| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08248462B2 |
Dynamic parallax barrier autosteroscopic display system and method
Embodiments of the invention provide a dynamic parallax barrier autostereoscopic system and method for one and multiple users with user tracking. One example embodiment of the invention is a dynamic parallax barrier autostereoscopic virtual reality display system includes a display including a front display plane and a rear display plane. The front display plane dynamically generates barrier strips with transparent regions therebetween. The rear display plane generates images viewable through the transparent regions to create a virtual reality effect for a user or users. |
| US08248461B2 |
Receiving system and method of processing data
A receiving system and a method of processing data are disclosed herein. The receiving system includes a receiving unit, a system information processor, a decoding unit, and a display unit. The receiving unit receives a broadcast signal including a 3D content and system information associated with the 3D content. The system information processor extracts identification information from the system information. Herein, the identification information may identify that the broadcast signal being received by the receiving unit includes the 3D content. The decoding unit decodes the received 3D content based upon transmission format information of the 3D content. Herein, the transmission format information may be included in the extracted identification information. And, the display unit displays the 3D content decoded by the decoding unit as a 3D image based upon a display method of a display device. |
| US08248454B2 |
Video display calibration system and method
A video display system includes a video display environment having a video display, a display sensor, oriented to view the display, and a display control system. The control system is controllable from outside the video display environment, and is interconnected with the video display and the display sensor. The control system is configured to receive a signal from the display sensor, and to calibrate a display parameter of the display in response to the signal. |
| US08248446B2 |
Rich media communication client device, method and computer program product
A method, computer program product, and system for initiating, routing and scheduling video conferences. A dial URL is introduced with a prefix unique for calling purposes. When a user activates such an URL in his web browser, a content handler associated with the browser will recognize the type of URL and send a request to a managing tool to determine an available calling route between the user's preferred end-point and the end-point being addressed in the URL with the required resources. The managing tool then schedules the resources and initiates the call between the end-points, thereby allowing for a one-click initiation of ad-hoc video calls and video conferences. |
| US08248442B2 |
Apparatus and method for side determination of optical disc
A side determination apparatus of an optical disc includes a light source illuminating one side of the optical disc having a data side and a non-data side obliquely; a sensor receiving a reflected light from the optical disc illuminated by the light source; and a determination unit determining that an incident light into the sensor is a reflected diffracted light from the data side of the optical disc based on a distribution of an output of the sensor onto a surface of the disc to determine the one side. |
| US08248440B2 |
Device, system and method for color display
A color Liquid Crystal display (LCD) device for displaying a color image using at least four different primary colors, the device including as array of Liquid Crystal (LC) elements, driving circuitry adapted to receive an input corresponding to the color image and to selectively activate the LC elements of the LC array to produce an attenuation pattern corresponding to a gray-level representation of the color image, and an array of color sub-pixel filter elements juxtaposed and in registry with the array of LC elements such that each color sub-pixel filter element is in registry with one of the LC elements, wherein the array of color sub-pixel filter elements comprises at least four types of color sub-pixel filter elements, which transmit light of the at least four primary colors, respectively. |
| US08248434B2 |
Image processing device, image display apparatus, and image processing method
An image processing device adapted to correct a pixel value corresponding to a sub-pixel constituting a pixel includes a displacement amount storage section adapted to store a displacement amount of a display position of a display sub-pixel corresponding to the sub-pixel constituting a display pixel in a reference position in a display image plane, and a pixel value correction section adapted to correct the pixel value of the sub-pixel corresponding to the display sub-pixel at an end of the display image plane in accordance with the displacement amount stored in the displacement amount storage section. |
| US08248432B2 |
Display apparatus and method of image enhancement thereof
A method of image enhancement includes acquiring color information from an image, determining a color distribution of the image based on the color information, and changing a brightness of the image based on the color distribution. |
| US08248431B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, program, and recording medium
An image processing apparatus is disclosed that includes an extraction unit extracting predetermined color areas from an input image, a calculation unit calculating each of representative colors of the extracted predetermined color areas, an evaluation unit evaluating whether hue values of the representative colors of the predetermined color areas are distributed in both directions from the hue value of a target color, and a color correcting unit, in which when it is determined that the hue values of the representative colors of the predetermined color areas are not distributed in both directions from the hue value of the target color, color correction is performed on the predetermined color areas. |
| US08248428B2 |
Parallel computation of computationally expensive parameter changes
One embodiment of the invention sets forth a graphics application configured to generate previews of a graphics object when a configurable parameter is modified. A computation engine computes the result of the modified parameter value and determines a set of additional parameter values based on configurable meta-data. The computation engine then computes results of each additional parameter value. Each computed result specifies a different change in the characteristic of the graphics object. The computation engine transmits the computed results to a preview generator, also included in the graphics application. For each computed result, the preview generator generates a preview of the graphics object that incorporates the change in the characteristic of the graphics object. The previews are transmitted to a preview pane for display. The user may then select one of the previews, and the parameter value of the configurable parameter is modified based on the selected preview. |
| US08248427B2 |
Screen display method, information processing apparatus, and computer program product
An image forming apparatus is connected to an information processing apparatus via a network. The image forming apparatus transmits setting information contained in a setting screen to the information processing apparatus and receives customized setting information generated by the information processing apparatus based on the setting information, whereby the setting screen is customized by the customized setting information. |
| US08248426B2 |
Image processing apparatus for displaying colors included in a color image and an image processing method, and a storage medium therefor
The present invention enables a user to easily identify individual colors included in a color image. Specifically, a color image is divided into two or more areas based on colors, and based on the feature values for the individual areas obtained by division, the order of the colors is changed. Then, the colors of the individual areas are displayed in accordance with the changed order. |
| US08248423B2 |
Strategies for processing media information using a plug-in processing module in a path-agnostic manner
A media processing framework includes multiple media processing paths. At least one of the media processing paths includes a media processing pipeline which is in-process with respect to an application which interacts with the media processing pipeline. At least one other of the media processing paths includes a media processing pipeline which is out-of-process with respect to the application. The application can specify a custom plug-in presenter module to be set in either the in-process media processing pipeline or the out-of-process media processing pipeline. The application need not be “aware” of the pipeline that is being used, whether the pipeline is in-process or out-of-process, or the security level that is applied to the media processing pipeline. Both the in-process and the out-of-process media processing pipelines can supply media information to a presentation processor, such as a compositing engine. |
| US08248413B2 |
Visual navigation system for endoscopic surgery
An endoscopic surgical navigation system comprises a data acquisition subsystem, a tracking subsystem, a registration subsystem, a data processing subsystem and a user interface subsystem. The data acquisition subsystem inputs intra-operative scan data from a medical scanning device during an endoscopic procedure. The tracking subsystem captures data representing positions and orientations of a flexible endoscope during the endoscopic procedure. The registration subsystem determines transformation parameters for coregistering the intra-operative scan data and the data indicative of positions and orientations of the endoscope. The data processing subsystem coregisters the intra-operative scan data and the data indicative of positions and orientations of the endoscope based on the transformation parameters and generates real-time image data representing 3D internal views of a body that are coregistered with live video from an endoscopic video camera. The user interface subsystem receives input from a user for controlling the system and provides output to the user. |
| US08248409B2 |
Point in polyhedron
Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with determining whether a point is located in a polyhedron are described. One example method includes identifying a ray that connects a query point to a second point located outside a minimum bounding volume of a solid polyhedron without intersecting a vertex of the solid polyhedron. The method includes counting crossings of planar faces of the solid polyhedron by the ray. The crossings may be mid-face crossings, edge crossings, and/or coplanar crossings. The crossings are selectively counted based on whether the ray actually crosses a face, grazes a face without crossing it, or runs coplanar with a face without crossing another face. The method includes controlling an automated process based on whether first point is inside the solid polyhedron. |
| US08248408B2 |
Method for uniformizing surface normals of a three-dimensional model
A method for uniformizing surface normals of a three-dimensional model is provided. The method uniformizes the surface normals to surfaces in the three-dimensional model by determining intersection surfaces of each of the surfaces, and determining surfaces whose surface normals are to be reversed according to the intersection surfaces of each of the surfaces. The method may make surface normals consistent. |
| US08248400B2 |
Method and system for updating of displays showing deterministic content
A method and apparatus for displaying image data is disclosed. The method includes receiving one of a plurality of sets of stored image update data to be displayed on a display device, wherein each set corresponds to one image in a sequence of images and wherein the plurality of sets of image update data comprise information identifying pixels that change from a previous image in the sequence of images, wherein the display device comprises an array of bi-stable display elements. The method further includes updating a portion of the display device, the portion containing the pixels identified in the received set of stored image update data. |
| US08248395B2 |
Image display device
An image display device includes an image display panel (4) with an image detection function, and includes a plurality of pixels disposed in a matrix and a plurality of photosensors (17) disposed in correspondence with the pixels in a display region. The pixels each have a plurality of sub-pixels (5), and a color filter in which colors of color layers are formed in correspondence with the sub-pixels (5) is provided. The photosensors (17) have an incident light wavelength characteristic in which a photoreception sensitivity to light that passes through, among the colors of color layers, the color layer whose color is most toward a short wavelength side is higher than a photoreception sensitivity to light that passes through, among the colors of color layers, the color layer whose color is most toward a long wavelength side, and the photosensors (17) are disposed such that, with respect to a thickness direction of the image display panel (4), photodetection regions (19) of the photosensors (17) overlap with, among the plurality of color layers, the color layer whose color is most toward the long wavelength side. The present invention enables reducing the reflection of a display image on sensor output caused by optical interference. |
| US08248393B2 |
Spectrum sequential display having reduced cross talk
A color display device, a drive circuit for a color display device, a method, a signal and a computer-readable medium for reducing electro-optical cross talk that occurs in a display that is operated in Spectrum Sequential mode is disclosed. The invention eliminates annoying visible artifacts, such as contouring, noise, or color deviation, which normally are introduced by this cross talk by compensating for the cross talk. According to embodiments of the invention, a drive signal (R′,G′,B′) to drive picture elements of the display is altered in video processing circuitry (MPC, XTC, SC) and/or software, in dependence on one or more properties of different spectra from a light source (23, 24) in the display. The invention is implemented with little extra effort and cost in known LCD displays. |
| US08248388B2 |
Touch screen panel
A touch screen panel is disclosed, which is capable of sensing an exact position touched by a user or instrument, or a pressured applied to the touched position, wherein the touch screen panel comprises a core including a plurality of horizontal and vertical lines provided in a grid shape, wherein the core has a first refractive index, and an upper surface of the core is exposed to the atmosphere; an intermediate clad formed between each of gaps included in the core, wherein the intermediate clad has a second refractive index which is lower than the first refractive index, and a height of the intermediate clad is identical to a height of the core; an optical source configured to apply an optical signal to an input end of each of the plurality of horizontal and vertical lines; and a plurality of receivers configured to sense an intensity of the optical signal passing through an output end of each of the plurality of horizontal and vertical lines, the optical signal applied by the optical source. |
| US08248387B1 |
Efficient buffering of data frames for multiple clients
The efficient buffering of image data for a plurality of clients is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises an optical touch-sensitive device configured to receive changed portions of a frame of data from a touch data acquisition system comprising a touch-sensitive display, to store the changed portions of the frame of data in a common data frame buffer, and to receive a bitmap header from the touch data acquisition system that specifies locations of the changed portions of the frame of data and store the bitmap header in each of a plurality of client header buffers. Clients can first obtain the bitmap header from buffers corresponding to those clients, and then obtain the changed portions of the frame of data from the common data frame buffer. |
| US08248386B2 |
Hand-held device with touchscreen and digital tactile pixels
A hand-held electronic device is disclosed. The device may comprise a case case having one or more major surfaces; a touch screen disposed on one of the major surfaces, the touch screen; a processor operably coupled to the touch screen; and one or more tactile pixels disposed proximate the touch screen. Each of the tactile pixels includes an actuatable portion coupled to an actuator and a sensor. The actuator and sensor are coupled to the processor. The actuator is configured to actuate in response to instructions from the processor and the sensor is configured to generate signals as inputs to one or more programs executed by the processor when pressure is applied to the actuatable portion. The actuatable portion is actuatable by the actuator between first and second positions. A tactile feel of the actuatable portion is different in the first and second positions. |
| US08248384B2 |
Touch screen region selecting method
A touch screen region selecting method implemented by a central processing unit (CPU), wherein the touch screen senses and recognizes tracks of two line-drawing touches simultaneously performed thereon. The method comprises: receiving the two line-drawing touches and displaying two lines via the CPU, identifying start points and terminal points of the two lines via the CPU, connecting the start point and the terminal point of each line to generate a first line and a second line respectively via the CPU, connecting the start points of the two lines to generate a third line, and connecting the terminal points of the two lines to generate a fourth line via the CPU, identifying a region framed by the first line, the second line, the third line, and the fourth line, obtaining displayed contents, and performing an operation for the displayed contents via the CPU. |
| US08248381B2 |
Touch panel and display device using the same
A touch panel includes a substrate, a transparent conductive layer, and at least two electrodes. The transparent conductive layer is disposed on the substrate. The at least two electrodes is separately disposed, and electrically connected with the transparent conductive layer. At least one of the electrodes includes a carbon nanotube layer. Further a display device using the above-described touch panel is also included. |
| US08248378B2 |
Touch panel and display device using the same
An exemplary touch panel includes a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate separated from the first electrode plate. The first electrode plate includes a first substrate and a first conductive layer located on a lower surface of the first substrate. The second electrode plate includes a second substrate and a second conductive layer located on an upper surface of the second substrate. Each of the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer includes a plurality of carbon nanotube string-shaped structures. A display device incorporates the touch panel and also includes a display element adjacent to the touch panel. |
| US08248377B2 |
Touch panel
A touch panel includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate separated from the first electrode plate. The first electrode plate includes a first substrate and a first conductive layer disposed on a lower surface of the first substrate. The second electrode plate includes a second substrate and a second conductive layer disposed on an upper surface of the second substrate. The first conductive layer and the second conductive layer include a carbon nanotube film respectively. |
| US08248374B2 |
Keyboard and method for self-defining keys on the keyboard
A keyboard includes a storage unit, a format generating unit, a character recognizing unit and an assigning unit. The storage unit is configured for storing a plurality of codes, each of the codes corresponds to a character assigned to a key on the keyboard. The format generating unit is configured for analyzing a digital picture reflecting a desired layout of keys on the keyboard and generating a location matrix of the desired layout according to the digital picture and the location matrix. The character recognizing unit is configured for recognizing the characters in the desired layout according to the digital picture and the location matrix. The assigning unit is configured for assigning the codes stored in the storage unit corresponding to the recognized characters to the corresponding keys, based upon the location matrix of the desired layout. |
| US08248373B2 |
Contextual control of dynamic input device
A computing system includes one or more input-device user-interface runtime applications to dynamically display images on a dynamic input device. The one or more input-device user-interface runtime applications are executed in a currently active desktop. The computing system further includes a dominant application configured to execute in the currently active desktop. The dominant application is configured to specify an input-device user-interface runtime application corresponding to a current context of the dominant application. The specified input-device user-interface runtime application is configured to dynamically display virtual controls on the dynamic input device. The specified input-device user-interface runtime application is also configured to report activation of the virtual controls to the dominant application. |
| US08248368B2 |
Silent mouse
A computer mouse includes a casing, a skidding pad and a cushion member. The casing has a bottom surface and a side surface adjacent to a peripheral of the bottom surface. The skidding pad is applied on the bottom surface of the casing for sliding upon a working surface. The cushion member is formed at a corner defined between the bottom surface and the side surface of the casing. Additionally, when the computer mouse is stand still on the working surface, only the skidding pad is in contact with the working surface. |
| US08248364B1 |
Seeing with your hand
The disclosure describes methods and systems for gathering and conveying information, for example, such as with a hand of a user. In one embodiment, the method may include using a detector to record a series of images of an environment and detecting a predetermined motion by comparing two or more images in the series. The method may include selecting a function based on the predetermined motion and triggering the function. In another embodiment, the method may include using a first detector to record a first series of images of an environment and using a second detector to record a second series of images of an environment. The method may include detecting a predetermined relative motion by comparing one or more images from the first series with one or more images from the second series, and selecting and/or triggering a function based on the predetermined relative motion. |
| US08248361B2 |
Display control apparatus and method, and program
The present invention relates to a display control apparatus and method, and a program which make it possible to prevent deterioration in image quality due to insufficient luminance of light from a backlight.A backlight luminance calculating section (121) finds the backlight luminance of light to be radiated by a backlight, on the basis of the image signal of a display image. A moving image determining section (122) determines whether or not the display image is a moving image on the basis of the image signal. A correction value calculating section (123) increases the last correction value by a predetermined value to obtain a new correction value when the display image is a moving image, and decreases the last correction value by a predetermined value to obtain a new correction value when the display image is a still image. An addition section (124) adds the correction value to the backlight luminance to correct the backlight luminance. The present invention can be applied to a liquid crystal display apparatus. |
| US08248360B2 |
Backlight control device and display apparatus including the same
One embodiment of the present invention discloses a backlight control device that provides PWM control inverters with PWM signals generated in accordance with a dimming level input through a light receiving section that receives infrared light, the inverters causing fluorescent lamps that emit visible light and infrared light to illuminate. The backlight control device includes a phase adjusting section that changes a phase difference between a first PWM signal for driving a first lamp group and a second PWM signal for driving a second lamp group according to the dimming level when the dimming level is at least in a predetermined range of all dimming levels, the first and second lamp groups each including at least one lamp. This provides a backlight control device that enables reduction of faulty operation in an infrared-based apparatus. |
| US08248359B2 |
Display apparatus and driving method therefor
A display apparatus includes a display section, a backlight, and a drive section. The display section is formed from a liquid crystal display apparatus of the transmission type having a display area formed from pixels arranged in a matrix. The backlight is formed from a plurality of light source units disposed individually corresponding to a plurality of display area units which form the display area and configured to illuminate the back side of the display section. The drive section is configured to drive the display section and the backlight based on input signals from the outside. The drive section includes a control section configured to control a light emitting state of the light source unit corresponding to each of the display area units based on a display area unit internal maximum input signal which indicates a maximum value from among the input signals corresponding to the display area unit. |
| US08248357B2 |
Pixel driving circuit and a display device having the same
A pixel driving circuit includes a first driver and a second driver. The first gate driver includes a plurality of stage units connected to odd-numbered gate lines. The second gate driver includes a plurality of stage units connected to even-numbered gate lines. Each of the stage units of the first and second gate drivers includes an input unit, a first signal output unit, and a second signal output unit. The input unit outputs a driving control signal according to a previous stage driving signal output from the previous stage unit and a next stage driving signal output from the next stage unit. The first signal output unit outputs a stage driving signal according to the driving control signal and a driving clock signal. The second signal output unit outputs a gate voltage signal to the corresponding gate line according to the driving control signal and a gate clock signal. |
| US08248356B2 |
Driving circuit for detecting line short defects
For detecting line short defects in a display panel, a driving circuit has a plurality of shift registers, a plurality of diode modules, and at least one power supply. Each shift register has an output port for outputting a driving signal sequentially. The diode modules are coupled to the output ports of the shift registers accordingly. The power supply is coupled to the diode modules and forward biases the diode modules to bypass the shift registers during at least a part of a period of detecting line short defects. |
| US08248355B2 |
Shift register and liquid crystal display using same
The present invention relates to a shift register and a liquid crystal display using the same. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal panel, a data driving circuit and a scanning driving circuit. The data driving circuit and the scanning driving circuit each include a shift register. The shift register includes a plurality of shift register units. Two adjacent shift register units respectively receive two inverse clock signals and a VGL signal. Each shift register unit includes a signal output circuit, a signal input circuit, a first logic converting circuit, and a second logic converting circuit. The present shift register and a liquid crystal display have simple structure. |
| US08248354B2 |
Driving circuit and image display apparatus
A driving circuit includes a plurality of output terminals to be electrically connected to scan wirings, respectively, a scan controlling unit for selecting one or plural output terminals to output a driving signal for the scan wiring from among the plurality of output terminals, and a potential correcting unit for controlling a potential of the driving signal on the basis of a difference voltage between the potential of the selected output terminal and a reference potential. In addition, a reference potential adjusting unit adjusts the reference potential in response to a current passing through the selected output terminal in order to correct a voltage drop caused by a member connected to the selected output terminal. The reference potential adjusting unit changes adjustment of the reference potential in response to the number of the selected output terminals and turns off adjustment of the reference potential in the case that the number of the selected output terminals is more than 1. |
| US08248348B2 |
Level shifter circuit and display device provided therewith
A level shift circuit includes first and second level shifters which respectively output first and second output signals that are produced by level shifting two kinds of input clock signals whose high level periods do not overlap. The level shift circuit also includes control transistors and control lines which, together, prevent a feedthrough current from flowing into the second level shifter when the first output signal is high level, and prevent a feedthrough current from flowing into the first level shifter when the second output signal is high level, so as to suspend the level shift operation of the first and second level shifters. With the level shift circuit, power consumption during a specific time period in a non-active period of the clock signal can be eliminated, where the specific time period of one clock signal is the active period of the other clock signal. |
| US08248347B2 |
Field sequential LCD driving method
The present invention discloses a driving method for a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display has a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix form. The method includes the following steps. The first step is to write black data to the pixels using an over driving voltage. The second step is to select partial of the pixels or all pixels to write color data based on a color image signal. The third step is to turn on the corresponding backlight based on the color data. |
| US08248345B2 |
Display apparatus and method for displaying an image
A display apparatus and a method for displaying an image are provided. The display apparatus includes a pixel array, a polarity (POL) signal generator, and a drive circuit. The pixel array which includes a plurality of pixels is configured to display a plurality of frames of the image. The POL signal generator is configured to generate a plurality of POL signals. The drive circuit is configured to adjust the frames of the image according to the POL signals, and output the frames to the pixel array. |
| US08248338B2 |
Method of driving liquid crystal display device, liquid crystal display device, and portable electronic apparatus
To enable a common inversion driving even in an LCD having a large size and a high definition. A common capacitance is significantly reduced by making most of scanning lines in a floating state during the common inversion. In addition, the timing for floating the scanning lines is changed depending on the polarity of the common potential. Specifically, if a pixel switching element is an N channel type, the scanning lines are floated when the common potential is high. If the pixel switching element is a P channel type, the scanning lines are floated when the common potential is low. |
| US08248335B2 |
Light emitting apparatus, method for driving the light emitting apparatus, and display apparatus including the light emitting apparatus
A light emitting apparatus comprises a light emitting section for emitting light, a color of the light being changed with a value of a driving current, and a driving section for driving the light emitting section so that the light emitting section emits light having a desired color and a desired intensity, by generating the driving current based on a signal designating the desired color and a signal designating the desired intensity and by applying the driving current to the light emitting section. |
| US08248333B2 |
Display device
In an image display device, each pixel includes a drive transistor for driving a light emitting element, a capacitive element which is connected between a signal line and a control electrode of the drive transistor, and a reset switching element. The reset switching elements of all pixels are turned off within a light emission period, and a PWM signal is supplied to a signal line from a drive circuit. A cycle of the PWM signal in a low brightness display mode is shorter than a cycle of the PWM signal in a standard brightness display mode. Due to such a constitution, the constitution of a drive circuit can be simplified, and it is possible to control light emission brightnesses of respective pixels of red, green and blue over a wide range from high brightness to low brightness while taking a balance among the light emission brightnesses. |
| US08248332B2 |
Active matrix display apparatus having a change in lighting power source before the end of a writing period and driving method thereof
An active matrix display apparatus includes two-dimensionally arranged pixel circuits, each of which includes a display element, and a plurality of signal lines and scanning lines connected to the pixel circuits. Each of the pixel circuits include a drive transistor and a capacitor, with one terminal of the capacitor being connected to a control terminal of the drive transistor and a second terminal of the capacitor being connected to a first main conductive terminal of the drive transistor and a lighting power source. In a writing operation period, a current flowing to the signal line is conducted into the drive transistor, and in a lighting operation period, a current conducting in the drive transistor is injected into the display element. At a time during the writing operation period, a potential of the lighting power source is changed toward a potential of the signal line to depress the current conducting in the drive transistor and is kept for a period, during which the current conducting in the drive transistor partially recovers from the depression. After the writing operation period, the potential of the lighting power source is restored. |
| US08248331B2 |
Image display device and method of controlling the same
An image display device includes a driver having a gate connected to a first electrode of a first capacitor and a source connected to an anode of a luminescence element. A second capacitor is connected to a second electrode of the first capacitor. A first switch supplies a reference voltage to the first electrode of the first capacitor. A second switch supplies a signal voltage to the second electrode of the first capacitor. A third switch connects the anode of the luminescence element to the second capacitor. A method of controlling the image display device includes: supplying the signal voltage to the first capacitor by switching ON the first and second switches when the third switch is OFF; switching OFF the first and second switches to turn ON the third switch after the first capacitor holds a capacitor voltage; and causing the second capacitor to hold a source potential of the driver while the third switch is ON. |
| US08248330B2 |
Light emitting device and driving method thereof
A light emitting device which is able to suppress power consumption while a balance of white light is maintained is provided. According to the present invention, either the potential level of the Hi video signal or Lo video signal which is given to a gate electrode of a transistor, and the potential level of the power source lines are changed by the respective corresponding colors. Concretely, the potential level at the side of Lo and the potential level of the power source line are made to be changed by the respective corresponding colors when a transistor which controls current supplied to a light emitting element is a p-channel type. Conversely, the potential level at the side of the Hi and potential level of the power source line are made to be changed by the respective corresponding colors when a transistor which controls current supplied to a light emitting element is an n-channel type. |
| US08248329B2 |
Display apparatus
Disclosed herein is a display apparatus, including: a pixel array section including a plurality of pixel circuits disposed in a matrix and each including a driving transistor for producing driving current, a storage capacitor for storing information of a image signal amplitude, an electro-optical element connected to an output terminal side of the driving transistor, and a sampling transistor for writing information of the signal amplitude into the storage capacitor, the driving transistor being operable to produce driving current based on the information stored in the storage capacitor and supply the driving current to the electro-optical element to cause the electro-optical element to emit light; a driving signal fixing circuit for keeping the driving current fixed; and a light blocking layer provided on the light input side of a transistor which participates in the driving signal fixing function and for preventing appearance of leak current of the transistors arising from light irradiation. |
| US08248328B1 |
Plasma-shell PDP with artifact reduction
Visual artifact reduction methods for a display including gamma corrections, error diffusion and/or dithering. The invention is described with reference to an AC gas discharge display (PDP) comprising a multiplicity of plasma-shells, but may be practiced with other display technologies. The methods of this invention are disclosed for use with a number of PDP structures and PDP electronic addressing architectures including ADS, AWD, SAS, and ALIS. |
| US08248327B2 |
Driving device and driving method of plasma display panel, and plasma display device
A scan IC includes a switch circuit and a logic circuit. The switch circuit includes first and second transistors and a level shift circuit. First and second control signals that change between a logical “1” and a logical “0” are applied to an input terminal of the logic circuit. The logic circuit applies a third control signal to the first transistor and applies a fourth control signal to the second transistor based on the applied first and second control signals. A detection circuit is connected to the input terminal of the logic circuit. An abnormality of the scan IC is detected by the detection circuit. |
| US08248325B2 |
Drive circuit
A plurality of resistive paths are coupled in parallel to a common node. A high side driver is operable responsive to first control signals to selectively supply current to certain ones of the resistive paths. A low side driver, including a plurality of selectively actuated current sink paths, is provided to sink current from the common node. A control logic circuit actuates a current sink path within the low side driver for each resistive path that is selectively supplied current by the high side driver. A substantially constant low side voltage drop through these sink paths is provided regardless of the number of resistive paths that are supplied current by the high side driver. A switched high side and low side configuration operating in an analogous way is also disclosed. |
| US08248324B2 |
Display with replica welding helmet viewer
A display device that includes a housing that houses a display, and a control panel. Control panel and display are connected to a controller disposed inside of the housing. A control device can also be attached to display device. The control device is configured to resemble a welding gun. The control device is also connected to the controller. A viewer, such as welding mask viewer, is be mounted to the housing of display device. |
| US08248321B2 |
Broadband/multi-band horn antenna with compact integrated feed
A dual polarization multi-band antenna may include a waveguide horn, a low band feed section, a transition section, and a high band feed section coupled in series. The waveguide horn may be configured to support propagation of electromagnetic waves in a low band and a high band. The low band feed section may include horizontal and vertical feeds and may be configured to support propagation of electromagnetic waves in the low band and the high band. The high band feed section may include horizontal and vertical feeds and may be configured to support propagation of electromagnetic waves in the high band but not in the low band. The transition section may be configured to couple electromagnetic waves in the high band from the high band feed section to the low band feed section and to constructively reflect electromagnetic waves in the low band. |
| US08248314B2 |
Inductively coupled signal booster for a wireless communication device and in combination therewith
A passively re-radiating cell phone sleeve assembly capable of conforming to and nesting with a cell phone provides a partial enclosure capable of fitting over at least a portion of the cell phone. A multi-layer radio frequency (RF) coupling probe is fully embedded within the enclosure in a position that is in close proximity to an internal antenna of the cell phone when the enclosure is nested with the cell phone. A coupling probe is inductively coupled to the internal antenna for sharing RF signals and is desensitized from de-tuning the internal antenna of the cell phone. An external antenna is mounted on the enclosure; and a transmission line embedded within the enclosure joins the coupling probe and the external antenna for RF signal transfer. RF transmission signals of the cell phone are radiated from both the internal and the external antennae simultaneously and without mutual interference. |
| US08248313B2 |
Antenna module and wireless communication device using the same
An antenna module includes a radiator made of nanomaterials; the conductivity of the nanomaterials are greater than or equal to about 5.8×107 S/m. The present further discloses a wireless communication device using the antenna module. |
| US08248304B2 |
Method for measuring incoming angles of coherent sources using space smoothing on any sensor network
A method for interpolating steering vectors a(θ) of a sensor network, the sensor network receiving signals transmitted by a source, characterized in that, for the interpolation of the steering vectors a(θ), use is made of one or more omnidirectional modal functions z(θ)k where z(θ)=exp(jθ) where θ corresponds to an angle sector on which the interpolation of the steering vectors is carried out. |
| US08248302B2 |
Reflection-type phase shifter having reflection loads implemented using transmission lines and phased-array receiver/transmitter utilizing the same
A reflection-type phase shifter is provided. The reflection-type phase shifter has a coupler, a first reflection load, and a second reflection load. The coupler has an input port for receiving an input signal and an isolated port for outputting an output signal due to a first reflected signal at a through port and a second reflected signal at a coupled port. The first reflection load reflects the first fraction of the input signal to thereby generate the first reflected signal. The second reflection load reflects the second fraction of the input signal to thereby generate the second reflected signal. In addition, at least one of the first and second reflection loads is a transmission line. |
| US08248300B2 |
System and method of compensating for micro-jump events
A system comprises a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver configured to acquire and track a unique radio frequency (RF) signal for each of a plurality of channels, wherein the GNSS receiver is configured to provide one or more system state measurements based on the unique RF signals; processing functionality configured to calculate a respective code delay error for each of the plurality of channels based on the respective unique RF signal; and micro jump detection functionality configured to calculate an average code delay error across all of the plurality of channels based on the plurality of calculated code delay errors, wherein the micro jump detection functionality is further configured to compare the calculated average code delay error to an error threshold to detect a micro jump event when the calculated average code delay error exceeds the error threshold. |
| US08248295B2 |
Pre-crash safety system
