| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07688288B2 |
Method for driving plasma display panel
Disclosed is a method for driving a plasma display panel that can prevent flicker and double false contour in a 50 Hz driving. The method includes: providing a plurality of 50 Hz frames which are inputted using subfield weights for constructing a 60 Hz frame; and rearranging the plurality of 50 Hz frames into a plurality of 60 Hz frames. |
| US07688287B2 |
Plasma display apparatus
A plasma display apparatus includes a plasma display panel. Pulse voltage values and/or pulse widths of a variety of drive pulses that are applied to the plasma display panel are adjusted in accordance with the accumulated usage time of the plasma display panel. |
| US07688284B2 |
Method of driving a plasma display panel
The present invention relates to a plasma display panel, and more particularly, to a method of driving a plasma display panel. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of driving a plasma display panel in which one frame comprises a plurality of sub-fields and which represent a gray level by making the sub-fields emitting light according to brightness weights allocated to the sub-fields, includes a step of implementing a specific gray level using a previous or next luminous pattern of the specific gray level in representing the specific gray level where none of the sub-fields of a one-step lower gray level are luminous. The method of driving a plasma display panel according to the present invention enables to prevent electric discharge failure and to stably display images on the PDP of high-density Xe. |
| US07688275B2 |
Multimode antenna structure
A multimode antenna structure is provided for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals in a communications device. The communications device includes circuitry for processing signals communicated to and from the antenna structure. The antenna structure includes a plurality of antenna ports operatively coupled to the circuitry and a plurality of antenna elements, each operatively coupled to a different one of the antenna ports. The antenna structure also includes one or more connecting elements electrically connecting the antenna elements such that electrical currents on one antenna element flow to a connected neighboring antenna element and generally bypass the antenna port coupled to the neighboring antenna element, and the electrical currents flowing through the one antenna element and the neighboring antenna element are generally equal in magnitude, such that an antenna mode excited by one antenna port is generally electrically isolated from a mode excited by another antenna port at a given desired signal frequency range and the antenna elements generate diverse antenna patterns. |
| US07688273B2 |
Multimode antenna structure
One or more embodiments are directed to a multimode antenna structure for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals in a communications device. The communications device includes circuitry for processing signals communicated to and from the antenna structure. The antenna structure is configured for optimal operation in a given frequency range. The antenna structure includes a plurality of antenna ports operatively coupled to the circuitry, and a plurality of antenna elements, each operatively coupled to a different one of the antenna ports. Each of the plurality of antenna elements is configured to have an electrical length selected to provide optimal operation within the given frequency range. The antenna structure also includes one or more connecting elements electrically connecting the antenna elements such that electrical currents on one antenna element flow to a connected neighboring antenna element and generally bypass the antenna port coupled to the neighboring antenna element. The electrical currents flowing through the one antenna element and the neighboring antenna element are generally equal in magnitude, such that an antenna mode excited by one antenna port is generally electrically isolated from a mode excited by another antenna port at a given desired signal frequency range without the use of a decoupling network connected to the antenna ports, and the antenna structure generates diverse antenna patterns. |
| US07688270B2 |
Near field communication antenna and mobile device
An NFC antenna (“NFC” stands for “near field communication”) includes a ferrite antenna including a primary antenna coil wound on a ferrite core of the ferrite antenna; a loop coil provided in a position where components of a magnetic flux on a non-communication direction side interlink, the magnetic flux being generated by the ferrite antenna; and a loop coil switching unit for switching between a mode for forming a loop of the loop coil and a mode for disconnecting the loop. |
| US07688267B2 |
Broadband antenna with coupled feed for handheld electronic devices
Broadband antennas and handheld electronic devices with broadband antennas are provided. A handheld electronic device may have a housing in which electrical components such as integrated circuits and a broadband antenna are mounted. The broadband antenna may have a ground element and a resonating element. The resonating element may have two arms of unequal length and may have a self-resonant element. The antenna may have a feed terminal connected to the self-resonant element and a ground terminal connected to the ground element. The self-resonant element may be near-field coupled to one of the arms of the resonating element. With one suitable arrangement, the self-resonant element may be formed using a conductive rectangular element that is not electrically shorted to the ground element or the arms of the resonating element. The antenna may operate over first and second frequency ranges of interest. |
| US07688265B2 |
Dual polarized low profile antenna
In one embodiment of the disclosure, a dual polarized antenna includes first and second active elements and at least one parasitic element disposed a predetermined distance from the first and second active elements. Circuitry is coupled to the first and second active elements and operable to generate electro-magnetic energy from the first and second active elements along a direction of propagation. The first active element having a direction of polarization that is different than a direction of polarization of the second active element. |
| US07688262B2 |
Method of cross-correlation and continuous wave interference suppression for GPS signal and associated GPS receiver
A method for processing weak indoor signals in presence of cross-correlation or continuous wave interference and associated GPS receiver are provided. The method comprises providing a two-dimensional delay-Doppler accumulated power pattern having a plurality of accumulated powers corresponding to frequency bins and code bins; for a predetermined frequency bin, determining partial average value of accumulated powers over specific set of code bins so that the major part of signal energy is intentionally not included in the partial average; and subtracting the partial average value from all accumulated powers for the predetermined frequency bin; repeating the partial average calculation and subtraction for each frequency bin of a pattern to generate a two-dimensional delay-Doppler accumulated power pattern with suppressed interference effect. |
| US07688259B2 |
Positioning device, method of controlling positioning device, and recording medium
A positioning device, which locates a position based on satellite signals which are signals from positioning satellites, includes a position holding section which holds a reference position P, a stationary condition determination section which determines whether or not the reference position P satisfies stationary conditions B, an average position calculation section which averages the reference position P satisfying the stationary conditions B and a present located position Pg calculated by positioning to calculate an average position Pav, a position output section which outputs the average position Pav, and a position storage section which stores the average position Pav in the position holding section as the reference position P. |
| US07688256B2 |
Velocity extraction
A method of extracting a radial velocity characteristic of a target from coherent pulse bursts comprising the steps of applying to data a ‘best fit’ model of the echo returns from a target in the presence of clutter to obtain a residue (error) value and minimising the error value by a predetermined method to give the best fit value for the target radial velocity. The method enables more information to be retrieved from coherent bursts than conventional methods and therefore greatly enhances performance of radiation pulse echo detection. |
| US07688255B2 |
Electronic scanning radar apparatus
An electronic scanning radar apparatus has a cutting portion for cutting receiving data which is comprised of N numbers of data for each channel into two more short time data having M ( |
| US07688254B2 |
Display of high-cruise-altitude weather
A method implementable in a weather-radar system of an aircraft, the weather-radar system configured to generate to a display device, in response to radar return information indicating reflectivity levels below a predetermined reflectivity threshold, an image in a first presentation format. The method includes determining if the altitude of the aircraft is above a predetermined threshold altitude, and, if the altitude of the aircraft is above the threshold altitude, displaying, in response to radar return information indicating reflectivity levels below the predetermined reflectivity threshold, the image in a second presentation format different from the first presentation format. |
| US07688253B2 |
Method and processor for reduced ambiguity resolution matrix for interferometric angle determination
A method and processor for resolving a processing radar return data to determine a mechanical angle to a target relative to a radar array having a right antenna, an ambiguous antenna, and a left antenna. An LA linear relationship determining, based upon a characteristic number of LA wraps relative to the mechanical angle. Likewise, determining a RA linear relationship determines a characteristic number of RA wraps and a RL linear relationship determines a characteristic number of RL wraps relative to the mechanical angle. All permutations of LA wraps, RA wraps, and RL wraps are listed, and for each permutation, a truth relationship is determined. A look up table is populated with permutations where the truth relationship is true. |
| US07688252B2 |
Radar system, in particular for measuring distance and/or speed
In a radar system, harmonic excitation of an antenna is carried out in different frequency ranges. The antenna characteristic which varies as a function thereof is used to analyze different solid angle ranges around an object. |
| US07688243B2 |
Method and system for receiving distance measurement equipment channels in an undersampled broadband receiver
A method to receive channels in an undersampled broadband receiver is provided. The method includes converting received radio frequency signals to downshifted-sampled-digital signals at an analog-to-digital converter in a sampling system, outputting the downshifted-sampled-digital signals to a digital system for digital processing, and determining if the unique identifying code associated with a desired channel is detectable. Each channel in the radio frequency signal has an assigned unique identifying code. When the unique identifying code is detectable, the method includes detecting the unique identifying code associated with the desired channel. When the unique identifying code is undetectable, the method includes outputting control signals from the digital system to tune an adjustable sample clock in the sampling system and tuning the adjustable sample clock based on the output control signals. |
| US07688242B2 |
Analog-to-digital (AD) converter and analog-to-digital conversion method
An AD converter that operates at high speed and precision of which is disclosed. The AD converter includes an analog-to-digital (AD) conversion part that samples an analog signal according to a sampling clock and converts it into a digital signal, a jitter measuring circuit that measures the jitter of the sampling clock, and a correction circuit that corrects a digital signal output from the AD conversion part. The AD converter further comprises a clock source and a sampling generating circuit that generates a sampling clock by dividing the clock generated by the clock source, wherein the jitter measuring circuit measures the jitter of the sampling clock with respect to the click on the basis of a clock CK. |
| US07688241B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting an analogue signal using a selection circuit
A selection circuit is used for detecting analogue signals from different inputs. For the detection of a signal switched through by means of the selection circuit, a delay time during the detection of the switched-through signal is set depending on the occurrence of a setting operation in the selection circuit. The selection circuit can have a plurality of switches each having an assigned delay time and the detection can be controlled in such a way that it does not take place until after the elapsing of the delay times of all the involved in switching through the analogue signal to be detected. |
| US07688232B2 |
Optimal selection of compression entries for compressing program instructions
A method of compressing instructions in a program may include extracting unique bit patterns from the instructions in the program and constructing a linear programming formulation or an integer programming formulation from the unique bit patterns, the instructions, and/or the size of a memory storage. The linear programming formulation or the integer programming formulation may be solved to produce a solution. The method may include compressing at least some of the instructions based on the solution by storing at least some of the unique bit patterns in a memory and placing corresponding indices to the memory in new compressed instructions. |
| US07688231B2 |
Transmission of pathological data patterns
A method and apparatus is presented for reducing or eliminating pathological data patterns from signals for transmission over optical communications systems. One embodiment includes a decoder/deserializer configured to receive an encoded serial digital signal, a ditherer configured to dither a least significant bit of each digital data word, and a reserializer/encoder configured to serialize digital data and encode it, for example according to an applicable communication standard such as SMPTE 259M. The improvements may be provided in a single removable unit, such as a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) module compatible with existing optical communications equipment. |
| US07688229B2 |
System and method for stitching of video for routes
A system and method are disclosed for displaying video on a computing device for navigation and other purposes. A map database developer collects video data. The video data is collected by traveling along roads in a geographic area and storing the video data along with data indicating the positions at which the video data had been captured. This captured video data is then used in navigation systems and other devices that provide navigation, routing, video games, or other features. An application forms a video that shows a turn at an intersection from a first road onto a second road. The application adds video that depicts travel away from the intersection along the second road to video that depicts travel into the intersection along the first road to form a composite video that shows a turn at the intersection from the first road onto the second road. The composite video is then presented to a user on a display. |
| US07688227B1 |
Dynamic location-based mapping system and method
A graphical mapping system configured to display mapping information on a handheld device is disclosed. The system includes an image map database configured to store map data for a plurality of geographic areas, which is useful for generating graphical maps. The system further includes a vector map database configured to store vector map data, which is useful for generating vector “overlays” that correspond to the graphical maps. In response to a mapping request from a handheld device, a set of image mapping data and a corresponding set of vector mapping data, both associated with a given geographic location, are retrievable. |
| US07688223B2 |
System for assisting a driver of an industrial truck during driving
System for assisting a driver of an industrial truck with the following features: transponders are arranged at predetermined points of the working area of the industrial truck, the transponders are designed so that they transmit a UHF signal upon receipt of a transmission signal, the industrial truck comprises at least one aerial for transmitting and/or receiving an LF signal, an evaluation unit is arranged on the industrial truck which, upon receipt of a signal, sends said signal to an electronic evaluation unit for the UHF signals, the evaluation unit is connected to an on-board computer in the industrial truck. |
| US07688222B2 |
Methods, systems and devices related to road mounted indicators for providing visual indications to approaching traffic
A traffic informational system provides information to traffic moving along a road and may include a plurality of traffic information devices mountable to the road, each having an integral power producing source, at least a first set of illumination sources, and a wireless communications subsystem. The traffic informational system may further include at least a first external control device comprising at least one antenna and a transmitter communication wirelessly with the traffic information devices and/or with one another. The traffic information device may communicate with one another, and may include sensor for sensing ambient conditions. The system employs various approaches to reducing power consumption and improving communications, and is suitable for a wide range of applications, including use in remote environments. |
| US07688218B2 |
Railroad train monitoring system
Railcar monitoring utilizes instrumented, flexible pads supported within the truck pedestal jaws on the bearing adapters. The pads contain sensors for monitoring temperature pressure, shifting loads, truck hunting and the like and have circuitry for processing information received from the sensors and for processing and reporting departures of performance variables to a remote source. The system cyclically activates polling each pad on a car and communicates signals of critical departures and car identity to a remote source. |
| US07688216B2 |
Wireless sensor system and wheel support bearing assembly utilizing the same
To provide a wireless sensor system, in which an abnormal power supply in the power supply section can be ascertained, for avoiding a malfunction of the system and accomplishing a stable power supply with reduction of the consumption of a power being transmitted, the wireless sensor system includes wireless sensor units and a sensor signal receiving unit. The wireless sensor units include a sensor section for detecting a detection object, a sensor signal transmitting section for transmitting by wireless a sensor signal from the sensor section, and a power supply section having a power receiving section for receiving a driving power transmitted by wireless. In this system, a power supply monitoring section is provided for monitoring the voltage of the power supply section. The sensor signal receiving unit includes a monitor dependent power control section for regulating the power to be transmitted, depending on a monitored result of the power monitoring section. |
| US07688210B2 |
Electronic ID tag and co-operating antenna
An electronic ID tag (2) for mounting in a body (18), in which at least the identity of the body (18) is to be remotely readable, the electronic ID tag (2) including an identifiable chip (24) which is electrically connected to at least one adjacent antenna (26), the identifiable chip (24) being arranged to receive energy via the adjacent antenna (26) and by means of this energy to transmit, via the adjacent antenna (26), a signal including the identity of the electronic ID tag to a distant antenna (1), and there being arranged, between the adjacent antenna (26) and the identifiable chip (24) and between the identifiable chip (24) and a ground-plane plate (28) impedance-matched inductances (34, 40), the electronic ID tag (2) being placed, with advantage, in the box portion or pin (44) of a body (18), whereby it is protected against mechanical wear. |
| US07688205B2 |
Methods and devices for securing a product against theft
The invention relates to methods and devices for securing a product against theft. The security device comprises a connection mode (110) and an on position mode (100). A receiver (6) of the security device is activated when in the on position (100) and the security device switches from the on position (100) to the connection mode (110) when the receiver (6) is impinged upon by a transmitter (5). The receiver (6) is deactivated in the connection mode (110). The energy consumption of the security device is reduced by deactivating (111) the receiver (6). The security device can be prevented from being unintentionally impinged upon by selection signals from the transmitter because of said deactivation (111). |
| US07688204B2 |
Double-electrode capacitive sensor, passenger detector, and passenger protection system
A double-electrode capacitive sensor for detecting a detection object includes: an electrode assembly having first and second electrodes and an insulation substrate; and a detection circuit. The first and second electrodes are disposed on first and second surfaces of the substrate, respectively. The detection circuit applies an alternating voltage between a ground and the first electrode, and detects an electric potential of the second electrode, or controls the electric potential of the second electrode to follow the alternating voltage. The detection circuit detects a capacitance change between the first electrode and the ground when the detection object approaches the first electrode for determining whether the detection object approaches the first electrode. A periphery of the second electrode is substantially opposite to a periphery of the first electrode. |
| US07688202B1 |
Distributed perimeter security threat determination
A sensor system comprises a signal sensor configured to receive a plurality of event signals for an event, a processing system coupled to the signal sensor and configured to process the plurality of event signals to determine if the event is a threat and responsive to determining that the event is a threat generate a threat message identifying the event, and an interface system coupled to the processing system and configured to transmit the threat message to a control system. |
| US07688197B2 |
System for identifying an unauthorized use of a telematic device
The invention relates to a system of identifying an unauthorized use of a telematic device or a vehicle equipped with a telematic device. The telematic device includes an identification code, which is transmitted to a service provider. The identification codes of those telematic devices, which have been reported as being used in unauthorized, are stored at the service provider. The identification codes received at the service provider is compared for a match with the stored identification codes. |
| US07688193B2 |
Oil level detection device for internal combustion engine
An oil level detection device for an internal combustion engine, which comprises: a housing permitting entry therein of oil; a float provided within the housing and vertically movable with the oil entered in the housing; a switch for performing switching operation in response to the vertical movement of the float within the housing; protrusions provided, on the upper surface of the float, for preventing the float from sticking to the ceiling of the housing due to viscosity of the oil; and protrusions provided, on the bottom of the housing, for preventing the float from sticking to the bottom of the housing due to viscosity of the oil. |
| US07688186B2 |
Vehicle derailing prevention device
A vehicle speed V is read (step S1), V is compared with a first threshold Vth1 (step S2), and, when V is not less than Vth1, a warning torque is set smaller with increase in V (step S3). When V is less than Vth1, V is further compared with a second threshold Vth2 (step S4), and when V is less than Vth2, the warning torque is set approximately in proportion to the vehicle speed (step S5); when V is not less than Vth2 and is less than Vth1, the warning torque is set at a predetermined constant value (step S6). |
| US07688185B1 |
System and method for generating an alert for a trailer
A system and method for generating an alert signal for a trailer. Proper truck/trailer matching is based on a proximity analysis between position reports for a truck and position reports for a trailer. In one embodiment, this proximity analysis is triggered by a detection of movement in a trailer. In the proximity analysis, unexpected deviations in proximity between a truck and a trailer would lead to a generation of an alert signal that is sent to the appropriate management system for investigation. |
| US07688182B2 |
RFID system and RFID chip equipped with sensor function
An integrated circuit chip includes a rectifier circuit configured to convert an alternating voltage supplied from an antenna into a direct-current voltage, a nonvolatile memory coupled to the rectifier circuit to operate by use of the direct-current voltage, a sensor circuit coupled to the rectifier circuit to operate by use of the direct-current voltage to collect measurement data, and a logic circuit configured to control the nonvolatile memory and the sensor circuit such that an access operation of the nonvolatile memory and a data collecting operation of the sensor circuit are not performed concurrently. |
| US07688181B2 |
Method and apparatus for avoiding overpolling
A tag can switch between first and second modes of operation, and consumes less power in the first mode. In the second mode, the tag can receive wireless signals having successive first and second portions. If the tag identifies a repetitive pattern of the wireless signals, the tag ignores the second portions of the signals. Otherwise the tag receives the second portions. In another embodiment, while in the second mode, the tag can receive wireless signals having successive first, second and third portions. The tag switches between the first and second modes at one rate until it detects the first portion, and then switches at a higher rate until it detects the second portion, and then stays in the second mode and receives the third portion. |
| US07688179B2 |
Hands-free vehicle door opener
A hands-free vehicle door opener utilizes a spring-loaded mechanical pushing device, or other method, to open a vehicle door a few inches upon a laser emitting device sensing a foot in its emitted laser. The laser is emitted from the laser emitter upon the key fob of a smart key being validated by the vehicle's smart key validation system when a user approaches the vehicle with the smart key fob. When the laser beam is interrupted, a signal is sent from a smart ECU to a door lock ECU, which unlocks the vehicle door. Next, a signal is sent to a door open ECU to unlatch the vehicle door. Upon door unlatching, the spring-loaded pushing device pushes open the vehicle door. Instead of a laser emitting device being used as the sensor, a device with electrical contacts, an ultrasonic wave emitting sensing device, or other device could be used. |
| US07688177B2 |
Varistor and light-emitting apparatus
A varistor comprises a varistor element body, first and second inner electrodes opposing each other, a first outer electrode connected to the first inner electrode physically and electrically, a second outer electrode connected to the second inner electrode physically and electrically, and an electrically insulating layer. The first and second inner electrodes are arranged within the varistor element body so as to have end portions exposed at two outer surfaces of the varistor element body. The first outer electrode is arranged on one of the two outer surfaces so as to cover a portion of the end portion of the first inner electrode exposed at the one outer surface. The second outer electrode is arranged on the one outer surface so as to cover a portion of the end portion of the second inner electrode exposed at the one outer surface. The electrically insulating layer is arranged on the one outer surface so as to cover a portion exposed from the first outer electrode in the end portion of the first inner electrode and a portion exposed from the second outer electrode in the end portion of the second inner electrode. |
| US07688175B2 |
Controllable electronic switch
A controllable electronic switch for, e.g., controlling power distribution comprises a deformable member such as a bimetal arm that can be deformed to break an electrical path. The deformable member may be anchored at one end and in controllable contact with an electrical conductor at the other end. A heating element, such as a coil, can be used to selectively heat the deformable member. The controllable electronic switch can alternatively comprise a deformable member that is terminated in a wedge-shaped member. When the deformable member bends in response to being heated, the wedge-shaped member forces apart a pair of contacts thus breaking an electrical path. The wedge-shaped member and/or associated structures may be configured as a cam mechanism with multiple latching positions. |
| US07688172B2 |
Magnetic device having a conductive clip
A magnetic device that includes a magnetic core having a surface facing a conductive substrate. The magnetic device also includes a conductive clip facing a surface of the magnetic core with ends of the conductive clip electrically coupled to the conductive substrate to cooperatively form a winding therewith about the magnetic core. |
| US07688168B2 |
Actuators based on ferromagnetic shape memory alloy composites
Linear actuators (also known as an inchworm actuator) including a magnetically actuatable shape memory alloy (SMA) are described. The linear actuators include a bar and an actuator assembly, configured to achieve a linear displacement of the actuator assembly relative to the bar. A hybrid magnetic trigger including an electromagnet and a permanent magnet is used to selectively attract the magnetically actuatable SMA toward the magnetic trigger. The motion of the magnetically actuatable SMA can be converted to a linear displacement. The magnetically actuatable SMA can be implemented using a SMA exhibiting both ferromagnetic and SMA properties, or by a ferromagnetic mass coupled with an SMA (i.e., a ferromagnetic SMA composite). Linear actuators including bars incorporating a ratchet mechanism, and featureless bars are described. A hydraulic system incorporating actuators including magnetically actuatable SMA membranes is also disclosed. |
| US07688165B2 |
Galvanic isolation mechanism for a planar circuit
A mechanism is provided for coupling a coaxial cable to a planar circuit to provide galvanic isolation between the coaxial cable and the planar circuit while providing low transmission loss and reflections between the coaxial cable and the circuit. The mechanism comprises a co-planar waveguide coupled to the coaxial cable, a microstrip line connected to the circuit, a galvanic isolation component and a ground plane. The co-planar waveguide, the microstrip line and the galvanic isolation component are formed on one side of a two-sided substrate. The ground plane is formed on the other side of the substrate and underlies at least a portion of the co-planar waveguide to form a grounded co-planar waveguide. The ground plane includes a notch underlying a portion of the co-planar waveguide to provide a transition region from the co-planar waveguide to the grounded co-planar waveguide. |
| US07688163B2 |
Pillbox vacuum window
A pillbox vacuum window of the present invention has a first metal part and a second metal part. The first metal part includes a ceramic disk formed with a metallization layer in a peripheral area thereof, a larger diameter cylindrical portion, and a smaller diameter cylindrical portion having an inner diameter smaller than that of the larger diameter cylindrical portion, and coupled to the larger diameter cylindrical portion to form a step section at a joint, where the ceramic disk is fitted into the step section. The second metal part includes a cylindrical portion, where the cylindrical portion is inserted into the step section of the first metal part while the ceramic disk is placed in the step section of the first metal part. |
| US07688162B2 |
Hairpin microstrip bandpass filter
A microstrip filter having a plurality of hairpin microstrip resonators each having two substantially rectangular legs connected at one end and generally configured in a “U” shape. The microstrip filter may comprise a first of the plural resonators operatively connected to a first feed point, a second of the plural resonators operatively connected to a second feed point, and a third of the plural resonators operatively connected between the first and second resonators where an end portion of one of the legs of one of the resonators is tapered so that a thickness of the one leg is greater at one end of the one leg than at another end of the one leg. |
| US07688158B2 |
Digitally tuned, integrated baluns with enhanced linearity for multi-band radio applications
An integrated balun includes a low pass filter and a high pass filter that are formed on a semiconductor chip using tunable reactive elements. The outputs of the low pass filter and the high pass filter are tied together to form the single ended output of the balun. The inputs of the low pass filter and the high pass filter form the differential inputs of the balun. The low pass filter and the high pass filter each include a number of tunable networks for achieving the tunable reactive elements. Each tunable network includes at least one switching transistor and at least one fixed value reactive elements. In at least one embodiment, dynamic biasing circuitry may be provided to improve the linearity and reduce the insertion loss of the balun. |
| US07688157B2 |
Selective envelope modulation enabling reduced current consumption
A modulation system includes an amplitude modulation path and a phase modulation path coupled to the amplitude modulation path. One of the amplitude modulation path and the phase modulation path receive a reduced current such that the reduced current reduces power consumption by the system. Preferably, the amplitude modulation path receives the reduced current. The amplitude modulation path has a first set of components and a second set of components. The first set of components consumes less power by using slower operation. The second set of components consumes less power by effectively not operating, or being turned off. |
| US07688155B2 |
Variable capacitor circuit having linear capacitance variation and voltage controlled oscillator using the same
Provided is an apparatus having a variable capacitor circuit which is capable of obtaining a constant gain with respect to a whole control voltage by using a linear variable frequency characteristic for a variation of the control voltages, to thereby attain a wide variable frequency range. For this, a variable capacitor circuit includes a plurality of variable capacitors being connected in parallel with each other and having different capacitances with respect to an input control voltage, wherein the sum of the variable capacitances of the plurality of variable capacitors at a same voltage level of the control voltage varied within the whole control voltage range has linearity. |
| US07688151B2 |
Aging compensation method and control module for an oscillator circuit device
An aging compensation method for an oscillator circuit device, in which the oscillator circuit device receives a control voltage from an application end, and outputs a clock signal with a predetermined frequency in response to the control voltage, includes the steps of: a) inspecting the control voltage from the application end to obtain a first value thereof; b) after a predetermined time period has elapsed, inspecting the control voltage from the application end to obtain a second value thereof; c) determining whether there is a difference between the first and second values of the control voltage; d) if it is determined that there is a difference, performing compensation on the value of the control voltage based on the difference; and e) repeating steps b) through d). |
| US07688147B1 |
Floating differential amplifier architectures
A method and system to use floating differential output amplifiers wired in series and parallel to achieve arbitrary output drive voltage and current for the applications load. One embodiment includes the use of multiple differential amplifiers wired in series to generate a high voltage differential amplifier, while only partially using no-feedback buffer amplifiers and obtaining performance equivalent to an implementation that uses only buffer amplifiers. This is achieved by forcing the mismatch errors of conventional amplifiers to become power supply ripple. A second embodiment includes the use of a power supply centering technique to implement a floating asymmetrical differential amplifier. A third embodiment includes the use of multiple floating differential amplifiers, sharing a common power supply with individual biasing and isolation of each section of the amplifier, to allow high power amplifiers to be built with an arbitrary number of low power modules. |
| US07688145B2 |
Variable gain amplifying device
A variable gain amplifying device that amplifies an input signal and outputs the amplified signal, has a controlling circuit that controls the gain by controlling turning on and off of first MOS transistors and third MOS transistors so that the sum of the number of first MOS transistors turned on and the number of third MOS transistors turned on is “n” by outputting a control signal to the gates of the first MOS transistors and the third MOS transistors. |
| US07688139B2 |
Model based distortion reduction for power amplifiers
A method of processing a signal is disclosed. The method comprises generating a digital signal, converting the digital signal to an analog signal, and generating an amplified analog signal having distortions. The method further comprises converting the amplified analog signal to a feedback digital signal at a sample rate and updating a model of the distortions based on the feedback digital signal. |
| US07688138B2 |
Electronic device having a predistortion filter and related methods
An electronic device includes a nonlinear power amplifier, a predistortion coefficient calculator, and a memory polynomial predistortion filter coupled to the nonlinear power amplifier and to the predistortion coefficient calculator. The memory polynomial predistortion filter may include a plurality of finite impulse response (FIR) filter stages, and a summer coupled to the plurality of FIR filter stages. The FIR filter stages may functionally operate in parallel or may include a series of FIR filters coupled in parallel. |
| US07688135B2 |
N-way Doherty distributed power amplifier
A power amplifier using N-way Doherty structure for extending the efficiency region over the high peak-to-average power ratio of the multiplexing modulated signals such as wideband code division multiple access and orthogonal frequency division multiplexing is disclosed. In an embodiment, the present invention uses a dual-feed distributed structure to an N-way Doherty amplifier to improve the isolation between at least one main amplifier and at least one peaking amplifier and, and also to improve both gain and efficiency performance at high output back-off power. Hybrid couplers can be used at either or both of the input and output. In at least some implementations, circuit space is also conserved due to the integration of amplification, power splitting and combining. |
| US07688133B2 |
Power amplifier
A power amplifier includes: an amplifying transistor; a bias circuit; a first diode; a second diode; a matching attenuating circuit; a first current mirror circuit; a serial resonant circuit, and a switch. In an amplification mode, the bias circuit supplies a bias current to the amplifying transistor, and the first current mirror circuit turns off the first and second diodes, and the switch. In an attenuation mode, the bias circuit supplies no bias current to the amplifying transistor, and the first current mirror circuit turns on the first and second diodes and the switch. |
| US07688131B2 |
Charge pump circuit
A charge pump circuit is provided. The charge pump circuit includes a pump unit, first through sixth switches, a fly capacitor and an output capacitor. In a first period, an input voltage and a first voltage charge at least one internal capacitor of the pump unit via a first terminal and a second terminal of the pump unit. In the second period, the internal capacitor of the pump unit provides charges to the fly capacitor via the second switch and generates a first output voltage. In the third period, the fly capacitor supplies the charges to the output capacitor via the fourth switch to generate a second output voltage. |
| US07688128B2 |
Digital imaging chip using an analog clock signal as a provisional clock signal
A method of operating an imaging system, the imaging system including a plurality of subsets of imaging elements, such as photosensors, light emitters, or ink-jet ejectors. The imaging elements use a regular clock signal for operation. A provisional clock signal, such as an analog sinusoidal signal, is generated. A subset of imaging elements is selected for operation at a particular time. The provisional clock signal is converted to a regular clock signal for use by the selected subset of imaging elements, incidental to an operational period of the selected subset of imaging elements. |
| US07688126B2 |
Time delay circuit and time to digital converter
A time delay circuit is disclosed and includes a delay line with a first delay circuit and at least a second delay circuit connected downstream. An interpolation circuit is used to generate intermediate signals derived by delayed successive signals in the delay line. |
| US07688125B2 |
Latched comparator and methods for using such
Various systems and methods for comparing signals are disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments of the present invention provide comparator circuits with a preamplifier circuit, a latch circuit and a current re-use circuit. The current re-use circuit applies a current to the preamplifier circuit during a transparent phase, and applies a similar current to the latch circuit during a latch phase. |
| US07688124B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method for operating the same
A semiconductor memory device has a DLL circuit capable of suppressing EMI without distorting a DLL clock required in high-speed operation. The semiconductor memory device includes a delay locked loop (DLL) circuit configured to be responsive to a system clock to output a DLL clock having a phase that is changed when electromagnetic interference (EMI) is detected, for the DLL clock to have frequencies within a delay locking range, and a data output circuit configured to output data in synchronization with the DLL clock. |
| US07688121B2 |
Power supply voltage detection circuit
A power supply voltage detection circuit is provided including: a first switch to connect between a power supply voltage terminal and a first terminal according to a power supply voltage detection signal and an external signal; a second switch to connect between a reference potential terminal and a second terminal according to the power supply voltage detection signal and the external signal; a first resistance connected between the second terminal and the power supply voltage terminal; and a third switch connecting between the first terminal and the reference potential terminal according to a voltage of the second terminal; and an output circuit outputting the power supply voltage detection signal based on a signal from the first terminal. |
| US07688117B1 |
N channel JFET based digital logic gate structure
A circuit topography is presented which is used to create usable digital logic gates using N (negatively doped) channel Junction Field Effect Transistors (JFETs) and load resistors, level shifting resistors, and supply rails whose values are based on the direct current (DC) parametric distributions of those JFETs. This method has direct application to the current state of the art in high temperature, for example 300° C. to 500° C. and higher, silicon carbide (SiC) device production. The ability to produce inverting and combinatorial logic enables the production of pulse and edge triggered latches. This scale of logic synthesis would bring digital logic and state machine capabilities to devices operating in extremely hot environments, such as the surface of Venus, near hydrothermal vents, within nuclear reactors (SiC is inherently radiation hardened), and within internal combustion engines. The basic logic gate can be configured as a driver for oscillator circuits allowing for time bases and simple digitizers for resistive or reactive sensors. The basic structure of this innovation, the inverter, can be reconfigured into various analog circuit topographies through the use of feedback structures. |
