Document Document Title
US07646374B2 Exercise keyboard
An exercise keyboard including a substantially vertical keyboard array of keypads arranged for typing alphanumeric letters by pushing of keypads of the array so as to type one the letter per the push of one of the keypads. Each keypad is padded so as to accommodate the pushing of the keypads by striking or kicking of the keypads by a user. The array is mounted in, and advantageously to, a supporting frame and sized for the striking or kicking of the key pads by a user while standing. The keyboard is adapted for communication with a computer.
US07646372B2 Methods and systems for enabling direction detection when interfacing with a computer program
A method for detecting direction when interfacing with a computer program is provided. The method includes capturing an image presented in front of an image capture device. The image capture device has a capture location in a coordinate space. When a person is captured in the image, the method includes identifying a human head in the image and assigning the human head a head location in the coordinate space. The method also includes identifying an object held by the person in the image and assigning the object an object location in coordinate space. The method further includes identifying a relative position in coordinate space between the head location and the object location when viewed from the capture location. The relative position defines a pointing direction of the object when viewed by the image capture device. The method may be practiced on a computer system, such as one used in the gaming field.
US07646371B2 Driver circuit, electro-optical device, and electronic instrument
A driver circuit includes an operational amplifier OPC1 which drives a data line by a rail-to-rail operation or a non-rail-to-rail operation based on a grayscale voltage corresponding to one of first to Pth (P is an integer of four or more) grayscale values, and an operational amplifier control section OPCC1 which causes the operational amplifier OPC1 to perform the rail-to-rail operation or the non-rail-to-rail operation based on grayscale data. When the sth (1≦s≦P, s is an integer) grayscale value corresponding to the grayscale data is in a range of the qth (1
US07646370B2 Display device
The level of a storage capacitor line changes between two types, an H level and an L level. As a result of this change, the voltage applied to a liquid crystal is shifted so that a sufficient voltage is applied to the liquid crystal to perform a display operation. Then, by changing the voltage value of the difference between a first level and a second level, the contrast and screen brightness are adjusted. Furthermore, the capacitances generated at the locations where the two storage capacitor lines and the data line intersect are set to be substantially the same.
US07646368B2 Spoke recovery in a color display
Embodiments of the invention include a method, device and/or system for spoke recovery. A method for spoke recovery in a sequential multi-primary color display may include producing a primary color image component corresponding to a first primary color during a display period including at least a portion of a spoke period of the first primary color and a second primary color.
US07646362B2 Controlling current in display device
A display device, for carrying out image display on a display panel by controlling current flowing in display elements for each pixel based on image data, including display setting circuitry for setting a relationship between image data and current values for current flowing in display elements in response to an input adjustment signal, to set contrast or brightness; estimation circuitry for estimating panel current flowing in all pixels when carrying out display for the display panel based on the image data; and current control circuitry for controlling actual panel current by correcting the set contrast or brightness based on the panel current estimated by the estimation circuitry.
US07646355B2 Enclosure with ground plane
A system and method for mounting one or more radio antennas in an outdoor enclosure by placing a ground plane underneath the antennas and above any electrical devices. The ground plane may be used to mount the antennas in any configuration and be coupled to earth ground. In some embodiments, an outdoor enclosure may have a weatherproof radome mounted around the antennas.
US07646354B2 Antennae device for reading electronic labels and system comprising same
An antennae device for reading electronic labels includes passive antennae arranged in the form of an array comprising L lines and C columns. The antennae are located in the array by co-ordinates (i, j), i ranging from 1 to L, j ranging from 1 to C. Each antenna (i, j) is controlled by two control switches, one controlling the antennae located on a line i, the other controlling the antennae located on a column j.
US07646353B2 Antenna structure and method for increasing its bandwidth
An antenna structure and a method for increasing an antenna bandwidth are provided. The antenna structure includes a feeding portion, a first resonating element electrically connected to the feeding portion, a protruding portion electrically connected to the feeding portion, and a second resonating element coupled with the protruding portion.
US07646351B2 Detachable vehicle roof antenna
A base side connecting mechanism (30) comprises a holder (40), a plug metal (50) and a sleeve (70). The plug metal (50) has a shaft (51) and a lock pin (52) projecting from the shaft (51) in a radial direction. The sleeve (70) is disposed to move slidingly along an axial direction of the shaft (51), is supported by the plug metal (50) through a wave washer (60), and receives biasing power toward an antenna mast (100) side. A mast side connecting mechanism (120) comprises a circular cylinder portion (121). The circular cylinder portion (121) is formed to press the sleeve (70) along the axial direction and has loosely penetrated portions (124, 125) in which the lock pin (52) can move along a circumferential direction and in which other end portions are large-diameter.
US07646349B2 Mobile terminal for reducing specific absorption rate
A mobile terminal that may reduce a specific absorption rate (SAR) includes a case, a circuit board in the case, a ground in the circuit board, an antenna pattern, and a ground pattern spaced apart from the antenna pattern and made of a material that absorbs electromagnetic waves. The ground pattern is connected to the ground of the circuit board or an auxiliary ground.
US07646339B2 Geodesic position determining system
A geodesic positioning system determines the position of a target point. The system includes a range pole that can be oriented toward the target point. A tilt sensor is arranged on the range pole, detachably where applicable, for generating a tilt angle signal related to the tilt angle of the range pole. A positioning element, more particularly a reflector or a satellite signal antenna, is arranged on the range pole. Positioning means is able to capture the position of the positioning element as a function of the tilt angle signal. Triggering means is in signal communication with the tilt sensor and with the positioning means, and adapted so that a trigger signal issued to capture the current position of the positioning element is transmitted to the positioning means as soon as the tilt angle signal corresponds to a tilt angle situated within a given tilt angle range.
US07646329B2 Method for detecting a target
A method of detecting a target in a scene comprises the steps of generating a comparison of the value of data elements in first and second data sets, the data elements corresponding to returns from the same part of the scene and setting a detection threshold value for the comparison so as to detect targets entering said that part of scene The method provides improved target detection in the presence of clutter.
US07646327B1 Synthetic aperture radar motion estimation method
A target object motion estimation method using at least one subset of a complex SAR image. Coarse range cell alignment is performed on at least one subset of a complex SAR image. At least one subset is autofocused, thereby providing an estimated phase error function. The estimated phase error function yielded by autofocusing (or a manipulated version of the phase error function) may be analyzed to detect, characterize, and estimate target object motion.
US07646325B2 Analog to digital converter
An ADC, such as a CT SD-ADC, includes a clock generation circuit that produces charging and discharging clock signals such that a settling time for an integrator in the ADC is increased. The clock signals may control a feedback SD-DAC in the CT SD-ADC. The clock signals also may be asymmetric and/or may result in the settling time of the integrator being greater than half the system clock.
US07646324B2 Pipeline type analog-digital converter having redundant comparator
A pipeline type analog-digital converter includes a first to an N-th (N is an integer of not less than 2) stages (101 to 10N) brought into cascade connection and converting an analog signal input from a preceding stage to a digital signal of a predetermined bit and outputting the digital signal. Each of the first to the (N−1)-th stages (101 to 10N−1) includes an analog-digital converter circuit including comparators comparing an analog signal with reference potential being determined in advance and mutually different in parallel. The first to the (N−1)-th stages are in redundant configuration with the comparators of the stage including an auxiliary comparator.
US07646322B2 Folded R-2R ladder current-steering digital to analog converter
A folded R-2R ladder current-steering digital-to-analog converter is disclosed. In the folded R-2R ladder current-steering digital-to-analog converter, each node in the R-2R ladder is electrically coupled with a plurality of current sources with different weights. Therefore, the numbers of the resisters and current sources can be reduced, and efficient power saving and the high-speed operation can be achieved.
US07646321B2 Digital/analog converter
Provided is a digital/analog converter including a voltage dividing unit that includes a plurality of voltage dividing elements and divides a reference voltage by voltage division; a first decoder that selects a plurality of voltages among the voltages divided by the voltage dividing unit; a first voltage output unit that is connected to nodes among adjacent voltage dividing elements of the voltage dividing unit and the first decoder, and outputs a plurality of voltages selected by the first decoder; a second decoder that selects any one of the plurality of voltages output from the first voltage output unit; and a second voltage output unit that is connected to the first voltage output unit and the second decoder and outputs the voltage selected by the second decoder.
US07646317B2 Decoding method utilizing temporally ambiguous code and apparatus using the same
In a decoding method and apparatus, the decoding method is used for mapping a plurality of encoding sequences to a plurality of decoding sequences, which is used by non-logographic languages. The decoding method receives an entered encoding symbol and combines the entered encoding symbol to the end of an input sequence, wherein the input sequence is temporally ambiguous such that the input sequence has possibility to be interpreted as at least two different encoding sequence combinations, each of which includes at least one of the encoding sequences.
US07646315B2 Method and apparatus for keypad manipulation
A method and apparatus are for manipulating a keypad of an electronic device (100, 200). The electronic device has a plurality of tactile keys (110, 115, 1230, 125, 130). The method includes sensing a proximity of a object to one of the plurality of tactile keys and presenting, on an output (105, 205, 225) of the electronic device, a preview (410, 420, 515, 520, 615, 620, 710, 715, 810, 815) of an action that will take place upon pressing the one of the plurality of tactile keys.
US07646314B2 Encoder for shaft device comprising one such encoder and production method thereof
The invention relates to displacement encoder for a movable shaft, comprising a sleeve (2) which is intended to be fixed in rotation to the shaft (3) and an encoding element (4) which is made from magnetizable polymer and which is solidly connected to the sleeve, said encoding element being equipped with an encoding zone (6) having at least one polarized mark. The aforementioned encoding zone of the encoding element is covered with a protective layer (10) which is made from a polymer having a surface abrasion resistance greater than that of the magnetizable polymer. The invention also relates to a device comprising one such encoder and to a production method thereof.
US07646310B2 System for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location
A pressure release encoding system for communicating downhole information through a wellbore to a surface location has a valve for providing a fluid restriction to fluid passing in the wellbore, a sensor positioned in the wellbore for sensing a downhole condition in the wellbore, an actuator cooperative with the valve for moving the valve between at least two positions in timed relation to the downhole condition sensed by the sensor, and a detector positioned at the surface location for providing a measurement value at the surface location correlative to the time between the changes of the pressure of the fluid in the wellbore. The sensor is an inclination sensor for sensing an angle of inclination of a drill bit in the wellbore.
US07646307B2 System and methods for visualizing the location and movement of people in facilities
A system and method for visualizing the location and movement of people in facilities. The facility is provided with a plurality of sensors such as RF or IR sensors that communicate with a badge worn by each individual and selected physical assets in the facility. The sensors send data to a processor which displays the data on a monitor in a form that permits ready visualization of the individuals, and allows the observer to select information as needed. The display may directly indicate certain specifics about an individual based on data stored in the processor or entered by the observer.
US07646304B2 Transfer tape strap process
A method for efficiently producing a plurality of EAS or RFID tags or inlays that form a label ready for use. The process utilizes a first web of RFID chip straps or capacitor straps that are releasably secured to a liner using only a low tack adhesive and utilizes a second web of coils or antennas which are secured to a second liner. After indexing these two webs, selective heat and pressure are applied to the chips straps or to the capacitor straps to transfer them and electrically couple them to a corresponding coil or antenna. Where both chip straps and capacitor straps are applied to a common antenna, a third web of the additional strap is used in the process.
US07646301B2 Auditable security for cargo containers and other repositories
This invention relates to a method and system for authenticating and for preventing alteration of histories of events occurring within at least one repository (e.g. a cargo container, fixed warehouse or a movable vehicle) for objects (e.g. auto parts, pharmaceutical materials, computer parts, laptops, etc.) held for a period of time, where the repository is exposed to an unauthorized intrusion therewithin (and potential theft of said objects therefrom and potential insertion of dangerous items therewithin). The events include changes in environmental conditions (e.g. light levels, infrared levels, temperature, air pressure, etc) which indicate an unauthorized intrusion.
US07646300B2 Master tags
A method for creating a hierarchy of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and the resultant system include associating each of a plurality of first RFID tags with an individual object of a plurality of objects, each first RFID tag storing identification information about the object with which it is associated. Identification information about each of the first RFID tags is stored in a second RFID tag that can physically accompany the first RFID tags during transportation.
US07646298B1 Method for detecting changes in measurable conditions
A method for receiving information on measurable conditions using at least one enterprise server and at least one remote terminal unit. The enterprise server is adapted to simultaneously handle multiple types of telemetry and multiple different protocols associated with at least one remote terminal unit on at least one vessel over a network. Selective encryption is used to communicate between the server and the remote terminal unit. The remote terminal unit collects data on measurable conditions, which is stored, streamed to enterprise server, or combinations thereof. When the collected data exceeds a preset limit, an alarm is automatically initiated. During communication, the enterprise server simultaneously on-line configures and reconfigures the remote terminal unit.
US07646297B2 Context-detected auto-mode switching
An apparatus and method is disclosed providing the automatic, self configuration of a communication device to adjust to the user's environmental circumstances. Method includes creating a set of mode templates corresponding to a plurality of potential environmental circumstances and may be stored in a database in the computer readable memory of the communication device. At predetermined intervals, a suite of environmental sensors integral to the communication device may periodically sample the user's environment. The user's environmental circumstances may be derived by an analysis module based on the output of the suite of environmental sensors. The derived set of environmental circumstances may then be compared to the mode templates to determine a matching mode template. A change to a plurality of communication device operational settings may then be made based at least partially on the matching mode template.
US07646295B1 System and method for asset tracking and monitoring using antenna diversity
A system and method for asset tracking and monitoring using antenna diversity. Antenna diversity ensures that the mobile terminal maintains good visibility of a satellite throughout the transport route. In one example, a first antenna is mounted on a first side of an asset transporter (e.g., flatbed trailer) and a second antenna is mounted on a second side of the asset transporter. A selector/combiner in the mobile terminal enables multiple antennas to be leveraged in the satellite communication process.
US07646294B2 Alarm maps to facilitate root cause analysis through spatial and pattern recognition
A computer implemented method for facilitating the root cause analysis of an event through spatial and pattern recognition. Alarms can be graphically represented in an alarm summary screen by individual colored rectangles with different luminance and patterns and are organized into categories, which are used to form logical alarm clusters that provide spatial advantage, wherein the size and color of the rectangle defines its priority and precedence. The summary screen also provides operators with strong visual cues, a play forward feature to project how alarms might evolve if particular actions are taken and a play backward feature that can replay the sequence of alarms.
US07646293B2 System and method for testing a buzzer associated with a computer
An exemplary system for testing a buzzer (110) associated with a computer (100) includes a buzzing module (122) for controlling the buzzer to sound continuously according to a reference frequency value and a reference amplitude value; a recording module (124) for storing the buzzer sound recorded by an audio receiving device as a recorded audio data file into the computer; an analyzing module (126) for analyzing the recorded audio data file to obtain a real frequency value and a real amplitude value of the buzzer sound; and a determining module (128) for comparing the real frequency value and the real amplitude value with their reference values to determine whether the buzzer is in good working condition. A related method is also provided.
US07646292B2 Methods and systems for verifying the position and status of hierarchically arranged objects
A device for tracking an item or a box may include a conductive mesh configured to at least partially cover the item or the box, and a wireless tag coupled to the conductive mesh. The wireless tag may be configured to report a breaching of the conductive mesh or an opening of the box by issuing a first predetermined RF signal. The wireless tag may include a GPS device and the first predetermined signal may include GPS-derived geographical information.
US07646291B2 Method for automotive lamp control
A light control system may include a signal coder (e.g., a flasher module), one or more motor vehicle light sources, and a signal decoder. The light control system may be a part of a motor vehicle taillight system. The signal coder may provide a selected signal. The selected signal may be a voltage signal having a modified portion when the signal coder is activated by a turn signal switch. The selected signal may be a substantially non-modified voltage signal when the signal coder is activated by a brake signal switch. The signal decoder may be coupled to the signal coder. The signal decoder may assess the selected signal from the signal coder to determine a selected lighting output of the motor vehicle light sources. The motor vehicle light sources may be coupled to the signal decoder. The motor vehicle light sources may provide the selected lighting output.
US07646289B2 Fuel economy indicator lamp control system
A fuel economy (FE) indicator lamp regulation system for a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine includes an FE indicator lamp, a first module that calculates an instantaneous FE of the hybrid electric vehicle and a second module that determines a velocity of the hybrid electric vehicle. A third module switches the FE indicator lamp between an on state and an off state based on the instantaneous FE and the vehicle speed.
US07646285B2 Security and remote access for vehicular safety and convenience systems
A security system in a vehicle extends its protection to installed equipment of the vehicle, such as audio components and navigation systems. The installed equipment is armed and disarmed by the security system remote control, preventing the equipment from normal functioning after unauthorized removal. The security system further enables programming, monitoring, and diagnosing of the installed equipment through the security system remote control.
US07646284B2 Systems and apparatus for writing data to multiple RF tags contained on print media
Print media (28) having a plurality of radio frequency data storage devices (88) passes through a print media pathway (110) of a printer assembly (14). The devices (88) can be programmed using groups (142, 144) of antennas which are arranged about the print media pathway (110) such the simultaneous programming of multiple devices (88) can be achieved. A data programming device (94) consisting of multiple reader/programmers (94a, 94b, 94c) can be utilized in combination with one or more RF multiplexers (152, 154) to reduce the time necessary to program the devices (88) separately.
US07646280B2 Common mode choke coil and manufacturing method thereof
A common mode choke coil includes two extraction conductors formed on a resin insulating layer, and a concave portion is formed in the resin insulating layer in an area between a first portion covered with one of the extraction conductors and a second portion covered with the other extraction conductor. An upper resin insulating layer is embedded inside the concave portion. Accordingly, because the resin insulating layer is not flat in the portion where the extraction conductors are formed, a distance between the extraction conductors along the surface of the resin insulating layer increases. Therefore, a current path generated due to ion migration along the surface of the insulating layer is hardly formed, thereby enabling to obtain high withstand voltage, even if the distance between the extraction conductors is short.
US07646279B2 Apparatus for supplying energy to a load and a related system
Apparatus for supplying energy to a load, comprises a power supply unit (102) e.g. a switched mode electronic transformer or electronic ballast having an input for receiving current at mains frequency and a means for stepping-up said mains frequency to a higher frequency e.g. 30-50 kHz and an output for delivering energy at the higher frequency. A two part connector (108) has a first core portion (106) that has a primary winding (104) connected to the output of the power supply unit and a mating second core portion (112) that has a secondary winding (110) for delivery of energy to a load (114), the core portions being of a high resistivity material, e.g. a ferrite having a resistivity of at least 104 Ωcm. The apparatus may be used to power e.g. low voltage halogen or other incandescent lighting, fluorescent lighting, or an electric motor, a power supply for a computer, radio, television or like electronic device, a heater or the like.
US07646278B2 High voltage transformer with high magnetic leakage and dual high voltage output
The present invention relates to a high voltage transformer with high magnetic leakage and dual high voltage output, comprising a base and a core set, wherein the base contains a hollow support into which a first core of the core set pierces, and primary coils are wound on both sides of the hollow support, while a plurality of isolation channels is installed for winding first and second secondary coils on external sides of primary coils. First and second slots are opened between the primary coils and the first and second secondary coils respectively, and both slots cut into an internal through hole. When a second core of the core set is placed at one end of the hollow support, extensions at both ends of the second core go through both sides of the first core, together with first and second protrusive parts between the two extensions that are installed within the first and second slots and combined with the first core to form multiple magnetic paths.
US07646277B2 Ignition coil
An ignition coil includes a coil part having primary and secondary coils, a center core, and a peripheral core, a connector case part, a seal rubber, and a ventilation passage. The coil part is inserted in a plug hole of an engine, and the case part is outside the plug hole. An axial end of the peripheral core is inserted in an insertion hole of the case part. The peripheral core and an inner wall surface of the insertion hole define a ventilation clearance therebetween. A gap between the case part and the plug hole is sealed with the rubber. The rubber is closely-attached to the plug hole and the case part along its whole circumference. The passage, through which the plug hole is ventilated, includes the clearance and a ventilation hole formed at a certain position of the case part away from the rubber to communicate with the clearance.
US07646269B2 Electrical switching apparatus, and conductor assembly and shunt assembly therefor
A shunt assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a conductor assembly having a load conductor and a movable contact assembly with a number of movable contact arms. The movable contact assembly is movable in response to a fault current. The shunt assembly includes a number of flexible conductive elements each having a first end electrically connected to the load conductor, a second end electrically connected to a corresponding one of the movable contact arms, and a number of bends disposed between the first and second ends. At least one constraint element is disposed proximate a corresponding one of the bends and constrains movement of the flexible conductive element in response to the fault current, thereby translating the magnetic repulsion force associated with the fault current into a corresponding torque of the movable contact arms of the movable contact assembly.
US07646266B2 Surface acoustic wave resonator and surface acoustic wave filter using the same
A Q-factor of a resonator at a high frequency is improved. An insertion loss of a filter using such a resonator and steepness of the filter are improved. A plurality of surface acoustic wave resonators including an interdigital transducer and reflecting electrodes provided on both sides thereof are connected in parallel on a piezoelectric substrate. Resonance frequencies of the surface acoustic wave resonators are rendered equal among all the resonators connected in parallel. In this way, the Q-factor of the resonance can be improved. A surface acoustic wave filter using such surface acoustic wave resonators is formed in order to improve the insertion loss and the steepness.
US07646265B2 BAW resonator filter bandwidth and out-of-band frequency rejection
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, devices and methods for improving both the bandwidth of a BAW resonator bandpass filter and the suppression of out-of-band frequencies above the passband. In various embodiments of the invention, blocker inductors are located in series between the filter input and the filter output to realize both bandwidth enhancement and improved out-of-band frequency rejection. For example, a first blocker inductor may be located at the input and a second blocker inductor may be located at the output of a BAW resonator bandpass filter.
US07646264B2 Varactor tunable RF filters having low distortion and high signal level capability
An agile frequency converter provides IF-RF level exchange and notch filtering. System noise and spurious levels generated by channel frequency conversion is reduced in applications requiring broadband combining of frequency converters to form multichannel composite signal. A pair of varactor banks is connected in an arrangement whereby varactor pairs are connected in parallel and capacitor pairs are connected in anti-parallel. Tuning is achieved by circuitry for tuning first and second varactors.
US07646263B1 Tracking feed for multi-band operation
An antenna feed system having a single corrugated horn wave guide ports in one of the corrugations, a combiner network which receives signals at approximately 20 GHz from the four wave guide ports and provides sum and difference signals, and a transducer which provides transmit signals at approximately 30 GHz and approximately 44 GHz to a rear end of the single horn.
US07646261B2 Vertical inter-digital coupler
The present invention is directed to a coupler structure that includes a first port, a second port, a third port, and a fourth port. L first transmission line layers are disposed in the structure. Each first transmission line layer includes a first transmission line conforming to a predetermined geometric configuration. The first transmission line is disposed on a first dielectric material between the first port and the second port. L is an integer. M second transmission line layers are disposed in alternating layers with the L first transmission line layers to form a total of N transmission line layers within the structure. M and N are integers and N is greater than or equal to three. Each second transmission line layer includes a second transmission line substantially conforming to the predetermined geometric configuration. The second transmission line is disposed on a second dielectric material between the third port and the fourth port. Each second transmission line is disposed in a predetermined position relative to a corresponding first transmission line within the structure.
US07646260B2 Switching device with selectable phase shifting modes for reduced intermodulation distortion
According to one exemplary embodiment, a switching device with phase selection terminals to select between at least two phase shifting modes to reduce intermodulation distortion in the switching device includes a first phase selection terminal to select a first phase shifting mode of the switching device by enabling a first transmission line in a first phase shifting switching branch coupled to an input of the switching device. The switching device further includes a second phase selection terminal to select a second phase shifting mode of the switching device by enabling a second phase shifting switching branch coupled to the switching device input. The intermodulation distortion in the switching device is reduced by selecting one of the first and second phase shifting modes. The first transmission line is enabled by enabling a FET coupled in series with the first transmission line in the first phase shifting switching branch.
US07646243B2 Controlled transconductance differential stage
A differential stage which uses a bias generator circuit to set the operating currents of the input stage FETs to make the incremental Gm primarily a function of a single resistor embedded in the biasing circuit, such that the input stage has a Gm which only gradually departs from nominal under overdrive, and continues to supply output currents which increase with an increasing differential input signal.
US07646236B2 Method and apparatus for tuning resistors and capacitors
A two-step tuning process for resistors and capacitors in an integrated circuit is described. In the first step of the tuning process, an on-chip adjustable resistor is tuned based on an external resistor to obtain a tuned resistor. The value of the tuned resistor is accurate to within a target percentage determined by the external resistor and the design of the adjustable resistor. In the second step, an adjustable capacitor is tuned based on the tuned resistor and an accurate clock to obtain a tuned capacitor having an accurate value. The adjustable capacitor may be tuned such that an RC time constant for the tuned resistor and the tune capacitor is accurate to within a target percentage determined by the accurate clock and the design of the adjustable capacitor. The resistors and capacitors of other circuits on the integrated circuit may be adjusted based on the tuned resistor and the tuned capacitor, respectively.
US07646232B2 Signal adjusting circuit
A signal adjusting circuit is provided. The signal adjusting circuit includes a first operational unit, a second operational unit, an auto-gain controller (AGC), a first clamp circuit, and a second clamp circuit is provided. The first operational unit performs an operation to a digital signal and a first gain value, to obtain a first adjusting signal. The second operational unit performs an operation to the digital signal and a second gain value, to obtain a second adjusting signal. The AGC generates a third gain value according to the first adjusting signal. The first clamp circuit receives and restricts the third gain value between a first upper limit and a first lower limit for generating the first gain value. The second clamp circuit receives and restricts the third gain value between a second upper limit and a second lower limit for generating the second gain value.
US07646231B2 System and method for controlling attenuator
An apparatus for setting an attenuation of an attenuator includes a control transistor, which includes a drain connected to a gate of a shunt transistor of the attenuator. A channel resistance of the shunt transistor corresponds to a current density of the control transistor, and the channel resistance of the shunt transistor determines the attenuation of the attenuator. The current density of the control transistor is based at least in part on a control voltage input to the apparatus.
US07646230B2 Devices, systems, and methods for reducing signals
Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system, which can comprise a circuit adapted to cause an actuation of an output device according to a control output. The control output can be generated comprising a control signal, the control signal extracted from a sequence of clock pulses. The sequence of clock pulses can comprise the control signal.
US07646229B2 Method of output slew rate control
This document discusses, among other things, output slew rate control. Methods and structures are described to provide slew rate control of an output driver circuit such as a DRAM output driver on a die. A selectable combination of series coupled transistors are configured as a parallel array of complementary inverter pairs to provide a divided voltage to a calibrator. The calibrator is configured to respond to a differential voltage to adjust the divided voltage such that the differential voltage is forced to zero. The calibrator outputs a plurality of discrete signals from an up/down counter to switch on and off the individual transistors of the parallel array to increase and decrease a collective current. In some embodiments, transistor channel currents are modulated to step-adjust a voltage based on a ratio associated with a static resistance. In various embodiments, the divided voltage is an analog voltage based on a resistance associated with trim circuitry.
US07646227B2 Digital phase discriminator
A phase discriminator for being used in a phase-locked loop to determine if a phase difference between a reference signal and a target signal has reached a programmable gap value is disclose which comprises a programmable phase gap selector receiving the reference signal, a first phase digital converter converting an output signal from the programmable phase gap selector to a first digital code, a second phase digital converter converting a phase difference between the target signal and the reference signal to a second digital code, and a code comparator comparing the first and second digital code and generating a first instructional signal based on a change of order of the values of the first and second digital code.
US07646226B2 Adaptive bandwidth phase locked loops with current boosting circuits
An adaptive bandwidth phase locked loop (PLL) includes a phase frequency detector configured to generate a comparison pulse having a pulse-width and sign corresponding to a difference between a reference frequency and a first frequency. A pulse-voltage converter is configured to generate a control voltage corresponding to the comparison pulse. An oscillator is configured to generate the output frequency corresponding to the control voltage.
US07646222B2 Semiconductor device for generating power on reset signal
A reference voltage generating circuit receives a power supply voltage and generates a reference voltage. A reference voltage level guarantee circuit generates a sense signal when the circuit senses that a value of the reference voltage has reached a predetermined value. A power supply voltage sensing circuit has a voltage comparator circuit which compares a voltage obtained by dividing a power supply voltage with the reference voltage and outputs a power ON reset signal. An operation of the voltage comparator circuit is controlled based on a sense signal. When the value of the power supply voltage increases and the value of the reference voltage reaches a predetermined value, the voltage comparator circuit operates, and a power ON reset signal is outputted in response to a result of comparison between a divisional voltage and the reference voltage.
US07646221B2 Buffer Circuit and control method thereof
A buffer circuit permitting an input signal to pass and prohibiting the input signal from passing corresponding to an output control signal, including an output switching device, a control portion having a first switching circuit controlling the output switching device into conductive state and a second switching circuit controlling the output switching device into non-conductive state, and controlling the output switching device into the conductive state or non-conductive state corresponding to the input signal and the output control signal, wherein a connecting point between the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit is coupled to the output switching device, and a changing portion connected to the second switching circuit in series and limiting the drive capacity of the output switching device when the output control signal is in an output prohibition state of prohibiting the input signal from passing.
US07646220B2 Reduced voltage subLVDS receiver
A rail-to-rail high speed subLVDS receiver demonstrates good jitter and duty cycle performance for high-speed signals at low power supply levels. A sample receiver includes a voltage shifter for shifting the voltage levels of a differential input signal so that a shifted differential input signal is produced. The shifted differential input signal can be applied to a first differential pair, and the differential input signal can be applied to a second differential pair. The outputs of the first and second differential pairs can be summed together to produce a differential output signal. The differential output signal can be output using an output block. A clamp circuit can be used to adjust the gain of the first differential pair responsive to a common mode voltage of the first and second differential input signals.
US07646212B2 Memory system including a power divider on a multi module memory bus
A memory system includes a memory controller, a transmission bus, a power divider, a first memory chip, and a second memory chip. The transmission bus is coupled from the memory controller to a first node of the power divider for transferring signals. The first node of the power divider is coupled to a second node of the power divider via a first line, and the first node is also coupled to a third node of the power divider via a second line. The first memory chip is coupled to the second node via a first branch bus and the second memory chip is coupled to the third node via a second branch bus. Accordingly, reflected wave due to an impedance mismatching can be reduced to enhance the signal integrity.
US07646211B2 Circuit and apparatus for reducing interference of digital signals
A circuit for rounding the edges of a digital pulse so as to reduce interference has a first rounding block, a second rounding block and an output stage. The first rounding block rounds the second and fourth pulse edges so as to prolong rising and falling time of the digital pulse. The second rounding block rounds the first and third pulse edges in accordance with non-linear characteristics of a semiconductor of the second rounding block. The output stage is a feedback circuit where the first rounding block is coupled with the second rounding block and the second rounding block is coupled with the feedback circuit.
US07646207B2 Method for measuring a property of interconnections and structure for the same
A method for measuring a property of interconnections is provided. The method includes the following steps. A plurality of interconnection test patterns are provided. A pad to which the plurality of interconnection test patterns are parallelly connected is formed. At least one resistor is formed between at least one of the plurality of interconnection test patterns and the pad. The property of the plurality of interconnection test patterns is measured by applying a current, a voltage and/or a mechanical stress to the pad.
US07646206B2 Apparatus and method for measuring the current consumption and the capacitance of a semiconductor device
A measuring apparatus is provided which has least one voltage source for providing a supply voltage for a semiconductor device to be tested, at least one first tester channel connected to the supply voltage source via a first RC element having a first resistor and a first capacitor connected in series therewith, wherein the first tester channel is adapted for the temporally resolved measurement of a charging voltage of the first capacitor.
US07646205B2 S-parameter measurement
The invention provides for a method of using a network analyzer and a test controller for measuring S-parameters of a device, which can assume a plurality of states, and which can switch very fast from one state to another. The test controller sends a trigger to the analyzer, which starts a frequency sweep when it receives this trigger. The frequency sweep, having substantially the same start and stop frequency, is provided to the device. The analyzer then executes a measurement of at least one S-parameter of the device, stores the S-parameter data from the measurement and provides the test controller with a trigger. The test controller then updates the device to the next state in a predetermined sequence of states when it receives the trigger from the analyzer. These steps are repeated until all states in the predetermined sequence of states have been measured. In addition, the invention provides for a system for measuring at least one S-parameter of a microwave device, which system comprises a test controller a network analyzer and the microwave device itself.
US07646204B2 Method and system for testing a settling time for a device-under-test
A system and method are disclosed for testing a settling time of a device-under-test (DUT). A method for determining a settling time of a device-under-test (DUT) includes activating a DUT to generate an output signal and mixing the output signal of the DUT and a reference signal to generate a mixed signal. An amplitude threshold is set for the mixed signal relative to an amplitude of the mixed signal and the settling time of the DUT is determined based on a last time that the amplitude of the mixed signal crosses the amplitude threshold relative to the activation of the DUT.
US07646201B2 Airborne electromagnetic (EM) survey system
An airborne electromagnetic survey system for conducting geological mapping is disclosed. A transmitter closed loop structure is used in the system and is designed for connection to a towing airborne vehicle. The transmitter loop structure comprises a plurality of interconnected loop segments, and transmitting means are fitted to at least one of the loop segments for generating and transmitting an earthbound primary electromagnetic field effective for geological surveying. Sensing means are fitted to the loop segments for receiving and sensing a vertical component of a secondary resulting electromagnetic field which arises from an interaction of the primary electromagnetic field with ground bodies that are traversed by the sensing means, while simultaneously nulling the primary electromagnetic field. Helical sensing means are positioned in close proximity to the transmitting means to receive and sense a horizontal electromagnetic field contained in the secondary resulting field, while simultaneously nulling the primary electromagnetic field.
