a third radio frequency coil for receiving a magnetic resonance signal from the tested body and having a shape that is different from that of at least one of the first and second radio frequency coils so as to increase local sensitivity in an image-picked-up region. |
| US08232801B2 |
Nuclear quadrupole resonance system and method for structural health monitoring
Structural health monitoring using nuclear quadrupole resonance is disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a method of monitoring stress is provided. The method includes scanning a composite using an NQR spectrometer, the composite having a polymer matrix and a microcrystalline material disposed in the matrix. The microcrystalline material includes molecules having nuclei with respective nuclear quadrupole moments. The method also includes determining microscopic strain distribution indices of the composite from the NQR scans to quantify stress and identify precursors to failure in the composite. |
| US08232798B2 |
Magnetic tracking system for an imaging system
A magnetic tracking system is particularly adapted for a combination with an imaging system, for example with a rotational X ray device. The magnetic tracking system includes pairs of first and second field generators that are disposed on opposite sides of a measuring volume. The first field generators may particularly be attached to a radiation source and the second field generators to a detector of the X ray device. Moreover, the first and second field generators may be constituted by coils with opposite magnetic polarity. Due to the attachment of the field generators to the X ray device, motions of the X ray device do not disturb the magnetic field in a frame of reference fixed to the imaging system. |
| US08232794B2 |
Rotation angle detector
A rotation angle detector for detecting the rotation angle of a rotator to be measured which detects the flux density, generated depending on rotation of the rotator to be measured, of a ring-like magnet fixed to the rotator by means of a magnetic detection element. Since a soft magnetic member is interposed between the ring-like magnet and the rotator, rotation angle of the rotator can be measured accurately without being affected by the material or diameter of the rotator or the fixing state of the rotation angle detector to the rotator. Consequently, a rotation angle detector for detecting the rotation angle of a rotator to be measured accurately without being affected by the material or diameter of the rotator or the fixing state of the rotation angle detector to the rotator is presented. |
| US08232792B2 |
System and method for controlling the output voltage of a power supply
A system and method for controlling the output voltage of a power supply that includes a control section and an interconnect section having an output point. A voltage regulator provides a control section voltage, and a current measurement device measures a control section current and generates a current signal. A controller receives the current signal and a voltage command signal representing a desired output voltage at the output point of the interconnect section. The controller generates an adjusted voltage command signal based on the voltage command signal representing the desired output voltage, the current signal, a control section internal resistance and an interconnect section external resistance. The voltage regulator receives the adjusted voltage command signal and provides a control section voltage based thereon in order to supply an output voltage at the output point that is substantially equal to the desired output voltage. |
| US08232788B2 |
Quasi-continuous voltage regulator and controller
A controller for a voltage regulator includes a hysteretic circuit that generates a hysteretic voltage output as a function of a regulated voltage and that generates a hysteretic current output as a function of an inductor current. A switch control circuit provides a quasi-continuous control output as a function of the hysteretic current output from a start time when the regulated voltage rises above a higher hysteretic voltage until a stop time when the regulated voltage falls below a lower hysteretic voltage. |
| US08232786B2 |
Fast transient step load response in a power converter
A method of controlling a power converter having at least one switching device for supplying an output voltage and a load current to a load is disclosed. The method includes sensing the output voltage and sensing the load current. The method further includes controlling a duty cycle of the switching device according to the sensed output voltage and a voltage control loop when a rate of change of the load current does not exceed a threshold level. The method also includes adjusting the duty cycle of the switching device set by the voltage control loop when the rate of change of the load current exceeds the threshold level. |
| US08232779B2 |
Method for selecting the optimum number of phases for converter and system using the same
A method for selecting the optimum number of phases for a converter is provided, which selects a duty range using an input voltage and an output voltage, obtains ripple values for multiple phases in the duty range, and selects the optimum number of phases using the corresponding ripple values. The method for selecting the optimum number of phases for a converter includes a duty range selection step of selecting a duty range using an input voltage and an output voltage, a ripple value calculation step of obtaining ripple values for multiple phases within the selected duty range, a range ripple selection step of selecting one or more phases in the duty range, and a rated ripple selection step of selecting the phases having the minimum ripple value in a rated duty among the phases selected in the range ripple selection step. |
| US08232778B1 |
Independent, redundant overvoltage protection for a generator
A generator controller provides independent and redundant overvoltage protection to an associated generator. The generator controller monitors the generator output at a first point of a regulation and a second point of regulation. A generator control unit (GCU) provides overvoltage protection based on the generator output monitored at the first point of regulation, including at least one of tripping a first generator control relay (GCR) to remove excitation from an exciter winding and tripping a generator line contactor (GLC) to disconnect the generator output from a bus. A overvoltage protection unit (OPU) provides independent, redundant protection based on the generator output monitored at the second point of regulation, including at least one of tripping a second GCR to remove excitation from the exciter winding and tripping the GLC to disconnect the generator output from the bus. |
| US08232774B2 |
Battery charge management using a scheduling application
According to some embodiments, battery charge management using a scheduling application is disclosed. A first parameter may be received from a scheduling application running on a mobile computing device having a battery pack. Based on at least the first parameter and battery pack data, a required charge percentage for the battery pack may be determined and the remaining capacity of the battery pack may be determined. If the remaining capacity of the battery pack is less than the required charge percentage, a charge termination voltage may be determined and the battery pack may be charged to the charge termination voltage. |
| US08232773B2 |
Over voltage transient controller
An over voltage transient controller to protect a rechargeable battery from an over voltage transient condition. The over voltage transient controller may comprise a comparator to compare a first signal with a second signal representative of a reference voltage level and to provide an output signal representative of an over voltage transient condition to a switch if the first signal is greater than or equal to the second signal. The switch is responsive to the output signal to protect the rechargeable battery from the over voltage transient condition. The over voltage transient controller may further comprise a DAC, wherein the second signal is based, at least in part, on an output of the DAC. An apparatus comprising a charge switch and such an over voltage transient controller is also provided. |
| US08232772B2 |
Over voltage and over current protection integrated circuit
An integrated circuit is disclosed including a primary input for receiving an input voltage, a battery voltage input for receiving a battery voltage signal and an output for providing an output voltage higher than the battery voltage. First circuitry responsive to the input voltage is provided for turning off the output voltage responsive to an input over voltage condition. Second circuitry responsive to the battery voltage signal is provided for turning off the output voltage responsive to a battery over voltage condition. Third circuitry provides for over current protection. |
| US08232768B2 |
System and method for balancing battery cells
A system for cell balancing comprises battery modules and a controller. Each of the battery modules comprises battery cells, balance circuits and a battery management module. The battery management module in each of the battery modules is coupled to the battery cells and for acquiring cell voltages of battery cells. The balance circuits are coupled to the battery cells and for performing balance operation on the battery cells under control of the battery management module. The controller is coupled to the battery modules and for generating a reference signal based on the cell voltages provided by each of the battery modules. The battery management module in each of the battery modules can control the balance circuits to balance the battery cells according to the reference signal, thereby achieving cell balance among the battery modules. |
| US08232767B2 |
Apparatus and method of testing for battery
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for testing batteries, which can prevent errors from occurring due to the tolerance of voltage sensors when the charged states of batteries are measured, and can charge a battery having a charged state deteriorated due to the difference in the resistance of each battery. The apparatus includes a voltage circuit for measuring voltages of N batteries. A resistance circuit decreases voltages of batteries, which are greater than a reference voltage. A connection switch unit selects any one of the N batteries. A divert change unit separates polarities of each battery and changes positions of an cathode and a anode of the battery depending on separated polarities. A selection switch unit selectively connects the cathode and anode of the battery to an cathode and a anode of the voltage circuit or the resistance circuit. |
| US08232766B2 |
Multifunctional charger system and method
An adapter for providing a source of power to a mobile device through an industry standard port is provided. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the adapter comprises a plug unit, a power converter, a primary connector, and an identification subsystem. The plug unit is operative to couple the adapter to a power socket and operative to receive energy from the power socket. The power converter is electrically coupled to the plug unit and is operable to regulate the received energy from the power socket and to output a power requirement to the mobile device. The primary connector is electrically coupled to the power converter and is operative to couple to the mobile device and to deliver the outputted power requirement to the mobile device. The identification subsystem is electrically coupled to the primary connector and is operative to provide an identification signal. |
| US08232764B2 |
Power receiving device, and electronic apparatus and non-contact charging system using the same
An electronic apparatus (1) includes a power receiving device (2) and an electronic apparatus main body (3). The power receiving device (2) includes a power receiving coil (11) having a spiral coil, a rectifier (12), and a secondary battery (13). The electronic apparatus main body (3) includes an electronic device (14) and a circuit board (15). A magnetic foil (16) is arranged in at least one position between the spiral coil (11) and the secondary battery (13), the rectifier (12), the electronic device (14), or the circuit board (15). The magnetic foil (16) has a μr′·t value expressed as the product of the real component μr′ of relative permeability and the plate thickness t of 30000 or larger. |
| US08232748B2 |
Traveling wave linear accelerator comprising a frequency controller for interleaved multi-energy operation
An electromagnetic wave having a phase velocity and an amplitude is provided by an electromagnetic wave source to a traveling wave linear accelerator. The traveling wave linear accelerator generates a first output of electrons having a first energy by accelerating an electron beam using the electromagnetic wave. The first output of electrons can be contacted with a target to provide a first beam of x-rays. The electromagnetic wave can be modified by adjusting its amplitude and the phase velocity. The traveling wave linear accelerator then generates a second output of electrons having a second energy by accelerating an electron beam using the modified electromagnetic wave. The second output of electrons can be contacted with a target to provide a second beam of x-rays. A frequency controller can monitor the phase shift of the electromagnetic wave from the input to the output ends of the accelerator and can correct the phase shift of the electromagnetic wave based on the measured phase shift. |
| US08232745B2 |
Modular lighting systems
In embodiments of the present invention, a method and system is provided for designing improved intelligent, LED-based lighting systems. The LED based lighting systems may include fixtures with one or more of rotatable LED light bars, integrated sensors, onboard intelligence to receive signals from the LED light bars and control the LED light bars, and a mesh network connectivity to other fixtures. |
| US08232737B2 |
Electronic HID ballast with current source/sink to power recessed can insulation detector
Electronic ballasts, driver apparatus, and methods are provided in which a heating current is generated by the driver to power a resistive heating element of an insulation detector associated with a recessed can fixture using a regulated current source/sink circuit. |
| US08232736B2 |
Power control system for current regulated light sources
A light emitting diode (LED) lighting system includes a PFC and output voltage controller and a LED lighting power system. The controller advantageously operates from an auxiliary voltage less than a link voltage generated by the LED lighting power system. The common reference voltage allows all the components of lighting system to work together. A power factor correction switch and an LED drive current switch are coupled to the common reference node and have control node-to-common node, absolute voltage that allows the controller to control the conductivity of the switches. The LED lighting system can utilize feed forward control to concurrently modify power demand by the LED lighting power system and power demand of one or more LEDs. The LED lighting system can utilize a common current sense device to provide a common feedback signal to the controller representing current in at least two of the LEDs. |
| US08232734B2 |
Electronic ballast having a partially self-oscillating inverter circuit
An electronic ballast for driving a gas discharge lamp comprises an inverter circuit that operates in a partially self-oscillating manner. The inverter circuit comprises a push-pull converter having a main transformer having a primary winding for producing a high-frequency AC voltage, semiconductor switches electrically coupled to the primary winding of the main transformer for conducting current through the primary winding on an alternate basis, and gate drive circuits for controlling the semiconductor switches on a cycle-by-cycle basis. The drive circuits control (e.g., turn on) the semiconductor switches in response to first control signals derived from the main transformer, and control (e.g., turn off) the semiconductor switches in response to second control signals received from a control circuit. The control circuit controls the semiconductor switches in response to a peak value of an integral of an inverter current flowing through the inverter circuit. |
| US08232733B2 |
Hybrid light source
A hybrid light source comprises a high-efficiency lamp, for example, a fluorescent lamp, and a low-efficiency lamp, for example, a halogen lamp. A control circuit individually controls the amount of power delivered to each of the high-efficiency lamp and the low-efficiency lamp, such that a total light output of the hybrid light source ranges throughout a dimming range from a minimum total intensity to a maximum total intensity. The high-efficiency lamp is turned off and the low-efficiency lamp produces all of the total light intensity of the hybrid light source when the total light intensity is below a transition intensity. The low-efficiency lamp is controlled such that the correlated color temperature of the hybrid light source decreases as the total light intensity is decreased below the transition intensity. The hybrid light source is characterized by a low impedance throughout the dimming range. |
| US08232729B2 |
Plasma producing apparatus and method of plasma production
For production of plasma from a medium gas mass in an elongated shape, electric field forming elements 3, 4 that form an electric field in the medium gas mass are provided. The electric field forming elements form an electric field so that partial discharge occurs from the electric field forming elements toward both sides in the longitudinal direction of the medium gas mass. Accordingly, plasma 5 is produced from the medium gas mass. The medium gas mass is formed by, for example, gas supply members 1,2 that guide medium gas, through an internal hollow, to the electric field forming elements. An electric field forming area includes, for example, at least one high-potential electrode 3 and a voltage applying unit 4 that applies a voltage to the high-potential electrode. Plasma limited in medium gas can be produced with high energy efficiency stably over a wide range of parameters through a simple configuration. |
| US08232725B1 |
Plasma-tube gas discharge device
A gas discharge device with one or more gas filled Plasma-tubes on or within a rigid, flexible, or semi-flexible substrate with each Plasma-tube being electrically connected to one or more electrical conductors such as electrodes. In one embodiment, each Plasma-tube is made of one or more luminescent substances with the exterior of each tube containing one or more luminescent substances. The Plasma-tubes may be used alone or in combination with Plasma-shells. |
| US08232722B2 |
Light emitting devices including semiconductor nanocrystals
A light emitting device includes a semiconductor nanocrystal and a charge transporting layer that includes an inorganic material. The charge transporting layer can be a hole or electron transporting layer. The inorganic material can be an inorganic semiconductor. |
| US08232721B2 |
Efficiency enhancement methods for OLED light source through index bridging
An apparatus such as a light source is disclosed which has an OLED device and an index bridging elastomer disposed on the substrate or transparent electrode of said OLED device and on the exterior of said OLED device. The elastomer bridges the refractive index between the substrate and an intended target for said apparatus. |
| US08232718B2 |
Tiled electroluminescent device with filled gaps
A tiled electroluminescent device that improves light-emission uniformity and reduces reflection from ambient light includes a first and a second electroluminescent device tile, a portion of the edge of the first device tile abutted with a portion of the edge of the second device tile leaving a gap between the first and second device tile edges, each device tile including a substrate, having an optical index and a level of transparency, and an electroluminescent diode for emitting light according to a distribution that is substantially Lambertian, whereby light is directed along an oblique angle to the surface of the substrate of the first tile and through the edge of the first device tile; and a filler located in the gap between the abutting edges of the first and second device tiles, the filler having an optical index and a level of transparency matched to the substrates. |
| US08232714B2 |
Cathode
A cathode has a cathode head in which is arranged at least one emitter that emits electrons upon application of a heating voltage. At least one series resistor is connected in the voltage feed to at least one emitter. The use of such a cathode in an x-ray tube enables x-ray exposures with a high quality. |
| US08232713B2 |
Lamp connectors
Lamp connectors are provided. The lamp connectors include a swinging connector and a rotatable connector. The swinging connector is coupled to a pivot connection point disposed on a first exterior surface of a lamp. The swinging connector is operative to pivot between a first position close in proximity to the lamp and a second position at distance away from the lamp. A portion of the swinging connector may be received and retained by a second exterior surface of the lamp, when the lamp is in the first position. The rotatable connector is attached to an end of a lamp via a rotation mechanism. The rotation mechanism is disposed on the end of the lamp. The rotatable connector includes a surface and a pin protruding therefrom. The pin is offset from a central portion of the end of the lamp. |
| US08232712B2 |
Small electron gun
To provide a small electron gun capable of keeping a high vacuum pressure used for an electron microscope and an electron-beam drawing apparatus. An electron gun constituted by a nonevaporative getter pump, a heater, a filament, and an electron-source positioning mechanism is provided with an opening for rough exhausting and its automatically opening/closing valve, and means for ionizing and decomposing an inert gas or a compound gas for the nonevaporative getter pump. It is possible to keep a high vacuum pressure of 10−10 Torr without requiring an ion pump by using a small electron gun having a height and a width of approximately 15 cm while emitting electrons from the electron gun. |
| US08232709B2 |
Light-emitting apparatus and luminaire
According to one embodiment, a light-emitting apparatus includes an insulating base made of ceramics, an obverse metallic component dividedly arranged on the front surface of the insulating base, semiconductor light-emitting elements mounted on the obverse metallic component, and a reverse metallic component arranged on a back surface of the insulating base and having a thickness same as or smaller than a thickness of the obverse metallic component and a volume equal to 50% or larger of a volume of the obverse metallic component. |
| US08232706B2 |
Autonomous power generation unit for auxiliary system on an airborne platform
A stand-alone power generation device that provides power to an auxiliary system on an airborne platform, includes a piezoelectric energy harvesting device and an energy storage unit, including a battery and a power conditioner. The device extracts energy generated by turbulent airflow around the platform and stores the energy to meet future power requirements. The piezoelectric energy harvesting device is located on a portion of an inner surface of an outward shell of the platform. The stand-alone power generation device is electrically connected to the auxiliary system. The stand-alone power generation device also includes a router that connects the power generation unit to the platform electrical distribution system. Excess power generated by the device may be delivered to the platform electrical distribution system for use by other platform systems. |
| US08232703B2 |
Embedded magnet motor and manufacturing method of the same
In an embedded magnet motor, radial magnets and first inclined magnets form north poles. The radial magnets and second inclined magnets form south poles. Core sheets each include preformed radial accommodating slots the number of which is expressed by P/2. Some of the preformed radial accommodating slots are short slots and the rest are long slots. The short slots are located at some parts of each radial accommodating slot along the axial direction. Radially inner ends of the short slots restrict the radial magnets from moving radially inward. |
| US08232700B2 |
Multi-rotor electric machine
Electric machines comprising a plurality of magnetized rotors, preferably including bi-pole magnets. The rotors are configured to drive and/or be driven by a common shaft, as for example by suitable configurations of gears. The rotors are magnetically indexed, in pairs, with respect to each other and to corresponding electrical windings, such that, when a current is passed through the one or more windings, the rotors provide phased rotary power to the common shaft; or, when torque is applied to the common shaft, a phased electrical output is provided to the windings. |
| US08232696B2 |
Coil structure, coil connection control apparatus, and magnetic electricity generator
Provided is a magnetic electricity generator having a coil structure capable of selectively changing output characteristics by using the same armature coil structure. In the magnetic electricity generator having armature coils and a magnet, the armature coils are configured with plural circuits of three-phase armature coils, wherein coil groups of each phase coil of the three-phase armature coils are divided into two or more coil groups, connection ports (T1 to T7, T9, T11, T13 to 22, T24, T26, and T28 to T30) are disposed to each coil group, and intermediate connection ports (T8, T10, T12, T23, T25, and T27) are disposed to one coil group in each phase coil, and wherein the connection ports and the intermediate connection ports are selectively connected with wires between the phase coils according to desired output voltage and current, so that output voltage characteristics can be adjusted according to connection scheme. |
| US08232694B2 |
Drive unit
A drive unit in particular for an actuating element of a motor vehicle, is described, which has a gear mechanism unit, a drive motor and a contacting unit, with the gear mechanism unit encompassing a first interface for a detachable attachment of the drive motor and a second interface for the detachable attachment of the contacting unit, and with the drive motor being energized by the contacting unit in the mounted condition. The interfaces of the gear mechanism unit are designed to energize the drive motor through the contacting unit, and a rotary sensor that can contact the contacting unit and can detect the rotation of a gear mechanism rotating element (for example 6) is provided. Such a drive unit is very flexible with regard to the applicable control- and/or regulating electronic system. |
| US08232693B2 |
Resolver with locating feature
A resolver is configured to determine the rotational position of a first member that is selectively rotatable about an axis with respect to a second member. The resolver includes a stator core, a plurality of wire windings operatively connected to the stator core, a winding support between the windings and the stator core, and a cover at least partially enclosing the windings. One of the cover and the winding support defines a pin that is fittable inside a hole in the second member. The pin functions as a locating feature, which ensures that the stator is accurately mounted to the second member. Because the pin is part of the winding support or the cover, the locating feature does not entail the use of an extra part, thereby simplifying assembly of the stator. |
| US08232692B2 |
Induction motor equipped with heat dissipating disc for dissipating rotor heat
An induction motor has a rotation detector, a heat dissipating disc for dissipating heat generated from a rotor, and a cooling fan for forcibly cooling the heat dissipating disc with outside air. The heat dissipating disc is disposed between the rotation detector and the cooling fan. |
| US08232685B2 |
Energy conserving (stand-by mode) power saving design for battery chargers and power supplies with a control signal