| US07688116B1 |
Read data path
Circuitry and methods are disclosed for capturing data from a double-data rate signal received from a source circuit, converting the double-data rate signal to single and/or half rate data signals, and re-synchronizing the data to the destination circuit's clock signal. In one embodiment, a first set of registers converts a double-data rate signal synchronized to a full-rate clock signal to two single-data rate signals. A second set of registers converts the single-data rate signals to four half-data rate signals. A third set of registers synchronizes the half-rate data signals to a half-rate clock signal. In another embodiment, methods and circuitry are provided for determining the position of a data valid window of the half-data rate intermediate signals relative to the rising and falling edges of the half-rate clock signal and using that determination to select half-data rate intermediate signals captured on either a rising or falling edge of the half-rate clock signal, depending on which will provide greater accuracy. |
| US07688114B2 |
Ratio asymmetric inverters, and apparatus including one or more ratio asymmetric inverters
A ratio asymmetric inverter has a signal input, signal output, first and second power inputs, pullup and pulldown transistors, and at least one delay element. The pullup transistor has a gate terminal, a source terminal coupled to the first power input, and a drain terminal coupled to the signal output. The pulldown transistor has a gate terminal, a drain terminal coupled to the signal output, and a source terminal coupled to the second power input. The signal input is respectively coupled to the gate terminals of the pullup transistor and the pulldown transistor via first and second signal paths. The at least one delay element is included in only one of the first and second signal paths, to impart a longer propagation delay to the one of the first and second signal paths. |
| US07688112B2 |
Anti-SEE protection techniques for high-speed ICs with a current-switching architecture
Protection against anti single event effects associated with strikes of energetic particles is provided in current-mode logic (CML) or similar integrated circuits (ICs) using a current-switching architecture. |
| US07688110B2 |
System for providing a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) emitter coupled logic (ECL) equivalent input/output (I/O) circuit
A system for providing a CMOS I/O circuit design that may replace existing bipolar I/O circuitry, and thus behave in substantially the same manner as bipolar I/O circuitry. Thus, an I/O circuit using a standard CMOS process is made that mimics operation of an ECL I/O circuit created using bipolar transistors. The CMOS input circuitry can receive input signals from an ECL output circuit, so as to mimic traditional ECL input circuitry. The CMOS output circuitry can output signals to an ECL input circuit, so as to mimic traditional ECL output circuitry. The CMOS I/O circuitry is designed to mimic the temperature dependent signals level, as present within traditional ECL I/O circuitry. |
| US07688109B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
The object of the present invention is to appropriately constitute such a semiconductor integrated circuit that mounts a plurality of semiconductor chips thereon so as to increase storage capacity. A semiconductor chip, including: a chip enable buffer circuit which outputs a chip enable signal in response to an output command of the chip enable signal; a standard chip enable pad which receives the output command; a first extension pad which supplies a first extension chip enable signal to the chip enable buffer circuit; a second extension pad which supplies a second extension chip enable signal to the chip enable buffer circuit; a first option pad which receives a first option signal; and a second option pad which receives a second option signal, is constituted. |
| US07688108B2 |
Method for minimizing data transition and circuit for minimizing data transition
A data transition minimization method includes exclusive-NORing inputted nth image data (where n is a natural number) and (n−m)th image data (where m is a natural number smaller than n) expressing the same color as that of the nth image data to generate transition information data; generating inversion data indicative of inversion information by inverting all bits included in the transition information data and adding a unit bit having the logic value ‘1’ to the inverted transition information data when the number of unit bits having a logic value ‘1’ in the transition information data is larger than the number of unit bits having a logic value ‘0’ in the transition information data, and adding a unit bit having the logic value ‘0’ to the transition information data when the number of unit bits having the logic value ‘1’ in the transition information data is equal to or smaller than the number of unit bits having the logic value ‘0’ in the transition information data; exclusive-NORing the transition information data with the inversion data added and corrected image data of (n−1)th image data to generate corrected image data of the nth image data, and supplying the generated corrected image data to a data driver through data transmission lines; and restoring the corrected image data supplied to the data driver to restored image data corresponding to the original nth image data. |
| US07688100B2 |
Integrated circuit and a method for measuring a quiescent current of a module
A method for evaluating a quiescent current, the method includes: measuring, when a module is at a first mode, a first voltage drop on a first resistor that is coupled between a supply pin of an integrated circuit that comprises the module and a first test pin of the integrated circuit; assessing, when the module is at a second mode, a second voltage drop on a second resistor that is coupled between the supply pin and a second test pin of the integrated circuit; and evaluating a quiescent current of the module in response to the first and second voltage drops; wherein expected values of quiescent current of the module differ from one mode to the other; and wherein a resistance of the first resistor differs from the resistance of the second resistor. |
| US07688098B2 |
Power supply noise measuring circuit and power supply noise measuring method
A power supply noise measuring circuit and measuring method are provided which are capable of evaluating a frequency component of power supply noise that affects performance and functions in a circuit by using a cross-correlation function. The power supply noise measuring circuit includes a SIN wave generating circuit which generates a sine wave signal having a variable frequency in a constant amplitude, a cross-correlation processing circuit which calculates and output a cross-correlation function between power supply noise and a sine wave signal fed from the SIN wave generating circuit, a comparator which compares a cross-correlation function output with a specified threshold voltage and which generates an output when the cross-correlation function output exceeds the threshold voltage, and a counter which counts the number of occurrences of the output from the comparator within a specified time of period. |
| US07688097B2 |
Wafer probe
The present invention relates to a probe tip assembly for testing of integrated circuits or other microelectronic devices. The probe tip assembly may include a plurality of independently flexible contact fingers extending from a support, each contact finger spaced apart from the other contact fingers, and each contact finger terminating in free space at an end distal from the support. A probe may be constructed by attaching the free ends of the contact fingers to electrical contacts on a circuit board and then removing the support from the contact fingers. |
| US07688095B2 |
Interposer structures and methods of manufacturing the same
Flexible and rigid interposers for use in the semiconductor industry and methods for manufacturing the same are described. Auto-catalytic processes are used to minimize the costs associated with the production of flexible interposers, while increasing the yield and lifetime. Electrical contact regions are easily isolated and the risk of corrosion is reduced because all portions of the interposer are plated at once. Leads projecting from the flexible portion of the interposers accommodate a greater variety of components to be tested. Rigid interposers include a pin projecting from a probe pad affixed to a substrate. The rigidity of the pin penetrates oxides on a contact pad to be tested. Readily available semiconductor materials and processes are used to manufacture the flexible and rigid interposers according to the invention. The flexible and rigid interposers can accommodate pitches down to 25 μm. |
| US07688091B2 |
Chuck with integrated wafer support
An improved chuck with lift pins within a probe station. The chuck assembly may have an outer periphery and an upper surface. The lift pins may be positioned within the periphery of the chuck assembly and may be capable of relative vertical movement with respect to the upper surface of the chuck assembly. |
| US07688088B2 |
Inspection method and inspection apparatus for inspecting electrical characteristics of inspection object
At least one pair of electrode formed on a mounting surface of a stage is in contact with a conductive layer formed on a first surface of an inspection object, and an electrical path is formed between the both by using a fritting phenomenon. |
| US07688087B2 |
Test apparatus
An under testing device interface with mixed-signal processing circuit is disclosed. The under testing device interface with mixed signal processing circuit software of integrates the mixed-signal processing circuit into the probe card or device under testing card, the mixed-signal processing circuit with the pin electric channel of the tester, and the programs for handling the process of mixed-signal processing circuit into the system software of the tester. |
| US07688085B2 |
Contactor having a global spring structure and methods of making and using the contactor
In some embodiments of the invention, a probing apparatus can comprise a substrate, a spring structure attached to the substrate, and a plurality of resilient probes attached to the spring structure. Each probe can comprise a contact portion disposed to contact a device. The spring structure can provide a first source of compliance for each of the probes in response to forces on the contact portions of the probes, and each of the probes can individually provide second sources of compliance in response to the forces on the contact portions of the probes. |
| US07688081B2 |
Apparatus to measure the clearance between a first component and a second component
An apparatus for determining a clearance between rotor blade tips of rotor blades mounted on a rotor and a stator lining mounted on a stator casing. The stator lining is movable radially relative to the stator casing. The stator lining comprises an abradable material. At least one probe is arranged to measure the clearance between blade tips and stator lining. A first portion of the at least one probe is arranged within the stator lining and a tip of the first portion of the at least one probe is arranged flush with the surface of the abradable material. The tip of the first portion of the at least one probe comprises an abradable material. A second portion of the at least one probe is secured to the stator casing. A wire-less and connector-less coupling transmits a measurement signal from the first portion to the second portion of the at least one probe to allow radial movement of the stator lining relative to the stator casing. |
| US07688080B2 |
Variably dimensioned capacitance sensor elements
A capacitance sensing apparatus includes capacitance sensor elements covered by a layer of material. The layer of material has an uneven effect on a measure of capacitance induced in the capacitance sensor elements when an object is in proximity to a sensing surface. For example, the layer of material may have a non-uniform thickness, or a property of the material may be non-uniform across the layer. The capacitance sensor elements are dimensioned to compensate for the effect. |
| US07688078B2 |
System and method for counting number of layers of multilayer object by means of electromagnetic wave
A system or method for counting the number of layers of a multilayer object is adapted for counting the number of layers by means of a simple arrangement of emitting an electromagnetic wave to strike the object that is in a multilayer state. In the system or method, an electromagnetic wave is caused to strike at least either the top surface or the bottom surface of a multilayer object and electromagnetic waves generated by reflection of the incident electromagnetic wave at the respective interfaces of the layers of the multilayer object or an electromagnetic wave generated by transmission of the electromagnetic wave through the multilayer object. |
| US07688075B2 |
Lithium sulfur rechargeable battery fuel gauge systems and methods
Systems and methods for accurately determining the state of charge and the relative age of lithium sulfur batteries are provided. The cell resistance and taper input charge of a particular type of lithium sulfur battery are respectively measured to determine the state of charge and age of the battery. |
| US07688074B2 |
Energy management system for automotive vehicle
A battery monitor is provided for use with a battery of an automotive vehicle. The battery monitor can provide real time battery condition measurements and can selectively control the charging of the battery through an alternator of the vehicle based upon the measured battery condition. |
| US07688066B2 |
Rotation detector
A rotation detector includes: a magnet to form a magnetic field between the magnet and a rotary member; a magnetism detection element positioned in the proximity of the magnet to detect a variation in the magnetic field due to a rotation of the rotary member; and a signal processing circuit 3 to process a signal from the magnetism detection element and which is coated and sealed with a resin 7, recess portions 14a, 14b which are lower than electrode forming regions 15 are formed at adjoining regions adjacent to electrode forming regions 15 on which surface electrodes 4 are installed and resin 7 is filled within recess portions 14a, 14b. Thus, the rotation detector which can suppress the deficiency generated at a part mounted on a circuit forming portion, at junctions between the part and surface electrodes, or so forth due to expansion and shrinkage involved in a temperature variation can be provided. |
| US07688062B2 |
Probe station
A probe station for testing a wafer. |
| US07688061B2 |
Apparatus for electronically measuring electrical energy
An integral electronic revenue meter system diagnostics package including a microprocessor, storage memory, preselect series of system diagnostic tests, and recording any results which exceed predefined programmable thresholds, and display means for displaying error and/or diagnostic messages identifying selected diagnostic data and/or errors discovered in the meter tests during a predefined period is included as part of an electricity revenue meter of the type used for collecting metering data for a utility which uses such data for billing purposes. The system automatically senses the type of electrical service in which the revenue meter is installed when the revenue meter is installed in a socket at the customer's premises. |
| US07688051B1 |
Linear regulator with improved power supply rejection
A linear regulator for outputting a regulated voltage with improved rejection of high frequency components in the power supply. The linear regulator includes an op-amp connected in a linear feedback loop to drive first and second current legs based on a voltage reference. An output driver includes a load capacitance across which the regulated voltage is output, and further includes a ratio-driven current mirror having a mirror ratio defined by relative sizes of active devices in the first and second current legs, as compared with relative sizes of active devices in the output driver. Because the output driver and its load capacitance are provided outside the linear feedback loop, large values for the load capacitance can be selected without destabilization of the feedback loop. Thus, the value of the load capacitance can be chosen at any value according to frequency rejection requirements. |
| US07688049B2 |
Level shift circuit and power supply device
In a level shift circuit including: an inverter circuit having a series circuit of a Pch-type transistor and an Nch-type transistor, which re connected between electrodes of a floating power supply; and a transistor Q1 in which a drain terminal and a source terminal are connected between an input terminal of the inverter circuit and a ground, wherein a drain terminal and source terminal of a transistor Q2 are connected between one terminal of the floating power supply and the drain of the transistor Q1, and a drain terminal and source terminal of a transistor Q3 are connected between a control terminal of the transistor Q2 and the ground. |
| US07688048B2 |
3-phase high power UPS
A 3-phase uninterruptible power supply (UPS) including first, second, and third AC/DC converters, a DC/DC converter, and at least one DC/AC converter coupled to multiple electrical buses. The first, second, and third AC/DC converters each being configured to receive AC power and to provide multiple DC signals to the multiple electrical buses. The DC/DC converter being configured to convert DC voltages present on the multiple electrical buses to a DC voltage that can be used to charge a battery. The DC/AC converter being configured to receive DC power from the multiple electrical buses and to provide an AC output. The 3-phase UPS being configured such that when suitable AC power is provided to the AC/DC converters, the DC/DC converter is configured to charge a battery, and when suitable AC power is not provided to the AC/DC converters, the DC/DC converter is configured to provide DC power to the multiple electrical buses using power provided by the battery. |
| US07688042B2 |
Power factor correction apparatus
A power factor correction apparatus is for correcting a power factor of transmission lines. The power factor correction apparatus includes a switch, a compensator, a detecting apparatus, a voltage processing circuit, a voltage comparison unit, and a time-delay unit. The switch is electrically connected to the transmission lines. The compensator is electrically connected to the switch for compensating the power factor. The detecting apparatus is electrically connected to the transmission lines for detecting voltages transmitted in the transmission lines. The voltage processing circuit electrically is connected to the detecting apparatus and the switch. The voltage processing circuit includes a voltage comparison unit and a time-delay unit. The voltage comparison unit is electrically connected to the detecting apparatus for comparing the voltages with each other to generate a voltage. The time-delay unit is electrically connected to the voltage comparison unit and the switch delaying the voltage. |
| US07688041B2 |
Method and apparatus for active power factor correction
A power factor correction method and apparatus which use Pulse Frequency Modulation (PFM) to control an AC/DC converter is disclosed. The average current drawn by the AC/DC converter is compared with a reference sinusoidal signal and the error is used to determine the switching frequency. The switching frequency varies with the sinusoidal reference signal such that the converter emulates a resistive load. By using PFM control, EMI is spread over a range rather than concentrated at a few frequencies. Since the switching frequency decreases with the loading of the converter, the switching loss decreases with the loading as well. Thus, the need of meeting efficiency standards, e.g. the 80 PLUS and Energy Star, can be fulfill without extra circuitry. |
| US07688040B2 |
System and method for electric current and power monitoring and control of a generator
A control device measures a voltage drop across a conductor in a generator to determine and control the total generator output current. A temperature of the conductor is also measured to improve the accuracy. The control device may further improve on the accuracy by compensating for the electrical current through a field coil that may power the generator. The control device may be used in combination with a generator in a vehicle electrical system. Other system parameters may be monitored to improve on the system monitoring, diagnostics, and control. The generator may include a conductor comprising a process-controlled geometric shape. |
| US07688025B2 |
Electronic device, battery pack, power-supply controlling method for electronic device, program for controlling power supply for electronic device
An electronic device includes a battery-pack installing portion that holds a battery pack in a detachable manner; sensing means for sensing that a battery pack is installed in the battery-pack installing portion; detecting means for detecting data related with a state of the installed battery pack sensed by the sensing means; determining means for determining whether the battery pack has a fault based on the detected data; and first restricting means for restricting a recharging operation of the battery pack if the battery pack is determined to have the fault by the determining means. |
| US07688020B2 |
Step motor driving circuits
A step motor driving circuit is provided. An exemplary step motor driving circuit includes an input voltage source set, a reference voltage source, a voltage level shift unit, a logic unit, a reset voltage source, and an output voltage terminal. The input voltage source set provides an input voltage set. The reference voltage source provides a reference voltage. The voltage level shift unit raises one of the levels of the input voltage set to a level of the reference voltage. The logic unit receives the reference voltage and the input voltage set and outputs a control voltage. The reset voltage source outputs a reset voltage to reset the logic unit. The output voltage terminal receives the control voltage and outputs an output voltage. |
| US07688016B2 |
Robust impedance-matching of manipulators interacting with unknown environments
A system for replicating the behavior of a target robotic manipulator with respect to a payload and worksite, has a real-time simulator capturing the dynamics of the target robot manipulator; a mock-up of the payload and worksite; and an emulating robotic manipulator for interacting with said payload and worksite. The emulating robotic manipulator is controlled by the real-time simulator in a control loop to replicate the dynamical behavior of said target robotic manipulator in its environment by matching the impedance of the emulating robotic manipulator with that of the target robotic manipulator. |
| US07688013B2 |
System and method for controlling speed of a closure member
A closure system for controlling speed of a closure member, where the closure system includes a controller for transitioning speed of a closure member being operated in response to an obstacle being sensed in the path of the closure member. In one embodiment, a linear speed control algorithm determines the speed transitioning. In response to sensing contact with an obstacle, the controller may use a conventional contact process to stop or reverse the closure member. The closure system provides for a higher closing velocity of the closure member than conventional closure systems. |
| US07688011B2 |
Control circuit for an electronically commutated motor
A control circuit for an electronically commutated motor (120), having a power stage (122) that comprises at least two semiconductor switches (216, 218) to influence the motor current. The semiconductor switches are controllable by way of commutation signals. The control circuit comprises a current measuring element (170) to make available a motor current control variable (I) dependent on the motor current, a base diode (240) that is arranged in series with the current measuring element and between the current measuring element and the at least two semiconductor switches, and a motor current setting element (180) with which the commutation signals can be influenced as a function of the motor current control variable. |
| US07688006B2 |
Stepless dimming fluorescent lamp and ballast thereof
A fluorescent lamp adapted for effecting stepless dimming with a regular SCR dimmer, comprising a filter and rectifier circuit (1), a DC high voltage stabilizing circuit (2), a voltage signal detection and frequency control circuit (6), a lamp load (4), a lamp current feedback circuit (5) and a voltage signal sampling circuit (3) thereby changing the power factor and luminous intensity of the lamp in accordance with the variation of the conduction phase angle of the silicon controlled rectifier dimmer. The present invention solves the discontinuity and instability issues in course of dimming operation and is particularly adapted for use in an integrated compact fluorescent lamp. |
| US07688005B2 |
Lighting load management system for lighting systems having multiple power circuits
A lighting control system is provided for a space that is equipped with multiple lamps for illuminating the space and multiple power circuits for supplying power to different groups of the lamps. The control system stores information relating to the past illumination of the lamps in each of the different groups. The system detects conditions or events that indicate that increased illumination of the space by the lamps is needed, and produces a control signal in response to the detection of a condition or event that indicates that increased illumination of the space by the lamps is needed. In response to the control signal, the system supplies power to at least one of the power circuits, which is selected on the basis of the stored information, to turn ON the group of lamps receiving electrical power from that power circuit. |
| US07688001B2 |
Method and system for providing a charge pump for low voltage applications
A method and system for providing an output voltage greater than a voltage provided by a voltage supply in a semiconductor device are disclosed. The method and system include providing at least one oscillator and at least one voltage storage/discharge stage coupled with the at least one oscillator. The oscillator has a frequency that increases as the voltage decreases. The frequency of the oscillator determines a discharge frequency for the at least one voltage storage/discharge stage. |
| US07688000B2 |
Method and device for driving a metal halide lamp
A gas discharge lamp (2) is operated with an alternating current. A positive lamp current (Ip) is generated with a positive current intensity (Ip) for a positive duration (τp). A negative lamp current (IN) is generated with a negative current intensity (IN) for a negative duration (τN). A duty cycle (D=τp/(τp+τN)) differs from 50%. A current ratio (R=Ip/IN) differs from 1. |
| US07687999B2 |
Emergency indicator light for vehicle pennant
A safety light for vehicles, particularly small recreational vehicles such as all terrain vehicles, which is one or more light strips entwining the whip which supports the vehicle's pennant or flag. This invention can normally show light in a color which matches the color of the recreational vehicle. When the vehicle operator applies the brakes, the light entwining the whip changes to red to warn that the vehicle is braking. When the vehicle is overturned, or at the operator's command in the event of another emergency, the lights entwining the whip can be made to oscillate rapidly back and forth between the red and the other color that is normally shown. In this way the vehicle displays a clear emergency signal. |
| US07687995B2 |
Display apparatus
Provided is a display apparatus that includes a panel assembly having a front panel and a rear panel coupled to the front panel and a plurality of discharge electrodes to which power is applied; a chassis base assembly that is combined with the panel assembly and on which a driving circuit unit is formed; a plurality of signal transmitting units that electrically connect the discharge electrodes and the driving circuit unit; and a silicon protection member which is formed on at least an end of each of the signal transmitting units to surround connection portions between the signal transmitting units and the discharge electrodes of the driving circuit unit, and comprises a silicon layer that seals the connection portions from the outside and an electromagnetic wave shielding material that is mixed in the silicon layer to block electromagnetic waves generated by the discharge electrodes or the driving circuit unit and has an electromagnetic wave shielding range from 1 to 200 dB. The display apparatus can prevent yellowing, and at the same time, can block electromagnetic waves. |
| US07687989B2 |
Emissive displays having improved contrast
An emissive display device, including: a reflective electrode and a transparent electrode. One or more light-emitting layers are formed between the reflective and transparent electrodes. A scattering layer is positioned in the emissive display device to scatter light trapped in the one or more light-emitting layers; and a circular polarizer is located on the side of the scattering layer opposite the reflective electrode. |
| US07687987B2 |
Organic electroluminescent having a transparent electroconductive layer formed on a light emitting layer
A main object of the present invention is to provide an organic EL element being excellent in light emitting characteristics, characteristics of an organic EL layer and current-voltage characteristic. To attain the object, the invention discloses—an organic electroluminescent element comprises a substrate, an anode layer formed on the substrate, an organic electroluminescent layer formed on the anode layer and—containing at least a light emitting layer, a semitransparent cathode layer formed on the organic electroluminescent layer, a transparent buffer layer formed on the semitransparent cathode layer and having an impact buffering function, and a transparent electroconductive protection layer formed on the transparent buffer layer and having an oxidation preventing function. A contact region in which the semitransparent cathode layer and the transparent electroconductive protection layer contact with each other is provided in a non-display area. |
| US07687984B2 |
Organic light emitting display device and method for fabricating the same
An organic light emitting display device including a thin film transistor in first and second regions on a transparent insulating substrate, a lower anode coupled to the thin film transistor, a reflective layer pattern formed on the lower anode in the first region, an upper anode formed on the reflective layer pattern in the first region and on the lower anode in the second region, and an organic layer formed on the upper anode in the first and second regions. |
| US07687983B2 |
Organic light emitting display and method of fabricating the same
An organic light emitting display (OLED) and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The method includes forming the OLED having upper and lower substrates that emit different colors from each other, and coupling the upper and lower substrates together. |
| US07687981B2 |
Method for controlled density growth of carbon nanotubes
Described is a method for preparation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with medium to low-site density growth for use in field emission devices (FEDs). The method involves the deposition of a non-catalytic metal layer (interlayer), preferably a metallic conductor, onto the surface of a substrate, prior to the deposition of a catalytic layer (overlayer). The interlayer allows for only partial (sparse) growth of CNTs on the substrate, and helps to prevent resist layer “lift-off” when photolithographic processing is employed. |
| US07687979B2 |
Electric lamp/reflector unit employing a ceramic insert
The invention provides a new PAR 38 lamp/reflector unit comprising a halogen lamp of suitable power, i.e. 100 watts/120 volts, coated with infrared film to reflect infrared energy produced by the halogen lamp back to the filament, making it more efficient; that meets and preferably exceeds the minimum EPACT efficacy standards, that exhibits a median life of at least about 3000 hours, while giving light output greater than 90% from the original value at about 1750 hours. Unit comprises a double-ended electric lamp (10) arranged in a reflector body (1) in a manner that first end portion (21) is at least partly situated in the neck-shaped portion (5), cavity (13) is situated within reflecting portion (2), the electric light source (16) is predominantly situated on the optical axis (4), a ceramic insert (42), beneath mounting ring (40) through which the seal of first end portion (21) is passed, is effective to dissipate heat from first end portion (21) during operation of the lamp. |
| US07687978B2 |
Tandem continuous channel electron multiplier
A channel electron multiplier including a single channel CEM for receiving an input particle. A multi-channel CEM is positioned after the single channel CEM for receiving emissions from the single channel CEM. An electron collector is positioned after the multi-channel CEM for generating a pulse current in response to emissions from the multi-channel CEM. |
| US07687977B2 |
Micromachined, piezoelectric vibration-induced energy harvesting device and its fabrication
A micro-sized power source. A piezoelectric power generator, capable of harvesting energy from environmental vibration with lower level frequency, including a dielectric frame loosely containing a piezoelectric panel. The piezoelectric panel includes an electrode and a piezoelectric layer formed over an electrode and dielectric layer and an end mass formed on the piezoelectric layer. The end mass provides weight to cause the piezoelectric panel to move (vibrate) within the frame and causes the generation of electrical power. |
| US07687974B2 |
Vibration type driving apparatus
A vibration type driving apparatus includes a vibrating member configured to simultaneously generate a plurality of standing wave vibrations to cause an elliptic motion on surfaces located at nodes of the standing wave vibration, a driving unit formed on the surface located at the node to perform the elliptic motion, and a moving member configured to contact the driving unit and to be driven by the elliptic motion. The driving unit protrudes from a surface of the vibrating member, and includes a first driving unit and a second driving unit that are formed to sandwich the moving member in a perpendicular direction to the surface. The first driving unit and the second driving unit are located at the nodes that are separated by odd-number times a half-wave length of the standing wave vibration, and located where the directions of the elliptic motions are opposite to each other. |
| US07687969B2 |
Method of making integrated stator, brushless direct-current motor of radial core type double rotor structure using the integrated stator, and method of making the same
Provided are a radial core type brushless direct-current (BLDC) motor and a method of making the same, having an excellent assembly capability of division type stator cores in a double rotor structure BLDC motor. The BLDC motor includes a rotational shaft, an integrated double rotor including an inner rotor and an outer rotor, and a rotor supporter wherein a trench type space is formed between the inner rotor and the outer rotor, and an end extended from the inner rotor is connected with the outer circumferential surface of a bushing combined with the rotational shaft, and an integrated stator wherein one end of the stator is disposed in the trench type space and an extension axially extended from the other end of the integrated stator is fixed to the housing of the apparatus. In the integrated stator, U, V, W phase coil assemblies are formed of a number of core groups including a number of division type cores, wherein for each phase coil assembly, the division type core groups of the U, V, W phase coil assemblies are alternately disposed in an annular form in sequence of the phases, and the respective division type core groups are integrally formed into a single body in annular form by a stator support. |
| US07687968B2 |
High speed generator rotor design incorporating positively restrained balance rings
A generator may incorporate a positively restrained balance ring. A generator may include a rotor core including a rotor, and a balance ring. The balance ring may include a weight. The balancer may include a plurality of balance holes in the ring, at least one of the plurality of balance holes to receive a weighted insert. A method of balancing a rotor of a generator may include mounting a balance ring adjacent to a rotor core, and adjusting weights to be located at one or more of a plurality of positions equally spaced around the balance ring to balance the rotor. |
| US07687966B2 |
Optimized stator mounting method to printed circuit board
A stator assembly detachably mounted with a fan housing. The stator assembly includes a stator including one or more first mounting feet and one or more second mounting feet disposed apart from each other. Additionally, the stator assembly includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having one or more first openings and a fan housing having a base member fixed to a bearing liner. The base member includes one or more second openings disposed about the bearing liner. The stator is coupled to the PCB into a stator-PCB assembly with each of the one or more first mounting feet being locked with one of the one or more first openings. The stator-PCB assembly is center-aligned with respect to the bearing liner and coupled to the fan housing with each of the one or more second mounting feet locked with one of the one or more second openings. |
| US07687965B2 |
Electric machine, stator assembly for an electric machine, and method of manufacturing the same
A stator for a motor having a rotor includes a plurality of laminations each formed in a first elongated arrangement. Each lamination includes a first leg, a second leg, and an intermediate portion that are configured to be rearranged and stacked in a stackwise direction to define a core having a second U-shaped arrangement. A coil is coupled to the first leg. |
| US07687962B2 |
Stator
In this stator, first and second U-phase loop windings and first and second W-phase loop windings are short-pitch wave windings, and the width in the circumferential direction of the slot between the U and V-phases in which the loop windings are disposed and the slot between the V and W-phases in which the loop windings are disposed is set to a value that is ½ the width in the circumferential direction of the slot between the W and U-phases in which the loop windings are disposed. The ratio of the first winding turns number of the loop windings and the second winding turns number of the loop windings is set so that when having added the induced voltages by the loop windings or having added the induced voltages by the loop windings in the slots, the phase difference of the induced voltages obtained by addition is 120 electrical degrees. |
| US07687956B2 |
Drive motor system
A motor drive system is provided. The system includes a torque converter for receiving a rotational motion from a source and producing a rotational output, the torque converter having a first body rotatable about a first axis, a plurality of first magnets mounted to the first body, a second body rotatable about a second axis, and a plurality of second magnets mounted to the second body. The system also includes a generator system coupled to the rotational output of the torque converter and producing at least one electrical output; at least one motor drive coupled to an electrical output of the generator system; and an output system coupled to the motor drive. The first magnets are magnetically coupled to the second magnets, and the second body rotates as a result of the magnetic coupling and produces the rotational output. |
| US07687954B2 |
Brushless electric machine with stator with cascaded end loops
Disclosed herein is a brushless electric machine comprising, a housing, a stationary field coil, a shaft, a bearing, a pole segment, and a stator. The stator including a core having a plurality of core slots that extend between a first and a second end of the stator core. The stator also including a winding with a plurality of phases, each of the phases having at least one conductor having a plurality of substantially straight segments disposed in the core slots. The straight segments are alternately connected at the first and the second ends of the stator core by a plurality of end loop segments. A section of at least one of the conductors including three consecutive end loop segments and two straight segments, is formed from a single continuous conductor, and one of the core slots houses a plurality of the straight segments arranged in at least one radial row. |
| US07687953B2 |
Totally integrated engine cooling module for D.C. motors employing fan hub and shroud hub as motor covers
An engine cooling module includes a shroud structure 12 having a shroud hub 46 constructed and arranged to receive a portion of a motor 16. A DC electric motor 16 has first and second ends and a rotatable shaft 40. The second end of the motor is received by the shroud hub. A fan 70 is provided that has a fan hub 72. The fan is coupled with the shaft for rotation therewith. The shroud hub 46 defines a protective cover covering the second end of the motor, and the fan hub 70 defines a protective cover covering the first end of the motor. Thus, no motor housing is required. |
| US07687944B2 |
Actuation system for personal care appliance using linear actuators
The personal care appliance drive system includes a pair of linear actuators capable of operating both in an opposing phase mode or in a parallel (in-phase) mode. The system includes a motion converter assembly which converts the opposing phase action of the two linear actuators into a rotational action of an output drive shaft and converts in-phase action to a translation motion of the output shaft or to drive another function of the appliance, such as a pump. The motion converter, operating simultaneously in an opposing phase mode and in-phase modes, produces a complex motion of the workpiece. |
| US07687940B2 |
Dimmer switch for use with lighting circuits having three-way switches
A smart dimmer switch for control of a lighting load from an AC voltage source can replace any switch in a three-way or four-way lighting control system. The smart dimmer switch can be connected on the line-side or the load-side of a three-way system with a standard three-way switch in the other location. Further, the dimmer switch can replace a four-way switch in a four-way system and is operable to be coupled to two standard three-way switches. The dimmer switch includes either one or two semiconductor switches to control the intensity of the connected lighting load. The dimmer switch preferably includes a sensing circuit for detecting an electrical characteristic (i.e., either a voltage or a current) at a terminal of the dimmer to determine the state of the connected three-way switch(s) or four-way switch. The dimmer switch preferably controls the state of the semiconductor switch in response to either a toggle of any of the other switches in the system or an actuation of a toggle button of the dimmer switch. |
| US07687937B2 |
Control of small distributed energy resources
A method of controlling the output inverter of a microsource in a distributed energy resource system is disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include using unit or zone power controllers that reduce the operating frequency of the inverter to increase its unit output power. Preferred embodiments includes methods wherein the inverter reaches maximum output power and minimum operating frequency at the same time, and further comprising using a voltage controller implementing a voltage vs. reactive current droop. Other aspects of this embodiment relate to an inverter that implements such methods, and a microsource containing such an inverter. These methods can be extended to control inverters in a plurality of microsources, organized in a single zone or in a plurality of zones. |
| US07687935B2 |
Electrical power control system
