| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07660054B2 |
Thermally controlled sold immersion lens fixture
Embodiments allow for uniform die cooling or heating with a solid immersion lens equipped microscope over a larger temperature range than is currently attainable using liquid coolant. The SIL tip is insulated from the rest of the objective body to realize a controllable temperature. This thermal control may be done by convection or Joule heating. If the tip is to be cooled, cold gas may be injected through channels around the tip and fins. If the tip is to be heated, hot gas may be injected around the tip and fins 208 or an electrical heater may be thermal anchored to the tip and a current passed through it to deliver power. |
| US07660049B2 |
Optical lens system for taking image
An optical lens system for taking image comprises four lens elements with refractive power, from the object side to the image side: a first meniscus lens element with negative refractive power; a second lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side and a convex image-side surface; a third lens element with negative refractive power having a concave object-side surface and a convex image-side surface; a fourth lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a concave image-side surface; and an aperture stop located between the object and the second lens element. The above arrangements effectively reduce the volume of the optical lens system while providing a relatively high resolution. |
| US07660039B2 |
Light control devices and methods implemented with kinoform diffusers having controllable diffusion characteristics
Kinoform diffusers (82) exhibit controllable diffusion characteristics that include off-axis transmittance and reflectance properties, elimination of zero-order beam, and freedom from spectral dispersion under achromatic illumination. Light control devices (76, 80, 82) implemented with kinoform diffusers having controllable diffusion characteristics provide anisotropic luminous intensity distributions and glare control at high viewing angles while maintaining high luminaire efficiency or daylight utilization. |
| US07660038B2 |
Three-dimensional image display device, portable terminal device, display panel and fly eye lens
In a three-dimensional image display device for displaying color three-dimensional images, a fly eye lens, a display panel, and a light source are provided in this order from the observer side. A display panel has four pixels arrayed in a (2×2) matrix correlated with one lens element of the fly eye lens. In the event that j is a natural number, a pixel magnifying projection width e in a second direction is set in a range of the following expression according to mean interpupillary distance Y of the observers. e 3 ≠ Y 2 × j |
| US07660036B2 |
Method for particle analysis and particle analysis system
A particle analysis system has an optical imaging device, e.g., a reflecting light stereomicroscope, that images a particle accumulation onto a substantially planar substrate. An illuminating device that includes a ring light on a lens barrel of the stereomicroscope illuminates at least part of the particle accumulation. The system includes a polarization device with an optical polarizer and an optical analyzer, and a positioning device displacing an illuminated measurement area of the particle accumulation grid by grid. An evaluating device with an electrical adjusting device obtains and evaluates imaging data on each measurement area. The optical polarizer and the optical analyzer are adjustable using the electrical adjusting device relative to each other in two polarizer positions. The imaging device generates imaging data of the particle accumulation with the polarizer positions in a software-controlled manner on each measurement area. |
| US07660035B2 |
Scanning microscope
A scanning microscope includes at least one light source, an acousto-optical element, a beam deflection device and a beam guiding device. The at least one light source generates an illuminating light beam. The acousto-optical element spatially splits a sub-light beam from the illuminating light beam and adjusts an optical power of the illuminating light beam. The beam deflection device scans the illuminating light beam over or through a sample. The beam guiding device directs the sub-light beam onto the sample. |
| US07660034B2 |
Multi-fibre arrangement for high power fibre lasers and amplifiers
An optical fiber arrangement has at least two optical fiber sections, each optical fiber section defining an outside longitudinally extending surface. The outside longitudinally extending surfaces are in optical contact with each other. The invention further provides for an amplifying optical device have an optical fiber arrangement as just described, and a pump source. The amplifying optical device is configured such that the pump source illuminates the amplifying optical fiber. A amplifying arrangement is also disclosed. The amplifying arrangement includes a plurality of amplifying optical devices as just described, and each amplifier also has at least one input fiber and a first multiplexer connected to the input fiber. Each amplifier is configured such that at least one of the amplifying optical fibers is connected to the first multiplexer. The amplifying arrangement also has a second multiplexer connected to each of the first multiplexers. |
| US07660032B2 |
Electrophoretic apparatus and electronic equipment
A mixture of a first material having high chemical affinity for the electrophoretic particles 6a and a second material having low chemical affinity therefor is used as a binder for fixing microcapsules 5 between a first electrode 3 and a second electrode 4. |
| US07660031B2 |
Device and method for modifying actuation voltage thresholds of a deformable membrane in an interferometric modulator
By varying the spacing between a partially-reflective, partially-transmissive surface and a highly reflective surface positioned behind the partially-reflective, partially-transmissive surface, an interferometric modulator selectively creates constructive and/or destructive interference between light waves reflecting off the two surfaces. The spacing can be varied by applying a voltage to create electrostatic attraction between the two surfaces, which causes one or both surfaces to deform and move closer together. In the absence of such attraction, the surfaces are in a relaxed position, where they are farther apart from one another. A actuation voltage is needed to create sufficient electrostatic attraction to cause a surface to deform. The actuation voltage can be modified by implanting ions in a dielectric layer attached to one or both surfaces. Upon the application of a voltage, the ions create a baseline level of repulsion or attraction between the two surfaces, which thus require more or less voltage, respectively, to cause a surface to deform. The degree of ion implantation can be chosen to set the actuation voltage as desired, or the surfaces can be made to deform at a given voltage by appropriately selecting the degree of ion implantation. |
| US07660024B2 |
3-D HLCD system and method of making
An autostereoscopic three-dimensional liquid crystal display system and a method of making the system. The system includes a collimated backlight, a first light diffracting hologram, a second right-left interlacing hologram and a liquid crystal display. If the backlight is not collimated, a micro-collimator array is used to collimate the backlight prior to passing into the first hologram. The second right-left interlacing hologram is formed through a two step process. The process comprises positioning a photolithographic mask and a view region mask in a first position, recording the first holographic recording in the first position, shifting the photolithographic mask and the view region mask to a second position and recording the second holographic recording in the second position. |
| US07660023B2 |
Facsimile apparatus
A facsimile apparatus has a line I/F section that transmits and receives a signal through a network to which an exchange is connected, a modem signal detection section that detects a modem signal transmitted through the network, a ring signal detection section that detects a ring signal transmitted through the network from the exchange, a switch section that switches a signal detection mode of the line I/F section between a ring signal detection mode in which the ring signal detection section detects the ring signal and a modem signal detection mode in which the modem signal detection section detects the modem signal, and an operating state determination section that determines an operating state of the facsimile apparatus, wherein if the operating state determination section determines that the facsimile apparatus is in a standby mode, the switch section switches the signal detection mode into the ring signal detection mode. |
| US07660022B2 |
Electro-optical device, image printing apparatus, and method of manufacturing electro-optical device
An electro-optical device includes an electro-optical panel which has a plurality of electro-optical elements whose light-emitting characteristics or transmissive characteristics are changed by electrical energy applied; and a converging lens array which has a plurality of distributed index lenses, each transmitting light traveling from the electro-optical panel to form an erect image with respect to an image on the electro-optical panel, the images formed by the plurality of distributed index lenses constituting a continuous image. The electro-optical panel is directly bonded to the converging lens array. |
| US07660018B2 |
Image reading device and noise detecting method
An image reading device compares pixel values of an image data, which is output when a document is not at a reading position, with a threshold and generates a first dust detection data; compares a image data, which is output while the document is passing the reading position, with a threshold and generates a second dust detection data; when dust is indicated as being present at a matching position in a main scanning direction in both the first dust detection data and the second dust detection data, generates a third dust detection data; and judges that noise is present when the third dust detection data indicates that dust is continuously present for at least a prescribed length in a sub scanning line direction. |
| US07660012B2 |
Gradation image forming apparatus and gradation image forming method
A gradation image forming apparatus comprises a gradation data generation section. The gradation data generation section generates gradation data in each pixel of a gradation image based on at least one table of a reference color number corresponding to a pixel value of a reference color which is a start color of the gradation image, at least one table of a difference number corresponding to a difference in pixel values between adjacent pixels in the gradation image, and a pixel value of each pixel of the gradation image. |
| US07660009B2 |
Communication apparatus, transmission program, computer readable medium storing a transmission program, transmission method and communication system for reliably transmitting image data
A communication apparatus includes receiving means for receiving image data and accompanying communication information, primary storage means for temporarily storing them, secondary storage means having a greater storage capacity than the primary storage means, forwarding means for converting the image data to a standard format and forwarding it with the communication information, network communication means for transmitting the standard format image data with the communication information to the server apparatus. The communication apparatus further includes retransmitting means operable in case of a failure of transmission. The retransmission means saves the image data and communication information stored in the primary storage means in the secondary storage means, deletes the image data from the primary storage means, converts the saved image data into a standard format, retransmits the standard format image data to the server apparatus with the communication information and repeats retransmission in case of a failure of the preceding retransmission. |
| US07660008B2 |
Access to printing material container
The present invention provides a storage device that enables identification data to be readily rewritten and ensures normal completion of a data writing operation in a short time period. In the storage device of the invention, an ID comparator determines whether or not identification data transmitted from a host computer coincides with identification data stored in a memory array. In the case of coincidence, the ID comparator sends an access enable signal EN to an operation code decoder. The operation code decoder analyzes a write/read command, switches over a direction of data transfer with regard to the memory array based on a result of the analysis, and requires an I/O controller to change a high impedance setting of a signal line connecting with a data terminal DT. This series of processing allows access to an address in the memory array specified by a count on an address counter. |
| US07660006B2 |
System and method for generating shipping labels
A system and method for generating a carrier-compliant shipping label for a supplier to transport a product to a consumer includes determine a shipping rate for a shipping method of a carrier to transport the product to the consumer and determining a time period for transporting the product. The consumer may select the carrier based upon the shipping rate and the time period. Some embodiments generate a carrier-compliant shipping label for the product and deliver the carrier-compliant shipping label to the supplier to transport the product from the supplier to the consumer. In such embodiments, determining a shipping rate may include retrieving the weight and location of the product from the data received from the supplier to determine the rates of a carrier from a rate table or via a carrier interface. |
| US07660005B2 |
Method of transmitting changed printer information in real time and network printer using the same
A method of transmitting printer information which can inform a host of changed printer information in real time whenever printer information changes and a network printer using the method. The method includes determining whether or not the printer information has changed and transmitting the changed printer information in real time to a communications network or a predetermined program which communicates with the network printer. The network printer includes a printer information change determination circuit which determines changes in printer information, and a changed information notification module which transmits in real time the changed printer information to a communications network or a predetermined program which communicates with the network printer. The changed information notification module transmits the printer information to the communications network or the predetermined program when the network printer is turned on. |
| US07660004B2 |
System and method for detecting accidental output to a device
A system and method for detecting accidental data output to remote devices. In one set of embodiments a method for outputting information is provided, the method including accessing information associated with an application accessible from a first location and requesting output of the information to an electronic device. The method further includes determining a location of the electronic device, determining if the first location is remote to the location of the electronic device, and if the first location is remote to the location of the electronic device, preventing output of the information to the electronic device. |
| US07660002B2 |
Image forming system, method of displaying various kinds of information of image forming apparatus, and program for displaying various kinds of information of image forming apparatus
There is provided an image forming system in which each user can arbitrarily change an information display page for referring to various kinds of information of an image forming apparatus by a user's terminal unit connected to a network. An image forming apparatus 10, in which various kinds of information relating to the operation of an image forming apparatus can be referred to and set by a terminal unit 410 connected to the image forming apparatus through a network 300, is constructed in such a way that an information display page (my page) 230 specific to a user, in which each information item selected by the user is displayed at each specified position, is displayed as an information display page 210 expressing various kinds of information on the screen of the terminal unit. |
| US07660001B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method capable of reading image data from document bundle including document with tab
An image forming apparatus includes: a document conveyance section for conveying a document of a document bundle to a document reading position; a reading section for reading the document in the document bundle to obtain image of the document; a designation section for designating to read a first document of the document bundle as a document with a tab; and a reading control section for controlling the reading section to read image for a whole document area of the first document including a tab potion, when designated by the designation section. |
| US07659999B2 |
UIdesign: N-up calculator user interface
A N-up calculator graphical user interface (GUI) is provided for performing N-Up printing. The graphical user interface includes configurable objects for specifying: 1) the size of the page, 2) the dimensions of the image, and 3) the number of images to be printed on each page (N-up). The controls on the GUI can include page size, reduction/enlargement percentage, final image size−height/width, Number up, and other related controls. The manipulation of any one of the controls may affect the others according to a set of rules. These rules determine which objects are held constant and for which values are automatically calculated, and the object automatically configured. The rule-set can be manipulated by selecting from a list of modes or options such as “Conserve Paper,” “Fit as Many Images as Possible” or “Maximize Image size” or by locking certain controls and freeing others. |
| US07659993B2 |
Method and device for wave-front sensing
A method for sensing a wave-front of specimen light scattered from an illuminated area in a specimen (10) includes the steps of focusing illumination light into the specimen (10), directing specimen light scattered in the specimen (10) to a detector device (50) having a plurality of detector elements (51) and being capable to sense light with local resolution, detecting sample light contained in the specimen light with the detector device (50), said sample light being scattered in a predetermined sample plane (11) of the specimen (10) and being selected by a time-based gating of the specimen light, locally resolved measuring phase information of the sample light, and reconstructing the wave-front of the sample light on the basis of the phase information. Furthermore, a method of microscopic imaging with adapted illumination light is described. |
| US07659992B2 |
Scale reading apparatus
Apparatus for measuring displacement between two members. A scale is provided on one member and has an incremental pattern with at least one reference mark embedded in it. A read head is provided on the other member and comprises a periodic diffraction means for interacting with a light pattern modulated by the incremental pattern on the scale to produce interference fringes having movement relative to said readhead responsive to said displacement, first detecting means for detecting the movement of the interference fringes, imaging means for imaging the reference mark and second detecting means for detecting the image of the reference mark. |
| US07659989B2 |
Focus determination for laser-mask imaging systems
A system and method for calibrating the focal position of the imaging plane of a sequential lateral solidification (SLS) system. A test pattern is formed on a test substrate while varying the z-position of the focal position. Information concerning the z-position of the focal position is stored by a data processing system for various positions in the test pattern. An inspection light beam is directed onto the test pattern at a predetermined angle. The reflection of the inspection light beam is detected by an optical detector. The data processing system analyzes the reflection and determines whether the reflected light is substantially specular or substantially scattered. The data processing system uses the analysis of the reflected light and the information concerning the z-position of the focal position to select an optimal focal position for calibrating the SLS system. |
| US07659987B2 |
Device and method for acquiring information on objective substance to be detected by detecting a change of wavelength characteristics on the optical transmittance
An information-acquiring device for acquiring information on an objective substance to be detected, which is provided with a sensing element that has a surface capable of fixing the objective substance to be detected thereon, and makes applied light change its wavelength characteristics in response to the fixed state of the objective substance to be detected onto the surface, a light source, and light-receiving means for receiving light emitted from the light source through the sensing element, has the light-receiving means and the light source arranged on the same substrate so that the light which has been emitted from the light source and has been transmitted through the sensing element can be led to the light-receiving means, and has means for varying the wavelength regions of each light incident on each of a plurality of the light-receiving means installed in an optical path from the light source to the light-receiving means. |
| US07659986B2 |
Smoke sensor and electronic equipment
In a smoke sensor, a first light-receiving element which receives light from a light-emitting element and is disposed in a position where the quantity of received light changes according to a density of smoke and a second light-receiving element which monitors the quantity of light of the light-emitting element are arranged symmetrically with respect to the light-emitting element. Furthermore, a signal from the first light-receiving element and a signal from the second light-receiving element are amplified by an identical amplifier circuit. In a microcomputer, the density of smoke is computed based on a difference between an output obtained by amplifying an output of the first light-receiving element with the amplifier circuit and an output obtained by amplifying an output of the second light-receiving element with the amplifier circuit. |
| US07659981B2 |
Apparatus and method for probing integrated circuits using polarization difference probing
A system for probing a DUT is disclosed, the system having a pulsed laser source, a CW laser source, beam optics designed to point a reference beam and a probing beam at the same location on the DUT, optical detectors for detecting the reflected reference and probing beams, and a collection electronics. The beam optics is a common-path polarization differential probing (PDP) optics. The common-path PDP optics divides the incident laser beam into two beams of orthogonal polarization—one beam simulating a reference beam while the other simulating a probing beam. Both reference and probing beams are pointed to the same location on the DUT. Due to the intrinsic asymmetry of a CMOS transistor, the interaction of the reference and probing beams with the DUT result in different phase modulation in each beam. This difference can be investigated to study the response of the DUT to the stimulus signal. |
| US07659979B2 |
Optical inspection apparatus and method
Performing modulation spectroscopy by directing a probe beam and a pump beam at a strained semiconductor sample, modulating the pump beam, and reflecting the probe beam into a detector. The detector produces a direct current signal proportional to reflectance R of the probe beam and an alternating current signal proportional to the modulation of the reflectance ΔR of the probe beam. Both R and ΔR are measured at a multiplicity of probe beam photon energies, to provide a spectrum having at least one line shape. The spectrum is analyzed to measure energy differences between interband electronic transitions of the sample, and the strain of the sample is determined from the energy differences. |
| US07659977B2 |
Apparatus and method for imaging with surface enhanced coherent anti-stokes raman scattering (SECARS)
The embodiments of the invention are directed to improved SERS and SECARS devices and method of manufacturing and using the same. In one embodiment of the invention, a device having at least one laser, a sample stage and a detector, wherein the sample stage is moveable and has as SERS active material is disclosed. In another embodiment of the invention, the device has at least one laser, a scanning mirror, a sample stage having a SERS active material and a detector, wherein the scanning mirror is adapted to steer a laser beam across a surface of the sample stage. |
| US07659960B2 |
Liquid crystal display device with spherical spacers in contact holes
An LCD (liquid-crystal display) device comprising: first and second substrates; a liquid-crystal layer formed of a liquid crystal material and sandwiched as held between the substrates; spherical spacers arranged between the substrates; and recesses on surfaces contacting the liquid-crystal layer, of the substrates; and each of the spherical spacers being placed in respective one of the recesses. A manufacturing method of the LCD device comprising: forming recesses distributed on a main face of either of the first and second substrates; and preparing a plurality of spherical spacers on said recesses. |
| US07659959B2 |
Array substrate for in-plane switching liquid crystal display device having improved brightness and manufacturing method of the same
An array substrate for an in-plane switching liquid crystal display device includes a substrate, a gate line and a data line on the substrate and crossing each other to define a pixel region, a thin film transistor adjacent to a crossing of the gate line and the data line, a common electrode and a pixel electrode in the pixel region and spaced apart from each other, and a conductive pattern between the common and pixel electrodes. |
| US07659952B2 |
Color-filter substrate, method and apparatus for manufacturing color-filter substrate, and liquid crystal display and method for manufacturing liquid crystal display
To make it difficult to view streak unevenness in alignment generated at the boundary of alignment layers even when an alignment-layer material is applied onto a color-filter substrate several times to form an alignment layer. When an alignment-layer material is applied onto a color-filter substrate 1 having color filters (R, G, and B) on the surface with a droplet discharge head 3 to form an alignment-layer train 4a, the lateral front end L1 of the train 4a is formed on the color filter (B) displaying blue. When the alignment-layer material is then applied to the following alignment-layer application train to form an alignment-layer train 4b, the lateral rear end L2 of the train 4b is overlapped with the lateral front end L1 of the preceding alignment-layer train 4a to form an overlapped portion 4c. Since the overlapped portion 4c is formed on the color filter (B) displaying blue which has the lowest visibility of the three primary colors of light, streak unevenness in alignment generated at the boundary is difficult to view from the exterior. |
| US07659944B2 |
Digital video signal processing apparatus and method for field-based adaptive spatio-temporal Y/C separation
A digital video signal processing apparatus and method for field-based adaptive Y/C separation includes an adaptive 3D BPF performing Y/C separation according to local comb filtering/1D band pass filtering when the edge direction is fixed vertically/horizontally in response to spatio-temporal local characteristics of an image using spatio-temporal filters. When the edge direction is not fixed horizontally or vertically, the 3D BPF performs 2D/3D band pass filtering in all directions. The 3D BPF adaptively and continuously carries out comb filtering, 1D band pass filtering and 2D/3D band pass filtering in response to the spatio-temporal local characteristics of the image. |
| US07659943B2 |
Information-processing apparatus and removable substrate used therein
An information-processing apparatus is provided. For example, an information-processing apparatus has a noise-reduction-processing unit configured to reduce noise included in a received informational signal, an adjustment unit configured to allow a user to adjust a value of a noise reduction level in the noise-reduction-processing unit, a noise-amount-detecting unit configured to detect an amount of the noise contained in the received informational signal, and a storage control unit configured to control at least any one of an amount of noise that is detected by the noise-amount-detecting unit and paired data relative to data on a value of the noise reduction level that is adjusted by the adjustment unit and data on an amount of noise that is detected by the noise-amount-detecting unit at the adjustment by the adjustment unit. |
| US07659930B2 |
Edge enhancement method and apparatus for Bayer images, and color image acquisition system
An edge enhancement method and apparatus for Bayer images are provided. The apparatus stores the raw Bayer image data into a line buffer. After having directly read the raw Bayer image data from the buffer, the apparatus computes luminance characteristic values, analyzes the edge characteristic and then outputs the edge characteristic values. According to the edge characteristic values, the edges in the raw Bayer image data are enhanced. The apparatus simplifies the processing complexity of the rear-stage circuit by directly enhancing the edges in the Bayer image, and is easily combined with the post image processing mechanism. Conventionally, the raw Bayer image is converted to the RGB image or the YUV image and then the edge enhancement operation is performed. The invention reduces the computing volume and memory size. Also, performing the edge enhancement operation in advance helps to identify the interpolation direction and ease the annoying noise. |
| US07659929B2 |
Solid-state image sensor and method of manufacturing thereof
A solid-state image sensor having unit pixel cells arranged in a matrix form, each unit pixel cell having a photoelectric conversion element formed on a semiconductor substrate, a color filter formed on the photoelectric conversion element and a micro-lens formed on the color filter, where a thickness of the color filter is greater in the center than in the periphery. Further, the color filters adjoin in vertical and horizontal directions in the arrangement of the unit pixel cells. A cross-sectional shape of the color filter is, for example, triangular, trapezoidal, convex, lens-shaped or semielliptic. |
| US07659927B2 |
Digital video camera and mode changing method
According to an embodiment of the invention, in a digital video camera using a non-tape recording medium, the user can select whether to save a moving image file in a divided form or as one file, when recording a moving image, by changing the function of a REC button. When one moving image file has been saved in a divided form, a moving image file to be reproduced is easily searched, and a moving image is quickly played from an object chapter, or from a divided sub-file. |
| US07659926B2 |
Imaging apparatus and imaging method
In an imaging apparatus capable of continuous shooting, the continuously shot image data are sequentially recorded, and some image data selected from the recoded image data are displayed on a display portion. At this selection, data associated with the shooting period of the image data is divided into approximately equal time intervals, and image data corresponding to shooting time positions of the approximately equally divided time intervals are selected. |
| US07659918B2 |
Apparatus and methods for adjusting the rotational frequency of a scanning device
The present invention provides methods and apparatus for adjusting the resonant frequency, scan velocity or other parameters of a pivotally functional surface such as an oscillating mirror used as the scanning engine of a laser printer or projection display. The selected parameter is adjusted by the application of tensional or compression stress to the torsional hinges of the mirror. According to one embodiment, the appropriate stress is generated by a slice of piezoelectric material bonded to the mirror device itself or to other portions of the support structure of the scanning engine. |
| US07659913B2 |
Method and apparatus for video editing with a minimal input device
A system and method for displaying information about video/audio clips that are being edited. When two different clips are being matched, or when one clip is being used to replace another clip, the first clip is shown on a first timeline in a normal form. The other clip is arranged in a separate timeline to overlap with the first clip. The user is provided with the ability to easily move both clips with an input device. For individual frames that overlap, one frame is at least partially transparent so that user can see both frames at the same time. |
| US07659912B2 |
Insertion support system for producing imaginary endoscopic image and supporting insertion of bronchoscope
In an insertion support system according to the present invention, on the basis of the rotation angle data of the VBS images stored in the memory, an image processing unit rotates and corrects the VBS image and the thumbnail VBS images to generate the insertion support screen. |
| US07659907B1 |
System and method for providing dynamic control of a graphics session
A visual server system (10) includes a visual server (12) that provides graphics images through execution of a graphics application (20). The graphics images are compressed by a compression unit (63) according to compression modules (28). The server can detect an event associated with any of the graphics images. Upon detecting the event, the server generates a message that controls the compression unit (63) and the compression modules (28) in compressing the graphics images. Compression of the graphics images is adjusted according to the message generated by the server (12). The message is also provided to the appropriate decompression unit (72) and decompression modules (42) in order to control decompression of the graphics images. In this manner, dynamic control of compression and decompression of an image stream are achieved. |
| US07659906B2 |
Airborne real time image exploitation system (ARIES)
An apparatus includes an image buffer, a graphics buffer, a memory, a router, and a sensor interface. The apparatus further includes a memory controller for controlling transfer of image data from the image buffer to the memory via the router and for controlling transfer of graphics data from the memory to the graphics buffer via the router. The apparatus also includes an image controller simultaneously operable with the memory controller for controlling transfer of the image data from the sensor interface to the image buffer. Optionally, the sensor interface comprises a receiver and a transmitter. Optionally, the apparatus further includes a header buffer, and a header controller simultaneously operable with the memory controller for controlling transfer of header data from the sensor interface to the header buffer. The apparatus optionally further includes a sensor for communicating with the header controller via the sensor interface. |
| US07659903B2 |
Aircraft flat panel display system
An aircraft cockpit flight deck data display system for displaying, on a viewable display screen, typically anti-aliased graphical imaging data derived from aircraft sensors, generates or receives graphics processing language (GPL) commands that define the information intended for presentation on the display screen. The GPL commands are input to a video graphics processor that is operable to interpret the received GPL commands and to generate therefrom video imaging data transferable to the display screen to populate the screen with the intended information. The same GPL commands are also input to a comparator processor that is operable to interpret the received GPL commands and to generate therefrom selected “points of light”, comprising a limited subset of the video imaging data generated by the video graphics processor. The comparator processor-generated “points of light” are then compared to the respective corresponding video imaging data points generated by the video graphics processor to thereby validate the proper operation of the video graphics processor and the accuracy of the video imaging data generated by the video graphics processor. |
| US07659902B2 |
API communications for vertex and pixel shaders
A three-dimensional API for communicating with hardware implementations of vertex shaders and pixel shaders having local registers. With respect to vertex shaders, API communications are provided that may make use of an on-chip register index and API communications are also provided for a specialized function, implemented on-chip at a register level, that outputs the fractional portion(s) of input(s). With respect to pixel shaders, API communications are provided for a specialized function, implemented on-chip at a register level, that performs a linear interpolation function and API communications are provided for specialized modifiers, also implemented on-chip at a register level, that perform modification functions including negating, complementing, remapping, stick biasing, scaling and saturating. Advantageously, these API communications expose these very useful on-chip graphical algorithmic elements to a developer while hiding the details of the operation of the vertex shader and pixel shader chips from the developer. |
| US07659899B2 |
System and method to manage data processing stages of a logical graphics pipeline
A system and method to manage data processing stages of a logical graphics pipeline comprises a number of execution blocks coupled together and to a global spreader that assigns graphics data entities for execution to the execution blocks. Each execution block has an entity descriptor table containing information about an assigned graphics data entity corresponding to allocation of the entity and a current processing stage associated with the entity. Each execution block includes a stage parser configured to establish pointers for the assigned graphics data entity to be processed on a next processing stage. A numerical processing unit is included and configured to execute floating point and integer instructions in association with the assigned graphics data entity. The execution blocks include a data move unit for data loads and moves within the execution block, with the global spreader, and with other execution blocks of the plurality of execution blocks. |
| US07659897B1 |
System, method, and computer program product for video benchmarking
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for determining a performance associated with a graphics processor. In use, at least one aspect of a usage of a graphics processor is identified. Further, a performance of a video output of the graphics processor is determined, based on the identified aspect. |
| US07659896B2 |
Method and apparatus for chaining two or more tweens to provide non-linear multimedia effects
An improved method for generating non-linear multimedia effects by employing two or more tweens. Specifically, a second tween mapping is chained to a first tween mapping. A first time signal is received. The first tween is employed to map the first time signal into a second time signal. The second tween mapping is employed to map the second time signal into an output that varies in a non-linear fashion with respect to the first time signal. |
| US07659895B2 |
Multidimensional visualization method
Multi-dimensional objects or data may be represented in two dimensions, thereby facilitating understanding of the information or data. This reduction in the number of dimensions is accomplished by constructing unit vectors corresponding to the dimensions, in which the unit vectors share a common plane. Information objects or multi-dimensional data are plotted and represented as small features such as points on a display tied to a processor or computer. A user may gain insight into how the information is structured by performing certain transformations on it, such as scaling one (or more) unit vectors or rotating one or more unit vectors, followed by replotting the points. |
| US07659891B2 |
Associating electronic documents, and apparatus, methods and software relating to such activities
A method of associating a first electronic document with a second electronic document comprising having a first physical paper identifier (130) having pen-readable coding (12) which codes for an identifier for the first electronic document, and reading the coding of the first electronic document with a pen (20) to acquire information enabling the identity of the first electronic document to be established, and communicating that identity to a computer processor (107), and using the processor (107) to associate the identified first electronic document with the second electronic document. |
| US07659890B2 |
Automatic height adjustment for electronic highlighter pens and mousing devices
Methods and systems provide for automatic adjustment of electronic highlighter cursor height in response to a determined height of images or typed or handwritten text to be highlighted. The highlighter thickness or cursor height of an electronic highlighter, such as an electronic pen or mousing device, automatically adjusts based on the text or images the user is highlighting. When the user focuses the electronic highlighter on text or images to be highlighted, the height of the text or images is determined, and the height or thickness of the highlighter cursor is automatically adjusted. |
| US07659877B2 |
Shift register and display device using the same
A shift register includes control circuits CNi (i=1 through n) corresponding to respective blocks, and a level shifter LSi+1 of the next stage is controlled by one of the outputs of the shift register and one of the outputs of flip-flops Fi. With this, a level shifter of the present stage operates only for a period minimum for outputting the shift output from the present block, so that the power consumption is reduced, Furthermore, it is possible to cause the outputs SL1 through SLn not to overlap each other. |
| US07659874B2 |
Driving device for liquid crystal panel and image display apparatus
A driving device for a liquid crystal panel having a signal generating circuit; a reference signal generating circuit; a phase comparator that compares phases of an inputted monitor signal and the reference signal and outputs phase comparison information; and an adder. The adder outputting an integrated count value for adjusting timing for generating the start signal on the basis of an initial count value set in advance and the phase comparison information from the phase comparator. The signal generating circuit generates plural timing signals including the start signal with the horizontal synchronizing signal as a trigger and with timing based on the integrated count value as a start point and supplies the timing signals to the liquid crystal panel. |
| US07659868B2 |
Head-up display apparatus and cover-mirror unit used for the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a head-up display apparatus and a cover-mirror unit used for the same.A movable member 3′ of the cover-mirror unit stands up along a flat inner wall 1a1 of a housing 1a when the head-up display apparatus is in use, and lie down to cover an opening of the housing 1a when the head-up display apparatus is not in use for carrying out an up/down operation. In particular, through the down operation, by a link mechanism, a bottom end of the movable member is gradually moved upward by following the inner wall 1a1 of the housing 1a. Therefore, though the movable member 3′ stands up along the inner wall 1a1 of the housing 1a when the head-up display apparatus is in use, the movable member 3′ never interferes with the inner wall 1a1 through the up/down operation. |
| US07659866B1 |
Multiple frequency band antenna
