| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08098365B2 |
Illumination optical system, exposure apparatus, and device manufacturing method
An illumination optical system which illuminates a plane to be illuminated using light from a light source, includes a first integrator and a second integrator disposed in order from the light source, a diaphragm having an aperture of constant area and disposed between the first integrator and the second integrator and close to the first integrator and an irradiation range adjustment unit configured to adjust an irradiation range of the light from the light source on a plane where the diaphragm is disposed, the irradiation range includes the aperture. |
| US08098363B2 |
Exposure apparatus and method of manufacturing a device
An exposure apparatus that exposes a shot region on a substrate to radiant energy based on an obtained position of a surface of the shot region. A projecting optical system obliquely projects detection light to a surface of a shot region on a substrate. A receiving optical system receives the detection light reflected at the shot region. A detector includes a photodetector that accumulates charges generated by the detection light incident thereon and detects a position of the detection light incident on the photodetector from the receiving optical system. A controller obtains a position of the surface based on the detection by the detector. The controller causes the projecting optical system to project the detection light, to cause the receiving optical system to cause the projected detection light to be incident on the detector, and to cause the photodetector to discharge the charges generated by light incident from the receiving optical system, during a time between an end of a detection of a first shot region by the detector and a start of a detection of a second shot region by the detector. The first shot region and the second shot region are successively measured by the detector. |
| US08098361B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and method for manufacturing the same
To control the positioning of a spacer more accurately in a liquid crystal display device to prevent display defects due to incorrect positioning in a display region. To provide a liquid crystal display device with higher image quality and reliability, and to provide a method for manufacturing the liquid crystal display device with high yield. In a liquid crystal display device, a region onto which a spherical spacer is discharged is subjected to liquid-repellent treatment in order to reduce the wettability with respect to a liquid in which the spherical spacer is dispersed. The liquid (the droplet) does not spread over the liquid-repellent region and is dried while moving the spherical spacer toward the center of the liquid. Thus, incorrect positioning shortly after discharging, which has been caused by the loss of control in the liquid, can be corrected by moving the spherical spacer while drying the liquid. |
| US08098357B2 |
Liquid crystal display panel
A liquid crystal display includes: a pair of substrates which are disposed so as to be opposite each other and have a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween; an upper electrode configured to be included in one substrate of the pair of substrates, and be formed so as to have a plurality of slits therein; and a lower electrode configured to be included in the one substrate of the pair of substrates, and be formed on an insulating film covering the upper electrode so as to be partially overlapped with the upper electrode in plan view; wherein the lower electrode has at least one slit which is formed so as to be parallel with the plurality of slits formed in the upper electrode; and wherein the at least one slit formed in the lower electrode is formed so as to be overlapped with the upper electrode in plan view. |
| US08098355B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display is provided, which includes: a first substrate; a first signal line formed on the first substrate; a second signal line formed on the first substrate and intersecting the first signal line; a thin film transistor connected to the first and the second signal lines; a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor; a second substrate; a common electrode formed on the second substrate; a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a tilt direction determining member formed on one of the first and the second substrates and having a notch that divides the domain determination member into a plurality of portions. |
| US08098351B2 |
Self-planarized passivation dielectric for liquid crystal on silicon structure and related method
According to an exemplary embodiment, a liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) structure includes a number of pixel electrodes overlying an interlayer dielectric, where diagonally adjacent pixel electrodes are separated by a gap. The LCoS structure further includes a self-planarizing passivation dielectric situated over the pixel electrodes and in the gap, where the self-planarizing passivation dielectric has a selected thickness. The self-planarizing passivation dielectric can be an Oxide-Nitride-Oxide (ONO) stack. The selected thickness of the self-planarizing passivation dielectric causes the self-planarizing passivation dielectric to have a substantially planar top surface. In one embodiment, the thickness of the self-planarizing passivation dielectric can be approximately equal to twice a width of the gap. |
| US08098345B2 |
Liquid crystal display device and electronics device
A liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes a two-dimensional sensor array in which optical sensor circuits are two-dimensionally positioned. The respective optical sensor circuits are provided with a photodiode (17), an output AMP and a NetA voltage raising capacitor. The output AMP has a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode. The gate electrode, the source electrode and the drain electrode are connected to a cathode electrode (NetA) of the photodiode (17), a voltage supply wiring (Vsm) and an optical sensor output wiring (Vom), respectively. The NetA voltage raising capacitor has two electrodes. One of the two electrodes is electrically connected to the NetA, and the other of the two electrodes is electrically connected to a drive wiring (Vrwn) for supplying a drive signal to the NetA voltage raising capacitor. A storage capacitor wiring (Csn) for retaining a pixel potential also serves as the drive wiring (Vrwn). It is accordingly possible to attain a liquid crystal display device including the optical sensor circuits in which deterioration in aperture ratio of a pixel and increase in frame region surrounding a display section are suppressed. |
| US08098344B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The invention relates to a liquid crystal display device including a first transistor, a plurality of sub-picture element electrodes formed in a picture element region, a control electrode formed in capacitance coupling with at least one of the plural sub-picture element electrodes, the control electrode being applied with a display voltage from the first transistor, and an auxiliary capacitance bus line held at a predetermined voltage level and constituting an auxiliary capacitance between the auxiliary capacitance bus line and the control electrode. A second transistor is provided between the sub-picture element electrode coupled with the control electrode by the capacitance coupling and the auxiliary capacitance bus line or between the sub-picture element electrode coupled with the control electrode by the capacitance coupling and the sub-picture element electrode connected to the first transistor. |
| US08098342B2 |
Thin film transistor array panel comprising a pixel electrode connected to first and second thin film transistors and formed on the same layer as the shielding electrode and liquid crystal display including the same
A liquid crystal display is provided, which includes a plurality of pixels including first and second thin film transistors, and a pixel electrode connected to the first and second thin film transistors, a first gate line transmitting a first gate signal and connected to the first thin film transistor, a second gate line transmitting a second gate signal and connected to the second thin film transistor, and a data line transmitting a data signal and connected to the first thin film transistor. The second thin film transistor receives a uniform voltage and transmits the uniform voltage to the pixel electrode according to the second gate signal. |
| US08098340B2 |
Liquid crystal display substrate having a storage duplication wiring and first and second storage wirings configured to independently receive a maintaining voltage
A substrate for an LCD includes a transparent substrate, a pixel electrode, first and second storage wirings, and a storage duplication wiring. The pixel electrode is patterned as a unit pixel area on a thin film transistor layer formed on the substrate. The pixel electrode includes a first sub electrode receiving a first pixel voltage from the thin film transistor layer and a second sub electrode electrically separated from the first sub electrode and receiving a second pixel voltage. The first and second storage wirings are formed in the unit pixel area and respectively maintain the first and second pixel voltages during an image frame. The storage duplication wiring is formed along edges of the unit pixel area and is electrically connected to the first and second storage wirings. The substrate reduces pixel defects and improves display image quality. |
| US08098338B2 |
Liquid crystal television including a left speaker and a right speaker for outputting audio based on an audio signal
An audio signal is transmitted to a sensor substrate D through a cable 60c connecting the lower end of an analog substrate A arranged on the rear face of the liquid crystal panel and the sensor substrate arranged below the liquid crystal panel of a cabinet. The cable 60c is covered with UL tube in advance, and connected by being passed through the inside of a horseshoe shape of a lower bridge pier portion 52b3 of the right bridge frame 52b. The audio signal is transmitted to the speakers 53a, 53b connected to the connectors 61a, 61b with lead wires by the pattern on the sensor substrate D. |
| US08098336B2 |
System and method for using partial interpolation to undertake 3D gamma adjustment of microdisplay having dynamic iris control
In a microdisplay TV with dynamic iris control, interpolation is used to undertake 3D gamma adjustment of the display for intermediate brightness levels. |
| US08098335B2 |
Nonlinear processing device and image display apparatus
A nonlinearly processed (gamma-corrected) video signal is subjected to three-dimensional signal level correction using three-dimensional correction values and corresponding to a position in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of a pixel on a display screen of an image display unit and the signal level of the pixel data. Thereby, accurate gamma correction is made possible, and horizontal and vertical area information (grid block) can be disposed in an optimum positional relation according to resolution of the screen. |
| US08098333B2 |
Phase shift insertion method for reducing motion artifacts on hold-type displays
A method and system for displaying frames on a hold-type display to reduce perceived blur are disclosed. One example method includes detecting a parameter associated with an object in an input frame and filtering the input frame to generate at least two filtered sub-frames based on the parameter. The filtered sub-frames are then inserted in place of the input frame in a frame sequence and output to a display. The parameter associated with the object may indicate a magnitude and direction of the object's movement in a sequence of frames including the input frame. |
| US08098327B2 |
Moving image frame rate converting apparatus and moving image frame rate converting method
According to one embodiment, when an input image signal is to be enlarged, a moving image frame rate converting apparatus performs, by a first image processing device for performing scaling and color format conversion on the input image signal before frame rate conversion, the color format conversion without performing the scaling, and performs, by a second image processing device for performing scaling on a post-conversion image signal after the frame rate conversion, the scaling so as to generate an output image signal. |
| US08098315B2 |
Solid state imaging apparatus, solid state imaging device driving method and camera
A solid state imaging apparatus includes a solid state imaging device and a control circuit for performing control such that a first clock signal applied to transfer signal charges for a time period from after a preceding signal charge has been read out from a light sensing unit to when the preceding signal charge is transferred to a horizontal transfer unit and a second clock signal applied for a time period from after the preceding signal charge has been transferred to the horizontal transfer unit to when a succeeding signal charge is read out from the light sensing unit have almost the same amplitude and a high level potential of the first clock signal is set higher than that of the second clock signal. |
| US08098312B2 |
Back-illuminated type solid-state image pickup apparatus with peripheral circuit unit
A solid-state image pickup apparatus includes an image pickup pixel unit in which a plurality of pixels each including a photoelectric conversion element and a field-effect transistor are arranged on a semiconductor substrate so that a light-receiving surface is disposed at a first surface side of the semiconductor substrate; a peripheral circuit unit provided at a periphery of the image pickup pixel unit of the semiconductor substrate; and a multilayered wiring layer in which a plurality of wiring layers for driving the field-effect transistor of the image pickup pixel unit are laminated at a second surface side of the semiconductor substrate, wherein a wiring in each of the wiring layers constituting the multilayered wiring layer is disposed so that a coverage of the wiring located at least in the image pickup pixel unit of the semiconductor substrate reaches 100%, viewed from the second surface side. |
| US08098311B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, signal processing method of solid-state imaging device, and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes a pixel array section and a signal processing section. The pixel array section is configured to include a plurality of arranged unit pixels, each of which is a rectangular pixel having different sizes in the vertical and horizontal directions, and a plurality of adjacent ones of which are combined to form a square pixel having the same size in the vertical and horizontal directions. The signal processing section is configured to process a plurality of signals read out from the combined plurality of unit pixels and to output the processed signals as a single signal. |
| US08098309B2 |
Solid-state imaging apparatus and camera using the same
At least a solid-state imaging device and one or a plurality of bare ICs that are disposed on the back face or on the back face side of the solid-state imaging apparatus and serve as peripheral circuits are provided. The bare ICs are sealed by a resin. A circuit board may be interposed between the solid-state imaging device and the bare ICs, or the solid-state imaging device and the ICs are directly bonded together. According to another aspect, IC chips and other parts as peripheral circuits of a solid-state imaging device are disposed on the inner surface, mainly the ceiling surface, of a light-shielding case. According to a further aspect, a solid-state imaging apparatus for photoelectrically converting, with an imaging device, an image formed by introducing imaging light into the inside of the apparatus is provided with a package having a dark space in itself and accommodating the imaging device in the dark space, and a pinhole for introducing imaging light into the dark space and forming an image of an imaging object on the imaging face of the imaging device. |
| US08098305B2 |
Image-capturing system diagnostic device, image-capturing system diagnostic program product and image-capturing device for monitoring foreign matter
An image-capturing system diagnostic device includes: an image acquisition unit that obtains an image; and a monitoring unit that monitors a quantity of foreign matter present in an optical path by generating defect information indicating a defect at pixels caused by the foreign matter in the optical path based upon the image obtained by the image acquisition unit and calculating an areal ratio of defective pixels in the image based upon the defect information having been generated and issues a warning for a photographer if the areal ratio of the defective pixels exceeds a predetermined value. |
| US08098303B2 |
Method and system for restoring a motion-blurred image
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and system for restoring a motion-blurred image. The method comprises determining parameters for a one-dimensional Optical Transfer Function (OTF) for the motion-blurred image in Fourier space; determining a signal-to-noise ratio for the motion-blurred image in the Fourier space; and correcting for motion blur based on the parameters of the OTF. Determining the parameters comprises calculating a function Φ(p,q) which is based on the square of the modulus of the Fourier transform |G(p,q)|2 of the motion-blurred image. The parameters include the absolute value of the one-dimensional OTF, and the phase and sign of the OTF. |
| US08098301B2 |
Zoom lens and image pickup apparatus
Provided is a zoom lens including a first lens group, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, a third lens group having a positive refractive power, and a fourth lens group having a positive refractive power, wherein conditional expressions f12/fw>2.0, f2/fw<−2.0, −2.0≦f12/f2≦−0.5, and νd21−νd22>20 are satisfied, where f12 is a focal length of a single lens having a positive refractive power in the first lens group, f2 is a focal length of the second lens group, fw is a focal length of the total lens system at a wide angle end, νd21 is an Abbe number of the lens having a negative refractive power in the second lens group for the d-line, and νd22 is an Abbe number of the lens having a positive refractive power in the second lens group for the d-line. |
| US08098295B2 |
In-vivo imaging system device and method with image stream construction using a raw images
A system, device and method for constructing an in-vivo image stream from in-vivo raw data base files. The in-vivo imaging system may include, for example an in-vivo imaging device, a receiver/recorder and a computing device such as a workstation a portable device and/or a portable memory. |
| US08098294B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image pickup apparatus, control method for image processing apparatus, and storage medium storing control program therefor
An image processing apparatus capable of suppressing color fringing in a color image further effectively by image processing. A determination unit determines a region in which signal levels for a color plane in a color image produced by photoelectric conversion of an optical image of a subject exhibit a monotonic increase or a monotonic decrease, as a color fringing region in which color fringing occurs. An estimation unit estimates an intensity of the color fringing in the color fringing region determined by the determination unit. A removal unit deducts an estimate value of the intensity of the color fringing estimated by the estimation unit from the intensity of the color fringing in the color fringing region. |
| US08098291B2 |
Image pickup apparatus, control method, and control program, and data processing apparatus, method, and program for recording a moving image and a still image
An image pickup apparatus performing moving-image data processing and still-image data processing in parallel includes an image pickup unit converting a ray into an electric signal and outputting an image pickup signal, a buffer unit temporarily storing the image pickup signal, a buffer controller controlling reading from the buffer unit, a first signal processing unit outputting a first transmission request, performing processing on the image pickup signal every frame timing in response to the first transmission request, and outputting moving-image data, and a second signal processing unit outputting a second transmission request, performing processing on the image pickup signal in response to the second transmission request at a predetermined timing, and outputting still-image data. The buffer controller determines whether it is possible that the image pickup signal is read without deteriorating continuity based on a data storage state of the buffer unit and the first and second transmission requests. |
| US08098287B2 |
Digital camera with a number of photographing systems
A digital camera comprises two photographing systems which are independent of and substantially identical to each other, and each of which includes a photographing optical system and an image pickup device. The photographing optical system is configured to include a photographing lens, a focusing lens and an aperture stop. The focusing lens of one of the photographing systems is driven stepwise from a first predetermined position at which it is to be located when a focusing position lies at an infinite distance, toward a second predetermined position at which it is to be located when the focusing position lies at the closest distance, while the focusing lens of the other photographing system is driven stepwise from the second predetermined position toward the first predetermined position every step width. The contrasts of images formed by the respective photographing systems are evaluated while the two focusing lenses are being moved, and a position corresponding to the maximum value of the contrasts is determined as the focusing position. |
| US08098286B2 |
Shake correction control circuit and image pickup apparatus provided with the same
An optical shake correction unit corrects an optical axis in response to an output signal of an vibration detecting element. An electronic shake correction unit adaptively varies an effective region in image signals of an image pickup region formed by image pickup devices. A control unit performs control such that either the optical shake correction unit or the electronic shake correction unit is enabled by switching between a first image pickup mode and a second image pickup mode. |
| US08098285B2 |
Processor for image capture and printing
A processor for image capture and printing has a RISC core. A four-way parallel VLIW vector processor is connected to the RISC core via a suitable data cache. The vector processor has four processing units interconnected with a crossbar switch. A memory interface is connected to the vector processor to permit interfacing between the data cache and a memory. Interfacing circuitry is operatively connected to the vector processor. The interfacing circuitry includes at least an image sensor interface to permit interfacing between components of the processor and an image sensor and a printhead interface to permit interfacing between components of the processor and an inkjet printhead. |
| US08098283B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer program products for implementing a personalized, image capture and display system
A method, system, and computer program product for implementing image capture and display services are provided. The system includes an enclosure having an opening through which a subject enters, an imaging system encircling the enclosure, a computer processor device communicatively coupled to the imaging system, and an application executing on the computer processor device. The system also includes an image capture activation component in communication with the computer processor device and a display device in communication with the computer processor device. In response to activating the image capture activation component, the application issues a first command to the imaging system, the first command causing the imaging system to capture images of the subject in the enclosure. |
| US08098280B2 |
Moving object locating device, moving object locating method, and computer product
Camera installation flexibility on a moving object can be increased and accuracy in identifying the moving object improved by identifying a moving object origin trajectory as a potential position at which the moving object origin exists under the following conditions: 1) A distance between the moving object origin position and a reference virtual camera is constant. 2) A direction of virtual camera VCij as viewed from the moving object coordinate system (moving object origin Om) is constant (angle formed by two lines that direct to marker Pj and to the moving object origin position Cij as viewed from the virtual camera VCij is constant.) 3) Virtual camera VCij exists on marker circle (angle between markers Pi and Pj as viewed from virtual camera VCij is constant). It is possible to identify the position of moving object M by calculating the intersecting point of each moving object origin trajectory T upon multiple trajectories of moving object origin existing. |
| US08098276B2 |
Stereo vision system and control method thereof