A system is described that turns off a high power, power supply when a device no longer needs high power. A low power, power supply or a rechargeable battery provides power to determine when the device again needs high power. The low power supply consumes a minimum possible power when the device does not need high power and the power rechargeable battery is not charged. That is, the high power and low power, power supplies are turned on or off based on the real time power consumption need of the device and the charged state of the battery. The power need of the device is monitored by a current shunt monitoring circuit and a control signal monitoring circuit. |
| US08232683B2 |
Relocatable power tap
A system includes one or more constant “on” outlets, one or more controlled outlets, a two-part power supply, and accompanying circuitry. Other embodiments are also disclosed herein. |
| US08232678B2 |
Extra power stage added for pop elimination
The invention relates to a pop reduction system for a switching power conversion system (0, 1), which system comprises an analogue control system (0) and a switching power stage (1), where the pop reduction system comprises an extra power stage (2), controllable means (3) for establishing or eliminating an extra signal path from the output of said control system (0) via said extra power stage (2) to the output terminal of said switching power conversion system (0, 1} and control means (34) for controlling said controllable means (3), whereby establishing or elimination of said extra signal path is attained. The invention furthermore relates to a corresponding method for pop reduction and generally to amplifier systems comprising the pop reduction system according to the invention. |
| US08232672B2 |
Power adapters for powering and/or charging peripheral devices
A power adapter for a peripheral device such as portable electronics device is disclosed. The power adapter includes a housing that contains electrical components associated with the power adapter. The power adapter also includes a data port provided at a surface of the housing. The data port is configured to provide external power to the peripheral device. |
| US08232670B2 |
Localized utility power system for aircraft
The disclosure provides for an aircraft galley and lavatory energy system capable of independent operation from a separate aircraft energy generating system. The galley and lavatory energy system comprises an energy source providing electrical energy, heat energy, and at least one by-product; a plurality of galley and lavatory devices for receiving the electrical energy, the heat energy, and the at least one by-product; and, a plurality of connectors for connecting the electrical energy, the heat energy, and the at least one by-product to the galley and lavatory devices. The energy source comprises a fuel cell, a fuel module, and optionally, a supplemental fuel source. |
| US08232668B2 |
Synchronization point detection method and power line communication apparatus
A method for detecting a synchronization point of an alternating power in comparing the alternating waveform with a threshold voltage is provided. The method includes the steps of detecting a rising point at which the voltage of the alternating waveform changes from a level lower than the threshold voltage to a level equal to or higher than the threshold voltage; detecting a falling point at which the voltage of the alternating waveform changes from a level equal to or higher than the threshold voltage to a level lower than the threshold voltage; measuring a first interval from the rising point to the falling point subsequent to the rising point; measuring a second interval from the falling point to the rising point subsequent to the falling point; and determining the synchronization point based on a difference between the length of the first interval and the length of the second interval. |
| US08232667B2 |
System and method for data transmission over a power line of a switch mode power supply by frequency modulating the switch frequency thereof
A method of transmitting data over a power line of a switch mode power supply system includes encoding a switch frequency of the switch mode power supply with the data. A ripple voltage is generated at the encoded switch frequency relative to a voltage generated by the switch mode power supply. The ripple voltage is conducted over the power line of the system. The ripple voltage is de-coupled from the power line and the data is decoded from the encoded switch frequency of the coupled ripple voltage. |
| US08232666B2 |
External AC-DC coupling for communication interfaces
A power line communication device comprises a plurality of transformers in series. These transformers are used to increase the voltage of a digitally encoded signal in a stepwise fashion prior to being coupled into a power line. While a transmit path includes at least a first transformer and a second transformer in series, a receive path may include only one of these two transformers. For example a receive path may include only the first transformer, or include the first transformer and a third transformer. The net ratio of voltage increase and decrease may be different in the transmit and receive paths. Additionally, the communication interface can be disposed within an AC/DC converter or distributed among an AC/DC converter and an appliance attached thereto. |
| US08232664B2 |
Vertical axis wind turbine
This invention is for a vertical axis wind turbine apparatus supported in a tower with wind diverter doors for controlling the air impinging on the turbine blades. The diverter doors are closable in high wind conditions to seal off the wind turbine to protect the turbine against damage. |
| US08232662B2 |
Wind turbine generator and start-up method of the same
A start-up method of a wind turbine generator includes a step of increasing a pitch angle of a wind turbine blade from a feather pitch angle to a fine pitch angle. The step of increasing the pitch angle of the wind turbine blade includes steps of: determining based on first to n-th pitch angles (n≧2) greater than the feather pitch angle and smaller than the fine pitch angle and first to n-th rotational speed conditions associated with the first to n-th pitch angles, respectively, whether a control target rotational speed, which is a wind turbine speed or generator speed, satisfies the i-th rotational speed condition when the pitch angle reaches the i-th rotational speed out of the first to n-th pitch angles, the first to n-th pitch angles and the first to n-th rotational speed conditions being stored in a storage unit; decreasing the pitch angle to the (i−1)-th pitch angle or the feather pitch angle in a case that the control target rotational speed does not satisfy the i-th rotational speed condition when the pitch angle reaches the i-th pitch angle; and increasing the pitch angle to the (i+1)-th pitch angle or the fine pitch angle in a case that the control target rotational speed satisfies the i-th rotational speed condition when the pitch angle reaches the i-th pitch angle. |
| US08232661B2 |
System and method for generating and storing clean energy
The system for generating and storing clean energy includes a flexible body externally exposed to an intermittent localized pressure. A pair of one-way check valves couple to the flexible body. A first valve is configured to facilitate unidirectional fluid flow into the flexible body and a second valve configured to facilitate unidirectional fluid flow out from the flexible body. A substantially rigid and planar base is positioned between the flexible body and the intermittent localized pressure so that pressure point peristaltic expansion and compression cycles along a portion of the flexible body cause positive fluid displacement into and out from the flexible body. An energy generation system in fluid communication with the flexible body is configured to generate electrical energy from pressurized fluid resultant from the peristaltic expansion and compression cycles. |
| US08232652B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: an interconnection substrate on which a semiconductor chip is mounted; electrodes formed on a surface of the interconnection substrate; and solder bumps formed on the electrodes. The solder bump includes a base section and a surface layer section that covers the base section. The surface layer section includes conductive metal selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Au, and Ag, and Sn at least and a ratio of the number of atoms of the conductive metal to the number of Sn atoms per a unit volume is more than 0.01. |
| US08232650B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device wherein destruction of a sealing ring caused by cracking of an interlayer dielectric film is difficult to occur, as well as a method for manufacturing the semiconductor device, are provided. A first laminate comprises first interlayer dielectric films having a first mechanical strength. A second laminate comprises second interlayer dielectric films having a mechanical strength higher than the first mechanical strength. A first region includes first metallic layers and vias provided within the first laminate. A second region includes second metallic layers and vias provided within the second laminate. When seen in plan, the second region overlaps at least a part of the first region, is not coupled with the first region by vias, and sandwiches the second interlayer dielectric film between it and the first region. |
| US08232648B2 |
Semiconductor article having a through silicon via and guard ring
Disclosed is a semiconductor article which includes a semiconductor base portion, a back end of the line (BEOL) wiring portion on the semiconductor base portion, a through silicon via and a guard ring. The semiconductor base portion is made of a semiconductor material. The BEOL wiring portion includes a plurality of wiring layers having metallic wiring and insulating material. The BEOL wiring portion does not include a semiconductor material. The through silicon via provides a conductive path through the BEOL wiring portion and the semiconductor base portion. The guard ring surrounds the through silicon via in the BEOL wiring portion. |
| US08232646B2 |
Interconnect structure for integrated circuits having enhanced electromigration resistance
An interconnect structure for an integrated circuit (IC) device includes a metal line formed within a dielectric layer, the metal line having one or more vertical diffusion barriers therein; wherein the one or more vertical diffusion barriers correspond to a liner material of a via formed above the metal line, with the via extending completely through a thickness of the metal line such that a bottom most portion of the via comprises a portion of the metal line. |
| US08232643B2 |
Lead free solder interconnections for integrated circuits
Lead free solder interconnections for integrated circuits. A copper column extends from an input/output terminal of an integrated circuit. A cap layer of material is formed on the input/output terminal of the integrated circuit. A lead free solder connector is formed on the cap layer. A substrate having a metal finish solder pad is aligned with the solder connector. An intermetallic compound is formed at the interface between the cap layer and the lead free solder connector. A solder connection is formed between the input/output terminal of the integrated circuit and the metal finish pad that is less than 0.5 weight percent copper, and the intermetallic compound is substantially free of copper. |
| US08232639B2 |
Semiconductor-device mounted board and method of manufacturing the same
In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor-device mounted board, connection terminals are formed on electrode pads on a semiconductor integrated circuit respectively. A first insulating layer is formed to cover the connection terminals. A plate-like medium having a rough surface is disposed on the first insulating layer. The rough surface of the plate-like medium is pressed onto the first insulating layer so that a part of each of the connection terminals is exposed. A semiconductor device is produced by removing the plate-like medium. A second insulating layer is formed to cover side surfaces of the semiconductor device. A wiring pattern is formed to cover surfaces of the first and second insulating layers, the wiring pattern being electrically connected to the exposed connection terminal parts. |
| US08232638B2 |
Interconnection structure having oxygen trap pattern in semiconductor device
An interconnection structure having an oxygen trap pattern in a semiconductor device, and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The interconnection structure includes a lower interlayer insulating layer formed on a semiconductor substrate. A metal layer pattern and a capping layer pattern are sequentially stacked on the lower interlayer insulating layer. An oxygen trap pattern is disposed on the capping layer pattern and includes a conductive oxygen trap pattern. |
| US08232637B2 |
Insulated metal substrates incorporating advanced cooling
A power module includes one or more semiconductor power devices bonded to an insulated metal substrate (IMS). A plurality of cooling fluid channels is integrated into the IMS. |
| US08232629B2 |
Semiconductor device
It is made for the layout of the mounting wiring at the time of mounting to become efficient by changing the structure of a semiconductor device.A first chip is mounted on a first die pad, and a second chip is also mounted on a second die pad. A first die pad and a second die pad do division structure in parallel to the first side and second side of sealing body 40. As a result, the pin for an output from a first chip and the pin for control of the circuit for a drive can make it able to project from a counter direction, and can set the wiring layout at the time of mounting as the minimum route. |
| US08232626B2 |
Via and method of via forming and method of via filling
An electronic or micromechanical device having first (11) and second (12) surfaces and a via extending through the device from the first surface to the second surface. The via comprises integrally formed first (84, 86), second (82) and third (88) portions. The first portion (84, 86) extends from the first surface (11) to the second surface (12). The second portion (82) extends over a part of the first surface (11) of the device. The third portion (88) extends over a part of the second surface (12) of the device. Preferably the first portion comprises first and second parts, the second part extending through an active region of the device and having a narrower width than the first part. A method of forming and filling the via is also disclosed. |
| US08232623B2 |
Semiconductor device
A conventional semiconductor device has a problem that, when a vertical PNP transistor as a power semiconductor element is used in a saturation region, a leakage current into a substrate is generated. In a semiconductor device of the present invention, two P type diffusion layers as a collector region are formed around an N type diffusion layer as a base region. One of the P type diffusion layers is formed to have a lower impurity concentration and a narrower diffusion width than the other P type diffusion layer. In this structure, when a vertical PNP transistor is turned on, a region where the former P type diffusion layer is formed mainly serves as a parasite current path. Thus, a parasitic transistor constituted of a substrate, an N type buried layer and a P type buried layer is prevented from turning on, and a leakage current into the substrate is prevented. |
| US08232621B2 |
Semiconductor device
When letters are written with a ballpoint pen, pen pressure is greater than or equal to 10 MPa. The IC tag embedded in the paper base material is required to withstand such pen pressure. An integrated circuit including a functional circuit which transmits and receive, performs arithmetic of, and stores information is thinned, and also, when the integrated circuit and a structural body provided with an antenna or a wiring are attached, a second structural body formed of ceramics or the like is also attached to at the same time. When the second structural body formed of ceramics or the like is used, resistance to pressing pressure or bending stress applied externally can be realized. Further, a part of passive elements included in the integrated circuit can be transferred to the second structural body, which leads to reduction in area of the semiconductor device. |
| US08232618B2 |
Semiconductor structure having a contact-level air gap within the interlayer dielectrics above a semiconductor device and a method of forming the semiconductor structure using a self-assembly approach
Disclosed are embodiments of a semiconductor structure having a contact-level air gap within the interlayer dielectrics above a semiconductor device in order to minimize parasitic capacitances (e.g., contact-to-contact capacitance, contact-to-diffusion region capacitance, gate-to-contact capacitance, gate-to-diffusion region capacitance, etc.). Specifically, the structure can comprise a semiconductor device on a substrate and at least three dielectric layers stacked above the semiconductor device. An air gap is positioned with the second dielectric layer aligned above the semiconductor device and extending vertically from the first dielectric layer to the third dielectric layer. Also disclosed are embodiments of a method of forming such a semiconductor structure using a self-assembly approach. |
| US08232616B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and process of making solid state imaging device
A solid state imaging device includes an array of pixels, each of the pixels includes: a pixel electrode; an organic layer; a counter electrode; a sealing layer; a color filter; and a readout circuit as defined herein, the photoelectric layer contains an organic p type semiconductor and an organic n type semiconductor, an ionization potential of the charge blocking layer and an electron affinity of the organic n type semiconductor in the photoelectric layer have a difference of at least 1 eV, and the solid-state imaging device further includes a transparent partition wall between adjacent color filters of adjacent pixels of the array of pixels, the partition wall being made from a transparent material having a lower refractive index than a material forming the color filters. |
| US08232614B1 |
Package systems having a conductive element through a substrate thereof and manufacturing methods of the same
A package system includes a first substrate structure including at least one first conductive structure that is disposed over a first substrate. A second substrate structure includes a second substrate. The second substrate structure is bonded with the first substrate structure. The at least one first conductive structure is electrically coupled with the second substrate through at least one germanium-containing layer. |
| US08232613B2 |
Germanium silicide layer including vanadium, platinum, and nickel
Example embodiments relate to a method of forming a germanium (Ge) silicide layer, a semiconductor device including the Ge silicide layer, and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor device. A method of forming a Ge silicide layer according to example embodiments may include forming a metal layer including vanadium (V) on a silicon germanium (SiGe) layer. The metal layer may have a multiple-layer structure and may further include at least one of platinum (Pt) and nickel (Ni). The metal layer may be annealed to form the germanium silicide layer. The annealing may be performed using a laser spike annealing (LSA) method. |
| US08232611B2 |
High quality gate dielectric for semiconductor devices and method of formation thereof
Improved high quality gate dielectrics and methods of preparing such dielectrics are provided. Preferred dielectrics comprise a rare earth doped dielectric such as silicon dioxide or silicon oxynitride. In particular, cerium doped silicon dioxide shows an unexpectedly high charge-to-breakdown QBD, believed to be due to conversion of excess hot electron energy as photons, which reduces deleterious hot electron effects such as creation of traps or other damage. Rare earth doped dielectrics therefore have particular application as gate dielectrics or gate insulators for semiconductor devices such as floating gate MOSFETs, as used in as flash memories, which rely on electron injection and charge transfer and storage. |
| US08232606B2 |
High-K dielectric and metal gate stack with minimal overlap with isolation region
A high-k dielectric and metal gate stack with minimal overlap with an adjacent oxide isolation region and related methods are disclosed. One embodiment of the gate stack includes a high dielectric constant (high-k) dielectric layer, a tuning layer and a metal layer positioned over an active region defined by an oxide isolation region in a substrate, wherein an outer edge of the high-k dielectric layer, the tuning layer and the metal layer overlaps the oxide isolation region by less than approximately 200 nanometers. The gate stack and related methods eliminate the regrowth effect in short channel devices by restricting the amount of overlap area between the gate stack and adjacent oxide isolation regions. |
| US08232601B1 |
Transient voltage suppressors
The present invention relates a transient voltage suppressor (TVS) for directional ESD protection. The TVS includes: a conductivity type substrate; a first type lightly doped region, having a first type heavily doped region arranged therein; a second type lightly doped region, having a second type heavily doped region and a third type heavily doped region arranged therein; a third type lightly doped region, having a fourth type heavily doped region arranged therein; a plurality of closed isolation trenches, arranged on the conductivity type substrate, wherein at least one of the plurality of closed isolation trenches is neighbored one of the type lightly doped regions; and a first pin. Accordingly, the TVS of present invention may adaptively provide effective ESD protection under positive and negative ESD stresses, improve the efficiency of ESD protection within the limited layout area. |
| US08232599B2 |
Bulk substrate FET integrated on CMOS SOI
An integrated circuit is provided that integrates an bulk FET and an SOI FET on the same chip, where the bulk FET includes a gate conductor over a gate oxide formed over a bulk substrate, where the gate dielectric of the bulk FET has the same thickness and is substantially coplanar with the buried insulating layer of the SOI FET. In a preferred embodiment, the bulk FET is formed from an SOI wafer by forming bulk contact trenches through the SOI layer and the buried insulating layer of the SOI wafer adjacent an active region of the SOI layer in a designated bulk device region. The active region of the SOI layer adjacent the bulk contact trenches forms the gate conductor of the bulk FET which overlies a portion of the underlying buried insulating layer, which forms the gate dielectric of the bulk FET. |
| US08232598B2 |
Display device and method for manufacturing the same
To provide a display device which can realize high performance of a field-effect transistor which forms a pixel of the display device and which can achieve improvement in an aperture ratio of a pixel, which has been reduced due to increase in the number of field-effect transistors, and reduction in the area of the field-effect transistor which occupies the pixel, without depending on a microfabrication technique of the field-effect transistor, even when the number of field-effect transistors in the pixel is increased. A display device is provided with a plurality of pixels in which a plurality of field-effect transistors including a semiconductor layer which is separated from a semiconductor substrate and is bonded to a supporting substrate having an insulating surface are stacked with a planarization layer interposed therebetween. |
| US08232597B2 |
Semiconductor-on-insulator with back side connection
Embodiments of the present invention provide for the removal of excess carriers from the body of active devices in semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) structures. In one embodiment, a method of fabricating an integrated circuit is disclosed. In one step, an active device is formed in an active layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator wafer. In another step, substrate material is removed from a substrate layer disposed on a back side of the SOI wafer. In another step, an insulator material is removed from a back side of the SOI wafer to form an excavated insulator region. In another step, a conductive layer is deposited on the excavated insulator region. Depositing the conductive layer puts it in physical contact with a body of an active device in a first portion of the excavated insulator region. The conductive layer then couples the body to a contact in a second detached portion of the excavated insulator region. |
| US08232595B2 |
Semiconductor device including a power MISFET and method of manufacturing the same
In a high frequency amplifying MOSFET having a drain offset region, the size is reduced and the on-resistance is decreased by providing conductor plugs 13 (P1) for leading out electrodes on a source region 10, a drain region 9 and leach-through layers 3 (4), to which a first layer wirings 11a, 11d (M1) are connected and, further, backing second layer wirings 12a to 12d are connected on the conductor plugs 13 (P1) to the first layer wirings 11s, 11d (M1). |
| US08232593B2 |
Power semiconductor device
A power semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first semiconductor layer of a first or second conductivity type, a second semiconductor layer of the first conductivity type formed on the first semiconductor layer, a third semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type selectively formed on a surface of the second semiconductor layer, at least one trench formed in a periphery of the third semiconductor layer on the surface of the second semiconductor layer, a depth of a bottom surface of the at least one trench being deeper than a bottom surface of the third semiconductor layer, and shallower than a top surface of the first semiconductor layer, and some or all of the at least one trench being in contact with a side surface of the third semiconductor layer, at least one insulator buried in the at least one trench, a first main electrode electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer, and a second main electrode electrically connected to the third semiconductor layer. |
| US08232592B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate in which a first trench is formed and a second trench is formed at the middle portions of the first trench; and a first ion implantation layer that is formed on the surface of the semiconductor substrate and on the bottom of the first trench, the portions formed on the bottom of the first trench being spaced from each other by the second trench. A gate is formed from the bottom of the both side walls of the first trench to the middle portions thereof; a drift region is formed at both side walls of the first trench over the second trench; and a second ion implantation layer formed on the inner surface of the second trench. |
| US08232588B2 |
Increasing the surface area of a memory cell capacitor
Methods and apparatuses to increase a surface area of a memory cell capacitor are described. An opening in a second insulating layer deposited over a first insulating layer on a substrate is formed. The substrate has a fin. A first insulating layer is deposited over the substrate adjacent to the fin. The opening in the second insulating layer is formed over the fin. A first conducting layer is deposited over the second insulating layer and the fin. A third insulating layer is deposited on the first conducting layer. A second conducting layer is deposited on the third insulating layer. The second conducting layer fills the opening. The second conducting layer is to provide an interconnect to an upper metal layer. Portions of the second conducting layer, third insulating layer, and the first conducting layer are removed from a top surface of the second insulating layer. |
| US08232584B2 |
Nanoscale sensors
Various aspects of the invention relate to nanoscale wire devices and methods of use for detecting analytes. In one aspect, the invention relates to a nanoscale electrical sensor array device, comprising at least one n-doped semiconductor nanoscale wire and at least one p-doped semiconductor nanoscale wire, each having a reaction entity immobilized thereon. Binding of an analyte to the immobilized reaction entity causes a detectable change in the electrical property of the nanoscale wire. In some embodiments, the reaction entity can be a nucleic acid that may interact with other nucleic acids, proteins, etc. In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid may interact with an enzyme such as telomerase, which can extend the nucleic acid. In other embodiments, the analyte to be detected can be a toxin, virus or small molecule. Systems and methods of using such nanoscale devices are also disclosed, for example, within a microarray. |