An electrical power control system for use with a recreational vehicle or similar load to selectively control power thereto from either a utility power source or a generator power source comprising a power control stage coupled to the utility power source and the generator power source by a power supply stage to operate the electrical power control system and a utility/generator switch arrangement to selectively direct the power from either the utility power source or the generator power source to the recreational vehicle and wherein the power control stage monitors polarity, phase and voltage levels and controls the utility/generator switch arrangement to selectively feed power from either the utility power source or the generator power source to the recreational vehicle under a predetermined plurality of operating parameters or conditions and fault conditions. |
| US07687934B2 |
System and method for managing energy use in an electric vehicle
A method and system for using a secondary energy source with an electric or hybrid vehicle in a way that requires no interaction with the vehicle's on-board communications system or the vehicle's processors. The secondary energy source, which can be a battery pack or any energy storage device, can generally be charged at home or business using the 110 volt line. The energy from the secondary source can be metered into the system in a way that allows the primary battery state-of-charge to fluctuate normally. Most of the electrical energy propelling the vehicle can come from the secondary source. All of the regenerative energy from braking can go into the primary battery. A controller can control a regulator to regulate the amount of current flowing from the secondary source. |
| US07687933B2 |
Accessory power distribution module
A power distribution module for conveying power to one or more accessories is disclosed. The power distribution module includes a constant-hot power bus; an ignition-hot power bus; and at least one output terminal for conveying power to said one or more accessories, wherein the at least one output terminal is selectively capable of providing one of ignition-hot power to said one or more accessories from the ignition-hot power bus, and constant-hot power to said one or more accessories from the constant-hot power bus. |
| US07687932B2 |
Wind power generator and bearing structure therefor
The invention relates to a wind power current generator comprising a bearing, a tubular stator that carries a race of the bearing, a tubular rotor coaxial with the tubular stator that can rotate in relation to the stator, a hub connected to the rotor, and at least two blades radially extending away from the hub. According to the invention, the stator and the rotor are formed with substantially tubular cross sections and are concentric to one another. The opposing surfaces of the rotor and stator carry permanent magnets and windings. The stator and rotor extend beyond either side of the magnets and the windings in order to accommodate an antifriction bearing on at least one side. The tubular nature of the rotor and stator allows easy passage of workers within the generator for maintenance thereof and of the blades. Additionally, the tubular nature facilitates air flow through the structure and out the blades, cooling equipment within the structure and aiding de-icing of the blades. |
| US07687931B2 |
Wave energy megawatts harvester
A wave energy megawatts harvester that enables the average size ocean waves to rotate the flywheel and power generators to 1800 rpm using the unlimited ratios, combinations and automatic transmissions of the rpm multipliers including the ratchet bearings of the drive pulleys that prevent interference to the smooth operation of the flywheel for the production of large amounts of electric current that are supplied to the towns, cities and municipalities including an option of charging the unlimited number of power battery units of the hybrid motor vehicles and electric motor vehicles. |
| US07687927B2 |
Electrical systems architecture for an aircraft, and related operating methods
An electrical architecture for an aircraft is provided. The electrical architecture is particularly suitable for relatively small, compact, and lightweight aircraft. In one embodiment, the electrical architecture includes an electrical generator component coupled to the aircraft engine, and an air compression system coupled to the electrical generator component. The electrical generator component is configured to receive mechanical power from the engine and to generate a constant frequency AC electrical power from the engine mechanical power, and the air compression system is configured to receive the constant frequency AC power as an input and, in response thereto, produce a pressurized air output having variable characteristics (for example, a variable flow rate or a variable air pressure). |
| US07687926B2 |
Starter system for portable internal combustion engine electric generators using a portable universal battery pack
A portable power driven system has a manually movable frame. In one example, an internal combustion engine and a generator device that generates AC power are supported on the frame. The internal combustion engine drives the generator device. An electrically powered starting device is coupled to the internal combustion engine. A control panel is coupled to the frame and includes at least one AC outlet and a battery receptacle that is electrically coupled to the starting device. The battery receptacle is materially the same as a foot of a cordless power tool that receives a battery pack. According to one aspect, the battery pack for the cordless power tool may be permanently mounted in the battery receptacle and provides electrical power to the starting device. The battery receptacle may be contained in an enclosure. The enclosure may provide biasing members urging the battery pack into the battery receptacle. |
| US07687924B2 |
Multi-port memory device having serial input/output interface
A multi-port memory device includes a first package ball out region in which a plurality of balls for a serial I/O interface part are arranged; and a second package ball out region in which a plurality of balls for a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) part are arranged. |
| US07687921B2 |
High density memory device manufacturing using isolated step pads
An electronic device includes multiple IC dies stacked in an offset stacking arrangement on a substrate. Each IC die includes electrically isolated step pads that facilitates transmitting a dedicated signal between a (beginning) substrate bonding pad and a selected (terminal) contact pad of any die by way of short bonding wires that extend up the stack between the electrically isolated step pads. A memory devices includes stacked memory IC die, wherein “shared” signal transmission paths are formed by associated bonding wires that link corresponding contact pads of each memory die, and dedicated select/control signals are transmitted to each memory die by separate transmission paths formed in part by associated electrically isolated step pads. Substrate space overhung by the stack is used for passive components and IC dies. Memory controller die may be mounted on the stack and connected by dedicated transmission paths utilizing the electrically isolated step pads. |
| US07687917B2 |
Single damascene structure semiconductor device having silicon-diffused metal wiring layer
In a semiconductor device, an insulating interlayer having a groove is formed on an insulating underlayer. A silicon-diffused metal layer including no metal silicide is buried in the groove. A metal diffusion barrier layer is formed on the silicon-diffused metal layer and the insulating interlayer. |
| US07687915B2 |
Semiconductor device having crack stop structure
Example embodiments relate to semiconductor devices having a single body crack stop structure configured to reduce or prevent crack propagation and/or moisture penetration. A semiconductor substrate according to example embodiments may include an active region and a crack stop region surrounding the active region. Interlayer insulating layers may be sequentially stacked on the semiconductor substrate. The interlayer insulating layers may include first dual damascene patterns and a first opening. The first dual damascene patterns may be formed in the interlayer insulating layers so as to be perpendicular to the surface of the semiconductor substrate while exposing a first portion of the semiconductor substrate. The first opening may be formed in the crack stop region and may extend through the interlayer insulating layers to expose a second portion of the semiconductor substrate. First dual damascene metal wirings may be formed in the first dual damascene patterns and may contact the exposed first portion of the semiconductor substrate. A single body first crack stop structure may be formed in the first opening so as to contact the exposed second portion of the semiconductor substrate. |
| US07687913B2 |
Recovery of hydrophobicity of low-k and ultra low-k organosilicate films used as inter metal dielectrics
Often used to reduce the RC delay in integrated circuits are dielectric films of porous organosilicates which have a silica like backbone with alkyl or aryl groups (to add hydrophobicity to the materials and create free volume) attached directly to the Si atoms in the network. Si—R bonds rarely survive an exposure to plasmas or chemical treatments commonly used in processing; this is especially the case in materials with an open cell pore structure. When Si—R bonds are broken, the materials lose hydrophobicity, due to formation of hydrophilic silanols and low dielectric constant is compromised. A method by which the hydrophobicity of the materials is recovered using a novel class of silylation agents which may have the general formula (R2N)XSiR′Y where X and Y are integers from 1 to 3 and 3 to 1 respectively, and where R and R′ are selected from the group of hydrogen, alkyl, aryl, allyl and a vinyl moiety. Mechanical strength of porous organosilicates is also improved as a result of the silylation treatment. |
| US07687912B2 |
Semiconductor component comprising interconnected cell strips
A semiconductor component comprises a semiconductor body including a front side and a number of cell strips. Each of the cell strips includes a terminal zone of a first type arranged on the front side of the semiconductor body and a terminal zone of a second type arranged on the front side of the semiconductor body. A patterned first metallization layer, a patterned second metallization layer, and a patterned third metallization layer are arranged successively on the front side. A first plurality of conductive lines are formed in the first metallization layer and a second plurality of conductive lines are formed in the second metallization layer. The second plurality of conductive lines cross the first plurality of conductive lines at crossover locations. The second plurality of conductive lines are electrically conductively connected to the first plurality of conductive lines at predetermined crossover locations. |
| US07687909B2 |
Metal / metal nitride barrier layer for semiconductor device applications
A metal/metal nitride barrier layer for semiconductor device applications. The barrier layer is particularly useful in contact vias where high conductivity of the via is important, and a lower resistivity barrier layer provides improved overall via conductivity. |
| US07687908B2 |
Thin film electrode for high-quality GaN optical devices
A thin film electrode for ohmic contact of a p-type GaN semiconductor includes first and second electrode layers sequentially stacked on a p-type GaN layer. The first electrode layer may include an Ni-based alloy, a Cu-based alloy, a Co-based alloy, or a solid solution capable of forming a p-type thermo-electronic oxide or may include a Ni-oxide doped with at least one selected from Al, Ga, and In. The second electrode layer may include at least one selected from the group consisting of Au, Pd, Pt, Ru, Re, Sc, Mg, Zn, V, Hf, Ta, Rh, Ir, W, Ti, Ag, Cr, Mo, Nb, Ca, Na, Sb, Li, In, Sn, Al, Ni, Cu, and Co. Furthermore, a method of fabricating the thin film electrode is provided. |
| US07687902B2 |
Semiconductor device and a manufacturing method of the same
In a non-insulated DC-DC converter having a circuit in which a power MOS•FET high-side switch and a power MOS•FET low-side switch are connected in series, the power MOS•FET low-side switch and a Schottky barrier diode to be connected in parallel with the power MOS•FET low-side switch are formed within one semiconductor chip. The formation region SDR of the Schottky barrier diode is disposed in the center in the shorter direction of the semiconductor chip, and on both sides thereof, the formation regions of the power MOS•FET low-side switch are disposed. From the gate finger in the vicinity of both long sides on the main surface of the semiconductor chip toward the formation region SDR of the Schottky barrier diode, a plurality of gate fingers are disposed so as to interpose the formation region SDR between them. |
| US07687901B2 |
Heat dissipating fins opposite semiconductor elements
Electrode plates acting as a heat sink are arranged to sandwich a power transistor and a diode. Electrode plates at their surfaces opposite cooling elements at a portion opposite power transistor and diode are formed to be smaller in thickness at a portion adjacent to power transistor and diode substantially at the center than at a periphery. Cooling elements are disposed geometrically along electrode plates to sandwich electrode plates. |
| US07687900B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device and fabrication method for the same
The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes: an active element, an interlayer insulting film, first and second metal patterns made of a first metal layer formed right above the active element, first and second buses made of a second metal layer formed right above the first metal layer, and contact pads provided on the first and second buses. The contact pad has a probe testing region and a bonding region. |
| US07687899B1 |
Dual laminate package structure with embedded elements
An interconnect structure (i.e., an interposer) which is mounted and electrically connected to a bottom semiconductor package substrate either prior or subsequent to such bottom substrate being populate with one or more electronic components. Subsequently, a top semiconductor package substrate which may also be populated with one or more electronic components is mounted to the interposer, such that all of the electronic components are disposed between the top and bottom interposers. Thereafter, a suitable mold compound is injected between the top and bottom substrates, the mold compound flowing about the electronic components, between the BGA joints, and at least partially about the interposer, thus helping to lock the interposer in place in the completed semiconductor package. |
| US07687898B2 |
Stacked semiconductor package
A stacked semiconductor package, includes a carrier, a first semiconductor device, a second semiconductor device, a plurality of first wires and a plurality of second wires. The carrier has a plurality of electrically connecting portions. The first semiconductor device has a plurality of first pads. The second semiconductor device has a plurality of second pads. The second semiconductor device is disposed on the first semiconductor device. The first wires electrically connect the first pads of the first semiconductor device and the electrically connecting portions of the carrier, and the second wires electrically connect the second pads of the second semiconductor device and the electrically connecting portions of the carrier. The diameters of the second wires are larger than those of the first wires. Thus, the material of the wires is reduced, and the manufacturing cost is reduced. |
| US07687897B2 |
Mountable integrated circuit package-in-package system with adhesive spacing structures
A mountable integrated circuit package-in-package system is provided including mounting an adhesion spacer over an integrated circuit die and a package substrate, mounting an integrated circuit package system having an inner adhesion structure with the inner adhesion structure on the adhesion spacer, and forming a package encapsulation for covering the integrated circuit package system over the adhesion spacer. |
| US07687895B2 |
Workpiece with semiconductor chips and molding, semiconductor device and method for producing a workpiece with semiconductors chips
A workpiece has at least two semiconductor chips, each semiconductor chip having a first main surface, which is at least partially exposed, and a second main surface. The workpiece also includes an electrically conducting layer, arranged on the at least two semiconductor chips, the electrically conducting layer being arranged at least on regions of the second main surface, and a molding compound, arranged on the electrically conducting layer. In the molding compound a contact via is arranged. |
| US07687893B2 |
Semiconductor package having leadframe with exposed anchor pads
A semiconductor package including a leadframe which has one or more anchor pads formed on and/or defined by the die pad thereof. Such anchor pad(s) may be provided in any one of a multiplicity of different pad shapes, and are adapted to satisfy the required mechanical anchoring and thermal dissipation thresholds for the package, while still enabling high density circuit routing on the printed circuit board under the package. The leadframe of the semiconductor package further includes a plurality of leads which are segregated into at least two sets, with the leads of each set extending along and in spaced relation to respective ones of the peripheral edge segments defined by the die pad. Connected to the top surface of the die pad is at least one semiconductor die which is electrically connected to at least some of the leads of each set by conductive wires. The semiconductor die, the wires, and portions of the die pad and leads are encapsulated by a package body, the bottom surfaces of the anchor pads of the die pad and the bottom surfaces of the leads being exposed in or on a common exterior surface of the package body. |
| US07687892B2 |
Quad flat package
A semiconductor package includes a leadframe having first and second level downset lead extensions, a quad flat nonleaded package (QFN) attached to the first level downset lead extension, and a flip chip die attached to the second level downset lead extension. Another embodiment of a semiconductor package includes a leadframe having a lead, a first quad flat nonleaded package (QFN) connected to the lead, and a second quad flat nonleaded package invertly connected to a top surface of the first quad flat nonleaded package, wherein the second quad flat nonleaded package is wirebonded to the lead. A third embodiment of a semiconductor package includes a leadframe having a lead with a first level downset lead extension, a quad flat nonleaded package (QFN) connected to the first level downset lead extension, and a first wirebondable die attached to a top or bottom surface of the quad flat nonleaded package. |
| US07687879B2 |
Intermediate semiconductor device structure
The present invention relates to a method of forming a metal feature on an intermediate structure of a semiconductor device that comprises a first exposed metal structure and a second exposed metal structure. The metal feature is selectively formed on the first exposed metal structure without forming on the second exposed metal structure. By adjusting a concentration of stabilizer in an electroless plating solution, the metal feature is electrolessly plated on the first exposed metal structure without plating metal on the second exposed metal structure. |
| US07687875B2 |
Image sensors including photoelectric converting units having multiple impurity regions
An image sensor includes a semiconductor layer, and first and second photoelectric converting units including first and second impurity regions in the semiconductor layer that are spaced apart from each other and that are at about an equal depth in the semiconductor layer, each of the impurity regions including an upper region and a lower region. A width of the lower region of the first impurity region may be larger than a width of the lower region of the second impurity region, and widths of upper regions of the first and second impurity regions are equal. |
| US07687873B2 |
Photodiode and photo integrated circuit having the same
A photodiode comprises a support substrate, an insulating layer formed over the support substrate, a silicon semiconductor layer formed over the insulating layer and having a device forming area and device isolation areas which surround the device forming area, a device isolation layer formed in the device isolation areas, a P+ diffusion layer formed in the device forming area close to one edge lying inside the device isolation layer by diffusing a P-type impurity in a high concentration, an N+ diffusion layer spaced away from the P+ diffusion layer and formed in the device forming area close to the other edge opposite to the one edge of the device isolation layer by diffusing an N-type impurity in a high concentration, a low concentration diffusion layer formed in the device forming area located between the P+ diffusion layer and the N+ diffusion layer by diffusing an impurity of the same type as either one of the P+ diffusion layer and the N+ diffusion layer in a low concentration, and silicide layers respectively formed above the P+ diffusion layer and the N+ diffusion layer with being spaced away from a boundary between the low concentration diffusion layer and the P+ diffusion layer and a boundary between the low concentration diffusion layer and the N+ diffusion layer. |
| US07687871B2 |
Reduced dark current photodetector
A photo-detector comprising: a photo absorbing layer comprising an n-doped semiconductor exhibiting a valence band energy level; a barrier layer, a first side of the barrier layer adjacent a first side of the photo absorbing layer, the barrier layer exhibiting a valence band energy level substantially equal to the valence band energy level of the doped semiconductor of the photo absorbing layer; and a contact area comprising a doped semiconductor, the contact area being adjacent a second side of the barrier layer opposing the first side, the barrier layer exhibiting a thickness and a conductance band gap sufficient to prevent tunneling of majority carriers from the photo absorbing layer to the contact area and block the flow of thermalized majority carriers from the photo absorbing layer to the contact area. Alternatively, a p-doped semiconductor is utilized, and conductance band energy levels of the barrier and photo absorbing layers are equalized. |
| US07687867B2 |
Inexpensive method of fabricating a higher performance capacitance density MIMcap integrable into a copper interconnect scheme
A method to integrate MIM capacitors into conductive interconnect levels, with low cost impact, and high yield, reliability and performance than existing integration methods is provided. This is accomplished by recessing a prior level dielectric for MIM capacitor level alignment followed by deposition and patterning of the MIM capacitor films. Specifically, the method includes providing a substrate including a wiring level, the wiring level comprising at least one conductive interconnect formed in a dielectric layer; selectively removing a portion of the dielectric layer to recess the dielectric layer below an upper surface of the at least one conductive interconnect; forming a dielectric stack upon the at least one conductive interconnect and the recessed dielectric layer; and forming a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor on the dielectric stack. The MIM capacitor includes a bottom plate electrode, a dielectric and a top plate electrode. The bottom and top plate electrodes can comprise the same or different conductive metal. |
| US07687866B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor layer formed partially on a semiconductor substrate by epitaxial growth, an embedded oxide film embedded between the semiconductor substrate and the semiconductor layer, first and second gate electrodes disposed on sidewalls of the semiconductor layer, a source layer formed in the semiconductor layer and disposed in the first gate electrode, and a drain layer formed in the semiconductor layer and disposed in the second gate electrode, wherein the sidewalls of the semiconductor layer are film-forming surfaces of the epitaxial growth. |
| US07687864B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device, and apparatus and program for designing same
Disclosed are a design method and apparatus in which information regarding a cell is input, the cell having taps in a substrate surface, for supplying the potentials of respective ones of wells in which active elements are formed, and source diffusion regions in the substrate surface, conductivity types thereof being opposite those of the wells. The taps are converted to conductivity types identical with those of the source diffusion regions to obtain source regions and freely set the well potentials of the cell to any potentials. If the cell is one having shorting portions electrically connecting taps and sources and the shorting portions are diffusion regions of the same conductivity type as that of the taps, then the shorting portions are converted to conductivity types identical with those of the source diffusion regions to obtain source regions. |
| US07687863B2 |
Selective incorporation of charge for transistor channels
A device and method for selective placement of charge into a gate stack includes forming gate stacks including a gate dielectric adjacent to a transistor channel and a gate conductor and forming doped regions for transistor operation. A layer rich in a passivating element is deposited over the doped regions and the gate stack, and the layer rich the passivating element is removed from selected transistors. The layer rich in the passivating element is than annealed to drive-in the passivating element to increase a concentration of charge at or near transistor channels on transistors where the layer rich in the passivating element is present. The layer rich in the passivating element is removed. |
| US07687860B2 |
Semiconductor device including impurity regions having different cross-sectional shapes
There are provided a memory transistor having a select transistor with asymmetric gate electrode structure and an inverted T-shaped floating gates and a method for forming the same. A gate electrode of the select transistor adjacent to a memory transistor has substantially an inverted T-shaped figure, whereas the gate electrode of the select transistor opposite to the memory transistor has nearly a box-shaped figure. In order to form the floating gate of the memory transistor in shape of the inverted T, a region for the select transistor is closed when opening a region for the memory transistor. |
| US07687858B2 |
System and method for ESD protection
An integrated receiver with channel selection and image rejection substantially implemented on a single CMOS integrated circuit is described. A receiver front end provides programmable attenuation and a programmable gain low noise amplifier. Frequency conversion circuitry advantageously uses LC filters integrated onto the substrate in conjunction with image reject mixers to provide sufficient image frequency rejection. Filter tuning and inductor Q compensation over temperature are performed on chip. The filters utilize multi track spiral inductors. The filters are tuned using local oscillators to tune a substitute filter, and frequency scaling during filter component values to those of the filter being tuned. In conjunction with filtering, frequency planning provides additional image rejection. The advantageous choice of local oscillator signal generation methods on chip is by PLL out of band local oscillation and by direct synthesis for in band local oscillator. The VCOs in the PLLs are centered using a control circuit to center the tuning capacitance range. A differential crystal oscillator is advantageously used as a frequency reference. Differential signal transmission is advantageously used throughout the receiver. ESD protection is provided by a pad ring and ESD clamping structure that maintains signal integrity. Also provided are shunts at each pin to discharge ESD build up. The shunts utilize a gate boosting structure to provide sufficient small signal RF performance, and minimal parasitic loading. |
| US07687857B2 |
Integrated circuits
Integrated circuits and methods of forming field effect transistors are disclosed. In one aspect, an integrated circuit includes a semiconductor substrate comprising bulk semiconductive material. Electrically insulative material is received within the bulk semiconductive material. Semiconductor material is formed on the insulative material. A field effect transistor is included and comprises a gate, a channel region, and a pair of source/drain regions. In one implementation, one of the source/drain regions is formed in the semiconductor material, and the other of the source/drain regions is formed in the bulk semiconductive material. In one implementation, the electrically insulative material extends from beneath one of the source/drain regions to beneath only a portion of the channel region. Other aspects and implementations, including methodical aspects, are disclosed. |
| US07687856B2 |
Body bias to facilitate transistor matching
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for transistor matching. In this method, a channel is formed within a first transistor by applying a gate-source bias having a first polarity to the first transistor. The magnitude of a potential barrier in a pocket implant region of the first transistor is reduced by applying a body-source bias having the first polarity to the first transistor. Current flow is facilitated across the channel by applying a drain-source bias having the first polarity to the first transistor. Other methods and circuits are also disclosed. |
| US07687855B2 |
Semiconductor device having impurity region
To provide a semiconductor device that can effectively suppress the short channel effect without deterioration of carrier migration, an impurity ion is added from a direction of the <110> axis with respect to a silicon substrate on forming a punch through stopper under the gate electrode. In this invention, because the addition of the impurity is conducted by utilizing the principal of channeling, the impurity can be added with a small amount of scattering suppressing damage on the surface of the silicon substrate. A channel forming region having an extremely small impurity concentration and substantially no crystallinity disorder is formed. |
| US07687853B2 |
System and method for making a LDMOS device with electrostatic discharge protection
A semiconductor device includes one or more LDMOS transistors and one of more SCR-LDMOS transistors. Each LDMOS transistor includes a LDMOS well of a first conductivity type, a LDMOS source region of a second conductivity type formed in the LDMOS well, and a LDMOS drain region of a second conductivity type separated from the LDMOS well by a LDMOS drift region of the second conductivity type. Each SCR-LDMOS transistor comprising a SCR-LDMOS well of the first conductivity type, a SCR-LDMOS source region of the second conductivity type formed in the SCR-LDMOS well, a SCR-LDMOS drain region of a second conductivity type, and a anode region of the first conductivity type between the SCR-LDMOS drain region and the SCR-LDMOS drift region. The anode region is separated from the SCR-LDMOS well by a SCR-LDMOS drift region of the second conductivity type. |
| US07687849B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor integrated circuit device
Disclosed is a technique for reducing the leak current by reducing contamination of metal composing a polymetal gate of a MISFET. Of a polycrystalline silicon film, a WN film, a W film, and a cap insulating film formed on a gate insulating film on a p-type well (semiconductor substrate), the cap insulating film, the W film, and the WN film are etched and the over-etching of the polycrystalline silicon film below them is performed. Then, a sidewall film is formed on sidewalls of these films. Thereafter, after etching the polycrystalline silicon film with using the sidewall film as a mask, a thermal treatment is performed in an oxidation atmosphere, by which a light oxide film is formed on the sidewall of the polycrystalline silicon film. As a result, the contamination on the gate insulating film due to the W and the W oxide can be reduced, and also, the diffusion of these materials into the semiconductor substrate (p-type well) and the resultant increase of the leak current can be prevented. |
| US07687839B2 |
Scratch protection for direct contact sensors
In capacitive sensor circuits where physical contact is required and excess pressure may be inadvertently applied to the sensor surface, aluminum is not sufficiently hard to provide “scratch” protection and may delaminate, causing circuit failure, even if passivation integrity remains intact. Because hard passivation layers alone provide insufficient scratch resistance, at least the capacitive electrodes and preferably all metallization levels within the sensor circuit in the region of the capacitive electrodes between the surface and the active regions of the substrate are formed of a conductive material having a hardness greater than that of aluminum. The selected conductive material preferably has a hardness which is at least as great as the lowest hardness for any interlevel dielectric or passivation material employed. The selected conductive material is employed for each metallization level between the surface and the active regions, including contacts and vias, landing pads, interconnects, capacitive electrodes, and electrostatic discharge protection lines. Tungsten is a suitable conductive material, for which existing processes may be substituted in place of aluminum metallization processes. |
| US07687837B2 |
Image sensor and fabrication method thereof
An image sensor includes a substrate having an active pixel sensor region defined therein, a plurality of first conductivity type photodiodes formed in the active pixel sensor region and a first conductivity-type first deep well formed in the active pixel sensor region in a location which does not include the plurality of the first conductivity-type photodiodes. Moreover, the first deep well is electrically connected to a positive voltage. |
| US07687835B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
An LCD panel includes a plurality of gate lines and gate electrodes formed on a substrate and a gate insulating film formed on the substrate including the gate lines and the gate electrodes. A semiconductor film is formed in a region on the gate insulating film and an ohmic contact film formed on the semiconductor film. A plurality of data lines cross the gate lines; a source electrode is formed on the ohmic contact film; and a pixel electrode is formed in a pixel region defined by the gate and data lines. A drain electrode is formed on the ohmic contact film, and has an uneven width. Since a portion of drain electrode that overlaps with the gate electrode has a smaller width than a width of other portions of the drain electrode, variation in an area of the drain electrode overlapped with the gate electrode is small, so that variation of the parasitic capacitance can be reduced, thereby improving picture quality. |
| US07687834B2 |
Integrated circuit using complementary junction field effect transistor and MOS transistor in silicon and silicon alloys
This invention describes a method of building complementary logic circuits using junction field effect transistors in silicon. This invention is ideally suited for deep submicron dimensions, preferably below 65 nm. The basis of this invention is a complementary Junction Field Effect Transistor which is operated in the enhancement mode. The speed-power performance of the JFETs becomes comparable with the CMOS devices at sub-70 nanometer dimensions. However, the maximum power supply voltage for the JFETs is still limited to below the built-in potential (a diode drop). To satisfy certain applications which require interface to an external circuit driven to higher voltage levels, this invention includes the structures and methods to build CMOS devices on the same substrate as the JFET devices. |
| US07687833B2 |
Component containing a baw filter
A monolithic assembly of electronic components including a semiconductor substrate, at a first level above the substrate, at least one bulk acoustic wave resonator, at a second level above the resonator, a single-crystal semiconductor layer in which are formed semiconductor components, and recesses under the semiconductor layer portions arranged above the resonators. |
| US07687827B2 |
III-nitride materials including low dislocation densities and methods associated with the same
Semiconductor structures including one, or more, III-nitride material regions (e.g., gallium nitride material region) and methods associated with such structures are provided. The III-nitride material region(s) advantageously have a low dislocation density and, in particular, a low screw dislocation density. In some embodiments, the presence of screw dislocations in the III-nitride material region(s) may be essentially eliminated. The presence of a strain-absorbing layer underlying the III-nitride material region(s) and/or processing conditions can contribute to achieving the low screw dislocation densities. In some embodiments, the III-nitride material region(s) having low dislocation densities include a gallium nitride material region which functions as the active region of the device. The low screw dislocation densities of the active device region (e.g., gallium nitride material region) can lead to improved properties (e.g., electrical and optical) by increasing electron transport, limiting non-radiative recombination, and increasing compositional/growth uniformity, amongst other effects. |
| US07687821B2 |
Gallium nitride based light emitting diode
A GaN-based LED comprises a substrate; an an-type GaN layer formed on the substrate; an active layer formed on a predetermined region of the n-type GaN layer; a p-type GaN layer formed on the active layer; a transparent electrode formed on the p-type GaN layer; a p-electrode formed on the transparent electrode; an n-type electrode formed on the n-type GaN layer on which the active layer is not formed; and a protective film formed on a resulting structure between the transparent electrode and the n-type electrode, the protective film being composed of a plasma-oxidized transparent layer. |
| US07687813B2 |
Standing transparent mirrorless light emitting diode
An (Al, Ga, In)N light emitting diode (LED) in which multi-directional light can be extracted from one or more surfaces of the LED before entering a shaped optical element and subsequently being extracted to air. In particular, the (Al, Ga, In)N and transparent contact layers (such as ITO or ZnO) are embedded in or combined with a shaped optical element comprising an epoxy, glass, silicon or other material molded into an inverted cone shape, wherein most of the light entering the inverted cone shape lies within a critical angle and is extracted. In addition, the present invention stands the LED on end, i.e., rotates the position of the LED within the shaped optical element by approximately 90° as compared to a conventional LED, in order to extract light more effectively from the LED. The present invention also minimizes internal reflections within the LED by eliminating mirrors and/or mirrored surfaces, in order to minimize re-absorption of the LED's light by the emitting layer (or the active layer) of the LED. To assist in minimizing internal reflections, transparent electrodes, such as ITO or ZnO, may be used. Surface roughening by patterning or anisotropically etching (i.e., creating microcones) may also assist in light extraction, as well as minimizing internal reflections. |
| US07687811B2 |
Vertical light emitting device having a photonic crystal structure
A light emitting device having a vertical structure and a method for manufacturing the same, which are capable of increasing light extraction efficiency, are disclosed. The method includes forming a light extraction layer on a substrate, forming a plurality of semiconductor layers on the light extraction layer, forming a first electrode on the semiconductor layers, forming a support layer on the first electrode, removing the substrate, and forming a second electrode on a surface from which the substrate is removed. |
| US07687810B2 |
Robust LED structure for substrate lift-off
An etching step is performed on an LED/substrate wafer to etch through the LED epitaxial layers entirely around each LED on the substrate wafer to form a gap between each LED on the wafer. The substrate is not etched. When the LEDs/substrates are singulated, edges of each substrate extend beyond edges of the LED die. The LEDs are flip-chips and are mounted on a submount with the LED die between the submount and the substrate. An insulating underfill material is injected under the LED die and also covers the sides of the LED die and “enlarged” substrate. The substrate is then removed by laser lift-off. The raised walls of the underfill that were along the edges of the enlarged substrate are laterally spaced from the edges of the LED die so that a phosphor plate can be easily positioned on top to the LED die with a relaxed positioning tolerance. |
| US07687806B2 |
E-ink display and method for repairing the same
An E-ink display and method for repairing the same is provided. The method is for repairing a thin film transistor array substrate of the E-ink display. The thin film transistor array substrate having a plurality of pixel units is provided initially. Each of the pixel unit includes a thin film transistor and a pixel electrode. The thin film transistor has a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode. The gate electrode, the source electrode and the drain electrode are connected electrically to a scan line, a data line and the pixel electrode respectively. A portion of the pixel electrode is located above the scan line. Next, a repairing portion is formed at the space between the scan line and the pixel electrode. The repairing portion is utilized to electrically connect the pixel electrode and the scan line. |
| US07687802B2 |
Organic thin film transistor and organic light emitting display device including the same
An organic thin film transistor (OTFT) having a patterned organic semiconductor layer on top of an electrode wiring layer. In order to avoid damage to the underlying electrode wiring layer, the organic semiconductor layer is patterned so that none of the organic semiconductor layer is removed off the electrode wiring layer. The patterned organic semiconductor layer completely covers all of the underlying electrode wiring layer. The OTFT includes a gate electrode, source and drain electrodes insulated from the gate electrode and an organic semiconductor layer which is insulated from the gate electrode and is in contact with the source and drain electrodes, wherein the organic semiconductor layer completely covers the source and drain electrodes. In addition, an organic light emitting display device includes more than one OTFT as well as an organic light-emitting element electrically connected to the electrical conductor. |
| US07687801B2 |
Dopant material, dopant material manufacturing method, and semiconductor device using the same
It is to provide a thermodynamically and chemically stable dopant material which can achieve controls of the pn conduction types, carrier density, and threshold value of gate voltage, and a manufacturing method thereof. Further, it is to provide an actually operable semiconductor device such as a transistor with an excellent high-speed operability and high-integration characteristic. Provided is a dopant material obtained by depositing, on a carbon nanotube, a donor with a smaller ionization potential than an intrinsic work function of the carbon nanotube or an acceptor with a larger electron affinity than the intrinsic work function of the carbon nanotube. The ionization potential of the donor in vacuum is desired to be 6.4 eV or less, and the electron affinity of the acceptor in vacuum to be 2.3 eV or more. |
| US07687800B1 |
Excitation band-gap tuning of dopant based quantum dots with core-inner shell-outer shell
A composition and method for fabricating and tuning a dopant based core-shell semiconductor having a quantum dot core with an excitation band-gap are provided. A quantum dot core composed of an alloy of cadmium sulfide (CdS) and zinc sulfide (ZnS) as semi-conductor materials include a dopant of manganese (Mn) added to the core and an outer shell of zinc sulfide (ZnS). The dopant based core/shell quantum dot semiconductor of the present invention allows the fine tuning of an excitation band-gap, covering a wide range (from 2.4 eV to ˜4 eV). When doped with Mn, these alloy Qdots emit bright yellow/orange light. Tuning of the excitation band is accomplished by changing the alloy composition of the core. Based on photophysical studies a new core/shell/shell model is provided, in place of the traditional core/shell model. Due to the interfacial diffusion of the cations from the core and shell an intermediate alloy layer is formed providing an inner shell; this inner shell layer is the real host of the dopant ions. |
