| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US07956939B2 |
Touch-panel-equipped display module
The present invention provides a touch-panel-equipped display module which arranges a touch panel on a display panel and can maintain a favorable display obviating the adhesion of the touch panel to the display module even when the touch panel is strongly pushed. In the touch-panel-equipped display module which arranges the touch panel on the display panel, the touch panel arranges a plurality of first dot spacers on a surface thereof which faces the display panel in an opposed manner. |
| US07956938B2 |
Retardation compensation plate, retardation compensator, liquid crystal display device, and projection-type image display device
A retardation compensation plate having a birefringent property for compensating residual retardation of a liquid crystal panel includes: a combined unit formed of an optical multi-layered film composed of a plurality of layers having different refractive indices stacked in a regular order and a polymer film. In the retardation compensation plate, the retardation compensation plate and the liquid crystal panel have in-plane retardations that satisfy the relationship: 1 |
| US07956936B2 |
Remote controller and image system comprising the same
An image system includes a digital broadcasting processing apparatus and a remote controller for remotely controlling the digital broadcasting processing apparatus, wherein the remote controller includes a mode switching button for selecting one of a major channel mode and a minor channel mode, a channel search button for sequentially searching major channels and minor channels depending on the selected channel mode, and a radio transmitter which wirelessly transmits information about selection of the mode switching if the mode switching button is selected or information about a searched channel if the channel search button is selected, to a radio receiver. Further, the digital broadcasting processing apparatus includes the radio receiver which wirelessly receives the information and a channel controller which switches a channel mode tuned based on the information on the selection of the mode switching. |
| US07956930B2 |
Resampling and picture resizing operations for multi-resolution video coding and decoding
Techniques and tools for high accuracy position calculation for picture resizing in applications such as spatially-scalable video coding and decoding are described. In one aspect, resampling of a video picture is performed according to a resampling scale factor. The resampling comprises computation of a sample value at a position i,j in a resampled array. The computation includes computing a derived horizontal or vertical sub-sample position x or y in a manner that involves approximating a value in part by multiplying a 2n value by an inverse (approximate or exact) of the upsampling scale factor. The approximating can be a rounding or some other kind of approximating, such as a ceiling or floor function that approximates to a nearby integer. The sample value is interpolated using a filter. |
| US07956927B2 |
Video signal converter and video display device
A video signal converter has a target pixel setting unit which sets up a position of a target pixel of an input video signal, a position parameter feeding unit which supplies a position parameter depending on the position of the target pixel set by the target pixel setting unit, and a characteristic amount calculating unit which calculates a characteristic amount of the input video signal. The video signal converter also has a detection-threshold setting unit which sets up a detection threshold based on the characteristic amount calculated by the characteristic amount calculating unit, a compensation parameter setting unit which determines a compensation parameter based on the position parameter supplied by the position parameter feeding unit and the detection threshold set by the detection-threshold setting unit, and a multiplier which converts a signal of the target pixel set by the target pixel setting unit in the input video signal, based on the compensation parameter determined by the compensation parameter setting unit, and outputs the conversion result. |
| US07956926B2 |
Interactive television devices and systems
An interactive TV device is configured to receive and process multiple broadband input streams simultaneously. The device includes functionality to perform as a Web browser, HF, cable and satellite TV receiver, a digital PVR, an interactive TV set-top box, an advanced central processing unit and a videoconferencing device, thanks to an integrated videoconferencing camera. The present interactive TV device is configured to manage all multimedia sources identically, whether the input is a TV channel, a Web page, or a video stream played back from a data carrier such as a DVD, for example. The present interactive TV device is also configured to enable a user to watch and record a plurality of video streams simultaneously and to display them on four independently manageable quarter screen segments. |
| US07956921B2 |
Imaging apparatus including a separable monitor and capable of wireless communication, and method for controlling the imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes a first part and a second part separable from each other. If the first part and the second part are in a united state, the imaging apparatus stores image data into a storage medium of the first part or a storage medium of the second part. If the first part and the second part are in a separated state, the imaging apparatus stores image data into a storage medium of the first part and transmits the image data stored in its storage medium to the second part. |
| US07956918B2 |
Solid-state image pickup device having improved light shielding characteristics and camera including the same
Provided is a solid-state image pickup device capable of outputting fine quality image signals at high speed. Vertical transfer sections 40 and a distribution transfer section 20 have a common pattern of electrodes for each 2n+1 (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1) and comprise driving electrodes V1 to V6, V3R, V3L, V5R, and V5L, to which driving pulses φV1 to φV6, φV3R, φV3L, φV5R, and φV5L are applied. The driving electrodes V1, V2, V4, and V6 are shared by all columns and the driving electrodes V3, V3R, V3L, V5R, and V5L are independent electrodes which are separated in an island-like manner. The distribution transfer section 20 controls, independently for each column, reading out signal charges from the vertical transfer sections 40 to the horizontal transfer section 10. |
| US07956917B2 |
Sensor apparatus
The present invention relates to a sensor apparatus having a structure capable of obtaining digital values of signal components with a high accuracy using an A/D conversing circuit with the outputted digital value thereof having a small number of expressive bits. In the sensor apparatus, a voltage value corresponding to the amount of incident light to a photodiode is held by a holding circuit through an integrating circuit and a CDS circuit. Meanwhile, a voltage value corresponding to the amount of incident light to an adjacent photodiode is held by another holding circuit through an integrating circuit and a CDS circuit. The voltage values held by the respective different holding circuits are inputted to a subtracting circuit through different paths. The subtracting circuit outputs a voltage value corresponding to the difference between the two inputted voltage values. In an A/D converting section, the difference voltage outputted from the subtracting circuit is converted into a digital value. |
| US07956914B2 |
Imager methods, apparatuses, and systems providing a skip mode with a wide dynamic range operation
Methods, apparatuses and systems provide a high dynamic range mode of operation for an image sensor when operating in a skip mode where certain pixels of an array are not readout. Multiple integration periods are employed in the skip mode with selected pixels being readout through circuits associated with pixels that are not readout. |
| US07956910B2 |
Apparatus and method for correcting image edge
An apparatus and method for correcting an edge are provided. The apparatus includes a luminance corrector obtaining a corrected luminance value of a center pixel in a first window of a predetermined size, the first window located at the edge of the input image, by using weights assigned according to a luminance difference between the center pixel and each of a plurality of adjacent pixels in the first window or a predetermined difference of variance (DoV) value representing the degree of uniformity in the luminance between the center pixel and each of the plurality of adjacent pixels; and a chrominance corrector correcting a chrominance value of the edge using weights assigned according to a luminance difference between a center pixel and a plurality of adjacent pixels to the center pixel in a second window of a predetermined size based on the corrected luminance value. |
| US07956909B2 |
Noise reducing device, electronic camera, and image processing program for reducing image noise by using blackout image
A noise reducing device captures image data obtained by capturing a field with an image capturing part and a plurality of blackout image data obtained by capturing the field with the image capturing part under a light shielded state. This device reduces non-correlative random noise in the plural blackout image data. With random noise reduced, fixed pattern noise appears more accurately in resultant as blackout image data B. This device reduces the fixed pattern noise in the image data by using this blackout image data B. |
| US07956901B2 |
Live-view optical system and image capture apparatus
A live-view optical system A is, in an image capture apparatus capable of obtaining an image of an object in a moving picture mode by reflecting an optical image formed on a focusing plate D from a part of a reflective surface F of a penta-dach mirror B and by re-forming the optical image on a live-view imaging device H, positioned between an opening G of the penta-dach mirror and the live-view imaging device, and re-forms light reflected from the part of the reflective surface on the live-view imaging device, wherein a position of an entrance pupil K satisfies the following conditional expression (1). 0.75<((Dp/2−Y)·Za)/((Ra/√2−Y)·Zp) (1) where Dp is a diameter of the entrance pupil of the live-view optical system, Zp is a distance from the focusing plate to the entrance pupil of the live-view optical system, Y is a maximum image height on the focusing plate, Za is a distance from the focusing plate to the opening of the penta-dach mirror, and Ra is a distance from an optical axis of the live-view optical system to a dach ridgeline. |
| US07956899B2 |
Imaging device and image processing apparatus
An imaging device includes an imager, with which an optical image of an object scene is repetitively captured. A first movement detector detects, as to each of a plurality of object scene images according to a time series output from the imager, a movement of a first feature point between the object scene image and the object scene images immediately before, and a clipper performs clipping processing on each of the plurality of object scene images on the basis of the detection result. When a still image recording operation is performed, a CPU changes an exposure time of the imager in such a direction as to shorten the time, and a second movement detector detects a movement of a second feature point between the object scene image immediately after the recording operation (reference object scene image) and the three object scene images being successive thereto out of a plurality of object scene images, and an adder adds the respective three object scene images to the reference object scene image while displacing the same on the basis of the detection result. |
| US07956894B2 |
Apparatus and method for computerized multi-media medical and pharmaceutical data organization and transmission
An apparatus for multi-media data organization and transmission is provided. The apparatus has a computer having a microprocessor, a memory storage, a display for providing information to a user, and an input device. An image-recording device is electrically-coupled to the computer for capturing images for storage in the memory storage of the computer. A database, which has a structure defined in the memory storage, receives and stores a plurality of information relating to an event. A program, being executable by the computer, provides a graphical user interface on the display. The program has an imaging module with document and image capture filing and scanning functions. The graphical user interface receives an input from the input device and from the image-recording device. In a further aspect of the invention, the program has a communications module for transmission of the plurality of information relating to the event to a remote location. |
| US07956892B2 |
Method of distributing sports entertainment
A method for distributing sports entertainment includes the step of providing a plurality of video cameras positioned on vehicles or athletes that are participating in sporting events, transmitters for transmitting information from the plurality of cameras to a processing station, retransmission equipment for directing the camera feed from each of the plurality of cameras to separate channels for distribution and remote viewing at viewers' locations, and channel selectors that permit viewers to select from among the various channels, thereby allowing the viewers to select from the plurality of camera feeds. The cameras are simultaneously operated during the sporting event so as to generate a plurality of camera feeds during the event, each feed reflecting the perspective of an individual participant. The plurality of feeds is received by the retransmission equipment and retransmitted to selectable channels, each channel being associated with a respective camera feed. A viewer is thus allowed to select from the plurality of channels to thus enable his or her viewing of the sports event through the perspective of the participant of greatest interest to the viewer. |
| US07956891B2 |
Camera control apparatus and method, and camera control system
A camera control system having a terminal device connected to a plurality of cameras via a network is provided. In response to an operation that exceeds a maximum control value (maximum control angle) of the PTZ of a camera that is the target of control, the terminal device displays peripheral camera information, which corresponds to a shooting direction in which the operation has been requested, together with video shot by the camera being controlled. The peripheral camera information includes installation camera position information, viewable angle information, control status information and peripheral map information as well as at least one item of captured video from a camera other than the camera being controlled. |
| US07956889B2 |
Video surveillance system
Viewing a three dimensional area from numerous camera angles at different exposures using intensity and chromaticity data at the different exposures to create a pixel model for each pixel. A current image is compared with the background model to find pixels that have changed from their pixel model. These novel pixels are processed using contiguous region detection and grouped into foreground figures. For each camera, software extracts features from each foreground figure. A central processor maintains an object model for each foreground figure. A graphical user interface displays the relative locations of foreground figures in a world model. The location and identification of the foreground figures is checked against a table of permissions so as to selectively generate an alert. If a figure leaves or is about to leave a cell, the invention accounts for its approximate position and notifies adjacent cells of the expected arrival of the foreground figure. |
| US07956888B2 |
Remote video inspection system integrating audio communication functionality
Remote viewing devices and methods are provided to communicate audio information to and/or from a user of the remote viewing device. The audio information can serve an entertainment purpose, and/or can be instructional in order to provide training, guidance and/or feedback to the user prior to or during the inspection process. The audio information can be stored onto physical media such as a CD/DVD disk or a tape, or can be stored as data, such as MP3 data stored within memory accessible to the device. Outputted audio information can be generated by one or more speakers located within the body of the device or located within a headset having a wire line or wireless connection with the remote viewing device. |
| US07956884B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
In an optical scanning device employing a multi-beam scanning method, a surface emitting laser light source includes laser emission sources; a parallel-plate-like quarter wavelength plate is arranged between the surface emitting laser light source and a first optical system; a light-intensity detecting unit separates light intensity of the laser beams of which form is converted by the first optical system and detects separated laser beams; and a light-intensity adjusting unit adjusts emission intensity of the laser emission sources individually based on a detection result by the light-intensity detecting unit. The quarter wavelength plate is arranged so that an optical axis thereof is tilted ±45 degrees with respect to the main-scanning direction around an optical axis of the first optical system. |
| US07956881B2 |
Printing apparatus and printing method
A printing apparatus includes a takeup reel driving motor which, after printing, takes up an ink ribbon to eliminate a slack in the ink ribbon. The printing apparatus includes a control device for comparing a distance (a) over which the ink ribbon R is taken up to eliminate the slack in the ink ribbon R with a distance (b) from a print end position to a print start position for a next color. |
| US07956877B2 |
Converting a three primary color input signal into four signals
A method of converting a three primary color input signal into a four primary color drive signal, includes defining three functions representing the first, second, and third drive signals as a function of the fourth drive signal, determining the intersection values of the fourth drive signal at a set of intersections of the three functions mutually, and of the three functions and a line defined by the fourth drive signal being equal to itself, determining boundary values of a valid range of the fourth drive signal in which all drive signals have valid values, determining calculated values of the first, second and third drive signals at the intersection values and the boundary values, calculating the maximum value (Vmax) or minimum value (Vmin) of the calculated values at the intersection, and selecting the intersection value at which the maximum value or minimum value is minimum or maximum, respectively. |
| US07956876B2 |
Drive method of display device, drive unit of display device, program of the drive unit and storage medium thereof, and display device including the drive unit
In one embodiment of the present invention, in the case of dark display on sub-pixels, a sub-frame processing section is disclosed which sets video data for a sub-frame to a value falling within the range for dark display, and increases or decreases video data for a sub-frame so as to control luminance of the sub-pixels. In the case of bright display, the sub-frame processing section sets video data to a value falling within the range for bright display, and increase or decreases video data so as to control luminance of the sub-pixels. A modulation processing section corrects video data of each frame and then outputs corrected video data to the sub-frame processing section. Also, the modulation processing section predicts luminance that the sub-pixels reach at the end of the frame and then stores prediction results for correction and prediction in the subsequent frame. This realizes a display device which is brighter, has a wider range of viewing angles, restrains deteriorated image quality caused by excessive emphasis of grayscale transition, and has improved moving image quality. |
| US07956871B2 |
Color disparity correction in image sensors methods and circuits
A method of displaying a captured image includes using an array of pixels to capture an image. The array of pixels includes a first plurality of pixels of a first color, a second plurality of pixels of a second color, and a third plurality of pixels of a third color. The pixels are arranged into rows and columns and the pixels of the third plurality of pixels have two different arrangements within the array of pixels with respect to neighboring pixels. The method includes, for each pixel in the third plurality of pixels, normalizing the pixel's value as a function of the pixel values of at least six other pixels in the third plurality of pixels. The method also includes displaying the captured image using a normalized value for the pixel value of each pixel in the third plurality of pixels. |
| US07956865B2 |
Method and system for modification of EPG object attributes
A system for identifying prior selection of specific display information on an EPG. In one embodiment, a user selects an object on a screen, and upon selection of the object, an attribute of the object (e.g., color, transparency, etc.) is modified. The modified value is saved into memory so the user may later identify that the specific object was selected. Each subsequent selection will modify the attribute further, allowing the user to identity that the object was selected a number of times. In one embodiment, the attribute will continue to be modified until a specific expiration limit has been reached. |
| US07956863B2 |
Computer readable medium for modifying an animation wire frame
An animation wireframe is modified with three-dimensional (3D) range and color data having a corresponding shape surface. The animation wireframe is vertically scaled based on distances between consecutive features within the 3D range and color data and corresponding distances within the generic animation wireframe. For each animation wireframe point, the location of the animation wireframe point is adjusted to coincide with a point on the shape surface. The shape surface point lies along a scaling line connecting the animation wireframe point, the shape surface point and an origin point. The scaling line is within a horizontal point. |
| US07956862B2 |
Determining camera motion
Camera motion is determined in a three-dimensional image capture system using a combination of two-dimensional image data and three-dimensional point cloud data available from a stereoscopic, multi-aperture, or similar camera system. More specifically, a rigid transformation of point cloud data between two three-dimensional point clouds may be more efficiently parameterized using point correspondence established between two-dimensional pixels in source images for the three-dimensional point clouds. |
| US07956861B2 |
Method for checkerboard-based vector to raster conversion
Provided is a method for converting an input vector outline image to an output monochrome raster image consisting of only corner-contiguous pixels in a checkerboard pattern. Using a combination of a monochrome checkerboard raster image and a vector-based diamond grid, a determination is made as to which output raster pixels are activated. Efficiencies in file size and computational complexity are realized by using a checkerboard pattern and only half the possible number of raster output pixels. The method improves monitor and printer raster displays for any personal computing or related device, reducing the need for anti-aliasing and font hinting. |
| US07956860B2 |
Subdividing geometry images in graphics hardware
A system may include a graphics memory, a data bus, a processor, and a vertex shader. The data bus may be operatively connected to the graphics memory. The processor may send vertex data to the graphics memory via the data bus. The vertex shader may read the vertex data from the graphics memory and may subdivide the vertex data into subdivided vertex data. The vertex shader may also write the subdivided vertex data to the graphics memory. |
| US07956858B2 |
Integrated photonics module and devices using integrated photonics modules
An integrated photonics module includes at least one light source and a MEMS scanner coupled to and held in alignment by an optical frame configured for mounting to a host system. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module may include a plurality of light sources and a beam combiner coupled to the optical frame. According to some embodiments, the integrated photonics module includes a selective fold mirror configured to direct at least a portion of emitted light toward the MEMS scanner in a normal direction and pass scanned light through to a field of view. The selective fold mirror may use beam polarization to select beam passing and reflection. The integrated photonics module may include a beam rotator such as a quarter-wave plate to convert the polarization of the emitted light to a different polarization adapted for passage through the fold mirror. The integrated photonics module may include one or more light detectors. |
| US07956856B2 |
Method and apparatus of generating or reconstructing display streams in video interface systems
A method and system for reading data from a link buffer for output to a display device. A link buffer read period is determined which balances a write throughput over a source video frame time and a read throughput over a display frame time. A threshold is determined indicating a required number of pixels stored in a link buffer prior to starting to read data out of the link buffer for a next line display. A read signal is issued when the link buffer read period ends and the threshold is reached. |
| US07956855B2 |
Display device using enhanced gate driver
A display device includes: a plurality of gate lines for transmitting a gate signal; a plurality of data lines for transmitting a data signal; a plurality of switching elements connected to the gate lines and the data lines; a plurality of pixel electrodes connected to the switching elements; a gate driver connected to the gate lines and including a gate signal generation mechanism for generating the gate signal and applying the gate signal to the gate lines; a data driver for applying the data signal to the data lines; a signal controller for receiving and processing incoming image signals to be supplied to the data driver, the signal controller generating a first gate control signal for controlling the gate driver and generating a data control signal for controlling the data driver; and a signal generator for receiving the first gate control signal and generating second and third gate control signals based on the received first gate control signal, wherein the gate driver is capable of receiving the second and third gate control signals, wherein the gate driver generates the gate signal based on the second and third gate signals, and wherein the period of the first gate control signal is the same as the period of the second and third gate control signals. |
| US07956853B2 |
Apparatus operating system
An apparatus operating system includes a display unit and an input operation apparatus. The display unit displays an electronic map and an operation menu included in a multi-layer hierarchical structure. The input operation apparatus is a rotary switch or joy-stick enabled to input an operation direction or operation amount. When the input operation apparatus is operated with no operation menu displayed, the display unit displays a specific operation menu previously associated with the inputted operation direction or operation amount. |
| US07956849B2 |
Video manager for portable multifunction device
A video player for a portable multifunction device is disclosed. In some embodiments, a list of video items is displayed in a portrait orientation of a touch screen display of a portable electronic device. Upon user selection of a respective video item in the list, the user selected video item is automatically displayed in a landscape orientation of the touch screen display. |
| US07956848B2 |
Video chapter access and license renewal
Methods, systems, and programs products for license renewal and content chapter access. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a gesture input incident on a touch-sensitive surface to renew a content license, where the license identifies the content and a first period of time during which the content can be accessed. In another aspect, a method includes receiving a gesture input incident on a touch-sensitive surface. In response to the gesture input, a number of chapter indicators for content are presented, each chapter indicator including a thumbnail image and associated with a an offset in the content. In response to a second gesture input, the content from the selected chapter indicator's respective offset is played. |
| US07956847B2 |
Gestures for controlling, manipulating, and editing of media files using touch sensitive devices
Embodiments of the invention are directed to a system, method, and software for implementing gestures with touch sensitive devices (such as a touch sensitive display) for managing and editing media files on a computing device or system. Specifically, gestural inputs of a human hand over a touch/proximity sensitive device can be used to control, edit, and manipulate files, such as media files including without limitation graphical files, photo files and video files. |
| US07956844B2 |
Handheld electronic device providing a learning function to facilitate correction of erroneous text entry in environment of text requiring multiple sequential actuations of the same key, and associated method
A handheld electronic device includes a reduced QWERTY keyboard and is enabled with disambiguation software that is operable to disambiguate text input. In addition to identifying and outputting representations of language objects that are stored in the memory and that correspond with a text input, the device provides a learning function which facilitates providing proposed corrected output by the device in certain circumstances of erroneous input. |
| US07956842B2 |
Pointing input system and method using one or more array sensors
In a pointing input system and method, a pointer applies a light spot on a screen, an array sensor shoots on the screen to generate a first data for an identification system to retrieve a second data therefrom, the second data includes the position information of the light spot for an information system to apply a correlated output on the screen. The second data is generated based on an optical distortion information and a spatial rotation and displacement information determined by an alignment procedure that comprises applying an input for alignment on the screen for the array sensor to shoot to generate an alignment data, and comparing the alignment data with a reference data. |
| US07956841B2 |
Stylus-based addressing structures for displays
Novel addressing schemes for controlling electronically addressable displays include a scheme for rear-addressing displays, which allows for in-plane switching of the display material. Other schemes include a rear-addressing scheme which uses a retroreflecting surface to enable greater viewing angle and contrast. Another scheme includes an electrode structure that facilitates manufacture and control of a color display. Another electrode structure facilitates addressing a display using an electrostatic stylus. Methods of using the disclosed electrode structures are also disclosed. Another scheme includes devices combining display materials with silicon transistor addressing structures. |
| US07956839B2 |
Apparatus and method for managing the power of illumination devices
An apparatus for managing the power of an illumination device supplied by a power source includes a switch, a switch controller, an imaging unit, and a pattern recognition unit. The switch is configured for electrically connecting or disconnecting the illumination device and the power source. The switch controller is configured for controlling the switch, thereby switching off the illumination device. The imaging unit is configured for capturing an image of an illuminated area illuminated by the illumination device. The pattern recognition unit is configured for detecting whether any person is contained in the captured image, and if not, instructing the switch controller to switch off the illumination device. |
| US07956837B2 |
Method for eliminating shadow around support pin of LED backlight
A method for eliminating shadow around a support pin of an LED backlight is provided. The method includes determining a luminance value for the plurality of LEDs according to a gray level distribution of pixels around the support pin, and setting the plurality of LEDs to the luminance value. The method may also include adjusting gray levels of related pixels according to the luminance profile of pixels around the support pin. |
| US07956835B2 |
Display device
An image display device includes a first display panel having a substrate with first scanning lines, first signal lines which intersect the first scanning lines, and first switching elements, a second display panel having another substrate with second scanning lines, second signal lines which intersect the second scanning lines, and second switching elements, and a flexible printed circuit board connecting the first display panel with the second display panel. The image display device drives the first display panel in a line inversion mode when only the first display panel displays images, drives the second display panel in a frame inversion mode when only the second display panel displays images, and drives the first display panel and the second display panel in the line inversion mode when both of the first display panel and second display panel display images. |
| US07956833B2 |
Display driver, electro-optical device, and electronic instrument
A display driver includes a common electrode charge storage switch provided between a first capacitor element connection node to which one end of a first capacitor element can be connected and a common electrode voltage output node to which a voltage of a common electrode opposite to a pixel electrode of an electro-optical device through an electro-optical material is supplied, a source charge storage switch provided between a second capacitor element connection node to which one end of a second capacitor element can be connected and a source voltage output node to which a voltage of a source line of the electro-optical device is supplied, and a node short circuit switch provided between the common electrode voltage output node and the source voltage output node. |
| US07956831B2 |
Apparatus, systems, and methods for dimming an active matrix light-emitting diode (LED) display
Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for dimming pixels on an active matrix light-emitting diode display. One apparatus includes an LED couplable between a voltage source and ground. First and second pulse-width modulation (PWM) drivers are also coupled to the LED. A system includes a plurality of LEDs forming a plurality of rows coupled between a voltage source and ground. A plurality of PWM drivers, each coupled to each of the LEDs in one of the plurality of rows, and a global PWM driver coupled to each of the plurality of LEDs in each of the plurality of rows are also included. One method includes providing current to each LED of a row of LEDs for a first portion of a cycle via a PWM driver, and providing current to each LED in the row for a second portion of the cycle via a different PWM driver. |
| US07956826B2 |
Electroluminescent display device to display low brightness uniformly
An electroluminescent (EL) display device has current-driven pixels and is operable in at least two phases within each frame period. In one phase, one of a first plurality (31) of analogue drive currents can be driven through EL display element. In another longer phase, one of a second plurality (33) of analogue drive currents is independently driven through the EL display element. This device combines a time ratio method with an analogue drive scheme. A shorter phase may provide the higher resolution (smaller) increments and one longer phase may provide lower resolution (larger) increments. Low brightness outputs can be achieved with a higher drive current, but over a short duration, which reduces non-uniformity in the pixel output. |
| US07956825B2 |
Pixel circuit for an active matrix organic light-emitting diode display
Systems and methods associated with a pixel circuit for an OLED element are disclosed herein. |
| US07956824B2 |
Light emitting element driver device
A driver device for driving light emitting elements comprises a data latch having an input coupled to an input signal, a current control circuit having an input coupled to the data latch, and an output coupled to the input of an output stage, the latter being configured to drive the light emitting elements. The driver device has a power control circuit having an input coupled to the output of the data latch and an output coupled to the input of the current control circuit. The power control circuit is configured to control the current control circuit and the latter is configured to deliver a first current when the data inputted to the power control circuit is in a first state and a second current when at least part of the data inputted to the power control circuit is in a second state. |
| US07956821B2 |
Liquid crystal display unit and system including a plurality of stacked display devices, and drive circuit
LCD unit includes first and second LCD panels stacked one on another. An image-data processing unit outputs monochrome image data to the second LCD panel, and color image data to the first LCD panel. The monochrome image data specifies a full transmission for a pixel having a luminance not less than a threshold, the original gray-scale level for a pixel having a luminance less than the threshold. The color image data is generated based on the monochrome image data and input image data. |
| US07956817B2 |
Modular antenna tower structure
The present invention aims to provide an antenna tower structure (10) comprising an essentially vertical elongated tower body (20) with an internal installation shaft (30) provided therein. The tower is arranged to house a radio base station (40) in the installation shaft in the vicinity of one or more associated antennas (50) at the top of the tower body. The tower body is comprised of two or more modular segments (S1, S2 . . . ). There is also provided a modular antenna tower segment (S1, S2 . . . ), a method for assembly of a modular antenna tower, a method for assembly of a modular antenna tower, and a method for assembly of a modular antenna tower. |
| US07956814B2 |
Arrangement of an antenna on a container
An antenna carrier (10) with an antenna (14) for electromagnetic radiation to be fastened to a wall (1) of a container composed of steel plate and having ventilation openings (5) which are covered on the exterior side of the container wall (1) by a cover (3) which protects against sprayed water, and which forms a cavity (6) in front of the ventilation openings (5), in which the cover (3) is composed of plastic, the antenna (14) projects through a ventilation opening (5) into the cavity (6) formed by the cover, the antenna carrier (10) is fastened on the interior side (9) of the container wall (1), and the antenna carrier (10) is the ground reference surface of the antenna (14) and is constructed as a magnetizable metal plate (11). |
| US07956808B2 |
Method for position estimation using generalized error distributions
A method for improving the results of radio location systems that incorporate weighted least squares optimization generalizes the weighted least squares method by using maximum a posteriori (MAP) probability metrics to incorporate characteristics of the specific positioning problem (e.g., UTDOA). Weighted least squares methods are typically used by TDOA and related location systems including TDOA/AOA and TDOA/GPS hybrid systems. The incorporated characteristics include empirical information about TDOA errors and the probability distribution of the mobile position relative to other network elements. A technique is provided for modeling the TDOA error distribution and the a priori mobile position. A method for computing a MAP decision metric is provided using the new probability distribution models. Testing with field data shows that this method yields significant improvement over existing weighted least squares methods. |
| US07956807B1 |
Cognitive positioning system
This invention provides arbitrary positioning accuracy for cognitive radio communications in both indoor and outdoor environments adaptively. It enables the user or wireless device itself to adjust positioning accuracy adaptively. Hence, this invention can be used for developing numerous personal, commercial, governmental and military cognitive location-based services and applications. Furthermore, the invented H-DSM technique can be used by cognitive wireless networks and devices to improve spectrum efficiency. |
| US07956806B2 |
Tracking arrangement for a communications system on a mobile platform
Systems and methods are provided for orienting an antenna in a communications system on a mobile platform to orient a peak of the antenna pattern in a direction associated with a signal source. A signal from a signal source is received at the antenna. A signal strength is measured from the received signal. A signal strength and a misalignment of the antenna along at least one axis are predicted according to a previous estimate of the signal strength, a previous estimate of the misalignment of the antenna, an estimated change in the signal strength, and a known change in the antenna orientation. The predicted signal strength and misalignment of the antenna are updated according to the measured signal strength to provide an estimate of a current misalignment of the antenna. The orientation of the peak of the antenna pattern is adjusted according to the estimated current misalignment of the antenna. |
| US07956805B2 |
System and/or method for obtaining a time reference for a received SPS signal
The subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system and method for obtaining time references for signals received from transmitters in a satellite and/or terrestrial navigation system. |
| US07956804B2 |
Frequency aiding method and system for navigation satellite receiver with crystal oscillator frequency hysteresis
A method and apparatus for estimating oscillator signal variation due to temperature and for providing an estimated frequency to a GPS receiver in order to assist the GPS receiver to acquire the signals quickly is disclosed. A temperature sensor is closely thermally coupled with the crystal oscillator in the GPS receiver and during GPS tracking mode, when the error in the oscillator signal is known with precision, outer bounds of TCXO frequency at given temperatures are maintained, which may correspond to rising and falling temperature conditions. During acquisition mode, an estimated frequency value is provided to the GPS receiver based on a determined average of these bounds. Optionally, an uncertainty factor associated with the frequency estimated may also be provided. The two bounds take into account the hysteresis effects of the oscillator signal drift due to temperature so that a more accurate initial frequency estimate can be provided to the GPS receiver, thus reducing its average time to first fix. |
| US07956803B2 |
System and method for protecting against spoofed A-GNSS measurement data
A system and method for detecting one or more forged satellite measurements transmitted from a wireless device. Information may be transmitted to a wireless device, the information including a request that the wireless device provide a portion of a navigation data message from one or more satellites to a location determining system. The one or more satellite measurements and the portion of the navigation data message may be received from the wireless device. The navigation data message may be determined as a function of information from a reference network. The determined navigation data message may then be compared with the received navigation data message portion to thereby determine whether any of the one or more satellite measurements transmitted by the device have been forged. |
| US07956799B2 |
Frequency scanning radar system
A frequency scanning radar system includes a controller for controlling a frequency generator and a signal processor arranged to determine a Doppler frequency associated with a target. The frequency generator generates three or more sets of signals, each set of signals having a different characteristic frequency and including signals transmitted at a selected rate, and the radar controller selects the rate in substantially direct proportion to the characteristic frequency, whereby to normalize the Doppler frequency determined by the signal processor, such that the normalized Doppler frequency is substantially constant in relation to variation in the carrier frequency. In a frequency modulated radar system, each set of signals includes a sequence of modulation patterns, and the radar controller modifies a given modulation pattern in dependence on the characteristic frequency of the signal being modulated. |