A pre-crash safety system, which is not influenced by a false recognition that another vehicle is approaching and which causes the vehicle to conduct a safety measure operation when the possibility of a collision exists, is disclosed. The pre-crash safety system includes a collision prediction unit that makes the prediction of a collision between the vehicle and the another vehicle that has entered a monitoring area of the radar device; and a control unit that causes the own-vehicle to conduct the safety measure operation based on a result of the prediction of a collision by the collision prediction unit. The vehicle does not conduct the safety measure operation if, after the another vehicle has entered the monitoring area, a reflection point coordinate which represents a reflection point of a radar wave on the another vehicle is positioned within a predefined direction range when viewed from the vehicle. |
| US08248294B2 |
Method for protecting location privacy of air traffic communications
Methods of protecting location privacy of air traffic communications from unauthorized monitoring of aircraft locations in an uncontrolled airspace include designating a bounded region of uncontrolled airspace; ceasing transmission of a traffic beacon by each aircraft of a plurality of aircraft upon the aircraft entering the bounded region; and updating a unique identifier associated with each of the aircraft while the aircraft is traversing the bounded region. |
| US08248293B2 |
Method and device for the spatially resolved detection and reconstruction of objects by means of microwaves
A method and a device for the spatially resolved detection and reconstruction of objects using microwaves is described, in which at least one object to be detected is subjected to microwaves that are generated by a plurality of microwave antennas and microwave fractions reflected by the object are detected and converted into microwave signals that can be analyzed, based on which an analysis for the spatially resolved object detection is carried out. |
| US08248290B2 |
Multiplexed amplifier with reduced glitching
In many applications, which use amplifiers that operate at less than 50% duty cycle, it would be advantageous to reduce the number amplifiers to reduce power consumption. Here, an amplifier is provided which is time multiplexed to accommodate multiple data paths. Additionally, reset circuitry or a reset mechanism is provided at the output terminals of this amplifier to briefly short the output terminals to generally prevent glitching that may result from switching between data paths. |
| US08248289B2 |
Power and area efficient interleaved ADC
Pipeline analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) are commonly used for high frequency applications; however, operating at high sampling rates will often result in high power consumption or tight timing constraints. Here, though, an ADC is provided that allows for relaxed timing (which enables a high sampling rate) with low power consumption. This is accomplished through the use of multiplexed, front-end track-and-hold (T/H) circuits that sample on non-overlapping portions of a clocking signal in conjunction with “re-used” or shared analog processing circuitry. |
| US08248287B2 |
Method and apparatus for reducing input differential pairs for digital-to-analog converter voltage interpolation amplifier
For voltage interpolation amplifiers used in digital-to-analog converter architecture, the number of input differential pairs required by the voltage interpolation amplifier may be reduced such that an N-bit voltage interpolation amplifier comprises N+1 input differential pairs connected through a resistor attenuation network to provide a binary-weighted effective transconductance. In comparison to conventional voltage interpolation amplifier designs, the number of input differential pairs and power consumed by the circuit is significantly reduced, thereby creating a more area- and power-efficient voltage interpolation amplifier. |
| US08248285B2 |
Multi-bit sigma-delta modulator with reduced number of bits in feedback path
A sigma-delta modulator for an ADC, passes an input signal to a loop filter, then to a multi-bit quantizer of the modulator. An output of the quantizer is passed to a digital filter, and a feedback signal is passed back to the loop filter, the feedback signal having fewer bits than are produced by the multi-bit quantizer. The digital filter has an order greater than one in the passband of the sigma-delta modulator. |
| US08248284B2 |
Analog-to-digital converters, and image sensors and image processing devices having the same
An analog-digital converter (ADC) includes a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit configured to perform CDS on each of a reset signal and an image signal output from a pixel to generate a correlated double sampled reset signal and a correlated double sampled image signal, respectively. A delta sigma (ΔΣ) ADC, also included in the ADC, is configured to output a difference between a first digital code that is generated by performing ΔΣ analog-digital conversion on the correlated double sampled reset signal and a second digital code that is generated by performing ΔΣ analog-digital conversion on the correlated double sampled image signal. |
| US08248281B2 |
High speed, high resolution, high precision voltage source/AWG system for ATE
A method for compensating a linearity error of a dual digital-to-analog converter, including the steps of receiving a digital data signal which include a plurality of bits, the digital data signal indicating a voltage signal to be generated, the plurality of bits representing a set of consecutive bits being confined within a highest bit and a lowest bit, applying a high-bit-array to a first digital-to-analog converter, the high-bit-array being composed of a consecutive sub-set of the plurality of bits of the digital data signal, the sub-set including the highest bit of the digital data signal, using at least a part of a correction data of a look-up-table for manipulating at least a part of a low-bit-array, being composed of a consecutive sub-set of the plurality of bits of the digital data signal, where the sub-set includes the lowest bit of the digital data signal. |
| US08248278B2 |
Haptic keyboard assemblies, systems and methods
Various embodiments provide keyboards that utilize electrically-deformable material as an actuating mechanism to provide haptic feedback to a user of the keyboard. In at least some embodiments, the electrically-deformable material is utilized to impart, to a depressed key or keyboard element, a multi-vectored movement that produces a perceived acceleration of the key or keyboard element thus providing a user with haptic feedback which simulates a snapover movement. |
| US08248277B2 |
Haptic keyboard systems and methods
Various embodiments provide keyboards that utilize electrically-deformable material as an actuating mechanism to provide haptic feedback to a user of the keyboard. In at least some embodiments, the electrically-deformable material is utilized to impart, to a depressed key or keyboard element, a multi-vectored movement that produces a perceived acceleration of the key or keyboard element thus providing a user with haptic feedback which simulates a snapover movement. In at least some embodiments, a key or keyboard element can be associated with comparatively little or no actuation force and/or travel distance. As a result, the amount of work necessary to actuate the key or keyboard element can be significantly decreased or eliminated. |
| US08248276B2 |
Scanning circuit and scanning method for keyboard
A scanning circuit includes n rows L1˜Ln, 2n columns P1-1˜P1-n and P2-1˜P2-n, and the n rows L1˜Ln and the n columns P1-1˜P1-n cooperatively form a switch matrix comprising n*n switches S1-1˜Sn-n, with ends of the switches in the same row electrically connected to one of n I/O ports K1˜Kn, respectively, the ends of the switches in the same column are electrically connected to ground via one resistor R1-1˜R1-n, respectively, each of resistors R2-1˜R2-n is electronically connected in one column of the columns P2-1˜P2-n, and connected between one of the I/O ports K1˜Kn and ground via one of the resistors R1-1˜R1-n, respectively. A keyboard and a scanning method are also provided. |
| US08248273B2 |
Vehicle presence alert apparatus
A vehicle presence alert apparatus for alerting a target object to a presence of the vehicle via an alert sound with a frequency in an audible range is disclosed. The vehicle presence alert apparatus includes: a sound emitter configured to (i) cause a carrier wave with a frequency in an ultrasonic range to carry the alert sound, and (ii) emit the carrier wave carrying the alert sound as a radiation wave toward the target object; a sound receiver configured to receive a reflected wave, the reflected wave being generated due to reflection of the radiation wave by the target object; and relative velocity calculation means for calculating a relative velocity of the target object with respect to the vehicle based on a frequency of the radiation wave and a frequency of the reflected wave. |
| US08248270B2 |
Tactile warning system for a vehicle
A warning system adapted to detect a plurality of input signals, identify the input signals as being associated with a vehicular speed measuring system used by law enforcement, and provide a tactile warning to a driver of the vehicle, is disclosed. The warning system includes a sensor to detect an input signal associated with a transmitter, analyze the input signal, and generate a warning signal in response to the analysis of the input signal, a controller to receive the warning signal, analyze the warning signal, and generate a control signal in response to the analysis of the warning signal, and a tactile feedback generator to generate a tactile alert through a vehicle control device in response to the control signal. |
| US08248268B2 |
Requested time adjustment for accurate data exchange
A system, method and device are provided for reducing consumption calculation errors caused due to time drift in an endpoint device. In one embodiment, the endpoint device transmits consumption data in response to a request for consumption data. The request generally includes a time period of the consumption data. The endpoint device adjusts the set of intervals based on the extent of the difference between the collection system time and the endpoint device time to obtain the most accurate intervals. The process for adjusting intervals can be implemented independently from time synchronization between the endpoint and collection systems. Further, the process for adjusting intervals does not result in updating the meter reading data that have been already logged and stored in the endpoint device. |
| US08248267B2 |
Systems and methods for improving reception of data in wireless communication environments
Generally described, the disclosed subject matter is directed to improving the reception of data in wireless communication environments. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for improving the reception of meter data in an AMR system. In particular, the method includes obtaining a sample of data indicative of channel quality for each transmission channel in the operational frequency band of the endpoint device. Then, the data is analyzed and a determination is made as to whether the reception of data by the collection system can be improved. If the reception of data by the collection system can be improved, a command is generated for reprogramming the endpoint device. In one embodiment, the command includes channel reprogramming data for reprogramming the endpoint device. |
| US08248265B2 |
Vehicle console display buttons and vehicle consoles incorporating the same
Display buttons and vehicle consoles include etched lenses operable to diffract light provided by a light source within a vehicle console such that the light emitted from the display button diverges from the first pathway within the button housing into a secondary pathway outside of the display button. |
| US08248264B2 |
Measuring apparatus
When a major failure is detected, display of a measurement value on a display section is stopped, and instead of the measurement value, an abnormal code, which indicates the contents of the major failure, is displayed on the display section. When a minor failure is detected, an abnormal code, which indicates the contents of the minor failure, and a measurement value are alternately displayed on the display section by being switched one from the other. |
| US08248257B2 |
System and method for testing charging current of a mobile electronic device
A system and method of testing charging current of a mobile electronic device sets a charging voltage value and a battery voltage value, and sends a control command to a power supply device to generate the charging voltage and the battery voltage. The system and method further receives a charging current value from a current test device under the charging voltage and the battery voltage. Furthermore, the system and method determine if the charging current value falls in an allowable current range and displays test result on a display device. |
| US08248255B2 |
Optical fluid tester
An optical fluid tester device for testing a fluid sample in an ampoule includes an ampoule cradle, a radiation source, a radiation detector and an analyzer. The ampoule cradle supports the ampoule. The ampoule with the fluid sample serves as a lens whose focal properties are dependent on the index of refraction of the fluid sample. The radiation source irradiates the ampoule. The radiation detector is located opposite the radiation source so that the ampoule, when supported by the ampoule cradle, lies between the radiation source and the radiation detector. The detector serves to detect the intensity of the incident radiation. The analyzer verifies the composition of the fluid sample based on the detected intensity, which is dependent on the focal properties of the ampoule and is, therefore, indicative of the composition of the fluid sample. |
| US08248253B2 |
Fire detector incorporating a gas sensor
A fire detector incorporates a heatable gas sensor. The sensor is cycled through a plurality of different operating temperature ranges, and one or more outputs at each temperature range are acquired. A plurality of acquired outputs, corresponding to the plurality of temperature ranges, can be coupled in parallel to pattern recognition circuitry. The pattern recognition circuitry can process the acquired outputs and make a determination that the processed data samples are indicative of the presence of a fire condition. |
| US08248252B2 |
Remote monitoring system
A temperature monitoring service in which remote monitoring units are distributed to customers who then set up monitoring as desired at their facilities. The devices may be registered through a web site using the Internet. Monitoring information may be communicated using a publicly available, wireless network, such as a cellular telephone network. The service may be provided with a system, including a server, which can deliver high levels of monitoring functionality. The server may support streaming monitoring information to a customer for analysis or sending a command activating a device connected to a remote unit. Remote units associated with the same location may be in a pool, comprising one active unit and one or more spare units, in which the server automatically identifies the active unit. The server may support analyzing monitoring information according to an expected cycle pattern of a ventilation system at the monitored facility. |
| US08248250B2 |
Personal water safety device and method thereof
A personal water safety device includes at least three base stations, at least one water sensing device, and an alarm apparatus. The at least one water sensing device wirelessly communicates with each of the at least three base stations. The alarm apparatus wirelessly communicates with each of the at least three base stations. Each water sensing device is worn by a swimmer and is triggered to measure elapsed time when the swimmer submerges in water, and transmits the measured time to the at least three base stations. The alarm apparatus receives the measured time transmitted from each of the at least three base stations, and generates an alarm when the measured time of one of the at least water sensing device exceeds a predetermined time limit. |
| US08248247B2 |
Electronically triggered personal athletic device
A personal athletic device is worn by a runner during a race. A race course is provided with a plurality of mats along the race course. The mats have antennas and generate a magnetic field. The personal athletic device has a chip system having an RFID tag and a display. As the runner progress along the course, the RFID tag is triggered at each mat and race data is displayed on the device. |
| US08248244B2 |
Wireless power interface and device
A wireless power interface includes first coil, a plurality of coils, and a control module. Each of the plurality of coils has a different orientation with respect to at least one axis of a multi-dimensional axis system. The control module is coupled to enable at least one of the plurality of coils based on electro-magnetic coupling between the first coil and the at least one of the plurality of coils such that power is derived via the electro-magnetic coupling. |
| US08248242B2 |
Wireless tracking system and method with extreme temperature resistant tag
A wireless tracking system and method for real-time location tracking of a extreme-temperature sterilizable object is disclosed herein. The system and method utilize a tag attached to the extreme-temperature sterilizable object which includes a housing, a processor, a temperature sensor and a transceiver. If an internal temperature of the tag is detected by the temperature sensor, the tag enters a sleep mode. The temperature sensor periodically activates to determine if the internal temperature of the tag is within an acceptable operating range. |
| US08248241B2 |
Assembly work supporting method and system
Detecting whether components are combined and coupled correctly in assembly work is performed by correct and simple operations. The proposed method includes reading a first IC tag attached to a joint part of a first component and a second IC tag attached to a joint part of a second component together in a manner of preventing collision and determining whether the first component and the second component are coupled correctly, based on information representing mating relations of IC tags memorized beforehand. |
| US08248234B2 |
Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device
Methods and apparatus to detect carrying of a portable audience measurement device are disclosed herein. An example portable audience measurement device includes a media detector carried by a housing to collect media exposure data; a distance comparator to compare a first distance to an object at a first time and a second distance to the object at a second time; and a compliance detector to validate the media exposure data based on the comparison of the distance comparator. |
| US08248232B2 |
Hermetically sealed RFID microelectronic chip connected to a biocompatible RFID antenna
An implantable radio frequency identification (RFID) tag includes a hermetically sealed biocompatible housing for an active implantable medical device (AIMD), an RFID microelectronics chip is disposed within the housing, and a biocompatible antenna extends from the RFID microelectronic chip and exteriorly of the housing. In a preferred form of the invention, the antenna is disposed within a header block of the AIMD, and the RFID chip is disposed within the AIMD housing. |
| US08248230B2 |
Smart power device
A power device may include channels coupled to conductors in lines, where each one of the channels is coupled to a different one of the lines than the other channels and where the channels deliver direct current power signals over the conductors to the load devices. Each one of the load devices may be powered by a different one of the direct current power signals. The power device may include a power communicator that communicates with the load devices over the conductors that propagate the direct current power signals. The power communicator may determine a target power level for the load devices based on the communication over the conductors. The load device may adjust an amount of power in the direct current power signals in order to match the target power level. |
| US08248223B2 |
Speed reporting for providing conditional driver treatment
A business process is disclosed whereby the driver of a motor vehicle receives conditional treatment from an external organization based on his or her driving habits as recorded by a speed detection and logging system on the driver's vehicle and then transmitted to the organization. A government organization may provide a provisional or probationary license allowing a driver to operate a vehicle while the driver's driving habits meet certain requirements. An automobile insurance company may use this process to adjust insurance rates for a driver. A rental car company may use this process to offer lower rental rates and/or lower insurance rates to good drivers. A company employing professional drivers may use this process to monitor its drivers. Logs of driving habits, which may take into account weather conditions, may be shown using a map display in order to provide feedback regarding a driver's driving behavior. |
| US08248220B2 |
Surrounding recognition support system
A surrounding recognition support system includes a distance marker display section displaying a distance marker on a monitor for a user to identify the distance marker, which indicates a distance from the user to a predetermined area and allows the user to visually sense the distance when the user looks at the monitor, and a sound output section emitting a special sound corresponding to the distance indicated by the distance marker when the distance marker is displayed on the monitor by the distance marker display section. The sound output section emits the special sound in response to a result of detection of an object detection portion detecting the object existing around the user within the predetermined area defined by the distance indicated by the distance marker. |
| US08248216B2 |
Remote monitoring
Remote monitoring and inspection of measurement devices, emergency equipment, parking spaces, and other items is accomplished by using an image sensor (e.g., a CMOS sensor) to capture an image containing information about the monitored item. A signal containing information about the image (e.g., data representing the captured image or data indicating the state of the captured image) is transmitted to a remote central station. |
| US08248214B2 |
Adjustable lighting for displaying products
A system and method for controlling a variable light source where a variation in the light source can be triggered by utilizing a product identifier, such as for example RFIDs associated with the product being displayed to tell the controller to control the variable display case lighting to vary its color/intensity to change the lighting to best showcase the product; or utilizing UPC codes, scanned using a handheld device to accomplish the same objective; or utilizing motion/infrared/ultrasonic sensors particularly when lighting is to be turned off to conserve on power consumption. For example, red meat and poultry each may require their respective different lighting to be best displayed; thus red meat products may have a different RFID than poultry items; and gold jewelry items may have a different RFID than sterling silver jewelry items. |
| US08248212B2 |
Pipelining processes in a RF reader
The present disclosure includes a method and system for pipelining processes in an RF reader. In some implementations, a method includes receiving, from a transponder, a reply to an initial command. A physical (PHY) layer and a media control access (MAC) layer are pipelined to initiate transmission of a subsequent command during demodulation of the transponder reply. |
| US08248209B2 |
Device for communicating between a mobile element and a fixed element
Device (D) for communicating between a mobile element and a fixed element, includes: an electromagnetic field-based reader (L) including a transmitter with a transmitting antenna and a receiver with a first antenna placed in a housing (1), and a beacon (B) including a receiver able to receive a signal originating from the transmitter of the reader (L) so as to provide energy to a transmitter able to dispatch a signal received by the receiver of the reader (L), the receiver of the reader (L) including at least one second antenna and signal comparison elements able to compare the signal received by the first antenna of the receiver with the signal received by the second antenna so as to determine the moment at which the reader (L) passes vertically in line with the beacon (B). |
| US08248208B2 |
RFID-based active labeling system for telecommunication systems
A radio-frequency identification-(RFID)-based active labeling system for labeling components of a telecommunication system. The active labeling system includes an electronically addressable active label device that forms and displays indicia that remains static and visible when the device is unpowered. A RFID tag is operably connected to the device and is configured to receive a RF signal that contains component information, and to harvest power from the RF signal. The RFID tag then transfers the component information and power to active label device to enable it to form and display indicia representative of the component information. A database unit is operably connected or is contained directly in the RF reader and contains the component information on a computer-readable medium. |
| US08248207B2 |
Method for using a table of data to control access to a secure container
A container has a lid and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a male wall with a switch. A female wall mounts to the inside wall of the container and, when closed, encompasses the male wall. The female wall has a magnet that activates the switch. A lever contained inside the male wall moves into and out of a slot formed in the female wall. The switch completes a circuit that generates a close signal to the lever when the lid is closed. A button extends through a hole in the lid such that the button can be depressed to indicate locking and cannot be depressed when unlocked. When unlocked, the button cannot be depressed because the lever blocks the button. To open the container when closed, the actuation mechanism moves the lever in response to an entered code that must match a stored code or calculated content-specific code. |
| US08248206B2 |
Key management box
In a key management box for centrally managing keys used to unlock the locks of a plurality of storage cabinets and comprising a key lock means for making impossible to take out the key, and electronic ID storage section performing personal authentication, and a controller for unlocking the key lock means for a key permitted for a personally authenticated user, the key is an electronic key with an IC tag, the IC tag stores the ID data of a user and data for specifying a storage cabinet permitted for the user to unlock out of a plurality of storage cabinets, and the key management box has a means for reading out the ID data of the IC tag, and a means for unlocking a lock means for a key having the ID data of the user when the electronic key ID storage section identifies a specific user. Consequently, the storage cabinets of the plurality of storage cabinets can be opened/close using one same key. |
| US08248205B2 |
External door handle, in particular for vehicles
The invention relates to an external door handle consisting of a support (10), which is fixed to a door (11) and on which a handle (20) is mounted. In an unlocked position the handle acts on a lock and is inactive in the locked position of said lock. A capacitive sensor is provided to trigger the control of the lock, said sensor comprising an external electrode that is equipped with a sensor surface (37) and is located in the outer region of the door handle. To provide a wide range of configuration options for the location of the sensor surfaces, at least two additional internal electrodes are provided in the inner region of the external door handle, in addition to the sensor surface (37), said electrodes having active surfaces in the form of a transmission surface (36) and an excitation surface (35). An electric switching matrix (50.1), which is connected in series to the field of the sensor surface (37) that is active in the outer region of the external door handle, is generated between the two internal electrodes. |
| US08248202B2 |
Metal strip resistor for mitigating effects of thermal EMF
A metal strip resistor includes a resistor body having a resistive element formed from a strip of an electrically resistive metal material and a first termination electrically connected to the resistive element to form a first junction and a second termination electrically connected to the resistive element to form a second junction, the first termination and the second termination formed from strips of electrically conductive metal material. The resistive element, the first termination, and the second termination being arranged mitigate thermally induced voltages between the first junction and the second junction. |
| US08248201B2 |
Metal oxide sintered compact for thermistor, thermistor element, thermistor temperature sensor, and manufacturing method for metal oxide sintered compact for thermistor
A metal oxide sintered compact used for a thermistor includes a composite oxide represented by the general expression La(Cr1-xMnx)O3 (with x=0.0 to 0.6). Furthermore, the thermistor element 3 includes the metal oxide sintered compact 2 for a thermistor and a pair of leads 1, one terminal of each of which is fixed to the metal oxide sintered compact 2 for a thermistor. |
| US08248200B2 |
Inductance component
In an inductance component, a stress is not locally applied even in the condition where heat is applied to entire component, such as when implementing soldering, so that high reliability is realized. For realizing this, the component includes an element, a coil formed in the element, terminals electrically connected to the coil, and magnetic layers arranged so as to be substantially parallel to a winding surface of the coil are formed in the element and the entirety of the magnetic layers is covered with a material of which thermal expansion and contraction rate is uniform. |
| US08248198B2 |
Variable inductor with non-magnetic core and method of manufacture therefor
A variable inductor is provided. The variable inductor includes a dielectric core having a helical thread on an outer surface thereof for receiving the coil, and a non-magnetic element positioned coaxially within the core. The non-magnetic element could be provided in the form of a bushing or a solid rod, and could be manufactured from any suitable, non-magnetic metal, such as copper, brass, etc. |
| US08248196B2 |
Magnet arrangement for magnetic levitation vehicles and method for the production thereof
The invention relates to a magnet arrangement for magnetic levitation vehicles. Said arrangement comprises a magnetic back box and a plurality of magnetic poles that are connected to said back box and that have magnetic pole faces bordering on a common reference surface. According to the invention, the reference surface extends along an elastic line when the magnetic pole is in the unloaded state, said elastic line being inverse to the curvature of the surface that is obtained under a nominal load of the magnetic poles when the magnetic pole faces are in the unloaded state on a plane. The invention also relates to a method for producing said type of magnet arrangement. |
| US08248194B2 |
Disconnect switch
A disconnect switch includes a case having a movable contact, a stationary contact and a plurality of magnets. The movable contact is adapted to move from a first closed position where it is in physical contact with the stationary contact to a second open position. The magnets are located at predefined locations and in predefined orientations about the axis of movement of the movable contact, whereby upon the movement of the movable contact from the first position to the second open position, a current arc created by the movable contact is extinguished. |
| US08248187B2 |
Filter
A filter includes: a container; at least one barrier, an input device and an output device. The at least one barrier divide the space of the container into at least two resonant cavities. Each resonant cavity has a harmonic oscillator disposed therein. The harmonic oscillators includes a supporter and a carbon nanotube structure disposed on a surface of the supporter. |
| US08248185B2 |
Acoustic resonator structure comprising a bridge
An acoustic resonator comprises a first electrode a second electrode and a piezoelectric layer disposed between the first and second electrodes. The acoustic resonator further comprises a reflective element disposed beneath the first electrode, the second electrode and the piezoelectric layer. An overlap of the reflective element, the first electrode, the second electrode and the piezoelectric layer comprises an active area of the acoustic resonator. The acoustic resonator also comprises a bridge adjacent to a termination of the active area of the acoustic resonator. |
| US08248183B2 |
Circuit board pad having impedance matched to a transmission line and method for providing same
The present invention provides a transmission line portion for a circuit board including a conductive strip and a pad portion including a conductive pad connected to the conductive strip, wherein an impedance discontinuity or mismatch between the transmission line portion and the pad portion is reduced or controlled. Impedance discontinuity or mismatch may be controlled by controlling the dimensions of the pad portion, for example the pad width or distance between pad and ground. A ground pad associated with the pad portion may be provided on a different layer than a ground plane of the transmission line portion. The ground pad and ground plane may be connected by vias. The ground pad may comprise a patterned conductive region, the pattern configured so as to desirably configure impedance of the pad portion. Also provided are a method, circuit board layout, and the like, related to the above. |
| US08248182B2 |
Communication system with function of preventing signal reflection and node included in the same
The communication system includes a trunk line constituted of first and second signal lines for transmitting differential signals, a plurality of branch lines each branching from the trunk line and connected with a node, and at least one reflection prevention circuit connected between the first and second signal lines. The reflection prevention circuit includes a rectifier circuit configured to inhibit a current from flowing between the first and second signal lines when a voltage between the differential signals is smaller than or equal to a predetermined voltage, and allow a current to flow between the first and second signal lines when the voltage between the differential signals is larger than the predetermined voltage, and a resistive element connected in series to the rectifier circuit between the first and second signal lines. |
| US08248178B2 |
High power waveguide polarizer with broad bandwidth and low loss, and methods of making and using same
Embodiments of the invention provide high power waveguide polarizers with broad bandwidth and low loss, and methods of making and using the same. Under one aspect of the present invention, a waveguide polarizer includes a hollow waveguide body having an interior surface; a first ridge disposed on the interior surface of the hollow waveguide body and having an inward-facing surface; and a first plurality of projections disposed on the inward-facing surface of the first ridge. The projections may have a width that is narrower than that of the ridge, and a length that is tunable. The length of the projections may be selected to induce about a 90-degree phase delay in a first mode propagating in a plane parallel to the first ridge relative to a second mode propagating in a plane perpendicular to the first ridge. |
| US08248177B2 |
Method and device for pseudo-differential transmission
The invention relates to a method and a device for pseudo-differential transmission in interconnections used for sending a plurality of electrical signals. The ends of an interconnection having 4 transmission conductors and a return conductor distinct from the reference conductor are each connected to a termination circuit. Three damping circuits are connected between the return conductor and the reference conductor. The transmitting circuits receive at their inputs the signals from the 4 channels of the two sources, and are connected to the conductors of the interconnection. The receiving circuits are connected to the conductors of the interconnection, each receiving circuit being such that the 4 channels of a source connected to a transmitting circuit in the activated state are sent to the four channels of the destinations without noticeable external crosstalk. |
| US08248176B2 |
Current source circuit and delay circuit and oscillating circuit using the same
A disclosed current source circuit includes a current mirror circuit having two enhancement-type MOS transistors, a depletion-type MOS transistor configured to be connected to a drain of one of the two enhancement-type MOS transistors and to function as a constant current source, and a resistor configured to have a negative temperature property and be connected to a source of the one of the two enhancement-type MOS transistors. |
| US08248169B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit and abnormal oscillation detection method for semiconductor integrated circuit
The semiconductor integrated circuit includes a first oscillator, a second oscillator (PLL), a third oscillator (ring oscillator), a selector that switches, in turn, based on a clock of the third oscillator, and outputs a clock of the first oscillator or a clock of the second oscillator, and a determination circuit that counts up or counts down the clock output from the selector, based on the clock of the third oscillator, determines the correspondence of the clock output from the selector and the clock of the third oscillator, based on a result of the counting up or the counting down, and determines whether either of the clock output from the selector or the clock of the third oscillator occur an abnormal oscillation. |
| US08248166B2 |
Triplet transconductor
To reduce a knee voltage of a Darlington amplifier, a negative voltage is applied by a depletion mode FET between the emitter of one amplifying transistor and the base of another amplifying transistor to provide a reduced potential, which reduces the knee voltage of the Darlington amplifier. Reducing the knee voltage of the Darlington amplifier decreases the size of a saturation region thereby increasing the linearity of the Darlington amplifier. |
| US08248164B2 |
Integrated circuit single ended-to-differential amplifier
Apparatus and methods for an integrated circuit, single ended-to-differential amplifier are provided. In an example, the amplifier can include an amplifier circuit having a first input configured to receive a single-ended signal, a second input, and a differential output configured to provide an amplified representation of the single-ended signal. The amplifier can include a filter circuit configured to balance a common-mode voltage between the first and second inputs of the amplifier circuit. The filter circuit can include a common-mode input configured to receive the common-mode voltage, a first impedance network coupled between the common-mode input and the first input of the amplifier circuit, and a second impedance network coupled between the common-mode input and the second input of the amplifier circuit. The filter circuit can provide a low frequency pole below 1 hertz. |
| US08248162B2 |
Differential amplifier
A high-gain differential amplifier that is capable of high speed operation, outputs a signal representing a difference between signals respectively inputted to first and second input terminals and a phase-inverted signal thereof via first and second output terminals respectively. A first switching element making a short-circuit between the first input terminal and the second output terminal when turned on, a second switching element making a short-circuit between the second input terminal and the first output terminal when turned on, and a third switching element making a short-circuit between the first output terminal and the second output terminal when turned on are provided. The third switching element is turned on for a predetermined period while the first and second switching elements are turned off. Subsequently, the third switching element is switched off, and the first and second switching elements are switched on. |
| US08248160B2 |
Adaptive predistortion for a transmit system
Systems, methods, and devices relating to the provision of deliberate predistortion to an input signal to compensate for distortions introduced by an amplifier subsystem. An input signal is received by a signal processing system which includes a predistortion subsystem. The input signal is decomposed and the fragments are then predistorted by the predistortion subsystem by applying a deliberate predistortion to the fragments. The predistorted fragments are then separately processed and recombined to arrive at the system output signal. The predistortion subsystem adaptively adjusts based on characteristics of the system output signal. Also, the predistortion subsystem is equipped with a control system that is state based—the state of the predistortion subsystem is dependent upon the prevailing conditions and, when required, the control system switches the state of the predistortion subsystem. A feedback signal, a replica of the system output signal, is used in updating lookup table entries used to determine the predistortion. |
| US08248152B2 |
Switched capacitor voltage converters
An on-chip voltage conversion apparatus for integrated circuits includes a first capacitor; a first NFET device configured to selectively couple a first electrode of the first capacitor to a low side voltage rail of a first voltage domain; a first PFET device configured to selectively couple the first electrode of the first capacitor to a high side voltage rail of the first voltage domain; a second NFET device configured to selectively couple a second electrode of the first capacitor to a low side voltage rail of a second voltage domain, wherein the low side voltage rail of the second voltage domain corresponds to the high side voltage rail of the first voltage domain; and a second PFET device configured to selectively couple the second electrode of the first capacitor to a high side voltage rail of the second voltage domain. |
| US08248147B2 |
Power switch circuit for single power supply
A power switch circuit providing voltage to an output port is provided. The switch circuit includes a single power supply, a switch unit, a controlling unit, and a logic unit. The switch unit is connected between the single power supply and an output port and capable of being turned on and off alternatively for continuing or discontinuing power from the single power supply to the output port; the single power supply provides power to the output port. The controlling unit is configured for generating a voltage controlling signal and transmitting the voltage controlling signal to the logic unit. The logic unit receives and inverts the voltage controlling signal, and outputs the inverted voltage controlling signal to turn on or turn off the switch unit. |
| US08248144B2 |
High-frequency switch module and high-frequency switch apparatus
A high-frequency switch module includes a multi-layer substrate, and a switch circuit mounted on the multi-layer substrate. The multi-layer substrate includes a terminal through which a plurality of high-frequency signals in a plurality of frequency bands are input and output, a plurality of switch terminals, terminals to which control signals to control the switch circuit are supplied, current paths that connect the terminals to the switch circuit, and resistors that are provided on the current paths and have resistance values greater than the resistance values of the current paths. The switch circuit connects the terminal to the switch terminals corresponding to the frequency bands of high-frequency signals input and output through the terminal based on the control signals. |
| US08248142B1 |
Fast level shifter
Some of the embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method comprising providing an integrated circuit with a level shifting circuit having a pull up device that is configured to selectively pull up a voltage level of an output signal from a low voltage level to a high voltage level, and having a pull down device that is configured to selectively pull down the voltage level of the output signal from the high voltage level to the low voltage level; ascertaining a high level of an input control signal; and when the output signal is at the high voltage level, deasserting the pull up device. Other embodiments are also described and claimed. |
| US08248141B2 |
Data and power system based on CMOS bridge
A signal processing circuit includes an input inverter and an output inverter. Each inverter has a signal input for receiving an input rectangular signal, a signal output for providing an inverted output rectangular signal, and a pair of voltage outputs for developing a rectified dc output voltage. A first circuit input terminal is connected to the output of the input inverter and the input of the output inverter. A second circuit input terminal is connected to the input of the input inverter and the output of the output inverter, wherein the signal input terminals receive an input signal having a data component. A pair of supply voltage output terminals is connected to the voltage output terminals of the inverters for providing a rectified dc supply voltage output. A first circuit output terminal is connected to one of the supply voltage output terminals, and a second circuit output terminal connected to the second circuit input terminal, wherein the circuit output terminals provide an output signal including the data component. |