US07646200B2 DNP apparatus
A coolant sub-assembly is provided for use in a DNP apparatus. The sub-assembly comprises a plurality of concentric jackets surrounding an inner bore tube having first and second opposed ends. The jackets are adapted to inhibit heat flow to the inner bore tube, a DNP working region being defined within the inner bore tube where a DNP process will be performed on a sample in the DNP working region. A coolant supply path extends adjacent an outer surface of the inner bore tube at the DNP working region in order to cool said outer surface, whereby a sample holder assembly can be inserted through the first end of the inner bore tube to bring a sample holder into the DNP working region and can be moved through the second end of the inner bore tube. An auxiliary coolant supply path supplies coolant to a sample, located in use in the sample holder at the DNP working region, through at least one aperture in the inner bore tube wall at the DNP working region. One or both ends of the inner bore tube opens into a coolant waste path for conveying coolant away from the inner bore tube, and wherein the coolant, auxiliary coolant, and waste paths are coupled to pumping means in use to cause coolant to pass along the coolant, auxiliary coolant and waste paths.
US07646191B2 Method for detecting leading edge blanking parameter of power management chip
A method for detecting a leading edge blanking parameter of a power management chip includes generating a pulse signal and inputting the pulse signal to the power management chip, wherein the amplitude of the pulse signal will cause a PWM signal of the power management chip to change its duty cycle; detecting the PWM signal to generate a detecting result; when the detecting result indicates that the duty cycle of the PWM signal does not change, adjusting a pulse width of the pulse signal to generate an adjusted pulse signal, inputting the adjusted pulse signal to the power management chip and detecting the PWM signal; and when the detecting result indicates that the duty cycle of the PWM signal changes, determining the leading edge blanking parameter of the power management chip according to the pulse width of the pulse signal.
US07646188B2 Voltage regulator for generating constant output voltage
A voltage regulator has an output transistor that receives an input voltage inputted via an input terminal and that outputs a constant output voltage via an output terminal. A voltage divider circuit divides the output voltage to generate a divided voltage. A reference voltage circuit generates a reference voltage. An error amplifier circuit generates an error signal by comparing the divided voltage with the reference voltage. A protection circuit detects an abnormal state of the voltage regulator. A control circuit controls the output transistor to increase the output voltage to maintain the output voltage constant when an error signal is generated by the error amplifier circuit, and does not control the output transistor to increase the output voltage when the protection circuit detects an abnormal state of the voltage regulator.
US07646186B2 Holdover circuit for a power converter using a bi-directional switching regulator
A holdover circuit is configured with a holdover capacitor, preferably an aluminum electrolytic capacitor, to provide uninterruptible operation for an electrical load operable over a limited range of input voltage during brief power interruptions. The holdover circuit includes a switching regulator configured with two active switches that are controlled with complementary duty cycles to charge and discharge the holdover capacitor at a voltage higher than the voltage of the load. The controller for the switching regulator may be configured to regulate the voltage of the holdover capacitor at a voltage proportional to the load voltage or at a constant voltage. The controller for the switching regulator is configured to operate in different modes during normal powered operation and during holdover.
US07646181B2 Control circuit of DC-DC converter
A control circuit of a DC-DC converter is provided. A mode selection section selects an Active Clamp Forward (ACF) or a Logic Link Control (LLC) mode. A soft start section generates a soft start signal in the ACF and LLC modes. A PWM comparison section compares a current detection signal with a feedback signal, a feedback reference signal and the soft start signal in the ACF mode, and generates a PWM signal based on a comparison result. A selection section selects the PWM signal of the PWM comparison section in the ACF mode. A clock generation section generates a clock signal having a fixed frequency in the ACF mode, and generates a clock signal having a frequency based on an operating current and the soft start signal in the LLC mode. A latch section maintains the PWM signal in response to the clock signal in the ACF mode and maintains the clock signal in the LLC mode.
US07646179B2 Electric power supply circuit and electronic device
An electric power supply circuit includes a first switching element that turns on or off according to an external signal; an inductor capacitor circuit provided between the power supply and the load that charges or discharges electric power provided by the power supply according to the on or off state of the first switching element; a rectifier diode provided between the first switching element and the ground; a second switching element provided in parallel with the rectifier diode that turns on or off synchronously with the first switching element; and a depletion transistor that detects a direction of a current flowing through the inductor capacitor circuit based on a voltage detected across the second switching element to generate a detection result, and causes the second switching element to turn on or off according to the detection result.
US07646176B2 Controller for rechargeable battery and temperature estimation method and deterioration determination method for rechargeable battery
A controller for a rechargeable battery and a temperature estimation method and a deterioration determination method for a rechargeable battery enabling an accurate battery temperature to be obtained through calculation. The controller calculates a heat generation amount of Joule heat generated in the rechargeable battery and a heat generation amount of chemical reaction heat generated in the rechargeable battery to calculate the battery temperature of the rechargeable battery based on the calculated Joule heat generation amount and the calculated chemical reaction heat generation amount. When a cooling device is connected to the rechargeable battery, the controller preferably calculates the battery temperature of the rechargeable battery using the Joule heat generation amount, the chemical reaction heat generation amount, and a value indicating the cooling capability of the cooling device.
US07646175B2 Device and method for controlling a current supply
A device or a method for supplying a current to a load. A peripheral temperature of the load is detected. Based on the detected peripheral temperature and a predetermined time period, the unit amount of the current being supplied is switched between a first current and a second current.
US07646173B1 Battery safety monitor system
A battery safety monitor system. The system includes at least one battery, at least one zener diode, at least one safety device, a microcontroller, a display device and a power supply. The at least one battery comprises at least one cell string capable of outputting voltage signals. The at least one zener diode is operatively coupled to the at least one battery cell string. The at least one safety device is operatively coupled to the at least one battery cell string. The microcontroller is operatively coupled to the at least one zener diode. The display device is operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The power supply is operatively coupled to the microcontroller and the display device.
US07646172B2 Staggered backup battery charging system
A battery backup system includes a control device including a power sensing device, a discharge circuit, a charging circuit, and a plurality of battery packs. A lower threshold is established representative of a minimum acceptable effective energy capacity. Each battery pack is recharged if its effective energy capacity falls below the lower threshold. Additionally, an upper threshold is established representative of the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity plus a performance margin. In a two battery-pack system, if both battery packs fall below the upper threshold, the battery with the least effective energy capacity is discharged to the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity and then recharged to the battery pack's maximum energy capacity. In this way, both battery packs are prevented from approaching the minimum acceptable effective energy capacity at the same time. This reduces the size or number of battery packs and reduces their associated cost and volume.
US07646171B2 Methods of charging lithium sulfur cells
Disclosed is a method of charging a lithium-sulfur electrochemical cell wherein the lithium-sulfur cell comprises a cathode comprising an electroactive sulfur-containing material, an anode comprising lithium, and a nonaqueous electrolyte. Also disclosed are methods for determining charge termination when charging lithium-sulfur cells.
US07646168B2 Electrical device with adjustable voltage
An electrical device is provided. The electrical device of this invention includes a voltage control circuit that couples with an AC-DC adapter and a charger. The voltage control circuit uses the charger to determine the condition of the battery and controls the AC-DC adapter to generate different output voltages by the conditions of the system loading and the battery. The electrical device can be used for portable equipment.
US07646167B2 System for updating programmable batteries
A system for updating battery software includes a programmable battery unit that includes an internal access point. The programmable battery unit includes a battery control unit that controls the overall functionality of the programmable battery unit. A programmable storage medium may be included on the battery control unit. The storage medium has stored therein battery software operable to control certain features of the programmable battery unit. An input port may be connected with the battery control unit. An update device that includes a second storage medium having stored therein updated battery software for the programmable battery unit. A connector may be included for connecting the update device to the input port of the programmable battery unit. A software routine on the update device is operable to automatically transfer the updated battery software from the update device to the first storage medium of the programmable battery unit thereby reprogramming the programmable battery unit.
US07646166B2 Method and apparatus for modeling diffusion in an electrochemical system
A method for determining a diffusion voltage in an electrochemical cell (e.g., a battery used in connection with an automotive vehicle) includes estimating a previous diffusion voltage, calculating a new diffusion voltage using an equation based on a diffusion circuit model and the previous diffusion voltage, and setting the previous diffusion voltage equal to the new diffusion voltage. The step of calculating the new diffusion voltage may then be repeated.
US07646163B2 Device for controlling rotation speed of computer fan
An exemplary device for controlling rotation speed of a computer fan includes an identifying device and a control circuit. The identifying device is configured for identifying the type of the computer fan. The control circuit configured for controlling rotation speed of the computer fan includes an electric switch, an integrated circuit, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal. The electric switch has a first terminal coupled to the identifying device to receive an identifying signal, a second terminal coupled to a super I/O chip to receive a PWM signal. The integrated circuit is configured to convert the PWM signal to an analog voltage signal. The first output terminal is configured to output the PWM signal to a PWM control pin of a fan header. The second output terminal is configured to output the analog voltage signal to a power pin of the fan header.
US07646156B2 Shelf storage system with energy recycling
In a shelf storage system (1) comprising at least two shelf units (1a-1d), wherein each shelf unit has a separate moveable shelf feeder device (5) with electric drive motors (6, 7, 8), and comprising an electric energy supply circuit (P, S1, S2, S3) which supplies the shelf units (1a-1d) with electric energy, the shelf feeder devices (5) are designed for recycling electric energy produced in their drive motors (6, 7, 8) by operating them as generators back into the electric energy supply circuit, with the electric energy supply circuit distributing electric energy recycled by the shelf feeder devices among the shelf units according to requirements (arrow ES1, arrow EP).
US07646155B2 Generic motor control system
A method for controlling the operation of a motor utilizing a generic motor control module. The method includes sampling at least one motor operating criterion during operation of the motor and executing a generic control algorithm at a predetermined periodic interval. Execution of the algorithm provides a firing angle, duty cycle, or other suitable control function solution for an electronic valve for each periodic interval, thereby controlling the behavior of the motor. Additionally, the method includes firing the electronic valve at the calculated timing during each periodic interval such that the motor functions in accordance with desired motor operational parameters.
US07646154B2 Light emitting apparatus and control method thereof
An apparatus and method for controlling emission of light are provided. The light emitting apparatus comprises a plurality of first light emitting parts which are connected with each other in series, a first current supply which supplies a current to the plurality of first light emitting parts, a plurality of switches which are respectively connected with the plurality of first light emitting parts in parallel to make the current be transmitted to or bypass the first light emitting parts and a controller which receives brightness information corresponding to the respective first light emitting parts and controls the plurality of first switches to make overall light emitting time of the first light emitting parts within time intervals correspond to a brightness level of the brightness information. The present invention provides an apparatus and method for emitting light by driving a plurality of light emitting parts to independently emit light in various brightness levels with a simplified circuit configuration and improved efficiency.
US07646150B2 Plasma display panel and manufacturing method of the same
A plasma display panel that is capable of reducing power consumption and improving exhaust efficiency. The plasma display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a plurality of discharge cells partitioned between the first substrate and the second substrate, a plurality of phosphor layers arranged within the plurality of discharge cells, a plurality of address electrodes extending in a first direction on the second substrate and a plurality of first electrodes and a plurality of second electrodes extending in a second direction that crosses the first direction, arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, arranged apart from the plurality of address electrodes, and protruding in a third direction away from the second substrate, wherein the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes face each other with a space therebetween, wherein each of the plurality of first electrodes and each of the plurality of second electrodes respectively include a plurality of expanded portions corresponding to respective ones of the plurality of discharge cells and extending in the third direction, and a plurality of connecting portions connecting ones of the plurality of expanded portions.
US07646148B2 Organic EL device array
An organic EL device array in which water or oxygen hardly enters a light emitting region, and high-quality light emission can be maintained for a longer period of time. The organic EL device array includes: a light emitting region (region I) having a plurality of organic EL light emitting portions for emitting light in an organic compound layer disposed between a pair of electrodes; a protective layer in contact with an upper electrode of the pair of electrodes; a member disposed on the protective layer; an intermediate layer disposed between the protective layer and the member, in which a thinner portion of the intermediate layer is present outside a light emitting region (region O) within the surface thereof.
US07646147B2 Electro-luminescence panel
An electro-luminescence (EL) panel is provided. The EL panel comprises a substrate, a cover, an EL device, and a buffer structure. The cover is disposed above the substrate. The EL device is disposed on the substrate and between the substrate and the cover. The buffer structure is disposed on the cover and between the EL device and the cover.
US07646144B2 OLED with protective bi-layer electrode
An OLED device, comprising: a substrate; a first electrode formed over the substrate; one or more organic layers formed over the first electrode, at least one organic layer being a light-emitting layer; and a bi-layer electrode comprising a first transparent conductive protective hermetic layer formed over the one or more organic layers, and a second transparent conductive non-hermetic layer formed over the first transparent conductive protective hermetic layer.
US07646142B2 Field emission device (FED) having cathode aperture to improve electron beam focus and its method of manufacture
A Field Emission Device (FED) and its method of manufacture includes: forming a substrate; forming a cathode having a cathode aperture on an upper surface of the substrate; forming a material layer having a first through hole with a smaller diameter than that of the cathode aperture on an upper surface of the cathode; forming a first insulator having a first cavity on an upper surface of the material layer; forming a gate electrode having a second through hole on an upper surface of the first insulator; and forming an emitter in a central portion of the cathode aperture.
US07646140B2 Piezoelectric element containing perovskite type oxide, and liquid jet head and ultrasonic motor using the piezoelectric element
There is disclosed a piezoelectric element having, on a substrate, a piezoelectric body and a pair of electrodes which come in contact with the piezoelectric body, wherein the piezoelectric body consists of a perovskite type oxide represented by the following formula (1): (Bi,Ba)(M,Ti)O3  (1) in which M is an atom of one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Cr, Cu, Sc, In, Ga, Yb, Al, Mg, Zn, Co, Zr, Sn, Nb, Ta and W, or a combination of the atoms of the plurality of elements.
US07646132B2 Arcuate coil winding and assembly for axial gap electro-dynamo machines (EDM)
An axial gap EDM deploys as a stator coils a series of two parallel serpentine windings that each circumscribe an arc segment of a circle. Each arc segment that forms the stator winding assembly is powered as a separate phase. The two winding are readily formed by shaping one or more wire segment. Preferably the parallel winding are arranged to overlap with a half period rotational offset such that the radial directed serpentine segments of that are disposed above and below the stator disk are interlaced when viewed in projection through the disk. In one embodiment, each series of serpentine winding are separated by a gap so that they can be inserted on the stator disk from the edge. A separate rotor disk is adjacent each side of this stator disk. In another embodiment, each series of serpentine winding are separated by a gap, so they can be inserted to surround a single rotor disk which has two series of magnets disposed on opposite sides.
US07646131B2 Permanent magnet synchronous machine with flat-wire windings
According to the invention, an improved copper filling in the slots (4) of a permanently-stimulated synchronous motor (2) may be achieved, whereby such a motor is disclosed, comprising a stator (1), with parallel-edged slots (4), provided with a winding system of flat wires (5), whereby the flat wires (5) each enclose a tooth (3) and are embodied as a tooth coil (6). The flat wires (5) are wound edgewise such that the narrower side of the flat wire (5) faces the tooth (3) and each tooth coil (6) comprises at least two layers of flat wires (5).
US07646129B2 Stator for an electric machine
The invention relates to a stator for an electric machine, which has a core comprised of laminated sheet metal (1), the pole teeth (2) of each laminated sheet metal (1) of the core being connected to one another via respective webs (3). The laminated metal sheets (1) of the core are made from a two-state steel and, in the area of the pole teeth (2), have a high relative permeability and, in the area of the webs (3), have a section (5, 6, 7) with a low relative permeability.
US07646123B2 Vehicle alternator
A vehicle alternator for generating electric power is driven by an engine mounted on a vehicle driven through a driving belt. The alternator has a pulley part joined to and directly receiving a driving force from the engine through the driving belt, a field magnet part located in separation from the pulley part, a rotation speed changing part placed between the pulley part and the field magnet part. The rotation speed changing part converts the number of revolutions between the pulley part and the field magnet part. The rotation speed changing part decreases a speed changing ratio “S” according to increasing of the number of revolutions of the engine, where the speed changing ratio “S” is obtained by dividing the number of revolutions of the field magnet part by the number of revolutions of the pulley part.
US07646121B2 Bobbin-less stepping motor and electronic apparatus
A stepping motor includes a rotor including a cylindrical permanent magnet, ring-shaped first and second yoke units that are arranged so as to be mutually stacked along an axis of the rotor, electrical connection members of resin material that include external connection terminals and are respectively secured to the first and second yoke units, and a pair of lid members. Each of the first and second yoke units includes a ring-shaped air-core coil, an outer yoke that accommodates therein the air-core coil and includes magnetic pole teeth arranged at fixed intervals in a circumferential direction of the air-core coil, and an inner yoke that includes a plurality of magnetic pole teeth arranged at fixed intervals in a circumferential direction of the air-core coil, and is combined with the outer yoke. Winding ends of the air-core coil are electrically connected to the external connection terminals.
US07646119B2 Electric machine with rotor cooling and corresponding cooling method
The aim of the invention is to optimize cooling of a rotor using simple means. A rotor is provided, comprising rotor pressure rings (1) such that at least one of the two rotor pressure rings (1) is configured in order to enable targeted guiding of the coolant through the axial bores (3, 3′) in the rotor. In a special embodiment, the rotor pressure ring (1) can be formed in such a manner that it produces, in several bores (3′) in the rotor sheet stack (8), a flow of coolant in a first direction and in other bores (3), a flow of coolant in the other direction. An even, opposite flow cooling can be exclusively obtained by the contour of the rotor pressure ring (1).
US07646113B2 Method of providing generator set standby power
A method is provided for connecting a 110 V genset to a transfer switch feeding a 220 V service entrance such that all 220 V loads are automatically blocked out and all 110 V circuits are accessed. The method includes wiring of the genset to the transfer switch such that the two hot 220 V terminals on the genset entrance side of the transfer switch are connected together and wired to the hot 110 V side of the genset. The neutral lead of the transfer switch is connected to the neutral side of the genset, as per normal practice.
US07646112B2 Parallel supply current sharing using thermal feedback
The current sharing using thermal feedback, in accordance with various embodiments, includes controlling an amount of current output from each of a plurality of power modules based on the thermal characteristics of each respective power module.
US07646111B2 Automatic sensing power systems and methods
An automatic sensing power system automatically determines a power requirement for an electrical device, converts power to the required level, and outputs the power to the electrical device when the electrical device is connected to the automatic sensing power system.
US07646109B2 System for distributing AC power within an equipment rack
A system comprises a first equipment rack, a power distribution unit (PDU) and a plurality of rack connectors. The PDU is mounted in the first equipment rack and is configured to provide alternating current (AC) power that comprises a plurality of phases. The plurality of rack connectors mount within the first equipment rack, and each of the plurality of rack connectors couples to the PDU and provides access to the plurality of phases. Each rack connector is usable to accommodate a first device installed in the equipment rack that uses one or more of the plurality of phases, and is also usable to accommodate a second device installed in the equipment rack that uses one or more of the plurality of phases, thereby permitting each rack connector to couple to any of a plurality of devices, and permitting each of the plurality of devices to use any number of the plurality of phases. The number of phases used by the first device differs from the number of phases used by the second device.
US07646105B2 Integrated circuit package system with package substrate having corner contacts
A integrated circuit package system includes: forming a package substrate with a top substrate side and a bottom substrate side; forming a corner contact in a first corner of the bottom substrate side, the corner contact extending to a substrate edge of the package substrate; mounting an integrated circuit device over the top substrate side; connecting an electrical interconnect between the integrated circuit device and the top substrate side; and forming a package encapsulation over the top substrate side, the integrated circuit device, and the electrical interconnect.
US07646103B2 Dicing/die-bonding film, method of fixing chipped work and semiconductor device
A dicing/die-bonding film including a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2) on a supporting base material (1) and a die-bonding adhesive layer (3) on the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2), wherein a releasability in an interface between the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer (2) and the die-bonding adhesive layer (3) is different between an interface (A) corresponding to a work-attaching region (3a) in the die-bonding adhesive layer (3) and an interface (B) corresponding to a part or a whole of the other region (3b), and the releasability of the interface (A) is higher than the releasability of the interface (B). The dicing/die-bonding film is excellent in balance between retention in dicing a work and releasability in releasing its diced chipped work together with the die-bonding adhesive layer.
US07646101B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
An insulating layer is formed on a semiconductor substrate, and has a through hole for via. A porous silica layer has a trench for interconnection communicating to the through hole for via, and is formed on the insulating layer in contact therewith. A conductive layer is formed in the through hole for via and in the trench for interconnection. The insulating layer is formed from a material containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and silicon, and having absorption peak attributed to Si—CH3 bond in a range from at least 1260 cm−1 to at most 1280 cm−1 (around 1274 cm−1) when measured with FT-IR. Thus, a semiconductor device having a porous insulating layer in which depth of the trench for interconnection is readily controlled, a dielectric constant is low, and increase in leakage current is less likely, as well as a manufacturing method thereof can be obtained.
US07646096B2 Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device having good production stability and excellent in a contact property between an antireflection film on an Al contained metal film and a conductive plug. The device includes a substrate, an insulating interlayer, and a multi-layer structure. The insulating interlayer is formed in the upper portion of the substrate. The structure is provided on the insulating interlayer. A Ti film, a first TiN film, an AlCu film, a Ti film, a second TiN film, and an etching adjustment film are sequentially formed in the structure. The device includes an insulating interlayer and a conductive plug. The insulating interlayer is provided on the insulating interlayer and the structure. The conductive plug penetrates the insulating interlayer and the etching adjustment film, and an end surface of the conductive plug is located in the second TiN film. The conductive plug includes a Ti film, a TiN film, and a W film.
US07646094B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device (10) includes: a substrate (1), including an electrode pad (1a); an IC chip (4), mounted on the substrate (1); and an externally connecting terminal (7), formed on the electrode pad (1a) and electrically connected with the IC chip (4), the externally connecting terminal (7) including a resin core (7a) made of an elastic material and including a metal layer (7b) formed outside the resin core (7a), thereby providing a semiconductor device having high packaging reliability.
US07646090B2 Semiconductor module for making electrical contact with a connection device via a rewiring device
The present invention provides a semiconductor module having: a semiconductor device (10) having a contact device (11) for making electrical contact with a connection device (17; 20) via a rewiring device (15, 15′, 15″); and a carrier device (12, 13, 14) for mechanically coupling the semiconductor device (10) to a connection device (17), the carrier device (12, 13, 14) having a gradient between a first modulus of elasticity at the semiconductor device (10) and a second, higher modulus of elasticity at the connection device (17; 20). The present invention likewise provides a method for producing a semiconductor module.
US07646089B2 Semiconductor package, method for manufacturing a semiconductor package, an electronic device, method for manufacturing an electronic device
A semiconductor package including a substrate with a semiconductor device mounted on the substrate and a resin member sealing the substrate and semiconductor device. The resin member includes a first surface and a second surface located on the other side of the first surface and a plurality of leads electrically connected with the semiconductor device. The leads project from the resin member and extend to the second surface side; wherein the second surface of the resin member includes a first area having a first concave portion and a second area having a second concave portion which is different from the first area, and the second concave portion is deeper than the first concave portion.
US07646086B2 Semiconductor package
A semiconductor package according to the present invention includes a substrate; first and second semiconductor chips mounted on a first surface of the substrate; and a heat-radiation sheet. The heat-radiation sheet includes a heat-transferable conductive layer and first and second insulating layers formed on top and bottom surfaces of the heat-transferable conductive layer, respectively. The heat-radiation sheet includes a first portion arranged between the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip; and a second portion extending at least a side of the first portion. The second portion is connected to the substrate. The second insulating layer of the second portion is formed to expose a part of the heat-transferable conductive layer.
US07646083B2 I/O connection scheme for QFN leadframe and package structures
Methods, systems, and apparatuses for integrated circuit packages and lead frames are provided. A quad flat no-lead (QFN) package includes a plurality of peripherally positioned pins, a die-attach paddle, an integrated circuit die, and an encapsulating material. The die-attach paddle is positioned within a periphery formed by the pins. The die is attached to the die-attach paddle. The encapsulating material encapsulates the die on the die-attach paddle, encapsulates bond wires connected between the die and the pins, and fills a space between the pins and the die-attach paddle. One or more of the pins are extended. An extended pin may be elongated, L shaped, T shaped, or “wishbone” shaped. The extended pin(s) enable wire bonding of additional ground, power, and I/O (input/output) pads of the die in a manner that does not significantly increase QFN package cost.
US07646082B2 Multi-layer circuit substrate and method having improved transmission line integrity and increased routing density
A multi-layer circuit substrate and method having improved transmission line integrity and increased routing density uses a selectively applied transmission line reference plane metal layer to achieve signal path shielding and isolation, while avoiding drops in impedance due to capacitance between large diameter vias and the transmission line reference plane metal layer. The transmission line reference plane defines voids above (or below) the signal-bearing plated-through holes (PTHs) that pass through a rigid substrate core, so that the signals are not degraded by an impedance mismatch that would otherwise be caused by shunt capacitance from the top (or bottom) of the signal-bearing PTHs to the transmission line reference plane. For voltage-plane bearing PTHs, no voids are introduced, so that signal path conductors can be routed above or adjacent to the voltage-plane bearing PTHs, with the transmission line reference plane preventing shunt capacitance between the signal path conductors and the PTHs.
US07646077B2 Methods and structure for forming copper barrier layers integral with semiconductor substrates structures
The present invention is directed to improved dielectric copper barrier layer and related interconnect structures. One structure includes a semiconductor substrate having a copper line. An insulating layer formed of at least one of silicon and carbon is formed on the underlying copper line. An opening is formed in the insulating layer to expose a portion of the copper line. The inner surface of the opening in the insulating layer has a dielectric barrier layer formed thereon to prevent the diffusion of copper into the insulating layer. A copper plug is formed to fill the opening and make electrical contact with the underlying copper interconnect structure. Aspects of the invention also include methods for forming the dielectric copper barrier layers and associate copper interconnects to the underlying copper lines.
US07646072B2 Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
It is possible to prevent the deterioration of device characteristic as much as possible. A semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate; a gate insulating film provided above the semiconductor substrate and containing a metal, oxygen and an additive element; a gate electrode provided above the gate insulating film; and source/drain regions provided in the semiconductor substrate on both sides of the gate electrode. The additive element is at least one element selected from elements of Group 5, 6, 15, and 16 at a concentration of 0.003 atomic % or more but 3 atomic % or less.
US07646067B2 Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor transistor including multiple gate conductive layers and method of manufacturing the same
A CMOS transistor and a method of manufacturing the CMOS transistor are disclosed. An NMOS transistor is formed on a first region of a semiconductor substrate. A PMOS transistor is formed on a second region of a semiconductor substrate. The NMOS transistor includes a first gate conductive layer. The PMOS transistor includes a second gate conductive layer. The first gate conductive layer includes a metal having a nitrogen concentration increasing in a direction from a lower portion toward an upper portion. In addition, the metal has a work function of about 4.0 eV to about 4.3 eV. The third gate conductive layer includes a metal having a nitrogen concentration increasing in a direction from a lower portion toward an upper portion. In addition, the metal has a work function of about 4.7 eV to about 5.0 eV.
US07646065B2 Semiconductor device including fully-silicided (FUSI) gate electrodes
A semiconductor device includes: an isolation region formed in a semiconductor substrate; an active region surrounded by the isolation region in the semiconductor substrate; a gate insulating film formed on the active region; and a gate electrode formed across the boundary between the active region and the isolation region adjacent to the active region. The gate electrode includes a first portion which is located above the active region with the gate insulating film interposed therebetween and is entirely made of a silicide in a thickness direction and a second portion which is located above the isolation region and is made of a silicon region and the silicide region covering the silicon region.
US07646061B2 Power semiconductor component with charge compensation structure and method for producing the same
A power semiconductor device with charge compensation structure and a method for producing the same is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power semiconductor device has in a semiconductor body a drift path between a body zone and a substrate region. The drift path is divided into drift zones of a first conduction type. A field stop zone is provided having the first conduction type, which is arranged on the substrate region, wherein the net dopant concentration of the field stop zone is lower than that of the substrate region and higher than that of the drift zones.
US07646059B2 Semiconductor device including field effect transistor for use as a high-speed switching device and a power device
A body layer of a first conductivity type is formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a source layer of a second conductivity type is formed in a surface region of the body layer. An offset layer of the second conductivity type is formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a drain layer of the second conductivity type is formed in a surface region of the offset layer. An insulating film is embedded in a trench formed in the surface region of the offset layer between the source layer and the drain layer. A gate insulating film is formed on the body layer and the offset layer between the source layer and the insulating film. A gate electrode is formed on the gate insulating film. A first peak of an impurity concentration profile in the offset layer is formed at a position deeper than the insulating film.
US07646056B2 Gate structures of a non-volatile memory device and methods of manufacturing the same
In a gate structure of a non-volatile memory device is formed, a tunnel insulating layer and a charge trapping layer are formed on a substrate. A composite dielectric layer is formed on the charge trapping layer and has a laminate structure in which first material layers including aluminum oxide and second material layers including hafnium oxide or zirconium oxide are alternately stacked. A conductive layer is formed on the composite dielectric layer and then a gate structure is formed by patterning the conductive layer, the composite dielectric layer, the charge trapping layer, and the tunnel insulating layer.
US07646054B2 Array of non-volatile memory cells with floating gates formed of spacers in substrate trenches
In order to reduce the integrated circuit area that is occupied by an array of a given number of flash memory cells, floating gate charge storage elements are positioned along sidewalls of substrate trenches, preferably being formed of doped polysilicon spacers. An array of dual floating gate memory cells includes cells with this structure, as an example. A NAND array of memory cells is another example of an application of this cell structure. The memory cell and array structures have wide application to various specific NOR and NAND memory cell array architectures.
US07646050B2 Ferroelectric type semiconductor device having a barrier TiO and TiON type dielectric film
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, a first electrode that is formed over said semiconductor substrate, a capacitive insulating film that is formed on the first electrode and is made of a metal oxide ferroelectric, a second electrode that is formed on the capacitive insulating film, an insulating film that has a first opening exposing a portion of an upper side of the second electrode and is formed so that it covers the first electrode, the capacitive insulating film, and the second electrode, a first barrier film having an amorphous structure which is formed inside the first opening and on the insulating film, and a wiring film that is formed over the first barrier film.
US07646049B2 Image sensor and fabricating method thereof
An image sensor includes a photo diode formed over a semiconductor substrate. At least one IMD layer is formed on the semiconductor substrate. A dielectric medium fills a through-hole formed in the IMD layer over the photo diode. The dielectric medium may be made with materials with a higher refractive index than the materials forming the IMD layer.
US07646048B2 CMOS image sensor
A CMOS image sensor includes a photo-transistor capable of performing photo-sensing and active amplification. The photo-transistor is installed to improve low illustration characteristics while maintaining an existing pixel operation. The CMOS image sensor also includes a reset transistor connected to the photo-transistor and adapted to perform a reset function, a drive transistor for acting as a source follower buffer amplifier in response to an output signal from the photo-transistor, and a switching transistor connected to the drive transistor and adapted to perform an addressing function.
US07646047B2 Solid-state imaging device and method for manufacturing the same
The solid-state imaging device includes at least a silicon layer formed with a photo sensor portion and a wiring layer formed on the front-surface side of the silicon layer. Light enters from the rear-surface side opposite to the front-surface side of the silicon layer and the thickness of the silicon layer 4 is 10 μm or less. The photo sensor portion includes sensors configured to convert the light into signals representing an image. Each of the sensors includes a relatively highly doped first conductivity type region adjacent the front surface side of the silicon layer and serving as a charge storage region, a first relatively lightly doped second conductivity type region extending from the charge storage region toward the rear surface side of the silicon layer and serving as a photo sensitive region, a second relatively highly doped second conductivity type region extending from the front surface side of the silicon layer toward the rear surface side of the silicon layer and serving as a floating diffusion region, and a relatively lightly doped region of the first conductivity type between the floating diffusion region and the charge storage region and under one of the at least one read out gate electrode and serving as a charge read out region.
US07646045B2 Method for fabricating a nanoelement field effect transistor with surrounded gate structure
A nanoelement field effect transistor includes a nanotube disposed on the substrate. A first source/drain region is coupled to a first end portion of the nanoelement and a second source/drain region is coupled to a second end portion of the nanoelement. A recess in a surface region of the substrate is arranged in such a manner that a region of the nanoelement arranged between the first and second end portions is taken out over the entire periphery of the nanoelement. A gate-insulating structure covers the periphery of the nanoelement and a gate structure covers the periphery of the gate-insulating structure.
US07646040B2 Boron phosphide-based compound semiconductor device, production method thereof and light emitting diode
A boron phosphide-based semiconductor device having a junction structure of a Group-III nitride semiconductor layer and a boron phosphide layer with excellent device properties is provided. The boron phosphide-based compound semiconductor device has a heterojunction structure comprising a Group-III nitride semiconductor layer and a boron phosphide layer, wherein the surface of the Group-III nitride semiconductor layer has (0.0.0.1.) crystal plane, and the boron phosphide layer is a {111}-boron phosphide layer having a {111} crystal plane stacked on the (0.0.0.1.) crystal plane of the Group-III nitride semiconductor layer in parallel to the (0.0.0.1.) crystal plane.
US07646032B2 White light LED devices with flat spectra
A light emitting apparatus including a phosphor blend including two or more phosphors to provide an emission spectrum simulating the spectral power distribution of a CIE reference illuminant across at least a certain spectral range. Such an apparatus is particularly suited for color-critical applications.
US07646029B2 LED package methods and systems
Methods and systems are provided for LED modules that include an LED die integrated in an LED package with a submount that includes an electronic component for controlling the light emitted by the LED die. The electronic component integrated in the submount may include drive hardware, a network interface, memory, a processor, a switch-mode power supply, a power facility, or another type of electronic component.
US07646025B1 Diamond LED devices and associated methods
LED devices incorporating diamond materials and methods for making such devices are provided. One such method may include forming epitaxially a substantially single crystal SiC layer on a substantially single crystal Si wafer, forming epitaxially a substantially single crystal diamond layer on the SiC layer, doping the diamond layer to form a conductive diamond layer, removing the Si wafer to expose the SiC layer opposite to the conductive diamond layer, forming epitaxially a plurality of semiconductor layers on the SiC layer such that at least one of the semiconductive layers contacts the SiC layer, and coupling an n-type electrode to at least one of the semiconductor layers such that the plurality of semiconductor layers is functionally located between the conductive diamond layer and the n-type electrode.