| US07956797B2 |
System and method for measuring a relative distance between vehicle components using ultra-wideband techniques
A system for measuring relative distance between a first component on a vehicle and a second component on the vehicle is provided. The system includes a wireless ultra-wideband (UWB) transceiver attached to the first component. The wireless UWB transceiver transmits a UWB measurement pulse toward the second component, and receives a reflected UWB pulse from a reflective surface of the second component. The reflected UWB pulse represents a reflected version of the UWB measurement pulse. The system also includes a processor coupled to the wireless UWB transceiver. The processor derives a relative distance between the first component and the second component, based upon characteristics of the UWB measurement pulse and the reflected UWB pulse. The system further includes a power generating system for the wireless UWB transceiver. The power generating system generates operating voltage for the wireless UWB transceiver from kinetic energy associated with motion of the first component relative to the second component. |
| US07956795B2 |
Transmission scheduling for ADS-B ground systems
System and methods for reducing redundant messages broadcast in an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system. For a given target, a controller determines the relevant customers that should receive information about the target, identifies all of the ground stations that can be satisfactorily heard by the relevant customers, and then identifies a smaller subset of ground stations by selecting only those ground stations that are needed to reach all of the relevant customers. ADS-B messages are then broadcast to the relevant customers using only the smaller subset of ground stations. |
| US07956792B2 |
Remote controller, electronic product system, and related method with memory capability
A remote controller with memory capability includes a status button, a memory, a processing unit, and a transceiver device. The memory is utilized for storing a status information of an electronic product. When the status button is pressed, the processing unit generates a control signal and determines whether the status information exists in the memory. When the status button is pressed and the status information does not exist in the memory, the transceiver device outputs the control signal and receives the status information and the memory stores the status information. When the status button is pressed and the status information exists in the memory, the transceiver device outputs the control signal and the status information stored in the memory. |
| US07956791B2 |
Remote control device with improved shielding and grounding performance
A remote control device (100) includes an insulated housing (2, 3) including an outer surface (20, 30) plated with a conductive material for providing a suppression of EMI, an inner surface (21, 31), and a receiving space (4) defined by the outer surface and the inner surface, a printed circuit board (51) received in the receiving space, and including at least a first conductive pad (511), and a second conductive pad electrically connected to the first conductive pad by conductive trace, a cable including at least one grounding conductor electrically connected to the second conductive pad, grounding means (22) electrically connected to the conductive material and the first conductive pad for providing a sheath for ESD generated on the remote control device. |
| US07956788B2 |
Technique for photonic analog-to-digital signal conversion
In an inventive photonic analog-to-digital signal converter (ADC), multiple opto-electric sampling devices are employed to successively sample an analog signal input. Optical clock signals having the same frequency but different clock phases are used, which are associated with the opto-electric sampling devices, respectively. Each sampling device takes samples of the analog signal input in response to the optical clock signal associated therewith. The resulting samples are processed to produce quantized samples. The inventive ADC outputs a digital signal representing the quantized samples. |
| US07956783B2 |
Analog-to-digital converter using digital output as dither
An analog-to-digital converter includes a delta circuit, a sigma circuit, and a quantizer circuit and further includes a feedback circuit that modulates a reference voltage provided to the quantizer circuit based on the quantizer circuit output. Modulation of the quantizer reference voltage dithers the quantizer circuit to effectively reduce or avoid lock bands. The analog-to-digital converter may be used in combination with a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device such as a gyroscope, an accelerometer, or a pressure sensor. |
| US07956778B2 |
Analog-to-digital converter
There is provided an analog-to-digital converter capable of performing analog-to-digital conversion with good accuracy. The analog-to-digital converter in accordance with the present invention includes a dither generation circuit 11 which generates dither; an input polarity switching unit 1 which switches a polarity of an input signal; an integrator 2; an integrator output regulator circuit 5 which regulates an output voltage of the integrator 2; a window comparator 3; a control circuit 4 which uses the comparison result of the window comparator 3 to control the input polarity switching unit 1, the integrator output regulator circuit 5, and the window comparator 3 as well as to generate a digital signal. The dither generation circuit 11 generates dither in such a manner that a cycle in which the digital signal is read is an integral multiple of a dither cycle. Further, the dither generation circuit 11 generates dither in such a manner that the number of times the count value is generated in the first half of one cycle of the dither is different from the number of times the count value is generated in the second half cycle thereof. |
| US07956775B2 |
Backward compression system and method
A backward compression system and a backward compression method are provided. By using the system and the method, under limited memory space, a relationship between input data and previous data is identified in real time, the input data or previous data is encoded according to the relationship, and the order of data output is such that the encoded data is output first and the complete data is output second. When the output data is stored in circular memory and the memory gets full, the oldest encoded data is overwritten first, and the complete data is not overwritten until all the related encoded data is overwritten. Therefore, more original data can be preserved after decompression. Thus, system signals can be compressed and utilization of limited memory space can be improved. |
| US07956773B2 |
Method of driving bit stream processor
Provided is a bit stream processor using a reduced table lookup. The bit stream processor includes a bit stream exclusive register in a general purpose register in order to process data of a variable length effectively. Additionally, the bit stream processor an instruction of a table lookup method to which a prefix method is applied and a bit stream exclusive instruction in order to reduce an entire memory size. |
| US07956772B2 |
Methods and apparatus employing FEC codes with permanent inactivation of symbols for encoding and decoding processes
A method of encoding data for transmission from a source to a destination over a communications channel is provided. A plurality of encoded symbols are generated from a set of input symbols including source symbols and redundant symbols, wherein the input symbols are organized such that at least one of the input symbols is not used for a first encoding process, so that it is permanently inactivated for the purposes of scheduling a decoding process. A method of decoding data is also provided, wherein encoded symbols generated from a set of input symbols are used to recover source symbols, wherein the input symbols are organized such that at least one of the input symbols is not used for a first decoding process, so that it is permanently inactivated for the purpose of scheduling the decoding process. |
| US07956770B2 |
Data input device and portable electronic device
Embodiments include a data input device and a portable electronic device including such a data input device. The data input device may include a key sensing mechanism and a solid material layer provided above the key sensing mechanism. The solid material layer may include a least one cavity that may go through the whole of the solid material layer. The cavity may include an electroactive polymer and two electrodes for providing a key that may be changed in shape based on an applied voltage. One embodiment may also allows the registering of inputs in the key sensing mechanism based on a user pressing down the electroactive polymer on the key sensing mechanism. |
| US07956769B1 |
Method and system for reservation-based parking
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that facilitates parking usage. During operation, the system receives a parking reservation request from a user and obtains a set of available parking spaces based on the parking reservation request. Next, the system provides the available parking spaces to the user and obtains, from the user, a selection of a parking space from the available parking spaces. Finally, the system reserves the parking space for the user. |
| US07956764B2 |
Ambient condition detector with variable pitch alarm
An ambient condition detector outputs an alarm comprising a tonal pattern comprising at least two distinctly different pitch tones in one embodiment of the invention. Another embodiment comprises a detector whereby a user can select a pitch tone to be output within a tonal pattern alarm when the detector senses an ambient condition. Options include verbal output to indicate the type of ambient condition sensed and/or the location of the detector sensing the ambient condition. |
| US07956760B2 |
Moisture sensing strips
A water leakage monitoring and response system for residential and commercial use. A flexible, elongated moisture sensor strip for placement on a floor or adjacent a baseboard or plumbing fixture comprises flexible upper and lower wires separated by a water permeable, nonconductive layer, and nonconductive upper and lower layers that extend away from the wires to form margins for attaching the strip to a surface and for wicking moisture toward the wires. Alternatively, the wires are laterally spaced-apart within the strip and/or the strip assumes the form of a pad to cover a surface area. In use, a plurality of strips/pads are wired to input jacks of a battery-powered electronic interface unit that provides audible and visual signals when moisture shorts the wires in the strips/pads. The unit also provides audible warning of low-battery power and can signal a home security system when a leak is detected. |
| US07956759B1 |
Humidity sensitive cutoff fuse
A humidity-sensitive cutoff fuse RFID tag is provided with a bimorph element and thin conductive bridges positioned on an RFID tag substrate that can react to all changes in storage humidity conditions. The bimorph element is configured and positioned so that when it bends in response to one or more predetermined humidity levels, the bimorph element will break one of the conductive bridges and cause an open circuit that can be detected when the RFID tag is interrogated by a sensor. The humidity-sensitive cutoff fuse RFID tag can provide humidity information about numerous stored objects such as food, medicine, chemicals, batteries, explosives and munitions. Multiple humidity conductive bridge cutoff fuse RFID tag arrangements and methods for notifying the user when a predetermined storage humidity limit has been reached with a passive humidity-sensitive cutoff fuse RFID tag are provided. Since it does not require power to operate, the cutoff fuse is suitable for monitoring e long-term storage condition. |
| US07956756B2 |
REM-sleep directed visual alarm system and method
The present apparatus and method for using the same detects Rapid Eye Movement (REM) in a sleeping mammal and awakens the mammal after the cessation of a specific episode of REM. The system comprises an alarm setting unit for setting a predetermined wakeup time, a data collection unit for collecting physiological data from the mammal over time, a processing unit for determining the occurrence and cessation of REM and for providing a stimulation signal for awakening the mammal within a prescribed window of time before the predetermined wakeup time and after the cessation of REM and after the mammal's nadir in body temperature with respect to time. |
| US07956751B2 |
System for minimizing coupling nulls
A system is disclosed for minimizing coupling nulls between an electromagnetic field derived from one or more sources and a plurality of randomly oriented RFID tags, wherein the electromagnetic field is rotated relative to the tags such that no tag is persistently located in a coupling null relative to the field. The source of the electromagnetic field may include a passive antenna or loop that changes its orientation relative to a direction of movement of the tags. The source of the electromagnetic field may further include an active antenna or loop that is electromagnetically coupled to the passive antenna or loop. A method for minimizing coupling nulls between the electromagnetic field and the randomly oriented tags is also disclosed. |
| US07956748B2 |
System and apparatus for silencing communication devices
A system and method for silencing communication devices is disclosed. A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a silencing system having a controller element to transmit an RF signal to an RF receiver of a mobile communication device. An audible alerting function of the mobile communication device can be adjusted in response to the RF signal. Additional embodiments are disclosed. |
| US07956747B2 |
Managing electrical device power state
A system, method, and program product that manages the power state of a portable electrical device located within a monitored region about a vehicle. Information about the portable electrical device such as the power state of the portable electrical device is obtained and used to identify an action for the portable electrical device. Suitable actions include, but are not limited to, transitioning the power state of the portable electrical device and/or providing a notification about the portable electrical device. Other information such as the state of the ignition of the vehicle and/or the proximity of the driver and/or a passenger(s) with respect to the vehicle may additionally or alternatively be used to determine the action. |
| US07956746B2 |
Wireless tracking system and method with tag removal detection
A wireless tracking system and method with a tag removal detection feature is disclosed herein. The system and method utilize a tag attached to an asset which includes a processor, a motion sensor (such as an accelerometer), a transceiver, a tag removal sensor and a power source having a limited supply of power. The tag removal sensor is a closed circuit device which is activated only when the motion sensor detects motion. In this manner, the tag conserves power since the tag is typically only in motion ten percent of the day. If the tag is removed from the asset, the closed circuit is opened, which confirms the removal of the tag from the asset, and an alert is activated by the system. |
| US07956739B2 |
Monitoring and entry system presence service
A monitoring and entry system presence service provides notification about a trigger event to a user and performs actions based on user input. Interface devices equipped with client applications capable of performing actions such as VoIP calls, video calls, and the like, register with a control and session layer, which facilitates interaction with a specific presence application and an integrated presence service, such as a doorbell application and a generic presence service. Upon determining the location of a user, notification and a list of actions are provided through a watcher client application. In response to the user selection, actions are facilitated through the same network session(s). |
| US07956738B2 |
Process field device with radio frequency communication
A field device for use in an industrial process control or monitoring system includes terminals configured to connect to a two-wire process control loop. The loop carries data and provides power to the field device. RF circuitry in the field device is provided for radio frequency communication. A power supply powers the RF circuitry using power received from the two-wire process control loop. |
| US07956727B2 |
Methods and systems for medication management
A method of monitoring a patient's compliance with a medication regimen may include identifying a patient, identifying a medication prescribed to the patient and determining one or more intake times associated with the medication. For each intake time, an alert reminding the patient to take the medication may be generated, and the alert may be transmitted to a mobile device associated with the patient. Receipt of the alert by the mobile device may trigger one or more of an audible alarm, a visual alarm and a tactile alarm on the mobile device. If an indication of compliance is not received from the mobile device within a predefined period of time, a caregiver associated with the patient may be notified. |
| US07956725B2 |
RFID tag with accelerometer
One or more accelerometers may be coupled to a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, so that the response of the RFID tag indicates the acceleration being sensed by the accelerometer(s). In some embodiments the accelerometers may be powered from the RF energy harvested by the RFID tag from a received RF signal. The sensed acceleration indicated in the response may be used to determine a motion and/or an orientation of an object coupled to the accelerometers. |
| US07956722B2 |
System and method for providing user-selected information to a paging-capable device
A system and method for providing user-selected information to a paging-capable device. An enhanced paging system responsive to information sources and a selection device transmits information to a paging-capable device. The enhanced paging system comprises a storing means, a selecting means, a storage device, and a transmitter. Such a system can provide user-selected information to a paging-capable device, allowing the user to control what information will be sent and when the information will be sent. Intelligent-agent software can automatically search for and store information that would be of interest to the user and can alert the user that more detailed information is available. It can also send critical information to the user without user request. |
| US07956721B2 |
Power conserving mobile transmitter
An operator system and related methods for automatically controlling access barriers which include a base controller associated with at least one access barrier and at least one base receiver associated with the base controller. The system also includes a mobile transmitter configured to be carried by a carrying device, such as a vehicle. The mobile transmitter automatically and periodically generates a mobile signal received by the base receiver. The base controller selectively generates barrier movement commands upon receipt of the at least one mobile signal. Furthermore, the mobile transmitter includes an accelerometer to detect when the carrying device is moving so as to selectively turn the mobile transmitter on and off in order to conserver power. |
| US07956720B2 |
Remote control system for a vehicle
A remote control system for a vehicle is disclosed. The system comprises a mobile device that transmits a signal ordering the vehicle to perform an opening operation, and an in-vehicle electronic device that performs the opening operation in response to the signal. In the system, the in-vehicle electronic device includes a determination part that determines whether a manipulation mode of the mobile device should be set; and a setting part that sets the manipulation mode of the mobile device in accordance with the determination result. |
| US07956716B2 |
Surface mount variable resistor
A surface mount variable resistor meets the needs of user for front and rear terminals of an insulating substrate. The surface mount variable resistor includes an insulating substrate 1 with a variable resistor pattern 3 and electrode patterns 5 formed thereon, resistor termination terminal fittings 7 connected to the electrode patterns 5, an electrically conductive slider 15 including a sliding contact 15c that slides on the variable resistor pattern 3, and an intermediate terminal 17 that includes a rear intermediate terminal fitting portion 17a and is electrically connected to the electrically conductive slider 15. The intermediate terminal 17 includes an extended conductor portion 17c and the rear intermediate terminal fitting portion 17a integrally formed with the extended conductor portion 17c. A front intermediate terminal fitting portion 17d located between the resistor termination terminal fittings 7 is integrally formed with the extended conductor portion 17c. |
| US07956709B2 |
MEMS switch and manufacturing method thereof
A micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) switch includes a fixed electrode formed on a substrate, and a movable electric resistor formed on the substrate, the movable electric resistor serving as an electric resistor that divides an electric potential where the MEMS switch is set to a conduction state. |
| US07956702B2 |
Balun
A balun having a first balanced terminal, a second balanced terminal and an unbalanced terminal, includes a filter unit and a first transmission line. The filter unit is connected to the first balanced terminal, the second balanced terminal and the unbalanced terminal, and includes a low-pass filter and a high-pass filter. The first transmission line is connected between the filter unit and the first balanced terminal. |
| US07956701B2 |
Contactless transmission of a differential signal between a transmitter and a receiver
A method for the contactless transmission of at least one differential signal between a transmitter and a receiver given the existence of at least one common-mode noise signal, which has a low frequency in comparison with at least one signal to be transmitted, is provided. The suppression of at least one common-mode noise signal within the receiver a ground reference potential assigned to the receiver is separated into two ground reference potentials decoupled from one another. At least one common-mode noise signal may be suppressed by a filter unit at the input of a receive amplifier of the receiver. |
| US07956699B2 |
Frequency modulator and method for adjusting gain thereof
A frequency modulator capable of performing frequency modulation without increasing quantization noise; and a method for adjusting the gain thereof are provided. An input signal is gain-adjusted by a gain adjustment section and outputted to a frequency modulation section. The frequency modulation section is gain-controlled based on a first signal. For setting a digital gain coefficient and an analog gain coefficient of the gain adjustment section, a test signal is inputted. In this state, in a generation section, first control information for setting the digital gain coefficient and second control information for setting the analog gain coefficient are generated based on information regarding a state of the frequency modulation section. |
| US07956698B2 |
High-frequency voltage-controlled oscillation circuit
A high-frequency voltage-Controlled oscillation circuit which does not oscillate abnormally, is improved in phase noise, and has a small circuit scale. A phase shift circuit composed of third or more order odd π low-Pass filter and capacitive variable-reactance elements (D1, D2) connected to the input and output of the low-pass filter in series respectively is inserted in a feedback loop of a transistor of an oscillation amplifier circuit. The low-pass filter is composed of an inductive reactance element (L3) connected to the feedback loop in series and capacitive variable-reactance elements (D4, D5) parallel connected to the input and Output of the inductive reactance element (L3). The inductive reactance element (L3) is a C-Shaped, a donut-Shaped, or a U-Shaped microstrip line. Thus, a high-frequency voltage-Controlled oscillation circuit is realized. |
| US07956692B2 |
Wide-band amplifier circuit with improved gain flatness
There is provided a wide-band amplifier circuit with improved gain flatness. The wide-band amplifier circuit includes a first resonant load unit connected to an operating power terminal, providing a preset first load, and forming a preset first resonant point, a second resonant load unit connected to the operating power terminal, providing a preset second load, and forming a second resonant point set to a frequency different from the first resonant point; a first amplification unit receiving operating power via the first load of the first resonant load unit, having an amplification band characteristic determined according to the first resonant point of the first resonant load unit, and amplifying an input signal; and a second amplification unit receiving operating power via the second load, having an amplification band characteristic determined according to the second resonant point, and amplifying an input signal from the first amplification unit. |
| US07956689B2 |
Programmable gain amplifier and transconductance compensation system
A programmable gain amplifier (PGA) system comprises selectable parallel transconductors in a front end, independently selectable serial amplification circuits in a back end. The back end is configured to receive an output of the front end and may include a plurality of current or voltage mode amplifiers in series. The PGA system also includes control circuitry to select a gain configuration for the PGA by selecting selectable components in the front and back ends. The PGA system may additionally include control circuitry configured to change the transconductance of one or more of the front end transconductors such that the gain configurations of the PGA are independent of variations such as those due to temperature and fabrication. The PGA system may be used between a signal receiver and an analog to digital converter. |
| US07956688B2 |
Common mode cancellation in differential networks
Embodiments of the invention include a common mode cancellation circuit and method for correcting signal skew in a differential circuit. According to one embodiment, an op amp circuit is used to correct the mismatch between transmission line lengths in the differential circuit. The CMCC can be embodied as an ASIC and added on to an existing differential signaling systems to correct and compensate for board wiring skew or other causes of phase misalignment. The result is restoration of the cross-over intersection of the plus and minus signals of the differential pair closer to the common voltage level point, as if the signals had been in phase. |
| US07956687B2 |
Constant-bandwidth variable gain amplifier
The performance of an AGC loop typically depends on several factors, including gain linearity of the VGA and variation in the VGA bandwidth over the range of available gain settings. Although a resistively degenerated VGA provides for excellent gain linearity and immunity to process variations, the conventional architecture for a resistively degenerated VGA suffers from bandwidth variation over the range of available gain settings. Embodiments are provided herein of a constant-bandwidth VGA that utilizes resistive degeneration. To maintain a constant bandwidth over the range of available gain settings, degeneration resistors are coupled in parallel with compensation capacitors. In an embodiment, a compensation capacitor is determined to have a capacitance substantially equal to the decrease in total degeneration resistance that occurs as a result of an associated degeneration resistor being placed in parallel with the total degeneration resistance. |
| US07956685B2 |
Adaptive operational transconductance amplifier load compensation
A buffer varies the size of its output stage in response to a varying capacitive load. The capacitive load may vary in a predictable or a random manner. The buffer includes an operational amplifier having an output stage of multiple transistors, selectively connected in parallel. During operation, data regarding the size of the capacitive load is obtained and used to determine the size of the output stage. In general, as the capacitive load increases, the number of transistors connected in parallel at the output stage also increases. |
| US07956684B1 |
Class-G radio frequency power amplifier
A linear Radio Frequency power amplifier with improved efficiency and bandwidth is provided using two power amplifier devices, operating in a Class-G mode of operation. |
| US07956681B2 |
Class D amplifier having PWM circuit with look-up table
A class D amplifier includes a noise-shaping modulator, a pulse width modulator, and a pulse amplifier. The noise-shaping modulator receive a pulse code modulated (PCM) signal and produces an oversampled PCM signal. The pulse width modulator produce a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal from the oversampled PCM signal. The pulse amplifier amplifies the PWM signal to produce an amplified PWM signal. The PWM uses a lookup table to convert from PCM to PWM. A compensation circuit optimizes amplifier performance. An optional demodulator filter converts the amplified PWM signal to an analog signal. The amplifier is ideal for integrated audio applications. |
| US07956679B2 |
Differential amplifier with offset voltage trimming
A differential amplifier that has a current supply and a differential current to voltage converter with a positive current input node, a negative current input node and a voltage output node, has offset voltage trimming. The voltage output node provides an output voltage that is proportional to the difference in current values flowing into the positive current input node and a negative current input node. A trimming circuit has a plurality of trimming control inputs, an inverting trimming output, a non-inverting trimming output and trimming inputs coupled to the current supply. Trimming resistances couple the inverting trimming output to the non-inverting trimming output. Trimming selectors, controllable by a trim code provided to the trimming control inputs, provide for selectively connecting the current supply directly to the non-inverting trimming output while selectively connecting the current supply to the inverting trimming output through a first selected group of the trimming resistances. The differential amplifier also has a differential transistor pair formed by an inverting transistor that couples the inverting trimming output to the positive current input node and a non-inverting transistor that couples the non-inverting trimming output to the negative current input node. |
| US07956670B2 |
Temperature sensing device and electric device including the same
A temperature sensing device includes a current generator to generate a variable current that varies based on temperature, a charge circuit to accumulate charges based on the variable current, and a count logic circuit to generate a count value synchronized to a clock, and to output the count value as temperature data based on a charged voltage of the charge circuit and a reference voltage. |
| US07956669B2 |
High-density low-power data retention power gating with double-gate devices
A new power gating structure with robust data retention capability using only one single double-gate device to provide both power gating switch and virtual supply/ground diode clamp functions. The scheme reduces the transistor count, area, and capacitance of the power gating structure, thus improving circuit performance, power, and leakage. The scheme is compared with the conventional power gating structure via mixed-mode physics-based two-dimensional numerical simulations. Analysis of virtual supply/ground bounce for the proposed scheme is also presented. |
| US07956668B2 |
Spectral predictive switching device activation
A method of driving an array of switches comprising supplying the same drive signal to a first drive terminal of a plurality of the switches of an array and supplying second drive signals to a second drive terminal of each of the plurality of switches, the second drive signal supplied to a first of the switches being of a form selected to close the first switch, the form of the second drive signal supplied to the remaining switches being selected to prevent false activation of those switches. |
| US07956662B2 |
Flip-flop circuit with internal level shifter
A flip-flop circuit with an internal level shifter includes an input stage, a clock input stage, an output stage and a level shifting stage. The output stage generates an output signal based on an input signal received by the input stage and a clock signal received by the clock input stage. The level shifting stage shifts-up the voltage level of the output signal. |
| US07956661B2 |
Standard cell and semiconductor device
The present invention provides a standard cell and a scan flip flop circuit capable of introducing a scan test also to a system LSI having an ACS circuit. One standard cell is configured by: a 3-input selection circuit for selecting one signal from three input signals; and a flip flop circuit. The 3-input selection circuit receives a control signal and a test signal at its control input part and its first input part, respectively. First and second signals are supplied to second and third input parts, and a selection signal is supplied to a selector input part. On the basis of the control signal and the selection signal, any of the signals input to the first to third input parts is output from the output part. |
| US07956655B1 |
Output pad system and pad driving circuit thereof
A pad driving circuit includes an output control circuit, a voltage pump circuit, a first buffer series, and a second buffer series. The output control circuit controls whether a pad circuit can pass an input signal, in which the output control circuit enables the pad circuit to output the input signal when an enable signal is asserted. The voltage pump circuit generates a negative supply voltage having voltage less than a zero volt. The first buffer series, electrically connected between the output control circuit and the pad circuit, drives the pad circuit with a positive supply voltage and the negative supply voltage from the voltage pump circuit. The second buffer series drives the pad circuit with a ground voltage and the positive supply voltage. |
| US07956654B2 |
Predriver and output driver circuit using the same
An output driver circuit includes a predriver control signal generation unit receiving a pull-up code signal, a pull-down code signal, a predriver selection signal and a read control signal and generating a pull-up control signal and a pull-down control signal; a predriver driven in response to the pull-up control signal and the pull-down control signal and receiving an internal data to drive a pull-up driving signal and a pull-down driving signal; and a driver receiving the pull-up driving signal and the pull-down driving signal and driving an output data outputted to a DQ pad, wherein the pull-up control signal and the pull-down control signal are enabled when the predriver is selected in a read operation period and a preset combination of the code signals is inputted. |
| US07956651B2 |
Method for detecting a current and compensating for an offset voltage and circuit
A method and circuit for detecting a current and compensating for an offset voltage. The circuit includes two comparators where one of the comparators has two input terminals and the other comparator has three input terminals. An input terminal of each of the two comparators are commonly connected together, the other input terminal of the two-input comparator is coupled for receiving a first reference voltage, and a second input terminal of the three-input comparator is coupled for receiving a second reference voltage. During a first portion of the period of a sense signal the two comparators operate in a sensing mode and during a second portion of the period of the sense signal the comparator having the three input terminals operate in a current nullification mode or an offset voltage compensation mode. An offset compensation signal is generated during the second portion of the sense signal. |
| US07956648B2 |
Output driver robust to data dependent noise
Techniques for controlling a driver to reduce data dependent noise, such as simultaneous switching effects and cross-talk effects. A plurality of drivers may each receive a data segment to transmit and a plurality of data segments that other drivers will transmit. A driver controller may adjust the time at which the data segment is transmitted in response to the plurality of data segments that the other drivers will transmit. The adjustment may compensate for simultaneous switching noise and cross-talk by, for example, delaying the transmission of a data segment or changing the slew rate of the signal carrying the data segment. |
| US07956647B2 |
Circuit, apparatus and method of transmitting signal
A circuit includes a first wiring to transmit a first signal, an alteration element to adjust a delay amount being added to the first wiring, and a shield element to shield the alteration element from a second wiring, the second wiring transmitting a second signal. |
| US07956645B2 |
Low power high-speed output driver
Low power high-speed output driver. An array of switches (some of which are inverting switches whose connectivity is governed oppositely as the control signal provided to it) is implemented such that an input signal governs the connectivity of those switches. A resistor is coupled between the nodes interposed between the switches of the array, and an output signal is taken from the nodes at ends of the resistor. The high voltage level of such an output driver is truly the level of the power supply energizing the circuit (e.g., VDD) while still consuming relatively low power. |
| US07956643B2 |
Semiconductor device capable of switching operation modes and operation mode setting method therefor
A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: a first internal terminal; a second internal terminal; a first switching circuit coupled to the second internal terminal to switch between a state in which the second internal terminal is electrically coupled to a first reference electric potential and a state in which the second internal terminal is not electrically coupled to the first reference electric potential; a second switching circuit coupled to the second internal terminal to switch between a state in which the second internal terminal is electrically coupled to a second reference electric potential and a state in which the second internal terminal is not electrically coupled to the second reference electric potential; and a comparator coupled to the first internal terminal and the second internal terminal to compare an electric potential of the first internal terminal with an electric potential of the second internal terminal, in which the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit exclusively operate in accordance with the electric potential of the first internal terminal. In the above-mentioned structure, when the second internal terminal is not bonded to an external terminal, the second internal terminal is pulled up or pulled down in accordance with a logical level of a signal input to the first internal terminal. Consequently, a connection state between the external terminal and the second internal terminal (mode pad) can be detected irrespective of the logical level (H level/L level) of the signal input to the first internal terminal. |
| US07956640B2 |
Digital radio frequency switch matrix
A digital radio frequency switch system and method, adapted to receive a plurality of inputs, generate a plurality of outputs, and simultaneously route a plurality of inputs to any of a plurality of outputs, comprising an array comprising a plurality of inputs, having a plurality of associated clocks; a digital control input adapted to receive a signal indicative of a mapping between at least one of said inputs and at least one respective output; a digital logic array, responsive to said digital control input for simultaneously communicating a plurality of signals each corresponding to one of the plurality of inputs and a respective associated clock to at least one of said outputs indicated by the digital control input; and an array of the outputs, each adapted to present a regenerated signal corresponding to one of the plurality of inputs and a respective associated synchronized regenerated clock maintaining accurate relative timing therebetween. |
| US07956635B2 |
Stiffener assembly for use with testing devices
A stiffener assembly for use with testing devices is provided herein. In some embodiments, a stiffener for use with testing devices includes an inner member; an outer member disposed in a predominantly spaced apart relation to the inner member; and a plurality of alignment mechanisms for orienting the inner and outer members with respect to each other, wherein the alignment mechanisms transfer forces applied to a lower surface of the inner member to the outer member and provide the predominant conductive heat transfer passageway between the inner and outer members. |
| US07956624B2 |
Method and system for monitoring growth characteristics
A system monitors growth characteristics of a plant having a root buried in a prescribed volume of ground using a plurality of electrodes inserted into the ground at a known spacing relative to one another in proximity to the root or root-like structure. When electrical current is applied to some of the electrodes, electrical potential is measured at other ones of the electrodes to construct a representation of electrical impedance across the prescribed volume locating the root or root-like structure. Growth characteristics of the soil and the plant, for example root size, root shape, soil moisture content, and the like, can be identified by locating variations of the electrical impedance. |
| US07956619B2 |
Testing an inductive load of a device using a modulated signal
A device has built-in inductive load testing capabilities. The device includes a device housing, an inductive load disposed within the device housing; and test circuitry disposed within the device housing. The test circuitry is constructed and arranged to effectuate application of a modulated test signal to the inductive load, and obtain a result signal in response to the application of the modulated test signal to the inductive load. The test circuitry is further constructed and arranged to generate an output signal indicating that the inductive load is in one of (i) a shorted inductive load state, (ii) a normal inductive load state, and (iii) an abnormally high inductive load state, based on the result signal. Such test circuitry is well-suited for testing a variety of devices having inductors/coils which are susceptible to defects (e.g., a solenoid, a motor winding, various actuator components, etc.). |
| US07956613B2 |
Method for imaging acoustically induced rotary saturation with a magnetic resonance imaging system
A method for producing a magnetic resonance image indicative of mechanical waves applied to a subject is provided. Mechanical waves are applied to the subject at a selected frequency to induce oscillatory motion in tissues within the subject at the same frequency. A spin-lock radiofrequency pulse, having a resonance frequency matched to that of the induced oscillatory motion, is applied to the subject. This results in a spin-lock condition, during which transverse magnetization experiences rotary saturation resulting from magnetic field fluctuations produced by the oscillatory motion. Image data is acquired from the saturated transverse magnetization and images are reconstructed. As a result of the rotary saturation, these images exhibit darkening in those voxel locations affected by the oscillatory motion. In this manner, an image indicative of the applied mechanical waves is produced. |
| US07956612B2 |
System and method for displaying medical imaging spectral data as hypsometric maps
A system and method for displaying MR spectroscopy data acquired using a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system includes acquiring MR spectroscopy data from a region of interest using the MRI system. The MR spectroscopy data is processed to determine relative spectral amplitudes of each of a plurality of points in the MR spectroscopy data resulting from frequency components of molecules in the region of interest. Each of the plurality of points is mapped to a particular optical parameter based at least upon on the relative spectral amplitude associated with each point and a point is generated for each of the plurality of points having the optical parameter mapped thereto. The points for each of the plurality of points are arranged to form a hypsometric map. |
| US07956611B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and method