| US08248140B2 |
Semiconductor device for detecting power supply voltage
A semiconductor device includes an internal circuit to perform a predetermined function at a plurality of different supply power voltages, a power supply voltage region detector to detect a supply power voltage to output a detection signal, a latch to store the signal output from the power supply voltage region detector and output the stored signal as a power supply voltage region signal, and a reset circuit to generate a reset signal to perform a predetermined reset operation on the internal circuit. The latch stores the output signal from the power supply voltage region detector just after the reset operation for the internal circuit is released, and the internal circuit changes an internal setting according to the power supply voltage region signal output from the latch. |
| US08248139B2 |
Simple interleaved phase shift clock synchronization for master/slave scheme
An apparatus for interleaved phase shift clock synchronization includes a master clock generator and at least one slave clock generator. The master clock generator provides a ramp signal or reset signal for each slave clock generator to generate a clock synchronized with the clock of the master clock generator, and the master and slave clock generators have different reference voltages for generating clocks. Therefore, the clocks generated will be synchronized and interleaved phase with each other. |
| US08248137B2 |
Apparatus for processing signals
An apparatus for processing signals, in particular physiological measuring signals, wherein the apparatus is provided with different channels with signal inputs (1) for receiving input signals, which input signals each comprise a specific signal component and a signal component common to all input signals, wherein each channel is provided with an impedance transforming input amplifier (3), wherein the apparatus is configured for supplying to the non-inverting input of each input amplifier (3) a respective input signal and, to the inverting input an analogue reference signal common to all channels, wherein the apparatus is provided with a digital signal processor (10) and one more or analogue-digital converters (5) for supplying the signals provided by the input amplifiers (3) to the digital signal processor (10), wherein the signal processor (10) is designed for converting the signals received from the one or more analogue digital converters (5) into one or more output signals. |
| US08248136B1 |
Low-power, glitch-less, configurable delay element
In one embodiment, a configurable delay element has three stages. The first stage has an 8-buffer first delay chain and an (8×1) first mux that selects one of the eight first-delay-chain outputs. The second stage has a 24-buffer second delay chain connected to receive the first-mux output and organized into three 8-buffer sub-chains and a (4×1) second mux that selects one of the four second-delay-chain outputs. The third stage has a 96-buffer third delay chain connected to receive the second-mux output and organized into three 32-buffer sub-chains and a (4×1) third mux that selects one of the four third-delay-chain outputs as the delay-element output signal. A delay-element controller provides glitch-less updates to the signal used to control the delay-element muxes by timing those updates to occur when all delay-element buffers have the same state. The controller bases the update timing on the delay-element output signal. |
| US08248133B2 |
Programmable delay timer and method therefor
A timer circuit, comprises a delay indication circuit, a frequency indication circuit, and a plurality of counters. The delay indication circuit is for providing a delay time indication. The frequency indication circuit is for providing a frequency indication of a frequency of a clock signal. Each counter of the plurality of counters includes a load input to receive an initial value, and an indication output to provide a count complete indication of the counter. During operation a set of the counters of the plurality of counters is coupled in series to provide an indication that a delay time has expired. At least a portion of the frequency indication is provided to the load input of one counter of the set and at least a portion of the delay time indication is provided to the load input of another counter of the set. |
| US08248127B2 |
Digital phase lock system with dithering pulse-width-modulation controller
A Digital Phase-Locked Loop (DPLL) has a digitally-controlled oscillator (DCO) that generates an output clock frequency determined by a digital input with most-significant-bits (MSB's) and a least-significant-bit (LSB). The LSB is generated by a Pulse-Width-Modulation (PWM) controller clocked by a control clock that is the output clock divided by C. A reference clock is compared to a feedback clock that is the output clock divided by M. The PWM controller generates M/C LSB's for each reference clock period and loads them in parallel to a parallel-to-serial shift register that serially delivers the LSBs. The pulse width is determined by a fine digital loop filter that filters phase comparison results using a fine time resolution. A coarse digital loop filter generates the MSB's from phase comparison results using a coarse time resolution. LSB waveforms are dithered by randomly selecting high-going or low-going pulses and randomly adjusting pulse widths. |
| US08248119B2 |
Low power frequency divider and low power phase locked loop including the same
A low power frequency divider and a low power phase locked loop, which consume the least power. The low power frequency divider generates a frequency dividing signal by dividing a frequency of an input signal in a uniform ratio, and includes a phase to voltage converter, a comparator, a phase synchronization circuit, and a reset circuit. The phase to voltage converter generates a phase voltage signal corresponding to phase change of the input signal in response to a reset signal. The comparator generates a comparator signal by comparing the phase voltage signal and a reference phase voltage signal. The phase synchronization circuit generates the frequency dividing signal by matching phases of the input signal and the comparator signal. The reset circuit generates the reset signal in response to the comparator signal or the frequency dividing signal. |
| US08248106B1 |
Lock detection using a digital phase error message
A system and method are provided for frequency lock detection using a digital phase error. A lock detection module accepts a digital phase error (pherr) message proportional to an error in phase between a reference clock and a (synthesizer clock*Nf). Also accepted is a unitless frequency error tolerance value (Δf). The lock detection module periodically supplies a lock detect signal, indicating whether the synthesizer clock frequency is within the frequency error tolerance value of the reference clock frequency. |
| US08248104B2 |
Phase comparator and phase-locked loop
A phase comparator is provided that solves the problem that a VCO cannot be controlled with high precision. A frequency divider frequency-divides a VCO signal applied as input to an input terminal (10) in steps, and supplies the VCO signals of each step as output. A latch unit latches the VCO signal that is applied to the input terminal (10) and each VCO signal that was supplied from the frequency divider based on a reference signal that is applied to an input terminal (11). An output unit supplies the latch results realized by the latch unit as phase difference signals that indicate phase differences of the reference signal and the VCO signals. |
| US08248103B2 |
Output circuit of semiconductor device
An output circuit of a semiconductor device includes a signal selector configured to receive first and second input data signals and sequentially outputting the first and second input data signals in response to a phase signal; and an output level controller configured to control a voltage level of an output signal of the signal selector based on the first and second input data signals. |
| US08248102B2 |
Configurable IC'S with large carry chains
Some embodiments provide a configurable IC that includes several configurable logic circuits, where the logic circuits include several sets of associated configurable logic circuits. For each several sets of associated configurable logic circuits, the reconfigurable IC also includes a carry circuit for performing up to N carry operations sequentially, wherein N is greater than two. |
| US08248098B2 |
Apparatus and method for measuring characteristics of semiconductor device
An apparatus and method for measuring the characteristics of a semiconductor device is disclosed. The measuring apparatus may include first to M-th (wherein M is a positive integer not less than 1) starved devices each being biased in response to a bias voltage varying in accordance with a variable first supply voltage, thereby varying an amount of current flowing through a semiconductor device included in the starved device. Interconnect lines may interconnect the first to M-th starved devices. A measuring unit measures at least one of a delay time caused by the semiconductor devices of the starved devices themselves, and a compound delay time caused by the semiconductor devices of the starved devices themselves plus a delay time caused by the interconnect lines. The measured results can be analyzed under conditions more approximate to diverse situations exhibited in practical chips in accordance with development of manufacturing processes and techniques. It is also possible to provide the basis of a model which more effectively represents coupling geometry of more complex semiconductor devices and interconnect lines. The basis of the model may be applied to development of various tools, etc. |
| US08248096B2 |
Test mode signal generating device
Various embodiments of a test mode signal generating device are disclosed. The device includes first and second test mode signal generating units. The first test mode signal generating unit is configured to receive test address signals to generate a first test mode signal when a first mode conversion signal is enabled. The first test mode signal generating unit is also configured to enable a second mode conversion signal when the test address signals correspond to a first predetermined combination. The second test mode signal generating unit is configured to receive the test address signals to generate a second test mode signal when the second mode conversion signal is enabled. The second test mode signal generating unit is also configured to enable the first mode conversion signal when the test address signals correspond to a second predetermined combination. |
| US08248093B2 |
Circuit board having bypass pad
An electronic device having a printed circuit board is provided. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board includes a plurality of external pads to be coupled with an external device and a plurality of bypass pads for testing an electric circuit. The external pads are exposed and at least one of the plurality of bypass pads are not exposed from an outer surface of the PCB. A system using the electronic device and a method of testing an electronic device are also provided. |
| US08248092B2 |
Conductivity measurement device
A conductivity measurement device comprises a first body, a second body, a baseplate, a extension rod and a contact pad. The extension rod is positioned inside the first body, the baseplate is positioned on one end of the extension rod, and the contact pad is positioned on the other end of the extension rod. The contact pad contacts the surface to be tested and measures the electrical conductivity thereof with no resulting damage to the surface. |
| US08248090B2 |
ZIF connectors and semiconductor testing device and system using the same
A ZIF connector and a semiconductor testing device using the ZIF connectors are provided. The ZIF connector comprises a body portion and a clamping portion. The body portion is a print circuit board provided with circuit patterns, and further comprises a plurality of signal holes disposed on an upper part of the body portion for electrically connecting a plurality of corresponding signal cables, and a plurality of electrical terminals disposed on a lower part of the body portion and arranged on two lateral sides of the body portion for electrically connecting a plurality of corresponding electrical pads of a substrate. The circuit patterns are provided in the body portion to connect to the electrical terminals through the signal holes accordingly. The clamping portion is horizontally extended on one lateral side of the body portion for securing the ZIF connector in a connector board. |
| US08248089B2 |
Apparatus for testing a semiconductor device
An apparatus for testing an electrical property of a semiconductor device includes a substrate support unit, a tester head above the substrate support unit, the tester head including a base, a probe card connected to the base of the tester head, and a temperature control unit within the base of the tester head, the temperature control unit being configured to control temperature of the probe card by heat transfer with the probe card. |
| US08248088B2 |
Remote monitor for corrosion protection of pipelines and structures
Several remote monitoring stations along a corrosion protected pipeline or structure are served by a single long range radio transceiver link to a central data collection station. Individual monitoring stations are in cost-free, short range communication with each other, while a single central module has an additional longer range, paid subscriber transceiver. The number of paid subscription links by cellular or satellite services to remotely monitor corrosion protection voltages and currents are substantially lessened by this combination. |
| US08248086B2 |
Capacitive proximity detection system for an appliance
A proximity detection system for an appliance is disclosed. The system includes an electrically conductive sensor for a capacitive proximity detection system, the sensor forming a part of an accessory device for the appliance; and an electrically conductive member disposed substantially opposite a location of the sensor and electrically connected to a ground potential to form a ground shield for the sensor. |
| US08248078B2 |
Testing device and method for SM memory connector
A testing device for testing surface-mounted (SM) memory connectors on a circuit board is provided. The testing device includes a main control circuit storing standard pin information of the SM memory connectors. A data collecting circuit is connected to the main control circuit and to at least one SM memory connector of the circuit board. A display unit is connected to the main control unit. The main control circuit directs the at least one data collecting circuit to read pin information of the SM memory connector and transmit the pin information to the main control circuit. The main control circuit manages the collected pin information in accordance with the standard pin information and shows the results on the display unit. |
| US08248075B2 |
System, apparatus and method for dissipating standing wave in a microwave delivery system
A system, apparatus and method for dissipating standing waves in a microwave energy delivery system including a microwave energy source configured to intermittently delivery microwave energy as a periodic microwave signal an energy delivery network configured to transmit the periodic microwave signal and a circuit connected between the microwave energy source and the energy delivery network. The circuit is configured to pass the periodic microwave signal from the microwave energy source to the energy delivery network when the periodic microwave signal is present and to dissipate standing waves when the periodic microwave signal is absent. |
| US08248072B1 |
Method and apparatus for automated raw material screening
An automated screening device that performs standardized system suitability tests and evaluations and measures components of a submitted sample to assist in the quality control screening of raw materials, ingredients, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, polymers, food products, petroleum and many other materials. After determining the performance suitability of an NMR spectrometer, the system permits samples to be submitted for screening. An NMR spectrum of a sample is acquired and a qualitative analysis unit identifies at least one reference NMR spectrum corresponding a compound present in the sample and a quantitative analysis unit integrates relative signal intensity signals of the sample spectrum in regions of peak intensity in the one reference NMR spectrum and compares integration results to a number of atoms in each region in order to confirm identification of the compound. |
| US08248071B2 |
Methods of using combined forward and backward sampling of nuclear magnetic resonance time domain for measurement of secondary phase shifts, detection of absorption mode signals devoid of dispersive components, and/or optimization of nuclear magnetic resonance experiments
The present invention relates to a method of conducting an N-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiment in a phase-sensitive manner by the use of forward and backward sampling of time domain shifted by a primary phase shift under conditions effective to measure time domain amplitudes and secondary phase shifts. The present invention also relates to methods of conducting an N-dimensional NMR experiment in a phase-sensitive manner by the use of dual forward and backward sampling of time domain shifted by a primary phase shift under conditions effective to measure secondary phase shifts or at least partially cancel dispersive and quadrature image signal components arising in the frequency domain from secondary phase shifts. |
| US08248070B1 |
MRI using prep scan sequence producing phase-offset NMR signals from different NMR species
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) process generates images of patient tissue including use of at least one programmed controller in an MRI system to effect a preparatory nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) sequence including a binomial radio frequency (RF) pulse having at least two independently phased RF flip angle components that are spaced in the time domain by τ to provide a respectively corresponding evolved phase difference Δθ between predetermined NMR species having different NMR frequencies, followed by a main MRI data acquisition sequence, and generation and display of an image of patient tissue based at least in part on MRI data acquired during the acquisition sequence. |
| US08248069B2 |
Detecting spin perturbations using magnetic resonance imaging
Implementations and examples of systems, apparatus and techniques for using magnetic resonance imaging to measure spin perturbations. In one implementation, a sample containing nuclear spins is magnetized using a principle magnetic field generated external to the sample. A periodic pulse sequence is applied to the sample. The pulse sequence includes multiple radio frequency (rf) pulses and multiple recovery times between the rf pulses. The pulse sequence is configured to generate, in the presence of a magnetic field perturbation, a sequence of multiple different steady states of magnetization in the sample during each period of the pulse sequence. A magnetic resonance signal acquired from the sample is processed to identify characteristics of a magnetic field perturbation in the sample. In some implementations, processing the signal to identify characteristics of a magnetic field perturbation in the sample includes processing the signal to identify characteristics of an electric current in the sample. |
| US08248068B2 |
Hyperpolarization of lithium and other nuclei
The invention concerns a method for hyperpolarizing lithium atoms in a mixture by optically pumping, in a sampling cell, atoms of a first type or alkali metal and by spin exchange between the optically pumped electron of the alkali metal and the lithium atom electron. The lithium atoms are preferably oxidized into Li+ ions and accumulated. The nuclear spin polarization of the Li+ ions can be transmitted to a nuclear spin of an anion. The invention also concerns a method for producing substances with nuclear spin polarization in general. In accordance with said method, lithium atoms are optically pumped from atoms of a first type of alkali metal in a sampling cell and hyperpolarized by spin exchange between the optical pumped electron of the alkali metal and the lithium atom electron, the lithium atoms being then oxidized into Li+ ions. Then, the nuclear spin polarization of the Li+ ions is transmitted to another nucleus of an anion. Thus it is possible to obtain hyperpolarized nuclei such as, for example, 13C, 31P or 29Si in solid or liquid phase, in large amounts and at high polarizing levels. |
| US08248066B2 |
Hall integrated circuit with adjustable hysteresis
A Hall integrated circuit with adjustable hysteresis is disclosed. The circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention includes a magnetic field-pulse convertor, which outputs a pulse-shaped voltage difference pulse by converting a change in two voltages as a pulse and in which the change occurs in accordance with a magnitude of a magnetic field inputted by a Hall sensor, a polarity determining unit, which determines polarities of two signals outputted by the Hall sensor by using the voltage difference pulse and one of the two signals outputted by the Hall sensor, a magnetic flux density determining unit, which outputs a high signal or a low signal by comparing the voltage difference pulse with a set value, and a first flip-flop outputs a result signal having a hysteresis characteristic according to inputs by the polarity determining unit and the magnetic flux density determining unit. |
| US08248065B2 |
Method and device for detecting structural abnormalities in a spherical particle
The method for detecting at least one structural defect in a spherical particle (33) comprises at least the following steps of passing the particle (33) into at least one induction coil (15); exciting the induction coil (15) in order to induce Foucault currents in the particle (33); acquiring an output signal at the terminals of the induction coil (15); and analyzing the signal in order to establish whether or not the particle (33) comprises a structural defect. A plurality of output signals are acquired by passing the particle (33) successively into one or more induction coils (15) with different positions of the particle (33), the or each induction coil (15) being excited at least each time the particle (33) passes in order to induce Foucault currents in the particle (33). |
| US08248061B2 |
Power angle monitor
A system and method for monitoring the rotation of a generator rotor and calculating a power angle using an optical rotor displacement monitor. The monitor uses a light beam directed toward the rotor to detect a marking thereon, and generates an electrical pulse when the marking is detected. The time between the pulse and a reference point (such as a zero crossing) of the signal waveform from the terminals of the generator is used to calculate the power angle of the generator. The system is adaptive in that it can account for new markings on the rotor. The system may be connected to a network so that power angles from various generators on the electrical network may be compared. The system may further be connected to a common time source such that a time stamp may be applied to the power angles from various generators, allowing for more accurate comparison of the power angles. |
| US08248057B2 |
Method for measuring the mains frequency, and electrical appliance that implements said method
A method for measuring the mains frequency by a digital control system of an electrical appliance, in particular an electrical household appliance, in which the digital control system is prearranged for performing rigorous measurements of the value of the mains frequency and of its variations through an operation of calibration of the means for measurement of the mains frequency performed prior to marketing of the product. |
| US08248056B1 |
Buried object locator system employing automated virtual depth event detection and signaling
A human-portable utility locator system for locating and tracing a buried utility line characterized by an electromagnetic field emission. The locator may include a horizontal spaced sensor pair for detecting the horizontal field asymmetry of the emitted field in one or more independent frequency bands, which is employed to assist in determining an accurate “virtual depth” measurement for producing detection events. An event detector may be disposed to detect events corresponding to extremum in the B-field gradient with respect to time and a user interface (UI) coupled to the event detector signals the detected event to a user. In a preferred embodiment, one pair of spaced-apart 3D magnetic sensor arrays is disposed substantially orthogonal to another intermediate spaced-apart pair of sensors. |
| US08248055B2 |
Voltage reference with improved linearity addressing variable impedance characteristics at output node
A voltage reference containing a programmable resistance portion at an output node at which an output reference voltage is provided. The desired magnitude of the programmable portion which provides optimum matching of an output resistance of the voltage reference and a series resistance of an output capacitor of the voltage reference is determined and hard-programmed. As a result, the output voltage of the voltage reference is provided with improved linearity. In an embodiment, the determination of the magnitude of the programmable portion is performed by providing an input to an analog to digital converter (ADC) with the voltage reference driving the ADC. The resistance setting corresponding to the third harmonic being less than a desired threshold is then hard-programmed. In an alternative embodiment, the programmable portion is set to specific resistance dynamically during operation. |
| US08248054B2 |
On/off detection circuit having function for timely detecting current flowing in electronic device
An ON/OFF detection circuit for detecting an electronic device includes a switch circuit, a current sampling circuit, an amplifying circuit, and a control circuit. The switch circuit includes an input terminal connected to a constant voltage source, an output terminal coupled to the electronic device, and a control terminal. The current sampling circuit is connected between the input terminal and the output terminal of the switch circuit, and is configured for sampling current flowing to the electronic device and converting sampled current into sampled voltage. The amplifying circuit is configured for filtering and amplifying the sampled voltage. The control circuit controls the ON and OFF of the electronic device and compares the sampled voltages with a comparison voltage to judge the electronic device is qualify or disqualify. |
| US08248050B2 |
Multi-channel low voltage micro-electric-field generator
A biologic and medical multi-channel low voltage micro-electric-field generator including a power supply unit, at least one micro-electric-field generating unit set comprising a step-down unit, a linear regulator unit, and a pulse generating and outputting unit, and a programmable logic control unit. The micro-electric-field generating unit set is connected to an output end of the power supply unit. The step-down unit depresses the voltage of frequency power. The linear regulator unit regulates the output of the step-down unit. The pulse generating and outputting unit turns on/off the output of the linear regulator unit and connects to a network electrode group. The programmable logic control unit controls the characteristics of the output pulse from the pulse generating and outputting unit. The generator is applicable in gene, protein, drug and/or a variety of plasmids delivery to the organs, cells within the tissues of large animal or human. |
| US08248043B2 |
Control circuit for DC-DC converter, control method for DC-DC converter, and electronic device
A control circuit for a DC-DC converter includes a controller configured to control, based on a feedback voltage, a first switch provided between an inductor and a reference potential and a second switch provided between a coupling node of the first switch and the inductor and an output terminal, a third switch provided between the second switch and the output terminal and turned off when an overcurrent flows in a coupling path between the second switch and the output terminal, and a selector configured to select a voltage of a first position which is located on a side of the second switch in the coupling path as the feedback voltage when the third switch is turned off, or a voltage of a second position which is located on a side of the output terminal in the coupling path as the feedback voltage when the third switch is turned on. |
| US08248041B2 |
Frequency compression for an interleaved power factor correction (PFC) converter
A controller provides frequency compression for an interleaved power factor correction (PFC) converter that determines the ON and OFF times of each switch associated with the PFC converter to prevent operating frequencies in the audible range. The controller includes a first circuit for generating an ON time current source having a magnitude related to an amplified error signal and the monitored input voltage, and a second circuit for generating an OFF time current source having a magnitude related to the ON time current source, the monitored input voltage, and the monitored output voltage. Gate drive circuitry provides gate drives signals to the switches of the interleaved PFC converter at a frequency determined by magnitudes of the ON time current source and the OFF time current source. |
| US08248040B2 |
Time-limiting mode (TLM) for an interleaved power factor correction (PFC) converter
The present invention provides a method of controlling an interleaved power factor correction (PFC) circuit operating in a discontinuous conduction mode (DCM). The controller employs a normal mode of operation in which inductor currents in each PFC sub-circuit are estimated based on the monitored input voltage and monitored output voltage, and switching devices associated with each PFC sub-circuit are controlled to ensure DCM operation. As the input voltage increases, the OFF times of each PFC sub-circuit increase such that the inductor currents no longer overlap. In response, the controller activates a time-limiting mode (TLM) in which OFF time durations for each sub-circuit are based on the monitored sum of load currents as opposed to the monitored input voltage and monitored output voltage. |
| US08248036B2 |
Battery charging circuit for improving operating stability
A battery charging circuit for charging a rechargeable battery and improving operating stability includes a plurality of resistors for generating a first voltage; a first reference voltage source for providing a first reference voltage; an error amplifier for generating a second voltage according to the voltage difference between the first reference voltage and the first voltage; a second reference voltage source for providing a second reference voltage; a modulator for generating a control voltage according to the second reference voltage and the second voltage; a voltage-to-current control unit for generating a control current according to the control voltage; and a current mirror for generating an output current which is equal to a multiple of the control current, wherein the output current and its corresponding output voltage is applied to charge the rechargeable battery. |
| US08248031B2 |
Method for prioritizing load consumption within a notebook computer
A function extending apparatus for receiving a portable computer is disclosed. The function extending apparatus includes an AC/DC adapter, a second charging system and a controller. The AC/DC adapter is capable of supplying power to the portable computer equipped with a system load and a first charging system having a first charger and a first battery. The second charging system of the function extending apparatus includes a second charger and a second battery. The controller reduces power consumption of the second charging system when the output power of the AC/DC adapter reaches a first threshold value. The controller reduces power consumption of the first charging system when the output power of the AC/DC adapter reaches a second threshold value, wherein the second threshold value is higher than the first threshold value. |
| US08248029B2 |
Multi-functional rechargeable charger and power supply with dual direct current outputs
A hand held charger for a plurality of different manufacturers electronic hand devices capable of supplying electrical capacity in devices from the 3.6 to 4.2 volt range and capable of operating on lithium or rechargeable Li-Ion batteries, the charger having a sensing means to determine which type of batteries are presently installed in the charger, the charger having both a mini-USB and 3/32 stereo-mono input and a USB and 3/32 stereo-mono output, as well as incorporating a flashlight LED and capacity indicia indicator. |
| US08248027B2 |
Non-contact power transmission apparatus
A non-contact power transmission apparatus is disclosed. The non-contact power transmission apparatus includes an AC power source, a primary coil, a primary side resonance coil, a secondary side resonance coil, a secondary coil, a voltage measuring section, and a distance calculating section. AC voltage of the AC power source is applied to the primary coil. A load is connected to the secondary coil. The voltage measuring section measures the voltage of the primary coil. The distance calculating section calculates the distance between the primary side resonance coil and the secondary side resonance coil based on the voltage measured by the voltage measuring section. |
| US08248026B2 |
Wireless charger authentication system and method thereof
A wireless charger authentication system includes an electronic device and a wireless charger. The electronic device includes an emitting module configured for producing an unauthenticated signal and a modulating module configured for modulating the unauthenticated signal into a high-frequency signal. The wireless charger includes a source signal produced by a power supply, a mixing module, an analyzing module, a comparing module and a triggering module. The mixing module is configured for mixing the high-frequency signal and the source signal to get a recognized signal. The analyzing module is configured for analyzing the parameters of the recognized signal. The comparing module predetermines a number of preset parameter values and is configured for comparing the parameters with the preset parameter values. The triggering module is configured for triggering the wireless charger to charge the electronic device if the parameters of the recognized signal are substantially equal to the preset parameter values. |
| US08248024B2 |
Advanced inductive charging pad for portable devices
Systems and methodologies for efficient inductive charging of electronic devices are provided herein. A charging device as described herein can utilize a sensor-integrated resonating circuit with automatic frequency control to provide low-cost inductive charging functionality for electronic devices. As further described herein, a device to be charged can be equipped with a power receiver operable to receive power from the charging device via electromagnetic induction. The power receiver can additionally be utilized for initiation of charging such that charging for a device commences upon its associated power receiver being brought within range of an inductive charging surface at the charging device. Further, a charging device as described herein can have an inductive charging surface as well as a non-charging surface for providing other services such as information display. A charging device can integrate with an external information source to obtain items to be displayed at a non-charging surface thereon. |
| US08248023B2 |
Method of externally charging a powertrain
A method of externally charging a powertrain includes monitoring a voltage level of a first battery, determining when the monitored voltage level is below a first voltage threshold, and when the monitored voltage level is below the first voltage threshold, charging the first battery by supplying power from an external power source and increasing voltage of the power supplied by the external power source within the powertrain. |
| US08248021B2 |
Solar energy storing system and method with changeable electrical connections between rechargeable batteries
A solar energy storing system includes a solar energy converting unit, a rechargeable battery unit, a charging unit, a switch unit, a detecting unit, and a controlling unit. The solar energy converting unit converts solar energy into electrical energy to generate a charging voltage. The rechargeable battery unit stores the electrical energy. The rechargeable battery unit includes a plurality of rechargeable batteries. The charging unit charges the rechargeable battery unit using the charging voltage. The switch unit changes electrical connections between the rechargeable batteries. The detecting unit detects the charging voltage and a voltage of each of the rechargeable batteries and determines a charging status between the charging voltage and the voltages of the rechargeable batteries. The controlling unit controls the switch unit to change the electrical connections between the rechargeable batteries according to the charging status between the charging voltage and the voltages of the rechargeable batteries. |
| US08248013B2 |
Fan device with improved speed control module and plural fan system constructed thereby
A fan device with improved speed control module includes a stator, a rotor, and a speed control module. The stator has a driving unit outputting currents for the stator to generate alternative magnetic fields and thus turn the rotor. The speed control module includes a control unit and a speed adjusting circuit, with the control unit generating a control command for the driving unit and further outputting a state signal for the speed adjusting circuit to control whether a PWM signal enters the control circuit or not. |
| US08248008B2 |
Motor control device, image forming apparatus, and motor control method
A motor control device includes a measurement unit, a speed control unit, a correction unit, a drive unit, and a disturbance suppressing unit. During a time period before a measurement value of speed of one of a motor and a driven object which is driven by the motor measured by the measurement unit becomes greater than zero the correction unit corrects a manipulated variable such that a reduced correction amount which is from zero percent to less than 100 percent of a correction amount determined by the disturbance suppressing unit, is added to the manipulated variable determined by the speed control unit corresponding to a target speed of the one of the motor and the driven object. |
| US08248006B2 |
Brushless multiphase self-commutation controller
The Brushless Multiphase Self-Commutation Controller or BMSCC is an adjustable speed drive for reliable, contact-less and stable self-commutation control of electric apparatus, including electric motors and generators. BMSCC transforms multiphase electrical excitation from one frequency to variable frequency that is automatically synchronized to the movement of the electric apparatus without traditional estimation methods of commutation and frequency synthesis using derivatives of electronic, electro-mechanical, and field-oriented-control. Instead, BMSCC comprises an analog electromagnetic computer with synchronous modulation techniques to first establish magnetic energy and then dynamically share packets of magnetic energy between phase windings of a multiphase, position dependent flux, high frequency transformer by direct AC-to-AC conversion without an intermediate DC conversion stage. |
| US08248003B2 |
Vibration frequency adjusting system and method
A vibration frequency adjusting system and method measures energy of a vibration generated by a vibrator of an electronic device, and converts the vibration energy to a level of electric charge. The system and method further compares the level of electric charge with preset electric charge thresholds, and adjusts the level of electric charge to a preset level of electric charge according to the comparison. Then, the system and method converts the adjusted preset level of electric charge to a voltage, and outputs the voltage to vibrator, so as to adjust the frequency of the vibration according to the voltage. |
| US08248002B2 |
System for controlling light in dependence of time of flight signal
A lighting system comprising a lamp arranged to transform electricity into a light beam having properties including intensity, color, color temperature, direction and beam cone angle, a light control system arranged to adjust said light beam properties, an ultrasonic transmitter arranged to transmit ultrasonic signals, an ultrasonic receiver arranged to receive reflected ultrasonic signals, and a processing system arranged to derive a time-of-flight signal representing the time differences between said transmitted and received ultrasonic signals and to send control signals to said light control system in dependence of said time-of-flight signal, wherein said processing system is further arranged to perform a sound pressure level calibration step wherein the amplitude of the received reflected ultrasonic signal of the receiver is measured and wherein the amplitude of the transmitted ultrasonic signal of the transmitter is adjusted such that the amplitude of the received reflected signal approximates a predetermined threshold value. |
| US08248001B2 |
LED control circuit and method, and insect resistive LED lamp
A LED control circuit and method generate a high frequency clock signal with a fixed duty for a LED driver, to supply a switching current to drive a LED to emit light flashing at a modulated high frequency and with a fixed duty. By controlling the flashing LED light within certain flashing frequency range, the circuit and method allow a LED light source for expelling, confusing or trapping insects but serving only an illuminative or decorative purpose to human eyes, due to the difference between human beings and insects in visual perception of flashing frequencies. |
| US08248000B2 |
Light emitting device driver circuit, light emitting device array controller and control method thereof
The present invention discloses a light emitting device array controller which controls a power stage to supply an output voltage to one end of each of a plurality of light emitting device strings. The other end of each of the light emitting device strings is coupled to a corresponding transistor having a current inflow end, a current outflow end and a control end. The present invention obtains signals from the control ends of the transistors instead of the current inflow ends, and feedback controls the output voltage according to the highest voltage of the control ends. Thus, the number of pins required for a circuit chip is reduced. |
| US08247996B2 |
Backlight driving system utilizing one PWM controller to control two backlight units separately
A backlight driving system comprises a first inverter circuit, a second inverter circuit, a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller, a frequency regulator and a switch circuit. The pulse width modulation (PWM) controller generates an illumination signal to control the first and second inverter circuits to illuminate first and second backlight units in response to a first enable signal, and generates a maintaining signal to control the first and second inverter circuits to maintain stable lighting of the first and second backlight units in response to a first feedback signal. The frequency regulator controls the PWM controller to generate the illumination signal and the maintaining signal in response to a second enable signal and a second feedback signal, respectively. The switch circuit connects the PWM controller to the second inverter circuit in response to the second enable signal. |
| US08247995B2 |
Control system for multiple light sources
An exemplary control system for multiple light sources includes a clock circuit, a frequency dividing circuit, a recombining circuit, a power control circuit, and a triggering circuit. The clock circuit is configured to output a plurality of clock signals. The frequency dividing circuit is configured to divide the frequency of the clock signals to get a number of reference clock signals. The recombining circuit is configured to recombine the reference clock signals to get a plurality of timing signals. The power control circuit is configured to output electrical power to the multiple light sources according to the timing signals. The triggering circuit is configured to power on the light sources according to a received command. |
| US08247993B2 |
Apparatus for driving multi-light emitting devices