| US07687798B2 |
Epitaxy with compliant layers of group-V species
The present invention relates a method for epitaxial growth of a second group III-V crystal having a second lattice constant over a first group III-V crystal having a first lattice constant, wherein strain relaxation associated with lattice-mismatched epitaxy is suppressed and thus dislocation defects do not form. In the first step, the surface of the first group III-V crystal (substrate) is cleansed by desorption of surface oxides. In the second step, a layer of condensed group-V species is condensed on the surface of the first group III-V crystal. In the third step, a mono-layer of constituent group-III atoms is deposited over the layer of condensed group-V species in order for the layer of constituent group-III atoms to retain the condensed group-V layer. Subsequently, the mono-layer of group-III atoms is annealed at a higher temperature. In the fourth step, bulk of the second group III-V crystal is grown with the condensed group-V layer accommodating the strain build-up which occurs during the bulk growth. |
| US07687796B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming an integrated circuit electrode having a reduced contact area
A method and an apparatus for manufacturing a memory cell having a non-volatile resistive memory element with a limited size active area. The method comprises a first step of providing a dielectric volume and forming a plug opening within the dielectric volume. A recessed plug of a conductive material is then formed within a lower portion of the opening and a dielectric spacer is formed along the sidewalls of an upper portion of the opening. The spacer is cylindrical and has a central hole. A contact plug is subsequently formed within the central hole, the contact plug electrically coupled to the recessed plug. The contact plug can include a memory element or an additional memory element can be applied over the contact plug. |
| US07687793B2 |
Resistance variable memory cells
An inverted PCRAM cell is formed by plating the bottom electrode, made of copper for example, with a conductive material, such as silver. Chalcogenide material is disposed over the plated electrode and subjected to a conversion process so that ions from the plated material diffuse into the chalcogenide material. |
| US07687791B2 |
Ethernet data signal transmission apparatus
Data signal isolation apparatus comprising a first media converter adapted to convert outgoing electrical data signals into outgoing optical data signals, an optical data signal transmission means adapted to transmit said outgoing optical data signals, a second media converter adapted to convert said outgoing optical data signals back into outgoing electrical data signals, and an intrinsically safe power supply, in which the optical data signal transmission means comprises an electrical isolation gap, and in which the second media converter is powered by the intrinsically safe power supply. |
| US07687788B2 |
Debris prevention system, radiation system, and lithographic apparatus
A debris prevention system is constructed and arranged to prevent debris that emanates from a radiation source from propagating with radiation from the radiation source into or within a lithographic apparatus. The debris prevention system includes an aperture that defines a maximum emission angle of the radiation coming from the radiation source, and a first debris barrier having a radiation transmittance. The first debris barrier includes a rotatable foil trap. The debris prevention system also includes a second debris barrier that has a radiation transmittance. The first debris barrier is configured to cover a part of the emission angle and the second debris barrier is configured to cover another part of the emission angle. |
| US07687785B2 |
Ultraviolet sterilizer with a double-chamber structure
A UV sterilizer with a double-chamber structure comprises an inner tube and an outer tube with different size, the inner tube being partly surrounded by the outer tube thereby forming an inner chamber and an outer chamber, the inner chamber is the space encircled by the inner tube and the outer chamber is the annular space encircled by the overlapped portions of the inner tube and the outer tube; a first end portion of the inner tube is located outside the outer chamber and provided with a first water port, a second end portion of the inner tube is located inside the outer chamber and provided with a second water port communicating with the outer chamber; a first end portion of the outer tube is sealingly connected with the outer wall of the inner tube, while a second end portion of the outer tube is sealed; sleeved UV lamps are arranged in the outer chamber or in both the inner chamber and the outer chamber. |
| US07687781B2 |
External light shielding film and optical filter for display apparatus having the same
Disclosed is an external light shielding film. The external light shielding film comprises a transparent substrate; and an external light shielding pattern formed on a surface of the transparent substrate and including a plurality of external light shielding parts. Each of the plurality of external light shielding parts has a polymer resin and at least one color-changeable colorant. The color of the plurality of external light shielding parts may vary according to an external heat source or vary depending on an intensity of an external light source, thereby improving a contrast ratio in a bright room, and a specific color may be visible even when the power of the display apparatus is OFF, thereby achieving an interior decorative effect. |
| US07687778B2 |
Infrared receiver and electronic device
An infrared receiver includes a shielding member and an infrared detecting member. The shielding member has negative refractive power for diverging incident infrared rays. The infrared detecting member includes a main body formed with a convex surface having positive refractive power and an infrared sensor enclosed in the main body. The infrared sensor receives infrared rays converged by the convex surface, and converts received infrared rays to electrical signals. |
| US07687777B2 |
Aperture assembly for use with a photosensor system and a securing mechanism for the aperture assembly
A cost-effective photosensor system for rotor position detection includes securing an aperture assembly to an off-the-shelf infrared radiation-emitting component and/or an off-the-shelf infrared radiation-detecting component. The application discloses an aperture assembly that may be stamped from a thin, opaque, elongated piece of plastic having an aperture window through which a radiation beam may pass and be focused. The aperture assembly also has a locking system for securing the assembly to the off-the-shelf photosensor system component, and an alignment system to direct the infrared radiation beam. A replaceable stamped aperture assembly for use in a rotor-sensing system and a method of providing a replaceable aperture assembly and securing it to an infrared component of a photosensor system are also disclosed. |
| US07687771B2 |
High sensitivity mass spectrometer interface for multiple ion sources
An interface for mass spectrometers. The interface uses non coaxial sampling pathways of the analyte ion beam prior to entering the entrance of a mass spectrometer for decreasing chemical background, and can be done in such a way as to permit multiple sprayers, increasing sample throughput and sensitivity for LC/MS (liquid chromatography/MS). The interface includes an ion source having an exit from which a beam of analyte ions are emitted, a curtain plate and an aperture in the curtain plate member, an orifice plate having an orifice therein. The orifice plate is being spaced from the curtain plate member defining a flow passageway therebetween, and the aperture in the orifice plate is aligned with a sample entrance to a first vacuum stage of a mass spectrometer maintained substantially lower than atmospheric pressure. The aperture in the curtain plate member is non coaxially aligned with the orifice in the orifice plate and the interface includes a gas flow mechanism for directing a counter flow gas into the flow passageway. |
| US07687768B2 |
Mechanical joint having optical interconnection
A mechanical joint having at least first and second joint elements arranged in contact with each other. A first surface of the first joint element abuts a second surface of the second joint element and is at least partially provided with at least one optically emitting module. The respective abutting second surface of the second element is provided, at least in part, with at least one optically receiving module. |
| US07687765B2 |
Encoder including a two dimensional photo-detector having two signal processing sections for pixels in a first and a second direction
The present invention relates to an encoder capable of detecting an absolute value of an angle of rotation or the like of a target to be measured by a simple configuration with high accuracy. In the encoder, a photodetecting region of a photodetecting device and regions to be detected arranged on a scale plate satisfy a relational expression of W/2 |
| US07687764B1 |
Fiber optic sensors for composite pressure tanks with micro bend pinch points
A low-cost fiber-optic sensor system for composite pressure tanks detects structural degradation of composite material pressure tanks. Light power attenuation in embedded optical fiber simulates tank volume change and replaces hydrostatic tank testing. Current U.S. Department of Transportation rules require that all pressure tanks be hydrostatically tested to verify structural integrity. Tanks do not have to be removed from service for testing. With the invention, testing can be done in-situ. For composite LNG tanks used on vehicles or emergency inflation devices used on aircraft for escape ramps, in-situ testing offers substantial maintenance cost savings. because of the simplicity of the test procedure, more frequent structural checks can be made economically to improve the safe operation of composite tanks. |
| US07687759B2 |
Slotted microchannel plate (MCP)
A microchannel plate (MCP) for an image intensifier includes an active portion having an input surface area for receiving electrons and an output surface area for outputting multiplied electrons. The input and output surface areas are oriented horizontally with respect to each other and spaced by a vertical distance. A non-active portion surrounds the active portion of the MCP. The non-active portion includes at least one slot extending vertically into the non-active portion and extending horizontally to form a horizontal slotted area. When the MCP is positioned vertically above an electron sensing device having wires looping vertically above the electron sensing device, the slot is configured to receive a portion of the wires, resulting in a vertical clearance between the MCP and the electron sensing device. The wires loop a vertical looping distance above a surface of the electron sensing device, and a portion of the vertical looping distance is configured to be received within the slot of the MCP. The horizontal slotted area may be a rectangle, and the input and output surface areas may also be rectangles. |
| US07687754B2 |
Scanning device for carrying out a 3D scan of a dental model, sliding panel therefore, and method therefor
The invention relates to a scanning system for carrying out a 3D scan of a tooth model, comprising an imaging device and a positioning system in the form of a sliding panel which can be positioned and has first locking means. On the locking panel there are provided second locking means which interact with the first locking means such that the sliding panel can assume one of several specified positions relative to the locking panel and locks in the selected position.The invention also relates to a sliding panel for scanning dental models which has means for mounting the dental model and stands on projections disposed on its underside.The invention also relates to a method of producing a 3D scan of a tooth model by the following steps: creating a first image of said object to be scanned at a precisely defined locked position, moving said sliding panel to at least one further precisely defined locked position and creating another image at each such position, and creating a 3D data set by evaluating the images produced at said at least two different, precisely defined positions. |
| US07687751B2 |
Enhancement of aimpoint in simulated training systems
Embodiments of the invention, therefore, provide improved systems and methods for tracking targets in a simulation environment. Merely by way of example, an exemplary embodiment provides a reflected laser target tracking system that tracks a target with a video camera and associated computational logic. In certain embodiments, a closed loop algorithm may be used to predict future positions of targets based on formulas derived from prior tracking points. Hence, the target's next position may be predicted. In some cases, targets may be filtered and/or sorted based on predicted positions. In certain embodiments, equations (including without limitation, first order equations and second order equations) may be derived from one or more video frames. Such equations may also be applied to one or more successive frames of video received and/or produced by the system. In certain embodiments, these formulas also may be used to compute predicted positions for targets; this prediction may, in some cases, compensate for inherent delays in the processing pipeline. |
| US07687748B2 |
Induction cook top system with integrated ventilator
An indoor or outdoor induction cook top system with integrated downdraft or telescoping ventilator uses cross flow or centrifugal blower technology. The system is controlled by an electronic or mechanical controller through a touch device, a slide, or knob. These provide precise control and an efficient way of removal of gases/fumes. A smooth glass cook top incorporates the induction hobs and a downdraft. The ventilator's blower assembly has a fan and a filter. The system uses sensors to detect temperature, fire, effluent, filter change requirements, fan speed, power, and voltage. The system has programmable operations and numerous set points. |
| US07687746B2 |
Electrical initiation of an energetic nanolaminate film
A heating apparatus comprising an energetic nanolaminate film that produces heat when initiated, a power source that provides an electric current, and a control that initiates the energetic nanolaminate film by directing the electric current to the energetic nanolaminate film and joule heating the energetic nanolaminate film to an initiation temperature. Also a method of heating comprising providing an energetic nanolaminate film that produces heat when initiated, and initiating the energetic nanolaminate film by directing an electric current to the energetic nanolaminate film and joule heating the energetic nanolaminate film to an initiation temperature. |
| US07687745B2 |
Fluid line
A fluid line with a pipe provided with a sleeve of a woven or braided fabric, wherein the pipe, in turn, includes at least one conductor. In the finished state of the fluid line, the sleeve immediately surrounds the pipe and each conductor is loosely arranged in the sleeve. In accordance with another embodiment, the at least one conductor forms the sleeve. |
| US07687742B2 |
Wire gripper for a drive unit of a wire feeder
A gripping device is disclosed for a set of pinch rollers used in a wire feeder that supplies a welding operation with a consumable welding wire. The welding wire passes between the pinch rollers whereby the pinch rollers engage the wire with a gripping force and incrementally rotate to control the outflow of the wire to the welding operation. The gripping device has a first member which is displaceable relative to a second member and a spring mechanism extending between the first and second members which has at least a first and a second spring modulus. The spring mechanism produces the gripping force as the first and the second members are displaced toward one another. The gripper urges one roller of the set of pinch rollers toward the other roller of the set to engage the wire and to apply the gripping force. By including a spring mechanism with a first and second spring modulus, the gripper can apply a first range of gripping forces with the force produced by the first spring modulus and a second range of gripping forces with the force produced by the second spring modulus. |
| US07687741B2 |
Triggering events in a welder with a real-time clock
Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate inducing one or more actions, such as generation of a shift report data related to construction device(s), via detection of specified triggering events. The system comprises a triggering component that determines whether a triggering event has occurred a control component that initiates an action in response to the triggering event. Triggering events can comprise specific times of day as determined by a real-time clock that can be associated with a construction/fabrication device, such as a welder. Additionally, actions responsive to triggering events can be tagged for human approval prior to initiation in order to provide system flexibility. |
| US07687740B2 |
Semiconductor structure processing using multiple laterally spaced laser beam spots delivering multiple blows
Methods and systems process a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of structures to be selectively irradiated with multiple laser beams. The structures are arranged in a plurality of substantially parallel rows extending in a generally lengthwise direction. The method generates a first laser beam that propagates along a first laser beam axis that intersects a first target location on or within the semiconductor substrate. The method also generates a second laser beam that propagates along a second laser beam axis that intersects a second target location on or within the semiconductor substrate. The second target location is offset from the first target location in a direction perpendicular to the lengthwise direction of the rows by some amount such that, when the first target location is a structure on a first row of structures, the second target location is a structure or between two adjacent structures on a second row distinct from the first row. The method moves the semiconductor substrate relative to the first and second laser axes in a direction approximately parallel to the rows of structures, so as to pass the first target location along the first row to irradiate for a first time selected structures in the first row, and so as to simultaneously pass the second target location along the second row to irradiate for a second time structures previously irradiated by the first laser beam during a previous pass of the first target location along the second row. |
| US07687739B2 |
Seal structure for a wire-cut electric discharge machine
A seal structure channels drainage of machining fluid from the periphery of an opening for a lower arm of a wire-cut electric discharge machine. The seal structure restricts flowage to the outside of machining fluid through the opening (slot) in a side of a machining tank and has a first seal and a second seal (a seal plate) affixed to the first seal so as to cover the opening. An unevenly shaped part including ridges and grooves extending in the long direction of the first seal is formed on the first seal, and passages are provided that communicate with the groove and the outside to channel the machining fluid drainage path. The first seal may be composed of a plurality of members. A suction device sucks up machining fluid draining from the passages. |
| US07687736B2 |
Tensioned touch panel and method of making same
A tensioned touch panel includes a support structure having a substrate with a generally planer conductive surface disposed thereon and an insulating spacer generally about the periphery of the substrate. A pretensioned conductive member overlies the support structure. The spacer separates the conductive membrane and the conductive surface thereby to define an air gap therebetween. A conductive membrane is secured to the support structure under sufficient tension to inhibit slack from developing in the conductive membrane as a result of changes in environmental conditions. A method of assembling a tensioned touch panel is also provided. |
| US07687734B2 |
Dome switch with integral actuator
A dome switch structure that includes an actuator integrally formed with a dome is disclosed. Advantageously, the actuator can be formed so as to be positioned over and properly aligned with the dome. In one embodiment, the dome switch structure is used by an electronic device to provide user input. When the actuator is pressed by a user, the actuator depresses the dome and induces a switching action. In one embodiment, the dome switch structures can be manufactured (i.e., machined) as a unitary structure. Consequently, since actuators and domes can be formed together, the dome switch structures yield not only consistent accurate alignment but also simplified assembly of dome switches. Given the accurate alignment of an actuator to a corresponding dome, dome switches formed from the dome switch structures can have consistent and reliable tactile feel to users, which thereby provides reliable usage by users. |
| US07687730B2 |
Operating switch unit for use in automotive vehicle
A switch panel including a switch unit is mounted on a dashboard of an automotive vehicle. The switch unit has switches for operating devices mounted on the vehicle and ornamental members disposed between the switches. The ornamental member is composed of a base portion and a portion extending from the base portion. Front surfaces of the extending portion and the base portion are covered with an ornamental light-reflecting layer. The front surface of the extending portion is positioned flush with a touch surface of the switch. The front surface of the base portion is sloped so that light incident thereon is reflected toward a direction not in parallel to a gap formed between the extending portion and the switch. The light reflected on the sloped surface is invisible while the front surface of the extending portion is clearly visible, enhancing ornamental design effects of the switch unit. |
| US07687725B2 |
Corrosion resistant faraday cage electronic enclosure assembly
A corrosion resistant Faraday cage assembly includes an electrically conductive cover and a coated die cast housing having a ledge extending around the perimeter of the housing. A fence is positioned adjacent to the ledge and a track is positioned between the ledge and the fence. A plurality of serrated contact points are positioned on the fence and are used for making electrical contact with the electrically conductive cover extending over the track. The contact points are either masked prior to the protective coating process or they are mechanically or chemically modified afterward to expose a plurality of electrically-conductive surfaces to be in contact with the electrically-conductive cover. |
| US07687723B2 |
Mounting substrate and microphone mounted thereon
To provide a mounting substrate that requires a reduced amount of solder and reduces a thermal effect of solder on the interior of an electronic component, and a microphone to be mounted on the substrate. A mounting substrate according to the present invention includes: a solder part formed on a part of an electrode formed on the mounting substrate; a resist film formed to prevent the solder of the solder part from flowing out of a predetermined range; and a gas-escape groove that is constituted by the absence of the electrode and the resist film and allows gas produced during soldering to escape. |
| US07687717B2 |
Coaxial cable including tubular bimetallic inner layer with bevelled edge joint and associated methods
A coaxial cable may include an inner conductor, an outer conductor, and a dielectric material layer therebetween. The inner conductor may include a tubular bimetallic layer having a pair of opposing longitudinal edges at a longitudinal seam. The tubular bimetallic layer may include an inner metal layer and an outer metal layer bonded thereto with the inner metal layer having a lower melting point than the outer layer. At least one of the opposing longitudinal edges of the tubular bimetallic layer may be at least partially bevelled. In addition, the longitudinal seam may include a welded joint between at least portions of the opposing longitudinal edges. |
| US07687711B2 |
Electronic device
An entertainment device or other electronic device having an outward shape improved in functionality compared with that in the related art are provided. The electronic device includes a main housing that is formed in an approximately elliptical cylinder form, and disposed in a such a manner that a longitudinal direction is approximately horizontal to a setting surface, and has medium insertion ports for inserting a portable information storage medium such as an optical disk, and an approximately boxlike base portion attached to a lower portion of the main housing. |
| US07687708B2 |
Photovoltaic cell having a coating film provided on a photovoltaic element and manufacturing method thereof
In a photovoltaic cell composed of a photovoltaic element and a coating film provided thereon, the photovoltaic element has an electrode portion or portions having a thickness larger than the average thickness of the coating film, and in addition, the thickness of the coating film which is in contact with the electrode portion or portions is equal to or smaller than the average thickness described above. |
| US07687704B2 |
Thermoelectric generator for internal combustion engine
A thermoelectric generator that reduces the size of an entire exhaust apparatus for an internal combustion engine, while ensuring the amount of electric power generated by a thermoelectric generation element and the purging effect of a catalyst device. The thermoelectric generator includes a catalyst device, arranged in the exhaust passage, for purging exhaust. A thermoelectric generation element, which is arranged on the catalyst device, converts thermal energy of the exhaust passing through the exhaust passage to electric energy. The thermoelectric generation element is arranged at a downstream portion of the catalyst device with respect to the flow of the exhaust. |
| US07687702B2 |
System and method for teaching music
A system for teaching music and an associated method of teaching music. The system and method for teaching music use multiple bodies that are each associated with a unique letter that corresponds to the letters A through G from the Latin alphabet and each body has a natural music notes on at least the top or bottom face and an accidental music note of the same letter on at least the front or back face. |
| US07687699B2 |
Drum stick holder
The present invention relates to a holder for drum sticks, drum brushes, mallets and other such percussion implements for playing percussion instruments. The drum stick holder (1), comprising a plurality of substantially parallel tubular sleeves (2), each sleeve being joined to at least one adjacent sleeve and having an entrance (7, 9) with dimensions suitable for receiving just one drum stick, wherein each sleeve (2) is formed from an elastomeric material so that each sleeve may grip a drum stick inserted into the sleeve (2). |
| US07687698B2 |
Apparatus for adjusting neck angle of guitar
Disclosed is an apparatus for adjusting a neck angle of a guitar. The apparatus comprises a support block having a receiving groove into which the neck is inserted. The support block is installed inside a lateral plate. A reinforcing plate is installed at bottom of the receiving groove of the support block. The reinforcing plate includes a central plate, a fixed plate fixed to a front face of the support block, and a guide plate guiding rotating of the neck. An adjustment device includes an adjustment bolt inserted into an adjustment hole and a thread portion formed in the adjustment hole of the central plate of the reinforcing plate so as to be thread-fastened with the adjustment bolt. A fixing device includes a fixing bolt inserted into a fixing hole and a fixing nut fixed inside the neck body and thread-fastened with the fixing bolt. |
| US07687696B2 |
Tonally improved hollow body stringed instrument
The present invention is a hollow body stringed musical instrument that utilizes a low mass, soundboard having a 12 to 25 foot radius dome configuration. The soundboard is made of a three ply torsion box design utilizing a honeycomb stiffening layer as the central core. Linear adjustable tuning braces are incorporated in the hollow body. The side and back of the instrument are also of a three ply construction having a polymer ir inorganic foam as the central layer. (Preferably this will be a closed cell foam.) The back also has a domed configuration with a 12 to 15 foot radius. All structural braces are eliminated from the interior of the instrument's body. |
| US07687692B2 |
Hammer shank and shank butt for piano
A hammer shank and a separate shank butt component for a grand piano hammer assembly with increased rigidity, reduced inertia, and the collateral benefits of increased efficiency of manufacture and maintenance. Hammer shank comprises a long cylindrical member that is connected at one end to a traditional grand piano hammer and at the other end to a novel shank butt. Shank butt comprises: a hammer shank hole, a knuckle slot, a set of two flange attachment holes, and a void area. A traditional grand piano knuckle is attached to the knuckle slot. The shank butt is connected to the repetition flange of the piano. The invention provides the capability for a piano to be played with less touch weight on the keys and therefore provides a more responsive piano keyboard. The invention also allows for full “retrofitability” of hammer assembly into all existing grand piano brands. Embodiments include a composite shank butt that is a molded article and a composite hammer shank that is an extruded or molded article. |
| US07687690B2 |
Rice mutant allele
A rice mutant allele designated phd is disclosed. The invention relates to rice seeds containing mutant allele phd, to rice plants containing allele phd and to methods for producing a rice plant containing the mutant allele phd produced by crossing a rice plant containing allele phd with itself or another rice variety. The invention further relates to hybrid rice seeds and hybrid rice plants containing mutant allele phd. |
| US07687689B2 |
Plants and seeds of corn variety CV580523
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV580523. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV580523, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV580523 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 CV580523 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 CV580523. |
| US07687685B2 |
Soybean variety D5703684
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated D5703684. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety D5703684. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety D5703684 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety D5703684 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US07687683B2 |
Sweetpotato expansin cDNA and high-yield transgenic plants using the same
Disclosed herein are a sweetpotato expansin cDNA (IbExpansin), a plant transformation vector carrying the same, and a transgenic plant comprising the vector. The transgenic Arabidopsis, prepared using the IbExpansin cDNA, outgrows the wild-type, thereby increasing in size and seed production up to three times. Thus, the gene is useful in the generation of highly productive transgenic plants for improvement in biomass and/or seed production. |
| US07687680B2 |
Absorbent article having a multilayer blended core and a method of forming
An absorbent article, such as a thin incontinence pad or pantyliner, is disclosed which has an absorbent core formed from multiple layers of blended material for providing protection against involuntary urine loss. A method of forming the absorbent article is also disclosed. The absorbent article includes a liquid permeable bodyside liner, a liquid-impermeable baffle, and first and second absorbents positioned between the liner and the baffle. The first absorbent is a stabilized material containing a superabsorbent and has a predetermined basis weight. The second absorbent is also a stabilized material containing a superabsorbent. The second absorbent is positioned below the first absorbent and has a basis weight that is at least equal to the basis weight of the first absorbent. |
| US07687679B2 |
Absorbent wearing article and flexible structural unit available thereto
An absorbent wearing article includes a liquid-absorbent structure and an excrement receiving structure having a plurality of passages defined by flexible walls formed from flexible sheets and disposed along a liquid-absorbent surface of the liquid-absorbent structure. |
| US07687674B2 |
Low temperature process for recovering and producing para-xylene and heat exchange network therefore
Recent experimental work with currently available adsorbents indicates that operating the adsorption section at lower temperatures improves the para-xylene productivity. As a result, an aromatics complex and heat recovery network for a low temperature adsorptive separation-isomerization loop is disclosed resulting in adsorbents savings in combination with higher capacity thereby enabling smaller adsorbents chambers, a smaller total heat exchanger area and a lower heat exchanger shell count. |
| US07687671B2 |
Integrated oxygenate conversion and product cracking
Improved processing of an oxygenate-containing feedstock for increased production or yield of light olefins. Such processing involves oxygenate conversion to olefins and subsequent cracking of heavier olefins wherein at least a portion of the products from each of the reactors is elevated in pressure, using a common compressor, prior to being routed to a common product fractionation and recovery section. In one particular embodiment, the cracked product gas can be treated to remove acid gas therefrom. In another embodiment, the olefin cracking reactor is a moving bed reactor. |
| US07687669B2 |
Method for direct-oxygenation of alkane gases
A method for alkyl oxygenate (e.g., methanol) manufacture via partial oxidation of alkane (methane) uses an injectively-mixed backmixing reaction chamber in fluid communication with a tubular-flow reactor. Alkyl free radicals are induced in the backmixing reaction chamber prior to being fed through a flow-restriction baffle to the tubular-flow reactor. Injective intermixing of feed streams agitates the backmixing reaction chamber. In one embodiment, a variable position flow restriction baffle is axially moved to commensurately modify the backmixing reaction chamber and tubular-flow reactor volumes. In another embodiment, the tubular-flow reactor is quenched with a variable position quenching input. The method further provides for condensing the output stream from the reaction system in a condensing scrubber and also for recycling a portion of the scrubbed output stream to the reactor system. |
| US07687663B2 |
Recovery of noble metals from aqueous process streams
This invention generally relates to processes for recovering solubilized noble metals from aqueous process streams, in particular, aqueous process streams generated in the preparation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine product, for example, by noble metal-catalyzed oxidation of an N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid substrate. The process includes contacting the aqueous process stream with a noble metal adsorption media such as an ion exchange resin to remove solubilized noble metal from the process stream. |
| US07687662B2 |
Proteasome inhibitors
The present invention provides novel compounds useful as proteasome inhibitors. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various diseases. |
| US07687661B2 |
Method for conversion of β-hydroxy carbonyl compounds
A process is disclosed for conversion of salts of β-hydroxy carbonyl compounds forming useful conversion products including, e.g., α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and/or salts of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. Conversion products find use, e.g., as feedstock and/or end-use chemicals. |
| US07687660B2 |
Process for preparing intermediates of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
The present invention relates to intermediates of rosuvastatin and processes for the production thereof. |
| US07687656B2 |
Asymmetric synthesis of (S)-(+)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid
The invention encompasses processes for the synthesis of (S)-(+)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid, (S)-Pregabalin, and intermediates of (S)-Pregabalin. |
| US07687654B2 |
Silane-based resins that can be photochemically and/or thermally structured, single-step method for their production, parent compounds and production methods that can be used for said resins
A silane resin that can be structured photochemically and/or thermally is obtained by at least partial condensation of a mixture of a) at least one silane compound RaR2bSiX4-a-b wherein R is a group polymerizable photochemically and/or thermally via an organic group by radical or cationic polymerization; R2 is a straight-chain, branched, or cyclic C1-C12 alkyl group; X is identical or different and is a leaving group; a is 1 or 2; b is 0 or 1; a+b is not more than 2; and b) at least one silanediol R12Si(OH)2 wherein R1 is identical or different and is a straight-chain, branched, or cyclic C1-C12 alkyl group or a group polymerizable photochemically and/or thermally via an organic group by radical or cationic polymerization, provided the group does not contain aryl. The silane resins have dielectric properties useful in extremely high frequency applications. |
| US07687652B2 |
Sphingomyelin, intermediates thereof and methods for preparation of same
Novel cyclic and acyclic oxazaphospholanes are described, as well as their use in the synthesis of sphingomyelin and sphingomyelin analogous. The production of synthetic sphingomyelins is also described. 2S, 3R stereoisomers of oxazaphospholanes and sphingomyelins, and synthetic methods for their preparation are described. |
| US07687650B2 |
Chemical compositions and methods of making them
Metal complex salts of the coordination elements listed in Groups IIIA to VIIIA, Groups IB to IIIB, of periods 4 and 5 and aluminum in Group IIIB, period 3 of The Periodic Table of the Elements, obtained as the reaction products of polyfunctional acids with two or more of such elements are described. Copper-zinc malonates and a process for their preparation are disclosed. |
| US07687649B2 |
Polyglycerol, polyglycerol/fatty acid ester, and processes for producing these
The present invention relates to a polyglycerol significantly reduced in content of a polyglycerol having a cyclic structure formed by removal of a water molecule from a polyglycerol molecule, and to a fatty acid ester of a polyglycerol having excellent surface activity. 2 mole or more of glycidol and a catalyst are successively added to 1 mole of glycerol for a reaction to obtain a polyglycerol, in which a ratio of [total polyglycerol (1)] to [total polyglycerol (2) having a cyclic structure] is [70% or more]/[30% or less] (the total of both is 100% by weight) in terms of an intensity ratio determined by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry; and an average polymerization degree “n” is 2 or more. A reaction of a polyglycerol with a fatty acid provides the corresponding a fatty acid ester of the polyglycerol. |
| US07687648B2 |
Biomass extracts with protein and nutritional value
Biomass extracts with high protein and nutritional value and methods for making the same are disclosed. Such extracts may include cakes with low residual oil and high levels of desirable constituents and oils that require little to no downstream processing upon extraction from the biomass. Also includes methods of extracting desirable products from an oil bearing biomass. |
| US07687643B2 |
Process for preparing 3,3-dimethylindolines
Selected amines are effective for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases, such as angiogenesis mediated diseases. The invention encompasses novel compounds, analogs, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for prophylaxis and treatment of diseases and other maladies or conditions involving, cancer and the like. The subject invention also relates to processes for making such compounds as well as to intermediates useful in such processes. |
| US07687639B2 |
Substituted benzimidazoles and imidazo-[4,5]-pyridines
2-Aryl substituted benzimidazoles and imidazo[4,5]pyridines are disclosed as inhibitors of Cds1 and useful as adjuvants to chemotherapy or radiation therapy in the treatment of cancer. |
| US07687638B2 |
Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors
Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, kits and methods are provided for use with DPP-IV and other S9 proteases that comprise a compound of the formula: wherein the substituents are as defined herein. |
| US07687635B2 |
Metal complexes useful in metathesis and other reactions
This invention provides metal complexes being useful as catalyst components in metathesis reactions and in reactions involving the transfer of an atom or group to an ethylenically or acetylenically unsaturated compound or another reactive substrate and, with respect to a sub-class thereof, for the polymerisation of α-olefins and optionally conjugated dienes, with high activity at moderate tempera-tures. It also provides methods for obtaining polymers with very narrow molecular weight distribution by means of a living reaction. It also provides methods for making said metal complexes and novel intermediates involved in such methods. It further provides derivatives of said metal complexes which are suitable for covalent bonding to a carrier, the product of such covalent bonding being useful as a supported catalyst for heterogeneous catalytic reactions. It also provides a direct one-step synthesis of pyrrole, furan and thiophene compounds from diallyl compounds. |
| US07687630B2 |
Method for producing optically active quinuclidinols having one or more substituted groups at the 2-position
The invention provides a method for producing optically active 3-quinuclidinols having one or more substituted groups at the 2-position; wherein 3-quinuclidinones having one or more substituted groups at the 2-position are reacted with compounds providing hydrogen in the presence of a certain metal complex. |
| US07687628B2 |
Method of preparing 4-amino-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinolines and acid addition salts thereof
The present invention provides a method of preparing a 4-(arylmethyl)amino-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline of formula (4) by reacting an arylmethylamine of formula (3) with a 4-chloro-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline of formula (2). The present invention further provides a method of preparing an acid addition salt of formula (5) comprising the step of hydrolyzing a 4-(arylmethyl)amino-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline of formula (4) with a strong acid, HX. The present invention further provides a method of preparing a 4-amino-1H-imidazo(4,5-c)quinoline of formula (1) comprising the step of treating an acid addition salt of formula (5) with a base. |
| US07687627B2 |
Substituted piperidino phenyloxazolidinones having antimicrobial activity with improved in vivo efficacy
The present invention provides agents having antimicrobial activity for preventing and treating infectious diseases. Thus, the present invention provides novel substituted piperidino phenyloxazolidinone derivatives, processes for making compounds as well as antimicrobial compositions containing said derivatives as active ingredients and methods of treating bacterial infections with the said derivatives. |
| US07687624B2 |
Process for the production of N-arylmorpholinones
The invention relates to a method for production of compounds of formula (I), where X has the meaning given in claim 1 and precursors for the same. |
| US07687621B2 |
Process for regenerating catalyst for producing e-caprolactam and process for producing e-caprolactam
The present invention provides a process for regenerating a catalyst for producing e-caprolactam comprising the steps of adsorbing a silicon compound on a zeolite catalyst that had been used for a Beckmann rearrangement reaction of cyclohexanone oxime and contacting the catalyst with an aqueous solution containing a compound selected from a quaternary ammonium compound, lower alkylamines and ammonia. The present invention also provides a process for producing e-caprolactam comprising subjecting cyclohexanone oxime to the Beckmann rearrangement reaction in the presence of the catalyst thus regenerated. |
| US07687619B2 |
Room temperature stable agarose solutions