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus comprises a plurality of high-frequency reception coils, sensitivity distribution information obtaining means for calculating sensitivity distribution information of each of the high-frequency reception coil, sensitivity distribution storage means for storing the sensitivity distribution information, measuring means for acquiring magnetic resonance signals by thinning out encode steps of a k-space, image reconstructing means for reconstructing images using the magnetic resonance signals, and means for performing unfolding calculation using the sensitivity distribution information and the image, thereby to acquire the unfolded image.The magnetic resonance imaging apparatus further comprises means for estimating the sensitivity distribution information of a background region by using the sensitivity distribution information of an object region, and means for updating the background region by mutually using the sensitivity distribution information of the respective high-frequency receptions coils thereby to suppress noise component contained in the unfolded image. |
| US07956610B2 |
Sensor for sensing a magnetic field direction, magnetic field direction sensing, method for producing magnetic field sensors, and write-in apparatus for producing magnetic field sensors
A sensor for sensing a magnetic field direction has a plurality of magnetoresistive sensor elements, each of which having a main sensitivity direction with respect to a present magnetic field. Lines associated with the main sensitivity directions of the magnetoresistive sensor elements and passing through the magnetoresistive sensor elements intersect in an area outside the magnetoresistive sensor elements themselves. |
| US07956606B2 |
Position sensing assembly
A position sensing assembly includes a bearing element and a helically shaped rotational member used to drive a portion of a sensor assembly, such as a Digital Rotary Magnetic Encoder. Interaction between the bearing element and a helically shaped rotational member minimizes the presence of backlash in the position sensing assembly. Accordingly, as an actuator assembly drives both a control element, such as a flight control surface, and the position sensing assembly, the sensor assembly generates an output signal that accurately reflects the position of the control element. |
| US07956604B2 |
Integrated sensor and magnetic field concentrator devices
Embodiments of the invention are related to integrated sensor and magnetic concentrator devices and methods. In one embodiment, an integrated circuit comprises a sensor device and a magnetic field concentrator. The sensor device comprises a first sensor element, a second sensor element, and a third sensor element, the first sensor element spaced apart from the third sensor element by a first gap, and the second sensor element spaced apart from the third sensor element by a second gap. The magnetic field concentrator comprises a first magnetic element disposed in the first gap and a second magnetic element disposed in the second gap. |
| US07956602B2 |
Tilt angle sensor and detection-target device comprising the same
To provide a tilt angle sensor that is capable of detecting acceleration, a tilt angle, and the like of a device to which the tilt sensor angle is mounted, and also capable of reducing the size and the cost with a simple structure. The tilt angle sensor comprises: a spring member having a fixed end a free end that has a flexibility to be bent at least in one direction; a magnetic field generating device for generating a magnetic field, which is mounted at the free end of the spring member; a magnetic field detecting device provided by facing the magnetic field generating device for detecting a direction of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating device; and a damping device for giving a damping force to a bending action of the spring member. |
| US07956600B2 |
Probe with windings wound around each other
A probe with plural output channels for sensing the movement of a body of magnetic material. The probe includes a magnetically energizable pole piece and a plurality of electrically conductive circuits, coupled to the magnetic pole piece, such that a change in magnetic flux in the pole piece caused by movement of the body relative to the pole piece induces a voltage in each of the circuits. The electrically conductive circuits are wound around each other in a symmetrical fashion such that in the vicinity of the magnetic pole piece each circuit experiences substantially the same change in magnetic flux. A probe of this type provides a plurality of substantially identical output signals and is easy to manufacture and replicate. |
| US07956598B2 |
Voltage dividing circuit and magnetic sensor circuit
To provide a variable voltage dividing circuit capable of changing voltage values of a detection point and a release point along with a change in power supply voltage without changing a hysteresis width. The variable voltage dividing circuit according to the present invention includes: a voltage dividing unit which includes a resistor string formed of a plurality of resistors connected in series, and outputs divided voltages divided at connection points of the plurality of resistors, one end of the resistor string being applied with a first voltage, another end thereof being applied with a second voltage; a first constant current source connected to a first connection point of the resistor string; and a second constant current source connected to a second connection point located symmetrically to the first connection point with respect to a center of the resistor string in the resistor string, in which, in accordance with a voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage, any one of the first constant current source and the second constant current source subtracts a first adjustment current from a current flowing through the resistor string, and another thereof feeds a second adjustment current to the resistor string. |
| US07956591B2 |
Power supply with zero power consumption capability
Power supply devices are provided that can include power regulating circuitry for regulating (e.g., transforming or converting) electric power to be passed to an electronic device. A power supply device can also include control circuitry coupled with the regulating circuitry. The control circuitry can determine when the power supply device is coupled with an electronic device. The control circuitry can control the operation of the regulating circuitry based on whether or not the power supply device is coupled with the electronic device. |
| US07956590B2 |
Method for controlling a multiphase interleaving converter and corresponding controller
A method is provided for controlling a converter of the multiphase interleaving type. According to the method, there is detected when a change of the load applied to an output terminal of the converter occurs. All the phases of the converter are simultaneously turned off, and a driving interleaving phase shift is recovered so as to restart a normal operation of the converter. A controller for carrying out such a method is also provided. |
| US07956587B2 |
Power supply apparatus
A power supply apparatus that supplies an operating voltage to a microcomputer reliably resets the microcomputer before operation becomes unstable when an external power supply voltage decreases due to interruption. A switching regulator and series regulators are included. An externally supplied power supply voltage is stepped down to generate an intermediate voltage. The intermediate voltage is stepped down to generate an operating voltage for a microcomputer core. The intermediate voltage is stepped down to generate an operating voltage for an I/O port. When the intermediate voltage becomes lower than a reset determining voltage, the power supply apparatus outputs a reset signal to the microcomputer. When the power supply voltage decreases, the microcomputer can be reliably reset and the core can be prevented from operating erratically before the voltage becomes lower than a minimum core operating voltage. |
| US07956586B2 |
Step-up/step-down type DC-DC converter, and control circuit and control method of the same
To provide a control circuit and control method of a step-up/step-down type DC-DC converter capable of realizing high efficiency. In a state (1), a terminal Tx of a choke coil L1 is connected to an input terminal Tin, and a terminal Ty is connected to a reference potential. In a state (2), the terminal Tx is connected to the reference potential, and the terminal Ty is connected to an output terminal Tout. In the state (3), the terminal Tx is connected to the input terminal Tin, and the terminal Ty is connected to the output terminal Tout. A first period operation TO1 is constituted by the states (1) and (2), and a second period operation TO2 is constituted by the states (1) and (3). A second period T2, in which the second period operation TO2 is performed, is a value n times as long as a first period T1, in which the first period operation TO1 is performed. In the second period operation TO2, the state (1) is switched to the state (3) so that an increasing slope of an inductor current IL is reduced. |
| US07956583B2 |
Lithium polymer battery powered intravenous fluid warmer
A lithium polymer (LiPo) battery pack having LiPo battery cells is provided which includes battery protection circuitry, charging circuitry, cell balancing circuitry, and control and communication circuitry. The batteries can be charged while in use by an internal charger. Battery charging and discharging are accomplished in a controlled and protected manner to avoid overcharging and overdischarging conditions. The novel battery pack has built-in safeguards against dangerous LiPo battery conditions and is implemented in a small, portable unit which contains the battery cells, control and protection circuitry, internal charger and display gauge. The battery pack is useful for powering an intravenous fluid warmer or other medical or electrical devices and equipment. |
| US07956581B2 |
Rechargeable battery pack
A battery pack comprising a power cell for providing power to a load or for receiving a charge from a charger, a first protection circuit for protecting from overvoltage and/or overcurrent conditions, and a second protection circuit for protecting from overtemperature conditions. The protection circuits independently control one or more electronic switching devices, through which passes substantially all of the current supplied by the power cell. When overvoltage and/or overcurrent conditions exist, the first protection circuit causes at least one of the switching devices to move to a non-conducting condition. Similarly, when an overtemperature condition exists, the second protection circuit causes at least one of the switching devices to move to a non-conducting condition. |
| US07956574B1 |
System and method for interconnection of battery packs
A system and method interconnects battery packs using a flexible bus bar to prevent vibration from breaking or damaging the connections therebetween. |
| US07956568B2 |
Servo motor controller
A servo motor controller having: a frequency identification section that performs analysis based on a frequency response method and identifies the frequency of a disturbance exhibiting a specified phase lag; an input/output gain identification section that identifies the input/output gain at the frequency identified by the frequency identification section; and a magnification factor resetting section that resets an adjustment magnification factor by performing a specified operation on a ratio between the identified input/output gain and a specified target value of the input/output gain. |
| US07956558B2 |
Automatic traction control for two separately excited motors utilizing a single electronic control
An automatic traction control system is provided for an electric or hybrid-electric vehicle. The automatic traction control system may be used with vehicles using two separately excited motors where the armatures of the motors are connected in series to provide differential control. The automatic traction control system monitors and compares the voltages across the armatures of the two motors. If the voltage differential exceeds a predetermined threshold, it is determined that one of the wheels is spinning and current is diverted from the motor driving the spinning wheel to the motor driving the non-spinning wheel. |
| US07956557B1 |
Support structures for planar insertion devices
A planar insertion device and supporting structure for a planar insertion device for treating a synchrotron radiation beam includes a primary frame on which at least two secondary C-frames are mounted. An upper and a lower girders are mounted on the secondary C-frames forming a gap between girders and arranged substantially horizontally and parallel to each other and to the synchrotron radiation beam. Magnetic arrays rigidly mounted on the girders are facing each other and facing the gap between girders, with the synchrotron radiation beam passing between the magnetic arrays through the gap. The planar insertion device supporting structure prevents detrimental deformation reactions to variations of magnetic loadings with changes in the gap and subsequent geometrical misalignments. |
| US07956553B2 |
Light source driving circuit
A light source driving circuit includes a power supply circuit, a first dimming circuit, and a control circuit. The power supply circuit has a control terminal and an output terminal that is connected to a terminal of a first light-emitting element. The first dimming circuit has a first terminal connected to the other terminal of the first light-emitting element, a second terminal connected to a common potential, and a pulse width signal input terminal. The control circuit is connected between the pulse width input terminal of the first dimming circuit and the control terminal of the power supply circuit. The first dimming circuit determines an ON/OFF state according to a logic state of the pulse width signal. The power supply circuit determines whether or not to output the voltage. The control circuit delays the power supply circuit, turns off the power supply circuit, and delays the first dimming circuit. |
| US07956551B1 |
Apparatus and method for discretionary adjustment of lumen output of light sources having lamp lumen depreciation characteristic compensation
A method, apparatus, and system for compensating for lamp lumen depreciation and providing selective discretionary lamp power adjustment, e.g., for lamp dimming. The method includes operating the lamp under rated wattage for a period towards the first part of operating life of the lamp. Operating wattage is increased at one or more later times. Energy savings are realized. The increases also restore at least some light lost by lamp lumen depreciation. The apparatus uses a timer to track operating time of the lamp. A few wattage changes made at spaced apart times can be made in a number of ways, including changing capacitance to the lamp, or using different taps on the lamp ballast. A component allows selective discretionary adjustment of electrical power or some other controlling factor to adjust light output (e.g. dim) the lamp. |
| US07956545B2 |
Field emission device
The field emission device includes: a front substrate and a rear substrate which are disposed at a certain distance and opposite to each other; at least one or more cathode electrodes formed on the rear substrate; at least one or more gate electrodes formed to be distant from the cathode electrodes and to be insulated with the rear substrate; emitters formed on the upper surfaces of the cathode electrodes; an anode electrode formed on the front substrate toward the rear substrate side; a fluorescent layer formed on the anode electrode; a first voltage application circuit for applying an AC voltage to the anode electrode; and a second voltage application circuit for applying an AC voltage to the gate electrode, wherein the AC voltages being applied to the anode electrode and the gate electrode are synchronized. |
| US07956541B2 |
Plasma display panel having front panel with bismuth trioxide-containing dielectric layer
A plasma display panel is formed of a front panel including display electrodes, a dielectric layer, and a protective layer that are formed on a glass substrate, and a rear panel including electrodes, barrier ribs, and phosphor layers that are formed on a substrate. The front panel and the rear panel are faced with each other, and peripheries thereof are sealed to form a discharge space therebetween. The dielectric layer of the front panel contains Bi2O3 and at least two kinds of R2O, where R is selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, and K. |
| US07956539B2 |
Plasma display panel
Provided is a plasma display panel including a plurality of electrodes and a panel terminal unit providing a driving signal to the electrodes, wherein the panel terminal unit comprises: an electrode pad extending from the electrodes of the panel display unit; a film-shapeddevice providing a driving signal to the electrode pad; an anisotropic conductive film electrically connecting the electrode pad to the film-shaped device; a dielectric layer extending to contact the anisotropic conductive film on the electrode pad so that the dielectric layer covers the electrode pad; and an electrode terminal unit sealant sealing the dielectric layer and the film-shaped device. The electrode terminal unit sealant protects a terminal unit of the plasma display panel against permeation of external gas and external humidity and effectively prevents open and short circuits of an electrode due to a migration phenomenon. |
| US07956538B2 |
Organic light emitting display
An organic light emitting display includes a substrate; an organic light emitting diode on one surface of the substrate; an encapsulation substrate located opposite and substantially parallel to the substrate with the organic light emitting diode therebetween; a filler layer on one surface of the encapsulation substrate facing the substrate; a first encapsulation layer located between the encapsulation substrate and the substrate and sealing the substrate and the encapsulation substrate together; and a second encapsulation layer located adjacent to the first encapsulation layer and between the encapsulation substrate and the substrate, wherein the filler layer and the second encapsulation layer include a moisture absorbent. |
| US07956535B2 |
Light emitting device and electronic apparatus
A light emitting device includes a substrate, a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on the substrate, and a counter electrode disposed opposite the plurality of pixel electrodes. Here, the plurality of pixel electrodes includes a first pixel electrode group including two or more of the plurality of pixel electrodes arranged continuously in a first direction and the first pixel electrode group includes a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrode arranged to be adjacent to each other and a third pixel electrode and a fourth pixel electrode arranged to be adjacent to each other. A first division portion is disposed between the first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode and a second division portion is disposed between the third pixel electrode and the fourth pixel electrode. At least one light-emitting function layer including a plurality of layers including a light-emitting layer is formed between two or more pixel electrodes located between the first division portion and the second division portion in the first pixel electrode group and the counter electrode to cover the two or more pixel electrodes located between the first division portion and the second division portion. |
| US07956531B2 |
Display device having a plurality of pixels each comprising sub-pixels
An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device is described, the display device having a plurality of pixels each comprising at least two sub-pixels of different types, a first sub-pixel type comprising an OLED device including a first type of OLED material and a second sub-pixel type comprising an OLED device including a second type of OLED material, and wherein at least one of said first and second types of sub-pixel comprises a plurality of series-connected OLED devices. Employing series-connected sub-pixels where different types of OLED material are used for a display such as a color, active matrix OLED display facilitates balancing sub-pixel drive voltages and hence enables the production of display devices with improved efficiency. |
| US07956530B2 |
Organic electroluminescent display device and method of fabricating the same
An organic electroluminescent display device comprises a substrate, including a pixel region and a non-pixel region at a boundary of the pixel region; a first electrode on the substrate in the pixel region; a separator over the first electrode, the separator located in the non-pixel region, the separator including a first portion having a first width and a second portion having a second width smaller than the first width, the first portion overlapping edges of the first electrode, and the second portion within the non-pixel region; an organic electroluminescent layer over the separator in the pixel region surrounded by the separator; and a second electrode on an entire surface of the organic electroluminescent layer and the separator. |
| US07956524B2 |
Image display apparatus
An image display apparatus includes a display panel having a face plate, a rear plate, and a frame member, forming a vacuum container, a plurality of plate-like spacers arranged between the face plate and the rear plate in an interior of the vacuum container to maintain an internal space of the vacuum container, and a support member that supports a rear surface of the display panel. The support member includes a plate-like member having a plurality of protruding portions with a linear shape, and a longitudinal direction of the protruding portions and a longitudinal direction of the spacers are substantially parallel to each other. |
| US07956523B2 |
Image display apparatus having spacer with carbon film
A carbon film is coated over the surface of a spacer. The carbon film has the following three features when the binding state of carbon is analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy: (a) an integral area of a region of 284.5 eV or below is 27% or less of an integral area attributed to carbon, (b) an integral area of a region of 286.0 eV-287.0 eV is 18% or less thereof, and (c) an integral area of a region of 287.0 eV or above is 9% or more thereof. |
| US07956519B2 |
Piezoelectric device having a ferroelectric film including a solid solution
A method of manufacturing a ceramic includes forming a film which includes a complex oxide material having an oxygen octahedral structure and a paraelectric material having a catalytic effect for the complex oxide material in a mixed state, and performing a heat treatment to the film, wherein the paraelectric material is one of a layered catalytic substance which includes Si in the constituent elements and a layered catalytic substance which includes Si and Ge in the constituent elements. The heat treatment includes sintering and post-annealing. At least the post-annealing is performed in a pressurized atmosphere including at least one of oxygen and ozone. A ceramic is a complex oxide having an oxygen octahedral structure, and has Si and Ge in the oxygen octahedral structure. |
| US07956516B2 |
Ultrasonic sensor and method for manufacturing the same
An ultrasonic sensor includes a cylindrical casing having a bottom portion. The casing has a piezoelectric element on a bottom surface thereof. A substrate is attached to an end surface of an opening portion of the casing with a damping member provided therebetween such that the damping member covers the opening portion. Pin terminals are arranged so as to extend through the substrate and the damping member and are electrically connected to the piezoelectric element with lead wires. An inner space of the casing is filled with foamable resin. |
| US07956515B2 |
Method of driving a driving apparatus capable of smoothly moving a moving member
A driving method is for a driving apparatus including an electro-mechanical transducer having first and second end surfaces opposite to each other in an expansion/contraction direction, a vibration friction portion mounted to the second end surface of the electro-mechanical transducer, a moving member frictionally coupled to the vibration friction portion, and a vibration transfer member disposed between the second end surface of said electro-mechanical transducer and an end surface of said vibration friction portion, whereby moving the moving member in the expansion/contraction direction of the electro-mechanical transducer. The driving method includes subjecting the electro-mechanical transducer to reciprocating displacement in a sawtooth waveform and transferring the reciprocating displacement of the electro-mechanical transducer to the vibration friction portion through the vibration transfer member, thereby linearly driving the moving member in a predetermined direction. |
| US07956512B2 |
Surface acoustic wave device including an IDT formed by a metal filled in grooves on a piezoelectric substrate
A surface acoustic wave device includes a LiNbO3 substrate and is constructed such that the reflection coefficient of an IDT is not only high but the electromechanical coupling coefficient K2 is also high, and the range of Euler angles of the LiNbO3 substrate can be increased to realize a wide range of the electromechanical coupling coefficient K2. A plurality of grooves are provided in an upper surface of the LiNbO3 substrate, an IDT including a plurality of electrode fingers is provided by filling a metal material in the plurality of grooves, and the metal material is Pt or W or an alloy primarily including at least one Pt or W. |
| US07956511B2 |
Surface acoustic wave device including an IDT formed by a metal filled in grooves on a piezoelectric substrate
A surface acoustic wave device includes a LiNbO3 substrate and is constructed such that a reflection coefficient of an IDT is not only high but the electromechanical coupling coefficient K2 is also high, and the range of Euler angles of the LiNbO3 substrate which obtains a wide range of the electromechanical coupling coefficient K2 is increased. A plurality of grooves are provided in the upper surface of the LiNbO3 substrate, and an IDT including a plurality of electrode fingers is provided and defined by a metal material filled in the plurality of grooves, and the metal material is made of Ag, Ni, or Cr or an alloy primarily including at least one Ag, Ni, or Cr. |
| US07956509B2 |
Electric pump
A pump is driven by a compact electric motor in which a coil is disposed in a ring form around and along a stator core which has a plurality of claw magnetic poles that extend alternately from both ends of one member of the stator core toward the end of the other member thereof. A stator core can be made from a compressed powder core by molding with resin, with the molded portion able to serve as a partition separating pump and motor units. |
| US07956506B2 |
Driving apparatus
A rotating electric machine comprises a stator having stator salient poles, three-phases windings would around said stator salient poles, a rotor rotatable held inside the said stator, and permanent magnets inserted into said rotor and positioned opposite to said stator salient poles. The three-phase windings are concentratively wound around each of the stator salient poles, with windings of each phase wound around at more than one stator salient pole. The windings of each phase have a phase difference of voltage between at least one of the windings and the other. |
| US07956502B2 |
Wiper apparatus and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention enables replacement work of a wiper motor to be carried out with a link plate being fixed to an output shaft, and achieves improvement of maintainability. A diameter dimension of a through-hole of a motor bracket is set to that of allowing a tip side of a link plate with a ball joint to pass through the through-hole in a state where the link plate is inclined with respect to the motor bracket. Thus, the replacement work of the wiper motor can be carried out with the link plate being fixed to the output shaft. Alignment work of the link plate with respect to the output shaft becomes unnecessary at a time of the replacement work of the wiper motor, and maintainability can be significantly improved without decreasing positional accuracy of wiper members with respect to a front glass. |
| US07956499B2 |
Motor magnetic force attenuator
Motors having a magnetic force attenuator are described. In some embodiments, the motors comprise a stationary member having a base and a stator, a rotating assembly having a magnet and a magnetic force attenuator to attenuate the magnetic attraction force between the magnet and the base; and a fluid bearing to support rotation of the rotating assembly relative to the stationary member. The magnetic force attenuator typically comprises a material of high magnetic permeability, and modulates the magnetic attraction force between the magnet and the base of the motor. |
| US07956498B2 |
Acceleration generator and pseudo force sense generator
An acceleration generator 20 includes: a moving member (21, 25) that performs a periodic translational motion along a particular straight line; a first operating part (24) that applies a first force that varies in magnitude depending on the relative position thereof with respect to the moving member to the moving member in a direction parallel to the particular straight line; and a second operating part (27) that applies a second force that varies in magnitude depending on the relative position thereof with respect to the moving member to the moving member in a direction parallel to the particular straight line. The moving member performs a translational motion in which the acceleration thereof in the positive direction and the acceleration thereof in the negative direction are asymmetric in one period. |
| US07956497B2 |
Electret device and electrostatic induction conversion apparatus comprising the same
An electret device includes an electret film into which charges are injected and a barrier film provided on a surface of the electret film and having an electron affinity smaller than the electron affinity of the electret film. |
| US07956496B1 |
Electrical timer having multiple preset timing periods
An electrical timer for plugging into an electrical wall outlet to control electrical current supplied to electrical appliances. The timer includes a housing having front and rear halves that are retained together. A display assembly includes a pushbutton switch and one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) that indicate which time period is selected mounted to a circuit board. A user-operable actuator button is connected to the switch. A clear display panel is exteriorly affixed to the front half. The actuator button extends through respective button holes of the front half and the display panel. Each LED extends through a corresponding LED hole of the front half so as to be visible to users through the display panel. A thin mask is disposed on the display panel that defines an opaque area with a logo and a corresponding transparent area for each LED. An electrical plug is connected along the electrical circuit and mounted through the rear half of the housing for plugging into the wall outlet. An electrical socket is connected along the electrical circuit and mounted through the front half of the housing for plugging-in one electrical appliance. A controller is disposed in the housing that makes an electrical circuit between the electrical system and the electrical socket for at least one preset time period upon actuation of the switch. |
| US07956495B2 |
Structure having a power transmitting device
A structure compliant with non-contact power transmission includes a placement member that includes a placement side, an electronic instrument including a non-contact power transmission power receiving device being placed on the placement side, a non-contact power transmission power transmitting device, and a position detection circuit that detects the positional relationship between a primary coil and a secondary coil. The power transmitting device detects the relative positional relationship between the primary coil and the secondary coil using a harmonic detection circuit, and drives an XY stage using an actuator to automatically position the primary coil with respect to the secondary coil, for example. |
| US07956489B2 |
Power supply system and vehicle including the same
A converter ECU (2) obtains allowable power total value including at least one of discharge allowable power total value ΣWout of discharge allowable power Wout1, Wout2 and charge allowable power total value ΣWin of charge allowable power Win1, Win2. Then, the converter ECU (2) determines which of the allowable power total value and an actual power value is greater, If the actual power value is smaller than the allowable power total value, the converter ECU (2) controls a converter (8-1) such that an input/output voltage value Vh attains a prescribed target voltage value, and at the same time controls a converter (8-2) such that a battery current value Ib2 attains a prescribed target current value. |
| US07956488B2 |
Power supply controlling apparatus for motor vehicle
A controlling apparatus for a motor vehicle has a high voltage direct current (dc) power supply, an inverter for converting dc power of the high voltage dc power supply into ac power, a smoothing capacitor provided between the inverter and the high voltage dc power supply, a main contactor provided between the high voltage dc power supply and the smoothing capacitor for connecting and disconnecting the high voltage dc power supply and the smoothing capacitor to and from each other, and a precharge circuit connected in parallel to the main contactor. |
| US07956483B2 |
Secondary power source for a light truck vehicle
The invention is directed at an air flow apparatus for use with an electric vehicle. The air flow apparatus operates as complementary energy sources for the production of electricity to maintain battery capacity for the propulsion of an electrically powered vehicle. This is preferably achieved by combining induced air flow and the burning of a fossil fuel, such as propane, to effect generator output. In another embodiment, the use of propane is reduced as the vehicle proceeds at specific speeds. |
| US07956477B2 |
Starter relay control
A starter control system is disclosed. In one example, the starter control system allows both automatic and manual control over an engine starting sequence. The starter control system can enhance starter control system flexibility. |
| US07956476B2 |
Footwear energy harvesting system
A system for harvesting footwear energy. The energy may be in a form of footwear movement which involves a compression and decompression of chambers situated in the footwear. There may be a back chamber in the heel area and a front chamber in the toe area of the footwear. The chambers may be filled with gas which moves in and out upon compression and decompression of the chambers at the heel and toe areas upon the ambulatory motion of a person wearing the footwear. The moving gas may go through a pneumatic rectifier that provides a unidirectional stream of gas to spin a micro-turbine which turns an electrical generator, or operate a pneumatic device. |
| US07956475B2 |
Step cavity for enhanced drop test performance in ball grid array package
A ball grid array (BGA) package includes a substrate layer having first and second sides. A semiconductor chip is attached to the first side of the substrate layer by a dielectric adhesive layer. A plurality of solder balls are attached to the second side of the substrate layer. The solder balls may be set out by rows and columns. A plurality of wires electrically connect the semiconductor chip to the solder balls. A layer of encapsulating compound is deposited over the semiconductor chip. A step cavity of a selected depth and shape is formed in the layer of encapsulating compound at or near the edge or periphery of the layer of encapsulating compound. The step cavity is separated from the solder balls by the substrate layer but spans over a plurality of selected solder balls. |
| US07956471B2 |
Mold and substrate for use with mold
A mold (10) including a first mold part (12) and a second mold part (14) define a mold cavity (16) therebetween. A gate (18) is formed in at least one of the first and second mold parts (12) and (14) such that the gate (18) communicates with the mold cavity (16). A vent (20) having a constricted portion (22) is arranged to communicate with the mold cavity (16). A substrate (28) including a base substrate (30) and an electrically conductive pattern (32) and (34) formed on the base substrate (30) may be received in the mold (10). A solder resist layer (36) is formed on the base substrate (30) and a portion of the electrically conductive pattern (32). A plurality of grooves (38) and (40) is formed in a staggered arrangement around a periphery of a molding area (42) on the substrate (28). |
| US07956469B2 |
Light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a light emitting device with high extraction efficiency, in which absorption of light by a conductive wire is prevented effectively. The light emitting device includes a conductive wire electrically connecting an electrode of a light emitting element and an electrically conductive member. The surface of the bonding portion of the conductive wire between the conductive wire and at least one of the electrode of the light emitting element and the electrically conductive member is covered with a metal film. The reflectivity of the metal film is higher than that of the conductive wire at the emission peak wavelength of the light emitting element. |
| US07956468B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device where an outside connection terminal of a semiconductor element and an electrode of a wiring board are connected to each other via a conductive adhesive, the conductive adhesive includes a first conductive adhesive; and a second conductive adhesive covering the first conductive adhesive; wherein the first conductive adhesive contains a conductive filler including silver (Ag); and the second conductive adhesive contains a conductive filler including a metal selected from a group consisting of tin (Sn), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), palladium (Pd), and platinum (Pt). |
| US07956466B2 |
Structure for interconnect structure containing various capping materials for electrical fuse and other related applications
A design structure is provided for interconnect structures containing various capping materials for electrical fuses and other related applications. The structure includes a first interconnect structure having a first interfacial structure and a second interconnect structure adjacent to the first structure. The second interconnect structure has second interfacial structure different from the first interfacial structure. |
| US07956463B2 |
Large grain size conductive structure for narrow interconnect openings
An interconnect structure having reduced electrical resistance and a method of forming such an interconnect structure are provided. The interconnect structure includes a dielectric material including at least one opening therein. The at least one opening is filled with an optional barrier diffusion layer, a grain growth promotion layer, an agglomerated plating seed layer, an optional second plating seed layer a conductive structure. The conductive structure which includes a metal-containing conductive material, typically Cu, has a bamboo microstructure and an average grain size of larger than 0.05 microns. In some embodiments, the conductive structure includes conductive grains that have a (111) crystal orientation. |
| US07956462B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device having a multilayer wiring structure and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided in which the reliability and the manufacturing yield are high and the design constraint is small. Wirings are formed on a substrate. Low dielectric constant films are formed around the wirings. Reinforcement insulating films are formed in a dielectric material of a larger elastic modulus than that of a formation material of the low dielectric constant films and are arranged to overlap with the wirings when viewed perpendicularly to a substrate surface. Reinforcement insulating films are arranged to intersect with the wirings. |
| US07956460B2 |
Semiconductor chip and method for manufacturing same, electrode structure of semiconductor chip and method for forming same, and semiconductor device
A semiconductor chip according to the present invention includes a semiconductor substrate, a bump of a metal projecting from a surface of the semiconductor substrate, and an alloy film covering the entire surface of the bump, the alloy film being composed of an alloy of the metal of the bump and a second metal. |
| US07956457B2 |
System and apparatus for venting electronic packages and method of making same
An apparatus and method, the apparatus includes a substrate configured to support a plurality of dielectric layers, a device coupling area positioned in the substrate, and a plurality of gas exit apertures formed through the substrate. The plurality of gas exit apertures is configured to provide venting of at least one of moisture and outgassed material and the device coupling area is configured to receive an electronic device coupleable to the plurality of dielectric layers. |
| US07956455B2 |
RF power transistor package
An RF power transistor package with a rectangular ceramic base can house one or more dies affixed to an upper surface of the ceramic base. Source leads attached to the ceramic base extend from at least opposite sides of the rectangular base beneath a periphery of a non-conductive cover overlying the ceramic base. The cover includes recesses arranged to receive the one or more die, the ceramic base, gate and drain leads and a portion of the source leads. The cover further includes bolt holes arranged to clamp the ceramic base and source leads to a heat sink. Bosses at corners of the cover outward of the bolt holes exert a downward bowing force along the periphery of the cover between the bolt holes. |
| US07956453B1 |
Semiconductor package with patterning layer and method of making same
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided multiple embodiments of a semiconductor package including one or more semiconductor dies which are electrically connected to an underlying substrate through the use of a conductive pattern which is at least partially embedded in a patterning layer of the package. In a basic embodiment of the present invention, the semiconductor package comprises a substrate having a conductive pattern disposed thereon. Electrically connected to the conductive pattern of the substrate is at least one semiconductor die. The semiconductor die and the substrate are at least partially encapsulated by a patterning layer. Embedded in the patterning layer is a wiring pattern which electrically connects the semiconductor die to the conductive pattern. A portion of the wiring pattern is exposed in the patterning layer. |
| US07956452B2 |
Flip chip packages
Flip chip packages and methods of manufacturing the same are provided, the flip chip packages may include a package substrate, a semiconductor chip, conductive bumps, a ground pattern and an underfilling layer. The semiconductor chip may be over the package substrate. The conductive bumps may be between the semiconductor chip and the package substrate to electrically connect the semiconductor chip and the package substrate with each other. The ground pattern may ground one of the package substrate and the semiconductor chip. The underfilling layer may be between the package substrate and the semiconductor chip to surround the conductive bumps. The underfilling layer may have a diode selectively located between the ground pattern and the conductive bumps by electrostatic electricity applied to the underfilling layer to protect the semiconductor chip from the electrostatic electricity. |
| US07956448B2 |
Stacked structures and methods of fabricating stacked structures
A stacked structure includes a first substrate bonded to a second substrate such that a first pad structure of the first substrate contacts a second pad structure of the second substrate. A transistor gate is formed over the second substrate, and a first conductive structure extends through the second substrate and has a top surface that is substantially planar with a top surface of the second substrate. An interlayer dielectric (ILD) layer is disposed over the transistor gate, and a passivation layer is disposed over the ILD layer and includes a second pad structure that makes electrical contact with the second conductive structure. The ILD layer includes at least one contact structure that extends through the ILD layer and makes electrical contact with the transistor gate. A second conductive structure is disposed in the ILD layer and is at least partially disposed over a surface of the first conductive structure. |
| US07956440B2 |
Capacitor and semiconductor device including the same