A multiple frequency band antenna includes a common connecting element, a first radiating element, a second radiating element, a common feeding point and a common ground terminal. The common connecting element includes a connecting part and a turning part, which are arranged in different planes. The first radiating element is connected with the connecting part of the common connecting element. The second radiating element is connected with the turning part of the common connecting element. The second radiating element has a longer path length compared with the first radiating element. A combination of the common connecting element and the first radiating element is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in a first frequency band. A combination of the common connecting element and the second radiating element is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in a second frequency band. |
| US07659863B2 |
Tag antenna
A dipole part of a length shorter than half of an antenna resonance wavelength is placed so as to be rolled and enables a feeding part 11 to feed a chip. An inductance part 12 for adjusting the inductance of the antenna is provided so as to sandwich the feeding part 11. The inductance 12 is provided using an empty space of the inside of the rolled dipole part. By providing the inductance part 12, the inductance of the antenna can be adjusted so as to resonate at a predetermined frequency with the capacitance of the chip connected to the feeding part 11. At this time, although the radiation resistance of the antenna becomes extremely large according to calculations, it is actually almost the same as the resistance of the chip due to loss, and the power received by the antenna can be provided to the chip. |
| US07659861B2 |
Dual frequency feed assembly
The invention discloses a dual frequency feed assembly for receiving signals of both a first band and a second band lower than the first band, or transmitting signals of one of the first band and the second band while receiving signals of the other band. The dual frequency feed assembly includes an orthogonal-mode transducer, which includes: a core unit having an inner waveguide, an outer waveguide with a diameter larger than that of the inner waveguide and the two waveguides being concentric, a first band output/input port connected to the inner waveguide, and a second band output/input port; and two or four detachable branch waveguides connected to the core unit. An O-ring is provided at each connection between the core unit and the branch waveguides. The dual frequency feed assembly further comprises a first band polarizer made of a metal septum and/or a second band polarizer made of dielectric slabs, when receiving circularly polarized signals. Both of them can be provided in the inner waveguide or the outer waveguide, respectively, which makes the feed assembly design more compact and suitable for mass production. |
| US07659860B2 |
Triple polarized slot antenna
The present invention relates to an antenna arrangement comprising a dielectric medium (2) with a first side (3) and a second side (4), with a feeding arrangement (6; 6′) on the first side and at least one slot (5; 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73) in a ground plane on the second side, where the feeding arrangement comprises at least a first (13; 13′; 37; 37′), a second (14; 14′; 38; 38′), a third (15; 15′; 41; 41′) and a fourth (16; 16′, 42; 42′) feeding conductor, each intersecting the gap of the slot (5; 62, 63, 64, 65; 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73), where each intersection constitute a feeding point (17, 18, 19, 20; 39, 40, 43, 44, 50, 51, 52, 53) for the antenna arrangement (1; 1′; 1″; 1′″). In a first mode of operation, a first constant E-field (26) that is directed across the slot is obtained. In a second mode of operation, a second E-field (28) which is directed across the slot, having a sinusoidal variation is obtained. In a third mode of operation, a third E-field (30) which is directed across the slot, having a sinusoidal variation, is obtained. |
| US07659859B2 |
Antenna element, feed probe; dielectric spacer, antenna and method of communicating with a plurality of devices
A multiband base station antenna for communicating with a plurality of terrestrial mobile devices is described. The antenna including one or modules, each module including a low frequency ring element; and a high frequency dipole element superposed with the low frequency ring element. The element includes a ground plane; and a feed probe directed away from the ground plane and having a coupling part positioned proximate to the ring to enable the feed probe to electromagnetically couple with the ring. A dielectric clip provides a spacer between the feed probe and the ring, and also connects the ring to the ground plane. An antenna element is also described including a ring, and one or more feed probes extending from the ring, wherein the ring and feed probe(s) are formed from a unitary piece. |
| US07659858B2 |
Antenna and electronic device
An electronic device which includes a radio wave impermeably cylindrical case, a radio wave permeable cover covering an opening in one end of the case, a radio wave impermeable cover covering an opening in the other end of the case, and a circuit board and an antenna, both arranged between the two covers in the inner space. The antenna is connected to the board and includes an elongated core and a coil wound around an intermediate portion of the core. Magnetic flux introducing portions are provided on both end portions of the core, a radio wave permeable partition plate is arranged between the permeable cover and the antenna in the inner space, and a pair of flat and magnetic members are arranged between the partition plate and the antenna in the inner space and are magnetically connected to the flux introducing portions. |
| US07659854B2 |
Antennas for card devices
In a card device having a circuit substrate housed in a card casing and an antenna disposed rotatably on the exterior of the card casing, an antenna rotary shaft composed of a conductive material is provided at the base end of the antenna. The antenna rotary shaft extends from the exterior to the interior of the card casing along a substrate surface of the circuit substrate via a through hole of the card casing in such a manner that the antenna rotary shaft is supported rotatably by the card casing while being elevated from the circuit substrate. A section of the circuit substrate that is opposed to the antenna rotary shaft has a feeding terminal fixed thereto. The feeding terminal has a pair of antenna-rotary-shaft elastically-pressing portions that sandwich and electrically contact the antenna rotary shaft from opposite sides with elastic forces in a surface-contact fashion. |
| US07659853B2 |
Miniaturized multi-band antenna
A multi-band antenna includes a bent flat copper antenna forming a radiation surface to provide GSM-850/900/1800/1900 or GPS multi-band applications, and an auxiliary antenna coupled to the radiation surface provide WCDMA-2100/UMTS-2100 multi-band applications. The radiation surface and the auxiliary antenna are coupled to generate the required bandwidth for multiple radiation bands and to optimize the gain of radiation, so that the multi-band antenna can provide a broad range of services. |
| US07659847B2 |
Radar mining guidance control system
A coal-mining machine uses a ground-penetrating radar based on a software-definable transmitter for launching pairs of widely separated and coherent continuous waves. Each pair is separated by a constant or variable different amount double-sideband suppressed carrier modulation such as 10 MHz, 20 MHz, and 30 MHz. Processing suppresses the larger first interface reflection and emphasizes the smaller second, third, etc. reflections. Processing determines the electrical parameter of the natural medium adjacent to the antenna. Deep reflections at 90-degrees and 270-degrees create maximum reflection and will be illuminated with modulation signal peaks. Quadrature detection, mixing, and down-conversion result in 0-degree and 180-degree reflections effectively dropping out in demodulation. |
| US07659843B2 |
Digitizing an analog signal, and reconstituting an analog signal from a digitized version of the analog signal
An embodiment of an audio-signal digitizer includes a modulator and a converter. The modulator is operable to receive an analog audio signal, and is operable to angle modulate a carrier signal with the analog audio signal to generate a modulated analog signal having an average amplitude. The converter is operable to convert the modulated analog signal into a digital signal having a first level in response to the modulated signal having an amplitude larger than approximately the average amplitude and having a second level in response to the modulated signal having an amplitude smaller than approximately the average amplitude. Because such a digitizer uses angle modulation to digitize an analog audio signal, the resulting digital audio signal may retain higher frequencies of the analog audio signal than a digital audio signal obtained by amplitude sampling would retain. And the retaining of higher frequencies may introduce less distortion into the reconstituted audio and acoustic signals. |
| US07659836B2 |
Device for communicating with a voice-disabled person
The present invention provides a device for communicating with a voice-disabled person. The device includes, generally, a housing, a plurality of means for receiving physical input, each physical input receiving means generating a specified response signal upon being physically manipulated, a display means, and means for receiving the response signals and converting the response signals into a corresponding visual representation on the display means. |
| US07659834B2 |
Direct wireless polling of model trains
A method and apparatus for designating a particular model vehicle for a command function without punching in the ID of the model vehicle. A remote control device is positioned near one of the model vehicles. A limited field transmission occurs between the model vehicle and the remote control device. The device may be a train engine transmitting its train ID periodically via an infrared (IR) transmission. The remote near the train automatically receives the IR transmission of the train ID, so that the next press of a command button will automatically go to that train ID without needing to punch in the ID number. |
| US07659832B2 |
Electrically controlled actuating element on a machine
An electrically controlled actuating element is arranged on a machine by a flange connection consisting of a mounting flange (4) and a machine flange (2), and is controlled by an electric control subsystem (6). Embedded in the mounting flange (4) in a predetermined geometric pattern is a plurality of electric switches (7.1-7.8, 8.1-8.8). Each switch is arranged in an electric circuit that connects to the control subsystem. In the machine flange (2), closing elements are arranged in some marking points of the geometric pattern in a geometric arrangement that is characteristic of the respective machine and associated to it. In an existing flange connection, the switches located in the respective marking points can be actuated by the closing elements. The control subsystem (6) of each consumer is provided with a memory (11), which stores the geometric arrangement of the closing elements that is characteristic of and associated to the machine. |
| US07659827B2 |
System and method for taking risk out of driving
Systems and methods for taking risk out of driving are presented. The system comprises an event capture device that records audio, video, and other information that collectively comprise an event. The event data, including the audio, video, and other related information, is provided to an evaluation server where it is stored in a database of events. Driving events can be analyzed singularly or collectively to provide counseling of fleet drivers, reconstruction and forensic analysis of automobile accidents, and driver and/or vehicle scores/ratings. |
| US07659825B2 |
Apparatus and method for calculating life expectancy in mobile communication terminal
An apparatus and method for calculating life expectancy in mobile communication terminal are provided that include inputting user data when a life expectancy program menu is selected, calculating the life expectancy using the inputted user data, and displaying a calculated result on a display unit. |
| US07659822B2 |
Method and apparatus for testing RFID devices
A method and apparatus for testing RFID straps. Arrays of RFID straps in a roll-to-roll process are coupled to an array of test elements. RF programming and interrogation signals are frequency and time multiplexed to the RFID array. Return signals are detected to determine sensitivity and programmability parameters of the RFID straps. |
| US07659821B2 |
Smart radio-frequency identification (RFID) infrastructure and method
The present invention provides a smart RFID infrastructure and method. Specifically, under the present invention, the infrastructure includes a set (e.g., one or more) of smart RFID tags adapted to communicate with one another, wherein each operating smart RFID tag is adapted to create an individual table of information pertaining to operation of other smart RFID tags. In addition, the infrastructure includes a set of writeable RFID tags adapted to communicate with and receive the individual table of information from each operating smart RFID tag, wherein each of the set of writeable RFID tags is further adapted to create a master table of information based on the individual table of information received from each operating smart RFID tag. |
| US07659818B2 |
Bearing, and management system and method for the same
Installed in a ball bearing which supports a rotation axis (a supported part) freely rotatable are a control unit, a memory unit wherein specified bearing initial information proper to the ball bearing is stored, and a wireless tag equipped with a radio antenna and a transmission/reception unit which transmit/receive information between this memory unit and the exterior. Then, when the bearing motion information on the motion state of said ball bearing is input to the transmission/reception unit, the control unit has a memory unit which stores the motion information. By this, a bearing, its management system, and its management method wherein an appropriate information management is easy can be provided. |
| US07659817B2 |
Security device with perimeter alarm
A security device for attachment to an article to deter theft has a housing containing an alarm system including an audible alarm speaker. The alarm system includes a conductor located within the housing which forms a loop that extends at least partially about the alarm speaker or about the periphery of the housing. The conductor which can be an electrical conductor, fiber optic conductor, light pipe, etc., when severed by a thief will actuate the audible alarm. In another embodiment, the conductor forms a loop about a simulated speaker grille formed in the housing to prevent tampering, wherein the audible alarm is located in the housing remote from the simulated speaker grille. |
| US07659810B2 |
Speed exceeded notification device for vehicle having a data bus and associated methods
A speed exceeded notification device is for a vehicle of a type including a vehicle data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle, and at least one vehicle device generating data related to vehicle speed on the vehicle data communications bus. The speed exceeded notification device may include a wireless communications device, and a controller to be coupled to the vehicle data communications bus. The controller may be for reading the data related to vehicle speed from the vehicle data communications bus, and determining when a vehicle speed exceeds a speed threshold for a first time period. The controller may also be for determining when the vehicle speed exceeds the speed threshold for a second time period less than the first time period and, in response thereto, generating a local vehicle speed exceeded notification. Based thereon, the controller may cooperate with the wireless communications device to send a remote vehicle speed exceeded notification. |
| US07659809B2 |
System and method for alerting a driver of a hybrid electric vehicle that the vehicle is in a drive state
An engine of a hybrid electric vehicle is started following a determination that the vehicle is not moving, the ignition system is in a run state, a door is open, and the engine is not running to alert a driver that the vehicle is in a drive state. |
| US07659807B2 |
Device and method for processing multimedia broadcast-related events in portable terminal
A device and method are provided for processing multimedia broadcast-related events in a portable terminal, and include a memory for storing character UI images according to multimedia broadcast-related events, an event collection section for collecting the multimedia broadcast-related events generated in the portable terminal and for generating event messages for discriminating the generated multimedia broadcast-related events, an agent control section including a plurality of specialists for processing the multimedia broadcast-related events, the agent control section determining specialists corresponding to the event messages, selecting and outputting character UI IDs corresponding to the multimedia broadcast-related events of the determined specialist, and processing feedback information on the corresponding events according to the feedback information of a user, and an agent expression section for outputting character images and texts which correspond to the multimedia broadcast-related events and the feedback information. |
| US07659806B2 |
Chip resistor and method of making the same
A chip resistor includes an insulating substrate, a pair of electrodes formed on a main surface of the substrate and a resistor element electrically connected to the electrodes. The paired electrodes are spaced from each other in a first direction. The main surface of the substrate is formed with a raised portion in the form of a plateau which is smaller in size than the substrate in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The paired electrodes are formed on the raised portion. The resistor element is equal in size to the raised portion in the second direction. |
| US07659801B2 |
Starter
A starter includes a starter motor, a main circuit section, a main switch section including a main contact section to cut a current, a main plunger driven to open and close the main contact section, suction and holding coils, battery and motor terminals, and a switch terminal connected to the battery through a start switch, and opening and closing the main contact section in accordance with movement of the main plunger, a suction circuit section connected in parallel with the main circuit section and connected in series with the suction coil, a holding circuit section connected in series with the holding coil, and a breaking section connected in series with the suction coil inside the suction circuit section. The breaking section cuts electricity conduction when electricity is continuously conducted to the suction coil to bring about layer short circuit and a short circuit current flows at the suction circuit section. |
| US07659799B2 |
Dielectric waveguide filter with cross-coupling
Provided is a dielectric waveguide filter. The filter includes: a multi-layered structure of dielectric substrates having first and second ground planes at its top and bottom; first, second, and third waveguide resonators disposed at multiple layers within the multi-layered structure; converters for signal transition between input/output ports and the first and third waveguide resonators; first vias for forming the first, second, and third waveguide resonators; and second vias disposed at a boundary surface of the first waveguide resonator and the third waveguide resonator. |
| US07659796B2 |
Surface acoustic wave device and duplexer and communication device using the same
A surface acoustic wave device includes a first surface acoustic wave filter forming a ladder filter circuit; and a second surface acoustic wave filter having a passband at a frequency range higher than that of the first surface acoustic wave filter. The first surface acoustic wave filter includes a series-arm surface acoustic wave resonator, a parallel-arm surface acoustic wave resonator and an additional surface acoustic wave resonator. The series-arm surface acoustic wave resonator is on a series arm of the ladder filter circuit and includes an IDT electrode. The parallel-arm surface acoustic wave resonator is on a parallel arm of the ladder filter circuit and includes an IDT electrode. The additional surface acoustic wave resonator includes an IDT electrode, is connected in parallel with the series-arm surface acoustic wave resonator, and has a resonance frequency higher than the frequency range of the passband of the second surface acoustic wave filter. |
| US07659792B2 |
Circulator device and a method for assembly
The present invention is directed to a circulator/isolator device that includes a housing having a substantially planar base portion integrally connected to a segmented flexible wall structure extending in a direction normal thereto. The substantially planar base portion and the segmented flexible wall structure forms an interior housing volume having a predetermined geometry. The segmented flexible wall structure includes a plurality of port apertures disposed therein. The plurality of port apertures are separated from each other and disposed at predetermined locations in the segmented flexible wall structure. A central stack is disposed within the interior housing volume at a predetermined position on the base portion. The central stack includes a substantially flat conductor having a plurality of port structures extending therefrom. Each of the plurality of port structures are disposed at predetermined positions at a perimeter portion of the substantially flat conductor. The predetermined positions substantially conform to the predetermined locations such that each of the plurality of port structures extend through the segmented flexible wall structure at a corresponding one of the plurality of port apertures. A cover member is disposed within the housing at one end thereof, opposite the base portion, such that an exterior major surface of the cover is accessible via an exterior of the device and an interior major surface of the cover is disposed adjacent the central stack. A retaining member is disposed around a perimeter of the segmented flexible wall structure at the one end. The retaining member is configured to apply a substantially uniform radial compressive force to the segmented flexible wall structure to retain the cover member there within. The cover member applies a registration force to the central stack assembly to maintain the central stack assembly at the predetermined position. |
| US07659787B2 |
Circuit for generating clock of semiconductor memory apparatus
A circuit for generating a clock of a semiconductor memory apparatus is provided. A reference voltage generator is configured to generate a reference voltage. A reference current generator is configured to generate a reference current that has a constant current value regardless of a change in temperature. An oscillator is configured to receive the reference voltage and the reference current to generate a clock that has constant frequency. |
| US07659781B2 |
Active resistor used in a feedback amplifier particularly useful for proximity communication
An active resistor and its use in a negative feedback amplifier allow wide voltage swings on the input and output signals. One embodiment includes parallel pass-gate MOS transistors of opposite conductivity types connected between the input and output nodes. Bootstrapping transistors are connected between the gates of the pass-gate transistors and respective bias voltages. Coupling capacitors are connected between the gates and the output node. Additional coupling capacitors may be connected between the gates and the input node to make the resistor symmetric. In other embodiments, only one pass-gate transistor is used. |
| US07659780B2 |
Gain control circuit
A gain control circuit including a resistor with a first terminal and a second terminal; an operational amplifier with an inverting terminal thereof electrically coupled to said first terminal of said resistor; a non-inverting terminal thereof; and an output terminal thereof; an amplifier circuit for transforming the voltage change of said operational amplifier output into a substantially exponential current change; wherein the output of said amplifier circuit is electrically coupled to said inverting terminal of said operational amplifier. The above described gain control circuit is able to perform wide bandwidth input signal buffering with linearity under low voltage and low power conditions. The circuit also offers low output impedances without the need of additional buffers and hence minimizing circuit size and manufacturing costs. |
| US07659775B2 |
Output differential stage
A bipolar differential output circuit includes an input differential bipolar stage for receiving an input signal and generating a differential output current. An output differential pair of bipolar transistors without a bipolar tail current source responds to the input signal by providing a representative output signal. And a current mirror circuit passes current from the input differential pair to the output differential pair. |
| US07659772B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes: a switching current observer for observing a switching current; a leakage current observer for observing a leakage current; a comparator which compares the switching current and the leakage current with each other; a threshold voltage controller for controlling a substrate bias voltage in order to make a ratio of the switching current and the leakage current constant; a delay observer for observing a delay amount; and a power supply voltage controller for controlling a power supply voltage in order to keep the delay amount in a predetermined range. In the semiconductor integrated circuit device, a process which enables the minimization of an operation power is carried out by controlling the threshold voltage to make the ratio of the switching current and the leakage current constant at a given clock frequency and controlling the power supply voltage to guarantee the operating speed. |
| US07659767B2 |
Boost circuit and level shifter
A level shifter including a first boost circuit, an inverter, a second boost circuit and a level shift circuit is disclosed. The first boost circuit receives an input signal, and a first amplification factor for the input signal is determined based on a control signal. The inverter receives the input signal to generate an inverted input signal. The second boost circuit is coupled to an output terminal of the inverter to receive the inverted input signal, and a second amplification factor for the inverted input signal is determined based on the control signal. The level shift circuit has a first input terminal and a second input terminal respectively coupled to output terminals of the first boost circuit and second boost circuit to change the voltage level of output signals from the first boost circuit and second boost circuit to a first voltage level. |
| US07659764B2 |
Efficient delay elements
Circuits, methods, and apparatus for delaying signals in a power and area efficient manner are provided. A gating element within a stage of a programmable delay element suppresses an operation of other stages of the delay element. A programmable delay has components with differing delays that may be combined to give flexibility in choices for delay increments while minimizing the area of the delay element. A delay element is shared between different signal paths, for example, to reduce the number of delay elements or to allow utilizing unused delay elements of other signal paths. |
| US07659759B2 |
Phase synchronous circuit
An external clock round-trips a round-trip delay block configured by a selector and a short delay array, and is made capable of corresponding to a wide frequency by generating a long delay time required for synchronization at the time of a low frequency operation. Further, when a plurality of phase comparators are disposed, in both cases where comparing phases all at once and comparing phases one after another, it is possible to complete the phase synchronization within a short time by making a delay amount variable. |
| US07659758B2 |
Reset circuit and system having reset circuit
In a power-on detection circuit, a first connection node at which a first divided voltage is generated is connected to a second power supply line during activation of a power-down detection signal. Inactivation timing of the power-down detection signal is set earlier than an activation timing of a power-on detection signal. Therefore, the first transistor whose gate is connected to the first connection node is certainly turned off in the first half of a power-on period, which prevents the power-on detection signal from being activated during the power-on period. Further, a leak current flowing through the first transistor is reduced. In the second half of the power-on period, the power-on detection signal is certainly generated using the first divided voltage generated by the first dividing circuit. Thus, operating a reset circuit without malfunction and normally outputting a reset signal is possible disregarding behavior of a power supply voltage at power-on. |
| US07659757B2 |
Glitch-free clock regeneration circuit
A clock regeneration circuit and method including an asynchronous clock signal input to a meta-stability filtering circuit, a synchronous clock signal input to the meta-stability filtering circuit with a frequency lower than the asynchronous clock signal, and being over-sampled and rate adapted to the asynchronous clock signal, an edge detector detecting an edge of the output of the meta-stability filtering circuit, a regenerated clock signal output therefrom, and a clock regeneration stage receiving an input that is the edge-detected output. |
| US07659753B2 |
Analog comparator with precise threshold control
In general, in one aspect, the disclosure describes an apparatus that included a reference generator to receive a differential input signal and generate reference voltages having same common mode as the differential input signal. A replica bias generator is used to generate a bias signal based on the reference voltages. A comparator is used to compare the input signals to threshold voltages that are based at least in part on the bias signal. |
| US07659752B2 |
Noise filter circuit
Provided is a noise filter circuit capable of outputting only a normal signal pulse in synchronization with a clock signal without passing the noise pulse on to a subsequent stage, even if a noise pulse having a width that is larger than a delay time is inputted. The noise filter circuit according to the present invention has a flip-flop additionally provided to a stage subsequent to a noise removing circuit that uses a delay circuit. The delay time of a clock signal inputted to the flip-flop is made different from the delay time of the noise removing circuit to thereby obtain a normal signal pulse to be outputted in synchronization with the clock signal. |
| US07659749B2 |
Pulsed dynamic logic environment metric measurement circuit
A pulsed dynamic logic environment metric measurement circuit provides self-referenced, low area/cost and low power measurement of circuit environment metrics, such as supply voltage. A cascade of dynamic logic stages is clocked with a pulse having a width substantially independent of an environment metric to which the delay of the dynamic logic stages is sensitive. The number of dynamic logic stages that evaluate within a given pulse provides a direct measure of the pulse width, and thus the value of the circuit metric. The pulse may be generated from a logical exclusive-OR combination of a clock signal provided from two circuit paths that differ in sensitivity to the environment metric to be measured. One circuit path may have a delay substantially determined only by wire delay, which is not substantially sensitive to circuit environment metrics such as power supply voltage. |
| US07659748B2 |
Electronic device and integrated circuit
An electronic device with a CMOS circuit (CC) comprises a first driver circuit (10) having a first and second PMOS transistor (P1, P2) and a first and second NMOS transistor (N1, N2). The electronic device furthermore comprise a second driver circuit (20) with a third and fourth PMOS transistor (P3, P4) and a third and fourth NMOS transistor (N3, N4). The second driver circuit (20) is complementary to the first driver circuit (10) and switches in the opposite direction to the first driver circuit (10). A gate of the second and fourth PMOS transistor (P2, P4) is coupled to a first bias voltage (REPp) and a gate of the second and fourth NMOS transistor (N2, N4) is coupled to a second bias voltage (REFn). A first capacitance (C3) is coupled between the gate and the drain of the fourth PMOS transistor (P4) and a second capacitance (C4) is coupled between the gate and the drain source of the fourth NMOS transistor (N4). |
| US07659747B2 |
Transmission device
A transmission device including: a driver unit which generates an output signal having an amplitude by a resistance division of a power-supply voltage; and an output-amplitude correction unit which generates current according to variation in the power-supply voltage, and corrects the amplitude by using the current. |
| US07659745B1 |
Variable external interface circuitry on programmable logic device integrated circuits
A programmable logic device (“PLD”) includes circuitry for optionally and variably modifying characteristics of an input signal in any of several respects. Examples of such modifications include AC coupling the signal into the PLD, low pass filtering the signal (with selectable low-pass filter corner frequency), shifting the common voltage of the input signal, and/or subjecting the input signal to a selectable amount of attenuation. |
| US07659734B2 |
Semiconductor inspection system and apparatus utilizing a non-vibrating contact potential difference sensor and controlled illumination
A method and system for identifying a defect or contamination on the surface of a semiconductor or in a semiconductor. The method and system involves providing a semiconductor with a surface, such as a semiconductor wafer, providing a non-vibrating contact potential difference sensor, providing a source of illumination with controllable intensity or distribution of wavelengths, using the illumination source to provide controlled illumination of the surface of the wafer under or near the non-vibrating contact potential sensor probe tip, using the non-vibrating contact potential difference sensor to scan the wafer surface during controlled illumination, generating data representative of changes in contact potential difference across the wafer surface, and processing that data to identify a pattern characteristic of a defect or contamination. |
| US07659733B2 |
Electrical open/short contact alignment structure for active region vs. gate region
An apparatus for measuring a structural characteristic between a polysilicon shape and a silicon area. The apparatus for measuring a structural characteristic between a polysilicon shape and a silicon area comprises the silicon area, and a plurality of polysilicon shapes each having a unique orientation relative to the silicon area wherein each of the polysilicon shapes is formed having an angle less than or equal to a critical angle. The critical angle is an angle at or below which a sidewall spacer no longer is formed on a polysilicon shape, thereby causing the polysilicon shape to short circuit to an underlying portion of the silicon area by way of a silicide bridge. |
| US07659714B2 |
Abnormality detection apparatus for rotary type absolute encoder
In order to cope with many rotor diameters using a single type of stator portion, two stator portions, each having a built-in signal processing circuit for detecting absolute positions independently, are disposed in opposition at positions which differ from each other with respect to a rotational center of a rotor portion. When one of the stator portions receives a request command RX from an external device, it transmits a detected serial communication signal. The other stator portion receives the transmitted serial communication signal, determines a position detection abnormality, and notifies the abnormality to the external device when a difference between the received absolute position and the absolute position detected by the other stator portion exceeds a deviation previously set for 180 degrees. |
| US07659713B2 |
Rotational angle detector and method for initializing rotational angle detector
A method for initializing a rotational angle detector detecting rotational angles of two driven gears mated with a drive gear, rotated integrally with a detection subject, and obtaining rotational angle of the detection subject from the detected rotational angles. The method includes obtaining a first error and second error in each rotational angle of the driven gears when the drive gear is rotated in forward and rearward directions, obtaining an average value of the first and second errors, obtaining a difference between the average value and a theoretical rotational angle for the two driven gears when the rotational angle of the drive gear is 0°, and storing the difference as correction data added to each actual rotational angle of the two driven gears when obtaining the rotational angle of the detection subject. |
| US07659707B2 |
RF detector with crest factor measurement
An RF detector configured to provide two outputs, one being a function of the true RMS power level of an RF input signal, and the other being a function of the instantaneous/peak power of the RF input signal, normalized to the average power level. The RF detector includes a variable gain detection subsystem including a single detector or detector array that provides a representation of the power level of the RF input signal. The detector or detector array is common to both the RMS power detection channel and the instantaneous/peak power detection channel of the RF detector. A method of RF detection includes providing representations of the RF input signal at different gain levels, selecting one or more of the representations, and averaging the selected signals. The gain levels of the selected representations is adjusted to provide information about the average power level of the RF input signal. |
| US07659705B2 |
Low-power start-up circuit for bandgap reference voltage generator
A bandgap voltage reference circuit includes a bandgap voltage generation circuit that can produce a bandgap reference voltage in response to an activation voltage signal, a start-up circuit that can produce the activation voltage signal in response to one-shot voltage pulse and an one-shot pulse generator circuit configured to produce the one-shot voltage pulse. The start-up circuit can be automatically shut off after the one-shot voltage pulse. |
| US07659699B2 |
Battery
A battery with at least one battery cell has two battery poles and current-conducting connections between the battery cells and the battery poles. A safety switching encompasses a current-limiting element in the connection between the battery cells and one of the battery poles. A switch is parallel to the current-limiting element and a control device closes the switch, if the current between the battery cells and the battery poles falls below a predetermined threshold minimum current. |
| US07659698B2 |
System and method for controlling a state of charge of an energy storage system
A system and method for controlling the state of charge of an energy storage system examines a number of parameters to determine if a target state of charge should be adjusted. Parameters related to one or more of: a target life span of the energy storage system, driving habits of a vehicle operator, or environmental conditions are examined. The target state of charge is changed from a predetermined baseline target state of charge when the parameter values meet predetermined conditions. |
| US07659693B2 |
Rechargeable battery
The invention relates to a rechargeable battery with a battery housing having a rear wall with a recess which extends as far as an end wall of the battery housing and has a base side and narrow sides facing each other, the base side continuing via a step into the outer side of the rear wall, and a contact assembly which is covered by a cover extending from the step being positioned at the step. In order to further develop the battery so that when the battery is connected to an electrical appliance the contact assembly is protected against splash water, it is proposed, in accordance with the invention, that the cover form a contact housing which completely surrounds the contact assembly in circumferential direction and has on its side facing away from the step an insertion opening surrounded by a circumferential rim of the contact housing, which forms a sealing surface. |
| US07659685B2 |
Method of estimating the state of a system and relative device for estimating position and speed of the rotor of a brushless motor
A method for estimating the state of a system, as well as an extended Kalman filter (EKF), allows nonlinear mathematical models to be used for describing the system. Accurate precision is provided since the method is based on an EKF technique while using a filter that implements a first degree Stirling approximation formula. The method may be used for estimating position and speed of a brushless motor, and may be implemented in a relative device. Such a device may be introduced in a control loop of a brushless motor of a power steering system for a vehicle to provide a countering torque on the steering wheel based on speed of the vehicle and a steering angle of the vehicle. |
| US07659681B2 |
Numerical controller
A servomotor in a numerical controller is controlled by automatically switching to either pressure control or position control in association with the command which is smaller from among a command obtained by performing pressure feedback control and a command obtained by performing position feedback control. When switched to pressure control while moving according to a movement command, the output of the movement command is terminated halfway, and the command in the next block is executed, and pressure control of the next command is immediately started. As a result, a wasteful time is eliminated, and a cycle time of the operation can be shortened. |
| US07659670B2 |
Headlamp control circuit
A headlamp control circuit reduces a possibility that all headlamps become lights-out in a two-lamp system headlight, even if a switching element fails under a high-beam condition while the single switching element is driven to light two right and left high-beam filaments. A headlamp control circuit includes switch sections (SW1) and (SW2) for lighting low-beam filaments (21) and (31), a switch section (SW3) for lighting high-beam filaments (22) and (32) together, a diode (D1) for detecting an output voltage on the switch section SW3, and a control section (120) for turning the switch section (SW3) to an on-condition in the case where a high-beam indication is accepted and for turning the switch sections (SW1) and (SW2) to an on-condition in the case where a low-beam indication is accepted and in the case where a high-beam indication is accepted and the diode (D1) detects no high-beam lighting voltage. |
| US07659669B2 |
Plasma display panel and field emission display
To provide a PDP and an FED with high visibility, having an anti-reflection function capable of reducing reflection of incident light from external. An anti-reflection layer including a plurality of pyramid-shaped projections, apexes of which are provided at equal intervals and in which each side of a base which forms a pyramid shape of one of the plurality of pyramid-shaped projections is in contact with a side of a base which forms a pyramid shape of an adjacent pyramid-shaped projection, is included. In other words, one pyramid-shaped projection is surrounded by other pyramid-shaped projections, and the base of the pyramid-shaped projection shares a side of a base with the base of the adjacent pyramid-shaped projection. |
| US07659666B2 |
Photomultiplier
The present invention relates to a photomultiplier that realizes significant improvement of response time properties with a structure enabling mass production. The photomultiplier comprises a sealed container, and, in the sealed container, a photocathode, at least one dynode set, a dynode unit including a part of insulating supporting members holding the one dynode unit, and a gain control unit are housed. The gain control unit has an insulating base plate, and the insulating base plate is integrally fixed with a control dynode and a final stage dynode that belong to each dynode set together with an anode. By the insulating base plate thus being clamped by the pair of insulating supporting members, the anode, the control dynode, and the final stage dynode constitute a part of an electron multiplier section. |