US07646021B2 Thin film transistor array substrate
A TFT array substrate includes a substrate, a patterned first metallic layer, a patterned stack layer, a patterned dielectric layer, a patterned transparent conductive layer, and a patterned third metallic layer. Elements of each TFT in the TFT array substrate are arranged vertically, so that the TFT array substrate has relatively small fabrication area and is operable with a high conducting current. Further, the storage capacitance can be enhanced by enclosing or sandwiching the second metallic layer with the common lines and the transparent electrodes. In such a way, pixel flashing caused by those coupled signals can be reduced, thus promoting displaying quality thereof.
US07646018B2 TFT array substrate and the fabrication method thereof
A TFT array substrate includes: a gate electrode connected to a gate line; a source electrode connected to a data line crossing the gate line to define a pixel region; a drain electrode which is opposite to the source electrode with a channel in between; a semiconductor layer defining the channel between the source electrode and the drain electrode; a pixel electrode in the pixel region and connected to the drain electrode; a channel passivation layer on the channel of the semiconductor layer; a gate pad extending from the gate line, where a semiconductor pattern and a transparent conductive pattern are formed; a data pad connected to the data line, where the transparent conductive pattern is formed; and a gate insulating layer formed under the semiconductor layer, the gate line and the gate pad, and the data line and the data pad.
US07646017B2 Thin film transistor array panel including assistant lines
Improved thin film transistor array panels are provided. In one embodiment, a panel includes a plurality of gate lines, data lines, and a plurality of switching elements connected to the gate lines and the data lines. An interlayer insulating layer is formed between the gate lines and the data lines. A passivation layer covering the gate lines, the data lines, and the switching elements is also provided having a plurality of first contact holes exposing portions of the data lines, wherein the switching elements and the pixel electrodes are connected through the first contact holes. A plurality of contact assistants are formed on the passivation layer and are connected to the data lines through a plurality of second contact holes in the passivation layer. A plurality of auxiliary lines are connected to the data lines through a plurality of third contact holes in the interlayer insulating layer.
US07646013B2 Transistor with large ion-complexes in electrolyte layer
A fast organic field effect transistor (100), which operates at low voltages, is achieved by the introduction of an oligomeric or polymeric electrolyte (131) between the gate electrode (141) and the organic semiconductor layer (121), which electrolyte (131) has a dissociation constant of at least 10−8. Said organic semiconductor layer (121) is in contact with the source electrode (111) and the drain electrode (112) of the transistor. In operation a potential (152) applied to said gate electrode (141) controls the current A between said source electrode (111) and said drain electrode (112).
US07646010B2 Light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device
It is an object of the present invention to provide a light-emitting element capable of reducing malfunction due to oxidation and crystallization of a compound. According to one aspect of the present invention, a light-emitting element has a first electrode and a second electrode, a first layer and a second layer formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first layer contains an anthracene derivative and a substance that shows electron acceptability to the anthracene derivative, wherein the second layer contains a light emitting substance. According to one aspect of a light-emitting device of the present invention, any one of the above light-emitting elements is used as a pixel or a light source.
US07646007B2 Silver-selenide/chalcogenide glass stack for resistance variable memory
The invention is related to methods and apparatus for providing a resistance variable memory element with improved data retention and switching characteristics. According to an embodiment of the invention a resistance variable memory element is provided having at least one silver-selenide layer in between glass layers, wherein at least one of the glass layers is a chalcogenide glass, preferably having a GexSe100−x composition.
US07646005B2 Variable length adjustable flame scanner
An apparatus for varying a length of a flame scanner assembly for monitoring a flame includes a mounting shaft which connects to a fiber optic cable assembly; and a spool assembly having a first end and a second opposite end. The first end connects to a detector head assembly and the second end is configured to connect to a guide pipe. The second end of the spool assembly receives one end of the mounting shaft and a length of the flame scanner assembly is adjusted via telescopic interconnection between the second end of the spool assembly and the one end of the mounting shaft such that longitudinal displacement therebetween may be varied by slidable displacement of the mounting shaft relative to the spool assembly.
US07646002B2 Fluorescence detecting system
A fluorescence detecting system includes a stimulating light projector which projects onto an object part which has been dosed with a fluorescence agent first stimulating light in the exciting wavelength range of the fluorescence agent and second stimulating light which differs from the first stimulating light in the wavelength band and is in the exciting wavelength range of the auto-fluorescence material contained in the object part, and a fluorescence information obtainer which obtains the fluorescence from the fluorescence agent information based on the fluorescence from the fluorescence agent emitted from the object part in response to projection of the first stimulating light and the auto-fluorescence information based on the auto-fluorescence emitted from the object part in response to projection of the second stimulating light. The fluorescence agent is a fluorescence agent which does not emit fluorescence in response to projection of the second stimulating light.
US07646001B2 Fake ID finder
A device for the identification of security features on an identification card, wherein the device includes a housing having a pair of circuit boards, a pair of light-emitting diodes and a magnification apparatus to allow for operation during both daylight and darkness.
US07645997B2 Positioning of photodetection events
Improved position estimation for a square photodetector having terminals at its corners is provided by first estimating an event position in a coordinate system aligned with the diagonals of the square, and then performing a coordinate rotation to provide an estimated position in a coordinate system aligned with the sides of the square. These two steps can also be mathematically combined. It is believed that the improved accuracy of this position determination approach is a result of a greater degree of linearity in charge division between terminals along diagonal axes than along orthogonal axes of a square detector. Flood images provided by this method have been compared to flood images provided by the conventional Anger method, and substantially less image distortion is observed with the present method than with the Anger method. This reduced distortion can enable automatic crystal segmentation from raw flood image data, which is particularly beneficial in connection with simplifying positron emission tomography (PET) system calibration.
US07645992B2 Non-invasive method to identify hidden foreign objects near a human subject
A method and device are revealed to non-invasively identify hidden foreign objects in proximity of living tissue. More specifically to a method and device find a foreign object hidden under the clothes of a person by measuring an anomaly in an infrared radiation signal emitted by the human subject; the anomaly caused by the presence of the foreign object. A spectral scan at the identified location is used to identify the object. Even when the object is hidden behind clothes, the object is positively identified based on the interaction of optical radiation naturally emitted by the human body in the infrared frequency spectrum with every component of the examined object.
US07645990B2 Thermal-type infrared imaging device and operation method thereof
Thermal-type infrared imaging device comprises an infrared ray detection unit in which pixels, each of which includes a bolometer, are arranged two-dimensionally; and a signal processing unit that sequentially reads signal of each bolometer in synchronization with switching operation of a horizontal shift register and a vertical shift register, integrates the read signal using an integration circuit, and outputs the integrated signal. The signal processing unit is configured so that it can set a sensitivity (for example, voltage applied to bolometer, capacitance of a capacitor in the integration circuit, and/or period of time for integrating the signal) for each pixel according to a predetermined pattern in synchronization with switching operation for classifying a plurality of pixels into a plurality of types of pixels for which different sensitivities are set, for example, high-sensitivity pixels 15 with a narrow temperature measurement range and a high temperature resolution and low-sensitivity pixels 16 with a wider temperature measurement range and a lower temperature resolution than those of the high-sensitivity pixels 15.
US07645989B2 Electron microscope for inspecting and processing of an object with miniaturized structures and method thereof
The disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing an object with miniaturized structures. The method involves processing the object by supplying reaction gas during concurrent directing an electron beam onto a location to be processed, to deposit material or ablate material; and inspecting the object by scanning the surface of the object with an electron beam and leading generated backscattered electrons and secondary electrons to an energy selector, reflecting the secondary electrons from the energy selector, detecting the backscattered electrons passing the energy selector and generating an electron microscopic image of the scanned region in dependence on the detected backscattered electrons; and examining the generated electron microscopic image and deciding whether further depositing or ablating of material should be carried out. The disclosure also relates to an electron microscope and a processing system which are adapted for performing the method.
US07645988B2 Substrate inspection method, method of manufacturing semiconductor device, and substrate inspection apparatus
A substrate inspection method includes: generating an electron beam and irradiating the electron beam as a primary electron beam to a substrate as a specimen; inducing at least any of a secondary electron, a reflected electron and a backscattering electron which are emitted from the substrate receiving the primary electron beam, and magnifying and projecting the induced electron as a secondary electron beam so as to form an image of the secondary electron beam; a trajectory of the primary electron beam and a trajectory of the secondary electron beam having an overlapping space and space charge effect of the secondary electron beam occurring in the overlapping space, detecting the image of the secondary electron beam to output a signal representing a state of the substrate; and suppressing aberration caused by the space charge effect in the overlapping space.
US07645986B2 Mass spectrometer
An object of the present invention is to provide a mass spectrometer that uses a time-of-flight mass spectrometer for performing mass spectrometry on the basis of the difference in flight time based on mass of desired ions, and that is suitable for improving the sensitivity and analysis precision of the mass spectrometer. A gate electrode is located at a stage before an acceleration region that is located before an emitter for emitting ions. This gate electrode is capable of applying the voltage that is set on a mass-number region basis, and is also capable of separating desired ions to be measured on the basis of the mass number by switching the gate electrode at high speed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the resolution.
US07645983B2 Ion source and mass spectrometer instrument using the same
An ion source includes a body having a gas passage and an orifice. A capillary is inserted into the gas passage so that a tip portion of the capillary extends into the orifice. A gas supplier supplies a gas into the gas passage to form a gas flow through the gas passage along the capillary and through the orifice past a tip of the capillary so that the gas flow sprays a sample solution flowing through the capillary from the tip of the capillary. A flow controller regulates a pressure of the gas in the gas passage to adjust a characteristic value F/S to a predetermined value, where F is a flow rate of the gas flow at standard conditions (20° C., 1 atmosphere), and S is a difference between a cross section of the orifice and a cross section of the tip portion of the capillary in the orifice.
US07645977B2 Low cost dynamic insulated glazing unit
An insulated glazing unit has controllable radiation transmittance. Peripheries of first and second glazing panes are attached and spaced apart facing each other and then attached to a supporting structure. A conductive layer is atop the first glazing pane inner surface as a fixed position electrode. A dielectric is atop the conductive layer. A coiled spiral roll, variable position electrode is between the first and second glazing panes, a width of its outer edge attached to the dielectric. A first electrical lead is connected to the variable position electrode's conductive layer. A second electrical lead is connected to the conductive layer atop the first glazing pane. Applied voltage between the first and second electrical leads creates a predetermined potential difference between the electrodes, and the variable position electrode unwinds and rolls out to at least partially cover the first glazing pane, at least reducing the intensity of passing radiation.
US07645976B2 Radiation detecting system comprising a plurality of switching elements orientated in the same direction relative to the conversion element
A radiation detecting apparatus includes plural pixels each provided with a switching element disposed on an insulating substrate and a conversion element disposed on the switching element, and plural signal wirings arranged in one direction and connected with the plural switching elements, wherein the conversion elements have electrodes separated respectively for the pixels, the switching element is connected with the electrode for each pixel, and both ends of the signal wiring, opposed to each other in a width direction, and both ends of the control wiring, opposed to each other in a width direction are disposed inside of an area of the electrode when seen from above the conversion element.
US07645973B2 Sun-tracking power generating apparatus
A solar-tracking power generating apparatus includes a plurality of sensing units having a directional light-extraction member each, a plurality of solar batteries associated with a light-gathering device each, and a solar trajectory simulation unit. Therefore, the solar-tracking power generating apparatus enables more accurate tracking of solar position and focusing of more sunlight on the solar batteries, so that the solar batteries could absorb more sunlight and convert the same into an increased amount of electric power.
US07645972B2 High-speed readout of a wavefront sensor using position sensing device
An apparatus rapidly reads out wavefront errors of an input wavefront and includes a holographic optical element (HOE), a position readout detector and a readout device. The HOE receives the input wavefront and includes a hologram of a particular wavefront recorded with reference waves, each defining a particular aberration coefficient. The position readout detector includes a plurality of position sensing devices (PSDs) receiving an optical output of the HOE, each PSD sensing the occurrence and magnitude in the input wavefront of any of the particular aberrations defined by the reference waves recorded to the holographic optical element with the particular wavefront. The readout device provides a readout value of each PSD upon application of the input wavefront to the holograph optical element, each readout value representing in the input wavefront the presence and magnitude of any of the particular aberrations defined by the reference waves.
US07645968B2 Method for securing a urine meter to a urine bag
A method is provided for securing a fluid meter to a fluid collection bag. The method includes the steps of providing a meter ha6 ving a housing defining a fluid receptacle and at least one drain opening, providing a collection bag defining a fluid reservoir and having at least one inlet opening and securing the meter to the bag using an RF welding device to allow fluid communication between the fluid receptacle and the fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, the housing includes a raised surface positioned about the at least one drain opening to which the collection bag is welded.
US07645966B2 Attachment structure of storage unit
An attachment structure of a storage unit having: a tank casing body; a tank casing door member, and a lock portion; and an operation member, and a push button, wherein: an outer circumference of a storage unit is surrounded with an opening portion of an exterior panel; the push button is protruded from an outer surface of the exterior panel in a mount position of the exterior panel when the exterior panel is in assembling work; and a space for inserting a circumferential edge of the opening portion of the exterior panel is formed on the back of the push button.
US07645962B2 Portable grounding mat with improved terminal
This invention relates to a portable grounding mat, and more particularly to a mat specifically designed to protect electrical workers by providing a zone of equi-potential. The mat has a flexible base to which is attached at least one conductive element laid out in a grid pattern. A novel terminal that electrically connects the mat to a power source has an inner core to provide an electrical load path and an outer casing to provide a mechanical load path, resulting in a superior mat design.
US07645961B2 Image acquisition unit with heating device for monitoring the exterior of a vehicle
The unit comprises: a casing (1) with a protected interior, a window (2) closed by a transparent element (3) and support means (4) to carry an optical system (5) facing said window (2); image detection means (6) accommodated in said casing (1), facing said optical system (5), an associated with connection means with the exterior for the supply and/or bidirectional signal exchange; and heating means to provide thermal energy to said transparent element (3), or to an adjacent zone thereto, aiming at avoiding lacking transparency problems, due to ambient and climatic factors.
US07645955B2 Metallic linkage-type keying device
The present invention discloses a metallic linkage-type keying device, which is installed to a casing, such as the casing of a camera, a mobile phone or a video camera. The metallic linkage-type keying device of the present invention comprises: a metallic linkage, having at least two joining portions; and at least one key, having at least two assembling portions. The key is installed to the metallic linkage via fixing two assembling portions to two joining portions. The metallic linkage-type keying device provided by the present invention can prevent ESD from attacking the interior of the casing via key gaps and has the advantages of compactness and low cost.
US07645952B2 Mechanical switch with melting bridge
A mechanical switch includes a pair of conducting contacts, metal located on and between the conducting contacts, a heater, and an electro-mechanical actuator. The heater is operable to apply heat that melts the metal. The electro-mechanical actuator is capable of moving one or both of the conducting contacts in a manner that causes the metal to either start physically bridging the conducting contacts or to stop physically bridging the conducting contacts.
US07645951B2 Device for protecting data stored in a switching arrangement that consists of electronic components and a processor
A device for protecting data for operating or controlling functions of an operating system, process, equipment, and/or a machine, which is stored in a switching arrangement that consists of electronic components and a processor, wherein the switching arrangement is mounted on a printed circuit board inside a housing or is embedded by an insulating material. A pickup or sensor, which is electrically conductively connected with the switching arrangement, is arranged along the walls on the inside of the housing, is embedded in the walls of the housing, or is arranged inside the insulating material.
US07645949B1 Portable scale having guide mechanism of slotted rail and captive trolley
A portable digital scale is disclosed, having retractable and stowable handles and weighing hook, as well as a weight display that may be viewed from directly above the scale.
US07645947B2 Electrical connector with outer retainer ring and internal unidirectional conductor retainer
Various embodiments of an electrical connector assembly that includes a connector body having an inlet end portion and an outlet end portion. The outlet end portion is held in a knock out hole of an electric box and the inlet end portion is provided with an adjacent opening for receiving a wire conductor retainer in the form of a flat spring configured to be readily connected to an external portion of a connector body for ease of manufacture and assembly. An electric conductor can be unidirectionally inserted in the inlet end portion and secured thereto so as to prohibit any unintentional separation from the connector body, all without the need of any tools.
US07645946B2 Two-piece pipe escutcheon
Two symmetrical pieces form an escutcheon that seals the gap between a pipe or conduit and the surface through which it penetrates and supports the pipe or conduit. The device is surface mounted with threaded mechanical fasteners which can be adjusted to vary the compression of the sealing gaskets. The escutcheon can be installed without requiring any manipulation of the pipe or conduit. The escutcheon can be removed and reinstalled repeatedly without any degradation in function.
US07645937B2 Recessed while-in-use electrical box
The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring box assembly that includes an inner wall box including a peripheral inner wall bounded and enclosed by a rear wall and open at a front end of the inner wall box to form an inner volume. The inner wall box also includes an inner wall flange extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an exterior surface of the peripheral inner wall at predetermined distance from the front inner wall box end. The inner wall flange includes a plurality of apertures formed therein. The inner wall box further includes a plurality of device mounting bosses extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an interior surface of the rear wall. An intermediate box includes a peripheral intermediate wall portion configured to fit within the inner volume. The peripheral intermediate wall is bounded by a rear ledge extending inwardly and perpendicularly from a back end of the peripheral intermediate wall to form an intermediate volume in communication with the inner volume at the back end and open at a front intermediate wall box end The intermediate box further includes an outer wall flange extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an exterior surface of the peripheral intermediate wall at predetermined distance from the front end of the peripheral intermediate wall. A rear wall portion of the outer wall flange is configured to abut the front inner wall box end such that the rear edge is substantially aligned with the plurality of device mounting bosses. A cover assembly is removably coupled to the intermediate box, the cover assembly providing access to the intermediate volume in an open position and substantially sealing the intermediate volume and the inner volume in a closed position.
US07645930B2 Thermal optimization of a solar photovoltaic powered electrolyzer system
One embodiment of the invention includes a process comprising transmitting electrical power produced by a PV array to an electrolyzer and transferring heat from the PV array to the electrolyzer. The resulting process produces renewable hydrogen from solar energy at a lower cost per kg.
US07645928B2 Bass drum system and method
A bass drum system and method is provided. The bass drum system is comprised of a bass drum including at least one connector and an anchoring harness. The anchoring harness includes at least one first securing point, an anchoring body, and at least one second securing point. The at least one first securing point is connected to the anchoring body at a predefined distance from the at least one second securing point, also connected to the anchoring body. The at least one first securing point attaches to the at least one connector of the bass drum and the anchoring body contacts a seat structure used by a musician. The at least one second securing point attaches to the at least one connector.
US07645927B1 Pitch adjustment device for string instruments
A pitch adjustment device for selectively adjusting the pitch of the string(s) of a stringed musical instrument. Each string of the instrument is attached to a respective pitch adjustment device. Each pitch adjustment device comprises a pivotable string puller wherein pivoting of the string puller adjusts the pitch on the string. The string puller is pivotably mounted on a puller pivot and has a string support surface upon which the string rests, wherein pivoting of the string puller about an axis adjusts the pitch on the string. A pivoting link is pivotably coupled to the string puller. A plurality of pull rods and levers are operably coupled to the pivoting link and actuators are coupled to the pull rods for causing the pivoting link to pivot thereby causing the string puller to pivot and adjust the pitch of the string.
US07645924B2 Garden bean cultivar H25101
A novel garden bean cultivar, designated H25101, is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of garden bean cultivar H25101, to the plants of garden bean line H25101 and to methods for producing a bean plant by crossing the cultivar H25101 with itself or another bean line. The invention further relates to methods for producing a bean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic plants produced by that method and to methods for producing other garden bean lines derived from the cultivar H25101.
US07645922B1 Soybean variety RJS28002
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS28002. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS28002, to the plants of soybean RJS28002 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS28002 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS28002 with another soybean plant, using RJS28002 as either the male or the female parent.
US07645918B2 Method of plastid transformation in asteraceae, vector for use therein and plants thus obtained
The present invention relates to a method for the transformation of plastid genomes of plant species, in particular Asteraceae plant species, comprising the steps of providing a transformation vector carrying a DNA sequence of interest; subjecting a plant material, which comprises plastids, to a transformation treatment in order to allow the plastids to receive the transformation vector; placing the thus treated plant material for a period of time into contact with a culture medium without selection agent; subsequently placing the plant material into contact with a culture medium comprising a selection agent; and refreshing the culture medium comprising a selection agent to allow plant material comprising plastids that have acquired the DNA of interest to grow into transformants.
US07645917B2 Mutant mice comprising a mutated type II procollagen alpha-1
This invention relates to the production of dual models of Congenital Heart Defects and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with the use of mice which are genetically modified by transgenic (gene-knockout) techniques. The present invention produces knockout mice that show multiple cardiovascular malformations which will serve as a model of cardiovascular diseases for the screening of potential drugs against ventricular remodeling, malignant arrhythmias, primary pulmonary hypertension, and degenerative valvular diseases, and congenital heart disease.
US07645916B2 Elastically deformable fabric with gel coated surface
An appliqué for the skin for the management of scars that includes an elastically deformable woven fabric having an imperforate, tacky gel coating on one side thereof. The fabric is preferably woven from a thread comprising an elastic polyester or polyether fiber such as LYCRA® or Spandex. The gel coating, which is applied to one side of the fabric, is preferably silicone gel. The appliqué is used for the management of hypertrophic skin conditions.
US07645915B2 Composite dressing
A composite dressing including a first polymeric layer, a second polymeric layer, a metal oxide, and a pharmaceutical active material is provided. The second polymeric layer is biocompatible and is disposed on a surface of the first polymeric layer. The metal oxide is distributed inside or on at least one surface of the first polymeric layer, while the pharmaceutical active material is distributed inside or on at least one surface of the second polymeric layer.
US07645912B2 Processes for producing hydrofluorocarbon compounds using inorganic fluoride
Methods and systems for producing hydrofluorocarbon with an inorganic fluoride (e.g., germanium tetrafluoride (GeF4)) are disclosed herein.
US07645911B2 Process for preparation of paricalcitol and intermediates thereof
The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of Paricalcitol and intermediates thereof.
US07645903B2 Use of urea variants as affinity ligands
The present invention relates to an IgG-binding compound, which more specifically has affinity for human IgGs of κ-type and functional derivatives thereof. More specifically, the compound according to the invention comprises an N,N-alkylated urea moiety located between an aromatic part and another part, which is a linear or cyclic substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group. The compound binds to a pocket-shaped binding site present on all human IgG κ-Fabs, which site is located between the two domains (CH1 and CL) of its constant part. Accordingly, the compound according to the invention is a ligand for human IgGs of κ-type, and consequently, the invention also relates to a separation matrix for affinity chromatography, which matrix comprises said compound, as well as to other uses of the compound.
US07645900B2 Process for the preparation of isocyanates
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of isocyanates by reacting the appropriate amines with phosgene, condensing the gas mixture thereby obtained, stripping the liquid phase thereby obtained and returning the solvent so retained in liquid form to the reaction stage. The gaseous constituents are then purified further in an absorption process.
US07645897B2 Process for producing metal oxide catalyst
A process for producing a high-performance catalyst for use in a reaction for acrylic acid production from propane or propylene through air oxidation, is provided. A process for producing a metal oxide catalyst having the following composition formula, the process comprising the following steps (1) and (2): MoViAjBkCxOy  Composition formula (wherein A is Te or Sb; B is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Nb, Ta, and Ti; C is Si or Ge; i and j each are 0.01-1.5 and j/i is from 0.3 to 1.0; k is 0.001-3.0; x is 0.002-0.1; and y is a number determined by the oxidized states of the other elements), Step (1): a step in which an aqueous liquid containing Mo, V, metal A and metal B is evaporated to dryness and the solid matter obtained is calcined at a high temperature to thereby obtain a metal oxide; and Step (2): a step in which in an atmosphere containing substantially no water, a compound containing metallic element C is adhered to the metal oxide obtained in step (1) to form an oxide of metal C on the surface of the metal oxide.
US07645896B2 Method for producing a dialkyl carbonate and a diol
A method for producing a dialkyl carbonate and a diol, comprising: (a) effecting a transesterification reaction between a cyclic carbonate and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol in the presence of a transesterification catalyst, thereby obtaining a reaction mixture containing a product dialkyl carbonate and a product diol, (b) withdrawing a dialkyl carbonate-containing liquid from the reaction mixture, followed by separation of the dialkyl carbonate from the dialkyl carbonate-containing liquid, and (c) withdrawing a diol-containing liquid from the reaction mixture, followed by separation of the diol from the diol-containing liquid, wherein the cyclic carbonate contains a cyclic ether in an amount of from 0.1 to 3,000 ppm by weight, and the product dialkyl carbonate contains a carbonate ether of not more than 10,000 ppm by weight.
US07645888B2 Process for the production of amorphous atorvastatin calcium
A novel process of the preparation of amorphous atorvastatin calcium starting from a compound of Formula (II).
US07645887B2 Indolone-acetamide derivatives, processes for preparing them and their uses
The present invention relates to indolone-acetamide derivatives, processes for preparing them, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as for the treatment of epilepsy, epileptogenesis, seizure disorders and convulsion.
US07645886B2 Synthesis of amines and intermediates for the synthesis thereof
The invention relates in a first embodiment to a method for the manufacture of esters of the formula (I), or especially of amides of the formula (II), wherein the symbols have the meanings given in the specification, as well as other intermediates and compounds useful in the synthesis of tryptamines and other substances mentioned in the title. The synthesis methods and intermediates are useful in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals.
US07645885B2 Non-steroidal antiandrogens
The invention provides non-steroidal ligands for the androgen receptor, methods for making non-steroidal ligands of the androgen receptor, compositions of non-steroidal ligands of the androgen receptor and methods of using non-steroidal ligands and compositions of non-steroidal ligands of the androgen receptor for treating or preventing diseases (e.g., prostate cancer) associated with androgen binding to the androgen receptor.
US07645876B2 Processes for producing crystalline macrolides
The present invention provides processes for crystallization of macrolides, specifically pimecrolimus and tacrolimus.
US07645872B2 Compounds and methods for labeling oligonucleotides
The invention provides a novel method of labeling oligonucleotides, with reporter moieties, including but not limited to, quenchers, fluorophores, biotin, digoxigenin, peptides and proteins. In addition, this invention provides a method of detecting hybridization of oligonucleotides. This invention also provides novel azo quenchers having the general formula shown below. The invention further provides compositions comprising labeled oligonucleotides and solid supports. The invention also provides kits comprising at least one composition of the present invention.
US07645871B2 Tumor inhibition by modulating sprouty expression of activity
Methods are provided for identifying compounds that decrease the expression or activity of an overexpressed Sprouty protein in certain cancers. Such compounds can be useful for treating cancers in which a Sprouty protein is overexpressed. Also provided are therapeutic formulations and pharmaceutical formulations for treating cancers characterized by overexpression of a Sprouty protein.
US07645870B2 siRNA targeting proteasome 26S subunit, non-ATPase, 10 (Gankyrin or PSMD10)
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to PSMD10.
US07645864B2 Erythromycin derivative having novel crystal structures and processes for their production
The present invention provides an E-type crystal of N-demethyl-N-isopropyl-12-methoxy-11-oxo-8,9-anhydroerythromycin A-6,9-hemiacetal fumarate having strong diffraction peaks at diffraction angles (2θ) of 5.6° and 10.4° as measured by powder X-ray diffractometry, which is prepared by treating a C-type crystal of the compound in a mixed solvent of ethyl acetate and water at 20° C. to 40° C., and a D-type crystal prepared via the E-type crystal. These crystals have a reduced content of residual solvent and high suitability for formulation.
US07645863B2 Method of purifying moxidectin through crystallization
Methods for the purification of the macrolide moxidectin result in higher purity levels than can often otherwise be obtained. The crystalline moxidectin is then used in a wide variety of pharmaceutical and veterinary applications, including the prevention, treatment and control of parasites in plants, animals and humans.
US07645859B2 Tumour suppressor protein
We describe a polypeptide which binds and modulates the activity of a tumour suppressor polypeptide, for example p53; a nucleic acid molecule encoding said protein and screening methods which modulate the binding activity of said polypeptide for its target polypeptide(s).
US07645857B2 Methods of indentifying modulators of the FGF receptor
The present invention provides fragments of SNT and FGFR which can form a binding complex that is amenable to structural determinations by NMR spectroscopy. The three-dimensional structural data is also included as part of the invention. In addition, the present invention provides methodology for related structure based rational drug design using the three-dimensional data. Nucleotide and amino acid sequences of the fragments are also provided.
US07645855B2 Highly functional, highly branched polyureas
A process for preparing high-functionality highly branched polyureas which comprises reacting one or more carbonates with one or more amines having at least two primary and/or secondary amino groups, at least one amine having at least three primary and/or secondary amino groups.
US07645854B2 Conjugate addition products of primary amines and activated acceptors
We report Michael addition products between primary amines and activated α,β-unsaturated compounds exemplified by diethyl methylenemalonate (DEMM). In various embodiments, the reaction proceeds with high yields in the absence of strong base or Lewis acid catalyst under mild reaction conditions. Depending on the state of steric hindrance in the amine, the reaction products are a double Michael addition product or a so-called vicarious Michael addition reaction product.
US07645853B2 Processes for producing random polytrimethylene ether ester
Processes for preparing random polytrimethylene ether ester are provided. The processes include contacting 1,3-propanediol with a suitable polymerization catalyst, wherein the 1,3-propanediol comprises about 10 microg/g or less peroxide compounds, based on the weight of 1,3-propanediol, and about 100 microg/g or less carbonyl compounds based on the weight of the 1,3-propanediol.
US07645852B2 Aliphatic polyester copolymer
An aliphatic polyester copolymer comprising an aliphatic carbonate unit (a) and an aliphatic polyester unit (b), and a molded body composed of said aliphatic polyester copolymer. The aliphatic polyester copolymer is excellent in heat resistance while having adequate mechanical properties and properties in the molten state.
US07645851B2 Polycarbonate with reduced color
A method of making polycarbonate includes the steps of forming polycarbonate by a melt transesterification method using an activated diaryl carbonate, and compounding the polycarbonate with a phosphorus-containing compound that has an abstractable proton or hydrolyzable group. The phosphorus-containing compound is compounded with the polycarbonate in an amount sufficient to result in an improvement in the color properties of the polycarbonate as compared to pellets formed from the same polycarbonate without addition of the phosphorus-containing compound.
US07645849B2 Cleaning blade member
A cleaning blade member comprising a polyurethane formed by using a polyol consisting essentially of a polycarbonatediol, a polyisocyanate, and a crosslinking agent containing a short chain diol and a triol, the polyurethane having a tensile strength at 60° C. of 200 kg/cm2 or higher, and a tensile strength retention ΔT, represented by the following equation, of 40% or more: ΔT(%)=T60/T10×100 where T10 denotes a tensile strength at 10° C., and T60 denotes the tensile strength at 60° C.
US07645837B2 Chlorinated propylene polymer, process for producing the same and use of the same
A chlorinated propylene-based polymer of the present invention having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) as measured by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) of 5,000 to 100,000 and a chlorine content of 0.1 to 70% by mass has the following properties: (1) it has a high solubility in a non-aromatic solvent having a low environmental burden even when it has a low degree of chlorination, and (2) it can be inhibited from suffering a decrease in the properties inherent to polypropylenes, such as durability, mechanical properties, appearance and hydrophobicity, by regulating its degree of chlorination at a low value.
US07645835B2 High density ethylene homopolymers and blend compositions
Blend compositions containing a novel homopolymer, the use of which allows the incorporation of more comonomer in the additional components of the blend (for the same overall density) resulting in increased tie molecule formation and improvement in properties such as ESCR, toughness and impact strength are disclosed. The homopolymers are important for applications where a high density is needed to ensure certain mechanical properties like abrasion resistance, indentation resistance, pressure resistance, topload resistance, modulus of elasticity, or morphology (for the chlorination of PE to CPE) and additional advantages such as melt processability. The blend can be obtained by dry or melt mixing the already produced components, or through in-situ production by in parallel and/or in series arranged reactors. These resins can be used in applications such as films, blow molded, injection molded, and rotomolded articles, fibers, and cable and wire coatings and jacketings and, various forms of pipe.
US07645834B2 Catalyst system for production of polyolefins
Disclosed is a method of polymerizing olefin using a compatible combination of a multi-site catalyst and a single-site catalyst. The catalysts may be a Ziegler-Natta catalyst and a metallocene catalyst. The resulting polymer, which may be a homopolymer or a random copolymer, may exhibit a molecular weight distribution which is intermediate than that resulting for polymers prepared using either catalyst alone.
US07645827B2 High shear pressure-sensitive adhesive
An adhesive composition comprising an emulsion polymer which comprises a (meth)acrylate copolymer and silica nanoparticles is described. The addition of the nanoparticles results in a significant increase in the overlap shear properties of the adhesive while maintaining the peel adhesion.
US07645821B2 Low-emission, tribologically modified polyoxymethylene molding compositions and moldings produced therefrom
The invention relates to moldings or molding compositions composed of polyoxymethylene and featuring very low formaldehyde emission, comprising from 0.1 to 50.0% by weight of a tribological modifier, from 0.01 to 0.5% by weight of a cyclic stabilizer which contains at least one nitrogen atom in the ring, and from 0.05 to 1% by weight of at least one ester composed of a polyhydric alcohol and of at least one (C10-C32) fatty acid, and also to their production and use.