An apparatus for driving multi-light emitting devices that drives a multi-channel light emitting unit having a plurality of light emitting channels connected in parallel with each other, each of which has a plurality of light emitting devices connected in series with each other according to an aspect of the invention may include: a DC/DC converter generating a driving voltage; a current control unit having a plurality of current sources connected between cathodes of the plurality of light emitting channels and a ground; a minimum voltage selection unit detecting a minimum detection voltage among the plurality of detected voltages at the cathodes of the plurality of light emitting channels; a first error detection unit detecting an error voltage determined by the difference between the minimum detection voltage and a predetermined first reference voltage; and a feedback coupling unit supplying the input voltage according to the error voltage and the driving voltage. |
| US08247992B2 |
LED driver circuit
A light-emitting diode (LED) driver circuit is provided, which includes a transistor, a current regulator, a release diode, and a voltage clamping device. The transistor is coupled in series with an LED string. The LED string is coupled between the transistor and a bus voltage. The current regulator is coupled to the transistor for regulating the current through the transistor and the LED string to a predetermined current. The release diode has an anode coupled between the LED string and the transistor. The voltage clamping device is coupled to the cathode of the release diode for clamping the voltage level at the cathode of the release diode to a predetermined voltage. The voltage clamping device protects the transistor from breakdown when the transistor is turned off for dimming control. |
| US08247990B1 |
Apparatus, method, and system for improved switching methods for power adjustments in light sources
An apparatus, method, and system for switch control of power to light sources, particularly high power consumption light sources that may experience lumen depreciation, such that the power level to a light source may be increased or decreased as desired. Methods of switching utilizing robust mechanical components such as solenoids, coupled with accurate and rapid electronic control components such as microprocessors, may be combined with a combinational approach to capacitance changes to comprise a flexible method of power control to a light source or plurality of light sources. Power to a light source may be adjusted such that the amount of energy consumed and the quantity of light output may be adjusted, compensation may be made for lumen depreciation and other losses that occur during operational life of the light source, to maintain constant or near-constant light output, or otherwise. |
| US08247986B2 |
Power conversion controller having an adaptive peak current reference
A power conversion controller having an adaptive peak current reference, including: a peak current reference generation means, used for generating a peak current reference signal by performing an adaptive arithmetic operation on an output voltage feedback signal and a power source signal; and a comparator means, used for generating a gating signal by performing a voltage comparison operation on the peak current reference signal and a current sensing signal. |
| US08247983B2 |
Lamp driving circuit
The present invention provides a lamp driving circuit. When it is used to drive a number of lamps arranged in a hybrid serial-parallel configuration, the lamp driving circuit eliminates the parasitic current in series branch circuits by using an inverse transformer, which makes the current passing each of the lamps in each of the series branch circuits consistent and consequently eliminates the imbalance of each of the lamps. |
| US08247980B2 |
LED driving circuit and light emitting diode array device
There is provided an LED driving circuit. The LED driving circuit according to an aspect of the invention may include: at least one ladder circuit including: (n−1) number (here, n is a positive integer satisfying n≧2) of first branches provided between first and second junction points, and connected in-line with each other by n number of first middle junction points, (n−1) number of second branches arranged in parallel with the first branches, and connected in-line with each other by n number of second middle junction points between the first and second junction points, and n number of middle branches connecting m-th first and second middle junction points to each other, wherein at least one LED device is disposed on each of the first, second, and middle branches. Here, the number of LED devices included in each of the first and second branches is greater than the number of LED devices included in each of the middle branches. |
| US08247979B2 |
Light-guide device and mounting assembly using same
A light-guide device is provided for detecting and amplify the light emitted by indicator lamps of functional modules mounted in a chassis. The light-guide device includes a plurality of light-guide columns, a circuit board, and a plurality of light-guide blocks. The circuit board includes a plurality of amplifying circuits, each including a photosensitive diode and a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs). One of the LEDs is lit when the photosensitive diode detecting the light emitted by the indicator lamp of one corresponding functional modules. The light-guide blocks guide lights emitted by the corresponding LEDs to an outside of the chassis. |
| US08247973B2 |
Discharge chamber for high intensity discharge lamp
A high intensity discharge light source includes an arc tube having a longitudinal axis and discharge chamber formed therein. The light source includes first and second electrodes having inner terminal ends spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis. Each electrode extends at least partially into the discharge chamber. The discharge chamber is deformed so that its internal geometry is substantially rotationally asymmetric about its longitudinal axis, and is substantially mirror-symmetric relative to a plane spanned by the longitudinal axis and by another transverse axis that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is vertical in a horizontal arc tube orientation, as well as substantially mirror-symmetric relative to a central plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. In a preferred embodiment of the disclosure the discharge lamp is of a single ended construction and the arc tube of the lamp is of double ended configuration, the discharge lamp having proximal and distal end electric lead wires to connect the arc tube to the lamp base, and the distal end electric lead wire is running below and parallel to the longitudinal discharge chamber axis in a horizontal lamp orientation, and its lateral direction coincides with the lateral direction of the central convex portion of the laterally complex concave-convex-concave deformed surface portion all along the longitudinal axis of the discharge chamber. |
| US08247966B2 |
Organic light emitting device
An organic light emitting device, which includes a first substrate, scan lines and data lines arranged on the first substrate, and at least an unit pixel comprising a R sub-pixel corresponding to a Red color, a G sub-pixel corresponding to a Green color, and a B sub-pixel corresponding to a Blue color positioned in a region on the first substrate defined by a crossing of the scan and data lines. |
| US08247964B2 |
Light-emitting material comprising orthometalated iridium complex, light-emitting device, high efficiency red light-emitting device, and novel iridium complex
A light-emitting material comprises iridium and at least one ligand represented by the following formula: wherein R11 and R12 each represents an alkyl group, an aryl group, a heteroaryl group, an alkoxy group, a cyano group or a cyclic structure obtained by connection of one of a plurality of R11s to another of said plurality of R11s, or one of a plurality of R12s to another of said plurality of R12s, or one of the R11s to one of the R12s; m1 represents an integer from 0 to 4; m2 represents an integer from 0 to 6. |
| US08247963B2 |
Organic electroluminescent display device and production method thereof
An organic electroluminescent display device has a structure which suppresses a leakage current generated in an organic electroluminescent layer and achieves a low power consumption and excellent light-emitting characteristics. The organic electroluminescent display device includes a first electrode, an organic electroluminescent layer, and a second electrode, stacked in this order on a substrate, wherein the organic electroluminescent layer includes a conductive layer and a light-emitting layer, the conductive layer has a trapezoidal cross section which widens downwardly, and the light-emitting layer covers upper and side surfaces of the conductive layer. |
| US08247959B2 |
Solid state illumination system with improved color quality
Disclosed herein are solid state illumination systems which provide improved color quality and/or color contrast. The systems provide total light having delta chroma values for each of the fifteen color samples of the color quality scale that are preselected to provide enhanced color contrast relative to an incandescent or blackbody light source, in accordance with specified values which depend on color temperature. Illumination systems provided herein may comprise one or more organic electroluminescent element, or they may comprise a plurality of inorganic light emitting diodes, wherein at least two inorganic light emitting diodes have different color emission bands. Methods for the manufacture of illumination systems having improved color quality and/or color contrast are also provided. |
| US08247953B2 |
Piezoelectric oscillator part
A piezoelectric oscillator part capable of suppressing oscillation that leaks from a piezoelectric oscillator to a substrate side is obtained. The piezoelectric oscillator part has a piezoelectric oscillator held on a substrate by first and second conductive holding members. The first conductive holding member is arranged proximal to a first end of the substrate. A terminal electrode connected to the first conductive holding member is arranged proximal to a second end of the substrate opposite the first end. The first conductive holding member and the terminal electrode are electrically connected by a wiring electrode. |
| US08247952B2 |
Wheel with piezoelectric ring and vehicle having same
A wheel includes a rim and a tire. The rim includes a ring body defining a central axis, two flanges, and two piezoelectric rings. The flanges extend from the circumference of the ring body around the central axis. A first annular groove is defined in the circumference of each flange around the central axis. The piezoelectric rings are mounted in the respective first annular grooves and configured for producing electric power under pressure. The tire encloses the rim. |
| US08247946B2 |
Electrochemical actuator
The present invention provides systems, devices, and related methods, involving electrochemical actuation. In some cases, application of a voltage or current to a system or device of the invention may generate a volumetric or dimensional change, which may produce mechanical work. For example, at least a portion of the system may be constructed and arranged to be displaced from a first orientation to a second orientation. Systems such as these may be useful in various applications, including pumps (e.g., infusion pumps) and drug delivery devices, for example. |
| US08247933B2 |
Methods and apparatus for a permanent magnet machine with a direct liquid cooled stator
A permanent magnetic machine includes a stator body having a first end, a second end, and a plurality of generally radial slots formed therein for accepting a set of windings having a first set of end-turns at the first end and a second set of end-turns at the second end. The stator body has a plurality of channels adjacent to the slots and extending from the first end of the stator body to the second end of the stator body, wherein the channels are configured to allow the flow of a cooling fluid therethrough. A plurality of nozzles in fluid communication with the plurality of channels are configured to spray the cooling fluid onto the first and second set of end turns. |
| US08247929B2 |
Electrical bypass device
An electrical bypass device for a battery is provided for isolating and bypassing a defective battery module made up of secondary cells to allow the battery to continue operating under slightly degraded conditions. The bypass device comprises a first actuator and a second actuator which trigger when a module becomes defective. The actuators each comprise a first, second and third terminal. The first and second terminals are electrically connected to the output terminals of the secondary cells, and the third terminal can be switched between the first and the second terminal. Switching over of the third terminal of an actuator occurs when the actuator is triggered. Triggering (intentional or inadvertent) of one of the actuators leads automatically to triggering of the other actuator if the latter has not triggered. |
| US08247928B2 |
Mobile phone and power supply system of the same
A mobile phone includes a signal processor, an operating module, and a power supply system. The working voltage of the operating module is bigger than that of the signal processor. The power supply system includes a power source, a voltage boosting unit, and a controller. The input terminal and output terminal of the voltage boosting unit is connected to the power source and the operating module respectively. The controller is configured for connecting the signal processor to the power source or the output terminal of the voltage boosting unit corresponding to the output voltage of the power source being bigger or smaller than a preset threshold voltage. |
| US08247927B2 |
Device and network system
In a device according to one aspect of the invention, plural communication ports switch appropriately between a power receiving port and a power feeding port, thereby dealing with supply of electric power through a network in various network configurations. Plural devices are connected to a network cable to form a network system. In an initial state before power receiving, all plural communication ports of the device are put in to a power receiving enabling state. When the electric power is supplied from one of the communication ports, other communication ports are put into a power receiving disabling state. The device feeds part of the received electric power to another adjacent device by utilizing the communication port put into the power receiving disabling state. The supply of electric power can sequentially be performed from the device that receives the supply of electric power from an external power feeding installation to an adjacent device, and finally all the devices receive the supply of electric power through the network. |
| US08247919B2 |
Power station with grid frequency linked turbine and method for operating
A combined-cycle power plant (10) has at least one power train (60) including a steam turbine (24) and a second generator (8) directly driven by the steam turbine (24) and generating alternating current, the output of which generator is connected to a power grid (21) having a given grid frequency (F), and at least one power train (11) of a gas turbine (12) and a first generator (18) driven directly by the gas turbine (12) and generating alternating current with an operating frequency, the output of which generator is connected to a power grid (21) having a predetermined grid frequency. An electronic decoupling device or a variable electronic gear unit (27) decouples the operating frequency from the grid frequency and is arranged between the first generator (18) and the power grid (21). Such a plant allows both flexible steady-state operation with high overall efficiency as well as flexible transient operation. |
| US08247918B2 |
Power generation coupler
The inventive technology described herein generally relates to the field of power generation. More specifically, methods and apparatus for a power generation coupler utilizing perhaps multiple generators coupled through a power generation coupler to at least one rotational movement element such that said coupled connection is dynamically movable across the surface the rotational movement element so as to maintain an electrical output at a constant generator rotation(s) per minute (RPM) according to the varying rotational velocity along the radius of a rotational movement element. In some embodiments such coupled generators may be sequentially loaded and disengaged to such rotational movement element to maintain an electrical output at a constant generator RPM. Certain embodiments may include a static power generation coupler as well as an electrically dynamic power generation coupler such that the current applied to the stator of a generator may dynamically alter that generators resistance. |
| US08247916B2 |
Wind turbine generator
A wind turbine generator is provided with a generator which is provided with a stator and a stator casing accommodating a generator rotor and the stator; a main shaft having one end coupled to a wind turbine rotor and the other end coupled to the generator rotor; a first bearing which rotatably supports the main shaft; a second bearing which is provided on the main shaft to support the stator casing such that the main shaft and the stator casing are rotatable relative to each other; a base to which the first bearing is attached; and a torque support including a coupling member which couples the base portion and a front plate of the stator casing. The load center of force acting between the coupling member and the front plate in a case that torque acts on the stator casing in the circumferential direction of the main shaft is positioned in a range between the front and back surfaces of the front plate. |
| US08247912B2 |
Atmospheric resources explorer
The invention herein described consists of a system destined to harness wind resources, transferring wind power to the ground station group on the surface, the process being performed through the tensioning and unwinding of the cable group connecting the airborne group to a reeler in the said ground station group. Through the control group the resultant force vector of the aerodynamic forces tensioning the cable can be significantly altered. This change in aerodynamic forces can be done in order to create two different phases which define the cyclic movement performed by the system: a work phase, where the resultant force vector is of greater magnitude and tensions the cable, unwinding it at the ground station group and thus producing power; and a recovery phase (which requires power from the system) when the cable is rewound in order to bring the airborne group back to its original position. Because the work produced in the work phase is of greater magnitude than the work required during the recovery phase, the system generates positive net power, which can then be introduced in the electrical grid, or stored as any other form of energy such as chemical or mechanical. |
| US08247911B2 |
Wire bonding structure and method for forming same
Provided is a bonding structure of a bonding wire and a method for forming the same which can solve problems of conventional technologies in practical application of a multilayer copper wire, improve the formability and bonding characteristic of a ball portion, improve the bonding strength of wedge connection, and have a superior industrial productivity. A bonding wire mainly composed of copper, and a concentrated layer where the concentration of a conductive metal other than copper is high is formed at a ball bonded portion. The concentrated layer is formed in the vicinity of the ball bonded portion or at the interface thereof. An area where the concentration of the conductive metal is 0.05 to 20 mol % has a thickness greater than or equal to 0.1 μm, and it is preferable that the concentration of the conductive metal in the concentrated layer should be five times as much as the average concentration of the conductive metal at the ball bonded portion other than the concentrated layer. |
| US08247904B2 |
Interconnection between sublithographic-pitched structures and lithographic-pitched structures
An interconnection between a sublithographic-pitched structure and a lithographic pitched structure is formed. A plurality of conductive lines having a sublithographic pitch may be lithographically patterned and cut along a line at an angle less than 45 degrees from the lengthwise direction of the plurality of conductive lines. Alternately, a copolymer mixed with homopolymer may be placed into a recessed area and self-aligned to form a plurality of conductive lines having a sublithographic pitch in the constant width region and a lithographic dimension between adjacent lines at a trapezoidal region. Yet alternately, a first plurality of conductive lines with the sublithographic pitch and a second plurality of conductive lines with the lithographic pitch may be formed at the same level or at different. |
| US08247903B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes an insulating film formed on a substrate; an interconnect layer including a plurality of interconnects formed in the insulating film; and a pad formed on the insulating film. In a region containing at least a part of a section below the pad, a narrow spacing region is formed, where a spacing between the adjacent interconnects is shorter than that in a section outside the region containing at least a part of the section below the pad. |
| US08247896B2 |
Stacked semiconductor device and fabrication method for same
A stacked semiconductor device is constructed by stacking in two levels: a lower semiconductor device having a wiring board, at least one semiconductor chip mounted on a first surface of the wiring board and having electrodes electrically connected to wiring by way of a connection means, an encapsulant composed of insulating plastic that covers the semiconductor chip and the connection means, a plurality of electrodes formed overlying the wiring of a second surface of the wiring board, and a plurality of linking interconnects each having a portion connected to the wiring of the first surface of the wiring board and another portion exposed on the surface of the encapsulant; and an upper semiconductor device in which each electrode overlies and is electrically connected to the exposed portions of each of the linking interconnects of the lower semiconductor device. The linking interconnects extend from the first surface of the wiring board to the side surfaces and upper surface of the encapsulant, and moreover, electrically connect with wiring of the wiring board that projects from the encapsulant. |
| US08247894B2 |
Integrated circuit package system with step mold recess
An integrated circuit package system includes: providing a stackable integrated circuit package system having a base encapsulation and a recess therein; stacking a top integrated circuit package system, having a top encapsulation with a protruding portion, with the stackable integrated circuit package system with the protruding portion aligned and matched within the recess; and connecting the top integrated circuit package system and the stackable integrated circuit package system. |
| US08247891B2 |
Chip package structure including heat dissipation device and an insulation sheet
A chip package structure including a substrate, at least one chip, a plurality of leads, a heat dissipation device, a molding compound, and at least one insulating sheet is provided. The chip is disposed on the substrate. The leads are electrically connected to the substrate. The molding compound having a top surface encapsulates the chip, the substrate, and a portion of the leads. The heat dissipation device is disposed on the top surface of the molding compound. The insulating sheet disposed between the heat dissipation device and at least one of the leads has a bending line dividing the insulating sheet into a main body disposed on the molding compound and a bending portion extending from the main body. |
| US08247887B1 |
Method and surface morphology of non-polar gallium nitride containing substrates
An optical device, e.g., LED, laser. The device includes a non-polar gallium nitride substrate member having a slightly off-axis non-polar oriented crystalline surface plane. In a specific embodiment, the slightly off-axis non-polar oriented crystalline surface plane is up to about −0.6 degrees in a c-plane direction, but can be others. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides a gallium nitride containing epitaxial layer formed overlying the slightly off-axis non-polar oriented crystalline surface plane. In a specific embodiment, the device includes a surface region overlying the gallium nitride epitaxial layer that is substantially free of hillocks. |
| US08247884B2 |
Semiconductor structure for fabricating a handle wafer contact in a trench insulated SOI disc
Disclosed is a semiconductor structure for producing a handle wafer contact in trench insulated SOI discs which may be used as a deep contact (7, 6, 30′) to the handle wafer (1) of a thick SOI disc as well as for a trench insulation (40). Therein, the same method steps are used for both structures which are used as deep contact to the handle wafer of the thick SOI disc as well as trench insulation. |
| US08247881B2 |
Photodiodes with surface plasmon couplers
A device that includes a signal generating unit having a surface that can receive photons, a first metal structure located on the surface of the signal generating unit, and a second metal structure located on the surface of the signal generating unit. The second metal structure being spaced apart from the first metal structure. |
| US08247877B2 |
Structure with reduced fringe capacitance
A structure includes a substrate and a gate stack disposed on the substrate. The structure also includes a nitride encapsulation layer disposed on a side wall of the gate stack and which has been exposed to a plasma source. The structure also includes at least one other element contacting the nitride encapsulation layer in a region where the nitride encapsulation layer contacts the side wall of the gate stack. |
| US08247874B2 |
Depletion MOS transistor and charging arrangement
A depletion transistor includes a source region and a drain region of a first conductivity type, a channel region of the first conductivity type arranged between the source region and the drain region and a first gate electrode arranged adjacent the channel region and dielectrically insulated from the channel region by a gate dielectric. The depletion transistor further includes a first discharge region of a second conductivity type arranged adjacent the gate dielectric and electrically coupled to a terminal for a reference potential. The depletion transistor can be included in a charging circuit. |
| US08247873B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a first MISFET and a second MISFET, wherein the first MISFET includes a semiconductor substrate 100, a first gate insulating film 101a and a first gate electrode 102a formed on the first region of the semiconductor substrate, and first side walls (103a, 120a) formed on the side surface of the first gate electrode 102a, and the second MISFET includes a second gate insulating film 101b and a second gate electrode 102b formed on the second region of the semiconductor substrate 100, and second side walls (103b, 120b) formed on the side surface of the second gate electrode 102b. The width of the first side wall is smaller than the width of the second side wall, and the second side wall includes the second spacer 103b containing a higher concentration of hydrogen than the first spacer 103a. |
| US08247872B2 |
ESD protection circuit including multi-finger transistor
Provided is an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit including a multi-finger transistor. The multi-finger transistor includes a plurality of drains and a plurality of sources alternately arranged in parallel, and a plurality of gate electrodes arranged between the drains and the sources. The drains are electrically coupled to an input/output pad through a plurality of first finger patterns which are coupled to a plurality of first contact patterns. The sources are electrically coupled to a specific voltage line through a path which comprises a plurality of second finger patterns coupled to a plurality of second contact patterns. The number of the first contact patterns corresponding to the drains is gradually reduced as the distance to the voltage line becomes shorter. |
| US08247868B2 |
Power MOSFET and fabricating method thereof
A power MOSFET is disclosed. In the power MOSFET, an epitaxial layer doped with dopants of a first conduction type is formed on a substrate. A first trench extends downward from a first region of the top surface of the epitaxial layer, and a second trench extends downward from the bottom of the first trench. The width of the second trench is smaller than that of the first trench. The first well is located adjacent to the bottom of the first trench and the bottom of the second trench, and is doped with dopants of a second conduction type. The second well extends downward from a second region of the top surface and is doped with dopants of the second conduction type. The first well and the second well are separated. A source region doped with dopants of the first conduction type is formed in the second well. |
| US08247867B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a base layer that has a first conductivity type, a source layer that is formed on the base layer and has a second conductivity type, and an insulating film that is formed on the source layer. The semiconductor device further includes a plurality of gate structures that penetrate the base layer, and a plurality of conductive parts that penetrate the insulating film and the source layer and electrically connect the source layer and the base layer to each other. The gate structures are formed in a stripe shape in plan view. Parts in which the conductive portion is connected to the base layer are formed in a stripe shape in plan view, and are formed between the gate structures. Further, a dimension of the part in which the source layer and the base layer are in contact with each other between the gate structure and the conductive portion is 0.36 μm or more. |
| US08247865B2 |
Semiconductor structure, method for operating a semiconductor structure and method for producing a semiconductor structure
A semiconductor structure has a substrate with a first main surface and a second main surface, the substrate comprising a gate electrode region, a channel region, wherein a conductive channel can be generated, and a gate electrode insulation between the gate electrode region and the channel region.Further, a field electrode region with a curved external surface is provided for increasing a breakdown voltage of the semiconductor structure, wherein the field electrode region has an extension in every direction in parallel to the first main surface, which is lower than a maximum extension in the one direction perpendicular to the second main surface. |
| US08247860B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing same
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a substrate; a stacked body with a plurality of dielectric films and electrode films alternately stacked therein, the stacked body being provided on the substrate and having a step in its end portion for each of the electrode films; an interlayer dielectric film burying the end portion of the stacked body; a plurality of semiconductor pillars extending in the stacking direction of the stacked body and penetrating through a center portion of the stacked body; a charge storage layer provided between one of the electrode films and one of the semiconductor pillars; and a plug buried in the interlayer dielectric film and connected to a portion of each of the electrode films constituting the step, a portion of each of the dielectric films in the center portion having a larger thickness than a portion of each of the dielectric films in the end portion. |
| US08247859B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes an isolation layer defining an active region formed in a semiconductor substrate. A first recessing process is performed on the isolation layer to expose edge portions of the active region. A first rounding process is performed to round the edge portions of the active region. A second recessing process is performed on the isolation layer. A second rounding process is performed to round the edge portions of the active region. |
| US08247858B2 |
Semiconductor storage device and method of manufacturing same
A semiconductor storage device and method of manufacturing same at a lower cost by without forming a photolithographic resist. Second impurity regions are arranged in such a manner that second impurity regions adjacent along the column direction are joined together. A select gate electrode is arranged into a ring shape so as to surround the second impurity regions, and is electrically connected to a word line. A first control gate electrode is arranged into a ring shape on the outer peripheral side of the select gate electrode, and a second control gate electrode is arranged into a ring shape on the inner peripheral side of the select gate electrode. A pair of first and second bit lines corresponding to every row are placed on the memory cells of the device, a first bit line is electrically connected to one of first impurity regions that are adjacent along the row direction, and a second bit line is electrically connected to the other of the first impurity regions that are adjacent along the row direction. |
| US08247857B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method for manufacturing same
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes: a semiconductor member; a memory film provided on a surface of the semiconductor member and being capable of storing charge; and a plurality of control gate electrodes provided on the memory film, spaced from each other, and arranged along a direction parallel to the surface. Average dielectric constant of a material interposed between one of the control gate electrodes and a portion of the semiconductor member located immediately below the control gate electrode adjacent to the one control gate electrode is lower than average dielectric constant of a material interposed between the one control gate electrode and a portion of the semiconductor member located immediately below the one control gate electrode. |
| US08247855B2 |
Enhanced local interconnects employing ferroelectric electrodes
A ferroelectric device employs ferroelectric electrodes as local interconnect(s). One or more circuit features are formed within or on a semiconductor body. A first dielectric layer is formed over the semiconductor body. Lower contacts are formed within the first dielectric layer. A bottom electrode is formed over the first dielectric layer and on the lower contacts. A ferroelectric layer is formed on the bottom electrode. A top electrode is formed on the ferroelectric layer. A second dielectric layer is formed over the first dielectric layer. Upper contacts are formed within the second dielectric layer and in contact with the top electrode. Conductive features are formed on the upper contacts. |
| US08247852B2 |
Backside illuminated imaging sensor with reinforced pad structure
A backside illuminated imaging sensor with reinforced pad structure includes a device layer, a metal stack, an opening and a frame. The device layer has an imaging array formed in a front side of the device layer and the imaging array is adapted to receive light from a back side of the device layer. The metal stack is coupled to the front side of the device layer where the metal stack includes at least one metal interconnect layer having a metal pad. The opening extends from the back side of the device layer to the metal pad to expose the metal pad for wire bonding. The frame is disposed within the opening to structurally reinforce the metal pad. |
| US08247851B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device for providing improved isolation between contact and cell gate electrode
A manufacture method is provided for forming a semiconductor device. The method includes: forming a plurality of gate electrodes through etching a conductive film deposited on a semiconductor substrate; forming a first nitride film to cover the gate electrodes; partially exposing the semiconductor substrate in a region between adjacent two of the gate electrodes through performing an etch-back process on the first nitride film; thermally oxidizing a residual of the gate electrode film remaining in the region between the adjacent two of the gate electrodes to change the residual into an thermal oxide film; and forming a contact in the region between the adjacent two of the gate electrodes. |
| US08247837B2 |
Light-emitting diode with high lighting efficiency
The invention discloses a light-emitting diode. In an embodiment, the light-emitting diode includes a substrate, a first doping type semiconductor layer, a second doping type semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer and plural laminated structures. The first doping type semiconductor layer, the light-emitting layer and the second doping type semiconductor layer are formed on the substrate in sequence. The plural laminated structures are formed on the top surface of the second doping type semiconductor layer such that the top surface is partially exposed. Each laminated structure consists of plural transparent insulating layers which have their respective refractive indices. Additionally, each of the laminated structures is formed in a way of upwardly stacking the transparent insulating layers in sequence with the refractive indices of the transparent insulating layers decreasing gradually, so as to enhance the light-extraction efficiency and the lighting efficiency of the light-emitting diode. |
| US08247832B2 |
Light emitting diode and manufacturing method thereof
A light emitting diode includes a heat conductive substrate and a light emitting structure formed on the substrate. A transparent conductive layer is formed on the light emitting structure and an electrode pad is deposited on the transparent conductive layer. The light emitting diode further comprises a metal layer and a buffer layer set between the light emitting structure and the transparent conductive layer. The metal layer is set on the central portion of the top surface of the light emitting structure away from the substrate and forms a Schottky connection with the light emitting structure. The buffer layer surrounds the metal layer and forms an ohmic connection with the light emitting structure. |
| US08247830B2 |
Light-emitting device package structure
A light-emitting device package structure includes a leadframe, a light-emitting device disposed on the leadframe, a plurality of wires electrically connecting the leadframe and the light-emitting device, and an encapsulant covering the light-emitting device, the wires and a part of the leadframe. The encapsulant has a gas space therein, and the gas space is disposed on the light-emitting device, wherein the gas space includes at least one gas. |
| US08247824B2 |
Electronic devices comprising electrodes that connect to conductive members within a substrate and processes for forming the electronic devices
An electronic device includes a substrate. The substrate includes a first pixel driving circuit, a first conductive member, and a second conductive member. The first and second conductive members are spaced apart from each other. The first conductive member is connected to the first pixel driving circuit. The second conductive member is part of a power transmission line. The electronic device further includes a well structure overlying the substrate and defining a pixel opening, a via, and a channel. The pixel opening is connected to the via through the channel. In addition, the electronic device includes a first electronic component. The electronic component includes a first electrode that contacts the first conductive member in the pixel opening, a second electrode that contacts the second conductive member in the via, and an organic layer lying between the first and second electrodes. |
| US08247819B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting diode display includes a substrate member, a plurality of pixel electrodes formed on the substrate member, an organic emission layer formed on the pixel electrodes, and a first common electrode formed on the organic emission. A transmitting layer may be formed on the first common electrode and is configured to be substantially antireflective. A second common electrode may be formed on the transmitting layer and the first common electrode is electrically connected with the second common electrode. |
| US08247818B2 |
Electro-optical device and electronic apparatus
A semiconductor layer of a TFT is continuously formed from an inside of an open hole portion overlapping with an intersection up to an outside of the open hole portion and includes a first source/drain area electrically connected to a surface portion of the data line exposed to a bottom surface of the open hole portion, a channel area disposed on a side wall of the open hole portion, and a second source/drain area formed outside the open hole portion and electrically connected to the pixel electrode. The gate electrode of the TFT is formed inside the open hole portion so as to overlap with at least the channel area and is electrically connected to a scanning line. |
| US08247816B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel
A thin film transistor array panel according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a gate electrode; a semiconductor layer; a gate insulating layer disposed between the gate electrode and the semiconductor layer; a source electrode connected to the semiconductor layer; and a drain electrode connected to the semiconductor layer, spaced apart from the source electrode, and including two branches overlapping the gate electrode, wherein the two branches of the drain electrode are spaced apart from each other and lie on a straight line or on two parallel straight lines. |
| US08247815B2 |
Thin film transistor, and display apparatus having the same
A method of fabricating a thin film transistor includes forming a gate electrode on a substrate, forming a semiconductor layer on the gate electrode, forming a source electrode on the semiconductor layer, forming a drain electrode on the semiconductor layer spaced apart from the source electrode, forming a copper layer pattern on the source electrode and the drain electrode, exposing the copper layer pattern on the source electrode and the drain electrode to a fluorine-containing process gas to form a copper fluoride layer pattern thereon, and patterning the semiconductor layer. |
| US08247814B2 |
Active matrix display device including a metal oxide semiconductor film
The present invention provides a manufacturing process using a droplet-discharging method that is suitable for manufacturing a large substrate in mass production. A photosensitive material solution of a conductive film is selectively discharged by a droplet-discharging method, selectively exposed to laser light, and developed or etched, thereby allowing only the region exposed to laser light to be left and realizing a source wiring and a drain wiring having a more microscopic pattern than the pattern itself formed by discharging. One feature of the source wiring and the drain wiring is that the source wiring and the drain wiring cross an island-like semiconductor layer and overlap it. |
| US08247808B2 |
Organic light emitting lighting apparatus
An organic light emitting lighting device that includes a transparent substrate, a first electrode layer formed on the substrate, an organic emission layer formed on the first electrode layer, a second electrode line formed of a plurality of second electrode lines disposed in parallel with each other on the organic emission layer, a first fuse unit having one end connected with the first electrode layer, and a plurality of second fuses having one end respectively connected to one end of the plurality of second electrode lines. |
| US08247805B2 |
Material for organic photoelectric device including electron transporting unit and hole transporting unit, and organic photoelectric device including the same
A material for an organic photoelectric device, the material including a compound including a pyridine moiety, the compound being a bipolar organic compound including both a hole transporting unit and an electron transporting unit, the compound being represented by the following Formula 1: |
| US08247804B2 |
Light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device
Disclosed is a light-emitting element with a good carrier balance and manufacturing method thereof which does not require the formation of the heterostructure. The light-emitting element includes an organic compound film containing a first organic compound as the main component (base material) between an anode and a cathode, wherein the organic compound film is provided in contact with the anode and with the cathode. The first organic compound further includes a light-emitting region to which a light-emitting substance is added and includes a hole-transport region to which a hole-trapping substance is added and/or an electron-transport region to which an electron-trapping substance is added. The hole-transport region is located between the light-emitting region and the anode, and the electron-transport region is located between the light-emitting region and the cathode. |
| US08247803B2 |
Organic transistor including an organic semicnductor layer and method for fabricating the same