Provided are a stereo vision system and a control method thereof. A stereo vision system includes an image information extracting unit receiving left and right images of the left and right stereo cameras to extract color information for a brightness control of the images from the received images, an image preprocessing unit performing a process for reducing noises of the left and right images using the color information and a prestored calibration parameter, a stereo matching unit performing stereo matching of the left and right images processed by the image preprocessing unit through an algorithm to obtain a depth map, and a matching result measuring unit receiving the depth map obtained by the stereo matching unit to measure a matching degree, and changing the prestored calibration parameter according to a result of the measurement. |
| US08098273B2 |
Video contact center facial expression analyzer module
In one embodiment, a method determines an indication of a mood for a caller during a service call. The mood may be determined using a facial analysis of the caller's facial expressions. The mood may indicate an emotion of the user, such as the user is angry, happy, etc. The mood may be determined based on a facial expression analysis of the caller during a portion of the service call. The service call may be a call between the caller and a service center, which may provide customer support to a caller for a product, service, etc. One example of a service center may be video contact service center that enables video calls with a caller. An action is then determined based on analysis of the mood invoked during a portion of the call. Once the action is determined, the action may be performed. |
| US08098268B2 |
Thermal head and printing device
A thermal head includes a glass layer provided with a groove section formed inside the glass layer, a heat generating resistor disposed outside the glass layer, and a pair of electrodes provided to both sides of the heat generating resistor, wherein a part of the heat generating resistor exposed between the pair of electrodes is defined as a heat generating section, and at least one of the pair of electrodes has a smaller width in an end section on an opposite side to a side of the heat generating section than a width of an end section on the side of the heat generating section. |
| US08098267B2 |
Thermal printer apparatus and printing method
To provide a thermal printer apparatus and a printing method that can be adapted to different types of thermal paper having different thermal conductivity characteristics, a dot data memory 3 stores dot data for each line in synchronization with line sequential printing and delivers an energizing pulse selectively to a line thermal head 1 via a driving circuit 2. A multiplier 4 counts the number of dots to be printed for each line and multiplies a result of the counting by a heated thermal paper coefficient P1 corresponding to a thermal conductivity characteristic of a thermal paper 42. A heat accumulation counter 5 counts results of the multiplying in an accumulative manner. A multiplier 6 multiplies a count value in the heat accumulation counter 5 by a heat radiation coefficient and a heat radiation thermal paper coefficient P2 corresponding to the thermal conductivity characteristic of the thermal paper 42 repeatedly at a predetermined period, so as to correct and update the count value in the heat accumulation counter 5. An arithmetic unit 7 calculates an energizing pulse width based on the corrected and updated count value in the heat accumulation counter 5 in synchronization with line sequential printing, and controls the driving circuit 2 based on a result of the calculating. |
| US08098264B2 |
Method and apparatus for rendering computer graphics primitive
The present invention is directed to a method for rendering a computer graphics primitive intersected with one or more user-defined clipping planes. The method includes receiving a primitive, a clipping plane and a default scissor window; determining a second scissor window according to the spatial relationship among a first scissor window, the clipping plane and the vertices of the primitive; determining a group of pixels to be rendered by eliminating pixels not covered by an adjusted scissor window from the primitive; and determining a group of actually rendered pixels, in which the actually rendered pixels determining step includes removing the pixels meeting a clipping criterion from the group of pixels to be rendered. The present invention also includes an apparatus for performing the method. |
| US08098263B2 |
Image processing method and image processing apparatus
An image processing apparatus has an operation panel to display an operation panel image used for editing the virtual object, and capable of receiving a user instruction of editing the virtual object, and an operation panel image generation unit to generate the operation panel image by using the data held in the database. A rendering unit updates data held in the database according to the user instruction and the measurement result of the second measurement unit, and renders, by using the updated data, the image of the virtual object according to the measurement results of the first and second measurement units. A composition unit composites the rendered image of the virtual object and the captured image of the physical space to generate the mixed reality image, and an HMD displays the generated mixed reality image. |
| US08098261B2 |
Pillarboxing correction
A display control device used to govern non-content regions in a display space, and selectively determine data for display in the non-content regions is described. The display control device can identify the non-content regions, and determine types of data that can be filled in the non-content regions. Once determined, the fill data can be presented in the non-content regions concurrently with an image frame. |
| US08098257B2 |
Filtering unit for floating-point texture data
Floating-point texture filtering units leverage existing fixed-point filter circuits. Groups of floating-point texture values are converted to products of a fixed-point mantissa and a scaling factor that is the same for each texture value in the group. The fixed-point mantissas are filtered using a fixed-point filter circuit, and the filtered mantissa is combined with the scaling factor to determine a floating-point filtered value. Multiple floating-point filter results may be combined in a floating-point accumulator circuit. The same fixed-point filter circuit may also be used to filter fixed-point texture data by providing fixed-point input path that bypasses the format conversion and a fixed-point accumulator. |
| US08098254B2 |
Power savings in a computing device during video playback
Display data and video data are stored within a graphics processing unit to reduce power consumed by the computing device during video playback. Storing display data and video data within the GPU reduces power consumption, because bus transaction activity is reduced and the need to read data from a larger, common main memory is avoided. |
| US08098250B2 |
Adaptive and dynamic text filtering
A device sensor determines an external state of a device. Text to be displayed on a display screen of the device is dynamically filtered based on the external state of the device. |
| US08098248B2 |
Method for semantic modeling of stream processing components to enable automatic application composition
A method for modeling components of a stream processing application, includes: defining an input message pattern of a processing element, wherein the input message pattern includes variables representing data objects that must be included in a message input to the processing element, and a graph pattern that semantically describes the data objects that must be included in the message input to the processing element; and defining an output message pattern of the processing element, wherein the output message pattern includes variables and new data objects, the variables and new data objects representing data objects that must be included in a message output from the processing element, and a graph pattern that semantically describes the data objects in the message output from the processing element. |
| US08098245B2 |
Smart navigation for 3D maps
An interest center-point and a start point are created in an image. A potential function is created where the potential function creates a potential field and guides traversal from the starting point to the interest center-point. The potential field is adjusted to include a sum of potential fields directed toward the center-point where each potential field corresponds to an image. Images are displayed in the potential field at intervals in the traversal from the start point toward the interest center point. |
| US08098242B2 |
Arrangement comprising a first electronic device and a power supply unit and method for operating an electronic device
An arrangement includes a first electronic device and a power supply unit adapted to provide the first electronic device with electric operating energy from a mains voltage. The first electronic device includes an evaluation unit adapted to switch the first electronic device from an operating state to at least one energy saving state and vice-versa, and a standard interface for connecting the first electronic device to a second electronic device. |
| US08098240B2 |
Capacitive touchpad and toy incorporating the same
Capacitive touchpad assemblies, toys including capacitive touchpad assemblies and integral card readers, and methods for detecting contact with a capacitive touch surface are provided. A capacitive touch surface may have a capacity that varies depending on whether it is being contacted by an object such as a human finger. A voltage of the capacitive touch surface may be altered during each of a predetermined number of recurring time intervals. The capacitance of the capacitive touch surface will determine the amount of time required to alter its voltage to a threshold voltage within each time interval. The sum amount of time required for the voltage of the capacitive touch surface to reach the threshold voltage in a predetermined number of time intervals may be used to determine whether the capacitive touch surface is being touched. |
| US08098239B1 |
Systems and methods for positional number entry
In various embodiments, a number entry mechanism may include a motion sensitive input device that is operable to receive a user motion along two or more dimensions. The motion sensitive input device may include input devices such as touchpads, touchscreens, mouse, etc. that can receive directional input. The number entry mechanism may also include a memory medium with program instructions operable to receive the input motion and determine numerical inputs based on the received input motion. In some embodiments, the memory medium and program instructions may be resident on the motion sensitive input device or may be part of a separate device. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the motion in each of, for example, two dimensions may be used to determine one or more numerical inputs. |
| US08098238B2 |
Handheld electronic apparatus and input device thereof
A handheld electronic apparatus comprises a touch keypad, a circuit board, a base and a support mechanism. The touch keypad is configured to receive a user's touch operation and comprises a plurality of icons. The circuit board is placed below the touch keypad and has a dome switch providing tactile feedback to the user when the user presses the touch keypad. The base is placed between the touch keypad and the circuit board and has a first opening through which the touch keypad can trigger the dome switch. The support mechanism is placed between the touch keypad and the base to support the touch keypad. |
| US08098232B2 |
Touch sensitive display having tactile structures
An improved handheld electronic device has a touch sensitive display which comprises a number of elongated tactile structures that are haptically detectable by a user. Various routines executable on the handheld electronic device can cause visual elements to be output in various predetermined arrangements with respect to the arrangement of the tactile structures in order to facilitate input. |
| US08098227B2 |
Gate driving circuit and display apparatus having the same
A gate driving circuit includes cascaded stages, each including a pull-up part, a carry part, a pull-up driving part, a holding part and an inverter. The pull-up part pulls up a gate voltage to an input clock. The carry part pulls up a carry voltage to the input clock. The pull-up driving part is connected to a control terminal (Q-node) common to the carry part and the pull-up part, and receives a previous carry voltage from a previous stage to turn on the pull-up part and the carry part. The holding part holds the gate voltage at an off-voltage, and the inverter controls at least one of turning on the holding part and turning off the holding part based on an inverter clock. A high level of the inverter clock in a given horizontal period (1H) temporally precedes a high level of the input clock by a predetermined time interval. |
| US08098226B2 |
Drive circuit of display apparatus, pulse generation method, display apparatus
The subject invention provides a drive circuit for a display apparatus, comprising: a shift register; and a pulse generation circuit for generating a drive pulse signal using an output pulse signal generated in the shift register, wherein: the pulse generation circuit forms a pulse-starting edge and a pulse-termination edge of the drive pulse signal using a rise or a fall of pulse resulting from activation of the output pulse signal. On this account, pulse generation can be performed with high accuracy in a pulse generation circuit used for a drive circuit for a display apparatus or the like. |
| US08098220B2 |
Liquid crystal display and operation method thereof
A pixel unit in the present invention is divided into two sub-pixels. Each sub-pixel includes a thin film transistor, a liquid crystal capacitor and a storage capacitor. The two transistors respectively located in different sub-pixels are connected to different scan lines. One of the two transistors is connected to the data line through another transistor. Therefore, two different pixel voltages are formed in a pixel. |
| US08098218B2 |
Plasma display device and method of driving the same
A plasma display device includes a first electrode from which sustain discharge occurs; a second electrode from which sustain discharge occur to the first electrode, a distance from the second electrode to the first electrode continuously varying in one discharge space; and a driving circuit which generates a sustain discharge pulse that rises in two stages, with an application time of a second-stage voltage being longer than an application time of a first-stage voltage, to apply the sustain discharge pulse between the first and second electrodes, thereby causing the sustain discharge. |
| US08098215B2 |
Information processing device, and transparent display element control method and program
Provided is an information processing device which includes: a transparent display element display unit (21) that displays a transparent window in association with display position information for specifying a display position on a display (2), the transparent window being displayed as transparent at least in part such that display information covered with the transparent window is visually recognized through the transparent window; an information acquisition unit (22) that acquires the display information covered with the transparent window based on the display position information; a superimposition detection unit (27) that detects that a plurality of the transparent windows are in a positional relation in which the plurality of the transparent windows overlap one another to be displayed, based on the display position information; and a processing execution unit (28) that executes, in a case where the superimposition of the plurality of the transparent windows is detected, predetermined processing based on the display information acquired by the information acquisition unit (22). |
| US08098212B2 |
Method for antenna array partitioning
A method for partitioning a plurality of antennas in a wireless communication system, in which the antennas are grouped into a first set of partitions and a second set of partitions. One or more signal transmission schemes are performed with the antennas grouped into the first set of partitions for a first time period, and then with the antennas grouped into the second set of partitions for a second time period. |
| US08098211B2 |
Antenna structure and radio communication apparatus including the same
A feed radiation electrode functioning as an antenna is capable of performing radio communication in two different frequency bands, a lower frequency band and a higher frequency band, defined in advance for radio communication. The feed radiation electrode has a loop shape, and a feeding end Q and a feeding-end adjacent portion P are connected with a shortcut path, which is provided by a stub, therebetween. Thus, the feed radiation electrode is capable of performing radio communication in the lower frequency band for radio communication in accordance with a resonant operation based on a current flowing through a channel IL and performing radio communication in the higher frequency band for radio communication in accordance with a resonant operation based on currents flowing through channels IH and IH′. |
| US08098209B2 |
Systems, methods and devices for improved imaging
The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for imaging and transmitting images. In particular, the present invention provides, systems, methods and devices for free-space polarization modulation. |
| US08098208B2 |
Antenna configuration and use thereof
The invention relates to an antenna configuration, comprising at least one electrically insulating carrier substrate and at least one electrically conductive layer applied on at least one side of the carrier substrate, the electrically conductive layer having a first area region and a second area region, and the first area region of the electrically conductive layer having the form of at least one antenna structure. The at least one antenna structure is present in a manner electrically insulated from the second area region of the electrically conductive layer, and the second area region of the electrically conductive layer is subdivided, at least in regions directly adjacent to the at least one antenna structure, into island regions that are at least electrically insulated from one another. The at least one antenna configuration is suitable for use for contactlessly coupled transponders, in particular for RFID Tags or Smart Tags. |
| US08098203B2 |
Antenna and communication device having the same
A plate-like radiation element is arranged above a ground plane with a space from the ground plane. The radiation element 2 resonates at a predetermined low-frequency wavelength λ1 and a predetermined high-frequency wavelength λ2. A feeding portion for being connected to a feed circuit and a pair of short-circuit portions are provided on peripheral edge portions of the radiation element. The feeding portion is provided on one end of the radiation element. The pair of short-circuit portions for being connected to a ground plane are arranged in areas positioned at opposite sides, on both sides of the feeding portion along peripheral edge directions of the radiation element, where the voltages of high-frequency resonance supplied from the feeding portion to the individual short-circuit portions are zero. The short-circuit portions extend toward the ground plane for being connected to the ground plane. At the other end opposite to the feeding portion of the radiation element is an open end. An electrical length from the one end side to the open end of the radiation element is set to one-half of the high-frequency resonant wavelength λ2 of the radiation element. |
| US08098202B2 |
Dual antenna and methods
A dielectric dual antenna (300) intended especially for small-sized radio apparatuses, with one partial antenna (310) of which is implemented the lower operating band of the antenna and with the second partial antenna (320) the upper operating band. The partial antennas have a shared feed point (FP) in the antenna structure, e.g. at the end of a radiating element (312) of one partial antenna, in which case the other partial antenna receives its feed galvanically through said radiating element by a short intermediate conductor (332). The partial antennas are located so that their substrates (311, 321) are heads face to face, and the main directions of the radiating elements i.e. the conductive coatings of the substrates starting from the shared feed point are opposing. The tunings of the partial antennas corresponding to different operating bands are obtained independent from each other without discrete matching components. |
| US08098192B1 |
System for distinguishing among radar returns using information from a database
A terrain awareness system includes a processor for receiving radar returns and providing terrain and/or obstacle alerts or warnings in response to the radar returns. The processor receives information from a database and the information is used to select the radar transmit function and/or the radar reception function to optimize the performance of the system. |
| US08098191B1 |
Electronic curtain for vehicle protection
An apparatus and method for protecting against incoming projectiles comprising transmitting two radar waveforms, the first waveform comprising a pulsed continuous wave waveform, and the second waveform comprising a pulsed linear chirp waveform over a bandwidth, and based on returned radar data, causing deployment of a defense mechanism to intercept a detected incoming projectile. |
| US08098190B2 |
Apparatus and method for testing emergency locator beacons
An emergency locator beacon testing and communication system is described. The system uses privately-owned Local User Terminals which provide direct feeds to a privately-operated beacon information processor having dedicated on-line servers for consolidating and providing access to beacon test information. The system receives beacon signals relayed through the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, correlates the beacons' unique identification numbers (UIN's) in the received signals to the UIN's of beacons known to be undergoing testing, collects the data transmitted by beacons under test, and displays beacon test results in a useful format on a user-friendly website. |
| US08098184B2 |
Motorcycle communication system with radar detector, and mounting assemblies therefor
A communication system for use with a motorcycle includes a main unit that has a detector and a transmitter that transmits an alert signal upon the detection of a radar or laser by the detector. The system further includes either a visual indicator or an audio indicator. The visual indicator has a receiver that receives the alert signal from the transmitter, and a display which provides a visual display of the alert signal. The audio indicator has a receiver that receives the alert signal from the transmitter, and a speaker which emits an auditory response of the alert signal. The system can further include a mounting assembly having a connector that is removably connected to a part of a motorcycle, a support bracket to which the main unit is removably coupled, and a link that pivotably couples the support bracket and the connector. |
| US08098180B2 |
Devices including analog-to-digital converters for internal data storage locations
A device that includes an internal data storage location coupled to an electrical conductor and an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the internal data storage location via the electrical conductor. In some embodiments, the analog-to-digital converter includes a comparator having an input coupled to the electrical conductor and a switch coupled to the electrical conductor. |
| US08098179B2 |
Systems, methods and apparatus for digital-to-analog conversion of superconducting magnetic flux signals
A superconducting flux digital-to-analog converter includes a superconducting inductor ladder circuit. The ladder circuit includes a plurality of closed superconducting current paths that each includes at least two superconducting inductors coupled in series to form a respective superconducting loop, successively adjacent or neighboring superconducting loops are connected in parallel with each other and share at least one of the superconducting inductors to form a flux divider network. A data signal input structure provides a respective bit of a multiple bit signal to each of the superconducting loops. The data signal input structure may include a set of superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). The data signal input structure may include a superconducting shift register, for example a single-flux quantum (SFQ) shift register or a flux-based superconducting shift register comprising a number of latching qubits. |
| US08098175B2 |
Aircraft instrument panel
The invention relates to aircraft instrument panel equipment. According to the invention, the proposal is for an instrument panel which, in addition to a main display system for horizon and necessary piloting parameters, comprises two items of equipment identical from the point of view of hardware and the point of view of software, each provided with a display screen, automatic pilot set point adjustment buttons, computing means and standby data (standby horizon, altitude, speed). In normal operating conditions, one of the items of equipment is configured in an “automatic pilot set point display” mode; its control buttons are used to give the set points to the automatic pilot computer, and the set points are displayed on the screen. The other item of equipment is configured in “integrated standby data display” mode. It displays on the screen the standby horizon, the standby speed and the standby altitude. The mode may be switched at will or in the event of a failure of one of the two items of equipment. |