| US07659660B2 |
Organic EL panel having film layers with overlap deviations
The present invention is to ensure that when it has been judged that film-formation areas of a plurality of layers laminated on the same luminescent areas of organic EL devices involve a defect, it is possible to exactly find which layer of the multi-laminated layers is a defective layer. The film formation areas of layers to be laminated on luminescent area are formed in a manner such that overlap deviations e1-e3 are intentionally formed. |
| US07659659B2 |
Organic electroluminescent device and display using same
An organic electroluminescent device (1) including: an emitting layer (14) between a pair of electrodes that are an anode (12) and a cathode (17), and a suppressing layer arranged between an electrode and the emitting layer (14), the suppressing layer regulating the amount of electrons or holes supplied to the emitting layer (14). For example, the electroluminescent device wherein the electron-injection-suppressing layer (15) or a hole-injection-suppressing layer is formed as the suppressing layer. The organic electroluminescent device is improved in emission efficiency. |
| US07659654B2 |
Piezoelectrics oscillator, sensor, and multi-sensor
A piezoelectric oscillator includes: a piezoelectric substrate having at least a vibrating part and a base part; an excitation electrode formed on the vibrating part; and an oscillation circuit formed on the base part. In the piezoelectric oscillator, the oscillation circuit includes a thin film transistor made of one of polysilicon and monocrystalline silicon and is coupled to the excitation electrode. |
| US07659652B2 |
Electrostatic actuator with interdigitated electrode structure
There is provided an electrostatic actuator with the interdigitated electrode structure comprising a movable rod 11 disposed in parallel with an alignment axis line Ox predetermined on a substrate; a movable interdigitated electrode 12 fixed on the both sides of a coupling point 11C on the movable rod 11 and having a plurality of movable electrode fingers 12b; fixed interdigitated electrodes 21, 22 fixed to the substrate and having a plurality of fixed electrode fingers 21b, 22b; and four hinges 23, 24 whose one ends are anchored respectively to the movable rod and the other ends are anchored to anchoring points 32A-32D of the substrate. Lengths of those hinges are longer than distances from anchoring points to the alignment axis line and a displacement Lc of a coupling point 11C in a direction orthogonal to the alignment axis line is reduced to be smaller than a distance between the respective movable electrode fingers and the closest fixed electrode finger. |
| US07659636B2 |
Methods and apparatus for harvesting biomechanical energy
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for harvesting energy from motion of one or more joints. Energy harvesters comprise: a generator for converting mechanical energy into corresponding electrical energy; one or more sensors for sensing one or more corresponding characteristics associated with motion of the one or more joints; and control circuitry connected to receive the one or more sensed characteristics and configured to assess, based at least in part on the one or more sensed characteristics, whether motion of the one or more joints is associated with mutualistic conditions or non-mutualistic conditions. If conditions are determined to be mutualistic, energy harvesting is engaged. If conditions are determined to be non-mutualistic, energy harvesting is disengaged. |
| US07659632B2 |
Solder bump structure and method of manufacturing same
Solder bump structures for semiconductor device packaging is provided. In one embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises a substrate having a bond pad and a first passivation layer formed thereabove, the first passivation layer having an opening therein exposing a portion of the bond pad. A metal pad layer is formed on a portion of the bond pad, wherein the metal pad layer contacts the bond pad. A second passivation layer is formed above the metal pad layer, the second passivation layer having an opening therein exposing a portion of the metal pad layer. A patterned and etched polyimide layer is formed on a portion of the metal pad layer and a portion of the second passivation layer. A conductive layer is formed above a portion of the etched polyimide layer and a portion of the metal pad layer, wherein the conductive layer contacts the metal pad layer. A conductive bump structure is connected to the conductive layer. |
| US07659631B2 |
Interconnection between different circuit types
A hybrid-scale electronic circuit, an internal electrical connection and a method of electrically interconnecting employ an interconnect having a tapered shape to electrically connect between different-scale circuits. The interconnect has a first end with an end dimension that is larger than an end dimension of an opposite, second end of the interconnect. The larger first end of the interconnect connects to an electrical contact of a micro-scale circuit and the second end of the interconnect connects to an electrical contact of a nano-scale circuit. |
| US07659628B2 |
Contact structure comprising semiconductor and metal islands
Contact structures and methods for forming such contact structures are disclosed. An example contact structure includes a layer of semiconductor material having an interface and an electrical contact at the interface of the layer of semiconductor material, where the electrical contact includes a granular metal. An example method for forming a contact structure includes providing a substrate and producing a granular metal on at least part of the substrate, where the granular metal includes a cluster of metal islands extending essentially in a two-dimensional plane. The method further includes depositing a layer of a semiconductor material on top of the substrate and the cluster of metal islands. |
| US07659626B2 |
Semiconductor device including a barrier metal film
A semiconductor device includes an insulation film 6 formed on a silicon substrate 1, a buried metal interconnect 8 formed in the insulation film 6, and a barrier metal film 7 formed between the insulation film 6 and the metal interconnect 8. The barrier metal film 7 is a metal compound film. The metal compound film is characterized by including at least one of elements forming the insulation film. |
| US07659622B2 |
Trace design to minimize electromigration damage to solder bumps
A design methodology reduces electromigration in integrated circuit joints such as flip-chip bumps by seeking to produce a more uniform current distribution at the interface between the integrated circuit pad and the joint while maintaining an interface form that coincides with standard integrated circuit designs is presented. The design methodology addresses the current distribution at the pad by dividing current carrying traces into a plurality of sub-traces with known resistances such that each sub-trace distributes a known amount of current to the pad of the integrated circuit. The multiple sub-traces connect to the pad and are placed to obtain a desired uniformity in the incoming current distribution. Width and/or length adjustments could be made to each of the plurality of sub-traces to obtain the desired resistances. |
| US07659621B2 |
Solder structures for out of plane connections
Methods of forming a solder structure may include providing a wafer including a plurality of die therein, and a solder wettable pad may be formed on one of the die adjacent an edge of the die. The solder wettable pad may have a length parallel to the edge of the die and a width perpendicular to the edge of the die wherein the length parallel to the edge of the die is greater than the width perpendicular to the edge of the die. A solder bump may be plated on the solder wettable pad, and the die may be separated from the wafer along the edge of the die after plating the solder bump on the solder wettable pad. Moreover, the solder bump may be reflowed on the solder wettable pad so that the solder structure extends laterally from the solder wettable pad beyond the edge of the die after separating the die from the wafer. Related structures are also discussed. |
| US07659615B2 |
High power package with dual-sided heat sinking
An assembly includes a semiconductor die disposed between an upper substrate and a lower substrate. A circuit board that defines a through hole is spaced axially below the upper substrate to define a gap between the upper substrate and the circuit board. An upper heat sink is thermally connected to the upper substrate by an upper thermal interface material to transfer heat in a first dissipation path to the upper heat sink. A lower heat sink is thermally connected to the lower substrate by a lower thermal interface material to transfer heat in a second dissipation path to the lower heat sink. A plurality of first interconnectors are disposed in the gap to solder the upper substrate to the circuit board. The assembly is distinguished by a plurality of second interconnectors that are disposed between the upper substrate and the lower substrate to position the lower substrate in the through hole of the circuit board. |
| US07659612B2 |
Semiconductor components having encapsulated through wire interconnects (TWI)
A semiconductor component includes a semiconductor substrate having a substrate contact, and a through wire interconnect (TWI) attached to the substrate contact. The through wire interconnect provides a multi level interconnect having contacts on opposing first and second sides of the semiconductor substrate. The through wire interconnect (TWI) includes a via through the substrate contact and the substrate, a wire in the via having a bonded connection with the substrate contact, a first contact on the wire proximate to the first side, and a second contact on the wire proximate to the second side. The through wire interconnect (TWI) also includes a polymer layer which partially encapsulates the through wire interconnect (TWI) while leaving the first contact exposed. The semiconductor component can be used to fabricate stacked systems, module systems and test systems. A method for fabricating the semiconductor component can include a film assisted molding process for forming the polymer layer. |
| US07659610B2 |
Flash memory card
A Flash memory card is disclosed comprising a substrate, a Flash memory die on top of the substrate, a controller die on top of the Flash memory die, and an interposer coupled to with the controller die and on top of the Flash memory die wherein the interposer results in substantial reduced wire bonding to the substrate. The interposer can surround or be placed side by side with the controller die. A system and method in accordance with the present invention achieves the following objectives: (1) takes advantage of as large of a Flash memory die as possible, to increase the density of the Flash card by reducing the number of wire bond pads on the substrate and enabling insertion of the largest die possible that can fit inside a given card interior boundary; (2) more efficiently stacks Flash memory dies to increase density of the Flash card; and (3) has a substantially less number of bonding wires to the substrate as possible, to improve production yield. |
| US07659609B2 |
Integrated circuit package-in-package system with carrier interposer
An integrated circuit package-in-package system includes: mounting an integrated circuit device over a package carrier; forming a subassembly including: providing an integrated circuit package system having a carrier interposer with an integrated circuit die thereover, and mounting a device under the carrier interposer; mounting the subassembly over the integrated circuit device; and encapsulating the subassembly and the integrated circuit device over the package carrier. |
| US07659607B2 |
Accessible electronic storage apparatus for use with support frame
A storage apparatus 10 is disclosed, that comprises a wiring substrate 11 having a first surface and a second surface, a flat type external connection terminal 12a disposed on the first surface of the wiring substrate 11, a semiconductor device 14 disposed on the second surface of the wiring substrate 11 and having a connection terminal 14a connected to the flat type external connection terminal 12a, a molding resin 15 for coating the semiconductor device 14 on the second surface of the wiring substrate 11, a card type supporting frame 10a having a concave portion or a hole portion fitting the wiring substrate 11, the semiconductor device 14, and the molding resin 15 in such a manner that the flat type external connection terminal 12a is exposed to the first surface of the wiring substrate 11, and adhesive resin a adhering integrally the flat type external connection terminal 12a, the wiring substrate 11, the semiconductor device 14, the molding resin 15, and the card type supporting frame 10a. In addition, the storage apparatus 10 can be combined with a card type supporting means 21 that supports detachably with the flat type external connection terminal 12a exposed to one of the surfaces so as to be used as a card type storage apparatus 20 having bigger size. |
| US07659606B2 |
Contacting unit
Disclosed is a contacting unit, with plug-in card-shaped housing, having a base plate and a cover plate, between which a slit-like plug-in channel opening on one end of the housing is formed to receive a chip card, and which is provided on the other side with a connector strip, in which the plug-in channel is essentially open on both sides over its entire length in the plug-in direction of the chip card, and the base plate and the cover plate are firmly connected to each other only in the area connected to the plug-in channel in the plug-in direction, wherein at least one lateral guide device is arranged on one end on base plate and/or cover plate, which at least partially bounds the plug-in channel. |
| US07659605B2 |
COF board
A COF board includes an insulating layer, and a terminal portion formed on the insulating layer. The terminal portion includes a first lead extending in a longitudinal direction, and a second lead extending in the longitudinal direction, and having a smaller length in the longitudinal direction than a length of the first lead in the longitudinal direction. The first leads are arranged in spaced-apart relation in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The second leads are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to be interposed between the mutually adjacent first leads such that, when the mutually adjacent first leads are projected in an adjacent direction thereof, overlap portions where the second leads overlap with the first leads and non-overlap portions where the second leads do not overlap with the first leads are formed. Dummy leads are provided at the non-overlap portions. |
| US07659604B2 |
Module component and method for manufacturing the same
A module component in which mounting components and a conductive partition for dividing into a plurality of circuit blocks are mounted on a substrate. The circuit blocks are covered with a sealing member, which is further covered on its surface with a conductive film to electrically shield the circuit blocks individually. This module component can maintain bending strength, with little warpage by a sufficient shielding effect achieved without increasing the number of manufacturing processes. |
| US07659600B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing such a device
The invention relates to a semiconductor device (10) with a semiconductor body (1) comprising a high-ohmic semiconductor substrate (2) which is covered with a dielectric layer (3) containing charges, on which dielectric layer one or more passive electronic components (4) comprising conductor tracks (4) are present, and at the location of the passive elements (4) a semiconductor region (5) is present at the interface between the semiconductor substrate (2) and the dielectric layer (3, 4), a first conductivity-type conducting channel induced in the semiconductor substrate (2) by the charges being interrupted by, and at the location of, the semiconductor region (5).According to the invention, the semiconductor region (5) is monocrystalline and of a second conductivity type, opposite to the first conductivity type. In this way the charge of an induced channel is locally compensated by the charge of the semiconductor regions (5). The device (10) has a very low high-frequency power loss, because the inversion channel is interrupted at the location of the semiconductor region (5). The device (10) further allows for a higher thermal budget and thus for the integration of active semiconductor elements (8) into the semiconductor body (1). Preferably, the semiconductor region (5) comprises a large number of strip-shaped sub-regions (5A, 5B, 5C). |
| US07659597B2 |
Integrated circuit wire patterns including integral plug portions
An integrated circuit device includes a substrate including a trench therein and a conductive plug wire pattern in the trench. The conductive plug wire pattern includes a recessed portion that exposes portions of opposing sidewalls of the trench, and an integral plug portion that protrudes from a surface of the recessed portion to provide an electrical connection to at least one other conductive wire pattern on a different level of metallization. A surface of the plug portion may protrude to a substantially same level as a surface of the substrate adjacent to and outside the trench, and the surface of the recessed portion may be below the surface of the substrate outside the trench. Related fabrication methods are also discussed. |
| US07659596B2 |
Lateral high-voltage devices with optimum variation lateral flux by using field plate
A semiconductor lateral voltage-sustaining region and devices based thereupon. The voltage-sustaining region is made by using the Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor capacitance formed by terrace field plate to emit or to absorb electric flux on the semiconductor surface, so that the effective electric flux density emitted from the semiconductor surface to the substrate approaches approximately the optimum distribution, and a highest breakdown voltage can be achieved within a smallest distance on the surface. The field plate(s) can be either connected to an electrode or floating ones, or connected to floating field limiting rings. Coupling capacitance between different plates can also be used to change the flux distribution. |
| US07659594B1 |
Photo sensor and portable electronic apparatus
A photo sensor including a gate, a first insulator, a semiconductor layer, a first electrode pattern layer, a second electrode pattern layer, a second insulator and a transparent electrode is provided. The gate is disposed on the substrate. The first insulator covers the gate and a portion of the substrate. The semiconductor layer is disposed on the first insulator above the gate. Moreover, there is a space between the first electrode pattern layer and the second electrode pattern layer located on the semiconductor layer. The second insulator covers a portion of the semiconductor layer, the first electrode pattern layer and the second electrode pattern layer. The transparent electrode is disposed on the second insulator above the semiconductor layer and corresponds to the first electrode pattern layer. The transparent electrode is electrically connected to the first electrode pattern layer, and a portion of the transparent electrode is within the space. |
| US07659592B2 |
Optical element, optical module and method for manufacturing the same
A method for manufacturing an optical element having a surface-emitting type semiconductor laser and a photodetector element that detects light emitted from the surface-emitting type semiconductor laser, the method including the steps of: (a) laminating, above a substrate, semiconductor layers for forming a first mirror, an active layer, a second mirror, a photoabsorption layer, an etching stopper layer and a contact layer; (b) patterning the semiconductor layers to form at least a photoabsorption layer, an etching stopper layer and a contact layer; (c) forming an electrode above the contact layer; and (d) etching a portion of the contact layer until an upper surface of the etching stopper layer is exposed. |
| US07659586B2 |
Inverter with four-transistor Schmitt trigger
A four-transistor Schmitt trigger inverter is provided. The Schmitt trigger inverter is made from an n-channel MOS (NMOS) dual-gate thin-film transistor (DG-TFT) and a p-channel MOS (PMOS) DG-TFT, both DG-TFTs having a top gate, a back gate, and source/drain regions. A (conventional) NMOS TFT has a gate connected to an NMOS DG-TFT first S/D region and a PMOS DG-TFT first S/D region. The NMOS TFT also has a first S/D region connected to the NMOS DG-TFT back gate and the PMOS DG-TFT back gate. A (conventional) PMOS TFT has a gate connected to the NMOS TFT gate, and a first S/D region connected to the NMOS TFT first S/D region. |
| US07659584B2 |
Substrate isolated integrated high voltage diode integrated within a unit cell
An asymmetric semiconductor device (3) that includes an integrated high voltage diode (72), including: a substrate comprising an epitaxial layer (47) and a deep well implant (42) of a first type patterned above the epitaxial layer; a shallow trench isolation (STI) region (46) separating a cathode from an anode; a first well implant (40) of a second type residing below the anode; and a deep implant mask (34) of the second type patterned above the deep well implant and below both the cathode and a portion of the STI region. |
| US07659581B2 |
Transistor with dielectric stressor element fully underlying the active semiconductor region
A compressive stress is applied to a channel region of a PFET by structure including a discrete dielectric stressor element that fully underlies the bottom surface of an active semiconductor region in which the source, drain and channel region of the PFET is disposed. In particular, the dielectric stressor element includes a region of collapsed oxide which fully contacts the bottom surface of the active semiconductor region such that it has an area coextensive with an area of the bottom surface. Bird's beak oxide regions at edges of the dielectric stressor element apply an upward force at edges of the dielectric stressor element to impart a compressive stress to the channel region of the PFET. |
| US07659577B2 |
Power semiconductor device with current sense capability
A power semiconductor device includes a power device and a current sense device formed in a common semiconductor region. |
| US07659574B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A power MISFET, which has a desired gate breakdown voltage, can be manufactured will controlling an increase in parasitic capacitance. After depositing a polycrystalline silicon film on a substrate and embedding groove portions in the polycrystalline silicon film by patterning the polycrystalline silicon film in an active cell area, a gate electrode is formed within the groove portion, and the inside of the groove portion is embedded in a gate wiring area. Extending to the outside of the groove portion continuously out of the groove portion, there is a gate drawing electrode electrically connected to the gate electrode. Slits extending from the end portion of the gate drawing electrode are formed in the gate drawing electrode outside of the groove portion. Then, a silicon oxide film and a BPSG film are deposited on the substrate. |
| US07659573B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, source and drain regions formed on the semiconductor substrate, a recess channel that is formed on the inner surface of a recess region, which is formed on the semiconductor substrate between the source and drain regions, and in an epitaxial semiconductor film in which dopants are doped. The semiconductor device further includes a gate insulating film formed on the recess channel, and a gate electrode that fills the recess region and is formed on the gate insulating film. |
| US07659572B2 |
Semiconductor device utilizing a metal gate material such as tungsten and method of manufacturing the same
Known drawbacks associated with use of tungsten as a gate material in a semiconductor device are prevented. A gate oxide layer, a polysilicon layer, and a nitride layer are sequentially formed on a semiconductor substrate having a isolation layer for defining the active region. A recess is defined by etching the nitride layer. A metal nitride layer is formed in the recess in an U shape, and then a metal layer is formed to bury the recess. A hard mask layer is formed for defining a gate forming region on the nitride layer, the metal nitride layer, and the metal layer. A metal gate is formed by etching the nitride layer, the polysilicon layer, and the gate oxide layer using the hard mask layer as an etch barrier. |
| US07659569B2 |
Work function engineering for FN erase of a memory device with multiple charge storage elements in an undercut region
A memory device comprised of a plurality of memory cells that can each include multiple charge storage elements in undercut regions that are formed under a tunneling barrier and adjacent to a gate oxide layer of each memory cell. The tunneling barrier can be formed from a high work function material, such as P+ polycrystalline silicon or a P-type metal, and/or a high-K material. The memory cell can reduce the likelihood of gate electron injection through the gate electrode and into the charge storage elements during a Fowler-Nordheim erase by employing such tunneling barrier. Systems and methods of fabricating memory devices having at least one such memory cell are provided. |
| US07659568B2 |
Monolithic ceramic capacitor and method for adjusting equivalent series resistance thereof
An external electrode structure for a monolithic ceramic capacitor provided with a function as a resistance element is capable of preventing a reduction of the external electrode due to baking in a reducing atmosphere, so that Ni or a Ni alloy can be used in an internal electrode and a good electrical connection between the internal electrode and the external electrode is achieved. The external electrodes disposed on an outer surface of a capacitor main body include an electrically conductive layer and a metal plating layer disposed thereon, and the electrically conductive layer includes a compound oxide, e.g., an In—Sn compound oxide, which reacts with Ni or the Ni alloy, and a glass component. |
| US07659567B2 |
Semiconductor device featuring common capacitor electrode layer, and method for manufacturing such semiconductor device
In a semiconductor device, a semiconductor substrate is sectioned into a logic-circuit formation section in which a plurality of logic circuits are formed, and a memory formation section in which a plurality of memory cells are formed. A multi-layered insulating layer is formed on the substrate, and a conductive structure is formed in the insulating layer at the logic-circuit formation section. Capacitors are formed in the insulating layer at the memory formation section. Each of the capacitors includes a lower capacitor electrode, a capacitor dielectric layer formed on the lower capacitor electrode, and an upper capacitor electrode formed on the capacitor dielectric layer, with upper is end faces of the upper capacitor electrodes being coplanar with an upper end face of the conductive structure. Bit-line layers are formed in the insulating layer below the lower capacitor electrodes at the memory formation section. A signal-line layer is formed in the insulating layer on or above the conductive structure at the logic-circuit formation section so as to be electrically connected to the conductive structure. An upper-side connection layer are formed in the insulating layer at the memory formation section on or above the capacitors so as to be electrically connected to the upper capacitor electrodes. |
| US07659565B2 |
CMOS image sensor with a microlens and method for fabricating the same
A CMOS image sensor and a method for fabricating the same are provided. A CMOS image sensor includes: a plurality of photodiodes a predetermined distance apart on a semiconductor substrate; an insulation layer on an entire surface of the semiconductor substrate; a passivation layer on the insulation layer; a plurality of color filters on the passivation layer corresponding to the photodiodes; a planarization layer on an entire surface of the semiconductor substrate including the color filters; and a microlens on the planarization layer corresponding to each of the color filters and having a bottom diameter of 2.5 to 3.0 μm. |
| US07659562B2 |
Electric field read/write head and method of manufacturing same and data read/write device
An electric field read/write head, a method of manufacturing the same, and a data read/write device including the electric field read/write head are provided. The data read/write device includes an electric field read/write head which reads and writes data to and from a recording medium. The electric field read/write head includes a semiconductor substrate, a resistance region, source and drain regions, and a write electrode. The semiconductor substrate includes a first surface and a second surface with adjoining edges. The resistance region is formed to extend from a central portion at one end of the first surface to the second surface. The source region and the drain region are formed at either side of the resistance region and are separated from the first surface. The write electrode is formed on the resistance region with an insulating layer interposed between the write electrode and the resistance region. |
| US07659561B2 |
Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices and structures thereof
Methods of forming spacers on sidewalls of features of semiconductor devices and structures thereof are disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a semiconductor device including a workpiece and at least one feature disposed over the workpiece. A first spacer is disposed on the sidewalls of the at least one feature, the first spacer comprising a first material. A first liner is disposed over the first spacer and over a portion of the workpiece proximate the first spacer, the first liner comprising the first material. A second spacer is disposed over the first liner, the second spacer comprising a second material. A second liner is disposed over the second spacer, the second liner comprising the first material. |
| US07659559B2 |
Semiconductor package having insulated metal substrate and method of fabricating the same
Provided is a semiconductor package in which an adhesion force between an insulation metal substrate and a molding member is increased by removing a solder mask layer from the insulation metal substrate and a method of fabricating the semiconductor package. The semiconductor package includes an insulation metal substrate that includes a base member, an insulating layer disposed on the base member, and conductive patterns formed on the insulating layer. Semiconductor chips are arranged on the conductive patterns. Solder mask patterns are arranged on the conductive patterns to surround the semiconductor chips. Leads are electrically connected to the conductive patterns through wires. A sealing member is arranged on an upper surface and side surfaces of the substrate to cover portions of the leads, the wires, the semiconductor chips, and the solder mask patterns. |
| US07659558B1 |
Silicon controlled rectifier electrostatic discharge clamp for a high voltage laterally diffused MOS transistor
Devices for protecting drain extended metal oxide semiconductor (DEMOS) output transistors from damage caused by electrostatic discharge (ESD) events are provided. In general, the devices include a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) and a DEMOS transistor configured to breakdown at a lower voltage than a breakdown voltage of the output driver transistor it is configured to protect. The devices further include a pair of ohmic regions configured to trigger the SCR upon breakdown of the drain contact region of the DEMOS transistor and a collection region configured to collect charge generated by the SCR. The transistor, the pair of ohmic regions, and the SCR are respectively configured and arranged to independently set the breakdown voltage of the drain contact region, the trigger voltage of the SCR, and the holding voltage of the SCR. One of the ohmic regions may be coupled to the drain contact region of the transistor. |
| US07659557B2 |
Semiconductor light-emitting device and method of fabricating the same
The invention provides a semiconductor light-emitting device with II-V group (or II-IV-V group) compound contact layer and a method of fabricating the same. The semiconductor light-emitting device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a substrate, a first conductive type semiconductor material layer, a light-emitting layer, a first electrode, a second conductive type semiconductor material layer, a II-V group (or II-IV-V group) compound contact layer, a transparent conductive layer, and a second electrode. The existence of the II-V group (or II-IV-V group) compound contact layer improves the ohmic contact between the second conductive type semiconductor material layer and the transparent conductive layer. |
| US07659555B2 |
Light-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode (LED) and a method for manufacturing the same are described. The light-emitting diode has a metal substrate, a first transparent conductive layer, a first contact layer, and an illuminating epitaxial structure stacked in sequence. An ohmic contact layer is located on a portion of the illuminating epitaxial structure. A thickness of the metal substrate is greater than 40 μm. The first contact layer is a doped strained-layer-superlattices (SLS) structure. Additionally, the light-emitting diode can further be a reflective layer located between the metal substrate and the first transparent conductive layer. |
| US07659554B2 |
Hermetic container and image display apparatus
A hermetic container includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposed to the first substrate, a frame arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a composite member arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate. The frame is composed of a frame member, a first seal bonding material effecting seal bonding between the frame member and the first substrate, and a second seal bonding material effecting seal bonding between the frame member and the second substrate. The composite member is composed of a first member, a first adhesive material bonding the first member and the first substrate to each other, and a second adhesive material bonding the first member and the second substrate to each other. |
| US07659550B2 |
Diode having vertical structure and method of manufacturing the same
A light emitting diode includes a conductive layer, an n-GaN layer on the conductive layer, an active layer on the n-GaN layer, a p-GaN layer on the active layer, and a p-electrode on the p-GaN layer. The conductive layer is an n-electrode. |
| US07659549B2 |
Method for obtaining a better color rendering with a photoluminescence plate
The present invention is a method for obtaining a better color rendering with a photoluminescence plate, and the better color rendering is obtained by using UV radiating on the photoluminescence plate stacked with a red photoluminescence plate, a green photoluminescence plate and a blue photoluminescence plate. Therefore, the color rendering is above 90% and close to the solar light. The photoluminescence plate can be made from directly coated with photoluminescence layers of three colors or with fully mixed fluorescent materials of three colors. Consequently, a white light relied on the present invention is more uniform than the conventional techniques with a color mixing performance based on tricolor LEDs. |
| US07659548B2 |
White light emitting diode and method of manufacturing the same
Employing a LED which emits light via excitation with UV light, particularly the foregoing high-power LED, disclosed are a white LED exhibiting high reliability and longer operating life, and a method of manufacturing the white LED. Also disclosed are a white light emitting diode possessing a phosphor layer which emits light via excitation with UV light, wherein the phosphor layer consists of phosphor, or possesses phosphor and transparent inorganic oxide, and a method of manufacturing the white light emitting diode, possessing the step of making phosphor particles to collide with a light emitting diode at high speed to deposit the phosphor layer, employing an aerosol deposition process. |
| US07659545B2 |
Illumination system
An illumination system has a mounting substrate (4) for mounting and electrically contacting a plurality of light-emitting diodes (R, A, G, B). A first category of the light-emitting diodes (G, B) comprises a first translucent substrate (11) provided with an active layer (1) on an outer surface (13) of the first translucent substrate facing the mounting substrate (4); electrical contacts are provided at a side facing the mounting substrate. A second category of the light-emitting diodes (R, A) comprises an active layer (2) arranged on a second translucent substrate (12); at least one electrical contact is provided at a side facing away from the mounting substrate. Each light-emitting diode of the first category is provided on a first sub mount (21). Each light-emitting diode of the second category is provided on a second sub mount (22). The first and second sub mount are provided on the mounting substrate. |
| US07659542B2 |
Silicon plate, producing method thereof, and solar cell
A polycrystalline silicon plate has grain boundary lines on a surface thereof, and at least one of the grain boundary lines is a quasi-linear grain boundary line (1). The silicon plate is used to produce a solar cell. The silicon plate is formed using a base substrate having an irregular surface provided with dotted or linear protrusions, which makes it possible to control the grain boundary lines. As such, an inexpensive and high-quality silicon plate can be provided. Further, by employing this silicon plate to produce a solar cell, an inexpensive and high-quality solar cell can be provided as well. |
| US07659538B2 |
Layered composite film incorporating a quantum dot shift register
Quantum dots are positioned within a layered composite film to produce one-dimensional and multi-dimensional shift registers within the film. Charge carriers are driven into the quantum dots by energy in connected control paths. The charge carriers are trapped in the quantum dots through quantum confinement, such that the charge carriers form artificial atoms, which serve as dopants for the surrounding materials. The atomic number of each artificial atom is adjusted through precise variations in the voltage across the quantum dot that confines it. The position of the artificial atom in the film is moved by varying the location of confinement and thus operates as a shift register. |
| US07659537B2 |
Field effect transistor
A field effect transistor comprises a source and a drain, and a channel layer of Si1-x-yGexCy crystal (1>x>0, 1>y≧0). Ge composition increases toward a drain end, in a vicinity of a source end of the channel layer. |
| US07659534B2 |
Programmable via devices with air gap isolation
Programmable via devices and methods for the fabrication thereof are provided. In one aspect, a programmable via device is provided. The programmable via device includes a first dielectric layer; a heater over the first dielectric layer; an air gap separating at least a portion of the heater from the first dielectric layer; an isolation layer over the first dielectric layer covering at least a portion of the heater; a capping layer over a side of the isolation layer opposite the first dielectric layer; at least one programmable via extending through the capping layer and at least a portion of the isolation layer and in contact with the heater, the programmable via including at least one phase change material; a conductive cap over the programmable via; a second dielectric layer over a side of the capping layer opposite the isolation layer; a first conductive via and a second conductive via, each extending through the second dielectric layer, the capping layer and at least a portion of the isolation layer and in contact with the heater; and a third conductive via extending through the second dielectric layer and in contact with the conductive cap. |
| US07659531B2 |
Optical coupler package
A method is disclosed. The method includes forming a substrate with a leadframe and a molding compound. The molding compound fills internal spaces in the leadframe and forms a dam structure. An optical emitter and an optical receiver are placed on the substrate. An optically transmissive medium is formed between the optical emitter and optical receiver. |
| US07659530B2 |
Focusing and shielding device for encephalic photon knife
A focusing and shielding device for encephalic photon knife consisting of a body of ray source, a switch and an armet, the ray source body is a hemispherical shell with certain thickness, a ray source cavity for placing ray source and a pre-collimation hole are defined on the hemispherical shell; the ray source cavity is defined on the outer surface of the hemispherical shell, and the pre-collimation hole is define on the inner surface of the hemispherical shell and connecting with the ray source cavity; the switch is defined inside the body of the ray source, and the outer surface of the switch is in hemispherical shape, a middle collimation hole is set on the switch; the armet is deposited inside the switch, and the inner surface is in columnar shape, an end collimation hole is defined on the armet, a therapy path is defined where the middle collimation hole connected with the pre-collimation hole to form the end collimation hole. The focusing and shielding device for encephalic photon knife of the present invention is simple in structure and low in cost, and as the inner surface of the armet is in a column shape, it expand the space for therapy. |
| US07659527B1 |
Infrared marking device and methods
Infrared marking devices and methods for marking an object, such as a door, inside a structure, such as a smoke-filled or burning structure. The infrared marking device comprises a ring-shaped, elasticized outer sleeve having a tubular sidewall and an amount of a self-heating material confined inside the tubular sidewall of the outer sleeve. The self-heating material emits infrared radiation when activated to initiate an exothermic chemical reaction. The infrared radiation is visible in a thermal imaging camera. The method comprises activating a self-heating material confined inside a marking device to initiate an exothermic reaction that emits infrared radiation and applying the marking device to an object inside the structure. |
| US07659526B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlled particle beam manufacturing
A chamber for exposing a workpiece to charged particles includes a charged particle source for generating a stream of charged particles, a collimator configured to collimate and direct the stream of charged particles from the charged particle source along an axis, a beam digitizer downstream of the collimator configured to create a digital beam including groups of at least one charged particle by adjusting longitudinal spacing between the charged particles along the axis, a deflector downstream of the beam digitizer including a series of deflection stages disposed longitudinally along the axis to deflect the digital beams, and a workpiece stage downstream of the deflector configured to hold the workpiece. |
| US07659525B2 |
Apparatus for and method of recording image
An image recording apparatus (1) causes a recording head (20) to move through a distance corresponding to one half of the recording width of the recording head (20) in a sub-scanning direction each time a recording drum (10) makes one rotation. This, light emitting devices (23, 24) record two line data in advance, and thereafter following light emitting devices (21, 22) record the same line data repeatedly at the same position. This increases the energy of laser light beams given to a recording position on a printing plate (P) to accomplish the recording of an image with reliability. The recording speed is not extremely decreased because not all light emitting devices (21 to 24) are used to make the repeated recordings at the same position on the printing plate (P). Further, the construction of optical systems and driving systems in the image recording apparatus is not complicated. |
| US07659522B2 |