The present invention provides an organic transistor that includes an organic semiconductor layer containing a material having conductive particles and an organic semiconductor polymer chemically bonded to each other and a method of producing the same. |
| US08247802B2 |
Memory element and semiconductor device
To provide a memory element, a memory device, and a semiconductor device, which can be easily manufactured at low cost; are nonvolatile and data-rewritable; and have preferable switching properties and low operating voltage. A memory element of the invention includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer facing the first conductive layer, and an organic compound layer provided between the first and the second conductive layers. For the organic compound layer, a high molecular material having an amide group at least at one kind of side chains is used. |
| US08247800B2 |
Triarylamine containing polymers and electronic devices
A conjugated or partially conjugated polymer including a structural unit of Formula I in the backbone: (Formula I), wherein Arl, Are are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted arylene or hetero arylene group with two or more aromatic rings fused together and Ar3 is an aryl or heteroaryl group of C4 to C40 or substituted aryl or heteroaryl group of C4 to C40 and devices containing such polymer. In addition, a composition of: (Formula V), wherein Ar1, Are are arylene or heteroaryl groups and Ar3 is an aryl or heteroaryl group and wherein X is a leaving group such as halogen, boronic acid or boronate ester. |
| US08247795B2 |
Interfused nanocrystals and method of preparing the same
Interfused nanocrystals including two or more materials, further including an alloy layer formed of the two or more materials. In addition, a method of preparing the interfused nanocrystals. In the interfused nanocrystals, the alloy layer may be present at the interface between the two or more nanocrystals, thus increasing the material stability. A material having excellent quantum efficiency in the blue light range may be synthesized. |
| US08247791B2 |
Compound semiconductor light emitting element, illuminating apparatus using compound semiconductor light emitting element, and method for manufacturing compound semiconductor light emitting element
A compound semiconductor light emitting element is provided with a substrate which is provided on a side of one electrode; a plurality of columnar crystal structures of nanometer scale extending in a vertical direction on the substrate; and another electrode which interconnects top portions of the plurality of columnar crystal structures. On the substrate are provided a first region, and a second region having a step between the first region and the second region and having a substrate thickness greater than that in the first region; a porous first mask layer is formed on the surface of the first region on the substrate; and the plurality of columnar crystal structures are formed by sequentially layering an n-type semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer, and a p-type semiconductor layer, in the first and second regions on the substrate. |
| US08247789B2 |
Memory cells and methods of forming memory cells
Some embodiments include a memory cell that contains programmable material sandwiched between first and second electrodes. The memory cell can further include a heating element which is directly against one of the electrodes and directly against the programmable material. The heating element can have a thickness in a range of from about 2 nanometers to about 30 nanometers, and can be more electrically resistive than the electrodes. Some embodiments include methods of forming memory cells that include heating elements directly between electrodes and programmable materials. |
| US08247785B2 |
Particle beam device and method for use in a particle beam device
A particle beam device includes a movable carrier element with at least one receiving element for receiving a specimen and in which the receiving element is situated on the carrier element. In various embodiments, the receiving element may be situated removably on the carrier element and/or multiple receiving elements may be situated on the carrier element in such a way that a movement of the carrier element causes a movement of the multiple receiving elements in the same spatial direction or around the same axis. The carrier element may be movable in three spatial directions situated perpendicular to one another and rotatable around a first axis which is parallel to an optical axis of the particle beam device and around a second axis which is situated perpendicular to the optical axis. A method for using the particle beam device in connection with specimen study and preparation is also disclosed. |
| US08247783B2 |
Method of determining main deflection settling time for charged particle beam writing, method of writing with charged particle beam, and apparatus for writing with charged particle beam
An electron beam is moved a long distance along a straight line from a sub-deflection region 101a to a diagonally opposite sub-deflection region 123w by main deflection of the beam, and a pattern P is written in the sub-deflection region 123w. The former writing step is repeated a plurality of times each with a different main deflection settling time, thereby writing a plurality of patterns P. The amount of displacement of each pattern P from its designed position is then measured. Further, the latter writing step is also repeated a plurality of times each with a different main deflection settling time, thereby writing another plurality of patterns P. The amount of displacement of each pattern P from its designed position is then measured. |
| US08247775B2 |
Remote optothermal sensor (ROSE) standoff detection of CWAs, explosives vapors and TICs
A system and method for standoff detection of explosives, CWAs and TICs using optical techniques. Preliminary analysis indicates detection of TNT at a distance of 0.5 km with a signal-to-noise ratio exceeding 10,000. The optical/thermal techniques apparently permit unambiguous detection of the target molecules even the presence of commonly encountered interferents. The technique, named Remote Optothermal Sensor (ROSE), has the potential for standoff detection at distances greater than one (1) kilometer. |
| US08247773B2 |
Method and apparatus for reading identification mark on surface of wafer
An identification mark constituted of irregularities is formed on the surface of a wafer, which is sealed with a resin layer and a dicing tape may be adhered to the backside. Multiple infrared units irradiate infrared rays towards the surface of the wafer from the backside thereof, wherein they transmit through the wafer and are then reflected at the interface between the resin layer and the surface of the wafer, thus producing reflected rays. An image pickup device picks up an image of the interface including the identification mark based on reflected rays. Optical axes of the infrared units extend to cross the surface of the wafer in different directions; hence, the image pickup device receives only a part of reflected rays, which are reflected at the interface in a prescribed direction. A polarizer can be arranged in proximity to the infrared unit or the image pickup device. |
| US08247772B2 |
Infrared positioning apparatus and system thereof
An infrared positioning apparatus comprises a plurality of infrared diodes, a plurality of amplifying units, a plurality of converting units and a positioning unit. The plurality of infrared diodes is configured to detect at least one infrared signal. The plurality of amplifying units are configured to amplify the at least one infrared signal for obtaining at least one amplified signal. The plurality of converting units are configured to convert the at least one amplified signal for obtaining at least one strength value of the at least one amplified signal. The positioning unit is configured to obtain the emitting direction of the at least one infrared signal in accordance with the at least one strength value of the at least one amplified signal. |
| US08247771B2 |
Device for detection and/or emission of electromagnetic radiation and method for fabricating such a device
The device for detection and/or emission of radiation has an encapsulation micropackage in a vacuum or under reduced pressure that comprises a cap and a substrate delineating a sealed housing. The housing encapsulates at least one uncooled thermal detector and/or emitter having a membrane sensitive to electromagnetic radiation suspended above the substrate, a reflector and at least one getter. The getter is arranged on at least a part of a second main surface of the reflector to form a reflector/getter assembly. A free space, releasing an accessible surface of the getter and in communication with the housing, is also formed between the reflector/getter assembly and the front surface of the substrate. |
| US08247770B2 |
Thermal imaging camera and method for the determination of the lens parameters of an IR interchangeable lens of a thermal imaging camera
In a thermal imaging camera (1) with an IR sensor arrangement (2) and an interchangeable IR lens (5), an image processing unit (12) and a data processing unit (13) are provided with which at least one feature (8, 9) can be extracted from a recorded IR image (6) and a numerical value (14) can be derived from this feature, wherein the numerical value (14) is determined by the distortion of the interchangeable IR lens (5), and a mapping (16) of lens characteristics (17, 18, 19) with the determinable numerical values (14) is stored. |
| US08247769B2 |
Characterization of nanoscale structures using an ultrafast electron microscope
The present invention relates to methods and systems for 4D ultrafast electron microscopy (UEM)—in situ imaging with ultrafast time resolution in TEM. Single electron imaging is used as a component of the 4D UEM technique to provide high spatial and temporal resolution unavailable using conventional techniques. Other embodiments of the present invention relate to methods and systems for convergent beam UEM, focusing the electron beams onto the specimen to measure structural characteristics in three dimensions as a function of time. Additionally, embodiments provide not only 4D imaging of specimens, but characterization of electron energy, performing time resolved electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). |
| US08247768B2 |
Method for stem sample inspection in a charged particle beam instrument
A method for sample examination in a dual-beam FIB calculates a first angle as a function of second, third and fourth angles defined by the geometry of the FIB and the tilt of the specimen stage. A fifth angle is calculated as a function of the stated angles, where the fifth angle is the angle between the long axis of an excised sample and the projection of the axis of the probe shaft onto the X-Y plane. The specimen stage is rotated by the calculated fifth angle, followed by attachment to the probe tip and lift-out. The sample may then be positioned perpendicular to the axis of the FIB electron beam for STEM analysis by rotation of the probe shaft through the first angle. |
| US08247767B2 |
Particle detection and applications in security and portal monitoring
Techniques, apparatus and systems for detecting particles such as muons. In one implementation, a monitoring system has a cosmic ray-produced charged particle tracker with a plurality of drift cells. The drift cells, which can be for example aluminum drift tubes, can be arranged at least above and below a volume to be scanned to thereby track incoming and outgoing charged particles, such as cosmic ray-produced muons, while also detecting gamma rays. The system can selectively detect devices or materials, such as iron, lead, gold and/or tungsten, occupying the volume from multiple scattering of the charged particles passing through the volume and can also detect any radioactive sources occupying the volume from gamma rays emitted therefrom. If necessary, the drift tubes can be sealed to eliminate the need for a gas handling system. The system can be employed to inspect occupied vehicles at border crossings for nuclear threat objects. |
| US08247766B2 |
Device for generating wide spectral band laser pulses, particularly for a tomographic atom probe
A wide spectral band laser pulse generating device capable of covering a spectrum formed of given wavelengths is provided, including: a monochromatic laser light source whose intensity is adjustable; non-linear optical means, a photonic crystal or a microstructured optical fiber for example, for carrying out spectral widening of the wave emitted by the light source; the light source and the non-linear optical means are configured and arranged so as to create a white supercontinuum whose continuous spectrum contains the wavelengths considered. The invention relates to the general field of the analysis of the composition of material specimens, and in particular to laser tomographic atom probes. |
| US08247764B2 |
Method and apparatus to sharply focus aerosol particles at high flow rate and over a wide range of sizes
A method and an apparatus are described to focus sharply a wide range of particle sizes for particles suspended in a relatively high flow rate of carrier gas. The particles are accelerated through a continuously converging ladder of smooth contractions, each designed such that: (i) the flow remains laminar at substantial Reynolds numbers; (ii) a certain band of particle sizes is focused in each contraction, without substantial defocusing of larger particle focused in one or several preceding contractions; (iii) the form, length, and ratio of entry to exit diameter of each contraction, as well as the number of consecutive contractions are chosen such that all particles within a given relatively wide range of sizes are focused at the end of the ladder of contraction steps into a relatively narrow focal region. The focusing apparatus coupled to a collector device constitutes a new type of virtual impactor, termed a focusing virtual impactor, which can also be used as a powerful particle concentrator. |
| US08247762B2 |
Selective molecular excitation method and isotope separation method using the same, isotope analysis method, selective molecular excitation apparatus and isotope separation apparatus
Molecules of a specific species can be selectively excited among molecules of a plurality of species that show only a slight difference of mass. Energy levels can be displayed on a graph where the horizontal axis indicates excitation energy. Assume an instance where an electromagnetic wave showing a comb-shaped spectrum having a plurality of narrow bands as indicated by P1 through P14 and tuning with excitation energies corresponding to the rotational levels of molecule X is irradiated onto the molecule X. The molecule X can sequentially make transitions to higher energy levels by using an electromagnetic wave showing such a comb-shaped spectrum. The energy levels of molecule Y are not synchronized with the comb-shaped spectrum. The two ranges of Y4 through Y7 and Y12 through Y15 operate as gates and the molecule Y cannot make transition from a rotational level to another when a gate is found between them. |
| US08247761B1 |
Photoluminescent markings with functional overlayers
A photoluminescent marking that includes a photoluminescent layer and at least one functional overlayer is disclosed. The photoluminescent layer comprises at least one type of photoluminescent material. The at least one functional overlayer is adapted to selectively filter wavelengths of radiation to enhance the daylight observability of a final emission signature of the marking or to prevent the observability with the naked eye of a printed message on the marking. Also methods of making and using the inventive photoluminescent marking are disclosed. |
| US08247757B2 |
Contact image sensor module with wedge-shaped glass plate for guiding light
A contact image sensor module includes an image sensor, a lens unit arranged over the image sensor, a glass plate arranged over the lens unit, and a light source. The lens unit includes a plurality of rod lenses. The glass plate is wedge-shaped and elongated. The glass plate includes a first light interface being rectangular and elongated, and a second light interface and an incident face respectively extending from two opposite longer sides of the first light interface. The incident face faces the light source. The first light interface is substantially perpendicular to the rod lenses. The second light interface is below the first light interface and faces top sides of the rod lenses. Light of the light source is first directed by the glass plate to the document, then reflected by the document to the lens unit via the glass plate and finally reaching the image sensor. |
| US08247754B2 |
Solid state focal plane array for hyperspectral imaging applications
A focal plane array suitable for use in hyperspectral imaging applications is provided. The focal plane array comprises pixels comprising arrays of photodiodes, wherein each photodiode in each array is selectively sensitive to a different wavelength of a set of wavelengths. |
| US08247753B2 |
Solar tracking device and method for high-effective concentration photovoltaic
Provided is a high-effective concentration photovoltaic solar tracking device and method; and, more particularly, to a concentration photovoltaic solar tracking device and method, which maximize concentration efficiency by concentrating solar light using a Fresnel lens and moving a solar panel based on focus information formed when the concentrated solar light is irradiated on a photodiode. |
| US08247751B2 |
Microwave pressure cooker
The invention relates to a microwave pressure cooker including a container open at its top which includes a cover with a gasket adapted for ledge interlock type sealing and lug locking engagement with the container. There are two regulator opening means provided as valve opening through the cover (2) such that one of the deformable diaphragm type pressure regulator means formed are disposed on these regulator opening means which deform responsive to the pressure in the enclosure. A push rod type gasket offset device means is also provided on locking lug and opening and closing aid of the cover for releasably maintaining the container and the cover in sealing engagement. Further a filter is disposed removably on the first regulator opening means, which controls the pressure building within the enclosure. |
| US08247750B2 |
Construct for cooking raw dough product in a microwave oven
A construct for preparing a food item in a microwave oven includes a plurality of heating regions including an inner heating region and an outer heating region. The inner heating region includes a susceptor including a plurality of annular microwave energy transparent areas, and the outer heating region includes a plurality of susceptor projections extending radially from the susceptor of the inner heating region. |
| US08247748B2 |
Induction heating cooker
An induction heating cooker includes a cooking container heating coil, an inverter circuit to supply high-frequency current to the heating coil, an infrared ray sensor to detect radiation from the container, an electric power integrating section to integrate heating electric power from the inverter circuit, and a heating control section to control an inverter circuit output. If the power integrating section has less than a predetermined value when an increase in the output of the infrared ray sensor has a first value after start of heating, the cooker shifts to a first heating control mode and, if equal to or more than the predetermined value, shifts to a second heating control mode. The power, in the first heating control mode, is reduced to a second amount of power lower than the first amount and, in the second heating control mode, is a third amount larger than the second amount. |
| US08247744B2 |
Cooking device
There is provided a cooking device that prevents an electricity conduction setting to a heating source from fluctuating when a user is not intending to operate a touch key. The cooking device includes a heating source for heating an object to be heated; a top plate provided on an upper surface of the device; a touch key that is provided on the top plate and is operable to input a control command by being touched with a finger; a cancel electrode provided at a periphery of the touch key; and a control unit for controlling an electricity conduction to the heating source based on the control command. When detecting that a portion of the top plate near the cancel electrode is touched with the finger, the control unit maintains a condition of electricity conduction to the heating source in time of the detection, and limits an operation based on the control command input to the touch key while detecting that the portion of the top plate near the cancel electrode is being touched with the finger. |
| US08247739B2 |
Tubular heating element with temperature sensor
A heating element for metallic plastic injection nozzles with a tubular hollow metal body (2), which surrounds the nozzle body of an injection molding device in a heat-transmitting manner. The hollow body has an outer and/or inner jacket surface with one or more grooves (3, 4), extending in a thread-like manner at least in some sections, with inserted tubular heating body structure (with a heating body or bodies) (5). The heating body structure has electric terminals (6, 7) projecting away from the hollow body (2). In addition, a thermocouple, with a sensor tip (9) is in thermal contact with the material wall (15) of the plastic injection nozzle (17) in an end area of the tube wall, is arranged in a guide groove (4). To ensure that the temperature of the material tube, which temperature is to be regulated, is homogeneous at always the same measuring point and is shielded from the direct effect of heating, the sensor tip (9) is fixed in a heat-transmitting manner in a groove-like recess (11) of a tube wall section (20), which is thermally separated from the tube wall (2′) by two front-side notches (21, 22) and which, being subject to a radial pressing force in a radially flexible manner, is in gap-free, two-dimensional thermal contact with the nozzle body (15). |
| US08247736B2 |
Apparatus for forming pattern on light guide panel
An apparatus for forming a pattern is provided. The apparatus includes a pattern storing unit, a controller, a laser oscillating unit, an X-Y driver, a header unit, and a stage. The pattern storing unit stores data on a light guide pattern. The controller reads out the data on the light guide pattern, and transmits a position signal of each light guide pattern to the X-Y driver and simultaneously, transmits a switching signal to the laser oscillating unit. The laser oscillating unit outputs a laser beam synchronized with a movement of a header unit. The X-Y driver moves the header unit and the stage. The header unit moves along a fixed first guide rail in the left and right direction of the light guide panel. The stage moves along a fixed second guide rail in the front and rear direction of the light guide panel. |
| US08247732B2 |
Sensor arrangement for a laser machine tool and an insulator for such a sensor arrangement
An insulator for a sensor arrangement of a laser processing machine comprises an outer insulating part of plastics material for electrical shielding and an inner shielding part of a non-conductive heat-resistant material for shielding against laser irradiation and/or heat. |
| US08247728B2 |
Apparatus and method for bonding refractory metals
An apparatus and method of bonding refractory metal alloys together by use of a modified clamping arrangement. |
| US08247726B2 |
Electrical switching apparatus and arc chute assembly therefor
An arc chute assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus. The electrical switching apparatus includes a housing and separable contacts enclosed by the housing. An arc is generated in response to the separable contacts being separated. The housing includes a number of arc chambers each having a first side and a second side disposed opposite and spaced apart from the first side. The arc chute assembly includes a plurality of first arc plates extending outwardly from the first side of a corresponding one of the arc chambers toward the second side of the corresponding one of the arc chambers, and a plurality of second arc plates extending outwardly from the second side of the corresponding one of the arc chambers toward the first side of the arc chamber. None of the arc plates engages the opposing side of the arc chamber. |
| US08247723B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device includes a power switch, an elastic force member adjacent to the power switch, a triggering member fixed on the elastic force member to trigger the power switch, and an elastic reposition member. The triggering member is capable of sliding between a first position and a second position relative to the power switch. The elastic reposition member provides elastic force to move the triggering member from the first position to the second position. In the first position, the triggering member faces the power switch and can be pressed to trigger the power switch. In the second position, the triggering member is away from the power switch. |
| US08247721B2 |
Hold switch
This invention is directed to a switch for use in an electronic device. As the user actuates the switch, different labels may be visible to indicate to the user the current state of the switch. To allow the switch to be positioned adjacent to an edge of the device, the switch may include only a single label that moves with the switch. For example, the switch may include a label positioned adjacent to a nub that the user may operate. The label may be sized such that only the label is visible when the switch is in a first position. The electronic device may also include a second label that is fixed to a non-moving portion of the electronic device. When the user moves the switch, the switch may move away from and uncover the second label while hiding the label that is included in the switch. |
| US08247720B2 |
Sealed pushbutton switch
A sealed pushbutton switch includes an insulative housing defining a cavity, an actuator moveably retained in the insulative housing, a base conglutinated to the insulative housing by glue, a number of fixed contacts assembled to the base, a spring mounted below the actuator, and a moveable contact mounted on the actuator and provided with a number of contact portions in contact with corresponding fixed contacts. The moveable contact is moveable with the actuator from a first position to a second position relative to the insulative housing along a top-to-bottom direction to disengage the fixed contacts. The base defines a first slot formed along an edge of a inner face of said base and a second slot formed on a position of the inner face except the edge, the second slot have a connection with the first slot so as to retain glue therein when said base and said housing are fastened together by said glue. |
| US08247719B2 |
Button device
A button device includes a button unit, a resilient member, and a switch unit. The button unit includes a button, a transparent power icon member, and a retaining member. The power iron member is attached to the button. The retaining member includes an elastic element, a tray located at one end of the elastic element, and a fixing loop located at the other end of the elastic element. The button and the power iron member are retained on the tray. The tray includes a seat with a hole for receiving an illuminator, and reflects lights of the illuminator to the power icon member. The resilient member is sandwiched between the button unit and the switch unit to reset the button unit back to its original position. |
| US08247718B2 |
Button structure and related electronic device
A button structure for actuating a switch includes a pressing part, a protruding part connected to a side of the pressing part for being driven to actuate the switch when the pressing part is pressed, and a constraining part. An end of the constraining part is connected to the pressing part in an elastically deformable manner. A guiding slot is formed on the constraining part. The button structure further includes a fixing part. An end of the fixing part is disposed inside the guiding slot. The guiding slot slides relative to the fixing part when the pressing part is pressed. |
| US08247713B2 |
Slide switch structure and power seat switch using the same
A power seat switch includes a structure main body; switches provided in the structure main body; sliders slidably provided in the structure main body and changing over contacts of the switches; and moderation units each including a moderation adjuster fitted into the structure main body and an elastic portion provided on the slider. Each slider includes a shaft and a pair of legs provided on one end of the shaft. The elastic portion is provided to elastically protrude from the one end of the shaft in an axial direction of the shaft. The moderation adjuster includes a moderation groove arranged to be sandwiched between the legs, in contact with the elastic portion, and applying a moderation according to sliding of the slider. |
| US08247711B2 |
Intermittent motion checkweigher with offset product pockets
An intermittent motion checkweigher for weighing products of interest. The checkweigher includes a product transport wheel having a plurality of product retention pockets, each of which retains one or more products of interest throughout the weighing operation. Products are loaded into a product retention pocket by an in-feed conveyor or similar device, after which the product transport wheel is indexed to advance the products in the product retention pocket toward one or more weighing devices where the products will be weighed while still located in the product retention pocket. After weighing, the products are advanced to a discharge conveyor or similar device by further indexing of the product transport wheel. |
| US08247707B2 |
Shielding assembly
A shielding assembly includes a hollow frame, a pair of first resilient clips and a cover. The frame defines a receiving room and includes a pair of opposite first sidewalls, a second sidewall, a third sidewall opposite to the second sidewall, and a plurality of platforms configured along at least two diagonal corners of the hollow frame. Each of the resilient clip includes a clamping portion extending to suspend in the receiving room. The first resilient clips and the platforms are cooperatively defining a pair of guiding grooves. The cover is inserted into the guiding grooves and positioned between the platforms and first resilient clips by the clamping portions and the platforms resisting on two sides of the cover respectively. |
| US08247706B2 |
Enclosure of an electronic device
An enclosure of an electronic device includes an upper shell, a lower shell mounted to the upper shell, and an electrical outlet mounted to the lower shell. The lower shell includes a front plate defining an opening. The electrical outlet includes a connector and a number of wires electrically connected to the connector. An electromagnetic interference absorbing magnetic ring fits about some of the wires. The lower shell further defines a cable channel extending through an edge of the front plate and communicating with the opening. The wires pass through the cable channel and extend through the opening to enter into the lower shell, with the connector covering the opening. |
| US08247705B2 |
Circuit substrate and manufacturing method thereof
A manufacturing method of a circuit substrate includes the following steps. A dielectric layer is formed on at least one surface of a substrate. An insulating layer is formed on the dielectric layer. A portion of the insulating layer and a portion of the dielectric layer are removed, so as to form at least one blind via in the dielectric layer and the insulating layer. An electroless plating layer is formed on the sidewall of the blind via and a remaining portion of the insulating layer, wherein the binding strength between the insulating layer and the electroless plating layer is greater than that between the dielectric layer and the electroless plating layer. A patterned conductive layer is plated to cover the electroless plating layer. |
| US08247703B2 |
Method of making circuitized substrate with resistor including material with metal component and electrical assembly and information handling system utilizing said circuitized substrate
A method of making a circuitized substrate including a resistor comprised of material which includes a polymer resin and a quantity of nano-powders including a mixture of at least one metal component and at least one ceramic component. The ceramic component may be a ferroelectric ceramic and/or a high surface area ceramic and/or a transparent oxide and/or a dope manganite. Alternatively, the material will include the polymer resin and nano-powders, with the nano-powders comprising at least one metal coated ceramic and/or at least one oxide coated metal component. An electrical assembly (substrate and at least one electrical component) and an information handling system (e.g., personal computer) utilizing such a circuitized substrate are also provided. |
| US08247702B2 |
Integrated circuit mounted board, printed wiring board, and method of manufacturing integrated circuit mounted board
An integrated circuit mounted board includes a printed wiring board and an integrated circuit bare chip mounted on the printed wiring board. The printed wiring board includes a metal base, an insulating member made of an insulating material and disposed on the metal base, and a wiring pattern disposed on the insulating member. The wiring pattern includes an electrode part to which the integrated circuit bare chip is electrically coupled. The insulating member includes an under region being opposite to the electrode part. The metal base includes a metal substrate and a metal portion protruding from the metal substrate. The metal portion is buried in the under region of the insulating member. |
| US08247700B2 |
Wired circuit board
A wired circuit board has a metal supporting board, an insulating layer formed on the metal supporting board, a conductive pattern formed on the insulating layer and having a pair of wires arranged in spaced-apart relation, and a semiconductive layer formed on the insulating layer and electrically connected to the metal supporting board and the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern has a first region in which a distance between the pair of wires is small and a second region in which the distance between the pair of wires is larger than that in the first region. The semiconductive layer is provided in the second region. |
| US08247699B2 |
Flex circuit assembly with a dummy trace between two signal traces
A flex circuit comprises a base film, a first adhesive layer coupled with the base film, at least two signal traces coupled with the first adhesive layer, and at least one dummy trace positioned between the two signal traces and coupled with the first adhesive layer. The flex circuit comprises a second adhesive layer coupled with the signal traces, the dummy trace, and the first adhesive layer, and a cover film coupled with the second adhesive layer. |
| US08247695B2 |
High frequency leakage current return wire-contained motor drive cable, low inductance return wire-contained unshielded cable, and motor drive control system using the cables
A high frequency (HF) leakage current return wire-contained motor drive cable configured in a manner that one or multiple drive dielectric core wires and one or multiple HF leakage current return wires are arranged adjacent to and in close contact. Concurrently, the drive dielectric core wires and the HF leakage current return wires are arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction and are stranded; and a sheath is provided without a shield being provided outside of the strand wires. |
| US08247691B2 |
Connecting member
A connecting member includes a cable, an enclosure, a shaft assembly member and an elastic member. The cable surrounds the shaft assembly member. The shaft assembly member is rotatablely mounted in the enclosure. The elastic member includes a first end and a second end. The first end is secured to the shaft member, and the second end is secured to the enclosure. |
| US08247690B2 |
Housing for electronic device
A housing for an electronic device includes a main body, a cover, and a sliding control. The main body defines a plurality of restricting grooves. The cover has a plurality of engaging members. The sliding control is slidably positioned on the cover, and fixedly to the engaging members. When the sliding control slides relative to the cover, the engaging members engage in the restricting grooves of the main body, thus fixing the cover to the main body. |
| US08247685B2 |
Solar energy harvesting apparatus
A solar energy harvesting apparatus is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the apparatus includes a generally elongated, rectangular body having a bottom portion and sidewalls extending from the bottom portion; at least one trough provided in the bottom portion and having a trough base and trough peaks; at least one mirror strip provided along at least one peak of the at least one trough; and a linear solar cell provided along the trough base of the at least one trough. |
| US08247676B2 |
Methods for generating music using a transmitted/received music data file
Methods for generating music are disclosed. A music data file is generated at a first node. The music data file is transmitted from the first node and received at a second node. Musical definition data that provides information regarding a data structure and data for musical parameters is extracted from the music data file at the second node. The musical definition data is processed and music is generated at the second node for playback in accordance with the data structure and the musical parameters. A modified music data file is generated at the second node and transmitted to the first node. Modified music is generated at the first node based on the modified music data file. |
| US08247675B2 |
Brass musical instruments with modifiable tonality
In a brass musical instrument having two substantially parallel adjacent braces between portions of the instrument windpath tubing, the improvement comprising a cross-brace extending in planes substantially parallel to a plane of the parallel braces and having two opposed edges each with two spaced contact regions secured to a respective one of the parallel braces and a recessed region between the contact regions, thereby allowing elimination of other windpath bracing and providing a beneficial site for sound-modifying components. |
| US08247667B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X03A115
A novel maize variety designated X03A115 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X03A115 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X03A115 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X03A115, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X03A115. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X03A115. |
| US08247666B1 |
Inbred maize variety PH17B9
A novel maize variety designated PH17B9 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH17B9 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH17B9 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH17B9 or a locus conversion of PH17B9 with another maize variety. |
| US08247664B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH458156
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH458156. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH458156, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH458156 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH458156. |
| US08247654B2 |
Event EE-GH5 insect resistant cotton plants and methods of using
The invention provides specific transgenic cotton plants, plant material and seeds, characterized in that these products harbor a specific transformation event at a specific location in the cotton genome. Tools are also provided which allow rapid and unequivocal identification of the event in biological samples. |
| US08247651B2 |
Nucleic acid sequences encoding proteins associated with abiotic stress response and plant cells with increased tolerance to environmental stress
This invention relates generally to nucleic acid sequences encoding proteins that are associated with abiotic stress responses and abiotic stress tolerance in plants. This invention further relates to transformed plant cells with altered metabolic activity compared to a corresponding non transformed wild type plant cell, wherein the metabolic activity is altered by transformation with a Stress-Related Protein (SRP) coding nucleic acid and results in increased tolerance and/or resistance to an environmental stress as compared to a corresponding non-transformed wild type plant cell. |
| US08247646B2 |
Method to increase crop grain yield utilizing complementary paired growth and yield genes
The present invention provides methods to increase crop yield utilizing transgenic complementary paired genes controlling plant growth and yield. The specific genes increase female reproductive organs and are paired with genes responsible for modifying the growth of non-yield specific plant tissues. Plants, plant progeny, seeds and tissues created by these methods are also described. Polynucleotides encoding the paired sequences are provided for expression in a plant of interest. Expression cassettes, plants, plant cells, plant parts and seeds comprising the sequences of the invention are further provided. In specific embodiments, the polynucleotide is operably linked to a constitutive promoter. |
| US08247643B2 |
Genetically modified animal for use in evaluating harmfulness of test substance
A genetically modified animal that includes an introduced DNA including a functionally linked aryl hydrocarbon receptor-binding enhancer located 5′-upstream of a tyrosine hydroxylase gene, promoter of any type, reporter gene, and poly(A) addition signal. |
| US08247642B2 |
Fluid management device with fluid transport element for use within a body
A fluid management device for use in a mammalian body has at least one fluid transport element capable of interfacing with a mammalian body element to provide a substantially uninterrupted fluid conduit. The fluid conduit provides a fluid path between at least one fluid transport element and the storage element. A distal portion of the at least one fluid transport element is capable of extending away from the fluid storage element. |
| US08247640B2 |
Highly swellable absorption medium with reduced caking tendency
The present invention concerns highly swellable absorption mediums with a reduced caking tendency at high humidity and/or high temperatures, wherein a swellable polymer is coated with a non-ionic, nitrogen-containing surfactant and optionally a Lewis acid and then reacted by heating. |
| US08247636B2 |
Fastening tape for a hygiene item, and method for producing a fastening tape for a hygiene item
To ensure an excellent slip-proof effect for a hygiene item, in particular for a baby diaper or an incontinence diaper when opening the diaper, a fastening tape is proposed having a separate film-like grip area with a macroscopically structured surface. Likewise, a hygiene item having such a grip area and a method for manufacturing such a fastening tape are proposed. |
| US08247628B2 |
Process for reacting iso-alkane
A process for reacting an iso-alkane, comprising: a) partially converting one or more olefins in an olefinic feedstock with an ionic liquid catalyst to make a converted olefinic feedstock; and b) alkylating the iso-alkane with the converted olefinic feedstock, wherein a reaction heat that is evolved during the alkylating is at least 20% less than if the alkylating step is done with the iso-alkane and the olefinic feedstock without the partially converting step. Also, a process for reacting an iso-alkane, comprising: a) partially converting one or more olefins in an olefinic feedstock to make a converted olefinic feedstock, wherein the converting is different from isomerization; b) isolating from the converted olefinic feedstock: i. an enriched feed that has linear internal olefins, and ii. products having a boiling point of 150° C. or higher; and c) alkylating the iso-alkane with the enriched feed to make an alkylate gasoline blending component. |
| US08247617B2 |
Group 2 metal precursors for depositing multi-component metal oxide films
Novel Sr and Ba complexes containing both beta-diketonates and N-methyl-pyrrolidone were synthesized and characterized. TGA experiments indicated these complexes are volatile, they can be employed as precursors for ALD strontium titanate (STO) or barium strontium titanate films (BST) films in semiconductor fabrication. |
| US08247614B2 |
Copolycondensation polymerization of fluoropolymers
Fluorinated copolymers are prepared via copolycondensation polymerization in a process comprising reacting A) a telechelic fluoroazido compound of formula N3(Y)p—(CH2)n—R—(CH2)m—(Y)pN3, wherein Y is SO, SO2, C6H4, or CO, p=0 or 1, n and m are independently 1 to 4, and R is selected from the group consisting of i) a C3-C10 fluoroalkylene group, ii) a C3-C10 fluoroalkoxylene group, iii) a substituted aryl group, iv) an oligomer comprising copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride and perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), v) an oligomer comprising copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene, vi) an oligomer comprising copolymerized units of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), and vii) an oligomer comprising copolymerized units of tetrafluoroethylene and a hydrocarbon olefin with B) a telechelic diyne or dinitrile compound in the presence of copper halide catalyst. |