| US08098174B2 |
Feasible region determination for autonomous parking
A method is provided for initiating a parking maneuver for parallel parking a vehicle between a first object and a second object. A target parking space is measured. A determination is made whether the measured target parking space is sufficient to allow an autonomous parallel parking maneuver. A region of feasible starting locations is determined to successfully perform the parallel parking maneuver between the first object and the second object if the available parking space is sufficient. A position of a midpoint of a rear axle is determined in relation to the designated region. A determination is made whether the midpoint of the rear axle is within the designated region. A driver of the vehicle is signaled in response to an instantaneous location of the midpoint of the rear axle vehicle being a feasible starting location to initiate the parallel parking maneuver. |
| US08098168B2 |
Remote communications feedback for utility meter
A utility meter comprises a measurement circuit configured to measure consumption, a remote communications port, a local communications port, and a meter communications indicator. The meter communications indicator is configured to provide an indication that the meter is communicating with a remote device external to the meter over the remote communications port. The meter communications indicator is also configured to provide an indication that the meter is communicating with a local device external to the meter over the local communications port. The indication that communications are occurring over the local communications port is different from the indication that communications are occurring over the remote communications port. In at least one embodiment, the communications indicator is configured to provide an indication that communications are occurring simultaneously over the remote communications port and the local communications port. |
| US08098167B2 |
Vehicle for determining the climate
An unmanned vehicle for use in a stable such as a cowshed is provided with detection components for determining meteorological conditions. The detection components comprise sensors for determining temperature, air velocity, gas, analysis, light, air pressure, and air humidity. The detection sensors are disposed at different heights on the vehicle and on a telescopic carrier for providing determinations at variable altitudes. The vehicle includes a data processing unit for storing and analyzing data. The vehicle also includes a transmitting unit and signaling device for transfer of data and for alerting an operator of threatening meteorological conditions and when they become hostile. Composition and quantity of feed which is provided to animals in the stable is varied dependent on changes in climate detected by the vehicle. |
| US08098164B2 |
Reprogrammable receiver collar
An animal training system including a programming apparatus and an animal training collar. The animal training collar is communicatively couplable to the programming apparatus. The animal training collar includes at least one stimulation probe and a programmable device operatively connected to the at least one stimulation probe to activate the at least one stimulation probe. The at least one stimulation probe also transferring data at least one of to and from the programming apparatus. |
| US08098162B2 |
Attachment of an RFID tag to a container
A container includes a container body having a sidewall and an end wall extending across the sidewall and closing an end of the container body. A retainer is received on the container body with a central portion of the retainer adjacent to the end wall of the container body and a flexible edge portion of the retainer engaging the sidewall of the container body at an angle to resist removal of the retainer away from the end wall. An RFID tag is disposed between the central portion of the retainer and the end wall of the container body. The retainer and the RFID tag may be disposed outside of the container body interior, but more preferably are disposed within the container body interior. The retainer preferably is imperforate, and the edge portion of the retainer preferably is in continuous peripheral contact with the container sidewall to seal the RFID tag from the container interior. In a preferred implementation, the container body is a molded plastic prescription vial having an annular sidewall, and the retainer is in continuous annular contact with the interior surface of the container sidewall to seal the RFID tag from the container interior. |
| US08098161B2 |
Radio frequency identification inlay with improved readability
A radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlay is provided that is substantially isolated from the environment in proximity to one side of the device. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) inlay is provided including a two-port microchip having a first and a second port, a first antenna coupled to the first port of the two-port microchip, a ground-plane, a first high-impedance body disposed substantially parallel to the first antenna and between the first antenna and the ground-plane, the first high-impedance body insulated from the ground-plane. The RFID inlay further includes a second antenna coupled to the second port of the two-port microchip, and a second high-impedance body disposed substantially parallel to the second antenna and between the second antenna and the ground-plane, the second high-impedance body insulated from the ground-plane. |
| US08098155B2 |
System and method for locating a target wireless device
A method for locating a target wireless device is disclosed. At least one directional antenna is swept through a field of view at each of a plurality of sensing locations. A position is determined for each of the plurality of sensing locations. During the sweep at each of the plurality of sensing locations, a set of signal strength data for the target wireless device and a set of bearing information are collected. A plurality of lines of bearing are determined, one from each of the plurality of sensing locations to the target wireless device, based on the determined position, the collected set of signal strength data, and bearing information for each of the plurality of sensing locations. A target location of the target wireless device is determined based on an intersection of at least two lines of bearing from the plurality of lines of bearing. |
| US08098154B2 |
System and method of simulation
A simulation system includes a two-dimensional electrical grid installed in a floor or floor mat. Signals from boot mounted transmitters can be sensed via the grid to track boot locations in real-time during training exercises. |
| US08098152B2 |
Universal display exposure monitor using personal locator service
Systems, methods and devices for gathering data concerning exposure of predetermined survey participants to media displays are provided. A portable monitor is arranged to receive certain types of terrestrial-based signals, and in some specific cases, satellite-based signals, and to use such signals to generate location data indicative of a location of the portable monitor. The location data and stored media display data is analyzed to evaluate the survey participant's exposure to one or more media displays. |
| US08098149B2 |
Wireless patient parameter sensors for use in MRI
A wireless patient monitor for MRI provides for on-board filtering of physiological signals from the patient to provide improved assessment and processing of MRI noise before the signal is affected by the transmission process. A system of powering of a wireless patient monitor using capacitors is also provided. |
| US08098148B2 |
Sensor signal processor apparatus
A sensor signal processor apparatus having good characteristics and providing an easy and simple interface for various sensors. The sensor signal processor apparatus includes a current source, a sensor, a ramp integrator, a comparator, and a controller. The current source generates a constant current according to a preset value, and the sensor outputs a sensor voltage using the current from the current source. The ramp integrator generates and outputs an integral voltage according to an input command, and the comparator compares the sensor voltage of the sensor with the integral voltage of the ramp integrator and outputting a result of the comparison. The controller controls the generating and outputting of the integral voltage of the ramp integrator according to the comparison result of the comparator. |
| US08098142B2 |
Vehicle monitoring system
A monitoring device for vehicles includes a housing, at least one electrochromic mirror glass arranged in the housing so as to have a front side facing an observer, and at least one camera. The at least one electrochromic mirror glass comprises a reflective layer that is reflective in the visible spectral range of light. The at least one camera is arranged behind the reflective layer in a viewing direction viewed from the front side. The at least one camera takes images through the reflective layer. The electrochromic mirror glass has an electrochromic layer and the reflective layer is arranged behind the electrochromic layer in the viewing direction. |
| US08098139B2 |
Test head device
There is disclosed a test head device for testing the functionality of a large number of RFID chips arranged in smart labels (17) within a smart label production apparatus by means of a data reading and/or data writing process, wherein the smart labels (17), each comprising a first antenna (10a-10e), are placed next to and behind one another on a common continuously moving strip, wherein the test head device comprises a plurality of test systems which function independently of one another, each of said test systems consisting of a write and/or read unit (12a-e), a second antenna (3, 11a-e; 18) connected thereto which is in each case assigned to one of the first antennas (10a-10e) for simultaneously transmitting read and/or write data between the first and second antennas (10a-10e; 3; 11a-e; 18) by means of ultrahigh frequency waves, and a common table unit which can be displaced at least in the height direction, wherein the second antennas (3; 11a-e; 18) are arranged on a common antenna carrier plate (2) oriented parallel to the strip. |
| US08098137B2 |
Media passport system
A media passport system including a radio frequency identification (RFID) transponder attached to a removable medium a plurality of RFID readers installed in rooms, wherein each RFID reader has a unique identification (ID), and a security server connected to the plurality of RFID readers via a network. The security server hosts a zone-table including a unique ID information of the removable medium, and a zone information determined as a subset of the unique IDs of the plurality of RFID readers. Based on this the security server sends an alarm when a removable medium is transported inside or outside a zone. |
| US08098135B2 |
Coordination of radio frequency communications amongst radio frequency identification (RFID) readers
Methods and apparatuses are described for reducing interference amongst frequency identification (RFID) readers operating within an interference range. Groups of frequencies from a range of frequencies are determined such that RFID readers transmitting on adjacent frequencies in a particular group of frequencies experience substantially negligible interference. A first group of frequencies is selected for a first time period of operation. RFID readers are each assigned a unique frequency from the first group of frequencies. At the end of the first time period, a second group of frequencies is selected and RFID readers are each assigned unique frequencies from the second group of frequencies. Substantially all frequencies of the groups of frequencies are assigned during a predetermined time duration. |
| US08098134B2 |
Systems and methods for interrogator multiple radio frequency identification enabled documents
A multi-document read-write station provides the ability to read/write to a stack of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags within a small area. Specifically, the station provides the ability to read from and write to a tall stack of RFID tagged sheets with the RFID tags stacked one on top of the other. The station and capability described herein is the result of and comprises several components including a closed chamber comprising a document slot, an antenna system, and a power management system. |
| US08098129B2 |
Identification system and method of operating same
An identification system which is not prone to man-in-the-middle attacks and which is capable of intra-body communication includes at least one wearable electronic key (1). The electronic key includes an intra-body communication interface (IBCI) and a storage device (DB) in which user identification data (ID) are stored, and an authentication server (AS) for verification of a user's fingerprint. At least one reader (2) has an intra-body communication interface (IBCI) and a fingerprint reader. |
| US08098127B2 |
Resistor for microwave applications
A resistor assembly for use at microwave frequencies, has a substrate with first and second contacts or metalizations at either end of the substrate. A third contact or metallization is provided on one side of the substrate generally in the middle thereof. First and second resistors, as thin film resistors, are provided on the substrate extending between the first and second contacts and the third, central contact. A third resistor is provided on the other side of the substrate, connecting the first and second contacts, so as to form a delta configuration of three resistors. This then provides a resistor configuration that can be used to implement a three port Wilkinson splitter or combiner. |
| US08098122B2 |
Magnetic attachment system with low cross correlation
A magnetic attachment system for attaching a first object to a second object. A first magnet structure is attached to the first object and a second magnet structure is attached to the second object by the magnetic attraction between the first magnet structure and second magnet structure. The magnet structures comprise magnetic elements arranged in accordance with patterns based on various codes. In various embodiments, the code has certain autocorrelation properties, the code may be from a set of codes with low cross correlation; an attachment and a release configuration may be achieved by a simple movement of the magnet structures; the magnetic pattern may be configured to allow installation of a selected panel of a set of panels in a given location or orientation while rejecting the remaining panels of the set; or the magnetic pattern is configured using codes with low cross correlation. |
| US08098118B2 |
Bandpass filter and process of fabricating the same
A bandpass filter includes a combination of a BAW filter and a patterned planar filter with stubs. The BAW filter is composed of a plurality of piezoelectric resonators to give a specific frequency bandpass, while the planer filter is configured to attenuate frequencies near and outside the bandpass. The resonators are connected in a ladder configuration between a first signal transmission path and a ground. The planar filter includes a strip line formed on a dielectric layer to define a second signal transmission path. The BAW filter and the planar filter are formed on a common substrate with the first and second transmission paths connected to each other. The BAW filter, in combination with the patterned planar filter added with the stub, can improve a deep near-band rejection inherent to the BAW filter, exhibiting an excellent out-of-band rejection over certain adjacent frequency ranges outside of the bandpass, and therefore give a sharp and wide bandpass. |
| US08098117B2 |
LC composite component
An LC composite component has a unique structure that makes it easy to set frequency characteristics while reducing a circuit area and the number of layers. The LC composite component includes a laminated body including a plurality of dielectric layers. The laminated body is produced by forming input and output electrodes and an LC resonant circuit therein. The LC composite component includes a capacitor, which includes an elongated electrode portion having an elongated shape. The elongated electrode portion faces a flat electrode portion having a flat shape, with one of the dielectric layers interposed therebetween. At the same time, the elongated electrode portion constitutes an open stub that is open at a tip end. |
| US08098112B2 |
Impedance tuner systems and probes
An impedance tuner may include a transmission media for propagating RF signals, a reflection magnitude control device mounted in a fixed position relative to a direction of signal propagation along said transmission media, and a phase shifter to control a reflection phase. A multi-section probe for an impedance tuner system may include a plurality of probe sections and a holder structure for mechanically supporting the plurality of probe sections. |
| US08098095B2 |
Power amplifier
Disclosed herein is a power amplifier. The power amplifier includes N power amplification means, a transformer, and a harmonic elimination unit. Each of the N power amplification means amplifies an input signal into a predetermined level. The transformer includes N/2 primary windings respectively connected to the output terminals of the power amplification means and a secondary winding configured such that coil elements are connected in series between an output terminal and a ground, and sums power transmitted from the primary windings. The harmonic elimination unit is disposed across both ends of the secondary winding of the transformer, and eliminates the output of the harmonic frequencies of a preset frequency. |
| US08098086B2 |
Integrated circuit and programmable delay
Integrated circuit and programmable delay. One embodiment provides an integrated circuit including a programmable delay element having a plurality of single delay cells. The delay cells include a first input and a second input and a first output. The delay cells are arranged to form a chain such that the first output of a preceding delay cell is coupled to the second input of a successive delay cell. The first inputs of any delay cells are configured to receive an input signal to be delayed. The delay cells out of the plurality of delay cells is configured to constitute a starting point of a signal path including any of the delay cells arranged downstream of the starting point. The first output of the last delay cell in the chain forms an output of the programmable delay element. |
| US08098085B2 |
Time-to-digital converter (TDC) with improved resolution
A time-to-digital converter (TDC) with fine resolution of less than one inverter delay is described. In an exemplary design, the TDC includes first and second delay paths, a delay unit, and a phase computation unit. The first delay path receives a first input signal and a first reference signal and provides a first output. The second delay path receives a second input signal and a second reference signal and provides a second output. The delay unit delays the second input signal relative to the first input signal or delays the second reference signal relative to the first reference signal, e.g., by one half inverter delay. The phase computation unit receives the first and second outputs and provides a phase difference between the input signal and the reference signal. Calibration may be performed to obtain accurate timing for the first and second delay paths. |
| US08098083B2 |
Apparatus and method for controlling delay stage of off-chip driver
A multiple-finger off-chip driver (OCD) uses delay between branches of the output stage. The delay between branches is controlled using bias circuitry which compensates for process, temperature, and voltage (PVT) variations, resulting in less variation of slew rate at the output of the OCD. The OCD includes a time domain delay stage; a pre-driver stage; a final driver stage; and a bias circuit, for providing bias voltages to the time domain stage that compensate for process, temperature and voltage (PVT) variations on the time domain stage. |
| US08098078B1 |
Probing blade with conductive connector for use with an electrical test probe
A conductive connector includes a flexible-deflectable extension having a probing end and a head connection end. A conductive transmission path extends between the probing end and the head connection end. A pogo-rotational-action pin is electrically connected to the transmission path at the head connection end of the flexible-deflectable extension. |
| US08098076B2 |
Method and apparatus for terminating a test signal applied to multiple semiconductor loads under test
Apparatus for terminating a test signal applied to multiple semiconductor loads under test is described—for example apparatus for interfacing a test signal between a tester and a semiconductor device under test (DUT). In some examples, a probe card assembly may include at least one probe substrate each having test probes configured to contact test features of a DUT; a wiring substrate, coupled to the at least one probe substrate, having a connector configured for coupling with a source termination of a tester; a signal path formed on and/or in the wiring substrate and the at least one probe substrate, the signal path having a trace and trace stubs fanning out from the trace, an input of the trace being coupled to the connector and outputs of the trace stubs being coupled to the test probes; and a resistive termination coupled between the trace and at least one potential. |
| US08098074B2 |
Monitoring circuit for semiconductor device
Provided is a technology for monitoring the electrical resistance of an element such as a fuse whose resistance is changed due to the electrical stress among internal circuits included in a semiconductor device. The present invention provides a monitoring circuit to monitor the change in the device specification during the device is being programmed and after the device is programmed. The present invention enables the verification of an optimized condition to let the device have a certain electrical resistance, by comparing the load voltage and the fuse voltage with the reference voltage that can sense the range of resistance variation more precisely. Also, it can guarantee device reliability since it is still possible to sense electrical resistance after the electrical stress is being given. Also, the present invention can increase the utility of the fuse by possessing an output to monitor electrical resistance sensed inside of the semiconductor. |
| US08098072B2 |
Partial discharge coupler for application on high voltage generator bus works
A partial discharge coupler for detecting partial discharges in a conductor includes a frequency dependent network, a differential amplifier and a frequency selective coupling component. The frequency dependent network includes a first filter component, a fuse component and a load component, typically coupled together in series with reference to a first ground. The first filter component filters the high voltage, low frequency alternating current signal carried by the conductor from the load component and passes high frequency partial discharge pulse signals to the load component. The frequency selective coupling component couples in series between the differential amplifier and the load component. The output of the differential amplifier is configured to provide an output that is isolated from the ground connection for communicating detected partial discharge signals to partial discharge test equipment. |
| US08098068B2 |
Systems and methods for parametric mapping for correction of noise-based systematic bias of DTI metrics, using a DTI mapping phantom
A system and method for minimizing, if not completely eliminating, the systematic bias present in an MR system used for DTI is disclosed. A test object or “phantom” of the present invention is scanned with a desired DTI protocol. The eigenvalues measured with the phantom are compared to the actual values that should have been measured, and a parametric map that links measured eigenvalues to actual eigenvalues is calculated, which is applicable to the desired protocol. Future eigenvalue measurements using this protocol can be recalibrated to actual eigenvalues using this map. |
| US08098064B2 |
Speed filter calibration apparatus and method for radio frequency metal detectors
A metal detector (40) used for identifying contaminants in products (23) introduced into the metal detector by a conveyor. The detector (40) includes coils (1), a search head (2) and an analog to digital converter (3) that generates a reactive signal (13) in response to the presence of a contaminant in the region of the coils. A calculation processor (32) receives the reactive signal (13) along with the value of the conveyor speed (9) to determine a calibration ratio R that is unique to each individual metal detector (40). The optimum frequency F for metal detector operation is equal to the conveyor speed (9) divided by the ratio R. The ratio R simplifies the selection of filter parameters (4, 8) for a speed filter (30) which correlates the conveyor speed (9) with the frequency F so as to deliver an optimized signal to the detection algorithm (10) used to determine the presence of a contaminant based on the signal (13) derived from the coils (1). |