Method of purifying the used O-18 enriched cyclotron target water and apparatus for the same
A method of purifying the used O-18 enriched cyclotron target water contaminated by the various organic compounds, the method including: supplying gaseous oxygen into the target water to be purified; irradiating UV rays having wavelengths of 254 nm and 185 nm on the target water; and releasing the gases generated during the purification oxidation process. |
| US07659519B1 |
System having reduced distance between scintillator and light sensor array
A sensor includes a carrier carrying a light sensor array. The light sensor array has pixels that are each configured to generate an electrical output in response to receiving a light photon. The light sensor array can be included in or on a wafer or can be built in or on a wafer. The sensor also includes electrical conductors through which the pixels electrically communicate with electronics on the carrier. Each of the electrical conductors is at least partially positioned in a recess that extends into the wafer. |
| US07659517B2 |
Method and apparatus for triggering image acquisition in radiography
An apparatus for triggering image acquisition in radiography includes an interconnect, a detector to detect radiation and a switch coupled between the interconnect and the detector to charge the interconnect in response to the radiation while the switch is in an open-circuit state. The apparatus also includes control circuitry coupled to the interconnect to detect the charge on the interconnect and to generate a signal indicating presence of the radiation in response to the charge. A method for triggering image acquisition in radiography includes coupling a switch between an interconnect and a detector, then charging an interconnect with that switch in response to radiation incident upon the switch while the switch is in an open-circuit state. Next, the charge on the interconnect is monitored and a signal is generated indicating the presence of the radiation in response to that charge. |
| US07659516B2 |
C-MOS sensor readout from multiple cells across the array to generate dose sensing signal
An array-based C-MOS sensor device is provided with a facility for on the basis of non-destructive cell readout generating a radiation dose-sensing signal. In particular, the facility is arranged for accessing a subset of multiple distributed C-MOS cells across the array and feeding by such accessed cells an algorithmic means for therein generating an overall feedback dose control signalization and/or an over-all trigger signalization. |
| US07659515B2 |
Electromagnetic and particle detector with reduced number of connections
A detecting device comprises at least one 2-dimensional set of elementary sensors of the semiconductor type for transforming energy of radiation to be detected into electric signals. Each elementary sensor is provided on one side with an anode and on the opposite side with a cathode adapted to be electrically connected on a circuit for reading and operating on the signals. The anodes are electrically interconnected to constitute a plurality of anode subsets electrically connected at least in pairs to a measuring anode path looped on said reading and operating circuit. Each anode is connected to two separate measuring anode pats. The cathodes are electrically interconnected to constitute adjacent cathode subsets, each cathode subset being electrically connected to a measuring cathode path. The anodes belonging to two anode subsets and connected to a common anode path are associated with sensors whereof the cathodes belong to separate cathode subsets. |
| US07659512B2 |
Oil type discrimination method and oil type discriminator
To provide an oil type discrimination method and an oil type discriminator capable of accurately discriminating a type of oil even when light-shielding components exist in the oil and of preventing in advance erroneous discrimination of a mixture of oil.There are provided step S1 in which the transmission spectrum of near infrared light is measured, step S2 in which the transmission spectrum is converted into an absorbance spectrum, a first discrimination step S3 in which between gasoline type and non-gasoline type is discriminated by comparing the difference in absorbance between two wavelengths existing in the vicinities of respective attribute wavelengths of predetermined chemical bonds with 0.0, step S4 in which the first derivative spectrum of the absorbance is found, a second discrimination step S5 in which a value, which is obtained by multiplying respective first derivative values of absorbance of at least four wavelengths existing in the vicinities of respective attribute wavelengths of predetermined chemical bonds by respective coefficients and further adding a constant to the sum, is compared with 0.0 and thus between regular gasoline and high-octane gasoline is discriminated, and a third discrimination step S6 in which the difference in absorbance between two wavelengths existing in the vicinities of respective attribute wavelengths of predetermined chemical bonds is compared with 0.0 and thus between kerosene and diesel oil is discriminated. |
| US07659510B2 |
Cryo-charging specimen holder for electron microscope
The present invention relates to a cryo-charging specimen holder for the electron microscope, particularly to a cryo-charging specimen holder for the electron microscope to hold various biological materials. The major feature of the invention is to charge the biological specimen and freeze the specimen at low temperature. The ice around the biological sample is also doped, so that after charging the doped ice surrounding the sample has a conductivity level comparable to that of conductor. Therefore, the sample can be embedded by the doped and charged ice obtaining the property of conductor, in order to be observed by the electron microscope. |
| US07659507B2 |
Automatic method of axial adjustments in electron beam system
Axial adjustments of an aberration corrector are made roughly. Whenever plural values of voltage are applied to an electrode in the first stage of the corrector, a different value of voltage is applied to the electrodes in the stage whose center is passed through by the reference orbit in the aberration corrector. At this time, a scanning deflector scans the electron beam over a specimen, producing a scanned image signal. Based on the scanned image signal, the amounts of positional deviations of the image are calculated. Based on the calculated amounts of positional deviations and on the voltages applied to the electrode in the first stage, an optimum value of voltage is calculated and fed back to the electrode in the first stage of the corrector. |
| US07659506B2 |
Method and system for generating and reviewing a thin sample
A system and method for generating a thin sample, the method includes: milling an intermediate section of a thin sample such as to enable an upper portion of the thin sample to tilt in relation to a lower portion of the thin sample; wherein the lower portion is connected to a wafer from which the thin sample was formed. A system and method for inspecting a thin sample, the method includes: A method for inspecting a thin sample, the method comprising: illuminating, by a charged particle beam, a tilted upper portion of a thin sample that is connected, via a milled intermediate section, to a lower portion of the thin sample; wherein the lower portion is connected to a wafer from which the thin sample was formed; and collecting particles and photons resulting from the illumination. |
| US07659500B2 |
Column current source
A column current source for an image sensor includes an array of pixels arranged in rows and columns, a reference current source, a transistor connected as a source follower to the reference current source and forming one half of a current mirror, and a plurality of current sources each connected to a column of pixels and with each current source forming the other half of the current mirror, thereby mirroring the reference current source. The current sources are connected to a first common node. A resistor is connected between the first common node and a second common node. One or more resistors are connected in series between the second common node and the transistor drain, and two or more switches are selectively operable to short circuit the resistors allowing the current sources to provide more than two current levels, thereby optimizing the image sensor current consumption for mobile devices. |
| US07659498B2 |
Image sensor power supply including at least one ripple rejection circuit for reducing variations in the supply voltage
An image sensor includes a power supply ripple rejection circuit having an input connected to a supply voltage reference, and an output connected to an output voltage reference. The power supply ripple rejection circuit reduces the affect of variance in the supply voltage reference on the output voltage reference. |
| US07659497B2 |
On demand circuit function execution employing optical sensing
Disclosed is a method of executing an electrical function, such as a fusing operation, by activation through a chip embedded photodiode through spectrally selected external light activation, and corresponding structure and circuit. The present invention is based on having incident light with specific intensity/wave length characteristics, in conjunction with additional circuit elements to an integrated circuit, perform the implementation of repairs, i.e., replacing failing circuit elements with redundant ones for yield and/or reliability. Also to perform disconnection of ESD protection device from input pad once the packaged chip is placed in system. No additional pins on the package are necessary. |
| US07659490B2 |
Systems for processing plate-like workpieces
A system for processing plate-like workpieces, especially metal sheets, comprises a first processing device in the form of a cutting device and also a second processing device, on which a processing line is defined. By means of a workpiece bed of a longitudinal guide a workpiece is movable relative to the cutting device in a first axial direction extending in a longitudinal direction of the processing line into a processing position. The cutting device, together with a workpiece bed of a transverse guide in an inoperative state, is movable relative to a workpiece in a second axial direction extending in a direction transverse to the processing line and thus transferable into a processing position. |
| US07659487B2 |
Data controlled mail collation system
Today, high density mailings such as “marriage mail,” Advo type advertisements, saturation mail, periodicals, and catalogs often require manual handling by the postal authority. Other than saturation mailings, where every carrier stop gets the same article, these items must be addressed. Verification of production is often desired due to spoilage and damage during production, which requires rework by the mailer. The addition of a data controlled mail collation feeder to existing or new Postal Authority automation equipment or the like eliminates the need to manually handle these difficult mail types and eliminates the need to address specific items. The manual casing at the delivery is eliminated. The data processing system that controls the data controlled mail collation feeder will also perform delivery confirmation and may assess postage due. |
| US07659486B2 |
Method and apparatus for sorting contaminated glass
A method, apparatus and system for sorting contaminated glass from a stream of glass particles used light of a wavelength suited to inducing fluorescence in the contaminated glass pieces. Automatic cleaning mechanisms are included in some embodiments to facilitate removal of coatings which would prevent the contaminated particles from fluorescing. The identified particles are then automatically separated from the remaining particles. |
| US07659484B2 |
Retrofit electronic weighing technology for pallet moving devices
A weighing system for use in retrofitting a pallet handling apparatus to provide weighing functionality. The system comprises a control unit and two fork units. The electronic control unit has a display, an electronic weight calculation controller, and at least one control switch. Each fork unit is for substitution with one fork of the pallet handling apparatus. Each fork unit comprises a rigid frame member having an elongated configuration, a plurality of load cells fixedly connected to the frame member, the load cells being disposed in laterally oriented pairs, and a fork member communicatively connected to the frame and engaging the load cells. |
| US07659473B2 |
System and method for providing haptic feedback to a musical instrument
A system and method for generating a haptic feedback signal correlated to a music signal and providing the haptic feedback signal to a musical instrument. The music signal can created by the musical instrument or from a file, e.g., a MIDI file. A processor can generate the haptic feedback signal using a look-up table in which the music signal is mapped to a corresponding haptic feedback signal or can compute the corresponding haptic feedback signal based on the parameters of the music signal. The processor provides the haptic feedback signal to an actuator for causing a haptic effect at the musical instrument in response to receiving the haptic feedback signal. The haptic feedback signal can be applied to an input member, such as a key on a keyboard or a string on a guitar, or to the housing of the musical instrument, such as the neck of a guitar. |
| US07659471B2 |
System and method for music data repetition functionality
Systems and methods applicable, for example, in music data repetition functionality. Timbral feature calculation and/or pitch feature calculation might, for instance, be performed. One or more self matrices might, for example, be calculated. A combined matrix might, for instance, be created. One or more music data repetition candidates might, for example, be selected. Candidate refinement might, for instance, be performed. A final choice for the music data repetition corresponding to the music data might, for example, be determined. |
| US07659470B2 |
Housing structure of electronic keyboard musical instrument
A housing structure of an electronic keyboard musical instrument, in which a pivotable upper case can be mounted to and dismounted from a lower case when the upper case is in a semi-open state, thereby improving safety and the working efficiency at the time of assembly and maintenance. Pivot coupling parts each include an engagement protrusion comprised of a narrow-width portion and a wide-width portion. An upper case is formed with engagement holes each comprised of a narrow-width counterpart permitting the narrow-width portion to be inserted thereinto and a wide-width counterpart permitting the wide-width portion to be inserted thereinto. By moving the upper case, having a posture thereof corresponding to a mountable/dismountable angle range, in the direction in which the wide-width portions project, the wide-width portions can be inserted into and removed from the wide-width counterparts. |
| US07659465B1 |
Method of attachment for string tension adjustment devices (tuners) for stringed instruments and string instruments formed thereby
A method of adding at least one more string to a stringed instrument having an initial plurality of strings and an initial plurality of tuners equaling the number of initial plurality of strings, wherein the stringed instrument comprises a headstock on which is disposed the initial plurality of tuners, a neck and a body coupled to the neck, wherein among other things, the headstock has a front surface, a rear surface and at least one side planer surface and at least one elongated bore in the side planer surface and wherein the headstock further comprises at least one individual aperture extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the headstock and the elongated bore extends perpendicularly to the aperture, wherein the method comprises the steps of inserting a steel flanged insert into the individual aperture; inserting a shaft, having a first end and a second end, in the elongated bore such that the first end of the shaft extends into the aperture of the headstock; coupling a first end of the at least one more string to the first end of the shaft and coupling a second end of the at least one more string to the termination section; and securing the shaft to the headstock. In a particular feature, the steel flanged insert prevents the at least one more string from direct contact with an edge of the aperture and facilitates an improved tone transfer to the headstock. |
| US07659462B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH862061
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH862061. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH862061, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH862061 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH862061. |
| US07659461B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH039640
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH039640. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH039640, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH039640 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH039640. |
| US07659460B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn hybrid CH794587
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH794587. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH794587, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH794587 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH794587. |
| US07659459B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH961186
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH961186. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH961186, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH961186 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH961186. |
| US07659457B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV581972
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV581972. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV581972, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV581972 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV581972 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV581972. |
| US07659451B2 |
Pea line 08520689
The invention provides seed and plants of the pea line designated 08520689. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of pea line 08520689, and to methods for producing a pea plant produced by crossing a plant of pea line 08520689 with itself or with another pea plant, such as a plant of another line. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of a plant of pea line 08520689, including the seed, pod, and gametes of such plants. |
| US07659449B2 |
Regulation of gene expression in plants
Isolated stress-responsiveness promoters suitable for directing gene expression in plant cells or plants are provided, along with constructs, vectors, host cells, plant cells and plant comprising the promoters. Methods for producing plant cells or plants with modified phenotype via transformation of the plant cells or plants with the promoters are also provided. |
| US07659439B2 |
Bandage package and dispenser
An element dispensing package suitable for dispensing adhesive strips or bandages. Each element is contained within an envelope formed by opposed upper and lower sheets. The lower sheet has a release liner secured thereto to protect the element while it is within the dispenser. The element is releasably secured to a pull cover and is separated from the lower sheet and release liner when the envelope is opened. The pull cover has one or more gripping means to facilitate dispensing of the element contained within the package. Additionally, the lower sheet and upper sheet have optional gripping means to facilitate dispensing of the element contained within the package. |
| US07659431B2 |
Method of making dialkyl ketones
Methods and systems for preparing dialkyl ketones are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of carbon monoxide and hydrogen with the olefins (e.g. ethylene) in a liquid solvent. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time. |
| US07659430B2 |
Method for separating hydrogen chloride and phosgene
The invention relates to a process for separating hydrogen chloride and phosgene, which comprises bringing a mixture of hydrogen chloride and phosgene into contact with an ionic liquid in which at least part of the hydrogen chloride is dissolved in a step a) and then separating off the hydrogen chloride dissolved in the ionic liquid in a step b). |
| US07659428B2 |
Methods for producing acylphenylalanine
There is provided a method for producing easily highly-purified acylphenylalanine that is useful as a raw material of pharmaceutical products and the like, which comprises the step of reacting an acid chloride with phenylalanine in a mixed solvent of an organic solvent and water, while keeping the solvent under the alkali condition by using potassium hydroxide. |
| US07659423B1 |
Method of preparing electron deficient olefins in polar solvents
This invention relates to a process for producing electron deficient olefins, such as 2-cyanoacrylates, in a polar solvent, such as an ionic liquid. |
| US07659421B2 |
Phenylboronic acid compounds and intermediates and processes for the preparation thereof
Vitamin D derivatives, notably non-steroidal vitamin D derivatives, are prepared from novel disubstituted phenylboronic acid compounds having the formula (I): and also from the novel intermediates having the formulae (1), (2), (3) and (10): |
| US07659416B2 |
Monomolecular conductive complex, conductive self-assembled film and assembly of electrode composed of metal and semiconductor making use of the same
Enediyne compounds of the formula: (1) characterized in that the structure thereof is very simple and the production process is easy, and that the molecular length thereof is shorter than those of compounds having been proposed. Consequently, electrode assemblies comprising any of these enediyne compounds are highly promising in the application to nanomolecular wiring (nanomolecular wire) whose production has been difficult. |
| US07659414B2 |
Method of preparing organometallic compounds
A method of preparing an ultra-pure organometallic compound comprising using a microchannel device for synthesis in reacting a metal halide with an alkylating agent to produce an ultra-pure alkylmetal compound for processes such as chemical vapor deposition. |
| US07659408B2 |
Pyrazole carboxamides as inhibitors of 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1
Pyrazole carboxamides of structural formula I are selective inhibitors of the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1. The compounds are useful for the treatment of diabetes, such as noninsulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), hyperglycemia, obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome, and other symptoms associated with NIDDM. |
| US07659407B2 |
Pharmaceutical compounds
Pyrazole derivatives of the following formula (I), having affinity for the cannabinoidergic CB1 and/or CB2 receptors: wherein: R is a group selected from: C1-C10 alkyl; aryl, arylalkyl or arylalkenyl, not substituted or having from one to four substituents, equal to or different from each other; A is a group selected from the following: an ether group of formula —(CH2)—O—(CH2)v—R″ wherein v is equal to 1 or 2; R″ is as defined in the present application; a ketone group of formula —C(O)—Z′, wherein Z′ is as defined in the present application; a substituent having an hydroxyl function of formula —CH(OH)—Z′, Z′ being as defined in the present application; an amide substituent of formula —C(O)—NH—T′, T′ being as defined in the present application; B is a group as defined in the present application; D is an heteroaryl optionally substituted. |
| US07659401B2 |
Thiazolo[4,5-C]pyridine derivatives
The invention relates to compounds of general formula I: wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as defined in the description such compounds are metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonists and are useful in the treatment or prevention of mGluR5 receptor mediated disorders. |
| US07659400B2 |
Radiolabelled benzamide analogues, their synthesis and use in diagnostic imaging
Fluoroalkoxybenzamide compounds which selectively bind Sigma-2 receptors are disclosed. These compounds, when labelled with 18F, can be used as radiotracers for imaging of tumors by positron emission tomography (PET). In addition, these compounds, when labelled with 123I, can be used as radiotracers for imaging of tumors by single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Methods for synthesis of these compounds are also disclosed. |
| US07659398B2 |
Imiquimod production process
The present invention provides a process for preparing highly pure 4-amino-1-isobutyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinoline (imiquimod). The process preferably includes heating 4-chloro-1-isobutyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinoline of formula (II) with ammonia in a polar aprotic solvent at relatively moderate pressure to produce imiquimod, and optionally purifying the imiquimod. The process of the present invention can produce highly pure imiquimod in high yield. |
| US07659396B2 |
Method for the production of phenylalanine derivatives
The invention relates to an improved method for the production of 3-amidino- or 3-guanidinophenylalanine derivatives, especially triisopropylphenyl-sulfonyl-substituted 3-amidino- or 3-guanidinophenylalanine derivatives. |
| US07659387B1 |
Transgenic mammals introduced a Period 1 promoter that confers rhythmical expression
The present invention relates to an isolated Period 1 (Per1) promoter DNA inducing rhythmical expression of a gene operably linked thereto. This invention also provides a DNA comprising a Period 1 promoter DNA and a gene operably linked thereto, the gene being under the regulation of the promoter DNA. The present invention further provides transformants and transgenic mammals into which the DNA has been introduced. The transformants and transgenic mammals are useful in the screening of pharmaceutical drugs against diseases and disorders pertaining to the circadian rhythm. |
| US07659386B2 |
Nucleic acid sequences encoding transcription factor proteins
Isolated polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded thereby are described, together with the use of those products for making transgenic plants. |
| US07659385B2 |
Polynucleotides encoding molecules designated LDCAM
The invention is directed to LDCAM as a purified and isolated protein, the DNA encoding the LDCAM, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding LDCAM, processes for preparing LDCAM polypeptides and compositions and methods for treating utilizing LDCAM polypeptides. |
| US07659382B2 |
Methods and compositions for the treatment and prevention of HIV infection using TRIM5α
The invention provides novel TRIM polypeptides, proteins, and nucleic acid molecules. In addition to isolated, full-length TRIM proteins, the invention further provides isolated TRIM fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-TRIM antibodies. The invention also provides TRIM 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 non-human transgenic animals in which an TRIM gene has been introduced or disrupted. The present invention also provides methods and compositions for the diagnosis and treatment of viral infection and/or replication, e.g., HIV infection. The invention further provides methods for identifying a compound capable of treating or preventing viral infection and/or replication, e.g., HIV infection and AIDS. In addition, the invention provides a method for treating a subject having a viral infection and/or replication, e.g., HIV infection using the modulators of the invention. |
| US07659381B2 |
Nucleic acid molecule set for detecting Salmonella, nucleic acids, kit and use
The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule or molecules and to a process for the detection of bacteria of the Salmonella genus. The invention relates also to a test kit or test kits for carrying out the mentioned detection processes. |
| US07659378B2 |
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) binding antibody
The present invention provides a family of binding proteins that bind and neutralize the activity of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), in particular human HGF. The binding proteins can be used as diagnostic and/or therapeutic agents. With regard to their therapeutic activity, the binding proteins can be used to treat certain HGF responsive disorders, for example, certain HGF responsive tumors. |
| US07659375B2 |
Human IL-1 epsilon DNA and polypeptides
The invention is directed to purified and isolated novel human IL-1 epsilon polypeptides, the nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, processes for production of recombinant forms of such polypeptides, antibodies generated against these polypeptides, fragmented peptides derived from these polypeptides, the use of such polypeptides and fragmented peptides in cellular and immune reactions and as molecular weight markers, the use of such polypeptides and fragmented peptides as controls for peptide fragmentation, and kits comprising these reagents. |
| US07659372B2 |
Menstrual fluid simulant containing blood product, gelatin, polyacrylamide and buffer
Menstrual fluid simulants may consistently emulate the physical characteristics of real menstrual fluid, including but not limited to, viscosity, stringiness, surface tension and size and concentration of particulate matter. In addition, the constituents comprising the menstrual fluid simulants may be changed in order to mimic the variations in real menstrual fluid observed from woman to woman and from an individual woman over time. The menstrual fluid simulants are of use in the testing of personal care absorbent products. |
| US07659368B2 |
ErbB2 and ErbB3 chimeric heteromultimer adhesins
Novel chimeric heteromultimer adhesins that bind the ligand of natural heteromultimeric receptors and uses therefor are disclosed. The chimeric molecules of the heteromultimer adhesins comprise an extracellular domain of a heteromultimeric receptor monomer and a multimerization domain for the stable interaction of the chimeric molecules in the adhesin. Specifically disclosed are heteromultimeric adhesins comprising the extracellular domains of ErbB2 and ErbB3 or ErbB2 and ErbB4. The chimeric ErbB heteromultimer adhesins of the present invention are useful as competitive antagonists or agonists of a neuregulin for the treatment of diseases such as various cancers. |
| US07659367B2 |
Growth factor complexes and modulation of cell migration and growth
Isolated protein complexes are provided comprising growth factors such as IGF-I, IGF-II, VEGF or PDGF, or at least domains thereof that enable binding to and activation of both a growth factor receptor, and an integrin receptor-binding domain of vitronectin or fibronectin. These protein complexes may be in the form of oligo-protein complexes or single, synthetic proteins where the growth factor and vitronectin or fibronectin sequences are joined by a linker sequence. In particular forms, vitronectin or fibronectin sequences do not include a heparin binding domain and/or polyanionic domain. Also provided are uses of these protein complexes for stimulating or inducing cell migration and/or proliferation which may have use in wound healing, tissue engineering, cosmetic and therapeutic treatments such as skin replacement and skin replenishment and treatment of burns where epithelial cell migration is required. In other embodiments, the invention provides inhibition of cancer cell metastasis, particularly in relation to breast cancer. |
| US07659364B2 |
N-methyl-homocysteines and their use as well as process for their production
The synthesis of N-methyl-homocysteines and their use are described. |
| US07659363B2 |
Process for the preparation of insulin or an insulin derivative in the presence of oxygen
The present invention comprises a process for preparing insulin or an insulin derivative with correctly linked cysteine bridges from a precursor of said insulin or insulin derivative, wherein said precursor is subjected to a folding process in the presence of cysteine or cysteine hydrochloride and a chaotropic auxiliary compound. The insulin or insulin derivative with correctly linked cysteine bridges is obtained by enzymic cleavage by means of trypsin or a trypsin-like enzyme and, where appropriate, additionally by means of carboxypeptidase B and subsequent purification on an adsorber resin, which process is carried out at varied pH and temperature ranges. |
| US07659360B2 |
Low water-absorptive polyimide resin and method for producing same
A polyimide resin is produced by the reaction of a compound selected from 1,2,4,5-cyclohexanetetracarboxylic acid, dianhydride thereof and reactive derivatives thereof and a compound selected from diamines and diisocyanates each containing at least one phenylene group and at least one isopropylidene group. The polyimide resin is colorless and exhibits a high heat resistance, a high transparency and a low water absorption. |
| US07659358B2 |
Binders containing ortho ester groups
A process for preparing polymers containing polyortho ester groups and optionally NCO groups by reacting A) and B) where A) is a polyortho ester containing at least one isocyanate-reactive group prepared by reacting at least one or more acyclic ortho esters with low molecular weight polyols having a functionality of 4-8 and a number-average molecular weight of 80-500 g/mol and B) is least one polyisocyanate. The polymers obtained from the process can be used to produce coatings, adhesive bonds and/or seals. The coating compositions can include one or more of the above-described polymers, optionally polyisocyanates, catalysts, and optionally auxiliaries and additives and can be used to coat substrates. |
| US07659356B2 |
Polypropylene type aqueous dispersion, polypropylene type composite aqueous emulsion composition and its use
A polypropylene type aqueous dispersion comprising the following components (a) to (c): (a)a polypropylene type polymer100parts by weight and/or a modified polypropylene type polymer (b)a surfactant1 to 100parts by weight, and (c)water100 to 1,000parts by weight, wherein the component (a) has a main chain having the following features (1) and (2) and dispersion particles in the dispersion have an average particle size of at most 0.5 μm, Feature (1) when observing a peak derived from a carbon atom of a methyl group in a propylene unit chain part comprising a head-to-tail bond by 13C-NMR and fixing a chemical shift of a peak top at a peak attributable to pentad expressed by mmmm to 21.8 ppm, a ratio (S1/S) of an area S1 of a peak of a peak top at 21.8 ppm to a total area S of peaks at from 19.8 ppm to 22.1 ppm is at least 10% and at most 60%, and when an area of a peak (mmmr) of a peak top at 21.5 to 21.6 ppm is expressed as S2, 4+2S1/S2>5, andFeature (2) a content ratio (mol ratio) of propylene unit (A): other olefin unit (B) is from 100:0 to 90:10. |
| US07659354B2 |
Hydrophobically modified polymers as laundry additives
The present invention is directed to polymeric compounds comprising a main backbone derived from at least the following monomeric components: (I) 20 to 99.9% by weight, preferably 50% to 99% by weight, of at least one cationic monomer according to formula (I), and (II) 0.1 to 80% by weight of a hydrophobic unsaturated nonionic monomer that polymerizes in the presence of an initiator, optionally a water-soluble monomer (III) different from either monomer (I) and monomer (II), and optionally a crosslinking agent (IV). Said compounds are particularly useful to overcome the problem of dye bleeding and/or dye transfer in laundry processes. |
| US07659351B2 |
Water- and oil-repellent fluoroacrylates
Fluoroacrylates comprise the reaction product of: (a) at least one fluorochemical alcohol represented by the formula: CnF2n+1—X—OH wherein: n=1 to 4, R=hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, m=2 to 8, Rf=CnF2n+1, y=0 to 6, and q=1 to 8; (b) at least one unbranched symmetric diusocyanate; and (c) at least one hydroxy-terminated alkyl (meth)acrylate or 2-fluoro acrylate monomer having 2 to about 30 carbon atoms in its alkylene portion. |
| US07659349B2 |
Impact strength polypropylene
Degraded polypropylene (co)polymer modified with a linear dialkylperoxide in order to retain its impact strength and a process for its preparation. |
| US07659345B2 |
S,S′-bis-(α, α′-Disubstituted-α″-Acetic acid)—trithiocarbonates and derivatives as initiator—chain transfer agent—terminator for controlled radical polymerizations and the process for making the same
A s,s′-bis-(α,α′-disubstituted-α″-acetic acid)-trithiocarbonate and derivatives thereof can be used as an initiator, chain transfer agent, or terminator for polymerization of monomers such as free radical polymerizable monomers. Homopolymers, copolymers, and the like as well as block copolymers can be made utilizing the trithio carbonate compound such as in a living free radical polymerization as well as to form telechelic polymers. |
| US07659343B2 |
Film layers made from ethylene polymer blends
Film layers made from formulated ethylene polymer compositions are disclosed. Film layers made from such formulated compositions have surprisingly good heat seal properties, and an especially good reduction in heat seal initiation temperature. The ethylene polymer compositions have at least one homogeneously branched ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer and at least one homogeneously or heterogeneously branched ethylene polymer which has a lower melt index than the first mentioned component. The first homogeneously branched ethylene/alpha-olefin interpolymer has a melt index higher than that of the formulated composition. |
| US07659339B2 |
Low mooney nitrile rubber thermoplastic elastomer composition with improved processability
The present invention relates to thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on low Mooney, optionally hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber and polyamides. The present invention also relates to TPVs based on low Mooney, optionally, hydrogenated nitrile terpolymers and polyamides. TPVs prepared according to the present invention have improved morphology, smaller rubber particle size, and improved processability compared to TPVs containing non-low Mooney, optionally hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber. |
| US07659335B2 |
Fluoropolymer dispersion and electrode composition containing same
A composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of fluoropolymer particles stabilized with a polyoxyethylene alkyl ether surfactant having a polydispersity index, Mw/Mn, of 1.15 or less, useful in compositions comprising electrode material. |
| US07659333B2 |
Fluorinated surfactants for use in making a fluoropolymer
The present invention provides a fluorinated surfactant having the general formula: [Rf—(O)t—CQH—CF2—O]n—R—G (I) wherein Rf represents a partially or fully fluorinated aliphatic group optionally interrupted with one or more oxygen atoms, Q is CF3 or F, R is an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon group, G represents a carboxylic or sulphonic acid or salt thereof, t is 0 or 1 and n is 1, 2 or 3. The surfactant is particularly useful in polymerizing fluorinated monomers in an aqueous emulsion polymerization. |
| US07659328B2 |
Silicone rubber
A composition containing a silicone and one or more silanized, structure-modified, pyrogenic silicas which contain groups fixed to their surface is described. The silicone containing silanized, structure-modified, pyrogenic silicas exhibit advantageous rheological properties, such as lowered crepe hardening, which facilitates the processing operations even after storage or transport of the silicone composition. |
| US07659324B2 |
Dental materials with improved compatibility
Dental materials which contain a radically polymerizable organic binder, at least one radical polymerization initiator and at least one radical polymerization accelerator, both the initiator and the accelerator each having at least one radically polymerizable group. |
| US07659320B2 |
Method for extracting nylon from waste materials
The invention relates to a method for recovering nylon from a nylon-containing material by contacting the nylon-containing material with an alkanol-containing solvent at elevated temperature and at a pressure higher than the equilibrium pressure of the alkanol-containing solvent at the elevated temperature, thereby dissolving the nylon in the alkanol-containing solvent, removing the alkanol-containing solvent containing dissolved nylon from any undissolved solids, and decreasing the temperature of the alkanol-containing solvent containing dissolved nylon to precipitate the dissolved nylon. |
| US07659319B2 |
Sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide) films as polyelectrolyte membranes
Proton conducting membranes are made of sulfonated films comprising poly(arylene sulfide), an olefinic polymer, and an elastomer. They are used in PEM fuel cells operating at temperatures above 95° C., or at low relative humidity. According to methods of the invention, sulfonated poly(phenylene sulfide) (SPPS) films are provided with a wide range of physical properties, which depend in part on the ion exchange capacity of the films. In particular, the degree or level of sulfonation can be tailored by adjusting reaction conditions such as temperature and time. |
| US07659317B2 |
Methods to prepare carbon-isotope labeled organohalides with high specific radioactivity from carbon-isotope monoxide
Methods and reagents for labeling synthesis of organohalides by transition metal mediated carbonylation reactions using carbon-isotope labeled carbon monoxide are provided. The resultant carbon-isotope labeled organohalides are useful as radiopharmaceuticals, especially for use as precursors in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Associated PET tracers and kits for PET studies are also provided. |
| US07659315B2 |
Use of polyaminomethylenephosphonates as dispersing agents
A method of use of polyaminomethylenephosphonates as dispersing, wetting, and/or stabilizing agents in formulations for cements, detergents, ceramic materials, dyes, synthetic resins, rubbers, drilling fluids, and for reverse osmosis includes the step of adding a polyaminomethylenephosphonate having the formula: wherein n is an integer higher than 2, M is an alkaline metal or the ammonium ion, and R is: —CH2PO3M2; —CH2Z, wherein Z is —CH2OH, —CHOHCH3, —CHOHCH2Cl, or —CHOHCH2OH; —(CH2)mSO3M, m being 3 or 4; —CH2CH2T, wherein T is —CONH2, —CONH2, —CHO, —COOQ, —COOX, CN, wherein Q is —CH3 or —C2H5 and X is an alkaline metal ion or the ammonium ion; and wherein the polyaminomethylenephosphonate is present in a weight quantity of over 0.01% with respect to the total weight of the formulation. |
| US07659312B2 |
Inhibitors of Aquaporin 4, methods and uses thereof
This invention relates an inhibitory modulator of AQP4 protein regarding its transmembrane water transport properties, wherein the modulator selectively binds to the AQP4 protein, and inhibits AQP4 mediated water transport. |
| US07659310B2 |
Methods of enhancing solubility of agents
This invention concerns novel methods of enhancing the solubility of a compound. Compositions prepared using such methods are also disclosed. Compositions prepared using the methods have various advantages over conventionally known compositions. |
| US07659308B2 |
Concentricolide and its derivatives, process for preparing them, pharmaceutical composition comprising the same and its use
The present invention relates to concentricolide and its derivatives, a method for the preparation of the compound and its derivatives, a pharmaceutical composition containing concentricolide and its derivatives, and use of the compound and its derivatives for the treatment and prevention of infection caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). |
| US07659304B2 |
Tryptophan derivative and application thereof
A compound represented by the following formula (I) or a salt thereof is provided: wherein X represents a halogen atom; R1 represents a hydrogen atom, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C2-6 alkenyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C2-6 alkynyl group, substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group, substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted acyl group, substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkylsulfonyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C2-7 alkoxycarbonyl group, or hydroxyl group; R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted C1-21 alkyl group; R3, R5, and R6 are the same or different and represent a hydrogen atom or halogen atom; R4 represents a hydrogen atom or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl group; and R7 represents a hydrogen atom or substituted or unsubstituted C1-21 hydrocarbon group. Also provided is a therapeutic drug for osteoporosis and an osteoblast activator comprising the compound or a salt thereof. |