A capacitor includes a first capacitor structure on a substrate, the first capacitor structure including a first electrode, a first dielectric layer pattern, and a second electrode, a second capacitor structure on the first capacitor structure, the second capacitor structure including a third electrode, a second dielectric layer pattern, and a fourth electrode, at least one first contact pad on a side of the first electrode, and a wiring structure connecting the at least one first contact pad and the fourth electrode. |
| US07956431B2 |
Method of manufacturing an image sensing micromodule
A method of manufacturing a micromodule including the steps of: producing an integrated circuit on an active face of a chip made of a semi-conductive material, making a via passing through the chip, electrically linked to the integrated circuit, and inserting the chip into a box comprising a cavity and an electrically conductive element, the active face of the chip being disposed towards the bottom of the cavity, forming on at least one part of a lateral face of the chip a conductive lateral layer made of an electrically conductive material, electrically linked to a conductive element of the rear face of the chip, and producing a connection between the conductive lateral layer and the conductive element by depositing an electrically conductive material in the cavity. |
| US07956417B2 |
Method of reducing stacking faults through annealing
Accordingly, in one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for reducing stacking faults in an epitaxial semiconductor layer. In accordance with such method, a substrate is provided which includes a first single-crystal semiconductor region including a first semiconductor material, the first semiconductor region having a <110> crystal orientation. An epitaxial layer including the first semiconductor material is grown on the first semiconductor region, the epitaxial layer having the <110> crystal orientation. The substrate is then annealed with the epitaxial layer at a temperature greater than 1100 degrees Celsius in an ambient including hydrogen, whereby the step of annealing reduces stacking faults in the epitaxial layer. |
| US07956413B2 |
Semiconductor device having a field effect transistor using a high dielectric constant gate insulating film and manufacturing method of the same
In a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device having an N-channel field effect transistor, the N-channel field effect transistor is formed by a process including the steps of forming a high dielectric constant gate insulating film on a substrate, forming a gate electrode on the high dielectric constant gate insulating film, forming an extension region by introducing N-type impurities into the substrate by using at least the gate electrode as a mask, and forming a pocket region by introducing P-type impurities under the extension region in the substrate by using at least the gate electrode as a mask. An amount of arsenic (As) that is introduced as the N-type impurities is in a range that is equal to or lower than a prescribed value that is determined based on a thickness of the high dielectric constant gate insulating film. |
| US07956408B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device relating to one embodiment of this invention includes a substrate, a plurality of memory strings formed on said substrate, said memory string having a first select gate transistor, a plurality of memory cells and a second select gate transistor, said first select gate transistor having a first pillar semiconductor, a first gate insulation layer formed around said first pillar semiconductor and a first gate electrode being formed around said first gate insulation layer; said memory cell having a second pillar semiconductor, a first insulation layer formed around said second pillar semiconductor, a storage layer formed around said first insulation layer, a second insulation layer formed around said storage layer and first to nth electrodes (n is a natural number 2 or more) being formed around said second insulation layer, said first to nth electrodes being spread in two dimensions respectively, said second select gate transistor having a third pillar semiconductor, a second gate insulation layer formed around said third pillar semiconductor and a second gate electrode being formed around said second gate insulation layer, and a channel region of at least either said first select gate transistor or said second select gate transistor formed by an opposite conductive type semiconductor to a source region and a drain region. |
| US07956403B2 |
Two-bit flash memory
A flash memory includes a substrate with a protrusion, a control gate, two floating gates, and a dielectric layer. The protrusion extends from a top face of the substrate. The control gate is formed on the protrusion of the substrate and extendedly covers opposite sidewalls of the protrusion. The floating gates are respectively formed on top of the protrusion and being on two opposite sides of the control gate. The dielectric layer is sandwiched the control gate and each of the two floating gates. Because of the arcuate control gate used in the flash memory, the controllability of the control gate is increased and the memory cell window is enhanced. |
| US07956402B2 |
Double-doped polysilicon floating gate
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a double-doped polysilicon floating gate in a semiconductor memory element. The method includes forming a first dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate and forming a floating gate above the first dielectric layer, the floating gate comprised of a first layer doped with a first type of dopant material and a second layer doped with a second type of dopant material that is opposite the first type of dopant material in the first layer. The method further includes forming a second dielectric layer above the floating gate, forming a control gate above the second dielectric layer, and forming a source and a drain in the substrate. |
| US07956400B2 |
MIM capacitor integration
An integrated metal-insulator-metal capacitor is formed so that there is an extension portion of its top plate that does not face any portion of the bottom plate, and an extension portion of its bottom plate that does not face any portion of the top plate. Vias connecting the MIM capacitor plates to conductors in an overlying metallization layer are formed so as to contact the extension portions of the top and bottom plates. Etching of the via holes is simplified because it is permissible for the via holes to punch through the extension portions of the capacitor plates. The bottom plate of the MIM capacitor is inlaid. The top plate of the MIM capacitor may be inlaid. |
| US07956399B2 |
Semiconductor device with low buried resistance and method of manufacturing such a device
The invention relates to a semiconductor device (10) with a substrate (11) and a semiconductor body (12) of silicon which comprises an active region (A) with a transistor (T) and a passive region (P) surrounding the active region (A) and which is provided with a buried conducting region (1) of a metallic material that is connected to a conductive region (2) of a metallic material sunken from the surface of the semiconductor body (12), by which the buried conductive region (1) is made electrically connectable at the surface of the semiconductor body (12). According to the invention, the buried conducting region (1) is made at the location of the active region (A) of the semiconductor body (12). In this way, a very low buried resistance can be locally created in the active region (A) in the semiconductor body (12), using a metallic material that has completely different crystallographic properties from the surrounding silicon. This is made possible by using a method according to the invention. Such a buried low resistance offers substantial advantages both for a bipolar transistor and for a MOS transistor. |
| US07956394B2 |
Separation type unit pixel having 3D structure for image sensor
A separation type unit pixel having a 3D structure for an image sensor, composed of a plurality of transistors, includes: a first wafer which includes a photodiode, a transfer transistor, a node of a floating diffusion area functioning as static electricity for converting electric charge into a voltage, and a pad connecting the floating diffusion area and the transfer transistor to an external circuit, respectively; a second wafer which includes the rest of the circuit elements constituting a pixel (i.e., a reset transistor, a source-follower transistor, and a blocking switch transistor), a read-out circuit, a vertical/horizontal decoder, a correlated double sampling (CDS) circuit which involves in a sensor operation and an image quality, an analog circuit, an analog-digital converter (ADC), a digital circuit, and a pad connecting each pixel; and a connecting means which connects the pad of the first wafer and the pad of the second wafer. |
| US07956391B2 |
Isolated junction field-effect transistor
Various integrated circuit devices, in particular a junction field-effect transistor (JFET), are formed inside an isolation structure which includes a floor isolation region and a trench extending from the surface of the substrate to the floor isolation region. The trench may be filled with a dielectric material or may have a conductive material in a central portion with a dielectric layer lining the walls of the trench. Various techniques for terminating the isolation structure by extending the floor isolation region beyond the trench, using a guard ring, and a forming a drift region are described. |
| US07956390B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device having a semiconductor substrate, a first impurity region including a first conductive impurity formed in the semiconductor substrate, a first transistor and a second transistor formed in the first impurity region, a first stress film and a second stress having a first stress over the first transistor a and the second transistor, and a third stress film having a second stress different from the first stress provided in the first impurity region between the first stress film and the second stress film. |
| US07956385B1 |
Circuit for protecting a transistor during the manufacture of an integrated circuit device
A circuit for protecting a transistor during the manufacture of an integrated circuit device is disclosed. The circuit comprises a transistor having a gate formed over an active region formed in a die of the integrated circuit device; a protection element formed in the die of the integrated circuit device; and a programmable interconnect coupled between the gate of the transistor and the protection element, the programmable interconnect enabling the protection element to be decoupled from the transistor. |
| US07956382B2 |
Method and system for magnetically assisted statistical assembly of wafers
A wafer having heterostructure therein is formed using a substrate with recesses formed within a dielectric layer. A magnetized magnetic layer or a polarized electret material is formed at the bottom of each recess. The magnetized magnetic layer or a polarized electret material provides a predetermined magnetic or electrical field pattern. A plurality of heterostructures is formed from on an epitaxial wafer wherein each heterostructure has formed thereon a non-magnetized magnetic layer that is attracted to the magnetized magnetic layer formed at the bottom of each recess or dielectric layer that is attracted to the polarized electret material formed at the bottom of each recess. The plurality of heterostructures is etched from the epitaxial wafer to form a plurality of heterostructure pills. The plurality of heterostructure pills is slurried over the surface of the dielectric layer so that individual heterostructure pills can fall into a recess and be retained therein due to the strong short-range magnetic or electrical attractive force between the magnetized magnetic layer in the recess and the non-magnetized magnetic layer on the heterostructure pill or between the polarized electret material in the recess and the dielectric on the heterostructure pill. Any excess heterostructure pills that are not retained in a recess formed within the dielectric layer are removed and an overcoat is applied to form a substantial planar surface. |
| US07956379B2 |
Light emitting device, method of manufacturing the same, light emitting device package, and lighting system
Disclosed are a light emitting device, a method of manufacturing the same, a light emitting device package, and a lighting system. The light emitting device includes a conductive support member, a light emitting structure layer including a first conductive semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second conductive semiconductor layer on the conductive support member, and an electrode on the light emitting structure layer. The conductive support member has a curved lateral surface recessed inward. |
| US07956376B2 |
Light emitting device, method for manufacturing light emitting device, and light emitting apparatus
A light emitting device according to the embodiment includes a reflecting layer; an adhesion layer including an oxide-based material on the reflecting layer; an ohmic contact layer on the adhesion layer; and a light emitting structure layer on the ohmic contact layer. |
| US07956372B2 |
Light emitting device
A light emitting device includes a light emitting diode chip, a heat conductive plate mounting thereon the light emitting diode chip, a sub-mount member disposed between said light emitting diode chip and said heat conductive plate, a dielectric substrate stacked on the heat conductive plate and being formed with a through-hole through which the sub-mount member is exposed, an encapsulation member for encapsulation of said light emitting diode chip, and a lens superimposed on the encapsulation member. The sub-mount member is formed around a coupling portion of the light emitting diode chip with a reflective film which reflects a light emitted from a side face of the light emitting diode chip. The sub-mount member is selected to have a thickness such that the reflecting film has its surface spaced away from said heat conductive plate by a greater distance than said dielectric substrate. |
| US07956371B2 |
High efficiency light emitting diode (LED)
An (Al, Ga, In)N light emitting diode (LED), wherein light extraction from chip and/or phosphor conversion layer is optimized. By novel shaping of LED and package optics, a high efficiency light emitting diode is achieved. |
| US07956369B2 |
Light emitting diode
A light emitting device comprising: a polar template; a p-type layer grown thereon; the p-type layer having a first polarization vector having a first projection relative to a growth direction; an n-type layer grown on the p-type layer; the n-type layer having a second polarization vector that is larger than the first polarization vector; the n-type layer and p-type layer forming an interface. Another preferred embodiment light emitting device comprises a polar template; an n-type layer grown on the template; the n-type layer having a first polarization vector having a first projection relative to a growth direction; a p-type layer grown on the n-type layer having a second polarization vector that is larger than the first polarization vector. In both embodiments, the first polarization vector in the p-layer and second polarization vector in the n-layer create discontinuity at the interface resulting in a negative charge appearing at the interface. |
| US07956368B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device, lighting module, lighting apparatus, and manufacturing method of semiconductor light emitting device
An LED bare chip which is one type of a semiconductor light emitting device (2) includes a multilayer epitaxial structure (6) composed of a p-GaN layer (12), an InGaN/GaN MQW light emitting layer (14) and an n-GaN layer (16). A p-electrode (18) is formed on the p-GaN layer (12), and an n-electrode (20) is formed on the n-GaN layer (16). An Au plating layer (4) is formed on the p-electrode (18). The Au plating layer (4) supports the multilayer epitaxial structure (6) and conducts heat generated in the light emitting layer (14). The Au plating layer (4) is electrically divided into two portions by a polyimide member (10). One of the two portions (4A) is connected to the p-electrode (18), to be constituted as an anode power supply terminal, and the other portion (4K) is connected to the n-electrode (20) by a wiring (22), to be constituted as a cathode power supply terminal. |
| US07956367B2 |
Light-emitting device having light-emitting elements connected in series
A light-emitting device operating on a high drive voltage and a small drive current. LEDs (1) are two-dimensionally formed on an insulating substrate (10) of e.g., sapphire monolithically and connected in series to form an LED array. Two such LED arrays are connected to electrodes (32) in inverse parallel. Air-bridge wiring (28) is formed between the LEDs (1) and between the LEDs (1) and electrodes (32). The LED arrays are arranged zigzag to form a plurality of LEDs (1) to produce a high drive voltage and a small drive current. Two LED arrays are connected in inverse parallel, and therefore an AC power supply can be used as the power supply. |
| US07956365B2 |
Alternating current light emitting device with plural conductors of electrodes for coupling to adjacent light emitting unit
An alternating current (AC) light emitting device is revealed. The AC light emitting device includes a substrate and a plurality of light emitting units arranged on the substrate. The light emitting unit consists of a first semiconductor layer, a light emitting layer, a second semiconductor layer, at least one electrode and at least one second electrode respectively arranged on the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer from bottom to top. The plurality of light emitting units is coupled to at least one adjacent light emitting unit by a plurality of conductors. By the plurality of conductors that connect light emitting units with at least one adjacent light emitting unit, an open circuit will not occur in the AC light emitting device once one of the conductors is broken. |
| US07956361B2 |
Field effect transistor using amorphous oxide film as channel layer, manufacturing method of field effect transistor using amorphous oxide film as channel layer, and manufacturing method of amorphous oxide film
An amorphous oxide containing hydrogen (or deuterium) is applied to a channel layer of a transistor. Accordingly, a thin film transistor having superior TFT properties can be realized, the superior TFT properties including a small hysteresis, normally OFF operation, a high ON/OFF ratio, a high saturated current, and the like. Furthermore, as a method for manufacturing a channel layer made of an amorphous oxide, film formation is performed in an atmosphere containing a hydrogen gas and an oxygen gas, so that the carrier concentration of the amorphous oxide can be controlled. |
| US07956359B2 |
Contact structure and semiconductor device
To improve the reliability of contact with an anisotropic conductive film in a semiconductor device such as a liquid crystal display panel, a terminal portion (182) of a connecting wiring (183) on an active matrix substrate is electrically connected to an FPC (191) by an anisotropic conductive film (195). The connecting wiring (183) is manufactured in the same process with a source/drain wiring of a TFT on the active matrix substrate, and is made of a lamination film of a metallic film and a transparent conductive film. In the connecting portion with the anisotropic conductive film (195), a side surface of the connecting wiring (183) is covered with a protecting film (173) made of an insulating material. Accordingly, the portion in which the metallic film is surrounded by the transparent conductive film, the insulating base film, and the protecting film (173) to which it is in contact with, can be avoided from exposure to air because the side surface of the metallic film of the connecting wiring is covered with the protecting film (173). |
| US07956352B2 |
Memory element comprising an organic compound and an insulator
On object of the invention is to provide a non-volatile memory device, in which data can be added to the memory device after a manufacturing process and forgery and the like by rewriting can be prevented, and a semiconductor device including the memory device. Another object of the invention is to provide a highly-reliable, inexpensive, and nonvolatile memory device and a semiconductor device including the memory device. A memory element includes a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer, a first insulating layer with a thickness of 0.1 nm or more and 4 nm or less being in contact with the first conductive layer, and an organic compound layer interposed between the first conductive layer, the first insulating layer, and the second conductive layer. |
| US07956350B2 |
Crosslinkable substituted fluorene compounds
Novel 2,7-di(arylamino)-substituted fluorenes that are further substituted at the 9-position with one or more crosslinkable moieties, oligomers or polymers formed by crosslinking of said crosslinkable moieties, methods for their preparation, and use thereof in forming solvent resistant films having use as interlayers in electronic devices, especially electroluminescent devices. |
| US07956348B2 |
Complementary logic circuit
A quantum device comprises first conductive members and second conductive members confining carriers in the z direction and having two dimensional electron gas on the xy plane. Third conductive members generating an electric field having an effect on the first conductive members. An insulating member easily passing a tunnel current between the first conductive members and the second conductive members. Another insulating member hardly passing a tunnel current between the first conductive members and the third conductive members. An electric field generated by a potential applied to the third conductive members has an effect on the sub-band of the first conductive members. |
| US07956346B2 |
Light emitting device having light emission and microstructure layers between electrode layers
A light emitting device includes a substrate, a first electrode layer, a light emitting layer, a structure layer and a second electrode layer. The structure layer has first domains composed of a first material having a columnar shape and second domains composed of a second material, and on the substrate the structure layer and the light emitting layer are laminated between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. |
| US07956344B2 |
Memory cell with memory element contacting ring-shaped upper end of bottom electrode
A memory cell includes a bottom electrode, a top electrode and a memory element switchable between electrical property states by the application of energy. The bottom element includes lower and upper parts. The upper part has a generally ring-shaped upper end surrounding a non-conductive central region. The lateral dimension of the lower part is longer, for example twice as long, than the lateral dimension of the ring-shaped upper end. The lower part is a non-perforated structure. The memory element is positioned between and in electrical contact with the top electrode and the ring-shaped upper end of the second part of the bottom electrode. In some examples the ring-shaped upper end has a wall thickness at the memory element of 2-10 nm. A manufacturing method is also discussed. |
| US07956339B2 |
Single-sided lateral-field and phototransistor-based optoelectronic tweezers
Described herein are single-sided lateral-field optoelectronic tweezers (LOET) devices which use photosensitive electrode arrays to create optically-induced dielectrophoretic forces in an electric field that is parallel to the plane of the device. In addition, phototransistor-based optoelectronic tweezers (PhOET) devices are described that allow for optoelectronic tweezers (OET) operation in high-conductivity physiological buffer and cell culture media. |
| US07956331B2 |
Scintillation detector for positron emission tomography
The invention disclosed herein is directed to scintillation detectors capable of detecting the position or depth of gamma photon interactions occurring within a scintillator, thereby improving the resolution of ring based positron emission tomography (PET) imaging systems. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a scintillation detector that comprises at least one pair of side-by-side conjunct scintillation crystal bars having a shared interface between, and a solid-state semiconductor photodetector optically coupled to each output window of each individual scintillation crystal bar. The solid-state semiconductor photodetector includes an array of discrete sensitive areas disposed across a top surface of a common substrate, wherein each sensitive area contains an array of discrete micro-pixelated avalanche photodiodes, and wherein the output window of each scintillation crystal bar is optically coupled to each respective sensitive area in a one-on-one relationship. |
| US07956330B2 |
Radiation imaging apparatus and cradle
Closeness of a housing is maintained in a normal handling state, and electric power shortage is solved to perform prompt action by quick charge in emergency situations. Normally an electronic cassette is loaded in a cradle to charge a battery by a non-contact charging function. In a case of contact charge, a pair of electrodes and a pair of terminals are brought into contact with each other by removing a packing, and the battery is charged in a state where wiring is physically connected. Therefore, energy efficiency is better compared with the non-contact charge, and the charge can be performed in a short time. |
| US07956329B2 |
Flame detector and a method
A flame detector is provided which comprises a housing (1), a test source of electromagnetic radiation (4) and a sensor (7). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) and the sensor (7) are mounted within the housing (1). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) is arranged to direct its output onto the sensor (7). The source of electromagnetic radiation (4) is arranged to emit radiation which simulates a flame. In this way, a means is provided within the housing (1) of the flame detector to test the flame detector without the need for an external test source, such as a test fire or a bulky and expensive test torch. |
| US07956328B2 |
System, device, and methods for real-time screening of live cells, biomarkers, and chemical signatures
An ATR-FTIR device and system are described that defect live-cell responses to stimuli and perturbations in real-time. The system and device can monitor perturbations resulting from exposures to various physical, chemical, and biological materials in real-time, as well as those sustained over a long period of time, including those associated with stimuli having unknown modes-of-action (e.g. nanoparticles). The device and system can also be used to identify specific chemical species or substances that profile cellular responses to these perturbations. |
| US07956326B1 |
Infrared imaging sensor
A system for detection and control of deposition on pendant tubes in recovery and power boilers includes one or more deposit monitoring sensors operating in infrared regions of about 4 or 8.7 microns and directly producing images of the interior of the boiler, or producing feeding signals to a data processing system for information to enable a distributed control system by which the boilers are operated to operate said boilers more efficiently. The data processing system includes an image pre-processing circuit in which a 2-D image formed by the video data input is captured, and includes a low pass filter for performing noise filtering of said video input. It also includes an image compensation system for array compensation to correct for pixel variation and dead cells, etc., and for correcting geometric distortion. An image segmentation module receives a cleaned image from the image pre-processing circuit for separating the image of the recovery boiler interior into background, pendant tubes, and deposition. It also accomplishes thresholding/clustering on gray scale/texture and makes morphological transforms to smooth regions, and identifies regions by connected components. An image-understanding unit receives a segmented image sent from the image segmentation module and matches derived regions to a 3-D model of said boiler. It derives a 3-D structure the deposition on pendant tubes in the boiler and provides the information about deposits to the plant distributed control system for more efficient operation of the plant pendant tube cleaning and operating systems. |
| US07956324B2 |
Charged particle beam apparatus for forming a specimen image
The invention provides a charged particle beam apparatus capable of preventing image errors in a display image and capturing a clear display image. A display image displayed on a display unit has a rectangular shape having sides that are substantially parallel to coordinate axes of a rectangular coordinate system determined by wafer alignment. A charged particle beam is radiated onto an area including a display image in a direction that is not parallel to the coordinate axes of the reference rectangular coordinate system to scan the area. Then, among image information obtained by scanning, only information of a position within the display image is displayed on the image display unit. In this way, a clear display image without brightness variation is obtained. |
| US07956322B2 |
Mass spectrometer and mass spectrometric analysis method
An MS/MS spectrometric analysis method obtains throughput and mass resolving power of precursor ions. In a mass spectrometer, ions, which are introduced and accumulated in an ion trap unit, are resonance-extracted mass-selectively. A profile of precursor ions at the m/z axis of the ion trap and a profile at the mass analyzer portion, which performs mass analysis of the ions extracted from a collision induced dissociation portion, is obtained by performing a measurement when the injection energy to the collision induced dissociation portion is low, and when the injection energy to the collision induced dissociation portion is high. The profile at the m/z axis of the ion trap of the obtained two-dimensional spectrum is substituted with the profile at the m/z axis of the mass analyzer portion. In this way, the m/z of both the precursor ions and the fragment ions can be determined with high mass resolving power. |
| US07956318B2 |
Optical scanning device and optical scanning method having a light deflector, separation optical system and light beam detecting device
An optical scanning device includes a light source, a light deflector for deflecting and scanning a light beam from the light source, a scanning imaging optical system for imaging the light beam via the light deflector onto a scanned face, a light beam detecting device for detecting a position of the light beam, a separation optical system provided in the light beam detecting device for separating the light beam into a plurality of separation light beams in a sub-scanning direction, a plurality of light detectors provided in the light beam detecting device to be disposed in different positions in the sub-scanning direction, and a plurality of light receiving sections provided in the light detectors, respectively, at least one light receiving section provided in the light detector being disposed such that the end portion on a side for detecting the separation light beam has a predetermined angle to the end portion of the other light detector. |
| US07956316B2 |
Fiber optic security system for sensing the intrusion of secured locations
A sensor for a security system is disclosed to detect intrusions at one or more predetermined locations wherein each location includes a moveable member which must be moved in order to intrude the location. The system includes a fiber network routed in close proximity to one or more locations. The sensor comprises a sensor housing for being disposed at a location to detect a predetermined movement of the moveable member from a secure position to an unsecured position, and means for mounting the sensor housing in a stationary position at the location without a physical connection to the moveable member. The sensor housing includes a fiber inlet and a fiber outlet, and a fiber chamber for receiving a predetermined sensor fiber of the fiber network being routed through the sensor housing. The sensor has a sensor actuator for engaging the sensor fiber to generate an intrusion signal upon detecting predetermined movement of the moveable member, and causing the intrusion signal to be transmitted along the sensor fiber to a processor whereby the intrusion and location of the intrusion may be determined by the processor. Preferably, the sensor includes a magnetic actuator having a magnetic attraction to the moveable members whose interruption causes activation of the sensor and generation of the intrusion signal. |
| US07956315B2 |
Discharge lamp lighting device, method of controlling discharge lamp lighting device, and projector
A discharge lamp lighting device includes: a power control circuit adapted to generate discharge lamp driving power; an alternating current conversion circuit adapted to execute polarity reversal on a direct current output from the power control circuit, thereby generating an alternating current; and a control section adapted to perform alternating current conversion control of controlling the polarity reversal timing of the alternating current, wherein the control section executes a steady drive process of executing the alternating current conversion control at a given frequency, a first low frequency drive process of executing the alternating current conversion control at a first low frequency driving frequency lower than the given frequency, and starting from a first polarity and ending with the first polarity, and a second low frequency drive process of executing the alternating current conversion control at a second low frequency driving frequency lower than the given frequency, and starting from a second polarity and ending with the second polarity. |
| US07956314B1 |
Microwave switching element
In some embodiments, a microwave switch element may include one or more of the following features: (a) an electrically isolated input capable of receiving an input, (b) an amplifier electrically coupled to the input and to an active device, (c) a power source magnetically coupled to the amplifier. |
| US07956310B2 |
Stage, substrate processing apparatus, plasma processing apparatus, control method for stage, control method for plasma processing apparatus, and storage media
A stage onto which is electrostatically attracted a substrate to be processed in a substrate processing apparatus, which enables the semiconductor device yield to be improved. A temperature measuring apparatus 200 measures a temperature of the substrate to be processed. A temperature control unit 400 carries out temperature adjustment on the substrate to be processed such as to become equal to a target temperature based on a preset parameter. A temperature control unit 400 controls the temperature of the substrate to be processed by controlling the temperature adjustment by the temperature control unit 400 based on a measured temperature measured by the temperature measuring apparatus 200. |
| US07956304B2 |
Combination switch
A combination switch is provided for a high-speed oven, the oven having a door. The combination switch has a rotatable cam (40) that is rotated when the door of the oven is moved between a closed position and an open position. The cam (40) has at least one lobe (50, 52) for engaging at least one safety-switch (44, 46) for actuation by the at least one lobe of the cam as the cam rotates. The at least one safety switch controls operation of at least a portion of the oven. A locking latch (48) is selectively moveable between an engaged position, in which the latch engages the cam (40) to limit rotation of the cam and thereby prevent opening of the door, and a disengaged position, in which the latch (48) does not engage the cam (40) and thereby allows opening of the door. |
| US07956301B2 |
Tamper protection device for an electrical switching device, including a protection cap and a retainer for a security seal
A tamper protection device for an electrical switching device including a housing and a panel for at least one control element. The tamper protection device a protection cap configured to prevent unwanted operation or tampering of the control element when in position on the housing and a seal retainer configured to block the protection cap from being removed from the covering position when the seal retainer and protection cap are connected by a secured seal wire thereby forming a sealed unit. Each of the protection cap and the seal retainer are releasably connectable to the housing. When the protection cap and seal retainer are secured as the sealed unit it is non-releasably connectable to the housing by an interlocking connection. |
| US07956300B2 |
Safety holder
A safety holder is provided that firmly attaches to a safety switch so that safety of a worker is enhanced. The safety holder includes a base body 21 that is inserted into an actuator insertion opening 7, and limits rotation of a drive cam 9 by engaging at a tip end portion (hanging portion 21C) thereof with a concave portion of the drive cam 9 of the safety switch, and a slide body that is movably attached to the base body 21 so as to be insertable into an actuator insertion opening 8 with the base body 21 inserted in the actuator insertion opening 7, and when the slide body is inserted into the actuator insertion opening 8, that enters and engages with an engagement hole 36 of the base body 21 whose tip end portion (insertion arm 34) is being inserted into the insertion opening 7. |
| US07956299B2 |
Inhibitor switch for automatic transmission
A movable contact board is engaged to a detent plate fixed and fastened to a manual shaft and a shaft support portion for supporting the manual shaft which is a turning center of the detent plate to the stationary contact board is formed integrally with the movable contact board. Therefore, the detent plate, the manual shaft and the movable contact board cooperate integrally, leading to an improvement on relative position accuracy of the movable contact board to the stationary contact board. |
| US07956291B2 |
Multilayer printed wiring board
In a core substrate 30, a ground through hole 36E and a power through hole 36P are disposed in the grid formation, so that electromotive force induced in X direction and Y direction cancel out each other. As a result, even if mutual inductance is reduced and a high frequency IC chip is loaded, electric characteristic and reliability can be improved without generating malfunction or error. |
| US07956290B2 |
High-frequency digital A/V cable
In high-frequency digital A/V cable having high-frequency signal line sets and low-frequency signal lines arranged in a parallel array, a metal shielding layer is set within an isolation layer inside the outer plastic sheath to surround the two high-frequency signal lines of each high-frequency signal line set for EMI protection, and a metal ground wire is arranged within the outer plastic sheath at one lateral side of the parallel array of the high-frequency signal line sets and low-frequency signal lines in a parallel manner. |
| US07956288B2 |
Conductive contact and method of manufacturing conductive contact
A shape of a cross-section perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of a main body section of a conductive contact is anisotropic. |
| US07956285B2 |
Floor stand for mounting an electrical box
A floor stand is disclosed for mounting an electrical box at a location above a floor between two wall studs. The floor stand has an elongate sheet metal body and at least one mounting arm attached to the body. In one embodiment, the mounting arm is bendable from a position extending lengthwise of the body to a position in which it extends generally laterally outward from the body for attachment to one of the wall studs. In another embodiment, the two mounting arms are detachable from the body and re-attachable in the stated second position. An optional cable-containment section for connection to the box-mounting section of the floor stand is also disclosed. |
| US07956279B2 |
Solar cell module and solar cell array
A reliable solar cell module is provided whereby the liquid is less likely to stay thereon, thus dirt is less likely to occur on the light receiving surface of the solar cell module even in a prolonged use. A solar cell module comprising a solar cell panel P configured by arranging a solar cell element between a light receiving surface side member and a rear surface side member, and a module frame W1 fixed to the solar cell panel P surrounds the solar cell panel P with its interior surface being abutted with an external peripheral part of the light receiving surface side member is provided. In this solar cell module, the module frame W1 has a notch 27 that extends from its inner part towards its external part in plan view from a side of the light receiving surface side member and is provided with an end portion 5 on an exterior side surface of the frame member, and this notch 27 has a draw part 4 with smallest width at an inner part rather than at the end portion 5. |
| US07956278B1 |
Solar heat transfer apparatus
Heat transfer apparatus comprising, in combination inner and outer bodies defining a space therebetween which extends at least part way about an axis, at least one of the bodies being heat conductive, a heat conductive woven mesh extending in the space at least part way about the axis, and in heat transfer relation with at least one of the bodies, fluid in the space in heat transfer contact with the mesh, and solar cells carried by the outer body. |
| US07956277B2 |
Thermoelectric module
A thermoelectric module having an excellent durability is provide.The thermoelectric module comprises: a first support substrate having a first inner surface, a first outer surface and a plurality of first connecting electrodes formed on the first inner surface; a second support substrate having a second inner surface opposed to the first inner surface, a second outer surface and a plurality of second connecting electrodes formed on the second inner surface; a plurality of P-type thermoelectric elements and a plurality of N-type thermoelectric elements provided between the first inner surface and the second inner surface; a temperature-detecting element provided on the first inner surface. |
| US07956275B2 |
Music performance training apparatus and method
Chord to be performed is presented to a user. Chord is detected based on one or more notes performed by the user. When it is not detected that a chord has been duly established, one of the notes performed by the user is detected as a root note of a chord. Comparison is made between the chord presented to the user and the detected chord to make a determination as to whether at least the root note of the detected chord matches the root note of the presented chord. The user is informed of a result of the determination. Thus, not only when the user has accurately executed performance operation for all component notes of the presented chord but also when the user has executed performance operation for only the root note of the presented chord, a chord performance evaluation is made, determining that the user has accurately performed. |
| US07956272B2 |
Management of files in a personal communication device
Improved approaches for assisting a user interacting with a portable wireless communication device are disclosed. The improved approaches can provide a user interface for the portable wireless communication device that includes including a plurality of linked display screens and a plurality of physical keys. |
| US07956270B1 |
Self-closing hooded cover for a stringed musical instrument
The present invention specifically relates to a SELF-CLOSING HOODED COVER FOR A STRINGED MUSICAL INSTRUMENT that is specifically designed to protect a stringed musical instrument from the deleterious effects of dust and debris in addition to providing protection to the instrument's finish from scratches and minor low velocity impacts. The self-closing hooded cover for a stringed instrument may comprise a fabric panel having a contour that loosely approximates the given musical instrument of symmetrical construction, which has a hood and a body element having a self-closing closure about the front midline and bottom. The invention further provides additional protection from the damaging effects of exposure from sunlight, and exposure to harsh environmental elements wherein instances for such exposure may exist. In another embodiment the self-closing hooded cover may be converted to a bag or case cover. Additional embodiments providing differing arrangements of the primary elements are also disclosed. |
| US07956264B2 |
Instrument pick
There is an instrument pick configured to selectably couple to a metal surface of an instrument, according to one embodiment of the invention. The instrumental pick includes a base member having an interior cavity and a magnet disposed within the interior cavity of the base member. The base member of the instrumental pick also includes a plurality of apertures configured to dispose a portion of the magnet. |
| US07956261B2 |