| US08098062B2 |
Comparator circuit having latching behavior and digital output sensors therefrom
A digital output sensor (110) includes a sensing structure (105) including at least one sensing element. The sensing structure (105) outputs a differential sensing signal (106, 107). An integrated circuit (100) includes a substrate (101) including signal conditioning circuitry for conditioning the sensing signal (106, 107). The signal conditioning circuitry includes a differential amplifier (115) coupled to receive the sensing signal and provide first and second differential outputs (116, 117), and a comparator (120) having input transistors (Q27, Q28) coupled to receive outputs from the differential amplifier. The comparator (120) also includes first and second current-mirror loads (Q19/Q21 and Q22/Q20) coupled to the input transistors (Q27, Q28) in a cross coupled configuration to provide hysteresis, wherein the first and second current-mirror loads provide differential drive currents (121,122). An output driver (125) is coupled to receive the differential drive currents (121, 122). An output stage (130) includes at least one output transistor which is coupled to the output driver for providing a digital output for the sensor. A voltage regulator (140) is coupled to receive a supply voltage (VS) and output at least one regulated supply voltage (VREG), wherein the regulated supply voltage is coupled to the sensing structure (105), the differential amplifier (115) and the comparator (120). |
| US08098057B2 |
Constant voltage circuit including supply unit having plural current sources
A constant voltage circuit configured to convert an input voltage into an output voltage having a predetermined level is disclosed. The constant voltage circuit includes a differential amplifier circuit configured to produce an output signal having a voltage level in response to a reference voltage and the output voltage; and an output circuit configured to receive the output signal and produce a current in response to the voltage level of the output signal. The output voltage is proportional to the current. The output circuit includes plural output transistors and a transistor selecting unit configured to select one or more output transistors to be operated among the plural output transistors to produce the current depending on the level of the output voltage. |
| US08098056B2 |
Bidirectional converter and electronic device
Provided is a bidirectional converter which has flexibility to be applicable in various conditions and performs stable switching of operation mode at high efficiency. An electronic device which supplies power in various conditions and operates with excellent efficiency is also provided. An electronic device is provided with a bidirectional converter, which has a reactor and four switches between power supply input terminals and a secondary battery, and a system circuit is supplied with an operation voltage through the bidirectional converter. A status signal indicating the operation status of the system circuit is transmitted to a microcomputer of the bidirectional converter, and based on the status signal, switching of operation mode of the bidirectional converter is controlled. |
| US08098055B2 |
Step-up converter systems and methods
Methods and systems with a step-up converter are provided based on a boost converter. In one aspect, a step-up converter includes: a boost converter having a first inductor; a second inductor paired on a core with the first inductor; and a rectifier circuit coupled with the second inductor to generate a direct current output. |
| US08098053B2 |
Charger for lithium ion secondary battery, and method of charging the same
A charger for a lithium ion secondary battery includes a series circuit of a reverse-current preventive switch, a charging switch and a current-detecting resistor, connected between the battery and the ground a charging control circuit controlling the reverse-current preventive switch and the charging switch, so as to make the battery repeat charging and opening at regular intervals, and so as to detect voltage difference between the specified voltage and the open circuit voltage of the battery during the opening; and a constant-current/constant-voltage control circuit commanding constant-current charging at a first set voltage set relatively high in a range not exceeding the upper limit voltage of the battery, so far as the voltage difference does not exceed a predetermined change-over voltage difference, and commanding constant-voltage charging at a second set voltage, which is lowered from the first set voltage, when the voltage difference becomes smaller than the change-over voltage difference. |
| US08098049B2 |
Techniques for charging a wireless device
A technique for charging a wireless device includes detecting a physical presence of a user with respect to the device. A magnetic force is provided between a charging pad and the device only when the physical presence of the user, with respect to the device, is not detected. In this case, a rechargeable power source of the device receives a charging current from the charging pad via conductive contacts of the device. |
| US08098048B2 |
Battery charger with integrated cell balancing
A battery charger containing circuitry including integrated cell balancing and automatic cell configuration determination is presented. The charger automatically adapts output current to different battery configurations. The charger also ensures that all the cells within a battery configuration are at roughly the same voltage. |
| US08098045B2 |
Connector device, method of manufacturing the same, and battery pack using the same
A connector device includes a circuit board and a connector body, and the connector body includes a housing and a connection terminal provided inside the housing. A silicon resin is applied to fill a gap between the connector body and the circuit board. The application of the silicon resin can prevent a mold resin used to seal the connector device and a battery pack body from entering from the gap into the housing. Thereby, a connector device reliably establishing conduction and a battery pack applying such a connector device can be obtained. |
| US08098041B2 |
Method of charging a powertrain
A method of charging a powertrain includes detecting an external power source in electrical communication with the powertrain, establishing a virtual network between charging control module, and transferring charge from the external power source to the powertrain. |
| US08098036B2 |
Electric power tool
An electric power tool is provided that includes a motor as a driving source, a first operation switch, a first semiconductor switch, and a second semiconductor switch. The first operation switch is operated by a user to be turned ON/OFF. The first semiconductor switch, provided on a current path from the power source to the motor, includes at least one semiconductor switching device. When the first operation switch is OFF, the first semiconductor switch is turned OFF to interrupt the current path. When the first operation switch is ON, the first semiconductor switch is turned ON to close the current path. The second semiconductor switch is provided on the current path in series with the first semiconductor switch and includes at least one semiconductor switching device. The second semiconductor switch closes/interrupts the current path by being turned ON/OFF in accordance with an input control signal. |
| US08098032B2 |
Control system for multiphase rotary machines
A control system is designed to use a plurality of voltage vectors expressing a switching mode for a switching circuit to thereby control a difference between a current actually flowing through a multiphase rotary machine and a command current value therefor within an allowable range. The plurality of voltage vectors include a zero vector that allows line-to-line voltages in the multiphase rotary machine to be all zero, and a plurality of non-zero vectors that allow at least one of line-to-line voltage in the multiphase rotary machine to be nonzero. A drive unit is configured to switch only one phase of the switching element for each shift of the switching mode to thereby shift, in accordance with a preset switching pattern, the switching mode from a specified one of the plurality of non-zero vectors to the specified one of the plurality of non-zero vectors via the zero vector. |
| US08098029B2 |
Force invariant touch sensitive actuator
A load control device for controlling an amount of power delivered to an electrical load from an AC power source, the load control device comprising a semiconductor switch operable to be coupled in series electrical connection between the source and the load, the semiconductor switch having a control input for controlling the semiconductor switch between a non-conductive state and a conductive state; a controller operatively coupled to the control input of the semiconductor switch for controlling the semiconductor switch between the non-conductive state and the conductive state; a touch sensitive front surface; a touch sensitive device responsive to a point actuation on the touch sensitive front surface, the point actuation characterized by a position and a force, the touch sensitive device comprising a resistive divider and an output operatively coupled to the controller for providing a control signal to the controller; and a capacitor coupled to the output of the touch sensitive device for stabilizing the control signal; wherein the capacitor is operable to charge and discharge through the resistive divider of the touch sensitive device, such that the control signal is representative of the position of the point actuation. |
| US08098028B2 |
Control circuit and method for controlling LEDs
A control circuit for control of light-emitting diodes has a first LED string (50) with at least one LED (51, 52, 53) and a first supply device (1) for supply of current to the first LED string (50). The supply device (1) has a control input (10) for delivery of a first control signal (CTL) and is provided for delivery, as desired, of a first supply current (IV1) or a second supply current (IV2) in dependence on the first control signal (CTL). The first and the second control currents (IV1, IV2) are non-zero. |
| US08098024B1 |
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. |
| US08098020B2 |
Circuit arrangement and method for operating a discharge lamp
A circuit arrangement for operating a discharge lamp including an inverter, which at its output provides a signal with a preselectable frequency; at least one lamp inductance between the output of the inverter and the discharge lamp; at least one capacitor and, coupled to the lamp inductance, an actuating device for actuating the inverter with the signal; a control device for controlling a control parameter which is dependent on the lamp current, wherein the control device has a first time constant; wherein the discharge lamp has a second smaller time constant; the circuit arrangement has at least one area with a first and a second stable operating point and between these an unstable region of operation, and the actuating device varies the preselectable frequency during the operation of the discharge lamp in such a way that the circuit arrangement is operated in the unstable region of operation. |
| US08098008B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display and method of manufacturing the same
An OLED display includes a substrate member, a plurality of pixel electrodes on the substrate member, a pixel defining layer on the substrate member, the pixel defining layer including a pixel defining part and a plurality of light scattering spacer parts, the pixel defining part including a plurality of openings corresponding to and exposing the pixel electrodes, and the light scattering spacer parts protruding upward from the pixel defining part away from the substrate member, an organic light emitting layer on the pixel electrodes, a first common electrode on the organic light emitting layer, at least a portion of the first common electrode being on the pixel defining layer to overlap the light scattering spacer parts, a transmissive film on the first common electrode, and a second common electrode on the transmissive film. |
| US08098006B2 |
Color EL display and method for producing the same
One embodiment of the present invention is a color EL display characterized in that at least color filters, a thin film transistor circuit, an organic EL layer, and a common electrode are laminated in this order on a transparent substrate. Another embodiment of the invention is a method for producing a color EL display comprising the steps of forming color filters on a transparent substrate; forming a thin film transistor circuit; forming an organic EL layer; and forming a common electrode, wherein a process temperatures of the steps of forming the thin film transistor circuit and subsequent steps are 200° C. or less. |
| US08098002B2 |
Silicon resonator of the tuning-fork type
The invention relates to a silicon resonator (10) of the tuning-fork type in which the linear frequency drift depending on the temperature is compensated. The resonator includes a silicon base (14), a plurality of parallel arms (11, 12, 13) capable of vibrating and actuator (18, 21, 22), wherein the arms include a silicon layer provided between two layers of silicon oxide having a thickness, relative to that of the silicon layer, such that it ensures the first-order compensation of the resonator thermal drift. |
| US08098001B2 |
Component with reduced temperature response, and method for production
A component has a substrate and a compensation layer. A lower face of the substrate is mechanically firmly connected to the compensation layer. The lower face of the substrate and the upper face of the compensation layer have a topography. |
| US08097997B2 |
Driving device with rotating electric machine
A transaxle includes a case having an opening, a second rotating electric machine stored in the opening of the case and having a stator, a rear planetary gear stored in the transaxle case and connected to the second rotating electric machine, a transaxle rear cover sealing the opening and a bolt fixing the second rotating electric machine to the transaxle case. The stator has first and second thrust end faces defining an axial length thereof. The first thrust end face is pressed against an inner surface of the case. |
| US08097993B2 |
Electric motor and/or generator with mechanically tuneable permanent magnetic field
Apparatus and method for tuning the magnetic field of brushless motors and alternators to obtain efficient operation over a broad RPM range. The motor or alternator includes fixed windings (or stator) around a rotating rotor carrying permanent magnets. The permanent magnets are cylindrical and have North (N) and South (S) poles formed longitudinally in the cylindrical magnets. The magnets reside in magnetic conducing pole pieces (for example, low carbon or soft steel, and/or laminated insulated layers, of non-magnetizable material). Rotating the cylindrical permanent magnets inside the pole pieces either strengthens or weakens the resulting magnetic field to adjust the motor or alternator for low RPM torque or for efficient high RPM efficiency. Varying the rotor magnetic field adjusts the voltage output of the alternators allowing, for example, a windmill generator, to maintain a fixed voltage output. Other material used in the rotor is generally non-magnetic, for example, stainless steel. |
| US08097989B2 |
Reciprocating linear actuator
A reciprocating linear actuator in which a slide and a counter slide are arranged for linear movement within a hollow guide. The actuator has driving force generating means for generating a driving force between the slide and the counter slide and also has bearing structures formed individually between the guide and the slide and between the guide and the counter slide. If an external force acts on the slide, the external force is transmitted from the slide to the guide through the bearing structure between them. |
| US08097981B2 |
AC/DC power converter using magnetic energy recovery switch
An AC/DC power converter which charges a secondary battery from an AC power supply and also converts power from the secondary battery to the AC voltage is provided. A capacitor C is connected to DC terminals of the four reverse-conductive type semiconductor switches in a single-phase bridge structure, and a secondary battery is connected via a DC inductance to the semiconductor switches. The semiconductor switches are connected via an AC inductance L with an AC power supply and opposing pairs of the semiconductor switches are alternately turned ON/OFF in synchronization with the phase of the supply voltage. When an AC power supply with a frequency which is lower than the resonance frequency of the LC is connected, the switching will be carried out in a zero-voltage-zero-current condition and AC/DC reversible power conversion is possible just through the control of the gate phase of the switches. |
| US08097975B2 |
Drive system for a motor vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine and an electric motor
The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for starting an internal combustion engine for a motor vehicle, wherein the internal combustion engine has an associated electrical machine (1) which is operated as a starter/generator. During starting, the electrical machine (1) is supplied with a voltage which is obtained from addition or from subtraction of the voltages which are produced on a first energy store (3) and the voltages which are produced on a second energy store (4). |
| US08097970B2 |
Method and arrangement in wind power plant
A method and an arrangement in connection with a wind power plant, an electric drive of the wind power plant comprising two or more partial converters in parallel, which constitute a frequency converter of the electric drive, and each partial converter comprising a mains converter part, of which the nominal power of at least one differs from the nominal power of other mains converter parts, and in the method there is selected for use the smallest possible, individual mains converter part required by an operating point of the wind power plant, or a combination of mains converter parts. |
| US08097969B2 |
Method to estimate the output current of an automotive generator (alternator)
A control system of a vehicle comprises a current estimation module, a current sensor, and a current diagnostic module. The current estimation module determines an estimated output current of a generator of the vehicle based on an engine speed when the generator is operating in a steady-state condition. The current sensor measures an output current of the generator. The current diagnostic module diagnoses a condition of the current sensor based on the estimated output current and the measured output current. |
| US08097966B2 |
Adjustable film frame aligner
A film frame aligner for automatically aligning a film frame includes a film frame support, a film frame pusher for pushing the film frame, and a film frame location mechanism for locating at least one notch in the film frame. |
| US08097965B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
In the manufacture of semiconductor devices, cracking of a resin member caused during cutting and defects in the external appearance are prevented. |
| US08097963B1 |
Electrically conductive matrix for z-axis interconnect
An IC package including one or more z-axis interconnects for performing at least in part the fan-in/fan out interconnection for electrically coupling contacts of semiconductor die to external contacts of the package. The z-axis interconnect comprises a matrix of electrically conducting elements extending from the top to the bottom surface of the interconnect. Each conductive element is internally insulated from other conductive elements of the matrix. The semiconductor contacts may be electrically coupled to separate portions of the matrix by way of electrical connections to the top of the z-axis interconnect. Similarly, the external contacts of the package may be electrically coupled to the same separate portions of the matrix by way electrical connections to the bottom of the interconnect. The z-axis interconnect improves the miniaturization, integration, thermal and electrical performance of IC packages. The z-axis interconnect need not be limited to IC package applications, but may be used to electrically interconnect other configurations. |
| US08097961B2 |
Semiconductor device having a simplified stack and method for manufacturing thereof
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to provide a semiconductor device including a semiconductor chip formed of a conductive material, a connector terminal around the semiconductor chip, which is formed of a same material for forming the semiconductor chip, an insulating member for electrically insulating the semiconductor chip from the connector terminal, and a first connection member for electrically coupling the semiconductor chip with the connector terminal. Simplified step of manufacturing the connector terminal may further simplify the steps of manufacturing the semiconductor device. |
| US08097960B2 |
Semiconductor mounting bonding wire
There is provided a bonding wire which does not cause a leaning failure or the like. A semiconductor mounting bonding wire has a breaking elongation of 7 to 20%, and stress at 1% elongation is greater than or equal to 90% of a tensile strength and is less than or equal to 100% thereof. |
| US08097959B2 |
Semiconductor device including 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. |
| US08097958B2 |
Flip chip connection structure having powder-like conductive substance and method of producing the same
A connection structure (package 10) has a first plate body 101 and a second plate body; in the first plate body 101, a wiring pattern having a plurality of connection terminals 102 is formed, and the second plate body has at least two connection terminals (electrode terminals 104) arranged facing the connection terminals of the first plate body 101. The connection terminals of the first and second plate bodies are connection terminals formed as projections on the surfaces of the first and second plate bodies. A conductive substance 108 is accumulated to cover at least a part of each side face of the connection terminals opposed to each other of the first and second plate bodies, and the connection terminals thus opposed are connected to each other via the conductive substance. The package thus formed is ready for a high-pin-count, narrow-pitch configuration of a next-generation semiconductor chip, and exhibits excellent productivity and reliability. The present invention is advantageous for such a package, for a connection structure applicable to the production of the package, and for a method of producing the connection structure. |
| US08097955B2 |
Interconnect structures and methods
Interconnect structures and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, an interconnect structure includes a via extendable through a workpiece from a first side of the workpiece to a second side of the workpiece. The via is partially filled with a conductive material and has sidewalls. The interconnect structure includes a contact coupled to the conductive material in the via proximate the first side of the workpiece. The conductive material in the via comprises a recessed region comprising a landing zone proximate the second side of the workpiece. |
| US08097954B2 |
Adhesive layer forming a capacitor dielectric between semiconductor chips
A semiconductor device of the invention includes a substrate in which a power-supply electrode and a ground electrode are provided. A first semiconductor chip is disposed over the substrate and has a first conductor layer formed on a surface facing a second semiconductor chip. A second conductor layer is disposed over the first semiconductor chip and has a second conductor layer formed on a surface facing the first semiconductor chip. And an adhesive layer is disposed between the first conductor layer and the second conductor layer and bonds together the first semiconductor chip and the second semiconductor chip. In the semiconductor device, the adhesive layer and the first and second conductor layers function as a capacitor. |
| US08097953B2 |
Three-dimensional integrated circuit stacking-joint interface structure
A system, a structure and a method of manufacturing stacked semiconductor substrates is presented. A first substrate includes a first side and a second side. A through substrate via (TSV) protrudes from the first side of the first substrate. A first protruding portion of the TSV has a conductive protective coating and a second protruding portion of the TSV has an isolation liner. The system further includes a second substrate and a joint interface structure that bonds the second substrate to the first substrate at the conductive protective coating of the first protruding portion of the TSV. |
| US08097947B2 |
Conductive systems and devices including wires coupled to anisotropic conductive film, and methods of forming the same