| US08232582B2 |
Ultra-fast nucleic acid sequencing device and a method for making and using the same
A system and method employing at least one semiconductor device, or an arrangement of insulating and metal layers, having at least one detecting region which can include, for example, a recess or opening therein, for detecting a charge representative of a component of a polymer, such as a nucleic acid strand, proximate to the detecting region, and a method for manufacturing such a semiconductor device. The system and method can thus be used for sequencing individual nucleotides or bases of ribonucleic acid (RNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). The semiconductor device includes at least two doped regions, such as two n-type regions implanted in a p-type semiconductor layer or two p-type regions implanted in an n-type semiconductor layer. The detecting region permits a current to pass between the two doped regions in response to the presence of the component of the polymer, such as a base of a DNA or RNA strand. The current has characteristics representative of the component of the polymer, such as characteristics representative of the detected base of the DNA or RNA strand. |
| US08232579B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for producing a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device has a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type and a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type complementary to the first conductivity type arranged in or on the first semiconductor layer. Further, the semiconductor device has a region of the first conductivity type arranged in the second semiconductor layer. A first electrode contacts the region of the first conductivity type and the second semiconductor layer. A first trench extends into the first semiconductor layer, and a voltage dependent short circuit diverter structure includes electrically conductive material arranged in the first trench and coupled to the first electrode and a highly-doped diverter region of the second conductivity type. The diverter region of the voltage dependent short circuit diverter structure has the second conductivity type and is arranged to provide a diverter channel region of the second conductivity type between the diverter region and the second semiconductor layer in the event of a short circuit. |
| US08232574B2 |
Light emitting package with a mechanical latch
A surface mount light emitting device package with mechanical latching means for locking a lens on to the package is provided. The surface mount light emitting package may include an encapsulation layer or a lens, a lead frame, at least one lead, a body, a die, and a layer of transparent gel encapsulant material. The lead frame may include at least one protrusion which is bent upward to from at least one latch for engaging the lens. |
| US08232572B2 |
Light emitting device
To improve light extraction efficiency of a light emitting device, the light emitting device includes: a first electrode; a second electrode provided on a light extraction side; an emission layer formed between the first electrode and the second electrode; a reflection surface located on the first electrode with respect to the emission layer; and a periodic structure at a node of interference generated by light emitted from the emission layer and light emitted from the emission layer to the reflection surface side and reflected on the reflection surface. The periodic structure is for diffracting light generated in the emission layer and guided in an in-plane direction of the light emitting device in a direction to the second electrode, and for extracting the light to the outside of the light emitting device. |
| US08232570B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device having conductive substrate
Provided are a semiconductor light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same. The semiconductor light emitting device comprises a p-type substrate, a p-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, and an n-type semiconductor layer. The p-type semiconductor layer is formed on the p-type substrate. The active layer is formed on the p-type semiconductor layer. The n-type semiconductor layer is formed on the active layer. |
| US08232568B2 |
High brightness LED utilizing a roughened active layer and conformal cladding
A light emitting device and method for making the same are disclosed. The device includes an active layer disposed between first and second layers. The first layer has top and bottom surfaces. The top surface includes a first material of a first conductivity type, including a plurality of pits in the substantially planar surface. The active layer overlies the top surface of the first layer and conforms to the top surface, the active layer generating light characterized by a wavelength when holes and electrons recombine therein. The second layer includes a second material of a second conductivity type, the second layer overlying the active layer and conforming to the active layer. The device can be constructed on a substrate having a lattice constant sufficiently different from that of the first material to give rise to dislocations in the first layer that are used to form the pits. |
| US08232564B2 |
Wafer level phosphor coating technique for warm light emitting diodes
Methods for wafer level fabricating of light emitting diode (LED) chips are disclosed with one embodiment of a method according to the present invention comprising providing a plurality of LEDs and then coating of the LEDs with a layer of first conversion material so that at least some light from the LEDs passes through the first conversion material. The light is converted to different wavelengths of light having a first conversion material emission spectrum. The LEDs are then coated with a layer of second conversion material arranged on the first layer of conversion. The second conversion material has a wavelength excitation spectrum, and at least some light from the LEDs passes through the second conversion material and is converted. The first conversion material emission spectrum does not substantially overlap with the second conversion material excitation spectrum. Methods according to the present invention can also be used in wafer level fabrication of LED chips and LED packages with pedestals for electrically contacting the LEDs through the conversion coatings. |
| US08232562B2 |
Light emitting device employing nanowire phosphors
Disclosed is a light emitting device employing nanowire phosphors. The light emitting device comprises a light emitting diode for emitting light having a first wavelength with a main peak in an ultraviolet, blue or green wavelength range; and nanowire phosphors for converting at least a portion of light having the first wavelength emitted from the light emitting diode into light with a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength. Accordingly, since the nanowire phosphors are employed, it is possible to reduce manufacturing costs of the light emitting device and to reduce light loss due to non-radiative recombination. |
| US08232560B2 |
Light-emitting diode in semiconductor material
A light-emitting diode including: a structure in a semiconductor material of first conductivity type, wherein the structure has a first face of which a first region is in contact with a pad of semiconductor material having a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type, and the diode further includes a first electric contact on the pad, a second electric contact-on the first face or on a second face of the structure, and a gate in electrically conductive material arranged on a second region of the first face and separated from the first face by an electrically insulating layer. |
| US08232558B2 |
Junction barrier Schottky diodes with current surge capability
An electronic device includes a silicon carbide drift region having a first conductivity type, a Schottky contact on the drift region, and a plurality of junction barrier Schottky (JBS) regions at a surface of the drift region adjacent the Schottky contact. The JBS regions have a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type and have a first spacing between adjacent ones of the JBS regions. The device further includes a plurality of surge protection subregions having the second conductivity type. Each of the surge protection subregions has a second spacing between adjacent ones of the surge protection subregions that is less than the first spacing. |
| US08232557B2 |
Semiconductor substrate with AlGaN formed thereon and semiconductor device using the same
A semiconductor substrate includes: an AlN layer provided on a silicon substrate; an AlGaN layer that is provided on the AlN layer and has an Al composition ratio of 0.3 to 0.6; and a GaN layer provided on the AlGaN layer. |
| US08232551B2 |
Channel layers and semiconductor devices including the same
Channel layers and semiconductor devices including the channel layers are disclosed. A channel layer may include a multi-layered structure. Layers forming the channel layer may have different carrier mobilities and/or carrier densities. The channel layer may have a double layered structure including a first layer and a second layer which may be formed of different oxides. Characteristics of the transistor may vary according to materials used to form the channel layers and/or thicknesses thereof. |
| US08232539B2 |
Shutter system
The present invention relates to a shutter system operable between an open position, and a closed position operable to avoid unintended exposure of a surface to radiant flux, wherein said shutter system comprises at least one pair of shields, and an axis for each shield, wherein a first axis is connected to an end part of a first shield, and coincides with the turning axis of the first shield, wherein a second axis, in the shape of an angled arm, is connected to an end part of a second shield and the turning axis of the second shield is parallel to the turning axis of said first shield and is arranged at a distance from the second shield. |
| US08232538B2 |
Method and apparatus of halogen removal using optimal ozone and UV exposure
A method and apparatus for removing halogen residue from a processed wafer is provided. A wafer is transferred into a processing tool where it is processed in a manner that leaves halogen residue on the wafer. The processed wafer is then moved into a degas chamber where it is treated with UV light and a gas mixture containing at least one of ozone and oxygen to remove the halogen residue. Once treated, the wafer is transferred into an isolation station where it is isolated from the unprocessed wafers for a period of time to allow any remaining residue to dissipate before it is returned to the cassette where it started. |
| US08232534B2 |
Wavelength conversion chip for use with light emitting diodes and method for making same
A wavelength conversion chip is formed by depositing a wavelength conversion material on a substrate to form a layer, removing the resulting wavelength conversion layer from the substrate and then segmenting the wavelength conversion layer into a plurality of wavelength conversion chips. The wavelength conversion material can be annealed by thermal annealing or radiation annealing to increase the wavelength conversion efficiency of the chips or to sinter the wavelength conversion material to form a ceramic material. Optical coatings, vias, light extraction elements, electrical connections or electrical bond pads can be fabricated on the wavelength conversion chips. |
| US08232528B2 |
Nuclear medical diagnostic device
By simultaneously administering a chemical using a nuclear species releasing a single photon (a first chemical) and another chemical using a nuclear species releasing a positron to a subject, the cumulative distributions of the respective chemicals are monitored. A plural number of γ-ray detectors, which are circularly located, and a collimator covering some of the γ-ray detectors and rotates along the front face of the γ-ray detectors are provided. Also, an energy discriminating means for discriminating signals having a single photon γ-ray energy (first signals) from signals having annihilation γ-ray energy (second signals) among all of the signals detected by the detectors is provided. Further, the cumulative position of the first chemical is specified based on the signals corresponding to the γ-ray detectors covered with the rotating collimator from the first signals. On the other hand, the cumulative position of the second chemical is specified by determining the signal almost simultaneously observed form the second signals and the positions thereof on the detectors. |
| US08232526B2 |
Analyzing apparatus
An analyzing apparatus includes a first optical unit that causes a terahertz wave generated by a generation unit to be condensed at a first position in an object; a second optical unit that causes the terahertz wave from the object to be condensed at a second position; a third optical unit that causes the terahertz wave condensed at the second position to be condensed at a third position; and a detection unit that detects the terahertz wave condensed at the third position. The analyzing apparatus selectively detects the terahertz wave from the first position in the object from among terahertz waves from the object. |
| US08232521B2 |
Device and method for analyzing a sample
Embodiments of the invention relate to a device for analyzing a sample surface Comprising an outlet and a frame. The outlet is for forming a jet of gas, the jet forming a sampling region for receiving one or more sample surfaces, and the frame holding the outlet and being adapted to receive a detector means. The detector means has an inlet. In use, the jet produces desorbed sample from sample surfaces received in the sample area. At least a portion of the desorbed sample is ionized to produce one or more sample ions. The frame holds the outlet with respect to the sample ions and produce a signal indicative of the composition of the sample ions. |
| US08232519B2 |
Coupling between axisymmetric differential mobility analyzers and mass spectrometers or other analyzers and detectors
Prior work on differential mobility analysis (DMA) combined with mass spectrometry (MS) has shown how to couple the output of a planar DMA with the atmospheric pressure inlet of an atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometer (APCI-MS). However, because the ion inlet to APCI-MS instruments is a round orifice, while conventional DMA geometries make use of elongated slits, the coupling of both has attained less resolving power or tolerated a smaller sample flow rate than a DMA alone. The present invention overcomes these limitations with an axial DMA of cylindrical symmetry using more than two electrodes. The configuration is related to that previously proposed by Labowsky and Fernández de la Mora (2004, 2006), where ions with a critical electrical mobility are brought into the symmetry axis of the DMA. Ions with this critical mobility are now optimally transmitted into the MS, with much higher resolution than possible in planar DMAs. In a preferred embodiment of this DMA facilitating DMA-MS coupling, one DMA electrode intersecting the symmetry axis is relatively planar. |
| US08232514B2 |
Method using a switch and memory to count events
A pulse data recorder system and method are provided. Upon the arrival or occurrence of an event or signal, the state of a digital switch is set. Upon receiving a pulse from a readout clock, the state of the switch is stored in a buffer memory, and the state of the switch is reset. As the readout clock is run, a time history of the state of the switch is obtained. The pulse data recorder can feature a plurality of unit cells, for use in imaging or other multiple pixel applications. |
| US08232509B2 |
Retainer system
The invention provides a retainer system for retaining a positive temperature coefficient resistor in a heater housing shaft having a shaft side wall. The retainer system includes a base, a spring, and shaft engagement means. The spring is formed in and spaced apart from the base. The spring extends radially outwardly from a longitudinal axis of the base and the spring has a neck that curves radially backwardly, spaced apart from the base and toward the longitudinal axis of the base. The spring also has a contact surface presented outwardly, away from the base. The shaft engagement means are for engaging the shaft side wall and securing the base within the shaft at a desired distance from the resistor. The retainer system can be secured within the shaft with the spring flexed to a desired extent and with the contact surface urged against the resistor to retain the resistor in the shaft. |
| US08232505B2 |
Hair-styling device with guide
A hair-styling device having an essentially cylindrical heating part on which at least one heatable styling part is provided for heating the hair. At least one lateral limit of the styling part is designed here as a styling edge. At least one guide means is arranged around the styling part in at least some areas, with a guide edge running parallel to the styling edge. |
| US08232504B2 |
High efficiency welding device
The high efficiency welding device has two pairs of clamps mounted in two pairs of sliders movable in a reciprocating movement relative to one another. One pair of sliders is mounted at 0 and 180 degree positions around the circumferential surface of a support block and the other pair of sliders is mounted at 90 and 270 degree positions. Each pair of clamps is in the close condition while moving forward in the reciprocating movement to clamp onto selected air gaps of the welding electrode to advance the electrode towards the work piece as well as delivering the welding current to the welding operation, and it is in the open condition releasing the grasp of the welding electrode while moving backward. |
| US08232499B2 |
Contactor assembly for switching high power to a circuit
A contactor assembly is adapted for switching power to a circuit having a power source. The contactor assembly includes a housing, carry contacts, and arc contacts. The housing defines an interior compartment and includes internal chamber walls that laterally extend within the compartment to define a protection chamber. The carry contacts are disposed in the protection chamber of the housing. The carry contacts include conductive bodies that protrude from the housing and are configured to close the circuit. The arc contacts are disposed in the housing outside of the protection chamber. The arc contacts include conductive bodies that protrude from the housing and are configured to close the circuit. The internal chamber walls of the housing prevent material that is expelled from one or more of the arc contacts when an electric arc emanates from one or more of the arc contacts from contaminating one or more of the carry contacts. |
| US08232490B2 |
Switch activated slide linkage
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a coupling arrangement for transmission of the rotational movement of a switching shaft of an electrical switch to at least one position signalling device including a mount and including at least one coupling, which is mounted on the mount so that it can rotate, via which the switching shaft is mechanically operatively connected to a device for operation of the at least one position signalling device, when the electrical switch is in the test position or in the operating position. In order to simplify the physical design, an embodiment of the invention provides that the mount be provided with a bayonet contour and that the coupling be provided with at least one bayonet projection, such that the coupling is connected to the mount in the form of a bayonet fitting by means of a plugging-in movement followed by a rotary movement, and that a stop device be arranged on the mount, limiting the movement path of the coupling, which is connected to the mount, to its rotary movement. |
| US08232489B2 |
Switching device installable according to different operating configurations
A switching device, in particular an automatic switch, a disconnecting switch or a contactor, installable according to different operating configurations and preferably for use in low voltage systems. The device comprises a case containing at least a pair of contacts, one or more accessory devices for controlling and/or setting the operation of the switching device and user interface means, capable of performing output and/or input functions relative to the accessory devices. These interface means comprise at least a display which shows information relative to the output and/or input functions according to a viewing direction. The switching device also comprises means to select the viewing direction which are operatively connected to the display. These selection means allow selection of the viewing direction on the display as a function of the installation configuration of the switching device. |
| US08232488B2 |
Operating mechanism for a switching device
An operating mechanism, for a switch of a switching device disposed in a control cabinet having a door, includes a locking device having a locking element movable between a release position and a locking position. A spring device is configured to bias the locking element toward the release position. A force-transmitting member is operatively coupled to a resilient control member of the door, the force-transmitting member being configured to actuate the locking element. |
| US08232486B2 |
Power seat control unit
A power seat control unit has a dial-type switch, a seesaw-type switch and button-type switches. The dial-type switch is ring-shaped, and allows a seat occupant to perform frontward and rearward inclining adjustments of a seat back of a power seat depending on a rotation direction thereof. The seesaw-type switch is inward of the dial-type switch and across a center of the dial-type switch and allows the seat occupant to perform a frontward and rearward displacement adjustments of the seat depending on a pushed position. The button-type switches are inward of the dial-type switch and on both sides of the seesaw-type switch, and allow the seat occupant to perform tilt-up and tilt-down adjustments of a front portion of a seat cushion and lift-up and lift-down adjustments of a rear portion of the seat cushion depending on which button-type manual switch is pushed. |
| US08232481B2 |
Wiring board with columnar conductor and method of making same
A wiring board with a columnar conductor includes a wiring board defined by a multilayer ceramic board, a columnar conductor on an upper surface of the wiring board, and an insulating support portion arranged to support a side of the columnar conductor and having an external shape that expands from a tip of the columnar conductor toward the wiring board. |
| US08232478B2 |
Electromagnetic interference noise reduction board using electromagnetic bandgap structure
An EMI noise reduction board using an electromagnetic bandgap structure is disclosed. In the EMI noise reduction board according to an embodiment of the present invention, an electromagnetic bandgap structure having band stop frequency properties can be inserted into an inner portion of the board so as to shield an EMI noise, in which the portion corresponds to an edge of the board and in which the EMI noise is conducted from the inside to the edge of the board and radiates to the outside of the board. |
| US08232477B2 |
Curable resin composition, halogen-free resin substrate, and halogen-free build-up printed wiring board
In a curable resin composition containing an inorganic filler, the average particle diameter of the inorganic filler is 1 μm or less and the content of the inorganic filler is 50 wt % or less. The curable resin composition can be preferably used for a halogen-free resin substrate and the like having a small load on an environment as a hole-plugging curable resin composition as well as used to provide a hole-plugging build-up printed wiring board having a via-on-via structure (in particular, a stacked via structure) having an excellent crack-resistant property, an excellent insulation/connection reliability, and the like. |
| US08232476B2 |
Flexible multilayer wiring board
It is an object of the present invention to provide a flexible multilayer wiring board that can be easily reduced in thickness and that also has sufficient durability against repeated bending or heat shock. A preferred mode of the flexible multilayer wiring board comprises a flexible inner layer board obtained by forming an inner layer wiring on both sides of an insulating layer, an outer layer wiring situated on at least one side of the inner layer board, and insulating adhesive sheets lying between the inner layer board and outer layer wiring. One of the insulating adhesive sheets are composed of an imide group-containing polymer. |
| US08232469B2 |
Solar battery module and forming method thereof
A solar battery module comprises a substrate over a surface of which a solar battery unit is formed, and a resin structure which contacts the substrate and which covers a part of a side surface and a back surface of the substrate. The resin structure comprises a resin and a buffer material having a lower thermal expansion coefficient than the resin, and a mixture ratio of the buffer material with respect to the resin is reduced as a distance from the substrate is increased. |
| US08232462B1 |
Soybean cultivar S100300
A soybean cultivar designated S100300 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S100300, to the plants of soybean cultivar S100300, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S100300, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S100300. 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 S100300. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S100300, 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 S100300 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08232460B2 |
Soybean cultivar 94124374
A soybean cultivar designated 94124374 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 94124374, to the plants of soybean 94124374, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 94124374, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 94124374 with itself or with another soybean variety. 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. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 94124374, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 94124374, 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 the cultivar 94124374 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08232457B1 |
Soybean cultivar 05JR210865
The present invention is in the field of soybean cultivar 05JR210865 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean cultivar 05JR210865 and its progeny, and methods of making 05JR210865. |
| US08232455B2 |
Polynucleotides encoding canola DHS and antisense polynucleotides thereof
The present invention relates to unique isoforms of eukaryotic initiation Factor 5A (“eIF-5A”): senescence-induced eIF-5A; wounding-induced eIF-5A; and growth eIF-5A, as well as polynucleotides that encode these three factors. The present invention also relates to methods involving modulating the expression of these factors. The present invention also relates to deoxyhypusine synthase (“DHS”), polynucleotides that encode DHS, and methods involving modulating the expression of DHS. |
| US08232452B2 |
Methods, means and compositions for enhancing agrobacterium-mediated plant cell transformation efficiency
Higher eukaryotes sense microbes through perception of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The flagellin receptor FLS2 represents so far the only known pattern recognition receptor (PRR) in Arabidopsis. Arabidopsis plants detect a variety of PAMPs including specific epitopes of the bacterial proteins flagellin and EF-Tu. Here, we show that flagellin and EF-Tu activate a common set of signalling events and defence responses, but without clear additive or synergistic effects. Treatment with either PAMP results in increased receptor sites for both PAMPs, a finding employed in a reverse-genetic approach to identify the receptor kinase EFR as the EF-Tu receptor. Transient expression of EFR in Nicotiana benthamiana results in formation of specific binding sites for EF-Tu, and responsiveness to this PAMP. Arabidopsis efr mutants show a higher frequency of T-DNA transformation by the bacterium Agrobacterium tumefaciens, revealing a role for EF-Tu perception in restricting this plant pathogen. These results demonstrate that EFR is the receptor for EF-Tu and that plant defence responses induced by PAMPs like EF-Tu reduce transformation by Agrobacterium. |