Room temperature stable, non-gelling polysaccharide solutions such as agaroses, dextrans and cyclodextrans are made by the present invention. It has been found that by incorporating certain gel-inhibiting additives into an aqueous polysaccharide solution, the gel point is reduced or eliminated and the solution remains liquid at room temperature indefinitely. Additives that have been found to work include salts, such as lithium chloride and zinc chloride and bases, such as sodium hydroxide and lithium hydroxide. Mixtures of said salts and said bases can also be used with the same desired results. The composition of these solutions of the present idea can be further modified to include other additives, such as organic co-solvents or non-solvents, pH modifiers, surfactants or other polymers to customize the properties of the solution to improve the processability for the desired application and to form structures such as films, beads and coated porous substrates. |
| US07687611B2 |
Assay for the separation and quantification of hemagglutinin antigens
The present invention relates to novel methods for separating hemagglutinin (HA) antigens, comprising the steps of applying a reduced and derivatized antigen preparation comprising solubilized HA antigens and a detergent in a pH controlled solution, on a Reversed-Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography column; and eluting the HA antigens from the column with an ion pairing agent in an organic mobile phase. The invention further relates to quantifying methods using the methods for separating the antigens with the further step of measuring the peak area of the eluted antigen in a chromatogram resulting from the elution step. |
| US07687609B2 |
Galectin-glycosaminoglycan complex and method for controlling galectin activity
A complex consisting of galectin-3 and chondroitin oligosaccharide and methods for seperating and detecting the chondroitin oligosaccharide in a sample using the immobilized complex. |
| US07687604B2 |
Method for purifying marine collagen and the processing thereof into porous sponges
Methods are provided for purifying marine collagen and for processing the collagen into porous sponges. Products produced with these methods and the use of the products are also provided. |
| US07687603B2 |
Guanidinium delivery carriers
Disclosed herein are transmembrane transporter compounds containing guanidinium groups. Also disclosed herein are methods for transporting a biologically active moiety across a biological membrane using the transmembrane transporter compounds. Particularly, this invention provides a method for the delivery of a biologically active moiety across the biological membranes of such membranes as endothelial tissues. |
| US07687591B2 |
Solventless silicone pressure sensitive adhesives with improved high temperature cohesive strength
This invention relates to silicone compositions suitable for forining pressure sensitive adhesives. More particularly, the present invention relates to solventless curable PSA compositions suitable for forming pressure sensitive adhesive compositions having improved high temperature cohesive strength while maintaining good tack and adhesive properties. |
| US07687587B2 |
Silicone composition and cured silicone resin
A silicone composition according to the present invention comprises (A) an organopolysiloxane resin having an average of at least two silicon-bonded alkenyl groups per molecule, (B) an organohydrogensilane in an amount sufficient to cure the composition, (C) an effective amount of a reactive diluent comprising (i) an organosiloxane having an average of at least two alkenyl groups per molecule and a viscosity of from 0.001 to 2 Pa·s at 25° C., wherein the viscosity of (C)(i) is not greater than 20% of the viscosity of component (A), and (ii) an organohydrogensiloxane having an average of at least two silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms per molecule and a viscosity of from 0.001 to 2 Pa·s at 25° C., in an amount sufficient to provide from 0.5 to 3 moles of silicon-bonded hydrogen atoms in (C)(ii) to moles of alkenyl groups in (C)(i), and (D) a catalytic amount of a hydrosilylation catalyst; and a cured silicone resin prepared by curing the silicone composition. |
| US07687585B2 |
Method of producing an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN), the IPN and use thereof
The invention comprises a method of producing an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) comprising the steps of I) providing a silicone polymer composition; (ii) providing one or more monomers for a polymer; (iii) providing a solvent for the one or more monomers; iv) exposing said silicone polymer composition to said one or more monomers and said solvent to precipitate monomer within said silicone polymer composition and v) polymerizing said monomer to form an IPN, wherein said solvent has a surface tension at the exposing step of about 15 mNZm or less. It is preferred that the solvent, which is preferably CO2, in the exposing step is in or near its supercritical state. The method is fast and simple, and the dispersion of the monomers may be controlled to thereby control the amount and distribution of the interpenetrating network in the silicone material. Further more the method results in new materials, where silicone polymers are used as the basic materials. |
| US07687582B1 |
Methods of production, purification, and processing of poly(heteroaromatic) block copolymers with improved solubility or dispersability
This invention relates to improved methods for the preparation, purification, and processing of poly(heteroaromatic) block copolymers, as well as compositions prepared by these methods. Methods relate to preparation of multiblock and triblock copolymers of intrinsically conducting polymers (ICPs) containing at least one block of a poly(heteroaromatic) polymer and at least two blocks of a non-conducting polymer. This invention provides polymer solutions or dispersions of improved stability and better film-forming properties. The poly(heteroaromatic) block copolymers are obtained in their conducting or doped form, and are retained in a solvated, wet form throughout the production and purification processes. Stable solutions or dispersions of the purified copolymers in organic solvents, water, or mixtures thereof are provided. Stable solutions or dispersions of ICPs are useful in the preparation of semiconducting and conducting films, blends, and coatings on a variety of substrates using standard processing and coating techniques. |
| US07687581B2 |
Heterogeneous organotin catalysts
Supported heterogeneous organotin catalysts of the formula X1, X2, or X3: wherein Z is a spacer group; Y is an insoluble phenyl-group containing copolymer; R1, R2, R3, R5, and R6 are independently selected from halogen, alkyl, alkylene, phenyl, vinyl, allyl, naphthyl, aralkyl, and Z; and R4 is alkyl, alkylene, phenyl, vinyl, allyl, naphthyl, or aralkyl. |
| US07687580B2 |
Synthesis and use of well-defined, highly-branched saturated hydrocarbon polymers
The present invention relates to a method to produce highly branched polymers with a polyolefin backbone structure of ethylene and precise control of the nature of the branching. In particular, the distribution of branch length and number of branches can be more precisely controlled via the polymerization method of the present invention. The method comprises using anionic chemistry to make unsaturated polydienes with a well-defined, highly-branched structure, and then hydrogenating these polydienes to form highly branched or dendritic saturated hydrocarbon polymers. Highly branched or dendritic polyethylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer and atactic polypropylene are among the saturated hydrocarbon polymers that can be anionically synthesized via the proper selection of diene monomer type, coupling agent, and hydrogenation conditions. These polymers find application in injection molding and extrusion processes as a minor additive for improving processability of linear polyolefins by delaying the onset of melt fracture, and correspondingly increasing melt throughput rates. |
| US07687578B2 |
Sealants and potting formulations including mercapto-terminated polymers produced by the reaction of a polythiol and polyvinyl ether monomer
Sealant and potting formulations are provided which are prepared from components including ungelled mercapto-terminated polymer(s) prepared by reacting reactants comprising polyvinyl ether monomer(s) and polythiol material(s); curing agent(s) reactive with a mercapto group of the mercapto-terminated polymer; and additive(s) selected from the group consisting of fillers, adhesion promoters, plasticizers and catalysts. |
| US07687576B2 |
Thermally hardening, transparent coating substance, method for the production thereof and its use
A thermosetting transparent coating material, its preparation and use. The coating includes (meth)acrylate (co)polymer having a number-average molecular weight of from 1,000 to 6,000 daltons, a glass transition temperature of −15 to +70° C., and a hydroxyl number of from 80 to 200 mg KOH/g; polyester having a number-average molecular weight of from 800 to 6,000 daltons, a hydroxyl number of from 80 to 200 mg KOH/g and an acid number of from 1 to 50 mg KOH/g, comprising, based on the polyester, from 30 to 70% by weight of cycloaliphatic structural units; a blocked polyisocyanate in which the blocked polyisocyanate groups are attached to flexibilizing structural units which, as part of a three-dimensional network, lower its glass transition temperature; and blocked polyisocyanate in which the blocked polyisocyanate groups are attached to hardening structural units which, as part of a three-dimensional network, raise its glass transition temperature. |
| US07687575B2 |
Propylene elastomer-containing adhesive blends
Adhesive blends suitable for use as tie-layer adhesives for a variety of substrates used in multi-layer film and sheet constructions are provided. The adhesive blends contain a polyolefin base resin, a functionalized polyolefin and a propylene elastomer containing isotactic propylene crystallinity. |
| US07687574B2 |
Acrylate cross linked silicone copolymer networks
The compositions of the present invention comprise silicone copolymers, terpolymers and higher order polymers that comprise 1) polyether substituted structural units and 2) epoxy or oxirane structural units that are reacted with acrylate species to produce cross linked silicones comprising polyether substituted structural units and acrylate cross links. The cross linked polymers of the present invention are self-emulsifying and may be either water swellable or oil swellable. |
| US07687572B2 |
Rubber composition
The present invention provides a rubber composition having more improved low heat build-up property and abrasion resistance, especially a rubber composition useful for the rubber composition used for a tread of tire, and the present invention also provides a tire having a tread prepared using the rubber composition. The rubber composition is one comprising 15 to 150 parts by weight of silica on the basis of 100 parts by weight of a rubber component, wherein the rubber component comprises not less than 10% by weight of a butadiene rubber which has a vinyl content of not more than 35% by weight and is modified with an un-substituted aminosilane compound. |
| US07687570B2 |
Thermosetting resin material
A thermosetting resin material is provided with: (A) a thermosetting resin having a dihydrobenzoxazine ring; and (B) a condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon resin is described. |
| US07687568B2 |
Polyester colorant concentrate
Polyester colorant concentrates containing; 1) a polyester supporting material; b) a colorant selected from the group of dyes and/or pigments; c) 0.1 to 2 parts by weight per part by weight of the colorant of copolyester comprising the reaction product from (A) of at least one aliphatic primary dihydric alcohol with 2 to 6 C atoms, and; (b) dicarboxylic acids selected from the group consisting of phthalic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid and/or sebacic acid. The copolyester is characterized by having i) a melting range between 120 and 160° C., ii) a melting viscosity SV ranging from 12 to 126 Pa*s, measured at 190° C. and 2.16 kg in accordance with ISO 1133, and iii) a melting viscosity factor SF ranging from −2.3 to −0.3 Pa*s/deg determined at a temperature increase ranging from 160° C. to 240° C. with a shear rate of 109 s−1. The inventive polyester colorant concentrates are particularly suited for spin dyeing polyester fibers and filaments. |
| US07687561B1 |
Toughened cyanoacrylate compositions
The present invention relates to toughened cyanoacrylate compositions. |
| US07687558B2 |
Silated cyclic core polysulfides, their preparation and use in filled elastomer compositions
This invention relates to novel sulfur-containing silane coupling agents, and organic polymers containing carbon-carbon double bonds. These novel silanes can be carried on organic and inorganic fillers. The invention also relates to articles of manufacture, particularly tires, made from the elastomer compositions described herein. |
| US07687553B2 |
Method for treating bone cancer pain or chemotherapy induced pain
The present invention is directed to the use of a class of peptide compounds for treating tumor pain, in particular bone cancer pain, for treating chemotherapy-induced pain and for treating nucleoside-induced pain. |
| US07687551B2 |
Dual cure adhesives
Adhesive compositions useful for laminating cellulosic substrates are formulated using an aqueous emulsion of a vinyl ester polymer such as polyvinyl acetate, one or more monomers or oligomers functionalized with (meth)acrylate groups, and a photoinitiator. The adhesive is cured by drying and exposing the adhesive to UV or visible light and is particularly useful for attaching clear films to cellulosic substrates such as paper and boxboard (e.g., in the manufacture of envelopes or folding cartons having windows). |
| US07687549B2 |
Carboxylic acid compounds and polyester oligomers and polymers made therefrom
The invention relates to di- and tri-carboxylic acid compounds and polyester oligomers and polymers made therefrom. Curable compositions comprising the polyester oligomers and polymers are also described. |
| US07687547B2 |
Diphenyl ether antimicrobial compounds
The present invention is directed to compounds having the formula: In the formula, A2 represents N or C—X1a—R1 and A4 represents N or C—X2b—R2, provided that A2 and A4 are not both N. R1 and R2 independently represent H or a hydrocarbon group, provided that R1 and R2 are not both H. The hydrocarbon groups of R1 and R2 are preferably alkyl or alkenyl groups. More preferably, the hydrocarbon groups are alkyl groups. A1, A3, A6, and A8 independently represent CH or N. A5 and A9 independently represent CR3 or N, wherein R3 independently represents H, methyl, ethyl, or halo. A7 represents CR4 or N, wherein R4 represents H, methyl, ethyl, halo, nitro, hydroxy, amino, amido, or a methyl or ethyl group substituted independently with halo, nitro, hydroxy, amino, or amido. Not more than three of A5, A6, A7, A8, and A9 are N. |
| US07687546B2 |
Quaternary ammonium compound, process for producing the same, therapeutic agent for cerebrovascular disorder, and therapeutic agent for heart disease
A quaternary ammonium compound of the present invention is a quaternary ammonium compound represented by general formula (I) or (I′) (wherein, A represents a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a branched alkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group, or a branched alkyl group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms and a hydroxyl group, R1 to R3 may be the same or different and represent a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, one of R4 to R8 represents CO2− or SO3−, while no more than three of the remaining R4 to R8 represent a group selected from the group consisting of a hydroxyl group and an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and other R4 to R8 represent a hydrogen atom, one of R′4 to R′8 represents CO2H or SO3H, no more than three of the remaining R′4 to R′8 represent a group selected from a protected hydroxyl group and an alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, while other R′4 to R′8 represent a hydrogen atom, and X− represents an anion capable of forming a salt with a quaternary ammonium group). |
| US07687545B2 |
N-deacetylthiocolchicine derivatives, their use and pharmaceutical formulations containing them
Disclosed is a series of N-deacetylthiocolchicine derivatives of formula I in which: the linker is a bivalent straight or branched C1-C8 alkyl residue, C3-C8 cycloalkyl, a phenylene or heterocyclic C4-C6 ring; the G1 and G2 junctions, which can be the same or different, are —CO—, —CONH—, —CR2— groups in which R2 is hydrogen or a straight C1-C4 alkyl residue, or the G1-linker-G2 group is the —CO— group. The compounds of formula I have antiproliferative, antinflammatory, antiarthritic and antiviral activity. |
| US07687541B2 |
Prodrugs of diaryl-2-(5H)-furanone cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors
The invention encompasses the novel compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II), which are prodrugs that convert in vivo to diaryl-2-(5H)-furanones useful in the treatment of cyclooxygenase-2 mediated diseases. These prodrugs are far more soluble in aqueous media than the active agents into which they convert, in vivo. As such compounds of Formula (I) and (II) are advantageous for, among other things intravenous administration. The invention also encompasses certain pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treatment of cyclooxygenase-2 mediated diseases comprising the use of compounds of Formula (I) and Formula (II). |
| US07687540B2 |
Substituted propane phosphinic acid esters
The present invention relates to certain esters of substituted 3-aminopropane phosphinic acid derivatives of formula I: wherein R, R1 and R2 are as defined herein. The compounds of this invention are useful in treating a variety of diseases including but not limited to depression, anxiety, certain psychiatric symptoms, cognitive impairment and schizophrenia. |
| US07687539B1 |
Method of treating ocular allergy
The topical use of 5,6,7-trihydroxyheptanoic acid and analogs alone or in combination with histamine antagonists and/or mast cell stabilizers is disclosed for the treatment of ocular allergy. |
| US07687536B2 |
Aminocycloalkyl cinnamide compounds for arrhythmia and as analgesics and anesthetics
Aminocycloalkyl cinnamide compounds are disclosed. The compounds of the present invention may be incorporated in compositions and kits. The present invention also discloses a variety of in vitro and in vivo uses for the compounds and compositions, including the treatment of arrhythmia and the production of local analgesia and anesthesia. |
| US07687535B2 |
Substituted 3-sulfur indoles
The present invention relates to substituted indoles useful as pharmaceutical compounds for treating respiratory disorders. |
| US07687534B2 |
Glucagon receptor antagonist compounds, compositions containing such compounds and methods of use
Glucagon receptor antagonist compounds are disclosed. The compounds are useful for treating type 2 diabetes and related conditions. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment are also included. |
| US07687533B2 |
N-(1-arylpyrazol-4l) sulfonamides and their use as parasiticides
The invention relates to a sulfonamide compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically, veterinarily or agriculturally acceptable salt or solvate thereof, where the groups R1-R5 are described in the description, to compositions comprising such compounds, processes for their synthesis and their use as parasiticides. |
| US07687532B2 |
Fused heteroaryl derivatives for use as p38 kinase inhibitors in the treatment of I.A. rheumatoid arthritis
Compounds of formula (I): are inhibitors of p38 kinase and are useful in the treatment of conditions or disease states mediated by p38 kinase activity or mediated by cytokines produced by the activity of p38. |
| US07687531B2 |
Iodopyrazolyl carboxanilides
This invention relates to novel iodopyrazolylcarboxanilides of the formula (I) in which R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and Z are as defined in the disclosure, to a plurality of processes for preparing these compounds and to their use for controlling unwanted microorganisms. This invention further relates to novel intermediates and their preparation. |
| US07687528B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions of an AT1-receptor antagonist and an insulin secretion enhancer
The present invention relates to a combination, especially a pharmaceutical composition, comprising as active ingredients (i) an AT1-receptor antagonist or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; (ii) (a) an insulin secretion enhancer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or (b) an insulin sensitizer or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and, in case of a pharmaceutical composition, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. |
| US07687521B2 |
Dialkylphenyl compounds having beta2 adrenergic receptor agonist and muscarinic receptor antagonist activity
This invention relates to compounds of formula I: wherein R1 and R2 are as defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate or stereoisomer thereof. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and combinations comprising such compounds, processes and intermediates for preparing such compounds, and methods of using such compound to, for example, treat pulmonary disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. |
| US07687516B2 |
Alcohol free formulation of argatroban
An aqueous formulation of argatroban and of related compounds is disclosed along with a reconstitutable formulation, each of which is substantially, if not totally alcohol free. The formulations are also substantially free, if not totally free, of mono-, di-, and oligo-saccharides. An especially preferred embodiment is a ready-to-administer 1 mg/ml injectable dosage form having argatroban, lactobionic acid, and methionine. |
| US07687513B1 |
Aminopyridinium ionic liquids
Disclosed herein are aminopyridinium cations and compositions containing these cations. Piperidino pyridinium cations and compositions containing these cations are also described. Ionic compositions, particularly liquid ionic compositions that contain the aminopyridinium cation or piperidino pyridinium cation are also described. Methods of enhancing the thermal stability of a compound, particularly an ionic compound, using the aminopyridinium or piperidino pyridinium cations, are also presented. Compositions having an expanded liquidus range of from about −73° C. to about 444° C. are also described. Solvents, heat transfer fluids, and lubricants having improved thermal stability characteristics and an expanded and improved liquidus range are also disclosed. |
| US07687511B2 |
Substituted dihydropyrimidines, dihydropyrimidones and dihydropyrimidinethiones as calcium channel blockers
The present invention is directed in part towards methods of modulating the function of calcium channels with pyrimidine-based compounds. In addition, the invention describes methods of preventing and treating calcium channel-related abnormal conditions in organisms with a compound identified by the invention. Furthermore, the invention pertains to pyrimidine-based compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. |
| US07687510B2 |
Pyrimidinone derivatives as therapeutic agents against acute and chronic inflammatory, ischaemic and remodelling processes
The invention relates to novel heterocyclic derivatives, processes for their preparation, and their use in medicaments, especially for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. |
| US07687509B2 |
Pyrimidinecarboxamide derivatives
This disclosure relates to novel HIV integrase inhibitors their derivatives, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and hydrates thereof. This disclosure also provides compositions comprising a compound of this disclosure and the use of such compositions in methods of treating HIV infections. |
| US07687505B2 |
Use of modified pyrimidine compounds to promote stem cell migration and proliferation
This invention provides cells and methods for stimulating proliferation and migration of endogenous and exogenous mammalian stem cells in vivo and in vitro. The invention provides reagents and methods for efficiently proliferating mammalian stem cells in an animal in need thereof and producing stem cells that can be re-introduced into an animal in need thereof to alleviate neurological and corporal disorders. |
| US07687490B2 |
2-thioethenyl substituted carbapenem derivatives
An objective of the present invention is to provide compounds that are effective against various resistant bacteria which cause current clinical problems, for example, pneumococci including penicillin resistant Streptococcus pneumoneae (PRSP), Haemophilus influenzae including bata-lactamase-nonproducing ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae (BLNAR), and Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis.The present invention provides 2-ethenylthio-based carbapenem derivatives represented by the formula (I) or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof that are effective, for example, against pneumococci including penicillin resistant Streptococcus pneumoneae (PRSP), Haemophilus influenzae including beta-lactamase-nonproducing ampicillin-resistant Haemophilus influenzae (BLNAR), and Moraxella (Branhamella) catarrhalis: |
| US07687489B2 |
Agent for treatment of cerebral ischemic diseases
A pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and/or prevention of cerebral ischemic diseases, which comprises two components, i.e. an astrocyte function-improving agent, preferably a compound represented by the formula (I): (wherein R6 is hydroxy, etc., (1) n is 1, R11 is hydrogen and R5 is (alkyl of which one carbon atom is substituted by fluorine)-CH2— or (2) n is 0 or 1, R11 is hydrogen, etc., and R5 is alkyl, etc.) and a thrombolytic agent, preferably tissue plasminogen activator, as active ingredients. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention exhibits a synergistic therapeutic effect compared to independent administration of an astrocyte function-improving agent and a thrombolytic agent. |
| US07687488B2 |
2-substituted methyl penam derivatives
Novel 2-substituted methyl penam derivatives include the formula (I), their analogs, their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their polymorphs, their solvates, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them; wherein A=C or N; Het is a three- to seven-membered heterocyclic ring; R1 represents carboxylate anion, or —COOR4 where R4 represents hydrogen, carboxylic acid protecting group or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt; R2 and R3 may be same or different and independently represent hydrogen, halogen, amino, alkyl, protected amino, optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl and the like; R represents substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, aralkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl or heterocyclylalkyl. |
| US07687486B2 |
Selective estrogen receptor modulators
Compositions and methods for treating a cancer in mammals by administering selective estrogen receptor modulators particularly compounds represented by: or any other of the structures contained herein, or of a stereoisomer, enantiomer, rotomer, tautomer or pharmaceutically acceptable salt form thereof. |
| US07687482B2 |
Bisphosphonate compounds and methods
The invention provides, inter alia, novel bisphosphonate compounds and methods of making and using. In embodiments, the invention provides compounds and methods in connection with research and therapeutic applications, e.g., for tumor cell growth inhibition, activation of gammadelta T cells, inhibition of farnesyldiphosphate (FPPS) and/or undecaprenyldiphosphate synthase enzymes, bone resorption diseases, cancer, immune disorders, immunotherapy, and infectious diseases. In regards to certain embodiments, a surprising advance has been the recognition that certain structural features can significantly enhance the activity of the compounds. For example, the presence of particular cationic species e.g., phosphonium, sulfonium, and arsonium moieties can contribute to desirable functional activity when positioned near a bisphosphonate moiety. In other embodiments of non-nitrogen containing bisphosphonates, terphenyl and benzyl bisphosphonate compounds and methods are provided. Further variations are also provided. |
| US07687480B2 |
Phosphonate compounds
The present invention relates to phosphonate compounds, compositions containing them, processes for obtaining them, and their use for treating a variety of medical disorders, e.g., osteoporosis and other disorders of bone metabolism, cancer, viral infections, and the like. |
| US07687479B2 |
Methods and producing low molecular weight heparin
The invention relates, in part, to methods and products related to producing low molecular weight heparin. |
| US07687478B2 |
Disialoundecasaccharide chain asparagine/fatty acid amide and medical drug containing the same
An asparagine-linked disialoundecaoligosaccharide-fatty acid amide, a drug containing the same, and a drug containing an asparagine-linked disialoundecaoligosaccharide. |
| US07687476B2 |
Specific inhibitors of acute and chronic inflammation
The present invention relates to the use of one or more of the compounds of the group consisting of 4-thiouridine, isomaltitol, and uridine in the preparation of therapeutically effective compositions against acute or chronic inflammations, and/or problems in hemostasis related to platelet function, as well as a method for treatment of acute or chronic inflammations, and/or problems in hemostasis related to platelet function with the exception of the use of uridine in the treatment of inflammatory conditions caused by a bacterial infection. |
| US07687471B2 |
Benzimidazole non-aqueous compositions
The present invention provides a stable veterinary oral composition which comprises one or more surfactants, a water-miscible solvent, optionally an oil and an effective amount of each of a benzimidazole antihelmintic compound, such as triclabendazole and a macrocyclic lactone, such as moxidectin. Said composition is useful for treating and controlling endo- and ectoparasitic infection and infestation in a homeothermic animal. |
| US07687470B2 |
Avermectin and avermectin monosaccharide substituted in the 4″- and 4″ position respectively
Avermectin and avermectin monosaccharaide compounds, derivatives, and compositions thereof are provided as well as processes for preparing such compounds, derivatives, and compositions. Intermediates in the preparation of avermectin and avermectin monosaccharaide derivatives and methods of controlling pests are also provided. The avermectin and avermectin monosaccharaide derivatives are demonstrated as useful in controlling pests, in particular pests that are harmful to crop plants and to its propagation materials, such as representatives of the class insecta, the order Acarina and the class nematede. |
| US07687464B2 |
Method for activating T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase for therapeutic applications
This invention relates to methods for activation of T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP) and for inhibiting tyrosine kinase signalling in an individual. The invention concerns a method for preventing or treating a disease or disorder in an individual, wherein said disease or disorder is curable by inhibiting tyrosine kinase signalling, and a method for preventing cancer, or preventing or inhibiting cancer growth, invasion or metastasis in an individual, based on activating T cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TCPTP). The invention also concerns pharmaceutical compositions useful in the methods. |
| US07687463B2 |
Treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
The present invention relates to the treatment of motoneuron diseases. More particularly the invention relates to the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It is found that the intracerebroventricular delivery of low amounts of vascular endothelial growth factor into a preclinical ALS animal model induces a significant motor performance and prolongation of survival time of said animals. |
| US07687459B2 |
Arylalkoxyl hepatitis C virus protease inhibitors
The present invention discloses compounds of Formula I or II, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs thereof: which inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-NS4A protease. Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a subject by administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the present invention. |
| US07687456B2 |
Compounds for enzyme inhibition
Peptide-based compounds including heteroatom-containing, three-membered rings efficiently and selectively inhibit specific activities of N-terminal nucleophile (Ntn) hydrolases associated with the proteasome. The peptide-based compounds include an epoxide or aziridine, and functionalization at the N-terminus. Among other therapeutic utilities, the peptide-based compounds are expected to display anti-inflammatory properties and inhibition of cell proliferation. Oral administration of these peptide-based proteasome inhibitors is possible due to their bioavailability profiles. |
| US07687451B2 |
Aqueous polymer formulations
This invention relates to thickened aqueous formulations containing cross-linked cationic polymers, novel homo- and copolymers, their production and their use as thickeners for household formulations. |
| US07687448B2 |
Composition for removing a photoresist, method of preparing the composition, method of removing a photoresist and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device using the composition
A composition for removing a photoresist includes about 5 to about 20 percent by weight of an alcoholamide compound, about 15 to about 60 percent by weight of a polar aprotic solvent, about 0.1 to about 6 percent by weight of an additive, and pure water. The alcoholamide compound is chemically structured as follows: where R1 is a hydroxyl group or a hydroxyalkyl group, and R2 is a hydrogen atom or a hydroxyalkyl group. |
| US07687446B2 |
Method of removing residue left after plasma process
A method of removing the residue left after a plasma process is described. First, a substrate having at least a material layer thereon is provided. The material layer includes a metal. Then, a fluorine-containing plasma process is performed so that a residue containing the aforesaid metallic material is formed on the surface of the material layer. After that, a wet cleaning operation is performed using a cleaning agent to remove the residue. The cleaning agent is a solution containing water, a diluted hydrofluoric acid and an acid solution. |
| US07687442B2 |
Low molecular weight ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer as base lubricant oils
A lubricant composition comprises an ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer having a number average molecular weight of less than 10,000 g/mol as a base oil and at least one oil additive. The ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer has at least one molecular fraction which elutes between 40° C. and 130° C. when fractionated using TREF, characterized in that the fraction has a molar comonomer content of at least 5 percent higher than that of a comparable random ethylene interpolymer fraction eluting between the same temperatures, wherein said comparable random ethylene interpolymer has the same comonomer(s) and has a melt index, density, and molar comonomer content (based on the whole polymer) within 10 percent of that of the ethylene/α-olefin interpolymer. |
| US07687441B2 |
Boronic acid networking agents and associated methods
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of increasing the viscosity of a treatment fluid comprising the steps of: adding a networking agent to the treatment fluid, wherein the networking agent is represented by the formula: Y—X—[B(OR)2]n, wherein: Y is at least partially capable of forming a crosslink between a gelling agent molecule, a second networking agent, and/or a combination thereof; X is at least partially capable of preventing or inhibiting a reaction represented by the formula: ROH+R′B(OR)2→R′OH+B(OR)3; R and R′ are a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an aryl group, or a combination thereof; and n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1; allowing at least one crosslink to form between the networking agent and a gelling agent molecule, a second networking agent, and/or a combination thereof; and allowing the viscosity of the treatment fluid to increase. Methods of treating a portion of a subterranean formation, networking agent compositions, and treatment fluid compositions also are provided. |
| US07687434B2 |
Method of improving yield and vigor of plants
A method of improving the yield and vigor of agronomic plants, in particular leguminous plants such as soybeans, involves treating such plants and/or the propagation material of plants with a composition that includes an active agent, such as a fungicide, that has no significant activity against fungal plant pathogens of the treated plant. When the plant is not wheat, a preferred agent of this type is 4,5-dimethyl-N-(2-propenyl)-2-(trimethylsilyl)-3-thiophenecarboxamide (silthiofam). Plants and plant propagation material, such as seeds, that have been treated by the novel method are also described. |
| US07687432B2 |
Mesh-adjustable molecular sieve
A metal-organic framework-based mesh-adjustable molecular sieve (MAMS) exhibiting a temperature-dependent mesh size. The MAMS comprises a plurality of metal clusters bound with a plurality of amphiphilic ligands, each ligand comprising a hydrophobic moiety and a functionalized hydrophilic moiety, and wherein the metal clusters and amphiphilic ligand functionalized hydrophilic moieties form a metal cluster layer, the metal cluster layer forming at least one hydrophilic pore. On each side of the metal cluster layer, a plurality of associated amphiphilic ligand hydrophobic moieties cooperate with the metal cluster layer to form a tri-layer and a plurality of tri-layers are packed in a facing-spaced apart relationship to form at least one hydrophobic pore. |
| US07687428B1 |
Method of synthesizing and processing carbon-supported, gold and gold-based multimetallic nanoparticles for use as catalysts
A method of preparing carbon-loaded, gold-based nanoparticle catalysts useful as anode catalysts for the electrocatalytic methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) as well as the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). AumPtnM100-m-n catalysts may be prepared by either a two-phase protocol or by a thermal decomposition/reduction protocol. The prepared nanoparticles having different bimetallic ratios are assembled on carbon black support materials and activated by thermal treatment. This approach provides good control of nanoparticle size, composition and/or surface properties. Electrocatalytic MOR activities of the prepared and activated AuPt nanoparticle provided in accordance with the methods of the invention are present in both acidic and alkaline electrolytes. |
| US07687420B2 |
Tempered glass and process for producing the same
The invention relates to a tempered glass comprising, in terms of mass percent, SiO2: 60 to 80%; Al2O3: 3 to 18%; B2O3: 0 to 7%; Li2O: 0.01 to 10%; Na2O: 4 to 16%; K2O: 0 to 15%; and R′O (wherein R′O indicates a total content of alkaline earth metal oxides): 0 to 5%, wherein a value of (Li2O+Al2O3)/(Na2O+K2O) in terms of molar ratio is within a range of 0.1 to 2, and wherein a surface of the tempered glass is treated to form a compressive stress layer. |
| US07687418B2 |
X-ray opaque glass, method for the production and use thereof
The X-ray opaque glass is characterized by a composition, in mol %, of SiO2, 75-98; Yb2O3, 0.1 to 40; and ZrO2, 0 to 40. Preferred embodiments of the glass are free of Al2O3 and B2O3. The glass is produced from the glass batch by melting at a temperature of at least 1500° C. in an iridium or iridium alloy vessel with the assistance of high-frequency radiation. In preferred embodiments of the glass production process at least one raw material ingredient is present in the batch as a nanoscale powder. The glass is useful in dental applications, optical applications, and biomedical applications, or for photovoltaics, or as a target material in PVD processes. |
| US07687415B2 |
Elastic nonwoven composite
An elastic composite having a high tearing strength made of an elastomeric material and a consolidated entangled web, wherein the consolidated entangled fabric has at least 2 lbs of tearing strength in the machine direction and the composite has 70-95% elastic recovery from a 100% elongation in the cross direction and greater than 50% elastic recovery from a 150% elongation in the cross direction. |
| US07687413B2 |
Edgecomb resistance polyester
The present invention concerns polyester fabric that is employed in airbags. In particular, the polyester fabric has improved resistance to edge combing—the relative tendency of a fabric to pull apart under seam stress or similar action such as inflation of inflatable restraints. Further, the polyester fabric of the invention must have an edge comb resistance of greater than about 350 Newtons at room temperature (20° C.) and greater than 250 Newtons at 90° C. The polyester fabric of the invention has an acrylic polymer or copolymer finish, or a mixture of acrylic and non-acrylic polymers. The finish is applied from about 1 to about 4 wt. % nominal solids add-on of said fabric. |
| US07687411B2 |
Speaker member and method for manufacturing the same
The speaker member includes: a base material; and a resin film layer laminated on the base material through an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer has a heat shrinkage ratio of 0.5 to 1.0%; the resin film layer has a heat shrinkage ratio of 0.8 to 1.3%; and the heat shrinkage ratio of the adhesive layer is smaller than the heat shrinkage ratio of the resin film layer. The method of manufacturing a speaker comprises the steps of: applying a predetermined resin composition on a release material; drying the resin composition, so as to form a resin film layer on the release material; applying a predetermined adhesive on the resin film layer, so as to form an adhesive layer; attaching together the resin film layer formed on the release material and a base material through the adhesive layer, so as to form a laminate; subjecting the laminate to aging; and molding the laminate subjected to aging by using a metal mold having a predetermined shape. |
| US07687404B2 |
Method for manufacturing display device
In a method for manufacturing a display device having a light emitting element, a first base insulating film, a second base insulating film, a semiconductor layer, and a gate insulating film are formed in this order over a substrate. A gate electrode is formed over the gate insulating film to overlap with at least a part of the semiconductor layer, and a portion to be a pixel portion of the gate insulating film and the second base insulating film is doped with at least one conductive type impurities. An opening portion is formed by selectively etching the gate insulating film and second base insulating film that are each doped with impurities. The first base insulating film is exposed in a bottom face of the opening portion. Subsequently, an insulating film is formed to cover the opening portion, the gate insulating film, and the gate electrode, and a light emitting element is formed over the insulating film to overlap with at least a part of the opening portion. |
| US07687402B2 |
Methods of making optoelectronic devices, and methods of making solar cells
The invention includes optoelectronic devices containing one or more layers of semiconductor-enriched insulator (with exemplary semiconductor-enriched insulator being silicon-enriched silicon oxide and silicon-enriched silicon nitride), and includes solar cells containing one or more layers of semiconductor-enriched insulator. The invention also includes methods of forming optoelectronic devices and solar cells. |
| US07687393B2 |
Polishing composition and rinse composition
A polishing composition for reducing the haze level of the surface of silicon wafers contains hydroxyethyl cellulose, polyethylene oxide, an alkaline compound, water, and silicon dioxide. |
| US07687392B2 |
Semiconductor device having metal wiring and method for fabricating the same
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device having a metal wiring is provided. The method includes: forming an inter-metal dielectric (IMD) layer on the semiconductor substrate having a first metal wiring formed therein, the IMD layer including a first IMD layer and a second IMD layer; forming a via hole in the IMD layer to expose the first metal wiring; forming an ion barrier layer on sidewalls of the via hole; forming a diffusion barrier layer on the semiconductor substrate, on which the ion barrier layer has been formed; forming a metal layer on the semiconductor substrate in the via hole; and forming a second metal wiring on the semiconductor substrate, the second metal wiring contacting the metal layer in the via hole. |
| US07687391B2 |