| US07659301B2 |
Methods and devices for epithelial protection during photodynamic therapy
Methods for preventing damage to the epidermis during PDT induced using a pre-photosensitizing agent are provided. The methods of the present invention utilize spatial confinement to control formation of a photoactive species from a topically-applied pre-photosensitizing agent. In one embodiment, thermal inhibition is used to prevent the metabolism of a pre-photosensitizing agent in epithelial tissue surrounding a treatment site. In another embodiment, a chemical inhibitor can be applied to the epithelial tissue to inhibit the conversion of a pre-photosensitizing agent into a phototoxic species. |
| US07659296B2 |
Vitamin D receptor modulators
The present invention relates to novel, non-secosteroidal, phenyl-benzoxazole compounds of Formula (I) wherein the variables R, R′, RP, RP3, LP1, LP2, ZP, RB, RB′, LXB and ZXB are as hereinafter defined, their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use. |
| US07659293B2 |
α-Amino-N-hydroxy-acetamide derivatives
The invention relates to α-amino-N-hydroxy-acetamide derivatives of formula I, wherein R is di-lower alkyl amino, 1,2,3-triazol-1-yl, 1,2,3-triazol-2-yl or 1,2,4-triazol-4-yl, m represents an integer from 1 up to and including 10, and n represents an integer from 0 up to and including 10, and salts thereof: to processes for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said hydroxamic acid derivatives, the use of such hydroxamic acid derivatives as medicaments, and a method of treating conditions or diseases mediated by matrix-degrading metalloproteinases (MMP's) using said derivatives alone or in combination with one or more other therapeutic agents. |
| US07659291B2 |
Methods of treatment with pre-mixed, ready-to-use pharmaceutical compositions
Provided herein are ready-to-use premixed pharmaceutical compositions of nicardipine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and methods for use in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. |
| US07659290B2 |
Methods of preparing pre-mixed, ready-to-use pharmaceutical compositions
Provided herein are ready-to-use premixed pharmaceutical compositions of nicardipine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt and methods for use in treating cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions. |
| US07659289B2 |
Hydroxyethylene-based β-secretase inhibitors and use thereof
The present invention provides novel beta-secretase inhibitors and methods for their use, including methods of treating of Alzheimer's disease. |
| US07659288B2 |
5-aminoalkylpyrazole derivatives as pesticidal agents
The invention relates to 5-aminoalkylaminopyrazole derivatives of formula (I) or salts thereof: wherein the various symbols are as defined in the description, to processes for their preparation, to compositions thereof, and to their use for the control of pests (including arthropods and helminths). |
| US07659283B2 |
Pyrrolo [3,2-C] pyridines useful as inhibitors of protein kinases
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders. The invention also provides processes for preparing compounds of the inventions. |
| US07659280B2 |
2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds for treating or preventing autoimmune diseases
The present invention provides 3-hydroxyphenyl-2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds of formula I, as well as related compositions and methods for treating a variety of autoimmune diseases. |
| US07659278B2 |
Use of low molecular weight compounds for preparing a medicament useful in treating mutant p53 mediated diseases
The present invention provides novel compounds, corresponding to formulae I and II, respectively, which are able to reactivate the apoptosis-inducing function of mutant p53 proteins. This reactivation is provided by restoration of sequence-specific DNA-binding activity and transcriptional transactivation function to mutant p53 proteins, and modulation of the conformation-dependent epitopes of the p53 protein. Accordingly, the substances according to the invention will be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treatment of patients suffering from various types of tumours. |
| US07659277B2 |
Ubiquitin ligase inhibitors and methods related thereto
The application discloses compounds that inhibit ubiquitin ligase activity. The application further discloses antiviral compounds, anticancer compounds, and compounds useful for the treatment of neurological disorders. |
| US07659276B2 |
Melanin concentrating hormone receptor antagonist
Novel compounds, or pharmaceutically-acceptable salts, tautomers or prodrugs thereof, of Formula I wherein A, W, X, Z, R1-R3, and R8 are as defined in the specification, are provided. Also provided are methods of treating or preventing a melanin concentrating hormone-mediated disorder in a subject, comprising administering to a subject in need of such treatment or prevention a compound of Formula I. |
| US07659275B2 |
Piperidinyl piperazine derivatives useful as inhibitors of chemokine receptors
In its many embodiments, the present invention provides a novel class of compounds of structural formula IA or IB where R1-R8 are as disclosed herein as inhibitors of the CCR5 receptors, methods of preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more such compounds, methods of preparing pharmaceutical formulations comprising one or more such compounds, and methods of treatment, prevention, inhibition, or amelioration of one or more diseases associated with CCR5 using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions. The invention also relates to the use of a combination of a compound of this invention and one or more antiviral or other agents useful in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The invention further relates to the use of a compound of this invention, alone or in combination with another agent, in the treatment of solid organ transplant rejection, graft v. host disease, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, asthma, allergies or multiple sclerosis. |
| US07659273B2 |
Composition for accelerating bone fracture healing
A composition for accelerating fracture healing, which has a PDE4 inhibitor as an active ingredient, specifically a composition having a PDE4 inhibitor and a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer is provided, which composition, when formulated into a form suitable for local administration such as a microsphere preparation, can provide a pharmaceutical composition showing an excellent effect in the early healing of bone fracture. The composition is useful in healing of refractory fracture of elderly people and diabetic or osteoporosis patients. |
| US07659272B2 |
CCR9 inhibitors and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to compounds represented by Structural Formula I, which can bind to CCR9 receptors and block the binding of a ligand (e.g., TECK) to the receptors. The invention also relates to a method of inhibiting a function of CCR9, and to the use compounds represented by Structural Formula I in research, therapeutic, prophylactic and diagnostic methods. |
| US07659268B2 |
Modulators of ATP-binding cassette transporters
Compounds of the present invention, and pharmaceutically acceptable compositions thereof, are useful as modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (“CFTR”). The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using compounds of the present invention. |
| US07659265B2 |
Thioamide derivatives as progesterone receptor modulators
Thioamide compounds, and specifically, thioamide pyrrole compounds, and preparation thereof are provided. These thioamide compounds can be used as progesterone receptor modulators, in contraception, and in the treatment of progesterone-related maladies. |
| US07659260B2 |
Tamponade compositions and methods for retinal repair
Described herein are methods of repairing retinal tissue using resorbable tamponade compositions that are heavier than aqueous humor and contain one or more glysosaminoglycans. |
| US07659253B2 |
Abuse-resistant amphetamine prodrugs
The invention describes compounds, compositions, and methods of using the same comprising a chemical moiety covalently attached to amphetamine. These compounds and compositions are useful for reducing or preventing abuse and overdose of amphetamine. These compounds and compositions find particular use in providing an abuse-resistant alternative treatment for certain disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ADD, narcolepsy, and obesity. Oral bioavailability of amphetamine is maintained at therapeutically useful doses. At higher doses bioavailability is substantially reduced, thereby providing a method of reducing oral abuse liability. Further, compounds and compositions of the invention decrease the bioavailability of amphetamine by parenteral routes, such as intravenous or intranasal administration, further limiting their abuse liability. |
| US07659251B2 |
Ligand for G-protein coupled receptor FPRL2
The present invention relates to methods, reagents and kits for detecting of formyl peptide receptor like-2 (FPRL2) polypeptide activity in a sample and identifying agents which modulate polypeptide activity. It further relates to antibodies raised against FPRL2. It further relates to substances for preventing, treating and/or alleviating diseases or disorders characterized by dysregulation of FPRL2 polypeptide signalling. |
| US07659249B2 |
Membrane-permeable NFAT inhibitory peptide
The present invention aims to solve the conventional problems by providing a peptide compound, in which when administered to a patient of immunologic disease, cardiac hypertrophy or a disease caused by NFAT activation, the period from administration to actual exhibition of effectiveness is short and there are no side effects or antigenicity. Specifically, the present invention relates to a membrane permeable NFAT inhibitory peptide comprising several consecutive arginines and a NFAT-activity inhibitory peptide sequence; a NFAT activation inhibitory agent comprising the peptide; and a immunosuppressive agent and cardiac hypertrophy suppressive agent, comprising the peptide compound as the active ingredient. |
| US07659245B2 |
Macrocylic inhibitors of hepatitis C virus
Compounds of the formula I: and N-oxides, salts, and stereoisomers thereof wherein A is OR1, NHS(═O)pR2; wherein; R1 is hydrogen, C1-C6alkyl, C0-C3alkylenecarbocyclyl, C0-C3alkylene-heterocyclyl; R2 is C1-C6alkyl, C0-C3alkylenecarbocyclyl, C0-C3alkyleneheterocyclyl; p is independently 1 or 2; n is 3, 4, 5 or 6; denotes an optional double bond; L is N or CRz; Rz is H or forms a double bond with the asterisked carbon; Rq is H or when L is CRz, Rq can also be C1-C6alkyl; Rr is quinazolinyl, optionally substituted with one two or three substituents each independently selected from C1-C6 alkyl, C1-C6alkoxy, hydroxyl, halo, haloC1-C6alkyl, amino, mono- or dialkylamino, mono- or dialkylaminocarbonyl, C1-C6alkyl-carbonylamino, C0-C3alkylenecarbocyclyl and C0-C3 alkyleneheterocyclyl; R5 is hydrogen, C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6alkoxyC1-C6alkyl or C3-C7cycloalkyl; R6 is hydrogen, C1-C6alkyl, C1-C6alkoxy, C0-C3alkylenecarbocyclyl, C0-C3alkylene-heterocyclyl, hydroxy, bromo, chloro or fluoro have utility in the treatment or prophylaxis of flaviviral infections such as HCV. |
| US07659242B2 |
Composition comprising protein material and compounds comprising non-oxidizable fatty acid entities
The present invention concerns a composition prepared from a combination of non β-oxidizable fatty acid entities and a protein material, and the use of said composition for the preparation of a pharmaceutical or nutritional composition for the prevention and/or treatment of insulin resistance, obesity, diabetes, fatty liver, hypercholesterolemia, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, thrombosis, stenosis, secondary stenosis, myocardial infarction, stroke, elevated blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction, procoagulant state, polycystic ovary syndrome, the metabolic syndrome, cancer, inflammatory disorders and proliferate skin disorders. An alternative embodiment of the invention includes oil in the composition The present invention also concerns an animal feed prepared from a combination of a protein material and a compound comprising non β-oxidizable fatty acid analogues, the use of said feed for improving the body composition of an animal, and a product produced from said animal. |
| US07659237B2 |
Increasing surface-active properties of surfactants
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) than do comparable compositions having no protein component. In addition, the surfactant-containing compositions having the protein component have the effect of converting greasy waste contaminants to surface active materials. |
| US07659236B2 |
Bar composition comprising thermochromic pigment or dye signalling benefit agent release or other use
The invention relates to bar compositions comprising thermochromatic pigment or dye signaling temperature and/or benefit agent release. In a preferred embodiment, the pigment is introduced in the form of a separate domain (e.g., separate chips) which separate chip or chips is combined with a surfactant-containing chips to form the final bar. |
| US07659234B2 |
Personal care compositions containing quaternary ammonium trihydroxy substituted dipropyl ether
A personal care composition is provided which includes a trihydroxy and quaternary ammonium substituted dipropyl ether. The substituted dipropyl ether functions as a humectant when applied to human skin to moisturize both in high and low relative humidity environments. |
| US07659233B2 |
Personal care compositions with silicones and dihydroxypropyl trialkyl ammonium salts
A personal care composition is provided with a silicone compound and being aesthetically modified for improved skinfeel with a quaternary ammonium salt, the salt having a structure AB, wherein A is a cationic charged component, B is an anionic charged component, and A has one quaternized nitrogen atom, at least two hydroxyl groups and a molecular weight no higher than about 250. |
| US07659229B2 |
Herbicide formulation containing hexazinone
A herbicidal composition containing hexazinone and an alkylene carbonate. |
| US07659224B2 |
Catalyst nanoparticle
Although nanoparticles capable of providing an extremely large active surface area have highly marked advantages, when a PEFC electrode utilizing nanoparticles is used for a prolonged period of time, the catalyst nanoparticles on carrier of the PEFC electrode because of the nano-size thereof migrate and aggregate together to result in a rapid loss of activity. Thus, there is a demand for inhibition of the above aggregation so as to prevent any drop of catalytic activity. According to the present invention the aggregation of nanoparticles can be inhibited by catalyst nanoparticles containing Pt wherein a porous matter containing an inorganic oxide is disposed on the surface of the catalyst nanoparticles. When use is made of nanoparticles whose surface has undergone specific modification, excellent activity can be realized. Therefore, there are provided surface-modified nanoparticles and catalyst and further a PEFC electrode utilizing these nanoparticles. |
| US07659223B2 |
Process for preparing an olefin polymerization catalyst component with improved high temperature activity
The invention refers to a process for preparing a Group 2 metal/transition metal olefin polymerization catalyst component in particulate form having an improved high temperature activity and the use thereof in a process for polymerizing olefins. |
| US07659220B1 |
Sealing composition for sealing aluminum nitride and aluminum oxynitride ceramics
There is described a sealing composition for sealing aluminum nitride and aluminum oxynitride ceramics comprising: a mixture of SiO2, at least one other metal oxide, and a silicon additive comprising at least one of silicon metal or a silicide. The silicon additive acts to suppress the formation of nitrogen bubbles during the sealing of articles comprised of aluminum nitride or aluminum oxynitride ceramics, e.g., as in the case of a ceramic discharge vessel for a high intensity discharge lamp. |
| US07659218B2 |
Stretch nonwoven fabric and method for production thereof
A spunbonded elastic nonwoven fabric according to the invention comprises fibers formed from a polymer comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer has a starting temperature for solidifying of 65° C. or above as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and contains 3.00×106 or less polar-solvent-insoluble particles per g as counted on a particle size distribution analyzer, which is based on an electrical sensing zone method, equipped with an aperture tube having an orifice of 100 μm in diameter, and wherein the fibers have diameters such that the standard deviation of fiber diameters (Sn) divided by the average fiber diameter (Xave) (Sn/Xave) gives a value of 0.15 or less. |
| US07659215B2 |
Method of depositing nanolaminate film for non-volatile floating gate memory devices by atomic layer deposition
Disclosed herein is a method of depositing a nanolaminate film for next-generation non-volatile floating gate memory devices by atomic layer deposition. The method includes the steps of: introducing a substrate into an atomic layer deposition reactor; forming on the substrate a first high-dielectric-constant layer by alternately supplying an oxygen source and a metal source selected from among an aluminum source, a zirconium source and a hafnium source; forming on the first high-dielectric-constant layer a nickel oxide layer by alternately supplying a nickel source and an oxygen source; and forming on the nickel oxide layer a second high-dielectric-constant layer by alternately supplying an oxygen source and a metal source selected from among an aluminum source, a zirconium source and a hafnium source. The nanolaminate film deposited according to the method shows good memory window characteristics compared to those of memory devices fabricated using nanocrystal floating gates according to the prior physical vapor deposition methods, and thus can be applied to non-volatile floating gate memory devices. |
| US07659212B2 |
Process control method in spin etching and spin etching apparatus
The present invention provides a process control method in spin etching capable of realizing uniformity in etching amount in etching treatment for even wafers each having various conditions, and achieving uniformity of thickness values among etched wafers. In the present invention, weight of a wafer before etching is measured in units of 1/1000 g, followed by predetermined etching treatment in a spin etching section. Thereafter, weight of the wafer is again measured in units of 1/1000 g after rinsing and drying treatment of the wafer, and then an actual etching amount is calculated from a difference between weight before and after etching of the wafer, confirming an etching rate each time etching to thereby control an etching time. |
| US07659210B2 |
Nano-crystal etch process
A method for selectively removing nano-crystals on an insulating layer. The method includes providing an insulating layer with nano-crystals thereon; exposing the nano-crystals to a high density plasma comprising a source of free radical chlorine, ionic chlorine, or both to modify the nano-crystals; and removing the modified nano-crystals with a wet etchant. |
| US07659207B2 |
Epitaxially coated silicon wafer and method for producing epitaxially coated silicon wafer
Epitaxially coated silicon wafers, are coated individually in an epitaxy reactor by placing a wafer on a susceptor, pretreating under a hydrogen atmosphere, in and then with addition of an etching medium, and coating epitaxially on a polished front side, wherein an etching treatment of the susceptor is effected after a specific number of epitaxial coatings, and the susceptor is then hydrophilized. Silicon wafer produced thereby have a maximum local flatness value SFQRmax of 0.01 μm to 0.035 μm relative to at least 99% of the partial regions of an area grid of measurement windows having a size of 26×8 mm2 on the front side of the silicon wafer with an edge exclusion of 2 mm. |
| US07659206B2 |
Removal of silicon oxycarbide from substrates
A method of treating a substrate comprises depositing silicon oxycarbide on the substrate and removing the silicon oxycarbide from the substrate. The silicon oxycarbide on the substrate is decarbonized by exposure to an energized oxygen-containing gas that heats the substrate and converts the layer of silicon oxycarbide into a layer of silicon oxide. The silicon oxide is removed by exposure to a plasma of fluorine-containing process gas. Alternatively, the remaining silicon oxide can be removed by a fluorine-containing acidic bath. In yet another version, a plasma of a fluorine-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas is energized to remove the silicon oxycarbide from the substrate. |
| US07659205B2 |
Amorphous carbon-based non-volatile memory
A resistance variable memory element and a method for forming the same. The memory element has an amorphous carbon layer between first and second electrodes. A metal-containing layer is formed between the amorphous carbon layer and the second electrode. |
| US07659204B2 |
Oxidized barrier layer
A method and resultant produce of forming barrier layer based on ruthenium tantalum in a via or other vertical interconnect structure through a dielectric layer in a multi-level metallization. The RuTa layer in a RuTa/RuTaN bilayer, which may form discontinuous islands, is actively oxidized, preferably in an oxygen plasma, to thereby bridge the gaps between the islands. Alternatively, ruthenium tantalum oxide is reactive sputtered onto the RuTaN or directly onto the underlying dielectric by plasma sputtering a RuTa target in the presence of oxygen. |
| US07659202B2 |
Triaxial through-chip connection
A method performed on a wafer having multiple chips each including a doped semiconductor and substrate involves etching an annulus trench, metalizing an inner and an outer perimeter side wall of the annulus trench, etching a via trench into the wafer, making a length of the via trench electrically conductive, thinning a surface of the substrate. |
| US07659199B2 |
Air break for improved silicide formation with composite caps
Disclosed is a structure and method for tuning silicide stress and, particularly, for developing a tensile silicide region on a gate conductor of an n-FET in order to optimize n-FET performance. More particularly, a first metal layer-protective cap layer-second metal layer stack is formed on an n-FET structure. However, prior to the deposition of the second metal layer, the protective layer is exposed to air. This air break step alters the adhesion between the protective cap layer and the second metal layer and thereby, effects the stress imparted upon the first metal layer during silicide formation. The result is a more tensile silicide that is optimal for n-FET performance. Additionally, the method allows such a tensile silicide region to be formed using a relatively thin first metal layer-protective cap layer-second metal layer stack, and particularly, a relatively thin second metal layer, to minimize mechanical energy build up at the junctions between the gate conductor and the sidewall spacers to avoid silicon bridging. |
| US07659196B2 |
Soluble hard mask for interlayer dielectric patterning
Described herein are embodiments of a method that includes forming a hard mask over an interlayer dielectric layer, patterning said hard mask, etching said interlayer dielectric layer, and removing said hard mask during a post-etch clean with a wet etchant having a selectivity to etch said hard mask at a greater rate than said interlayer dielectric layer. |
| US07659195B2 |
Method for forming metal line of semiconductor device
A method for forming metal lines of a semiconductor device is disclosed. The metal line forming method includes forming plugs by perforating via-holes in an interlayer dielectric layer formed on a semiconductor substrate and burying a conductive material in the via-holes, sequentially forming at least two metal layers on the interlayer dielectric layer formed with the plugs, the metal layers having a difference in the size of metal grains of each metal layer, etching an uppermost first metal layer of the at least two metal layers using a photoresist pattern formed on the first metal layer as an etching mask using a first etching gas, and etching the partially etched first metal layer using a second etching gas. |
| US07659193B2 |
Conductive structures for electrically conductive pads of circuit board and fabrication method thereof
Conductive structures for electrically conductive pads of a circuit board and fabrication method thereof are proposed. The fabrication method includes: providing a circuit board with a plurality of first, second and third electrically conductive pads; forming first and second conductive layers on the circuit board; forming first and second resist layers respectively on the first and second conductive layers, the resist layers having a plurality of openings for exposing the conductive layers on the pads; forming a metal layer in the openings of the first and second resist layers; and forming a first connecting layer on the metal layer; forming third and fourth resist layers on the first and second resist layers respectively, the third resist layer having a plurality of openings for exposing the first connecting layer on the metal layer on the second electrically. |
| US07659192B2 |
Methods of forming stepped bumps and structures formed thereby
Methods of forming a microelectronic device and associated structures are described. Those methods may comprise forming a die-side conductive interconnect on a substrate, wherein the die-side conductive interconnect comprises a columnar portion and a base portion, and wherein a diameter of the base portion is greater than a diameter of the columnar portion. |
| US07659190B2 |
Method for producing a Group III-V compound semiconductor
A Group III-V compound semiconductor includes, at least, a substrate, a buffer layer of the general formula InuGavAlwN (wherein, 0≦u≦1, 0≦v≦1, 0≦w≦1, u+v+w=1) and a Group III-V compound semiconductor crystal layer of the general formula InxGayAlzN (wherein, 0≦x≦1, 0≦y≦1, 0≦z≦1, x+y+z=1), in this order, wherein the buffer layer has a thickness of at least about 5 Å and not more than about 90 Å. A method is provided for producing the Group III-V compound semiconductor, including forming a buffer layer of the general formula InuGavAlwN on a substrate to give a thickness of at least about 5 Å and not more than about 90 Å at temperatures lower than the growing temperature of the compound semiconductor crystal layer before growing the compound semiconductor crystal layer, and then growing a Group III-V compound semiconductor crystal layer of the general formula InxGayAlzN on the buffer layer. |
| US07659188B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device which includes a step of forming one optional impurity region in a semiconductor substrate at a place apart from the surface thereof, and in the method described above, ion implantation is performed a plurality of times while the position of an end portion of a mask pattern used for ion implantation is changed. |
| US07659187B2 |
Method of forming PN junctions including a post-ion implant dynamic surface anneal process with minimum interface trap density at the gate insulator-silicon interface
A method of forming transistors on a wafer includes forming gates over gate insulators on a surface of the wafer and ion implanting dopant impurity atoms into the wafer to form source and drain regions aligned on opposite sides of each gate. The wafer is then annealed by pre-heating the bulk of the wafer to an elevated temperature over 350 degrees C. but below a temperature at which the dopant atoms tend to cluster. Meanwhile, an intense line beam is produced having a narrow dimension along a fast axis from an array of coherent CW lasers of a selected wavelength. This line beam is scanned across the surface of the heated wafer along the direction of the fast axis, so as to heat, up to a peak surface temperature near a melting temperature of the wafer, a moving localized region on the surface of the wafer having (a) a width corresponding to the narrow beam width and (b) an extremely shallow below-surface depth. During the scanning step, the surface state density at the interface between the semiconductor material and the gate insulator is minimized by continuing to maintain the temperature of the bulk of the wafer outside of the moving localized region at said elevated temperature, while maintaining the rate at which the line beam is scanned along the fast axis at a rate in excess of 300 mm/sec. |
| US07659185B2 |
Method for forming silicon thin-film on flexible metal substrate
Disclosed are a method for forming a silicon thin-film on a substrate, and more particularly a method for forming a polycrystalline silicon thin-film of good quality on a flexible metal substrate. A metal substrate (110) is prepared and a surface of the metal substrate (110) is flattened. An insulation film (120) is formed on the metal substrate (110). An amorphous silicon layer (130) is formed on the insulation film (120). A metal layer (140) is formed on the amorphous silicon layer (130). A sample on the metal substrate (110) is heated and crystallized. |
| US07659184B2 |
Plasma immersion ion implantation process with chamber seasoning and seasoning layer plasma discharging for wafer dechucking
In a plasma immersion ion implantation process, the thickness of a pre-implant chamber seasoning layer is increased (to permit implantation of a succession of wafers without replacing the seasoning layer) without loss of wafer clamping electrostatic force due to increased seasoning layer thickness. This is accomplished by first plasma-discharging residual electrostatic charge from the thick seasoning layer. The number of wafers which can be processed using the same seasoning layer is further increased by fractionally supplementing the seasoning layer after each wafer is processed, which may be followed by a brief plasma discharging of the supplemented seasoning before processing the next wafer. |
| US07659183B2 |
Solid-state imaging device and method for manufacturing the same
A solid-state imaging device having a high sensitivity and a structure in which a miniaturized pixel is obtained, and a method for manufacturing the solid-state imaging device in which an interface is stable, a spectroscopic characteristic is excellent and which can be manufactured with a high yield ratio are provided.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, and in which light L is made to enter 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. Also, the method for manufacturing the solid-state imaging device at least includes the steps of: forming a semiconductor region of a photo sensor portion in a silicon layer of a layered substrate in which a silicon substrate, an intermediate layer and a silicon layer are laminated; bonding a first supporting substrate onto the silicon layer; removing the silicon substrate and the intermediate layer; forming thereafter a wiring portion above the silicon layer; bonding a second supporting substrate onto the wiring portion, and removing the first supporting substrate to make the silicon layer exposed. |
| US07659180B1 |
Method of reducing step height difference between doped regions of field oxide in an integrated circuit
In one embodiment, a method of fabricating one or more transistors in an integrated circuit includes an annealing step prior to a gate oxidation step. The annealing step may comprise a rapid thermal annealing (RTA) step performed prior to a gate oxidation pre-clean step. Among other advantages, the annealing step reduces a step height difference between P-doped and N-doped regions of a field oxide of a shallow trench isolation structure. The shallow trench isolation structure may be separating a PMOS transistor and an NMOS transistor in the integrated circuit. |
| US07659177B2 |
Manufacturing method of high voltage semiconductor device that includes forming a nitride layer on shallow trench isolations
Disclosed is a semiconductor device, and more particularly, a manufacturing method of a high voltage semiconductor device. The method includes: forming a semiconductor substrate having a key area for an alignment key, a low voltage area for a low voltage device, and a high voltage area for a high voltage device; forming an oxide film on the substrate; and forming an insulating film on the oxide film. After removing the insulating film, the method includes forming a plurality of shallow trench isolations (STI's) in the areas of the substrate; forming a nitride layer on the substrate and on STIs; sequentially forming a plurality of wells and drift areas by implanting an impurity ion into the high voltage area; and sequentially forming the plurality of wells and the drift areas by implanting an impurity ion into the low voltage area. A system on chip (SOC) process may thus be simplified. |
| US07659175B2 |
DNA-based memory device and method of reading and writing same
The present invention is directed to a memory device having very high storage density capability. In general, the memory device includes an array of individual memory cells which store information that is assigned a value based on the molecular contents of the memory cell. In a preferred embodiment, the molecules utilized for storing information in the memory cells may be single-strand polynucleotides, for instance single-strand oligonucleotides of between about 5 and about 20 monomer units. The present invention is also directed to methods and systems useful for writing and reading the molecular-based memory devices. In particular, the devices may be written and read via modified atomic force microscopy processes. |
| US07659173B2 |
Method for manufacturing insulated-gate type field effect transistor
A poly-silicon layer is deposited on a surface of a substrate after forming a gate insulating film in an element hole of a field insulating film 12, and thereon a silicon oxide layer is formed by a thermal oxidation process. After patterning the silicon oxide layer in accordance with a gate electrode pattern, the poly-silicon layer is patterned by dry-etching using a remaining resist layer as a mask. After removing the resist layer, a gate electrode layer 16a is formed by decreasing a width of the poly-silicon layer by isotropic etching using the silicon oxide layer 18A as a mask. N+-type source and drain regions 22 and 24 and n−-type source and drain regions 26 and 28 are formed by doping impurity ions via the gate insulating film 14 through the silicon oxide layer 18A. The silicon oxide layer 18A may be made of a layer of tungsten silicide. |
| US07659167B2 |
Method for improving the performance of flash memory by using microcrystalline silicon film as a floating gate
This invention provides a method for forming polysilicon by using silane with introducing hydrogen, such that polysilicon is microcrystalline. This microcrystal polysilicon can be applied to floating gate of flash memory to improve the character of flash memory. |
| US07659160B2 |
Field effect transistors (FETS) with inverted source/drain metallic contacts, and method of fabrication same
The present invention relates to an field effect transistor (FET) comprising an inverted source/drain metallic contact that has a lower portion located in a first, lower dielectric layer and an upper portion located in a second, upper dielectric layer. The lower portion of the inverted source/drain metallic contact has a larger cross-sectional area than the upper portion. Preferably, the lower portion of the inverted source/drain metallic contact has a cross-sectional area ranging from about 0.03 μm2 to about 3.15 μm2, and such an inverted source/drain metallic contact is spaced apart from a gate electrode of the FET by a distance ranging from about 0.001 μm to about 5 μm. |
| US07659157B2 |
Dual metal gate finFETs with single or dual high-K gate dielectric
A first high-k gate dielectric layer and a first metal gate layer are formed on first and second semiconductor fins. A first metal gate ring is formed on the first semiconductor fin. In one embodiment, the first high-k gate dielectric layer remains on the second semiconductor fin. A second metal gate layer and a silicon containing layer are deposited and patterned to form gate electrodes. In another embodiment, a second high-k dielectric layer replaces the first high-k dielectric layer over the second semiconductor fin, followed by formation of a second metal gate layer. A first electrode comprising a first gate dielectric and a first metal gate is formed on the first semiconductor fin, while a second electrode comprising a second gate dielectric and a second metal gate is formed on the second semiconductor fin. Absence of high-k gate dielectric materials on a gate wiring prevents increase in parasitic resistance. |
| US07659155B2 |
Method of forming a transistor having gate and body in direct self-aligned contact
A transistor having a directly contacting gate and body and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the transistor includes a gate; a body; and a dielectric layer extending over the body to insulate the gate from the body along an entire surface of the body except along a portion of at least a sidewall of the body, wherein the gate is in direct contact with the body at the portion. One method may include providing the body; forming a sacrificial layer that contacts at least a portion of a sidewall of the body; forming a dielectric layer about the body except at the at least a portion; removing the sacrificial layer; and forming the gate about the body such that the gate contacts the at least a portion of the sidewall of the body. |
| US07659154B2 |
Dual gate CMOS fabrication
The invention relates to a method of fabricating a CMOS device, comprising providing a semiconductor substrate (101) having therein a layer of insulating material (102), the method comprising providing a layer (106) of a first material over the insulating layer (102), the thickness of the layer (106) of the first material being less in a first region (103) for supporting a first active device than in a second region (104) for supporting a second active device. A layer (107) of a second material is then deposited over the layer (106) of a first material, and the structure is then subjected to a thermal treatment to alloy the first and second materials. The portion of the layers over the first region is entirely alloyed, whereas the portion of the layers over the second region is not, so that a portion (109) of the layer (106) of the first material remains. |
| US07659153B2 |
Sectional field effect devices and method of fabrication
A field effect device is disclosed which has a body formed of a crystalline semiconductor material and has at least one vertically oriented section and at least one horizontally oriented section. The device is produced in SOI technology by fabricating first a formation of the device in masking insulators, and then transferring this formation through several etching steps into the SOI layer. The segmented field effect device combines FinFET, or fully depleted silicon-on-insulator FETs, type devices with fully depleted planar devices. This combination allows device width control with FinFET type devices. The segmented field effect device gives high current drive for a given layout area. The segmented field effect devices allow for the fabrication of high performance processors. |
| US07659149B2 |
Method of electrically detecting biomolecule
Provided is a method of sensing biomolecules using a bioFET, the method including: forming a layer including Au on a gate of the bioFET; forming a probe immobilized on a substrate separated from the gate by a predetermined distance, and a biomolecule having a thiol group (—SH) which is incompletely bonded to the probe; reacting the probe with a sample including a target molecule; and measuring a current flowing in a channel region between a source and a drain of the bioFET. |
| US07659145B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming stepped-down RDL and recessed THV in peripheral region of the device
A semiconductor die has a peripheral region around the die. An insulating layer is formed over the semiconductor die. A portion of the insulating layer and peripheral is removed to form a recess around the semiconductor die. A conductive layer is deposited over the insulating layer and recess. The conductive layer is electrically connected to contact pads on the semiconductor die and conforms to a step into the recess. A gap is created through the conductive layer and peripheral region around the semiconductor die. An insulating material is deposited in the gap. A portion of the insulating material is removed to form a through hole via (THV). A conductive material is deposited in the THV to form a conductive THV. The conductive THV is recessed with respect to a surface of the semiconductor die. The conductive THV is electrically connected to the conductive layer. |
| US07659142B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same, circuit board, and electronic instrument
A semiconductor device comprising: a semiconductor element having a plurality of electrodes; a passivation film formed on the semiconductor element in a region avoiding at least a part of each of the electrodes; a conductive foil provided at a given spacing from the surface on which the passivation film is formed; an external electrodes formed on the conductive foil; intermediate layer formed between the passivation film and the conductive foil to support the conductive foil; and wires electrically connecting the electrodes to the conductive foil; wherein a depression tapered in a direction from the conductive foil to the passivation film if formed under a part of the conductive foil that includes the connection with the external electrodes. |
| US07659141B2 |
Wire bond encapsulant application control
A method of applying encapsulant to a die mounted to a support structure by providing a die mounted to the support structure, the die having a back surface in contact with the support structure and an active surface opposing the back surface, the active surface having electrical contact pads, positioning a barrier proximate the electrical contact pads and spaced from the active surface to define a gap and, depositing a bead of encapsulant onto the electrical contact pads such that one side of the bead contacts the barrier and a portion of the bead extends into the gap and onto the active surface. Placing a barrier over the active surface so that it defines a narrow gap allows the geometry of the encapsulant front (the line of contact between the encapsulant and the active surface) can be more closely controlled. Any variation in the flowrate of encapsulant from the needle tends to cause bulges or valleys in the height of the bead and or the PCB side of the bead. The fluidic resistance generated by the gap between the barrier and the active surface means that the amount of encapsulant that flows into the gap and onto the active surface is almost constant. The reduced flow variations make the encapsulant front closely correspond to the shape of the barrier. Greater control of the encapsulant front allows the functional elements of the active surface of the die to be closer to the contact pads. |
| US07659140B2 |
Integrated circuit system with a debris trapping system
An integrated circuit system including: providing an integrated circuit wafer having an integrated circuit side and a backside; mounting a protective adhesive on the integrated circuit side of the integrated circuit wafer; removing material from the backside of the integrated circuit wafer; and dicing the integrated circuit wafer through the protective adhesive to form an integrated circuit die. |
| US07659130B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel for display and manufacturing method thereof