Methods and apparatus for eliminating wire sweep and shorting while avoiding the use of under-bump metallization and high cost attendant to the use of conventional redistribution layers. An anisotropically conductive (z-axis) conductive layer in the form of a film or tape is applied to an active surface of a die and used as a base for conductive redistribution bumps formed on the anisotropically conductive layer, bonded to ends of conductive columns thereof and wire bonded to bond pads of the die. Packages so formed may be connected to substrates either with additional wire bonds extending from the conductive redistribution bumps to terminal pads or by flip-chip bonding using conductive bumps formed on the conductive redistribution bumps to connect to the terminal pads. The acts of the methods may be performed at the wafer level. Semiconductor die assemblies may be formed using the methods. |
| US08097945B2 |
Bi-directional, reverse blocking battery switch
Embodiments of the present invention relate to an improved die layout for a bi-directional and reverse blocking battery switch. According to one embodiment, two switches are oriented side-by-side, rather than end-to-end, in a die package. This configuration reduces the total switch resistance for a given die area, often reducing the resistance enough to avoid the use of backmetal in order to meet resistance specifications. Elimination of backmetal reduces the overall cost of the die package and removes the potential failure modes associated with the manufacture of backmetal. Embodiments of the present invention may also allow for more pin connections and an increased pin pitch. This results in redundant connections for higher current connections, thereby reducing electrical and thermal resistance and minimizing the costs of manufacture or implementation of the die package. |
| US08097943B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming wafer level ground plane and power ring
A semiconductor die has active circuits formed on its active surface. Contact pads are formed on the active surface of the semiconductor die and coupled to the active circuits. A die extension region is formed around a periphery of the semiconductor die. Conductive through hole vias (THV) are formed in the die extension region. A wafer level conductive plane or ring is formed on a center area of the active surface. The conductive plane or ring is connected to a first contact pad to provide a first power supply potential to the active circuits, and is electrically connected to a first conductive THV. A conductive ring is formed partially around a perimeter of the conductive plane or ring and connected to a second contact pad for providing a second power supply potential to the active circuits. The conductive ring is electrically connected to a second THV. |
| US08097942B2 |
Semiconductor device including power supply bar having jutted portion, parallel running portion and bent portion and manufacturing method therefor
A semiconductor device and a manufacturing method therefor wherein a wire for coupling an inner lead and a semiconductor chip with each other can be prevented from being electrically short-circuited to any other conductive part are provided. An inner lead portion has a tip arranged outside the outer circumferential end of the semiconductor chip as viewed on a plane. A power supply bar has a jutted portion extended between the outer circumferential end of the semiconductor chip and the tip of the inner lead portion as viewed on a plane. The upper face of the jutted portion is in a position lower than the upper face of the tip of the inner lead portion. A bonding wire for electrically coupling the semiconductor chip and the inner lead portion with each other has a bent portion outside the outer circumferential end of the semiconductor chip as viewed on a plane. |
| US08097940B2 |
Stack package
A stack package may include a substrate having first and second faces opposite each other and an opening formed therein. The first semiconductor chip may be mounted on the first face of the substrate and include a through electrode in the middle region of the first semiconductor chip that is exposed through the opening. The second semiconductor chip may be stacked on the first semiconductor chip and electrically connected to the first semiconductor chip by the through electrode of the first semiconductor chip. The circuit pattern may be formed on the second face of the substrate and include a bonding pad arranged adjacent to the opening and electrically connected to the through electrode of the first semiconductor chip through the opening, an outer connection pad spaced apart from the bonding pad and a connection wiring extending from the opening to the outer connection pad via the bonding pad. |
| US08097939B2 |
Semiconductor memory card
The semiconductor memory card related to the present invention is arranged with a plurality of semiconductor memory packages, a controller chip which controls the plurality of semiconductor memory packages, and a substrate mounted with the plurality of semiconductor chips on one surface and the controller chip mounted on the other surface corresponding to a position in which the external force of the first surface is concentrated. |
| US08097938B2 |
Conductive chip-scale package
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor package that includes forming a frame inside a conductive can, the frame being unwettable by liquid solder. |
| US08097936B2 |
Component, power component, apparatus, method of manufacturing a component, and method of manufacturing a power semiconductor component
A component has a device applied to a device carrier, a first conducting layer grown onto the device and onto the device carrier, and an insulating material applied to the first conducting layer such that only a portion of the first conducting layer is covered. |
| US08097935B2 |
Quad flat package
A semiconductor package includes a leadframe having first and second level downset lead extensions, a quad flat nonleaded package (QFN) attached to the first level downset lead extension, and a flip chip die attached to the second level downset lead extension. Another embodiment of a semiconductor package includes a leadframe having a lead, a first quad flat nonleaded package (QFN) connected to the lead, and a second quad flat nonleaded package invertly connected to a top surface of the first quad flat nonleaded package, wherein the second quad flat nonleaded package is wirebonded to the lead. A third embodiment of a semiconductor package includes a leadframe having a lead with a first level downset lead extension, a quad flat nonleaded package (QFN) connected to the first level downset lead extension, and a first wirebondable die attached to a top or bottom surface of the quad flat nonleaded package. |
| US08097931B2 |
Fuse part in semiconductor device and method for forming the same
A fuse part in a semiconductor device has a plurality of fuse lines extended along a first direction with a given width along a second direction. The fuse part includes a first conductive pattern having a space part formed in a fuse line region over a substrate, wherein portions of the first conductive pattern are spaced apart by the space part along the first direction. The fuse part includes a first insulation pattern formed over the space part, the first insulation pattern having a width smaller than a width of the first conductive pattern along the second direction and a thickness greater than a thickness of the first conductive pattern, and a second conductive pattern formed over the first insulation pattern, the second conductive pattern having a width greater than the width of the first insulation pattern along the second direction. |
| US08097925B2 |
Integrated circuit guard rings
Integrated circuits with guard rings are provided. Integrated circuits may include internal circuitry that is sensitive to external noise sources. A guard ring may surround the functional circuitry to isolate the circuitry from the noise sources. The guard ring may include first, second, and third regions. The first and third regions may include p-wells. The second region may include an n-well. Stripes of diffusion regions may be formed at the surface of a substrate in the three regions. Areas in the guard ring that are not occupied by the diffusion regions are occupied by shallow trench isolation (STI) structures. Stripes of dummy structures may be formed over respective STI structures and may not overlap the diffusion regions. The diffusion regions in the first and third regions may be biased to a ground voltage. The diffusion regions in the second section may be biased to a positive power supply voltage. |
| US08097920B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit comprising electro static discharge protection element
An electro static discharge protection element being formed by a diode including a well region of a first conductivity type on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, and a first diffusion layer of a second conductivity type in the well region. The first diffusion layer is surrounded by a second diffusion layer of the first conductivity type in the well region. The first diffusion layer has a surface on which a first contact region connected to an input/output terminal is formed. The first diffusion layer has a surface on which a second contact region connected to a reference voltage terminal is formed. |
| US08097916B2 |
Method for insulating a semiconducting material in a trench from a substrate
A method for insulating a semiconducting material in a trench from a substrate, wherein the trench is formed in the substrate and comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being lined with a first insulating layer and filled, at least partially, with a semiconducting material, comprises an isotropic etching of the substrate and the semiconducting material, and forming a second insulating layer in the trench, wherein the second insulating layer covers, at least partially, the substrate and the semiconducting material. |
| US08097915B2 |
Semiconductor memory device
A semiconductor memory device comprises a plurality of memory cells, each memory cell having a respective transistor. The transistor comprises a transistor body of a first conductivity type, a drain area and a source area each having a second conductivity type, wherein said drain area and source area are embedded in the transistor body on a first surface of said transistor body, a gate structure having a gate dielectric layer and a gate electrode. Said gate structure is arranged between said drain area and said source area. An emitter area of said first conductivity type is provided wherein said emitter area is arranged on top of said drain area. |
| US08097908B2 |
Antiblooming imaging apparatus, systems, and methods
Apparatus, systems, and methods are described to assist in reducing dark current in an active pixel sensor. In various embodiments, a potential barrier arrangement is configured to block the flow of charge carriers generated outside a photosensitive region. In various embodiments, a potential well-potential barrier arrangement is formed to direct charge carriers away from the photosensitive region during an integration time. |
| US08097907B2 |
Solid-state imaging device
It is an object to provide an image sensor having a sufficiently-large ratio of a surface area of a light-receiving section to an overall surface area of one pixel. This object is achieved by a solid-state imaging device comprising: a signal line formed on a substrate; an island-shaped semiconductor arranged on the signal line; and a pixel selection line connected to a top of the island-shaped semiconductor, wherein the island-shaped semiconductor includes: a first semiconductor layer formed as a bottom portion of the island-shaped semiconductor and connected to the signal line; a second semiconductor layer formed above and adjacent to the first semiconductor layer; a gate connected to the second semiconductor layer through a dielectric film; a charge storage section comprised of a third semiconductor layer connected to the second semiconductor layer and adapted, in response to receiving light, to undergo a change in amount of electric charges therein; and a fourth semiconductor layer formed above and adjacent to the second and third semiconductor layers, and wherein the pixel selection line is comprised of a transparent conductive film, and a part of the gate is disposed inside a depression formed in a sidewall of the second semiconductor layer. |
| US08097906B2 |
Semiconductor device having finger electrodes
A semiconductor device which has low input inductance is provided.It includes: source finger electrodes (3) disposed by predetermined direction on the main substrate 1; drain finger electrodes (4) placed and disposed a predetermined interval to each of the source finger electrodes (3); gate finger electrodes (2) disposed between the source finger electrodes (3) and the drain finger electrodes (4), respectively; source pads (6) placed and disposed a predetermined interval at one side of finger electrode array; drain pads (7) disposed between the source pads (6); gate pads (5) which placed and disposed a predetermined interval at the another side of the finger electrode array; source electrode wirings (source bus-line LS, source bridge-line NS and source bridge-line M) for connecting the source finger electrodes (3) to the source pads (6); drain electrode wirings (drain bus-line LD, the drain bridge-line ND, and the drain bridge-line P) for connecting the drain finger electrodes (4) to the drain pads (7); and gate bus-lines for connecting the gate finger electrodes (2) to the gate pads (5). |
| US08097900B2 |
Monolithically integrated light-actived thyristor and method
A monolithically integrated light-activated thyristor in an n-p-n-p-n-p sequence consists of a four-layered thyristor structure and an embedded back-biased PN junction structure as a turn-off switching diode. The turn-off switching diode is formed through structured doping processes and/or depositions on a single semiconductor wafer so that it is integrated monolithically without any external device or semiconductor materials. The thyristor can be switching on and off optically by two discrete light beams illuminated on separated openings of electrodes on the top surface of a semiconductor body. The carrier injection of the turning on process is achieved by illuminating the bulk of the thyristor with a high level light through the first aperture over the cathode to create high density charge carriers serving as the gate current injection and to electrically short the emitter and drift layer. The switching off of the thyristor is achieved by shorting the base layer and the cathode layer by illuminating the embedded back-biased PN junction of the TURN-OFF switching diode. The patterned doping profile and the interconnect between the emitter and the base region of the light activated thyristor makes possible a monolithic and/or plantar integrated fabrication of the semiconductor switching device on a single semiconductor wafer via the standard semiconductor fabrication process. |
| US08097897B2 |
High-efficiency light-emitting device and manufacturing method thereof
This invention provides a high-efficiency light-emitting device and the manufacturing method thereof. The high-efficiency light-emitting device includes a substrate; a reflective layer; a bonding layer; a first semiconductor layer; an active layer; and a second semiconductor layer formed on the active layer. The second semiconductor layer includes a first surface having a first lower region and a first higher region. |
| US08097895B2 |
Electronic device package with an optical device
Electronic device packages comprise transparent substrates covering an active surface of an optically interactive electronic device. In some embodiments, the optically interactive electronic device is bonded to conductive traces formed directly on the transparent substrate. In other embodiments, a secondary substrate comprising a plurality of conductive traces is disposed between the transparent substrate and the optically interactive electronic device. |
| US08097892B2 |
Light-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode (10) has a main light-extracting surface and includes a compound semiconductor layer (13) including semiconductor layers (130 to 135), a light-emitting part (12) contained in the compound semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer (133) contained in the light-emitting part, a transparent substrate (14) joined to the compound semiconductor layer, and first and second electrodes (15, 16) of opposite polarities formed on the main light-extracting surface on the side opposite the transparent substrate. The second electrode is formed at a position on the portion of the compound semiconductor layer exposed by removing the semiconductor layers (132 to 134) and has the periphery thereof enclosed with the semiconductor layers. The main light-extracting surface has an external shape having the largest width of 0.8 mm or more. |
| US08097889B2 |
Light emitting device having light emitting elements with a shared electrode
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. |
| US08097883B2 |
Thin film transistors in pixel and driver portions characterized by surface roughness
A thin film transistor and a fabrication method thereof, in which one excimer laser annealing (ELA) makes a pixel portion and a driver portion different from each other in surface roughness and grain size. The thin film transistor includes: a substrate including a pixel portion and a driver portion; a first semiconductor layer disposed in the pixel portion and having a first surface roughness; a second semiconductor layer disposed in the driver portion and having a second surface roughness smaller than the first surface roughness; a gate insulating layer formed on the substrate including the first and second semiconductor layers; a first gate electrode placed to correspond to the first semiconductor layer on the gate insulating layer; a second gate electrode placed to correspond to the second semiconductor layer on the gate insulating layer; an interlayer insulating layer formed on the substrate including the first and second gate electrodes; first source and drain electrodes formed on the interlayer insulating layer and electrically connected with the first semiconductor layer; and second source and drain electrodes formed on the interlayer insulating layer and electrically connected with the second semiconductor layer. |
| US08097882B2 |
Organic EL display and method of fabricating comprising plural TFTs and with connection electrode wrapped on organic pattern
An organic electroluminescent device includes first and second substrates facing and spaced apart from each other; a gate line on the first substrate; a data line intersecting the gate line to define a pixel region; a switching element connected to the gate line and the data line; an organic electroluminescent diode on the second substrate; and a driving element connected to the switching element and the organic electroluminescent diode, the driving element including a plurality of driving negative-type polycrystalline silicon thin film transistors connected to the organic electroluminescent diode in parallel. |
| US08097879B2 |
Light emitting diode and method for manufacturing the same
The present invention relates to a light emitting diode (100, 109), comprising at least one p-doped structure, a plurality of n-doped zinc-oxide (ZnO) nanowires (104) arranged on the at least one p-doped structure, thereby forming a plurality of p-n junctions (107a, 107b), an insulating structure (105) arranged among the plurality of ZnO-nanowires (104), to electrically separate the plurality of p-n junctions (107a, 107b), and a transparent conductive layer (106), arranged on the at least one insulating structure (105) and in electrical contact with the plurality of ZnO-nanowires (104), to enable application of a voltage over the plurality of p-n junctions (107a, 107b), thereby enabling emission of light. An advantage with the above light emitting diode (100, 109) is its improved broadband spectral distribution. Furthermore, as ZnO-nanowires (104) are used, it is possible to achieve a high brightness. |
| US08097876B2 |
Charge injection and transport layers
Compositions for use in hole transporting layers (HTLs) or hole injection layers (HILs) are provided, as well as methods of making the compositions and devices fabricated from the compositions. OLED devices can be made. The compositions comprise at least one conductive conjugated polymer, at least one semiconducting matrix component that is different from the conductive conjugated polymer, and an optional dopant, and are substantially free of an insulating matrix component. |
| US08097874B2 |
Programmable resistive memory cell with sacrificial metal
Programmable metallization memory cells include an electrochemically active electrode and an inert electrode and an ion conductor solid electrolyte material between the electrochemically active electrode and the inert electrode. A sacrificial metal is disposed between the electrochemically active electrode and the inert electrode. The sacrificial metal has a more negative standard electrode potential than the filament forming metal. |
| US08097869B2 |
Diversity proximity communication
A diversity proximity communication system formed on two juxtaposed chips, one having a two-dimensional array of transmit elements, the other having a two-dimensional array of receive elements. The receive and transmit elements need not be aligned and may have nominal alignment of one transmit element overlapping the corners of four receive elements. The elements may be electrical pads capacitively coupled across the interface. Signals of four different multiplexing groups, e.g., time-multiplexed, are supplied to transmitting elements in a 2×2 array. Signals from four receive elements in a 2×2 array are amplified, combined, and demultiplexed for the selected multiplexing group. The gains for the four signals to be combined are differentially controlled to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. The amplification may be determined by the overlap between each of the receive elements and the transmit element of the selected multiplexing group. |
| US08097868B2 |
Galvanic optocoupler and method of making
A galvanic optocoupler of the type monolithically integrated on a silicon substrate and having at least one luminous source and a photodetector interfaced by means of a galvanic insulation layer. The photodetector can be a phototransistor realized in the silicon substrate, and the galvanic insulation layer (40) is a passivation layer of this phototransistor. The luminous source, above the galvanic insulation layer includes an integrated LED having a first and second polysilicon layer with function of cathode and anode, respectively, these first and second layers enclosing at least one light emitter layer, in particular a silicon oxide layer enriched with silicon (SRO). An integration process of a galvanic optocoupler thus made, in particular in BCD3s technology is provided. |
| US08097867B2 |
Irradiation device
Radiation apparatus for technical use, with a large number of stretched-out radiation sources emitting in or between the UV and IR ranges and a large number of main reflector segments that are bent and/or folded out of metal sheet in a shape adapted to that of the radiation sources, while the main reflector segments are formed as separate main reflectors and are held, singly replaceable and independently of the radiation sources, in a radiation source housing. |
| US08097864B2 |
System, method and computer-accessible medium for providing wide-field superresolution microscopy
Exemplary embodiments of apparatus, system, method and computer-accessible medium using which at least one first pulsed electro-magnetic radiation is generated. Such radiation depletes at least one excited state of at least one molecule. Further, it is possible to generate at least one second electro-magnetic radiation based on the first pulsed electro-magnetic radiation(s). For example, the second electro-magnetic radiation(s) can have a pattern with a plurality of spots. |
| US08097863B2 |
Mode-locked laser device, pulsed laser light source device, microscope device
There is provided a mode-locked laser including: a resonator having a pair of resonance mirrors; a solid-state laser medium, disposed in the resonator and outputting oscillating light due to excitation light being incident thereon; an excitation unit that causes the excitation light to be incident on the solid-state laser medium; a mode-locked element, disposed in the resonator for inducing mode locking; and a temperature adjusting unit that adjusts the temperature of the pair of resonance mirrors such that oscillating light of a specific frequency is output from the resonator. |
| US08097858B2 |
Radiation imaging apparatus, processing method therefor, and radiation imaging system
An apparatus includes an imaging unit configured to perform imaging by using a plurality of image capture elements for accumulating electric charges, a storage unit configured to store an offset correction image, a correction image generation unit configured, when capturing a radiation image through radiant-ray irradiation, to combine the offset correction image with an image captured by using a part of the plurality of image capture elements through the imaging unit without radiant-ray irradiation to update the offset correction image, and a correction processing unit configured to correct the captured radiation image, based on the offset correction image. |
| US08097853B2 |
Infrared photocurrent front-end ADC for rain-sensing system with ambient light compensation