| US08247613B2 |
Methods and compositions for the synergistic activation of latent HIV
The present invention provides methods and compositions useful for the elimination of latent HIV reservoirs that persist despite HAART. The methods and compositions overcome this latent barrier by inducing the replication of HIV in latently infected T cells while preventing the spread of the newly produced virions to uninfected cells by providing HAART simultaneously. Compositions of the invention comprise an activator of latent HIV expression, such as prostratin, and an inhibitor of histone deacetylase, such as TSA. A surprising finding of this invention is that the inhibitor of the histone deacetylase synergizes the effect of prostratin thus, allowing administering to a patient a lower, non-toxic dose of prostratin. |
| US08247610B2 |
Amine linked modulators of γ-secretase
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I as shown below, wherein the definitions of A, X, Y, R1 R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9 are provided in the specification. Compounds of Formula I are useful for the treatment of diseases associated with γ-secretase activity, including Alzheimer's disease. |
| US08247608B2 |
Aminoacid derivatives containing a disulfanyl group in the form of mixed disulfanyl and aminopeptidase N inhibitors
The invention relates to novel compounds of formula (I): H2N—CH(R1)—CH2—S—S—CH2—CH(R2)—CONH—R5, wherein R1 is a hydrocarbon chain, phenyl or benzyl radical, methylene radical substituted by a 5 or 6 atom heterocycle; R2 is a phenyl or benzyl radical, a 5 or 6 atom aromatic heterocycle, methylene group substituted by a 5 or 6 atom heterocycle; R5 is a CH(R3)—COOR4 radical, wherein R3 is hydrogen, an OH or OR group, a saturated hydrocarbon group, a phenyl or benzyl radical and OR4 is hydrophile ester, or 5 or 6 membered heterocycle comprising several heteroatoms selected from a group consisting of nitrogen, sulphur and oxygen, with at least two nitrogene atoms, wherein said heterocycle is substitutable by an alkyl C1-C6, phenyl or benzyl radical. The use of the inventive compounds in the form of drugs, a pharmaceutical composition comprising said compounds, a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, the use in conjunction of at least one type of cannabinoid derivative for potentiating the analgesic and antidepressant effect of the novel compounds of formula (I) and/or morphine or the derivatives thereof are also disclosed. |
| US08247600B2 |
Systems and methods for processing glycerol
Systems and methods for processing glycerol into one or more products are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the method can include decreasing a pH of a mixture comprising glycerol and fatty acids to produce an emulsion comprising a glycerol-rich portion and a fatty acids-rich portion. At least a portion of the glycerol-rich portion can be reacted with an acid comprising phosphorus at conditions sufficient to produce a reacted product comprising glycerophosphoric acid, glycerol, and a portion of the acid. |
| US08247599B2 |
Phosphonic acid compounds as inhibitors of serine proteases
The present invention is directed to phosphonic acid compounds useful as serine protease inhibitors, compositions thereof and methods for treating inflammatory and serine protease mediated disorders. |
| US08247596B2 |
Halogen-containing organosulfur compound and use thereof
There is provided a halogen-containing organosulfur compound having an excellent controlling effect on arthropod pests represented by the formula (I): wherein, m represents 0, 1 or 2, n represents 0, 1 or 2, A represents optionally substituted C3-C7 cycloalkyl or optionally substituted C5-C7 cycloalkenyl group, Q represents a C1-C5 haloalkyl group containing at least one fluorine atom, or a fluorine atom, R1 and R3 independently represent optionally substituted C1-C4 chain hydrocarbon, halogen or hydrogen, R2 and R4 independently represent optionally substituted C1-C4 chain hydrocarbon, —C(═G)R5, cyano, halogen or hydrogen, G represents oxygen or sulfur, and R5 represents optionally substituted C1-C4 alkyl, hydroxyl, optionally substituted C1-C4 alkoxy, optionally substituted C3-C6 alkenyloxy, optionally substituted C3-C6 alkynyloxy, amino, optionally substituted C1-C4 alkylamino, optionally substituted di(C1-C4 alkyl)amino, C2-C5 cyclic amino or hydrogen. |
| US08247585B2 |
Systems and methods for removing catalyst and recovering free carboxylic acids after transesterification reaction
Systems and methods for using carbon dioxide to remove an alkali catalyst and to recover free carboxylic acids after a transesterification reaction are disclosed. Generally, the methods include first providing a mixture resulting from the transesterification of an ester, wherein the mixture includes substances selected from the alkali catalyst, an alcohol, and a transesterification reaction product such as biodiesel. Second, the methods generally include adding carbon dioxide to the mixture. In some cases, adding the carbon dioxide to the mixture causes the alkali catalyst to convert into an alkali carbonate and/or an alkali bicarbonate. In other cases, adding the carbon dioxide to the mixture causes the carboxylic acid alkali salt to convert into a free carboxylic acid. In either case, the alkali carbonate, the alkali bicarbonate, and/or the free carboxylic acid can be separated from the mixture in any suitable manner. |
| US08247579B2 |
Spirocyclic tetronic acid derivatives
The present invention relates to novel spirocyclic tetronic acid derivatives of the formula (I) in which R1, R2 and R3 have the meanings given in the description, to a plurality of processes for their preparation and to their use as pesticides. |
| US08247572B2 |
Facilitated transport of bisphosphonates by vitamin C
Compounds of the formula: are described wherein: A1 is ascorbic acid, dehydroascorbic acid, ascorbyl-2-phosphate, an analog thereof, or a salt thereof; L is a linking group coupled to A1 at the C5 or C6 position thereof; and B1 is an active agent such as an imaging agent or therapeutic agent (e.g. a bisphosphonate), along with pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof. The compounds are useful for, among other things, improving cartilage uptake of active agents administered for joint diseases such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and for improving gastrointestinal absorption of bisphosphonates. |
| US08247571B2 |
Pyridinium and thiazolium conjugates including polyethylene glycols and methods of using the same
Pegylated pyridinium and thiazolium compounds and methods of their use in medicine, research, industry, agriculture and recreational activities are disclosed. The present invention also provides methods of controlling microbial growth and infection. Additionally, the present invention provides methods of controlling microbial infestations relating to industrial and agricultural uses. The present invention can also be used to control insects. |
| US08247569B2 |
Cyclohexane derivative and pharmaceutical use thereof
A compound has a strong analgesic action against both nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain and has less side effects, and is medically useful. The compound includes cyclohexane derivatives represented by the following compound, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof or prodrugs thereof. |
| US08247568B2 |
Process for the preparation of pure rabeprazole
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of pure Rabeprazole sulfoxide using the solvent mixture for the extraction steps and this invention further relates to the process for the preparation of amorphous Rabeprazole sodium using pure rabeprazole base in presence of aqueous NaOH and water miscible solvent and adding an anti-solvent. |
| US08247567B2 |
Process for solvent removal from omeprazole salts
The present invention relates to a process for removing an organic solvent from a salt of omeprazole, in particular a magnesium salt of omeprazole, a composition comprising a salt of omeprazole, in particular a magnesium salt of omeprazole obtainable by such a process, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising said composition or a salt of omeprazole, in particular a magnesium salt of omeprazole, in particular where omeprazole is S-omeprazole. |
| US08247559B2 |
Process for preparing an intermediate to mu opioid receptor antagonists
The invention provides an efficient method for preparing 3-endo-(8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-3-yl)benzamide by hydrogenation, under controlled conditions, of an amino-protected 3-(8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]oct-2-en-3-yl)benzamide intermediate in which the amino-protecting group is removable by catalytic hydrogenation. |
| US08247558B2 |
Process for the preparation of clopidogrel and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts
The present invention provides a process for the preparation of clopidogrel and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof comprises the resolving racemic methyl alpha-5-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro[3,2-c]thienopyridyl)(2-chlorophenyl)-acetate by the salt formation of methyl alpha-5-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro[3,2-c]thienopyridyl)(2-chlorophenyl)-acetate with excess levorotatory camphor-10-sulfonic acid to get a maximum yield of camphor sulphonate salt of methyl S-(+)-alpha-5-(4,5,6,7-tetrahydro[3,2-c]thienopyridyl) (2-chlorophenyl)-acetate and transforming the camphor sulphonate salt to clopidogrel or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. |
| US08247557B2 |
IAP inhibitors
The invention provides novel inhibitors of IAP that are useful as therapeutic agents for treating malignancies where the compounds have the general formula (I): wherein Q, X1, X2, Y, Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, R1, R2, R3, R3′, R4, R4′, R5, R6, R6′ and n are as described herein. |
| US08247554B1 |
Detection of electrophilic and nucleophilic chemical agents
A “real time” method for detecting chemical agents generally and particularly electrophilic and nucleophilic species by employing tunable, precursor sensor materials that mimic the physiological interaction of these agents to form highly florescent berberine-type alkaloids that can be easily and rapidly detected. These novel precursor sensor materials can be tuned for reaction with both electrophilic (chemical species, toxins) and nucleophilic (proteins and other biological molecules) species. By bonding or otherwise attaching these precursor molecules to a surface or substrate they can be used in numerous applications. |
| US08247553B2 |
Process of making aluminum alkyls
The present invention generally relates to a new process of making a trialkyl aluminum compound in which at least one alkyl group is a primary alkyl derived from an internal olefin or alpha-olefin. The process employs an isomerization/hydroalumination catalyst. |
| US08247552B2 |
Analogs of dehydrophenylahistins and their therapeutic use
Compounds represented by the following structure (II) are disclosed: as are methods for making such compounds. Compositions and methods for treating various disease conditions including cancer and non-cancer diseases associated with vascular proliferation are also disclosed. |
| US08247550B2 |
Certain substituted amides, method of making, and method of use thereof
Compounds of Formula I that inhibit Btk are described herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of Formula I, together with at least one pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle chosen from carriers, adjuvants, and excipients, are described. Methods of treating patients suffering from certain diseases responsive to inhibition of Btk activity and/or B-cell activity are described. Methods for determining the presence of Btk in a sample are described. |
| US08247549B2 |
Method for preparing 4-(6-amino-purin-9-YL)-2(S)-hydroxy-butyric acid methyl ester
The present invention discloses a novel method for preparing and purifying 4-(6-Amino-purin-9-yl)-2(S)-hydroxy-butyric acid methyl ester. The preparation started from cheap and easily available L-malic acid, which was transformed to intermediate I after simultaneous protection of the groups of 1-carboxyl and 2-hydroxyl. The intermediate I was selectively reduced to intermediate alcohol II, whose hydroxyl group was further transformed to an easily leaving group to afford intermediate III. The intermediate III was nucleophilically substituted with adenine to afford intermediate IV. The intermediate IV was deprotected and methyl-esterified simultaneously in methanol in the presence of an acid or a base to afford crude 4-(6-Amino-purin-9-yl)-2(S)-hydroxy-butyric acid methyl ester, which was purified by recrystallization to afford the purified product. Comparing with the prior preparation methods, the present method has advantages in low cost, mild conditions, high retention of the chiral center during the reaction, high productivity, great improvement in the quality and yield of the product and great decrease in cost, and thus is suitable for the production on a large scale. |
| US08247548B2 |
Isoelectronic heteroanalogues of PCBM and C60 for N-bridged PCBMs for organic electronic material
N-bridged PCBMs are prepared by the cycloaddition of an organic azide to C60. The N-bridged PCBMs are imino PCBMs, exemplified by an isomeric mixture of [5,6]-open APCBM and [6,6]-closed APCBM. An organic electronic material containing a fullerene adduct, such as an organic field effect transistor or an organic photovoltaic device, is provided containing the N-bridged PCBM as the fullerene adduct. |
| US08247547B2 |
Process for the preparation of Caralluma extract and a formulation prepared thereof
Processes for the preparation of Caralluma extract which includes shade-drying of Caralluma plant material; ii) treating the dried Caralluma plant material by at least one operation selected from a group consisting of sorting, cleaning and sizing to obtain Caralluma plant material meant for extraction or any combination thereof; iii) extracting the Caralluma plant material with a first solvent for at least two initial iterations followed by at least two subsequent iterations with a second solvent at controlled temperature to obtain a diluted extract; iv) removing the solvent from the diluted extract by distillation at a temperature below about 40° C. to obtain a concentrate; v) chilling the concentrate at a temperature of about 6 to about 10° C. for a period of about 7 to about 8 hours to obtain a chilled concentrate; vi) filtering the chilled concentrate to obtain a filtrate; vii) concentrating the filtrate at a temperature below about 60° C. to obtain a viscous liquid; viii) spray-drying the concentrated viscous liquid to obtain a powder; and ix) pulverizing and sifting the dried powder to obtain a Caralluma extract provided. Such extracts may be included in medicinal formulations used for the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity-related conditions for subjects in need thereof. |
| US08247545B1 |
Device and a process for the isolation of nucleic acids
There is described is a process for the isolation and purification of nucleic acids such as plasmid or genomic DNA from cells or other sources, wherein a) the cells containing nucleic acids are digested and cell debris is removed, or other samples containing nucleic acids are treated with anion exchangers, namely, in buffer solutions of low ionic strength, b) thereafter, the nucleic acids are desorbed from the anion exchanger using a buffer of high ionic strength, in order to be subsequently c) treated in said buffer of high ionic strength or in the presence of lower alcohols and/or poly(ethylene glycol) with a mineral support material, with adsorption of the nucleic acid to the surface of the mineral support materials, whereupon d) desorption of the nucleic acid is effected using water or a buffer solution of low ionic strength. The device for operating the inventive process consists of a hollow body (1) with an inlet opening (7) and an outlet opening (8), wherein in the hollow body (1), between two securing means (5, 6), a powdered first material based on silica gel (10) is arranged, and a second material (11) is placed between the first material (10) and the outlet opening (8), the first and second materials (10, 11) having different adsorption characteristics for nucleic acids. |
| US08247542B2 |
T1R3 nucleic acid fragments for use thereof as probes and for generating T1R specific antibodies
Newly identified mammalian taste-cell-specific G protein-coupled receptors, and the genes and cDNA encoding said receptors are described. Specifically, T1R G protein-coupled receptors active in taste signaling, and the genes and cDNA encoding the same, are described, along with methods for isolating such genes and for isolating and expressing such receptors. Methods for representing taste perception of a particular tastant in a mammal are also described, as are methods for generating novel molecules or combinations of molecules that elicit a predetermined taste perception in a mammal, and methods for simulating one or more tastes. Further, methods for stimulating or blocking taste perception in a mammal are also disclosed. |
| US08247537B2 |
Human monoclonal antibodies to BTLA and methods of use
The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to BTLA with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of the disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of the disclosure are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of the disclosure are also provided. The disclosure also provides methods for detecting BTLA, as well as methods for treating various diseases, including cancer and infectious diseases, using anti-BTLA antibodies. |
| US08247536B2 |
Factor VIII compositions
Conjugates of a Factor VIII moiety and one or more water-soluble polymers are provided. Typically, the water-soluble polymer is poly(ethylene glycol) or a derivative thereof. Also provided are compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of making the conjugates, and methods of administering compositions comprising the conjugates to a patient. |
| US08247534B2 |
Synthesis of radiofluorinated peptide using microwave activation technology
The present invention addresses a novel method of preparing radiofluorinated peptide-based compounds and introducing those compounds into an automated radiosynthesis apparatus with the aid of microwave activation. The present invention further relates to obtaining radiopharmaceutical kits utilizing microwave activation technology for the preparation of obtaining peptide based compounds as well as a method for the use of preparing a peptide based compound. |
| US08247529B2 |
Neoplasia targeting peptides and methods of using the same
The present invention provides compositions including neoplasia targeting peptides as well as methods of using the neoplasia targeting peptides in diagnosing, detecting, treating, monitoring treatment, and analyzing cancer or cancer cells in vivo and in vitro. |
| US08247528B2 |
Composite material and method for making the same
A composite material includes a body and a plurality of nano-scale probes. The body is made of a polymer. The plurality of nano-scale probes is embedded in the body. The nano-scale probes are substantially uniformly distributed in the polymer matrix. A method for making the composite material is further provided. |
| US08247521B2 |
Acid-doped polyelectrolyte modified carbon nanotubes and their use in high temperature PEM fuel cell electrodes
New multifunctional aromatic copolymers bearing pyridine or pyrimidine units either in the main chain or side chain and single wall carbon nanotubes or multi wall carbon nanotubes as side chain pendants have been prepared. These multifunctional materials will combine both high proton and electrical conductivity due to the existence of polar pyridine or pyrimidine groups and carbon nanotubes within the same chemical structure. The prepared multifunctional materials can be used in the catalyst ink of the electrodes in high temperature PEM fuel cells. |
| US08247520B2 |
Polycarbonate polyol compositions and methods
In one aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polymerization systems for the copolymerization of CO2 and epoxides comprising 1) a catalyst including a metal coordination compound having a permanent ligand set and at least one ligand that is a polymerization initiator, and 2) a chain transfer agent having two or more sites that can initiate polymerization. In a second aspect, the present disclosure encompasses methods for the synthesis of polycarbonate polyols using the inventive polymerization systems. In a third aspect, the present disclosure encompasses polycarbonate polyol compositions characterized in that the polymer chains have a high percentage of —OH end groups and a high percentage of carbonate linkages. The compositions are further characterized in that they contain polymer chains having an embedded polyfunctional moiety linked to a plurality of individual polycarbonate chains. |
| US08247514B2 |
Silylated polyurethane compositions and adhesives therefrom
A silylated polyurethane composition containing polyester based polyurethane prepolymer. The silylated polyurethane composition when partially silylated is especially useful for pressure sensitive adhesives where it imparts superior adhesive and cohesive performance thereto. |
| US08247512B2 |
Metallocene random copolymers with cool temperature impact properties
A metallocene random copolymer of propylene and ethylene in which the ductile/brittle transition temperature of a molded article made from the copolymer may be in the range of from about 20° F. (−7° C.) to about 40° F. (4° C.). The haze level of the molded article may be less than about 10 percent for an 80-mil (0.2 cm) thick plaque. The metallocene random copolymer may further include a clarifier. |
| US08247510B2 |
Copolymer and production process thereof
A homopolymer having a monomer unit such as an isopropylidene diallylmalonate unit; a process for producing said homopolymer comprising the step of homopolymerising a monomer such as isopropylidene diallylmalonate; a copolymer containing said monomer unit and an ethylene unit and/or α-olefin unit; and a process for producing said copolymer comprising the step of copolymerizing a monomer such as isopropylidene diallylmalonate with at least ethylene and/or an α-olefin. |
| US08247509B2 |
Pressure-sensitive adhesive composition and use thereof
The present invention relates to a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition used for a pressure-sensitive adhesive sheet to be directly attached to a metal surface, the composition including, a monomer mixture or an acrylic copolymer material obtained by at least partially polymerizing the monomer mixture, the monomer mixture including: at least one monomer (monomer m1) selected from alkyl(meth)acrylates represented by the following formula (I): CH2═C(R1)COOR2 in which R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, and R2 is an alkyl group having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, and N-methylol (meth)acrylamide (monomer m2); in which the monomer m1 and the monomer m2 are contained in a total amount of 60% by weight or more based on the total amount of the monomer mixture, and the monomer mixture includes substantially no carboxyl group-containing monomer. |
| US08247502B2 |
Addition reaction-curable silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive composition and pressure-sensitive adhesive tape
Provided is an addition reaction-curable silicone pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, including: (A) a specific diorganopolysiloxane consisting of (A1) a linear diorganopolysiloxane having two or more alkenyl groups, and (A2) a linear diorganopolysiloxane having SiOH groups at the terminals and containing no alkenyl groups, (B) a specific organopolysiloxane containing M units, Q units and SiOH group-containing siloxane units, (C) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane containing three or more SiH groups, (D) an addition reaction retarder, (E) a platinum group metal-based catalyst, and (F) a specific organopolysiloxane containing T units and D units. A cured product layer formed from a cured product of this composition can be peeled from a release film with minimal peeling force, and exhibits excellent adhesion to silicone rubbers. The composition is ideal for use within a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape including a substrate and an aforementioned cured product layer laminated to at least one surface of the substrate. |
| US08247500B2 |
Guanidine-substituted resin for transesterification
A polymeric resin comprising guanidine groups having at least one C4-C22 tertiary alkyl substituent. |
| US08247499B2 |
Water-absorbing polymer structure with improved absorption properties
A water-absorbing polymer structure is disclosed, whose surface has been brought into contact with a combination of a metal salt and an oxide of a metal. The invention also relates to a process for treating the surface of water-absorbing polymer structures whereby the surface of water-absorbing polymer structures is brought into contact with a combination of a metal salt and an oxide of a metal at a temperature of from about 50 to about 300° C. The present invention further relates to the water-absorbing polymer structures obtainable by this process, a composite comprising a water-absorbing polymer structure and a substrate, chemical products such as foams and fibers comprising water-absorbing polymer structures or a composite, and the use of a combination of an oxide of a metal and of a metal salt for treatment of the surface of super-absorbing polymer structures. |
| US08247498B2 |
Star polymer and method for producing the same
It is to provide a narrowly dispersible star polymer having a controlled molecular structure and a method for easily producing such star polymer. The method comprises step (A) wherein arm (I) is formed by binding the anionic end of a polymer having an anionic end to a core and step (B) wherein arm (II) is extended from the core by a living radical polymerization. Examples of the star polymer is specifically exemplified by star polymers characterized by having a structure represented by formula (I-1) or (I-2) (In formula (I-1) or (I-2), B, C1 and C2 each independently represents a group composed of a polymer; and m1 and m2 each independently represents an integer of 1 or 2, wherein when m1 or m2 is 2, both C1 or both C2 represent the same group or different groups). |
| US08247496B2 |
Processing aids for elastomeric compositions
The invention provides for processes to produce elastomeric compositions, the processes including contacting at least one elastomer with a processing aid, wherein the processing aid comprises at least one functionalized polymer having at least one halogen group. The invention also provides for articles such as innerliners for tires produced from the aforementioned elastomeric compositions. |
| US08247476B2 |
Curable casting compound for manufacturing plastic moulded parts
In order to provide a curable casting compound by means of which plastic molded parts, having a structured surface and improved cleanability, can be produced, it is proposed that the casting compound comprises a binder material and a filler material, wherein the filler material is ca. 40 to ca. 85% by weight of the casting compound, and comprises two or more filler fractions, wherein a first filler fraction consists of solid granular mineral particles, and a second filler fraction consists of dimensionally stable hollow microspheres, and wherein the second filler fraction is ca. 1% by volume or more of the casting compound. |
| US08247475B2 |
Hydrotalcite-based compound particles, resin stabilizer using the same, halogen-containing resin composition and anion scavenger using the same
According to the present invention, there are provided hydrotalcite-based compound particles surface-treated with an organic compound having not less than 3 carbon atoms, have a specific surface area of 5 to 150 m2/g, wherein a conceptual value x corresponding to micropores and ultramicropores, and a conceptual value y corresponding to volumes of macropores and micropores, both calculated from a water vapor adsorption curve thereof when exposed to a temperature of 25° C. and a humidity of 50% for 250 hours, are respectively within specific ranges. The hydrotalcite-based compound particles of the present invention are capable of capturing even a very small amount of halogens contained in various resins, and exhibiting an excellent effect of preventing deterioration of the resins. Further, the hydrotalcite-based compound particles of the present invention are used in the form of particles or a molded product and are capable of exhibiting a function for capturing an anionic organic or inorganic compound from a solution to a maximum extent without being dissolved, by themselves, in the solution. |
| US08247470B2 |
Polymerizable composition
To provide a polymerizable composition having more excellent preservation stability of pastes than a conventional composition using a combination of a copper compound, cumene hydroperoxide, and N-acetylthiourea, and having a polymerization curing time which does not change with time, that is, does not delay or quicken from a time set for a product even though the composition is stored, the polymerizable composition includes a first paste and a second paste, wherein the first paste includes a polymer of α-β unsaturated monocarboxylic acid or α-β unsaturated dicarboxylic acid, water, and a hydroperoxide as a peroxide, and the second paste includes a (meth)acrylate compound not having an acid group, fluoroaluminosilicate glass powder, a thiourea derivative as a reducing material, and a vanadium compound as a polumerization accelerator. |
| US08247468B2 |
Composition for hard coat, article having hard coat layer and method for producing the article
The present invention provides a composition for hard coat capable of forming a hard coat layer having the improved anti-staining property, anti-staining durability, scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, antistatic property and the like. A composition for hard coat comprising: an active energy ray-curable silicone-acrylic copolymer (A); an active energy ray-curable polyfunctional compound (B); and an electrically conductive material (C), wherein the active energy ray-curable silicone-acrylic copolymer (A) contains: a polysiloxane block (a-1), an acrylic block (a-2) containing an active energy ray-curable double bond group, and a fluoroalkyl group-containing acrylic block (a-3). |
| US08247466B2 |
Variable felted polyurethane foams for sponges and wipes
A polyurethane foam sponge that picks up at least 80% of water in a wipe dry performance test is made by variably felting (compressing under heat and pressure) a foam sheet to a compression ratio of about 1.05 to 2.9. The resulting foam sponge has from 5% to 25% of its top and bottom surface portions modified by the variable felting, while its core portion remains substantially unmodified. |
| US08247459B2 |
Oil formulations
There is provided a composition comprising an oil medium, wherein particles are suspended in said oil medium, wherein said particles comprise cyclopropene and molecular encapsulating agent, and wherein said particles have median size, as measured by the largest dimension, of 50 micrometer or less. Also provided are a method of making such a composition and a method of treating plants by contact with such a composition. |
| US08247457B2 |
Topical vasoconstrictor preparations and methods for protecting cells during cancer chemotherapy and radiotherapy
Vasoconstrictors are administered topically to provide protection against the adverse effects, e.g., alopecia, mucositis or dermatitis, induced by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Appropriate dosages and formulations of topical vasoconstrictors are provided. Methods for the use of such compositions are also provided. |
| US08247453B2 |
Methods for the treatment of dermatological disorders
The present invention is directed to the use of a compound of formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for the treatment of disorders mediated by the melanocortin-5 receptor, particularly dermatological disorders; and further directed to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US08247451B2 |
ADAM10 and its uses related to infection
The present invention relates to a protein, ADAM10, ADAM10 nucleic acid sequences and ADAM10 proteins encoded by these sequences that are involved in infection by one or more pathogen such as a virus, a parasite, a bacteria or a fungus or are otherwise associated with the life cycle of a pathogen. |
| US08247447B2 |
Use of derivatives of 4-hydroxyphenoxy acetic acid
The present invention relates to substances which can be used as cosmetic ingredients, especially for skin whitening and as cosmetic agents against signs of ageing skin. The present invention also relates to the use of such substances for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of disorders related to the pigmentation of the skin. |
| US08247445B2 |
Platinum complexes and methods of use
The subject invention concerns platinum complexes that exhibit antitumor cell and/or antiparasitic activity. The subject invention also concerns the use of platinum complexes of the invention to treat oncological and inflammatory disorders. The platinum complexes of the invention can also be used to treat or prevent infection by a virus or a bacterial or parasitic organism in vivo or in vitro. |
| US08247439B2 |
Jasmonate derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to novel jasmonate derivatives, methods for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions including such compounds, and methods of using these compounds and compositions, especially as chemotherapeutic agents for prevention and treatment of cancers. |
| US08247438B2 |
Methods for treating schizophrenia
Treatment of schizophrenia or humans suffering from conditions associated with high dopamine levels in ventral striatum or caudate nucleus administers the compound (2S)-2-{3-[3-({[(2R,4R)-4-tert-Butoxycarbonyl-2-(2-fluorophenyl)]-3-thiazolidinyl}carbonylmethyl)ureido]phenyl}propionic acid and its physiological acceptable salts. |
| US08247437B2 |
N-hydroxyamide derivatives and use thereof
The present invention is related to N-hydroxyamide derivatives of Formula (I) and use thereof in particular for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, respiratory diseases and fibrosis, including multiple sclerosis, arthritis, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, liver and pulmonary fibrosis. |
| US08247435B2 |
Formulations for treating human and animal diseases
The present disclosure provides for a scientific formulation useful in the treatment and prevention of human and animal diseases. A biologically effective amount of each of the components of the formulation is administered to patients in pill (or capsule) form via multiple different and identifiable pills. The compounds of the formulation are segregated into different pill types, and contain various amounts of the compounds Curcumin, Genistein, Squalamine, Vitamin E, N-Acetyl-Cysteine, Methylselenocysteine, Zinc Gluconate, B Complex, Lentinen, Coenzyme Q10 Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Lipoic Acid, Resveratrol, and Vitamin C. Furthermore, Arabinoxylan and/or Peperine may be added to the various pill formulations. |
| US08247433B2 |
Process for preparing 4-[2-(2-fluorophenoxymethyl)phenyl]piperidine compounds
The invention relates to processes and intermediates for preparing compounds of formula I: where a, R1, and R3-6 are as defined in the specification, or a salt thereof. The compounds of formula I are serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. |
| US08247432B2 |
Tripeptidyl peptidase inhibitors
The present invention is concerned with novel compounds of formula (I) which are inhibitors of a membrane tripeptidyl peptidase responsible for the inactivation of endogenous neuropeptides such as cholecystokinis (CCKs). |
| US08247428B2 |
Indole alkaloid derivatives having opioid receptor agonistic effect, and therapeutic compositions and methods relating to same
Indole alkaloid derivatives having an opioid receptor agonistic effect, their synthesis, and therapeutic compositions containing these derivatives, and methods of treating conditions with these compounds and therapeutic compositions, are provided. |
| US08247426B2 |
Crystalline irinotecan hydrochloride and methods for its preparation
Disclosed is a crystalline form of irinotecan hydrochloride (I) and processes for the preparation thereof from crude irinotecan hydrochloride or another polymorphic form of irinotecan. Said crystalline form is particularly suitable for industrial use, because it is easily filtered and possesses characteristics of high stability and purity. |
| US08247420B2 |
Compositions, synthesis, and methods of using quinolinone based atypical antipsychotic agents
The present invention provides novel quinolinone derivatives which can be advantageously used for treating schizophrenia and related psychoses such as acute manic, bipolar disorder, autistic disorder, and depression. |
| US08247417B2 |
Methods of treatment of chronic pain using eszopiclone
The invention relates to the use of eszopiclone for the treatment of low-level, chronic pain and fatigue associated with pain. |
| US08247412B2 |
Urea derivatives methods for their manufacture and uses thereof
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I): in which R1, R′1, R2, R′2, R3, Y and G have the meanings given in the description, to a process for their preparation, their application by way of medicaments, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing them. |
| US08247407B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition with anti-diabetic action
The invention relates to medicine, in particular to searching and developing novel medicinal agent for treating pancreatic diabetes. The invention is based on the development of more effective and less toxic medicinal agents based on indole derivatives which exhibit antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, hypocholesterolemic activity and insulin resistance-improving actions and the structure of which differs from the structure of traditionally used compounds. The inventive indole derivatives are also low-toxic and easily tolerated. |
| US08247401B2 |
P2X3 receptor antagonists for treatment of pain
The subject invention relates to novel P2X3 receptor antagonists that play a critical role in treating disease states associated with pain, in particular peripheral pain, inflammatory pain, or tissue injury pain that can be treated using a P2X3 receptor subunit modulator. |
| US08247398B2 |
Zinc complexes of natural amino acids for treating elevated copper caused toxicities
The present invention relates to the use of zinc complexes of natural amino acids, especially L-arginine, L-lysine, L-ornithine, and other natural amino acids, in a molar ratio of about 1:2 (metal:amino acid), and formulations thereof. These pharmaceutical compositions offer better tolerated and faster acting regimens than common zinc salts (i.e., acetate, sulfate, etc.) for long term maintenance therapy of diseases caused by abnormal elevated copper levels, such as in Wilson's disease, inflammatory and fibrotic diseases and Alzheimer's disease. |
| US08247396B2 |
Polyquinoline derivatives and therapeutic use thereof
The invention relates to compounds of general formula (I), to the process for the preparation thereof and to the use thereof as a therapeutic agent. |
| US08247384B2 |
Methods and compositions for wound healing
Methods and compositions comprising combinations of one or more anti-connexin agents and one or more other agents useful for the promotion and/or improvement of wound healing and/or tissue repair. |
| US08247379B2 |
Tumor associated amino acids and uses therefor
The invention describes SAGE (sdph3.10) and sdp3.5 tumor associated nucleic acids, including fragments and biologically functional variants thereof. Also included are polypeptides and fragments thereof encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, and antibodies relating thereto. Methods and products also are provided for diagnosing and treating conditions characterized by expression of a sdph3.10 and/or sdp3.5 gene product. |
| US08247375B2 |
Polypeptides
This invention relates to polypeptides which bind to EGFR family receptors and to applications of those polypeptides in medicine, veterinary medicine, diagnosis diagnostics and imaging. |
| US08247374B2 |
Methods and compositions for the repair and/or regeneration of damaged myocardium using cytokines and variants thereof
Methods, compositions, and kits for repairing damaged myocardium and/or myocardial cells including the administration of cytokines, variants of cytokines, cardiac stem cells, or combinations thereof are disclosed and claimed. In addition, methods, compositions, and kits for forming coronary vasculature including the administration of cytokines, variants of cytokines, cardiac stem cells, or combinations thereof are described. In particular, administration of variants of hepatocyte growth factor, such as NK1, 1K1, and HP11, are useful for the repair and/or regeneration of damaged myocardium or formation of coronary vasculature. Methods of activating cardiac stem cells in vitro are also disclosed. |
| US08247368B2 |
Cleaning compositions comprising a multi-polymer system comprising at least one alkoxylated grease cleaning polymer
Laundry detergents and cleaning compositions which provide improved cleaning benefits that comprise a novel polymer system. The polymer system comprises one or more amphiphilic alkoxylated grease cleaning polymers, and either a clay soil cleaning polymer; or a soil suspending polymer. |
| US08247362B2 |
Light duty liquid cleaning compositions and methods of manufacture and use thereof
The invention encompasses liquid cleaning compositions, for example, dish washing liquids, and methods of their manufacture and use, which possess enhanced cleaning ability. The cleaning compositions of the invention include acidic light duty liquid cleaning compositions with low toxicity and antibacterial efficacy on surfaces, for example, hard surfaces. |
| US08247358B2 |
HVI-PAO bi-modal lubricant compositions
The invention relates to oil compositions containing metallocene catalyzed high viscosity index polyalphaolefins (HVI-PAO). In one embodiment the oil formulation comprises a metallocene catalyzed HVI-PAO with a viscosity greater than 125 cSt kv 100° C. and a viscosity index greater than 100, a second base stock with a viscosity of at least 2 cSt kv 100° C. and less than 60 cSt kv 100° C. wherein the second base stock is at least 60 cSt kv 100° C. less than the metallocene HVI-PAO, an ester with a viscosity of at least 2 and less than 6, the ester comprising more than 10 weight percent and less than 30 weight percent of the oil formulation, the oil formulation having a viscosity index of greater than 195. The use of metallocene catalyzed HVI-PAOs in a bimodal blend provides advantages in improved shear stability, and other properties related to shear stability. |
| US08247357B2 |
Filler treating agents based on hydrogen bonding polyorganosiloxanes
A composition includes (i) a matrix, (ii) a filler, and (iii) a filler treating agent; where the filler treating agent comprises a polyorganosiloxane capable of hydrogen bonding. The filler treating agent can be a saccharide-siloxane polymer, an amino-functional polyorganosiloxane, or a combination thereof. |
| US08247355B2 |
Acidic viscosity enhancer for viscoelastic surfactant fluids
The invention discloses method of treating a subterranean formation of a well bore, the method comprising: providing a treatment fluid comprising: an aqueous base fluid; a viscosity enhancer; and a viscoelastic surfactant, wherein the enhancer is acid in the aqueous base fluid and co-operates with the viscoelastic surfactant to enhance viscosity compared to viscoelastic surfactant alone in the aqueous base fluid; and introducing the treatment fluid into the well bore. |
| US08247350B2 |
Adjuvant composition, agrochemical spray aqueous solution containing the same and control method using the same
The present invention relates to an adjuvant composition characterized by containing the following (A) and (B): (A) Sodium dialkylsulfosuccinate and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, the total content being 45% to 85% by mass; (B) 5 to 40% by mass of component for pour-point depressant, and the adjuvant composition can uniformly adhere agrochemical active ingredients to crops, has an effect to stabilize the agrochemical efficacy and particularly exerts a pronounced effect when used in drift-reducing spraying. |
| US08247349B2 |
Enhanced abscisic acid analog and fertilizer performance
This invention relates to the use of nitrogen and/or calcium containing fertilizers or salts to improve the performance of abscisic acid (ABA) analogs and ABA derivatives on tomato leaf transpiration inhibition. This invention also relates to the use of ABA analogs or derivates or their salts to reduce the phytotoxicity of foliar applied nitrogen and/or calcium-containing fertilizers or salts. |
| US08247345B2 |
Polycondensation catalyst for producing polyester and method for producing the same and method for producing polyester