| US08232448B2 |
Transgenic mouse with a homozygous mutation in the CMAH gene
This application is in the field of sialic acid chemistry, metabolism, antigenicity, and the production of transgenic non-human mammals with altered sialic acid production. More particularly, this application relates to N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) being an immunogen in humans, and the production of Neu5Gc-free mammalian products for laboratory and human use. |
| US08232447B2 |
Animal having modification in MGAT2 gene
It is an object to provide a gene-modified non-human animal having inactivated MGAT2 gene and a gene-modified non-human animal cell, which are useful for the search of the function of MGAT2 in vivo. It is another object to provide a method for screening of a compound capable of inhibiting the activity of MGAT2 and a compound capable of inhibiting the activity of MGAT2. It is further another object to provide a method for detecting a disease induced by abnormal lipid metabolism based on the expression level or activity of MGAT2. A method for screening of a compound by using a gene-modified non-human mammal having the artificially inhibited expression of MGAT2 gene and a cell thereof enable to prevent or treat a disease induced by abnormal lipid metabolism. Also a screening of a compound capable of inhibiting or enhancing the function of MGAT2 enables to prevent or treat a disease induced by abnormal lipid metabolism. |
| US08232444B2 |
Method for handling photocurable fluid waste
An apparatus and method for disposal of photocurable fluid waste may include a conduit for conducting photocurable fluid waste from a source of photocurable fluid waste; a dispenser for automatically dispensing a receptacle made of material that is impermeable to the photocurable fluid waste and that transmits radiation capable of curing; a welder or other sealing device for welding the receptacle to form a bag with a portion of the photocurable fluid waste inside; and a source of radiation for curing the photocurable fluid waste in the bag. |
| US08232422B2 |
Functionalized biodegradable triclosan monomers and oligomers for controlled release
This invention relates to the discovery of functionalized triclosan monomers and oligomers that, when incorporated into a substrate of, or applied as part of a coating to, medical devices and/or consumer products may extend the duration of antimicrobial properties to the medical devices and/or consumer products. |
| US08232420B2 |
Asymmetric catalyst and process for preparing optically active alcohols using the same
The present invention provides an organic metal compound, a ligand, an asymmetric catalyst, and a process for preparing optically-active alcohols using the asymmetric catalyst. The organic metal compound of the present invention is expressed by the following general formula (1): wherein in general formula (1), R1 and R2 are a mutually identical or mutually different, unsubstituted or substituted alkyl group, aryl group, cycloalkyl group, or R1 and R2 are bound to form an alicyclic ring, R3 is a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group, R4 is a branched alkyl group or an alkyl group that does or does not form a ring by itself, or an unsubstituted or substituted aryl group, or an unsubstituted or substituted heterocyclic group, Ar is an unsubstituted or substituted cyclopentadienyl group that is bound to M via a π bond, or an unsubstituted or substituted benzene, X is a hydride group or an anionic group, M is ruthenium, rhodium or iridium, L is a solvent molecule or a water molecule, l is 1 or 2, m is an integer from 0 to 2, n is 0 or 1, and when n is 0, X does not exist, and * represents asymmetric carbon, wherein R4 is not a camphor group, a camphor derivative group, an isopropyl group or a phenyl group whenever R1 and R2 are both a phenyl group. |
| US08232416B2 |
Method of manufacturing perfluorinated polyfunctional vinyl ether compound
A method of manufacturing a compound represented by formula (2) is provided, the method including thermally decomposing a compound represented by formula (1) under a reduced pressure: wherein Rf1 and Rf2 each independently represents a fluorine atom or a perfluorinated monovalent substituent, Rf3 and Rf4 each independently represents a fluorine atom, a perfluorinated monovalent substituent or a perfluorinated divalent substituent, Rf3 and Rf4 may combine with each other to form a ring, each of Rf3 and Rf4 may combine with Rf5 to form a ring, and Rf5 represents a perfluorinated (n+1)-valent to (2n+2)-valent linkage group, provided that n represents an integer of 1 to 5. |
| US08232410B2 |
Benzimidazoles and pharmaceutical compositions thereof
The present invention relates to novel benzimidazole derivatives and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. Another aspect of the invention relates to methods of treating a patient infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis or Francisella tulerensis by administering to the patient a benzimidazole derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US08232409B2 |
Heterocyclic benzimidazoles as TRPM8 modulators
Disclosed are compounds, compositions and methods for treating various diseases, syndromes, conditions and disorders, including pain. Such compounds are represented by Formula I as follows: wherein W1, W2, W3, R1, R1a, R2, R2a, R3, V, Q, and X are defined herein. |
| US08232405B2 |
Benzylpiperizine compound
Disclosed is a benzylpiperizine compound represented by formula (1) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, which is useful as a medicinal agent such as an antidepressant agent. (In the formula (1), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group; R2 is a group bound in a p- or m-position relative to a methylene group and represents a chlorine atom bound in a p-position, a bromine atom bound in a p-position, a methyl group bound in a p-position, a chlorine atom bound in a m-position or a bromine atom bound to in a m-position; X represents a methylene or an oxygen atom; and n represents an integer of 1 to 3.) |
| US08232404B2 |
Pyridone GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor agonists
Novel compounds are provided which are GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulators. GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulators are useful in treating, preventing, or slowing the progression of diseases requiring GPR119 G protein-coupled receptor modulator therapy. These novel compounds have the structure Formula I or Formula IA. |
| US08232403B2 |
Bicyclic derivatives as CETP inhibitors
The present invention relates to novel compounds of formula (I) or a pharmaceutical composition thereof, with all the variables being defined in the text. The present invention further relates to the use of the compounds herein for treatment of or delay progression to overt to diseases in which CETP is involved. |
| US08232400B2 |
Preparation of 3,4-dihydroisoquinolines in the synthesis of morphinans
The present invention is directed to processes for the synthesis of morphinans. In particular, a process for coupling a carboxylic acid compound with an amine compound to form an amide product that can then be isolated or the crude amide product can be cyclized to form a 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline. In one embodiment, the carboxylic acid contains a phenol moiety protected with a labile protecting group. The protected phenol reduces reaction times, simplifies work-up of the product, and reduces the amount of cyclizing agent, POCl3 that is necessary to form the 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline. |
| US08232396B2 |
Processes for the synthesis of opiates alkaloids with reduced impurity formation
The invention provides processes for the production of opiate alkaloids. In particular, the present invention provides processes for the formation of opiate alkaloids that minimizes the formation of impurities. |
| US08232395B2 |
Method for producing 2-(2-aminopyrimidin-4-yl)-1H-indole-5-carboxylic acid derivatives
This invention relates to a novel process for obtaining a compound of formula I: wherein the values of R1, R2, and R3 and P are as described in the specification. |
| US08232389B2 |
Method for crystallization of azetidinonecarboxylic acid
The present invention relates to a method for crystallization of (2R)-2-{(3S,4S)-3-[(1R)-1-(tert-butyldimethylsilyloxy)ethyl]-2-oxoazetidin-4-yl}propionic acid, and is characterized in that crystallization is carried out by mixing a solution containing the compound with a substituted aromatic hydrocarbon solvent and/or a halogenated hydrocarbon solvent. The method can provide a crystal of the compound with a high purity and a high yield while the content of 2S isomer is kept at a low level. |
| US08232388B2 |
Granulated maltitol for direct compression and method of preparation thereof
The invention relates to a granulated maltitol of concentration greater than or equal to 97%, preferably between 98 and 99%, characterized in that it has a water content less than 1%, preferably less than 0.5%, more preferably less than or equal to 0.4%, a compressibility greater than or equal to 300 N, preferably between 300 and 500 N, and a hygroscopicity less than or equal to 2.5%, preferably between 0.15 and 2.5%. |
| US08232384B2 |
Antisense oligonucleotides for inducing exon skipping and methods of use thereof
An antisense molecule capable of binding to a selected target site to induce exon skipping in the dystrophin gene, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 to 202. |
| US08232377B2 |
Method for high-level secretory production of protein
This invention provides a means for enabling high-level secretory production of proteins, in particular proteins having complicated structures such as antibodies, in host cells such as yeast cells. The invention also provides transformed yeast cells having the activated HAC1 gene and the RRBP1 gene and a method for enabling high-level secretory production of foreign proteins using such transformed host cells by inhibiting O-sugar chain formation indigenous to host cells such as yeast cells. |
| US08232376B2 |
Azo compound and method of preparing the azo compound
An azo compound having the following formula (I): A(E)n (I) wherein A represents a residue of an azo compound, bonded with n pieces of E group through one or more heteroatom being N or O and forming a part of the residue A; E independently represents a hydrogen atom or —C(═O)—O—R1 wherein R1 represents a substituted or an unsubstituted alkyl group having 4 to 10 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a cycloalkenyl group or an aralkyl group; and n represents an integer of from 1 to 10. |
| US08232373B2 |
Immunogenic peptide composition for the prevention and treatment of alzheimer's disease
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a peptide immunogen useful for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. More particularly, the peptide immunogen comprises a main functional/regulatory site, an N-terminal fragment of Amyloid β (Aβ) peptide linked to a helper T cell epitope (Th) having multiple class II MHC binding motifs. The peptide immunogen elicits a site-directed immune response against the main functional/regulatory site of the Aβ peptide and generate antibodies, which are highly cross-reactive to the soluble Aβ1-42 peptide and the amyloid plaques formed in the brain of Alzheimer's Disease patients. The antibodies elicited being cross reactive to the soluble Aβ1-42 peptide, promote fibril disaggregation and inhibit fibrillar aggregation leading to immunoneutralization of the “soluble Aβ-derived toxins”; and being cross-reactive to the amyloid plaques, accelerate the clearance of these plaques from the brain. Thus, the composition of the invention comprising the peptide immunogen is useful for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease. |
| US08232372B2 |
Engineered anti-TSLP antibody
The invention relates to binding compounds that specifically bind to human TSLP, as well as uses thereof, e.g., in the treatment of inflammatory disorders. |
| US08232370B2 |
Antimicrobial protein specific to Staphylococcus aureus
The present invention relates to a novel bacteriophage-originated protein having antimicrobial activity, more precisely an antimicrobial protein originated from lytic bacteriophage having killing activity specific to Staphylococcus aureus which is the causing agent of infectious diseases in human and animals, a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and treatment of the disease caused by Staphylococcus aureus, an antibiotic and a disinfectant containing the bacteriophage-originated antimicrobial protein as an active ingredient. |
| US08232369B2 |
Device and method for precipitation of peptides
The present invention relates to a method for precipitation of peptide where the mixing step of the peptide with the precipitation aid and the precipitation itself are specially separated. |
| US08232364B2 |
Gel masses based on polyurethane, their production and use
The present invention relates to improved gel masses prepared from a reaction mixture of NCO prepolymers and selected compounds containing groups reactive towards isocyanate groups. This invention is also directed to a process for the production of these gel masses and to the production of pressure-distributing elements comprising these gel masses. |
| US08232362B2 |
Preparation of amino-silane terminated polymer by using organic bismuth catalyst and cured polymer therefrom by using non-tin catalyst
The present invention relates to a process for preparing silylated isocyanato-terminated polyurethane prepolymer which have increased stability toward atmospheric moisture, in the presence of at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of bismuth and zinc compounds. |
| US08232356B2 |
Method for producing a thickener dispersion
A method is described for producing an aqueous thickener dispersion from a monomer composition made of at least one ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid and at least one ethylenically unsaturated hydrophobic monomer, (i) an at least partially polymerized pre-emulsion being produced from 10 to 80 wt.-% of said monomer composition, and (ii) the residual quantity of said monomer composition being added completely to the at least partially polymerized pre-emulsion and initiating a radical polymerization. The monomer composition preferably also comprises an associative monomer. The method avoids disadvantages of batch polymerization, such as inadequate batch-to-batch reproducibility and safety problems. |
| US08232349B2 |
Transparent thermoplastic resin and method for preparing the same
Disclosed herein is a transparent thermoplastic resin comprising a rubber phase including an aromatic rubbery block copolymer resin, and a resin phase including a terpolymer comprising an aromatic vinyl compound, a vinyl cyanide compound and an unsaturated alkyl ester compound, wherein the rubber phase and the resin phase have a co-continuous phase structure. |
| US08232348B2 |
Masterbatch and polymer composition
The present invention relates to a method of preparing a biodegradable polymer composition, said method comprising melt mixing a first biodegradable polyester and a masterbatch, wherein said masterbatch has been formed separately by melt mixing in the presence of a transesterification catalyst a polysaccharide, a second biodegradable polyester and a biodegradable polymer having pendant carboxylic acid groups. |
| US08232347B2 |
Method of making oxygen-absorbing resin composition
A high-quality oxygen-absorbing resin composition which is obtained without suffering resin scorching. Also provided are pellets for the oxygen-absorbing resin composition which comprise a thermoplastic resin (A) and an oxidation catalyst. After the pellets are mixed with a trigger resin and a thermoplastic resin (C), the trigger resin functions as a trigger to cause the oxidation of the thermoplastic resins (A) and (C) to proceed. As a result, the resultant composition absorbs oxygen. |
| US08232340B2 |
Rubber composition for chafer
The object of the present invention is to provide a rubber composition having high breaking strength, excellent in bead durability without the generation of rubber cracking during mounting and demounting of the rim, and excellent in fuel efficiency.The present invention relates a rubber composition for a chafer comprising: (A) a diene rubber comprising (A1) 10 to 60% by mass of a butadiene rubber containing 2.5 to 20% by mass of a 1,2-syndiotactic polybutadiene crystal, (A2) 5 to 50% by mass of a tin-modified butadiene rubber polymerized with a lithium initiator and having 50 to 3000 ppm content of tin atoms, 5 to 50% by mass of vinyl bond amount and a molecular weight distribution of at most 2.0, and (A3) 20 to 75% by mass of a diene rubber other than the butadiene rubber (A1) and the tin-modified butadiene rubber (A2); and (B) 5 to 30 parts by mass of silica (B) based on 100 parts by mass of the diene rubber components, wherein elongation at break of the rubber composition for a chafer is at least 280%. |
| US08232338B2 |
Rubber composition having a very low zinc content
A rubber composition based on at least one diene elastomer, containing less than 2 phr of zinc, phr meaning parts per hundred parts of rubber (elastomer), and based on at least one reinforcing filler and one sulphur-based crosslinking system, comprising a zinc carboxylate of formula: (RCOO)2Zn, in which R represents a hydrocarbon group chosen from cyclic or non-cyclic, linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, aryl groups, aralkyl groups or alkaryl groups having 1 to 16 carbon atoms. Also disclosed is a process for preparing such a rubber composition which is suitable for manufacturing tires or semi-finished products made of rubber intended for these tires. |
| US08232337B2 |
Polyamide compositions with improved salt resistance and heat stability
Disclosed is a polyamide composition including at least one semi-aromatic copolyamide, said semi-aromatic copolyamide consisting essentially of about 25 to about 55 mole percent repeat units of the formula —C(O)(CH2)mC(O)NHCH2ArCH2NH— (I) and about 45 to about 75 mole percent repeat units of the formula —C(O)(CH2)mC(O)NH(CH2)nNH— (II) wherein m is 8, 10, and/or 12, n is 6, 10 and/or 12 and Ar is a meta-substituted benzene ring; and said polyamide has a melting point equal to or less than 225° C.; and 0.1 to 15 weight percent of one or more polyhydric alcohols having more than two hydroxyl groups and having a number average molecular weight (Mn) of less than 2000. Also disclosed are molded or extruded articles including the polyamide composition. |
| US08232333B2 |
Process for producing ultrafine powders based on polyamides, ultrafine polyamide powders and their use
Process for preparing ultrafine powders based on polyamides by contacting polyamides having a relative solution viscosity ηrel in the range from 1.5 to 2.0, measured in 0.5% m-cresol solution at 25° C., with an alcoholic medium in the presence of inorganic particles under the action of pressure and/or temperature to generate an at least partial solution, and then precipitating the polyamide from the at least partial solution, characterized in that a suspension of the inorganic particles suspended in the alcoholic medium is used. The resulting ultrafine polyamide powders have a specific BET surface area in the range of 5-100 m2/g; a fineness d50 of less than 70 μm; an apparent density AD in the range from 250 to 1000 g/l; and a particle content of 0.1 to 80% by weight of inorganic particles based on the total weight of the polyamide powder. They are equally suitable for coatings and for moldings and components with improved mechanical properties. |
| US08232332B2 |
Cured hydrophilic compositions
A curable composition is described, including a gel material derived from the curable composition, and medical articles including such material, wherein the transparent gel material includes a polymerized monofunctional poly(alkylene oxide) macromonomer component and a surface modified nanoparticle component. |
| US08232330B2 |
Nonaqueous ink, image-recording method, image-recording apparatus and recorded article
A nonaqueous ink, having: colorant particles, the colorant particles having an average particle diameter of 1 nm or more and less than 50 nm, and the value (D90-D10) of being 100 nm or less, a dispersant; and a radical-polymerization compound; wherein D90-D10 is a value obtained by subtracting D10 from D90; D90 and D10 represent respectively the particle diameters at cumulative colorant particle numbers of 0.9 (90 number %) and 0.1 (10 number %) in an integral value of the distribution function dG=F(D)dD; and G represents the number of the pigment particles; and D represents the diameter of the particles. |
| US08232329B2 |
Inkjet ink
An inkjet ink that prevents paper deformation such as curling, and also exhibits favorable pigment dispersibility. The inkjet ink includes at least a pigment, water, a water-soluble organic solvent having an α value of not more than 65, and a dispersant, wherein the dispersant is a copolymer having a unit A represented by general formula (a) shown below and a unit B represented by general formula (b) shown below, and the mass ratio between the water-soluble organic solvent and the water satisfies (water-soluble organic solvent)/water=5/5 to 8/2. [In general formula (a), R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, and m represents an integer of 1 to 3.] [In general formula (b), R2 and R3 each represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, wherein R2 and R3 may be the same or different, and n represents an integer of 1 to 250.] |
| US08232328B2 |
Color filter ink, color filter, image display device, and electronic device
A color filter ink according to the first aspect is adapted to be used to manufacture a color filter by an inkjet method, the color filter ink comprising. The color filter ink includes a pigment, a solvent, a dispersing agent and a curable resin material. The dispersing agent includes an acid-value dispersing agent with a predetermined acid value and an amine-value dispersing agent with a predetermined amine value. The curable resin material includes a first polymer and a second polymer. The first polymer includes at least a first epoxy-containing vinyl monomer as a monomer component. The second polymer includes at least an alkoxysilyl-containing vinyl monomer represented by a prescribed chemical formula as a monomer component. |
| US08232326B2 |
UV/visible light absorbers for ophthalmic lens materials
Benzotriazole UV/Visible light-absorbing monomers are disclosed. The UV/Vis absorbers are particularly suitable for use in intraocular lens materials. |
| US08232322B2 |
High molecular weight polymers, devices and method for making and using same
Anhydride polymers that release active or activatable agent(s) have pre-selected properties such as molecular weight, flexibility, hardness, adhesiveness, and other valuable properties. The polymers are suitable for use in compositions, formulations, coatings, devices, and the like that benefit from the controlled release of an agent(s) over a period of time. The polymers are prepared by a process involving various alternative and sequential steps that allow the design a priori of products with specific characteristics. The polymers are suitable as delivery systems, either by themselves, as compositions, formulations or devices. |
| US08232316B2 |
Compounds and methods for delivery of prostacyclin analogs
This invention pertains generally to prostacyclin analogs and methods for their use in promoting vasodilation, inhibiting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation, stimulating thrombolysis, inhibiting cell proliferation (including vascular remodeling), providing cytoprotection, preventing atherogenesis and inducing angiogenesis. Generally, the compounds and methods of the present invention increase the oral bioavailability and circulating concentrations of treprostinil when administered orally. Compounds of the present invention have the following formula: |
| US08232315B2 |
Methods for treating drug addiction and improving addiction-related behavior
The invention is directed to a method of treating addiction to drugs of abuse in a subject, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a cabamoyl compound, or pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof. |
| US08232314B2 |
Compounds that protect against sensory hair cell death
The present invention provides methods of identifying compounds that protect against ototoxicity induced by one or more noxious stimuli, and methods of treating an individual with compounds identified using the present screening methods. Also provided are compounds demonstrated to have otoprotective effects. |
| US08232310B2 |
Targeting of EWS-FLI1 as anti-tumor therapy
Peptides and compounds are provided that function as EWS-FLI1 protein inhibitors. The peptides and compounds have utility in the treatment of Ewing's sarcoma family of tumors. Also provided are methods of preparing the compounds and assays for identifying inhibitors of EWS-FLI1 protein. |
| US08232307B2 |
Indane-amine derivatives, their preparation and use as medicaments
The present invention relates to indane-amine compounds of general formula (I) and compositions thereof, methods for their preparation, and the use of said compounds for the treatment of humans or animals. |
| US08232306B2 |
Methods for detecting sulfhydryl-containing compounds in a biological test sample
The invention relates to methods for detecting the presence of a compound of formula I in a biological test sample: where R2, R3, and R4 are as defined in the specification; or a salt thereof. |
| US08232305B2 |
Anti-microbial compositions
Anti-microbial compositions comprising certain imidazolium ionic liquids and non-ionic or anionic surfactants and methods of using said compositions in the preservation of personal care and cosmetic applications are provided. |
| US08232302B2 |
Thiazoles and oxazoles useful as modulators of ATP-binding cassette transporters
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator (“CFTR”), compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators. |
| US08232295B2 |
Treating vascular events with statins by inhibiting PAR-1 and PAR-4
The present invention relates to new methods for treating and/or preventing vascular events by inhibiting G-coupled Protease Activating Receptor (PAR)-1 and/or PAR-4 with the administration of statins. In one embodiment, individuals who are at risk for vascular events, but have cholesterol levels (e.g., total cholesterol or Low Density Lipoprotein) in normal ranges, are treated with statins. |
| US08232294B2 |
Amino ester derivatives, sailts thereof and methods of use
The present invention provides amino ester compounds, salts, and pharmaceutical formulations thereof useful in modulating the protein tyrosine kinase activity, and in modulating inter- and/or intra-cellular signaling. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of hyperproliferative disorders in mammals, especially humans. |
| US08232293B2 |
Crystalline forms of a potent HCV inhibitor
This invention relates to novel crystalline forms of the following Compound (1), and the sodium salt thereof, and methods for the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and their use in the treatment of Hepatitis C Viral (HCV) infection: |
| US08232288B2 |
Substituted benzimidazoles, benzothiazoles and benzoxazoles
Substituted benzimidazoles, benzothiazoles and benzoxazoles, processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compostions containing these compounds and the use of these compounds for treating or inhibiting disorders or disease states mediated at least in part by bradykinin receptor 1 (BR1). |
| US08232282B2 |
Compound having bicyclic pyrimidine structure and pharmaceutical composition comprising the same
The present invention relates to a bicyclic pyrimidine compound of the following formula (I) or a salt thereof. wherein R1 is lower alkyl, cyclic lower alkyl. etc.; R2 is H, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, etc.; R3 is H, lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, etc.; X is O, S or —N(R4)—; R4 is H or lower alkyl; or R2 and R4 may combine each other to form cyclic amino; Y is amido, keto, sulfonyl, etc.; R5 is H or lower alkyl; Z is O or S; m and n are 1 or 2. Said compound (I) or a salt thereof have MGAT inhibitory activity, and are useful as an agent for treatment or prophylaxis of adiposity, metabolic syndromes, hyperlipidemia, hyper neutral lipemia, hyper VLDL-mia, hyper fatty acidemia, diabetes mellitus, arteriosclerosis. |
| US08232281B2 |
Uses of DPP-IV inhibitors