Pedal apparatus of electronic musical instrument
A lever 40 is supported by a lever supporting portion 41. The lever 40 is urged by a first spring 45 and a second spring 46. The urging force of the first spring 45 varies over the entire operational range of the lever 40. The second spring 46 and a third spring 47 are provided serially through a movable supporting member 48. The displacement of the movable supporting member 48 is restricted by a fixed supporting member FR. If the urging force of the second spring 46 exceeds the urging force of the third spring 47, the restriction on the displacement of the movable supporting member 48 is removed. Therefore, the present invention provides a player with feeling similar to that the player perceives when he manipulates a damper pedal of an acoustic piano. |
| US07956257B1 |
Maize variety inbred PHW9Z
A novel maize variety designated PHW9Z and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHW9Z with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHW9Z through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHW9Z or a locus conversion of PHW9Z with another maize variety. |
| US07956249B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH147656
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH147656. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH147656, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH147656 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH147656. |
| US07956248B2 |
Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH309839
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH309839. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH309839, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH309839 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH309839. |
| US07956246B2 |
Corn event DAS-59122-7 and methods for detection thereof
The invention provides DNA compositions that relate to transgenic insect resistant maize plants. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the maize DAS-59122-7 event based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct inserted into the maize genome and the DNA sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are provided. |
| US07956240B2 |
Plants having improved growth characteristics and method for making the same
The present invention concerns a method for improving the growth characteristics of plants by increasing expression of at least part of a Leucine Rich Repeat Receptor-Like Kinase (RKS11, RKS4 or an orthologue of these). One such method comprises introducing into a plant a nucleic acid encoding at least part of a Leucine Rich Repeat Receptor-Like Kinase (RKS11 or RKS4 or an orthologue thereof). The invention also relates to transgenic plants having introduced therein a nucleic acid or variant thereof encoding at least part of a Leucine Rich Repeat Receptor-Like Kinase (RKS11 or RKS4 or an orthologue thereof), which plants have improved growth characteristics relative to corresponding wild type plants. The present invention also concerns constructs useful in the methods of the invention. |
| US07956237B2 |
Gene disruptions, compositions and methods relating thereto
The present invention relates to transgenic animals, as well as compositions and methods relating to the characterization of gene function. Specifically, the present invention provides transgenic mice comprising disruptions in PRO196, PRO217, PRO231, PRO236, PRO245, PRO246, PRO258, PRO287, PRO328, PRO344, PRO357, PRO526, PRO724, PRO731, PRO732, PRO1003, PRO1104, PRO1151, PRO1244, PRO1298, PRO1313, PRO1570, PRO1886, PRO1891, PRO4409, PRO5725, PRO5994, PRO6097, PRO7425, PRO10102, PRO10282, PRO61709 or PRO779 genes. Such in vivo studies and characterizations may provide valuable identification and discovery of therapeutics and/or treatments useful in the prevention, amelioration or correction of diseases or dysfunctions associated with gene disruptions such as neurological disorders; cardiovascular, endothelial or angiogenic disorders; eye abnormalities; immunological disorders; oncological disorders; bone metabolic abnormalities or disorders; lipid metabolic disorders; or developmental abnormalities. |
| US07956236B2 |
Absorbent article with sublayer
An absorbent article including a backsheet, an absorbent core, a topsheet with apertures, and a sublayer that includes at least one acquisition layer. The sublayer includes a multitude of holes. At least some of the apertures overlap partially at least some of the holes to form combined apertures in an overlap area that has an open area of between 15% and 50%. The absorbent article may provide improved isolation of feces away from the skin of a wearer of the absorbent article and/or improved immobilization of feces received by the absorbent article. |
| US07956234B2 |
Disposable garment having improved graphics
A disposable garment having a multicolored scene graphic is disclosed. In particular embodiments, the multicolored scene graphic includes a focal graphic and a background graphic, wherein the background graphic appears blurry relative to the focal graphic to enhance the conspicuousness of the focal graphic. Methods for making such articles are also disclosed. |
| US07956229B2 |
Method for producing internal olefin, internal olefin mixture, and oil drilling fluid containing internal olefin mixture
A method for producing an internal olefin by stably isomerizing an α-olefin by using an inexpensive zeolite catalyst while preventing an oligomerization reaction is provided. The method for producing an internal olefin comprises a step of isomerizing an α-olefin having from 16 to 18 carbon atoms by passing through a zeolite catalyst bed, wherein the α-olefin having from 16 to 18 carbon atoms is circulated through and brought into contact with the zeolite catalyst bed before starting the isomerization reaction. |
| US07956222B2 |
Methods for producing dibromofluorobenzene derivatives
Methods of the present invention for producing dibromofluorobenzene derivatives (compounds II) comprise Step 1, in which compounds (I) having the following general formula (I): (wherein, R1 and R2 each independently represent a C1-6 alkyl group) are reacted in a solvent with a brominating reagent. |
| US07956221B2 |
Process for decomposing cyclohexylhydroperoxide
The present invention relates to a process for decomposing cyclohexylhydroperoxide into cyclohexanone, said process comprising mixing an organic feed solution comprising cyclohexylhydroperoxide with an aqueous base solution in the absence of a transition metal catalyst resulting in a mixture comprising (i) an aqueous phase and (ii) an organic phase comprising cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol. |
| US07956218B2 |
Organic salts of β-alanine
The present invention relates to stable salts of β-alanine and an organic acid endowed with enhanced nutritional and/or therapeutical efficacy in respect to their individual effects and to solid compositions containing such salts, particularly suited to oral administration. A method of preparation is also provided. |
| US07956216B2 |
Alpha-helical mimetics
Benzoyl urea derivatives that are alpha helical peptides mimetics that mimic BH3-only proteins, compositions containing them, their conjugation to cell-targeting-moieties, and their use in the regulation of cell death are disclosed. The benzoyl urea derivatives are capable of binding to and neutralizing pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins. Use of benzoyl urea derivatives in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases or conditions associated with deregulation of cell death are also described. |
| US07956210B2 |
Iridium-catalyzed production method for organosilicon compounds
Alkyl silanes are prepared by silylating an unsaturated hydrocarbon with an Si—H functional silane employing an iridium chloride coordination compound as a catalyst and a polymeric polyene as a cocatalyst. Reaction bottoms can be worked up to provide an iridium-containing composition which remains catalytically active. |
| US07956201B2 |
Process for the preparation of (S)-4-fluoromethyl-dihydro-furan-2-one
The present invention relates to a process of the preparation of (S)-4-fluoromethyl-dihydro-furan-2-one of the formula by employing a dialkylmalonate of the formula wherein R1b is lower alkyl, and the use of this process for the manufacture of DPP-IV inhibitors that are useful for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases such as diabetes. |
| US07956199B2 |
Methods for preparing benzodithiophenes
Methods of adding substituents to a benzodithiophene are disclosed. A benzodithiophene is reacted with a reagent to directly add the substituent to the benzene core of the benzodithiophene. This method eliminates steps from prior process and eliminates the need for hydrogenation, allowing for a safer and more scaleable process. The resulting benzodithiophenes are suitable for use in semiconductor polymers and have no loss of performance. |
| US07956197B2 |
Compounds, compositions and methods for treatment and prevention of orthopoxvirus infections and associated diseases
Methods of using di, tri, and tetracyclic acylhydrazide derivatives and analogs, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, for the treatment or prophylaxis of viral infections and diseases associated therewith, particularly those viral infections and associated diseases caused by the orthopoxvirus. |
| US07956184B2 |
Pyridazine compound and use thereof
A compound of formula (1) and its salts and solvates are provided for the treatment or prophylaxis of hepatitis C virus infections Methods of making and formulating compound (1) are provided. |
| US07956179B2 |
Process for preparing an A2A-adenosine receptor agonist and its polymorphs
Disclosed is a synthesis suitable for large scale manufacture of an A2A-adenosine receptor agonist, and also relates to polymorphs of that compound, and to methods of isolating a specific polymorph. |
| US07956178B2 |
RNA interference mediated inhibition of GRB2 associated binding protein (GAB2) gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
This invention relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating GRB2 associated binding protein (GAB2) gene expression using short interfering nucleic acid (siNA) molecules. This invention also relates to compounds, compositions, and methods useful for modulating the expression and activity of other genes involved in pathways of GRB2 associated binding protein (GAB2) gene expression and/or activity by RNA interference (RNAi) using small nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the instant invention features small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules and methods used to modulate the expression of GAB2 genes. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of cancer, malignant blood disease (leukemia), inflammatory diseases or conditions, allergic diseases or conditions, or proliferative diseases or conditions. |
| US07956176B2 |
RNA interference mediated inhibition of gene expression using chemically modified short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
The present invention concerns methods and reagents useful in modulating gene expression in a variety of applications, including use in therapeutic, diagnostic, target validation, and genomic discovery applications. Specifically, the invention relates to synthetic chemically modified small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) against target nucleic acid sequences. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of any disease or condition that responds to modulation of gene expression or activity in a cell, tissue, or organism. |
| US07956171B2 |
Nucleotide analogs
The disclosure provides nucleotide analogs and methods of their use. Analogs of the invention comprise a reporter molecule (label) attached via the N4, N6, O4, or O6 position of the nitrogenous base portion of the analog. In a preferred embodiment, nucleotide analogs of the invention comprise a label attached to the nitrogenous base portion of the analog via a cleavable linker at the N4, O4, N6 or O6 position. |
| US07956167B2 |
Purification of collagenases from clostridium histolyticum liquid culture
The present invention provides a method for purifying Clostridium histolyticum collagenase type I and type II proteins from a complex mixture by subsequently performing a precipitation with ammonium sulfate, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, cation exchange chromatography, and anion chromatography. Conditions are provided which lead to a stabilized, partially purified preparation even after the precipitation step. The method of the invention leads to a quick and efficient removal of other proteolytic activities. The preparations according to the invention provide exceptionally pure and intact collagenase type I and type II proteins which are enzymatically active. The invention also provides blends of the two isolated proteins. The invention further provides the use of the purified collagenase proteins or blends thereof for treating a tissue sample in vitro. |
| US07956163B2 |
Antibodies that bind human OX2 receptors
Isolated receptors, DNAs encoding such receptors, and pharmaceutical compositions made therefrom, are disclosed. The isolated receptors can be used to regulate an immune response. The receptors are also useful in screening for inhibitors or agonists thereof. |
| US07956162B2 |
Cancer-associated antigen
The present invention provides a novel cancer-associated antigen that can be used in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer. Further, the invention provides amino acid and nucleic acid sequence of the novel antigen, binding proteins, and immuno-conjugates. The invention also relates to diagnostic and therapeutic methods and kits. |
| US07956161B2 |
Interferons of rhesus and cynomolgus origin and uses thereof
Disclosed are interferons of Rhesus and Cynomolgus origin and methods of production and use thereof. |
| US07956156B2 |
Method for the removal of isobutene oligomers from an isobutene polymer
A process is described for removing isobutene oligomers from an isobutene polymer by stripping the isobutene polymer with vapors of a saturated hydrocarbon having at least 8 carbon atoms and at least partly driving out the isobutene oligomers. Troublesome isobutene oligomers are substantially removed without impairing the reactivity of the isobutene polymer (expressed as the content of the methylidene double bonds). |
| US07956147B2 |
Preparation method of hollow particle
Disclosed is a method of preparing hollow particles comprising polymerizing a hydrophobic monomer to form a particulate resin exhibiting a number average molecular weight of from 20,000 to 500,000, dispersing the particulate resin in an aqueous medium to form a resin particle dispersion and adding thereto a hydrophobic cross-linkable monomer in an amount of from 0.1 to 50 parts by mass based on 1 part by mass of the particulate resin to polymerize the cross-linkable monomer to form hollow particles. |
| US07956142B2 |
Polymerizable sulfonic acid onium salt and resin
A resin that includes a repeating unit shown by the following formula (10) has an excellent performance as a radiation sensitive acid generator, and exhibits only a small adverse effect on the environment and a human body. wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or the like, M+ represents a specific cation, and n is an integer from 1 to 5. |
| US07956139B2 |
Polymerization catalysts for producing polymers with high comonomer incorporation
The present techniques relate to catalyst compositions, methods, and polymers encompassing a Group 4 metallocene compound comprising bridged η5-cyclopentadienyl-type ligands, typically in combination with a cocatalyst, and an activator. The bridged η5-cyclopentadienyl-type ligands are connected by a cyclic substituent. |
| US07956136B2 |
Resin composition for semiconductor encapsulation and semiconductor device
The object of the invention is to provide a resin composition for semiconductor encapsulation realizing excellent soldering resistance and flame resistance and having excellent flowability and curing properties, and a semiconductor device. The invention has solved the object by a resin composition for semiconductor encapsulation comprising (A) an epoxy resin containing (a) an epoxy resin represented by formula (1), (B) a compound having two or more phenolic hydroxyl groups in its molecule, (C) an inorganic filler, and (D) a curing accelerator: wherein each of R1 and R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group with 4 or less carbon atoms and may be the same or different; and ‘n’ represents a mean value that is a positive number of from 0 to 5; in the formula (1). |
| US07956135B2 |
Organic compounds
The invention relates to novel crosslinkable copolymers of formula wherein the variables are as defined in the claims. The copolymers of the invention are especially useful for the manufacture of biomedical moldings, for example ophthalmic moldings such as in particular contact lenses. |
| US07956134B2 |
Modified butyl rubber composition
A modified butyl rubber composition containing a modified butyl rubber obtained by a modification reaction of a compound (a) having a nitroxide-free radical, stable in the presence of oxygen at an ordinary temperature, in the molecule thereof and a radical initiator (b) and at least two kinds of bi- or more-functional radical polymerizable monomers (c). |
| US07956132B2 |
Production of telechelic compounds by metathesis depolymerization
Telechelic unsaturated polymers suitable for conversion to functionalized derivatives such as polyols are prepared by metathesis of an unsaturated copolymer formed by addition polymerization of ethylene, a diene or alkyne and, optionally, one or more C3.20 α-olefins. |
| US07956128B2 |
Thermoplastic resin composition for refrigerator having improved environmental stress crack resistance
A thermoplastic resin composition for a refrigerator according to the present invention can include (A) about 20 to about 40 parts by weight of an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene graft copolymer resin prepared by grafting in emulsion polymerization about 60 to about 30% by weight of a monomer mixture comprising a cyanide vinyl compound and an aromatic vinyl compound to about 40 to about 70% by weight of a rubber polymer having an average particle size of about 0.1 to about 0.4 μm; (B) about 1 to about 20 parts by weight of a styrenic copolymer comprising (b1) about 0 to about 75% by weight of a styrenic copolymer prepared by copolymerizing about 5 to about 20% by weight of a rubber polymer having an average particle size of about 0.1 to about 10 μm, about 10 to about 30% by weight of a cyanide vinyl compound, and about 65 to about 85% by weight of an aromatic vinyl compound, and (b2) about 25 to about 100% by weight of a styrenic copolymer prepared by copolymerizing about 5 to about 20% by weight of a rubber polymer having an average particle size of about 0.1 to about 10 μm and about 80 to about 95% by weight of an aromatic vinyl compound; and (C) about 50 to about 79 parts by weight of a cyanide vinyl-aromatic vinyl copolymer. |
| US07956127B2 |
Polycarbonate resin composition and plastic article
Disclosed herein are a polycarbonate resin composition and a plastic article produced from the resin composition. The polycarbonate resin composition includes about 85 to about 99 parts by weight of a polycarbonate resin and about 1 to about 15 parts by weight of a core-shell graft copolymer, wherein the core-shell graft copolymer has a core-shell structure in which a vinyl monomer including methyl methacrylate and phenyl methacrylate is grafted onto a rubber. |
| US07956126B2 |
Styrene resin composition and process for producing the same
A styrene-based resin composition that can be effectively used as a structural material owing to its excellent mechanical properties and also as a functional material owing to its excellent regularity and a method for manufacturing a styrene-based resin composition structurally controllable in nanometer order to micrometer order. The styrene-based resin composition includes (A) a styrene-based resin, (B) a thermoplastic resin other than a styrene-based resin, (c1) a modified styrene-based polymer and (c2) a polycarbonate-based graft polymer. |
| US07956125B2 |
(Thio)phenoxy phenyl silane compostion and method for making same
A (thio)phenoxyphenyl phenyl silane composition is disclosed. A method of making the (thio)phenoxyphenyl phenyl silane composition is also disclosed, the method further including a step of purification. A high purity (thio)phenoxyphenyl phenyl silane composition suitable for use in the preparation of encapsulants for high brightness light emitting devices is further disclosed. |
| US07956122B2 |
Volatile organic compound (voc) compliant sealing material
A polyurethane sealant is provided that includes a fatty acid ester that is used to replace volatile solvent in the sealant formulation and a reaction product of polyoxyalkylene polyol and polyisocyanate. The polyurethane sealant produced has a non-volatile materials content of at least 96%. In addition to reducing the volatile organic compounds (voc) content and maintaining the attributes of a sealant, the use of fatty acid esters provides the sealant with superior material extrusion, improved gunning and tooling, and improved package stability. Also provided is a method for making a polyurethane sealant where the polyisocyanate component the polyol component are combined to form a reaction product, and the reaction product is combined with the fatty acid ester component, wherein the polyurethane sealant has a non-volatile materials content of at least 96%. |
| US07956121B2 |
Thermoconductive silicone elastomer, thermoconductive silicone elastomer composition and thermoconductive medium
A thermoconductive silicone elastomer comprising a silicone elastomer being a cured body of a hydrosilation-curable organopolysiloxane composition, a reinforcement fine silica powder, a thermoconductive inorganic powder, and an alkylphenylpolysiloxane that is liquid at room temperature. A hydrosilation-curable thermoconductive silicone elastomer composition comprising: a hydrosilation-curable organopolysiloxane composition, a reinforcement fine silica powder, a thermoconductive inorganic powder, and an alkylphenylpolysiloxane that is liquid at room temperature. A thermoconductive medium comprising the aforementioned thermoconductive silicone elastomer. |
| US07956114B2 |
Water immiscible rosin mildly activated flux
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to modified rosin mildly activated (RMA) fluxes and methods of soldering components on printed circuit boards. The modified RMA flux includes a RMA flux material and a randomizing additive. The randomizing additive causes misalignment of the hydrogen bonds between terpine polymer chains created from the RMA flux material during soldering. The resulting modified RMA flux performs as well as, or better than traditional RMA fluxes, but the flux residue remaining after soldering can be removed with a highly polar solvent, such as soapy water. |
| US07956113B2 |
Hydrophobicizing additives
Hydrophobicizing additives are water-redispersible powders or aqueous dispersions containing: a) water-insoluble, film-forming base polymer(s) based on homopolymers or copolymers of one or more vinyl esters of optionally branched C1-15 alkylcarboxylic, (meth)acrylic esters of C1-15 alcohols, vinylaromatics, olefins, dienes and vinyl halides, b) one or more hydrophobic organosilicon compounds, fatty acids, or derivatives thereof, or hydrocarbon waxes, and c) one or more protective colloids, wherein the proportion of the component b) based on the total weight of the component a) is more than 30% by weight. |
| US07956110B2 |
Non-halogen flameproof resin composition
A non-halogen flameproof resin composition is disclosed. The resin composition includes a base resin including (A) about 80 to about 99% by weight of an aromatic vinyl resin and (B) about 1 to about 20% by weight of a polyphenylene ether; and (C) about 0.5 to about 30 parts by weight of a cyclic t-butyl phosphonate, based on about 100 parts by weight of the base resin comprising (A) and (B). |
| US07956109B2 |
Degradation of polypropylene with hydroxylamine ester compositions
The invention relates to novel composition comprising hydroxylamine esters and thio compounds, which are suitable for lowering the molecular weight of polypropylene, propylene copolymers or polypropylene blends and result in an excellent degradation performance at temperatures below 220° C. |
| US07956102B2 |
Sol-gel inks
The invention provides an ink which comprises: a metal oxide precursor, a stress reliever, and a solvent. |
| US07956098B2 |
Coating compositions containing ethylenically unsaturated polyurethanes as binders
The present invention relates to a binder-containing coating composition, which may be cured by free radical polymerization, wherein the binder resins containA) the reaction product of i) one or more polyisocyanates with ii) a hydroxyl component containing ii-a) one or more hydroxyl compounds containing two ethylenically unsaturated groups,B) the reaction product of i) one or more polyisocyanates with ii) a hydroxyl component containing ii-a) one or more hydroxy functional lactone ester (meth)acrylates having a number average molecular weight of about 200 to 2,000, andC) the reaction product of i) one or more polyisocyanates with ii) a hydroxyl component containing ii-a) one or more hydroxy functional (meth)acrylates. |
| US07956092B2 |
Non-toxic insecticide
A non-toxic insecticidal composition includes a base horticultural oil, an emulsifier such as potassium salts of fatty acids, cinnamaldehyde and eugenol. |
| US07956088B2 |
Synthetic lactone formulations and methods of use
Natural and synthetic compounds having a lactone structure methods for using and making the compounds have been disclosed. The compounds are useful as anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory agents, and for treating proliferation disorders such as melanoma, leukemia, breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, esophagus cancer, liver cancer, and lymphatic cancer. The compounds are also effective for treatment or prevention of inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis, lung fibrosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, pancreatitis, sarcoidosis, glomerulitis, and organ transplant rejection. They are also effective for treatment or prevention of bacterial and fungal infections, including treatment of peptic ulcers, gastritis, dyspepsia and gastric cancer, gingivitis and periodontitis. |
| US07956082B2 |
Indole derivative having PGD2 receptor antagonist activity
The present invention creates an indole derivative having DP receptor antagonistic activity and a pharmaceutical composition comprising the said compound as an active ingredient, and further a therapeutic agent for treating allergic diseases.A compound of the generic formula (I) wherein the ring A is an aromatic carbocyclic ring etc.; the ring B is a 3- to 8-membered nitrogen-containing non-aromatic heterocyclic ring etc.; R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are independently a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom etc.; R6 is C2-C4 alkyloxy etc.; R7 is independently a halogen atom etc.; R8 is independently C1-C4 alkyl etc.; R9 is carboxy etc.; Y is a single bond etc.; M is sulfonyl etc.; L1, L2 and L3 are a single bond or alkylene optionally containing one or two heteroatoms etc.; n is 0 etc.; q is 0 etc.;a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate thereof. |
| US07956074B2 |
Aryl-isoxazolo-4-yl-oxadiazole derivatives
The present invention is concerned with isoxazol-4-yl-oxadiazole derivatives of formula wherein R1, R2, and R3, are as defined in the specification and pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts thereof. This class of compounds has high affinity and selectivity for GABA A α5 receptor binding sites and might be useful as cognitive enhancer or for the treatment of cognitive disorders like Alzheimer's disease. |
| US07956072B2 |
Agent for repairing corneal sensitivity containing amide compound
The amide compound of the formula (I) [each symbol is as defined in the description] has a promoting action on neuritogenesis of trigeminal nerve cells, and the compound is useful as a corneal neuritogenesis promoter, an agent for recovering corneal sensitivity by promotion of corneal neuritogenesis, and an agent for treating dry eye. |
| US07956069B2 |
Compounds
Compounds of Formulae I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof: wherein A1, A2, G1, G2 G3, R1, R2, X, Y, Z, m, n and p are as defined in the specification as well as salts and pharmaceutical compositions including the compounds are prepared. They are useful in therapy, in particular in the management of pain. |
| US07956067B2 |
Composition comprising at least one higher aliphatic alcohol and an extract of Griffonia simplicifolia
Novel compositions comprising a combination of at least one higher primary aliphatic alcohol preferably selected from those having 18 to 40 carbon atoms or mixtures thereof, at least one source of 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) optionally additionally comprising a source of caffeine and/or catechin-polyphenol and/or epigallocatechin gallate as active agents, either alone or in combination with other active agent(s), optionally with one or more excipient(s) are provided. Particularly, the invention relates to compositions and process for preparation of such compositions and method of use thereof for the management of obesity and associated disorders. |
| US07956066B2 |
Imidazole compounds
Imidazole compounds, compositions, and methods of using them in leukocyte recruitment inhibition, in modulating H4 receptor expression, and in treating conditions such as inflammation, H4 receptor-mediated conditions, and related conditions. |
| US07956059B2 |
Aliphatic amide and ester pyrazinoylguanidine sodium channel blockers
The present invention relates to pyrazinoylguanidine compounds represented by formula (I): where the structural variables are defined herein. The compounds are useful as, for example, sodium channel blockers. |
| US07956055B2 |
Substituted gamma lactams as therapeutic agents
A compound having the formula or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or a prodrug thereof is disclosed herein. Y, A, U, and B are as described herein. Methods, compositions, and medicaments related to these compounds are also disclosed. |
| US07956049B2 |
Melanin concentrating hormone receptor-1 antagonists
The present application provides compounds, including all stereoisomers, solvates, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable forms thereof according to Formula I wherein R1a, R1b, R1c, Q, A, R3, W, D and R2 are defined herein. Additionally, the present application provides pharmaceutical compositions containing at least one compound according to Formula I and optionally at least one additional therapeutic agent. Finally, the present application provides methods for treating a patient suffering from an MCHR-1 modulated disease or disorder such as, for example, obesity, diabetes, depression or anxiety by administration of a therapeutically effective dose of a compound according to Formula I. |
| US07956045B2 |
Compositions and methods for animal treatment
A method of improving the health and production of ruminant animals, the method including the step of orally administering to the animal an effective amount of an indigestible oligosaccharide selected from the group of gluco-oligosaccharides and isomalto-oligosaccharides. |
| US07956043B2 |
5′ CpG nucleic acids and methods of use
The invention relates to a class of CpG immunostimulatory oligonucleotides containing a 5′TCG motif or a CG at or near the 5′ end that are useful for stimulating an immune response. |
| US07956041B2 |
Prophylactic and therapeutic agent of diabetes mellitus
The invention provides a prophylactic and therapeutic agent of diabetes mellitus, including a combination of an inhibitor of renal glucose reabsorption and a hypoglycemic agent. In accordance with the invention, hyperglycemia after meals, between meals and during fasting can be ameliorated. More specifically, in accordance with the invention, a therapeutic effect of diabetes mellitus as never been obtained by the hypoglycemic agents of the related art can be achieved. |
| US07956033B2 |
Modified peptide of human acidic fibroblast growth factor
An modified peptide of human acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), comprising a native human aFGF shortened by a deletion of a deletion of 20 amino acids from N-terminal of the native human aFGF, and an addition of Alanine (Ala) before the shortened native aFGF is provided. |
| US07956029B2 |
Synthetic mimics of mammalian cell surface receptors: method and compositions
The present invention relates to new synthetic receptors. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of the synthetic receptors for delivering a protein, peptide, drug, prodrug, lipid, nucleic acid, carbohydrate or small molecule into a target cell via receptor-mediated endocytosis. According to the invention, novel synthetic mimics of cell surface receptors have been designed and methods for use of the same are disclosed. |
| US07956021B2 |
Diesel engine lubricating oil composition for large-bore two-stroke cross-head diesel engines
A lubricating oil composition comprising a base oil of lubricating viscosity having a kinematic viscosity of 22 to 300 mm2/s at 40° C. and dissolved or dispersed therein the following additives in the following amounts based on a total amount of the lubricating oil composition: (1) an overbased sulfurized alkylphenol calcium salt detergent in an amount of 0.5 to 1.0 wt. % in terms of calcium content, (2) an overbased calcium alkylbenzenesulfonate detergent in an amount of 1.5 to 2.1 wt. % in terms of calcium content, (3) a nitrogen-containing ashless dispersant in an amount of 0.005 to 0.1 wt. % in terms of nitrogen content, and (4) a zinc dihydrocarbyldithiophosphate in an amount of 0.007 to 0.1 wt. % in terms of phosphorus content, wherein the weight ratio of the overbased sulfurized alkylphenol calcium salt detergent to the overbased calcium alkylbenzenesulfonate detergent is in the range of 22:78 to 37:63 in terms of calcium content and wherein the lubricating oil composition has a total base number of 60 to 100 mg·KOH/g. The lubricating oil composition of the present invention demonstrates high temperature wear and scuffing performance. |
| US07956017B2 |
Aggregating reagents, modified particulate metal-oxides and proppants
A method for treating solid materials is disclosed, where the treating compositions coats surfaces or portions of surfaces of the solid materials changing an aggregation or agglomeration propensity of the materials. Treated solid materials are also disclosed. The methods and treated materials are ideally suited for oil field applications. |
| US07956016B2 |
Methods to control fluid loss in a well bore
The invention discloses a method of controlling fluid loss from a subterranean formation of a well bore. In a first aspect, the method is done by providing a treatment fluid made of an aqueous fluid and a hydrophobic polymer; and introducing the treatment fluid into the wellbore. In a second aspect, the method is done by providing a treatment fluid made of water and a water soluble polymer; providing in the treatment fluid a fluid loss additive having a hydrophobic polymer; using the treatment fluid in a well bore of a subterranean formation; allowing the treatment fluid to establish a permeable filter cake with the water soluble polymer in at least a portion of the well bore; and allowing hydrophobic polymer to enter into the filter cake to reduce permeability of the filter cake. |
| US07956014B2 |
Self-breakable yield point enhancer for oil based drilling mud
The present invention relates to a liquid, self-breakable, temporary viscosifier agent (yield point enhancer) for oil based drilling muds, obtained by reacting one or more dicarboxylic fatty acids with a secondary dialkanolamine and thereafter with a tertiary tialkanolamine, and to oil based drilling muds containing it. |
| US07956012B2 |
Oil field treatment fluids with viscosified brines
The present disclosure is directed to a method comprising introducing into a well bore a fluid comprising a zwitterionic polymer. The polymer is prepared by inverse emulsion polymerization of at least one monomer Ab comprising a betaine group and optionally one or more nonionic monomers Ba. The well bore is chosen from a natural gas well bore and an oil well bore. |
| US07956009B2 |
Fungicidal combinations of active substances
The present invention relates to fungicidally active compound combinations of a fluorobenzothiazole derivative of the formula (I) and at least one of the compounds listed in the disclosure. |
| US07956007B2 |
Heat-sensitive recording material
A heat-sensitive recording material comprising a support and a heat-sensitive recording layer, the heat-sensitive recording layer comprising a colorless or pale-colored basic dye and a developer, the developer being 4-allyloxy-4′-hydroxydiphenylsulfone, and the heat-sensitive recording layer further comprising a compound represented by formula (I): wherein R1 is an unsubstituted aromatic group, or an aromatic group substituted with at least one member selected from the group consisting of a methyl group and a chlorine atom, and R2 is a divalent organic group. |
| US07956005B2 |
Exhaust gas-purifying catalyst
An object of the present invention is to provide an exhaust gas-purifying catalyst containing a composite oxide catalyst and a refractory support and being less prone to cause a decrease in its activity even when used at high temperatures in an atmosphere with high oxygen concentration. An exhaust gas-purifying catalyst includes a composite oxide catalyst containing rare-earth element, alkaline-earth element and precious metal, a part of the rare-earth element and a part of the alkaline-earth element forming composite oxide, and the composite oxide and a part of the precious metal forming solid solution, and a refractory support supporting the composite oxide catalyst and including at least one of a first composite oxide represented by a general formula AB2O4, a second composite oxide having perovskite structure represented by a general formula LMO3, and a third composite oxide having pyrochlore structure represented by a general formula X2Y2O7. |
| US07956001B2 |
Templated metal oxide particles and methods of making
Composite particles of a metal oxide particle within a crosslinked, cored dendrimer are described. Additionally, methods of making the composite particles and compositions that contain the composite particles are described. |
| US07955999B2 |
System and apparatus for ionic liquid catalyst regeneration
Disclosed are a system and an apparatus for regenerating an ionic liquid catalyst, which has been deactivated by conjunct polymers during any type of reaction producing conjunct polymers as a by-product, for example, isoparaffin-olefin alkylation. The system and apparatus are designed such that solvent extraction of conjunct polymers, freed from the ionic liquid catalyst through its reaction with aluminum metal, occurs as soon as the conjunct polymers de-bond from the ionic liquid catalyst. |
| US07955997B2 |
Electrostatically charged filter media incorporating an active agent
There is provided a protective media and a method of manufacturing the same. In one aspect, the protective media includes a porous dielectric carrier, an active agent incorporated in the porous dielectric carrier, and an electrostatic charge across at least a portion of the porous dielectric carrier. This innovative media is capable of eradicating microorganisms and/or toxins more efficiently than prior art solutions and can also self sterilize. |
| US07955995B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and manufacturing method thereof, semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof, and manufacturing method of insulating film
An object is to provide a technique to manufacture an insulating film having excellent film characteristics. In particular, an object is to provide a technique to manufacture a dense insulating film with a high withstand voltage. Moreover, an object is to provide a technique to manufacture an insulating film with few electron traps. An insulating film including oxygen is subjected to plasma treatment using a high frequency under the conditions where the electron density is 1×1011 cm−3 or more and the electron temperature is 1.5 eV or less in an atmosphere including oxygen. |
| US07955994B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device, semiconductor device, and electronic appliance
An object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device including an insulating layer with a high dielectric strength voltage, a low dielectric constant, and low hygroscopicity. Another object of the present invention is to provide an electronic appliance with high performance and high reliability, which uses the semiconductor device. An insulator containing nitrogen, such as silicon oxynitride or silicon nitride oxide, and an insulator containing nitrogen and fluorine, such as silicon oxynitride added with fluorine or silicon nitride oxide added with fluorine, are alternately deposited so that an insulating layer is formed. By sandwiching an insulator containing nitrogen and fluorine between insulators containing nitrogen, the insulator containing nitrogen and fluorine can be prevented from absorbing moisture and thus a dielectric strength voltage can be increased. Further, an insulator contains fluorine so that a dielectric constant can be reduced. |
| US07955993B2 |
Oxygen plasma reduction to eliminate precursor overflow in BPTEOS film deposition
A method including providing a semiconductor substrate in a reaction chamber; flowing a first reactant including silicon and oxygen, a boron dopant and a phosphorus dopant into the reaction chamber so that a layer of BPTEOS is deposited on the semiconductor substrate; stopping the flow of the first reactant, boron dopant and phosphorus dopant into the reaction chamber and so that a phosphorus dopant and boron dopant rich film is deposited over the layer of BPTEOS; and reducing the film comprising exposing the film to an O2 plasma. |
| US07955987B2 |
Exposure mask and method of forming a contact hole of a semiconductor device employing the same
An exposure mask and a method of forming a contact hole of a semiconductor device using the same, in which micro patterns can be formed are disclosed herein. In an aspect, an exposure mask method includes a mask substrate, a light-shield pattern formed on the mask substrate, and a transparent pattern in which a plurality of patterns, which are limited to the light-shield pattern and have different short-direction widths and long-direction widths, form a group which is repeatedly arranged. Accordingly, micro photoresist patterns can be formed uniformly. |
| US07955985B2 |
Method of forming micro pattern of semiconductor device
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a target etch layer over a substrate, a first auxiliary layer over the target etch layer, an isolation layer over the first auxiliary layer, and a second auxiliary layer over the isolation layer. A first exposure process is performed, where the first auxiliary layer is in focus and the second auxiliary layer is out of focus. A second exposure process is performed, where the second auxiliary layer in focus and the first auxiliary layer is out of focus. The second auxiliary layer is developed to form first mask patterns. The isolation layer and the first auxiliary layer are etched by using the first mask patterns to form second mask patterns. The second mask patterns are developed to form third mask patterns that are used to facilitate subsequent etching of the target etch layer. |
| US07955984B2 |
High speed high power nitride semiconductor device
A nitride semiconductor device has: a substrate; a semiconductor lamination formed on the substrate, and including a channel layer of nitride semiconductor; source and drain electrodes formed on the semiconductor lamination in ohmic contact with the channel layer; an insulating layer formed on the semiconductor lamination, and having an opening in a gate electrode contact area, a total thickness portion having a flat surface and a total thickness in an area spaced apart from the opening, and a transient portion with monotonically changing thickness between the opening and the total thickness portion, a sidewall of the insulating layer facing the opening rising steeply to a partial thickness of the total thickness; and a T-shaped gate electrode contacting the semiconductor lamination layer in the opening and extending on the insulating film to portions with increased thickness thicker than the partial thickness. |
| US07955983B2 |
Defect reduction of non-polar and semi-polar III-nitrides with sidewall lateral epitaxial overgrowth (SLEO)
A method of reducing threading dislocation densities in non-polar such as a-{11-20} plane and m-{1-100} plane or semi-polar such as {10-1n} plane III-Nitrides by employing lateral epitaxial overgrowth from sidewalls of etched template material through a patterned mask. The method includes depositing a patterned mask on a template material such as a non-polar or semi polar GaN template, etching the template material down to various depths through openings in the mask, and growing non-polar or semi-polar III-Nitride by coalescing laterally from the tops of the sidewalls before the vertically growing material from the trench bottoms reaches the tops of the sidewalls. The coalesced features grow through the openings of the mask, and grow laterally over the dielectric mask until a fully coalesced continuous film is achieved. |