A gate conductor including a gate line, a gate pad and a gate electrode is formed on a substrate. A gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, a doped amorphous silicon layer and a conductive layer are deposited in sequence, and then a photoresist film pattern is formed thereon. The photoresist film pattern includes a first portion positioned between the to be formed source electrode and drain electrode, a second portion thicker than the first portion, and the third portion with no photoresist. A data conductor including a data line, a data pad, a source electrode, a drain electrode and a conductor pattern for a storage capacitor, an ohmic contact layer pattern and a semiconductor pattern are formed by etching the conductive layer, the doped amorphous silicon layer and the semiconductor layer using the photoresist film pattern. A plurality of color filters of red, green and blue having apertures exposing part of the drain electrode are formed thereon. A passivation layer made of acryl-based organic material having excellent planarization characteristic is formed thereon. A pixel electrode, an auxiliary gate pad and an auxiliary data pad connected to the drain electrode, the gate pad and the data pad via contact holes, respectively, are formed on the passivation layer. The contact hole exposing the drain electrode is located within the aperture. |
| US07659128B2 |
Method of processing silicon wafer and method of manufacturing liquid ejecting head
A break pattern is formed on a silicon wafer using an anisotropic etching process. The break pattern includes a plurality of through holes, each of having a first plane perpendicular to a plane defined by the silicon wafer, a second plane opposite to the first plane, a third plane that is perpendicular to the plane of the silicon wafer and intersects the first plane at an acute angle, and a fourth plane that is opposite to the third plane, is perpendicular to the plane of the silicon wafer, and intersects the second plane at an acute angle. The anisotropic etching is performed using a mask pattern having a predetermined shape to form, around the break pattern, a thin portion that has a smaller thickness than other portions of the silicon wafer. The silicon wafer is then divided into a plurality of silicon substrates along the break pattern. |
| US07659125B2 |
Latex reagent for adiponectin analysis and method of adiponectin analysis
A latex reagent for analyzing adiponectin, comprising a suspension of latex particles carrying a substance which specifically binds to adiponectin, is disclosed. Further, a method for analyzing adiponectin, comprising (1) obtaining a biological liquid possibly containing adiponectin, and (2) bringing the biological liquid, while maintaining the state in which the biological liquid is obtained, into contact with a suspension of latex particles carrying a substance which specifically binds to adiponectin, and optically analyzing a degree of latex-particles-agglutination, is disclosed. According to the latex reagent and the method for analyzing adiponectin, a predilution or pretreatment of the biological liquid to be analyzed is not necessary. Further, the analysis can be performed rapidly and conveniently, and facilities therefor are not limited. |
| US07659118B2 |
Multipotent adult stem cells
The invention provides isolated stem cells of non-embryonic origin that can be maintained in culture in the undifferentiated state or differentiated to form cells of multiple tissue types. Also provided are methods of isolation and culture, as well as therapeutic uses for the isolated cells. |
| US07659117B2 |
Compositions and methods for dendritic cell-based immunotherapy
Disclosed are immunostimulatory fusion proteins and methods for generating protective DC-induced, T cell-mediated immune responses in vitro and in vivo. The immunostimulatory fusion proteins comprise a polypeptide antigen component and an immunostimulatory component derived from the intracellular domain of the HER-2 protein. Also disclosed are immunostimulatory compositions comprising dendritic cells pulsed with such an immunostimulatory fusion protein and methods for immunotherapy using the compositions. |
| US07659112B2 |
Process for producing physiologically active protein using genetically modified silkworm
The present invention provides a genetic engineering material for insects that enables a target protein to be purified easily, without requiring the use of recombinant baculovirus, while simultaneously providing a process for producing exogenous protein using that genetic engineering material. A gene recombinant silkworm is obtained by inserting an exogenous protein gene such as a cytokine gene coupled to a promoter that functions in silk glands into a silkworm chromosome. An exogenous protein such as a cytokine is then extracted and purified from the silk glands or cocoon of that silkworm or its offspring. A large amount of exogenous protein can be produced within silk gland cells, outside silk gland cells or in silk thread or a cocoon by inserting an expression gene cassette, in which the DNA sequence of the 3′ terminal portion and the DNA sequence of the 5′ terminal portion of fibroin H chain gene are fused to the exogenous protein gene, into silk gland cells and so forth. |
| US07659109B2 |
Pasting edge heater
An apparatus and method for thermal cycling including a pasting edge heater. The pasting edge heater can provide substantial temperature uniformity throughout the retaining elements during thermal cycling by a thermoelectric module. |
| US07659107B2 |
Rapid test for glycated albumin
A rapid immunochromatographic assay system is provided for measuring the amount of glycated albumin in a blood sample relative to the total level of albumin in the sample. The assay system is comprised of a disposable cassette that contains the test strips and testing reagents, and a measurement device that automatically reads, calculates and displays the test results over a period of time. The test cassette contains two test strips that are used to measure glycated albumin and total albumin respectively. The strips are contiguous beneath the single sample application well so that the same sample is tested simultaneously by both test strips. Part of the sample will migrate thru the glycated albumin test strip where it will react with the glycated albumin test reagents to yield a glycated albumin result, while part of the sample will migrate thru the total albumin test strip where it will react with the total albumin test reagents to yield a total albumin result. The test cassette is placed within a measuring device such as a reflectance spectrometer or fluorometer, that reads, calculates and expresses the result as the percentage of glycated albumin relative to total albumin in the sample. The results of successive testing that are performed over a period of time are stored in the instrument's memory and displayed in a numerical or graphical format so that the individual's glycated albumin levels can be monitored over time. |
| US07659104B2 |
Solvent tolerant microorganisms and methods of isolation
Enterococcus bacteria having enhanced tolerance to butanols have been isolated. The bacteria are useful for the fermentive production of butanol. New methods for the isolation of butanol tolerant Enterococcus are also provided. |
| US07659102B2 |
Amylases, nucleic acids encoding them and methods for making and using them
In one aspect, the invention is directed to polypeptides having an amylase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods for malting and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. In one aspect, the polypeptides of the invention can be used as amylases, for example, alpha amylases, to catalyze the hydrolysis of starch into 10 sugars. |
| US07659100B2 |
DNA polymerase fusions and uses thereof
The present invention discloses methods of using DNA polymerase fusions at high pH in PCR, DNA sequencing and mutagenesis protocols. |
| US07659099B2 |
Recovery method for immobilized biocatalysts
Processes for the production of a product by the enzymatic treatment of a soluble or particulate substrate with a particulate, immobilized enzyme, by treating a process liquor containing the substrate in a bioreactor to produce a slurry of effluent immobilized enzyme and the product in an effluent liquor. The slurry is subject to a non-immobilized enzyme damaging shear inducing effective separation process to provide effluent immobilized enzyme, and effluent liquor containing the product; and reusing the effluent immobilized enzyme in the enzymatic treatment. The process provides for the reclamation and reuse of the immobilized enzyme even when a further particulate solid is present in the effluent/product stream. |
| US07659087B2 |
Methods and devices for diagnosis of appendicitis
A method is provided for determining the severity of appendicitis in a patient that includes testing a blood, serum or plasma sample from the patient for the quantity of MRP8/14 in the sample and comparing it with the quantity of MRP8/14 present in standard samples correlated with an appendicitis severity scoring system. A histologically-based appendicitis severity scoring system is also provided. Immunoassays and kits for performing the appendicitis assays of this invention are also provided, as are standard samples and data correlating MRP8/14 quantities present in patient samples to histologically-based appendicitis severity grades. The methods and immunoassay devices and kits of this invention are useful for managing the treatment of patients presenting with appendicitis symptoms. |
| US07659084B2 |
Methods for detecting and isolating antigen-specific T lymphocytes with CD40/C154 inhibitors
What is suggested herein is the use of CD154 for the detection and/or isolation of antigen-specific T lymphocytes and a method for the detection and/or isolation of antigen-specific T lymphocytes, wherein the suspension is contacted with a CD40/CD154 system inhibitor, intra- or extracellular determination of CD154 is effected, and the cells having CD154 are detected and/or isolated. |
| US07659081B2 |
Determination of AM-binding proteins and the association of adrenomedullin (AM) therewith
The present invention provides methods for the isolation, identification, and purification of adrenomedullin (AM)-binding proteins. Also, provided are methods for utilizing the purified AM-binding proteins, or functional portions thereof, to diagnose, treat, and monitor AM-related diseases, for example, diseases or disorders associated with abnormally elevated AM levels. In addition, the present invention provides a newly identified complex between AM and a specific AM-binding protein 1 (AMBP-1); which has been isolated and identified herein as factor H (fH). The invention also provides AM/AMBP complexes, particularly AM/FH complexes, and antibodies specifically reactive with this complexes. Further provided are methods for identifying and purifying complexes of AM and an AM binding protein using anti-AM/fH antibodies, and methods for treating conditions such as cancer or diabetes utilizing compositions comprising these antibodies. The present invention additionally provides methods for identifying antagonists agents that inhibit the function of AM, factor H, or the AM/factor H complex. The invention also provides methods for treating conditions such as cancer or diabetes using these antagonist agents. |
| US07659080B2 |
Detecting a bacterial process in chronic rhinosinusitis
The present invention provides a method for identifying bacterial induced rhinosinusitis. The method comprises obtaining a nasal or paranasal mucus sample and detecting the presence of neutrophil degranulation in the mucus sample. Degranulation of neutrophils can be determined by morphological analysis of the cells in the mucus or by detection of released (i.e., “free”) granule content markers such as neutrophil elastase or myeloperoxidase. Based on an accurate determination of the cause of sinusitis as described herein, an appropriate treatment can be instituted. |
| US07659077B2 |
Methods utilizing target genes related to immune-mediated diseases
The present invention provides methods utilizing novel target genes related to immune-mediated diseases, such as asthma, allergy and autoimmune diseases. The invention is based on a molecular level description of the polarization of CD4+ precursor cells (Thp) from which T helper cells are known to originate. Particularly, the present invention provides a method of identifying a compound capable of modulating the polarization of CD4+ lymphocytes. The invention is also related to a method for assessing the presence of, or a predisposition to, an immune-related disorder in a subject. |
| US07659076B2 |
Binding of pathological forms of prion proteins
Infective aggregating forms of proteins such as PrP, amyloid, and tau are bound selectively in the presence of the normal form protein using a polyionic binding agent such as dextran sulphate or pentosan (anionic), or polyamine compounds such as pDADMAC (cationic) under selective binding conditions including the use of n-lauroylsarcosine at mildly alkaline pH, and may then be assayed. |
| US07659070B2 |
Charge switch nucleotides
The present invention provides compounds, methods and systems for sequencing nucleic acid using single molecule detection. Using labeled NPs that exhibit charge-switching behavior, single-molecule DNA sequencing in a microchannel sorting system is realized. In operation, sequencing products are detected enabling real-time sequencing as successive detectable moieties flow through a detection channel. By electrically sorting charged molecules, the cleaved product molecules are detected in isolation without interference from unincorporated NPs and without illuminating the polymerase-DNA complex. |
| US07659069B2 |
Binary signaling assay using a split-polymerase
The present invention provides methods, kits and compositions for the detection of an analyte. In the methods of the invention, a complex is formed between two or more analyte specific probes (ASP) and an analyte. The analyte specific probes each have a portion of a polymerase which interact to form a functional polymerase complex upon binding of the ASP to the analyte. The functional polymerase complex then generates a detectable signal which is indicative of the presence and/or amount of the analyte in the sample. |
| US07659068B1 |
Carrier for gene detection and its use for detecting validity of interferon therapy
A carrier for gene detection as a means for prediction before treatment whether interferon therapy is valid or not for a patient, a method for detection of interferon therapy for an individual, an apparatus for gene detection, and a kit for detection of validity of interferon therapy. |
| US07659067B2 |
Method for identification of medically relevant fungi
Multiple species of fungi in an environment can be identified in one sample by extracting and purifying fungal DNA in the sample. PCR is then performed followed by cloning the amplifed DNA and transforming the DNA into bacteria for purposes of growing the organisms. Colonies of the growth containing transformed bacteria are then chosen on the basis of coloration. Plasmids from the chosen colonies were then purified and the DNA is analyzed to identify fungi present in the sample. |
| US07659066B2 |
Detection and distinguishing infections bursal disease virus (IBDV) strains by molecular biology method
The present invention relates to a novel method to detect and differentiate different strains of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) in a chicken and other bird sample. RNA was obtained from said samples by using a pair of primer (Primer FVVC & RVVC) in a reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Two different primer combinations (Primer IF & IVIR) and (Primer IF & RCLA) and real-time polymerase chain reaction conditions were designed and optimized for rapid differentiation of very virulent and vaccine strains of IBDV based on detection of signatory threshold cycle (Ct) and melting temperature (Tm) values. |
| US07659057B2 |
Stain-directed molecular analysis for cancer prognosis and diagnosis
The location at which tissue samples are obtained to determine whether cells exhibit characeristics associated with cell differentiation or cancer by molecular analysis is determined by topically applying to epithelial tissue a dye that selectively stains cancer and precancerous tissue. |
| US07659056B1 |
Method and apparatus for detecting a mutation in a nucleic acid fragment in a sample
A method and apparatus for the detection of polymorphisms in a nucleic acid sample (e.g. blood, sperm, saliva, cells, . . . ). To enhance the efficiency and the reliability of the known methods (e.g. DGGE, SSCP and TGGE) the amplification process (e.g. PCR) preceding the actual detection step is performed in or on the polyacrylamide gel. Multiple gradients (of chemical denaturants, thermal denaturants and of porosity of the gel matrix) are used for the separation of DNA fragments, by zone electrophoresis on gel slabs or by capillary electrophoresis. |
| US07659052B2 |
Medium comprising cryoprecipitate and method for preserving platelets, red blood cells and other cells without a nucleus
The present invention provides a platelet-containing composition prepared by contacting platelets with a medium for preserving. The medium comprises anticoagulant, cryoprecipitate and thrombin. The present invention also provides a method for long-term preservation of platelets, comprising the steps of: (a) adding an anticoagulant, cryoprecipitate, thrombin in normal saline; (b) adding a platelet-containing medium into the solution formed in step (a); and (c) lyophilizing the platelet-containing solution formed in step (b). Moreover, the present invention yet provides a medium for preserving non-nucleus cells. |
| US07659051B2 |
Polymer having antireflective properties, hardmask composition including the same, and process for forming a patterned material layer
A naphthalene-backbone polymer represented by Formula 1: wherein n and m are independently at least 1 and less than about 190, R1 is a hydrogen, a hydroxyl, a hydrocarbon group of about 10 carbons or less, or a halogen, R2 is methylene or includes an aryl linking group, R3 is a conjugated diene group, and R4 is an unsaturated dienophile group. |
| US07659050B2 |
High resolution silicon-containing resist
Non-chemically amplified radiation sensitive resist compositions containing silicon are especially useful for lithographic applications, especially E-beam lithography. More particularly, radiation-sensitive resist compositions comprising a polymer having at least one silicon-containing moiety and at least one radiation-sensitive moiety cleavable upon radiation exposure to form aqueous base soluble moiety can be used to pattern sub-50 nm features with little or no blur. |
| US07659049B2 |
Phase-change recording material used for information recording medium and information recording medium employing it
A phase-change recording material used for an information recording medium utilizing a crystalline state as a non-recorded state and an amorphous state as a recorded state, which has the composition of the following formula (1) as the main component: (Sb1−xSnx)1−y−w−zGeyTewM1z formula (1) wherein each of x, y, z and w represents atomicity, x, z and w are numbers which satisfy 0.01≦x≦0.5, 0≦z≦0.3 and 0≦w≦0.1, respectively, and the element M1 is at least one element selected from the group consisting of In, Ga, Pt, Pd, Ag, rare earth elements, Se, N, O, C, Zn, Si, Al, Bi, Ta, W, Nb and V, and (I) when z=0 and w=0, y is a number which satisfies 0.1≦y≦0.3, (II) when 0≦z≦0.3 and w=0, y is a number which satisfies 0.05≦y≦0.3, and (III) when 0≦z≦0.3 and 0 |
| US07659048B2 |
Printing resist, method for preparing the same and patterning method using the same
Disclosed herein is a printing resist sequentially transferred to a printing plate and a substrate after being applied to a printing roll. The printing resist comprises at least one polymer main chain bound to a tackiness-inducing vinyl group. The surface of the printing resist has tackiness without complete dryness, thus enabling a correct transfer of the printing resist to the printing plate and substrate. |
| US07659041B2 |
Lithographic method of manufacturing a device
For lithographically manufacturing a device with a very high density, a design mask pattern (120) is distributed on a number of sub-patterns (120a, 120b, 120c) by means of a new method. The sub-patterns do not comprise “forbidden” structures (135) and can be transferred by conventional apparatus to a substrate layer to be patterned. For the transfer, a new stack of layers is used, which comprise a pair of a processing layer (22; 26) and an inorganic anti-reflection layer (24; 28) for each sub-pattern. After a first processing layer (26) has been patterned with a first sub-pattern, it is coated with a new resist layer (30) which is exposed with a second sub-pattern, and a second processing layer (22) under the first processing layer is processed with the second sub-pattern. |
| US07659036B2 |
Lithium rechargeable battery including a porous membrane separator formed of ceramic secondary particles and a binder
A lithium rechargeable battery includes a separator that shows excellent safety characteristics such as short circuit resistance and heat resistance. The lithium rechargeable battery includes a cathode, an anode, a separator that separates the cathode and the anode from each other, and a non-aqueous electrolyte, wherein the separator includes a porous membrane formed of a ceramic material and a binder, and wherein the binder includes at least one crystalline resin having a crystal melting temperature of 250° C. or higher or at least one non-crystalline resin having an initial decomposition temperature of 250° C. or higher. |
| US07659034B2 |
Lithium secondary battery
Charge-discharge cycle performance is improved in a lithium secondary battery including a negative electrode containing a negative electrode active material having silicon as its main component, provided on a surface of a current collector, a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode active material is a lithium transition metal oxide containing Li and Co and having a layered structure, and further containing a group IVA element of the periodic table, such as Zr, Ti, or Tf, and a group IIA element of the periodic table, such as Mg. |
| US07659031B2 |
Size AA alkaline battery
A size AA alkaline battery includes an anode principally composed of zinc functioning as an active material, a cathode principally composed of manganese dioxide or nickel oxyhydroxide functioning as an active material, a separator composed of a nonwoven fabric, an electrolyte composed of an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, and zinc oxide. |
| US07659021B2 |
Power generating apparatus using solid oxide fuel cell
The present invention relates to a power generating apparatus using a solid oxide fuel cell. A plurality of solid oxide fuel cells, each comprising a solid oxide substrate, a porous cathode electrode layer, and a porous anode electrode layer, are stacked vertically and housed inside a walled structure. A mixture gas is supplied to each solid oxide fuel cell from above. An exhaust gas discharged from each fuel cell is burned in a space below each fuel cell, producing a flame. Each fuel cell is heated by this flame. |
| US07659019B2 |
Thermally primed hydrogen-producing fuel cell system
Thermally primed fuel processing assemblies and hydrogen-producing fuel cell systems that include the same. The thermally primed fuel processing assemblies include at least one hydrogen-producing region housed within an internal compartment of a heated containment structure. In some embodiments, the heated containment structure is an oven. In some embodiments, the compartment also contains a purification region and/or heating assembly. In some embodiments, the containment structure is adapted to heat and maintain the internal compartment at or above a threshold temperature, which may correspond to a suitable hydrogen-producing temperature. In some embodiments, the containment structure is adapted to maintain this temperature during periods in which the fuel cell system is not producing power and/or not producing power to satisfy an applied load to the system. In some embodiments, the fuel cell system is adapted to provide backup power to a power source, which may be adapted to power the containment structure. |
| US07659018B2 |
Fuel cell power control unit
The present invention provides a highly efficient fuel cell power supply unit, which is constructed by directly connecting a fuel cell with a capacitor. In this power supply unit, a control device of the unit calculates the output voltage V2 of the fuel cell after the variation of electrical load based on the synthetic current-voltage characteristics of the fuel cell and the capacitor and the predetermined width of the variation of electrical load ΔI, calculates the corresponding current Ifc2′, and then calculates the equilibrium reacting gas supply amount Qa1, and supplies an excess amount of the reacting gas exceeding Qa1 before the variation of electrical load. |
| US07659016B2 |
Fuel cell with a device for storing water
A fuel cell system with flow passages and/or flow chambers which conduct moist gases in operation is characterized in that at least a part of the flow passages and/or flow chambers is provided with a coating which takes up water in distributed form at low temperatures and releases the water again at least in part at higher temperatures. This coating makes it possible to operate the fuel cell system at pronounced temperatures below zero, such as, for example, −40° C., and to ensure an adequate humidification of the operating gases, which protects the membranes from damage and favors a faster starting up of the fuel cell system. |
| US07659008B2 |
Composite material composed of a metal matrix and of talc
The invention relates to a lubricating metal coating and to a process for its preparation. The material constituting the coating in a composite material comprising a metal matrix within which talc particles are distributed as lamellae, the metal matrix being composed of a metal chosen from Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Cr, Cu, W, Mo, Zn, Au, Ag, Pb or Sn or of an alloy of these metals or of a metal/semimetal alloy. The coating is obtained by a process consisting in carrying out an electrolytic deposition using a solution of precursors of the metal matrix of the coating which additionally comprises talc particles in suspension, which particles are modified at the surface by irreversible adsorption of a cellulose-derived compound by replacement of all or part of the hydroxyl groups. |
| US07659007B2 |
Decorative sheet, molded article, motor vehicle, and production method of molded article
A decorative sheet includes a base member having a principal surface, and a decoration layer disposed on the principal surface of the base member. The base member is formed from a first resin material. The decoration layer includes a resin layer formed from a second resin material having a deflection temperature under load which is lower than that of the first resin material, and a metal layer which is in contact with the resin layer. |
| US07659004B2 |
Liquid silicone rubber coating composition, curtain air bag, and method of producing same
Provided is a liquid silicone rubber coating composition, including predetermined quantities of (A) an organopolysiloxane containing 2 or more Si atom-bonded alkenyl groups, (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane containing 2 or more SiH groups, (C) an addition reaction catalyst, (D) a finely powdered silica with a specific surface area of at least 50 m2/g, (E) an organosilicon compound containing an epoxy group and a Si atom-bonded alkoxy group, and (F) an oxyzirconium compound. The composition is useful for producing a silicone rubber coating layer on the substrate surface of a curtain air bag. The air bag suppresses leakage of the inflator gas, thus enabling the inflation time to be sustained for a satisfactory period. |
| US07659002B2 |
Low emissivity coating with low solar heat gain coefficient, enhanced chemical and mechanical properties and method of making the same
The invention provides low-emissivity stacks comprising at least one absorbing layer, said stacks being characterized by a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), enhanced aesthetics, mechanical and chemical durability, and a tolerance for tempering or heat strengthening. The invention moreover provides low-emissivity coatings comprising, in order outward from the substrate a first dielectric layer, a first Ag layer; a first barrier layer; a first absorbing layer; a second dielectric layer; a second Ag layer; a second absorbing layer; a third dielectric layer; and optionally, a topcoat layer, and methods for depositing such coatings on substrates. |
| US07659001B2 |
Coating with infrared and ultraviolet blocking characteristics
A composite oxide coating is provided that efficiently blocks both ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. Certain embodiments of this invention relate to a coating having IR and UV blocking characteristics. In certain example embodiments, the coating includes a silica matrix, zinc antimonite, and a UV blocking material such as cerium oxide, thereby permitting the coating after application to block significant amounts of both IR and UV radiation. |
| US07658992B2 |
Surface protection film-attached optical film and image display
A surface protection film-attached optical film of the invention comprises: an optical film; and a surface protection film that comprises a substrate film and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer and is provided on the surface of, the optical film through the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, wherein a surface of the optical film in contact with the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is activated by treatment, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the surface protection film contains an ionic antistatic agent. The surface protection film-attached optical film can reduce the amount of peeling electrostatic charge which can be generated when the surface protection film is peeled off from the optical film, and can be free from the problem of optical film surface contamination after the surface protection film is peeled off. |
| US07658991B2 |
Structures having aligned nanorods and methods of making
Substrates having nanostructures disposed thereon and methods of forming nanostructures on the substrates are disclosed. In particular, embodiments of the present invention provide for structures having a substrate having a non-planar surface. In an embodiment, a portion of the non-planar surface has at least one layer of nanostructures disposed thereon. |
| US07658987B2 |
X-ray device component with emissive inorganic coating
A metal x-ray device component is provided that includes a high emissivity inorganically bonded ceramic coating that can be applied with minimal surface preparation and that provides good resistance to corrosion and oxidation of substrates in high temperature, vacuum environments. The coating has good dielectric properties, is stable in the high temperature, vacuum environment characteristic of x-ray devices, and provides effective and reliable performance over a wide range of operating temperatures. |
| US07658985B2 |
Honeycomb structure
A honeycomb structure useful as exhaust gas trapping filter, particularly, as a diesel particulate filter (DPF) for trapping particulate matter, etc. in diesel engine exhaust gas and capable of effectively inhibiting defects such as cracks due to thermal stress, by reducing influence of thermal stress generated upon use or regeneration. The honeycomb structure includes: an integrally joined body constituted of plural honeycomb segments at joint faces with a bonding material layer, and an outer peripheral coat layer. Thickness of the bonding material layer satisfies the relation: (T2)=(1.2 to 10.0)×(T1) between an average thickness (T1) at positions (X1) and (X2) located at the both ends in the central axis direction of segments and a maximum thickness (T2) between positions (Y1) and (Y2) apart from respective ends in 3 to 40% of the whole length of the honeycomb segment. |
| US07658984B2 |
Lightweight acoustic automotive carpet
Light weight acoustic carpet including porous carpeting backed by a primary sound reducing layer and localized secondary insulators for use within vehicles, and methods of making same, are provided. A porous carpet structure including a carpet backing is heated to achieve a fluid or semi-fluid state and then subjected to intense vacuum to draw air through the carpet backing to create a porous structure. A layer of sound absorbing or insulating material may be applied to the porous carpet structure to provide improved acoustic properties. Secondary sound reducing absorbers/insulators may further be included as part of the molding process to provide selected areas of increased thickness and provide tailoring of sound attenuation. |
| US07658982B2 |
Membrane apparatus for receiving samples
An apparatus for receiving samples, comprising at least one vessel having at least one aperture and a membrane covering the aperture which is held at the border side between a step and a deformed area of the vessel. |
| US07658973B2 |
Tailoring nitrogen profile in silicon oxynitride using rapid thermal annealing with ammonia under ultra-low pressure
A method of forming a dielectric film that includes nitrogen. The method includes incorporating nitrogen into a dielectric film using a nitridation gas and a rapid thermal annealing process, wherein an ultra-low pressure of equal to or less than about 10 Torr is used for the rapid thermal annealing process. |
| US07658970B2 |
Noble metal layer formation for copper film deposition
Embodiments described herein relate to depositing a cobalt-containing layer by a cyclical deposition process while forming interconnects on a substrate. In one embodiment, a method for forming an interconnect structure is provided which includes depositing a tungsten-containing barrier layer over an exposed contact metal surface within an aperture formed in an insulating material disposed on a substrate, forming a cobalt-containing layer on the tungsten-containing barrier layer using a cyclical deposition process by sequentially exposing the substrate to a cobalt precursor gas and a silicon reducing gas, wherein the cobalt precursor gas contains a cobalt precursor having a cyclopentadienyl ligand, and depositing a copper material on the cobalt-containing layer. |
| US07658969B2 |
Chemical vapor deposition chamber with dual frequency bias and method for manufacturing a photomask using the same
A method and apparatus for process integration in manufacture of a ask are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cluster tool suitable for process integration in manufacture of a photomask including a vacuum transfer chamber having coupled thereto at least one hard mask deposition chamber and at least one plasma chamber configured for etching chromium. In another embodiment, a method for process integration in manufacture of a photomask includes depositing a hard mask on a substrate in a first processing chamber, depositing a resist layer on the substrate, patterning the resist layer, etching the hard mask through apertures formed in the patterned resist layer in a second chamber; and etching a chromium layer through apertures formed in the hard mask in a third chamber. |
| US07658968B2 |
Method for making a film with improved wettability properties
A method for making a film having improved wettability properties for use with a heat exchanger of a condensing furnace or an air conditioner. The film can be made of any thermoplastic film which bonds to metal. Polar particulates are mechanically are adhered to and embedded in the upper surface of the heated film. The particulate can be surface treated to either enhance adhesion of the particulate to the film or to enhance wettability. In another embodiment, the film is coated with an adhesive substance or a mixture of reactants, the particulate pressed into and adhered to the coating. |
| US07658962B2 |
Cooking cream
A cooking cream was prepared that is useful for cooking and preferably has a good whipping capability also. The cream comprises about 55 to 93% by weight water, about 5 to 45% by weight fat, about 1 to 10% by weight protein, about 0.5 to 10% by weight starch, and an effective amount of emulsifier. Preferably, the cream also contains an effective amount of stabilizer and an effective amount of buffer. |
| US07658946B2 |
Solid supports functionalized with phosphorus-containing dendrimers, process for preparing them and uses thereof
The present invention relates to solid supports functionalized with phosphorus-containing dendrimers, to a process for preparing them, to their use for preparing biochips and to the uses of these biochips, in particular for immobilizing molecules of interest, especially biological molecules of interest such as nucleic acids, polypeptides, lipids and proteins. |
| US07658944B2 |
Solid dosage form comprising a fibrate
The invention provides stable, solid dosage forms and pharmaceutical compositions in particulate form comprising a fibrate, for example fenofibrate, dissolved in an non-aqueous vehicle in order to ensure improved bioavailability of the active ingredient upon oral administration relative to known fibrate formulations. |
| US07658942B2 |
Cosmetic devices
The present invention relates to pre-formed devices for delivering benefit agents to the skin, hair or nails. The devices are patches or masks for cosmetic or therapeutic use and comprise a unilamellar, solid gel sheet having at least one surface at least partially coated with a discrete coating composition comprising at least one benefit agent for the skin, hair or nails. The invention also encompasses methods of producing and using such devices. The coating composition allows more efficient delivery of benefit agents to the skin than previously known devices and/or affords greater formulation flexibility. |
| US07658939B2 |
Tamper-resistant oral opioid agonist formulations
Disclosed is an oral dosage form comprising (i) an opioid agonist in releasable form and (ii) a sequestered opioid antagonist which is substantially not released when the dosage form is administered intact. |
| US07658938B2 |
Solid oral dosage form containing an enhancer
The invention relates to a solid oral dosage form comprising a pharmaceutically active ingredient in combination with an enhancer which enhances the bioavailability and/or the absorption of the active ingredient. Accordingly, a solid oral dosage form comprises a drug and an enhancer wherein the enhancer is a medium chain fatty acid ester, ether or salt or a derivative of a medium chain fatty acid, which is, preferably, solid at room temperature and which has a carbon chain length of from 6 to 20 carbon atoms. Preferably, the solid oral dosage form is controlled release dosage form such as a delayed release dosage form. |
| US07658934B2 |
Chlamydia antigens and protein vaccine
The present invention provides vaccines for immunizing a host, including humans, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, specifically C. pneumoniae. The vaccine and method employ a full-length, 5′-truncated or 3′-truncated 76 kDa protein of a strain of Chlamydia pneumoniae. Modifications are possible within the scope of this invention. |
| US07658932B2 |
Method of making immunogenic compositions comprising UV-irradiated, psoralen-inactivated, desialated human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) particles devoid of CD55 and CD59 in the viral membrane
A method of making an immunogenic composition using inactivated HIV. Inactivation of HIV is through psoralen and ultraviolet radiation. The composition is rendered more effective by the removal of structural features of HIV that interfere with immune response. In particular, sialic acid is removed to enhance immune recognition of the composition and to impair Complement Factor H binding. CD55 and CD59 are also removed to prevent the binding of Complement Factor H.A method of making an immunogenic composition using inactivated HIV. Inactivation of HIV is through psoralen and ultraviolet radiation. The composition is rendered more effective by the removal of structural features of HIV that interfere with immune response. In particular, sialic acid is removed to enhance immune recognition of the composition and to impair Complement Factor H binding. CD55 and CD59 are also removed to prevent the binding of Complement Factor H. |
| US07658929B2 |
Immunogenic glycopeptides, screening, preparation and uses
The invention concerns immunogenic glycopeptides derived from pathogenic microorganisms, useful for vaccination and diagnosis of infections caused by said pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria or fungi), and methods for selecting them and preparing them. Said glycopeptides are selected in the group consisting of: a1) glycopeptides essentially consisting of a glycosylated T epitope, comprising 14 to 25 amino acids, among which at least a neutral amino acid is bound to a di- or to a trisaccharide (glycoside linkage) and at least 15% among said amino acids are proline, one of the proline being located in position −1 to −4, relative to the position of said neutral amino acid, which glycopeptides are: exhibited by a class II MHC molecule, specifically identified by T CD+4 lymphocytes induced by immunization with the native glycopeptide from which they are derived, but are not identified by the T CD+4 lymphocytes induced by immunization with a non-glycosylated peptide of same sequence and capable of inducing a proliferation of said T CD+4 lymphocytes by which they are identified and the secretion of cytokines by said lymphocytes and b1) glycopeptides having a sequence of 15 to 39 amino acids including the sequence of the glycopeptide as defined in a1), excluding the glycopeptide of sequence SEQ ID NO:11. |
| US07658927B2 |
Materials and methods for immunizing against FIV infection
The subject invention pertains to methods and compositions for protecting feline animals from infection by FIV using immunogens derived from primate immunodeficiency viruses, including HIV and SIV. Methods for vaccinating feline animals with the subject vaccine compositions are described. Feline animals vaccinated according to the methods and compositions of the subject invention exhibit protective humoral and cellular immune responses to FIV when challenged with FIV. The subject invention further concerns methods and compositions for protecting humans and other animals against infection by immunodeficiency viruses, such as HIV and FIV. |
| US07658926B2 |
Autologous T-cell vaccines materials and methods
The present invention relates to improved autologous T cell vaccines and methods for their production. The invention is also directed to methods for treating T cell associated diseases such as multiple sclerosis are rheumatoid arthritis using autologous T cell vaccines. |
| US07658924B2 |
Angiopoietin-2 specific binding agents
Disclosed are specific binding agents, such as fully human antibodies, that bind to angiopoietin-2. Also disclosed are heavy chain fragments, light chain fragments, and CDRs of the antibodies, as well as methods of making and using the antibodies. |
| US07658923B2 |
Anti-CD26 monoclonal antibodies as therapy for diseases associated with cells expressing CD26
Therapeutic methods comprising administering anti-CD26 antibodies for the prevention and treatment of cancers and immune diseases associated with expressing CD26 are provided. The invention describes various types of anti-CD26 antibodies and modes of administration. |
| US07658922B2 |
Monoclonal antibodies, hybridoma cell lines, methods and kits for detecting phytase
This invention relates to the field of immunology and more specifically relates to anti-phytase monoclonal antibodies, immunoassay methods, kits, and reagents, for the detection of a phytase from or derived from E. coli phytase, in particular, Quantum™ phytase. The invention further relates to hybridoma cell lines that produce anti-phytase monoclonal antibodies. |
| US07658916B2 |
Methods of enhancing lysosomal storage disease therapy by modulation of cell surface receptor density
Methods of modulating uptake of extracellular lysosomal enzymes by administering a pharmaceutical agent and methods of treating a lysosomal storage disease (such as Gaucher disease, Pompe disease, Fabry disease or Niemann-Pick disease) or enhancing enzyme replacement therapy or gene therapy, comprising administering a pharmaceutical agent such as dexamethasone, glucose or insulin, are provided. |
| US07658914B2 |
Colon cleansing compositions
A composition comprising, per liter of aqueous solution, from 30 to 350 g polyethylene glycol, from 3 to 20 g of an ascorbic acid component selected form the group consisting of ascorbic acid, a salt of ascorbic acid, or a mixture thereof, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulphate, preferably from 1 to 15 g thereof, and optionally one or more electrolytes selected from sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium hydrogen carbonate, and preferably also comprising flavorings, is effective in cleansing the gut in preparation for a endoscopy, especially colonoscopy. It is safer than conventional sodium phosphate-based gut cleansing compositions, and hence can be used for patients who would be at risk with sodium phosphate-based compositions, and is better tolerated than conventional PEG-based compositions, leading to better patient compliance and enabling effective out-patient use. |