Electrically optimized and structurally protected via structure for high speed signals
An electrically optimized and structurally protected micro via structure for high speed signals in multilayer interconnection substrates is provided. The via structure eliminates the overlap of a contact with the reference planes to thereby reduce the via capacitance and thus, the via impedance mismatch in the via structure. As a result, the via structure is electrically optimized. The via structure further comprises one or more floating support members placed in close proximity to the via within a via clearance area between the via and the reference planes. The floating support members are “floating” in the sense that they are not in electrical contact with either the via or the reference planes. Thus, they are not provided for purposes of signal propagation but only for structural support. The floating support members may be connected to one another by way of one or more microvia structures. |
| US07687388B2 |
Method of fabricating semiconductor high-voltage device comprising the steps of using photolithographic processes to form nitride spacer regions and dry etch process to form deep trench regions
A semiconductor high-voltage device including a semiconductor substrate having a deep trench formed therein, a gate oxide film formed on sidewalls of the deep trench, a polysilicon layer formed in the deep trench and on the gate oxide film, and spacers formed on sidewalls of the trench at a portion of the deep trench above the gate oxide film. Loss of a gate oxide film can be prevented during processing, thereby also preventing a change of a current path, a phenomenon such as current leakage between a top surface of polysilicon and source/drain regions. |
| US07687385B2 |
Semiconductor device exhibiting a high breakdown voltage and the method of manufacturing the same
The invention provides a semiconductor device exhibiting a stable and high breakdown voltage, which is manufactured at a low manufacturing cost. The semiconductor device of the invention includes an n-type silicon substrate; a p-type base region in the surface portion of substrate; an n-type drain region in the surface portion of n-type substrate; a p-type offset region in the surface portion of n-type substrate; an n-type source region in the surface portion of p-type base region; a p-type contact region in the surface portion of p-type base region; a gate electrode above the extended portion of p-type base region extending between n-type source region and n-type substrate (or p-type offset region), with a gate insulation film interposed therebetween; an insulation film on gate electrode and p-type offset region; a source electrode on n-type source region; and a drain electrode on n-type drain region. The p-type offset region is formed of a first p-type sub-region, a second p-type sub-region, and a third p-type sub-region. |
| US07687382B2 |
Method of making group III nitride-based compound semiconductor
A method of making a group III nitride-based compound semiconductor has the steps of: providing a semiconductor substrate with a polished surface, the semiconductor substrate being of group III nitride-based compound semiconductor; and growing a semiconductor epitaxial growth layer of group III nitride-based compound semiconductor on the semiconductor substrate. The polished surface is an inclined surface that has an off-angle θ of 0.15 degrees or more and 0.6 degrees or less to a-face, c-face or m-face of the semiconductor substrate. |
| US07687380B2 |
Laser annealing method and laser annealing device
In order to promote an effect of laser annealing in respect of a semiconductor film, moisture is intentionally included in an atmosphere in irradiating laser beam to these miconductor film by which a temperature holding layer comprising water vapor is formed on the surface of these miconductor film in irradiating the laser beam and the laser annealing operation can be performed effectively. |
| US07687379B2 |
Method of manufacturing In(As)Sb semiconductor on lattice-mismatched substrate and semiconductor device using the same
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device whereby InAs(1-x)Sbx semiconductor layer is formed on an easily available and economical semiconductor substrate such as a GaAs substrate or a Si substrate. According to the method, a quantum dot layer is formed between a semiconductor substrate and a semiconductor layer to reduce defects caused by lattice mismatch between the semiconductor layer and the semiconductor layer. The method may improve the growth speed of the semiconductor layer. In addition, because the InSb layer provided by the present invention has an electron mobility greater at room temperature, it may improve the quality and productivity of the semiconductor device. |
| US07687378B2 |
Fabricating method of nitride semiconductor substrate and composite material substrate
A fabricating method of nitride semiconductor substrate is provided. First, a first substrate including a first base material, a nitride semiconductor template layer stacked on the first base material, and a first dielectric layer stacked on the nitride semiconductor template layer is provided. Then, the first dielectric layer and the nitride semiconductor template layer are patterned, and a second substrate including a second base material and a second dielectric layer stacked on the second base material is provided. Next, the nitride semiconductor template layer and the first dielectric layer of the first substrate are transferred onto the second dielectric layer of the second substrate through bonding and transferring processes, and then a nitride semiconductor thick film is grown from the nitride semiconductor template layer through an epitaxy process. After that, the nitride semiconductor thick film and the second substrate are separated. |
| US07687374B2 |
Method of isolating semiconductor laser diodes
Provided is a method of isolating semiconductor laser diodes (LDs), the method including the steps of: preparing a substrate; forming a plurality of semiconductor LDs on the substrate, each semiconductor LD including an n-type semiconductor layer, an active layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, an n-electrode, a ridge portion, and a p-electrode, the ridge portion being formed by etching the p-type semiconductor layer such that a portion of the p-type semiconductor layer protrudes, the p-electrode being formed on the ridge portion; partially forming base cut lines on the surface of the substrate excluding the ridge portions; and isolating the semiconductor LDs into a bar shape along the base cut lines. |
| US07687373B2 |
Wafer dividing method and apparatus
In the case of cutting streets on the rear surface of a wafer by laser beam irradiation, even if the wafer is variously doped or thermally-treated, the streets of a wafer front surface can accurately be detected and cut. Infrared light is emitted from an infrared light source to the front surface side of the wafer to penetrate the wafer. The penetrating image is captured by an infrared microscope disposed on the rear surface side of the wafer. The streets are detected by the image pattern of a wafer front surface captured. A laser beam is emitted from a laser head to the wafer rear surface along the streets detected, thus processing the streets for cutting. |
| US07687368B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method
A semiconductor device manufacturing method is disclosed. The method is to form a second semiconductor layer which has less susceptibility to adopting insulative characteristics than a first semiconductor layer on the first semiconductor layer. Then, grooves which expose portions of the second and first semiconductor layers are formed to extend from the upper surface of the second semiconductor layer into the first semiconductor layer. Next, portions of the first and second semiconductor layers which are exposed to the grooves are changed into an insulator form to fill the grooves with the insulator-form portions of the first semiconductor layer. |
| US07687360B2 |
Method of forming spaced-apart charge trapping stacks
Methods are provided for fabricating memory devices. A method comprises fabricating charge-trapping stacks overlying a silicon substrate and forming bit line regions in the substrate between the charge trapping stacks. Insulating elements are formed overlying the bit line regions between the stacks. The charge-trapping stacks are etched to form two complementary charge storage nodes and to expose portions of the silicon substrate. Silicon is grown on the exposed silicon substrate by selective epitaxial growth and is oxidized. A control gate layer is formed overlying the complementary charge storage nodes and the oxidized epitaxially-grown silicon. |
| US07687359B2 |
Method for fabricating flash memory device
The present invention relates to a method for fabricating flash memory devices. The method may include the steps of forming an oxide/nitride/oxide (ONO) layer over a semiconductor substrate and a gate electrode on the ONO layer. Next, source/drain impurity region may be formed in a surface of the semiconductor substrate on both sides of the gate electrode and a pre-metal dielectric (PMD) layer may be formed over an entire surface of the semiconductor substrate including the gate electrode. Finally, a densification process for densifying the PMD layer may be performed under a gas atmosphere. A densification gas atmosphere used for densifying the PMD layer may include an H2 or N2/H2 atmosphere. |
| US07687354B2 |
Fabrication of a semiconductor device with stressor
In a semiconductor fabrication process, an epitaxial layer is formed overlying a substrate, wherein there is a lattice mismatch between the epitaxial layer and the substrate. A hard mask having an opening is formed overlying the epitaxial layer. A recess is formed through the epitaxial layer and into the substrate. The recess is substantially aligned to the opening in the hard mask. A channel region of a semiconductor device is formed in the recess. |
| US07687352B2 |
Trench MOSFET and method of manufacture utilizing four masks
In accordance with the invention, a trench MOSFET semiconductor device is manufactured in accordance with a process comprising the steps of: providing a heavily doped N+ silicon substrate; utilizing a first mask to define openings for the trench gate and termination; utilizing a second mask as a source mask with openings determining the size and shape of a diffused source junction depth; utilizing a third mask as a contact mask to define contact hole openings; and utilizing a fourth mask as a metal mask, whereby only the first, second, third and fourth masks are utilized in the manufacture of the trench MOSFET semiconductor device. |
| US07687350B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor memory device using asymmetric junction ion implantation
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor memory device using asymmetric junction ion implantation, including performing ion implantation for adjusting a threshold voltage to a semiconductor substrate, forming a gate stack on the semiconductor substrate to define a storage node junction region and a bit line junction region, implanting a first conductive impurity ion and a second conductive impurity ion using a mask layer pattern covering the storage node junction region while exposing the bit line junction region, forming a gate spacer layer at both sides of the gate stack, and implanting the first conductive impurity ion using the gate stack and the gate spacer layer as an ion implantation mask layer to form a storage node junction region and a bit line junction region having different impurity concentrations, and different junction depths from each other. |
| US07687349B2 |
Growth of silicon nanodots having a metallic coating using gaseous precursors
A technique to form metallic nanodots in a two-step process involving: (1) reacting a silicon-containing gas precursor (e.g., silane) to form silicon nuclei over a dielectric film layer; and (2) using a metal precursor to form metal nanodots where the metal nanodots use the silicon nuclei from step (1) as nucleation points. Thus, the original silicon nuclei are a core material for a later metallic encapsulation step. Metallic nanodots have applications in devices such as flash memory transistors. |
| US07687348B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of producing the same
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate having an insulation layer and a semiconductor layer formed on the insulation layer; a channel area formed in the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode formed on the channel area; a source area formed in the semiconductor layer and having a depth not reaching the insulation layer; a drain area formed in the semiconductor layer adjacent to the source area with the channel area in between and having a depth reaching the insulation layer; a separation area disposed next to the source area opposite to the channel area and having a depth not reaching the insulation layer; a high-concentration body area formed in the semiconductor layer at lease in a surface layer thereof and between the first separation area and the second separation area; and a body contact disposed on the high-concentration body area. |
| US07687341B2 |
Method for fabricating semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming at least one gate pattern over a substrate, forming a first insulation layer over the gate patterns and the substrate, etching the first insulation layer in a peripheral region to form at least one gate pattern spacer in the peripheral region, forming a second insulation layer over the substrate structure, etching the second insulation layer in a cell region to a given thickness, forming an insulation structure over the substrate structure, and etching the insulation structure, the etched first insulation layer and second insulation layer in the cell region to form a contact hole. |
| US07687338B2 |
Method of reducing embedded SiGe loss in semiconductor device manufacturing
Embodiments of the invention provide a method of forming embedded silicon germanium (eSiGe) in source and drain regions of a p-type field-effect-transistor (pFET) through a disposable spacer process; depositing a gap-filling layer directly on the eSiGe in the source and drain regions in a first process; depositing a layer of offset spacer material on top of the gap-filling layer in a second process different from the first process; etching the offset spacer material and the gap-filling layer, thus forming a set of offset spacers and exposing the eSiGe in the source and drain regions of the pFET; and finishing formation of the pFET. |
| US07687336B2 |
Method of manufacturing a MOSFET structure
A method of forming a MOSFET is provided. The method comprises forming a relatively thin layer of dielectric on a substrate. Depositing a gate material layer on the relatively thin layer of dielectric. Removing portions of the gate material layer to form a first and second gate material regions of predetermined lateral lengths. Introducing a first conductivity type dopant in the substrate to form a top gate using first edges of the first and second gate material regions as masks, Introducing a second conductivity dopant of high dopant density in the substrate to form a drain region adjacent the surface of the substrate using a second edge of the second gate material region as a mask to form a first edge of the drain region, wherein a spaced distance between the top gate and the drain region is determined by the lateral length of the second gate material region. |
| US07687335B2 |
Self aligned gate JFET structure and method
A JFET integrated onto a substrate having a semiconductor layer at least and having source and drain contacts over an active area and made of first polysilicon (or other conductors such as refractive metal or silicide) and a self-aligned gate contact made of second polysilicon which has been polished back to be flush with a top surface of a dielectric layer covering the tops of the source and drain contacts. The dielectric layer preferably has a nitride cap to act as a polish stop. In some embodiments, nitride covers the entire dielectric layer covering the source and drain contacts as well as the field oxide region defining an active area for said JFET. An embodiment with an epitaxially grown channel region formed on the surface of the substrate is also disclosed. |
| US07687333B2 |
Method of fabricating thin film transistor and array substrate for liquid crystal display device including the same
According to an embodiment, a method of fabricating a thin film transistor comprises forming a gate electrode on a substrate; forming a gate insulating layer on the gate electrode; forming a semiconductor layer on the gate insulating layer, the semiconductor layer corresponding to the gate electrode; forming first and second barrier patterns on the semiconductor layer, the first and second barrier patterns including copper nitride; and forming source and drain electrodes on the first and second barrier patterns, respectively, the source and drain electrodes including pure copper. |
| US07687329B2 |
Gettering of silicon on insulator using relaxed silicon germanium epitaxial proximity layers
One aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for creating proximity gettering sites in a silicon on insulator (SOI) wafer. In various embodiments of this method, a relaxed silicon germanium region is formed over an insulator region of the SOI to be proximate to a device region. The relaxed silicon germanium region generates defects to getter impurities from the device region. Other aspects are provided herein. |
| US07687328B2 |
Method of making a polycrystalline thin film, a mask pattern used in the same and a method of making a flat panel display device using the same
A method of forming a polycrystalline thin film for a thin film transistor, a mask used in the method, and a method of making a flat panel display device using the method of forming a polycrystalline thin film for a thin film transistor are disclosed. Certain embodiments are capable of providing a display device in which the polycrystalline thin film is uniformly crystallized such luminance non-uniformity is reduced. In the method of forming a polycrystalline thin film for a thin film transistor, amorphous material is crystallized using a laser and a mask having a mixed structure of one or more transmission region sets each comprising one or more transmission regions through which the laser beam is capable of passing and one or more non-transmission regions through which the laser beam is not capable of passing. The laser beam is directed onto overlapping regions of the material. |
| US07687326B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
An object of the invention is to provide a semiconductor device and a display device which can be manufactured with improved material efficiency through a simplified manufacturing process, and a manufacturing method thereof. Another object is to provide a technique capable of forming a pattern such as a wiring included in the semiconductor device or display device in a desired shape with good controllability. One feature of a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is to comprise the steps of forming a layer having a rough surface, forming a region having low wettability by a composition containing a conductive material and a region having high wettability by the composition over the rough surface, and forming a conductive material using the composition in the region having high wettability. Since regions having largely different wettability (regions having a large difference in wettability) can be formed, a liquid conductive or insulating material is attached only to a formation region with precision. Accordingly, a conductive or insulating layer can be precisely formed in a desired pattern. |
| US07687323B2 |
Surface-roughening method
The method is disclosed as applied to roughening the light-emitting surface of an LED wafer for reduction of the internal total reflection of the light generated. A masking film of silver is first deposited on the surface of a wafer to be diced into LED chips. Then the masking film is heated to cause its coagulation into discrete particles. Then, using the silver particles as a mask, the wafer surface is dry etched to create pits therein. The deposition of silver on the wafer surface and its thermal coagulation into particles may be either successive or concurrent. |
| US07687322B1 |
Method for removing semiconductor street material
Techniques for fabricating metal devices, such as vertical light-emitting diode (VLED) devices, power devices, laser diodes, and vertical cavity surface emitting laser devices, are provided. Devices produced accordingly may benefit from greater yields and enhanced performance over conventional metal devices, such as higher brightness of the light-emitting diode and increased thermal conductivity. Moreover, the invention discloses techniques in the fabrication arts that are applicable to GaN-based electronic devices in cases where there is a high heat dissipation rate of the metal devices that have an original non- (or low) thermally conductive and/or non- (or low) electrically conductive carrier substrate that has been removed. |
| US07687315B2 |
Stacked integrated circuit package system and method of manufacture therefor
An integrated circuit package system including providing a base substrate, attaching a base integrated circuit on the base substrate, attaching a core substrate over the base integrated circuit, attaching a substrate electrical connector between the core substrate and the base substrate, and applying an encapsulant having the core substrate partially exposed over the base integrated circuit. |
| US07687310B2 |
Method for manufacturing phase change memory device which can stably form an interface between a lower electrode and a phase change layer
A phase change memory device is manufactured by forming a sacrificial layer and a hard mask layer on a lower electrode; performing a first etching these layers and forming on the lower electrode a first stack pattern having a first width less than a width of the lower electrode; performing a second etching the first stack pattern and forming a second stack pattern having a second width less than the first width; forming an insulation to cover the second stack pattern; CMPing the insulation layer to expose the sacrificial layer; removing the sacrificial layer to define a contact hole; forming a lower electrode contact in the contact hole; and forming a phase change layer and an upper electrode on the insulation layer including the lower electrode contact. By manufacturing the phase change memory device in this manner, the size of the contact hole can be decreased and uniformly defined. |
| US07687308B2 |
Method for fabricating carbon nanotube transistors on a silicon or SOI substrate
A method of forming a single wall thickness (SWT) carbon nanotube (CNT) transistor with a controlled diameter and chirality is disclosed. A photolithographically defined single crystal silicon seed layer is converted to a single crystal silicon carbide seed layer. A single layer of graphene is formed on the top surface of the silicon carbide. The SWT CNT transistor body is grown from the graphene layer in the presence of carbon containing gases and metal catalyst atoms. Silicided source and drain regions at each end of the silicon carbide seed layer provide catalyst metal atoms during formation of the CNT. The diameter of the SWT CNT is established by the width of the patterned seed layer. A conformally deposited gate dielectric layer and a transistor gate over the gate dielectric layer complete the CNT transistor. CNT transistors with multiple CNT bodies, split gates and varying diameters are also disclosed. |
| US07687304B2 |
Current-driven device using NiMn alloy and method of manufacture
A material for forming a conductive structure for a micromechanical current-driven device is described, which is an alloy containing about 0.025% manganese and the remainder nickel. Data shows that the alloy possesses advantageous mechanical and electrical properties. In particular, the sheet resistance of the alloy is actually lower and more stable than the sheet resistance of the pure metal. Accordingly, when used for conductive leads in a photonic device, the leads using the NiMn alloy may provide current to heat the photonic device while generating less heat within the leads themselves, and a more stable output. |
| US07687302B2 |
Frame shutter pixel with an isolated storage node
A frame shutter type device provides a separated well in which the storage node is located. The storage node is also shielded by a light shield to prevent photoelectric conversion. |
| US07687301B2 |
Integrated device manufacturing process
A process for manufacturing an integrated device includes the steps of: providing a silicon substrate on which a silicon dioxide structure is arranged and forming a trench having first and second essentially vertical walls relative to the substrate in the structure by means of anisotropic-type etching. A concavity having a sloped wall relative to the substrate is formed by isotropic-type etching which removes the second wall so that the concavity is open to the trench and the sloped wall faces the first wall. |
| US07687295B2 |
Method for manufacturing optical semiconductor device
In an optical semiconductor device that emits or receives light substantially perpendicularly to or in parallel to an active surface formed on a semiconductor substrate, the optical semiconductor device, an electrode that is formed on the active surface side and connected to the active surface is stepped or tapered at an end of the electrode. The electrode of the optical semiconductor device is formed of three layers including an adhesive layer, a diffusion prevention layer, and an Au layer, and the stepped configuration or the taped configuration is formed by a difference of the thickness of the Au layer or the thickness of the adhesive layer/diffusion prevention layer/Au layer. |
| US07687285B2 |
Method for manufacturing ferroelectric memory
A method for manufacturing a ferroelectric memory includes the steps of: forming an iridium film above a substrate; forming an iridium oxide layer on the iridium film; changing the iridium oxide layer into an amorphous iridium layer; oxidizing the amorphous iridium layer to form an iridium oxide portion; forming a ferroelectric film on the iridium oxide portion by a MOCVD method; and forming an electrode on the ferroelectric film. |
| US07687284B2 |
Magnetic sensor and manufacturing method therefor
A small-size magnetic sensor comprises three axial sensors each configured using plural giant magnetoresistive elements, wherein an X-axis sensor and a Y-axis sensor are arranged on the planar surface of an embedded layer of a substrate, and giant magnetoresistive elements forming a Z-axis sensor are formed on slopes of projections, which are formed by etching the embedded layer. It is possible to form an elongated projection on a substrate by way of the high-density plasma CVD method or by way of plasma etching and microwave etching, so that giant magnetoresistive elements are formed on the slopes of the elongated projection. |
| US07687283B2 |
Method of producing a semiconductor device having a magnetic layer formed thereon
A semiconductor device of a wafer level chip size package type is formed by cutting a semiconductor wafer with a plurality of semiconductor elements formed thereon in pieces. The semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate as the semiconductor wafer having a magnetic layer formed on at least one of a front surface and a backside surface of the semiconductor wafer. |
| US07687278B2 |
Pretreatment kit for saliva and pretreatment method for saliva
A pretreatment kit and a pretreatment kit for saliva in identification and quantitative determination of Streptococci mutans by immunochromatography utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction, which can remove aggregation caused by mucin and chain formation of Streptococci mutans in saliva in a simple operation and can efficiently flow out a complex of a labeled antibody and Streptococci mutans from a porous membrane retaining the labeled antibody, contains (A) a 0.01 to 10 mol/L aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide, (B) a 0.01 to 3 mol/L aqueous solution of tartaric acid and/or citric acid, and (C) a nonionic surface active agent and/or an amphoteric surface active agent, in which the component (C) is mixed with the components (A) and/or (B), or is provided separately, and at least one substance selected from the particular metallic salts is contained in at least one of the components (A), (B) and (C) in an amount of 5 to 25% by weight. |
| US07687277B2 |
Thermally controlled fluidic self-assembly
Methods and apparatuses are provided for assembling a structure on a support having a pattern of binding sites. In accordance with the method, a first fluid is provided on the surface of the support with the first fluid being of a type that that increases viscosity when cooled, the first fluid having first micro-components suspended therein each adapted to engage the binding sites. First fluid proximate to selected binding sites is cooled to increase the viscosity of the responsive fluid proximate to the selected binding sites so that the first micro-components suspended in the first fluid are inhibited from engaging the selected binding sites. |
| US07687276B2 |
Method of detecting analyte vaporized from sample with low-power UV radiation
A method for collecting and concentrating trace chemicals for subsequent analysis by virtually any type of chemical detector includes providing directed radiation to a sample, or a portion of a sample. An apparatus can include a sampling body for providing radiation. |
| US07687275B2 |
Nitric oxide detection
The present invention relates to a method for amplifying the detected signal in a gas sensor. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for increasing the concentration of the gas which is being detected in a sample or increasing the concentration of a gas which is directly obtained from the gas in the sample by chemical reaction. The gas which is to be detected is nitric oxide (NO). In particular, the method concerns the selective conversion of NO to NO2 which allows a threefold amplification of the number of analyte molecules in NO trace gas analysis in a single amplification cycle. Subsequent reduction or thermal decomposition of the obtained NO2 can provide NO again, which can again be introduced in a new amplification cycle. Multiple (n) amplification cycles can provide a sensitivity amplification by a factor 3n. The method can be combined with a multitude of detection methods and tolerates a high humidity. The method is therefore of general use in the analysis of NO from a variety of sources. |
| US07687274B2 |
Method for determining specific groups constituting heparins or low molecular weight heparins
The invention provides methods for analyzing heparins, low-molecular-weight heparins, ultralow-molecular-weight heparins, and oligosaccharides by high performance liquid chromatography a stationary phase dynamically coated with a quaternary ammonium salt. The methods of the invention may be used to analyze samples without pre-treatment or to analyze samples that have been partially or exhaustively depolymerised and, optionally, reduced. Specific saccharides can be detected. |
| US07687272B1 |
Method and apparatus for determining blood oxygen transport
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining blood oxygen transport, and to measure lipid levels by correlating these levels with the rate at which oxygen diffuses through the red blood cell membrane. |
| US07687267B2 |
High-throughput cell transfection device and methods of using thereof
Transfecting biology cells with nucleic acid molecules (DNA, siRNA) is an essential prerequisite in elucidating how genes function in complex cellular context and how their activities could be modulated for therapeutic intervention. Traditionally studies are carried out on a low throughput gene-by-gene scale, which has created a huge bottleneck in functional genomic study and drug discovery. Development of high-throughput cell transfection technology will permit functional analysis of massive number of genes and how their activities could be modulated by chemical or biological entities inside cells. This invention describes design, construction of device and apparatus for high throughput effective cell transfection. Procedures and protocols for using the device and apparatus are also described in the application. Novel methods of using the device in cell-based assays are also disclosed. |
| US07687262B2 |
Flask
The present invention provides a flask having a top piece 20 and a bottom piece 22 with optical properties on the interior surface 24 of which cells are grown. The top piece 20 and the bottom piece 22 are joined by a removable elastomeric seal 26. By disengaging the elastomeric seal 26 from the flask body 12, the top piece 20 can be separated from the bottom piece 22 providing access to the flask interior. |
| US07687261B2 |
Photosynthetic oil production in a two-stage reactor
A system and method are provided for producing algae with high oil content. The system includes a chemostat formed with a conduit for growing algae, an input port for feeding a medium into the conduit, and an output port for passing an effluence from the conduit. Further, the chemostat includes a paddlewheel or other device that moves the medium around the conduit. Also, the system includes a plug flow reactor for receiving the effluence from the chemostat. In order to trigger high oil production in the algae, a modified nutrient mix is added to the effluence in the plug flow reactor. Specifically, the modified nutrient mix comprises a limited amount of a selected constituent to trigger oil production in the algae. Further, the system includes an algae separator for removing high oil content algae from the plug flow reactor. |
| US07687250B2 |
Ethanol production from biological wastes
The invention provides methods, apparatuses, and kits for producing ethanol and other alcohols. The methods involve fermenting organic material in a fermentation mixture to a biogas comprising methane; converting at least a portion of the biogas to synthesis gas comprising CO and H2; and contacting at least a portion of the synthesis gas with a catalyst to produce alcohol. In some embodiments, a microorganism that reduces ferric iron to ferrous iron is included in the fermentation mixture to enhance the efficiency of the fermentation and the yield of alcohol. The invention also provides a method of producing alcohol involving fermenting organic material to a biogas comprising methane; removing sulfhydryls from the biogas; converting at least a portion of the biogas to synthesis gas comprising CO and H2; contacting at least a portion of the synthesis gas with a sulfur-free catalyst to produce a substantially sulfur-free alcohol; and purifying the alcohol wherein the purified alcohol is substantially sulfur-free and comprises less than 5% methanol and at least 70% C2+ alcohols by weight. |
| US07687248B2 |
Resistant starch with cooking properties similar to untreated starch
A method has been discovered to produce a resistant starch product that retains the same cooking quality as found in untreated rice starch or flour, but has a higher percentage of starch resistant to α-amylase digestion. This method uses a debranching enzyme, e.g., pullulanase, to digest the starch, but does not require pre-treating the starch source prior to enzymatic treatment. This method produced resistant starch from low amylose starches, rice starch (24%) and rice flour (20%). Surprisingly the resistant starch product formed by this method retained the pasting characteristics of the untreated flour or starch, and was heat stable. This method may also be used to produce resistant starch from other botanical sources, e.g., corn, wheat, potato, oat, barley, tapioca, sago, and arrowroot. Resistant starch produced by this method has a variety of uses in food products. |
| US07687246B2 |
Process for producing carotenoids
The present invention relates to a biological process for producing carotenoids utilizing a microorganism which is capable of producing carotenoids and belonging to the genus Xanthophyllomyces (Phaffia) in the presence of an inhibitor for biosynthesis of sterols from farnesyl pyrophosphate. |
| US07687242B2 |
KID31 and antibodies that bind thereto
The invention provides the identification and characterization of disease and cancer-associated antigen, KID31. The invention also provides a family of monoclonal antibodies that bind to antigen KID31, methods of diagnosing and treating various human cancers and diseases that express KID31. |
| US07687241B2 |
Methods and compositions for isolating metastatic cancer cells, and use in measuring metastatic potential of a cancer thereof
The present invention relates to novel methods and compositions for detection and isolation of cancer cells with metastatic potential. The invention further relates to assays for measuring the metastatic potential of such cancer cells and drug screening assays for the identification of agents having anti-metastatic potential. The present invention further provides methods and compositions for inhibiting the metastatic potential of cancer cells by modulating the activity of serine integral membrane proteases [(SIMP) consisting of seprase and dipetidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV)] expressed on the surface of metastasizing cancer cells. |
| US07687237B2 |
Method of identification and quantification of proteins, isoforms of the angiotensin I converting enzyme
The present invention relates to a method of identification and quantification of proteins, isoforms of angiotensin I converting enzymes (ACE), 190-kDa, specially of 90kDa in tissues, cells and biological fluids, specially in urine, genetic marker and prognostic agent of hypertension and primary or secondary renal lesion and kit for using in the diagnosis, risk stratification and therapeutical decision in arterial hypertension. One the aims of the present invention is to check the potential of the 90 kDa isoform as a hypertension genetic marker isoform and as a prognostic for hypertension. |
| US07687234B2 |
Carbon electrode surface for attachment of DNA and protein molecules
Methods for conducting an assay to detect nucleic acid hybridization are disclosed. In particular, the fabrication of a carbon electrode suited to nucleic acid hybridization detection is described. In some preferred embodiments, a micro array of carbon electrodes is constructed using photolithography. The final step in the photolithography process involves developing a solder mask with an alkaline solution. The alkaline solution oxidizes the carbon surface producing surface carboxylic acid groups. The surface carboxylic acid groups are reacted with EDC or DCC and NHS to produce NHS esters. Immobilization of NEUTRAVIDIN® onto the electrode surface is effected by reaction with the surface NHS ester groups. A biotinylated probe DNA molecule is then attached to the electrode via binding between the biotin group and the immobilized NEUTRAVIDIN®. The resulting electrode can be used to detect hybridization between the probe DNA and complementary target DNA. |
| US07687233B2 |
Methods and compositions for the correlation of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the vitamin K epoxide reductase gene and warfarin dosage
The present invention provides a method of identifying a human subject having increased or decreased sensitivity to warfarin, comprising detecting in the subject the presence of a single nucleotide polymorphism in the VKOR gene, wherein the single nucleotide polymorphism is correlated with increased or decreased sensitivity to warfarin, thereby identifying the subject having increased or decreased sensitivity to warfarin. |
| US07687231B2 |
Method for determining degree of negative effect of macrophages on vertebrate
The present invention provides a method for determining the degree of macrophage-associated negative effects on a vertebrate including a human, the method including assaying diacetylpolyamine contained in a sample collected from the vertebrate. According to the method of the present invention, metabolic conditions of macrophages can be monitored, and the degree of macrophage-associated negative effects on a vertebrate (including a human) can be determined. Specifically, the present invention can predict, through assay of diacetylpolyamine, pathological condition which is considered a macrophage-related disease; e.g., recurrence of cancer or malignant tumor, or infiltration or activation of cancer or malignant tumor cells; denaturation or degeneration of neurons associated with Alzheimer's disease; or onset or progression of an autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatism or Crohn's disease) or arteriosclerosis. Therefore, the present invention is very useful for clinical tests. |
| US07687229B2 |
Silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material and image forming method
A silver halide color photographic light-sensitive material having, on a support, at least each one light-sensitive silver halide emulsion layers containing yellow-, magenta-, or cyan-dye-forming-coupler, and at least one light-insensitive hydrophilic colloid layer, wherein at least one of the dye-forming couplers is a dye-forming coupler that forms an azomethine dye having a solubility of 1×10−8 mol/L to 5×10−3 mol/L in ethyl acetate; and an image forming method using the light-sensitive material. |
| US07687226B2 |
Method for fabricating printing plate with fine pattern using electric field
A fabricating method of a printing plate includes forming a first conductive layer on an upper surface of a printing plate, forming a second conductive layer on a lower surface of the printing plate, forming an etch-resist pattern by etching a portion of the first conductive layer, submerging the printing plate, the second conductive layer and the etch-resist pattern into an electrolytic solution, and applying an electrical field between the etch-resist pattern and the second conductive layer so that the electrolytic solution is dissociated to form an anisotropically etched fine pattern in the printing plate. |
| US07687219B2 |
Positive resist composition and pattern formation method using the positive resist composition
A positive resist composition comprises: (A) a resin that contains a repeating unit (A1) having a lactone structure and a cyano group, and increases its solubility to an alkali developer by action of an acid; (B) a compound that generates an acid by irradiation with actinic ray or radiation; and (C) a solvent. |
| US07687212B2 |
Charge trapping releaser containing photogenerating layer photoconductors
A photoconductor that includes for example, a supporting substrate, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer comprised of at least one charge transport component, and where the photogenerating layer contains at least one charge trapping releaser. |
| US07687211B2 |
System and method for photolithography in semiconductor manufacturing
A method for photolithography in semiconductor device manufacturing comprises defining test critical dimension target for a photolithography mask, measuring a mask critical dimension, comparing mask critical dimension to the test critical dimension target and determining a critical dimension deviation, determining a photolithography light base energy in response to the critical dimension deviation, and exposing the wafer according to the photolithography light base energy. |
| US07687210B2 |
Space tolerance with stitching
A method for manufacturing a stitched space in a semiconductor circuit implements a photolithographic process for printing one or more image fields on a wafer surface, each image field corresponding to a portion of a circuit or device and including a space that is to be stitched in adjacent image fields. The space to be stitched that is produced from an image field is overlapped onto the space to be stitched produced from the adjacent image field, however, the overlapped space from the adjacent image fields is intentionally misaligned. The stitched space is then subject to the double light exposure dose to print the stitched space, with the result that an overlay tolerance of the stitched space is improved. |
| US07687205B2 |
Photolithographic method and apparatus employing a polychromatic mask
A photolithographic method and associated apparatus are provided that permit three-dimensional structures to be defined in a photoresist coating in such a manner that multi-level structures can be formed which have constant width at different depths within the photoresist coating. The photolithographic method and apparatus may permit such three-dimensional structures to be defined within a photoresist coating with the use of a single polychromatic mask and, optionally, a micro-lens array. By designing the polychromatic mask to have a plurality of regions that selectively pass and block respective wavelengths of light, the photoresist coating can be selectively illuminated with light have different wavelengths. As a result of the optical absorption characteristics of the photoresist coating, the different wavelengths of light propagate to different depths within the photoresist coating, thereby defining multi-level microstructures therein. |