US07645815B2 Fast-drying aqueous compositions with hollow particle binders and traffic paints made therewith
The present invention provides fast-drying aqueous compositions that lower the cost of making roadway markings without impairing the quality or appearance of the markings made therewith. The aqueous compositions comprise one or more hollow core binder having an average particle size of from 200 to 500 nanometers (nm), preferably from 300 to 470 nm, and made of a first polymer having a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 50° C. or more and containing one or more void, the first polymer being substantially encapsulated by one or more second polymer having a Tg of −30° C. or more, preferably, −20° C. or more. Fast-drying aqueous compositions may be one component or two component compositions. One component compositions comprise one or more volatile base, one or more polyfunctional amine, and one or more hollow core binder with a second polymer chosen from, for example, an anionically stabilized emulsion polymer, a polyamine functional polymer, a polymer having strong pendant cationic groups containing and mixtures thereof. The polyfunctional amine can be part of the hollow core binder. Two component compositions comprise one or more aqueous hollow core binder and an absorber component. The present invention also provides coatings and roadway markings made from the fast-drying aqueous compositions.
US07645813B2 Pressure-sensitive adhesive for the skin and tapes or sheets for the skin made by using the same
The invention provides a pressure-sensitive adhesive for the skin excellent in pressure-sensitive adhesiveness to the human skin and repeelability therefrom, which does not cause the horny layer to be torn away in peeling and is lowly irritant to the skin; and tapes or sheets made by using the same. The pressure-sensitive adhesive is characterized by comprising (a) 100 parts by weight of a copolymer which is prepared from an olefinic macromonomer and a vinyl monomer and whose molecular weight (in terms of polystyrene and as determined by gel permeation chromatography (GPC)) has a two-peak distribution (with the proviso that when the copolymer is to be post-cured, the distribution is one as determined before the post cure) and (b) 20 to 250 parts by weight of a softener which is compatible with the copolymer and liquid or pasty at room temperature and has a boiling point of 250 or above (with the proviso that when the content of the softener (b) exceeds 80 parts by weight, the copolymer must be post-cured).
US07645804B2 Stable, concentrated and dilute, oil-in-water emulsions, their processes of preparation, and formulation process employing these emulsions
A stable complex oil-in-water emulsion which is useful in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical or food fields. The stable complex oil-in-water emulsion is formed by the mixing of individual oil-in-water emulsions, each individual emulsion being obtained from an air/water pre-emulsion of a preferably-nonionic surfactant; a cosurfactant selected from hydrophilic compounds, preferably with at least one hydroxyl group selected from polyols; and an aqueous phase. A method of preparing a stable complex oil-in-water emulsion whereby individual oil-in-water emulsions, chosen for properties desired in the stable complex oil-in-water emulsion, are optionally diluted and mixed without exerting a shear force.
US07645787B2 Pyrazole derivatives and diabetic medicine containing them
The present invention provides pyrazole-O-glycoside derivatives represented by the following formulae, used as a diabetic medicine.
US07645784B2 Benzimidazole derivatives
Compounds of formula I, wherein R1, m, R2, R3, p, n, R5 and R9 are as defined as in the specification, salts, solvates or solvated salts thereof, processes for their preparation, intermediates used in the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical formulations containing said compounds and the use of said compounds in therapy.
US07645783B2 Halogenated benzamide derivatives
A method of treating viral infections by the administration of a halogenated benzamide derivative according to formula (III): in which R1 is a halogen atom, and R2-R6 are independently hydrogen, hydroxyl, C1-C4 alkyl, —C1-C4 alkoxy, acyloxy, nitro, halogen, —C(O)R7 where R7 is —C1-C4 alkyl, or, aromatic including salts and hydrates of these compounds.
US07645776B2 Heteroaryl substituted piperidine derivatives which are L-CPT1 inhibitors
The invention is concerned with novel substituted piperidine derivatives of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and X are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts and esters thereof. These compounds inhibit L-CPT1 and can be used as medicaments.
US07645775B2 Triazoles useful as inhibitors of protein kinases
The present invention relates to inhibitors of protein kinases. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders.
US07645774B2 Cannabinoid receptor ligands
There are disclosed compounds of the formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of the compound, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds.
US07645772B2 Treatment of metabolic disorders
Compounds useful for the treatment of various metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance syndrome, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, fatty liver disease, cachexia, obesity, atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis, are disclosed.
US07645767B2 Pharmaceutical compositions for treating chronic pain and pain associated with neuropathy
Chronic pain is alleviated in a mammal suffering there from by administering to the mammal a chronic pain alleviating amount of a nontoxic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist such as dextromethorphan, dextrorphan, ketamine or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in combination with a μ-opiate analgesic such as tramadol or an analogously acting molecular entity, and a capsaicin or an ester of capsaicin, and optionally in sustained release dosage form.
US07645764B2 Kinase inhibitors and methods for using the same
Compounds of formula I: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of making the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, methods of using the compounds for treatment of p38 MAP kinase-mediated diseases, and methods of using the compounds for treatment of Raf kinase-mediated diseases.
US07645760B2 1-(4-Benzyl-piperazin-1-yl)-3-phenyl-propenone derivatives
A compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, wherein the symbols have meaning as defined, which are antagonists of CCR-1 and which find use pharmaceutically for treatment of diseases and conditions in which CCR-1 is implicated, e.g. inflammatory diseases.
US07645757B2 Derivatives of heteroaryl-alkylcarbamates, methods for their preparation and use thereof as fatty acid amido hydrolase enzyme inhibitors
The present invention is directed to compounds and compositions for the treatment of neurological diseases that cause neurogenic and neuropathic pain, inflammatory diseases, renal ishaemia, cardiovascular disease and other pathologies caused by the presence of endogenous cannabinoids and or other substrates resulting from the metabolic activities of fatty acid amido hydrolase (FAAH). These compounds are represented by the formula alkylene group; a salt thereof, or a hydrate or a solvate of said compound or said salt; where the variables are as defined in the attached specification.
US07645751B2 Mandelic acid derivatives and their use as thrombin inhibitors
There is provided a compound of formula (I) wherein Ra, R1, R2, Y and R3 have meanings given in the description and pharmaceutically-acceptable derivatives (including prodrugs) thereof, which compounds and derivatives are useful as, or are useful as prodrugs of, competitive inhibitors of trypsin-like proteases, such as thrombin, and thus, in particular, in the treatment of conditions where inhibition of thrombin is required (e.g., thrombosis) or as anticoagulants.
US07645743B2 Chemically programmable immunity
Methods and compositions for immediately immunizing an individual against any molecule or compound. The present invention comprises an immunity linker with at least two sites; (1) at least one first binding site that binds to an immune response component in an individual that has been pre-immunized with a universal immunogen, and (2) at least one second binding site that binds specifically to a desired compound or molecule, the target.
US07645741B2 IAP BIR domain binding compounds
Disclosed is an isomer, enantiomer, diastereoisomer or tautomer of a compound represented by Formula I or II or a salt thereof, in which R1, R2, R3, R100, R200, R300, A, A1, BG, Q and Q1 are substituents described herein. Also disclosed is the use of compounds of Formula I and II to treat proliferative disorders such as cancer.
US07645738B2 18-membered nitrobenzyl- and aminobenzyl-substituted cyclohexadepsipeptides for controlling endoparasites and a process for their preparation
The invention relates to cyclic depsipeptides, especially 18-membered cyclohexadepsipeptides of general formula (I) and the salts thereof, wherein R1 represents nitrobenzyl or R′R″N-benzyl—wherein R′ and R″ independently represent hydrogen, optionally substituted C1-C4-alkyl, formyl, C1-C4-alkoxy-C1-C4-alkyl, C1-C4-alkoxycarbonyl, or hydroxy-C1-C2-alkyl-sulfonyl-C1-C2-alkyl, or, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are bound, R′ and R″ form an optionally substituted monocyclic or polycyclic, optionally bridged and/or spirocyclic, saturated or unsaturated heterocycle containing between one and three other heteroatoms from the group of nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur, or R′ and R″ together form C3-C5-alkylene monocarbonyl or an optionally substituted diacyl radical of a C4-C6-dicarboxylic acid—and R2, R3 and R4 independently represent C1-C4-alkyl. The invention also relates to the optical isomers and racemates of said cyclic depsipeptides, to a method for the production thereof, and to the use of the same for controlling endoparasites.
US07645736B2 Integrin inhibitors for the treatment of eye diseases
Methods for the treatment of a disease of the eye of a patient comprising injecting into the vitreous body of the eye a composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of an αvβ3 and/or αvβ5 inhibitor sufficient to inhibit angiogenesis and inhibit neovascularization in the treated eye. The αvβ3 and/or αvβ5 inhibitor being a compound of formula II: as defined herein or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof.
US07645735B2 Anti-angiogenic peptides for treating or preventing endometriosis
Provided herein are peptides from the N-terminal of endostatin proteins, including the first histidine of the protein, nucleic acids encoding the peptides, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the nucleic acids and proteins and methods for using the pharmaceutical compositions to treat or prevent endometriosis in a subject.
US07645733B2 Tissue protective cytokines for the treatment and prevention of sepsis and the formation of adhesions
A method of treating, preventing, delaying the onset, and/or reducing the effects of proinflammatory cytokines in conditions including, but not limited to, sepsis, adhesion formation, wounds, organ failure, chronic disease, general inflammatory conditions resulting from infection, scarring resulting from injury and incisions, and combinations thereof.
US07645730B2 Surfactant composition with a reduction of surface tension, interfacial tension, and critical micelle concentration using a protein-based surfactant synergist
Surfactant-containing compositions are described which include a protein component that has the effect of improving the surface-active properties of the surfactants contained in the compositions. The surfactant-containing compositions having the protein component demonstrate significantly lower critical micelle concentrations (CMC), reduced surface tensions, and reduced interfacial tensions than do comparable compositions having no protein component. In addition, the surfactant-containing compositions having the protein component has the effect of converting greasy waste contaminants to surface active materials.
US07645729B2 Detergent compositions comprising coloured particles
The present invention relates to a colored particles and to detergent compositions containing them that can be used to impart a hueing effect to fabrics contacted with these colored particles in aqueous solution. The invention enables the effective hueing while alleviating problems of staining or spotting by combining in the color particle, hueing agent, preferably pigment, binding agent and suspending agent.
US07645727B2 Gear cutting oil
Metalworking fluids contain active sulfur, a certain kind of inactive sulfur called “available sulfur”, and fat in a base oil of a lubricating viscosity. The metalworking fluids are chlorine free and phosphorous free. Boundary lubrication is provided by the fat, while extreme pressure lubrication is provided by the sulfur. Available sulfur is inactive sulfur minus any contribution of inactive sulfur from sulfurized saturated fats. Active sulfur and available sulfur are present in balanced proportions, while fat is present at an amount effective to provide boundary lubrication. Use of the fluids reduces tool wear over a long period of action and over a variety of boundary and extreme pressure conditions.
US07645726B2 Dispersant reaction product with antioxidant capability
A novel crankcase dispersant reaction product having fused therein an antioxidant moiety whereby the dispersant reaction product can function as an antioxidant while retaining at least two structural domains, one being a polar domain for association with sludge and a hydrocarbyl domain for oil solubility, so that the dispersant can function as a chemical agent to suspend sludge and prevent agglomeration of sludge precursors and soot so the latter can be readily removed from the system, such as by filtering, instead of being deleteriously deposited on internal engine components, as well as lubricant compositions incorporating such novel dispersant and, for instance, engines lubricated with such lubricant compositions.
US07645725B2 Subterranean treatment fluids with improved fluid loss control
Fluids useful as subterranean treatment fluids, and more particularly, polymeric fluid loss additives, subterranean treatment fluids with improved fluid loss control, and their associated methods of use, are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a treatment fluid that comprises a base fluid, and a polymeric fluid loss control additive that comprises at least a first plurality of polymer molecules having a first average molecular weight, and a second plurality of polymer molecules having a second average molecular weight, wherein the first average molecular weight is different from the second average molecular weight; and introducing the treatment fluid into a subterranean formation.
US07645724B2 Compositions and use of mono- and polyenoic acids for breaking VES-gelled fluids
Fluids viscosified with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs) may have their viscosities reduced (gels broken) by the direct or indirect action of a composition that contains at least one unsaturated fatty acid, such as a monoenoic acid and/or polyenoic acid. The unsaturated fatty acid may be contained in an oil-soluble internal phase of the fluid. The breaking composition is believed to act possibly by rearranging, disaggregating or otherwise attacking the micellar structure of the VES-gelled fluid. In a specific, non-limiting instance, a brine fluid gelled with an amine oxide surfactant can have its viscosity broken with an oil such as flax (linseed) oil, soybean oil and/or fish oils containing relatively high amounts of unsaturated fatty acids. The unsaturated fatty acids are thought to auto-oxidize into products such as aldehydes, ketones and saturated fatty acids that break the VES gel.
US07645723B2 Method of drilling using invert emulsion drilling fluids
A method for drilling, running casing in, and/or cementing a borehole in a subterranean formation without significant loss of drilling fluid is disclosed, as well as compositions for use in such method. The method employs a drilling fluid comprising a fragile gel or having fragile gel behavior and providing superior oil mud rheology and overall performance. The fluid is especially advantageous for use in deep water wells because the fluid exhibits minimal difference between downhole equivalent circulating density and surface density notwithstanding differences in drilling or penetration rates. When an ester and isomerized olefin blend is used for the base of the fluid, the fluid makes an environmentally acceptable and regulatory compliant invert emulsion drilling fluid. The fluid preferably contains no organophilic clays.
US07645721B2 End group activated polymers with oligonucleotide ligands
A method for coimmobilizing two or more biomolecules on a substrate in a defined ratio is disclosed. The method uses a copolymer conjugated to a number, N, of different types of oligonucleotides. The copolymer can be adsorbed to the surface of the substrate. N types of oligonucleotides complementary to the copolymer-bound oligonucleotides can be conjugated to N types of biomolecules. The types of the copolymer-bound oligonucleotides can be mixed in a defined ratio then adsorbed to the surface. The biomolecule-bound complementary oligonucletides can be conjugated to the copolymer-oligonucleotides to create a substrate with the biomolecules coimmobilized in a defined ratio. The invention also relates to a substrate prepared by the method of the invention.
US07645715B2 Bis-arylaryloxy catalytic system for producing ethylene homopolymers or ethylene copolymers with alpha-olefins
The present invention relates to a bis-arylaryloxy catalyst system for the production of ethylene homopolymers or copolymers with α-olefins, which has high catalytic activity. More particularly, it relates to a transition metal catalyst comprising a group-IV transition metal as a central metal, a cyclopentadiene derivative around the central metal, and two aryloxide ligands substituted with aryl derivatives at the ortho-positions, the ligands not being bridged to each other, as well as a catalyst system comprising said catalyst and an aluminoxane co-catalyst or a boron compound co-catalyst, and a method for producing high-molecular-weight ethylene homopolymers or copolymers with α-olefins using the same.
US07645712B2 Method of forming contact
A substrate having at least two metal oxide semiconductor devices of a same conductive type and a gap formed between the two devices is provided. A first stress layer is formed over the substrate to cover the metal-oxide semiconductor devices and the substrate, filling the gap. An etching back process is then performed to remove a portion of the stress material layer inside the gap. A second stress layer and a dielectric layer are sequentially formed on the first stress layer. The first stress layer and the second stress layer provide a same type of stress. A portion of the second stress layer is removed to form a contact opening. A second conductive layer is filled into the contact opening to form a contact.
US07645711B2 Semiconductor device fabrication method
According to the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor device fabrication method comprising: forming a first insulating film on a semiconductor substrate; forming a conductive layer on the first insulating film; exposing the first insulating film by removing a portion of the conductive layer; forming a second insulating film on the exposed surface of the first insulating film in a first processing chamber isolated from an outside; performing a modification process on the second insulating film in the first processing chamber, and then unloading the semiconductor substrate from the first processing chamber to the outside; and annealing the second insulating film in a second processing chamber.
US07645708B2 Shadow mask deposition of materials using reconfigurable shadow masks
A shadow mask deposition system includes a plurality of identical shadow masks arranged in a number of stacks to form a like number of compound shadow masks, each of which is disposed in a deposition vacuum vessel along with a material deposition source. Materials from the material deposition sources are deposited on the substrate via openings in corresponding compound shadow masks, each opening being formed by the whole or partial alignment of apertures in the shadow masks forming the compound shadow mask, to form an array of electronic elements on the substrate.
US07645707B2 Etch profile control
A method for etching a dielectric layer over a substrate and disposed below a mask is provided. The substrate is placed in a plasma processing chamber. An etchant gas comprising O2 and a sulfur component gas comprising at least one of H2S and a compound containing at least one carbon sulfur bond is provided into the plasma chamber. A plasma is formed from the etchant gas. Features are etched into the etch layer through the photoresist mask with the plasma from the etchant gas.
US07645697B2 Method for forming a dual interlayer dielectric layer of a semiconductor device
A method for forming a dual interlayer dielectric layer, which is capable of preventing an interlayer delamination phenomenon generated between an etch stop layer and an interlayer dielectric layer is provided. An interlayer dielectric layer of a dual structure is formed such that a first interlayer dielectric layer and a second interlayer dielectric layer are sequentially stacked on the etch stop layer. The etch stop layer is formed on a substrate, the substrate having a source/drain region and a gate formed therein. The dual interlayer dielectric layer is selectively etched, and a conductive material is deposited thereon, thereby forming a contact. The O3-TEOS layer and the PE-TEOS layer used as the first interlayer dielectric layer can relieve a compressive stress and improve adhesion force, respectively, thereby preventing the interlayer delamination phenomenon.
US07645695B2 Method of manufacturing a semiconductor element
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor element, includes forming a lower metal wiring layer and an interlayer insulating film on a substrate, forming an opening through the interlayer insulating film, such that the opening is in communication with an upper surface of the lower metal wiring layer, cleaning the opening, forming a metal wiring line protecting film in the opening, such that the metal wiring line protecting film covers the lower metal wiring layer, washing the opening to remove the metal wiring line protecting film, such that a top surface of the lower metal wiring layer is exposed, and drying the substrate.
US07645694B2 Development or removal of block copolymer or PMMA-b-S-based resist using polar supercritical solvent
Methods of developing or removing a select region of block copolymer films using a polar supercritical solvent to dissolve a select portion are disclosed. In one embodiment, the polar supercritical solvent includes chlorodifluoromethane, which may be exposed to the block copolymer film using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) as a carrier or chlorodiflouromethane itself in supercritical form. The invention also includes a method of forming a nano-structure including exposing a polymeric film to a polar supercritical solvent to develop at least a portion of the polymeric film. The invention also includes a method of removing a poly(methyl methacrylate-b-styrene) (PMMA-b-S) based resist using a polar supercritical solvent.
US07645687B2 Method to fabricate variable work function gates for FUSI devices
An embodiment of fabrication of a variable work function gates in a FUSI device is described. The embodiment uses a work function doping implant to dope the polysilicon to achieve a desired work function. Selective epitaxy growth (SEG) is used to form silicon over the source/drain regions. The doped poly-Si gate is fully silicided to form fully silicided gates that have a desired work function. We provide a substrate having a NMOS region and a PMOS region. We form a gate dielectric layer and a gate layer over said substrate. We perform a (gate Vt) gate layer implant process to implant impurities such as P+, As+, B+, BF2+, N+, Sb+, In+, C+, Si+, Ge+ or Ar+ into the gate layer gate in the NMOS gate regions and said PMOS gate regions. We form a cap layer over said gate layer. We pattern said cap layer, said gate layer and said gate dielectric layer to form a NMOS gate and a PMOS gate. Spacers are formed and S/D regions are formed. A metal is deposited over said substrate surface. We anneal said metal layer to form fully silicided NMOS gate and fully silicided PMOS gate.
US07645684B2 Wafer and method of producing a substrate by transfer of a layer that includes foreign species
A method of producing a substrate that has a transfer crystalline layer transferred from a donor wafer onto a support. The transfer layer can include one or more foreign species to modify its properties. In the preferred embodiment an atomic species is implanted into a zone of the donor wafer that is substantially free of foreign species to form an embrittlement or weakened zone below a bonding face thereof, with the weakened zone and the bonding face delimiting a transfer layer to be transferred. The donor wafer is preferably then bonded at the level of its bonding face to a support. Stresses are then preferably applied to produce a cleavage in the region of the weakened zone to obtain a substrate that includes the support and the transfer layer. Foreign species are preferably diffused into the thickness of the transfer layer prior to implantation or after cleavage to modify the properties of the transfer layer, preferably its electrical or optical properties. The preferred embodiment produces substrates with a thin InP layer rendered semi-insulating by iron diffusion.
US07645682B2 Bonding interface quality by cold cleaning and hot bonding
The invention relates to improvements in a method for molecularly bonding first and second substrates together by placing them in surface to surface contact. The improvement includes, prior to placing the substrates in contact, cleaning the surface of one or both of the substrates in a manner to provide a cleaned surface that is slightly roughened compared to a conventionally polished surface, and heating at least one or both of the substrates prior to placing the substrates in contact while retaining the heating at least until the substrates are in surface to surface contact.
US07645680B2 Method of manufacturing isolation layer pattern in a semiconductor device and isolation layer pattern using the same
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing an isolation layer pattern in a semiconductor device and an isolation layer pattern in a semiconductor device. A device at a low voltage device formation region may be substantially immune to electric fields from a high voltage device formation region. A field insulation film pattern in a low voltage device formation region (e.g. a logic region) may implement a relatively small design rule at an isolation layer pattern. A method of manufacturing an isolation layer pattern in a semiconductor device (e.g. which may embody a device relatively immune to an electric field from a high voltage device formation region) may include field insulation film patterns with a relatively small design rule in a low voltage device formation region (e.g. a logic region).
US07645677B2 Method for manufacturing semiconductor device
A method for manufacturing semiconductor device according to the present invention comprises a first film forming step of forming, on a concave and convex portion formed by an element on a semiconductor substrate, an oxidation preventive layer which prevents permeation of moisture into the element; a second film forming step of forming, on this oxidation preventive layer, an expansion layer which can be oxidized and expanded by a heat treatment in an oxidation atmosphere; a third film forming step of forming, on this expansion layer, an insulating film which can be fluidized by the heat treatment in the oxidation atmosphere; and an expansion step of subjecting, to the heat treatment in the oxidation atmosphere, the semiconductor substrate on which the oxidation preventive layer, the expansion layer and the insulating film have been formed, to fluidize the insulating film and to oxidize and expand the expansion layer, thereby eliminating bubbles generated in the insulating film.
US07645676B2 Semiconductor structures for latch-up suppression and methods of forming such semiconductor structures
Semiconductor structures and methods for suppressing latch-up in bulk CMOS devices. The semiconductor structure comprises a shaped-modified isolation region that is formed in a trench generally between two doped wells of the substrate in which the bulk CMOS devices are fabricated. The shaped-modified isolation region may comprise a widened dielectric-filled portion of the trench, which may optionally include a nearby damage region, or a narrowed dielectric-filled portion of the trench that partitions a damage region between the two doped wells. Latch-up may also be suppressed by providing a lattice-mismatched layer between the trench base and the dielectric filler in the trench.
US07645675B2 Integrated parallel plate capacitors
A parallel plate capacitor formed in the back end of an integrated circuit employs conductive capacitor plates that are formed simultaneously with the other interconnects on that level of the back end (having the same material, thickness, etc). The capacitor plates are set into the interlevel dielectric using the same process as the other interconnects on that level of the back end (preferably dual damascene). Some versions of the capacitors have perforations in the plates and vertical conductive members connecting all plates of the same polarity, thereby increasing reliability, saving space and increasing the capacitive density compared with solid plates.
US07645673B1 Method for generating a deep N-well pattern for an integrated circuit design
A method for the design and layout for a patterned deep N-well. A Tile is specified as a fundamental building block for the deep N-well pattern. The tile comprises a first element on a first layer and may comprise a second element on a second layer. A two dimensional region is covered with an array of contiguous tiles, with the elements on each layer connecting with elements of adjacent tiles to form extended shapes. The array may be converted to a collection of sub-arrays through the removal of tiles. The array or collection of sub-arrays may be merged to produce a first layer pattern and second layer pattern. Design rule checks may be applied to verify the pattern. The first layer shapes and second layer shapes may be edited. The first layer shapes and the second layer shapes may then be combined to produce a deep N-well pattern.
US07645670B2 Method for fabricating nonvolatile memory device
A method for fabricating a nonvolatile memory device includes forming a tunneling insulation layer, a first conductive layer for forming a floating gate, and a hard mask over a substrate. A portion of the hard mask, the first conductive layer, the tunneling insulation layer, and the substrate is etched to form a trench. An isolation structure is formed to fill in the trench. The etched hard mask is removed such that an upper portion of the isolation structure protrudes above the etched first conductive layer. A dielectric layer is formed over the etched first conductive layer. A second conductive layer for forming a control gate is formed over the isolation structure and the dielectric layer. The second conductive layer is polished to align an upper surface of the second conductive layer using an upper surface of the isolation structure.
US07645667B2 Two-step self-aligned source etch with large process window
System and method for self-aligned etching. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for performing self-aligned source etching process. The method includes a step for providing a substrate material. The method also includes a step for forming a layer of etchable oxide material overlying at least a portion of the substrate material. The layer of etchable oxide material can characterized by a first thickness. The layer of etchable oxide material includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The second portion is positioned between the first portion and the third portion. The method additionally includes a step for forming a plurality of structures overlying the layer of etchable oxide material. The plurality of structures includes a first structure and a second structure.
US07645666B2 Method of making a semiconductor device
One or more embodiments relate to a method of making a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) structure. The method includes: forming a partially completed heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) structure where the partially completed heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) structure includes a silicon layer having an exposed surface and a nitride layer having an exposed surface. The method includes growing a first oxide on the silicon layer and etching the nitride layer using an etchant.
US07645664B1 Layout pattern for deep well region to facilitate routing body-bias voltage
Layout patterns for the deep well region to facilitate routing the body-bias voltage in a semiconductor device are provided and described. The layout patterns include a diagonal sub-surface mesh structure, an axial sub-surface mesh structure, a diagonal sub-surface strip structure, and an axial sub-surface strip structure. A particular layout pattern is selected for an area of the semiconductor device according to several factors.
US07645657B2 MOS transistor and method of forming the MOS transistor with a SiON etch stop layer that protects the transistor from PID and hot carrier degradation
A MOS transistor is formed with a dual-layer silicon oxynitride (SiON) etch stop film that protects the transistor from plasma induced damage (PID) and hot carrier degradation, thereby improving the reliability of the transistors. The first SiON layer is formed with SiH4 at a first flow rate, and the second SiON layer is formed with SiH4 at a second higher flow rate.
US07645653B2 Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a polymetal gate electrode structure
A process for manufacturing a semiconductor device having a polymetal structure includes patterning a bottom electrode layer by using a sacrificial layer pattern oxidizing the side surface of the patterned bottom electrode layer, forming a sidewall oxide film on both the patterned bottom electrode layer and the sacrificial layer pattern, removing the sacrificial layer pattern, and forming a top electrode layer on the exposed bottom electrode layer and the side surface of the sidewall oxide film.
US07645649B1 Method for fabricating pixel structure
A pixel structure fabricating method is provided. A gate and a gate insulation layer covering the gate are formed on a substrate. A channel layer is formed on the gate insulation layer. A conductive layer is formed on the channel layer and gate insulation layer. A black matrix having a color filer layer accommodating opening is formed on the conductive layer. The black matrix includes a first block and a second block which is thicker than the first block. The conductive layer is patterned with the black matrix as a mask to form a source and a drain on the channel layer. A color filter layer is formed within the color filter layer accommodating opening through inkjet printing. A dielectric layer is formed on the black matrix and color filter layer. The dielectric layer is patterned to expose the drain. A pixel electrode electrically connected to the drain is formed.
US07645647B2 Thin film transistor and method of fabricating the same
A thin film transistor includes a multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit including a plurality of coaxial silicon nanowires on a substrate, the multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit including a central portion and end portions of the central portion; a gate electrode on the central portion; and a source electrode and a drain electrode on the respective end portions, respectively, so as to electrically connect to the multi-coaxial silicon nanowire unit.
US07645646B2 Manufacture of electronic devices comprising thin-film circuit elements
In the manufacture of an electronic device such as an active matrix display, a vertical amorphous PIN photodiode or similar thin-film diode (D) is advantageously integrated with a polysilicon TFT (TFT1, TFT2) in a manner that permits a good degree of optimization of the respective TFT and diode properties while being compatible with the complex pixel context of the display. High temperature processes for making the active semiconductor film (10) of the TFT more crystalline than an active semiconductor film (40) of the diode and for forming the source and drain doped regions (s1,s2, d1,d2) of the TFT are carried out before depositing the active semiconductor film (40) of the diode. Thereafter, the lateral extent of the diode is defined by etching while protecting with an etch-stop film (30) an interconnection film (20) that can provide a doped bottom electrode region (41) of the diode as well as one of the doped regions (s2, g1) of the TFT.
US07645644B2 Data line layout in semiconductor memory device and method of forming the same
In one aspect, a semiconductor device is provided which includes a data block including M parallel and sequentially arranged data lines numbered {0, 1, 2, . . . n, n+1, . . . , m−1, m}, where M, n and m are positive integers, and where n
US07645642B2 Method of joining a thermoplastic material to a thermoset material, and thermoplastic-thermoset composite
A method of joining a thermoplastic material to a thermoset material, and a resultant thermoplastic-thermoset composite formed from such method are provided. At least one of the thermoplastic material and the thermoset material includes particles that melt when the thermoplastic material and the thermoset material are heated during the joining operation. The particles further produce a solid bond between the materials after the particles have solidified in the course of cooling after the joining operation.
US07645639B2 Packaging of integrated circuits to lead frames
A lead frame (200) for housing an integrated circuit is disclosed comprising a main member (220) and an engagement portion (230) for receiving an integrated circuit (210). The integrated circuit (210) is located at the engagement portion (230) and engaged with the lead frame through resilient engagement with the first and second engagement members (222, 223). The first and second engagement members (222,223) which depend from the main member, secure the integrated to the lead frame by engaging in resilient contact respective opposed surfaces of the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is engaged to the lead frame by clipping into it into position between the engagement members. There is no need for a gluing process unlike conventional lead frame designs which where the integrated circuit is attached to a lead frame by gluing it onto the die paddle.
US07645635B2 Frame structure and semiconductor attach process for use therewith for fabrication of image sensor packages and the like, and resulting packages
A semiconductor package such as an image sensor package, and methods for fabrication. A frame structure includes an array of frames, each having an aperture therethrough, into which an image sensor die in combination with a cover glass, filter, lens or other components may be installed in precise mutual alignment. Singulated image sensor dice and other components may be picked and placed into each frame of the frame structure. Alternatively, the frame structure may be configured to be aligned with and joined to a wafer bearing a plurality of image sensor dice, wherein optional, downwardly protruding skirts along peripheries of the frames may be received into kerfs cut along streets between die locations on the wafer, followed by installation of other package components. In either instance, the frame structure in combination with singulated image sensor dice or a joined wafer is singulated into individual image sensor packages. Various external connection approaches may be used for the packages.
US07645632B2 Self aligned memory element and wordline
An organic polymer memory cell is provided having an organic polymer layer and an electrode layer formed over a first conductive (e.g., copper) layer (e.g., bitline). The memory cells are connected to a second conductive layer (e.g., forming a wordline), and more particularly the top of the electrode layer of the memory cells to the second conductive layer. Optionally, a conductivity facilitating layer is formed over the conductive layer. Dielectric material separates the memory cells. The memory cells are self-aligned with the bitlines formed in the first conductive layer and the wordlines formed in the second conductive layer.
US07645623B2 LCD pixel array structure and fabrication method thereof
Only five photomasks are used to fabricate a LCD pixel array structure. A gate dielectric layer of the LCD pixel array structure is formed by two deposition steps to increase the storage capacity of the storage capacitor.
US07645622B2 Method of producing nitride-based semiconductor device, and light-emitting device produced thereby
A method of producing a nitride-based semiconductor device includes the steps of growing an InxAlyGa1-x-yN (0≦x, 0≦y, x+y<1) buffer layer (2; 12; 22; 32; 42) on a substrate (1; 11; 21; 31; 41) at a first substrate temperature, and growing a first conductivity type nitride-based semiconductor layer (4; 14; 24; 34; 44) on the buffer layer at a second substrate temperature. The first temperature is higher than the second temperature.
US07645621B2 Optical inspection methods
Inspection methods. A method includes adhering an optical blocking layer directly onto and in direct mechanical contact with a semiconductor process wafer, the blocking layer being substantially opaque to a range of wavelengths of light; applying at least one layer over the blocking layer; and inspecting optically at least one wavelength at least one inspection area, the blocking layer extending substantially throughout the inspection area. An inspection method including adhering an optical absorbing layer to a semiconductor process wafer, where the absorbing layer is configured to substantially absorb a range of wavelengths of light; applying at least one layer over the absorbing layer; and inspecting optically at least one wavelength at least one inspection area of the process wafer. A manufacturing method including ascertaining if a defect is present within a photoresist layer, and changing a semiconductor manufacturing process to prevent the defect, if the defect is present.
US07645617B2 Nonvolatile ferroelectric memory device using silicon substrate, method for manufacturing the same, and refresh method thereof
A nonvolatile ferroelectric memory device using a silicon substrate includes an insulating layer formed in an etching region of the silicon substrate, a floating channel layer formed over the bottom word line, an impurity layer formed at both ends of the floating channel layer and including a source region formed over the insulating layer and a drain region formed over the silicon substrate, a ferroelectric layer formed over the floating channel layer, and a word line formed over the ferroelectric layer.
US07645612B2 Kit and method for multi-analyte determination
The invention is related to different embodiments of a kit for the simultaneous qualitative and/or quantitative determination of a multitude of analytes comprising a sensor platform comprising an optical thin-film waveguide with a layer (a) transparent at least at an excitation wavelength on a layer (b) with lower refractive index than layer (a), also transparent at least at said excitation wavelength, and at least one grating structure (c) modulated in said layer (a), for the incoupling of said excitation light into layer (a), at least one array of biological or biochemical or synthetic recognition elements immobilized in discrete measurement areas (d) directly or by means of an adhesion-promoting layer on layer (a), for specific recognition and/or binding of said analytes and/or for specific interaction with said analytes, means for laterally resolved referencing of the excitation light intensity available in the measurement areas, and optionally means for the calibration of one or more luminescences generated in the near-field of layer (a) as a consequence of the binding of one or more analytes or of the specific interaction with one or more analytes, wherein a liquid sample to be analyzed for said analytes is brought into contact with said measurement areas on said sensor platform either directly or after mixture with further reagents. The invention is also related to analytical systems based on a kit according to the invention and to methods for the determination of one or more analytes, based on said kit, and to use thereof.