Systems and methods for a front-end circuit receiving a current from a photodiode receiving a signal light and ambient light have been disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the front-end circuit accommodates a photo diode current, generated by a signal light from an infrared LED diode in presence of a current generated by ambient light for a rain-sensing system. The circuit invented has a high dynamic range comprising a programmable transresistance amplifier, a switched capacitor programmable gain amplifier and a switched capacitor fourth-order oversampled sigma-delta A/D converter including an optimized digital filter. Furthermore coarse and fine IDACs are used to successively subtract a current generated by ambient light. |
| US08097849B2 |
Electron microscope device
The present invention provides an electron microscope device 1, comprising a scanning electron microscope 2 and an optical microscope 3, wherein the scanning electron microscope has scanning means 10 for scanning an electron beam and an electron detector 12 for detecting electrons issued from a specimen 8 scanned by the electron beam, and the scanning electron microscope acquires a scanning electron image based on a detection result from the electron detector, wherein the optical microscope projects an illumination light to the specimen, receives a reflection light from the specimen and acquires an optical image, and wherein an optical axis 7 of the scanning electron microscope crosses an optical axis 6 of the optical microscope at a point of observation of the specimen, wherein the scanning means projects the electron beam for scanning with a scanning width wider than a width of a scanning area, the optical microscope projects an illumination light and acquires an optical image in an overrunning portion where the electron beam is projected beyond the scanning area, and the scanning electron microscope acquires a scanning electron image based on electrons issued when the electron beam scans over the scanning area. |
| US08097841B2 |
Conversion circuit for converting data of signal line between an air-conditioner and a computer
A circuit for converting data of a signal line in the form of logical pulses of current to RS232 level voltages between an air-conditioner and a computer is described. The conversion circuit is able to troubleshoot the communication signals between the indoor unit and outdoor unit of an air-conditioner. |
| US08097840B2 |
Configurable photo detector circuit
A configurable photo detector circuit comprises a photo detector array including a plurality of photo detectors coupled to a plurality of amplifiers. A method for programming a detection pattern of the configurable photo detector circuit comprises selecting a first detection pattern for the photo detector array, generating first signals to create the first selected detection pattern, and applying the first generated signals to the photo detector circuit to implement the first selected detection pattern. |
| US08097838B2 |
Method of increasing the range of a subcalibre shell and subcalibre shells with a long range
The invention relates to a method for increasing the range of shells (1, 8, 13) charged with an explosive substance and other types of shell, which function as carriers of the one or other type of active payload. The method according to the invention thus provides an opportunity for increasing the range of fire of most types of artillery piece by increasing the muzzle velocity and the gliding flight capability of shells or projectiles fired from them, but without the need to increase the energy content in the propellant charges utilized for firing the shells or the projectiles concerned. The novelty proposed in accordance with the invention instead represents a radical modification to the design of the shell (1, 8, 13) utilized in conjunction therewith. The invention also relates to a shell charged with an explosive substance or provided with some other active payload which has been given a long range. |
| US08097834B2 |
Liquid heating vessels
A liquid heating vessel comprising heating means for heating liquid in the vessel, electronic control means, electromagnetic switching means for interrupting or reducing power to the heating means, and temperature sensing means for providing a signal dependent on the temperature of liquid in the vessel to the control means. The control means is arranged to operate the electromagnetic switching means to interrupt or reduce power to the heating means in response to the control means determining that a pre-determined temperature condition has been reached. |
| US08097833B2 |
Convection cooking in multi-fan convection oven
A cooking appliance includes an oven provided with bake, broil and multiple convection heating elements, as well as plural, multi-speed fans, for cooking a wide range of food. The appliance can perform multiple, distinct cooking operations, preferably including a bake mode, a no preheat convection bake mode, a rapid preheat convection bake mode, a standard preheat convection bake mode and a convection roast mode, depending upon available user selections. Based on the selected cooking mode, each of the heating elements and fans is operated in a predetermined fashion to provide for efficient heating of the oven and effective cooking of the food. |
| US08097828B2 |
Dielectric devices for a plasma arc torch
Apparatus and methods for thermally processing a workpiece include directing a plasma arc to the workpiece and using a dielectric shield or dielectric coating to protect a forward portion (e.g., a torch head) of a plasma arc torch. The dielectric shield or dielectric coating covers a nozzle disposed within the torch head and protects the nozzle from the effects of slag and double arcing. The shield also improves operator visibility due to the spatial relationship between the dielectric shield and the nozzle. |
| US08097821B2 |
Movable contact unit with light-guiding function and lighted panel switch using the same
The movable contact unit with a light-guiding function has the following structure. An uneven section is formed in a section that is to be lighted on the lower surface of a TPU base sheet. A film with a refractive index of light lower than that of the base sheet is disposed beneath the lower surface of the base sheet in a manner that the uneven section is embedded in the film. Besides, an adhesive layer is disposed beneath the film so as to hold a movable contact. The movable contact unit structured above is effectively employed for a lighted panel switch capable of reducing loss in amount of light and providing the section that is to be lighted with required illuminance. |
| US08097819B2 |
Structure for wire outlet covers
An improved structure for a wire outlet cover, arranged at a sidewall of a carton receiving a network wire, includes a body and a collar. The body has a hollow cylindrical shape and includes an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the body is, at the outlet end, provided with plural stop blocks, and wherein the body is, near the outlet end, provided with a stop flange. The collar has a hollow annular shape and is, at its internal edge, provided with plural axially-extended edges. The collar is assembled to the rear body, with the plural axially-extended edges stopped by the plural stop blocks, such that the collar and the stop flange are spaced apart for a predetermined distance for receiving the sidewall of the carton. Therefore, the network wire will not be twisted when entering into the wire outlet cover nor be twisted around the inlet end. |
| US08097818B2 |
Panel box
The invention concerns a panel box, for the electrical connection of a photovoltaic module for a solar installation, with a base piece (1) for mounting on the photovoltaic module and for the electrical connection of a connection line of the photovoltaic module, and with another part for placement on the base piece (1). According to the invention, the other part is designed as a functional part (2), having at least one functional device performing an electrical and/or electronic function. This provides a panel box which is easy to install and, what is more, it enables an easy replacement of a defective component in event of a fault. |
| US08097816B2 |
Electronic device and method of producing the same
A method of producing an electronic device includes a holding of a circuit board and a decoration sheet in a cavity of a mold, and a filling and solidifying of thermosetting resin in the cavity. A casing is molded by the solidified thermosetting resin so as to seal electronic parts and a first face of the circuit board having the electronic parts. Further, the decoration sheet is integrated with the casing by the solidified thermosetting resin. An outer surface of the casing is defined by a second face of the circuit board opposite from the first face and the decoration sheet. |
| US08097814B2 |
Printed circuit board and method of manufacturing the same
A mounting region is provided at an approximately center of one surface of an insulating layer. A conductive trace is formed so as to outwardly extend from inside of the mounting region. A cover insulating layer is formed in the periphery of the mounting region so as to cover the conductive trace. A terminal of the conductive trace is arranged in the mounting region, and a bump of an electronic component is bonded to the terminal. A metal layer made of copper, for example, is provided on the other surface of the insulating layer. A slit is formed in the metal layer so as to cross a region being opposite to the electronic component and to divide the metal layer. |
| US08097811B2 |
Substrate for suspension
A substrate for suspension comprises a metallic substrate, an insulating layer formed on the metallic substrate, having an opening for grounding terminal, and a grounding conductor formed on the insulating layer. A grounding-terminal-forming material is placed in the opening for grounding terminal to form a grounding terminal that connects the metallic substrate and the grounding conductor. The grounding conductor does not surround a portion of the circumference of the opening for grounding terminal. |
| US08097806B2 |
Cable protector for electrical outlet box
An electrical outlet box assembly includes an electrical outlet box and a cable protector. The outlet box includes a box interior for accommodating an electrical fixture and an electrical cable terminated to the fixture. The outlet box includes a mounting tab having a threaded aperture therethrough. The mounting screws are insertable through the aperture of the mounting tab. The cable protector is positioned adjacent the mounting tab for separating the mounting screw from the interior of the box for preventing contact between the mounting screw and the cable terminated therein. |
| US08097805B2 |
Pivoting while-in-use electrical box and cover
The present invention is directed to a “while-in-use” electrical box device including an electrical box housing and pivotable cover which function as an integral unit and rotate on a fixed frame. |
| US08097804B1 |
Cable protection system
A cable protection system protects a cable, such as an insulated conductor, data line, fluid or gas conduit, power cord, communication line or the like. The cable passes through a pair of ferrules that are separated by a segment of the cable. A protective jacket made of braided metal strands or the like encloses the ferrules and the cable segment and is held in place to the ferrules by jacket securing means. In one embodiment, support collars surround a portion of the braided jacket and a portion of each ferrule so that the braided jacket is securely held between each ferrule and support collar combination when a loading force, such as a gravitational loading or suspension force, is applied to the cable segment, typically in an axial orientation. The braided jacket has a diameter that constricts when an axial loading force is applied, protecting the cable segment from damaging stress by gripping the ferrules and the cable segment. A generally even compressive force can be applied along the cable length in some embodiments, which prevents undesirable stretching or other damage to the cable segment. |
| US08097802B2 |
Thermoelectric material including a multiple transition metal-doped type I clathrate crystal structure
A thermoelectric material includes a multiple transition metal-doped type I clathrate crystal structure having the formula A8TMy11TMy22 . . . TMynnMzX46-y1-y2- . . . -yn-z. In the formula, A is selected from the group consisting of barium, strontium, and europium; X is selected from the group consisting of silicon, germanium, and tin; M is selected from the group consisting of aluminum, gallium, and indium; TM1, TM2, and TMn are independently selected from the group consisting of 3d, 4d, and 5d transition metals; and y1, y2, yn and Z are actual compositions of TM1, TM2, TMn, and M, respectively. The actual compositions are based upon nominal compositions derived from the following equation: z=8·qA−|Δq1|y1−|Δq2|y2− . . . −|Δqn|yn, wherein qA is a charge state of A, and wherein Δq1, Δq2, Δqn are, respectively, the nominal charge state of the first, second, and n-th TM. |
| US08097798B2 |
Finger-mounted striking devices for activating musical instrument strings
The finger-mounted striking devices described herein are for use on stringed musical instruments, in particular for but not limited to electric or acoustic bass instruments. The paired devices consist of elongated cylindrical wooden shafts of differing length. The offset in length allows the striking tips to be effectively even when worn as intended on the index and middle fingers. The striking tip of each shaft contains a permanently embedded weight to accelerate the transfer of finger movement to the shaft tip. The mechanism for attaching the elongated shaft to each finger is an adjustable metal ring permanently attached to the shaft end opposite the striking tip. An upward-sloped fingertip rest is provided forward of the ring. The entire body of each elongated shaft and the integral metal ring are encased in an elastomeric coating that prevents scratching of the instrument surface during use by the devices and seals the metal ring against corrosion from moisture. Additional layers of elastomer coating are added to the striking tip to eliminate impact damage to the outer windings of instrument strings. |
| US08097797B1 |
Maize variety hybrid 10031640
A novel maize variety designated 10031640 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing maize variety 10031640 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into 10031640 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety 10031640, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety 10031640. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety 10031640. |
| US08097795B1 |
Maize variety PHEDM
A novel maize variety designated PHEDM and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHEDM with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHEDM 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 PHEDM or a trait conversion of PHEDM with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHEDM, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHEDM and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods. |
| US08097790B2 |
Tomato line FDS 15-2102
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid PS01544291 and the parent lines thereof, such as inbred parent line FDS 15-2102. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid PS01544291 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US08097789B2 |
Tomato line FDR 15-2090
The invention provides seed and plants of tomato hybrid PS01533588 and the parent lines thereof, such as inbred tomato line FDR 15-2090. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of tomato hybrid PS01533588 and the parent lines thereof, and to methods for producing a tomato plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another tomato plant, such as a plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to parts of such plants, including the fruit and gametes of such plants. |
| US08097786B2 |
Soybean cultivar 1000680
A soybean cultivar designated 1000680 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 1000680, to the plants of soybean 1000680, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 1000680, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 1000680 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 1000680, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 1000680, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 1000680 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08097784B1 |
Soybean variety XB37V09
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB37V09. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB37V09, to the plants of soybean XB37V09 to plant parts of soybean variety XB37V09 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB37V09 with another soybean plant, using XB37V09 as either the male or the female parent. |
| US08097782B1 |
Soybean variety XB39T09
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB39T09. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB39T09, to the plants of soybean XB39T09 to plant parts of soybean variety XB39T09 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB39T09 with another soybean plant, using XB39T09 as either the male or the female parent. |
| US08097780B1 |
Soybean variety XB43L09
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB43L09. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB43L09, to the plants of soybean XB43L09 to plant parts of soybean variety XB43L09 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB43L09 with another soybean plant, using XB43L09 as either the male or the female parent. |
| US08097779B1 |
Soybean variety RJS06001
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS06001. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS06001, to the plants of soybean RJS06001 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS06001 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS06001 with another soybean plant, using RJS06001 as either the male or the female parent. |
| US08097777B1 |
Soybean cultivar 05RM310021
The present invention is in the field of soybean cultivar 05RM310021 breeding and development. The present invention particularly relates to the soybean cultivar 05RM310021 and its progeny, and methods of making 05RM310021. |
| US08097774B2 |
Cytochrome P450 genes conferring herbicide resistance
Compositions and methods for conferring herbicide resistance or tolerance to plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions include transgenic plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds that have been transformed with a nucleic acid molecule encoding a cytochrome P450 or variant thereof that confers herbicide resistance or tolerance, alone or in combination with one or more additional nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides that confer desirable traits. In particular, the cytochrome P450 or variant thereof confers resistance or tolerance to HPPD inhibitors, benzothiadiazinones, sulfonylureas, and other classes of herbicides. The additional polypeptide may also confer resistance or tolerance to an herbicide, including HPPD inhibitors and other herbicides. Methods are also provided for the production and use of the herbicide resistant or tolerant plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds of the invention. |
| US08097770B2 |
Plant having improved growth ability and disease resistance and method for production thereof
Disclosed is a transgenic plant improved in growth ability and disease resistance. Also disclosed is a method for production of the transgenic plant. It is found that a transgenic plant having DNA encoding a glutathione-binding plastid-type fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase introduced therein is improved in growing ability and disease resistance compared to a wild-type one. |
| US08097769B2 |
Yield increase in plants overexpressing the ACCDP genes
A transgenic crop plant transformed by a 1-AminoCyclopropane-1-Carboxylate Deaminase-like Polypeptide (ACCDP) coding nucleic acid, wherein expression of the nucleic acid sequence in the crop plant results in the plant's increased root growth, and/or increased yield, and/or increased tolerance to environmental stress as compared to a wild type variety of the plant. Also provided are agricultural products, including seeds, produced by the transgenic crop plants. Also provided are isolated novel ACCDPs, and isolated novel nucleic acids encoding ACCDPs, and vectors and transgenic plant containing the same. |
| US08097762B2 |
Process for the preparation of β- and α-cryptoxanthin
The present invention relates to a process for converting lutein and/or lutein esters to (3R)-β-cryptoxanthin and (3R,6′R)-α-cryptoxanthin, suitable for human consumption as dietary supplements, by employing safe and environmentally friendly reagents. (3R)-β-Cryptoxanthin and (3R,6′R)-α-cryptoxanthin are two rare food carotenoids that are not commercially available and the former exhibits vitamin A activity. In the first synthetic step, commercially available lutein and/or lutein esters are transformed into a mixture of dehydration products of lutein (anhydroluteins) in the presence of a catalytic amount of an acid. The resulting anhydroluteins are then converted to (3R)-β-cryptoxanthin (major product) and (3R,6′R)-α-cryptoxanthin (minor product) by heterogeneous catalytic hydrogenation employing transition elements of group VIII (Pt, Pd, Rh supported on alumina or carbon) in a variety of organic solvents under atmospheric pressure of hydrogen and at temperatures ranging from −15° C. to 40° C. Among these catalysts, Pt supported on alumina at 40° C. in ethyl acetate provides the best yield of (3R)-β-cryptoxanthin and (3R,6′R)-α-cryptoxanthin. Several homogeneous catalysts can also promote the regioselective hydrogenation of anhydroluteins to a mixture of (3R)-β-cryptoxanthin and (3R,6′R)-α-cryptoxanthin in low to moderate yields. The catalysts may be transition metal complexes such as palladium acetylacetonate, Rh(Ph3P)3Cl (Wilkinson's catalyst), [(C6H11)3P[C8H12][C5H5N]Ir+PF6− (Crabtree catalyst), or [C8H12][(MePh2P)2]Ir+PF6−. Among these, Wilkinson catalyst converts anhydroluteins to (3R)-β-cryptoxanthin and (3R,6′R)-α-cryptoxanthin in nearly quantitative yield. A novel feature of this invention is the regioselective hydrogenation of anhydroluteins while the highly conjugated polyene chain of these carotenoids remains intact. |
| US08097757B2 |
Method for preparing (meth)acrylic anhydride
The present invention relates to an improved method for preparing (meth)acrylic anhydride (A(M)A2O) by transanhydrification between (meth)acrylic acid and acetic anhydride in the presence of at least one polymerization inhibitor, in which reaction to the point of partial conversion of the reagents is carried out, followed by continuous distillation. With the method according to the invention, it is possible to produce I1A(M)A2O of very high purity under improved productivity conditions compared to existing methods while eliminating problems of reactor fouling. |
| US08097751B2 |
Process for preparing polyisocyanates by the adiabatic phosgenation of primary amines
A two-stage process for the preparation of organic isocyanates by reacting primary amines with phosgene in which: a) in a first stage, amine and phosgene are reacted in an adiabatically managed reaction, in which the temperature of reaction is restricted to values between 100 and 220° C. by actively adjusting the absolute pressure in the reactor to values between 8 and 50 bar by decompression, and the temperature is held at values between 100 and 220° C. until the stoichiometric conversion of phosgene has reached at least 80%; and then b) in a second stage, the reaction mixture from a) is decompressed to an absolute pressure of 1 to 15 bar and the reaction mixture is reacted further at temperatures between 90 and 240° C., optionally with the introduction of heat. |
| US08097749B2 |
Isothermal process for phosphoromonochloridite synthesis
The present invention relates to a process for preparation of a phosphoromonochloridite in high yield by contacting phosphorus trichloride (PCl3) with an aromatic diol in a solution of one or more organic solvents under reaction conditions sufficient to produce the phosphoromonochloridite. The reaction is carried out by adding a feed solution containing the aromatic diol dissolved in a first organic solvent into a reaction zone containing PCl3, and optionally one or more second organic solvents, the addition being conducted so as to maintain substantially isothermal process conditions. The reaction solution comprises greater than 0.01 to less than 5 mole percent of a nitrogen base. |
| US08097748B2 |
Amorphous compound and production method thereof
An amorphous compound of the formula (1): wherein the temperature showing an endothermic peak by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is 40 to 80° C. and the solution rate into n-hexane at 25° C. in the following test system is 1.5 mg/sec or more. |
| US08097747B2 |
Process for the alkylation of phosphorus-containing compounds
A process for alkylating a phosphorus-containing compound to provide an alkylated phosphorus-containing compound is provided which comprises alkylating 5 phosphorus-containing compound possessing at least one phosphorus-hydrogen alkylatable site with reactant which generates alkene and/or cycloalkene alkylating agent in situ in the presence of initiator, the alkylene and/or cycloalkylene alkylating agent alkylating the phosphorus-containing component to provide alkylated phosphorus-containing product. |
| US08097745B2 |
Method of producing organosilicon compound