| US07687197B2 |
Expandable battery compartment for handheld electronic devices
In a portable electronic device having a battery compartment and a removeable cover therefor, the battery compartment and cover are configured to accommodate batteries of at least two different sizes. |
| US07687196B2 |
Prismatic battery and method for manufacturing the same
A prismatic battery having advantages of both a rectangular battery and a cylindrical battery and having excellent properties is provided. Furthermore, a method of manufacturing the prismatic battery, suppressing the occurrence of defects in manufacturing the prismatic batteries and having an excellent productivity is provided. A prismatic battery including: an electrode plate group, an electrolyte and a battery case for accommodating the electrode plate group and the electrolyte; wherein the side face of the battery case includes a cylindrical head portion; a prismatic body potion for accommodating the electrode plate group and the electrolyte; and a transition portion located between the body portion and the head portion. |
| US07687193B2 |
Electrochemical battery incorporating internal manifolds
An electrochemical battery includes a plurality of cells, each cell including negative and positive compartments to contain electrolyte solution. A manifold includes an outer manifold plate coupled to an inner manifold plate to supply and return electrolyte solution to the compartments. Each manifold plate includes supply shunt passages to convey electrolyte solution to the cells and return shunt passages to receive electrolyte solution from the cells. |
| US07687192B2 |
Mechanically and electrically connecting member
Disclosed herein is a member for mechanically and electrically connecting two or more objects, including an insulation body having a plurality of coupling holes for coupling the objects formed therein, a plate-shaped conductive strip mounted at the rear surface of the insulation body in the diagonal direction of the insulation body while the conductive strip is isolated from the front surface of the insulation body, the conductive strip having connection holes formed at opposite ends thereof such that the connection holes communicate with the insulation body, and a connecting bar constructed such that the connecting bar can be inserted into the corresponding connection hole of the conductive strip while the strip is connected to the objects. The connecting member accomplishes excellent mechanical connection and stable electrical connection of objects, easy assembly and disassembly, and low possibility of short circuits. Furthermore, the objects can be connected with each other in a compact structure, and therefore, the connecting member according to the present invention can be preferably used to connect battery modules constituting a medium- or large-sized battery system, especially, for electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles. |
| US07687188B2 |
Sealed cell having non-resealable safety valve
A sealed cell having a safety mechanism is provided. The safety mechanism has a non-resealable valve structure formed in a sealing plate that seals the cell. The valve structure is broken as soon as the internal pressure reaches or exceeds a predetermined value so as to permit the internal gas to be released outside. The valve structure has at least one dome protruding toward the interior of the cell, which in turn has at the periphery thereof a break groove for facilitating the breakage of the valve structure. This makes the valve structure highly responsive to the internal pressure and causes to form a break-opened orifice of a sufficient area at the time of operation in response to the increased internal pressure. The valve structure is not unnecessarily broken by the impacts of, for example, dropping. As a result, the safety of the sealed cell is significantly improved. |
| US07687185B2 |
Using sacrificial material to mitigate catalyst support corrosion in fuel cell electrode
A fuel cell includes an anode layer, a polymeric ion conductive membrane disposed over the anode layer, a cathode layer disposed over the polymeric ion conductive membrane, and an effective amount of a reactive material that corrodes at a higher rate than support carbon in the cathode layer, anode layer, or both. The reactive material is either proximate to or distributed within the cathode catalyst layer. In a variation, reactive material is also included proximate to the anode layer. |
| US07687183B2 |
Electrochemical fuel cell elements having improved compression over channels
An electrically conductive element and a related assembly are provided for use in an electrochemical cell. The electrically conductive separator plate has an upper boundary and a lower boundary. The upper boundary has at least one land formed therein, where the land has a surface defining a first plane and the lower boundary defines a second plane. The first plane extends towards said second plane, so as to intersect with said second plane at an angle greater than zero. An assembly further comprises a compliant layer which substantially conforms to the angled land surfaces, thereby enhancing contact pressure between and across a plurality of components in the compliant layer. A method of assembling such a separator assembly in a fuel cell is also provided. |
| US07687182B2 |
Pressurized coolant for stamped plate fuel cell without diffusion media in the inactive feed region
Clearance gaps in the inactive feed regions of a fuel cell stack are controlled by non-bonded, non-nested bipolar plates to provide reactant flow uniformity and pressure within fuel cells and fuel cell stacks utilizing nested bipolar plates in the active feed regions and non-nested bipolar plates in the inactive feed regions. |
| US07687177B2 |
Nitrided bipolar plates
Nitrided bipolar plates and a scheme for their fabrication are provided. The present invention also contemplates device incorporating bipolar plates according to the present invention. For example, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, an electrochemical conversion assembly is provided. The electrochemical conversion cells of the assembly are separated by respective bipolar plates comprising an alloy of Fe and Cr. A surface portion of the bipolar plates comprises a single phase nitrided structure. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a plasma nitriding process is utilized to create a single phase nitrided structure along a surface portion of respective ones of said bipolar plates. |
| US07687173B2 |
Process for making a ceramic composite device
An electrical power generating device having a plurality of ceramic composite cells, each cell having a cathode and an anode. A thermal shell in which the ceramic composite cells are stacked or arranged in electrical series and gas parallel surrounded by shock absorbing and insulating materials, respectively, is preferably included. Also provided are an exhaust fan, thermocouple sensors, a fuel supply, a programmable computer controller with user interface, and a container supporting the assembly and having passageways for providing air ingress and egress to the device, and power output terminals for the electrical power from the device.Methods for manufacturing the ceramic composite cells are also provided, including a method for manufacturing stabilized zirconia and for use in the ceramic materials used within the ceramic composite cell. |
| US07687172B2 |
Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system includes a fuel cell stack. The fuel cell stack includes a plurality of fuel cells stacked together in a stacking direction, and end plates provided at opposite ends of the fuel cells in the stacking direction. A fluid unit is provided on one side of the fuel cell stack. The fluid unit includes a heat exchanger for heating an oxygen-containing gas to be supplied to the fuel cell stack, and a reformer for reforming a fuel to produce a fuel gas. |
| US07687171B2 |
Multi-stage in-line cartridge ejector for fuel cell system
Multi-stage in-line cartridge ejectors for a fuel cell system provided herein comprise: at least one ejector main body for supplying hydrogen, each ejector main body including a plurality of nozzles arranged in line with a predetermined gap, in which the diameters of the respective nozzles become larger from an inlet side of the ejector main body toward an outlet side thereof, and a plurality of sub-inlets formed on an outer surface of the ejector main body to be connected to the gap or gaps between the nozzles; and a housing accommodating the eject main body and including a main inlet for intake of recirculated hydrogen. The multi-stage in-line cartridge ejectors can improve the system performance by increasing the amount of recirculated hydrogen. Moreover, at least one check valve is provided at an intake position of the cartridge ejectors to effectively prevent reverse flow of recirculation hydrogen gas and at least one heater is provided around the cartridge ejectors to improve cold startability. |
| US07687170B2 |
Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system in which fuel cell flooding is eliminated by providing necessary flow speed of fuel gas within a channel while improving system efficiency of the fuel cell by re-circulating unreacted fuel gas, which has been discharged externally from a circulation channel in order to provide the flow speed within the channel. An exhaust gas storage unit which stores exhaust gas is disposed in an exhaust gas recovery channel, to store exhaust gas discharged from the anode channel of the fuel cell. Fuel consumption can be improved by re-supplying the exhaust gas to the fuel cell again. Furthermore, an exhaust storage unit is maintained at a negative pressure. This allows the flow speed of reactant gas flowing through the channel for fuel gas to be increased at the time of opening the control valve connected to the exhaust gas storage unit. Such an arrangement allows water droplets or the like remaining within the anode electrode of the fuel cell to be removed, thereby suppressing flooding. This improves the system efficiency while suppressing fuel consumption. |
| US07687168B2 |
Fuel cell system for setting predetermined operation state when substitutional value control is impossible
A fuel cell system installed in a fuel-cell movable body. The system includes a fuel cell for generating electric power using reaction gases; a plurality of sensors for measuring states of the fuel cell; an abnormal state detecting device for detecting an abnormal state of at least one of said plurality of sensors; a substitution possibility determining device for determining whether there are one or more substitution sensors from among said plurality of sensors, each substitution sensor outputting a signal value used for setting a substitutional value for a signal value output from the sensor whose abnormal state has been detected; and a predetermined operation control device for operating the fuel cell in a predetermined operation state when the abnormal state of the sensor is detected by the abnormal state detecting device and it is determined by the substitution possibility determining device that there is no substitution sensor. |
| US07687163B2 |
Soft start fuel cell control strategy
A method of operating an electrochemical conversion assembly is provided. According to the method, an assembly warm-up operation is executed by increasing the temperature TSTACK of the membrane electrode assembly. Next, stoichiometry-based control of the relative humidity (RH) of one of the reactant flowfields is initiated when the temperature TSTACK exceeds a threshold temperature T0. The stoichiometry-based RH control comprises a reduction in the relative humidity from a value RHWET exceeding 100% relative humidity to a value RHDRY less than 100% relative humidity. The relative humidity value RHDRY is sufficiently low to permit reduction of an initial membrane hydration λWET in the membrane electrode assembly. The reduction in the relative humidity to RHDRY is achieved by controlling the stoichiometry of the reactant flowfield and the temperature of the membrane electrode assembly such that the reduction to RHDRY decreases substantially continuously, relative to portions of the RH profile of the reactant flowfield prior to initiation of the stoichiometry-based control. The cell transitions from the stoichiometry-based RH control to generally elevated-temperature, temperature-based RH control when membrane hydration in the membrane electrode assembly falls below a target membrane hydration value λDRY. Additional methods and corresponding systems are contemplated. |
| US07687157B2 |
Perpendicular recording media having an exchange-spring structure
A recording medium providing improved writeability in perpendicular recording applications includes a magnetic recording layer having an axis of magnetic anisotropy substantially perpendicular to the surface thereof, an exchange-spring layer ferromagnetically exchange coupled to the magnetic recording layer and having a coercivity less than the magnetic recording layer coercivity, and a coupling layer between the magnetic recording layer and the exchange-spring layer. The coupling layer regulates the ferromagnetic exchange coupling between the magnetic recording layer and the exchange-spring layer. |
| US07687156B2 |
Composite cutting inserts and methods of making the same
Embodiments of the present invention include methods of producing a composite article. A method comprises introducing a first powdered metal grade from a feed shoe into a first portion of a cavity in a die and a second powdered metal grade from the feed shoe into a second portion of the cavity, wherein the first powder metal grade differs from the second powdered metal grade in chemical composition or particle size. Further methods are also provided. Embodiments of the present invention also comprise composite inserts for material removal operations. The composite inserts may comprise a first region and a second region, wherein the first region comprises a first composite material and the second region comprises a second composite material. |
| US07687155B2 |
Luminescence device and display apparatus
A metal coordination compound having the following structure: wherein M′ is Ir or Rh, m′ is 2, and are identical to each other and are represented by a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl isoquinoline ligand. A luminescence device and a display apparatus using this metal coordination compound are provided. |
| US07687153B2 |
Donor substrate for laser transfer and organic electroluminescence display device manufactured using the same
A donor substrate for laser transfer comprises: a base film; a light-to-heat conversion layer formed on the base film; and a transfer layer formed of an organic material on the light-to-heat conversion layer. The transfer layer contains a thermosetting electroluminescent material, and an organic electroluminescence display device is manufactured using the same. Thus, R, G and B emission layers are simply formed with a fine pattern by a thermal curing process after laser transfer. As a result, the emission layers are not damaged, and the manufacturing cost of a full-color organic electroluminescence display device is reduced due to employment of a simplified mask process. The donor substrate is advantageous to use in the manufacture of a large-sized organic electroluminescence display device. |
| US07687152B2 |
High strength molten zinc plated steel sheet and process of production of same
A molten zinc plated steel sheet superior in plating bondability and provided with both strength and shapeability is provided and a method of producing this molten zinc plating steel sheet by a continuous zinc plating production system which enables production at a low cost without modification of the system or addition of steps is provided, said molten zinc plated steel sheet characterized by comprising, by wt %, a steel sheet including C: 0.05 to 0.40%, Si: 0.2 to 3.0%, and Mn: 0.1 to 2.5%, the balance comprised of Fe and unavoidable impurities, having on its surface a Zn plating layer containing Al: 0.01 to 1% and the balance of Zn and unavoidable impurities and containing inside the steel sheet within 2 μm from the interface of said plating layer and steel sheet oxide particles of at least one type of oxide selected from an Al oxide, Si oxide, Mn oxide, or complex oxide comprised of at least two of Al, Si, and Mn. |
| US07687151B2 |
Overlay for repairing spline and seal teeth of a mated component
An overlay for repairing spline and seal teeth of a mated component is disclosed. The overlay is a tube constructed of a weld repair material, the tube having an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface is dimensioned to define an aperture sized to receive a plurality of radially spaced splines of the component, the splines of the component arranged to matingly engage a complementary component. |
| US07687149B2 |
High shading performance coatings
The invention provides high shading performance, low-emissivity coatings. The invention provides a monolithic pane bearing a high shading performance, low-emissivity coating. The invention also provides an insulating glass unit bearing a high shading performance, low-emissivity coating. Finally, the invention provides methods of producing coated substrates by depositing high shading performance, low-emissivity coatings. |
| US07687145B2 |
Compounds containing a thiol protected group bonded to a protecting group via a polarized bond, and structure comprising the compounds on its surface
Organosulfur compounds suitable as protected thiol-containing reactive organic layer precursors, for example 3,5-dimethoxy-α,α-dimethylbenzyloxycarbonyl-3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane, are useful in methods of nanometer scale (nanoscale) patterning and fabrication of nanoscale structures on patterned surfaces. The compounds and methods enable the patternwise placement of nanoparticles, with nanometer resolution to form, for example, electrically conductive nanostructures. |
| US07687142B2 |
Laminate for printed wiring board
A laminate for a printed wiring board having a laminate structure comprising an electrical insulator layer (A) and an electrical conductor layer (B) bonded directly to each other, wherein the electrical insulator layer (A) is formed of a fluorocopolymer comprising repeating units (a) based on tetrafluoroethylene and/or chlorotrifluoroethylene, repeating units (b) based on a fluoromonomer excluding tetrafluoroethylene and chlorotrifluoroethylene, and repeating units (c) based on a monomer having an acid anhydride residue and a polymerizable unsaturated bond in amounts of (a) being from 50 to 99.89 mol %, (b) being from 0.1 to 49.99 mol % and (c) being from 0.01 to 5 mol %, based on ((a)+(b)+(c)), and the electrical conductor layer (B) has a surface roughness of at most 10 μm on the side being in contact with the electrical insulator layer (A). The laminate for a printed wiring board is excellent in signal response in a high frequency region. |
| US07687141B2 |
Near-infrared absorbing fiber comprising tungsten oxide, and fiber article using same
An inexpensive fiber that has heat retaining properties, satisfactory weather resistance and heat absorption efficiency, and includes a heat absorbing material having excellent transparency; and a fiber article that uses the fiber. A particle dispersion of Cs0.33WO3 is obtained by mixing Cs0.33WO3 microparticles, toluene, and a microparticle dispersing agent to create a liquid dispersion, and then removing the toluene. The particle dispersion is added to and uniformly mixed with pellets of polyethylene terephthalate resin, after which the mixture is extruded, the strands thus obtained are formed into pellets, and a master batch including Cs0.33WO3 microparticles is obtained. This master batch is mixed with a master batch to which inorganic microparticles have not been added, and the mixture thus obtained is melt spun and stretched to manufacture a polyester multifilament yarn. The polyester multifilament yarn is cut, polyester staple fibers are created, and a spun yarn is manufactured. A heat retentive knit article is obtained using the spun yarn. |
| US07687134B2 |
Tear resistant film
Tear resistant flexible polymeric film having at least one embossed zone, the at least one embossed zone comprising a plurality of adjacent embossed patterns (8) through the film material, each embossed pattern (8) comprising either at least one spiral embossed rib formation (12) having a plurality of turns spaced from each other by corresponding spiral less-embossed film material (20) or an array of concentric embossed rib formations (12) spaced from each other by corresponding concentric less-embossed film material (20), wherein the embossed rib formation or formations (12) are formed by stretching the film material thereof relative to said less-embossed film material (20). The film may be in the form of a bag, particularly a thin-walled disposable bag, in which the embossed patterns (8) increase the tear resistance of the bag. The embossed patterns may extend across the entire embossed zone. |
| US07687131B2 |
Profile gasket and composition thereof
A profile gasket has a locking part below a gasket base for mounting the gasket to a target body such as a refrigerator door. The gasket also has a sealing portion and an elastic support for elastically supporting the sealing portion to the gasket base. The gasket is made of a thermoplastic resin having a preferred composition. |
| US07687127B2 |
Electrophotographic recording sheet and label paper
A label paper including a thermoplastic resin sheet (A) formed by stretching along at least one axis and heat treating at 50 to 250° C., an adhesive layer (B), and a release paper (C). Under a thermomechanical analysis with heating from a room temperature to 150° C., α is in a range of from −2.5 to 2.5 percent, and α-β is in a range of from −1.5 to 1.5 percent, where α is a ratio of a dimension of the thermoplastic resin sheet (A) after the heating to a dimension of the thermoplastic resin sheet (A) before the heating, and β is a ratio of a dimension of the release paper (C) after the heating to a dimension of the release paper (C) before the heating. |
| US07687125B2 |
Labels
There is described a label comprising a self supporting sheet of a biopolymer (preferably cellulose (e.g. regenerated cellulose), cellulose acetate and/or PLA) said sheet being substantially transparent to visible light when uncoated characterised in that the sheet comprises: (a) a first coating on at least one surface thereof to aid printability thereon; (b) a second coating comprising an adhesive dispersible in an aqueous medium; and (c) optionally a third coating to modify water permeability through the sheet. The labels are to be applied to articles such as glass containers. Preferred labels are wet glue cellulose labels for example where the first coating also comprises a copolymer of vinyl chloride and vinyl acetate to aid water permeability and hence rapid drying of the label on an article. |
| US07687122B2 |
Wrapping net for sausages and method for production thereof
A tubular encasing netting for sausage and similar articles. The encasing netting contains a longitudinally running tear-open thread, the length of which is greater than that of the encasing netting in the state of use of the latter. This results in loops of the tear-open thread which are accessible from outside and which can be grasped for tearing open. The encasing netting is expediently a double-rib or warp-knit fabric. The tear-open thread is received in stitches of this fabric. The invention relates, furthermore, to a method for producing such an encasing netting, to a sausage casing connected to the encasing netting and to an article encased by this encasing netting. |
| US07687117B2 |
Voltage non-uniformity compensation method for high frequency plasma reactor for the treatment of rectangular large area substrates
A vacuum vessel and at least two electrodes define an internal process space. At least one power supply is connectable with the electrodes. A substrate holder holds a substrate to be treated in the internal process space. At least one of the electrodes has along a first cross section a concave profile and has along a second cross section a convex profile, the first cross section being parallel to the second cross section. Gas is provided to the space through a gas inlet. Power is provided to the electrodes and the substrate is treated. |
| US07687113B2 |
Modified polyimide resin and curable resin composition
A modified polyimide resin favorably employable for manufacturing an insulation film of an electric-electronic device is composed of recurring units (I) derived from a biphenyltetracarboxylic acid compound, a diamine compound, and a monoamine compound having at least one hydroxyl group and recurring units (II) derived from diisocyanate and polybutadiene having hydroxyl group at each terminal, which optionally contains further recurring units (III) derived from diisocyanate and a compound having hydroxyl group at each terminal and further having a reactive substituent. |
| US07687112B2 |
Surface for reduced friction and wear and method of making the same
A process for producing an enhanced friction reducing surface by bonding a dry lubricant to a substrate by way of high velocity mechanical impact and low temperature diffusion bonding, and the friction-reduced surface produced thereby. A process for bonding the dry lubricant by peening and concurrently obtaining a desired dimpling or surface texturizing by appropriate selection of peening particle size and hardness relative to the substrate, as well as impact velocity against the substrate, is also provided. |
| US07687107B2 |
Process for producing chemically modified amorphous precipitated silica
Described is an improved process for producing chemically modified fillers by using a certain combination of functionalizing and hydrophobizing agents in an aqueous suspension of inorganic oxide having a pH of 2.5 or less and increasing the pH of the suspension after chemically treating the filler. |
| US07687105B2 |
Environmental barrier coating for silicon-containing substrates and process therefor
A protective coating for use on a silicon-containing substrate, and deposition methods therefor. The coating has a barium-strontium-aluminosilicate (BSAS) composition that is less susceptible to degradation by volatilization and in corrosive environments as a result of having at least an outer surface region that consists essentially of one or more stoichiometric crystalline phases of BSAS and is substantially free of a nonstoichiometric second crystalline phase of BSAS that contains a substoichiometric amount of silica. The coating can be produced by carrying out deposition and heat treatment steps that result in the entire coating or just the outer surface region of the coating consisting essentially of the stoichiometric celsian phase. |
| US07687103B2 |
Compositions and methods for preserving permeation layers for use on active electronic matrix devices
An improved synthetic, polymer hydrogel permeation layer for use with an active electronic matrix device for biological assays. The permeation layer includes a dried coating of raffinose or a combination of raffinose and stachyose to protect the permeation layer from degradation during shipping and storage. |
| US07687101B2 |
Dispenser for liquid crystal display panel and dispensing method using the same
A dispenser for a liquid crystal display panel includes a table on which a substrate is loaded, an aligning substrate provided at least along one side of the substrate, at least one syringe having a nozzle at an end portion for supplying a material onto the substrate or onto the aligning substrate; and an image camera provided at a side of the syringe for detecting an image of the material on the substrate or on the aligning substrate. |
| US07687098B1 |
Chemical mechanical vapor deposition device for production of bone substitute material
A method for fabricating a substitute component for bone, including the processes of: provision of a chemical spray including at least three of calcium chloride, hydrogen phosphate, hydrogen carbonate and water to form a combined solution; reaction and precipitation of the combined solution onto a substrate; allowing the precipitated particles to form a porous structure on the substrate; applying substantially isostatic pressure to the porous structure to form a compressed structure; and (optional) providing one or more through-holes in the compressed structure to promote osteoinduction. |
| US07687096B2 |
Non-hydrogenated vegetable oil based margarine for puff pastry containing an elevated diglyceride emulsifier
A mono-, di-, and triglyceride emulsifier is provided that is obtained by the interesterification or glycerolysis of triglycerides with glycerol. The diglyceride portion w/w is at least about 65% to about 80%, and most preferably from about 70% to about 80%. The high diglyceride emulsifier is useful in preparing a margarine from a selected quantity a non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and from an amount of saturated fat for use in puff pastry products. The puff pastry is trans fat free and a less than usual percentage of saturated fats. A preferred structured puff pastry margarine is prepared by mixing on a weight to weight basis about 14 parts of the high diglyceride emulsifier that is in predominantly stable beta crystal form, from about 14 to 27 parts of a non-hydrogenated vegetable oil, and from about 40 to about 52 parts of a saturated fat. |
| US07687094B2 |
Frozen dessert product
The present invention is directed to formulations premix utilized in pellet structured frozen dessert type product. The pelletized frozen dessert product is manufactured by introducing the premix into a body of a cryogen such that the premix is frozen rapidly. The invention elevates the melting temperature as well as the fusing temperature of the pellets such that the storage and serving temperatures of the pellets are similar to the bulk products. The invention utilizes the basic ingredients and names and flavors of bulk type frozen desserts. The pellet produced utilizing the pre-mix is stable at normal retail and home freezer situations. The formulation and manufacture of the pelletized dessert product is substantially different from bulk frozen desserts. The result is a product that maintains the desired individuality of the pellets while maintaining structure, such that fusing is inhibited at the storage and serving temperature. |
| US07687093B2 |
Method and an apparatus for thawing frozen meat
The invention comprises a method of thawing meat frozen in meat blocks (1) and comprising an apparatus for initial separation of the meat block (1) before the meat block (1) is placed in a rotating container (7), said meat block (1) being subjected to pressure before treated in the rotating container (7), said pressure initiating a separation process of the meat block (1) into individual pieces (2). This pressure may be applied over the diagonals of the meat block (1). The invention also comprises an apparatus for performing the method, said apparatus comprising a number of pistons (3, 4, 5, 6) which either cooperate in pairs or cooperate with a firm opposite face for applying pressure to the meat block (1). The faces of the pistons (3, 4, 5, 6) may be plane, or they may comprise elevations or depressions as well as adapted to act over at least one of the diagonals of the meat block (1). |
| US07687092B2 |
Encapsulated crystalline lactic acid
The present invention relates to encapsulated lactic acid, where lactic acid is in a solid, pure, crystalline form. The encapsulation of food acids is common practice. Many companies produce encapsulated citric, tartaric and sorbic acids or GDL. However, lactic acid, a major food acid for its flavour and conservation effect, is not available in a pure solid crystalline encapsulated form. As no substrate is needed for said coated solid lactic acid particles, the lactic acid content of said particles may be very high and the activity of the lactic acid is not impaired by the substrate. Furthermore, the encapsulated solid lactic acid particles according to the invention are easy to handle and are less expensive than encapsulated liquid lactic acid. |
| US07687089B2 |
Extracts of passion fruit and uses thereof
An extract of passion fruit is prepared. The extract has the effect of lowering blood pressure and serum nitric oxide levels in mammals. The extract also provides a hepatoprotective effect, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in mammals. A novel compound was identified in the extract and given the name edulilic acid. |
| US07687085B2 |
Anti-obestic composition
The composition of the present invention comprises (1) a biologically effective amount of an extract of a plant of the genus Eucalyptus as an active ingredient, and (2) a biologically acceptable carrier or diluent, and is effective for inhibiting or preventing obesity (increase in weight), lipid storage disease, hyperlipemia, arteriosclerosis, or thrombosis, and is also effective for inhibiting or reducing an amount of triglyceride or an amount of cholesterol in blood. Therefore, the composition of the present invention is used in the form of drugs, food products, food additives, animal feeds, and additives for animal feeds. |
| US07687082B2 |
Complementary compositions to reduce blood glucose levels and treat diabetes
Serial administration of two complementary compositions effectively reduces and stabilizes glucose levels in the blood of mammals, specifically in pre-diabetic patients and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The first composition (Comp1) comprises (−)-hydroxycitric acid ((−)-HCA), magnesium salt (Mg) and konjac mannan (KM). The second composition (Comp2) comprises chromium picolinate (CrPic), magnesium salt (Mg) and alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA). The second composition may include one or more of Comp1, cinnamon extract (CE) and American ginseng (AG). |
| US07687078B1 |
Method of treatment
Compositions for treating anal and vaginal inflammations while maintaining normal vaginal floral activity utilizing magnesium and alkali metal salts at an acidic pH. |
| US07687077B2 |
Method to reduce stool odor of companion animals
A method is provided for reducing stool odor of a companion animal such as a cat or dog. The method comprises causing the animal to ingest a composition comprising a stool odor reducing effective amount of a zinc ion source, for example zinc acetate. |
| US07687067B2 |
2-pyridinylcycloalkylcarboxamide derivatives useful as fungicides
A compound of general formula (I): A process for preparing this compound.An intermediate of general formula (II) for the preparation of a compound of general formula (I). A fungicidal composition comprising a compound of general formula (I).A method for treating plants by applying a compound of general formula (I) or a composition comprising it. |
| US07687066B2 |
Self emulsifying oily liquid cosmetic
A self emulsification type oily liquid cosmetic composition includes 8 to 30% by mass of the following component A and 50 to 92% by mass of the following component B.Component A: a polyglycerin fatty acid ester having a hydroxyl value of 450 to 700, and a branched fatty acid residue having 16 to 18 carbon atoms and/or a linear unsaturated fatty acid residue having 16 to 18 carbon atoms accounting for 50 to 100% by mass of total constituent fatty acid residues, and in a polyglycerin constituting the polyglycerin fatty acid ester, a total content of a polyglycerin cyclic compound of a dimer and a trimer is from 0 to 3% based on the entire polyglycerin, a total content of a polyglycerin of a undecamer or a higher multimer is from 10 to 30% based on the entire polyglycerin, and each content of a polyglycerin of a tetramer to a decamer is from 4 to 20% based on the entire polyglycerin.Component B: an oily component. |
| US07687063B2 |
Treating solid tumors with an antibody to hepatocyte growth factor
The present invention is directed toward a neutralizing monoclonal antibody to hepatocyte growth factor, a pharmaceutical composition comprising same, and methods of treatment comprising administering such a pharmaceutical composition to a patient. |
| US07687061B2 |
Method of modulating the activity of functional immune molecules to Her-2
The invention relates to a method for controlling the activity of an immunologically functional molecule, such as an antibody, a protein, a peptide or the like, an agent of promoting the activity of an immunologically functional molecule, and an immunologically functional molecule having the promoted activity. |
| US07687055B2 |
Method of treating keratinic fibers with creatine, creatinine and/or their salts to strengthen, restructure, harden and stabilize them
The method of hardening, fortifying, restructuring, repairing, increasing volume or stabilizing keratinic fibers, especially human hair, includes providing a keratinic fiber treatment composition containing from 0.05 to 1.0 percent by weight of creatine, a salt of creatine, creatinine and/or a salt of creatinine, bringing the keratinic fiber treatment composition into contact with the keratinic fibers and allowing the keratinic fiber treatment composition to remain in contact with the keratinic fibers for a certain time interval. |
| US07687053B2 |
Embolic compositions with non-cyanoacrylate rheology modifying agents
Compositions for embolization are disclosed herein. The compositions disclosed can have a matrix-forming component, a solid-aggregate material, and a rheology modifying agent, wherein the matrix-forming component includes at least alkyl cyanoacrylate monomers, a stabilizer, and a plasticizer, and the solid-aggregate material includes at least a radiopacifier. The composition and a method of administering the composition are useful for treating vasculature abnormalities, particularly when the composition solidifies upon contact with an ionic environment, such as blood. |
| US07687052B2 |
Styrylpyridine derivatives and their use for binding and imaging amyloid plaques
This invention relates to a method of imaging amyloid deposits and to styrylpyridine compounds, and methods of making radiolabeled styrylpyridine compounds useful in imaging amyloid deposits. This invention also relates to compounds, and methods of making compounds for inhibiting the aggregation of amyloid proteins to form amyloid deposits, and a method of delivering a therapeutic agent to amyloid deposits. |
| US07687048B1 |
Amine treatment in light olefin processing
Processing schemes and arrangements for the amine treatment of high olefin content (e.g., ethylene-rich) carbon dioxide-containing streams such as for the effective separation and removal of carbon dioxide therefrom are provided. Corresponding or associated processing schemes and arrangements for the catalytic cracking of a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock and obtaining light olefins substantially free of carbon dioxide via absorption-based product recovery are also provided. |
| US07687040B2 |
Automated portable and submersible ozone generator
The present invention is directed to a portable ozone generator for use in small, confined, uninhabited spaces, such as refrigerators. The generator has a clam shell top and bottom. The bottom is of unitary construction and houses batteries. The top house electrical components, including circuitry for time generation of ozone. |
| US07687039B2 |
Methods and systems for modulating acoustic energy delivery
The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices for using acoustic energy. |
| US07687038B2 |
Air freshener and method
An air freshener device includes a scent material interspersed within a polymer body or a polymer gel, and capable of dispersing out of the polymer gel. The polymer body and a polymer gel can be flexible and compressible, and also resilient and returnable to its original configuration. The air freshener can have at least one vent rod configured to engage an air vent, a head pivotally coupled to the at least one vent rod and a polymer body associated with the head and at least one vent rod and containing scent material. The air freshener also may be combined with a packaging system to present the air freshener for purchase, and have a pivotal head pivoted to display the head in the packaging. |
| US07687030B2 |
Hydrogen gas visualization device
A hydrogen gas visualization device comprises a hydrogen sensor having a thin film layer formed on the surface of a substrate and a catalyst layer formed on the surface of the thin film layer which, when contacted by hydrogen gas contained in an atmosphere, hydrogenates the thin film layer and thereby changes the optical reflectance of the thin film layer, and one or more sensor faces provided with the hydrogen sensor. The hydrogen gas visualization device visualizes, on the sensor faces, the distribution of hydrogen gas contained in the atmosphere contacting the hydrogen sensor and thereby visualizes the existence and flow of the hydrogen gas. |
| US07687029B2 |
Automated analyser for determining nitrogen derived from organic compounds
An automated analyzer is described for determining, by way of combustion, nitrogen contained in organic compounds, in particular proteins present in foods, animal feeds, polymers, fuels etc., characterized in that the carbon dioxide absorption device upstream of the nitrogen detector is self-regenerating and comprises: a distributor valve able to switch different gas circuits without contaminations and losses from one gas sample to another, a carousel consisting of a plurality of absorber elements inside which is placed an adsorbent material, a furnace suitable for said adsorbers, in such a manner that each of said adsorbers presents itself in turn for each analysis and that on completion of said analysis the same adsorber is conveyed to the furnace for degassing of the absorbent material and thus for its relative regeneration. |
| US07687028B1 |
Sequential, time-integrated collector of precipitation, ground water, and surface water for analysis of isotopes
A sequential, time-integrated collector having an electronic controller that actuates either of two electrically-actuated valves, each connected to a water reservoir. At a preset time interval (e.g., every 30 minutes), time-integrated water samples are transferred into sample vials in a multi-sample carousel. Evaporation that could change the isotopic composition of a precipitation sample is minimized by sealing the opening of each sample vial by pressing each vial against a flat, low-friction surface, such as a Teflon® sheet, from the time each sample vial is filled until it is removed from the collector. |
| US07687024B2 |
Method of cooling a hot isostatic pressing device and a hot isostatic pressing tool
A method of cooling a load provided in a load compartment in a furnace chamber of a furnace of a hot isostatic pressing device includes releasing hot pressure medium from the load compartment. Cool pressure medium is provided for enabling it to fall through the released hot pressure medium outside the load compartment. The thus obtained mixed pressure medium is led into the load compartment. A hot isostatic pressing device includes a load compartment having an aperture near an upper portion thereof configured to vent warm pressure medium into a region surrounding the compartment, and a conduit configured to introduce cool pressure medium into the region surrounding the compartment for mixing with the warm medium. The compartment also includes an aperture near a lower portion thereof configured to receive a mix of warm and cool pressure medium from the region surrounding the compartment. |
| US07687023B1 |
Titanium carbide alloy
A composite alloy that contains TiC is made using a green binder system of titanium sponge granules and a liquid phase binder system comprising titanium, nickel, and aluminum. The alloy has a mass of less than 5 grams per cubic centimeter. The alloy may be bonded to a hard substrate to provide an armor tile. |
| US07687020B2 |
Apparatus for injecting material into a vessel
An apparatus for injecting particulate and/or gaseous material into a metallurgical vessel for performing a metallurgical process is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a duct and an annular duct tip at a forward end of the duct. The apparatus also comprises inner and outer cooling water flow passages configured such that out flowing water passing from the duct tip to a rear end of the duct must travel through a longer flow path than inflowing water passing from the rear end of the duct to the duct tip. |
| US07687013B2 |
Method for firing ceramic molded body and method for manufacturing honeycomb structure