US07645611B2 Device and method for micro sorbent extraction and desorption
This invention relates to a micro cartridge and to a method of using the micro cartridge to sample and extract components of interest from a gas or a liquid. The cartridge contains a sorbent and has passages through which a pressure drop can be created to permit access between the gas or liquid and the sorbent. The micro cartridge is elongated and has one pointed end to fit into the injection port of a suitable analysis instrument where the components of interest are desorbed. The cartridge has two ends that are covered by removable closures and preferably has a diameter of less than 1 millimeter. The cartridge can be used with micro machine components and components made using nano technology.
US07645607B2 Method for producing optically active N-protected-propargylglycine
A method for producing (S)—N-protected-propargylglycine of the following formula (2), wherein the method comprises asymmetrically hydrolyzing an N-protected-propargylglycine ester of the following formula (1) by using an asymmetric hydrolysis enzyme or a cultured substance of a microorganism having an ability of producing this enzyme or a treated substance thereof. The hydrolysis enzyme is obtained from a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Thermomyces genus, Aspergillus genus, Rhizopus genus, Penicillium genus, Pseudomonas genus, Humicola genus, Burkholderia genus, Candida genus Bacillus genus and Streptomyces genus.
US07645606B2 In situ biodegradation of subsurface contaminants by injection of phosphate nutrients and hydrogen
The present invention provides a method and gaseous composition for the in situ bioremediation of soil and groundwater contaminated with organic compounds, including halogenated hydrocarbons. The gaseous composition, which readily permeates a subsurface region, comprises hydrogen (H2) and one or more volatile phosphates, such as triethylphosphate (TEP) and tributylphosphate (TBP). The volatile phosphates serve as nutrients that stimulate the growth and activity of indigenous microbes that are capable of degrading the contaminants. The addition of hydrogen facilitates the direct reductive dehalogenation of highly halogenated contaminants. The gaseous composition may optionally contain one or more of a volatile alkane and nitrous oxide as additional supports for microbial growth, and carbon dioxide to lower the pH of remediation sites that are highly alkaline.
US07645596B2 Method of determining the nucleotide sequence of oligonucleotides and DNA molecules
The present invention relates to a novel method for analyzing nucleic acid sequences based on real-time detection of DNA poly-merase-catalyzed incorporation of each of the four nucleotide bases, supplied individually and serially in a microfluidic system, to a reaction cell containing a template system comprising a DNA fragment of unknown sequence and an oligonucleotide primer. Incorporation of a nucleotide base into the template system can be detected by any of a variety of methods including but not limited to fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection. Alternatively, microcalorimetic detection of the heat generated by the incorporation of a nucleotide into the extending template system using thermopile, thermistor and refractive index measurements can be used to detect extension reactions.
US07645595B2 Method of production of artificial skin
A method for production of artificial skin by administering matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor or matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor and matrix protein production promoting agent. The matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor is N-hydroxy-2(R)-[[(4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl](3-picolyl)amino]-3-methylbutanamide hydrochloride.
US07645590B2 Method for distinguishing follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) from follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC)
Follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA) is distinguished from follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) by comparing amount of an expression product of at least one gene selected from the group consisting of DDIT3, ARG2, ITM1, C1orf24, TARSH, and ACO1 in a test follicular thyroid specimen to a normal control thyroid specimen. The test follicular thyroid specimen is identified as FTA if the amount of expression product of TARSH is equal to or greater in the test follicular thyroid specimen than in the normal control thyroid specimen. The test follicular thyroid specimen is identified as FTC if the amount of expression product of DDIT3, ARG2, ITM1, C1orf24, or ACO1 is greater in the test follicular thyroid specimen than in the normal control thyroid specimen.
US07645589B2 Use of microphthalmia for diagnosis, prognosis and/or treatment of melanoma
Microphthalmia (Mi) while present in melanocytes, a cells and osteoclast, is not normally present in other cells. We have found that Mi is present in the nucleus of melanoma cells. Melanoma can be diagnosed by contacting a malignant cell with a probe for Mi. If the probe identities Mi in the nucleus of the cell, the cell is a melanoma.
US07645588B2 Composition comprising a cell comprising a STIM1 protein and an agent that modulates intracellular calcium and methods of use
Methods are provided for identifying agents that modulate intracellular calcium. Also provided are methods of modulating calcium within cells and methods of identifying proteins involved in modulating intracellular calcium.
US07645587B2 Cancer-associated antigens and methods of their identification and use
The present invention provides novel, isolated, tumor-associated antigens, and methods for identifying such antigens in a biological sample, and of screening for the presence of such an antigen in a biological specimen, wherein the tumor antigen identified reacts with serum from a subject treated with a vaccine comprising a cytokine and proliferation-incompetent tumor cells which express the tumor-associated antigen. Also provided are kits for carrying out the methods of the invention.
US07645585B2 Antibody profiling sensitivity through increased reporter antibody layering
A method for analyzing a biological sample by antibody profiling for identifying forensic samples or for detecting the presence of an analyte. In an embodiment of the invention, the analyte is a drug, such as marijuana, Cocaine (crystalline tropane alkaloid), methamphetamine, methyltestosterone, or mesterolone. The method comprises attaching antigens to a surface of a solid support in a preselected pattern to form an array wherein locations of the antigens are known; contacting the array with the biological sample such that a portion of antibodies in the sample reacts with and binds to the antigens in the array to form immune complexes; washing away antibodies that do form immune complexes; and detecting the immune complexes, to form an antibody profile. Forensic samples are identified by comparing a sample from an unknown source with a sample from a known source. Further, an assay, such as a test for illegal drug use, can be coupled to a test for identity such that the results of the assay can be positively correlated to the subject's identity.
US07645582B2 Aptamers that bind to listeria surface proteins
Aptamers bind to Listeria surface proteins. A method of assaying a sample for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes includes exposing the sample to an aptamer that specifically binds one of the following proteins: Listeria monocytogenes internalin A protein, Listeria monocytogenes internalin E protein, and Listeria monocytogenes 0610 protein. The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the sample is detected when the aptamer binds the protein present in the sample. A method of treating Listeria monocytogenes infection includes administering the aptamers to the mammal at a concentration sufficient to reduce Listeria monocytogenes infection.
US07645580B2 Forensic identification
The invention provides allelic ladder mixtures and individual alleles suitable for use in such mixtures. The allelic ladder mixtures give improved identification and distinguishing capabilities, particularly suitable in forensic investigations.
US07645577B2 Group B streptococcus polypeptides nucleic acids and therapeutic compositions and vaccines thereof
This invention provides isolated nucleic acids encoding polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of streptococcal matrix adhesion (Ema) polypeptides. The invention provides nucleic acids encoding Group B streptococcal Ema polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE. The present invention provides isolated polypeptides comprising amino acid sequences of Group B streptococcal polypeptides EmaA, EmaB, EmaC, EmaD and EmaE, including analogs, variants, mutants, derivatives and fragments thereof. Ema homologous polypeptides from additional bacterial species, including S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes, E. faecalis and C. diptheriae are also provided. Antibodies to the Ema polypeptides and immunogenic fragments thereof are also provided. The present invention relates to the identification and prevention of infections by virulent forms of streptococci. This invention provides pharmaceutical compositions, immunogenic compositions, vaccines, and diagnostic and therapeutic methods of use of the isolated polypeptides, antibodies thereto, and nucleic acids. Assays for compounds which modulate the polypeptides of the present invention for use in therapy are also provided.
US07645576B2 Method for the detection of chromosomal aneuploidies
The non-invasive detection of fetal chromosomal aneuploidies is demonstrated. Alleles of fetal RNA-SNPs present in a biological sample (e.g. maternal blood) containing fetal RNA are detected and quantified in order to determine the ratio of the alleles. This ratio is compared to a standard control consisting of euploid fetuses. Deviation of allele ratio indicates the presence of chromosomal aneuploidy.
US07645570B2 Botulinum toxin screening assays
Methods for detecting BoNT/A activity in a sample, methods for screening molecules able to compete with BoNT/A receptor binding, methods for reducing BoNT/A activity in a human and methods of marketing a neurotoxin capable of selectively binding to FGFR3 to a governmental or regional regulatory authority.
US07645568B2 Xenograft heart valves
The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic heart valve xenograft for implantation into humans. The invention further provides methods for preparing a heart valve xenograft by removing at least a portion of a soft tissue from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft; washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the xenograft to cellular disruption treatment; treating the xenograft with crosslinking agents, and digesting the xenograft with a proteoglycan-depleting factor and/or glycosidase. The invention also provides an article of manufacture produced by the above-identified method of the invention. The invention further provides a heart valve xenograft for implantation into a human including a portion of a heart valve from a non-human animal, wherein the portion has extracellular components and substantially only dead cells. The extracellular components have reduced proteoglycan molecules. Each of the xenografts of the invention are substantially non-immunogenic and have substantially the same mechanical properties as a corresponding native heart valve.
US07645566B2 Sulfur-containing dispersant and sulfide phosphor paste composition comprising the same
A sulfide phosphor paste composition comprising a sulfur-containing dispersant, and a fluorescent film prepared therefrom, are provided. The sulfur-containing dispersant has a dual head structure containing both a carboxyl group and a thiol group or a structure containing a thiol or thiophene group as a head group. An oligomeric sulfur-containing dispersant is also provided. Adsorption of the dispersant on the surface of the sulfide phosphor prevents aggregation of the phosphor particles, and thereby improves the dispersibility of the sulfide phosphor paste composition, the homogeneity of the phosphor in the paste composition, and the density of a film produced from the paste composition. Fluorescent films and display devices produced from the phosphor paste composition exhibit improved luminescent properties and excellent processability.
US07645562B2 Photosensitive film
A photosensitive film excellent in workability and making it possible, in a normal pressure laminating process, to laminate photosensitive films on the surface of substrate having a metallic surface with a reduced number of air voids generated and in a high product yield, said film comprising a support film (A), a photosensitive resin composition-containing photosensitive resin layer (B) formed on said support (A) and a protecting film (C) further stuck on said layer (B), wherein the number of fish eyes having a diameter of at least 80 μm included in the protecting film (C) does not exceed 5 fish eyes/m2.
US07645557B2 Positive resist composition for immersion exposure and pattern forming method using the same
A positive resist composition, comprising: (A) a compound capable of generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation; (B) a resin having a repeating unit containing at least one alicyclic structure, of which solubility in an alkali developer increases under an action of an acid; and (C) an alkali-soluble resin having a siloxane bond as a main chain.
US07645555B2 Photoreceptor member
An electrophotographic photoreceptor and method for forming a photoreceptor is disclosed which is provided with an anticorrosion layer on the interface between the supporting substrate surface and the undercoat layer. The photoreceptor has a high mechanical strength and minimizes defects in print for longer periods of time.
US07645551B2 Toner processes
Disclosed herein are toner particles generated by emulsion/aggregation processes. The processes are conducted under conditions that shorten the time for coalescence and post-formation washing, thereby increasing efficiency of the processes as compared to conventional processes.
US07645537B2 Multi-cell fuel cell layer and system
A fuel cell layer includes a substrate, an array of fuel cells each having an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte disposed on the substrate, conductors electrically coupled to the fuel cell array, a fuel flow channel defined in an anode side of the substrate; and a cathode air flow channel defined in a cathode side of the substrate.
US07645535B2 Method and materials for bonding electrodes to interconnect layers in solid oxide fuel cell stacks
A method and related bonding compositions for use in assembling a solid oxide fuel cell (“SOFC”) stack having thermally and chemically stable and electrically conductive bonds between alternating fuel cells and interconnect components in the stack. The improved method and materials allow for the assembly of solid oxide fuel cells having a stronger and more reliable bond with good electrical contact in situ between the SOFC interconnect layers (plates) and the electrodes. The bonding materials and method according to the invention provide good electrical performance while maintaining the mechanical and electrical integrity of SOFC stacks without requiring excessive mechanical compression of the stack as exemplified by prior art systems. The preferred bonding agents comprise a primary phase that provides the electrical conduction path during fuel cell operation, as well as the mechanical strength necessary to insure a reliable connection between the interconnect and the relevant anode or cathode surfaces of the fuel cell. Secondary phases can be added in small amounts to the primary phase to improve adhesion. An exemplary method according to the invention also contemplates various different steps for pre-treating the surfaces of the interconnect plates and electrodes to improve their surface bonding properties.
US07645529B2 Fuel cell characteristic recovery method and apparatus
A characteristic recovery apparatus is provided with a DMFC having anode and cathode electrodes; anode-side and cathode-side separators for feeding the anode and cathode electrodes with pure water or a solution and an oxygen-containing gas, respectively; a voltage-applying means for forcing current to flow between the electrodes in the same direction as a direction of current flow during power generation of the fuel cell; and a control means for controlling the voltage-applying means.
US07645526B2 Member for plasma etching device and method for manufacture thereof
A member for a plasma etching device, comprising a coating film of yttrium oxide or YAG having a coating film thickness of 10 μm or more, a coating film thickness variance of 15% or less, preferably a surface roughness (Ra) of 1 μm or less, formed on a surface of a member, comprising quartz glass which contains 1 to 10% by weight of yttrium oxide or YAG. The member for a plasma etching device has high plasma resistance, is not subjected to an abnormal etching on the basis of a partial change of electric properties and, accordingly, can be used for a long period of time. Even when the member is large enough to handle 12-inch Si wafers, the above-described advantageous properties are maintained and the member can be used for a long period of time.
US07645525B2 Organic light emitting devices
An organic electroluminescent device includes an anode, a cathode, and a light emitting zone including a material that at least one of reduces triplet/triplet interaction, reduces triplet/singlet interaction, and reduces singlet/singlet interaction.
US07645519B2 Composite article comprising a metal reinforcement element embedded in a thermoplastic polymer material
The invention relates to a composite article comprising at least one metal reinforcement element embedded in a polymer material. An adhesion promoting layer is interposed between the metal reinforcement element and the polymer material. The adhesion promoting layer comprises an organofunctional silane and a hyperbranched polymer. The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing a composite article and to the use of a composite article as metal reinforced article.
US07645517B2 Rare earth-oxides, rare earth nitrides, rare earth phosphides and ternary alloys with silicon
Atomic layer epitaxy (ALE) is applied to the fabrication of new forms of rare-earth oxides, rare-earth nitrides and rare-earth phosphides. Further, ternary compounds composed of binary (rare-earth oxides, rare-earth nitrides and rare-earth phosphides) mixed with silicon and or germanium to form compound semiconductors of the formula RE—(O, N, P)—(Si,Ge) are also disclosed, where RE=at least one selection from group of rare-earth metals, O=oxygen, N=nitrogen, P=phosphorus, Si=silicon and Ge=germanium. The presented ALE growth technique and material system can be applied to silicon electronics, opto-electronic, magneto-electronics and magneto-optics devices.
US07645514B2 Curing resin composition, adhesive epoxy resin paste, adhesive epoxy resin sheet, conductive connection paste, conductive connection sheet, and electronic component joined body
It is an object of the invention to provide a curable resin composition excellent in mechanical strength, heat resistance, moisture resistance, flexibility, resistance to thermal cycles, resistance to solder reflow, dimensional stability, and the like after curing and providing high adhesion reliability and conduction reliability and an adhesive epoxy resin paste, an adhesive epoxy resin sheet, a conductive connection paste, and a conductive connection sheet using the curable resin composition, and an electronic component joined body. The invention relates to a curable resin composition, which contains an epoxy resin, a solid polymer having a functional group to react with the epoxy group and a curing agent for an epoxy resin, no phase separation structure being observed in a matrix of a resin when a cured product is dyed with a heavy metal and observed with a transmission electron microscope.
US07645507B2 Protective films and pressure sensitive adhesives
Protective film in the form of a tape or sheet comprising a substrate layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive composition.
US07645504B1 Coatings for implantable medical devices comprising hydrophobic and hydrophilic polymers
Coatings for implantable medical devices and methods for fabricating thereof are disclosed. The coatings include a layer comprising a hydrophobic polymer and a layer comprising a hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymer.
US07645503B1 Pavement marking pattern and method
The invention herein pertains to pavement marking patterns and the application thereof to roads, streets, walkways and the like. Various pattern designs for the markings are available to replicate layers of bricks, cobblestones, horizontal signage, logos and other components. The marking patterns are composed of two or more independent sections, the first section is a grid representing for example, the mortar joints in a brick wall. The second sections or inserts, for example represent bricks which are contained within the grid. As the first and second sections are generally formed from different colored, preferably thermoplastic materials, a hot melt adhesive spray is utilized on the bottom surface of the marking pattern to bridge the intersections between the first and second sections to maintain the integrity of the marking pattern for convenience during handling and application to a substrate. Preferably the hot melt spray adhesive has approximately the same softening point range as the pattern sections to accommodate heat treatment of the marking pattern during application of the marking pattern to the substrate.
US07645498B2 Balloon catheter formed of random copolymerized nylons
A catheter having a balloon comprised of a polymer material comprising first monomer units of an alkyl amide having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and second monomer units of an alkyl amide having 7 to 12 carbon atoms. The first and second monomer units are copolymerized with each other in a random fashion to form a random copolyamide polymer.
US07645496B2 1,3,5-triazine compound, composition, and optically anisotropic material composed of the same
A compound of formula (A): wherein L1 and L2 each independently are a single bond or a divalent linking group, R1 and R2 each independently are a hydrogen atom or a substituent, and R is a group having a polymerizable group; and a composition, containing at least one of the compound; an optically anisotropic material, containing the compound or the composition; and a liquid crystal display device, containing the optically anisotropic material.
US07645494B2 Pre-plating surface treatments for enhanced galvanic-corrosion resistance
The invention relates to a method that involves (a) removing graphite from at least one surface of a metal graphite composite material; (b) chemically cleaning or plasma etching the surface of the metal graphite composite material; (c) applying a metal-containing material to the surface of the chemically cleaned or plasma etched metal graphite composite material, and thereby forming an intermediate layer; (d) applying a metal coating on the intermediate layer, and thereby forming a composite material. The invention also relates to a composite material comprising (a) a metal graphite composite substrate having at least one surface that is substantially free of graphite; (b) a metal-containing intermediate layer located on a surface of the substrate; and (c) a metal coating on the intermediate layer.
US07645490B2 Method and composition for coating mat and articles produced therewith
A coated glass mat comprises a glass mat substrate having non-woven glass fibers and a coating which essentially uniformly penetrates the glass mat substrate to desired fractional thickness of the coated glass mat. The coating imparts a tensile strength to the coated glass mat which on average is at least 1.33 times greater than the tensile strength of the glass mat substrate without the coating. In example embodiments, penetration of the coating into the glass mat substrate preferably extends to a depth of from twenty five percent of a thickness of the coated glass mat to seventy five percent of the thickness of the coated glass mat. Moreover, a non-coated thickness of the coated glass mat is sufficiently thick for bonding purposes with, e.g., a gypsum slurry or other core materials such as thermoplastic or thermosetting plastics. The coating has a porosity in a range of from 1.3 CFM to 5.0 CFM, e.g., the coating comprises a coating blend which provides the coated glass mat with a porosity sufficient to allow water vapor to escape from a gypsum slurry when heated. The coating is preferably a coating blend comprised of water, latex binder, inorganic pigment, and inorganic binder.
US07645489B2 Process for producing inkjet recording medium
A method for manufacturing an inkjet recording medium comprising the steps of: applying a coating color containing a pigment and a binder as major components to at least one side of a base material using a transfer roll coater, subsequently drying coating layer to form an ink absorbing layer, wherein Hercules viscosity of coating color is 5 m Pa·s to 30 m Pa·s and pigment contains a synthetic silica having an oil absorption of 90 ml/10 g to 200 ml/100 g, a BET specific surface area of 45 m2/g to 200 m2/g and an average particle diameter of 1.0 μm to 3.0 μm and/or a precipitated calcium carbonate-silica composite having an oil absorption of 100 ml/10 g to 250 ml/100 g, a BET specific surface area of 5 m2/g to 150 m2/g and an average particle diameter of 1.0 μm to 10 μm.
US07645486B2 Method of manufacturing a silicon dioxide layer
The invention relates to a of manufacturing a silicon dioxide layer of low roughness, that includes depositing a layer of silicon dioxide over a substrate by a low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) process, the deposition process employing simultaneously a flow of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as the source material for the film deposition and a flow of a diluant gas that it not reactive with TEOS, so that the diluant gas/TEOS flow ratio is between 0.5 and 100; and annealing the silicon dioxide layer at a temperature between 600° C. and 1200° C., for a duration between 10 minutes and 6 hours.
US07645485B2 Chromiumm diffusion coatings
There is provided a method for applying an improved chromium diffusion coating on an industrial item such as a turbine blade of a gas turbine engine. Chromium and other active metals are combined to form an alloy coating. Active elements include silicon, hafnium, zirconium, yttrium, tantalum, and rhenium. For producing the modified coatings through pack cementation chromium and a master alloy are mixed into a packing along with inert material and a halide activator. The packing surrounds a target in a diffusion box. The metals are then deposited by diffusion onto a target surface by pack cementation methods. The diffusion of the desired metals takes place during a coating thermal cycle. Alternatively, the diffusion can take place using an out-of-pack arrangement. Such modified coatings are utilized as improved performance coatings for environmental resistance applications over the current chromium diffusion coatings.
US07645483B2 Two-dimensional aperture array for vapor deposition
A method for forming a layer on a surface in making a device, including providing a distribution member for receiving vaporized material, the distribution member having one or more walls defining a polygonal two-dimensional pattern of apertures is formed in a wall, which deliver vaporized material in a molecular flow onto the surface; providing the polygonal two-dimensional pattern of apertures to have at least four vertices, with a first set of apertures disposed at the vertices, a second set of edge apertures disposed between the apertures of the first set and defining the edges of the polygonal two-dimensional pattern, and a third set of interior apertures disposed within the periphery of the polygonal two-dimensional pattern defined by the first and second sets of apertures; and dimensioning the apertures to obtain a desired flow rate.
US07645482B2 Method to make and use long single-walled carbon nanotubes as electrical conductors
Systems and methods for synthesizing long carbon nanotubes and using the nanotube as an electrical conductor. A substrate is provided with one or more metal underlayer platforms that allow the nanotube to grow freely suspended from the substrate. A modified gas-flow injector is used to reduce the gas flow turbulence during nanotube growth. Nanotube electrodes are formed by growing arrays of aligned nanotubes between two metal underlayer platforms.
US07645475B2 Devices having a textured surface
A method for forming a randomly textured surface on an implantable device such as soft tissue prosthesis. The textured surface has numerous cavities, interstices and passageways or tunnels and is thus referred to as a microporous surface texture. The surface is formed by two or more applications of polymeric particles and a polymeric dispersion.
US07645473B2 Fat composition
A vegetable fat composition comprises glycerides, wherein the triglyceride content of the composition is: 6 to 20% SSS, 5 to less than 20% SUS 5 to less than 25% SSU 10 to 39% SU2 and at least 20% U3, wherein S is a saturated fatty acid residue having 16 to 24 carbon atoms and U is an unsaturated fatty acid residue having at least 18 carbon atoms and all percentages are by weight based on the total triglycerides present in the composition, the weight ratio SUS/SSU is between 0.5 and 2.0, the weight ratio of (saturated fatty acid residues having 18 to 24 carbon atoms)/(saturated fatty acid residues having 16 carbon atoms) in the total S content of the triglycerides is less than 0.2, and the triglycerides contain less than 3% of arachidic and behenic acid residues based on the total fatty acid residue content of the triglycerides, and wherein the saturated fatty acid residue content of the triglycerides is less than 45% by weight of the total fatty acid residues in the triglycerides. The composition may be used to produce baked products and iced confectionery products.
US07645464B2 Plant extracts
The present invention relates to extracts containing beneficial plant secondary metabolites. In particular the present invention relates to plant extracts from butter trees and methods of producing such extracts. Applications of these extracts are furthermore disclosed herein.
US07645463B2 Method for treating diabetic vascular complications
The present invention provides a method for treating diabetic vascular complications including administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of an extract product of a Dioscorea species. The extract product preferably is prepared by a process which involves (a) extracting a tuber of the Dioscorea species with an alcohol-based solvent in the presence of an acetic acid solution to form an extract composition, (b) subjecting a resultant product obtained in step (a) to obtain a soluble fraction, and (c) removing solvent from the soluble fraction obtained in step (b) to obtain the extract product.
US07645458B2 Method for sterilizing and/or deactivating adventitious agents associated with biological materials
A method is provided for sterilizing and/or deactivating adventitious agent(s) on and/or within a biological material which comprises packaging the biological material, altering the original atmosphere associated with the biological material in order to reduce the level of oxygen to which the biological material is exposed and subjecting the packaged biological material with its altered atmosphere to irradiation.
US07645453B2 Alpha-enolase specific antibody and method of use
This invention relates to a method of monitoring cancer development by determining the abundance of alpha-enolase protein wherein increased abundance is an indication of the severity of cancer. In another embodiment, the invention relates to a method of detecting cancer malignancy by determining the abundance of alpha-enolase antibodies in a sample wherein low levels of such antibodies indicates the malignancy of cancer. Also provided is a method of suppressing tumor growth by inducing the anti-ENO1 immune response.
US07645452B2 RTVP based compositions and methods for the treatment of prostate cancer
This invention relates to a gene encoding RTVP that has been shown to be up-regulated by p53 using differential display-PCR and subsequently by co-transfection studies. RTVP-1 mRNA is abundant in normal mouse and human prostatic epithelial cells and primary tumors, but is significantly down regulated in metastatic mouse and human prostate cancer. In prostate cancer cells overexpression of the mouse RTVP-1 gene (mRTVP-1) induced apoptosis that was accompanied by increased caspase 8, 9 and 3 activities. mRTVP-1-stimulated apoptosis was also associated with increased levels of bax, bad and activated BID; reduced levels of bcl-2 and bcl-XL; and cytosolic cytochrome c accumulation. Adenoviral-vector-mediated mRTVP-1 expression lead to potent growth suppression and antimetastatic activities in an orthotopic mouse model of prostate cancer in vivo. These therapeutic activities were associated with anti-angiogenic effects and importantly a local and systemic immune response. Accordingly, p53 was linked with suppression of metastasis through its induction of mRTVP-1, which can concurrently induce apoptosis, suppress angiogenesis and stimulate an antitumor immune response. Thus, the invention includes compositions and methods, based on RTVP nucleic acid, polypeptides, and antibodies, for use in the treatment, prevention and detection of neoplastic disease and, specifically, metastatic prostatic neoplasia.
US07645451B2 Human dickkopf-related protein and nucleic acid molecules and uses therefor
Novel Dkk and Dkk-related polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. In addition to isolated, full-length Dkk and Dkk-related proteins, the invention further provides isolated fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and antibodies. The invention also provides Dkk and Dkk-related nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing a nucleic acid molecule of the invention, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced and n which a Dkk and Dkk-related gene has been introduced or disrupted. Diagnostic, screening and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.
US07645442B2 Rapid-heating drug delivery article and method of use
A device, method, and system for producing a condensation aerosol are disclosed. The device includes a chamber having an upstream opening and a downstream opening which allow gas to flow through the chamber, and a heat-conductive substrate located at a position between the upstream and downstream openings. Formed on the substrate is a drug composition film containing a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form. A heat source in the device is operable to supply heat to the substrate to produce a substrate temperature greater than 300° C., and to substantially volatilize the drug composition film from the substrate in a period of 2 seconds or less. The device produces an aerosol containing less than about 10% by weight drug composition degradation products and at least 50% of the drug composition of said film.
US07645441B2 Compositions and methods in cancer associated with altered expression of PRLR
The present invention relates to novel sequences for use in diagnosis and treatment of carcinomas, especially breast cancers. In addition, the present invention describes the use of novel compositions for use in screening methods. The invention provides compositions and methods associated with altered expression of PRLR in cancer.
US07645439B2 Nanostructured titanium oxide material and its synthesis procedure
Nanomaterials of the JT phase of the titanium oxide TiO2-x, where 0≦x≦1 having as a building block a crystalline structure with an orthorhombic symmetry and described by at least one of the space groups 59 Pmmn, 63 Amma, 71 Immm or 63 Bmmb. These nanomaterials are in the form of nanofibers, nanowires, nanorods, nanoscrolls and/or nanotubes. The nanomaterials are obtained from a hydrogen titanate and/or a mixed sodium and hydrogen titanate precursor compound that is isostructural to the JT crystalline structure. The titanates are the hydrogenated, the protonated, the hydrated and/or the alkalinized phases of the JT crystalline phase that are obtained from titanium compounds such as titanium oxide with an anatase crystalline structure, amorphous titanium oxide, and titanium oxide with a rutile crystalline structure, and/or directly from the rutile mineral and/or from ilmenite. The titanates are submitted to dynamic thermal treatment in an inert, oxidizing or reducing atmosphere to produce the JT phase of the TiO2-x, where 0≦x≦1 with an orthorhombic structure.
US07645438B2 Process for the production of hydrogen peroxide
The invention relates to a process for the production of hydrogen peroxide comprising a liquid-liquid extraction step, said extraction step comprising contacting an organic feed solution containing hydrogen peroxide with an extraction solvent comprising less than about 30 wt % of water to achieve extraction of hydrogen peroxide to said extraction solvent and obtaining an extract containing hydrogen peroxide.
US07645437B1 Integrated boiler, superheater, and decomposer for sulfuric acid decomposition
A method and apparatus, constructed of ceramics and other corrosion resistant materials, for decomposing sulfuric acid into sulfur dioxide, oxygen and water using an integrated boiler, superheater, and decomposer unit comprising a bayonet-type, dual-tube, counter-flow heat exchanger with a catalytic insert and a central baffle to increase recuperation efficiency.
US07645436B1 Tractable metal oxide sols and nanocomposites therefrom
Tractable metal oxide sols are made by combining at least one metal oxide compound, at least one organofunctional silane, at least one boron oxide compound, and a liquid, or metal oxide sols are made by combining at least one metal oxide compound, at least one organofunctional silane, at least one of an acid catalyst and salt/complex catalyst, and a liquid. Also disclosed are nanocomposites containing the metal oxide sols and at least one of metal nanoparticle, metal-chalcogenide nanoparticle, metal oxide nanoparticle, and metal phosphate nanoparticle. Further disclosed are composites containing a polymer material and at least one of the metal oxide sol and the nanocomposite.
US07645423B2 Optical micro plugs for multichannel and multilayer pharmaceutical device
A method of making and the resultant micro well plate that includes a plurality of greensheets, either laminated or sintered together, whereby these greensheets have a plurality of vertical micro well reaction chamber openings therein, and optionally a plurality horizontal channels connecting selected well reaction chamber openings. The vertical micro well reaction chambers have at, at least one end thereof a plurality of optical micro plugs which are aligned to the vertical micro well reaction chamber openings. The plurality of optical micro plugs allow for the micro well plate to be integrated with macro analytical instrumentation for the analysis, examination, and/or testing of chemicals, reagents or samples provided within the vertical micro well reaction chamber openings.
US07645422B2 Vapor sensor and materials therefor
The present disclosure relates to a composition for sensor films used for detecting chemical analytes within sensors, such as polymer-absorption chemiresistors (i.e., conductometric sensors). The present disclosure provides robust sensor film compositions that have low resistance, high conductivity, and greater temperature stability and sensitivity to chemical analytes, as well as methods of making these sensor films. Sensor film compositions according to the present disclosure include a matrix having a polymer resin comprising siloxane and a plurality of conductive particles including at least two distinct species.
US07645421B2 System and method for coding information on a biosensor test strip
The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted.
US07645416B2 Thermoforming process for producing class “A” finish, high gloss automotive exterior parts
A thermoforming methodology for laminated thermoplastic sheets which preserves the class “A” finish and high gloss thereof. In a thermoforming process including heating followed by vacuum and opposing air pressure application, and then followed by application of chilled compressed air, control of spherulite formation using any of: addition of a nucleating agent to the paint film, using the chilled compressed air at a temperature of substantially about 32° F., heating to no more than about 311° F., selecting a paint film having a high melting point temperature, and selecting a paint film that is non-crystalline.
US07645411B2 Imprinting apparatus and method
An imprinting apparatus, for transferring a microstructure of a mold onto a forming material by pressing and mold-releasing, includes a plurality of driving devices which relatively move the mold the forming material to each other along an axis of a pressing direction, wherein the plurality of driving devices make different relative moving speeds of the mold and the forming material during the relative motion.
US07645403B2 Method of improving color quality in an object produced by solid freeform fabrication
A method for improving color quality in an object created by a solid freeform fabrication system keeps a colorant in an ejected material near a surface of the object.
US07645401B2 Modified electroconductive polymer material and polymer film
Disclosed is a modified electroconductive polymer material, which comprises a metal filled in a space between the chains of an electroconductive polymer. The metal is oxidized (partially formed as a hydroxide) through a chemical reaction between three substances consisting of the metal, a cation radical/dication, and absorbed water. The metal has a work function less than that of the electroconductive polymer. The contact between the metal and the electroconductive polymer is kept in the state of coexistence between three substances consisting of the metal, the cation radical/dication and the absorbed water. This allows an electroconductive polymer material to have enhanced durability against oxidation/reduction, and controlled conductivity.
US07645400B2 Composition containing carbon nanotubes having a coating
The object of the present invention is to provide a carbon nanotube composition that does not impair the characteristics of the carbon nanotubes itself, allows the carbon nanotubes to be dispersed or solubilized in a solvent, does not cause separation or aggregation of the carbon nanotubes even during long-term storage, has superior electrical conductivity, film formability and moldability, can be easily coated or covered onto a base material, and the resulting coated film has superior moisture resistance, weather resistance and hardness; a composite having a coated film composed thereof; and, their production methods. In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a carbon nanotube composition that contains a conducting polymer (a) or heterocyclic compound trimer (i), a solvent (b) and carbon nanotubes (c), and may additionally contain a high molecular weight compound (d), a basic compound (e), a surfactant (f), a silane coupling agent (g) and colloidal silica (h) as necessary; a composite having a coated film composed of the composition; and, their production methods.