A simple method of producing an organosilicon compound of a formula R2n(OR4)mSi—R1—Si(OR4)mR2n is disclosed. The method comprises the following two steps, Y—R1—Y+SiXm+1R2n->R2nXmSi—R1—SiXmR2n R2nXmSi—R1—SiXmR2n+M(OR4)r,->R2n(OR4)mSi—R1—Si(OR4)mR2n In the formulas, R1 is methylene, alkylene, or arylene, R2 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or aryl, m and n is 0 to 3, provided m+n=3, at least one m being 1 or more, Y is halogen, X is hydrogen or halogen, R4 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, or aryl, M is metal, and r is the valence of the metal). The organosilicon compound is used to form a film having excellent heat resistance, chemical resistance, conductivity, and modulus of elasticity. |
| US08097743B2 |
Process for manufacture of blocked mercaptosilane coupling agents
Blocked mercaptosilanes can be manufactured by reacting mercaptosilanes with organic or inorganic halides or anhydrides in the presence of an acid acceptor and washing the resulting reaction product with water/brine to yield two immiscible phases: an organic phase containing blocked mercaptosilane product and an aqueous phase containing the salt of the acid acceptor. Recycle of the acid acceptor is achieved by adding base to the aqueous phase. The process is suitable to be run in either batch or continuous mode. The blocked mercaptosilane compounds are used as coupling agents in rubber mixtures. |
| US08097741B2 |
Hybrid coatings prepared from glycidyl carbamate resins
The invention relates to solvent-containing two-component polyurethane moisture cured hybrid sol-gel coating formulation comprising 1) an epoxy-functional binder with carbamate functionality and 2) a blended curing component comprising at least one sol gel precursor and an amine crosslinker. |
| US08097739B2 |
Process for the manufacture of natural oil hydroxylates
A process for preparing natural oil hydroxylates, the process comprising reacting an amino compound containing hydroxyl groups having a molecular weight of less than 200 Daltons with vegetable oil derived polyols. |
| US08097735B2 |
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. |
| US08097734B2 |
Crystalline sodium atorvastatin
Crystalline sodium atorvastatin, compositions containing the same and methods for the production thereof. |
| US08097729B2 |
Polymorphic form of lercanidipine hydrochloride and process for the preparation thereof
Processes for the purification of lercanidipine hydrochloride are provided which uses a binary system of an alcohol-containing solvent such as methanol and an aliphatic ester-containing solvent such as isopropyl acetate. Processes for the preparation of substantially amorphous lercanidipine hydrochloride are also provided. Also provided is lercanidipine hydrochloride substantially in polymorph form V. |
| US08097726B2 |
Huperzine a compound for treatment of alzheimer's disease
A huperzine A compound is provided. The huperzine A compound has following formula: wherein X comprises O or S, Y comprises —O—, —S—, —CH(R4)—, —C(R4)(R5)—, —C(R4)═C(R5)—, —C≡C—, —NH— or —N(R4)—, n is 0, 1 or 2, R3 is C(═X)—(Y)n—R1 provided that R2 is H or R2 and R3 are combined to form ═CH—Ar, wherein R1, R4 and R5 independently comprise hydrogen, C1-C32 alkyl, C1-C32 alkenyl, C1-C32 alkynyl, C1-C32 aryl or C1-C32 heteroaryl, in which alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, aryl or heteroaryl with one or more substituents comprising halogen, hydroxyl, alkoxy, aryloxyl, amino, alkylamino, arylamino, dialkylamino, diarylamino, imino, alkylimino, arylimino, acylamido, diacylamido, acylimido, cyano, nitro, mercapto, carbamido, carbamoyl, carboxyl, thioureido, thiocyanato, sulfonamido, thio, sulfonyl or sulfinyl, and Ar comprises aryl or heteroaryl. |
| US08097721B2 |
High stability polyionic liquid salts
Polyionic liquid salts are provided comprising polycationic or polyanionic molecules. Further provided are solvents comprising one or more polyionic liquid salts, and the use of such polyionic liquid salts as stationary phases in gas chromatography, and as a reagent in electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). |
| US08097719B2 |
Meropenem intermediate in novel crystalline form and a method of manufacture of meropenem
The present invention relates to novel crystalline form of (4-Nitrobenzyl (4R,5S,6S)-(3-{(3S,5S)-5-[(dimethylamino)carbonyl]-1-[(4-nitrophenoxy)carbonxyl]pyrrolidin-3-yl}thio-6-[(1R)-1-hydorxyehtyl]-4-methyl-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0].hept-2-ene-2-carboxylate) of compound Formula I as well as an improved process for the preparation of meropenem trihydrate of compound Formula II wherein, PNB represent P-nitro benzyl group and PNZ represent P-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl group. |
| US08097718B2 |
3,5-disubstituted and 3,5,7-trisubstituted-3H-oxazolo and 3H-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2-one compounds and prodrugs thereof
The invention is directed to 3,5-disubstituted and 3,5,7-trisubstituted-3H-oxazolo and 3H-thiazolo[4,5-d]pyrimidin-2-one compounds and prodrugs thereof that have immunomodulatory activity. The invention is also directed to the therapeutic or prophylactic use of such compounds and pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and to methods of treating diseases and disorders described herein, by administering effective amounts of such compounds and prodrugs. |
| US08097714B2 |
Actin regulatory elements for use in plants
The present invention provides polynucleotide molecules isolated from Oryza sativa and Zea mays and useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The present invention also provides expression constructs containing the polynucleotide molecules useful for expressing transgenes in plants. The present invention also provides transgenic plants and seeds containing the polynucleotide molecules useful for expressing transgenes in plants. |
| US08097713B2 |
Nucleic acid molecules which encode human anti-CD20 antibodies and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides nucleic acid molecules which encode human antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof that specifically bind human CD20. Also provided are expression vectors comprising nucleic acid molecules that encode anti-CD20 antibodies, and methods of producing anti-human CD20 antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof. |
| US08097710B2 |
Gene silencing
A method to silence a gene in cells by post-transcriptional gene silencing is described which method employs short RNA molecules (SRMs). SRMs are short sense RNA molecules (SSRMs) and short antisense RNA molecules (SARMs) which SARMs are complementary to a region of a target RNA transcribed from a gene to be silenced and said SSRMs correspond to the sequence of the target RNA. |
| US08097707B2 |
Compositions and processes for preparing 13-deoxy-anthracyclines
13-benzenesulfonylhydrazone anthracyclines useful in producing improved yields in the synthesis 13-deoxyanthracyclines, and an improved method of reducing 13-benzene-sulfonylhydrazone anthracyclines to 13-deoxyanthracyclines wherein the reduction reaction is maintained at temperatures of about 55° C. to 64° C. without stirring or agitation. The reaction is completed with the addition of aqueous bicarbonate which forms the 13-deoxyanthracycline and precipitates. The precipitates are filtered and the precipitate and filtrate are extracted separately with organic solvents. The crude 13-deoxy anthracycline can be converted to 5-imino-13-deoxy anthracycline by reaction with methanolic ammonia. The reaction can also be performed with an acidic pyridinium salt instead of a strong acid so that neutralization of the reaction or extraction of the product is not necessary, thereby facilitating purification. |
| US08097705B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating allergic diseases
Disclosed in the present invention are antibodies that specifically recognize and antagonize human TSLP receptor, and methods of employing these antibodies to treat or ameliorate diseases or disorder mediated by TSLP signaling. |
| US08097702B2 |
Modified human interferon polypeptides with at least one non-naturally encoded amino acid and their uses
Modified interferon polypeptides with at least one non-naturally-encoded amino acid and uses thereof are provided. |
| US08097691B2 |
Preparation of polyisocyanates of the trimer type
The invention relates to the use of heterocycles containing trivalent phosphorus as a ring member as catalysts for isocyanate modification and to a process for preparing polyisocyanates of the trimer type. |
| US08097689B2 |
Curable organosilicon composition
A curable organosilicon composition includes a radical curable organosilicon compound, an organoborane-amine complex, a condensation curable organosilicon compound, a condensation cure catalyst, and a condensation-reactive cross-linking compound. The curable organosilicon composition may further include an amine-reactive compound. A method of forming the curable organosilicon composition introduces the organoborane-amine complex and the amine-reactive compound into separate reaction vessels. The curable organosilicon composition is used to form various articles. |
| US08097687B2 |
Multifunctional azo initiators for free radical polymerizations: uses thereof
The invention provides compositions of matter, methods of their synthesis, and methods of their use in polymerization reactions. The compositions include polyfunctional initiators used to make star polymers when polymerized with monomers. The polyfunctional initiators are synthesized out of a multifunctional core with at least two functional groups and two or more initiator units bonded to the functional groups. The initiator units have two electron-withdrawing groups bonded to a central carbon atom and an azo group between the central carbon atom and the functional group. The polyfunctional initiators are particularly effective because when they decompose to form the radical core of a star polymer, the electron-withdrawing groups prevent the corresponding radical from forming any linear polymer contamination and only desired star polymers result. In addition when the desired star polymers are fed into a reaction vessel by streams with two different concentrations the star polymers produce superior properties. |
| US08097686B2 |
Multistage process for the polymerization of olefins
A process for the multistage polymerization of olefins in a sequence of an upstream slurry reactor and a downstream gas-phase reactor, the transfer of polymer from the upstream reactor to the downstream reactor comprising the following steps: a) heating the slurry of polyolefin particles to evaporate the liquid polymerization medium; b) separating the polyolefin particles from the obtained gaseous phase in at least a separation chamber; c) transferring the polyolefin particles to said downstream reactor by means of a couple of lock hoppers working intermittently in parallel, where one of said lock hoppers is continuously filled with the polymer coming from said separation chamber, while simultaneously the other one is continuously pressurized by means of a gas comprising the reaction mixture coming from said downstream reactor. |
| US08097684B2 |
Polyamide and/or polyester matrix thermoplastic compositions and articles shaped therefrom
Thermoplastic compositions containing a polyamide and/or polyester matrix and a variety of additives have high fluidity and can be shaped into plastic articles with good mechanical properties and an improved surface appearance. |
| US08097678B2 |
Outer sheath layer for power or communication cable
The present invention relates to a polyethylene composition, comprising a base resin which comprises (i) a first fraction which is an ethylene homo- or copolymer, and (ii) a second fraction which is an ethylene copolymer, wherein the first fraction (i) has a lower weight average molecular weight than the second fraction (ii), and the base resin has a density of less than 0.940 g/cm3 and a shear thinning index SHI2.7/210 of at least 25. |
| US08097677B2 |
Mixtures containing thermoplastic polyurethane and acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylic ester copolymer (ASA)
Mixture (1) comprising from 1 to 40% by weight of (A) thermoplastic polyurethane based on aliphatic isocyanate and from 60 to 99% by weight of (B) acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate copolymer (ASA) and/or acrylonitrile-ethylene homo- or copolymer-styrene (AES) material, based in each case on the total weight of the mixture (1). |
| US08097676B2 |
Polycarbonate molding compositions
An impact modified thermoplastic molding composition comprising aromatic polycarbonate and/or polyester carbonate and a rubber-modified graft polymer prepared by the bulk, solution or bulk-suspension polymerization process is disclosed. The composition that is characterized by its low content of lithium ions and its content of sodium and/or potassium ions exceeding a minimum level features improved hydrolytic resistance. |
| US08097675B2 |
2,2′-MDI-based isocyanate mixtures, polyisocyanate polyaddition products prepared therefrom, processes for making the same and methods for their use
Isocyanate mixtures comprising: (a) NCO prepolymers having an NCO content of 1.5 to 18 wt. %; and (b) 1 to 40 wt. % of monomeric 2,2′-diisocyanatodiphenylmethane, based on the isocyanate mixture; wherein the isocyanate mixture has a total NCO content of from 2 to 22 wt. %; polyisocyanate polyaddition products prepared therefrom; and methods of making the same. |
| US08097674B2 |
Amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxanes in silica-filled rubber with low volatile organic chemical evolution
A vulcanizable rubber composition is presented that comprises an elastomer; a reinforcing filler selected from silica, carbon black, and mixtures thereof, a cure agent; and an amino alkoxy-modified silsesquioxane (AMS) comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of an amino AMS, an amino/mercaptan co-AMS, an amino/blocked mercaptan co-AMS, mixtures thereof, and weak acid-neutralized solid and aqueous solutions thereof. Addition of such compounds to the rubber composition provides improved dynamic viscoelastic and mechanical properties of the vulcanized rubber compound and predict that tire components, especially tread stocks, will provide tires having improved snow traction, lower rolling resistance but equal wet traction, increased rebound, decreased hysteresis, and a general improvement in tire performance. |
| US08097672B2 |
Crosslinked material of propylene resin composition, a process for producing the crosslinked material and crosslinked molded article formed from the crosslinked material
The crosslinked material of the present invention is obtainable by crosslinking a propylene resin composition through irradiation with an ionizing radiation wherein the propylene resin composition comprises 100 parts by mass of a propylene resin comprising 15 to 99% by mass of a propylene polymer (A) having a melting point, as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), of 120 to 170° C., and 1 to 85% by mass of a propylene polymer (B) having a melting point, as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), of below 120° C. or not observed (provided that the total of the components (A) and (B) is 100% by mass), and 0.1 to 5 parts by mass of a crosslinking assistant (C). The production process of the crosslinked material of the present invention comprises a step of molding the propylene resin composition into a molded form, and a step of crosslinking the molded form through irradiation with an ionizing radiation. The crosslinked molded article of the present invention is formed from the crosslinked material. |
| US08097665B2 |
Cationic electrodeposition coating composition
A cationic electrodeposition coating composition including amino group-containing modified epoxy resin (A), blocked polyisocyanate curing agent (B), metal compound (C), and nitrogen oxide ion (E), wherein metal compound (C) is contained in an amount of 10 to 10,000 ppm calculated as metal, and nitrogen oxide ion (E) is contained in an amount of 50 to 10,000 ppm relative to the mass of the cationic electrodeposition coating composition. A coated article in which an electrodeposition coating film is formed on an untreated steel sheet exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, in particular, excellent hot salt water immersion resistance at 55° C.; and a multilayer coating film formed by a 3-coat 1-bake coating method on the electrodeposition coating film, which is formed on the untreated steel sheet, exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in a combined corrosion cycle test. |
| US08097661B2 |
Ink compositions and methods
A radiation-curable gel ink with reduced syneresis. The inks include a curable monomer, an organic gellant, a gel-forming wax, an optional photoinitiator, and an optional colorant. Also disclosed are methods of making such inks, and methods of forming images with such inks. |
| US08097659B2 |
Flexible polyurethane foam and a method of producing the same
A flexible polyurethane foam is obtained by making a material containing polyols, a cross-linking agent and a polyisocyanate compound react in the presence of a catalyst, a blowing agent and an auxiliary blowing agent. At this time, the isocyanate index of the polyisocyanate compound is set to 110 to 120. Preferably, a polyol of which the hydroxyl value is 250 mg KOH/g to 650 mg KOH/g and of which the molecular weight is 150 to 500 is used as the cross-linking agent, and concretely, polyethylene glycol can be used. A liquefied carbon dioxide is used as the auxiliary blowing agent with an amount mixed in of 1.5 mass parts to 6.0 mass parts relative to 100 mass parts of the polyols. The load required for compressing to 25% of the initial thickness is 30 N to 70 N, and thus, the flexible polyurethane foam has a low hardness. |
| US08097658B2 |
Process for the production of medium density decorative molded foams having good fire retardant properties with reduced mold times, fire retardant compositions and foams produced by this process
Fire-resistant, medium density molded polyurethane foams which may be removed from a mold in substantially shorter times than previously possible are produced by the process of the present invention. These reduced de-mold times are achieved by including a solid flame retardant composition in the polyurethane foam forming composition. This solid flame retardant composition includes a melamine coated ammonium polyphosphate and zinc borate. |
| US08097657B2 |
Organic polymer porous material and method for producing the same
The present invention relates to organic polymer porous materials, and in particular, to an organic polymer porous material that functions as a reusable insoluble solid catalyst and a method for producing the same. The organic polymer porous material of the present invention is characteristic in that the amount of immobilized bases is high and the specific surface area is large. The object has been achieved by an organic polymer porous material including a polymer (PA) obtained by polymerizing a polymerizable composition (A) containing a compound (a) obtained by reacting a dendrimer (a1) having at least an amino group as a reactive functional group or a polyethyleneimine (a2) having at least an amino group as a reactive functional group with a compound (a3) having a vinyl group and a group that can react with the reactive functional group. |
| US08097656B2 |
Nitrogenated trans-stilbene analogs, method for the obtention and medical applications thereof
This invention is related to new nitrogenated trans-stilbene compounds, more specifically, imine, pyrrole and indole derivatives, with procedures for the preparation and use thereof as pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and/or chemoprevention of those mammalian diseases such as cancer, fibrosclerosis and acute/chronic inflammation, graft-versus-host reaction, ischemic-reperfusion tissue injury in stroke and heart attack, neurodegeneration, and during organ transplantation, whose pathogenic and pathophysiological mechanisms depend on or are significantly contributed by undesirable oxidative stress, angiogenic and proliferative responses. |
| US08097650B2 |
Method of treating a condition associated with phosphorylation of TASK-1
This invention provides methods and compositions for treating a condition associated with phosphorylation of TASK-1 in a subject comprising administering to the subject an amount of an agent effective to overcome the phosphorylation dependent loss of TASK-1 function so as to thereby treat the condition. In a specific embodiment of the invention the agent is a TREK-1 agonist. |
| US08097639B2 |
Light sensitive PDMS for complex pattern formation
Disclosed herein is a surface functionalized poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and methods for making the same. The surface functionalized PDMS disclosed herein is applicable in the general field of microfluidics, bioMEMS (bio-microelectromechanical systems), soft lithography, and other related biotechnology fields. |
| US08097638B2 |
Pyridines for treating injured mammalian nerve tissue
The invention provides novel pyridines, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such pyridines, and the use of such compositions in treating injured mammalian nerve tissue, including but not limited to an injured spinal cord, in one embodiment, the compounds, compositions, and methods of the instant invention treat a mammalian nerve tissue injury by restoring action potential or nerve impulse conduction through a nerve tissue lesion. Significantly, in vivo application of compounds of the instant invention established, on the basis of SSEP testing, that the compounds provide longer lasting effects at lower concentrations than comparable treatment with the known agent 4-aminopyridine (4 AP). |
| US08097637B2 |
Benzoyl-piperidine derivatives as dual modulators of the 5-HT2A and D3 receptors
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 and A are as defined in the specification as dual modulators of the serotonin 5-HT2a and dopamine D3 receptors, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as medicaments. Compounds of general formula (I) have high affinity for the dopamine D3 and serotonin (5-Hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) 5-HT2A receptors and are effective in the treatment of psychotic disorders, as well as other diseases such as depression and anxiety, drug dependence, dementias and memory impairment. |
| US08097635B2 |
Insulin resistance improving agent
An object of the present invention is to provide a safe and highly effective insulin resistance improving agent or therapeutic agent for type II diabetes. According to the present invention, an insulin resistance improving agent or a therapeutic agent for type II diabetes comprising a compound represented by general formula (I) (wherein R1, R2, and R3 are the same as or different from each other, and each represents lower alkyl, lower alkenyl, lower alkynyl, aralkyl, araryl, phenyl, or a hydrogen atom) or a salt thereof as an active ingredient can be provided. |
| US08097629B2 |
Dihydropyridinone derivatives
The invention relates to novel dihydropyridinone derivatives, processes for their preparation, and their use in medicaments, especially for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, acute coronary syndrome, acute myocardial infarction and heart failure development. |
| US08097627B2 |
Multiply-substituted tetrahydronaphthalene derivatives, process for their production and their use as anti-inflammatory agents
The invention relates to multiply-substituted tetrahydronaphthalene derivatives of formula (I) process for their production and their use as anti-inflammatory agents. |
| US08097618B2 |
Pyridine derivatives and their use in the treatment of psychotic disorders
A method of treatment of anxiety disorders which comprises administering to a host in need thereof an effective amount of a compound of formula (I): |
| US08097614B2 |
Transmucosal administration of meloxicam compositions for treating and preventing disorders in non-human domesticated animals
The invention includes compositions for transmucosal administration to an animal comprising at least one active agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A preferred active agent is selected from the group consisting of meloxicam, carprofen, enrofloxacin, clemastine, diphenhydramine, digoxin, levothyroxine, cyclosporine, ondansetron, lysine, zolpidem, propofol, nitenpyram, ivermectin, milbemycin, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates and esters thereof. In another embodiment, the invention includes methods of treating or preventing a condition in an animal comprising transmucosally administering a composition comprising a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of an active agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. |
| US08097613B2 |
[1,2,4]thiadiazine 1,1-dioxide compounds
The invention is directed to [1,2,4]thiadiazine 1,1-dioxide compounds of formula I wherein A is B is and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds that are useful in treating infections by hepatitis C virus. |
| US08097610B2 |
Derivative having PPAR agonistic activity
A compound of the formula (I): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. |
| US08097607B2 |
Low dose rifalazil compositions
The invention features low-dosage rifalazil compositions which are useful for the treatment of bacterial infections. |
| US08097605B2 |
Combination of anticholinergics and inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type 4 for the treatment of respiratory disease