| US07658913B2 |
Compositions useful for reducing nephrotoxicity and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides compositions and methods to reduce renal damage caused by nephrotoxic drugs. The invention provides compositions comprising a substituted cyclodextrin, a nephrotoxic drug and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, where the cyclodextrin is present in an amount effective for substantially inhibiting the nephrotoxic effect of the drug. |
| US07658909B2 |
Process for preparing a beta zeolite
A process for preparing a beta zeolite is described, comprising at least the following steps: i) mixing, in an aqueous medium, at least one source of at least one tetravalent element X, at least one source of fluoride anions and at least one quaternary ammonium salt with formula (H3C)2—N+—(CH2CH2C(CH3)3)2; ii) treating said mixture hydrothermally until said beta zeolite is formed. |
| US07658902B2 |
Low CTE highly isotropic graphite
A process for producing a graphite article having a CTE of less than about 2.0 ppm/° C. over the temperature range of from 30° C. to 100° C. and an isotropy ratio of less than about 1.5 also advantageously having a thermal shock resistance parameter of greater than about 150×103 W/m in both the with-grain and against-grain directions, and the graphite so produced. |
| US07658900B2 |
Reactor and process for the preparation of silicon
In a reactor for the decomposition of a silicon-containing gas, provision is made, to avoid silicon deposition on an inner wall of a reactor vessel, for at least one catalytically active mesh to be provided within a reaction chamber between at least one gas feed line and the inner wall (4). The mesh accelerates the thermal decomposition of the gas and reduces the deposition of silicon on the inner wall. Also described is a process for the preparation of silicon using the reactor according to the invention and the use in photovoltaics of the silicon prepared. |
| US07658893B2 |
Method for the continuous production of propylene glycol
An apparatus for carrying out a continuous process for preparing propylene glycols. |
| US07658892B2 |
Pipe shaped reformer having rugged internal surface
A reformer is disclosed for supplying a reformed gas containing hydrogen to a fuel cell. The reformer comprises a heat source; a preheating portion preheated by heat from the heat source; a pipe shaped reforming reaction unit; a carbon monoxide processing unit extending from the reforming reaction unit; and a rugged portion installed on an internal surface of the pipe shaped reforming reaction unit which is heated by the heat source. By using the rugged portion and the extended pipe design, the area heated by the heat source is increased and more heat is recovered, thereby improving thermal efficiency. |
| US07658891B1 |
Air purification and decontamination for hazmat suits
This application relates to innovative apparatus and methods for efficient use of vacuum ultraviolet light and ozone to break down biological and chemical contaminants in air that flows through such apparatus, and to generate additional ozone and ozonites that further contribute to destruction of contaminants in air in a generally enclosed contaminated volume communicating with such apparatus, as well as contaminants on surfaces and within porous materials such as clothing in a generally enclosed volume, and including contaminants on the hair or skin of an individual, or on the hide or fur of an animal. A generally enclosed contaminated volume may include an interior of a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) protective suit donned by an individual, or in an environment, that was already contaminated, or a passenger compartment of a vehicle operated or parked in a contaminated area. |
| US07658888B2 |
Apparatus for treating allograft products
Apparatus for treating allografts, having a sonication tank configured to transmit ultrasonic energy to the interior of the tank; a treatment canister rotatably positioned in said sonication tank, and configured to receive allografts therein; and a treatment fluid source in fluid communication with said treatment canister. Methods of treating allografts and methods for determining microbial contamination using the apparatus. |
| US07658882B2 |
Forming containers
A method comprises forming a preform of plastic material, expanding said preform to obtain a container, said forming comprising compression-forming said preform in that mould arrangement wherein said expanding occurs; a method comprises expanding a preform in a mould arrangement to obtain a container, before said expanding it being provided to form a dose of plastic material in a paste state in said mould arrangement to obtain said preform; an apparatus comprises a forming mould arrangement, a punch device for expanding a preform in said mould arrangement, an abutting device cooperating with said punch device, said punch device and said abutting device identifying a configuration in which said punch device and said abutting device cooperate to define a forming unit for compression-forming a semifinished product of plastic material to obtain said preform and a further configuration in which said punch device and said abutting device cooperate to define an expansion unit of said preform to obtain a container. |
| US07658879B2 |
Trajectory guide with angled or patterned guide lumens or height adjustment
This document discusses trajectory guides that include an instrument guide with at least one lumen angled with respect to an orthogonal or other through-axis. In one example, patterned lumens on the instrument guide provide a mirror image pattern of trajectory axes intersecting a target plane. In another example, height adjustment of the instrument guide extends these or other targeting techniques to a three-dimensional volume. This document also describes a method of manufacturing such an instrument guide, which is also applicable to manufacturing an instrument guide providing parallel lumens. |
| US07658874B2 |
Polymer pelletization process and apparatus
An improved process for the pelletization of polymers is disclosed, using a die in which the die holes incorporate a reverse taper along at least a portion of the length thereof. Conditions for operation of an under melt cutter incorporating this die are also disclosed. |
| US07658866B2 |
Fluorescent material and light-emitting device
A fluorescent material includes first and second phosphors. The first phosphor is a light-storing phosphor, which is represented by the general formula (M1-a-bEuaQb)Al2O4, wherein M is one type selected from the group consisting of Mg, Ca, Ba, Sr and Zn; Q is one type selected from the group consisting of Pr, Nd, Dy, Er and Ho; a is a number that satisfies 0.0001≦a≦0.5; and b is a number that satisfies 0.010≦b≦0.5. When the fluorescent material is excited for about 15 minutes by ultraviolet irradiation having about 365.0 nm wavelength with an intensity of 0.5 mW/cm2, and the color of the afterglow of the fluorescent material is measured 1 minute and 10 minutes after excitation is terminated, an amount of change between chromaticity measured 1 minute after excitation and that measured 10 minutes is in the range of −0.001≦x≦0.009 and −0.009≦y≦0.006. |
| US07658863B2 |
Si-C-O composite, making method, and non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell negative electrode material
A Si—C—O composite powder is obtained by curing a reactive silane or siloxane having crosslinkable groups through heat curing or catalytic reaction into a crosslinked product and sintering the crosslinked product in an inert gas stream at a temperature of 700-1,400° C. into an inorganic state. It exhibits satisfactory cycle performance when used as the negative electrode material for non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cells. |
| US07658860B2 |
Metal pattern and process for producing the same
A metal pattern of the present invention is a metal pattern (13′) formed on a surface of a substrate by etching, and a monomolecular film containing fluorinated alkyl chains (CF3(CF2)n—, where n represents an integer) is formed on a surface of a metal film composing the metal pattern (13′), and a masking film (18) is formed by penetration of a molecule having a mercapto group (—SH) or a disulfide (—SS—) group into interstices between molecules composing the monomolecular film. The metal pattern is produced by: forming a monomolecular film containing fluorinated alkyl chains (CF3(CF2)n—, where n represents an integer) on a surface of a metal film; forming a masking film by applying a solution in which a molecule having a mercapto group (—SH) or a disulfide (—SS—) group is dissolved over a surface of the monomolecular film so that the molecule having a mercapto group (—SH) or a disulfide (—SS—) group penetrates in interstices between molecules composing the monomolecular film; and etching the metal film by exposing the surface of the metal film to an etching solution so that a portion of the metal film in a region not covered with the masking film is removed. |
| US07658859B2 |
Method of processing organic film using plasma etching and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A method of forming an organic film disposes a substrate on which the organic film is formed in a chamber capable of reducing a pressure therein, introduces a gas including a deuterium compound or a trideuterium compound in the chamber, to generate a plasma by ionizing the gas; and etches and patterning the organic film by the plasma. |
| US07658856B2 |
Environmentally-neutral processing with condensed phase cryogenic fluids
Systems, methods and apparatus are provided for utilizing a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid for the purpose of remediation and retrieval of, e.g., spilled crude oil and other “oil spill”-related products from marine/aquatic and terrestrial environments. In some implementations, systems and apparatus are provided for applying a substantially condensed phase cryogenic fluid to a volume of spilled oil, and further having structure for collecting the spilled oil. Some implementations are environmentally-neutral. Substances other than oil may be remediated as well. |
| US07658854B2 |
Apparatus and method for continuous separation of magnetic particles from non-magnetic fluids
A magnetic separator vessel (1) for separating magnetic particles from non-magnetic fluid includes a separation chamber having an interior and exterior wall, a top and bottom portion; a magnet (3) having first and second poles (2) positioned adjacent to the exterior wall, wherein the first pole is substantially diametrically opposed to the second pole; a inlet port (5) is directed into the top portion of the separation chamber, wherein the inlet port (5) is positioned adjacent to one of the first and second poles (2), wherein the inlet port (5) is adapted to transfer a mixture into the separation chamber; an underflow port (6) in communication with the bottom portion, wherein the underflow port (6) is adapted to receive the magnetic particles; and an overflow port (9) in communication with the separation chamber, wherein the overflow port (9) is adapted to receive the non-magnetic fluid. |
| US07658850B2 |
Mixed bacterial culture for atrazine degradation
The present invention provides a mixed bacterial culture, designated as the culture Atz Mix 1, which degrades atrazine at various temperatures (10° C. to 30° C.) in a wide range of atrazine concentrations (several ppb to ten thousand ppm), without formation of toxic metabolites. Atz Mix 1 is a stable mixed culture and includes catabolic genes trzN, atzB, atzC coding the enzymes for the degradation of atrazine to cyanuric acid, and the gene trzD coding the enzymes for subsequent opening of s-triazine ring. The invention further includes a microbiological method of degrading atrazine and other s-triazine compounds for remediation of atrazine-contaminated soils, even those rich in nitrogen, as well as for accelerating the process of atrazine mineralization in waste waters containing high concentrations of s-triazine compounds. |
| US07658848B2 |
Septic system cleaning
A composition including the fermentation supernatant from a fermentation of yeast is intended to be conveniently introduced through the wastewater plumbing system of a private home or other facility into a septic system servicing the home or other facility to substantially accelerate the ability of the bacteria resident in the septic system to substantially digest biologically available organic compounds present in the septic system, and methods of accomplishing the same. |
| US07658842B2 |
Filter cartridge assembly with water collection
A filter cartridge assembly including a carrier and a filter element. The carrier including a water collection cup that collects water from the filter element when the filter cartridge assembly is held in an inverted orientation. |
| US07658839B2 |
Device for purifying liquid in a liquid reservoir and a transformer provided with such a device
A device for purifying liquid in a reservoir and including a vacuum chamber (1) having an inflow opening (2) and an outflow opening (3) adapted to communicate with the liquid in the reservoir through a feed conduit (4) and a return conduit (5), respectively. The return conduit (5) is provided with a pump (6) and the vacuum chamber is connected with a vacuum pump (7). The device further includes a filter cartridge (8) provided with a plurality of filter elements, each having a flow side communicating with a central passage (26) and a flow side opening into the periphery of the filter cartridge (8). The filter cartridge (8) is arranged inside the vacuum chamber, the central passage (26) of the filter cartridge communicating with the inflow opening (2) of the vacuum chamber. |
| US07658838B2 |
Delayed coking process for producing free-flowing coke using polymeric additives
A delayed coking process for making substantially free-flowing coke, preferably shot coke. A coker feedstock, such as a vacuum residuum, is heated in a heating zone to coking temperatures then conducted to a coking zone wherein volatiles are collected overhead and coke is formed. At least one polymeric additive is added to the feedstock prior to it being heated in the heating zone, prior to its being conducted to the coking zone, or both. |
| US07658836B2 |
Process for producing middle distillates by hydroisomerizing and hydrocracking feeds from the Fischer-Tropsch process using a multifunctional guard bed
The process of producing middle distillates from effluents obtained by a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, comprises a step for hydro-treatment and purification and/or decontamination by passage over a multi-functional guard bed prior to a step of hydrocracking/hydroisomerization. The guard bed reduces the amount of unsaturated compounds, oxygen-containing compounds, particulate mineral solids, and organometallic compounds. |
| US07658835B2 |
Method for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride or alkali metal chloride
A method is described for the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride or alkali metal chloride in an electrolysis cell. The cell includes at least of an anode half-element and an anode, a cathode half-element and a gas diffusion electrode as the cathode, and a cation exchange membrane for separating the anode half-element and the cathode half-element. A gas containing oxygen is supplied to the cathode half-element and excess gas containing oxygen is discharged from the cathode half-element. Excess gas containing oxygen discharged from the cathode half-element is subjected to catalytic oxidation of hydrogen. |
| US07658832B2 |
Stabilisation of liquid metal electrolyte systems
A method of stabilizing an electrolysis cell with a boundary, a liquid metal layer and an electrolyte layer having specific operational and geometric parameters, and comprises the steps of determining amplitude and frequency values for a desired external, time-varying and/or alternating magnetic field through wave reflection analysis on a theoretical wall whose parameters are representative of the cell wall's parameters; and imposing on said cell an external, time-varying and/or alternating magnetic field having substantially the same amplitude and frequency values determined in the wave reflection analysis so that the resultant magnetic field imposed on the cell tends to parametrically and dynamically desynchronize the occurrence of resonance instability near the cell's walls. |
| US07658829B2 |
Integrated microfluidic transport and sorting system
The invention integrates a two-stage dielectrophoretic (DEP) droplet dispensing and distribution system with particulate DEP to create a novel LOC platform capable of manipulating biological cells based on the varied dielectrophoretic signatures that distinguish cells in a population, for example, healthy from diseased cells. The two-stage DEP droplet transport system acts as the backbone of this application, providing the essential dispensing and distribution function, while particulate DEP provides the critical capability to characterize and analyze the heterogeneous biological cell populations routinely encountered in biotechnology and clinical settings. |
| US07658826B2 |
Reference electrode
A reference electrode including a water-impermeable, non-conductive substrate having a surface; an electrically conductive metal/metal salt mixture layer in contact with the surface; a water-soluble alkali metal salt layer; and a water-impermeable barrier layer overlaying a portion of the alkali metal salt layer and a portion of the metal/metal salt layer, and a method for preparing same are described. When the reference electrode is placed in a water sample to be tested, water enters the exposed portion of the alkali metal salt layer where it dissolves the salt forming a saturated solution in the region of contact between the alkali metal salt layer and the metal/metal salt layer. |
| US07658824B2 |
Electrolytic sanitiser generator
An electrically powered apparatus for generating a solute such as chlorine to sanitise a body of water such as a pool or spa, a by-product of such generation being an explosive gas such as hydrogen, said apparatus including: a) an electrolytic cell (1) adapted to operate in a substantially vertical orientation through a range of 45 degrees either side of the vertical; b) a water inlet (13) and outlet (14) both located at the lower end of said electrolytic cell (1); and c) a defined space (16) surrounding one or more electrodes (28) of said electrolytic cell (1), wherein, in, the event that water flow through said apparatus ceases and said electrolytic cell (1) continues to produce said explosive gas, said explosive gas will displace water in said defined space (16) until there is no water around said electrodes (28). |
| US07658822B2 |
SiOx:Si composite articles and methods of making same
Article are made from silicon oxide and electrically conductive doped silicon materials that are joined in a protective environment to yield a composite SiOx:Si material that exhibits the properties of SiOx and yet is electrically conductive due to the presence of the Si. Articles from such composite materials find many uses, such as for targets for DC and/or AC sputtering processes to produce silicon oxide thin films for touch-screen application, barrier thin films in LCD displays and optical thin films used in a wide variety of applications. |
| US07658821B2 |
Patterned press fabric
A press fabric having a plurality of surface pressing plates on a sheet side of the fabric imparts an impression onto a sheet of paper web during a pressing process. The surface pressing plates are preferably resin pressing plates, and form at least one of a random pattern of dots, a predetermined pattern of dots, a grid pattern of dots, a regular grid pattern of lines, an irregular grid pattern of lines a plurality of squiggly lines, a plurality of wavy lines, a plurality of straight lines, words and pictures. |
| US07658818B2 |
Method for converting a digester for use as a gas phase and hydraulic phase continuous digester
A method for converting a vapor phase continuous digester to a hydraulic digester including the steps of: operating the vapor phase digester in a vapor phase mode wherein a chip slurry enters the vessel of the digester through a lower chip inlet port, moves up through a top separator, discharges from an upper chip discharge chute of the separator to an upper vapor region of the vessel and falls to a liquor filled region of the vessel; ceasing the flow of the chip slurry to the separator; establishing a chip slurry flow path to an upper portion of top separator, and filling the vessel with liquor and chips such that the chip discharge chute is immersed in liquor. |
| US07658817B2 |
Industrial evaporation apparatus
An industrial evaporation apparatus having a specified structure in which there are guides that do not themselves have a heat source, a flow path controlling member having a function of making the liquid fed onto a perforated plate from a liquid receiving port flow mainly from a peripheral portion toward a central portion of the perforated plate is provided in a liquid feeding zone, and formula (1) to (5), or formula (1) to (10), or formula (1) to (12), are satisfied. |
| US07658811B2 |
Letterpress application of elastomeric compositions
The invention provides a process to deliver an elastomeric composition to a substrate. The elastomeric composition is cooled. The cooling also results in substantially complete transfer of the elastomeric composition from the pattern roll to the substrate with a resulting reduction in elastomer degradation. |
| US07658807B2 |
Hot-rolled strip intended for the production of non-grain oriented electrical sheet and a method for the production thereof
The present invention relates to a hot-rolled steel strip for further processing to form non-grain oriented electrical sheet with the following composition (in % by weight) C: <0.02%, Mn: ≦1.2%, Si: 0.1-4.4%, Al 0.1-4.4%, wherein the sum formed from the Si content and twice the Al content is <5%, P: <0.15%, Sn: ≦0.20%, Sb: ≦0.20%, the remainder iron and unavoidable impurities, with a strip thickness which is at most 1.8 mm, and with a partially softened structure which is characterised by a high intensity for the α fibre (fibre representation of orientation distribution functions) in the region of 0° to 60°, wherein the ratio I112/I001 formed from the intensity I112 of the position (112) <110> to the intensity I001 of the position (001) <110> is >0.4 and the ratio I111/I001 formed from the intensity I111 of the position (111) <110> to the intensity I001 of the position (001) <110> is >0.2. |
| US07658802B2 |
Apparatus and a method for cleaning a dielectric film
An apparatus and a method of cleaning a dielectric film are provided in the present invention. In one embodiment, an apparatus of cleaning a dielectric film the apparatus includes a chamber body adapted to support a substrate therein, a remote plasma source adapted to provide a plurality of reactive radicals to the chamber body, a passage coupling the remote plasma source to the chamber body, and at least one magnet disposed adjacent the passage. In another embodiment, a method of cleaning a dielectric film that includes providing a substrate having an at least partially exposed dielectric layer disposed in a process chamber, generating a plurality of reactive radicals in a remote plasma source, flowing the reactive radicals from the remote plasma source into the process chamber through a passage having at least one magnet disposed adjacent the passage, and magnetically filtering the reactive radicals passing through the passage. |
| US07658800B2 |
Gas distribution assembly for use in a semiconductor work piece processing reactor
A semiconductor work piece processing reactor is described and which includes a processing chamber defining a deposition region; a pedestal which supports and moves a semiconductor work piece to be processed within the deposition region of the processing chamber; and a gas distribution assembly mounted within the processing chamber and which defines first and second reactive gas passageways which are separated from each other, and which deliver two reactant gases to a semiconductor work piece which is positioned near the gas distribution assembly. |
| US07658799B2 |
Plasma film-forming apparatus and plasma film-forming method
The present invention ensures a uniform concentration of a plasma excitation gas supplied to a plasma generation region while preventing the plasma excitation gas from turning into plasma before supply. In a plasma film forming apparatus for forming a film on a substrate using plasma, a flat-plate structure partitioning the inside of a processing container into two, upper and lower, regions is disposed between a high frequency wave supply unit and a substrate mounting unit in the processing container. The plasma excitation gas is supplied into the processing container from the lower side toward the region on the high frequency wave supply unit side, and the structure is formed with a source gas supply port for supplying a source gas for film formation in the region on the mounting unit side and an opening for allowing plasma generated in the region on the high frequency wave supply unit side to pass to the region on the mounting unit side. |
| US07658798B2 |
Method for fixing metal particles and method for manufacturing substrate containing metal particles, method for manufacturing substrate containing carbon nanotube, and method for manufacturing substrate containing semiconductor-crystalline rod, employing thereof
A metal fine particle is adhere to a predetermined location on a substrate. A resist film containing a metallic compound dispersed therein is formed on a substrate (101). A patterning of the resist film is conducted by a lithography. The substrate (101) having the patterned resist formed thereon is heated within an oxygen atmosphere to adhere a metal fine particle (106) to the surface of the substrate (101), while removing the resin in the patterned resist. |
| US07658795B2 |
Magnesium oxychloride cement
Magnesium oxychloride cement is formed by mixing a magnesium chloride (MgCl2) brine solution with a magnesium oxide (MgO) composition in a selected stoichiometric ratio of MgCl2, MgO, and H2O that forms the 5 phase magnesium oxychloride cement composition. Although Sorel cements formed from the mixture of MgCl2, MgO can form a variety of compounds, the inventive systems and methods provide for controlling the cement kinetics to form the five phase magnesium oxychloride cement composition and results in an improved and stable cement composition. Various fillers can be optionally added to form preferred cement materials for uses as diverse such as road stripping, fire-proofing, fire barriers, cement repair, and mortar. |
| US07658794B2 |
Fiber cement building materials with low density additives
This invention relates to a formulation with the addition of low density additives of volcanic ash, hollow ceramic microspheres or a combination of microspheres and volcanic ash or other low density additives into cementitious cellulose fiber reinforced building materials. This formulation is advantageously lightweight or low density compared as compared to current fiber cement products without the increased moisture expansion and freeze-thaw degradation usually associated with the addition of lightweight inorganic materials to fiber cement mixes. The low density additives also give the material improved thermal dimensional stability. |
| US07658793B2 |
Pigment composition and process for preparation of the same
The invention relates to a pigment preparation based on at least one inorganic pigment and at least one organic pigment, and to a method for producing one such pigment preparation. Said pigment preparation contains particles wherein fine organic pigment particles are combined with inorganic pigment particles, said particles also being provided with an organic macromolecular coating. The inventive pigment preparation is produced by wet-grinding the inorganic and organic pigments, optionally adding other constituents, in the presence of a surface-active substance in the form of a macromolecular organic compound. |
| US07658792B2 |
Gallium naphthalocyanine salts for use as improved infrared dyes
There is provided an IR-absorbing naphthalocyanine dye of formula (I): wherein M is Ga(A1); A1 is an axial ligand selected from —OH, halogen, —OR3, —OC(O)R4 or —O(CH2CH2O)eRe wherein e is an integer from 2 to 10 and Re is H, C1-8 alkyl or C(O)C1-8 alkyl; R1 and R2 may be the same or different and are selected from hydrogen or C1-12 alkoxy; R3 is selected from C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl, C5-12 arylalkyl or Si(Rx)(Ry)(Rz); R4 is selected from C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl or C5-12 arylalkyl; Rx, Ry and Rz may be the same or different and are selected from C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl, C5-12 arylalkyl, C1-12 alkoxy, C5-12 aryloxy or C5-12 arylalkoxy; and each B is independently selected from a base, wherein BH+ has a pKa of between 4 and 9. The dye is suitable for use in IR-absorbing inkjet inks, providing compatibility with known CMYK inks together with an optimally red-shifted λmax. |
| US07658789B1 |
Off gas extraction and chemical recovery system and related methods
An off gas extraction system provides superior results to other systems for cleaning polluted soil. Off gas is extracted, followed by compression and condensation. Compression and condensation produce an off gas that must be further treated to produce pollutant-free exhaust. A regenerative adsorber cleans the influent gas/air by adsorbing residual chemical vapor and concentrates the removed chemical vapor and reprocesses them. Conventional scrubbers are used on the back end of the system to produce a final exhaust as prescribed by environmental regulation. Methods of accomplishing the same are similarly provided, including unique business methods for conforming extraction plans with current environmental regulations and compliance impact generation based on an evolved knowledge base. |
| US07658782B2 |
Lime-based additive for steel smelting and the preparation method thereof
This invention belongs to ferrous metallurgy field, and in particular relates to a lime-based additive for steel smelting which is used in the electric furnace refining and steel casting process for carbureting and deoxidation and the preparation method thereof. The lime-based additive for steel smelting comprises lime-based material and carbonaceous material, wherein the content of the lime-based material is 40-80 wt % relative to the total amount of the additive, and the remaining is the carbonaceous material; the lime-based material is a passivated CaO powder with a low flowability, or the mixture of the passivated CaO powder and CaCO3 powder, and the carbonaceous material is at least one of the coke, graphite, semi-coke powder and coal with carbon content not less than 85 wt %. When the additive has a shape of pellet, and it further comprises 1-5 wt % of agglomerant which has a microstructure of strip, streak or dendritic, and is at least one of MgO, Al2O3, and CaCO3. |
| US07658774B2 |
Method of producing lattice body for lead storage battery, and lead storage battery
A method of producing a grid for a lead-acid battery in accordance with the present invention includes the step of placing lead alloy foil on a base material sheet of a lead-calcium alloy and attaching the lead alloy foil under pressure to the base material sheet. The thickness t of the lead alloy foil, the thickness a of the base material sheet before the attaching, and the thickness b of the composite sheet after the attaching satisfy the relational expression 1.3≦(a+t)/b. The length L of the contact part of rollers with the base material sheet and the lead alloy foil is 10 mm or more.This makes it possible to secure good adhesion of the lead alloy foil to the base material sheet. Also, when this composite sheet is subjected to an expanding process and used as a positive electrode grid, it is possible to provide a lead-acid battery having excellent cycle life characteristics. |
| US07658773B2 |
Method for fabricating a solid electrolyte memory device and solid electrolyte memory device
A method for fabricating a solid electrolyte memory device comprises a plurality of solid electrolyte memory cells, the solid electrolyte memory cells sharing a common continuous solid electrolyte layer comprising solid electrolyte cell areas and solid electrolyte inter-cell areas, the method comprising the process of introducing mobile ion solubility reducing material or mobile ion mobility reducing material into the solid electrolyte inter-cell areas. |
| US07658770B2 |
Agents for coloring keratin fibers
The present invention relates to agents for coloring keratin fibers which comprise at least one cationic azodye of the general formula (I). |
| US07658768B2 |
Bone graft substitute composition
Bone graft substitute compositions and methods of making the compositions are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method of making a composition includes contacting a mixing solution with a first mixture having calcium sulfate hemihydrate and a plasticizing material to form a second mixture; waiting a predetermined period of time after forming said second mixture; and then contacting demineralized bone with the second mixture to form the composition. A composition can be formed from a kit including a first mixture having calcium sulfate hemihydrate and a plasticizing substance, a second mixture having demineralized bone, and a mixing solution. The first and second mixtures and the mixing solution are unblended. |
| US07658762B2 |
Nonstented temporary valve for cardiovascular therapy
A method of treating a patient utilizes a temporary valve. In one embodiment, an inflatable structure of a temporary valve is inflated at a cardiovascular site in fluid communication with a native valve. At least a portion of the native valve is removed translumenally. A prosthetic valve is deployed to compliment or replace a native valve. The temporary valve is removed. |
| US07658756B2 |
Hose retainer for thermal blanket
An inflatable convective thermal blanket is designed to have at least one section on its top surface that has securely mounted thereon at least one fluid absorbent mechanism for absorbing fluids from a subject that is placed onto the blanket, or from fluids fallen onto the blanket from other sources. The one section is configured onto the blanket in such a way that it forms a well for collecting the fluids. The fluid absorbent mechanism, which may be in the form of a pad, would absorb the collected fluid to thereby minimize evaporative and cooling effects on the subject. Instead of mounting it on top of the blanket, the fluid absorbent pad may be mounted to the underside of the blanket, with appropriate holes and/or openings provided at the fluid collecting section, so that the collected fluids are drained onto the fluid absorbent pad. To enhance the input flow of air to the blanket, as well as to enable the blanket to be flatly folded for storage or shipping, a collapsible retainer mechanism is provided at the input port(s) of the blanket. The retainer mechanism opens up to a shape that facilitates the mating of an air hose to the input port. When folded to its collapsed position, the retainer mechanism, and the input port, would lie substantially coplanarly with the blanket. When configured to the position for accepting the air hose, the retainer mechanism is positioned substantially orthogonal to the blanket. |
| US07658743B2 |
Surgical instrument and method for treating female urinary incontinence
The method of the present invention relates to treating female urinary incontinence and involves passing opposite ends of a tape into a female patient's body and then positioning at least a portion of the tape between the vaginal wall and the urethra, whereby the tape forms a supportive loop beneath the urethra. The ends of the tape are extended through the patient's abdominal wall and outside of the patient's body and then the position and tension of the supportive loop are adjusted to achieve a clinically acceptable degree of urinary continence. |
| US07658742B2 |
Skin treatment system and method of use
A device, a system employing the device and method of performing skin treatment are provided for skin treatment. The device includes a vacuum head base defining a chamber therein and having a substantially smooth treatment tip attached and extending from an end thereof or integral therewith. The tip has at least one central opening that is open to the chamber, and is adapted to contact the skin and traverse the skin in a substantially non-abrasive manner. A vacuum access opening is provided through a side wall of the vacuum head base and adapted to connect with a source of vacuum. A tissue stop member is located within the chamber. It may have an abrasive surface for exfoliating skin cells, or a smoother surface for traversing the skin without substantial abrasion. |
| US07658740B2 |
Surgical attachment instrument and method
A surgical attachment instrument and method according to which a housing is adapted to be coupled to a motor. A tubular member is coupled to the housing so that an end of the tubular member extends from the housing at a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance may be selectively adjusted by a repeatable increment. |
| US07658735B2 |
Steerable wound drain device
The invention relates to a steerable wound drainage device which permits control of the positioning within the body of the device thereby affording the practitioner the ability to re-position the wound drain within the body while avoiding unnecessary trauma to surrounding tissues and organs. In one embodiment, the wound drainage device contains at least one longitudinal duct, at least one internal lumen, and at least one lateral opening communicating therewith, and an internal steering apparatus adapted to controllably position the catheter within the body. |
| US07658733B2 |
Vial for regulating pressure
In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial. |
| US07658728B2 |
Microneedle array, patch, and applicator for transdermal drug delivery
Microneedle arrays and drug delivery devices are provided for transdermally delivering a drug formulation to a patient. The microneedle array device includes a substantially planar substrate having an array of apertures; and a plurality of microneedles projecting at angle from the planar substrate, the microneedles having a base portion integrally connected to the substrate, a tip end portion distal to the base portion, and body portion therebetween, wherein each microneedle has at least one channel extending substantially from the base portion through at least a part of the body portion, the channel being open along at least part of the body portion and in fluid communication with at least one of the apertures in the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, each microneedle has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and the channel is open to two opposing surfaces of the microneedle. |
| US07658726B2 |
Drip chamber with integrated flow regulator for medical lines
Described herein is a drip chamber for medical lines with a generally cylindrical body having an inlet, on which a precision flow regulator is directly applied. |
| US07658723B2 |
Catheter having plurality of stiffening members
The invention includes a catheter having an elongate main body having a proximal section and a distal section. The elongate main body further includes a plurality of stiffening members disposed along the length of the elongate main body. The plurality of stiffening members includes a first stiffening member and a second stiffening member. The catheter can also include a balloon formed from a tubular member having a recess defined in a portion of its surface. A tapered or thinned balloon is formed from a process by which material is removed from a tubular member prior to formation of the balloon. |
| US07658710B2 |
Endoscope system using normal light and fluorescence
An endoscope system includes a light source for supplying three narrow wavelength bands including one wavelength band for exciting fluorescence, an excitation light cut filter for transmitting light having a wavelength greater than either 470 nm or 490 nm, and an image capturing unit for capturing the light transmitted by the excitation light cut filter and outputting three wavelength band signals corresponding to the three narrow wavelength bands of the light source. Also included are first, second and third frame memories for inputting and storing the three wavelength band signals, respectively, and first, second and third output ends for outputting first, second and third color signals, respectively, to a monitor for displaying an image. An image processor receives signals from the first, second and third frame memories respectively and selects among the first output end, the second output end and third output end for outputting the received signals to the monitor. |
| US07658708B2 |
Endotracheal intubation device
An endotracheal intubation device having a curvable portion and internal optics or a viewing device which facilitate the insertion of an endotracheal tube into a patient. The device has a handle and a trigger. When the trigger is squeezed the curvable portion curves in a controlled manner from a fully straight configuration. |
| US07658705B2 |
Actuation mechanisms for a heart actuation device
An actuation mechanism for assisting the operation of the natural heart has a varying shape for deforming the heart. In one embodiment, a plurality of links articulates with respect to each other for varying the shape of the actuation mechanism. The plurality of links is configured for being positioned proximate to an outer surface of the heart for deforming the heart by varying the shape of the actuation mechanism. In another embodiment, a jacket for coupling with an outer surface of the heart has a tether coupled to successive sections of the jacket. The tether is operable to be translated with respect to the jacket sections to vary the shape of the jacket for deforming the heart. In another embodiment, a plurality of concentric ring structures are coupled together to move with respect to each other in a concentric fashion. A movement mechanism coupled to the rings is operable to vary their positions with respect to each other to vary the overall shape for deforming the heart. |
| US07658704B2 |
Apparatus and methods for delivery of transcranial magnetic stimulation
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for delivery of transcranial magnetic stimulation. The apparatus includes a TMS coil which when energized generates an electric field substantially parallel to a long axis of the coil and substantially normal to a surface of the coil. Furthermore disclosed an apparatus for delivery of TMS in which a coil is adapted to a robotic member for computer-aided control and delivery. Further disclosed are methods of TMS planning and delivery in which subject images are utilized to plan, position and orient the TMS coil for precise delivery. Disclosed also are TMS coils having unique designs to better focus and direct magnetic stimulation. |
| US07658703B2 |
Method of preventing exposure of asbestos-containing material, method of treating asbestos-containing waste material, method of melt treating asbestos-containing waste material, asbestos-containing waste material treated article, and asbestos-containing melt treated article
The present invention relates to a series of techniques for treating a waste material of an asbestos-containing material, from emergency treatment, dismantling, or transportation of an already constructed asbestos-containing material to a heating and melting treatment of the dismantled asbestos-containing waste material. The preset invention provides a method of preventing the exposure of the fibrous dust of the asbestos involving melting an asbestos-containing waste material, into which lithium silicate is impregnated in a melting furnace for treating an asbestos-containing material into harmless. The lithium silicate impregnated into the asbestos-containing waste material forms a gel within the range of temperatures of 500 to 1,100° C., and the formed gel adheres onto the surfaces of asbestos fibers, thereby preventing the exposure of the fibrous dust of the asbestos. Moreover, the melting temperature of asbestos can be reduced to about 1,360° C. |
| US07658697B1 |
Trampoline frame welding configuration