US07645397B2 Nanocrystal doped matrixes
Matrixes doped with semiconductor nanocrystals are provided. In certain embodiments, the semiconductor nanocrystals have a size and composition such that they absorb or emit light at particular wavelengths. The nanocrystals can comprise ligands that allow for mixing with various matrix materials, including polymers, such that a minimal portion of light is scattered by the matrixes. The matrixes of the present invention can also be utilized in refractive index matching applications. In other embodiments, semiconductor nanocrystals are embedded within matrixes to form a nanocrystal density gradient, thereby creating an effective refractive index gradient. The matrixes of the present invention can also be used as filters and antireflective coatings on optical devices and as down-converting layers. Processes for producing matrixes comprising semiconductor nanocrystals are also provided. Nanostructures having high quantum efficiency, small size, and/or a narrow size distribution are also described, as are methods of producing indium phosphide nanostructures and core-shell nanostructures with Group II-VI shells.
US07645396B2 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane composition and thermal recording media made by using the same
In a thermal recording medium including a basic chromogenic dye, a developer and a sensitizer, a composition for a thermal recording medium which composition contains 50 ppm to 5.0 mass % of 1-(3-methylphenoxy)-2-(4-methylphenoxy)ethane and/or 1,2-bis(4-methylphenoxy)ethane in 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane is used as said sensitizer, whereby the 1,2-bis(3-methylphenoxy)ethane compound is remarkably improved in milling property in the preparation of the above sensitizer, and a thermal recording medium is provided without impairing the colorability, etc., such as thermal colorability.
US07645394B2 Antifreeze composition comprising benzimidazole and triazine
The antifreeze of the present invention is including propylene glycol, first material, and second material. The first material is normal aliphatic dicarboxylic acid in which number of carbon atoms is from 10 to 12, salt of the normal aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, or mixture thereof. The second material is benzimidazole compound which has a benzimidazole skeleton, salt of the benzimidazole compound, triazine compound which has a triazine skeleton and has a mercapto group, salt of the triazine compound, or mixture thereof. Such antifreeze has less environment load than antifreeze including ethylene glycol. Furthermore, such antifreeze does not cause metal to corrode more than the antifreeze including ethylene glycol.
US07645387B2 Method of utilizing ion exchange resin and reverse osmosis to reduce environmental discharges and improve effluent quality to permit recycle of aqueous or radwaste fluid
Method of maximizing resin utilization and optimizing reverse osmosis performance to polish an aqueous or radwaste fluid. The method provides resin scavenging of targeted isotopes and exposes filter media and resin to a higher influent activity concentration to enable higher waste loading and longer life of resin while protecting downstream reverse osmosis system from high concentration of contaminants.An aqueous waste feedstream is processed through steps of filtering, demineralizing, and reverse osmosis; and the feedstream is separated into permeate and reject streams for recycling and evaluation, respectively. The permeate stream is recycled in ways that permit it to return to a supply area for recycle reuse or discharge. One of the steps in the invention reduces concentration of undesirable constituents in the reject stream which may adversely affect waste classification for packaging, shipping and disposal and protect personnel from radiation exposure by reducing the overall dose rate of the processed reject stream and reverse osmosis system.
US07645384B2 Environmental remediation method using ozonophilic bacteria within a liquid coating of bubbles
Remediation for groundwater, soil, sediment bodies, bodies of water, tanks, pipes, and their surrounding areas are described. Remediation includes treating a site contaminated with toxic organic compounds by assessing for the presence or absence of suitable ozonophilic bacteria at the site and introducing ozone to the site. The ozonophilic bacteria are introduced to the site if the ozonophilic bacteria are not present or not present in sufficient quantities in the site. Ozone is introduced to the site in an amount sufficient to stimulate growth of the suitable ozonophilic bacteria. Other oxidants can also be used.
US07645383B2 Microstructured filter
A microstructured filter is presented having an inlet for unfiltered fluid; an outlet for filtered fluid; a plurality of projections, which form at least one row in a mutually juxtaposed relationship across the filter, that project out of a base plate and are an integral component of the base plate; a plurality of passages between the projections; and a cover plate which is securable to the base plate to cover the projections and the passages. The passages form a plurality of through paths from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet includes an elongate inlet slot for the unfiltered fluid that extends over approximately the entire filter width and is approximately as high as the projection on the outlet side of the filter.
US07645382B2 Apparatus for converting biological materials into energy resources
A method of converting biological material into energy resources includes transmitting biological material to a pulsed electric field (PEF) station, and applying a PEF to the biological material within a treatment zone in the PEF station to generate treated biological material. The method also includes transmitting the treated biological material to a biogenerator, and processing the treated biological material in the biogenerator to produce an energy resource. A converter may carry out this process, and may include the PEF station and the biogenerator.
US07645371B2 Process of ceramic coating for silver or silver plated
A process of ceramic coatings on silver or silver-plated articles is developed in order to prevent surface tarnish, which is employed as ornaments on bags, garments or accessories such as necklaces, earrings, etc. The process comprises the steps of: forming a beryllium film on the surface of the article by fixing a stainless steel plate to an anode, fixing the silver or silver-plated article to a cathode and plating the surface of the silver or silver-plated article with beryllium in an electrolyte containing beryllium sulfate (BeSO4.4H2O) by an electroplating method; buffing the article coated with the beryllium film; washing and drying the buffed article using a surfactant; forming the resultant ceramic coating by dipping the dried article in ceramic coating solution which includes 20 to 80 cc of glass water No. 1 (liquid sodium silicate), 5 to 60 g of sodium metasilicate, 5 to 30 g of sodium tungstate, 5 to 10 g of molybdic acid in 1 liter of water; and drying the wetted article.
US07645368B2 Orientation independent electroosmotic pump
According to some embodiments, a method, system, and apparatus for providing an orientation independent electroosmotic pump. In some embodiments, the method includes an anode and a cathode at different electrical potentials, the anode and cathode are each sealed in an ion-exchange membrane and at least partially immersed in an electrolyte contained in a reservoir of an electroosmotic pump, collecting gases generated by electrolytic decomposition of the electrolyte within a space defined by the ion-exchange membranes that seal the anode and cathode, recombining the collected gases to produce a liquid using a catalyst, the catalyst being located outside of the reservoir, and introducing the produced liquid into the fluid reservoir through an osmotic membrane.
US07645367B2 Gas-measuring system with gas sensor and gas generator
A gas-measuring system contains at least one gas sensor (1) and at least one gas generator (4). The gas sensor (1) has at least one measuring surface (3), at which a target gas concentration can be measured. The gas generator (4) has at least one discharge surface (5), from which a current-proportional quantity of test gas can be discharged. The measuring surface (3) and the discharge surface (5) are designed and the gas sensor (1) and the gas generator (4) can be arranged such that the measuring surface (3) and the discharge surface (5) are in direct contact with the ambient atmosphere and the distance between the two surfaces is shorter than the extension of the smaller of the two surfaces.
US07645365B2 IMAT modules with serial conductive stripes
An ionically conductive ceramic element (20) comprises a plurality of tubes (30) each having interior (24) and exterior (38) surfaces and closed (48) and open (50) ends. A tube support (14) receives open tube ends (50). A first electrically conductive coating (36) is formed on the exterior tube surfaces (38). A second coating (22) is formed on the interior tube surfaces (24). A bottom electrically conductive stripe (16) makes electrical connections between second coatings (22) on the interior tube surfaces (24). A top electrically conductive stripe (40) creates electrical connections between first coatings (36) on the exterior tube surfaces (38). The top and bottom stripes are connected such that at least one stripe (40) on the top is electrically connected to at least one stripe (16) on the bottom.
US07645362B2 Method for pretreating and improving coking coal quality for blast furnace coke
Methods for pretreating and improving coking coal quality for producing blast-furnace coke by: (a) rapid-heating the coal charge in a fluidized-bed to a temperature range between not lower than 300° C. and not higher than the temperature at which the coal charge begins to soften, at a rate of 30 to 103 ° C./min., (b) classifying the rapid-heated coal charge to fine- and coarse-size coal, and then (c-1) briquetting the fine-size coal or (c-2) rapid-heating the fine- and coarse-size coal individually in a pneumatic preheater to a temperature range between not lower than 300° C. and not higher than the temperature at which the coal charge begins to soften, at a rate of 103 to 105 ° C./min., and (d) forming the fine-size coal.
US07645359B2 Process for making a fibrous structure comprising cellulosic and synthetic fibers
A method for making a fibrous structure including a plurality of synthetic fibers disposed in a predetermined pattern and a plurality of cellulosic fibers generally randomly distributed throughout at least one layer of the fibrous structure. The method includes depositing an aqueous slurry including synthetic fibers and an aqueous slurry including cellulosic fibers onto a fluid-permeable forming member having a pattern of channels. The slurries are dewatered to form a fibrous web, wherein the at least some of the cellulosic fibers are randomly distributed throughout at least a portion of the fibrous web and a plurality of synthetic fibers are at least partially non-randomly distributed in the channels. A fluid pressure differential is applied to the fibrous web disposed on the forming member, thereby molding the fibrous web such that the fibrous web includes a first plurality of micro-regions corresponding to a plurality of fluid-permeable areas of the forming member and a second plurality of micro-regions corresponding to a plurality of fluid-impermeable areas of the forming member.
US07645358B2 Process for biological deinking of office waste paper
This invention relates to a biological process for deinking of office waste paper, and more particularly the present invention relates to a biological process for deinking of xerographic and inkjet printed paper using a gram-negative coccoid bacterium deposited at the National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403 043, India having Accession No. NIO/DI/32 and being deposited at the Agricultural Research Cultural Collection, and International Depository, having Accession Number NRRL B-30638.
US07645357B2 Plasma reactor apparatus with a VHF capacitively coupled plasma source of variable frequency
A plasma reactor for processing a workpiece includes a reactor chamber and a workpiece support within the chamber, the chamber having a ceiling facing the workpiece support, a capacitively coupled plasma source power applicator comprising a source power electrode at one of: (a) the ceiling (b) the workpiece support, and plural VHF power generators of different fixed frequencies coupled to the capacitively coupled source power applicator, and a controller for independently controlling the power output levels of the plural VHF generators so as to control an effective VHF frequency applied to the source power electrode. In a preferred embodiment, the reactor further includes a plasma bias power applicator that includes a bias power electrode in the workpiece support and one or more RF bias power generators of different frequencies coupled to the plasma bias power applicator.
US07645356B2 Method of processing wafers with resonant heating
A method of etching a wafer using resonant infrared energy and a filter to control non-uniformities during plasma etch processing. The filter includes a predetermined array or stacked arrangement of variable transmission regions that mirror the spatial etch distortions caused by the plasma etching process. By spatially attenuating the levels of IR energy that reach the wafer, the filter improves uniformity in the etching process. Filters may be designed to compensate for edge fast etching due to macro-loading, asymmetric pumping in a plasma chamber, and magnetic field cusping.
US07645354B1 Audio device having dense sound enhancing component
A musical instrument having strings, a wooden body and a granite veneer bonded to the wooden body. The granite has a density of at least 1.7 thousand kilograms per cubic meter and optionally can have a thickness in the range from about 7/64th of an inch to 44/64th of an inch. The musical instrument can be a having a granite sound board that is solid granite or a laminate of granite and wood. Additionally, the musical instrument can be a stringed instrument such as a guitar, bass, violin, viola, dulcimer or cello.
US07645352B2 Box dispenser
A drywall tape or corner material dispenser that allows dispensing of the material directly from the box it is supplied in. The invention can contain a pair of parallel arms that grip the box and a strap that runs between the ends of the straps to close around the box. The strap can be fabric or other material and can be attached using hook/loop material like VELCRO. A handle on the other end of the arms can be used to grip the device and feed the material. The handle can have spring members top and bottom to further grip the box.
US07645351B2 Explosive material composition and method for preparing the same
An explosive material composition containing, as an active ingredient, particles of a water-soluble reactive ingredient having an uniform particle size. Each particle is coated with an oil ingredient and/or a thickener. The coated particles form an agglomerate.
US07645343B2 Uniform cavitation for particle removal
Systems and methods for promoting a substantially uniform cavitation field. With system (100) including a diaphragm (109) dividing a container (103), a second energy pulse corresponding to a first energy pulse arising from collapse of a cavity C is produced and is used to determine whether to adjust a corresponding transducer 121-k. In system (16), a cavity creating unit (11), including an assembly of transducers 15-i, is moveable from a test liquid to a particle removal (PR) liquid after transducer testing. In another system, a sensor plate (170) having an array of sensors 171-j provides a virtual wafer. A substantially uniform field of cavitation may be maintained by a cavity enhancement liquid, or adjustment of transducer energy. Mechanisms of holding an object produce substantially uniform cavitation. Opposed transducers in a container having monotonically decreasing and/or increasing cavitation density produce substantially uniform cavitation density.
US07645338B2 Crystalline derivatives of (E)-2-(5-chlorothien-2-yl)-N-{(3S)-1-[(1S)-1-methyl-2-morpholin-4-yl-2-oxoethyl]-2-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl}ethenesulfonamide
The present invention includes (E)-2-(5-Chlorothien-2-yl)-N-{(3S)-1-[(1S)-1-methyl-2-morpholin-4-yl-2-oxoethyl]-2-oxopyrrolidin-3-yl}ethenesulfonamide in substantially crystalline form, pharmaceutical formulations thereof, processes for preparing it, and its use in medicine, particularly use in the amelioration of a clinical condition for which a Factor Xa inhibitor is indicated.
US07645333B2 Aqueous composition and method for imparting resistance to stain absorption
The present invention relates to an aqueous based silicone protectant composition and method for treating various solid surfaces including, but not limited to, fiber-based products, leather, or other soft or hard surfaces to impart water and stain repellency. The protectant composition comprises an MQ resin, a polyorganosiloxane fluid, a silicone solvent and water. The aqueous silicone-based protectant composition is hydrophobic and substantially free of surfactants. The protectant composition can be applied directly or indirectly to a solid surface using various application devices including, but not limited to, spray, aerosol, wipes, sponges and pads.
US07645329B2 Composite air/hydrocarbon trap filter assembly
A tamper resistant hydrocarbon trap and air filter assembly includes a cylindrical carbon trap filter extending from a sealed upstream end to a downstream end seated and sealed in a forwardly facing recess of an adaptor. A conventional cylindrical air filter surrounds the carbon trap filter with a sealed upstream end and a downstream end removable secured to an annular flange on the adaptor with the downstream end of the adaptor being arranged to be coupled to a vehicle's air intake.
US07645322B2 System and method for removing water and siloxanes from gas
A method of removing siloxanes from a gas that contains siloxanes and water, the method comprising: (a) expanding the gas to cool the gas and freeze at least some of the water in the gas; and (b) removing the siloxanes and frozen water from the expanded and cooled gas. The method may also include compressing the gas prior to expanding it. The step of expanding the gas may include expanding it through a turbine. The method may also include using an energy input mechanism to drive one or both of the compressor or turbine. The ice and siloxanes may be removed from the gas with a cyclonic separator.
US07645318B2 Producing nanoparticles using nanoscale polymer templates
In various aspects provided are methods for producing a nanoparticle within a cross-linked, collapsed polymeric material. In various embodiments, the methods comprise (a) providing a shape-static polymer template with a size in the range between about 1 nm to about 100 nm; (b)) incorporating one or more nanoparticle precursor moieties with the shape-static polymer template; and either (c) oxidizing the precursor moieties to form a composite nanoparticle comprising one or more of an inorganic oxide and hydroxide nanoparticle; or (c) adding an ion with an opposite charge polarity to the at least one nanoparticle precursor moieties to effect formation of a composite nanoparticle.
US07645316B2 Ti(C,N)-(Ti,Nb,W)(C,N)-Co alloy for finishing and semifinishing turning cutting tool applications
A titanium based carbonitride alloy contains Ti, Nb, W, C, N and Co. The alloy also contains, in addition to Ti, Co with only impurity levels of Ni and Fe, 4-7 at % Nb, 3-8 at % W and has a C/(C+N) ratio of 0.50-0.75. The Co content is 9-<12 at % for general finishing applications and 12-16% for semifinishing applications. The amount of undissolved Ti(C,N) cores must be kept between 26 and 37 vol % of the hard constituents, the balance being one or more complex carbonitrides containing Ti, Nb and W. The invented alloy is particularly useful for semifinishing of steel and cast iron.
US07645315B2 High-performance hardmetal materials
Hardmetal compositions each including hard particles having a first material and a binder matrix having a second, different material comprising rhenium or a Ni-based superalloy. Tungsten may also be used a binder matrix material. A two-step sintering process may be used to fabricate such hardmetals at relatively low sintering temperatures in the solid-state phase to produce substantially fully-densified hardmetals. A hardmetal coating or structure may be formed on a surface by using a thermal spray method.
US07645312B2 Pleated multi-layer filter media and cartridge
A pleated filter element includes a composite depth filter medium formed into a plurality of pleats. The composite depth filter medium includes a plurality of depth filter media layers. Each of the plurality of depth filter media layers includes adsorber particulate matter. Each of the plurality of depth filter media layers may have a thickness less than about 1300 microns. The plurality of depth filter media layers may have at least 50% by weight of adsorber particulate matter.
US07645310B2 Filter elements; air cleaner; assembly; and, methods
A filter element, a safety element and fluid cleaner assembly. The fluid cleaner assembly generally includes a housing having a cover and a primary fluid cleaner section. The element generally comprises z-filter media, arranged in a straight through configuration, and an axial seal gasket positioned to extend continuously around at outer perimeter of the straight through flow construction. The fluid cleaner assembly can have a precleaner positioned therein. Methods of assembly and use are provided.
US07645305B1 High stability fuel compositions
Improved highly stable formulation for aqueous fuel emulsion compositions with a water continuous phase, having reduced NOx emissions. The fuel emulsion formulation includes diesel fuel, purified water, and an additive package that includes one or more surfactants, lubricity additive, cetane improver, anti-corrosion additive, and an alcohol or other suitable antifreeze, the emulsion having an average droplet size of less than 10 microns.
US07645301B2 Devices and methods for disc replacement
The present disclosure concerns implants to at least partially replace the nucleus of a spinal disc. In one embodiment, a prosthetic implant is provided which includes a bag structure having a fixation component or member, the bag operable to contain at least one internal implant within the bag. In other embodiments, a bag structure is provided with a flange adaptable to anchor the structure to a vertebral body and a sinusoidal-shaped structure made of a flexible material is provided with various unique configurations. In one embodiment, for delivery, a bag structure with a flange may be attached to a vertebral body. In another embodiment, a sinusoidal-shaped implant structure is alternately woven from one end to the other with a second sinusoidal-shaped structure.
US07645300B2 Injector for intraocular lens system
Disclosed is an injector which comprises an injector housing having a longitudinal axis and an injection probe disposed along the longitudinal axis. The injector further comprises an intraocular lens disposed in the housing. The intraocular lens comprises first and second interconnected viewing elements, and the optical axes of the first and second viewing elements are substantially aligned. The optical axes are substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the housing. The injector further comprises a lens carrier which engages one of the viewing elements. The viewing elements are moveable in response to longitudinal movement of the lens carrier relative to the injector housing. The longitudinal movement causes both (i) the optical axes to be displaced relative to each other and (ii) the viewing elements to be disposed substantially on the longitudinal axis of the injector housing.
US07645298B2 Stent graft fenestration
A stent graft (20) has a tubular body of graft material (21), a number of self expanding stents (67) associated with the tubular body to define a fluid flow path through the stent graft when the self expanding stents are in their expanded configurations. At least one fenestration (22) in the tubular body is adapted to receive a side arm stent graft (71) to provide a fluid flow path from the tubular body and through the side arm stent graft. The or each fenestration has at least an inner ring (26) and an outer ring (24) and graft material (28) extending from the inner ring to the outer ring and the outer ring being in the tubular body of graft material. The inner ring can be hinged (31) to the outer ring or concentric within the outer ring. An intermediate ring (86) may also be used between the inner and outer rings.
US07645295B2 Method for postoperatively compressing a bone graft
A method for postoperatively compressing a bone graft between adjacent spinal vertebrae utilizing first and second plates having openings at remote ends for receiving bone screws to fix the plates to respective vertebrae on opposite sides of a bone graft-receiving site. The first and second plates have male and female parts having interlocking elements cooperable with one another enabling movement of the plates and the adjacent vertebrae to one another to progressively compress the bone graft between the adjacent vertebrae and prevent movement of the first and second plates and adjacent vertebrae away from one another.
US07645290B2 Multi-functional thrombectomy device
A hand held motor powered device for percutaneous thrombolysis and evacuation of a clot from a clotted arterio-venous fistula is disclosed. The percutaneous thrombectomy device is provided with a plurality of nested coaxial lubricious catheters. The multi-functional thrombectomy device can simultaneously and sequentially degrade and evacuate a blood clot from a blood vessel by multiple modalities that combines to degrade the clot by mechanical agitation, fragmentation and disruption, by peri-thrombus delivery of enzymatic fluids, by irrigation with biocompatible fluids, and by balloon displacement. The thrombectomy device further provides for balloon containment and isolation of clot debris from the general circulation, thereby minimizing the risks to a patient of embolic sequelae. There is also provided an optional steering mechanism for controlled deflection of the working end of the device.
US07645289B2 Conduit harvesting instrument and method
A surgical instrument for harvesting vessels from the body includes an elongated shaft (12) having distal and proximal ends and a plurality of lumens (150a, 150b) disposed therethrough. The shaft also includes a tip having a dissecting portion disposed at a distal end thereof and a cradle section (114). The tip is movable from a first position proximate the distal end of the shaft to at least one additional position distally further from the distal end of the shaft to expose the cradle section. The instrument also includes an endoscope (162) disposed in one of the plurality of lumens and at least one additional surgical instrument (132) disposed in one of the remaining lumens. Methods are disclosed for utilizing the surgical instrument.
US07645288B2 Anastomotic ring applier with inflatable members
A surgical instrument comprises a handle connected to a shaft and a pair of inflatable members. The shaft includes conduits for communicating a pressurized medium to the inflatable members and an insufflation tube. The handle includes a port for communicating a pressurized medium to the conduits and a port for communicating a pressurized medium to the insufflation tube. After an anastomotic ring has been deployed, the shaft may be positioned such that an inflatable member is positioned within each of the lumens joined by the anastomosis, such that an inflatable member is located on each side of the anastomosis. The inflatable members may be inflated to provide a seal in each of the lumens. With each of the lumens sealed by the inflatable members, the anastomosis site may be insufflated through the insufflation tube to leak or pressure test the anastomosis.
US07645283B2 Retrieval basket with releasable tip
A medical retrieval device is used to retrieve and/or fragment stones (and/or other objects) from the body of a patient. The device has a retrieval basket with a releasable tip. The tip release is designed to release in a controlled pre-determined manner and under a pre-determined force before any other component of the device fails due to a force exerted on the basket.
US07645282B2 Method and device for cutting surgical wire or cable
A method and device for cutting orthopedic cable including tensioning and crimping the cable in a desired position within a surgical cavity. A free end of the cable is inserted a device with two coaxial members having coordinating shearing faces. The shearing faces are moved along the cable to a position proximate a portion of the cable to be cut. Cutting is achieved is by rotating the coaxial members with respect to one another.
US07645281B2 Anatomic implants designed to minimize instruments and surgical techniques
A method of implanting a vertebral implant in a void between a pair of vertebral endplates comprises positioning the vertebral implant between the vertebral endplates and coupling an implantation tool to the vertebral implant. The method further comprises actuating the implantation tool to generate alternating motion relative to the vertebral endplates. The alternating motion has a speed and creates a displacement of the vertebral implant. The method further comprises seating the vertebral implant into a profile formed in at least one of the vertebral endplates and decoupling the implantation tool from the vertebral implant. The vertebral implant remains implanted in the at least one vertebral endplate.
US07645279B1 Bone fixation method
A pin allows for convenient and noninvasive adjustment and tightening relative to the bone to correct and/or avoid loosening of the pin and attached external fixator. In one embodiment, the pin includes a shank extending from a head toward a distal tip end of the pin. Adjacent to the distal tip of the pin is a threaded region with a varying pitch and the shank of the pin is tapered or conical having an increasing minor and/or major diameter along the pin from the tip end. In an alternative embodiment, an anchor is provided on the distal tip for engagement with the far cortex of the bone. The anchor includes a tapered region proximate the tip that decreases in diameter. A split ferrule, expansion bushing or collar is seated on the tapered region. The shank of the pin also includes a threaded region on which a washer and nut are engaged for rotational movement longitudinally on the shank. The pin is initially inserted through a hole in the bone so that the tapered region adjacent the distal tip projects through the distal edge of the bone and the expansion ferrule is seated within the far cortex of the bone. The ferrule advances along the tapered region and expands to securely seat within the far cortex of the bone for anchoring the external fixator. In either embodiment, subsequent to initial pin installation into the bone, if the pin becomes loose relative to the bone, additional rotation of the pin re-establishes a secure pin-bone interface.
US07645277B2 Fluid-assisted medical device
The invention provides a medical device that includes a housing, a tubular member extending from the distal end of the housing, a first arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the first arm including a first electrode, a second arm extending from the distal end of the tubular member, the second arm including a second electrode and being disposed coaxially with the first arm, at least one solution infusion opening on each electrode, and a solution delivery channel for delivery of a conductive solution to the solution infusion openings. According to the invention, at least one of the first arm or the second arm is translationally moveable, and at least one of the first arm or the second arm is adapted to be coupled to a source of radiofrequency energy. The invention also provides a corresponding method for treating blood vessels or other tissues of the body.
US07645274B2 Self-sealing male luer connector with multiple seats
A self-sealing male Luer connector attaches to any standard female Luer valve to open a flow channel between the two. The self-sealing male Luer connector includes a rigid housing having a distal end with a rigid male Luer connector and a proximal end at which a proximal seal is formed. The distal end of the housing includes a valve seat. Located within the housing is a resilient biasing member that biases an actuator into contact with the valve seat to prevent fluid flow through the male connector. Upon engagement with a female connector, the actuator is moved in the proximal direction to open the distal valve and then the proximal seal. A partial vacuum is formed within the male connector upon disengagement with the female connector that draws any fluids on the external surface of the distal end of the male Luer connector into the male tip.
US07645267B2 Prefilled syringe
A prefilled medical syringe includes a syringe barrel. A syringe plunger is disposed in the barrel and displaceable by means of a plunger rod. An end plug closes off a cannula side of the syringe barrel. The plug is provided with a through-channel closed off by a membrane. A finger support is disposed at the end of the syringe barrel opposite the end plug and provided with a through-opening for the plunger rod. A thread system cooperates with the plunger rod and the finger support. The thread system includes a thread sleeve detachably connected with the finger support. The thread sleeve is provided with an inner thread that cooperates with an outer thread on the plunger rod.
US07645266B2 Fluid seal for endoscope
A seal is provided for effectively inhibiting the egress of fluids from the working channel of an endoscope when an elongate device having a region with a non-circular cross-sectional shape is disposed therein. The seal has a body portion with a proximal end adapted for insertion of the elongate device, a distal end adapted for connection to the proximal end of the endoscope, and a wall defining a lumen adapted to receive the elongate device and to provide access to the working channel of the endoscope. The seal includes a sealing element for sealing the region of the elongate device with a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The sealing element conforms to the profile of the non-circular region.
US07645255B2 Method of controlling a surgical system based on irrigation flow
A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as the instant an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system determines a temperature of an eye using irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power or stroke of the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.
US07645251B2 Orthosis and footwear attachment mechanism for same
A quick-release mechanism for disconnecting the footwear and footplate of an orthoses from a rotation bar, 90-degree bar, or other component of an orthosis is disclosed. The mechanism allows the footwear to be fitted to a patient with the bar or other component disengaged, while also allowing the angle between the bar or other component and the footplate to be locked when the orthosis is in place in order to treat conditions such as clubfoot.
US07645249B2 Fixing structure for treatment head and medical apparatus having the fixing structure
The present invention relates to a medical apparatus for spinal therapy, which is a bed-type apparatus equipped with a treatment head and performs message and acupressure while moving along the length of the spine, and more particularly to a fixing structure of a treatment head in the medical apparatus, which wears out slowly and allows the treatment head to move in a vertical direction. The medical apparatus for spinal therapy having the fixing structure of a treatment head is advantageous over known apparatuses in that it can give various types of stimulation to human body parts and incurs lower maintenance expenses.
US07645246B2 Method for generating power across a joint of the body during a locomotion cycle
A method for generating power from an exerted energy associated with muscles acting across a joint is provided. The method including: absorbing energy during one or more periods of a periodic motion of the joint in which energy is absorbed by the muscles; and at least partially returning the absorbed energy to one of an energy storage device or power consuming device.
US07645237B2 Colorflow biplane ultrasonic imaging system and method
An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system is described in which two planes of a volumetric region which are in different elevation planes are scanned in real time. In one embodiment the two planes are scanned with less than the maximum number of scanlines which the transducer can transmit in a single plane. A user control enables the two planes to be moved laterally without moving the transducer probe. In another embodiment each image plane contains a color box depicting flow or motion in the same respective position in the image. The color boxes of the two images can be sized and positioned in tandem so that both are in the same corresponding area of the two images.
US07645233B2 Powering a guide wire mounted sensor for intra-vascular measurements of physiological variables by means of inductive coupling
The present invention relates to a sensor assembly arranged to be disposed in a body for measuring a physiological variable. A basic idea of the present invention is to provide a sensor and guide wire assembly which communicates with an external unit by an inductive coupling between a first coil provided in the sensor assembly and a second, external coil which is disposed in or connected to the external unit. The external unit is preferably the same unit that is used to numerically or graphically display the physiological variables that are measured with the sensor and guide wire assembly. With the terminology introduced above, it should here be clear that both the signal transfer from the sensor as well as the energy feeding from the external unit to the sensor may be accomplished through the inductive coupling between the first and second coils.
US07645229B2 Instrument and method for endoscopic visualization and treatment of anorectal fistula
A fiber-optic endoscopic instrument (Fistuloscope) is used to visualize anorectal fistula, and to accurately identify the course through the fistula. The instrument can be used to flush the fistula, to close the fistula tract by means of injecting sealants or placing grafts in the tract of the fistula or to pass setons, micro-instruments or other means to treat and seal the tract.
US07645228B2 Sexual enhancement device
A sexual enhancement device for improving a user's sexual experience. A prostate pad is positioned adjacent to a male user's perineum below his prostate gland. A first prostate strap is connected to the prostate pad and is looped behind the user's neck. When the prostate strap is tightened, the prostate pad applies pressure to the perineum. This pressure is felt at the user's prostate and provides pleasurable stimulation to the prostate. A second prostate strap is also connected to the prostate pad and is looped around the user's waist. Preferably, the second prostate strap is also looped over the top of the user's erect penis. When looped over the top of the penis, tightening of the second prostate strap assists in restricting the flow of blood out of the erect penis, preferably allowing for an erection that lasts longer than it would otherwise. In a preferred embodiment, the pressure applied by the prostate pad can be dynamically increased or decreased by the user leaning his neck backwards or forwards, and also by the user arching his back and thrusting his hips. Also, in a preferred embodiment the tightness of the second prostate strap can be adjusted without having to interrupt sexual activity.
US07645227B2 Implants and methods for pelvic floor repair
A pelvic floor implant including a central body portion having an anterior edge having a centrally located recess therein, a posterior edge having a centrally located tab, and first and second lateral side edges. First and second strap-like extension portions extend outwardly to first and second distal ends from first and second end regions of the posterior edge of the central body portion. The first and second strap-like extension portions extending outwardly at an angle so as to form a substantially “Y” shaped implant in combination with the central body portion. First and second pockets are located at the first and second distal ends of the first and second strap-like extensions respectively, each having a closed end substantially adjacent to the distal end of the strap-like extension, and having an open end proximal thereto and opening toward the central body portion.
US07645226B2 Relaxation device and method
A device for inducing a relaxation state in a user is provided. The device includes a pair of light sources directed toward a user's eye. The two light sources emit different colors, preferably blue and red. A second pair of light sources may be directed toward the user's other eye. The user can adjust both the color level and the brightness emitted by the pair of lights. The user further may control a flash frequency of the light emitted by the pair of lights. Additionally, the user may control the time duration of the relaxation session. Preferably, the relaxation device is portable. Preferably, the relaxation device is mounted in a pair of eyeglasses or in a mask and includes control electronics for controlling the light sources and a power source for powering the lights and the control electronics.
US07645220B2 Perineometer with wireless biofeedback
A perineometer for home or clinical use assesses the strength of pelvic floor muscles and provides audible and visual biofeedback signals as training aids during pelvic exercises. Impedance signals proportional to vaginal contraction pressure forces are developed by a transducer sleeve that is mounted on a vaginal probe. A battery-powered RF transmitter module contained within the probe transmits wireless impedance signals to a hand-held receiver equipped with an audio-visual display monitor. The probe reacts the pelvic contraction forces and thus provides a direct tactile feedback signal that is used in combination with audible and visual feedback signals for improving the endurance and strength of pelvic floor muscles.
US07645217B2 Abdominal exercise bar accessory and method use
An abdominal exercise bar accessory having a rigid bar that is placed against a user's chest and cradled within his underarm region, with two alternating upward and downward extending handles attached to the bar opposite the user so that the user's arms partially overlap while gripping the handles. A rigid side extension extends upward from the bar and is attached to an overhead resistance station, such as a cable-and-pulley weight system. The bar is preferably concave, but may be straight, and preferably includes cushioned pads. A method of use in which the user rotates and moves the bar downward from an upright sitting position towards the user's thighs, causing it to travel in a non-circular, non-uniform pathway that matches that of the user's natural body movements, then returns to an upright sitting position.