| US07955981B2 |
Method of making a two-terminal non-volatile memory pillar device with rounded corner
A non-volatile memory device includes a plurality of pillars, where each of the plurality of pillars contains a non-volatile memory cell containing a steering element and a storage element and at least one of a top corner or a bottom corner of each of the plurality of pillars is rounded. A method of making non-volatile memory device includes forming a stack of device layers, and patterning the stack to form a plurality of pillars, where each of the plurality of pillars contains a non-volatile memory cell that contains a steering element and a storage element, and where at least one of top corner or bottom corner of each of the plurality of pillars is rounded. |
| US07955978B2 |
Enhanced method of forming nickel silicides
Silicon containing substrates are coated with nickel. The nickel is coated with a protective layer and the combination is heated to a sufficient temperature to form nickel silicide. The nickel silicide formation may be performed in oxygen containing environments. |
| US07955972B2 |
Methods for growing low-resistivity tungsten for high aspect ratio and small features
The present invention addresses this need by providing methods for depositing low resistivity tungsten films in small features and features having high aspect ratios. The methods involve depositing very thin tungsten nucleation layers by pulsed nucleation layer (PNL) processes and then using chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to deposit a tungsten layer to fill the feature. Depositing the tungsten nucleation layer involves exposing the substrate to alternating pulses of a boron-containing reducing agent and a tungsten-containing precursor without using any hydrogen gas, e.g., as a carrier or background gas. Using this process, a conformal tungsten nucleation layer can be deposited to a thickness as small as about 10 Angstroms. The feature may then be wholly or partially filled with tungsten by a hydrogen reduction chemical vapor deposition process. Resistivities of about 14 μΩ-cm for a 500 Angstrom film may be obtained. |
| US07955970B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method
A process for producing a semiconductor device, comprising the wiring region forming step of forming a wiring region on a semiconductor substrate; the copper wiring layer forming step of forming a copper wiring layer on the formed wiring region by electrolytic plating technique, wherein the copper wiring layer is formed by passing a current of application pattern determined from the relationship between application pattern of current passed at electrolytic plating and impurity content characteristic in the formed copper wiring layer so that the impurity content in the formed copper wiring layer becomes desired one; and the wiring forming step of polishing the formed copper wiring layer into a wiring. |
| US07955967B2 |
Method of fabricating ultra-deep vias and three-dimensional integrated circuits using ultra-deep vias
A method of forming a high aspect ratio via opening through multiple dielectric layers, a high aspect ratio electrically conductive via, methods of forming three-dimension integrated circuits, and three-dimensional integrated circuits. The methods include forming a stack of at least four dielectric layers and etching the first and third dielectric layers with processes selective to the second and fourth dielectric layers, etching the second and third dielectric layers with processes selective to the first and second dielectric layers. Advantageously the process used to etch the third dielectric layer is not substantially selective to the first dielectric layer. |
| US07955954B2 |
Method of making semiconductor devices employing first and second carriers
A semiconductor device and method. One embodiment provides an integral array of first carriers and an integral array of second carries connected to the integral array of first carriers. First semiconductor chips are arranged on the integral array of first carriers. The integral array of second carriers is arranged over the first semiconductor chips. |
| US07955953B2 |
Method of forming stacked die package
A method of packaging semiconductor integrated circuits, including the steps of providing a transfer film and forming a patterned, conductive layer on a surface of the transfer film. A first semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) then is attached to the transfer film, where an active side of the first IC is attached to the transfer film. A second semiconductor IC then is attached to the first IC, where a bottom side of the second IC is attached to a bottom side of the first IC. Die pads on an active surface of the second IC are electrically connected to the conductive layer with wires and then a resin material is provided on one side of the transfer film to encapsulate the first and second ICs, the wires and a portion of the conductive layer. Next the transfer film is removed, which exposes the active side of the first IC and the conductive layer. An electrical distribution layer is formed over the active side of the first IC and the conductive layer and conductive balls are attached to the electrical distribution layer. The conductive balls allow electrical interconnection to the first and second integrated circuits. |
| US07955952B2 |
Crackstop structures and methods of making same
An integrated circuit chip and a method of fabricating an integrated circuit chip. The integrated circuit chip includes: a continuous first stress ring proximate to a perimeter of the integrated circuit chip, respective edges of the first stress ring parallel to respective edges of the integrated circuit chip; a continuous second stress ring between the first stress ring and the perimeter of the integrated circuit chip, respective edges the second stress ring parallel to respective edges of the integrated circuit chip, the first and second stress rings having opposite internal stresses; a continuous gap between the first stress ring and the second stress ring; and a set of wiring levels from a first wiring level to a last wiring level on the substrate. |
| US07955951B2 |
LED-laser lift-off method
The present invention discloses an LED-laser lift-off method, which applies to lift off a transient substrate from an epitaxial layer grown on the transient substrate after a support substrate having an adhesion metal layer is bonded to the epitaxial layer. Firstly, the epitaxial layer is etched to define separation channels around each chip section, and the epitaxial layer between two separation channels is not etched but preserved to form a separation zone. Each laser illumination area only covers one illuminated chip section, the separation channels surrounding the illuminated chip section, and the separation zones surrounding the illuminated chip section. Thus, the adhesion metal layer on the separation channels is only heated once. Further, the outward stress generated by the illuminated chip section is counterbalanced by the outward stress generated by the illuminated separation zones, and the stress-induced structural damage on the chip section is reduced. |
| US07955948B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device includes the steps of carrying a substrate in a processing chamber, bringing the processing chamber into a state at a first pressure by supplying a silicon compound gas which contains carbon and hydrogen into the processing chamber, forming a silicon oxide film on the substrate by irradiating a UV light to the silicon compound gas supplied into the processing chamber in the state kept at the first pressure, and decompression process to bring the processing chamber into a state at a second pressure lower than the first pressure. This makes it possible to form the dense silicon oxide film in the trench with high aspect ratio and small width. |
| US07955947B2 |
Method of forming isolation structure for semiconductor integrated circuit substrate
Isolation regions for semiconductor substrates include dielectric-filled trenches and field oxide regions. Protective caps of dielectric materials dissimilar from the dielectric materials in the main portions of the trenches and field oxide regions may be used to protect the structures from erosion during later process steps. The top surfaces of the isolation structures are coplanar with the surface of the substrate. Field doping regions may be formed beneath the field oxide regions. To meet the demands of different devices, the isolation structures may have varying widths and depths. |
| US07955942B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming a 3D inductor from prefabricated pillar frame
A semiconductor device is made by mounting a semiconductor die over a carrier. A ferromagnetic inductor core is formed over the carrier. A prefabricated pillar frame is formed over the carrier, semiconductor die, and inductor core. An encapsulant is deposited over the semiconductor die and inductor core. A portion of the pillar frame is removed. A remaining portion of the pillar frame provides an interconnect pillar and inductor pillars around the inductor core. A first interconnect structure is formed over a first surface of the encapsulant. The carrier is removed. A second interconnect structure is formed over a second surface of the encapsulant. The first and second interconnect structures are electrically connected to the inductor pillars to form one or more 3D inductors. In another embodiment, a shielding layer is formed over the semiconductor die. A capacitor or resistor is formed within the first or second interconnect structures. |
| US07955940B2 |
Silicon-on-insulator substrate with built-in substrate junction
A method of forming a SOI substrate, diodes in the SOI substrate and electronic devices in the SOI substrate and an electronic device formed using the SOI substrate. The method of forming the SOI substrate includes forming an oxide layer on a silicon first substrate; ion-implanting hydrogen through the oxide layer into the first substrate, to form a fracture zone in the substrate; forming a doped dielectric bonding layer on a silicon second substrate; bonding a top surface of the bonding layer to a top surface of the oxide layer; thinning the first substrate by thermal cleaving of the first substrate along the fracture zone to form a silicon layer on the oxide layer to formed a bonded substrate; and heating the bonded substrate to drive dopant from the bonding layer into the second substrate to form a doped layer in the second substrate adjacent to the bonding layer. |
| US07955938B2 |
Wiring technique
An apparatus for supplying electrical power to a movable member. The apparatus includes a fixed member, the movable member moving relative to the fixed member, a flexible wiring member having an end connected to the movable member and another end connected to the fixed member, configured to transmit the electrical power from the fixed member to the movable member, and a cooling member configured to cool the fixed member. |
| US07955935B2 |
Non-volatile memory cell devices and methods
A method of fabricating a memory cell including forming nanodots over a first dielectric layer and forming an intergate dielectric layer over the nanodots, where the intergate dielectric layer encases the nanodots. To form sidewalls of the memory cell, a portion of the intergate dielectric layer is removed with a dry etch, where the sidewalls include a location where a nanodot has been deposited. A spacing layer is formed over the sidewalls to cover the location where a nanodot has been deposited and the remaining portion of the intergate dielectric layer and the nanodots can be removed with an etch selective to the intergate dielectric layer. |
| US07955934B2 |
Nitride read only memory device with buried diffusion spacers and method for making the same
A method for making a nitride read only memory device with buried diffusion spacers is disclosed. An oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) layer is formed on top of a silicon substrate, and a polysilicon gate is formed over the ONO layer. The polysilicon gate is formed less than a length of the ONO layer. Two buried diffusion spacers are formed beside two sidewalls of the polysilicon gate and over the ONO layer. Two buried diffusion regions are implanted on the silicon substrate next to the two buried diffusion spacers. The two buried diffusion regions are then annealed such that the approximate interfaces of the buried diffusion regions are under the sidewalls of the polysilicon gate. The structure of a nitride read only memory device with buried diffusion spacers is also described. |
| US07955933B2 |
Method of manufacturing nonvolatile semiconductor memory device
A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes the steps of preparing a wafer having multiple memory cells, each memory cell having a gate electrode formed on a semiconductor substrate, charge storage units formed on both sides of the gate electrode, lightly doped regions formed beneath the charge storage units, respectively, in the upper part of the semiconductor substrate, and highly doped regions formed in a pair of regions sandwiching a region underneath the gate electrode and the lightly doped regions in between; erasing data stored in the charge storage units electrically; and treating the wafer at a high temperature for a predetermined period of time. |
| US07955927B2 |
Semiconductor device and fabricating method thereof
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate has a memory array region and a peripheral circuit region; a first active region and a second active region in the peripheral circuit region; a recessed gate disposed on the memory array region, comprising a first gate dielectric layer on the semiconductor substrate, wherein the first gate dielectric layer has a first thickness; and a second gate dielectric layer on the peripheral circuit region, wherein the second gate dielectric layer on the first active layer has a second thickness, and the second gate dielectric layer on the second active layer has a third thickness. |
| US07955924B2 |
Image sensor and method of manufacturing the same
Example embodiments disclose an image sensor capable of preventing or reducing image lag and a method of manufacturing the same. Example methods may include forming a gate insulating film and a gate conductive film doped with a first-conductive-type dopant on a semiconductor substrate; forming a transfer gate pattern by patterning the gate insulating film and the gate conductive film; and fabricating a transfer gate electrode by forming a first-conductive-type photodiode in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to one region of the transfer gate pattern, by forming a second-conductive-type photodiode on the first-conductive-type photodiode, and by forming a first-conductive-type floating diffusion region in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the other region of the transfer gate pattern. |
| US07955923B1 |
I/O ESD protection device for high performance circuits
A trigger circuit is provided for a pull-down device by connecting a diode between the I/O pad and the body of the pull-down device. In one embodiment, the pull-down device is formed as a plurality of discrete transistors in a single well. The drain of each transistor is connected through a ballast resistor to the I/O pad; and the source of each transistor is connected through a ballast resistor to ground. The trigger circuit is a diode formed in a different well from that of the transistors. The cathode of the diode is connected to the I/O pad and the anode is connected to the transistor well through a center tap located between the transistors. Preferably, the transistors are NMOS transistors formed in a P-well. Advantageously, the diode is an N+/PLDD diode. Alternatively, the diode is an N+/P diode where the P region is formed by an ESD implant. In other embodiments the diode is formed in the same well as the transistors. In these embodiments, either an N+/PLDD diode or an implanted diode is formed in place of one of the transistors. |
| US07955921B2 |
Full silicide gate for CMOS
A method is provided for fabricating an n-type field effect transistor (“NFET”) and a p-type field effect transistor (“PFET”) in which the NFET and PFET are formed after which a protective hard mask layer, e.g., a dielectric stressor layer is formed to overlie edges of gates, source regions and drain regions of the PFET and NFET. Sputter etching can be used to remove a portion of the protective hard mask layer to expose the gates of the PFET and NFET. The semiconductor elements can be etched selectively with respect to the protective hard mask layer to reduce a thickness of the semiconductor elements. A metal may then be deposited and caused to react with the reduced thickness semiconductor element to form silicide elements of the gates. |
| US07955917B2 |
Fabrication of self-aligned gallium arsenide MOSFETS using damascene gate methods
A method for fabricating a gallium arsenide MOSFET device is presented. A dummy gate is formed over a gallium arsenide substrate. Source-drain extensions are implanted into the substrate adjacent the dummy gate. Dummy spacers are formed along dummy gate sidewalls and over a portion of the source-drain extensions. Source-drain regions are implanted. Insulating spacers are formed on dummy oxide spacer sidewalls. A conductive layer is formed over the source-drain regions. The conductive layer is annealed to form contacts to the source-drain regions. The dummy gate and the dummy oxide spacers are removed to form a gate opening. A passivation layer is in-situ deposited in the gate opening. The surface of the passivation layer is oxidized to create an oxide layer. A dielectric layer is ex-situ deposited over the oxide layer. A gate metal is deposited over the dielectric layer to form a gate stack in the gate opening. |
| US07955916B2 |
Method for making semiconductor apparatus and semiconductor apparatus obtained by the method, method for making thin film transistor substrate and thin film transistor substrate obtained by the method, and method for making display apparatus and display apparatus obtained by the method
A method for making a semiconductor apparatus including the steps of: forming a laminate structure of an insulating film made of a metal oxide and a semiconductor thin film on a substrate; forming a light absorption layer on top of the laminate structure; and irradiating an energy beam of a wavelength capable of being absorbed by the light absorption layer on the light absorption layer and simultaneously crystallizing the insulating film and the semiconductor thin film by means of heat generated in the light absorption layer. |
| US07955915B2 |
Organic field effect transistor and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention discloses an organic field effect transistor and a manufacturing method thereof. The organic field effect transistor comprises a top-contact type or a bottom-contact type, and the manufacturing method thereof comprises the following steps: a substrate is provided, a metal gate is formed on the substrate, an inorganic insulating layer is formed on the substrate and the metal gate, a surface of the insulating layer is polished, an organic filler is filled in pores on the insulating layer as an insulating treatment, a modified layer is formed on the inorganic insulating layer, and finally an organic semiconductor layer, a source and a drain are formed. By combining the advantages of simply liquefied process of the organic material and the high stability of inorganic material, and operation conditions of control process, the present invention can achieve effectively that the device is high carrier mobility and high on/off ratio. |
| US07955911B2 |
TFT-LCD pixel unit and method for manufacturing the same
A thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) pixel unit and a method for manufacturing the same. The pixel unit comprises a gate line and a gate electrode formed on a substrate and a first gate insulating layer, an active layer, and a doped layer that are sequentially formed on the gate line and the gate electrode. An intercepting trench is formed on the gate line to cut off the doped layer and the active layer on the gate line. A second insulating layer covers the intercepting trench and the substrate where the gate line and the gate electrode are not formed. A pixel electrode is formed on the second insulating layer and a part of the pixel electrode overlaps one of a source and drain electrodes. |
| US07955910B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
An island-like interlayer insulating film is formed selectively in a region where a source interconnection and a gate interconnection intersect. For example, by use of ink jet method, a solution containing an insulating material is dropped on a region where the gate interconnection and the source interconnection intersect or a region where a holding capacitor is formed, that enable to reduce a photolithography process and to reduce the number of masks that are used in a TFT. |
| US07955908B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel and manufacturing method thereof
A thin film transistor array panel is provided, which includes: a gate line, a gate insulating layer, and a semiconductor layer sequentially formed on a substrate; a data line and a drain electrode formed at least on the semiconductor layer; a first passivation layer formed on the data line and the drain electrode and having a first contact hole exposing the drain electrode at least in part; a second passivation layer formed on the first passivation layer and having a second contact hole that is disposed on the first contact hole and has a first bottom edge placed outside the first contact hole and a second bottom edge placed inside the first contact hole; and a pixel electrode formed on the second passivation layer and connected to the drain electrode through the first and the second contact holes. |
| US07955906B2 |
Methods and systems for thermal-based laser processing a multi-material device
A method and system for locally processing a predetermined microstructure formed on a substrate without causing undesirable changes in electrical or physical characteristics of the substrate or other structures formed on the substrate are provided. The method includes providing information based on a model of laser pulse interactions with the predetermined microstructure, the substrate and the other structures. At least one characteristic of at least one pulse is determined based on the information. A pulsed laser beam is generated including the at least one pulse. The method further includes irradiating the at least one pulse having the at least one determined characteristic into a spot on the predetermined microstructure. The at least one determined characteristic and other characteristics of the at least one pulse are sufficient to locally process the predetermined microstructure without causing the undesirable changes. |
| US07955901B2 |
Method for producing a power semiconductor module comprising surface-mountable flat external contacts
A method for producing a power semiconductor module having surface mountable flat external contact areas is disclosed. At least one power semiconductor chip is fixed by its rear side on a drain external contact. An insulation layer covers the top side over the side edges of the semiconductor chip as far as the inner housing plane was a leaving free the source and gate contact areas on the top side of the semiconductor chip and also was partly leaving free the top sides of the corresponding external contacts. |
| US07955895B2 |
Structure and method for stacked wafer fabrication
A method for fabricating stacked wafers is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a wafer having a chip side and a non-chip side, the chip side comprising a plurality of semiconductor chips. A plurality of dies is provided, each of the die bonded to one of the plurality of semiconductor chips. The chip side of the wafer and the plurality of dies are encapsulated with a protecting material. The non-chip side of the wafer is thinned to an intended thickness. The wafer is then diced to separate the wafer into individual semiconductor packages. |
| US07955892B2 |
Multiple size package socket
Various sockets for multiple sizes of chip package substrates are disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes a socket that has a peripheral wall defining an interior space adapted to receive either of a first semiconductor chip package substrate and a second semiconductor chip package substrate. The first semiconductor chip package substrate has a first size and a first plurality of structural features and the second semiconductor chip package substrate has a second size different than the first size and a second plurality of structural features. The socket has a third plurality of structural features operable to engage the structural features of either of semiconductor chip package substrates to selectively enable the first semiconductor chip package substrate to be located at a first preselected position in the interior space and the second semiconductor chip package substrate to be located at a second preselected position in the interior space. |
| US07955891B2 |
Thermal management and method for large scale processing of CIS and /or CIGS based thin films overlying glass substrates
The thermal management and method for large scale processing of CIS and/or CIGS based thin film overlaying glass substrates. According to an embodiment, the present invention provides a method for fabricating a copper indium diselenide semiconductor film. The method includes providing a plurality of substrates, each of the substrates having a copper and indium composite structure. The method also includes transferring the plurality of substrates into a furnace, each of the plurality of substrates provided in a vertical orientation with respect to a direction of gravity, the plurality of substrates being defined by a number N, where N is greater than 5. The method further includes introducing a gaseous species including a selenide species and a carrier gas into the furnace and transferring thermal energy into the furnace to increase a temperature from a first temperature to a second temperature, the second temperature ranging from about 350° C. to about 450° C. to at least initiate formation of a copper indium diselenide film from the copper and indium composite structure on each of the substrates. |
| US07955889B1 |
Organic photosensitive cells grown on rough electrode with nano-scale morphology control
An optoelectronic device and a method for fabricating the optoelectronic device includes a first electrode disposed on a substrate, an exposed surface of the first electrode having a root mean square roughness of at least 30 nm and a height variation of at least 200 nm, the first electrode being transparent. A conformal layer of a first organic semiconductor material is deposited onto the first electrode by organic vapor phase deposition, the first organic semiconductor material being a small molecule material. A layer of a second organic semiconductor material is deposited over the conformal layer. At least some of the layer of the second organic semiconductor material directly contacts the conformal layer. A second electrode is deposited over the layer of the second organic semiconductor material. The first organic semiconductor material is of a donor-type or an acceptor-type relative to the second organic semiconductor material, which is of the other material type. |
| US07955880B2 |
Method of producing semiconductor optical device
A method of producing a semiconductor optical device includes a first step of growing a stacked semiconductor layer including a first III-V group compound semiconductor layer for an active layer on a substrate; a second step of forming a silicon oxide film on the stacked semiconductor layer, the silicon oxide film having a predetermined film stress and a predetermined thickness; a third step of forming a strip-shaped groove in the silicon oxide film by etching the silicon oxide film, using a resist pattern formed on the silicon oxide film, until a surface of the stacked semiconductor layer is exposed; and a fourth step of growing a second III-V group compound semiconductor layer in the groove using the silicon oxide film as a selective mask. |
| US07955873B2 |
Method of fabricating a semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing at least one semiconductor chip including an electrically conductive layer. A voltage is applied to an electrode. The electrode is moved over the electrically conductive layer for growing a metal layer onto the electrically conductive layer. |
| US07955872B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor integrated circuit device using magnetic memory
In the case where a laminated structure formed by laminating tunneling magnetoresistive films are processed by ion milling or the like, scattered substances of a material constituting the tunneling magnetoresistive film are deposited onto side walls of the laminated structure, or contaminate the inside of a device for processing. Accordingly, it has been difficult to manufacture a magnetic memory or a semiconductor device on which the magnetic memory is mounted, with stable characteristics.Side wall spacers are formed on side walls of a conductive layer arranged above a tunneling magnetoresistive film, and scattered substances of a material constituting the tunneling magnetoresistive film during processing are deposited. Thereafter, by removing the side wall spacers, the redepositions of the material are also removed. The side wall spacers used are of one kind or two kinds. |
| US07955869B2 |
Nonvolatile memory devices and methods of fabricating the same
Nonvolatile memory devices and methods of fabricating the same are provided. In some embodiments, a nonvolatile memory device includes a lower conductive member formed on an upper part of or inside a substrate, a ferroelectric organic layer formed on the lower conductive member, a protective layer formed on the ferroelectric organic layer, and an upper conductive member formed on the protective layer to cross the lower conductive member. |
| US07955866B2 |
Labelled silica nanoparticles for immunochromatographic assays
Labelled silica nanoparticles for immunochromatographic reagent, comprising silica nanoparticles containing a labelled substance. |
| US07955865B2 |
Reagent delivery apparatus and methods
Apparatus for dispensing droplets of reagent onto samples includes a probe tip to which droplets of reagent can adhere. The apparatus advances the probe tip toward a sample until a droplet of reagent touches the sample and is pulled off from the probe tip. A sensor detects that the droplet has been pulled off from the probe tip and halts the advance of the probe tip before the probe tip touches the sample. Such apparatus may be used to automatically dispense small volumes of reagent onto fragile samples. |
| US07955863B2 |
Microfluidic device and material manipulating method using same
Microfluidic devices for manipulating relatively dense materials, such as colloidal rod particles, are provided. Microfluidic devices for separating a denser first material from a less-dense second material are provided. Methods of manipulating a relatively dense first material, for example, colloidal rod particles, and separating the first material from a less-dense second material, are provided. Methods of marking samples or sample components with relatively dense materials, are also provided. |
| US07955861B2 |
Luminescent diketonate polymers
The present invention provides in one aspect polymeric luminescent dye compounds having fluorescent properties, phosphorescent properties, or both fluorescent and phosphorescent properties. |
| US07955858B2 |
Quantum dot-based environmental indicators
A detection method and indicator are disclosed that includes quantum dots that fluoresce under illumination of a first light having a first wavelength to indicate the presence of a predetermined condition, and in particular, a corrosion condition. The quantum dots are surrounded by a shell material that under normal conditions reflect the first light and reacts in the presence of the predetermined condition to permit the first light to illuminate the quantum dot to excite the quantum dot to emit a second light having a second wavelength, which when detected, indicates the presence of the predetermined condition. |
| US07955857B2 |
Synthesis of nanoparticles with a closed structure of metal chalcogens having a lamellar crystalographic structure
The invention relates to a spray pyrolysis method characterized in that it is used in the synthesis of nanoparticles with a closed structure of metal chalcogens having a lamellar crystalographic structure of general formula MaXb, wherein M represents a metal and X represents a chalcogen, a and b represent the respective proportions of metal and chalcogen, and in that it comprises pyrolysis of a liquid aerosol obtained from a solution of at least one metal precursor (M) and a chalcogen (X), or at least one precursor of said metal (M) and at least one precursor of said chalcogen (X) dissolved in a solvent, said solution being atomized into fine droplets in a suspension in a vector gas. |
| US07955856B2 |
Method of making a diagnostic test strip having a coding system
An auto-calibration system for diagnostic test strips is described for presenting data individually carried on each test strip readable by a diagnostic meter. The carried data may include an embedded code relating to data particular to that individual strip. The data is presented so as to be read by a meter associated with the diagnostic test strip in order to avoid manually inputting the information. |
| US07955854B2 |
Assessing heart failure in patients with atrial fibrillation using GDF-15 and natriuretic peptides
Disclosed are a method, device, and test kit for diagnosing heart failure in a patient exhibiting atrial fibrillation. The method includes determining an amount of growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF -15) in a sample from the patient and comparing the amount of GDF-15 determined with a reference amount of GDF-15, wherein when the amount of GDF-15 determined is greater than the reference amount of GDF-15, a diagnosis of heart failure is indicated. |
| US07955849B2 |
Method of enriching a mammalian cell population for mesoderm cells
The present invention provides cell populations that are enriched for mesendoderm and mesoderm, and cell populations that are enriched for endoderm. The cell populations of the invention are useful for generating cells for cell replacement therapy. |
| US07955846B2 |
Compositions comprising female germline stem cells and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to female germline stem cells and their progenitors, methods of isolation thereof, and methods of use thereof. |
| US07955845B2 |
Modified antigen-presenting cells
The invention relates to antigen-presenting cells having specificity against a selected antigen and methods for making the cells. The invention also relates to a method of selecting efficient antigen-presenting cells using reporter fusion constructs. The highly efficient antigen-presenting cells of the invention will provide a therapeutic strategy of modulating immune responses for a variety of diseases. |
| US07955843B2 |
Fluid interface for bioprocessor systems
An apparatus and method for an aseptic fluidic interface between bioprocess systems is provided. The apparatus includes an inlet valve, adapted for automatic control, that is coupled to a biofluid source site. A sampling conduit extends from the inlet valve to an outlet valve. The outlet valve is adapted for automatic control and is coupled to a biofluid process site. A trap is at the sampling conduit. A waste valve, adapted for automatic control, is located at a waste conduit extending from the sampling conduit to a waste site. Also included is a wash fluid source that is coupled to at least one of the inlet or outlet valves. In the method, the sample is automatically directed to the biofluid process site by opening the outlet valve, and closing the waste valve. Also included is isolating the biofluid sites by closing the inlet and outlet valves, and opening the waste valve to drain biofluid from the trap to the waste site. Another step is cleaning the sampling conduit before sample collection by directing the wash fluid through at least one valve selected from the inlet and outlet valves, and subsequently through the waste valve to the waste site. |
| US07955841B2 |
Temperature control device with a flexible temperature control surface
A device for controlling temperature in a reaction chamber is disclosed. The device comprises: a bladder assembly comprising a housing dimensioned to hold a reaction chamber disposed within an interior volume of the housing; and a first temperature-control bladder disposed within the housing, the first temperature-control bladder is configured to receive a temperature-control fluid and comprises a flexible, heat conductive surface that comes in contact with at least a portion of an exterior surface of the reaction chamber after receiving the temperature-control fluid. Also disclosed are a bladder thermal cycler, a temperature-control bladder assembly and methods for producing a thermal cycle in a reaction chamber. |
| US07955839B2 |
Systems and methods for converting organic waste materials into useful products
Systems and methods are provided for converting organic waste materials from a municipal waste stream to useful products. Organic waste materials having a wide range of compositions such as, for example, yard waste, food waste, paper, and the organic fraction of municipal solid waste are converted into a uniform biomass that is suitable for conversion to useful products, such as fuels. Through the use of a biomixer and a hydropulper, as well as through sorting and screening, the organic waste materials are progressively reduced in size and cleaned of contamination. The resulting uniform biomass is suitable for anaerobic digestion to produce biogas and a residual solid that is suitable for producing a high quality compost. |
| US07955838B2 |
Methods and device for adhesive control of internal cell organisation
The present invention relates to methods and devices for adhering cells in a specific and predetermined position with an adhesive control of internal cell organization, methods for preparing such devices, methods for studying modifications of cell shape and global internal cell organization such as the distribution of cellular compartments, centrosome centering, spindle orientation, internal compartmentalization and internal transports, methods for screening compounds of interest which enhance or inhibit specific cell functions. |
| US07955837B2 |
Process for determining one or more analytes in samples of biological origin having complex composition, and use thereof
The present invention relates to a process for detecting one or more analytes in one or more samples of biological origin having complex composition. The present invention also relates to a microarray for quantitative determination of one or more analytes in samples of biological origin having complex composition which are immobilized in measurement ranges of microarray, and also to a quantitative detection method based thereon. |
| US07955834B2 |
Method for improved breast milk feeding to reduce the risk of allergy
Selected strains of Lactobacillus and products containing cells of the selected strains to improve breast milk for feeding to babies, more precisely to increase the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 in the milk and reduce the risk that the feeding baby will develop allergies and simultaneously reduce the cause and thereby the amount of TGF-beta-2 in the milk, thus resulting in reduced risk for the lactating mother to develop mastitis. |
| US07955830B2 |
Polypeptides having lipase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lipase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US07955825B2 |
Process for producing CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid
The present invention is directed to a process for producing CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-NeuAc), comprising adding to the cultured E. coli cells which has been transformed with both the DNA encoding N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate 2-epimerase (GlcNAc-6P 2-epimerase) and the DNA encoding N-acetylneuraminic acid synthase (NeuAc synthase) and exhibit activities of N-acetylglucosamine-6-phosphate 2-epimerase and N-acetylneuraminic acid synthase, a phosphate buffer containing baker's yeast cells, CMP, N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), magnesium, xylene, glucose, and CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid synthase (CMP-NeuAc synthase) to provide a reaction mixture, and allowing the reaction to proceed and produce CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid (CMP-NeuAc), and wherein the process does not require adding ATP. |
| US07955822B2 |
Detection of nucleic acids and proteins
The invention generally relates to methods for detecting a target nucleic acid and a target protein in a single assay. |
| US07955821B2 |
Nucleic acid encoding a self-assembling split-fluorescent protein system
The invention provides a protein labeling and detection system based on self-complementing fragments of fluorescent and chromophoric proteins. The system of the invention is exemplified with various combinations of self-complementing fragments derived from Aequorea victoria Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), which are used to detect and quantify protein solubility in multiple assay formats, both in vitro and in vivo. |
| US07955820B1 |
Methods and compositions for the recombinant biosynthesis of n-alkanes
The present disclosure identifies methods and compositions for modifying photoautotrophic organisms as hosts, such that the organisms efficiently convert carbon dioxide and light into n-alkanes, and in particular the use of such organisms for the commercial production of n-alkanes and related molecules. |
| US07955817B2 |
Vaccine protection assay
The present invention relates to the field of Serum Bactericidal Activity (SBA) assays for Gram negative bacteria, in particular N. meningitidis. The SBA assay is the most important method for measuring functional activity of serum antibodies against meningococcus. In order to determine whether a subject or a population is seropositive against invasive meningococcus the SBA test should ideally be both sensitive and specific. The inventors have found the standard N. meningitidis serotype A and W SBAs can be significantly improved in this regard. |
| US07955815B2 |
Two-photon fluorescent probes for acidic vesicles in live cells and tissue and method of imaging acidic vesicles in live cells and tissue using the same
Provided are two-photon fluorescent probes for imaging acidic vesicles in live cells and tissue. The probes are represented by The probes can selectively bind to vesicles in cytosol to emit two-photon excited fluorescence with high intensity. Therefore, the use of the probes enables effective imaging of acidic vesicles. Further provided is a method for imaging acidic vesicles in live cells and tissue using the probes. |
| US07955812B2 |
Methods of diagnosing alzheimer's disease by detecting antibodies to cross-linked β-amyloid oligomers
The invention relates to antibodies that bind cross-linked amyloid β oligomers, and methods for using such antibodies for diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. |
| US07955810B2 |
Positive selection of serum proteins for proteomic analysis
This invention relates to methods and kits for positive selection of species of interest based on peptide/protein sequence from a biological sample. The species of interest may be proteins and/or peptides of interest which may be placed through a mass spectrometer to obtain a blood peptide/protein signature. The blood peptide/protein signature may be used in proteomic analysis. The techniques include but are not limited to the use of collectors comprising nucleic acid molecules to extract a composition that has a lower concentration of a high abundance species of interest from a sample. This limits the level of influence that any collectors species may have on the results of a mass spectra. |
| US07955806B2 |
Detection of a therapeutic antibody in an experimental animal
The present invention relates to the field of therapeutic antibodies. It especially relates to the study of therapeutic antibodies in an experimental animal. The present invention discloses a method of detecting a therapeutic antibody in a sample obtained from an experimental animal comprising the steps of a) providing the sample to be analyzed, b) incubating said sample with an antibody binding to a therapeutic antibody and not binding to the immunoglobulin of said experimental animal, c) optionally incubating said sample with a reagent appropriate for the selective detection of total, active or antigen-bound therapeutic antibody, and d) correlating the complex formed in (b) or (c) to the concentration of said therapeutic antibody. A monoclonal antibody directed to a certain epitope that is present on all classes of human immunoglobulin of class G, but not on the immunoglobulin of any experimental animal except on the IgG of chimpanzees was used (MAB-M-R10Z8E9). |