A method for producing a catalyst for producing polyester by an esterification reaction or a transesterification reaction between a dicarboxylic acid or an ester-forming derivative thereof and a glycol, which comprises hydrolyzing an organic silicon compound and/or an organic aluminum compound and/or an organic zirconium compound in an organic solvent in which particles of a solid are dispersed thereby to form an inner coat layer either of an oxide of at least one element selected from silicon, aluminum and zirconium or of a composite oxide of at least two elements selected from silicon, aluminum and zirconium, and then hydrolyzing an organic titanium compound in the organic solvent in which the particles of a solid base having the inner coat layer thereon are dispersed thereby to form an outer coat layer of titanic acid on the inner coat layer of the particles of a solid base. |
| US08247340B2 |
Catalyst formulation for hydrogenation
A composition and method for preparation of a catalyst for the liquid phase selective hydrogenation of alkynes to alkenes with high selectivity to alkenes relative to alkanes, high alkyne conversion, and sustained catalytic activity comprising a Group VIII metal and a Group IB, Group IIB, Group IIIA, and/or Group VIIB promoter on a particulate support. |
| US08247339B2 |
Ceramic catalyst body
A ceramic catalyst body has a ceramic carrier supporting catalyst therein. The ceramic carrier has plural cells surrounded by plural cell walls arranged in a honeycomb shape, and a catalyst separation ratio H of the ceramic carrier expressed by the following formula is not more than 35%. H=217.254+(−0.167)×T+0.345×D+28.731×ΔCTE−3.343×S, where Δ CTE(×10−6/° C.) is a difference between a thermal expansion coefficient C1 of the ceramic catalyst body and a thermal expansion coefficient C2 of the ceramic carrier, T(K) is an internal temperature of the ceramic carrier, D(cc/g) is a amount of fine pores of not more than 2 μm in the ceramic carrier, and S(%) is a surface porosity indicating the ratio of an area of opening parts of the fine pores on a surface of the ceramic carrier. |
| US08247337B2 |
Alumina sintered article
An alumina sintered article comprising 99.3 mass % or more Al in terms of Al2O3, strontium and silicon is disclosed. The alumina sintered article also comprises alumina crystal grains and an oxide crystal comprising aluminum, silicon, strontium located at a triple pocket surrounded by three or more alumina crystal grains. The alumina sintered article improves dielectric loss in the megahertz to gigahertz bands while maintaining corrosion resistance, mechanical properties of alumina. |
| US08247331B2 |
Method for forming insulating film and method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for forming an insulating film includes a step of preparing a substrate, which is to be processed and has silicon exposed on the surface; a step of performing first nitriding to the silicon exposed on the surface of the substrate, and forming a silicon nitride film having a thickness of 0.2 nm but not more than 1 nm on the surface of the substrate; and a step of performing first heat treatment to the silicon nitride film in N2O atmosphere and forming a silicon nitride film. This method may further include a step of performing second nitriding to the silicon oxynitride film, and furthermore, may include a step of performing second heat treatment to the silicon oxynitride film after the second nitriding. |
| US08247329B2 |
Nanotube semiconductor devices
A method for forming a semiconductor device includes forming a nanotube region using a thin epitaxial layer formed on the sidewall of a trench in the semiconductor body. The thin epitaxial layer has uniform doping concentration. In another embodiment, a first thin epitaxial layer of the same conductivity type as the semiconductor body is formed on the sidewall of a trench in the semiconductor body and a second thin epitaxial layer of the opposite conductivity type is formed on the first epitaxial layer. The first and second epitaxial layers have uniform doping concentration. The thickness and doping concentrations of the first and second epitaxial layers and the semiconductor body are selected to achieve charge balance. In one embodiment, the semiconductor body is a lightly doped P-type substrate. A vertical trench MOSFET, an IGBT, a Schottky diode and a P-N junction diode can be formed using the same N-Epi/P-Epi nanotube structure. |
| US08247325B2 |
Direct growth of metal nanoplates on semiconductor substrates
Metal nanoplates are grown on n-type and p-type semiconductor wafer substrates through galvanic reactions between substantially pure aqueous metal solutions and the substrates. The morphology of the resulting metal nanoplates that protrude from the substrate can be tuned by controlling the concentration of the metal solution and the reaction time of the solution with the semiconductor wafer. Nanoplate size gradually increases with prolonged growth time and the nanoplate thicknesses increases in a unique stepwise fashion due to polymerization and fusion of adjacent nanoplates. Further, the roughness of the nanoplates can also be controlled. In a particular embodiment, Ag nanoplates are grown on a GaAs substrate through reaction with a solution of AgNO3 with the substrate. |
| US08247323B2 |
Semiconductor device
A silicide film is formed between a ferroelectric capacitor structure, which is formed by sandwiching a ferroelectric film between a lower electrode and an upper electrode, and a conductive plug (the conductive material constituting the plug is tungsten (W) for example). Here, an example is shown in which a base film of the conductive plug is the silicide film. |
| US08247321B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, semiconductor device, electronic instrument, semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, and storage medium
When a barrier film is formed on an exposed surface of an interlayer insulation film on a substrate, the interlayer insulation film having a recess formed therein, and a metal wiring to be electrically connected to a metal wiring in a lower layer is formed in the recess, a barrier film having an excellent step coverage can be formed and increase of a wiring resistance can be restrained. An oxide film on a surface of the lower copper wiring exposed to a bottom surface of the interlayer insulation film is reduced or edged so as to remove oxygen on the surface of the copper wiring. Then, by supplying an organic metal compound containing manganese and containing no oxygen, generation of manganese oxide as a self-forming barrier film is selectively allowed on an area containing oxygen, such as a sidewall of the recess and a surface of the interlayer insulation film, while generation of the manganese oxide is not allowed on the surface of the copper wiring. Thereafter, copper is embedded in the recess. |
| US08247320B2 |
Process for producing electrodes for solar cells
The invention relates to a process for producing electrodes for solar cells, the electrode being configured as an electrically conductive layer on a substrate for solar cells, in which, in a first step, a dispersion comprising electrically conductive particles is transferred from a carrier to the substrate by irradiating the dispersion with a laser and, in a second step, the dispersion transferred to the substrate is dried and/or hardened to form the electrically conductive layer. |
| US08247318B2 |
Modifying catalytic behavior of nanocrystals
The present invention provides a method of providing a desired catalyst electron energy level. The method includes providing a donor material quantum confinement structure (QCS) having a first Fermi level, and providing an acceptor QCS material having a second Fermi level, where the first Fermi level is higher than the second Fermi level. According to the method the acceptor is disposed proximal to the donor to alter an electronic structure of the donor and the acceptor materials to provide the desired catalyst electron energy level. |
| US08247317B2 |
Methods of solid phase recrystallization of thin film using pulse train annealing method
Embodiments of the present invention provide methods of solid phase recrystallization of thin film using a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic energy. In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention may be used to anneal an entire substrate surface or selected regions of a surface of a substrate by delivering a plurality of pluses of energy to a crystalline seed region or layer upon which an amorphous layer is deposited to recrystallize the amorphous layer so that it has the same grain structure and crystal orientation as that of the underlying crystalline seed region or layer. |
| US08247316B2 |
Method for fabricating a transistor including a polysilicon layer formed using two annealing processes
A transistor includes a substrate, an active region including a source region, a channel region, and a drain region which are crystallized using an SGS crystallization method and are formed on the substrate so that a grain size of a first annealed portion and a second annealed portion are different from each other, a gate insulating layer formed on the active region, and a gate electrode formed on the gate insulating layer. |
| US08247314B2 |
Methods for improving the quality of structures comprising semiconductor materials
Methods which can be applied during the epitaxial growth of semiconductor structures and layers of III-nitride materials so that the qualities of successive layers are successively improved. An intermediate epitaxial layer is grown on an initial surface so that growth pits form at surface dislocations present in the initial surface. A following layer is then grown on the intermediate layer according to the known phenomena of epitaxial lateral overgrowth so it extends laterally and encloses at least the agglomerations of intersecting growth pits. Preferably, prior to growing the following layer, a discontinuous film of a dielectric material is deposited so that the dielectric material deposits discontinuously so as to reduce the number of dislocations in the laterally growing material. The methods of the invention can be performed multiple times to the same structure. Also, semiconductor structures fabricated by these methods. |
| US08247310B2 |
Method for making gallium nitride substrate
A method for making a GaN substrate for growth of nitride semiconductor is provided. The method first provides a GaN single crystal substrate. Then an ion implanting layer is formed inside the GaN single crystal substrate, which divides the GaN single crystal substrate into a first section and a second section. After that, the GaN single crystal substrate is connected with an assistant substrate through a connecting layer. Thereafter, the GaN single crystal substrate is heated whereby the ion implanting layer is decompounded. Finally, the second section is separated from the first section. The first section left on a surface of the assistant substrate is provided for growth of nitride semiconductor thereon. |
| US08247306B2 |
Solid-state image pickup device and a method of manufacturing the same
A solid-state image pickup device includes: a silicon layer; a pixel portion formed in the silicon layer for processing and outputting signal charges obtained by carrying out photoelectric conversion for incident lights; an alignment mark formed in a periphery of the pixel portion and in the silicon layer; and a contact portion through which a first electrode within a wiring layer formed on a first surface of the silicon layer, and a second electrode formed on a second surface opposite to the first surface of the silicon layer through an insulating film are connected, wherein the alignment mark and the contact portion are formed from conductive layers made of the same conductive material and formed within respective holes each extending completely through the silicon layer through respective insulating layers made of the same material. |
| US08247303B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a semiconductor capacitor including: a capacitor device forming region having a trapezoidal trench which is formed on a surface of a first conductivity type semiconductor substrate; a second conductivity type lower electrode layer provided along the trapezoidal trenches of the capacitor device forming region; a capacitor insulating film formed at least on a surface of the second conductivity type lower electrode layer; and a second conductivity type upper electrode formed on a surface of the capacitor insulating film. |
| US08247302B2 |
Methods of fabricating substrates
A method of fabricating a substrate includes forming spaced first features and spaced second features over a substrate. The first and second features alternate with one another and are spaced relative one another. Width of the spaced second features is laterally trimmed to a greater degree than any lateral trimming of width of the spaced first features while laterally trimming width of the spaced second features. After laterally trimming of the second features, spacers are formed on sidewalls of the spaced first features and on sidewalls of the spaced second features. The spacers are of some different composition from that of the spaced first features and from that of the spaced second features. After forming the spacers, the spaced first features and the spaced second features are removed from the substrate. The substrate is processed through a mask pattern comprising the spacers. Other embodiments are disclosed. |
| US08247299B2 |
Flash memory device and fabrication method thereof
The present invention relates to a flash memory device and a fabrication method thereof. In an embodiment, a flash memory device includes a tunnel insulating film and a floating gate laminated over an active region of a semiconductor substrate, an isolation layer formed in a field region of the semiconductor substrate and projected higher than the floating gate, a dielectric layer formed over the semiconductor substrate including the floating gate and the isolation layer, and a control gate formed on the dielectric layer. |
| US08247296B2 |
Method of forming an insulated gate field effect transistor device having a shield electrode structure
A method for forming a transistor having insulated gate electrodes and insulated shield electrodes within trench regions includes forming dielectric stack overlying a substrate. The dielectric stack includes a first layer of one material overlying the substrate and a second layer of a different material overlying the first layer. Trench regions are formed adjacent to the dielectric stack. After the insulated shield electrodes are formed, the method includes removing the second layer and then forming the insulated gate electrodes. Portions of gate electrode material are removed to form first recessed regions, and dielectric plugs are formed in the first recessed regions using the first layer as a stop layer. The first layer is then removed, and spacers are formed adjacent the dielectric plugs. Second recessed regions are formed in the substrate self-aligned to the spacers. |
| US08247295B2 |
DMOS type semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A DMOS type semiconductor device and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. An isolation oxide layer with an ion implantation opening is formed on a semiconductor. A gate oxide film is formed on the semiconductor within the ion implantation opening. A gate is formed on the isolation oxide layer and the gate oxide film. A body layer diffusively formed in the semiconductor by implanting ions of an impurity element having a first conduction type from the ion implantation opening. A regulation layer which is shallower than the body layer is diffusively formed in the body layer by implanting ions of an impurity element having a second conduction type opposite to the first conduction type from the ion implantation opening. A source layer is diffusively formed in the regulation layer by implanting ions of an impurity element having the second conduction type from the ion implantation opening. The regulation layer is formed so as to horizontally extend beyond a region in which a gate bird's beak occurs from an end of the gate toward underlying layers of the gate. |
| US08247293B2 |
Non-volatile memory cells formed in back-end-of-line processes
A method for forming and operating an integrated circuit, including providing a substrate; forming a bottom electrode over the substrate, wherein the bottom electrode is in or over a lowest metallization layer over the substrate; forming a blocking layer over the substrate; forming a charge-trapping layer over the blocking layer; forming an insulation layer over the charge-trapping layer; forming a control gate over the insulation layer; forming a tunneling layer over the control gate; and forming a top electrode over the tunneling layer. |
| US08247288B2 |
Method of integrating a MOSFET with a capacitor
A bypass capacitor is directly integrated on top of a MOSFET chip. The capacitor comprises multi layers of conductive material and dielectric material staking on top of each other with connection vias through dielectric layer for connecting different conductive layers. The method of integrating the bypass capacitor comprises repeating steps of depositing a dielectric layer, forming connection vias through the dielectric layer, depositing a conductive layer and patterning the conductive layer. |
| US08247282B2 |
Enhancing interface characteristics between a channel semiconductor alloy and a gate dielectric by an oxidation process
In sophisticated transistor elements, long-term threshold voltage shifts in transistors comprising a threshold adjusting semiconductor alloy may be reduced by reducing the roughness of an interface formed between the threshold adjusting semiconductor material and the gate dielectric material. To this end, a portion of the threshold adjusting semiconductor material may be oxidized and may be removed prior to forming the high-k dielectric material. |
| US08247277B2 |
Manufacturing method of a thin film transistor
A manufacturing method of a thin film transistor is provided. An insulating pattern layer having at least one protrusion is formed on a substrate. At least one spacer and a plurality of amorphous semiconductor patterns separated from each other are formed on the insulating pattern layer. The spacer is formed at one side of the protrusion and connected between the amorphous semiconductor patterns. The spacer and the amorphous semiconductor patterns are crystallized. The protrusion and the insulating pattern layer below the spacer are removed so that a beam structure having a plurality of corners is formed and suspended over the substrate. A carrier tunneling layer, a carrier trapping layer and a carrier blocking layer are sequentially formed to compliantly wrap the corners of the beam structure. Hereafter, a gate is formed on the substrate to cover the beam structure and wrap the carrier blocking layer. |
| US08247272B2 |
Copper on organic solderability preservative (OSP) interconnect and enhanced wire bonding process
A semiconductor package and a method for constructing the package are disclosed. The package includes a substrate and a die attached thereto. A first contact region is disposed on the substrate and a second contact region is disposed on the die. The first contact region, for example, comprises copper coated with an OSP material. A copper wire bond electrically couples the first and second contact regions. Wire bonding includes forming a ball bump on the first contact region having a flat top surface. Providing the flat top surface is achieved with a smoothing process. A ball bond is formed on the second contact region, followed by stitching the wire onto the flat top surface of the ball bump on the first contact region. |
| US08247268B2 |
Semiconductor wafer having through-hole vias on saw streets with backside redistribution layer
A semiconductor wafer contains a plurality of die with contact pads disposed on a first surface of each die. Metal vias are formed in trenches in the saw street guides and are surrounded by organic material. Traces connect the contact pads and metal vias. The metal vias can be half-circle vias or full-circle vias. The metal vias are surrounded by organic material. Redistribution layers (RDL) are formed on a second surface of the die opposite the first surface. The RDL and THV provide expanded interconnect flexibility to adjacent die. Repassivation layers are formed between the RDL on the second surface of the die for electrical isolation. The die are stackable and can be placed in a semiconductor package with other die. The RDL provide electrical interconnect to the adjacent die. Bond wires and solder bumps also provide electrical connection to the semiconductor die. |
| US08247264B2 |
Transistor, method for manufacturing same, and semiconductor device comprising such transistor
The invention provides a process for production of a transistor that can form an oriented active layer by a convenient method while yielding a transistor with excellent carrier mobility. The process according to the invention is a process for production of a transistor with an active layer composed of an organic semiconductor compound-containing semiconductor film, the process comprising a step of stretching the semiconductor film and a step of pasting the semiconductor film onto the side on which the active layer is to be formed while heating and/or pressing, to obtain the active layer. |
| US08247261B2 |
Thin substrate fabrication using stress-induced substrate spalling
A method for manufacturing a thin film direct bandgap semiconductor active solar cell device comprises providing a source substrate having a surface and disposing on the surface a stress layer having a stress layer surface area in contact with and bonded to the surface of the source substrate. Operatively associating a handle foil with the stress layer and applying force to the handle foil separates the stress layer from the source substrate, and leaves a portion of the source substrate on the stress layer surface substantially corresponding to the area in contact with the surface of the source substrate. The portion is less thick than the source layer. The stress layer thickness is below that which results in spontaneous spalling of the source substrate. The source substrate may comprise an inorganic single crystal or polycrystalline material such as Si, Ge, GaAs, SiC, sapphire, or GaN. In one embodiment the stress layer comprises a flexible material. |
| US08247260B2 |
Method to form a photovoltaic cell comprising a thin lamina
A very thin photovoltaic cell is formed by implanting gas ions below the surface of a donor body such as a semiconductor wafer. Ion implantation defines a cleave plane, and a subsequent step exfoliates a thin lamina from the wafer at the cleave plane. A photovoltaic cell, or all or a portion of the base or emitter of a photovoltaic cell, is formed within the lamina. In preferred embodiments, the wafer is affixed to a receiver before the cleaving step. Electrical contact can be formed to both surfaces of the lamina, or to one surface only. |
| US08247258B2 |
Method of interconnect for image sensor
A method for fabricating CMOS image sensor device includes providing a P-type semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate includes a surface region. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer having a first thickness overlying a first region of the semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing an N type impurity region in a portion of the semiconductor substrate underneath the first dielectric layer to cause formation of a photodiode device region characterized by at least the N type impurity region and the P type substrate. A second dielectric layer having a second thickness is formed in a second region of the surface region. The second dielectric layer is formed within a portion of the first region within the first thickness of the first dielectric layer. The method includes forming a polysilicon gate layer overlying at least the second region to form a contact member coupled to the second region. |
| US08247254B2 |
System and method for forming solar cell structures
System and method for forming solar cell structures using a foundry compatible process. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a solar cell. The method includes providing a substrate. The substrate includes a support region. The method also includes transferring a photovoltaic material overlying the support region of the substrate. The photovoltaic material is characterized by a first thickness. The method further includes forming an emitter region on the photovoltaic material by a diffusion process. The emitter region is characterized by a first impurity type. In addition, the method includes forming a mask overlaying the emitter region. The mask exposes at least a first contact region. The method also includes forming the first contact region within the first thickness of the photovoltaic material. Furthermore, the method includes doping the first contact region with a second impurity type. |
| US08247247B2 |
Method of manufacturing LED module
A method for manufacturing an LED module, including steps of: providing a heat conductive plate and an LED die, the heat conductive plate defining a concave groove therein; forming an electrode circuit layer on the heat conductive plate around the concave groove; plating one metal layer on a bottom of the concave groove of the heat conductive plate, and plating another metal layer on the LED die; eutectically bonding the metal layer of the heat conducting plate and the metal layer of the LED die together to form into an eutectic layer; forming electrodes on the LED die, and connecting the electrodes with the electrode circuit layer; and encapsulating the LED die in the concave groove. |
| US08247246B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof, delamination method, and transferring method
A technique for forming a TFT element over a substrate having flexibility typified by a flexible plastic film is tested. When a structure in which a light-resistant layer or a reflective layer is employed to prevent the damage to the delamination layer, it is difficult to fabricate a transmissive liquid crystal display device or a light emitting device which emits light downward.A substrate and a delamination film are separated by a physical means, or a mechanical means in a state where a metal film formed over a substrate, and a delamination layer comprising an oxide film including the metal and a film comprising silicon, which is formed over the metal film, are provided. Specifically, a TFT obtained by forming an oxide layer including the metal over a metal film; crystallizing the oxide layer by heat treatment; and performing delamination in a layer of the oxide layer or at both of the interface of the oxide layer is formed. |
| US08247244B2 |
Light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
There are provided a light emitting device and a method of manufacturing the same. A light emitting device according to the present invention includes a substrate; an N-type semiconductor layer, an active layer and a P-type semiconductor layer, sequentially formed on the substrate; one or more trenches formed to expose the N-type semiconductor layer by partially removing at least the P-type semiconductor and active layers; a first insulating layer formed on sidewalls of the trenches; and a conductive layer filled in the trenches having the first insulating layer formed therein. According to the present invention, it is possible to obtain a characteristic of uniform current diffusion, and thus, light is uniformly emitted to thereby enhance the light emitting efficiency. |
| US08247243B2 |
Solar cell interconnection
Methods and devices for solar cell interconnection are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes physically alloying the ink metal to the underlying foil (hence excellent adhesion and conductivity with no pre-treatment), and by fusing the solid particles in the ink on the surface (eliminating any organic components) so that the surface is ideally suited for good conductivity and adhesion to an overlayer of finger ink, which is expected to be another adhesive. In some embodiments, contact resistance of conductive adhesives are known to be much lower on gold or silver than on any other metals. |
| US08247239B2 |
System for introducing standard gas into sample container
A method for introducing standard gas into a sample vessel is generally disclosed comprising providing a vessel containing a sample gas and a receptacle with a vessel port, such as sampling needle, pressurizing the vessel with a carrier gas, and introducing a volume of standard gas into the flow path of the carrier gas being used to pressurize the vessel when the vessel port of the receptacle is located within the vessel. In some embodiments, a rotary valve is loaded with the standard gas, and the valve is brought into fluid communication with the flow path of the carrier gas when the vessel port is within the vessel. |
| US08247238B2 |
Device and methods of detection of airborne agents
Provided are methods, devices and systems that utilize free-surface fluidics and SERS for analyte detection with high sensitivity and specificity. The molecules can be airborne agents, including but not limited to explosives, narcotics, hazardous chemicals, or other chemical species. The free-surface fluidic architecture is created using an open microchannel, and exhibits a large surface to volume ratio. The free-surface fluidic interface can filter interferent molecules, while concentrating airborne analyte molecules. The microchannel flow enables controlled aggregation of SERS-active probe particles in the flow, thereby enhancing the detector's sensitivity. |
| US08247232B2 |
Homologous recombination-mediated transgene deletion in plant cells
A process to prepare a recombined transgenic Zea mays plant or plant cell from a first transgenic Zea mays plant cell, wherein the transgene in the recombinant plant or plant cell has an altered genetic structure relative to the genetic structure of the transgene in the first transgenic plant cell, due to homologous recombination-mediated transgene deletion. |
| US08247230B2 |
Plant stem cell line derived from cambium of herbaceous plant with storage root and method for isolating the same
The present invention relates to a cell line derived from the cambium of an herbaceous plant having a storage root and a method for isolating the same. More specifically, relates to a cambium-derived homogeneous cell line having the ability to divide, which is obtained from the cambium-containing storage tissue of an herbaceous plant having a storage root without a separate dedifferentiation process, and to a method for isolating the same. The cell line derived from the cambium of an herbaceous plant having a storage root has active division ability and is homogeneous. Also, it is stable during culture, because it has not undergone a dedifferentiation process. Thus, through the optimization of proliferation thereof, the cell line can be allowed to proliferate in a large amount within a short time. Accordingly, the cell line derived from the cambium of an herbaceous plant having a storage root makes it possible to produce large amounts of useful plants which are difficult to cultivate outdoor due to various problems associated with the period of cultivation, the selection of cultivation land, cultivation cost and the like. |
| US08247229B2 |
Method of differentiating stem cells into cells of the endoderm and pancreatic lineage
Methods are described to more efficiently produce cells of the endoderm and pancreatic lineage from mammalian pluripotent stem cells. These methods provide a simple, reproducible culture protocol using defined media components to enable consistent, large-scale production of pancreatic cell types for research or therapeutic uses. |
| US08247228B2 |
Method of inducing memory B cell development and terminal differentiation
The invention provides a method for promoting differentiation of a mature naïve B cell or a B cell progenitor into a memory B cell or a plasma cell. The method comprises (a) contacting a population of cells comprising a mature naïve B cell or a B cell progenitor with an agent that activates at least one of JAK1, JAK3, STAT3, STAT5A or STAT5B; wherein the population of cells optionally is contacted with an antigen, and (b) isolating the memory B cell or plasma cell. |
| US08247225B2 |
DNA promoters and anthrax vaccines
The invention is related to intracellularly induced bacterial DNA promoters and vaccines against Bacillus anthracis. |
| US08247220B2 |
Optical indicator for detecting bacterial pathogens
A clinical testing assay device that can differentiate bacterial from viral infections is described. The assay device has a sample contact zone with an absorbent pad on which a test sample is deposited and a detection zone with a colorant indicator that is sensitive to bacteria cells. The colorant indicator changes color when exposed to a bacteria sample. The color change signal can manifest relatively quickly, usually within a few minutes, and with an intensity correlative to the concentration of bacteria in a test sample. A method of use is also provided. |
| US08247219B2 |
Device and method for multiple analyte detection
The invention is directed to a method and device for simultaneously testing a sample for the presence, absence, and/or amounts of one or more of a plurality of selected analytes. The invention includes, in one aspect, a device for detecting or quantitating a plurality of different analytes in a liquid sample. Each chamber may include an analyte-specific reagent effective to react with a selected analyte that may be present in the sample, and detection means for detecting the signal. Also disclosed are methods utilizing the device. |
| US08247214B2 |
Detecting, measuring and controlling particles and electromagnetic radiation
A method is provided for detecting, measuring or controlling particles and/or electromagnetic radiation, comprising providing a deformable material containing a deformable aperture defining a path for particles or radiation, adjusting the deformable aperture to a prescribed geometry and/or size by deforming the deformable material to change at least one of the parameters of the path defined by the deformable aperture, and causing the particle or radiation to be detected, measured or controlled to enter the deformable aperture. The method includes the step of monitoring the geometry and/or size of the deformable aperture and controlling the adjustment of the size of the deformable aperture in response to such monitoring. The required apparatus is easily fabricated from inexpensive materials. Furthermore the deformable aperture can be tuned to the appropriate geometry post fabrication, and the ability to adjust the aperture geometry renders it capable of discriminating a plurality of differently sized particles. |
| US08247213B2 |
Methods for massive culture of Dinophysis acuminata and isolation of pectenotoxin-2
Provided is a method for massive culture of Dinophysis acuminata which is a marine dinoflagellate causing diarrhetic shellfish poisoning, and methods for extracting, isolating and purifying the shellfish toxin pectenotoxin-2 from the cultured Dinophysis acuminata. Particularly, Dinophysis acuminata is cultured massively in massive culture apparatus comprising polycarbonate water bath having the bottom sinking down toward the center of the bottom; acryl tube (E) containing fluorescent lamp laid long in the center of the water bath; air supplying device (B) supplying the air to the sinking center of the bottom of the water bath; and air purifying device containing one or more devices selected from the group consisting of UV lamp (C) and carbon cartridge filter (D) purifying the air supplied by the said air supplying device. |
| US08247212B2 |
Circulation of algal broth by thermally-induced convection
The present invention provides a method of circulating algae in growing containers using thermally-induced convection techniques. In particular, a method of growing algae by providing a thermal gradient in algae containing medium is disclosed. |
| US08247209B2 |
Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) homologs and use thereof
The present invention provides novel genes for glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase. In exemplary embodiments, the invention provides a nucleic acid comprising the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 or 4 or a fragment thereof. |
| US08247204B2 |
Magnetic enrichment method, a reactor unit for micro particles and a magnet unit
Magnetic enrichment method, wherein the desired biological component is collected from a solution, which component is thereafter enriched in a liquid in such a manner that by means of the micro particles attached to the magnet or attached by means of at least one magnet at least one biological component is collected in a closed reactor vessel. Thereafter at least one biological component is enriched in such a manner that the desired component is released to the solution. The reactor unit is a closed vessel, wherein the prevailing conditions are controllable. The shape and the location of the magnet unit in the reactor unit are adjusted in a preferable manner to collect the desired biological component. |
| US08247202B2 |
Method for employing ear corn in the manufacture of ethanol
Ear corn is picked from corn fields by ear corn harvesters and transported to a central shelling station associated with an ethanol manufacturing facility. Shelled corn from the central shelling station is processed into ethanol at the ethanol manufacturing facility, and corn cobs from the central shelling station are burned to provide process heat for the ethanol manufacturing process. Energy is conserved and costs are reduced during the picking and shelling of the ear corn and by the burning of cobs for process heat. |
| US08247195B2 |
Methods and host cells for recombinant protein expression
Methods for expressing recombinant polypeptides in host cells and host cells for polypeptide expression are provided. |
| US08247193B2 |
Method for producing α-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-β-ester and method for producing α-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-α-methyl ester
A method of producing an α-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-β-ester by forming the α-L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine-β-ester from L-aspartic acid-α,β-diester and L-phenylalanine using an enzyme or enzyme-containing substance that has an ability to selectively link L-phenylalanine to an α-ester site of the L-aspartic acid-α,β-diester through a peptide bond. |
| US08247192B2 |
Penicillin-G acylases
The present disclosure relates to engineered penicillin G acylase (PGA) enzymes having improved properties, polynucleotides encoding such enzymes, compositions including the enzymes, and methods of using the enzymes. |
| US08247191B2 |
Disposable cassette and method of use for blood analysis on blood analyzer
A disposable cassette for blood analysis includes a housing having an upper panel and a sampling section having a filling inlet; at least one pair of chambers in a form of depression of the upper panel of the housing and sealed by a diaphragm; portions of the diaphragm over the chambers being flexible; and one or more channels adapted to interconnect the pair of chambers; one of the chambers containing a predetermined amount of a reagent for blood analysis; and a sample outlet disposed next to and connected to the chamber containing the reagent, the sample outlet including an outlet cavity recessed from the upper panel, a divider disposed therein, and a cover covering the outlet cavity; the sample outlet sealing the reagent to the chamber containing the reagent. Further disclosed is the method of using the disposable cassette for measurements of hematology parameters on a blood analyzer. |
| US08247190B2 |
Method for delivering cytotoxic activity to cells
This invention relates to altered forms of members of the RNase A superfamily. An RNase A can be modified to be cytotoxic by altering its amino acid sequence so that it is not bound easily by the ribonuclease inhibitor while still retaining catalytic properties. While earlier work had identified some modifications to RNase A that would result in cytotoxicity, the use of the FADE algorithm for molecular interaction analysis has led to several other locations that were candidates for modification. Some of those modifications did result in RNase A variants with increase cytotoxicity. |
| US08247188B2 |
FAS binding antibodies
The disclosed invention relates to monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) which recognize human fatty acid synthase (hFAS) and are distinct from previously known anti-hFAS antibodies. Compositions, devices and kits comprising the MAbs are provided along with methods of using the MAbs in a variety of applications. |
| US08247185B2 |
Conformation specific antibodies
The disclosure provides, inter alia, binding proteins (e.g., antibodies) that bind to an integrin in an activated conformation, e.g., activated LFA-1 (“aLFA-1 ”), e.g., relative to a non-activated conformation of LFA-1. In one embodiment, the binding proteins inhibit at least one function of an aLFA-1, e.g., inhibit a binding interaction between aLFA-1 and a cognate ligand of aLFA-1, e.g., an ICAM protein. The binding proteins can be used to treat or prevent an inflammatory disorder or other disorder. |
| US08247184B2 |
Assays using chimeric T1R polypeptides for identifying putative taste modulatory compounds
This invention relates to chimeric taste receptors comprising the extracellular portion of one T1R or a variant or fragment thereof, either T1R1 or T1R2, and the transmembrane portion of another T1R or a variant or fragment thereof, either T1R1 or T1R2, preferably associated with a T1R3 polypeptide and a suitable G protein. These chimeric taste receptors and cells which express such chimeric taste receptors are useful in assays for identifying sweet and umami ligands as well in assays for identifying sweet and umami enhancers. Additionally, these chimeric taste receptors and cells which express same can be used to map and determine where specific sweet and umami ligands interact with their respective receptors and to elucidate the mechanism of receptor activation. |
| US08247183B2 |
Compositions and methods for diagnosis and treatment of tumors
Based on the observation of the cooperation of osteopontin (OPN) and matrixmetalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in the promotion of the metastatic phenotype, therapies and diagnostic assays are disclosed for the treatment of a tumor that overexpresses OPN, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), for example metastatic HCC. In one example, methods of treating a tumor include administration of an agent that reduces cellular invasion resulting from the interaction between a fragment of OPN (OPN-5kD) generated by MMP-9 cleavage and CD44 receptor. Examples of such agents include fragments of OPN-5kD and antibodies specific for OPN-5kD. Therapeutic compositions are also provided that include such agents. Also provided are methods of diagnosing or prognosing a tumor, for example by detecting expression of OPN-5kD peptide or OPN-c mRNA in a biological sample obtained from the subject. Also provided are antibodies that specifically bind OPN-5kD. |
| US08247182B2 |
Upregulation of rack-1 in melanoma and its use as a marker
The present invention concerns a method for diagnosing a melanoma in a mammal comprising the detection of the overexpression of RACK-1 protein in a melanocytic cell of said mammal, and the deduction of the presence of a melanoma from the overexpression of RACK-1 protein. The invention is also directed to a method for determining the tumoral status of a melanocytic cell of a mammal, comprising the detection of overexpression of RACK-1 protein in the melanocytic cell, and the deduction of the tumoral state of said cell from the overexpression of RACK-1 protein. |
| US08247180B2 |
Measuring receptor homodimerization
The invention provides methods and kits for detecting and/or measuring receptor homodimers on a cell surface membrane. In one aspect, the methods employ pairs of probes comprising binding compounds and a cleaving probe, such that at least one binding compound binds specifically to the same epitope of a membrane-bound analyte as the cleaving probe. The binding compound includes one or more molecular tags attached through a cleavable linkage, and the cleaving probe includes a cleavage-inducing moiety that can cleave the linkage when within a defined proximity thereto. Binding of the two probes to a homodimer of a cell surface molecules results in release of molecular tags from the binding compounds, providing a measure of formation of the homodimeric complex. |
| US08247179B2 |
Processes for quantitative or qualitative detection of single-stranded nucleic acids
This invention provides for compositions for use in real time nucleic acid detection processes. Such real time nucleic acid detection processes are carried out with energy transfer elements attached to nucleic acid primers, nucleotides, nucleic acid probes or nucleic acid binding agents. Real time nucleic acid detection allows for the qualitative or quantitative detection or determination of single-stranded or double-stranded nucleic acids of interest in a sample. Other processes are provided by this invention including processes for removing a portion of a homopolymeric sequence, e.g., poly A sequence or tail, from an analyte or library of analytes. Compositions useful in carrying out such removal processes are also described and provided. |
| US08247175B2 |
Diagnostic assay for lung transplant
Methods and compositions for determining the suitability of a lung for transplantation are described. |