US07645212B2 System and method for selective adjustment of exercise apparatus
An exercise system including a support base and an operable member movably coupled to the support base. Electrically coupled to the operable member is an interface console. The interface console includes a plurality of speed level keys and a plurality of grade level keys. The speed level keys enable a user to selected different pre-set speeds of the operable member, while the grade level keys enable a user to select different pre-set grades of the operable member. Associated with the speed level and grade level keys are incremental keys that enable a user to incrementally increase and/or decrease the speed, grade, or resistance of the exercise system.
US07645208B2 Multi-speed transmission
The multi-speed transmission has rotatable shafts, planetary gearsets (RS1, RS2, RS3, RS4) and shifting elements (A, B, C, D, E). Carrier (ST4) of gearset (RS4) and the input shaft couple as shaft (1). Carriers (ST2, ST3) of respective gearsets (RS2, RS3) and the output shaft (AB) couple as shaft (2). Sun gears (SO1, SO4) of gearsets (RS1, RS4) couple as shaft (3). Carrier (ST1) of gearset (RS1) forms shaft (4). Sun gear (SO3) forms shaft (5). Ring gears (HO1, HO3) of gearsets (RS1, RS3) couple as shaft (6). Sun and ring gears (SO2, HO4) respectively of gearsets (RS2, RS4) couple as shaft (7). Carrier (ST2) is shaft (8). In the flow of power, elements (A, B) are respectively between shafts (3, 4) and a transmission housing; element (C) is between shafts (1, 5); element (D) is between shafts (6, 8); and element (E) is between shafts (5, 7).
US07645207B2 Multi-speed transmission
An eight gear transmission having drive and output shafts, planetary gearsets, shafts and shifting elements. One carrier of the gearset (RS4) and the drive shaft are coupled to form shaft (1). One ring gear of the gearset (RS2), one carrier of the gearset (RS3) and the output shaft are coupled to form shaft (2). One sun gear of the gearset (RS1) and one sun gear of the gearset (RS4) are coupled to form shaft (3). One carrier of the gearset (RS1) forms shaft (4). One sun gear of the gearset (RS3) forms the fifth shaft. One ring gear of the gearset (RS1) and one carrier of the gearset (RS2) and one ring gear of the gearset (RS3) are coupled to form shaft (6). One ring gear of the gearset (RS4) forms the seventh shaft. One sun gear of the gearset (RS2) forms shaft (8).
US07645201B2 Method and apparatus for forming a face structure for a golf club head
A golf club head having a multiple material face is disclosed herein. The golf club head has a coefficient of restitution value greater than 0.83 and a characteristic time value of less than 257 milliseconds. The golf club head is preferably composed of a titanium alloy with a polymer layer disposed over a titanium alloy front wall. A preferred polymer is a polyurethane polymer.
US07645194B2 Financial institutions and instruments in a virtual environment
A system and method to allow players of a video game to perform financial transactions in a virtual environment. According to some embodiments, real world financial instruments such as a credit card or other financial instrument may guarantee some or all of the virtual financial operations.
US07645192B2 Game machine, game control method, program, its distributing device, and information storage medium
The present invention provides a game device with which a moving direction and an attack direction of a game character can be easily inputted. The invention provides a game device 10 that executes game processing relating to a game character holding attack means, the game device comprising: a signal input unit 50 for inputting a direction instruction signal and an attack instruction signal; an attack instruction signal input determining unit 52 for determining whether or not the attack instruction signal is inputted by the signal input unit 50; a game character moving unit 54 for moving the game character in virtual space on the basis of the direction instruction signal inputted by the signal input unit 50 while the attack instruction signal is not being inputted by the signal input unit 50; and an attack direction changing unit 56 for changing an attack direction resulting from the attack means on the basis of the direction instruction signal inputted by the signal input unit 50 while the attack instruction signal is being inputted by the signal input unit 50.
US07645190B2 Combine cleaning fan control system
A method and a system for varying the rotational fan speed of a combine cleaning system in response to the amount of crop entering the combine cleaning system. Increases and decreases in crop material entering the cleaning system are sensed prior to their arrival at the cleaning system, and cleaning fan speed is adjusted appropriately and contemporaneously with the crop material's presence in the cleaning system.
US07645186B1 Chemical mechanical polishing pad manufacturing assembly
A chemical mechanical polishing pad manufacturing assembly is provided having a subpad layer having a top surface and a bottom surface; a backing plate having a top side and a bottom side; a sacrificial layer having at least two recessed areas designed to facilitate attachment of a subpad layer to the backing plate; wherein the subpad layer is disposed on the top side of the backing plate and the sacrificial layer is disposed on the bottom side of the backing plate, and wherein the at least two wrap around tabs extend to the bottom side of the backing plate. Also provide is a method of manufacturing a chemical mechanical polishing pad using the chemical mechanical polishing pad manufacturing assembly.
US07645180B2 Method for finishing a workpiece
A method for abrasive material removal that includes the steps of establishing an optimum force profile relating to the force or contact pressure applied by a processing tool on a workpiece. The actual force generated during the metal removal operation is monitored and compared to the optimum force profile. Based on the comparison of the actual force with the optimum force profile machine parameters are adjusted such that the actual force generated follows the established optimum force profile.
US07645177B2 Electroluminescent panel with inkjet-printed electrode regions
An electroluminescent panel includes a partial electroluminescent panel base and one or more electrode regions. The electrode regions are inkjet-printed on the partial electroluminescent base.
US07645176B2 Organic electro-luminescence display and fabricating method thereof
An organic electro-luminescence display (OELD) includes first and second substrates facing each other and having a display region and a non-display region, a first stacking layer in the display region, the first stacking layer including an array layer disposed on the first substrate and having a thin film transistor, a connection pattern connected with the array layer, and an emitting diode disposed on the second substrate and connected with the connection pattern, and a second stacking layer between the first and second substrates and in the non-display region, the second stacking layer corresponding to the first stacking layer.
US07645175B2 Engine comprising oil supplying apparatus
An oil supplying apparatus for supplying the oil to an engine of a watercraft can be provided with an oil sump, a vapor-liquid separation chamber, a scavenging pump for sending the oil in the oil sump to the vapor-liquid separation chamber, a transfer path for returning the oil from which air and blow-by gas have been separated in the vapor-liquid separation chamber to the oil sump, a feed pump for supplying the oil in the oil sump to the engine, and openings and for returning oil used to lubricate the engine to the oil sump. The oil sump can be provided below the crankcase, and the vapor-liquid separation chamber can be provided to a side surface of the engine.
US07645170B2 Audio jack having dustproof film
An audio jack comprises a housing and a plurality of contacts received in the housing. The housing defines a receiving hole along the longitudinal direction of the housing, and the face of the housing has at least an opening communicating with the receiving hole. The contacts at least include a deflectable contact and a fixed contact. The audio jack includes at least a dustproof film covering said opening so as to prevent the dust invading the interior of the audio jack.
US07645166B1 Card connector
A card connector includes an insulating housing defining a receiving room for receiving a card, a plurality of electrical terminals disposed in the insulating housing and each having a contact portion stretching into the receiving room for electrically contacting a corresponding contact trace of the card, and a monitoring member having a base plate disposed in the insulating housing, a monitoring arm extending along the insertion direction of the card, and a connecting arm connecting the monitoring arm to the base plate. The connecting arm is inclined upward to make the monitoring arm stretched into the receiving room. Both the monitoring arm and the contact portion of one corresponding electrical terminal are aligned with each other along the insertion direction of the card for electrically contacting one same contact trace of the card so as to monitor whether the card is fully inserted in the card connector or not.
US07645161B2 Mini-coaxial cable connector assembly with interchargeable color bands
A connector or termination assembly for a mini-coaxial cable in different embodiments is made up of an extension tip which is preassembled in a connector body to receive the inner conductor pin on the cable, a first inner sleeve which fits over an exposed end of the dielectric layer, a second outer sleeve which surrounds a compression ring, and a crimping ring is mounted on the outside of the outer sleeve to force the sleeves to be radially contracted into crimping engagement with the cable so as to avoid creating impedance which will downgrade the signal passing through the cable into the connector. In alternate embodiments, variations of the connector body may be employed for different lengths and forms of connectors with a compression tool or crimping ring assembly in further combination with color bands to signify the size of cable and intended application.
US07645157B2 Connector
A connector includes a main body supporting a power cable, and a sound-proof member attached by a bolt to the top surface of the main body identified as the sound emitting surface to absorb sound emitted from the main body due to vibration. The main body includes a base provided with bulges in which three power cables are accommodated, respectively, and a lid over the base with power cables accommodated. The sound-proof member is effective as long as it is attached to the side face of the lid where it is expected to readily emit noise, i.e., on one side. The sound proof member can be also attached to the side face of the base. A connector having sound generated from the connector caused by vibration reduced is provided.
US07645156B2 Electrical plug-and-socket connector for a motor vehicle
A connector includes first and second plug-and-socket connector parts and a connection element. The first connector part has a latch operable to connect the connector parts together. The connection element is connected and is displaceable with respect to the first connector part between first and second positions. The connection element has a pair of locking tabs operable with the latch such that the connection element is fixed in the first position until the latch connects the connector parts together and such that the connection element is movable from the first position to the second position when the latch connects the connector parts together. While in the first position the locking tabs release the latch connection such that the connector parts are separable from one another. While in the second position the locking tabs secure the latch connection such that the connector parts are securable connected to one another.
US07645155B2 Quick-release connector
A connector includes a locking mechanism that locks the connector in a socket but allows removal of the connector without a manual operation that relies on depressing the locking mechanism. The connector is released from the socket when a sufficient pulling force is applied to the connector. The connector includes a spring-loaded detent that flexes during the insertion process. The detent snaps into a locking position. The detent can be released from the socket when sufficient tension is applied on the connector such that inadvertent tension will not result in breaking the connector.
US07645153B1 Connector retainer
A connector body retainer for a high temperature electrical connector used in a high temperature gas sensor retains the ceramic body portions while also permitting their hinged movement. The connector body retainer includes a pair of retainer bands each having a generally u-shaped or c-shaped profile with a base portion and a pair of opposed extending legs, the legs of each band extending toward the other in opposing arrangement to provide the retainer, with each retainer band having an outer surface, an inner surface, a hinge end and an insertion end. The legs of the respective bands which are in opposing arrangement are joined together by a respective pair of outwardly arched hinges proximate the hinge end and will allow the ceramic body portions to hinge open to receive a gas sensor at a relatively low insertion force and hinge closed to provide a relatively higher contact force.
US07645152B2 Backlight module
A lamp connection structure, configured to connect a lamp of a backlight module, is provided. The backlight module has a circuit board formed with a through-hole, which is defined by a side wall. The lamp connection structure comprises a clamping portion and an embedding portion. The clamping portion has a first end and a second end, and the first end is adapted to fix and to electrically connect to the lamp. The embedding portion has a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the second end of the clamping portion while the second end of the embedding portion is inserted through the through-hole and contacting with the side wall.
US07645151B2 Shunted electrical connector and shunt therefore
An electrical connector is disclosed having a shunt member disposed between terminals in an electrical connector to shunt them together. The shunt member has shunt contacts defined by turned up portions from an edge of the members.
US07645149B2 Tamper resistant assembly for an electrical receptacle
An electrical receptacle includes a front cover having a rib and a protrusion connected thereto, a back housing secured to the front cover and a tamper resistant assembly disposed between the front cover and the back housing. The tamper resistant assembly includes a slide pad member, first and second shutter members, a first spring disposed between and biasing the first and second shutter members toward closed positions thereof, and a second spring disposed between and biasing the first shutter member away from the front cover. The slide pad member is connected to the back housing. The first shutter member is slidably disposed on the slide pad member and has first and second arms extending from a first cam surface. A second shutter member is slidably disposed on the slide pad member and has a blocking body connected to a second cam surface. The first and second shutter members are movable between open and closed positions.
US07645148B2 Tamper resistant assembly for an electrical receptacle
An electrical receptacle includes a front cover having a rib and a protrusion connected thereto, a back housing secured to the front cover and a tamper resistant assembly disposed between the front cover and the back housing. The tamper resistant assembly includes a base member, first and second shutter members, a first spring disposed between and biasing the first and second shutter members toward closed positions thereof, and a second spring disposed between and biasing the first shutter member away from the front cover. The base member is connected to the back housing. The first shutter member is slidably disposed on the base member and has first and second arms extending from a first cam surface. A second shutter member is slidably disposed on the base member and has a blocking body connected to a second cam surface. The first and second shutter members are movable between open and closed positions.
US07645147B2 Electrical connector having a flexible sheet and one or more conductive connectors
An electrical connector made up of an array of metallic contacts that act as conductive carriers, each attached to a flexible insulating sheet in one of an array of openings provided in the flexible sheet. The metallic contacts have portions disposed on opposite sides of the flexible insulating sheet that form a contact channel region that retains a rim portion surrounding an opening. The electrical connector provides a flexible carrier for the contacts to conform to irregular mating surfaces of components to be joined. For a given contact height, the electrical connector further provides a minimum electrical path length for components connected by the contacts board. In one aspect, the metallic contacts including at least one side containing elastic portions are formed from sheets of conductive material. In one aspect, circular shaped contacts are singulated after opposing conductive sheets are joined in regions within the openings of the flexible insulating sheet.
US07645142B2 Electrical receptacle assembly
A receptacle assembly for use in connecting an energy source to an energy delivering device is described herein. The receptacle assembly includes a face plate defining an aperture. The receptacle also includes an adapter assembly including an adapter plate, supporting a terminal that is operatively connected to the energy source. Additionally, the receptacle includes a spacer member interposed between an inner surface of the aperture of the face plate and an outer surface of the adapter plate, wherein the spacer member permits omni-directional movement of the adapter plate and terminal relative to the face plate.
US07645138B2 Device for locking a dental instrument on a handpiece consisting of a rotating spindle, locking spring and push-button assembly
The invention concerns a device for locking a dental instrument having a rotating spindle, formed by a hollow spindle and adapted to receive the head of an instrument, and a locking spring formed by a lower ring extending on a common side by two branches or a plurality of elastic branches. Each branch is provided with a pin engaged in an annular groove provided in the head of the instrument. There is a push-button having, in its underside, a central conical pressure head adapted to space apart radially the branches of the locking spring to release the pins from the annular groove of the instrument. The locking branches are housed in the slots provided in the rotary spindle to lock in rotation the spring relative to the rotary spindle, the spring being moreover maintained axially between the push-button and a shoulder of the rotary spindle.
US07645136B2 Continuous heat treatment furnace and heat treatment method
The continuous heat treatment furnace of the present invention is provided with at least one drying and binder-removing area where drying of the objects to be thermally treated and/or removal of binder are carried out and a firing area where the objects to be thermally treated is fired in succession from inlet side towards outlet side of the furnace, the objects to be thermally treated being subjected to drying and/or removal of binder while being transported through the drying and binder-removing area and thereafter being fired while being transported through the firing area, wherein the heat treatment furnace has at least two transporting mechanisms disposed along the transporting direction of the objects to be thermally treated as transporting mechanisms for transporting the objects to be thermally treated, the objects to be thermally treated are transported by different transporting mechanisms in the drying and binder-removing area and the firing area, respectively, and the transporting speed of each transporting mechanism is set so that the transporting speed in the drying and binder-removing area and the transporting speed in the firing area differ from each other.
US07645134B2 Ribbon wound roll
There is provided a tool roll with a cylindrical base and a first ribbon having an inner face, an outer face, and first and second major sides located therebetween. The outer face of the first ribbon includes a plurality of depressions or holes formed therein and the first ribbon is wound in helical coils around the base roll such that the inner face is proximate the base roll. The plurality of depressions or holes in the outer face of the first ribbon form a plurality of discrete mold cavities with each of the discrete mold cavities including a mold opening at the outer face of the first ribbon.
US07645131B2 Venting valve to be used in venting bores of vulcanization molds
Vent valve for venting bores of vulcanization moulds, especially for the tread profile area, consisting of a valve sleeve, in which a valve insert and a wound spring are movably located, wherein the valve insert consists of a valve shank, which is at one end equipped with a disk and at the other end with a conical surface changing into backwards oriented conical end, and the movement of the valve insert is controlled by a delimiter of opening the valve. Inner surface of the valve sleeve is in its part located further away from disk provided with conical surface, oriented away from the disk, and the delimiter of opening the valve is formed by two mutually cooperating conical surfaces or parts of conical surfaces, wherein the conical surface formed at the end of the valve shank of the valve insert is oriented against the conical surface or part of conical surface of the valve sleeve.
US07645129B2 Oil pump for a scroll compressor
An oil pump for a compressor includes a driving shaft having an oil passage, a gear driving unit coupled to the drive shaft, a pump body having a driving shaft insertion groove, a friction reducing member assembled on the driving shaft insertion groove to reduce friction between the driving shaft and pump body, and a a gear unit coupled to the pump body and rotating with rotation of the driving shaft. The pump may further include a pump cover coupled to the pump body and having an intake for inhaling oil.
US07645127B2 Pulseless peristaltic pump
A peristaltic pump comprising a pump housing, a compressible pump tube positioned between rotatable occluding members and a pump tube track in the housing, where there is an opening in the pump tube track between a first occluding member and a second occluding member such that when the second occluding member has exited occlusion of the pump tube at the opening, a third occluding member completes occlusion of the pump tube thus capturing a compensating volume of fluid between the first and third occluding members, and when the second occluding member reenters occlusion at the end of the opening, it displaces the compensating volume towards the outlet of the pump tube, thus maintaining fluid velocity in the outlet stream.
US07645124B2 Estimation and control of a resonant plant prone to stick-slip behavior
A method and apparatus are provided for estimating and/or precluding stick-slip, or other oscillatory or resonant behavior, through use of a virtual transducer, which precludes the need for having sensors located adjacent to a driven element of the system, or adjacent contact surfaces at which the stick-slip relative motion may occur. Parameters measurable at a drive mechanism are utilized for controlling a system in a manner which precludes stick-slip, or other oscillatory or resonant behavior, of the driven element. Relative motion between contacting surfaces in the driven element, prone to stick-slip behavior, is controlled such that, after sufficient force is applied by the drive element to overcome static friction forces between the contacting surfaces and break them free from one another, relative motion between the surfaces is maintained at a high enough relative speed that the surfaces are precluded from statically contacting one another, so that stick-slip behavior is precluded.
US07645122B1 Turbine rotor blade with a nested parallel serpentine flow cooling circuit
A turbine airfoil used in a gas turbine engine, the airfoil including an internal cooling air circuit that includes two nested and parallel serpentine flow circuits that both flow in the airfoil aft direction. The first and second legs of the two nested serpentine circuits are separated by ribs so that the cooling air flows do not mix. The last leg of the two nested serpentine circuits is separated by a rib which includes a plurality of cross-over holes so that the flows can mix. The aft-most serpentine flow circuit of the two nested circuits includes a last leg that is connected to cooling slots spaced along the trailing edge of the airfoil such that cooling air from the last leg flows out the ducts. The forward-most serpentine circuit of the two nested circuits includes a blade tip channel extending along the blade tip and connecting the first leg with the second leg, the blade tip channel including a plurality of blade tip cooling holes. A leading edge cooling supply channel is connected to at least one impingement cavity by leading edge impingement holes to provide cooling to the leading edge region. The leading edge cooling supply channel is separated from the forward-most serpentine flow circuit by a rib such that the flows do not mix.
US07645121B2 Blade and rotor arrangement
A fan rotor arrangement comprises a fan rotor (24) and a plurality of fan blades (26). Each fan blade (26) comprises a root portion (36) and an aerofoil portion (38). Each aerofoil portion (38) has a leading edge (44), a trailing edge (46) and a tip (48). Concave pressure surface (50) and convex suction surface (52) extend from the leading edge (44) to the trailing edge (46) of each aerofoil portion (38). An annular wall (54) surrounds the fan rotor (24) and fan blades (26) and an inner surface (56) of the annular wall (54) has a circumferentially extending groove (58). The circumferentially extending groove (58) is arranged axially, or chordally, between the leading edges (44) and the trailing edges (46) at the tips (48) of the aerofoil portions (38) of the fan blades (26). The circumferentially extending groove (58) extends axially by at least half a wavelength of an unsteady pressure wave to provide a geometrically tuned cavity and additionally pressure loss to suppress axially upstream propagating unsteady pressure waves. This reduces vibrations of the fan blade (26).
US07645118B2 Guide vane for rotary turbo machinery
What is described is a turbine guide vane having a guide vane leaf and with a radially outer platform connected to the guide vane leaf and having a platform surface which faces radially away from the guide vane leaf and on which a connecting structure is provided for fastening the guide vane to a supporting structure which has side wall portions which project radially beyond the platform surface and delimit an inner cavity and on which is provided at least in portions a joining contour which can be inserted into a reception shape countercontoured within the supporting structure. At least one seal is provided between the connecting structure and the supporting structure.
US07645116B2 Turbo vacuum pump
A turbo vacuum pump of the present invention includes a suction part for sucking gas in an axial direction; a discharge section in which rotating impellers and stationary impellers are alternately arranged; a rotating shaft for rotating the rotating impellers; and a turbine impeller part fixed to the suction side end face of the rotating shaft. The rotating impellers include one or more turbine impellers for discharging the sucked gas in the axial direction, and one or more centrifugal impellers, located downstream of the one or more turbine impellers, for further discharging the discharged gas by a centrifugal drag effect. The one or more centrifugal impellers are fixed to the rotating shaft passing therethrough. The one or more turbine impellers are included in the turbine impeller part.
US07645111B2 System for putting glass plates to target positions
A method for putting a glass plate to a target position includes (a) putting the glass plate at a preliminary position above an air table that discharges air upwardly, by moving a suction member that supports the glass plate through suction; (b) releasing suction of the suction member, while air is discharged upwardly from the air table, thereby floating the glass plate at the preliminary position above the air table; and (c) moving a pressing member in a horizontal direction, while the pressing member is in abutment with a top surface of the glass plate and while air is discharged upwardly from the air table, thereby moving the glass plate in the horizontal direction from the preliminary position above the air table to the target position above the air table by a frictional force generated between the pressing member and the glass plate.
US07645100B2 Turning tool and a turning insert
A turning tool including a basic body having an insert seat, an indexable turning insert having a triangular basic shape, and a tightening element fixing the turning insert in the insert seat. The insert includes an upperside and an underside between which three side surfaces extend that are situated in a first imaginary, equilateral triangle and therefore converge in pairs at an angle of 60° toward corners in which cutting edges are included. The turning insert is engaged with the insert seat via an interface that includes elongate and straight, female-like and male-like engagement members, which are in engagement with each other in order to prevent turning of the turning insert. The insert seat includes a supporting surface having a corner section against which an active corner of the turning insert is applied. The insert seat includes a single active engagement member, which is spaced-apart from the supporting corner section, and is in engagement with one of three engagement members included in the turning insert and located in a second imaginary triangle having an equilateral shape, which is smaller than the first imaginary triangle and rotated in relation to the first imaginary triangle.
US07645092B2 Treatment of in ground chromium ore processing residue
In methods for treatment of in ground chromium ore processing residue contamination, ferrous sulfide is provided as a substantially insoluble material in the residue deposit. The ferrous sulfide accordingly may remain substantially in place, in the pores of the soil or residue, even over long periods of time, regardless of underground water movement or diffusion. As a result, the ferrous sulfide may act continuously to chemically reduce and remove contamination. As hexavalent chromium diffuses from the soil or residue, it is reduced by the ferrous sulfide. The ferrous sulfide may be placed into the underground deposit by injecting a ferrous salt solution into the deposit, waiting for a precipitation to elapse, and then injecting a sulfide solution into the deposit.
US07645091B2 Irrigation system
An agricultural crop freeze control method and apparatus that can be effectively used to prevent growing crops such as avocado and citrus crops from freeze damage. The apparatus includes an irrigation system within which one or more commercially available tankless water heaters are installed to controllably heat the water that is delivered to the crop.
US07645090B2 Traffic control speed bump
A method for at least slowing a vehicle moving along a surface, the method comprising: providing first and second panels rotatably disposed on the surface and capable of extending above the surface, wherein each of the first and second panels rotate in a different and opposite direction; providing at least one center panel disposed between the first and second panels, the center panel being capable of being deployed into a position extended from the surface; detecting at least one of a vehicle speed, vehicle type, and vehicle weight; and controlling one or more of the first, second, and center panels based on the detecting.
US07645088B2 Articulated arm for an awning and method for the production thereof
An articulated arm for an awning has an articulation part and an arm profile which are inserted one into the other. Furthermore, pull-off protection is present. The articulation part and the arm profile are inserted one into the other with a press fit, and the pull-off protection is designed as a claw present between the articulation part and arm profile.
US07645084B1 Bath mesh squirt toy
A fabric mesh ball attached to a toy member in the shape of an animal such as a duck, fish or frog so as the toy member serves as a grasping handle for the mesh ball and furthermore serves as a squirt toy in that a hollow body portion of the toy member includes a squirt opening preferably positioned near the mouth of the particular animal.
US07645082B2 Dot head and method of manufacturing armature structure for dot head
According to a dot head of the invention, an armature structure for moving a printing needle forward and backward has the efficiency that the magnetic characteristics is excellent and mechanical intensity is high. The armature structure is manufactured in a manner that an arm member, which is formed by subjecting a plate-shaped material excellent in abrasion resistance performance and having a high intensity to a plating processing using born etc., is sandwiched at a portion thereof from both sides in a stacked manner by two armature members each of which is formed by subjecting a plate-shaped material excellent in magnetic characteristics to a plating processing using born etc. A pin formed by subjecting a piano wire to a plating processing using boron etc. is inserted with a small pressure into common through holes of the two armature members and the arm member thus stacked thereby to provisionally assemble them. A pair of electrodes are made in contact to the portions including the slightly-pressed-in pin near the pin of the provisionally assembled two armature members and the arm member, and a current is supplied to the electrodes in a state that the portions are sandwiched by the electrodes thereby to melt and harden the plated portions using boron etc. to integrate the two armature members and the arm member.
US07645081B2 Coating and developing apparatus, coating and developing method, and storage medium
Disclosed herein is a coating and developing apparatus 1 whose decreases in substrate-conveying accuracy can be suppressed. A processing block S2 of the coating and developing apparatus 1 includes multiple resist-film forming blocks G2, G3, and a developing block G1. A conveyance element 12 for substrate loading into the processing block S2 is provided to convey substrates W from a carrier C to the resist-film forming blocks G2, G3. Also, a conveyance element I for substrate loading into an exposure apparatus S4 is provided in an interface block S3 to load the substrates W into the exposure apparatus S4 and after unloading the substrates W from the exposure apparatus S4, convey the substrates W to the developing block G1. The processing block loading conveyance element 12 conveys the substrates W, one at a time, from the carrier C to each resist-film forming block G2, G3, sequentially and periodically, and the exposure apparatus loading conveyance element I loads the substrates W from each resist-film forming block G2, G3 into the exposure apparatus S4 in the sequence that each has been conveyed to the resist-film forming block G2, G3 by the processing block loading conveyance element 12.
US07645080B2 Digital camera, digital camera system, and control program for digital camera system
A digital camera system is composed of a digital camera and a lens unit detachable to this digital camera. The digital camera includes a first taking lens and a first CCD image sensor to convert subject light into image data. The first taking lens is surrounded by a detachable decorative ring. When a hook release button is pressed to detach the decorative ring, a camera-side mount appears. The lens unit is attached to this camera-side mount, and photographing can be performed with a second taking lens and a second CCD image sensor in the lens unit.
US07645079B2 Image pickup apparatus having device for removing foreign substance deposited on surface of optical member
An image pickup apparatus includes an eyepiece unit configured to facilitate viewing an optical image of an object, an image pickup element configured to convert the optical image of an object into an electrical signal, an optical member disposed in front of the image pickup element and in an imaging light axis, an piezoelectric element disposed on the side of the optical member close to the eyepiece unit, where the piezoelectric element vibrates the optical member, a biasing member disposed on the side of the optical member opposite the piezoelectric element, a lowpass filter holding member configured to hold the optical member, the piezoelectric element, and the biasing member, and an image-pickup-apparatus body chassis having a flat surface portion perpendicular to the imaging light axis, where the flat surface portion has an opening therein. The lowpass filter holding member is disposed in the opening of the body chassis.
US07645077B2 Bi-directional optical communication module
An optical communication module includes a base substrate; a wavelength branching filter arranged on the base substrate, in which a light is allowed to go through or be reflected according to a wavelength thereof; a photodetector arranged on the base substrate to receive a light passed through the wavelength branching filter and to convert the light into an electric signal; and a light emitting device arranged on the base substrate to provide a transmission light. The transmission light is outputted through the wavelength branching filter. The optical detector comprises a light receiving portion which is formed to have a first length and a second length, which is shorter than the first length. The first length of the light receiving portion is perpendicular to an optical axis of an input light on a plane parallel to a surface of the substrate, and a second length of the light receiving portion is parallel to the optical axis of the input light.
US07645075B2 Optical connection structure of optical backplane to circuit substrate
An optical backplane includes an optical connector which receives juxtaposed optical signals transmitted in nonparallel to the main surface of a circuit substrate from the circuit substrate or transmits juxtaposed optical signals in nonparallel to the main surface of the circuit substrate to the circuit substrate. The optical connector disposes and accommodates edge portions of a plurality of optical fibers and the disposing direction of the optical fibers in the optical connector is in nonparallel to the main surface of the circuit substrate.
US07645074B2 Fluid-lubricated type tapered roller bearing device and vehicle pinion shaft supporting assembly
A shielding plate for controlling the entry of oil between an inner ring and an outer ring is provided in the vicinity of an opening between the inner ring and the outer ring which lies a side where oil enters. In addition, a fluid accommodating plate for accommodating therein oil is provided in the vicinity of an opening between the outer ring and the inner ring which lies on a side where oil exits.
US07645072B2 Rolling machine element
The rolling machine element includes a first member in which a raceway surface is formed and a second member on which the first member is mounted through the rolling elements and which is formed to be able to guide the first member in a specified direction. The rolling machine element is characterized in that the first member can be moved in the guiding direction of the second member by allowing the rolling elements to move in an out of the raceway surface in an orderly arranged state, and the crowning based on the oval shape is formed at the end part of the raceway surface of the first member where an access point for the rolling elements is formed.
US07645068B2 Watch comprising a mechanism for driving a device that displays a time-dependent value
Watch comprising a mechanism (50) for driving a device (1) that displays a time-dependent value, this drive mechanism (50) itself being driven by the movement of the watch, this watch also having at least one first correction element (42) acting on the display device (50) via a clockwork mechanism (2) of the drive mechanism (50), and at least one second correction element (48) acting directly on the device (1) that displays the time-dependent value, the watch being characterised in that the drive mechanism (50) is arranged so as to drive the device (1) that displays a time-dependent value in both directions when the first correction element (42) is operated, and so as to be overridden when the second correction element (48) is operated, acting directly on the device (1) that displays a time-dependent value.
US07645065B2 Experimental mixing device
An experimental mixing device may comprise a driving source, an eccentric member, a control member and a mixing member. The control member may be selective installed in the experimental mixing device and be configured to adjust the mixing member, thereby providing various operational motions of the mixing member, for example an orbital motion, a see-saw motion, a 3-D twist motion, or a crank motion. The use of the control member may eliminate the need of separating the mixing member from the experimental mixing device. Thereby, the experimental mixing device may have adjustable patterns and quantity of the mixing motion and lead to easy usage and manufacture.
US07645063B2 Backlight unit
A backlight unit, in which an incident surface of a light-guiding plate is formed in a shape of a curve, or a curve-shaped structure is formed in a housing to improve the light efficiency. The backlight unit includes a light source emitting light; a housing surrounding the light source; a light-guiding plate guiding the light emitted from the light source to an LCD panel, wherein the light-guiding plate has an incident surface formed in a shape of a curve; and a reflective sheet formed under the light-guiding plate.
US07645062B2 Light source and vehicle lamp
A light source apparatus for vehicle lamps and particularly vehicle headlights can include a plurality of LED elements mounted in a cavity located on a base surface or on a base. Each of the LED elements can be arranged in such a manner as to form an emission shape and a brightness distribution that is suited for a light distribution pattern, and especially a light distribution pattern for vehicle headlight.
US07645061B2 Headlight assembly
The invention relates to a low beam headlight with at least one light module. The individual light module exhibits at least one light source and at least one primary lens connected downstream of the light source; and the light source is a luminescent diode. In addition, the low beam headlight has at least one secondary lens, which is connected optically downstream of the primary lens or the primary lenses. Both the primary and the secondary lens exhibit at least two lens segments, which are arranged one over the other. In addition, at least one lens segment of the primary lens and its assigned lens segment of the secondary lens lie outside the optical axis of the light module.The present invention develops a compact low beam headlight, whose light distribution has a clearly defined hot spot. The light intensity of the illumination decreases steadily in the direction of the basic distribution.
US07645058B2 Light diffusing sheet and backlight unit using the light diffusing sheet
To provide a light diffusing sheet which enables the light from a lightguide plate or light source of a backlight unit to be conducted to lens film after having been converted to diffused light having a small brightness peak angle, and which generates neither a moiré or interference fringe nor luminance unevenness, and is advantageous also in terms of productivity and cost, and to provide a backlight unit having this light diffusing sheet incorporated therein, and the surface of the sheet with fine recesses formed therein serves as a light emission side. The light diffusing sheet comprises a light-transmitting resin, characterized by having fine recesses formed in at least one of the surfaces thereof, the fine recesses having a shape which is any of the shapes of an inverted polyangular pyramid, an inverted truncated polyangular pyramid, an inverted cone, and an inverted truncated cone.
US07645049B2 Control system for liquid motion lamp
A control system for a liquid motion lamp maintains the proper temperature of liquids within the lamp to provide desired motion within the lamp, and reduces sensitivity to ambient temperature. The lamp preferably includes two heating elements, a first element for initial heating, such as a heat blanket, resistive glass coating, or a submerged ring, and a second heating element generally providing both heat and lighting. A sensor measures the temperature of the liquid inside the lamp and the control system controls the heat sources to maintain the temperature within operating limits.