The specification describes the use of selected DPP IV inhibitors for the treatment of physiological functional disorders and for reducing the risk of the occurrence of such functional disorders in at-risk patient groups. In addition, the use of the above-mentioned DPP IV inhibitors in conjunction with other active substances is described, by means of which improved treatment outcomes can be achieved. These applications may be used to prepare corresponding medicaments. |
| US08232279B2 |
Pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives having biological activity on serotonin receptor 5-HT2c
The present invention relates to a novel medicinal use of pyrazolopyrimidine compounds having superior effect as serotonin 5-HT2C receptor ligand thus being useful for the prevention and treatment of central nervous system (CNS) diseases. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical composition comprising pyrazolopyrimidine compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts as active ingredients are useful for the prevention and treatment of serotonin 5-HT2C-related central nervous system diseases such as obesity, depression, anxiety and withdrawal symptoms due to drug abuse. |
| US08232278B2 |
Pyrido(3,2-D)pyrimidines and pharmaceutical compositions useful for treating hepatitis C
Specifically substituted pyrido(3,2-d)pyrimidine derivatives having the structural formula (I) are useful for the treatment of hepatitis C. |
| US08232277B2 |
Tetra-O-substituted butane-bridge modified NDGA derivatives, their synthesis and pharmaceutical use
The present invention relates to nordihydroguaiaretic acid derivative compounds, namely, butane bridge modified nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) compounds and butane bridge modified tetra-O-substituted NDGA compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, methods of making them, and methods of using them and kits including them for the treatment of diseases and disorders, in particular, diseases resulting from or associated with a virus infection, such as HIV infection, HPV infection, or HSV infection, an inflammatory disease, such as various types of arthritis and inflammatory bowel diseases, metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension, or a proliferative disease, such as diverse types of cancers. |
| US08232276B2 |
Anhydrous topical skin preparations
The present invention provides anhydrous compositions for topical delivery of a medicament comprising (A) a penetration enhancer/solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohol, propylene glycol, or a combination thereof; (B) a humectant/solvent selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, xylitol, or any combination of any of the foregoing; and (C) an anhydrous vehicle. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention provides anhydrous compositions for topical delivery of a medicament which comprise (A) a penetration enhancer/solvent selected from the group consisting of alcohol, propylene glycol, or a combination thereof; (B) a humectant/solvent selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, xylitol or any combination of any of the foregoing; (C) an anhydrous vehicle; and (D) a medicament. Also provided are methods for topically delivering a medicament to an animal, such as a mammal or a human patient, in need of the medicament by topically administering to the animal the compositions of the present invention. |
| US08232265B2 |
Multi-functional ionic liquid compositions for overcoming polymorphism and imparting improved properties for active pharmaceutical, biological, nutritional, and energetic ingredients
Disclosed are ionic liquids and methods of preparing ionic liquid compositions of active pharmaceutical, biological, nutritional, and energetic ingredients. Also disclosed are methods of using the compositions described herein to overcome polymorphism, overcome solubility and delivery problems, to control release rates, add functionality, enhance efficacy (synergy), and improve ease of use and manufacture. |
| US08232252B2 |
P-selectin ligand protein
A novel P-selectin ligand glycoprotein is disclosed, comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or by the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4. DNA sequences encoding the P-selectin ligand protein are also disclosed, along with vectors, host cells, and methods of making the P-selectin ligand protein. Pharmaceutical compositions containing the P-selectin ligand protein and methods of treating inflammatory disease states characterized by P-selectin- and E-selectin-mediated intercellular adhesion are also disclosed. |
| US08232242B2 |
Treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases with mammal beta defensins
The present invention relates to treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases with mammal beta defensins. |
| US08232238B2 |
Concentrated film delivery systems
A water soluble strip that includes a carrier film that include water soluble polymer, one or more actives and one or more agents such as heat forming agent and/or degrading accelerator. The water soluble strip can optionally include other additives. The actives includes antimicrobial agent, cleaning agent and/or surfactant. The water soluble strip can include other materials. The heat forming agent and/or degrading accelerator, when used, are designed facilitate in degrading or dissolving the water soluble strip and/or increase the activity of the one or more actives. The water soluble film can be used for a variety of applications such as a hard surface cleaning strip, dishwashing strip, laundry cleaning strip, stop removing strip, drain unclogging strip, toilet bowl cleaning strip and the like. The water soluble strip eliminates the need to purchase and store numerous containers and/or heavy containers of cleaner that take up large amounts of shelf space. |
| US08232237B2 |
Article and method
A cleaning article comprises a substrate in the form of a wipe loaded with a cleaning agent and loaded with a heat generating agent which generates heat when the wipe is exposed to water. |
| US08232234B2 |
Polymer-derived lubricant additive for ultra-low wear applications
Polymer-derived nanocomposite lubricants reduce friction and wear in applications involving elevated temperatures, such as within an internal combustion engine. |
| US08232231B2 |
Stabilized herbicidal composition
A stabilized herbicidal composition, comprising a fenoxaprop ester herbicide, a salt of 2,4-D, a salt of MCPP-P and a salt of Dicamba, which may also optionally contain additional stabilizers such as triethylamine. Also disclosed is a stabilized herbicidal composition comprising a fenoxaprop ester herbicide in combination with a bromoxynil mixed ester herbicide. The stabilized herbicidal compositions of the present invention may also contain one or more surfactants and/or safeners. |
| US08232228B2 |
Method for increasing the efficacy of agricultural chemicals
The present invention is directed to increasing the efficacy of agricultural chemicals. This can be achieved by applying at least one agricultural chemical to a plant or plant seed under conditions effective for the agricultural chemical to perform its intended function and applying at least one hypersensitive response elicitor protein or polypeptide to the plant or plant seed under conditions effective to increase the efficacy of the agricultural chemical. Alternatively, the present invention relates to a method for increasing the efficacy of agricultural chemicals by applying an agricultural chemical to a transgenic plants or transgenic seeds transformed with nucleic acid molecule which encodes a hypersensitive response elicitor protein or polypeptide, wherein the agricultural chemical is applied under conditions effective for the agricultural chemical to perform its intended function but with increased efficacy. |
| US08232227B2 |
Honeycomb structured body
A honeycomb structured body of the present invention is a honeycomb structured body in which plural pillar-shaped honeycomb units are bonded to one another through sealing material layers, each unit having in the longitudinal direction a large number of cells placed in parallel with a cell wall therebetween. Herein, a cross-sectional area of the honeycomb unit on a cross-section perpendicular to the length direction is at least about 5 cm2 and at most about 50 cm2, the honeycomb unit includes inorganic fibers and/or whiskers in addition to inorganic particles, and a Young's modulus of the honeycomb unit is at least about 50% and at most about 150% of a Young's modulus of the sealing material layer. |
| US08232226B2 |
Method for producing spherical activated carbon
The invention relates to a method for producing activated carbon, in particular spherical activated carbon, wherein particles are carbonized from an organic precursor substance, wherein the activated carbon obtained from the particles is shock-chilled after carbonization, the temperature gradient being more than 100 K/min. |
| US08232224B2 |
Methods for making catalysts for methacrolein oxidation
Methods for preparing catalysts for oxidation of unsaturated and/or saturated aldehydes to unsaturated acids is disclosed where the catalyst includes at least molybdenum (Mo), phosphorus (P), vanadium (V), bismuth (Bi), where the bismuth component was dissolved in an organic acid solution prior to adding the bismuth containing solution to a solution of the other components. |
| US08232222B2 |
Catalyst and process
A catalyst composition comprises the reaction product of an alkoxide or condensed alkoxide of a metal M, selected from titanium, zirconium, hafnium, aluminum, or a lanthanide, an alcohol containing at least two hydroxyl groups, a 2-hydroxy carboxylic acid and a base, wherein the ratio of equivalents of base to —COOH acid equivalents of said 2-hydroxy carboxylic acid is in the range 0.0033-0.2:1. The composition is useful as a catalyst for esterification reactions, especially for the production of polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate. |
| US08232221B2 |
Zeolite supported metallic nanodots
A metal nanodot material is formed by ion-exchange with chabazite or a chabazite-like structure, followed by activation to form metallic nanodots. The nanodot may be formed from silver, nickel, copper, gold or a platinum group metal. |
| US08232218B2 |
Ion exchanged, fast cooled glasses
A glass that is ion exchangeable to a depth of at least 20 μm (microns) and has a internal region having a tension of less than or equal to 100 MPa. The glass is quenched or fast cooled from a first temperature above the anneal point of the glass to a second temperature that is below the strain point of the glass. In one embodiment, the glass is a silicate glass, such as an alkali silicate glass, an alkali aluminosilicate glass, an aluminosilicate glass, a borosilicate glass, an alkali aluminogermanate glass, an alkali germanate glass, an alkali gallogermanate glass, and combinations thereof. |
| US08232217B2 |
Film deposition apparatus, method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, and method of coating the film deposition apparatus
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device has supplying a first reactant gas into buffer chamber provided in a reaction chamber of the film deposition apparatus to form a first film over an inner wall surface of the buffer chamber, and supplying a second reactant gas into the reaction chamber to form a second film over a semiconductor substrate. |
| US08232216B2 |
Semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and method for manufacturing a semiconductor
Provided are a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and method, capable of reliably and rapidly transporting a heated semiconductor wafer. the apparatus is provided for transporting a semiconductor wafer, which has been processed by desired treatment (for example, film formation) and is held by a susceptor equipped with a heater, to the outside by a transport arm which holds the semiconductor wafer by suction, by moving the susceptor to a certain position above a top of a wafer waiting stage and introducing the semiconductor wafer held by the susceptor onto the top of the wafer waiting stage. Then, the susceptor present on the top of the wafer waiting stage is moved in a horizontal direction. After a certain cooling time, the transport arm holds the semiconductor wafer placed on the wafer waiting stage by suction and transports the semiconductor wafer to outside. |
| US08232214B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method of fabricating the same
A liquid crystal display device includes a plurality of gate lines and data lines crossing each other to define a plurality of pixel regions, a plurality of thin film transistors, each disposed in one of the pixel regions, and a plurality of pixel electrodes, each disposed in one of the pixel regions, wherein the thin film transistor includes at least one Ti layer. |
| US08232212B2 |
Within-sequence metrology based process tuning for adaptive self-aligned double patterning
An apparatus for adaptive self-aligned dual patterning and method thereof. The method includes providing a substrate to a processing platform configured to perform an etch process and a deposition process and a metrology unit configured for in-vacuo critical dimension (CD) measurement. The in-vacuo CD measurement is utilized for feedforward adaptive control of the process sequence processing platform or for feedback and feedforward adaptive control of chamber process parameters. In one aspect, a first layer of a multi-layered masking stack is etched to form a template mask, an in-vacuo CD measurement of the template mask is made, and a spacer is formed, adjacent to the template mask, to a width that is dependent on the CD measurement of the template mask. |
| US08232206B2 |
Methods of forming electrical contacts to structures that are at different heights over a substrate relative to one another
Electroless plating can be utilized to form electrical interconnects associated with semiconductor substrates. For instance, a semiconductor substrate can be formed to have a dummy structure thereover with a surface suitable for electroless plating, and to also have a digit line thereover having about the same height as the dummy structure. A layer can be formed over the dummy structure and digit line, and openings can be formed through the layer to the upper surfaces of the dummy structure and digit line. Subsequently, a conductive material can be electroless plated within the openings to form electrical contacts within the openings. The opening extending to the dummy structure can pass through a capacitor electrode, and accordingly the conductive material formed within such opening can be utilized to form electrical contact to the capacitor electrode. |
| US08232196B2 |
Interconnect structure having a via with a via gouging feature and dielectric liner sidewalls for BEOL integration
An interconnect structure including a lower interconnect level with a first dielectric layer having a first conductive material embedded therein; a dielectric capping layer located on the first dielectric layer and some portions of the first conductive material; an upper interconnect level including a second dielectric layer having at least one via opening filled with a second conductive material and at least one overlying line opening filled with the second conductive material disposed therein, wherein the at least one via opening is in contact with the first conductive material in the lower interconnect level by a via gouging feature; a dielectric liner on sidewalls of the at least one via opening; and a first diffusion barrier layer on sidewalls and a bottom of both the at least one via opening and the at least one overlying line opening. A method of forming the interconnect structure is also provided. |
| US08232195B2 |
Method for fabricating back end of the line structures with liner and seed materials
A sputter-etching method employed to achieve a thinned down noble metal liner layer deposited on the surface or field of an intermediate back end of the line (BEOL) interconnect structure. The noble metal liner layer is substantially thinned down to a point where the effect of the noble metal has no significant effect in the chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) process. The noble metal liner layer may be completely removed by sputter etching to facilitate effective planarization by chemical-mechanical polishing to take place. |
| US08232187B2 |
Doping method for semiconductor device
A doping method for a semiconductor device includes forming a trench in a semiconductor substrate, forming a doped layer doped with a dopant over the undoped layer, and forming a doped region into which the dopant is diffused, wherein the doped region is a portion of the semiconductor substrate in contact with the doped layer. |
| US08232186B2 |
Methods of integrating reverse eSiGe on NFET and SiGe channel on PFET, and related structure
Methods of integrating reverse embedded silicon germanium (SiGe) on an NFET and SiGe channel on a PFET, and a related structure are disclosed. One method may include providing a substrate including an NFET area and a PFET area; performing a single epitaxial growth of a silicon germanium (SiGe) layer over the substrate; forming an NFET in the NFET area, the NFET including a SiGe plug in a channel thereof formed from the SiGe layer; and forming a PFET in the PFET area, the PFET including a SiGe channel formed from the SiGe layer. As an option, the SiGe layer over the PFET area may be thinned. |
| US08232184B2 |
Method for manufacturing silicon carbide semiconductor device and the silicon carbide semiconductor device
Silicon carbide semiconductor device includes trench, in which connecting trench section is connected to straight trench section. Straight trench section includes first straight trench and second straight trench extending in parallel to each other. Connecting trench section includes first connecting trench perpendicular to straight trench section, second connecting trench that connects first straight trench and first connecting trench to each other, and third connecting trench that connects second straight trench and first connecting trench to each other. Second connecting trench extends at 30 degrees of angle with the extension of first straight trench. Third connecting trench extends at 30 degrees of angle with the extension of second straight trench. A manufacturing method according to the invention for manufacturing a silicon carbide semiconductor device facilitates preventing defects from being causes in a silicon carbide semiconductor device during the manufacture thereof. |
| US08232183B2 |
Process and apparatus for wafer-level flip-chip assembly
A method of forming an integrated circuit structure is provided. The method includes providing an interposer wafer; mounting the interposer wafer onto a handling wafer; thinning a backside of the interposer wafer; removing the handling wafer from the interposer wafer after the step of thinning; securing the interposer wafer on a fixture; and bonding a die on the interposer wafer. |
| US08232182B2 |
Fabrication of electronic and photonic systems on flexible substrates by layer transfer method
A transfer layer includes a transparent substrate. A buffer layer is formed on the transparent substrate that comprises PbO, GaN, PbTiO3, La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (LSCO), or LaxPb1-xCoO3 (LPCO) so that separation between the buffer layer and the transparent substrate occurs at substantially high temperatures. |
| US08232178B2 |
Method for forming a semiconductor device with stressed trench isolation
A method for forming a semiconductor device with stressed trench isolation is provided, comprising: providing a silicon substrate (S11); forming at least two first trenches in parallel on the silicon substrate and forming a first dielectric layer which is under tensile stress in the first trenches (S12); forming at least two second trenches, which have an extension direction perpendicular to that of the first trenches, in parallel on the silicon substrate, and forming a second dielectric layer in the second trenches (S13); and after forming the first trenches, forming a gate stack on a part of the silicon substrate between two adjacent first trenches, wherein the channel length direction under the gate stack is parallel to the extension direction of the first trenches (S14). The present invention supply tensile stress in the channel width direction of a MOS transistor, so as to improve performance of PMOS and/or NMOS transistors. |
| US08232176B2 |
Dielectric deposition and etch back processes for bottom up gapfill
Methods to reduce film cracking in a dielectric layer are described. The methods may include the steps of depositing a first dielectric film on a substrate and removing a top portion of the first dielectric film by performing an etch on the film. The methods may also include depositing a second dielectric film over the etched first film, and removing a top portion of the second dielectric film. In addition, the methods may include annealing the first and second dielectric films to form the dielectric layer, where the removal of the top portions from the first and the second dielectric films reduces a stress level in the dielectric layer. |
| US08232171B2 |
Structure with isotropic silicon recess profile in nanoscale dimensions
A trench is formed by an anisotropic etch in a semiconductor material layer employing a masking layer, which can be gate spacers. In one embodiment, an adsorbed fluorine layer is provided at a cryogenic temperature only on vertical sidewalls of the semiconductor structure including the sidewalls of the trench. The adsorbed fluorine layer removes a controlled amount of the underlying semiconductor material once the temperature is raised above the cryogenic temperature. The trench can be filled with another semiconductor material to generate stress in the semiconductor material layer. In another embodiment, the semiconductor material is laterally etched by a plasma-based etch at a controlled rate while a horizontal portion of a contiguous oxide liner prevents etch of the semiconductor material from the bottom surface of the trench. |
| US08232169B2 |
Resistor in an integrated circuit
A resistive element having two vertical resistive portions placed in two holes formed in the upper portion of a substrate and a horizontal resistive portion placed in a buried cavity connecting the bottoms of the holes. |
| US08232152B2 |
Removing method of a hard mask
A removing method of a hard mask includes the following steps. A substrate is provided. At least two MOSFETs are formed on the substrate. An isolating structure is formed in the substrate and located between the at least two MOSFETs. Each of the MOSEFTs includes a gate insulating layer, a gate, a spacer and a hard mask on the gate. A protecting structure is formed on the isolating structure and the hard mask is exposed from the protecting structure. The exposed hard mask is removed to expose the gate. |
| US08232151B2 |
Structure and method for manufacturing asymmetric devices
A plurality of gate structures are formed on a substrate. Each of the gate structures includes a first gate electrode and source and drain regions. The first gate electrode is removed from each of the gate structures. A first photoresist is applied to block gate structures having source regions in a source-down direction. A first halo implantation is performed in gate structures having source regions in a source-up direction at a first angle. The first photoresist is removed. A second photoresist is applied to block gate structures having source regions in a source-up direction. A second halo implantation is performed in gate structures having source regions in a source-down direction at a second angle. The second photoresist is removed. Replacement gate electrodes are formed in each of the gate structures. |
| US08232145B2 |
Methods of promoting adhesion between transfer molded IC packages and injection molded plastics for creating over-molded memory cards
A flash memory card and methods of manufacturing same are disclosed. The card includes a semiconductor package fabricated to receive a single-sided or double-sided lid. A surface of the semiconductor package may be formed with holes, trenches and/or pockmarks. After the holes, trenches and/or pockmarks are formed, a lid may be attached to the package surface in an injection molding process. During the injection molding process, the molten plastic flows into the holes, trenches and/or pockmarks to interconnect with the surface of the semiconductor package. Thus, when the molten plastic hardens, the holes, trenches and/or pockmarks ensure that the lid remains firmly attached to semiconductor package. |
| US08232143B2 |
Device formed using a hard mask and etch stop layer
A method of etching a device in one embodiment includes providing a silicon carbide substrate, forming a silicon nitride layer on a surface of the silicon carbide substrate, forming a silicon carbide layer on a surface of the silicon nitride layer, forming a silicon dioxide layer on a surface of the silicon carbide layer, forming a photoresist mask on a surface of the silicon dioxide layer, and etching the silicon dioxide layer through the photoresist mask. |
| US08232137B2 |
Heat conduction for chip stacks and 3-D circuits
A semiconductor device assembly and method can include a single semiconductor layer or stacked semiconductor layers, for example semiconductor wafers or wafer sections (semiconductor dice). On each semiconductor layer, a diamond layer formed therethrough can aid in the routing and dissipation of heat. The diamond layer can include a first portion on the back of the semiconductor layer, and one or more second portions which extend vertically into the semiconductor layer, for example completely through the semiconductor layer. Thermal contact can then be made to the diamond layer to conduct heat away from the one or more semiconductor layers. A conductive via can be formed through the diamond layers to provide signal routing and heat dissipation capabilities. |
| US08232135B2 |
Organic transistor
An organic transistor comprising source and drain electrodes; a gate electrode; an organic insulating layer between the gate electrode and the source and drain electrodes; and an organic semiconductive region between the insulating layer and the source and drain electrodes; wherein the organic semiconductive region comprises (a) a high mobility layer of an organic semiconductor and (b) a blocking layer of organic material positioned between the high mobility layer and the source and drain electrodes, in which the ionization potential of the organic material of the blocking layer exceeds the workfunction of the source and drain electrodes so as to inhibit charge injection from the source electrode into the blocking layer in the off-state. |
| US08232134B2 |
Rapid thermal method and device for thin film tandem cell
A method for forming a thin film photovoltaic device. The method includes providing a transparent substrate comprising a surface region. A first transparent electrode layer is formed overlying the surface region. A multilayered structure including a copper material and an indium material is formed overlying a electrode surface region. The multilayered structure is subjected to a plurality of sulfur bearing entities during a rapid thermal process to form an absorber material comprising a copper entity, an indium entity, and a sulfur entity. The rapid thermal process uses a ramp time ranging from about 10 Degrees Celsius/second to about 50 Degrees Celsius/second. In a specific embodiment, the first transparent electrode layer is maintained to a sheet resistance of less than or equal to about 10 Ohms/square centimeters and an optical transmission of 90 percent and greater. |
| US08232132B2 |
Image sensor array with conformal color filters
An image sensor pixel includes a photo-sensor region, a microlens, a first color filter layer, and a second color filter layer. The photo-sensor region is disposed within a semiconductor die. The microlens is disposed on the semiconductor die in optical alignment with the photo-sensor region. The first color filter layer is disposed between the photo-sensor region and the microlens. The second color filter layer is disposed on an opposite side of the microlens as the first color filter layer. |
| US08232131B2 |
Image sensor module and method of manufacturing the same