| US08247174B2 |
Methods of diagnosing endometriosis
The present invention provides biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of endometriosis. Generally, the methods of this invention find use in diagnosing or for providing a prognosis for endometriosis by detecting the expression levels of biomarkers, which are differentially expressed (up- or down-regulated) in endometrial cells from a patient with endometriosis. Similarly, these markers can be used to diagnose reduced fertility in a patient with endometriosis or to provide a prognosis for a fertility trial in a patient suffering from endometriosis. The present invention also provides methods of identifying a compound for treating or preventing endometriosis. Finally, the present invention provides kits for the diagnosis or prognosis of endometriosis. |
| US08247171B2 |
Method for detection of presence of target polynucleotide in samples
A method for detecting the presence of a target polynucleotide in a sample, including providing a mixture of the sample and target binding agent and measuring a signal from the mixture, where the target binding agent is capable of assuming a first position where the target binding agent is not bound to the target polynucleotide and a second position where the target binding agent is bound to the target polynucleotide, and the intensity of the signal depends on the proportion of target binding agent in the first and second positions. The method is suitable for detecting a PCR product using a homogeneous detection method. |
| US08247167B2 |
HIV-1 latency model for high throughput screening
Isolated, latently infected T cell lines are provided that can be utilized in high throughput screening to discover compounds capable of activating HIV-I. The T cell lines harbor a latent HIV-I derived vector pro virus, which upon activation expresses a marker for late viral gene expression due to the insertion of the marker gene in the position of HIV-I envelope. |
| US08247166B2 |
Double patterning process
A double pattern is formed by coating a first positive resist composition onto a substrate, patternwise exposure to radiation, and development with alkaline developer to form a first resist pattern; applying heat and/or radiation to render the first resist pattern insoluble in a second solvent and in a second developer; coating a second resist composition on the first resist pattern, patternwise exposure to radiation, and development with second developer to form a second resist pattern. The resin in the first resist composition comprises recurring units of formula (1) wherein R1 is H, CH3 or CF3, m=1 or 2, n=0 or 1. |
| US08247165B2 |
Upper layer film forming composition for liquid immersion and method of forming photoresist pattern
An immersion upper layer film composition is provided which exhibits sufficient transparency for the exposure wavelength 248 nm(KrF) and 193 nm(ArF), can form a protective film on the photoresist film without being intermixed with the photoresist film, is not eluted into water used during immersion exposure to maintain a stable film, and can be easily dissolved in an alkaline developer. The composition applied to coat on the photoresist film when using an immersion exposure device which is irradiated through water provided between a lens and the photoresist film, the composition comprises a resin forming a water-stable film during irradiation and being dissolved in a subsequent developer, and a solvent containing a monovalent alcohol having 6 or less carbon atoms, and the resin contains a resin component having an alcoholic hydroxyl group on the side chain containing a fluoroalkyl group on at least the carbon atom of α-position. |
| US08247164B2 |
Resist film forming method
The method prepares a substrate provided thereon with a first resist film having a first pattern of first pillars spaced at intervals, the pillars having a first height, and forms a second resist film on the substrate. The second resist film is formed by alternately performing, each at least twice, applying of a resist solution to the substrate such that at least the spaces between adjacent first pillars are filled with a resist solution having a thickness smaller than the first height, and by heat-treating of the substrate to solidify the resist solution thus applied, thereby forming a resist layer, whereby the spaces between the adjacent first pillars are filled with resist layers, as the second resist film, having a total thickness at least approximately equal to the first height. |
| US08247159B2 |
Positive resist composition and method of forming resist pattern
A positive resist composition including a resin component (A) which exhibits increased alkali solubility under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the resin component (A) including a structural unit (a0) represented by general formula (a0) shown below and a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate ester having a polycyclic group-containing, acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group of a tertiary alkyl ester-type: wherein: R represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; Y1 represents an aliphatic cyclic group; Z represents a tertiary alkyl group-containing group; a represents an integer of 1 to 3, and b represents an integer of 0 to 2, such that a+b=1 to 3; and each of c, d and e independently represents an integer of 0 to 3. |
| US08247158B2 |
Molecular resists based on functionalized polycarbocycles
The present invention refers to new organic molecules, derived from the class of polycarbocycle derivatives, and their application as components of photoresists, and in particular as components of photoresist compositions where no polymer is comprised as one of the photoresists components. In these photoresist formulations the new molecule(s) is/are the main component(s) (i.e. percentage higher than 50% w/w). |
| US08247154B2 |
Method for producing toner
The present invention is to provide a method for producing a toner capable of sufficiently decreasing the percentage of moisture content of a wet cake in the process of obtaining colored resin particles in wet state (wet cake), capable of reducing the workload in the following drying process, and thus excellent in productivity. A method for producing a toner comprising the steps of: a process of obtaining an aqueous dispersion of colored resin particles by forming colored resin particles by a wet method; a process of obtaining the colored resin particles in wet state (wet cake) by supplying the aqueous dispersion of the colored resin particles to a belt filter and performing solid-liquid separation; and a process of drying the wet cake, wherein a filter cloth continuous running type belt filter is used as the belt filter in the process of obtaining the wet cake, and the filter cloth continuous running type belt filter has a separation-washing mechanism, in which the aqueous dispersion of the colored resin particles is supplied on a lower filter cloth of the belt filter, the colored resin particles are separated followed by washing, and thus the wet cake is formed, and a pressure-ventilation mechanism, in which the wet cake is covered with an upper filter cloth, the wet cake, disposed between the upper and lower filter cloths, is ventilated while pressure is applied to the wet cake, and thus the wet cake having low percentage of moisture content is obtained. |
| US08247152B2 |
Method for reducing wear on an electro-photographic printer drum
A method for reducing wear upon an electro-photographic printer drum includes the steps of determining a non-image region of a page to be printed, applying a halftone pattern of toner to a portion of the printer drum corresponding to the non-image region, and rotating the printer drum against a cleaning blade, the halftone pattern of toner providing lubrication between the drum and the cleaning blade. |
| US08247151B2 |
Liquid toner, electrophoretic ink, and methods of making and use
LEP ink includes a carrier and particles dispersed in the carrier. Particles contain polymeric resin and dendritic macromolecule having functional groups. Some dendritic macromolecule functional groups are coupled to some resin functional groups. Other dendritic macromolecule functional groups are not coupled to any component of the resin. Other resin functional groups are not coupled to any component of the dendritic macromolecule. Liquid toner producing methods include forming a paste containing a carrier liquid and a thermoplastic resin having a polymeric backbone and functional groups. The paste is combined with a colorant and an adhesion promoting dendritic macromolecule having functional groups. After combining the paste and dendritic macromolecule, the method includes coupling the dendritic macromolecule functional groups with resin functional groups, encapsulating the colorant in the resin/dendritic macromolecule, and dispersing the encapsulated colorant in the carrier liquid. The dendritic macromolecule increases durability in printed images using the ink or toner. |
| US08247149B2 |
Electrophotographic developer carrier, electrophotographic developer, image forming method, process cartridge and image forming apparatus
To provide an electrophotographic developer carrier including a carrier core material, and a coat layer containing a binder resin and conductivity-imparted microparticles which are produced by imparting conductivity to inorganic microparticles, the coat layer being formed over the carrier core material, wherein the electrophotographic developer carrier has a static resistivity of 10 [Log (Ω·cm)] or higher and a dynamic resistivity of 9 [Log (Ω)] or lower, and is used in an electrophotographic developer together with a negatively chargeable toner having an average circularity of 0.925 to 0.970, and wherein the toner includes a resin, a colorant and an inorganic layered mineral in which at least part of interlayer ions is modified with organic ions, and is granulated by dispersing and/or emulsifying an oil phase and/or a monomer phase containing at least a toner composition and/or a toner composition precursor in an aqueous medium. |
| US08247147B2 |
Toner
A toner including toner particles containing at least a binder resin and a colorant. The binder resin is a vinyl-based resin. The toner contains a THF insoluble matter in a quantity of 0.0 mass % or more to less than 16.0 mass %. The toner has a main peak in a molecular weight domain Dr1 ranging from 5,000 to 80,000 in measurement of THF soluble matter of the toner with a gel permeation chromatogram (GPC)-differential refractive index detector (RI), and the toner has a main peak in a molecular weight domain Dm1 ranging from 10,000 to 120,000 and at least one peak in a molecular weight domain Dm2 ranging from 300,000 to 7,000,000 in the GPC-RI measurement in measurement with a GPC-multi-angle laser light scattering detector (MALLS). |
| US08247143B2 |
Photoreceptor, image formation method, image forming apparatus and process cartridge
A photoreceptor including an electroconductive substrate, a photosensitive layer located overlying the electroconductive substrate, and a surface layer located overlying the photosensitive layer, wherein the surface layer is a cross linked surface layer comprising filler particulates on which linear scar is formed along the circumference direction, and the filler particulates form concave portions on a groove formed by the linear scar, and wherein the ten point average roughness Rz along the direction of the rotation axis of the photoreceptor measured on the circumference surface thereof is from 0.17 to 2.00 μm and the average distance Sm of concavities and convexities along the direction of the rotation axis of the photoreceptor measured on the circumference surface thereof is from 20 to 500 μm, and the ten point average roughness Rz along the circumference direction of the photoreceptor measured on the circumference surface thereof is from 0.13 to 0.50 μm and the average distance Sm of concavities and convexities along the circumference direction of the photoreceptor measured on the circumference surface thereof is from 10 to 40 μm. |
| US08247135B2 |
Light-weight, flexible edge collected fuel cells
The invention is a flexible, micro-fabricated fuel cell and fuel cell stack that can be helically wound or bend into cylindrical shapes. The electrolyte is a proton exchange membrane (PEM) upon which can be printed, by ink jet means, the anode and cathode electrodes and the current collectors that convey current to or from the edges of the PEM which has a thickness on the order of 0.001 to 0.010 inch. Pluralities of the series connected fuel cell stacks can be arranged in electrical and physical parallel with one another to provide what are batteries of fuel cell stacks that can be connected by manifolds to sources of fuel and oxidizer. The invention is directed to a thin, light-weight, flexible fuel cell assembly that can be produced in ambient conditions using standard micro-fabrication techniques, such as thick film printing and ink jet deposition. Thick film printing techniques, screen printing or ink jet printing, are used to deposit porous current collectors on either side of the membrane. |
| US08247133B2 |
Fuel cell
A fuel cell includes a separator having circular disks. On a surface of each of the circular disks, a fuel gas channel is provided for supplying a fuel gas to an anode. The fuel gas channel includes ring shaped grooves and ridges provided alternately, wherein the width of the ring shaped grooves gradually increases outwardly from a fuel gas inlet. |
| US08247128B2 |
Fuel cell
A fuel cell includes electrolyte electrode assembly and separators. An annular member and a ring foil are provided between the separators. The annular member is provided around an outer circumferential portion of the electrolyte electrode assembly, and includes grooves for discharging a first exhaust gas FGoff which has been consumed at an anode to the outside of the electrolyte electrode assembly. The ring foil is provided adjacent to a cathode, and extends from a position between an outer end of the electrolyte electrode assembly to a position between the annular member and the separator. |
| US08247123B2 |
Electric power source control apparatus, electric power source control method, and vehicle including electric power source control apparatus
An electric power source control apparatus (50) includes a required electric power decision portion that receives an operation input signal from an outside of an electric power source (20), and decides an amount of electric power required of the electric power source (20), in accordance with the operation input signal; and an electric power source operation portion that operates the electric power source (20) in accordance with the amount of the required electric power. The electric power source operation portion limits an amount of electric power used for heating when the amount of the required electric power is larger than an amount of electric power that can be supplied by the electric power source, during heating. |
| US08247116B2 |
Electrode of lithium ion battery, method for making the same, and lithium ion battery using the same
An electrode of a lithium ion battery includes a current collector, an electrode material layer disposed on a top surface of the current collector, and a protective film located on a top surface of the electrode material layer. A composition of the protective film is at least one of AlxMyPO4 and AlxMy(PO3)3, M represents at least one chemical element selected from the group consisting of Cr, Zn, Mg, Zr, Mo, V, Nb, and Ta, and a valence of M is represented by k, wherein 0 |
| US08247115B2 |
Wound-type electric storage device including electrode sheets
A positive electrode sheet including a positive electrode mixture layer formed on one surface is provided at one of the outermost layers of an electrode sheet group, while a positive electrode sheet including a positive electrode mixture layer formed at one surface is provided at the other outermost layer of the electrode sheet group. A negative electrode sheet including negative electrode mixture layers formed on both surfaces is provided between the positive electrode sheets. A lithium electrode sheet including metal lithium foils formed on both surfaces is overlapped onto the electrode sheet group formed by stacking the three sheets. When a wound-type electric storage device is produced, the electrode sheet group is wound together with the lithium electrode sheet. |
| US08247113B2 |
Titanates of perovskite or derived structure and applications thereof
Materials of the titanate type of perovskite or derived structure and their uses for the production of electrodes, more particularly in the cell elements of an SOFC cell or the cell elements of a high-temperature steam electrolysis cell. |
| US08247106B2 |
Method for preventing erroneous loading of component-to-be-loaded on main body side apparatus, component-to-be-loaded and battery pack
A battery device to be loaded on an electronic apparatus comprises a casing configured to house at least one battery cell therein and having upper and lower surfaces, first and second longitudinal side surfaces disposed between the upper and lower surfaces, and an end wall disposed between the upper and lower surfaces and also disposed between the first and second longitudinal side surfaces. A step is disposed in the end wall and a storage element is disposed in the step to receive an electric contact portion, the step extending to the first longitudinal side surface, and the end wall extends from the second longitudinal side surface to the step and projects beyond the step. |
| US08247105B2 |
Battery holder and power supply using the same
A power supply includes a battery and a battery holder. The battery includes a positive electrode protruding outwardly and a negative electrode opposite the positive electrode. The battery holder includes a housing to receive the battery defining a latching groove in an inner surface thereof; an elastic member fixed in the housing and resisting the negative electrode of the battery; a protecting member positioned in the housing including an insulated fixing sheet, a plurality of extending portions extending from a side surface of the fixing sheet, and a latching portion formed on the extending portion engaging the latching groove of the housing. A positive conductive sheet is fixed in the fixing sheet and contacts the positive electrode of the battery. |
| US08247104B2 |
Battery cover mechanism
A battery cover mechanism for a portable electronic device includes a housing, a door, two elastic members and a holding unit, the housing defines a cutout, the door slidably engage with the cutout, the cutout is closed by the door with the elastic resisting the door, the door can be opened by external force and not be removed from the housing, thus, a battery can be assembled in the housing. |
| US08247099B2 |
Gas exhaust structure of battery
A gas exhaust structure of a battery includes a rupture valve formed in a battery body, and a pipe unit composed by integrating a coupling pipe and an exhaust pipe with each other. A one-side opening of the coupling pipe is coupled to the rupture valve. The exhaust pipe is coupled to an other-side opening of the coupling pipe, guides gas that spouts out from an inside of the battery body through the rupture valve and the one-side opening of the coupling pipe, and exhausts the gas to an outside. The exhaust pipe is arranged to be offset with respect to the rupture valve without allowing an extended line that passes through a center of the rupture valve and a centerline of the exhaust pipe to be perpendicular to each other. |
| US08247097B1 |
Method of controlling battery pack humidity utilizing an active reactivation system
A method for controlling the relative humidity within a battery pack enclosure is provided in which the volume of air within the battery pack is exposed to a volume of desiccant contained within a desiccant enclosure. The system is configured to heat and reactivate the desiccant at predetermined time intervals or when the humidity within the system reaches a preset level, thereby allowing the desiccant to regain its potential for absorbing/adsorbing water vapor. |
| US08247093B2 |
Magnetic multilayer device, method for producing such a device, magnetic field sensor, magnetic memory and logic gate using such a device
This magnetic multilayer device comprises, on a substrate, an alternating sequence of magnetic metallic layers M and oxide, hydride or nitride layers O. The number of layers M equals at least two. The layers M are continuous. There is interfacial magnetic anisotropy perpendicular to the plane of the layers at the level of the M/O interfaces. |
| US08247091B2 |
Platinum complex compound and organic electroluminescent device
An organic electroluminescent device is provided and has at least one organic layer between a pair of electrodes. The organic compound contains a compound represented by the following formula (I): Z1 and Z2 each represents a nitrogen-containing aromatic 6-membered ring coordinating to platinum atom at the nitrogen atom, Q represents a nitrogen-containing aromatic 5-membered ring having one or two nitrogen atoms, L1 and L2 each represents a single bond or a divalent group, and n represents 0 or 1. |
| US08247089B2 |
Organic electroluminescence element material, organic electroluminescence element, display device and lighting apparatus
Provided is an organic EL element, which has a controlled emission wavelength, a high emission efficiency and a long emission life. An organic EL element material for such organic EL element, a lighting device, and a display device using such organic EL element are also provided. |
| US08247087B2 |
Compound having oxadiazole ring structure bonded with aromatic heterocyclic ring and organic electroluminescent device
An object of the invention is to provide an organic compound having excellent characteristics as a material for highly efficient and highly durable organic EL devices, and also to provide a highly efficient and highly durable organic EL device. This invention relates to a compound represented by the general formula (1) having an oxadiazole ring structure bonded with an aromatic heterocycle, and to an organic electroluminescence device containing the compound: wherein Ar represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon group, a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group, or a substituted or unsubstituted condensed polycyclic aromatic group; A represents a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic heterocyclic group; and n represents an integer of 1 to 3. |
| US08247086B2 |
Organometallic complex and light-emitting element, light-emitting device and electronic device using the same
An organometallic complex having a structure represented by the general formula (G1) is synthesized and applied to a light-emitting element. In the formula, R1 represents either an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or an alkoxycarbonyl group having 1 to 5 carbon atoms; R2 and R3 each show either hydrogen or an alkyl group 1 to 4 carbon atoms; Ar represents an arylene group having 6 to 25 carbon atoms; M is a center metal selected from Group 9 element and Group 10 element. |
| US08247083B2 |
Aluminium alloy brazing sheet
To provide an aluminum alloy brazing sheet which can improve erosion resistance while maintaining post-braze strength, brazability, formability, corrosion resistance and other properties even when Mg is added to the core material. The aluminum alloy brazing sheet comprises an Al—Si-based or Al—Si—Zn-based filler material cladded on at least one side of a core material. The core material comprises Si: 0.3 to 1.0% by mass, Mn: 0.6 to 2.0% by mass, Cu: 0.3 to 1.0% by mass, Mg: 0.15 to 0.5% by mass, Ti: 0.05 to 0.25% by mass, with the remainder being Al and inevitable impurities, and has the density of an Mg—Si-based, Al—Mg—Cu-based, Al—Cu—Mg—Si-based intermetallic compound with a particle size smaller than 0.5 μm of 10000/mm2 or higher, or has the density of the Mg—Si-based, Al—Mg—Cu-based and Al—Cu—Mg—Si-based intermetallic compounds with a particle size of 1.0 μm or larger lower than 5000/mm2. |
| US08247082B2 |
Aluminum alloy brazing sheet
There is provided an aluminum alloy brazing sheet having an improved brazability than in the related art while keeping the post-braze strength, workability, corrosion resistance, and the like at respective prescribed or higher levels. An aluminum alloy brazing sheet has a two-layered structure in which on one side of a core material, a brazing material is provided. The core material contains Si: 0.6 to 1.0 mass %, Cu: 0.6 to 1.0 mass %, Mn: 0.7 to 1.8 mass %, Mg: 0.1 to 0.7 mass %, and Ti: 0.06 to 0.20 mass %, and the balance including Al and inevitable impurities. The brazing material includes an aluminum alloy containing Si: 3.0 to 12.0 mass %, the gage of the aluminum alloy brazing sheet is 0.6 to 1.4 mm, and the area ratio of a {001} plane in the core material surface is 0.3 or more. |
| US08247078B2 |
Fluorine-containing acrylate
Photocurable fluorine compound, compatible with non-fluorine organic compounds, of formula (1), wherein: a is 1-4, b is 0-3, c is 1-4, provided that a+b+c is 3-5; e is 2-8; R1 has formula (2), (C4H8O)f(C3H6O)g(C2H4O)h(CH2O)iR3 (2) wherein f, g, h, and i are independently 0-100, and R1 has an MW of 30-3000, these repeating units may be sequenced at random, and R3 is C1-10 hydrocarbon; R2 is independently H, F, CH3, or CF3; Rf is a perfluoropolyether residue represented by the following formula (3), wherein j, k, l, and m are independently of each other integers of 0 to 50, provided that a molecular weight of Rf is in a range of 200 to 6000, X is F or CF3, and these repeating units may be sequenced at random; Z is a divalent organic group; and d is 0 or 1. |
| US08247077B2 |
Chemical protective garment with added flash fire protection
In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a material intended for personal protective equipment is disclosed, wherein the material includes at least four different layers, the layers being: an outer first layer of a material comprising at least one polymer, which material is self-extinguishing; a second layer of a fiber material, which fiber material is self-extinguishing; a third layer being adhesive; and an inner fourth layer being a barrier laminate; wherein all at least four different layers individually are attached to layers located next to them. Furthermore, a protective suit including a material according to the present invention and the use of such a material for the production of personal protective equipment are also described. Moreover, a chemical and flash fire escape protective suit is disclosed, including a material according to the present invention, the suit meeting all of the basic requirements according to NFPA 1991, the suit having a minimum breakthrough time of at least 480 minutes for the chemicals according to NFPA 1991 when tested in accordance with EN 374-3 and ASTM F 739 with breakthrough criterion of 0.1 μg/cm2*min, the suit passing the permeation resistance test which lasts more than 180 minutes after flexing and abrasion according to NFPA 1991 and the suit passing the flame test according to ASTM F 1358 and the garment material flame test and the whole suit flash over test according to NFPA 1991 optional flash fire escape. |
| US08247075B2 |
Modified perovskite complex oxide, method for producing the same and composite dielectric material
It is an object of the present invention to provide: a modified perovskite-type composite oxide, which effectively suppresses elution of A-site metals from a perovskite-type composite oxide, and which can be particularly preferably used as an inorganic filler for a composite dielectric body; a method for producing the same; and a composite dielectric material using the same. The modified perovskite-type composite oxide of the present invention is produced by primarily coating the particle surface of a perovskite-type composite oxide with silica and then secondarily coating it with a coupling agent, characterized in that the layer primarily coated with silica is produced by performing a heat treatment at 800° C. to 1200° C. on hydrolyzed silica obtained by the hydrolysis of tetraalkoxysilane. |
| US08247074B2 |
Coated, fine metal particles comprising specific content of carbon and nitrogen, and their production method
A method for producing coated, fine metal particles comprising the steps of mixing powder comprising TiC and TiN with powder of an oxide of a metal M meeting the relation of ΔGM-O>ΔGTiO2, wherein ΔGM-O represents the standard free energy of formation of metal M oxide, and heat-treating the resultant mixed powder in a non-oxidizing atmosphere to reduce the oxide of the metal M with the powder comprising TiC and TiN, while coating the resultant metal M particles with Ti oxide, and coated, fine metal particles each comprising a metal core particle and a Ti oxide coating and having a carbon content of 0.2-1.4% by mass and a nitrogen content of 0.01-0.2% by mass. |
| US08247069B2 |
Polymer blend, polymer solution composition and fibers spun from the polymer blend and filtration applications thereof
The invention relates to a web or filter structure such as the filtration media comprising a collection of fiber comprising a first polymer and a second polymer in a fine fiber or fine fiber web structure. The combination of two polymers provides improved fiber rheology in that the fiber has excellent temperature and mechanical stability. The combination of polymers imparts the properties of elasticity or tackiness, which is desirable for adhering particles to the fiber web, with high temperature resistance. |
| US08247067B2 |
Heat resistant coating compositions, coated articles, and methods
A coating composition, coated articles, and methods of coating, wherein the composition includes: a resin system comprising a polysilazane and optionally a polysiloxane and/or optionally an aromatic hydrocarbon; and glass particles having a softening point below operating temperature, a coefficient of thermal expansion of at least 80, and a dielectric constant of at least 5. |
| US08247051B2 |
Curable polymeric water based coating compositions and resulting coatings with barrier properties for gases and laminate structures
A coating composition is provided for use in laminate substrates useful in packaging of liquids and solids where the coating provides and increased resistance to the permeability of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. In one embodiment the coating composition is a dispersion or a solution that comprises at least one hydroxyl functional polyetheramine, phosphoric acid and a defoamer. The backbone of the polyetheramine has diglycidyl ether linkages that comprise about 5 to about 70 mole percent resorcinol diglycidyl ether. The coating composition can be applied to substrates by coating applications such as spraying, rolling reverse and direct, rolling direct and reverse gravure, kiss coat, flow coating, brushing, dipping and curtain-wall coating, for example. |
| US08247046B2 |
Multi-layer tube of improved physical properties
A tube having walls of multi-layer construction, wherein said multi-layer construction includes one or more sub-layers, each said sub-layer consisting of a woven polymer mesh disposed in between one or more outer layers of material selected from the group consisting of paper, poly-propylene and polyethylene, wherein said tube is formed by affixing said sub-layers to each other while said sub-layers are wound around a mandrel. |
| US08247040B2 |
Process for manufacturing platinum temperature-measuring resistance element
The process for manufacturing a platinum temperature-measuring resistance element comprises the step of preparing a thermosensitive part having a portion to be sealed coated with a glaze; the step of placing a pre-sealing element on a tray and inserting the same in a chamber; the step of enclosing a purge gas containing an inert gas and oxygen in the chamber; the step of raising the internal temperature of the chamber to a region in which the platinum is in reduced form at a partial pressure of oxygen in the purge gas as determined from platinum oxide formation free energy; the step of replacing the purge gas with an inert gas wherein oxygen is 1 kPa or below; and the step of under the replaced condition, rapidly heating the furnace interior (interior of the chamber) to a fit melting temperature by means of a lamp heating unit to thereby seal the portion to be sealed of the thermosensitive part. |
| US08247039B2 |
Method and device for local functionalization of polymer materials
A method for the partial or total modification of functional groups on the surface of polymeric materials or polymer-containing materials, by means of combined plasma functionalization and localized thermal defunctionalization, is disclosed. At first, a surface of a polymer material is exposed to a cold plasma, whereby a desired polymer functionalization is achieved. After the plasma treatment, the surface is locally heated in an optional manner, primarily by means of an electron beam, resulting in local defunctionalization of the heated surface area. The directing of the electron beam across the surface of the material results in any desired distribution of functional groups on the surface. Also disclosed is a device for performing such a treatment. |
| US08247036B2 |
Method for making coaxial cable
A method for making a coaxial cable, the method comprises the steps of: providing a carbon nanotube structure; and forming at least one conductive coating on a plurality of carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanotube structure; a carbon nanotube wire-like structure from the carbon nanotubes with at least one conductive coating; at least one layer of insulating material on the carbon nanotube wire-like structure; at least one layer of shielding material on the at least one layer of insulating material; and one layer of sheathing material on the at least one layer of shielding material. |
| US08247035B2 |
Method for forming multilayer coating film
This invention offers a method for forming multilayer coating film by successively applying onto a coating object a water-based first coloring paint, water-based second coloring paint and clear paint, and simultaneously baking the resultant first coloring coating film, second coloring coating film and clear coating film, in which the water-based first coloring paint (A) comprises polyester resin and curing agent, the polyester resin containing benzene ring and cyclohexane ring in its molecules, their combined content in the polyester resin being within a range of 1.0-2.2 mols/kg (solid resin content); and that the curing agent is at least one compound selected from the group consisting of isocyanate group-containing compound, oxazoline group-containing compound, carbodiimide group-containing compound, hydrazide group-containing compound and semicarbazide group-containing compound. According to this method, multilayer coating film excelling in smoothness, distinctness of image, chipping resistance and water resistance can be formed by 3-coat-1-bake system. |
| US08247031B2 |
Method for growing thin film
Disclosed is a method for growing a thin film, which includes modifying a surface grain size and surface roughness on a thin film to improve the mobility of a carrier and a light scattering effect. The method for growing a thin film includes: forming nuclei of grains having various grain orientations on a substrate; causing first grains having a first specific grain orientation to grow predominantly among the grains having various grain orientations, thereby forming a first preferred texture comprised of the predominantly grown first grains; and then causing second grains having a second grain orientation to grow predominantly, thereby forming a second preferred texture comprised of the predominantly grown second grains, wherein the surface grain size of each of the second grains forming the second texture is larger than that of each of the first grains forming the first texture. |
| US08247029B2 |
Method for forming micropattern
The micropattern formation of the invention comprises forming a resist pattern, and then forming a carbon-containing film on the surface of the resist pattern, followed by ashing of the carbon-containing film and a portion of the resist surface constituting the resist pattern. Thus, the discharge state of ashing just after the initiation of discharge is so stabilized that the ashing rate distribution can be improved, and sensitive pattern slimming can be implemented with ease and high precision. |
| US08247028B2 |
Method of using closed cell surfaces with enhanced drag-reduction properties
A method of controlling the flow resistance of a fluid disposed on a surface of a substrate. The method comprises contacting a fluid with a plurality of cells on a substrate and adjusting amounts of a surfactant and a medium in the fluid to thereby form a foam layer contacting the walls of the cells. Each of the cells has at least one dimension that is less than about 1 millimeter and is configured to hold the medium therein. Each of the cells has walls that laterally enclose an area of a surface of the substrate and has a top opening. Bubbles of the foam layer have fluid walls that include a surfactant, are filled with the medium, and remain substantially stationary on the top openings of the cells for a period on average of at least about 1 minute. |
| US08247024B2 |
Method for manufacturing field emission cathode
A method for manufacturing a carbon nanotube/polymer composite includes the steps of: (a) providing a carbon nanotube array formed on a substrate in a container; (b) providing a prepolymer of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA); (c) putting the prepolymer into the container for a period of over 30 minutes to fill in clearances of the carbon nanotube array; and (d) polymerizing the prepolymer film at a temperature of about 50° C. to 60° C. for a period of about 1 hour to 4 hours and then heating the prepolymer film to about 90° C. to 100° C. to form a polymer film, the carbon nanotube array thereby being embedded within the polymer film. |
| US08247018B2 |
Methods for quality control
The present invention relates to method for quality control of surface coated objects used independently or in conjunction with product authentication; methods for assuring proper product handling; methods for assuring that product contents' match product's label, comprising the use of microparticulate taggants having different detectable physical properties, wherein each combination of properties is used as an encoding bit to create codes. |
| US08247017B2 |
Production of frozen sweet potatoes
A process for making frozen sweet potatoes includes the steps of slicing sweet potatoes, and then applying citric acid juice, preferably, lemon juice, to the slices. A coating then is applied to the slices, the coating including a mixture of corn syrup, honey, brown sugar, lemon flavor and vanilla flavor. The slices are pan-fried, cooled to room temperature, and then frozen. If desired, a flavor-enhancing mixture can be applied to the slices while they are being cooled. The flavor-enhancing mixture preferably includes cinnamon, cane sugar, allspice, and nutmeg. The invention does not require that the sweet potatoes be water-blanched in order to maintain the flavor and color of the sweet potatoes, and it provides coated sweet potato slices that are both flavorful and attractive. The sweet potato slices can be stored for long periods of time by freezing, and they can be cooked easily and quickly by conventional techniques immediately upon removal from the freezer. |
| US08247014B2 |
Apparatus and method for applying fondant to confections
A fondant rolling device comprises three main parts: an axle member, a roller member, and a base member. Fondant is rolled onto the roller member, and the applied to the confection by unrolling the fondant therefrom. As the fondant is unrolled from the roller member and the fondant roller becomes smaller, the axle slides from a central portion of the base toward an outer periphery of the base, so that the fondant may be applied to the confection without interference from the base member. |
| US08247012B2 |
Casein producing method and a device for carrying out said method
The invention can be used in varies industries, in particular, in the food, paper, chemical and pharmaceutical industries.The inventive method consists in separating unpasteurized cow milk in a separator, wherein a skimmed milk and fats are separated. Said method is characterized in that it consists in pasteurizing said skimmed milk in a pasteurizer at a determined temperature, in cooling said milk and conveying it to an intermediate balance tank from which the milk is supplied to a micro-filtering membrane-type filter for dividing it into casein and whey proteins, in supplying the separated casein protein to a membrane-type ultrafiltration-defiltration filter, wherein the concentrated product is transferred to a drier for drying, and in cooling and packing the thus produced water-soluble casein flour. |
| US08247008B2 |
Digestive/laxative compositions
Described are digestive/laxative compositions and methods of manufacture and use of same. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides for a digestive/laxative composition including actinidin. The actinidin is preferably contributed by inclusion of fruit of genus actinidia, or a product thereof. Preferably, the process for forming the composition includes a method in which the fruit is processed at a temperature below that causing significant degradation of actinidin present, this temperature being preferably in the range of −40° C. to 40° C. Methods of administration of the composition are also described. |
| US08247004B2 |
Plant extracts for treating skin disorders and enhancing healing of wounds for diabetic patients
The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for treating skin disorders, including enhancing the healing of wounds for diabetic patients. Specifically, this invention relates to the use of the extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus and Centella asiatica for improving skin disorders, including enhancing the healing of wounds for diabetic patients, and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the extracts of Plectranthus amboinicus and Centella asiatica as well as a wound dressing comprising the same. The invention also provides a method for preparing the crude extract and extract of Plectranthus amboinicus. |
| US08247001B2 |
Anti-obesity product and its method of preparation
The present invention relates to compositions comprising one or more anthraquinones for use in the treatment of obesity and related metabolic and liver disease. More particularly it relates to a plant extract fraction rich in anthraquinones including both anthraquinone glycosides and anthraquinone aglycones obtainable from a member of the Leguminosae family, more particularly Cassia seeds. It also relates to a method of obtaining a plant extract fraction rich in anthraquinones. |
| US08247000B2 |
Phosphate-binding magnesium salts and uses thereof
The present invention provides, among other things, compositions and methods suitable for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia based on phosphate-binding magnesium salts. In some embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods suitable for the treatment of hyperphosphatemia based on the combination of phosphate-binding magnesium and calcium salts. |
| US08246999B2 |
Capped mesoporous silicates
The invention provides an article comprising, a mesoporous silicate matrix, such as a particle, having one or more pores; and one or more releasable caps obstructing one or more of the pores. The articles are useful as delivery vehicles for encapsulated agents such as therapeutic agents, polynucleotides, polypeptides and the like. |
| US08246998B2 |
Injectable biodegradable particles
According to an aspect of the invention, injectable polymeric particles are provided that contain a copolymer that contains a hydroxy-acid-based repeat unit selected from a mono(hydroxy acid) unit and a poly(hydroxy acid) unit, an alkyl-ether-based repeat unit selected from a mono(alkyl ether) unit and a poly(alkyl ether) unit, and an acid-based repeat unit selected from a unit comprising multiple carboxylic acid groups and a derivative thereof. Other aspects of the invention pertain to methods of making such particles. Still other aspects of the invention pertain to injectable compositions that comprise such particles and to methods of treatment that employ such injectable compositions. |
| US08246996B2 |
Antibiotic product, use and formulation thereof
An antibiotic product is comprised of at least three dosage forms, each of which has a different release profile, with the Cmax for the antibiotic product being reached in less than about twelve hours after the initial release of antibiotic. In one embodiment, there are two delayed release dosage forms, as well as a delayed sustained release dosage form, with each of the dosage forms having a different release profile, wherein each reaches a Cmax at different times. |
| US08246995B2 |
Hydrophobic nanotubes and nanoparticles as transporters for the delivery of drugs into cells
Methods and materials for delivering biologically active molecules to cells in vitro or in vivo are provided. The methods and materials use carbon nanotubes or other hydrophobic particles, tubes and wires, functionalized with a linking group that is covalently bound to the nanotubes, or, alternatively, to the biologically active molecule, such as a protein. The biologically active molecule is preferably released from the nanotube when the complex has been taken up in an endosome. |