US07645044B2 Assembly structure of side mirror for automobile
The present invention relates to a side mirror for an automobile, and more particularly, to a side mirror for an automobile in which an assembled structure is modified such that even in case of an excessive pressing the side mirror to fall in a driver's view, in comparing with pressing a mirror for adjusting to fall in a driver' view as a conventional method, the assembled state is not return to a disassembled state. In accordance with the present invention, an assembly work is easily preformed and further a assemble state is not easily return to a disassemble state by an external force.
US07645043B2 Optical engine of projection system and fabricating method thereof
There is provided an optical engine of a projection system comprising: a lamp irradiating light; an illumination unit provided with a plurality of lens through which the light is passed; a composition unit separating and composing the light to form an image signal; an engine base provided with the illumination unit and the composition unit on a top portion thereof; a reinforcing part which is made of a high intensity material and which is provided between the composition unit and the engine base to prevent a deformation of the composition unit; and a projection lens projecting light composed in the composition unit to the screen. Therefore, it is possible to stably embody a high definition image in the optical engine of the projection system.
US07645040B2 Glasses
The invention relates to a pair of glasses comprising a temple (1) and a connecting element (8) pertaining to a rim (7), both on the left side and the right side of the pair of glasses. The connecting element (8) is provided with joint elements (11, 13) which co-operate with joint elements (6) provided on the rim end of the temple (1), forming a swivel joint. The temple (1) comprises at least two fingers (2, 3) which extend in a longitudinal direction on the rim end thereof, the fingers exerting a spring action in the direction of the articulated axis of the swivel joint.
US07645034B2 Pulse damped fluidic architecture
An inkjet printer with a printhead integrated circuit (IC) (28), an ink supply reservoir (6) for storing ink, an ink supply line (3) defining a flow path from the ink supply reservoir to the printhead IC (28). A pulse damper (16) positioned along the flow path to decrease the amplitude of pressure pulses in the ink.
US07645021B2 Method and device for spray cleaning an inkjet print head
A device spray cleans an inkjet print head. The purpose of the device is to avoid the formation of stalagmites during spray cleaning and therefore also to improve the print quality as a result of the fact that the transport device for the print carriers or items of mail is soiled as little as possible. This is achieved by a relative movement of a baffle element in a flat space or in a plane parallel to the nozzle surface of the at least one inkjet print head in conjunction with the spray cleaning.
US07645020B2 High speed serial printing using printheads
A printing device adapted to print upon a printing media. The printing device has a printing media inserter, a media path, and a plurality of printheads, positioned serially in the media path. Each of the printheads is adapted to print upon the printing media moving along the media path. The printing media inserter transfers the printing media to a printing media buffer or into the media path. A piece of the printing media traveling along the media path is sequentially printed upon by each of the printheads. The plurality of printheads are controlled to combine print from the plurality of printheads on the piece of printing media and form a resultant combined print image with a resolution different than at least one print of at least one of the plurality of printheads on the piece of printing media.
US07645019B2 Image forming method and image forming apparatus using treatment liquid
The image forming apparatus comprises: an object liquid deposition device which deposits an object liquid containing coloring material onto a recording medium; a treatment liquid deposition device which deposits a treatment liquid that insolubilizes the coloring material onto the recording medium; and a control device which controls the treatment liquid deposition device in such a manner that volume of the treatment liquid deposited in a high-density region on the recording medium where volume per prescribed surface area of the object liquid deposited on the recording medium is high, is less than volume of the treatment liquid deposited in a low-density region on the recording medium where the volume per prescribed surface area of the object liquid deposited on the recording medium is low.
US07645018B2 Method of adjusting a liquid droplet, method of discharging the liquid droplet and apparatus therefor
A method and an apparatus of adjusting a discharge quantity of a liquid droplet with accuracy. When a plunger moves forward and stops sliding while closely contacting with an inner wall face of a tube, a discharge quantity of the liquid droplet discharged from a discharge port communicating with the tube is adjusted. A moving speed of the plunger is adjusted such that the liquid droplet discharged from the discharge port becomes constant at every discharge. The apparatus for discharging a liquid material, has a tube, a plunger sliding while closely contacting with an inner wall face of the tube, a discharge port communicating with the tube and discharging the liquid material so as to be scattered, and a control means controlling an operation of the plunger. The control means controls a moving speed of the plunger moving forward from start of deceleration to stop.
US07645015B2 Determining drop weight
Embodiments of determining drop weight are disclosed.
US07645011B2 Print engine controller for receiving dot data
Provided is a print engine controller for a pagewidth printhead. The controller includes contone and bi-level decompression circuitry for decompressing a contone layer of compressed page data and a bi-level layer of compressed page data, respectively. The controller also includes halftoner and compositor circuitry for halftoning the decompressed contone layer to associated bi-level versions and compositing the decompressed bi-level layer over the halftoned contone layers. Also included is printhead interface circuitry for receiving the halftoned and composited data so as to generate print data suitable for printing by the printhead. The controller further includes line loader and formatter circuitry for receiving dot data from the halftoner and compositor circuitry to store the dot data for lines to be printed in memory circuitry of the controller and to format said lines into an order required by the printhead interface circuitry.
US07645007B2 Ink jet recording apparatus, nozzle inspection method and program thereof
In this ink jet printer, on the basis of voltage of a nozzle plate 27 at the time that a print head 24 is driven and in a state in which a predetermined potential difference has been generated between the nozzle plate 27 and the inspection area 52, a nozzle inspection is performed so as to confirm whether or not ink is in practice being ejected from each nozzle 23, so that ink can be sequentially ejected to an inspection area 52 from each nozzle. According to the nozzle inspection voltage change is detected in the nozzle plate 27 by a voltage detection circuit 54 provided on an encoder board 64 on a carriage 22. Since both the nozzle plate 27 and the voltage detection circuit 54 are installed on the carriage 22, and the distance between the two of them is shorter, they are less likely be affected by noise. In addition, there is no need to prepare a new board on which the voltage detection circuit 54 needs to be mounted.
US07645003B2 Thermally insulating wall
A refrigeration appliance includes a thermally insulating housing and a thermally insulating door. At least one of the housing and the door define an evacuated interspace and have an evacuated thermal insulation filling the interspace, a shaped, thermoplastic, substantially gas and water vapor impermeable outer cladding, and a shaped, thermoplastic, substantially gas and water vapor impermeable inner cladding. The inner cladding and the outer cladding substantially surround the interspace in a vacuum-tight manner. The cladding can be formed from polyolefins, polyvinylidene chloride, perfluoroalkoxy polymers. For reducing gas permeability, the cladding can be formed from ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer, polyacrylonitrile, and polyamide. The claddings can have co-extruded and/or laminated layers. The cladding can include a sputtered metal layer and/or a plastic/metal composite foil. The cladding can be formed from a thermoformed or blow-molded plastic. The insulation can have pressed silica or aerogel plates with a density of between 100 and 150 kg/m3.
US07645000B2 Braking system for mobile storage unit
A driving mechanism having a braking system, for use on a storage unit movable about guiding tracks, The driving mechanism comprises a frame rotatably carrying at least one driving wheel, which in turn rollably engages a floor-embedded guiding track, A toothed wheel rotatably carried by the frame is operatively connected to the driving wheel and rotates in synchronism therewith, and defines at least one first interlock member, The driving mechanism also comprises a gravity-biased second braking member defining at least one second interlock member, said second braking member movably mounted to the frame so as to be movable between a standby position in which the second interlock member clears the first interlock member, and a braking position in which the second interlock member is interlocked with the first interlock member to block rotation of the rotary first braking member and thus of the driving wheel, The second braking member is biased under the action of gravity towards the braking position when it is in its standby position, The driving mechanism further comprises a brake control member mounted to the frame, the brake control member being movable between a retaining position in which the brake control member engages and retains the second braking member in its standby position against the bias of gravity, and a release position in which it clears the second braking member to allow gravity-borne movement of the second braking member towards the braking position. The second braking member is free of any mechanical structural link with the brake control member.
US07644999B2 Idler assembly, and method for retrofitting an existing idler assembly
An idler assembly is disclosed for a shovel having a flexible track assembly. In an embodiment, the idler assembly comprises an idler gear operatively associated with the track assembly; a sleeve; a shaft, sets of splines on the shaft and on the sleeve sized for engagement, and connectors at ends of the shaft; at least one bearing block forming a bore therethrough; at least one bushing liner disposed within at least one bearing block; and at least one retaining device for constraining the shaft from withdrawal from the bearing block. A method for retrofitting a shovel with an existing idler assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment, the method comprises positioning at least one bushing liner within a bore of at least one bearing block; attaching an idler shaft and an idler gear together; and positioning the idler shaft within the at least one bushing liner.
US07644998B2 Brake control system
Even in the case that at least one braking force generating function fails, it is possible to secure a maximum braking force as well as suppressing a yaw moment generated on the basis of the failure as much as possible even at a time when whatever braking force is requested, A target braking force to a normal brake apparatus is calculated on the basis of a result of detection by a malfunction detecting portion, in such a manner that a total of braking forces generated in the brake apparatuses in respective wheels becomes as equal as possible to a requested braking force, at a time when a malfunction is generated in the brake apparatus or a braking force control portion.
US07644996B2 System and method for monitoring parking brake release
A system and method for controlling the unintended rolling of a rolling stock, the rolling stock having a driver park brake, and an in-vehicle network for signals transmission, the method comprises the steps of selecting among the signals transmitted over the in-vehicle network, a set of predefined signals, then analyzing the status of the selected signals to determine a regulation process to be applied to the rolling stock, and monitoring the regulation process.
US07644993B2 In situ co-development of oil shale with mineral recovery
A method of producing hydrocarbon fluids from a subsurface organic-rich rock formation, for example an oil shale formation, in which the oil shale formation contains water-soluble minerals, for example nahcolite, is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of heating the organic-rich rock formation in situ. Optionally, this heating step may be performed prior to any substantial removal of water-soluble minerals from the organic-rich rock formation. In accordance with the method, the heating of the organic-rich rock formation both pyrolyzes at least a portion of the formation hydrocarbons, for example kerogen, to create hydrocarbon fluids, and converts at least a portion of the water-soluble minerals, for example, converts nahcolite to soda ash. Thereafter, the hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the formation.
US07644992B2 Motor vehicle seat with an underframe, a seat belt and a seat belt retractor
A motor vehicle seat with an underframe comprising two pairs of rails, each having a seat rail and a floor rail, a seat belt and a seat belt retractor. The seat further comprises a tie bar for the seat belt retractor, the tie bar extending from the one seat rail to the other seat rail and is connected to the respective one of the seat rails. The seat belt retractor is connected to the tie bar and, in one embodiment, is disposed beneath the tie bar.
US07644988B2 Child's highchair with access attachment
A highchair assembly includes a seat supported by a plurality of legs with an upstanding back wall and opposite first and second side walls. An access device is mounted to one of the side walls. The access device has an upper end located generally at the one side wall and the lower end for placement on a support surface. A child can enter and exit the highchair through use of the access device.
US07644984B2 Side shield for motor vehicle seat assembly
A cover conceals a portion of a gap formed between an adjacent pair of seat backs of a motor vehicle seat assembly. The cover includes a substantially rigid portion and a substantially flexible portion. The flexible portion of the cover has first and second flanges that extend outwardly from opposite sides of the substantially rigid portion for concealing a portion of the gap between the seat backs of the seat assembly.
US07644978B2 Vehicle floor structure for a motor vehicle
A cross member passes a longitudinal member. The cross member is connected, on its outer end, to a side sill assembly and includes a connecting portion that divides the cross member into a remote cross member portion from the outer end of the cross member, and the other cross member portion. A reinforcement element extends through the connecting portion into the remote cross member portion and terminates in at its inner end spaced by a gap from a top wall of the longitudinal member, and it extends into the other cross member portion and terminates in at its outer end in the neighborhood of the side sill assembly. It is connected to an upper inner wall of the remote cross member portion, but spaced from an upper inner wall of the other cross member portion.
US07644970B2 Mobile containerized autopsy facility
A mobile containerized autopsy facility for use in distant contamination zones, comprising at least one enclosure which includes at least one seamless and sealable compartment, which compartment meets biohazard safety level 3 and 4 requirements. The facility consists of enclosures that are most commonly a conversion of at least one standard 40×8×9.5 foot refrigerated cargo container that may be easily transported by trailers or by air to remote sites and be operational without the dependence on local infrastructure.
US07644968B2 Substrate holding device
A supporting structure is mounted on a hand body facing a circumferential edge of a substrate from below the substrate to support the substrate. First and second guiding members are mounted on the hand body, and having guiding surfaces in contact with an imaginary cylinder having an axis aligned with a reference axis of the hand body. First and second movable members are capable of moving in an imaginary plane perpendicular to the reference axis and are disposed on the radially outer-side of the circumferential edge of the substrate so as to face the circumferential edge. A driving unit simultaneously displaces the first and second movable members in the imaginary plane. The first and second guiding members and the first and second movable members are spaced apart on the circumference of the imaginary cylinder at intervals greater than the length of the arc of a segment in a substrate holding state.
US07644966B2 Vehicle bumper fascia retainer
A vehicle bumper fascia retainer is provided with a laterally extending fascia support portion, first and second front end attachment structures and first and second lamp attachment structures. The first and second front end attachment structures are disposed on opposite lateral ends of the fascia support portion for attachment to a vehicle front end. The first and second lamp attachment structures are disposed on opposite lateral ends of the fascia support portion for supporting first and second head lamp housings.
US07644962B2 Universal attachment flange
A universal attachment flange to connect equipment utilized to perform a task to various connection arrangements. A universal attachment flange is provided with a plurality of hole patterns to permit a bolted attachment of the flange to other devices that present varying patterns of bolt receiving holes. The universal attachment flange is capable of connection to a variety of four (4) hole patterns and at least one three (3) hole pattern. In one form the universal attachment flange includes a through hole threaded to receive a connection fitting.
US07644957B2 Expansion-deflecting coupling
The present invention provides an expansion-deflection coupling which allows for higher angular deflection, as well as greater axial expansion and compression with increased parallel offset movements. The coupling includes a pair of identical hubs adapted to accommodate conduits within, and a flexible hollow cylinder extending between the hubs. At least one mid-coupling is located within the cylinder, and at least two plastic funneled tubes, each of which extends securely within the cylinder between the mid-coupling and one of the hubs. One of the hubs is secured to a union coupling.
US07644954B2 Mobile fluid storage and supply apparatus and method
A trailer has a fluid storage and supply container supported on the bed of the trailer, and a containment wall surrounding the fluid storage and supply container to provide an open containment region. A drain valve controls the flow of fluid collecting in the containment region. A filter separates the fluid from any water draining from the containment region.
US07644953B2 Hammer-driven snow pole
A marker pole for embedding in a support medium for drawing attention to potentially hazardous subsurface structures within the support medium includes a generally elongate pole body molded from a generally brightly colored plastic material with a penetrating end formed with a tapered tip for insertion into the support medium, the taper being greater than forty-five degrees from a centerline longitudinal axis of the; and a metal impact cap fitted over the distal end, the impact cap including a generally cylindrical body having an access opening on one end thereof and a substantially planar surface opposing the access opening, the planar surface being in substantial contact with the upper surface of the pole body for enhanced force transmission between the impact cap and the pole body during insertion of the pole into the support medium using an impact producing tool.
US07644951B2 Energy absorption device for steering column
This invention pertains to an energy absorption device for a motor vehicle steering column in which there is mounted an adjustment slide, the adjustment slide including a female part, provided with an entry orifice, connected respectively either to a steering wheel or to a rack system, and a male part connected respectively either to the rack system or to the steering wheel, the male part sliding in the female part upon adjustment of the depth of the steering column, wherein at least one sleeve is fixed on the male part in a manner to absorb the energy by coming into contact at least partially with the entry orifice of the female part in the case of violent impact.
US07644945B1 Restraining device for child's two-wheeled bicycle training
A safety device for restraining the forward movement of a two-wheeled bicycle used for training a child, said device including a cord controller that allows for the extending, retracting and locking said cord to a manual handle, a spring clip fastener on the free end of said cord and a flexible strap that connects at one end by a loop to a bicycle seat post with the other end to a fastening ring that allows the ring to be fastened to the spring clip on the cord. The cord controller allows the user to walk behind a young child who is learning to ride a two-wheeled bike to prevent the child from accelerating away from the adult during training whereby the adult can restrain the forward movement of the bicycle whenever necessary.
US07644944B2 Multiple gear transmission for a bicycle
A multiple gear transmission for a bicycle with an input shaft and an output shaft supported in a transmission housing, whereby the input shaft is embodied to receive pedal cranks and both ends of the input shaft protrude from the transmission housing. One of the ends of the output shaft protrudes from the transmission housing and the output shaft is embodied at this end to receive a drive sprocket. At least one intermediate shaft is supported in the transmission housing parallel between the input shaft and the output shaft. Respectively, at least two gear wheels are arranged on the input shaft, the at least one intermediate shaft and the output shaft. The gear wheels arranged on at least two of the shafts can be connected in a torque-proof manner to the respective shaft via clutch mechanism. All the gear wheels are permanently meshed with another gear wheel.
US07644942B2 Active axle suspension system
An active suspension system for a rigid beam tractor axle in which the axle is connected to the chassis by two orthogonally oriented pivot points and axle movement is controlled by double-acting suspension actuators managed by a control system to improve the ride and handling characteristics of the tractor.
US07644941B2 Two-wheel axle suspension arrangement for an agricultural machine
An axle suspension for first and second implement ground support wheels, the axle suspension comprising a housing connected to the implement frame and having an interior portion supporting first and second axle carriers for pivoting about first and second pivotal axes. The axle carriers each include outwardly extending members projecting from opposite sides of the housing and upright members fixed to the outwardly extending members for pivoting therewith about the first and second pivotal axes. A connector extending between the upper ends of the upright members constrains the axle carriers for rotation in the same direction about their respective pivotal axes.
US07644938B2 In-wheel suspension
An in-wheel suspension including a tire/wheel assembly-side member that includes a tire/wheel assembly support member fixed to a tire/wheel assembly, a vehicle body-side member that supports the tire/wheel assembly support member such that the tire/wheel assembly support member can slide along a sliding axis X extending in the substantially vertical direction and rotate on the sliding axis X, and at least one of a spring element and an attenuation element that acts in accordance with sliding of the tire/wheel assembly support member. The in-wheel suspension further includes a coupling member that couples the tire/wheel assembly-side member with the vehicle body-side member, and that rotates the tire/wheel assembly support member in accordance with the sliding of the tire/wheel assembly support member.
US07644934B2 Vehicle with combined roll angle control and roll rigidity front/rear allotment ratio control, and control method for the same
When the side acceleration acting upon a vehicle body is comparatively small, the roll rigidities of a front wheel suspension device and a rear wheel suspension device are mainly controlled based upon their roll angles; while, when this side acceleration is comparatively large, the roll rigidities of the front wheel suspension device and the rear wheel suspension device are mainly controlled based upon the correlation between the roll rigidity of the front wheel suspension and the roll rigidity of the rear wheel suspension device.
US07644932B2 Gap-clearing mechanism for wheelchair
A gap-clearing mechanism for attachment to a wheelchair is disclosed. The gap-clearing mechanism has a lower member for attachment to the wheelchair, and an upper member spaced from and parallel to the lower member and being moveable relative thereto. The upper member has at least one support column securely attached thereto and depending therefrom. The at least one support column is slideably mounted relative to the lower member. There is a wheel assembly at a lower end of the at least one support column. The wheel assembly is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. A wheelchair fitted with two such gap-clearing mechanisms is also disclosed.
US07644931B2 Drill chuck with adjustment-sleeve lock
A chuck has a drive shaft, a generally rotatable housing part adjacent the drive shaft, and a chuck body fixed to and rotatable with the shaft and formed with a plurality of guides holding respective jaws shiftable between closely spaced inner positions and widely spaced outer positions. An adjustment sleeve surrounding the body and coupled to the jaws can rotate relative to the body to shift the jaws between their positions. A latch has interengaging formations on the housing part and on the adjustment sleeve manually shiftable between a coupled position for rotationally locking the adjustment sleeve to the housing part and a decoupled position for rotation of the adjustment sleeve relative to the housing part. A torque coupler connected to the latch decouples the latch from the housing when, in the coupled position, a torque exerted between the housing and the chuck body exceeds a predetermined limit.
US07644930B2 Mechanism for providing residual thrust load on chuck actuating screw
A tool chuck may include an input shaft. A chuck actuating shaft may be mounted for rotation on the input shaft. A chuck actuating screw may be screw coupled to the chuck actuating shaft. A spring may be interposed between the chuck actuating shaft and the input shaft. Upon tightening the tool chuck, the spring may be compressed to provide force against the chuck actuating screw.
US07644929B2 Hand-held power tool with a replaceable tool fitting
A very easy-to-actuate, replaceable tool fitting is comprised in that at least one movably supported profiled body (15) on an output spindle (1) or on the tool fitting (11) of the hand-held power tool and at least one profiled recess (7) on the output spindle (1) or on the tool fitting (11) are shaped and situated in such a way that when the tool fitting (11) is slid onto the output spindle (1), the at least one profiled body (15) engages in detent fashion in the at least one profiled recess (7), achieving both an axial locking and a rotary driving of the tool fitting (11) in relation to the output spindle (1) and means (6, 8, 14) are provided, which, through a rotating and sliding motion of the tool fitting (11) on the output spindle (1), guide the profiled body (15) into the profiled recess (7).
US07644925B2 Method and apparatus for a trick-taking card game
A method and apparatus for playing a trick-taking card game for two or more players that includes two decks of playing cards: a numbered character card deck and a modifier card deck. Each player's goal is to play a card, or combinations of cards, that is/are higher in numerical rank value than their opponents' cards in order to win the trick in each round of play. Players can improve their chance of winning the round by playing, in their turn and in conjunction with one character card, one or more modifying cards that they possess in their hand to increase the numerical rank value of their played character card or decrease the numerical rank value of the other players' cards. Tricks are collected for points in multiple hands comprising a game. The player with the greatest number of points at the end of the game is declared the winner.
US07644919B2 Sheet processing apparatus and sheet bundle alignment method
When a new paper sheet is supplied onto a compiling tray, a sub-paddle holds down paper sheets having already been stacked on the compiling tray until a leading edge of the new paper sheet S touches the stacked paper sheets. Thereafter, the sub-paddle gets apart from the sheets stacked on the compiling tray with timing, with which the rear edge of the new paper sheet falls on the compiling tray.
US07644917B2 Apparatus for handling sheet products with grip assembly on rails
An apparatus for handling sheet-like products having: a truck glidable on rails, a supporting structure for an assembly for gripping a sheet, the supporting structure performing a translational motion on the truck through a lateral translational motion with respect to the direction of advancement of the truck, a grip assembly for a sheet, which is rotatably coupled to the supporting structure by way of rotation elements adapted to move it from a first raised grip configuration to a second substantially horizontal configuration, and a worktable arranged above the rails and provided with through openings that can be crossed downward from above by the grip assembly during the rotary motion from the first raised configuration to the second substantially horizontal configuration.
US07644908B1 Water aeration system
An aeration pool or tank has a bottom piping assembly with an inlet at the bottom thereof and an outlet remote from the tank a distance vertically below the inlet, and an air inlet piping assembly having an inlet above the water surface and an outlet within the tank adjacent to the inlet of the bottom piping assembly. Water under pressure flows from the tank by gravity through the bottom piping assembly and draws air through the air inlet piping assembly, mixing it with the exiting water and the aerated water flows into a second body of water across a paddlewheel to disburse the aerated water into the second body of water and create circulation to absorb additional oxygen at the surface of the second body of water. A water circulation piping assembly in the tank creates turbulence and circulation within in the water in the tank.
US07644907B2 Drum for a well access line
A drum assembly for accommodating a well access line. The drum of the assembly may include a core coupled to flanges at either side thereof. The core may be configured to accommodate the well access line thereabout. Additionally, the core may be configured with an inner portion for coupling to the flanges at an arcuate junction therebetween as well as a collar about the inner portion for directly accommodating the well access line in a stable manner.
US07644905B2 Spiral support, installation method of the same, and cable laying method using the spiral support
A method and apparatus including an easily installed spiral support useful laying a cable. The spiral support is composed of a counterclockwise spiral portion and a clockwise spiral portion, both of which are connected to each other with a reverse portion therebetween. The spiral support is installed on a messenger wire in such a way that the reverse portion is fitted on the messenger wire; the spiral support is rotated counterclockwise or clockwise; and these steps are repeated.
US07644899B2 Formed sheet interlocking bracket and saw horse using such bracket
A saw horse comprises a pair of frames each assembled from a plurality of wooden struts joined by metal formings of sheet stock. Fabric hinges join the frames at their upper ends. The metal formings are positioned and closed around the beams with piercings engaging the fabric hinges. Spreader struts are also hinged by a fabric strap that permits the spreader struts to lay in horizontal positions when the frames are pulled into an A-shape, and to be oriented in side-by-side vertical positions when the frames are folded together.
US07644898B2 Medical boom with articulated arms and a base with preconfigured removable modular racks used for storing electronic and utility equipment
The present invention is directed to a medical boom with articulated arms and a base cabinet designed to accommodate modular equipment and utility racks that include video processing, computer, and electronic, and other utility equipment that can be easy inserted and removed from the base cabinet is disclosed. The boom includes a stationary base that is configured to be installed into an operating room and one or more boom arms supported by the stationary base and configured to extend over an operating table in the operating room. The structural base includes one or more bays configured to receive a modular rack of electrical equipment. In various embodiments, the structural base cabinet further incorporates wiring to connect the equipment installed in the modular racks to video monitors and other equipment mounted on the articulated booms. The modular racks are preconfigured with a variety of electronic equipment such as computers, video processors and the like. The modular racks are installed in the base cabinet subsequent to the cabinet's structural installation in the operating room and may be readily removed or replaced at a later time.
US07644894B1 Cable management and tie-off apparatus
A rail rig apparatus includes a body having a middle portion, lower end and an upper end, a lower support having a lower support recess with a lower recess opening, the lower support connected to the lower end of the body, a rig fastener member having a first fastener body end connected to one side of the body, a second fastener body end connected to an opposite side of the body, and a fastener member body extending from the first fastener body end around the lower support recess to the second fastener end, an upper support having an upper support recess with an upper recess opening connected to the upper end of the body, and an upper rope guide mechanism connected to the upper support wherein the upper rope guide mechanism has a pair of opposed jaws defining a space therebetween to receive and secure a rope.
US07644893B2 Full authority fly-by-wire pedal system
A pedal system particularly tailored to a Fly-By-Wire (FBW) flight control system includes a double gradient linkage assembly. The double gradient linkage assembly includes a damper system and a spring system that improves yaw axis (azimuth) control of the aircraft. Control is only required when a change in the yaw axis state is demanded. Since only minimal displacement inputs to such a FBW flight control system is required, the travel of the pedals are exceeding compact, such that pilot workload is significantly reduced through the reduction in the frequency and magnitude of aircraft control inputs.
US07644892B1 Blended winglet
A capped winglet comprising a helical portion having a smooth vertical curvature of 180°±approximately 20° from the plane of the unbounded end of a wing, and a generally planar cap contiguous with the helical portion of the winglet at the end of its curvature away from the wing, the cap having a free inboard end and a chord tapered toward the free end.
US07644891B2 Spacecraft low tumble linear release system
Systems and methods for releasing a spacecraft payload at a substantially constant velocity are disclosed. A linear actuator is used that includes a spring loaded and fluid filled chamber. The spring drives against a piston within the chamber that includes a control orifice that restricts the fluid flowing from one side of the piston to the other and results in a substantially constant damped motion of the piston. The piston drives a rod from the chamber that is attached to a capture device that holds a flange of the spacecraft payload. The capture device moves along a linear guide toward an open end. Spring loaded latches are held in a closed position by the side walls of the guide as the capture device moves. The latches release the flange as exit the open end of the guide.
US07644885B2 Towel roll holder and dispenser
A towel roll holder and dispenser has a housing for receiving a towel roll therewithin. The housing has a pair of sidewalls, a base connected to the sidewalls for mounting the housing on a support surface, and a pair of cover members pivotable between a closed position and an open position. One of the cover members has an opening through which towels may be dispensed from the towel roll. The cover members are releasably fastened to the sidewalls of the housing.
US07644880B2 Particle-size reduction apparatus, and use thereof
A sterilisable particle-size reduction apparatus, component parts thereof and a method of sterilising and validating sterility thereof are provided. Also provided is use thereof to prepare sterile suspensions of drugs.
US07644879B2 Nozzle of gas stove
A nozzle for both types of gas stove of liquefied petroleum gas and natural gas includes a nozzle and an adjustable member. The nozzle member includes a gas channel, a receiving portion communicated with the gas channel. The adjustable member is received in the receiving portion, which has a plurality of apertures thereon. The adjustable member is moved to various positions to have the predetermined apertures communicated with the gas channel respectively to provide different gas supplies for the gas stove of liquefied petroleum gas or natural gas.
US07644878B2 Injector
An injector includes a nozzle hole, a needle, an actuator, a piston that is displaced in an axial direction according to extension or contraction of the actuator, an outer sleeve holding the piston slidably on its outer circumferential side and defining a pressure chamber expanded or shrunk according to displacement of the piston. When fuel pressure in the pressure chamber is increased upon extension of the actuator, the needle opens the nozzle hole. The injector further includes an inner sleeve slidably fitted around the needle and received in the pressure chamber, an urging device for urging the inner sleeve in the axial direction and for increasing or decreasing its urging force according to displacement of the piston, an engagement surface, and a fuel chamber. A gap between the fuel chamber and the pressure chamber is closed or opened when the inner sleeve annularly engages or disengages from the surface, respectively.
US07644876B2 Turning tool for turning a plumbing fitting
A turning tool (5′) for turning a jet regulator, a nozzle, an intermediate holder, a flow regulator, a non-return valve or a similar plumbing fitting (5) is provided. The fitting (5), on the outlet side, is detachably held on a plumbing water outlet armature (2) by a threaded connection or a bayonet connection, whereby the turning tool (5′) can be placed on the plumbing fitting (5) in a rotationally fixed manner. The turning tool is characterized in that the turning tool is also provided in the form of a plumbing fitting or as a component of a plumbing fitting, that he turning tool (5′) can be placed in a rotationally fixed manner on an outer or an inner periphery of the fitting (5) that is held on the water outlet armature, and or that he turning tool (5′) has a face profiling or contouring (24, 25) that can be placed in a rotationally fixed manner on a mating profiling or a mating contouring (25, 24) provided on the outlet face of the fitting (5) that is held in the water outlet armature (2).
US07644873B2 Fuel transfer arrangement
A fuel transfer system having a nozzle with an inlet in communication with a source of pressurized fuel in a portion of a fuel tank, and an outlet through which the fuel is discharged. A restrictor is arranged between the source of pressurized fuel and the nozzle. A first venturi receives fuel dispensed from the nozzle, and a second venturi receives fuel dispensed from the first venturi. The second venturi has an outlet in fluid communication with the portion of the fuel tank housing the source of pressurized fluid.
US07644870B2 Self-flushing sprinkler mechanism
An irrigation sprinkler is provided having a turret for the distribution of irrigation water that includes a self-flushing mechanism to prevent accumulation of debris in a sprinkler control member and/or the interior of the turret. The sprinkler includes a main flow path that delivers water to a nozzle for irrigation and a secondary flow path that delivers water to flush part of the member and/or interior of the turret. The secondary flow path delivers water when the sprinkler cycles on and when the sprinkler cycles off. For example, with a pop-up sprinkler, the secondary flow path would deliver fluid sometime during its movement to the elevated position and movement to the retracted position.
US07644868B2 User identity security system for computer-based account access
The inventions relate to security systems for securely accessing accounts and avoiding identity-theft scams. They include object-based passwords and passphrases. For example, the invention relates to method of verifying a user's identity to allow that user to gain access to an account. The method includes creating a first matrix of characters of size X; and upon logon, displaying a second matrix of characters of size Z, wherein Y characters represent a preselected password of the user and X>Z>Y. In this equation, X is greater than the number of letters, numbers and characters on a keyboard.
US07644862B2 Affiliate marketing system and method for retail stores
A affiliate marketing system and method for retail stores involves assigning a unique retail store identifier to a retail store and presenting the unique retail store identifier and a website address in conjunction with a product offered for sale in the retail store. A purchaser of the product may access the website and make a purchase. By entering the identity of the retail store, such as by entry of the unique retail store identifier or by selecting the retail store from a list, a commission for the purchase is allocated to the retail store.
US07644861B2 Systems and methods for providing access to wireless gaming devices
Systems and methods for controlling access to wireless gaming devices and networks are provided. For example, access is controlled through one or more levels of security check, such as a hard security check instead of or in addition to a soft security check. In a hard security check, the user employs an apparatus such as a card or other physical token that can be used to access the wireless gaming device. Such an apparatus may communicate information that identifies the user to the device or may simply be used to produce a signal without which the device is locked to users.
US07644856B2 Solder ball mounting method and solder ball mounting apparatus
A solder ball mounting method includes a step of providing a flux on electrodes of a substrate, a step of arranging a plurality of solder ball mounting masks in which ball feeding openings are formed in positions opposing to the electrodes and opening areas of the ball feeding openings are set to increase toward an upper layer on the substrate, a step of mounting solder balls on the electrodes by feeding the solder balls into the ball feeding openings while moving the solder ball mounting mask as an upper layer in a surface direction of the substrate, a step of removing the solder ball mounting masks from the substrate, and a step of joining the solder balls to the electrodes.
US07644855B2 Brazing filler metal, assembly method for semiconductor device using same, and semiconductor device
In conventional Sn/Sb type brazing filler metals, there are disadvantages that large grains in a β′ phase are likely to deposit and that cracks are likely to occur in the elements and the bonded portion, and that voids are formed when the above described special coating is provided on the die bonding plane of the semiconductor element. The brazing filler metal of the present invention comprises 5 to 20 weight % of Sb and 0.01 to 5 weight % of Te, with the balance being Sn and incidental impurities, or a brazing filler metal comprises 5 to 20 weight % of Sb, 0.01 to 5 weight % of Te, 0.001 to 0.5 weight % of P, with the balance being Sn and incidental impurities.