The present invention is in the field of sports equipment, more specifically, relating to a trampoline frame connection structure. The trampoline frame has a main pipe and a support pipe. The main pipe has a straight line weld seam. The support pipe supports the main pipe. The main pipe junction with the support pipe has a concave connection. The main tube weld seam is on the bottom facing the concave portion. This practical new design features an improved welding configuration that has a low budget and high-efficiency connection. The weld seam on the bottom decreases shock to the weld seam and also prevents interference between the connecting hole on the main pipe and weld seam. Finally, this invention uses a weld seam strengthening plate device. |
| US07658695B1 |
Position monitoring displays
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for monitoring movement of a user performing an exercise includes displaying a position cursor and displaying a target path. The target path describes an exercise goal associated with an exercise performed by a user. The method also includes moving the position cursor based on positional information received from a position monitor affixed to the user. The positional information describes a movement associated with the exercise. |
| US07658691B2 |
Automatic transmission with improved shift quality
A modification to the manual valve of an automatic transmission is provided which improves the shift quality of the automatic transmission when the transmission is shifted from a drive gear to either Park or Neutral. More particularly, the invention provides a control orifice which regulates the release of hydraulic fluid from one or more clutch circuits such that pressure to one or more clutches is gradually released. The gradual release of pressure form the one or more clutches provides an improved shift quality. In alternate embodiments, the present invention provides a further modification to an automatic transmission which allows the control orifice to be circumvented in situations where a rapid swap of pressure from on clutch control solenoid to another is required. |
| US07658690B2 |
Plate-link chain, particularly for a motor vehicle drive system
A plate link chain for a motor vehicle drive system. A number of link plates are hingedly connected by pairs of rocker members that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Curved contact surfaces are located on each of the rocker members and link plates, along which contact surfaces the rocker members and link plates contact each other to transmit power. The rocker members also include curved pitch surfaces along which rocker member pairs roll against each other to transmit power. The rocker members are shaped asymmetrically in the height direction and about a cross section plane extending in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Contact surfaces are provided on each of the upper and lower contact surface areas in the height direction of the rocker members. |
| US07658689B2 |
Ultimate defender
A training assistance device capable of significant height adjustment has at least one adjustable, and preferably, two adjustable arms to allow it to simulate a defender in a variety of sports including baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, and volleyball. Structure facilitating transport of the device from place to place is included. |
| US07658685B2 |
Spin milled grooves for a golf club
The present invention is directed to a golf club head with an improved striking surface. The grooves are machined into the strike surface with tight tolerances. The grooves have sharp edges, radiused ends, and a draft angle between about 2° and 12°. The striking face is machined such that it has a uniform texture with a roughness of more than 40 Ra. |
| US07658680B2 |
Cue ball aiming and billiard training device
This invention relates to the field of playing billiards and in particular to a cue ball aiming or training device for learning to aim a cue ball to an object ball to drive the object ball in a desired direction. The aiming device provides an indication of the true point of aim for directing a cue ball to an object ball, to drive the object ball in a desired direction. In use, the aiming device is positioned on top of the object ball and has a direction indicator to point to the desired intended direction of the object ball and a strike point indicator to identify the true point of aim for the cue ball. |
| US07658677B2 |
Force limiting assembly
An apparatus is shown which comprises first and second mating components with a force limiter located between them. The force limiter includes a band of resilient material, with protrusions therealong, and a slip element. The band and the slip element are secured to the first mating component with the band arranged to apply a radial force against the slip element so as to press it against the second mating component.The frictional force between slip element and the second mating component is insufficient to separate the slip element and the band from the first mating component, so any slipping that occurs between the mating components happens at the boundary of the slip element and the second mating component.A desired slip force can be obtained by choosing a slip element with an appropriate coefficient of friction, rather than by varying the dimensions of the components. |
| US07658675B2 |
Game apparatus utilizing touch panel and storage medium storing game program
A game apparatus includes a touch panel on which at least two pointing positions are simultaneously detectable. In response to an operation of the touch panel by a player, coordinates values of the detected two points are detected, and at least one of a distance between the two points and an angle of the line connecting the two points is calculated. Furthermore, change amounts of the distance and angle between the two points are calculated. A movement parameter such as a travel speed and a turning angle is set on the basis of at least one of the calculated distance and angle, and the movement of the character such as travel and turning is controlled on the basis of the movement parameter. In addition, when a pointing state of the two points is changed, the movement parameter is changed on the basis of a change amount, and the movement of the character is controlled on the basis of the movement parameter. |
| US07658674B2 |
Methods and apparatus for facilitating interaction with a gaming device
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method provides for determining data associated with a player of a gaming device; determining whether the data meets at least one established criterion; and providing an offer to the player if the data meets the at least one established criterion, the offer including a condition and a description of a product to be provided to the player in exchange for the player agreeing to the condition. |
| US07658671B2 |
Air distribution assembly for vehicles
An air distribution assembly for vehicles, comprising a first flap, able to rotate around a first axis, a second distribution flap, able to rotate around a second axis, and a geared transmission device that connects the first and the second flap to each other. The transmission device comprises at least one gear wheel including a first and a second element able to rotate relative to each other and an elastic element positioned between the first and the second element to allow a relative rotation motion between the first and the second element. |
| US07658668B2 |
Coin handling equipment
A hopper coin feeder (1) comprises upper and lower hopper discs (18, 25). A flexible hopper wall (17) of diabolo shape cooperates with the upper disc (18) to control the feeding of coins by a coin pushing member (35) to the outer margin of the disc (18) where they are gripped between an annular band (33) and the disc (18) to be conveyed past a coin discriminator (61). Any coins or debris that drop from the edge of upper disc (18) are caught on the lower disc (25) and pass to a reject chute (132) and coin payout cup (12). An active coin delivery chute and diverter (80), FIG. 10, comprises a reciprocable plate (81) having a finger (82) which controls whether a coin fed from the upper disc (18) passes down the chute or is rejected onto the lower disc (25). Coins that pass down the chute enter a bowl (89) of a double-disc coin conveying assembly (5) that conveys a coin from the bowl (89) to a LIFO coin stacks (3) of a coin storage unit (1). Oversize coins that enter the chute can be directed through the bowl (89), and through aligned apertures (8) in the coin conveying discs, to pass into a coin outlet (10) also leading to the payout cup (12). |
| US07658667B2 |
Arrangement in a mobile machine for screeding floor surfaces
The invention relates to an arrangement in a mobile machine for screeding floor surfaces. This comprises a housing with a planet disk (3), which is rotatably supported in the bottom of the said housing and driven by a drive motor (1). The planet disk carries a number of rotatably supported screeding disks, distributed over the planet disk (3) and operatively connected to the drive motor (1). According to the invention the number of screeding disks is an even number up to a maximum of six. Viewed in the direction of rotation of the planet disk (3), half the number of screeding disks have a direction of rotation coinciding with the planet disk (3) and the remaining screeding disks an opposing direction of rotation. |
| US07658666B2 |
Superhard cutters and associated methods
A cutting device comprises a plurality of individual polycrystalline cutting elements secured in a solidified organic material layer. Each of the plurality of individual polycrystalline cutting elements has a substantially matching geometric configuration. |
| US07658665B2 |
Techniques for cylindrical grinding
Methods for cylindrical grinding a workpiece are disclosed. The method includes cylindrical grinding, with a bonded abrasive wheel having a permeable structure that includes interconnected porosity, a workpiece at a specific cutting energy of less than about 12 Hp/in3·min (29.7 J/mm3), and a material removal rate of at least about 1 in3/min·in (10.8 mm3/sec/mm)grinding. The bonded abrasive wheel may include at least about 3 volume percent of a filamentary sol-gel alpha-alumina abrasive grain having an average length-to-cross-sectional-width ratio of greater than about 4:1, or agglomerates thereof. In one embodiment, the workpiece is ground in the presence of a water soluble oil. |
| US07658662B2 |
Automatic locking system for dumping toy
A toy having a pivoting member such as a dump bucket or bed, with an automatic locking system on the pivoting member. An embodiment of the present invention provides toy having a chassis, a pivoting member pivotably and slideably mounted on the chassis, and a latch mechanism. The pivoting member pivots with respect to a pivot axis and slides in a direction radial to the pivot axis from a first position to a second position. The latch mechanism engages the chassis with the pivoting member in the first position and prevents the pivoting member from pivoting, and disengages the chassis from the pivoting member in the second position to allow the pivoting member to pivot. |
| US07658661B2 |
Ornamental sound module for a balloon
An ornamental sound music module for a balloon has an ornamental suitably raised face with a peripheral lip or flange. A backer board is adhered to the rear of the ornamental face creating a housing. A central aperture is within the backer board with an annular support rim for supporting the outer disc portion of a piezoelectric buzzer in a firm manner to encourage the central regions of the buzzer to generate optimum music. A circuit board is contained within the housing and is connected to the buzzer by wires. The backer board suitably has an adhesive to allow the ornamental sound module to be affixed to a metalized nylon film balloon. |
| US07658660B1 |
Game call apparatus
A game call apparatus is provided which has a mouthpiece including an air inlet, a reed positioned in the mouthpiece and vibrating when air is blown into the mouthpiece, and inner and outer tubular sound chambers mounted on an air outlet end of the mouthpiece. The reed is mounted on an air inlet end of the inner tubular sound chamber, and an air outlet end of the inner tubular sound chamber extends into the outer tubular sound chamber. The outer tubular chamber has an air exit end which tapers radially inwardly toward an air exit. The air exit end includes the air exit which is smaller than an air outlet of the inner tubular chamber. The taper and small exit opening of the outer tubular chamber provides a back pressure to air blown into the mouthpiece which produces a realistic game call sound as the reed vibrates. |
| US07658656B2 |
Spring biased blade contact
A contact includes a first contact pin (21) of a blade shape, a second contact pin (22) and a spring (23). The second contact pin includes a connecting portion (223) and a receiving portion (222) opposite to the connecting portion. The receiving portion defines a receiving space (224) to accommodate the first contact pin. The spring locates in the receiving space and allow the first contact pin to shift downwards and upwards therein. |
| US07658653B2 |
Terminal block with plug-in module
A connector arrangement includes a universal terminal block having a body containing a chamber in which is removably mounted one of a plurality of function control modules as used in commercial, industrial and residential installations, wherein a pair of module contacts on the module are brought into electrical engagement with a pair of stationary contacts mounted in the chamber, thereby to connect the module to a pair of external insulated conductors via bus bars and terminals contained in the terminal block body. Various types of function control modules may be used with a single universal terminal block. The modules may include locking devices for locking the module to the universal terminal block. The terminal block includes mounting feet on the side thereof remote from the chamber, whereby selective modules may be substituted for one another when the terminal block is mounted on a support rail. |
| US07658650B2 |
Jack assembly arrangement with staggered jack bores
The present disclosure relates to a jack assembly including a jack mount having a front side and a rear side. A jack of the assembly is adapted to be slidably mounted in a jack receiving region of the jack mount. The jack assembly also includes a plurality of cross-connect contacts, and a rear interface assembly. The rear interface assembly includes a dielectric cover piece and a plurality of rear connectors that project outward from the dielectric cover piece. |
| US07658649B2 |
Card connector mechanism and card adapter having the card connector mechanism
A connector mechanism for a card, capable of being thinned, and a card adaptor having a connector mechanism for a card. A connector mechanism for a card, having an installation section (2a) in which a card (1) having external connection sections is installed and having a terminal member (9) with which the external connection sections of the card (1) can come into contact. The mechanism further has a lift-up mechanism including a projection section (2b) that once lift a front end section (1a) of the card (1) upward and then causes each of the external connection sections of the card (1) to be in contact with a corresponding one of the terminals (9a-9c) of the terminal member (9). |
| US07658645B1 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector includes a terminal and a connector body. The terminal has a recess and has one or more tabs. The connector body has a cavity that is constructed and sized to receive the terminal. The connector body has a nib protruding into the cavity, and has one or more rails protruding into the cavity. When the terminal is received in the cavity, the nib mates with the recess and the tab bears against the rail. |
| US07658642B2 |
Molded plastic pass through article with flexible transverse lock arms
An electrical connector has a connector body in the form of a molded plastic pass through article that has a cylindrical portion that is inserted into a panel hole. The article has a flange at one end of the cylindrical portion engaging an insertion side of the panel, and a plurality of supports extending from an opposite end of the cylindrical portion in an axial direction away from the cylindrical portion. A plurality of flexible transverse lock arms are attached to the plurality of supports and extend therefrom in cantilever fashion. The plurality of flexible transverse lock arms are spaced from the cylindrical portion in the axial direction and terminate in lock feet that engage the back side of the panel. |
| US07658641B1 |
Compressive collet electrical clamp and contact and method
The present invention provides a barrel clamp apparatus integrated with an electrical contact, which, with the application of a mating compression nut provides a method of clamping the contact to an electrical cable. In some embodiments the electrical contact is configured to mate with a tapered battery post and in others the electrical contact is a pin or socket arrangement whose wire receiving end has been configured with a barrel clamp configuration. In one embodiment the barrel clamp has been integrated into a band clamp battery connector assembly. In all embodiments this device provides a positive means of securing an electrical cable to an electrical contact, maximizing the conductive potential and clamping force to ensure the best electrical and physical connection is made. |
| US07658639B2 |
Terminal block
The optical reduction of openings (12) in insulating housings (2) of terminal blocks (1) and an external characterization (23) of said series terminals, is achieved by terminal blocks being provided with conductor connection elements (4). The respective actuating opening of each contact point, which is used to receive actuating tools, is closed by means of a flap (17) provided with an integral hinge, the flaps forming a common surface with the insulated housing. Said flaps can include a visible feature or indicia on the surface thereof, characterizing the type of connection element. |
| US07658635B2 |
Plug adapter
An electrical adapter with a first pin configuration comprises a body for receiving and supporting a plug with a second pin configuration such that the pins of the plug are in electrical contact to the pins on the body, wherein the body is provided with a moveable member engageable by the plug and disposed to allow the plug to be inserted into the adapter but to restrict the retraction of the plug from the adapter. |
| US07658632B2 |
Electrical connector
An electrical connector (1) for electrically connecting an electronic package with a circuit substrate. The connector includes a housing (11), a fastening device assembled with the housing, and a stiffener (12) surrounding the housing. The stiffener includes a back end (123), and a pair of spaced first walls (125) adjoining the back end. Each first wall has a latch (128) extending upwardly therefrom, and then bends inwardly. The back end has a pair of spaced spring fingers (129) extending substantially horizontally, and then bends slightly upwardly. The latches are fastened to the housing for locating the housing in a vertical direction. The spring fingers abut against the housing for locating the housing in a horizontal direction. The stiffener reinforces the housing, and protects the housing from deformation or warpage. |
| US07658628B2 |
Card edge connector with a locking projection and a resilient finger
A card edge connector (100) for receiving a memory card (200) includes an insulative housing (1) and a number of terminals (2) retained therein. The insulative housing (1) includes an elongated base (10) extending along a longitudinal direction thereof and a pair of tower section (18) extending upwardly from opposite ends of the base (10). The base (10) defines a receiving slot (10) for receiving the memory card (200) and two rows of contact receiving channels (111) communicated with the slot (10). Each tower section (18) includes a pair of opposed arms (13) and a cavity (15) located therebetween. The arm (13) has a cantilever type resilient finger (132) formed from an inner wall of the arm (13) and extending downwardly for sandwiching the memory card (200), and a locking projection (131) at an upper portion thereof to engage with a notch (203) of the memory card (200). |
| US07658625B2 |
AC Power adapter with swiveling plug having folding prongs
An external AC power adapter is provided in a compact form factor that utilizes an AC plug that swivels about the body of the adapter and that includes prongs (i.e., electrical contacts or terminals) which can fold into the body for transport or storage. The swiveling AC plug enables the body of the AC power adapter to be rotatably oriented in a user-selectable manner in order to fit in tight spaces when plugged in to maximize the utilization of available outlets. The foldable prongs help to minimize the overall size of the AC power adapter for easy portability and storage. When folded, the prongs are protected against damage and are prevented from damaging or scratching other articles when the AC power adapter is packed in a bag or suitcase during travel. |
| US07658619B2 |
Processor and power converter assembly with rigidly connected power connector
A processor assembly includes a computer processor, a voltage converter, and a converter-power connector. A carrier structure holds these components in rigid relationship with each other. |
| US07658617B1 |
Plastic land grid array (PLGA) module with inverted hybrid land grid array (LGA) interposer
An enhanced contact construction and loading support mechanism for plastic land grid array (PLGA) modules. A plurality of inverted hybrid land grid array (LGA) contacts are each respectively captured in and extend at least partially through one of a plurality of holes of an inverted hybrid LGA interposer. The inverted hybrid LGA contacts are affixed to a plurality of metal pads on a PLGA module carrier. Preferably, the inverted hybrid LGA contacts are affixed simultaneously using surface-mount technology (SMT) and have a metallurgy construction (e.g., beryllium-copper springs coated with nickel and hard gold) that provides enhanced wear and corrosion resistance. Each of the inverted hybrid LGA contacts is configured to make mechanical/pressure contact with a metal contact on another substrate, such as a printed wiring board (PWB). The inverted hybrid LGA interposer supports the PLGA module carrier and, in addition, a stiffener frame (with or without a heat sink) may be provided to reinforce the PLGA module carrier. |
| US07658615B2 |
Card connector assembly with a daughter board
A card connector (100) mounted on a printed circuit board to connect with an electronic element, includes an insulating housing (50) retaining a plurality of terminals (51), a shell (31) covering on the insulating housing to define a cavity (20) for receiving a card, the cavity defining a first portion (310) and a second portion (311), the first portion having a width greater than that of the second portion along a direction perpendicular to an inserting direction of the card, a void space (34) located at a lateral side of the second portion, and at a front of the first portion, and a mating connector (14) mounted on the printed circuit board and located at the void space for connecting the card connector with the electronic element electrically. |
| US07658614B2 |
Method and apparatus for fabricating and connecting a semiconductor power switching device
Fabrication processes for manufacturing and connecting a semiconductor switching device are disclosed, including an embodiment for dicing a wafer into individual circuit die by sawing the interface between adjacent die with a saw blade that has an angled configuration across its width, preferably in a generally V-shape so that the adjacent die are severed from one another while simultaneously providing a beveled surface on the sides of each separated die. Another embodiment relates to the manner in which damage to a beveled side surface of the individual die can be smoothed by a chemical etching process. Another embodiment relates to the manner in which the device can be easily mounted on a printed circuit board by providing conductive lands on the printed circuit board that are coextensive with metallized electrodes on the device and which can be placed on the printed circuit board and soldered in place and a unique lead frame which can be soldered to another electrode metallization on the opposite side of the chip and the printed circuit board in a manner which substantially reduces if not eliminates harmful thermal stress and which assures secure bonding notwithstanding elevation differences between the electrode metallization and the printed circuit board the lead frame is attached to. Another embodiment relates to an output connector for interconnecting an exciter circuit product with a spark producing device wherein the output connector utilizes a configuration that includes a sealing structure that is reliable and easily installed. |
| US07658613B1 |
Magnetic connector
A connector uses complimentary magnetic arrays and mating surfaces on its plug and receptacle to facilitate connection and disconnection of the connector. The plug includes a magnetic array wherein the polarity of the magnets facing the receptacle when the plug and receptacle are connected is selected such that they can only be mated with a complimentary magnetic array on the receptacle when the plug has a desired orientation with respect to the receptacle. The plug and receptacle also have mechanical mating surfaces on their circumference that are shaped such that the plug and the receptacle can only be connected with the desired orientation. The plug can be separated from the receptacle by rotating the plug with respect to the receptacle such that the mechanical mating surfaces break the magnetic connection between the complimentary magnetic arrays. |
| US07658611B2 |
Interactive patient education system
Interactive patient education system for use in operatory or office settings, provides interactive 3-D animations, graphics and other media, enabling real-time markup and customization to better illustrate and communicate not only generic information, but the individual patient's physiology, treatment options, and anticipated outcomes. Preferred embodiments are portable, computer-implemented, interactive multimedia educational tools. Import of patient-specific graphics, video and audio contributes to full-custom educational content to optimize patient understanding. |
| US07658610B2 |
Systems and methods for fabricating a dental template with a 3-D object placement
A dental template to position an object on a patient's tooth includes digitizing the patient's tooth; adding virtual objects to predetermined three-dimensional positions on the digitized tooth; and fabricating the dental template to locate the object at the predetermined 3D position on the patient's tooth. The template can be used for etching or for positioning brackets on teeth. |
| US07658606B2 |
Edge gated injection molding apparatus
An injection molding apparatus includes an injection manifold having an inlet and a melt channel. The manifold melt channel branches to a plurality of melt channel outlets. A hot runner injection nozzle includes an axial melt channel extending along a central axis and communicating with one of the manifold melt channel outlets. The nozzle further includes at least two angled melt channels disposed at an angle to the central axis. At least two nozzle tips are provided, and each includes a nozzle tip melt channel in communication with one of the angled melt channels. A valve pin is disposed at least partially within the axial melt channel coaxially with the central axis and movable within the axial melt channel. Lateral valve pins movable within the nozzle tip melt channels are disposed at an angle to the valve pin. Linkage elements continuously connect the lateral valve pins to the valve pin. Axial movement of the valve pin is transmitted through the linkage elements to the lateral valve pins to open and close communication between the nozzle tip melt channels and the lateral mold gates. |
| US07658603B2 |
Methods and systems for integrating fluid dispensing technology with stereolithography
An integrated system and method of integrating fluid dispensing technologies (e.g., direct-write (DW)) with rapid prototyping (RP) technologies (e.g., stereolithography (SL)) without part registration comprising: an SL apparatus and a fluid dispensing apparatus further comprising a translation mechanism adapted to translate the fluid dispensing apparatus along the Z-, Y- and Z-axes. The fluid dispensing apparatus comprises: a pressurized fluid container; a valve mechanism adapted to control the flow of fluid from the pressurized fluid container; and a dispensing nozzle adapted to deposit the fluid in a desired location. To aid in calibration, the integrated system includes a laser sensor and a mechanical switch. The method further comprises building a second part layer on top of the fluid deposits and optionally accommodating multi-layered circuitry by incorporating a connector trace. Thus, the present invention is capable of efficiently building single and multi-material SL fabricated parts embedded with complex three-dimensional circuitry using DW. |
| US07658598B2 |
Method and control system for a pump
The present invention includes methods and apparatuses for operating and controlling AOD pumps. |
| US07658597B2 |
Pump body with plunger pistons
Pump with plunger pistons comprising a head (1) in which are formed the intake and delivery ducts (2, 3) and the respective intake and delivery valves, a pump body (4) associated with said head (1) in which drive means (8) of at least one piston (6), and attachment and support means (5) of said pump body (4) at a body of the drive motor are situated, where said pump body (4) has, on the bottom wall (40), the seats (41) for the sliding of the pistons (6) and directly carries said attachment and support means (5) of the body of the drive motor and it is completely open on the edge facing towards the motor. |
| US07658596B2 |
Mini pump's nozzle device and handheld portion made of dual material with different hardnesses
A mini pump having a body includes a head, a handheld portion extending from the head and having a groove, a nozzle device having a cover element, a nozzle and an anti-sliding element. The anti-sliding element is disposed on the head and partially received in the groove. The cover element engages the anti-sliding element to the cylinder and prevents the nozzle from coming off the body. The handheld portion and the anti-sliding element are made of resins with different hardnesses. The material of the handheld portion of the body is tougher than that of the anti-sliding element of the nozzle device. |
| US07658595B2 |
Protective boot for a helicopter pitch link
A protective boot for a helicopter blade pitch link assembly as described herein includes a split joint that allows for easy removal and replacement of the protective boot. The protective boot is less expensive to replace, requires less manpower, and eliminates the need for post-maintenance test flights, which might otherwise be necessary to confirm proper alignment and installation of the pitch link assemblies. |
| US07658587B1 |
Hydraulic tail trailer
A hydraulic tail trailer comprising a main deck having a main tail assembly pivotally connected to the rearward end thereof with the pivotal connection therebetween being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle of the trailer suspension system. The location of the hinge between the main deck and the main tail assembly, by being located forwardly of the centerline of the rear axle, provides a main tail having an increased length thereby providing a lower loading angle without increasing the overall length of the trailer. The forward end of the main deck is pivotally connected to the rearward end of an upper deck so that the main deck may be raised which further reduces the angle between the rearward end of the main deck and the forward end of the main tail for loading and unloading purposes. |
| US07658586B2 |
Advanced low cost high throughput processing platform
A wafer processing system and method in which a wafer, having a diameter, is movable between a loadlock and a processing chamber. A transfer chamber is arranged for selective pressure communication with the loadlock and the processing chamber. The transfer chamber having a configuration of lateral extents such that the wafer is movable through the transfer chamber between the loadlock and processing chamber along a wafer transfer path and the configuration of lateral extents causes the wafer, having the wafer diameter and moving along the wafer transfer path, to interfere with at least one of the loadlock and the processing chamber for any position along the wafer transfer path. The wafer includes a center and the wafer transfer path cab be defined by movement of the center through the transfer chamber. Swing arms are described that can independently move by different angles in opposing directions from a home position. |
| US07658583B2 |
Connection arrangement for superimposed layers of material
In aircraft construction, connection elements for connecting layers of insulating material onto walls are subject to special requirements for ease of installation, weight considerations, and resistance to heat. The invention provides a connection arrangement, in particular for superimposed layers of material, whose function is not impaired under extreme heat. The connection arrangement is comprised by a pin with a head or head arrangement, engaging positions, and a retaining element. The pin, the head or the head arrangement, and retaining element are made up of a skeleton and an outer material where the skeleton is made of a material more resistant to heat than the outer material. Following destruction or removal of the outer material by heat, the remaining skeleton parts of the pin, head part, and retaining element maintain their connections and structure keeping the layers of material in place. |
| US07658580B1 |
Toilet bolt cover
A toilet bolt cover hides the portion of a toilet bolt extending upwardly through a mounting hole in the toilet base along with a washer and a nut threaded upon the bolt. The cover includes a base and a cap. The base has a wall with external threads and the cap has internal threads. The base of the cover has a descending member that extends downwardly into the mounting hole in the toilet base to limit rotation of the base of the cover. |
| US07658578B1 |
Tarp lashing system
A tarp lashing system for an open bed trailer employs a novel hook that eliminates the need for threading an elastic cord through a series of D-rings on the tarp. The novel hook is used in conjunction with the anchor points that already exist on the perimeter of the trailer. In some embodiments, the hooks have a clamped state and an unclamped state. In the clamped state, the hook grips the cord to maintain the hook's position along the cord's length. In the unclamped state, the hook's position can be readily adjusted by sliding the hook along the length of the cord. With this system, the hooks can be selectively hooked onto one of multiple series of D-rings so that the tarp can be adjusted to match the size of the load. |
| US07658574B2 |
Three position selector for automated chuck
A automated chuck is provided with at least three user selectable operating modes, thereby enabling different functions to be performed during tightening and loosening of the chuck. In one exemplary implementation, the different user selectable operating modes of the chuck may be used to actuate a motor direction switch of the drill. |
| US07658572B2 |
Tide apparatus and tide structure
It is an object to provide a tide apparatus comprising a storage tank connected to a underground pit for normally storing water of a constant amount, a connecting pipe for connecting between the underground pit and the storage tank, and a seismograph releasing apparatus formed on the connecting pipe for sensing a shake in an earthquake and for releasing the water stored in the storage tank into the underground pit, wherein the tide plate can protrude upward from the soil foundation face by operating the seismograph releasing apparatus in an earthquake to make the water stored in the storage tank flow into the underground pit via the connecting pipe. |
| US07658570B2 |
Manhole system
A remotely actuated manhole system is disclosed having a cover that is pivotable relative to a frame secured with a collar on a bulk carrier, the cover being pivotable around a substantially vertical axis between and to open and closed positions. In the closed position covering an opening to a compartment in the bulk carrier, the cover is shiftable vertically between and to locked and unlocked positions by an inflatable seal member below the cover. The manhole system includes catches that prevent over-rotation of the cover from the open position to the closed position, and the catches engage in the locked position by the vertical upward movement of the cover. The inflation of the seal member and the pivoting of the cover are remotely actuated. |
| US07658569B2 |
Extensible bar with a simplified locking system
An extensible bar comprises a bar and a sleeve that slide over each other and are kept together by a pin. The extensible bar includes a locking system made up of a latch connected by a wire spring to the sleeve, the latch preventing sliding movement between the sleeve and the bar when the latch is positioned within respective recesses formed in the bar and in the sleeve when the recesses are aligned. The wire spring urges the latch into the recesses. Unlocking of the assembly entails pulling the latch out of the recesses by grasping and pulling a handle attached to the latch. The locking system can be blocked by turning the latch about the wire spring into an orientation that prevents the latch from entering the recesses. The locking, unlocking, and blocking functions are performed by an assembly of only three parts; the latch, the wire spring, and the handle. |
| US07658568B1 |
Interior protectant applicator
An applicator for applying a liquid composition to a work surface. The applicator includes a bottle, a cap detachably mounted on a neck projecting from the bottle and a cover that extends over the cap and an upper portion of the bottle. The cap has and inclined surface with a multi-layer polishing pad mounted thereon. The pad has a cloth outer layer overlying a compressible, preferably foam, under layer. The pad has a central aperture exposing the end of a valve stem. Pressing the pad against the work surface opens a normally closed valve dispensing the liquid in the bottle onto work surface. The valve stem moves reciprocally along a path generally perpendicular an inclined surface on the cap on which the pad is mounted. |
| US07658566B2 |
Corn butterer
A butterer for dispensing butter to hot corn on the cob. The butterer includes a two part body that is adapted to be disassembled for cleaning and a central channel for receiving butter. The body also removably receives salt and pepper dispensers. The body is ovate in cross section and shaped to conform to the hand of a user. A pusher is positioned over the butter in the channel and allows a user to urge butter through the channel. A lower grill resists direct contact of semisolid butter with the corn, but transfers heat from the corn and allows melted butter to pass to the corn. A stand and storage tray supports the butterer during non use and allows storage with butter therein in a refrigerator. |
| US07658559B2 |
Lens-shutter coupling unit
A lens-shutter coupling unit having a coupling structure of a lens shutter and a shutter unit capable of miniaturization and high-precision arrangement of a lens group, is provided. A shutter driving part for moving shutter blades and a filter driving part for moving an ND filter are disposed near an outer periphery of a protruding part of a lens group that protrudes from a barrel. The shutter driving part and the filter driving part can be disposed in a position (inner periphery) near an optical axis of the lens group. The center of rotation of the shutter blades and the ND filter can also be disposed near the optical axis of the lens group, and the shutter blades and the ND filter can be reduced in size. As a result, since the space at the time of retreat can be reduced, the shutter unit can be reduced in size. |
| US07658553B2 |
Mechanical splice connector with sequential splice and strain relief
A mechanical splice connector is shown and described for sequentially performing a splice actuation followed by a strain relief actuation by rotating a single, multiple-position cam member or multiple cam members from an unactuated position to a first actuated position and a second actuated position. The mechanical splice connector aligns and retains at least one stub optical fiber and the bare glass portion of at least one adjoining field optical fiber, as well as strain relieving a coated portion of the field optical fiber, or alternatively, a buffered portion of the field optical fiber. A method is also described for sequentially performing a splice actuation followed by a strain relief actuation, wherein the splice actuation is reversible prior to performing the strain relief actuation in the event that the optical continuity of the splice coupling is unacceptable, thereby avoiding potential damage to the field optical fiber or the connector. |
| US07658547B2 |
Radial roller bearing comprising hollow spacer rollers of shape memory alloy
The invention relates to a radial roller bearing, having an outer bearing ring and an inner bearing ring, and rolling bodies located between the rings. Some of the rollers are formed by individual hollow rollers of a shape memory alloy. The cross-section of the shape memory alloy rollers is deformed during the assembly of the radial roller bearing to fit the dimensions of the free space between the rims of the rings. The rollers are introduced into the radial roller bearing through the free space between the rims of the bearing rings. After introduction into the radial roller bearing and once they have reached a specific temperature, the rollers independently regain their original shape. |
| US07658545B2 |
Compliant foil-fluid bearing support arrangement
A foil-fluid bearing assembly adapted for supporting a shaft within an outer bearing housing and is adapted for accommodating angular misalignment of the rotating shaft relative to the housing. |
| US07658544B2 |
Linear motion guide apparatus having changeable wiper
A linear motion guide device includes a slider slidably attached onto a guide rail, an end cap and a wiper attached to the slider, the wiper includes one or more pegs engaged with the end cap for anchoring the wiper to the end cap, and includes one or more latches for resiliently engaging with the end cap and for detachably anchoring the wiper to the end cap and for allowing the wiper to be easily and readily attached to the end cap or disengaged from the end cap without additional tools, the end cap includes a shoulder formed in the outer peripheral portion, and the wiper includes an outer peripheral fence for engaging with the peripheral shoulder of the end cap and for anchoring the wiper to the end cap. |
| US07658543B2 |
Packaging material and packaging bag
A packaging bag (1) where the heat sealing parts of packaging materials (2, 3) having a printed light shielding layer (14) in the layer structure are overlapped and heat sealed, and a sealing state confirming part (8) having a light transmittance higher than that of the other sealing side is provided across one sealing side (11) out of both sealing sides facing each other when the heat sealing parts are overlapped. Visual confirmation of incomplete heat sealing part can thereby be facilitated. |
| US07658542B2 |
Flexible liquid container
A flexible container (1) for holding a liquid including two walls (10, 11) made of a flexible material, the free overlaying edges of said walls being assembled together by a weld or an adhesive seam (12), so as to define an inner sealed volume of said container, the two said walls also defining a spout (13) designed to protrude outwards from a peripheral portion of the container, and an outflow channel (130) connecting said spout with said inner volume of said container, characterized in that one or several obstacles (14, 14′) formed by welding or bonding together the two walls is or are located in said inner volume substantially opposite and in the vicinity of the channel (130) leading to the spout (13) in such a manner as to limit the section of the passage available for the liquid between the inner volume and the outflow channel, while leaving open at least one narrowed passage (140, 141, 146) and in such a manner that a portion of the surface including the spout is deflected, this portion of the surface being substantially defined by the obstacle or the obstacles and by folds directed substantially transversally (142, 143) with respect to said obstacles. |