A circulating apparatus includes a firing jig assembling apparatus, a firing furnace, a firing jig disassembling apparatus, and a transporting conveyor. The firing jig assembling apparatus includes a lid member attaching mechanism that attaches the lid member to a predetermined position of the firing jig placed on the table or the conveyor; and a jig delivering mechanism that delivers the firing jig which has the ceramic molded body being mounted thereon and the lid member being attached thereto, to the firing furnace. The firing jig disassembling apparatus further includes a jig receiving mechanism that receives the firing jig which has the fired ceramic molded body being mounted thereon and the lid member being attached thereto, from the firing furnace; and a lid member detaching mechanism that detaches the lid member from the firing jig placed on the table or the conveyor with the lid member being attached thereto. |
| US07687008B2 |
Method for producing ceramic honeycomb filter
A method for producing a ceramic honeycomb filter having large numbers of flow paths partitioned by cell walls, the flow paths having plugs at positions separate from an end surface of the honeycomb filter, comprising the steps of introducing a base-forming material into the flow paths on one end surface side, charging a plug-forming material into flow paths to be provided with plugs from the other end surface side, and sintering it. |
| US07687007B2 |
Mold for nano imprinting
Method for manufacturing a mold tool (1), devised for forming a structured nanoscale pattern on an object (24) and having a layer (16) which is anti-adhesive with regard to the object (24). A stamp blank (2) is provided with a structured pattern (4) on a surface (8). The patterned surface (8) is coated with a layer (6) of a metal, which has a stable oxidation number and can form a mechanically stable oxide film. The metal layer (6) is oxidized for forming of an oxide film (10). The oxide film (10) is exposed to a reagent comprising molecule chains (18), each of which has a linkage group (20) which bonds to the oxide film (10) by chemical bonding, wherein the molecule chains (18) either at the outset comprise at least a group (22) comprising fluorine, or in a subsequent step is provided with at least one such group (22). |
| US07687006B2 |
Form for casting concrete blocks and other objects
A form for casting concrete blocks and other products having a resilient insert defining a cavity in which the block is cast and a rigid support or frame for the resilient insert. After the block has cured, the block is removed from the insert either by inverting the form to allow the block to fall from the insert or by lifting the block from the insert. One or more areas of the insert are tethered to the support with at least one generally flat flexible strap so that at least a portion of the insert is allowed to move a limited distance relative to the support and to deform to release the block. One end of each tether strap is embedded in the insert. After the cast block is separated from the insert, the insert is returned to a position wherein it is supported for casting another block. |
| US07687002B2 |
Substantially proportional drawing die for polymer compositions
An inventive solid state drawing die has shaping walls that define a shaping channel and that, in the course of solid state drawing, direct polymer composition along a drawing path. Each cross section of the drawing path (and, hence, polymer composition in the drawing path) is non-circular, substantially proportional to one another, contains a centroid that lies on a substantially straight line parallel to the drawing direction and all cross sectional dimensions are 1.5 millimeters or more. |
| US07687000B2 |
Method for the production of individual components
The invention relates to a method for the production of individual components made from materials which change state from a liquid to solid or a particulate to bonded state during the method. A mold and elastic balloons, which may be placed in the mold under pressure, are used for the method. Either gas or liquid or the liquid material of the component for production, which may later be hardened, are filled in the balloons. |
| US07686995B2 |
Three-dimensional printer
A three-dimensional printer uses inkjet-type printheads to rapidly prototype, or print, a three-dimensional model. A powder feeder includes a conveyor system and a metering system to deliver powder to a build area in measured quantities. The powder feeder also includes a vacuum system for loading powder into a feed reservoir or chamber. The vacuum system can also be used to cleanup excess powder. Other powder control features include powder gutters and magnetic powder plows. During printing, a cleaning system operates to remove powder from the printheads. In the event of a printhead or jet failure, the failure can be detected and corrective measures taken automatically. After printing, the model can be depowdered and infiltrated in an enclosure. |
| US07686994B2 |
Method of preparing a conductive film
The invention provides a method for producing a conductive film that generates an electric current via field emission of electrons, which method comprises incorporating an electrically conductive material into a thermoplastic polymer. The invention also provides a conductive film and a method for generating an electric current via field emission of electrons. |
| US07686993B2 |
Colored polymeric articles having high melt temperatures
The present invention relates to polymeric articles that are colored using an unformulated heat stable black, blue or violet dye during melt processing, for example a melt spinning process. The process eliminates the need for acid bath dyeing of high melt polymeric materials. The polymeric articles are for example polyester or polyamide. |
| US07686987B2 |
Polycarbonate films prepared by coating methods
A method of film fabrication is taught that uses a coating and drying apparatus to fabricate resin films suitable for optical applications. In particular, polycarbonate films are prepared by simultaneous application of multiple liquid layers to a moving carrier substrate. After solvent removal, the polycarbonate films are peeled from the sacrificial carrier substrate. Polycarbonate films prepared by the current invention exhibit good dimensional stability and low birefringence. |
| US07686986B2 |
Magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles, methods of making same and compositions incorporating same
Magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles are made from a magnesium compound that is reacted with an organic dispersing agent (e.g., a hydroxy acid) to form an intermediate magnesium compound. Magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles are formed from hydrolysis of the intermediate compound. The bonding between the organic dispersing agent and the magnesium during hydrolysis influences the size of the magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles formed therefrom. The magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles can be treated with an aliphatic compound (e.g., a monofunctional alcohol) to prevent aggregation of the nanoparticles during drying and/or to make the nanoparticles hydrophobic such that they can be evenly dispersed in a polymeric material. The magnesium hydroxide nanoparticles exhibit superior fire retarding properties in polymeric materials compared to known magnesium hydroxide particles. |
| US07686983B2 |
Stable metal/conductive polymer composite colloids and methods for making and using the same
Stable metal/conductive polymer composite colloids and methods for making the same are provided. The subject colloids find use in a variety of different applications, including analyte detection applications. Also provided are kits that include the subject colloids. |
| US07686980B2 |
Corrosion inhibitors, methods of production and uses thereof
Compositions for actively inhibiting corrosion are described herein that include at least one active corrosion inhibitor compound, and at least one conventional corrosion inhibitor compound. In addition, methods for producing a composition that actively reduces corrosion are described herein and include providing at least one active corrosion inhibitor, providing at least one conventional corrosion inhibitor compound or corrosion protection compound, and blending the at least one active corrosion inhibitor and the at least one conventional corrosion inhibitor compound or corrosion protection compound to form the composition. In addition, a composition for actively inhibiting corrosion is described herein that includes at least one active corrosion inhibitor compound, wherein the at least one active corrosion inhibitor compound comprises a derivative or salt of a thio-, thia- or dithiocarbarnic acid, or a combination thereof and at least one conventional corrosion inhibitor compound. Coatings and composite materials containing these active corrosion inhibitor compounds and compositions are also described. |
| US07686976B2 |
Composition for removing arsenic from aqueous streams
Arsenic is removed from water and other aqueous feeds by (1) treating the feed with a compound containing cerium in the +4 oxidation state, preferably cerium dioxide, to oxidize arsenic in the +3 oxidation state to arsenic in the +5 oxidation state and (2) removing the arsenic in the +5 oxidation state from the aqueous phase, normally by contacting the treated feed with alumina or other precipitating agent containing cations in the +3 oxidation state. |
| US07686975B2 |
Use of acylcyclohexanedione derivatives for improving the tolerance of plants to cold and/or frost
The invention relates to the use of acylcyclohexanedione derivatives for improving the tolerance of plants to cold and/or frost. |
| US07686973B2 |
Silicon wafer etching method and apparatus, and impurity analysis method
A wafer etching and impurity analysis method is presented in which a wafer is held in a vessel having gas introduction and exhaust ports, a solution including a mixture of hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid alone or together with sulfuric acid is bubbled with a carrier gas without being heated, which generates a gas containing vaporized hydrofluoric acid and nitric acid, and the inside of the vessel is purged so that the amount of gas supplied is kept constant at all times. All or a specific portion of the wafer is cooled to a specific temperature. Consequently, the gas is condensed on the surface of the wafer, which allows the required portion of the wafer to be etched. The method reduces the amount of liquid needed for residue recovery, the amount of admixed silicon during impurity analysis, and the concentration time. |
| US07686970B2 |
Imprint lithography
A method for manufacturing a working template for use in imprint lithography is disclosed, which in an embodiment, involves contacting a first target region of an imprintable medium on a working template substrate with a master template to form a first imprint in the medium, the imprint defining a part of a working template pattern, separating the master template from the imprinted medium, contacting a second target region of the medium with the master template to form a second imprint in the medium, the second imprint defining a further part of the working template pattern, and separating the master template from the imprinted medium. |
| US07686965B2 |
Centrifugal fluid filtration devices, systems and methods
Fluid filtration devices, systems and methods are disclosed. The device comprises, for example, an influent feed tube; an influent receiving bowl in fluid communication with the influent feed tube; and a plurality of radial arms having filters therein configured to rotate about an axis within the influent receiving bowl. The fluid filtration devices, which can be configured to filter a wide variety of fluids, comprises: an influent feed tube; an influent receiving bowl in fluid communication with the influent feed tube; and a plurality of radial arms having filters therein configured to rotate about an axis within the influent receiving bowl. Additionally, methods are provided for that comprise, for example: obtaining an influent from a target source of fluid to be filtered; filtering the influent in a first filtration step; filtering the influent in a second filtration step upon receiving effluent from the first filtration step by transferring influent through a plurality of radial arms by rotating the radial arms having filters disposed therein about an axis in a filtration unit; and emitting a final filtered fluid effluent. |
| US07686964B2 |
Method and device for washing of lime mud
The method and an arrangement are for dewatering and washing lime slurry before the dewatered lime mud is passed to a lime mud kiln. The lime slurry is dewatered in a pressurized lime mud filter of disc or drum type. The pressurized lime mud filter is pressurized through a compressor drawing on its suction side (s) gas phase from the filtrate tank and pressurizing on the pressurized side (p) of the compressor the pressure vessel on the lime mud side of the filter. A certain pre-determined amount of gas phase in the gas circulation system is vented and an equivalent pre-determined amount of fresh air is added to the recycled gas phase with the aim of maintaining the partial pressure of oxygen gas above a certain minimum level. |
| US07686956B1 |
Water purification system for storm drain channels
The invention is directed to a water purification system to remove pollutants from surface run-off water that has flowed into storm water drainage channels. A tank having an open reservoir region is positioned in the drainage channel or adjacent to the channel so as to permit water to flow through an upstream port of the tank and pool within the open reservoir region. The tank has a downstream port through which water pooled within the reservoir region may flow if the level of the pooled water sufficiently increases as a result of a rise in the flow level of the water in the drainage channel. The open reservoir region contains bioremediation plants having the physical property of removing pollutants from the pooled run-off water contained in the reservoir region. |
| US07686952B2 |
Liquid filtering apparatus
There is provided a portable liquid filtering apparatus for filtering liquid used in a container, such as cooking oil in deep fat fryers. The apparatus includes a mounting bracket that attaches to a portion of the container. The mounting bracket supports a liquid pump. A filter assembly including at least one filter element is removably disposed in the container, and is connected to the pump inlet by a suction tube. The pump draws the liquid through the filter element and suction tube and propels it into a discharge tube connected to the pump outlet. The discharge tube discharges the filtered liquid back into the container for reuse. The mounting bracket is adjustable for attachment to various sized containers. The suction tube and the discharge tube are shaped to conform generally to the shape of the container. |
| US07686951B2 |
Vacuum skimmer for ponds and the like
A vacuum skimmer for ponds, swimming pools or similar bodies of water has housing with an intake opening and a dirt collecting container arranged downstream for collecting coarse materials. The water to be purified is sucked in through the dirt collecting container by a pump arranged downstream. The intake opening is provided on one housing side. The vacuum skimmer is movable in such a way that the intake opening upon operation of the vacuum skimmer can orient itself in different directions. The vacuum skimmer has an aeration device by means of which air can be blown into the water. |
| US07686949B2 |
Hydrotreating process for lube oil boiling range feedstreams
An improved hydrotreating process for use with lube oil boiling range feedstreams utilizing a catalyst comprising a hydrogenation-dehydrogenation component selected from the Group VIII noble metals and mixtures thereof, a mesoporous support, and a binder. |
| US07686946B2 |
Method of altering a feed to a reaction zone
One exemplary embodiment can include a method of altering a feed to a transalkylation zone by changing a destination of a stream rich in an aromatic C9 for increasing production of at least one of benzene, toluene, para-xylene, and an aromatic gasoline blend. The method can include providing the stream rich in an aromatic C9 from a first fractionation zone that receives an effluent from a second fractionation zone. The second fractionation zone may produce a stream rich in at least one of benzene and toluene. The stream rich in the aromatic C9 can be at least partially comprised in at least one of the feed to the transalkylation zone and the aromatic gasoline blend. |
| US07686940B2 |
Acoustic agglomeration to reduce fouling in thermal conversion processes
This invention relates to a process for reducing fouling of equipment used in fluidized bed thermal conversion processes such as fluid coking and FLEXICOKING™. Acoustic energy is used to acoustically agglomerate fine mists created during the coking process. The agglomerated mists are then carried along with the circulating coke instead of depositing on coking equipment. |
| US07686938B2 |
Quantitative, real time measurements of localized corrosion events
An electrochemical noise method, apparatus and system calculates parameters of interest related to corrosion rates of an electrically conductive article. The method involves placing a test electrode, a reference electrode, and an auxiliary electrode in an environment of interest; placing the test electrode under potentiostatic control regime for a potential scan; measuring the relationship of current v. potential (polarization resistance, Rp) of the test electrode relative to the reference electrode during a first period; switching from potentiostatic control to the open circuit potential (OCP) of the test electrode; monitoring the OCP of the test electrode during a second period; determining ΔI from the relationship Rp=ΔV/ΔI, where ΔV is measured over a second period of time; and calculating the localized corrosion from the measured potential and current data. |
| US07686934B2 |
Three dimensional dielectrophoretic separator and methods of use
Devices and methods for performing separation of cell particles by dielectrophoresis in three dimensions. In one embodiment the device comprises a flow chamber having microfabricated chip with a plurality of vertical and horizontal electrodes, which may be coated with a protective layer to prevent direct contact between any electrode and a sample. The horizontal electrodes are in electrical communication with a DC or an AC power source, while the vertical electrodes are in electrical communication with an AC power source. |
| US07686932B2 |
Gas sensor
A gas sensor including: a cylindrical metal shell; a detection element having a detection portion provided on a front end side thereof, the detection element being fixed inside the metal shell while the detection portion of the detection element protrudes from a front end side of the metal shell; and an element protection cap having ventholes, the element protection cap being fixed to the metal shell so that the detection portion of the detection element is covered with the element protection cap. A crimping cylindrical portion is provided which extends to a front end side of the metal shell. A protrusion portion of the element protection cap which abuts a metal ring packing is provided with concave and convex portions outward along an outer circumferential direction. As such, the metal ring packing is deformed so as to be interlocked with the concave and convex portions when the crimping cylindrical portion is compressively deformed. |
| US07686931B2 |
Safety device for an insertion electrode device
A insertion electrode device, which is configured for installing a sensor probe in a container for a measuring medium, includes a probe housing that can be attached to the container and has a probe protector tube serving to receive, hold and guide the sensor probe. The sensor probe has a coupling for electrical connections, and the probe housing is equipped with a protective sleeve to protect the coupling from mechanical stress and moisture. The protective sleeve is connectable to the probe protector tube. A safety adapter is coupled to the end of the probe protector tube that is outside the container. The safety adapter engages a recess of the sensor probe or reaches over a step of the sensor probe and thereby secures the latter against moving in the axial direction. |
| US07686929B2 |
Sensing apparatus and method
A sensing apparatus comprising an ion sensitive field effect transistor arranged to generate an electrical output signal in response to localized fluctuations of ionic charge at or adjacent the surface of the transistor, and means for detecting the electrical output signal from the ion sensitive field effect transistor, the localized fluctuations of ionic charge indicating events occurring during a chemical reaction. |
| US07686927B1 |
Methods and apparatus for controlled-angle wafer positioning
The orientation of a wafer with respect to the surface of an electrolyte is controlled during an electroplating process. The wafer is delivered to an electrolyte bath along a trajectory normal to the surface of the electrolyte. Along this trajectory, the wafer is angled before entry into the electrolyte for angled immersion. A wafer can be plated in an angled orientation or not, depending on what is optimal for a given situation. Also, in some designs, the wafer's orientation can be adjusted actively during immersion or during electroplating, providing flexibility in various electroplating scenarios. |
| US07686926B2 |
Multi-step process for forming a metal barrier in a sputter reactor
A multi-step process performed in a plasma sputter chamber including sputter deposition from the target and argon sputter etching of the substrate. The chamber includes a quadruple electromagnetic coil array coaxially arranged in a rectangular array about a chamber axis outside the sidewalls of a plasma sputter reactor in back of an RF coil within the chamber. The coil currents can be separately controlled to produce different magnetic field distributions, for example, between a sputter deposition mode in which the sputter target is powered to sputter target material onto a wafer and a sputter etch mode in which the RF coil supports the argon sputtering plasma. A TaN/Ta barrier is first sputter deposited with high target power and wafer bias. Argon etching is performed with even higher wafer bias. A flash step is applied with reduced target power and wafer bias. |
| US07686923B2 |
Paper machine dewatering system
A paper machine dewatering system includes a first fabric, a second fabric, and an airflow device. The first fabric carries a fibrous web on a side thereof. The second fabric is in at least partial contact with the fibrous web, the fibrous web being between the first fabric and the second fabric. The airflow device moves air successively through the first fabric, the fibrous web, and the second fabric. |
| US07686920B2 |
Fibrillated polypyridobisimidazole floc
The invention concerns a process for making a fibrillated polypyridobisimidazole floc comprising the steps of: cutting polypyridobisimidazole filaments to an average cut length of from about 0.5 to 10 mm; and applying energy to the polypyridobisimidazole filaments to produce a fibrillated floc having essentially the same average cut length after the application of energy as before the application of energy; where the fibrillated floc having a Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF), when dispersed in water by itself, of from about 400 to 750 ml. |
| US07686919B2 |
Method and device for the continuous cooking of pulp
The continuous digester system has an inlet defined therein for the feed of a chips suspension and an outlet for the output of a cooked suspension of pulp. The suspension or chips is fed in to the inlet through a line at the beginning of the cook, where the chips suspension has a volume of starting cooking fluid that establishes a fluid/wood ratio that is greater than 3.5. A final cooking fluid is present during the cook for the major part of the cook and is withdrawn through a withdrawal strainer only during the final 15 minutes of the cook. The final cooking fluid ensures a fluid/wood ratio that is greater than 3.5 in association with the withdrawal. The withdrawn final cooking fluid during the final 15 minutes of the cook consists of spent black liquor that maintains a residual alkali level that lies under 15 g/l. |
| US07686914B2 |
Decorative laminated plastic/metal panels
A transparent/translucent double-layer of plastic sheet material which transmits light is provided, comprising a pair of transparent/translucent sheet materials, wherein one side may be of matte finish, the other side color coated, wherein the sheet materials include decorative metal articles located therebetween and are joined together with the matte finish facing outward. The material may display a high level of luminosity and the appearance of being lit-from-within. A light transmitting fire-rated panel including a spring-loaded frame is also provided. |
| US07686907B1 |
Phase-changing sacrificial materials for manufacture of high-performance polymeric capillary microchips
A microchip with capillaries and method for making same is described. A sacrificial material fills microchannels formed in a polymeric substrate, the filled microchannels are covered by a top cover to form filed capillaries, and the sacrificial material is removed to form the microcapillaries. The sacrificial material fills the microchannels as a liquid whereupon it becomes solid in the microchannels, and is liquefied after the top cover is applied and affixed to remove the sacrificial material. The top cover may be solvent sealed on the substrate and of the same or different material as the substrate. The top cover may also be an in situ applied semipermeable membrane. |
| US07686905B2 |
Copper grid repair technique for lightning strike protection
A method for reestablishing the electrical continuity of an electrically conductive layer of a composite aircraft wing damaged by a lightning strike or other mechanical event is disclosed in which a copper patch replaced the damaged section of the electrically conductive layer contained. The repair is performed by first removing any surfacers, fasteners, and damaged electrically conductive layer to expose a portion of the underlying composite skin. A copper patch having a copper foil section coupled to an unsupported film adhesive is then introduced onto an underlying composite skin opening contained within an undamaged section of a copper foil grid and covered with resin-impregnated fiberglass material. The film adhesive and resin-impregnated fiberglass material are then cured and fasteners are then reinserted within the fiberglass material, copper patch and underlying composite skin. The surface of the composite wing is then reprimed and repainted to complete the repair. |
| US07686904B2 |
Carbon filament ignition of combustion synthesis materials
This invention generally pertains to self propagating high temperature synthesis or combustion synthesis as a way of bonding materials. The present invention provides methods and an apparatus for bonding, preferably carbon-carbon composite materials, by combustion synthesis. Generally, the invention involves providing at least two carbon-carbon composite parts to be bonded and interspersing a combustion synthesis material in between the parts with each part in contact with the combustion synthesis material. The combustion synthesis material is then ignited, which initiates the combustion synthesis reaction. Typically, a ceramic material is formed which immediately freezes, bonding the parts together. |
| US07686902B2 |
Method of fabricating plaster board
There is provided a lightweight plaster board having a cellular porous plaster core, excellent in adhesion to a covering base paper for a plaster board, free from dry-out in side edge parts of the plaster board, and with no disadvantage in workability for driving a nail into the plaster board. The plaster board includes a plaster core having a front surface, a back surface, and four side surfaces, and at least one covering base paper that covers the front surface, the back surface, and the at least two opposite side surfaces of the plaster core. The plaster core includes one or more hard edge parts each including one of the side surfaces covered with the covering base paper, one or more high-density parts including the front surface or the back surface, not including the side surface covered with the covering base paper, and having a density substantially equal to the density of the hard edge part, and a low-density part having a density less than the densities of the hard edge part and the high-density part and contacting with the hard edge part and the high-density part. The hard edge part does not include a position in which a nail is driven. |
| US07686895B2 |
Method of improving mechanical properties of gray iron
A method of forming gray iron components includes applying a substantially uniform magnetic field to gray iron. The method also includes heat-treating the gray iron while the gray iron is within the magnetic field. |
| US07686894B2 |
Magnetically soft powder composite material, method for manufacturing same, and its use
A magnetically soft powder composite material is described, which is composed of at least 99.4 wt. % of a pure iron powder, a phosphatized iron powder, or an iron alloy powder and 0.05 wt. % to 0.6 wt. % of a soft ferrite powder and which is primarily suited for use in rapidly switching solenoid valves in motor vehicle engines. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing such a magnetically soft powder composite material includes the following method steps: a) preparation of a starting mixture including a pure iron powder, a phosphatized iron powder, or an iron alloy powder and a soft ferrite powder, b) mixing of the starting mixture, c) compacting of the starting mixture in a press under increased pressure, d) debinding of the compacted starting mixture in an inert gas atmosphere or in an oxygen-containing gas atmosphere, and e) heat treatment of the compacted starting mixture in an oxidizing gas atmosphere at a temperature of 410° C. to 500° C. |
| US07686891B2 |
Method and apparatus for collecting chemicals from semiconductor wafer
An apparatus and a method are provided for accurately analyzing and evaluating a degree of contamination on a chamfered part without mixing impurities from parts other than the chamfered part into chemicals. At a position in which, on a front plane flat part of a semiconductor wafer, a boundary region bordering the chamfered part can come into contact with the chemicals, a radius direction position of the chemicals (a distance between a chemicals center and a wafer center) is determined, scanning is performed in a circumference direction, and the chemicals including impurities are collected. Then, at a position that can be brought into contact with the both chamfered part of the semiconductor wafer and the boundary region, a radius direction position of the chemicals is determined, scanning is performed in the circumference direction and the chemicals including impurities are collected. A liquid drop holder is, for instance, relatively rotated in the circumference direction from a desired start point on the circumference of the semiconductor wafer to a finish point. |
| US07686888B2 |
Cooling system for chamber of ingot growth arrangement
Disclosed herein is a cooling system for a chamber of an ingot growth apparatus. In the present invention, guide blades (180) are provided in a base plate (100) at positions adjacent to unevenly curved parts of a guide line (170), which is the base plate (100), and along which cooling water flows. Furthermore, guide blades (360) are provided in a lid (300) at positions adjacent to ports, which are provided in the lid (300) and interfere with the flow of cooling water. As such, in the present invention, the guide blades are provided in the base plate (100) and the lid (300), which define the chamber, at positions at which cooling water creates stationary vortices, thus solving a problem of water stagnation, thereby increasing a cooling effect. |
| US07686884B2 |
Use of phosphorus-oxygen acid esters containing alkoxy groups as corrosion inhibitors for reinforced concrete
Disclosed is a hydraulically setting composition containing phosphorus-oxygen acid esters or ester salts which comprise alkoxy groups. Also disclosed is a surface-modifying agent for structural steel, which contains or consists of phosphorus-oxygen acid esters or ester salts comprising alkoxy groups. The hydraulically setting composition and the surface-modifying agent are suitable for protecting reinforced concrete. |
| US07686872B2 |
Device for and method of informing replacement time of air filter
The invention relates to a device for and a method of informing replacement time of an air filter, more particularly, to a device for and a method of informing replacement time of an air filter, in which the accumulation amount of the dust accumulated in the air filter is calculated based on the factors such as a contamination degree of the air introduced into the air filter, air introduction time, and air introduction volume, and then when the accumulation amount of the total dust in the air filter exceeds a reference value, a driver is informed of the replacement time of the air filter, so that it is possible to replace the air filter at an optimum instance to thereby maintain the pleasant interior circumstance of a vehicle, to prevent the dissipation of the expense caused by the unnecessary early replacement of the air filter, and to prevent the interior air contamination of the vehicle due to the delay of the replacement of the air filter, and the like. |
| US07686871B2 |
Integrated filter assembly
An integrated filter assembly is provided. The filter assembly includes a fastener that holds two substantially opposing elements of a housing together. Also included is a multi-purpose filter that has at least a particle filter component and a chemical filter component. The multi-purpose filter is attached to the fastener. The multi-purpose filter is within the housing when the fastener holds the two substantially opposing elements of the housing together. |
| US07686863B1 |
Gypsum fertilizer products with polymer adjuvants
Improved gypsum fertilizer compositions are provided by coating of naturally-occurring or synthesized gypsum with low pH maleic-itaconic copolymers. The preferred copolymers are aqueous dispersions of acid or partial salt maleic-itaconic copolymers, and are applied by spraying or other means onto the surface of gypsum and allowed to dry. The copolymer coatings increase the solubility of sulfate and Ca ions from the gypsum, allowing accelerated plant availability and uptake of such nutrients. |
| US07686861B2 |
Dust collecting apparatus for vacuum cleaner
A dust collecting apparatus which is removably connected to a cleaner body is provided. The apparatus includes a cyclone body which forms a cyclone chamber and is in fluid communication with an air inlet passage on one side thereof; an exit pipe which is protruded from a bottom of the cyclone body to an upper side of the cyclone chamber; and a dust canister body which forms a dust collection chamber between the cyclone body and the dust canister body. The cyclone body is arranged eccentrically within the dust collection chamber so that a portion of the cyclone body has a common portion in contact with a portion of the dust canister body. The common portion is made of transparent materials to see through the cyclone chamber. |
| US07686858B2 |
Cyclone dust collection apparatus
Disclosed is a cyclone dust collection apparatus. The cyclone apparatus comprises a cyclone body having a first cyclone section and a plurality of cyclone cones arranged around a lower part of the first cyclone, each cyclone cone having a conical shape whose diameter is reduced as approaching the top end thereof; a top cover joined to the top end of the cyclone body and formed with a helical air inflow duct for introducing ambient air into the first cyclone section; an inflow/outflow guide cover joined to the lower end of the cyclone body so as to communicate the first cyclone section and the plurality of cyclone cones; and a discharge cover joined to the lower part of the inflow/outflow guide cover so as to collect the air discharged through the inflow/outflow guide cover and discharge the collected air to the outside of the cyclone dust collection apparatus. |
| US07686856B2 |
Method and apparatus for producing synthesis gas
A method and apparatus for reacting a hydrocarbon containing feed stream by steam methane reforming reactions to form a synthesis gas. The hydrocarbon containing feed is reacted within a reactor having stages in which the final stage from which a synthesis gas is discharged incorporates expensive high temperature materials such as oxide dispersed strengthened metals while upstream stages operate at a lower temperature allowing the use of more conventional high temperature alloys. Each of the reactor stages incorporate reactor elements having one or more separation zones to separate oxygen from an oxygen containing feed to support combustion of a fuel within adjacent combustion zones, thereby to generate heat to support the endothermic steam methane reforming reactions. |
| US07686854B2 |
Silicone seal for bipolar plates in a PEM fuel cell
Seal means for sealing a bipolar plate to a membrane in a PEM fuel cell stack. The seal includes a thin layer of a cross-linkable silicone composition disposed between the bipolar plate and the membrane. The layer is applied as a liquid to either the plate or the membrane and preferably is polymerized prior to assembly of the stack. A preferred means for applying the composition to the bipolar plate is screen printing. Preferably, the layer has a thickness between 0.001 and 0.005 inch. The resulting fuel cell stack exhibits superior leak resistance. In a currently preferred embodiment, a layer of the silicone composition is provided at interfaces between a membrane and both an anode side and a cathode side of a bipolar plate. |
| US07686849B2 |
Oxidative hair dyes and related topical compositions
An oxidative hair dye system comprises a hair dye, an organometallic compound and an oxidising agent. The organometallic compound is preferably an organotitanate compound, particularly a tetraalkyl titanate or a titanate chelate. Such compounds are also useful for enhancing the substantivity of topical compositions applied to the body, which comprise one or more cosmetic and/or therapeutic benefit agents, a bonding agent having hydrolysable or exchangeable ligands, and a carrier. |
| US07686848B2 |
Prosthetic foot with energy transfer
A prosthetic foot device with variable stiffness response includes a variable energy transfer mechanism disposed between first and second foot members to transfer a variable amount of energy between the members during use. A chamber is associated with one of the first and second foot members, and a piston is associated with another of the first and second foot members and is movable in the chamber. At least one aperture is formed between the piston and the chamber. A variable viscosity fluid is disposed in the chamber and displaceable through the at least one aperture between the piston and the chamber to allow fluid to flow within the chamber between opposite sides of the piston. The variable viscosity fluid has a viscosity that is variable to vary an ability of the variable viscosity fluid to flow through the at least one aperture. |
| US07686846B2 |
Bifurcation stent and method of positioning in a body lumen
A method of deploying a bifurcation stent at a vascular bifurcation of a main vessel into first and second branch vessels includes: positioning a bifurcation stent at a vascular bifurcation, the bifurcation stent expandable from a reduced diameter to an expanded diameter, the bifurcation stent comprising a first end, a second end, and a marker near the first end, wherein the first end diameter is larger than the second end diameter when the bifurcation stent is expanded, and wherein the bifurcation stent is positioned such that the marker is approximately aligned with a carinal plane at the vascular bifurcation; partially expanding the first end of the bifurcation stent; adjusting the position of the bifurcation stent such that the marker is positioned past the carinal plane and towards the first branch vessel; and deploying the bifurcation stent at the bifurcation. Devices are also disclosed. |
| US07686845B2 |
Noncylindrical stent deployment system for treating vascular bifurcations
A device and method for treating pathological narrowing of fluid-carrying conduits of the human body (such as blood vessels) in an area of a bifurcation is disclosed. In particular, a stent system carries a self expandable noncylindrical stent, which is particularly suited for treating a widened portion of a blood vessel immediately proximal to a bifurcation. A stent delivery system is also disclosed, for delivering the stent such that a larger expanded diameter end of the stent faces the bifurcation, and a smaller expanded diameter end of the stent faces proximally in the main vessel. |
| US07686843B2 |
Flexible and conformable stent
An expandable stent is fabricated from a plurality of radially undulating rings, each pair of adjacent radially expandable undulating rings being interconnected by a multiplicity of flex members. Each flex member contacts a portion of an apex on one ring at a circumferential location and a portion of an apex of a directly adjacent ring at a circumferentially offset location. Each flex member is expandable and in one embodiment is circumferentially S-shaped. Adjacent flex members are mirror images of each other. The resulting stent is both flexible and strong when expanded thereby providing good scaffolding. In one embodiment, the strut material is fabricated of shape memory alloy such that when the strut is compressed so as to be insertable into a vessel, the strut will automatically expand to its previous dimension upon rising to the temperature of the vessel in which it is placed, thereby to expand and hold open the vessel without need for a balloon catheter. |
| US07686838B2 |
External bullet anchor apparatus and method for use in surgical repair of ligament or tendon
A surgical anchor device for the repair of a torn ligament or tendon, primarily the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee, is used to affix the ligament within a femoral bone tunnel in the distal portion of the femur from the intra-articular surface, the device providing a pulley for a suture, wherein a free end of the suture may be pulled away from the device to draw the suture attached to the ligament graft within the femoral bone tunnel securing the ligament graft within the bone tunnel. Installation of the device is provided by insertion of the device through a tibial hole, through the femoral tunnel out of the lateral femoral cortex, pulling the attached sutures simultaneously to flatten the device against the lateral femoral cortex, attaching one end of the suture to the ligament graft and pulling the other end of the suture until the graft is situated properly within the femoral bone tunnel and tying the free end of the suture to retain the graft within the femoral bone tunnel. |
| US07686837B2 |
Polyaxial locking implantable orthopedic fixation device
The invention relates to an implantable orthopaedic device comprising a load-bearing element, such as a bone plate, for fixing elements, such as bone screws, that can be oriented polyaxially. The load-bearing element is equipped with at least one opening for the passage of the fixing elements. A two part insert is provided in the opening, the insert having an external form that complements the internal form of the receiving opening and permits the polyaxial rotation of the insert in the opening. The insert is equipped with a central bore for receiving the body of the fixing element. The first insert element part has a central inner hollow chamber, into which the second insert element part can be introduced. The first insert element is flexible or has at least one slit, in such a way that when the two insert elements are displaced axially in relation to one another, the first insert element in the plate can be expanded at least partially in order to block the position and alignment of the fixing element in the device in a polyaxial manner. |
| US07686831B2 |
Method for securing a suture
A method of securing a suture includes the steps of inserting the suture through a passageway into a body of a patient, inserting the suture into and back out of tissue, tying a knot along a length of the suture, and fusing the knot. |
| US07686827B2 |
Magnetic closure mechanism for hemostat
A hemostat includes a housing which has a shaft extending distally therefrom. The shaft has an end effector assembly distally attached thereto. The hemostat also includes a pair of first and second handles which are connected to the housing. The first and second handles are operatively connected to the end effector assembly. At least one of the first and second handles are moveable relative to the other handle to effectively actuate the end effector assembly. The hemostat further includes a magnetic closure mechanism which has a first magnet connected to the first handle and a second magnet connected to the second handle. The first and second magnets each have a magnetic potential and are securely engageable with one another when the handles are moved from a first spaced configuration to a second closer position. |