An image sensor module includes a semiconductor chip. Photodiode units are disposed in an active region of the semiconductor chip to convert light into electric signals. Pads are disposed in a peripheral region formed around the active region and the pads are electrically connected to the photodiode units. A connecting region is formed around the peripheral region. Re-distribution layers are electrically connected to respective pads and extend to the connecting region. A transparent substrate covers the photodiode units and the pads and exposes at least a portion of the re-distribution layers. Connecting layers are electrically connected to the respective re-distribution layers and extend to a top surface of the transparent substrate. Connecting members are connected to the respective connecting layers disposed on the top surface of the transparent substrate. |
| US08232130B2 |
Process for assembling wafers by means of molecular adhesion
The invention relates to a process of bonding by molecular adhesion of two layers, such as wafers of semiconductor material, wherein propagation of a first bonding wave is initiated from a pressure point applied to at least one of the two layers, and wherein the first bonding wave step is followed by propagating a second bonding wave over an area, for example, in the vicinity of the pressure point. Propagation of the second bonding wave may be obtained through the interposing of a separation element between the two wafers and the withdrawal of the element, for example, after the beginning of the first bonding wave propagation. |
| US08232128B2 |
Method of texturing solar cell and method of manufacturing solar cell
Methods of texturing and manufacturing a solar cell are provided. The method of texturing the solar includes texturing a surface of a substrate of the solar cell using a wet etchant, and the wet etchant includes a surfactant. |
| US08232126B2 |
Manufacturing method for a micromechanical component, corresponding composite component, and corresponding micromechanical component
A manufacturing method for a micromechanical component, a corresponding composite component, and a corresponding micromechanical component are described. The method has the following steps: providing a first composite of a plurality of semiconductor chips, the first composite having first front and back surfaces; providing a second composite of a corresponding plurality of carrier substrates, the second composite having second front and back surfaces; imprinting a structured adhesion promoter layer on the first front and/or second front surfaces, the layer having degassing channels; aligning the first front and second front surfaces corresponding to a plurality of micromechanical components, each having a semiconductor chip and a corresponding carrier substrate; connecting the first front and second front surfaces via the structured adhesion promoter layer by applying pressure so that a gas from the ambient atmosphere is able to escape to the outside through the degassing channels; and separating the micromechanical components. |
| US08232125B2 |
Optical semiconductor device having active layer of p-type quantum dot structure and its manufacture method
An active layer having a p-type quantum dot structure is disposed over a lower cladding layer made of semiconductor material of a first conductivity type. An upper cladding layer is disposed over the active layer. The upper cladding layer is made of semiconductor material, and includes a ridge portion and a cover portion. The ridge portion extends in one direction, and the cover portion covers the surface on both sides of the ridge portion. A capacitance reducing region is disposed on both sides of the ridge portion and reaching at least the lower surface of the cover portion. The capacitance reducing region has the first conductivity type or a higher resistivity than that of the ridge portion, and the ridge portion has a second conductivity type. If the lower cladding layer is an n-type, the capacitance reducing region reaches at least the upper surface of the lower cladding layer. |
| US08232119B2 |
Method for manufacturing heat dissipation bulk of semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing a heat dissipation bulk of a semiconductor device including the following steps is described. An electrically conductive layer is formed to cover a surface of a temporary substrate. At least one semiconductor chip is connected to the electrically conductive layer by at least one metal bump, wherein the at least one metal bump is located between the at least one semiconductor chip and the electrically conductive layer. A metal substrate is formed on the electrically conductive layer, wherein the metal substrate fills up a gap between the at least one semiconductor chip and the electrically conductive layer. The temporary substrate is removed. |
| US08232118B2 |
Light emitting device and method for manufacturing the same
A light emitting device includes: a substrate having a concave portion formed on a surface thereof; a light emitting element emitting a first light which is a blue light or a near-ultraviolet light; a resin sheet being a deformable resin sheet formed on the substrate so as to cover the light emitting element; a first transmissive layer formed in a hemispherical shape on the first region of the resin sheet, and transmitting the first light; a color conversion layer including a fluorescent material that converts the first light into a second light of a different wavelength from that of the first light and a transmissive material that transmits the first light, the color conversion layer covering the first transmissive layer in such a manner that an end portion reaches an upper face of the resin sheet; and a second transmissive layer covering the color conversion layer in such a manner that an end portion reaches the upper face of the resin sheet, and transmitting the first light and the second light. |
| US08232113B2 |
Method for manufacturing and testing an integrated electronic circuit
A method for manufacturing and for testing an integrated circuit, including the steps of forming, on the upper portion of the integrated circuit, a passivation layer including openings at the level of metal tracks of the last interconnect stack of the integrated circuit; forming, in the openings, first pads connected to second pads formed on the passivation layer by conductive track sections, the first pads being intended for the connection of the integrated circuit; testing the integrated circuit by bringing test tips in contact with the second pads; and eliminating at least a portion of at least one of the conductive track sections. |
| US08232107B2 |
Methods for measuring the metabolism of neurally derived biomolecules in vivo
The present invention relates to methods of diagnosing, monitoring, and assessing treatment effects for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases and disorders, such as Alzheimer's Disease, early in the course of clinical disease or prior to the onset of brain damage and clinical symptoms. Methods of measuring the in vivo metabolism of biomolecules produced in the CNS in a subject are provided. |
| US08232104B1 |
Vehicle detection system
One embodiment of the disclosure relates to a detection system including a chemical taggant and a detector. The chemical taggant may be a chemical not substantially present in an untagged target exhaust plume and able to be disposed in the exhaust system of a target and to enter the exhaust plume of the exhaust system in detectable quantities. The chemical taggant may have one or more distinct energy signatures, such as optical energy signatures, that allow its detection. The detector may be able to detect at least one of these one or more energy signatures of the chemical taggant in the exhaust plume. Another embodiment relates to a method of detecting a target by disposing a chemical taggant in the exhaust system of the target and then detecting the chemical taggant. |
| US08232102B2 |
Gene delivery
The present invention relates to a method of delivery of a therapeutic agent to a target cell the method comprising targeting particles comprising the therapeutic agent to the cell using magnetic means to apply a magnetic force to said particles so as to tend to move said particles towards said magnetic means and at the same time moving said magnetic means. |
| US08232101B2 |
Identification of antigenic peptides from multiple myeloma cells
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B cell malignancy and remains essentially incurable by conventional anti-tumor therapy. Patients with MM have a median survival of only three years. MM is characterized by proliferation and accumulation of mature plasma cells in the bone marrow (BM) leading to bone destruction, BM failure, anemia, and reduced immune function. The identification of MHC Class I, HLA-A2, associated peptides presented on multiple myeloma cells is an important step in developing immunotherapies for MM. Presented here are methods for creating activated T lymphocytes that are cytotoxic to both peptide loaded T2 target cells and multiple myeloma cell lines. |
| US08232100B2 |
Method for producing dendritic cells
Disclosed are embryonic stem cell-derived dendritic cells, genetically modified immature dendritic cells capable of maturation, as well as methods for the production of such cells. In one embodiment, the cells made be produced by a method comprising the steps of providing a population of embryonic stem cells; culturing the embryonic stem cells in the presence of a cytokine or combination of cytokines which brings about differentiation of the embryonic stem cells into dendritic cells; and recovering the dendritic cells from the culture. In a further embodiment, the cells may be genetically modified. |
| US08232094B2 |
Real-time PCR in micro-channels
The present invention relates to methods for amplifying nucleic acids in micro-channels. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for performing a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in a continuous-flow microfluidic system and to methods for monitoring real-time PCR in such systems. |
| US08232091B2 |
Thermal cycling system
This invention provides a system for performing PCR, and real time PCR in particular with great speed and specificity. The system employs a heat block containing a liquid composition to rapidly transfer heat to and from reaction vessels. The system makes use of the reflective properties of the liquid metal to reflect signal from the PCR into the vessel and out the top. In this way, the signal can be measured by an optical assembly in real time without removing the vessels from the heat block. |
| US08232089B2 |
Cytosolic isobutanol pathway localization for the production of isobutanol
The present invention provides recombinant microorganisms comprising isobutanol producing metabolic pathway with at least one isobutanol pathway enzyme localized in the cytosol, wherein said recombinant microorganism is selected to produce isobutanol from a carbon source. Methods of using said recombinant microorganisms to produce isobutanol are also provided. In various aspects of the invention, the recombinant microorganisms may comprise a cytosolically active isobutanol pathway enzymes. In some embodiments, the invention provides mutated, modified, and/or chimeric isobutanol pathway enzymes with cytosolic activity. In various embodiments described herein, the recombinant microorganisms may be microorganisms of the Saccharomyces clade, Crabtree-negative yeast microorganisms, Crabtree-positive yeast microorganisms, post-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, pre-WGD (whole genome duplication) yeast microorganisms, and non-fermenting yeast microorganisms. |
| US08232088B2 |
Genetically engineered herbicide resistance for maintaining axenic cultures
This disclosure provides herbicide resistant algae and cyanobacteria. This disclosure also provides a method to cultivate algae and cyanobacteria in axenic cultures without contaminating species. Moreover, this disclosure provides transgenic algal and cyanobacterial cells that are capable of high production in high light intensities as typically applied in cultivation. Furthermore, a novel transformation method is provided for algal cells. |
| US08232077B2 |
Oocytes derived from ovarian culture initially containing no oocytes
Ovarian germ-line-competent embryonic stem cells (GLC-ESC) are cultured, either in the presence or absence of a compound having estrogenic activity. The GLC-ESC are either collected prior to specific commitment or are permitted to remain in the culture medium for a time sufficient to develop into oocytes, and the oocytes may be fertilized by adding sperm to the culture medium. The fertilized oocytes may be permitted to develop into embryos, which may be transferred into the uterus of an adult human female or frozen for later use. The invention provides a method for obtaining by in vitro fertilization an embryo that is genetically related to a human female who is not producing oocytes. |
| US08232075B2 |
Rationally designed media for cell culture
This invention relates to methods for rationally designing cell culture media for use in cell cultures, e.g., cell cultures employed in polypeptide production; cell culture media designed with the disclosed methods; methods of producing a polypeptide of interest, e.g., an antibody, using such media; polypeptides produced using the methods and media disclosed herein; and pharmaceuticals compositions containing such polypeptides. The rationally designed media contain a concentration of an amino acid that is calculated for use in cell mass, a concentration of the amino acid that is calculated for use in cell maintenance, and a concentration of the amino acid that is calculated for incorporation into the polypeptide of interest. |
| US08232071B2 |
In vitro depletion of acute myeloid leukemia stem cells
Acute myeloid leukemia stem cells (AMLSC) are identified. The cells can be prospectively isolated or identified from patient samples, and are shown to possess the unique properties of cancer stem cells in functional assays for cancer stem cell self-renewal and differentiation, and in cancer diagnosis. |
| US08232070B2 |
DNP63A gene and screening methods of anticancer agent by using it
This invention relates to a gene encoding ΔNp63α and screening methods of anticancer-drugs thereof, more specifically a gene encoding ΔNp63α and a protein which is transported from nucleus to cytoplasm by contacting with potential anti-cancer-drugs in an epithelial cell carcinoma, a recombinant vector comprising said gene and reporter genes, and carcinoma cells comprising said vector. Also, This invention relates to high throughput screening methods of anticancer-drug comprising identifying the transportation of ΔNp63α protein from nucleus to cytoplasm by contacting with potential anticancer-drug in a carcinoma cell. |
| US08232067B2 |
Disrupting FCRN-albumin interactions
Provided herein are, inter alia, methods for identifying a candidate compound for treating the toxic effects of compounds or molecules that bind to albumin in a subject. The methods include identifying test compounds that inhibit the binding between FcRn and albumin. |
| US08232062B2 |
EGFR mutations
The present invention relates to mutations in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and methods of detecting such mutations as well as prognostic methods method for identifying a tumors that are susceptible to anticancer therapy such as chemotherapy and/or kinase inhibitor treatment. The methods involve determining the presence of a mutated EGFR gene or mutated EGFR protein in a tumor sample whereby the presence of a mutated EGFR gene or protein indicates the tumor is susceptible to treatment. |
| US08232055B2 |
Comparative genomic hybridization assays using immobilized oligonucleotide features and compositions for practicing the same
Comparative genomic hybridization assays and compositions for use in practicing the same are provided. A characteristic of the subject comparative genomic hybridization assays is that solid support immobilized oligonucleotide feature elements, e.g., in the form of an array, are employed. Specifically, at least first and second nucleic acid populations prepared from genomic templates are contacted with a plurality of distinct oligonucleotide feature elements immobilized on a solid support surface and the binding of the at least first and second populations is then evaluated. Also provided are kits for use in practicing the subject methods. |
| US08232053B2 |
EGFR mutations
The present invention relates to mutations in Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and methods of detecting such mutations as well as prognostic methods method for identifying a tumors that are susceptible to anticancer therapy such as chemotherapy and/or kinase inhibitor treatment. The methods involve determining the presence of a mutated EGFR gene or mutated EGFR protein in a tumor sample whereby the presence of a mutated EGFR gene or protein indicates the tumor is susceptible to treatment. |
| US08232046B2 |
Distinction between bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis
The present invention relates to the field of the distinction between bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis. It relates in particular to an in vitro method for detecting the presence of bacterial meningitis, which comprises determining the concentration of procalcitonin present in a test blood sample and of proteins present in a test cerebrospinal fluid sample, and comparing the concentrations thus determined to the concentration of procalcitonin and of proteins present in a reference sample or to a reference value. It also relates to a kit comprising means for detecting procalcitonin and proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid, and to the use thereof for the production of a diagnostic tool for bacterial meningitis. |
| US08232045B2 |
Colloidal metal conjugates
Colloidal metal conjugates can be produced in high concentrations suitable for direct use, for example, in immunoassays. The colloidal metal conjugates can be used in devices for qualitative, semi-quantitative, or quantitative determination of the presence of compounds in samples, including biological samples. |
| US08232041B2 |
Positive resist composition, method of forming resist pattern, and polymeric compound
A polymeric compound (A1) includes a structural unit (a0-1) represented by general formula (a0-1), a structural unit (a0-2) represented by general formula (a0-2), and a structural unit (a1-0-1) represented by general formula (a1-0-1), wherein relative to the combined total of all the structural units, the proportion of the structural unit (a0-1) is from 10 to 40 mol %, the proportion of the structural unit (a0-2) is from 5 to 20 mol %, and the proportion of the structural unit (a1-0-1) is from 10 to 55 mol %. [In the formulas, each of R1 and R independently represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, or a halogenated alkyl group of 1 to 5 carbon atoms, R2, A and B each represents a divalent linking group, R3 represents a cyclic group containing —SO2— within the ring skeleton thereof, and R4 and X1 each represents an acid-dissociable, dissolution-inhibiting group.] |
| US08232039B2 |
Polymer and resist composition comprising the same
A polymer comprising a structural unit represented by the formula (I): wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, X represents a linear or branched chain C1-C6 alkylene group, Z represents a group represented by the formula (Ia): wherein R2 is independently in each occurrence a linear or branched chain C1-C6 alkyl group and m represents an integer of 0 to 15, and a structural unit represented by the formula (II): wherein R3 represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R4 is independently in each occurrence a linear or branched chain C1-C6 alkyl group and n represents an integer of 0 to 4. |
| US08232037B2 |
Liquid developers with UV curable additives and methods for their preparation
A method for printing a substrate by liquid developer electrography, the method comprising: (a) developing a latent image with liquid developer comprising toner particles dispersed in a carrier liquid, said toner particles comprising UV-curable additive; (b) transferring the developed image to the substrate; (c) at least partially fixing the image to the substrate; and (d) irradiating the at least partially fixed image with UV radiation to cure the UV-curable additive. |
| US08232036B2 |
Toner for electrophotography and process for producing the same
A toner for electrophotography includes toner particles containing at least a binder resin and a colorant, to which strontium titanate and hydrophobic silica as external additives are admixed, wherein the strontium titanate has a BET specific surface area of 20-50 m2/g and contains particles in a rectangular parallelepiped shape and wherein the hydrophobic silica contains hydrophobic silica A that has at least a BET specific surface area of 150-300 m2/g and the surface of which has been treated with an aminosilane and hexamethyldisilazane and hydrophobic silica B that has at least a BET specific surface area of 90-150 m2/g and the surface of which has been treated with hexamethyldisilazane. |
| US08232033B2 |
Toner, method of manufacturing toner, developer, two-component developer, developing device, and image forming apparatus
A toner, a developer, a two-component developer, a developing device and an image forming apparatus are provided. In the image forming apparatus, images are formed with a developer that fills a developing tank of the developing device. The developer includes the toner containing at least a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent, the release agent having an acid value of less than 4 mgKOH/g and in which an amount of the release agent exposed on a surface of toner is 0.5% by weight or more and 2.5% by weight or less of a total amount of the toner. |
| US08232031B2 |
Naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid diimide derivative and electrophotographic photoconductor having the same
The present invention provides a naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid diimide derivative represented by the following general formula (1): wherein R1 and R2, which are identical or different, each represent a substituted or non-substituted alkyl group or a substituted or non-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon group; R3 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms or an aromatic hydrocarbon group; R4, R5, R6 and R7, which are identical or different, each represent a hydrogen atom, a substituted or non-substituted alkyl group, or a substituted or non-substituted aromatic hydrocarbon group; and R1 and R2 may be linked to form a substituted or non-substituted heterocyclic group including a nitrogen atom; with compounds where all of R1, R2 and R3 are a methyl group, and compounds where both of R1 and R2 are a methyl group and R3 is a 1-octyl group being excluded. |
| US08232027B2 |
Hydrogen-permeable structure, method of manufacturing thereof and fuel cell using the same
A hydrogen-permeable structure is disclosed, which includes a hydrogen-permeable base in which a fluctuation range of a d value by X-ray analysis measurement is at most 0.05% in a region within 2 μm deep from a surface, and an oxide proton conductive film formed on a surface thereof. The disclosure also relates to a method of manufacturing the hydrogen-permeable structure and a fuel cell using the hydrogen-permeable structure. |
| US08232022B2 |
Fuel cell stack clamping structure and solid oxide fuel cell stack
A clamping structure for a planar solid oxide fuel cell stack comprising a flexible sheet and a rigid, thermally insulating end block, the flexible sheet being capable of bending into a primarily convex shape, the rigid, thermally insulating end block shaped as a rectangular base with a planar surface and an opposing surface that is primarily convex in shape, the flexible sheet being placed adjacent to the opposing surface of the rigid, thermally insulating end block, the flexible sheet thereby bending to obtain a shape that is primarily convex. The invention also relates to a solid oxide fuel cell stack and a process for the compression of the stack. |
| US08232017B2 |
Fuel cell stack including non-fuel cell cassette
A fuel cell stack is disclosed including a non-fuel cell cassette having temperature sensing elements disposed therein. The temperature sensing elements are disposed in one or more void spaces in the non-fuel cell cassette, which void spaces are connected to openings in the side of the non-fuel cell cassette for lead wires to communicate information from the temperature sensing elements to components outside of the fuel cell stack. |
| US08232015B2 |
One-shot fabrication of membrane based electrochemical cell stacks
The present invention provides membrane cassettes and stacks thereof which are suitable for a use in a variety of electrochemical and ion exchange applications. The present invention also provides methods of manufacturing the membrane cassettes and stacks of the invention. In certain preferred embodiments, the invention provides cassettes and stacks which are suitable for use in fuel cell applications. |
| US08232013B2 |
Fuel cell system and method for controlling fuel cell system
A fuel cell system has a purge valve that adjusts the amount of nitrogen in a hydrogen circulation channel and a fuel electrode to be discharged through a discharge channel. A purge rate correcting unit variably sets a target control value of the nitrogen content in the hydrogen circulation channel and the fuel electrode by taking into account whether a driving mode is set in a normal power generation mode or an idle mode. An opening of the purge valve is controlled on the basis of the target control value. |
| US08232009B2 |
Electric storage device
An electrode laminate unit of an electric storage device includes positive electrodes, negative electrodes and a lithium electrode connected to the negative electrode. When an electrolyte solution is injected into the electric storage device, lithium ions are emitted from the lithium electrode to the negative electrode. A positive and a negative electrode current collector have through-holes that guide the lithium ions in the laminating direction. The aperture ratio of the through-holes at the edge parts where the electrolyte solution is easy to be permeated is set to be smaller than the aperture ratio at central parts in order to suppress the permeation. Thus, the distribution of the electrolyte solution is made uniform, whereby the doping amount is made uniform. |
| US08232007B2 |
Electrochemistry of carbon subfluorides
Subfluorinated carbonaceous materials obtained through direct fluorination of graphite or coke particles are provided. One set of subfluorinated carbonaceous materials has an average chemical composition CFx in which 0.63 |
| US08232000B2 |
Rechargeable battery with terminal junction and prong
A rechargeable battery 100 includes a plurality of electrode assemblies 10; a case 34 housing the electrode assemblies 10; at least one electrode terminal 21, 22, electrically connected to the electrode assemblies 10 by a lead tab 40, 50, the lead tab 50 including a terminal junction part 51; and a prong portion extending from the terminal junction plate, the prong portion comprising a plurality of prongs 53, 54, each of the prongs having a main body 53a electrically connected to one of the electrode assemblies 10 and an angled body 53b bent at one angle from the main body 53a. |
| US08231998B2 |
Deposited microarchitectured battery and manufacturing method
A battery includes a first portion including a substrate having formed thereon a current collector and an anode electrode material. A second portion is formed on a substrate and includes a current collector and a cathode electrode material. The first portion is joined to the second portion and a separator is disposed between the first portion and the second portion as joined to separate the anode electrode material from the cathode electrode material. An electrolyte is placed in contact with the anode electrode material, the cathode electrode material and the separator. |
| US08231995B2 |
Power unit assembly for use with a liquid crystal eyewear device
A goggle includes a lens assembly which comprises a front lens, a rear lens spaced apart from the front lens, and a liquid crystal device disposed on one of the lenses. The goggle includes a frame, which defines an aperture and a peripheral channel. The peripheral channel receives the front lens and the rear lens is positioned rearward of the channel so that the aperture receives the lens assembly. A power unit includes a battery and a drive circuit, wherein the drive circuit is connected to a pair of prongs that are electrically connectable to the liquid crystal device for operation thereof. The power unit provides a master switch connected to the battery to control application of power to the drive circuit, and a state change switch to control application of power from the drive circuit, through the prongs, to the liquid crystal device. |