| US07955805B2 |
Nucleic acids and polypeptides useful for diagnosing complications of pregnancy
Disclosed herein are methods for diagnosing or treating pregnancy related hypertensive disorders that include the use of a polypeptide or a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide selected from the following: follistatin related protein, interleukin 8, inhibin A, VEGF-C, angiogenin, beta fertilin, hypothetical protein, leukocyte associated Ig-like receptor secreted protein, erythroid differentiation protein, adipogenesis inhibitory factor, corticotropin releasing factor binding protein, alpha-1 anti-chymotrypsin, insulin-like growth factor binding protein-5, CD33L, cytokine receptor like factor 1, platelet derived endothelial growth factor, lysyl hydroxylase isoform 2, stanniocalcin precursor, secreted frizzled related protein, galectin-3, alpha defensin, ADAM-TS3, cholecystokinin precursor, interferon stimulated T-cell alpha chemoattractant precursor, azurocidin, sperminine oxidase, UDP glycosyltransferase 2 family polypeptide B28, neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor 2, neutral endopeptidase, CDC28 protein kinase regulatory subunit 2, beta glucosidase, lanosterol synthase, calcium/calmodulin-dependent serine protein kinase, estrogen receptor-alternatively spliced transcript H, chemokine (CX3C motif) receptor 1, tyrosinase-related protein 1, hydoxy-delta-5-steroid dehyrogenase, dihydropyramidinase-like-4, and cytochrome P450-family 11. |
| US07955804B2 |
Diagnostic method for brain damage-related disorders
A brain damage-related disorder is diagnosed in a subject by detecting at least one polypeptide, or a variant or mutant thereof, selected from A-FABP, E-FABP, PGP 9.5, GFAP, Prostaglandin D synthase, Neuromodulin, Neurofilament L, Calcyphosine, RNA binding regulatory subunit, Ubiquitin fusion degradation protein 1 homolog, Nucleoside diphosphate kinase A, Glutathione S tranferase P, Cathepsin D, DJ-1 protein, Peroxiredoxin 5 and Peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase A (Cyclophilin A) in a sample of body fluid taken from the subject. |
| US07955802B2 |
Systems and methods for multiplex analysis of PCR in real time
The present invention provides methods and systems for real-time measurements of PCR with multiplexing capability. Certain embodiments relate to methods and systems that use fluorescently encoded superparamagnetic microspheres for the immobilization of amplification products during the PCR process, and an imaging chamber of a measurement device that is also capable of controllable thermal cycling for assisting the PCR process. |
| US07955790B2 |
Skin substitutes with improved barrier function
The present invention relates to in vitro cultured skin substitutes, and in particular to in vitro cultured skin substitutes that have improved barrier function. In some embodiments, improved barrier function is a result of improved culture conditions, while in other embodiments, improved barrier function results from genetic modification of keratinocytes. Improved culture conditions to improve barrier function include organotypic culture in the presence of linoleic acid and/or linoleic acid at about 75% humidity. Suitable genetic modifications for improving barrier function includes transfection with a DNA construct capable of expressing GKLF. |
| US07955783B2 |
Lamination for printed photomask
A method for masking regions of photoresist in the manufacture of a soldermask for printed circuit boards is disclosed. Following application of photoresist over patterned traces on a substrate, a sheet-like thin film is applied over the photosensitive material. The thin film may adhere to the photosensitive material by way of the adhesive state of the photosensitive material or by way of an adhesive applied to the photosensitive material or the thin film or carried by the thin film. Digital mask printing may proceed on the surface of the thin film. The photosensitive material may then be exposed through the printed photomask, the thin film (with photomask) removed, and the photosensitive material developed. |
| US07955782B2 |
Bottom antireflective coatings exhibiting enhanced wet strip rates, bottom antireflective coating compositions for forming bottom antireflective coatings, and methods for fabricating the same
Bottom antireflective coating (BARC) that exhibit enhanced wet strip rates, BARC compositions for fabricating such BARCs, and methods for manufacturing such BARC compositions are provided. According to one exemplary embodiment, a bottom antireflective coating (BARC) composition comprises an inorganic-based compound, an absorbing material, and a wet strip-rate modifier combination. The wet strip-rate modifier composition comprises a combination of a short chain linear alcohol and dipropylene glycol (DPG), a combination of the short chain linear alcohol and tetraethylene glycol (TEG), a combination of DPG and TEG, or a combination of the short chain linear alcohol, DPG, and TEG. |
| US07955781B2 |
Negative-working photosensitive material and negative-working planographic printing plate precursor
A negative-working photosensitive material is provided which includes: a support; an undercoat layer; and a photosensitive layer including a polymerization initiator, a polymerizable compound, and a binder polymer, wherein the support, the undercoat layer, and the photosensitive layer are sequentially layered, the undercoat layer includes a polymer including a structural unit (a) including at least one of a carboxylic acid or a carboxylic acid salt and a structural unit (b) including at least one carboxylic acid ester; and the content of the structural unit (a) in the polymer is from 30% to 90% by mole. Also, a negative-working planographic printing plate precursor including the negative-working photosensitive material is provided. |
| US07955779B2 |
Radiation-sensitive compositions and elements with solvent resistant poly(vinyl acetal)s
A radiation-sensitive composition can be used to prepare positive-working imageable elements having improved solvent resistance and is useful for making lithographic printing plates. The composition includes an alkaline soluble polymeric binder that is a specific poly(vinyl acetal) that exhibits improved resistance to press chemicals, and a radiation absorbing compound. |
| US07955778B2 |
Compositions and processes for photolithography
Overcoating layer compositions are provided that are applied above a photoresist composition including for immersion lithography processing as well as non-immersion imaging. |
| US07955774B2 |
Electrostatic developing toner, method of producing the same, electrostatic developer and image forming method
An electrostatic image developing toner comprising a non-crystalline polyester resin, wherein the non-crystalline polyester resin is obtained by copolymerizing monomers in the presence of a titanium catalyst; the monomers comprise a polyhydric alcohol component and a monomer containing a sulfonic acid group, the polyhydric alcohol component comprises a propylene oxide adduct of bisphenol A, a ratio of an amount of the monomer containing a sulfonic acid group to the total amount of the non-crystalline polyester resin is 0.1 mol % to 20 mol %, and a content of titanium is 1 ppm to 1000 ppm by weight based on the amount of the resin. The invention also provides a method for producing the same, an electrostatic image developer and image forming method using the toner. |
| US07955772B2 |
Dry toner, processes for the production thereof, and the use thereof
The invention relates to a dry toner, containing a platelet-type metal effect pigment or a plurality of platelet-type metal effect pigments and at least one resinous constituent, wherein the metal effect pigment or the metal effect pigments is/are additionally provided with a coating preferably suitable for improving the mechanical stability, and that this coating is additionally modified with at least one organic layer, which organic layer is selected from the group consisting of organofunctional silanes, organofunctional titanates, organofunctional zirconates, phosphonic acids, and phosphonates. The invention further relates to processes for the production of the dry toner and to the use thereof. Furthermore, the invention relates to a toner cartridge and to printed products. |
| US07955771B2 |
Toner for electrostatic image development and process for preparing the same
A toner for electrostatic image development, comprising an organic pigment and a binding resin, and satisfying the formula (I): 1−R/A≦0.014C (I), wherein A represents an entire area of a graph (x-axis: wavelength of a visible radiation region (380 to 780 nm), y-axis: transmittance (0 to 100%)) showing a spectral transmittance curve of a supernatant fluid, the supernatant fluid being obtained by subjecting the toner to an extraction process, the extraction process using a supercritical fluid; R represents an area determined by a Rectangular method on the basis of a spectral transmittance curve in the graph; and C represents a concentration (wt %) of the organic pigment in the toner, the organic pigment having a particle diameter of 1/10 to ½ ( 1/10 to 4/7 when the organic pigment is an organic yellow pigment) of a maximum absorption wavelength of the organic pigment, and the toner having a haze of 16 or less. |
| US07955770B2 |
Photoconductor, photoconductor cartridge and image-forming apparatus
The surface of a photoconductor is coated with a surface protection layer comprising a cured material of a fluorine-containing photo-curing composition containing fluorinated alkyl group-containing (meth)acrylate and a photopolymerization initiator, and the surface protection layer has a fluorine atom content of 8.5 to 20% by mass. |
| US07955768B2 |
Electrophotographic photoconductor and method for producing the same, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge
There is provided an electrophotographic photoconductor containing a conductive substrate, and a photosensitive layer, disposed thereon, containing a charge transporting material having a triarylamine structure represented by General Formula 1, and wherein the photosensitive layer satisfies Mathematical Formula 1 when peak heights in raman scattering spectra of the triarylamine structure are measured at a wavenumber of 1,324±2 cm−1 by a confocal raman spectroscopy using z-polarized light: where Ar1, Ar2, and Ar3 are substituted or unsubstituted aromatic hydrocarbon groups, and Ar1 and Ar2, Ar2 and Ar3, and Ar3 and Ar1 are optionally combined to form heterocyclic rings, respectively, ε=I(inside)/I(surface)≧1.1 Mathematical Formula 1 where I(inside) represents the peak height in of the raman scattering spectrum obtained at a depth of 5 μm or more from the photosensitive layer surface and I(surface) represents the peak height in the raman scattering spectrum obtained at a depth of less than 5 μm from the photosensitive layer surface. |
| US07955766B2 |
Software-controlled maskless optical lithography using fluorescence feedback
A software-controlled maskless optical lithography system uses fluorescence feedback to control an aspect of the lithography, such as light source dose, wavelength, or flashing instances or duration, spatial light modulator (SLM) pattern, an optics parameter, a beamsplitter control parameter, or movement or positioning of a stage carrying a target workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer. |
| US07955761B2 |
Exposure mask, pattern formation method, and exposure mask fabrication method
An exposure mask has a rectangular pattern, an auxiliary pattern, a translucent region, and a shielding region. The rectangular pattern includes a transparent region having a dimension equal to or greater than a critical resolution of exposure light. The auxiliary pattern is arranged around the rectangular pattern and includes a transparent region having a dimension smaller than the critical resolution. The translucent region is arranged between the rectangular pattern and the auxiliary pattern for shifting a phase of light transmitted through the rectangular pattern and the auxiliary pattern to an opposite phase. The shielding region is arranged around the auxiliary pattern. |
| US07955759B2 |
Metallization of bacterial cellulose for electrical and electronic device manufacture
A method for the deposition of metals in bacterial cellulose and for the employment of the metallized bacterial cellulose in the construction of fuel cells and other electronic devices is disclosed. The method for impregnating bacterial cellulose with a metal comprises placing a bacterial cellulose matrix in a solution of a metal salt such that the metal salt is reduced to metallic form and the metal precipitates in or on the matrix. The method for the construction of a fuel cell comprises placing a hydrated bacterial cellulose support structure in a solution of a metal salt such that the metal precipitates in or on the support structure, inserting contact wires into two pieces of the metal impregnated support structure, placing the two pieces of metal impregnated support structure on opposite sides of a layer of hydrated bacterial cellulose, and dehydrating the three layer structure to create a fuel cell. |
| US07955755B2 |
Compositions of nanometal particles containing a metal or alloy and platinum particles
Cathodes suitable for use in direct methanol fuel cells are disclosed. A cathode can comprise a composition supported on a conductive substrate, where the composition comprises: reactive nano-particles each consisting essentially of a core of metal and/or metal alloy and a shell of an oxide of the metal and/or metal alloy in the core; platinum and/or platinum alloy particles devoid of an oxide shell; and an ionomer. The metal nanoparticles can comprise one or more of palladium, chromium, manganese, nickel, iron, copper, gold, lanthanum, cerium, tin, sulfur, selenium, cobalt, silver, and alloys thereof. Direct methanol fuel cell incorporating these cathodes are also disclosed. |
| US07955745B2 |
Fuel cell system and activation method for fuel cell
A cell unit voltage is controlled such that a hydrogen production reaction is caused to occur in an oxidizer electrode, thereby allowing a current corresponding to a moving amount of protons, which is larger than a diffusion limiting current, to pass through a fuel cell. As a result, regardless of a supply amount of an oxidizer, a current larger than a limiting current of a fuel cell reaction is allowed to flow. |
| US07955744B2 |
Method for fuel cell start-up with uniform hydrogen flow
A fuel cell system is provided having a fuel cell stack including a plurality of fuel cells. The fuel cell system includes an anode supply manifold in fluid communication with the plurality of fuel cells, the anode supply manifold adapted to deliver a anode supply stream to the plurality of fuel cells; an anode exhaust manifold in fluid communication with the anodes of the plurality of fuel cells, the anode exhaust manifold adapted to receive an anode exhaust stream from the plurality of fuel cells; a first valve in fluid communication with the anode supply manifold; and a second valve in fluid communication with the anode exhaust manifold. A method of starting the fuel cell system is also provided. The fuel cell system and method militates against a non-uniform distribution of the anode supply stream to the anodes of the plurality of fuel cells. |
| US07955742B2 |
Fuel cell housing and fuel cell assemblies
A fuel cell housing comprising at least one surface configured to condense fluid from exhaust air passing over or through the surface and configured to return the condensed fluid to electrolyte of a fuel cell or fuel cell stack within the fuel cell housing is disclosed. Fuel cell assemblies comprising the fuel cell housing are also disclosed. |
| US07955741B2 |
Fuel cell, electronic device, movable body, power generation system, and congeneration system
A fuel cell which can directly extract electric power from a polysaccharide, such as starch, is provided. A fuel electrode is formed by immobilizing with an immobilizer, on an electrode comprised of, e.g., carbon, an enzyme responsible for decomposing a polysaccharide into monosaccharides, an enzyme responsible for decomposing the monosaccharide formed, a coenzyme (e.g., NAD+ or NADP+) which forms a reductant due to the oxidation reaction in the monosaccharide decomposition process, a coenzyme oxidase (e.g., diaphorase) for oxidizing the reductant of the coenzyme (e.g., NADH or NADPH), and an electron mediator (e.g., ACNQ or vitamin K3) for receiving electrons generated due to the oxidation of the coenzyme from the coenzyme oxidase and delivering the electrons to the electrode. The fuel cell comprises the fuel electrode and the air electrode that sandwich an electrolyte layer. |
| US07955737B2 |
Battery grid
A battery grid includes a frame that includes a top element, a bottom element, a first side element, and a second side element. The battery grid also includes a plurality of wires provided within the frame and defining a plurality of open areas and a current collection lug extending from the top element in a first direction. The battery grid further includes at least one feature provided in the battery grid that is configured to reduce the amount of growth of the battery grid in the first direction due to corrosion of the battery grid during the life of the battery grid. |
| US07955736B2 |
Secondary battery
A secondary battery includes: a case; an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween, the electrode assembly being arranged within the case; a cap assembly affixed to the case and adapted to seal the case, the cap assembly being electrically connected to the electrode assembly; and a pair of current collecting plates adapted to be respectively electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes. Each electrode includes an un-coated region absent an active material, the un-coated region of each electrode contacting its respective current collecting plate. Each un-coated region includes a plurality of independent regions separated from one other, the plurality of independent regions being bent and affixed to their respective current collecting plate. |
| US07955734B2 |
Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery has a positive electrode containing a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode containing a negative electrode active material, and a non-aqueous electrolyte. The positive electrode active material includes a lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide having a hexagonal layered rock-salt structure that belongs to the space group R-3m, and contains lithium in 3b sites that contain transition metals. The lithium-nickel-manganese composite oxide is represented by the molecular formula Li[LixNiyMnz]O2-a where: 0 |
| US07955731B2 |
Nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell
A nonaqueous electrolyte secondary cell includes an electrode body including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, the positive electrode and the negative electrode being arranged to oppose each other with the separator therebetween, and being rolled or stacked; a nonaqueous electrolyte solution; and an exterior package for accommodating the electrode body and the nonaqueous electrolyte solution. A polymeric support is provided between the separator and at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and the ratio (MO/MA) of the amount (MO) of the nonaqueous electrolyte solution present between the electrode body and the exterior package to the amount (MA) of the nonaqueous electrolyte solution present in the exterior package is 0.04 or less. |
| US07955725B2 |
Package for sodium-sulfur battery
Provided is a package for sodium-sulfur batteries in which the inner temperature can be suitably controlled even when it is installed in the place where temperatures and direction of wind change violently. Specifically, there is provided a package 101 for sodium-sulfur batteries in which air guiding plates 106a, 106b are provided being inclined obliquely and downwardly toward wall faces 109a, 109b between bottom surfaces of module batteries 4a, 4b and wall faces 109a, 109b, and in addition, flow rectifying plates 107a, 107b are provided being inclined obliquely and upwardly toward space 8 from the upper surface of module batteries 4a, 4b. |
| US07955722B2 |
Protective alumina film and production method thereof
Provided is a protective alumina film mainly containing alumina in the α-crystal structure and fine crystal grains in which one or more regions containing additionally an element other than aluminum formed along the planes in the direction almost perpendicular to the thickness direction of the protective film are present intermittently in the thickness direction inside the protective film. |
| US07955720B2 |
Polymer comprising phenyl pyridine units
The invention relates to a polymer comprising structural unit of formula II: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6 and R7 are independently at each occurrence a C1-C20 aliphatic radical, a C3-C20 aromatic radical, or a C3-C20 cycloaliphatic radical; a, b, d, e and f are independently at each occurrence 0, or an integer ranging from 1 to 4; c and g are independently at each occurrence 0, or an integer ranging from 1 to 3. In another aspect, the invention relates to monomers for preparing the polymers. In yet another aspect, the invention relates to an optical electronic device comprising a polymer comprising structural unit of formula II. |
| US07955713B2 |
Laminate of metal sheets and polymer
The invention relates to a laminate of metal sheets and fiber-reinforced polymer layers connected thereto. The laminate comprises at least one thick metal sheet with a thickness of at least 1 mm that is connected to the rest of the laminate by means of at least one fiber-reinforced polymer layer, the fiber volume content of which is at most 45 volume-%. The invention also relates to a method for producing the laminate as well as skin sheets reinforced with the laminate for an aircraft or spacecraft. |
| US07955712B2 |
Semifinished product made of a composite material and method for producing a semifinished product from a composite material
A semifinished product of composite material consists of a metallic matrix material and high tensile strength fibers embedded in the matrix material, whereby the metallic matrix material is formed of titanium or a titanium based alloy. Ceramic particles are encased or embedded in the matrix material for increasing the strength of the semifinished product with respect to torsional loading or transverse loading. The product is produced by a method in which the fibers are coated with the matrix material, ceramic particles are embedded in the matrix material coating the fibers, and then the thusly coated fibers are arranged in a desired geometry and are consolidated to form the product. |
| US07955710B2 |
Ultrasonic bonding of dissimilar materials
Ultrasonically bonded laminated absorbent products comprising a first substrate, a second substrate, and an adhesive composition are disclosed. The first and second substrates are dissimilar or non-bondable materials. The adhesive composition comprises a mixture of atactic and isotactic polymers such that it has melt and flow characteristics similar to those of the materials. |
| US07955707B2 |
High purity ceramic abradable coatings
The invention is directed to a material and method for obtaining a ceramic abradable system for high temperature applications. High purity partially stabilized zirconia and/or hafnia base material has higher sintering resistance compared to conventional 6-9 weight percent yttria stabilized zirconia systems. The benefits of these systems are higher service lifetime and low thermal conductivity to achieve high operating temperatures. System includes a superalloy substrate, oxidation resistant bond coat and a thick ceramic abradable top coat. Total coating thickness is about 0.5-5 mm. In some applications an intermediate layer of high purity partially stabilized zirconia or a partially stabilized YSZ/MCrAlY cermet is applied over the oxidation resistant bond coat. In other applications an abradable system is applied on top of a grid. Additional benefits should be reduced blade wear at high operating conditions. |
| US07955705B2 |
Electronic device substrate, method for manufacturing substrate, compound used for substrate, method for manufacturing compound and polymerization initiator including compound
An electronic device substrate includes a substrate having at least one of a metal and a metal oxide on a surface thereof and an underlying layer having a compound expressed by a following general formula (1): wherein X presents one of a hydrogen atom and a protecting group; Y1 represents one of an oxygen atom, an alkylene group and —N(R1)—, in which R1 represents an alkyl group; Z1 represents a polymerization initiating group; n1 represents an integer from 1 to 4; and m1 represents an integer from 1 to 15. |
| US07955700B2 |
Gas-barrier laminate film and method for producing same, and image display device
A method for producing a gas-barrier laminate film comprising at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer on a substrate film, which comprises forming the organic layer by polymerizing a monomer composition comprising an acrylate monomer having a phosphate ester group, a monomer having a phosphate ester group or their mixture. The produced gas-barrier laminate film maintains its excellent gas-barrier property even when folded. |
| US07955694B2 |
Strain tolerant coating for environmental protection
A corrosion resistant coating system having a first coating and a second coating. The first coating includes a matrix and corrosion resistant particles. The matrix is preferably a matrix material selected from the group consisting of silica, silicone, phosphate, chromate, and combinations thereof. The corrosion resistant particles are uniformly distributed within the matrix and provide the coating a predetermined coefficient of thermal expansion. The particles provide the first coating with corrosion resistance. The second coating is disposed on at least a portion of the first coating. The second coating includes an organic material capable of sufficiently sealing the pores of the first coating to reduce or eliminate infiltration of contaminant material, and is capable of being removed by exposure elevated temperatures. |
| US07955691B2 |
Hard amorphous carbon film
An amorphous hard carbon film comprising a first amorphous carbon layer substantially consists only of carbon formed on a substrate surface and a second amorphous carbon layer substantially consists only of carbon formed on the surface of the first amorphous carbon layer, wherein the transmission electron microscope image of the first amorphous carbon layer is brighter than that of the second amorphous carbon layer when the cross section is observed. |
| US07955689B2 |
Resin coated metal foil, metal clad laminate, printed wiring board using them, and manufacturing method thereof
The present invention provides a metal clad laminate or a resin coated metal foil having a metal foil whose both surfaces are not substantially roughening-treated and an insulating resin composition layer using generally used insulating resin, and a printed wiring board and a manufacturing method thereof, in which the metal clad laminate or the resin coated metal foil is used, the reliability and circuit formability are high, and the conductor loss is extremely low. |
| US07955686B2 |
UV resistant multilayered cellular confinement system
The present disclosure generally relates to a polymeric cellular confinement system which can be filled with soil, concrete, aggregate, earth materials, and the like. More specifically, the present disclosure concerns a cellular confinement system characterized by improved durability against damage generated by UV light, humidity, and aggressive soils, or combinations thereof. |
| US07955684B2 |
Adaptive membrane structure with insertable protrusions
The present invention relates to a multilayer protective enclosure for protecting humans, animals or perishables from hazardous agents in the environment. The enclosure contains a porous adaptive membrane structure that has movable membranes with insertable protrusions. The structure can be made to change its gas, liquid or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. Hence, the enclosure is highly breathable in a non-hazardous environment but impermeable or only semipermeable in a hazardous environment. |
| US07955683B1 |
Magnetic anchoring towel system
A towel has parallel first and second side edges and parallel first and second end edges. The towel has a top surface and an under surface. A first patch with stitching couples the first patch to the under surface of the tower adjacent to the first side edge and to the first end edge. In this manner a first pocket is formed. A magnet is positioned within the first pocket. A second patch with stitching couples the second patch to the under surface of the tower adjacent to the second side edge and to the first end edge. In this manner a second pocket is formed. A disc with ferro magnetic properties is positioned within the second pocket. |
| US07955678B2 |
Heat-activated pressure-sensitive labels
A linerless pressure-sensitive label uses a heat-activated, non-tacky dead coat to cover a pressure sensitive substratum. Upon heat activation, the dead coat melts and admixes with an underlying pressure-sensitive adhesive substratum thereby resulting in an exposed pressure-sensitive adhesive. The label can then be applied to packaging or an end product by pressing the adhesive side of the label to the packaging or end product similar to a conventional pressure-sensitive label, however, no silicone-coated release liner is required. The elimination of the silicone-coated release liner results in lower material costs, lower shipping costs and less waste. |
| US07955676B2 |
Medical tubes
Medical tubes are well balanced in transparency, flexibility, heat resistance, scratch resistance and rubber elasticity.The medical tubes including a propylene polymer composition (A) that contains a polymer with propylene units, at least part of the polymer having an isotactic structure and the total of the propylene units of the polymer being in an amount of 65 to 82 mol % (the total of the structural units of the polymer in the composition is 100 mol %), and that satisfies the following (a1), (a2) and (b1): (a1) the modulus in tension is in the range of 5 to 25 MPa as determined in accordance with JIS K 6301; (a2) the penetration temperature is 120° C. or above as determined in accordance with JIS K 7196; and (b1) when a tube being made of the composition (A) and having an inner diameter of 2.1 mm, an outer diameter of 3.5 mm and a length of 20 cm is looped by inserting both ends thereof into a hollow jig having a hole 10 mm in diameter and 5 mm in height and, then, the both ends of the tube are pulled down until a kink occurs in the loop, the distance H from the upper surface of the jig to the upper end of the loop is not more than 60 mm. |
| US07955675B2 |
Weld joint for fuel tank
A weld joint has a weld portion for being welded and bonded to a rim portion around an opening of a resin fuel tank. The weld portion is made of a resin alloy material that is obtained by alloying EVOH or PA with a modified HDPE. A highly-weldable layer is provided in an extremity portion of the weld portion throughout an entire circumference of the weld portion. The highly-weldable layer is made of HDPE and/or a modified HDPE having good weldability to the resin fuel tank. An extremity end surface of the highly-weldable layer serves as a weld surface for welding the weld portion to the resin fuel tank. |
| US07955674B2 |
Transparent polymer blends containing polyesters comprising a cyclobutanediol and articles prepared therefrom
Disclosed are polymer compositions having high transparency and low haze comprising immiscible blends of at least one polyester comprising 2,2,4,4-tetramethyl-1,3-cyclobutanediol, and a copolyamide or a transamidized, homogeneous blend of a least two polyamides. The components of the immiscible blend have refractive indices which differ by about 0.006 to about −0.0006. The small difference in the refractive indices enable the incorporation of regrind into the polymer composition to produce transparent shaped articles. The blends of the present invention are useful in producing shaped articles such as, for example, sheeting, films, tubes, bottles, preforms and profiles. These articles may have one or more layers and can exhibit improved excellent barrier properties and good melt processability while retaining excellent mechanical properties. Metal catalysts can be incorporated into the compositions to produce oxygen-scavenging compositions. |
| US07955672B2 |
Permeation-inhibiting members and multi-layer containers made by using the same
A permeation-preventive member and a multilayered container for fuel tank employing the permeation-preventive member, the permeation-preventive member is for preventing a permeation of hydrocarbon compound by fusion-bonding the member to a discontinuous part of the permeation-preventive layer in a multilayered container for fuel tank which comprises an inner polyolefin resin layer, an outer polyolefin resin layer and a permeation-preventive layer as an interlayer, wherein the permeation-preventive member comprises a metal sheet or foil and an adhesive resin layer comprising a modified polyolefin that satisfies the following requirements (a) to (e): (a) the melt flow rate as measured at a temperature of 190° C. under a load of 2.16 kg is 0.1-100 g/10 min; (b) the density is 0.910-0.965 g/cm3; (c) the initial adhesive strength to the metal sheet or foil is 0.1 kg/10 mm or higher; (d) the adhesive strength to the metal sheet or foil as measured after 2,500-hour immersion at 65° C. in a mixed solvent composed of 45 parts by volume of 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, 45 parts by volume of toluene, and 10 parts by volume of ethyl alcohol is 0.1 kg/10 mm or higher; and (e) the proportion of the adhesive strength (d) to the initial adhesive strength (c) is 50% or higher. |
| US07955669B2 |
Ink jet recording medium and ink jet recording method
An ink jet recording medium comprising a substrate and an ink receiving layer which is provided on at least one surface of the substrate and contains inorganic fine particles having an average secondary particle size of 1-4 μm as measured by a Coulter counter method in an amount of 0.2-2.0 g/m2 in terms of solid content mass. The ink receiving layer satisfies the following conditions with respect to a pore distribution curve as determined by a nitrogen adsorption method: (1) total pore volume in a pore size range of 10-30 nm is 0.25 ml/g or more, (2) total pore volume in a pore size range of 30-70 nm is 0.1 ml/g or more, and (3) volume ratio of the total pore volume in the pore size range of 10-30 nm to the total pore volume in the pore size range of 30-70 nm is from 1:0.4 to 1:1. |
| US07955668B2 |
Media sheet
An embodiment of a media sheet has a barrier layer formed on a first surface of a substrate. An image-receiving layer is formed on the barrier layer. A porous pigment layer is formed on a second surface of the substrate. |
| US07955666B2 |
Cellulose acylate film and method for producing same, and retardation film, polarizing plate and liquid crystal display device comprising the film
A Cellulose acylate film, in which X-ray diffraction intensity satisfies following formulae and a half-value width of the peak at 2θ2 is 3° or less: 0.40≦Ic/(Iam+Ic)≦0.85; Iam=I1+{(I3−I1)/(2θ3−2θ1)×(2θ2−2θ1)}; and Ic=I2−Iam, wherein when it is assumed that θ is the Bragg angle, 2θ1 and 2θ3 indicate 2θ at which the intensity becomes the minimum in the 2θ range of 4° to 5° and 14° to 16°, respectively, 2θ2 indicates 2θ at which the intensity becomes the maximum in the 2θ range of 5° to 10°, and I1, I2 and I3 indicate a diffractive intensity at 2θ1, 2θ2 and 2θ3, respectively. |
| US07955665B2 |
Photoalignment film composition, optically anisotropic medium and method for preparing thereof
The present invention provides a photoalignment film composition containing a compound represented by general formula (1) and a compound having a hydrophilic group and a (meth)acryloyloxy group, an optically anisotropic medium using a photoalignment film comprised of the photoalignment film composition, and a method for preparing thereof: (wherein, R1 and R2 respectively and independently represent a hydrogen atom, halogen atom, carboxyl group or alkali metal salt thereof, halogenated methyl group, halogenated methoxy group, cyano group, nitro group, —OR5, hydroxylalkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, —CONR6R7 or methoxycarbonyl group, and R3 and R4 respectively and independently represent a carboxyl group or alkali metal salt thereof, sulfo group or alkali metal salt thereof, nitro group, amino group, carbamoyl group, alkoxycarbonyl group, sulfamoyl group or hydroxyl group). |
| US07955662B2 |
Optical multilayer reflective film, and aligned metal particle film and manufacturing process therefor
An aligned metal-particle film, in which metal particles are aligned in a polymer as a layer with a certain interval in parallel with a substrate is disclosed. The aligned metal-particle film is manufactured by forming a polymer film containing a metal component on a reflecting substrate; and irradiating the polymer film with light at a particular wavelength, whereby metal particles are aligned in parallel with the substrate in the polymer. |
| US07955654B2 |
Method of preparation of a MWCNT/polymer composite having electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness
A method of preparing carbon nanotube/polymer composite having electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness is disclosed, which includes: dispersing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) in an organic solvent such as N,N-Dimethylacetamide (DMAc); dissolving monomers such as methyl methacrylate (MMA) and an initiator such as 2,2-azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) in the MWCNT dispersion; and polymerizing the monomers in the resulting mixture at an elevated temperature such as 120° C. to form a MWCNT/PMMA composite. The composite is coated onto a PET film, and the coated PET film alone or a stack of multiple coated PET films can be applied as an EMI shielding material. |
| US07955649B2 |
Forming thin films using a resealable vial carrier of amphiphilic molecules
A method of forming a thin film of amphiphilic molecules on a substrate by using a resealable vial carrier is provided. The method includes placing the substrate in a vacuum chamber. A resealable cap member of the vial carrier is opened. The vial carrier may contain a liquid or solid amphiphilic material. The open vial carrier is placed within the chamber. The chamber is sealed and a pressure from about 2×10+2 to 5×10−6 torr is applied to the chamber. The vial carrier is heated to a temperature between 100-350° C. The amphiphilic material is vaporized in the chamber. A thin film of amphiphilic molecules is formed on the substrate. The chamber is opened and the substrate having the thin film of amphiphilic molecules thereon is removed. The resealable vial carrier includes a temperature resilient vial carrier and a resealable member selectively disposed about an opening of the vial carrier. The vial carrier contains a heat vaporizable amphiphilic material for direct use in forming a thin film coating on a substrate in a vacuum chamber. |
| US07955647B2 |
Method for manufacturing film or piezoelectric film
A simple method is provided for manufacturing a film such as a piezoelectric film wherein the adhesiveness of the film on a substrate can be improved. An aerosol containing particles is ejected onto a substrate so that the particles adhere thereto, wherein the ratio between the Vickers hardness Hv(b) of the adhesion surface to which the particles are attached in the substrate, and the Vickers hardness Hv(p) of the particles is within a range of 0.39≦Hv(p)/Hv(b)≦3.08. The adhesiveness between the particles and the substrate can thereby be improved to reliably form a film. The present invention can be satisfactorily applied to the formation of a piezoelectric film. |
| US07955643B2 |
Method and device for the continuous coating of cores by means of a dragée-making apparatus
Continuously coating cores by a dragee-making apparatus including at least one rotatably driven drum in which the product is coated with one or several coating materials or is subjected to other treatment processes. The charge of the product to be processed divided into small individual charges at the inlet end of the drum is conveyed through the drum in a clocked manner and treated in individual treatment chambers separated from each other. The longitudinal conveyor that conveys the individual charges through the drum embodies the individual treatment chambers in connection with the inner wall of the drum. The products to be treated constantly rotate in the revolving drum without being conveyed in the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal conveyor located in the drum conveying the product from one treatment station to the next as required. A passage is formed from one chamber to the adjacent, other chamber if necessary. |
| US07955640B2 |
Laminated drug-polymer coated stent having dipped layers
The present invention provides a method of applying a drug-polymer coating on a stent. A stent framework is dipped into a first polymeric solution including a first polymer, a first therapeutic agent, and a first solvent. The polymeric solution is dried to form a thin drug-polymer layer on the stent framework. The stent framework with the thin drug-polymer layer, which is insoluble in the second polymeric solution, is dipped into a second polymeric solution including a second polymer and a second solvent and is dried to form a thin barrier layer on the thin drug-polymer layer. The steps of dipping the stent framework into the first polymeric solution, drying the first polymeric solution, dipping the stent framework into the second polymeric solution, and drying the second polymeric solution are repeated until a target drug-polymer coating thickness is disposed on the stent framework. |
| US07955637B2 |
Anti-microbial electrosurgical electrode and method of manufacturing same
An electrosurgical device including a reinforcing underlayment having a non-stick, anti-microbial coating. In one embodiment, the coating includes a non-stick material having anti-microbial particles interspersed in the non-stick material. This coating is applied to the surfaces of the electrode to minimize the build-up of charred tissue on the surfaces of the electrode. Also, the coating tends to kill harmful organisms residing on the surfaces of the electrode. In another embodiment, a primer coating is initially applied to the surfaces of the electrode. A plurality of anti-microbial particles are then applied to the primer coating layer and engage and are embedded in the primer coating layer. A top coat including a non-stick material is applied to the anti-microbial particle layer. In either embodiment, the coating layers applied to the surfaces of the electrode are cured to harden and adhere the layers to the electrode. |
| US07955635B2 |
Process for reducing the lime consumption in sugar beet juice purification
The present invention relates to an improved process for extract purification of sugar beet raw juice, especially for reduction of lime consumption during the purification of sugar beet raw juice, to a process for producing a nutrient-rich non-sucrose concentrate from sugar beet raw juice, to the non-sucrose substance concentrate thus produced, to uses of the non-sucrose substance concentrate and to an apparatus for preliming sugar beet raw juice and/or for obtaining the non-sucrose substance concentrate. |
| US07955626B2 |
Method for enhancing the DNA repair process, treating disorders associated with the DNA repair process, enhancing antitumor response and treating disorders associated with anti-tumor response in mammals by administering purified quinic acid and/or carboxy alkyl ester
For use in mammals, methods for enhancing the DNA repair process, treating disorders associated with the DNA repair process, enhancing anti-tumor response and treating disorders associated with anti-tumor response. The methods generally comprise non-topical administration of purified, isolated quinic acid alkyl acid or a carboxy alkyl ester with a non-toxic carrier or diluent. |
| US07955624B2 |
Compositions and methods for increasing adipose metabolism, lipolysis or lipolytic metabolism via thermogenesis
A composition and method for promoting weight loss through the mutual and simultaneously to promotion lipolysis, the expenditure of energy stored in the body as fat, the inhibition of lipolysis as well as affording the body of an individual protection from reactive oxygen species resulting from the β-oxidation of fats. The composition comprises at least a lipolytic substance, a thermogenic substance, a substance to inhibit the reformation of triglycerides in the bodily tissues of an individual and an antioxidant. |
| US07955623B2 |
Pharmaceutical preparations for treating inflammatory diseases