| US08231992B2 |
Lithium battery pack
For a lithium battery pack including battery cells the number of which is larger than the number of battery cells 111 that can be monitored by a voltage detect portion 115, there is disposed a temperature detect element 113 for detecting the temperatures of the battery cell 112 not monitored by the voltage detect portion 115, and, when the temperatures of the battery cell 112 detected by the temperature detect element 113 rise beyond a given value, there is issued a signal to stop the charging of the battery pack. |
| US08231990B2 |
Alloy film for a metal separator for a fuel cell, a manufacturing method thereof and a target material for sputtering, as well as a metal separator, and a fuel cell
The present invention concerns an alloy film for a metal separator for a fuel cell characterized by containing at least one noble metal element selected from Au and Pt and at least one non-noble metal element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Nb, Hf, and Ta, at a content ratio of noble metal element/non-noble metal element of 35/65 to 95/5, and having a film thickness of 2 nm or more. The present invention also relates to a manufacturing method of an alloy film for the metal separator for the fuel cell and a target material for sputtering, as well as the metal separator and the fuel sell. The alloy film for the metal separator for the fuel cell according to the invention is excellent in the corrosion resistance, has low contact resistance, can maintain the low contact resistance for a long time even in a corrosive environment, and is excellent further in the productivity. |
| US08231988B2 |
Batteries and battery components with magnetically modified manganese dioxide
Battery electrodes with desirable discharge performance comprise manganese oxide and magnetic particles. Corresponding power cells have improved specific discharge capacities. Furthermore, magnetically modified manganese dioxide electrodes are found to have significantly improved cycling properties that suggest the possibility for improved performance in secondary batteries. |
| US08231984B2 |
Quinoxaline derivative, and organic semiconductor device, electric field light emitting device, and electronic device which have the same
Target is to provide an organic compound material having a bipolar character.A quinoxaline derivative represented by a general formula (1) is provided. In the formula, R1-R12 each independently represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group, an alkoxy group, an acyl group, a nitro group, a cyano group, an amino group, a dialkylamino group, a diarylamino group, a vinyl group, an aryl group, or a heterocyclic residue group. R9 and R10, R10 and R11, and R11 and R12 are each independent or respectively mutually bonded to form an aromatic ring. Ar1-Ar4 each independently represents an aryl group or a heterocyclic residue group. Ar1, Ar2, Ar3 and Ar4 are each independent or Arl and Ar2, and Ar3 and Ar4 are respectively mutually bonded directly, or Ar1 and Ar3, and Ar3 and Ar4 are bonded via oxygen (O), sulfur (S) or a carbonyl group. |
| US08231983B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device, display and illuminating device
Disclosed is an organic electroluminescent device having high emission luminance, high external quantum efficiency and long lifetime. Also disclosed are a display and an illuminating device. The organic electroluminescent device is characterized in that it comprises, between a pair of electrodes, a constituent layer including at least a phosphorescence emission layer, wherein at least one in the constituent layer contains a compound represented by formula (1), |
| US08231982B2 |
Composite of metal and resin, and method for manufacturing same
A composite of a metal and a resin, in which a shaped metal and a shaped thermoplastic resin are integrally joined by injection molding, and in which the perpendicular precision of the thermoplastic shaped body with respect to the shaped metal is improved, as well as a method for manufacturing the composite. A composite 40 of a metal and a resin is composed of a shaped metal 20 and a shaped thermoplastic resin that is integrally joined to this shaped metal 20 by injection molding. The shaped thermoplastic resin comprises a seat 42 and a boss 41 that protrudes from the seat 42. A runner 43 is provided which communicates with the seat 42 via two sprues and through which a molten thermoplastic resin that has been injected through an injection gate 45 flows into the boss 41 and the thermoplastic resin injected through the injection gate 45 flows through the sprues 47 to opposite locations of the boss 41 substantially uniformly, thereby filling the locations. As a result, the boss 41 can be joined perpendicularly to the shaped metal 20 by injection joining. |
| US08231979B2 |
Multiferroic layer, structure including the layer, and methods of forming the layer and the structure
The present invention relates to forming the material represented by the following formula (1) into a layer having hexagonal crystalline structure, which is different from the orthorhombic crystalline structure of the material in bulk phase, so that the material can be used more effectively in various fields requiring multiferroic properties by obtaining multiferroic properties enhanced than the conventional multiferroic materials. RMnO3, (R=Lanthanide) . . . (1) |
| US08231977B2 |
Sun blocking stack
A multilayer sunshield lamination structure foamed on a sheet of vitreous material which includes at least one functional layer composed of a silver-based material that reflects infrared radiation and at least two dielectric coatings, each function layer being surrounded by dielectric coatings. The lamination structure, when deposited on an ordinary clear soda-lime float glass sheet 6 mm thick, has a solar factor SF of less than 45% and a light transmission LT of less than 70%. The lamination structure is composed of an essentially metal absorbent material based on the following elements: Pd, Pt, Au, Tr, Rh, Ru, Os, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, W, Si, Zn, Mo, Mn, Ti, V, Nb, Hf, Ta and alloys thereof arranged in the immediate vicinity of the functional layer or included in this functional layer. |
| US08231975B2 |
Fluoropolymer compositions and treated substrates
A polymer having at least one urea linkage prepared by: (i) reacting (a) at least one diisocyanate, polyisocyanate, or mixture thereof, having isocyanate groups, and (b) at least one fluorinated compound selected from the formula (I): Rf(CH2CF2)p(CH2CH2)q(R1)r—XH Formula (I) wherein p and q are each independently an integer of 1 to 3; r is 0 or 1; X is —O—, —NH— or —S—; R1 is a divalent radical selected from the group consisting of —S(CH2)n—, n is an integer of 2 to 4; s is an integer of 1 to 50; R2, R3, and R4 are each independently hydrogen or an alkyl group containing 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and Rf is a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and (i) reacting with (c) water, a linking agent, or a mixture thereof and methods for treating substrates therewith. |
| US08231974B2 |
Fluoropolymer molding method and molded article
A fluoropolymer molding method and the resulting molded article are disclosed where the fluoropolymer is composed of fluoropolymer particles each having a multi-layer structure that consists of at least two types of fluoropolymers having different melting points, with at least one inner layer made of a fluoropolymer with a melting point higher than that of the outermost fluoropolymer. The fluoropolymer of the at least one inner layer is molded at a temperature higher than the melting point of the lowest melting point of the fluoropolymers that form the outermost layers of the multi-layer-structure fluoropolymer particles, and lower than the melting point of the fluoropolymer having the highest melting point. The resulting articles have excellent chemical liquid resistance and gas impermeability and low linear expansion coefficient. |
| US08231971B2 |
Process for producing anti-fog coating
The invention relates to an anti-fog coating for a surface of a substrate comprising: a first polymer layer resulting from covalently bonding a polyanhydride polymer to said surface; and a second polymer layer resulting from covalently bonding a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, partially hydrolyzed polyester, polyether and cellulose derivative; said surface having nucleophilic groups. A substrate having an anti-fog coating, as well as a process for preparing said anti-fog coating to the surface of a substrate is also provided. |
| US08231969B2 |
Asymmetrically functionalized nanoparticles
The invention provides methods and compositions having at least one asymmetrically functionalized nanoparticle. An asymmetrically functionalized nanoparticle can comprise a nanoparticle core having an outer surface, a primary group of first ligands attached to a substantially continuous primary region of the outer surface, and a secondary group of second ligands attached to a substantially continuous secondary region of the outer surface, such that the primary group of first ligands and the secondary group of second ligands comprise a different ligand population. |
| US08231967B2 |
Surface-treated ceramic member, method for producing the same and vacuum processing apparatus
Disclosed is a surface-treated ceramic member which has a coating film-formed surface comprising a ceramic sintered body with a porosity of 1% or less and a sol-gel coating film of a silicon alkoxide compound polymer formed on at least a part of a ceramic sintered body, wherein the coating film and the surface of the body are coexistent in the coating film-formed surface. Specifically the area of the sol-gel coating film accounts for 5 to 80% of the total area of the coating film-formed surface. The surface-treated ceramic member has excellent corrosion resistance and is free from scattering of particles. |
| US08231965B2 |
Resin complex containing carbon nanotube and method for production thereof
A carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-containing resin composite comprised of a synthetic resin-impregnated aligned CNTs aggregate to have a specific surface area of at least 600 m2/g. Its production method comprises a step of laying down an aligned CNTs aggregate having grown perpendicularly from a substrate, a step of impregnating the laid-down aligned CNTs aggregate with a resin, and a step of shaping the resin-impregnated aligned CNTs aggregate into a sheet. Accordingly, there are provided a CNTs-containing resin composite having a high CNT content and a high degree of alignment and having a desired shape capable of fully taking the advantages of anisotropy intrinsic to CNTs, and a production method capable of producing it with ease. |
| US08231961B2 |
Low temperature co-fired ceramic material, low temperature co-fired ceramic body, and multilayer ceramic substrate
A low temperature co-fired ceramic material includes a SiO2—BaO—Al2O3-based primary component, and, as secondary components, 0.044 to 0.077 parts by weight of iron in terms of Fe2O3 and 0.30 to 0.55 parts by weight of zirconium in terms of ZrO2 relative to 100 parts by weight of the SiO2—BaO—Al2O3-based primary component. The SiO2—BaO—Al2O3-based primary component preferably includes 47% to 60% by weight of SiO2, 20% to 42% by weight of BaO, and 5% to 30% by weight of Al2O3. |
| US08231960B2 |
Decorative sheet and material
The present invention provides a decorative paper which is excellent in solvent resistance, and chemical resistances such as alkali resistance, acid resistance and alcohol resistance without carrying out complicated steps such as an addition of a curing agent into a ink layer because the ink layer which is poor at solvent resistance and chemical resistance is crosslinked. The decorative sheet of the present invention comprises a base material, an ink layer, a curable primer layer containing a curing agent reactive with a resin in the ink layer, and an active energy ray-curable surface protective layer, which are provided in the order of the curable primer layer/ink layer/active energy ray-curable surface protective layer on the base material. |
| US08231958B2 |
Article and method for erosion resistant composite
A composite layer for resisting erosion includes a sacrificial layer for exposure to an erosion environment, a body layer, and an erosion resistant layer located between the sacrificial erosion layer and the body layer for protecting the body layer upon erosion of the sacrificial layer. |
| US08231954B2 |
Thermoformed articles made from reactive extrusion products of biobased materials
The present invention is directed to a method of producing a thermoformable composite by crosslinking PHA and PLA together in the presence of an additive to produce PHA and PLA blend and resins having: (a) a Ts value of up to about 180° C.; and (b) a heat distortion index of up to about 160° C. The thermoformable composite is used to make a food or beverage cup, lid, cutlery item, foodservice item, molded tray, or food storage container. The thermoformable composite comprises from about 5% to about 95% by weight of polylactic acid (PLA), from about 5% to about 95% by weight polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymer, and from about 0.01% to about 60% additives wherein the PLA and PHAs being crosslink together by intermolecular means to enhance performance and processability. |
| US08231951B2 |
Coating composition for metal substrates
The present invention provides novel packaging articles, e.g., food and beverage cans. Preferred cans typically comprise a body portion and an end portion, wherein at least one of the body and end portions are aluminum and are coated on at least one major surface with a coating composition of the present invention. Suitable coating compositions of the present invention comprise: one or more polyester resins, wherein at least on the polyester resins has a glass transition temperature (“Tg”) less than about 50° C., and wherein the polyester resin is formed by the reaction of one or more polyacid molecules and one or more polyol molecules; and a crosslinker. The present invention also provides a method of making such cans. |
| US08231950B2 |
Block copolymer derived from renewable materials and method for making such block copolymer
The present invention relates to a block copolymer derived from at least one tetrahydrofuran monomer containing 14C. The present invention also relates to a method for preparing such a block copolymer. |
| US08231949B2 |
Aromabag and aromafoil made of aluminum
A coated aromabag or aromafoil made of aluminum and methods of making it. The aromabag or aromafoil composition comprises an aluminum foil, a polymer or/and an aluminum oxide coated surface of at least one or more layers of flavor or aroma, an optional layer of a water-soluble thermoplastic polymer and an outer, especially a not black coating to increase the absorption of thermal radiation. The invention pertains to a process for preparing and packaging cooked or uncooked foodstuff with the aromabag or aromafoil made of aluminum at high temperatures in the range of 150° C. up to 600° C., especially 200° C. to 400° C. |
| US08231947B2 |
Oilfield elements having controlled solubility and methods of use
Oilfield elements are described, one embodiment comprising a combination of a normally insoluble metal with an element selected from a second metal, a semi-metallic material, and non-metallic materials; and one or more solubility-modified high strength and/or high-toughness polymeric materials selected from polyamides, polyethers, and liquid crystal polymers. Methods of using the oilfield elements in oilfield operations are also described. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. |
| US08231945B1 |
Method for impact deflecting materials
Method for making a low cost, light weight impact deflecting material, comprising directionally aligned single walled carbon nanotubes in an epoxy resin composition, that is near impervious to bullets fired at close range at all angles of incidence, that does not deteriorate upon abrasion or when exposed to wide ranges of temperature and humidity, and that when used to construct a protective shield for a body armor vest protects the wearer from blunt trauma effects. |
| US08231943B2 |
Interpenetrating polymer network as coating for metal substrate and method therefor
A method for joining sections of coated pipe comprises providing two sections of metal pipe, each section of metal pipe having at least a first polymeric coating on its outer surface. The first polymeric coating comprises a first polymer coating selected from the group consisting of a first epoxy/olefin interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) layer, a thermoplastic layer, and a thermosetting layer. The sections of metal pipe are aligned end-to-end and bonded together to form a desired closure. A second polymeric coating comprising a layer of epoxy/olefin semi- or full-IPN is applied to the closure and to any desired additional area of coated pipe to form a seam and to secure the joint. A method for patching a damaged coated pipe using a patch comprising a polyolefin/epoxy semi- or full IPN is also disclosed. A kit comprises a semi-IPN and/or full-IPN repair stick, sheet-like patch, melt, or powder, which is useful to repair damage to a polymer coated metal pipe or to girth weld together ends of two sections of a polymer coated metal pipe. |
| US08231941B2 |
Procedure for preparing redox-active polymers on surfaces
This invention provides novel methods for the formation of redox-active polymers attached to surfaces. In certain embodiments, the methods involve providing redox-active molecules bearing at least a first reactive site or group and a second reactive site or group; and contacting the surface with the redox-active molecules where the contacting is under conditions that result in attachment of said redox-active molecules to said surface via the first reactive site or group and attachment of redox-active molecules via the second reactive site or group, to the redox-active molecules attached to the surface thereby forming a polymer attached to said surface where the polymers comprise at least two of said redox-active molecules. |
| US08231938B2 |
Method for production of enzyme granules and enzyme granules produced thus
A method of producing enzyme granulates, enzyme granulates produced By the method, and the use thereof in formulations is provided, for example, for animal feed, foodstuffs, washing agents, rinsing agents or for pharmaceutical uses. The enzyme granulates have a high relative proportion of active enzyme, particular particle size, good shelf life, particularly small rounding factors and/or low residual moisture proportion, and further specific properties. The production of the enzyme granulates is achieved by linking of the thermal conditions in the injection zone and temperature conditions in the remainder of the apparatus. This is achieved by introduction of heated process gasses for drying exclusively in the injection zone. The secure introduction of articles into the injection zone is achieved by the specific geometric arrangement of the apparatus using gravity. The absolute value for enzyme activity of the enzyme granulates can be controlled by the addition of particles as seed material for the granules. |
| US08231937B2 |
Compartmentalized chips with similar polymers of different viscosities for improved processability
Compartmentalized chips of at least two chemically similar crystallizable thermoplastic polymers each having a different intrinsic viscosity placed in separate zones are disclosed. These compartmentalized chips exhibit thermal characteristics that are different from the traditional technique of homogeneously combining the two materials into the chip. These compartmentalized chips in their amorphous, crystalline and solid phase polymerized forms exhibit a longer crystallization half time than the homogeneous mixture, thus permitting faster injection cycle times when compared to an equivalent homogenous mixture. |
| US08231936B2 |
Methods of reducing corrosion between magnesium and another metal
Methods of reducing corrosion between magnesium and another metal are disclosed herein. In one method, a corrosion protection material is cold sprayed at an interface formed between the magnesium and the other metal, the corrosion protection material including magnesium. In another method, a cladding layer is applied to heat affected areas of the magnesium and/or the other metal, at a welded joint, or combinations thereof. |
| US08231933B2 |
Method for manufacturing organic electroluminescence device
One embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an organic electroluminescence device, including forming an organic light emitting layer by a relief printing method, the method including transferring an organic light emitting material ink from an ink supplier to a printing plate, and subsequently transferring the organic light emitting material ink from the printing plate to a substrate, wherein a solvent of the organic light emitting material ink comprises a solvent having a vapor pressure over 500 Pa at 20-25 degrees Celsius, and wherein the time between the reception of the ink by the printing plate and the transfer of the ink to the substrate is equal to or less than 5 seconds. |
| US08231930B2 |
Self-aggregating protein compositions and use as sealants
An implantable member for use in the body is provided herein. This implantable member includes a porous biocompatible substrate; the substrate having at least one surface sealed fluid-tight with self-aggregating protein particles of substantially the same diameter range. The self-aggregated protein particles are formed from a deposited aqueous slurry of the protein particles. |
| US08231928B2 |
Method for producing a layer on a molded article and use thereof
A method for producing a layer on a molded article. The method includes providing a formable film. Galvanically catalytically active nuclei are anchored to at least one region of the formable film provided for the layer. The formable film is shaped so as to form the molded article. A galvanic deposition is performed on a surface of the molded article so as to bond the nuclei to form the layer. |
| US08231927B2 |
Marked precoated medical device and method of manufacturing same
A method of manufacturing a coated medical device, such as a medical guide wire, including at least applying a first colored coating to at least a first portion of an outer surface of a medical guide wire, securing a first end of the medical guide wire, and for each a designated quantity of turns, turn a second end of the medical guide wire upon a longitudinal axis of the medical guide wire. The method of manufacturing also includes securing the second end of the medical guide wire, blocking at least a first portion of the coated surface of the medical guide wire, applying a second contrasting colored coating to at least a second, unblocked portion of the outer surface of the medical guide wire and releasing the first end and the second end of the medical guide wire to display at least one spiral marking formed along a length of the medical guide wire. |
| US08231924B2 |
Ingredient systems comprising trehalose, food products containing trehalose, and methods of making same
Methods for reducing the sodium content of finished food products comprising adding trehalose to suitable food products in an amount ranging from greater than 0% to less than 1.5% by weight of the finished food product and by optionally further adding sodium and or potassium. Ingredient systems for achieving salt (i.e. sodium) reduction in suitable food products are also provided. The ingredient systems comprise trehalose and can include sodium, potassium, or combinations thereof. |
| US08231921B2 |
High performance gellan gums and methods for production thereof
The invention relates to high performance gellan gum compositions having a 0.1% curdmeter gel strength of at least about 117 g/cm2, i.e. from about 117 g/cm2 to about 400 g/cm2. The high performance gellan gums have a low acyl content but an increased molecular weight. One embodiment of the invention also relates to processes for producing high performance gellan gums having high clarity. The invention further relates to food and non-food industrial products comprising high performance gellan gums. |
| US08231916B2 |
Use of a rice protein hydrolysate as pigmenting active principle
The present invention concerns the use of a rice protein hydrolysate in order to pigment the skin and skin appendages. Thus, it is possible to intensify the normal pigmentation of the skin without sunlight. Preferred areas of applications are repigmentation of white patches of the skin, repigmentation of white patches of the skin as a consequence of pityriasis or due to the use of dermocorticoids; acceleration and intensification of the tanning process, stimulation of the constitutive photoprotection and improvement of the phototype, prevention of skin photocarcinogenesis. Advantageously, the rice protein hydrolysate comprises peptides of which at least 50% have a molecular mass in the range of between 300 and 3,500 Da. |
| US08231914B2 |
Antioxidant compositions and methods thereto
The present invention provides a performance assay that measures the total antioxidant activity of a composition using oxygen uptake in contrast to prior art methods that measure antioxidant capacity by indirectly measuring degradation of a fluorescent compound by following the disappearance of fluorescence. Using the performance antioxidant assay of the present invention, an antioxidant composition having synergistic activity is provided by the present inventors that includes flavonoids such as the flavonol quercetin, mixed tocopherols or tocotrienols, grape skin extract, green tea extract and bush plum. The antioxidant activity of the present composition exceeds 6,000 micromoles Trolox equivalent units per gram using the present invention. |
| US08231903B2 |
Controlled release system
The invention relates to a system for controlled release of medicinally active substances, which comprises sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB) and a further solvent. |
| US08231902B2 |
Segmented pharmaceutical dosage forms
A pharmaceutical tablet adapted for accurate division of a dose of a drug into two or more smaller doses, which tablet has two or more segments. |
| US08231899B2 |
Quick release pharmaceutical compositions of drug substances
The present invention relates to an oral modified release pharmaceutical composition for the administration of a therapeutically and/or prophylactically effective amount of an active substance (a drug substance) to obtain a relatively fast or quick onset of the therapeutic and/or prophylactic effect. The drug substances contained in a modified release pharmaceutical composition according to the invention are suitably a drug substance which has a very low solubitity under acidic conditions, i.e. under conditions similar to those present in the stomach and/or drug substances which have a pKa value below about 5.5 such as in a range of from about 4 to about 5. The composition is based on a powder comprising a therapeutically and/or prophylactically active substance and has such a particle size that: when the powder is subjected to a sieve analysis, then at least about 90% w/w of the particles passes through sieves 180 μm and the powder is contacted with an aqueous medium to form a particulate composition, which has such a particle size that when the particulate composition is subjected to a sieve analysis, then at least about 50% w/w of the particles passes through sieve 180 μm. Furthermore, the composition, when tested in accordance with the dissolution method (I) defined herein employing 0.07 N hydrochloric acid as dissolution medium, releases at least about 50% w/w of the active substance within the first 20 min of the test. |
| US08231898B2 |
Controlled release hydrocodone formulations
A solid oral controlled-release dosage form of hydrocodone is disclosed, the dosage form comprising an analgesically effective amount of hydrocodone or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and controlled release material. |
| US08231894B2 |
Antimicrobial and immunostimulating composition
A medical composition comprising an antimicrobially effective and immunostimulating amount of a combination of a β-glucan component and a silver-containing component is disclosed. The medical composition may be adapted for use topically or incorporated with a mesh material which may be further adapted for use as a wound dressing or as a surgical mesh. Methods for manufacturing the medical compositions described herein are also provided. The invention further provides methods for treating tissue damaged by wound or burn, and methods for treating or repairing tissue at a surgical site. |