The present invention refers to a pharmaceutical preparation for treating inflammatory diseases and microbial infections comprising a pharmaceutically effective amount of ozone and at least one monomeric amino acid having an oxidation-sensitive side chain, or at least one ozonized monomeric amino acid having an oxidation-sensitive side chain.Also described is the use of a preparation as described before for providing a medicament for treating inflammatory diseases, microbial infections and for immune modulation. The pharmaceutical preparation according to the invention is particularly useful in the treatment of oral inflammations. |
| US07955618B2 |
Composition for treatment of inflammatory disorders
A pharmaceutical composition for parenteral administration, comprising liposomes composed of non-charged vesicle-forming lipids, including up to 20 mole percent of an amphipathic vesicle-forming lipid derivatized with polyethyleneglycol, and optionally including not more than 10 mole percent of negatively charged vesicle-forming lipids, the liposomes having a selected mean particle diameter in the size range between about 40-200 nm and containing a water soluble corticosteroid for the site-specific treatment of inflammatory disorders, is provided. |
| US07955617B2 |
Traumatic brain injury biomarker diagnostic
Blast Induced Traumatic Brain Injury or bTBI needs objective and subjective testing that can be made quickly in the field. Subjective tests using shapes, textures, tastes and odors as disposable, edible candies on a stick may be carried in a field kit. An objective test that employs a similar candy on a stick bearing antibodies bound to bioluminescent marker reads whether molecules believed to be released into the mouth from an injured brain are present if they bind to the specific antibody which may then be read. |
| US07955614B2 |
Microfabricated nanopore device for sustained release of therapeutic agent
A drug delivery device that includes a capsule for implantation into the body; the capsule further includes a reservoir for containing a substance such as a therapeutic agent, at least one port for allowing the substance to diffuse from or otherwise exit the reservoir, and a nanopore membrane in communication with the capsule at or near the exit port for controlling the rate of diffusion of the substance from the exit port. The device also includes an optional screen for providing structural stability to the nanopore membrane and for keeping the pores of the nanopore membrane clear. One embodiment of the drug delivery device includes an osmotic engine internal to the device for creating fluid flow through the device. |
| US07955612B1 |
Intraluminal device, coating for such device, and method for preparing said device
Disclosed is an intraluminal device, suitable for implantation in a body. The intraluminal device is provided with a coating which comprises: 50-97% heparan sulfate; 1-20% laminin; 0.2-15% type IV collagen. Furthermore a coating is disclosed, which coating is suitable for the above mentioned device, as well as a method for preparing such device, comprising the steps of: providing a intraluminal device for implantation in a body; preparing a composition, comprising, in about 50 mg/ml solvent: 50-97% heparan sulfate; 1-20% laminin; 0.2-15% type IV collagen; the solvent being a suitable buffer or water; dipping the intraluminal device in the composition; and drying the dipped intraluminal device. |
| US07955607B2 |
Method of evaluating evenness of suplatast tosilate crystal, even crystal, and process for producing the same
Provided are a method for evaluating evenness of suplatast tosilate crystals; stable suplatast tosilate crystals exhibiting evenness in optical purity; and a method for producing the suplatast tosilate crystals.The method for evaluating evenness of suplatast tosilate crystals includes: (a) a step of adding a solvent to suplatast tosilate crystals to thereby dissolve 3% or less of the crystals in the solvent, and subjecting a portion of the supernatant of the resultant suspension to optical purity measurement, and (b) a step of adding a solvent to the remaining suspension to thereby dissolve the entirety of the suspension in the solvent, and subjecting a portion of the resultant solution to optical purity measurement, wherein the optical purity as measured in the step (a) is compared with the optical purity as measured in the step (b). The suplatast tosilate crystals exhibits excellent evenness and thermal stability. The method for producing the suplatast tosilate crystals is also provided. |
| US07955606B2 |
Aqueous systems containing polyamine, surfactant and phosphate ester for water-insoluble materials
The present invention is drawn to a aqueous composition containing: (a) at least one polyamine compound having at least three amino groups; (b) at least one nonionic surfactant; (c) at least one phosphate ester chosen from alkoxylated alkyl phosphate esters and alkyl phosphate esters; and (d) at least one water-insoluble material, and wherein the composition is both homogeneous, and clear to substantially clear in appearance. |
| US07955601B2 |
Immunogenic agents against Burkholderia psudomallei and/or Burkholderia mallei, comprising lipopolysaccharide, capsular polysaccharide and/or proteins from Burkholderia pseudomallei
An immunogenic agent which comprises a killed strain of Burkholderia pseudomallei, or a combination of components thereof which combination produces a protective immune response in an animal to whom it is administered, and which comprises at least two members selected from the group consisting of (i) a lipopolysaccharide of Burkholderia pseudomallei, (ii) a capsular polysaccharide of Burkholderia pseudomallei and (iii) a protein of Burkholderia pseudomallei or an immunogenic variant thereof or an immunogenic fragment of either of these, or a nucleic acid which expresses said protein, immunogenic variant or immunogenic fragment thereof in a host animal; for use in the prevention or treatment of infection by Burkholderia pseudomallei and/or Burkholderia mallei. |
| US07955599B2 |
Human cytomegalovirus neutralizing antibodies and use thereof
The invention relates to neutralising antibodies which are specific for human cytomegalovirus and bind with high affinity as well as immortalised B cells that produce such antibodies. The invention also relates to the epitopes that the antibodies bind to as well as the use of the antibodies and the epitopes in screening methods as well as the diagnosis and therapy of disease. |
| US07955595B2 |
Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) based delivery system
The invention provide methods and compositions for localized delivery of a vector comprising a therapeutic agent to a specific region of the brain that is overstimulated in neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, the invention provides methods and compositions used to deliver an adeno-associated virus vector (AAV) comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) to cells in the hippocampus, subthalamic nucleus of the basal ganglia, mesaphilia and thalamus. |
| US07955594B2 |
Polymers with structure-defined functions
An alternating copolymer comprising a backbone of residues of a maleic anhydride derivative and those of a compound containing vinylic unsaturation, which also comprises residues of an active compound containing a nucleophilic group, bound to the backbone by a residue of the nucleophilic group, including such copolymer comprising residues of an active compound containing alcohol, thiol or amine group. The chemical and biological propertieis of actives, such as protease inhibitors, neurotransmitter drugs, and other small molecule active drugs, are enhanced, and new applications enabled. Also, artefacts, including a solid medical implant device, dressing or scaffold or a fluid adhesive or medicinal composition comprising such a polymer, and a method of use of such polymer, including a method for the treatment or prophylaxis of wounds |
| US07955593B2 |
Method and composition for reducing malodor in permanently waved hair
A method and composition treatment is used to reduce post permanent odor in permed or waved hair. The malodor in permed hair is reduced by applying a leave-in aqueous treatment of pH 2.5-4.5 containing, hydrolyzed vegetable protein, polyquaternium-7, dimethicone and fragrance containing at least four components with water/octanol partition coefficient Log Kow or log P of 3-4.5. The post permanent odor in hair is reduced by (1) minimizing any reactions of hair with residual chemical compounds in hair after the perming process or after the oxidation step and (2) lessen or suppress any odoriferous compounds by decreasing their vapor pressure and (3) depositing in hair long lasting fragrance components to mask or change the malodor to be more pleasant. |
| US07955592B2 |
Selective separation of heavy metal ion using metal ion imprinted polymer (MIIP)
The present invention relates to a process for preparing a metal ion imprinted polymer which can selectively separate heavy metal ions, comprising: (a) reacting a metal salt and a monomer to make a monomer containing a metal ion group; (b) mixing the monomer containing the metal ion group, a cross-linker and an initiator in a solvent; (c) suspension polymerizing or emulsion polymerizing the obtained mixture to obtain a metal ion imprinted polymer containing a metal ion; and (d) removing the imprinted metal ion from said metal ion imprinted polymer. |
| US07955589B2 |
Composition and method for improved aluminum hydroxide production
An improved method and composition for producing aluminum hydroxide crystals in a Bayer process pregnant liquor, involve the addition of a crystallization modifier comprising a C8-C10 fatty acid, precursors, salts or blends thereof. The alkyl chain of the fatty acid crystallization modifier is free of functional groups. The modifier yields a commercially in the presence and absence of an hydrocarbon oil which dissolves the fatty acid. |
| US07955586B2 |
Synthesis of I-III-V12 nanoparticles and fabrication of polycrystalline absorber layers
A method for preparing III-VI2 nanoparticles and a thin film of polycrystalline light absorber layers. The method for preparing I-III-VI2 nanoparticles comprises the steps of: (a1) preparing a mixed solution by mixing each element from groups I, III and VI in the periodic table with a solvent; (a2) sonicating the mixed solution; (a3) separating the solvent from the sonicated mixed solution; and (a4) drying the product resulted from the above step (a3) to obtain nanoparticles. |
| US07955584B2 |
Method of production of charcoal, conditioned fuel gas and potassium from biomass
The invention provides a process for the production of charcoal, fuel gas, and potassium from a biomass gassifier. |
| US07955580B2 |
Isotopically-enriched boranes and methods of preparing them
The invention provides new methods for synthesis of large boron hydride clusters e.g., boron hydride molecules of the formula BnHm where 5≦n≦96 and m≦n+8, wherein m and n satisfy the electron counting rules of macropolyhedral boranes. The invention is particularly useful for synthesis of octadecaborane (B18H22). Preferred methods of the invention include iteratively generating a conjugate acid from a salt of the [BaHb]c− or [Bn+2Hm−4]2− anion followed by degradation under conditions conducive to concentrating and drying of the conjugate acid to provide a borane BnHm and residual salt of the [BaHb]c− or [Bn+2Hm−4]2− anion which is reused in the method of synthesis. The invention further provides isotopically enriched boranes, particularly isotopically enriched 10B18H22 and 11B18H22. |
| US07955579B2 |
Boron suboxide composite material
A boron suboxide composite material having improved fracture toughness consists of particulate or granular boron suboxide distributed in a binder phrase, such as AlxByOz, for example. |
| US07955578B2 |
Method and apparatus for treating gas containing flourine-containing compounds
To provide a method and apparatus for treating a waste gas containing fluorine-containing compounds, according to which PFCs can be decomposed efficiently even at low temperature, and moreover fluorine from the product of the decomposition can be recovered for reuse efficiently. An embodiment of the present invention relates to a method of treating a gas containing a fluorine-containing compound, comprising contacting the gas with a treatment agent comprising a mixture of aluminum hydroxide and calcium hydroxide. Moreover, another embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus for treating a gas containing a fluorine-containing compound, comprising a treatment column comprising a hollow interior that is packed with a treatment agent comprising a mixture of aluminum hydroxide and calcium hydroxide and through which the gas can pass, heating means capable of heating the hollow interior to a prescribed temperature, a gas introduction port for introducing the gas to be treated into the hollow interior, and an exhaust pipe for discharging gas produced from the hollow interior. |
| US07955577B2 |
Reducing mercury emissions from the burning of coal
Sorbent components containing calcium, alumina, and silica are used in combination during coal combustion to produce environmental benefits. Sorbents are added to the coal ahead of combustion and/or are added into the flame or downstream of the flame, preferably at minimum temperatures to assure complete formation of the refractory structures that result in various advantages of the methods. When used together, the components reduce emissions of elemental and oxidized mercury; increase the level of Hg, As, Pb, and/or Cl in the coal ash; decrease the levels of leachable heavy metals (such as Hg) in the ash, preferably to levels below the detectable limits; and make a highly cementitious ash product. |
| US07955575B2 |
Microfluidic surfaces
A microfluidic device comprising a set of one or more, preferably more than 5, covered microchannel structures manufactured in the surface of a planar substrate. The device is characterized in that a part surface of at least one of the microchannel structures has a coat exposing a non-ionic hydrophilic polymer. The non-ionic hydrophilic polymer is preferably attached covalently directly to the part surface or to a polymer skeleton that is attached to the surface. |
| US07955573B2 |
Low-mass sample block with rapid response to temperature change
A sample block for use in the polymerase chain reaction, DNA sequencing, and other procedures that involve the performance of simultaneous reactions in multiple samples with temperature control by heating or cooling elements contacting the bottom surface of the block is improved by the inclusion of hollows in the block that are positioned to decrease the mass of the block in the immediate vicinity of the wells. |
| US07955572B2 |
Sample collection and testing device with swing arm
A sample collection and testing device comprising: An elongate housing (1) having a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis; an analytical element (4) retained in the housing; a sample collector assembly extending from the first end of the housing and comprising a sample collector (24) in fluid communication with the analytical element (4); a swing arm (2) attached to the housing by a pivot fitting (44), said swing arm having proximal and distal ends; and a cap (40) at the distal end of the swing arm (2); wherein the device comprises a slide to allow limited linear movement of the cap (40) substantially along the longitudinal axis of the housing (1), and wherein the pivot fitting (44) allows the swing arm to rotate about a pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the said longitudinal axis, whereby the swing arm (2) is movable between a sample collection configuration in which the cap (40) is remote from the sample collector (24) and a sample analysis configuration in which the cap (40) encloses the sample collector (24). |
| US07955570B2 |
Low pressure drop, highly active catalyst systems using catalytically active gold
Highly active, low pressure drop catalyst systems. Catalytically active material is provided on at least a portion of the channel sidewalls of a body comprising one or more flow-through channels. The channel sidewalls preferably bear a charge, e.g., an electrostatic or electret charge, to help adhere the catalytically active material to the sidewall. The catalytically active material preferably includes gold provided on a particulate support, and PVD techniques are used to deposit catalytically active gold onto the support. Optionally, the gold-bearing particulates may be charged as well in a manner to facilitate attraction between the particulates and the sidewalls. |
| US07955562B2 |
Chemical sensor using thin-film sensing member
Provided is a chemical sensor that may include a first electrode on a substrate, a sensing member covering the first electrode on the substrate, and a plurality of second electrodes on a surface of the sensing member exposing the surface of the sensing member. The chemical sensor may be configured to measure the change in electrical characteristics when a compound to be sensed is adsorbed on the sensing member. Provided also is a chemical sensor array including an array of chemical sensors. |
| US07955558B2 |
Device for testing a fluid
A device for testing a fluid including an elongated carrier; two foam members for absorbing the fluid, which are arranged at an end of the carrier; a positioning member having a sleeve which is slidably arranged on the carrier; and a diagnostic device, which is arranged in the positioning member having a sensor die adapted to detecting at least one property of the fluid and means for supplying the fluid to a sensor surface of the sensor die. After the fluid has been supplied to the foam members, the positioning member is moved towards the end of the carrier where the foam members are located. When the diagnostic device comes into contact with one of the foam members, the fluid is squeezed from the foam member and supplied to the sensor surface of the sensor die through the fluid supplying means of the diagnostic device. |
| US07955557B2 |
Automatic analyzer
Multiple piezoelectric elements 35 are arranged in a row along the top of liquid level in the reaction vessel 11. An ultrasonic reflecting material 38 is installed on the bottom of the portion of the heat insulating bath 12 where heat insulating medium 13 is stored. A lateral ultrasonic wave 9b is generated on the lower side is generated by actuation of the piezoelectric element 35. Wave 9b is reflected by the ultrasonic reflecting material 38. As a lower ultrasonic wave 8 advances along the wall surface of the reaction vessel, it collides with the specimen liquid level, thereby causing a portion of the liquid level closer to the piezoelectric element 35 to be raised. When the lateral ultrasonic wave 9a is applied to this portion, it reaches the inclined portion of the raised liquid level of the specimen. Swirling flow by agitation 36 is produced by the acoustic radiation pressure of the ultrasonic wave. The specimen and reagent are mixed and agitated by this swirling flow. |
| US07955555B2 |
System and method for multi-analyte detection
The present invention provides a system and method for the simultaneous detection of multiple analytes in a sample. The detection system includes a housing that holds a reagent carousel rotatably coupled thereto. Further included in the housing is an incubator carousel rotatably coupled thereto. The housing also includes magnetic material that is associated with the incubation carousel for assisting in separation beads from reagent and wash solution. A robot, associated with the housing is configured to manipulate at least either the reagent carousel or the incubator carousel and transfer materials therebetween. Reaction vessels hold samples and reaction vessels handlers move the reaction vessels. Sample analysis is determined by at least one laser based detector. |
| US07955553B2 |
Cooling water corrosion inhibition method
A method of providing corrosion inhibition to copper, nickel, aluminum, zinc, tin, lead, beryllium, carbon steel, various alloys of such metals, and galvanized coatings in evaporative cooling water applications approaching zero liquid discharge that are specifically attacked by cooling water with residuals of corrosive chemistry or ions such as ammonia/ammonium ion, chloride, high TDS, OH−, or high pH. The method includes applying azoles inhibitors (such as TTA, BTA, etc.) at residuals of 0.25 mg/L to 200 mg/L or greater (as azoles) to the cooling water application and operating with a combination of high TDS (greater than 2500 mg/L) and high pH (greater than 9.0), while maintaining low total hardness (less than 200 mg/L as CaCO3). |
| US07955552B1 |
Car freshener system and associated method
A car freshener system includes a portable reservoir seated within the vehicle, a predetermined volume of a liquid air freshening compound housed within the reservoir, and a portable discharge casing disposed within the vehicle with a rotary discharging mechanism housed therein. The discharge casing includes an input port and an output port in fluid communication with the reservoir in such a manner that the liquid air freshening compound is caused to enter through the input port and travels along a unidirectional arcuate path defined along a major interior circumference of the discharge casing prior to exiting through the output port. |
| US07955547B2 |
Method and device for forming articles from foaming polymers by using microwave radiation
The inventive method for forming articles from foaming polymers and compositions based thereon consists in forming articles using a heat energy released by water exposed to the action of microwave radiation al n temperature equal to or less than 170° C., wherein said temperature is attained, controlled and limited by adjusting a vapor pressure in a forming chamber. The inventive device for carrying out said method comprises a forming chamber, which is made of a microwave transparent material, filled with the mixture of prefoamed or granulated foaming polymer or a composition based thereon with water and is placed in a microwave radiation producing channel, and a unit for equalizing a pressure in said forming chamber. The forming chamber and the body thereof made of a microwave non-transparent material are provided with air holes, which are also used for connecting the forming chamber to the pressure equalizing unit. |
| US07955546B2 |
Forming die and method for manufacturing formed body using forming die
In the assembly-completed state, the Lower Mold, the Outer Mold, the Upper Mold, and the “inner mold (the integral body of the Pin-holder and the Pin)” are stacked and fixed in this order from the bottom, and the Pin is coaxially inserted into the First Hole of the Outer Mold and the Second Hole of the Upper Mold. In the assembly-completed state, the molding space for molding the ceramic molded body is formed between the surface of the Pin and the First Hole, and the annular minute gap is formed between the surface of the Pin and the Second Hole. The ceramic slurry poured into the Slurry Reservoir Pres formed on the upper surface of the Upper Mold falls and flows into the molding space through the annular minute gap by virtue of the action of gravity or the like. |
| US07955541B2 |
Continuous resin fabric
A decorative surface covering includes a fabric; and a layer of molded resin disposed on said fabric, where the resin is molded into decorative features of the covering. A method of forming a decorative surface covering includes molding resin disposed on a fabric to produce decorative features, the resin adhering to the fabric. |
| US07955539B2 |
Reversible, heat-set, elastic fibers, and method of making and article made from same
A reversible, heat-set covered fiber is described, the covered fiber comprising: A. A core comprising an elastic fiber comprising a substantially crosslinked, temperature-stable, olefin polymer, and B. A cover comprising an inelastic fiber. The fiber is heat-set by a method comprising: (a) Stretching the covered fiber by applying a stretching force to the covered fiber; (b) Heating the stretched covered fiber of (a) to a temperature in excess of the crystalline melting point of the olefin polymer for a period of time sufficient to at least partially melt the olefin polymer; (c) Cooling the stretched and heated covered fiber of (b) to a temperature below the crystalline melting point of the olefin polymer for a period of time sufficient to solidify the polymer; and (d) Removing the stretching force from the covered fiber. |
| US07955538B2 |
Radiation hardened composite layer plate or film
The invention relates to a radiation-curable laminated sheet or film comprising at least one substrate layer and a top layer which comprises a radiation-curable material having a glass transition temperature below 50° C. and having a high double bond density, processes for the production thereof and the use thereof. |
| US07955536B2 |
Method for producing thin, high capacity absorbent structure
A method of making absorbent pads is disclosed. The method includes homogeneously mixing superabsorbent material and fluff in a forming chamber of an online drum former and wrapping a porous fabric over a forming screen on a forming drum of the drum former. The method further includes forming an absorbent pad from the homogeneously mixed superabsorbent material and fluff pulp as the homogeneously mixed superabsorbent material and fluff pulp exits the forming chamber onto the forming screen and compacting the absorbent pad to a density of at least 0.28 grams per cubic centimeter after the absorbent pad leaves the forming screen. |
| US07955531B1 |
Patterned light extraction sheet and method of making same
A light extraction encapsulant sheet having a patterned encapsulant region is disclosed. A method of making that light extraction encapsulant sheet and of affixing that light extraction encapsulant sheet to a luminous stack surface of a multi-layer stack is also disclosed. |
| US07955530B2 |
Metal composite oxides containing strontium and ionic conductors using the same
Disclosed is an ionic conductor comprising a metal composite oxide characterized by comprising oxygen defects and metal defects in a cryolite lattice. An electrochemical device comprising the ionic conductor is also disclosed. The metal composite oxide has an improved ion conductivity, because formation of an open space within a lattice is ensured by the defects of metal ion sites in the lattice. Therefore, the metal composite oxide is useful for an ionic conductor or an electrochemical device requiring ionic conductivity. |
| US07955529B2 |
Synthesis for catalysis of bifunctional perovskite compound
This invention discloses the synthesis of a bifunctional La0.6Ca0.4Co1-xIrxO3 (x=0˜1) perovskite compound with a superb bifunctional catalytic ability for the oxygen reduction and generation in alkaline electrolytes. Synthetic routes demonstrated include solid state reaction, amorphous citrate precursor, and mechanical alloying. The interested compound demonstrates notable enhancements over commercially available La0.6Ca0.4CoO3. |
| US07955523B2 |
Long afterglow luminescent material with compounded substrates and its preparation method
The present invention provides a new ultra-long after-glow phosphorescent material and manufacturing method for the same. The materials include a phosphor including aMS.bM3(PO4)2.cMSiO3.dMO.fAl2O3.xRO.yTR2O3.zMnO, where the M is Ca, Mg, Ba, Sr, Zn or combinations thereof; The R is Eu, Sm, Yb or combinations thereof; the TR is La, Pr, Y, Nd, Dy, Er, Tm, Ce, Ho or combinations thereof: and a, b, c, d, f, x, y, z is the number of mol. The phosphorescent material has superior water resistance and temperature resistance. |
| US07955511B2 |
Silica glass crucible
A silica glass crucible used for pulling up silicon single crystal at a high temperature. The silica glass crucible may have at least an outer surface of a wall part of the crucible covered with fine grooves having a length of less than 200 μm, a width of less than 30 μm and a depth of from more than 3 μm to less than 30 μm. The fine groves may be formed by carrying out a sand-blast treatment and a hydrofluoric acid etching and may exist on more than 10% of the outer surface of the crucible, and a sliding frictional coefficient of the outer surface of the crucible to a carbon at 1500° C. is more than 0.6. |
| US07955509B2 |
Manufacturing method of liquid discharge head and orifice plate
There is disclosed a manufacturing method in which depths of individual liquid chambers can be set to be small. The manufacturing method is a manufacturing method of a liquid discharge head having a liquid chamber which communicates with a discharge port for discharging a liquid, and includes: etching a first Si layer of an SOI substrate by use of an insulating layer as an etching stop layer to form the liquid chamber at the first Si layer, the SOI substrate being constituted by the first Si layer, the insulating layer and a second Si layer in this order; and removing a part or all of the second Si layer. |
| US07955508B2 |
Supercritical fluid biomass conversion systems
Disclosed herein are supercritical fluid biomass conversion machines, systems, and methods for converting a wide range of biomass materials into a plurality of reaction products including fermentable sugars and various aromatic substances. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that comprises the steps of: providing an extruder; conveying a mixture of the selected biomass material and water through the extruder and into a supercritical fluid biomass conversion zone; heating and further pressurizing the mixture within the supercritical fluid biomass conversion zone to yield at least supercritical water, wherein heat energy is supplied by means of an induction heating coil positioned circumferentially about the supercritical fluid biomass conversion zone; retaining the mixture within the supercritical fluid biomass conversion zone for a period of time sufficient to yield the plurality of reaction products; and separating the plurality of reaction products into at least a water soluble fraction and an organic solvent soluble fraction. |
| US07955507B2 |
Functionalized green filtration media for passive underground drainfield for septic tank nutrient removal
Methods, systems and compositions for a green sorption media for bioretention soil amendments in drainfields for on-site waste water systems filled with the green sorption media to foster an anaerobic or anoxic environment saturated. The green sorption media includes one or more recycled materials, including tire crumb, sawdust, orange peel, coconut husks, leaf compost, oyster shell, soy bean hulls and one or more naturally occurring materials including peat, sands, zeolites, and clay. The wastewater filtration system for a passive drainfield includes the green sorption material mixture, a cell including baffled compartments and a riser, the cell filled with green sorption material mixture to provide an alternating cycle of aerobic and anoxic environments, an influent distribution system to distribute the influent over the cell, and a piping system arranged for dosing the cell to sustain the functionality of the green sorption material mixture to remove nutrient content in wastewater. |
| US07955503B2 |
Pure water producing apparatus
A pure water producing apparatus prevents fluctuations in the amount of produced pure water without requiring a heat exchanger. Raw water is filtered with an activated carbon filtration device, sent through a water supply pump to the reverse osmosis device, and demineralized. Demineralized water output from the reverse osmosis device contacts a water quality sensor including a water temperature sensor, is sent to an electrodeionization device, and subjected to electrodeionization. Water subjected to electrodeionization contacts a water quality sensor having a water temperature sensor, and is taken out as treated water. A sensing signal output from the water temperature sensor is input to a pump control circuit to control an amount of the water supplied from the pump so that an amount of water passing through the reverse osmosis device is maintained constant. |
| US07955502B2 |
Liquid filter arrangement and methods
A liquid filter arrangement is provided, as well as methods of assembly and use. The liquid filter arrangement includes an anti-drain back valve assembly therein. Advantageous features, relating to a preferred filter cartridge and preferred anti-drain back valve arrangement, are provided. |
| US07955500B2 |
Oval seal cartridge with no dirty drip
An assembly is disclosed that includes a centerpost assembly and a fluid filter cartridge. The centerpost assembly includes a main body having an inlet flow opening, an open interior, and a radial flange. An interior shelf is positioned proximate the inlet flow opening of the main body. The interior shelf includes an interior flow opening. A check valve ball is movably positioned on the interior shelf to move between the inlet flow opening and the interior flow opening. A spring-loaded end cap is movably connected to an upper end of the main body and is configured to move between a compressed state and an uncompressed state. A blocking pin extends from a lower surface of the end cap. When the end cap is in the compressed state, the blocking pin prevents the check valve ball from blocking a flow of fluid from flowing through the interior flow opening. |
| US07955488B2 |
Process of electrodeposition platinum and platinum-based alloy nano-particles with addition of ethylene glycol
An electrodeposition process of platinum and platinum-based alloy nano-particles with addition of ethylene glycol is disclosed. An acidic solution which contains metal chloride includes at least one platinum-based chloride and the alloy thereof, and ethylene glycol are introduced into a reactor as an electrodeposition solution. By applying an external negative potential, platinum particles or platinum-based alloy particles are deposited on the substrate. The above acidic solution is able to provide ionic conductivity during electrodeposition. The added ethylene glycol effectively enhances the removal of chlorine from metal chlorides. Meanwhile, ethylene glycol is used as stabilizer to prevent the particles from aggregation onto the substrate, thereby increasing the dispersion of deposited particles. |
| US07955487B2 |
Device and method for electrolytically treating flat work pieces
The invention relates to a device and method for electrolytically treating flat work pieces (1), more especially for electrolytically treating electrically conductive structures S that are electrically insulated against each other on the surfaces of the work pieces. The method comprises conveying and processing the work pieces (1) on the conveying paths T′, T″ in the device, said device comprising at least one assembly A located between tow conveying paths, said assembly including a first and a second rotatable contacting electrode (2, 8) with the contacting electrodes being associated each with one of the conveying paths, and first contacting electrodes (2) abutting against the work pieces being conveyed in a first conveying path T′, and being spaced from the second conveying path T″ and second contacting electrodes (8) abutting against the work pieces being conveyed in the second conveying path T″ and being spaced to the first conveying path T′. The assembly and the work pieces are brought into contact with the treatment liquid. The contacting electrodes comprise first and second segments (9, 10) each that are insulated against each other and that are contacted to a current source (5) in such a manner that electrolysis areas E are formed between the work piece (1) being conveyed on the first and second conveying paths T′, T″, respectively, and second segments (9) that are turned towards the first and second conveying paths T′, T″ respectively and are not contacting the work pieces (1). |
| US07955474B2 |
Tube bank apparatus for distributing stock
A tube bank apparatus is disclosed for distributing stock in a headbox of a papermaking machine. The apparatus includes a tube having a first and a second portion for the flow therethrough of the stock. The first portion defines a bore for the flow therethrough of the stock, the bore having an upstream and a downstream end. The second portion defines a passage for the flow therethrough of the stock, the passage having an upstream and a downstream extremity. The upstream extremity of the passage cooperates with the downstream end of the bore so that the stock flows from the upstream end to the downstream end of the bore and then through the upstream extremity and then the downstream extremity of the passage. The downstream end of the bore has a cross-sectional area which is less than a further cross-sectional area of the upstream extremity of the passage. Also, the downstream extremity of the passage has a cross-section of trapezoidal configuration. |
| US07955473B2 |
Process for the production of paper
The present invention relates to a process for producing paper which comprises: (vii) providing an aqueous suspension comprising cellulosic fibres, (viii) adding to the suspension after all points of high shear: a first polymer being a cationic polymer having a charge density above 2.5 meq/g; a second polymer; and a third polymer being an organic or inorganic anionic polymer; and (ix) dewatering the obtained suspension to form paper. |
| US07955471B2 |
Moisture-reactive hot-melt adhesive
A moisture-reactive hot-melt adhesive composition, useful as an adhesive, is provided. The composition is particularly useful as an adhesive for bonding profile-wrap articles. Also provided are a method for making profile-wrap articles using the composition and the profile-wrap articles so made. |
| US07955468B2 |
Pneumatically actuated infrared welding method and apparatus
An infrared light source focuses infrared energy onto a work surface through the open end of a concentrator. The open end of the concentrator includes an elastomeric seal for sealably coupling the end of the concentrator directly to a work piece. Pneumatic pressure is applied through the concentrator and the seal to urge the work pieces together during the heating process to complete the weld. The method of infrared (IR) welding includes the steps of applying concentrated IR energy to at least one thermoplastic member while simultaneously applying pneumatic pressure to the work pieces for welding one member to another. |
| US07955467B2 |
Method and device for producing a groove near an intended edge part of a conveyor belt, which groove is intended to be filled with a filler having sealing properties
The present invention relates to a method and device for producing a groove near an intended edge part of a conveyor belt, which groove is intended to be filled with a filler having sealing properties, in which the groove is formed by removing conveyor belt material from one of the surfaces of the conveyor belt and in which, during the step of removing conveyor belt material, the conveyor belt is bent at the position of the groove to be formed near the intended edge part, and also to a conveyor belt in which a groove is produced in this manner. |
| US07955459B2 |
Friction heating for joining dissimilar materials
One side of a metal sheet is joined to a polymer layer by applying heat to a joining area on the opposite side of the metal. The heat flows through the thin metal to activate a thermoplastic material or heat setting polymer into a bond with the metal. The method can be used to bond the metal sheet to a plastic body or another metal member. It is preferred to use a friction or friction stir tool to heat the metal surface. |
| US07955454B2 |
Method for forming wiring on insulating resin layer
The method for forming wiring includes: laminating a thermosetting resin film and a metallic foil on an insulating substrate where base-layer wiring is formed, a mat surface of the metallic foil facing the resin film, pressing the film and the foil with application of heat; forming an opening in the metallic foil to expose a part of the insulating resin layer in which a via hole is to be formed; forming the via hole in the insulating resin layer by using as a mask the metallic foil; performing a desmear process of the via hole via the opening of the metallic foil; removing the metallic foil; forming an electroless-plated layer that covers the top surface of the insulating resin layer, a side surface of the via hole and a top surface of the base-layer wiring; and forming wiring including an electroplated layer on the electroless-plated layer. |
| US07955450B2 |
Method for heat treatment
The invention relates to a method for the heat treatment of workpieces in a heat treatment furnace, wherein the treatment atmosphere in the heat treatment furnace is circulated. According to the invention, a propellant is injected into the heat treatment furnace in such a manner that the treatment atmosphere is essentially circulated by the injected propellant. |
| US07955448B2 |
Alloy for heat dissipation of semiconductor device and semiconductor module, and method of manufacturing alloy
It is an object to provide an inexpensive alloy for heat dissipation having a small thermal expansion coefficient as known composite materials, a large thermal conductivity as pure copper, and excellent machinability and a method for manufacturing the alloy. In particular, since various shapes are required of the alloy for heat dissipation, a manufacturing method by using a powder metallurgy method capable of supplying alloys for heat dissipation, the manufacturing costs of which are low and which take on various shapes, is provided besides the known melting method. The alloy according to the present invention is a Cu—Cr alloy, which is composed of 0.3 percent by mass or more, and 80 percent by mass or less of Cr and the remainder of Cu and incidental impurities and which has a structure in which particulate Cr phases having a major axis of 100 nm or less and an aspect ratio of less than 10 are precipitated at a density of 20 particles/μm2 in a Cu matrix except Cr phases of more than 100 nm. |
| US07955446B2 |
Welding repair method for full hoop structures
A unique heat treat method for relieving stresses caused by a repairing weld joint in a full hoop part heat treats locally, at the location of the weld joint, and at a diametrically opposed location. By providing the diametrically opposed heat treat location, the present invention relieves stresses caused by the weld joint, without creating any additional residual stress in the weld joint. |
| US07955445B2 |
Internal high hardness type pearlitic rail with excellent wear resistance and rolling contact fatigue resistance and method for producing same
An internal high hardness type pearlitic rail that has a composition containing 0.73% to 0.85% by mass C, 0.5% to 0.75% by mass Si, 0.3% to 1.0% by mass Mn, 0.035% by mass or less P, 0.0005% to 0.012% by mass S, 0.2% to 1.3% by mass Cr, and the balance being Fe and incidental impurities, in which the value of [% Mn]/[% Cr] is greater than or equal to 0.3 and less than 1.0, where [% Mn] represents the Mn content, and [% Cr] represents the Cr content, and in which the internal hardness of a rail head that is defined by the Vickers hardness of a portion located from a surface layer of the rail head to a depth of at least 25 mm is greater than or equal to 380 Hv and less than 480 Hv. |
| US07955442B2 |
Method for producing sintered magnet and alloy for sintered magnet
The present invention provides a method for producing a sintered magnet, which can have a sufficient sintered density even when the magnet has a low-R composition. The method is for producing a sintered magnet comprising R (R: one or more rare-earth elements), T (T: one or more transition metal elements essentially comprising Fe, or Fe and Co) and B (boron) as the main components, wherein a starting alloy prepared by strip casting is pulverized to a given particle size to form a fine powder, where the starting alloy comprises discolored deposit 1 on the surface and the area ratio of the discolored deposit 1 is 1.5% or less, the resulting fine powder is compacted in a magnetic field to prepare a compact, and the compact is sintered. |
| US07955441B2 |
Device and method for cleaning mould paddles
A device is disclosed for cleaning dental trays at least partly filled with a molding material. The device has a container, a pump for placing a cleaning liquid under pressure, and a spray nozzle for spraying the pressurized cleaning liquid into the container. A method is also disclosed for cleaning dental trays at least partly filled with a molding material. |
| US07955439B2 |
Enzyme-resistant starch and method for its production
A process for producing an enzyme-resistant starch uses an aqueous feed composition that comprises (i) starch that contains at least about 50% by weight amylose, (ii) water, and (iii) alcohol. The concentration of starch in the feed composition is between about 5% and about 50% by weight, and the pH of the feed composition is between about 3.5 and about 6.5. In a first heating step, the feed composition is heated to a temperature between about 130-170° C. for about 0.1-3.0 hours. The feed composition is cooled to a temperature between about 4-70° C. for about 0.1-6.0 hours. In a second heating step, the feed composition is heated to a temperature between about 110-150° C. for about 0.1-10.0 hours. The starch is separated from the majority of the water and alcohol and is dried. |