| US08231883B2 |
Silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent and method for preparing the same
Disclosed are a powder of a silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent with superior dispersability or water permeability, composed of silver-supporting hexagonal zirconium phosphate, and an antimicrobial product and a water processing material using the silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent powder. The silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent containing hexagonal zirconium phosphate crystals, which has a particle size distribution to enable easy handling as a powder and contribute to exhibition of antimicrobial properties, can be prepared by a preparation method including wet-heating zirconium carbonate. When the silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent wherein particles with a size of 10 μm to 100 μm are 90% or more on a volume basis is kneaded into resin products, since aggregation or the like may not occur and the silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent can be easily exposed on the surface of molded articles, antimicrobial effects are thus readily exhibited on the surface. |
| US08231878B2 |
Receptor trem (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells) and uses thereof
Novel activating receptors of the Ig super-family expressed on human myeloid cells, called TREM(s) (triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells) are provided. Specifically, two (2) members of TREMs, TREM-1 and TREM-2 are disclosed. TREM-1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed selectively on blood neutrophils and a subset of monocytes but not on lymphocytes and other cell types and is upregulated by bacterial and fungal products. Use of TREM-1 in treatment and diagnosis of various inflammatory diseases is also provided. TREM-2 is also a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed selectively on mast cells and peripheral dendritic cells (DCs) but not on granulocytes or monocytes. DC stimulation via TREM-2 leads to DC maturation and resistance to apoptosis, and induces strong upregulation of CCR7 and subsequent chemotaxis toward macrophage inflammatory protein 3-β. TREM-2 has utility in modulating host immune responses in various immune disorders, including autoimmune diseases and allergic disorders. |
| US08231877B2 |
Heterologous antibodies which bind human CD4
The invention relates to transgenic non-human animals capable of producing high affinity human sequence antibodies. The invention is also directed to human sequence antibodies specific for human antigens , such as, human CD4. The invention also is directed to methods for producing human sequence antibodies. |
| US08231875B2 |
Neutralising antibody molecules having specificity for human IL-17
The invention relates to an antibody molecule having specificity for antigenic determinants of IL-17, therapeutic uses of the antibody molecule and methods for producing said antibody molecule. |
| US08231873B2 |
Methods of treatment using antibodies to Neutrokine-alpha
The present invention relates to a Neutrokine-alpha antibody and a process for producing a Neutrokine-alpha antibody. The invention further relates to screening methods for identifying compounds that inhibit or enhance the action of Neutrokine-alpha. Also provided are diagnostic methods for detecting autoimmune disorders and therapeutic methods for treating autoimmune disorders using a Neutrokine-alpha antibody. |
| US08231870B2 |
Pharmaceutical preparation for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia
The present invention relates to the use of at least one protease for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of benign prostate hypertrophy/hyperplasia, wherein the medicament is adapted for enteral administration, the at least one protease is selected from the group consisting of plant, non-mammalian animal and microbial proteases and the at least one protease is administered in an amount of 1 to 100 mg/kg body weight. |
| US08231869B2 |
Recombinant plasmin for opthalmic indications
Methods of using polynucleotides and polypeptides relating to a recombinantly-modified plasmin(ogen) molecule are provided, including methods related to vitrectomy or vitreolysis. The plasmin(ogen) molecule has a single kringel domain N-terminal to the activation site present in the native human plasminogen molecule, and exhibits lysine-binding and significant enzymatic characteristics associated with the native enzyme. |
| US08231864B2 |
Oligomeric amidoamines or amidoquats for fabric or hair treatment compositions
Provided are oligomeric amidoamines, an oligomeric amidoamine salt of the oligomeric amidoamine, and/or an oligomeric amidoquat of the oligomeric amidoamine. These materials can be used as fabric softeners in fabric softener compositions or as a hair treatment in hair treatment compositions. |
| US08231857B2 |
Catalysts and methods for reforming oxygenated compounds
Disclosed are catalysts and methods that can reform aqueous solutions of oxygenated compounds such as ethylene glycol, glycerol, sugar alcohols, and sugars to generate products such as hydrogen and alkanes. In some embodiments, aqueous solutions containing at least 20 wt % of the oxygenated compounds can be reformed over a catalyst comprising a Group VIII transition metal and a Group VIIB transition metal, preferably supported on an activated carbon-supported catalyst. In other embodiments, catalysts are provided for the production of hydrogen or alkanes at reaction temperatures less than 300° C. |
| US08231849B2 |
Method and system for treatment of malodorous gases emanating from a pulp mill
The method and system relate to reducing the content of hazardous chemicals when handling malodorous gases emanating from a pulp mill and before burning said malodorous gases in final incineration equipment in oxygen excess environment in order to oxidize the sulphur compounds. The flow of malodorous gases is transported to final incineration (C2) by using liquid ring pumps. The hazardous chemical, preferably ammonia, is bound or dissolved in the liquid used in the liquid ring pump. A part of the liquid used in the liquid ring pump is bled off to final destruction different than the final incineration equipment in oxygen excess environment. |
| US08231843B2 |
Automatic analyzer
Pressure fluctuations are sampled at fixed time intervals and subjected to arithmetic processing, using as a trigger the event (or a sign temporally close to that event) of the reverse motor rotation for the backlash correction, thereby discriminating normal suction from suction of sample liquid with undesirable air bubbles. |
| US08231840B2 |
Feces collection container
A suspension storage container 10 has a flat portion across a specific region including the tail end. The flat portion has an outer peripheral wall 13 forming a flat outer peripheral surface and partition walls 14 that extend in the flat cross section of the outer peripheral wall 13 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the major axis direction of the flat cross section to partition a chamber inside the outer peripheral wall 13 into plural chambers S1 through S3 aligned side by side in the major axis direction. A suspension K is stored only in part of all the chambers S1 through S3, that is, the chamber S2, and a sealing film 21 having the outline almost identical with the outline of the outer peripheral wall is laminated to the tail end surfaces of the outer peripheral wall 13 and the partition walls 14. |
| US08231838B2 |
Method and device for processing a biological fluid for analyte determination
The present invention refers to a method of processing a biological fluid which comprises cellular components by heat treatment. The method is particularly useful for preparing biological samples for analyte detection. Further, the invention refers to a processed biological fluid comprising substantially quantitatively disintegrated cellular components. |
| US08231837B2 |
Thermal cracking tube
A thermal cracking tube is adapted to suppress pressure losses while maintaining heat transfer promoting effect on the fluid inside the tube. The tube has a plurality of projections rows extending circumferentially along inner surface of the tube orthogonal to or as inclined with respect to the axis of tube, each of the projection rows including a plurality of projections provided on the tube inner surface. The tube is defined by S/10πD=0.2−0.7, h/D=0.02−0.05 and L/πD=0.04−0.5. D is inner diameter of the tube, h is height of projection A arbitrarily chosen in a projection row α, L is length of circular arc of projection A in a direction orthogonal to tube axis, and S is area of a region R surrounded by projection A, phantom lines L1 and L2 (extending respectively from circumferentially opposite ends of projection A in parallel to tube axis) and projection row β downstream from projection row α. |
| US08231835B2 |
Mat product, manufacturing method of the mat product, exhaust gas treating apparatus, and muffler apparatus
A mat product, includes a mat member including inorganic fibers and having a full length Lm; and a package member having an full length Lr; wherein the mat member is received in an inside space of the package member; the inside space of the package member is in gas-communication with an outside environment; and the full length Lr of the package member is greater than the full length Lm of the mat member and thereby the mat member can move in the inside space along a full length direction. |
| US08231833B2 |
Direct optical interrogation of agents in micro-fluidic channels utilizing whispering gallery resonator approach
A whispering gallery mode resonator based optical sensor assembly comprises a flow channel permeable to optical energy and first and second optical waveguides adjacent to a section of the flow channel and adapted to be in first and second evanescent field couplings respectively with the section such that the section forms a whispering gallery mode resonator. The resonator is responsive to an optical signal conveyed in the first optical waveguide and communicates a second optical signal to the second optical waveguide indicative of a resonance wavelength of the whispering gallery mode resonator. A detector optically coupled to the second optical waveguide detects the output signal. A signal processor detects a shift in the output signal responsive to an analyte fluid flowing through the flow channel. The shift is indicative of the identity of at least one constituent of the analyte fluid. |
| US08231828B2 |
Small size gene analysis apparatus
By the conventional technique for dispensing more than one reagents accurately, the system is complicated and thus a compact and inexpensive system is difficult to realize. In the present invention, the pressurized dispensing system utilizing a capillary is realized, and in addition, in order to reduce the leakage of reagents different from the reagent dispensed, by forming air layers at the tips of the capillaries after dispensing, a compact, simple, inexpensive analysis apparatus is realized. |
| US08231823B2 |
Heating device for plastic blanks
The invention relates to a method and a device for heating preforms of a thermoplastic material, the preforms, after having been heated, being subjected to a reshaping operation, and microwaves being applied to the preforms, at least during a portion of the period of heating, in a resonator. |
| US08231816B2 |
Medical wraps
A method of forming a medical wrap including a flexible, sheet-form substrate with a discrete medical function delivery region having a surface adapted to be placed against a patient's skin to provide a desired medical effect. The substrate carries a field of fibers exposed for engagement by an array of fastener elements. The fastener elements each have a respective stem extending integrally from a band of resin extending along the substrate. The fastener elements are constructed to snag the exposed fibers when the substrate is wrapped about a patient in an overlapping manner, securing the wrap about the patient with the medical function delivery region in a desired position. The wrap is configured for use as a hot or cold pack, a medical dressing, or drug delivery device. |
| US08231811B2 |
Formation of conductive metal regions on substrates
An activator composition for forming an activator-containing region on a substrate for activating a chemical reaction to form a conductive metal region on the substrate, the composition being suitable for thermal inkjet printing, the composition comprising a single phase aqueous composition including one or more curable materials and one or more co-solvents for the curable material(s); and an activator for reaction to form a conductive metal region. Conductive metal regions may be formed on the resulting activator-containing regions by a metallisation reaction such as electroless deposition. |
| US08231808B2 |
Percolation efficiency of the conductivity of electrically conductive adhesives
An electroconductive bonding material is formed as a Modified Electrically Conductive Adhesive (MECA), and consists of a resin matrix and a modified conductive filler. The resin matrix if formed by providing a thermosetting or thermoplastic resin-based polymer resin. The conductive filler is a metal filler material suitable for use as conductive filler for the resin matrix. The metal filler is modified by applying a material selected from one of halogens, pseudohalogens or their precursors. |
| US08231804B2 |
Even carbon number paraffin composition and method of manufacturing same
Paraffin compositions including mainly even carbon number paraffins, and a method for manufacturing the same, is disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the method involves contacting naturally occurring fatty acid/glycerides with hydrogen in a slurry bubble column reactor containing bimetallic catalysts with equivalent particle diameters from about 10 to about 400 micron. The even carbon number compositions are particularly useful as phase change material. |
| US08231803B2 |
Piezoelectric ceramic and piezoelectric ceramic composition
A piezoelectric ceramic 10 composed mainly of a three-component solid solution represented by the following general formula (1), wherein x, y and z in general formula (1) satisfy the following formulas (2), (3), (4) and (5). x(Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3−y(Bi1/2Li1/2)TiO3−z(Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3 (1) 0.80≦x≦0.96 (2) 0.02≦y≦0.08 (3) 0.01≦z≦0.15 (4) x+y+z=1 (5) |
| US08231801B2 |
Fire-extinguishing aerosol composition for precision electric appliances
A fire-extinguishing aerosol for precision electric appliance is disclosed, which includes oxidant, flammable agent, adhesive and additive. The composition of the present invention is characterized in that the oxidant is the mixture of the potassium salt and the strontium salt, in which the content of the potassium salt oxidant is more than or equal to 5 mass % to less than 15 mass % of the total mass of the composition, and the content of the strontium salt oxidant is more than 52 mass % to less than or equal to 60 mass % of the total mass of the composition. In the fire-extinguishing aerosol composition of the present invention, the particle average diameter of all components is less than 50 μm. After quenching the fire in the space in which the precision electric appliance is installed, the fire-extinguishing aerosol composition of the present invention can ensure that the dielectric resistance of the precision electric appliance is more than or equal to 100 MΩ. The fire-extinguishing aerosol composition of the present invention is more reasonable than the prior art, friendly to the environment, and applicable to the precision electric appliance. |
| US08231800B2 |
Plasma processing apparatus and method
There is provided a plasma processing apparatus including a plasma generating unit for generating a plasma in a processing chamber in which a set processing is performed on a substrate serving as an object to be processed. The plasma processing apparatus further includes a particle moving unit for electrostatically driving particles in a region above the substrate to be removed out of the region above the substrate in the processing chamber while the processing on the substrate is performed by using the plasma. In addition, there is provided a plasma processing method of a plasma processing apparatus including the steps of generating plasma in a processing chamber in which a set processing is performed on a substrate serving as an object to be processed; and performing the processing on the substrate by the plasma. |
| US08231797B2 |
Process for producing air gaps in microstructures
A process for producing at least one air gap in a microstructure, which includes the supply of a microstructure comprising at least one gap filled with a sacrificial material, this gap being limited over at least part of its surface by an impermeable membrane but which may be rendered permeable by the action of a chemical etchant, this etchant also being capable of degrading the sacrificial material and the contacting of the microstructure with said chemical etchant in order to make the membrane permeable and degrade the sacrificial material, and the removal of the chemical etchant from the microstructure and in which the chemical etchant is a fluid containing hydrofluoric acid and/or ammonium fluoride. Applications include microelectronics and micro-technology. |
| US08231794B2 |
Water filtration system
A water filtration system (60, FIG. 2) wherein pressured feed water (water with impurities to be filtered out) passes downstream from an upstream end of a passage (66) through a filter arrangement (74) in the passage, to a filtrate storage region (82), during filtrate production. Pressured water, such as at 50 psi (3 bars) from a tap water source (110), provides the pressured feed water during filtrate production, and also pressurizes the filtrate during backflushing. A filtrate pressurizing apparatus (90) includes a movable member or piston (92) that lies in a chamber (94), and that has a feed side (134) that is pressurized by tap water during a backflush and that has a filtrate side (132) that presses against filtrate, the feed side having a larger diameter (D2) than the filtrate side (D1) to produce an increased pressure during backflushing. |
| US08231793B2 |
Combination filter arrangement and method
A cartridge type filter is mounted in a housing and is serviced through the top of the housing. The cartridge includes first and second media packs axially stacked. The second media pack is in series behind the first media pack, and filters a portion of the liquid therethrough. The second media pack has a higher efficiency than the first media pack. The overall design has a drain system which allows liquid to drain from the interior of the filter housing and back to the sump before the filter cartridge is completely removed from the housing. Other optional features include an oil cooler, various valving, and a filter cartridge lockout mechanism. |
| US08231792B2 |
Purification of ionic liquids
The invention relates to a process for purifying an ionic liquid, which comprises the steps (a) partial crystallization of the ionic liquid from its melt and (b) separation of the crystals from the residual melt. |
| US08231791B2 |
System and method for controlling multiple sized water softening tanks
A water softening system including a first treatment tank having a first water capacity, a second treatment tank in parallel with the first treatment tank and having a second water capacity that is less than the first water capacity, a flow meter connected to the first and second treatment tanks, the flow meter configured to determine a demand flow rate of water entering the system and a controller in communication with the flow meter, the controller configured to direct the water into the first treatment tank when the demand flow rate is greater than a designated flow rate, and to direct the water into the second treatment tank when the demand flow rate is equal to or less than the designated flow rate. |
| US08231787B2 |
Tangential flow filtration system
A system, method and device are disclosed for bio-processing a feed stream providing a constant output by operating a continuous single-pass tangential-flow process. Embodiments are operated without large circulation pumps. Other embodiments use components which can be disposed after a single use. The system, method and device can also be used to provide constant output diafiltration. |
| US08231786B2 |
Water purification method and apparatus involving generation of bipolar layer
Water treatment method and apparatus according to which supply water containing dissolved matter is delivered to at least one treatment surface. An electric field is created in the vicinity of the treatment surface to cause a hydration layer to be established due to the bipolar nature of the water molecules. Water is then extracted from the hydration layer. Such extraction may be effected by osmosis or by removal of the element (s) from the supply water with the hydration layer water thereon, dehydration layer water subsequently being extracted from the element (s). The method has been devised to reduce energy consumption for the purpose of providing potable water from seawater. |
| US08231785B2 |
Staged membrane system for gas, vapor, and liquid separations
The present invention involves the use of a multi-stage membrane system for gas, vapor, and liquid separations. In this multi-stage membrane system, high selectivity and high permeance or at least high selectivity polybenzoxazole membranes or cross-linked polybenzoxazole membranes are applied for a pre-membrane or both the pre-membrane and the secondary membrane. A primary membrane can be from conventional glassy polymers. This multi-stage membrane system can reduce inter-stage compression cost, increase product recovery and product purity for gas, vapor, and liquid separations. It can also save the cost compared to the system using all the high cost polybenzoxazole membranes or cross-linked polybenzoxazole membranes. |
| US08231781B2 |
Filter end cap assembly with bypass valve
A filter assembly, filter element and methods are provided. The filter assembly includes a filter base in which a filter element is mounted. The filter element includes a bypass valve carried by the filter element that operates independent of and free of interaction with the filter base. Methods include providing an entirely new bypass valve for the filter assembly by inserting a filter element including a complete bypass valve into the filter base such that bypass valve structures of the filter base are rendered useless or superfluous. |
| US08231760B2 |
Image removing device, image removing method, and image forming/removing system
A disclosed image removing device includes a roller peeling member onto which a recording material with the image forming substance having thermoplastic properties is superposed; a heating unit configured to heat the image forming substance; a pressurizing unit configured to apply pressure to the roller peeling member and the recording material superposed thereon to cause the image forming substance heated by the heating unit to adhere to the roller peeling member; a separating unit configured to separate the recording material from the roller peeling member after the image forming substance has adhered to the roller peeling member; and a removing unit configured to remove, from the roller peeling member, the image forming substance that has been transferred from the recording material to the roller peeling member. The removing unit is driven in such a manner that the removing unit and the roller peeling member pressurize/contact/slide against each other. |
| US08231757B2 |
Method of manufacturing laminated bamboo sliver lumber
A method of manufacturing laminated bamboo sliver lumber comprises steps of: preparing bamboo slivers; performing moth-proofing, mildew-proofing, and antiseptic treatments to the bamboo slivers and then drying the bamboo slivers to a moisture content of about 6-15%; machining each dried bamboo sliver to a thickness of about 0.5-3.5 mm (0.02-0.14 in) and a width of about 5-22 mm (0.20-0.87 in) and then dehumidifying the machined bamboo slivers to a moisture content of about 3-10%; applying a glue to the bamboo slivers by glue-coating or “immerging” process, in which a ratio of the glue to an absolute dry weight of the bamboo slivers is about 3-16%; and arranging the glued bamboo slivers with their “width” direction consistent with the “vertical” direction and then pressing the arranged bamboo slivers and curing the glue under a “side” pressure of about 3-15 MPa (0.44-2.18 ksi) and a “top” pressure of about 1-6 MPa (0.15-0.87 ksi) so as to form the laminated bamboo sliver lumber. |
| US08231755B2 |
Method for robotic handling using thermo-reversible dry adhesives
One embodiment includes an application of multilayer thermo-reversible dry adhesives in robotic handling of objects. |
| US08231753B2 |
Intravaginal device with fluid transport plates
An intravaginal device has a fluid storage element and at least one fluid transport element in fluid communication with the fluid storage element. The at least one fluid transport element has a first plate and a second plate coupled to the first plate. The second plate is capable of separating from the first plate sufficiently to provide inter-plate capillary action. The at least one fluid transport element is bendable about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fluid storage element. The invention also includes methods and apparatus useful in the production of an intravaginal device. |
| US08231745B2 |
Sputtering target and method of fabrication
A process is described for processing metal which includes clock rolling a metal plate until the desired thickness is achieved to form a rolled plate. Sputtering targets and other metal articles are further described. |
| US08231741B2 |
Method for surface treatment of an internal combustion pistion and an internal combustion piston
An internal combustion piston comprises a modified layer produced by a surface treatment including injecting injection powders having a diameter of 20 μm to 400 μm and containing a reinforcing element to be collided with a surface of the internal combustion piston obtained by casting and forging by injecting at an injection speed of 80 m/s or more or at an injection pressure of 0.3 MPa or more, the reinforcing element improving a strength of an alloy comprising the piston when being diffused and penetrated in the alloy, wherein by the surface treatment, oxides generated on the surface of the piston by the casting and forging are removed, and surface flaws generated on the surface are repaired, whereby the modified layer is formed to have a uniformly fine-grained metal microstructure which contains the reinforcing element in the injection powders diffused and penetrated in the vicinity of the surface of the piston and an alloy element of the alloy comprising the piston. |
| US08231740B2 |
Method for preparing rare earth permanent magnet material
A rare earth permanent magnet material is prepared by covering a sintered magnet body of R1—Fe—B composition wherein R1 is a rare earth element, with a powder comprising at least 30% by weight of an alloy of R2aTbMcAdHe wherein R2 is a rare earth element, T is Fe and/or Co, and M is Al, Cu or the like, and having an average particle size up to 100 μm, and heat treating the powder-covered magnet body at a suitable temperature, for causing R2, T, M and A in the powder to be absorbed in the magnet body. |
| US08231739B2 |
Method for producing grain-oriented silicon steel containing copper
A method of manufacturing oriented Si steel containing Cu with high electric-magnetic property comprises: hot rolling slab; after first cold rolling, heating it to 800° C. or higher temperature and performing intermediate decarburization annealing in a protective atmosphere with PH2O/PH2 of 0.50˜0.88 for 3-8 minutes, to decrease carbon content of the steel plate to less than 30 ppm; then peening and acid-pickling to remove oxide of Fe on surface and to control oxygen content to lower than 500 ppm; secondary cold rolling to final thickness and coating separation agent in water-slurry form; drying to decrease water content to lower than 1.5%; high-temperature annealing in a protective atmosphere containing hydrogen with oxidation degree (PH2O/PH2) of 0.0001-0.2; finally applying a tension coating and leveling tension annealing. |