The present invention relates to a combination of an inhaled/oral PDE 4 inhibitor in combination with inhaled anticholinergic bronchodilators (muscarinic receptor antagonists), preferentially Roflumilast or AWD-12-281 and R,R-glycopyrrolate, for symptomatic or prophylactic treatment of respiratory diseases, especially those accompanied by obstruction or inflammation such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma. It further comprises the presentation of this combination in a locally applied (inhaled) formulation and application in an inhalation device for instance in the Novolizer®. |
| US08097599B2 |
Plasmid encoding feline BMP-7
The present invention relates to recombinant vectors expressing the BMP-7 polypeptide in host cells and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such recombinant vectors. The invention also encompasses methods for prevention and/or treatment of both acute and chronic renal failure in mammals, advantageously in humans, dogs and cats, by intra-vascular kidney administration of the recombinant vectors and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention. |
| US08097596B2 |
Compositions and methods for the treatment of muscle wasting
The invention provides compositions of oligonucleotides targeted at genes involved in muscle wasting and/or muscle growth. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotides are modified. In some embodiments, the compositions contain one, or more than one, oligonucleotide. The invention also provides methods and kits using the compositions of the invention for the treatment of muscle wasting conditions and/or the promotion of muscle growth. |
| US08097594B2 |
Macrolides and ketolides having antimicrobial activity
The present invention provides compounds having antimicrobial activity for preventing and treating diseases caused by microbial infections. Thus, the present invention relates to novel semi-synthetic 11,12-γ lactone macrolides and ketolides having antimicrobial activity, processes for making compounds as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds as active ingredients and methods of treating microbial infections with the compounds. |
| US08097593B1 |
Lipid A and other carbohydrate ligand analogs
The core structure of pentaerythritol has been used as a replacement for one or both sugars in lipid A, leading to the generation of a series of lipid A analogs. These lipid A analogs may further differ from lipid A with respect to, e.g., the number, nature and location of negatively charged groups, and the number, nature and location of the lipid chains. The lipid A analogs may be lipid A agonists useful as immunostimulatory agents, or lipid A antagonists useful in the treatment of septic shock. In a like manner, a residue of pentaerythritylamine may be used as a replacement for an amino sugar residue in a carbohydrate ligand having a biological activity of interest, generating a series of ligand analogs. These are useful, e.g., as haptens, inhibitors of bacterial-host cell adhesion, etc. |
| US08097588B2 |
Trophinin-binding peptides and uses thereof
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods useful for promoting sperm motility, promoting embryonic stem cell formation, promoting trophoblast formation, or promoting neuronal growth. The compositions and methods are based on peptide sequences that bind trophinin, inhibit bystin-mediated arrest of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, and promotes EGF receptor autophosphorylation. |
| US08097585B2 |
Methods of treating inflammation by administration of heme oxygenase-1 and products of heme degradation
The present invention relates to the treatment of disorders using heme oxygenase-1 and heme degradation products. |
| US08097582B2 |
Peptide derivatives useful as antimicrobial agents and for treating wounds
A compound having the general formula (I) R1—NH—CH[(CH2)n—NH—C(NH)—NH2]-CO—R2-A-R4; a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and use of the compound for the manufacturing of a medicament for the treatment of a disease such as a microbial disease and/or proliferation/stimulation of eukaryotic cells is described. |
| US08097579B2 |
Cleaning compositions with amphiphilic water-soluble polyalkylenimines having an inner polyethylene oxide block and an outer polypropylene oxide block
Laundry detergent and cleaning compositions comprising amphiphilic water-soluble alkoxylated polyalkylenimine polymer having an inner polyethylene oxide block comprising 20 to 50 polyethylene oxide units and an outer polypropylene oxide block comprising 10 to 50 polyethylene oxide units and especially to such alkoxylated polyalkylenimines wherein the ratio of polyethylene oxide units and polypropylene oxide units is proportionally related to the square root of the number of polyalkylenimine units present in the backbone. |
| US08097577B2 |
Cleaning compositions with alkoxylated polyalkanolamines
Laundry detergent and cleaning compositions comprising alkoxylated polyalkanolamine polymers obtainable by condensation of N-(hydroxyalkyl)amines and reacting the remaining hydroxy and/or secondary amino groups of the condensation product with alkylene oxides and/or derivatives obtainable by quaternization, protonation, sulphation and/or phosphation of said polymers. |
| US08097576B2 |
Composition for the protection of glassware in a dishwashing process
The present invention provides a composition. The composition comprises zinc and bismuth. The composition is for use in the protection of glassware in an automatic dishwashing process. |
| US08097575B2 |
Composition and method for cleaning and neutralizing a surface
A method and new use of an aqueous composition including a surfactant and a buffering agent, wherein the new use and method include the steps of applying the composition to a surface with an acidic finish, etching the surface, and removing the aqueous composition. The removal may be by evaporation. A new finish may be applied to the surface. Methods are disclosed for the cleaning and neutralizing of an existing finish to allow for the application of a new finish. Also disclosed are compositions for the cleaning and neutralizing of an existing finish without complete removal of the existing finish. The compositions include a buffering agent configured to neutralize the existing finish, and a surfactant. |
| US08097572B2 |
Rinse-off personal care compositions
The present invention relates to a cleanser composition comprising a) from about 1% to about 20% of fatty acid soap containing from about 8 to about 16 carbon atoms; b) from about 2% to about 20% of a synthetic surfactant; and c) water, wherein the composition comprises a metal ion in a level no more than a predetermined amount to provide a turbidity no higher than about 9NTU. |
| US08097569B2 |
Coating composition for use in sliding parts
A compressor includes a swash plate, and a shoe connected to an outer periphery of the swash plate. A surface of the swash plate slides upon a flat surface of the shoe. A sliding film is applied to the surface of the swash plate. The sliding film is formed of binder resin which contains a solid lubricant and titanium oxide powder. This allows the surface of the swash plate and the flat surface of the shoe to smoothly slide upon each other. |
| US08097566B2 |
Methods of fracturing subterranean formations using sulfonated gelling agent polymers
Methods of forming one or more fractures in a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore including the steps of providing a high ionic strength treating fluid that comprises water and one or more sulfonated gelling agent polymers wherein the high ionic strength treating fluid comprises one or more water soluble salts in a concentration of greater than about 8% by weight of the treating fluid, and introducing the treating fluid into the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures therein. |
| US08097565B2 |
Silicone hydrogels having consistent concentrations of multi-functional polysiloxanes
The present invention relates to a process comprising forming a monomer mixture comprising at least one monofunctional silicone containing component which comprises at least one difunctional byproduct and adding to said monomer mixture a normalizing amount of said at least one difunctional byproduct and curing said monomer mixture to form a biomedical device. |
| US08097564B2 |
Surfactant compounds
Oligoesters including residues of alk(en)yl succinic anhydrides and polyols having at least 3 OH groups, optionally further esterified with fatty acid residues are surfactants which can be used for emulsifiers or similar uses. The surfactants are usually made from C8 to C30 alk(en)yl succinic anhydride and polyols having at least 4 hydroxyl groups and are particularly of the formula (I): R1—[OR2O(O)C.C(HR3).(HR4)C.C(O)]m—R5 (I), where R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and m have defined meanings. The surfactants are useful as emulsifiers, particularly oil in water emulsifiers. |
| US08097563B2 |
Agricultural-chemical emulsion composition
The present invention provides cyclohexanedione-based agricultural-chemical emulsion compositions where active ingredients of agricultural chemicals are emulsified and dispersed in spraying water, especially cyclohexanedione-based agricultural-chemical emulsion compositions where alkylphenol derivatives are not used in emulsifiers and emulsification stability and preservation stability of technical products are favorable.The cyclohexanedione-based agricultural-chemical/herbicidal emulsions where preservation stability of active ingredients of agricultural chemicals and emulsifiability are favorable are obtained by using an amine salt of alkylbenzenesulfonate with poor water solubility as an emulsifier. |
| US08097562B2 |
Agrochemical formulations comprising N-vinylamid co-polymers
The present invention comprises formulations comprising at least one pesticide and at least one co-polymer comprising (a) a N-vinylamid comonomer a) of formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are independently of one another hydrogen or C1-C4 alkyl, preferably hydrogen or R1 and R2 represent together a —(CH2)x moiety, which forms together with the nitrogen and the carbonyl-moiety a 5-8 membered ring, and (b) at least one comonomer b) selected from the group consisting of vinylpyrridin, vinylpyrridin derivatives and N-vinlyimidazole in polymerized form, methods of combating harmful insects and/or phytopathogenic fungi, a method of controlling undesired vegetation and methods of improving the health of plants based on the afore-mentioned formulations. |
| US08097561B2 |
Herbicidal composition
A herbicidal composition comprising, in addition to customary inert formulation excipients, as a mixture of at least one acetamide herbicide and a lipophilic additive comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of C13-C20 fatty acids, C13-C20 fatty alcohols and hydrocarbon fluids. |
| US08097557B2 |
Two-stage calcination for catalyst production
The invention relates to an improved process for producing a catalyst useful for the epoxidation of ethylene to ethylene oxide. In forming the catalyst, a silver-impregnated support is subjected to two calcinations. The support is subjected to a first calcination in a first atmosphere comprising air. Next the support is subjected to a second calcination in a second atmosphere which is substantially entirely comprised of inert gas, and which second atmosphere is substantially absent of hydrogen. This two-stage calcination produces an improved catalyst which contains fewer organics left over under standard conditions of air calcination alone, while costing less than calcination in an inert gas alone. |
| US08097553B2 |
Catalyst support powder and exhaust gas purifying catalyst
The present invention provides a catalyst support powder 3 comprising ceria and zirconia, wherein the ratio of the molar fraction (mol %) of ceria on the support powder surface as measured by the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to the molar fraction (mol %) of ceria in the raw material is from 1.0 to 1.5. Further, the present invention provides an exhaust gas purifying catalyst 5 comprising the catalyst support powder 3 and platinum 4 supported thereon. |
| US08097549B2 |
Method for manufacturing cordierite ceramics
A method for manufacturing cordierite ceramics is provided, including forming and heating a cordierite-forming raw material containing α-alumina. The degree of orientation, expressed by (I006/(I300+I006), where Ihkl is height of X-ray diffraction intensity of an hkl-face of an α-alumina crystal, by X-ray diffraction measurement of an α-alumina crystal in a formed article of the raw material for forming cordierite is 0.10 or more. |
| US08097547B2 |
Sintered refactory material based on silicon carbide with a silicon nitride binder
A sintered material based on silicon carbide (SiC) reactively sintered between 1,100° C. and 1,700° C. to form a silicon nitride binder (Si3N4), intended in particular for fabricating an aluminum electrolysis cell, including 0.05% to 1.5% of boron, the Si3N4/SiC weight ratio being in the range 0.05 to 0.45. |
| US08097542B2 |
Etch stop layer of reduced thickness for patterning a dielectric material in a contact level of closely spaced transistors
In a dual stress liner approach, an intermediate etch stop material may be provided on the basis of a plasma-assisted oxidation process rather than by deposition so the corresponding thickness of the etch stop material may be reduced. Consequently, the resulting aspect ratio may be less pronounced compared to conventional strategies, thereby reducing deposition-related irregularities which may translate into a significant reduction of yield loss, in particular for highly scaled semiconductor devices. |
| US08097528B2 |
Manufacturing method of nitride substrate, nitride substrate, and nitride-based semiconductor device
A manufacturing method of a nitride substrate includes the steps of: preparing a ground substrate; forming a mask on the ground substrate; placing the ground substrate in a reactor, and heating the ground substrate to a temperature of 850° C. to 1100° C. In the step of heating the ground substrate, HCl and NH3 are supplied into the reactor so that partial pressure PHCl satisfies (1.5+0.0005p) kPa≦PHCl≦(4+0.0005p) kPa and partial pressure PNH3 satisfies (15−0.0009p) kPa≦PNH3≦(26−0.0017p) kPa, whereby an AlxGayIn1-x-yN crystal (0≦x<1, 0 |
| US08097527B2 |
Method of forming epitaxial layer
A method of forming an epitaxial layer on a silicon substrate includes (a) providing a silicon substrate; (b) performing a wet-cleaning process onto the silicon substrate; (c) performing a first plasma cleaning process onto the wet-cleaned silicon substrate by providing a chlorine (Cl2) gas and an argon (Ar) gas; and (d) forming an epitaxial growth film on the silicon substrate after the (c) step. |
| US08097526B2 |
Accessing or interconnecting integrated circuits
Multiple integrated circuits (ICs) die, from different wafers, can be picked-and-placed, front-side planarized using a vacuum applied to a planarizing disk, and attached to each other or a substrate. The streets between the IC die can be filled, and certain techniques or fixtures allow application of monolithic semiconductor wafer processing for interconnecting different die. High density I/O connections between different IC die can be obtained using structures and techniques for aligning vias to I/O structures, and programmably routing IC I/O lines to appropriate vias. Existing IC die can be retrofitted for such interconnection to other IC die, such as by using similar techniques or tools. |
| US08097523B2 |
Method for manufacturing bonded wafer
A method for manufacturing a bonded wafer, including at least implanting at least one type of gas ion selected from a hydrogen ion and a rare gas ion from a surface of a bond wafer to form an ion-implanted layer in the wafer, bonding an ion-implanted surface of the bond wafer to a surface of a base wafer directly or through an insulator film, and then delaminating the bond wafer at the ion-implanted layer to fabricate a bonded wafer. A plasma treatment is applied to a bonding surface of one of the bond wafer and the base wafer to grow an oxide film, etching the grown oxide film is carried out, and bonding to the other wafer is performed. The method enables preventing defects by reducing particles on the bonding surface and performing strong bonding when effecting bonding directly or through the insulator film. |
| US08097521B2 |
Electronic device comprising an integrated circuit and a capacitance element
An electronic device (ICD) comprises an integrated circuit (AIC) and a capacitance element (PIC). The integrated circuit (AIC) is provided with a plurality of circuit contact pairs (CI). The capacitance element (PIC) is provided with a plurality of capacitance contact pairs (CC). A capacitance is present between each of at least part of the capacitance contact pairs (CC). The plurality of capacitance contact pairs (CC) faces the plurality of circuit contact pairs (CI). At least a part of the capacitance contact pairs (CC) is electrically coupled in a pair-by-pair manner to at least a part of the circuit contact pairs (CI). |
| US08097520B2 |
Integration of passive device structures with metal gate layers
A passive device structure includes an unpatterned metal gate layer formed in a passive device region of a semiconductor device; an insulator layer formed upon the unpatterned metal gate layer; a semiconductor layer formed upon the insulator layer; and one or more metal contact regions formed in the semiconductor layer; wherein the insulator layer prevents the metal gate layer as serving as a leakage current path for current flowing through a passive device defined by the semiconductor layer and the one or more metal contact regions. |
| US08097514B2 |
Method for an integrated circuit contact
A support material for a semiconductor device is processed. An opening having a width is etched into the support material for the semiconductor device using a first etch mask. A portion of the opening is etched using a second etch mask without alignment thereof to the width of the opening. |
| US08097513B2 |
Vertical transistor of semiconductor device and method of forming the same
A vertical transistor of a semiconductor device has a channel area formed in a vertical direction to a semiconductor substrate. After semiconductor poles corresponding to the length of semiconductor channels and gate electrodes surrounding sidewalls of the semiconductor poles are formed, subsequent processes of forming silicon patterns corresponding to junction areas, etc. are performed. The gate electrodes support the semiconductor poles during these subsequent processes. The height of the semiconductor poles corresponding to the length of the channel is increased, yet the semiconductor poles do not collapse or incline since the gate electrodes support the semiconductor poles. |
| US08097511B2 |
Semiconductor device having P-N column layer and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device is provided, which includes a substrate; a P-N column layer disposed on the substrate; a second conductivity type epitaxial layer disposed on the P-N column layer. The P-N column layer includes first conductivity type columns and second conductivity type columns, which are alternately arranged. Each column has a tapered shape. A portion of the first conductivity type column located around the substrate has a smaller impurity concentration than another portion of the first conductivity type column located around the second conductivity type epitaxial layer. A portion of the second conductivity type column located around the substrate has a larger impurity concentration than another portion of the first conductivity type column located around the second conductivity type epitaxial layer. |
| US08097509B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor device with a recessed channel
A semiconductor device having a recessed channel and a method for manufacturing the same. The semiconductor device comprises a semiconductor substrate formed with an isolation layer defining an active region including a channel region and a junction region, a recessed trench including a top trench formed within the channel region of the semiconductor substrate and a bottom trench formed from a bottom surface of the top trench with a width narrower than the top trench, and a gate stack overlapping the recessed trench and extending across the active region. |
| US08097508B2 |
Method and structure for performing a chemical mechanical polishing process
A method for fabricating flash memory devices, e.g., NAND, NOR, is provided. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming a second polysilicon layer overlying a plurality of floating gate structures to cause formation of an upper surface provided on the second polysilicon layer. The upper surface has a first recessed region and a second recessed region. The method includes depositing a doped dielectric material overlying the upper surface to fill the first recessed region and the second recessed region to form a second upper surface region and cover a first elevated region, a second elevated region, and a third elevated region. The method subjects the second upper surface region to a chemical mechanical polishing process to remove the first elevated region, the second elevated region, and the third elevated region to cause formation of a substantially planarized second polysilicon layer free from the fill material. |
| US08097506B2 |
Shallow trench isolation for a memory
In some embodiments, a gate structure with a spacer on its side may be used as a mask to form self-aligned trenches in a microelectronic memory, such as a flash memory. A first portion of the gate structure may be used to form the mask, together with sidewall spacers, in some embodiments. Then, after forming the shallow trench isolations, a second portion of the gate structure may be added to form a mushroom shaped gate structure. |
| US08097505B2 |
Method of forming isolation layer in semiconductor device
A method of forming an isolation layer in a semiconductor device is disclosed, by which breakdown voltage and PN junction leakage characteristics of the isolation layer are enhanced. Embodiments include depositing a pad nitride layer over a semiconductor substrate, reducing the thickness of the pad nitride layer by etching a portion of the pad nitride layer, forming a tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) oxide layer over the remaining pad nitride layer, forming a trench by selectively removing the tetraethyl orthosilicate oxide layer and the pad nitride layer over an isolation area of the semiconductor substrate, depositing an high density plasma oxide layer over the substrate to fill the trench, and forming an isolation layer by planarizing the high density plasma oxide layer and the tetraethyl orthosilicate oxide layer. |
| US08097504B2 |
Method for forming dual bit line metal layers for non-volatile memory
Structures and techniques are disclosed for reducing bit line to bit line capacitance in a non-volatile storage system. The bit lines are formed at a 4f pitch in each of two separate metal layers, and arranged to alternate between each of the layers. In an alternative embodiment, shields are formed between each of the bit lines on each metal layer. |
| US08097500B2 |
Method and apparatus for fabricating a high-performance band-edge complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor device
In one embodiment, the invention is a method and apparatus for fabricating a high-performance band-edge complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor device. One embodiment of a method for fabricating a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor device includes fabricating an n-type metal-oxide-semiconductor device using a gate first process, and fabricating a p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor device using a gate last process. |
| US08097491B1 |
Chip structure having redistribution layer and fabrication method thereof
A chip structure having a redistribution layer includes: a chip with electrode pads disposed on an active surface thereof; a first passivation layer formed on the active surface and the electrode pads; a redistribution layer formed on the first passivation layer and having a plurality of wiring units, wherein each of the wiring units has a conductive pad, a conductive via and a conductive trace connecting the conductive pad and the conductive via, the conductive trace having at least a first through opening for exposing a portion of the first passivation layer; and a second passivation layer disposed on the first passivation layer and the redistribution layer, the second passivation layer being filled in the first through opening such that the first and second passivation layers are bonded to each other with the conductive trace sandwiched therebetween, thereby preventing delamination of the conductive trace from the second passivation layer. |
| US08097490B1 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming stepped interconnect layer for stacked semiconductor die
A semiconductor die has a first semiconductor die mounted to a carrier. A plurality of conductive pillars is formed over the carrier around the first die. An encapsulant is deposited over the first die and conductive pillars. A first stepped interconnect layer is formed over a first surface of the encapsulant and first die. The first stepped interconnect layer has a first opening. A second stepped interconnect layer is formed over the first stepped interconnect layer. The second stepped interconnect layer has a second opening. The carrier is removed. A build-up interconnect structure is formed over a second surface of the encapsulant and first die. A second semiconductor die over the first semiconductor die and partially within the first opening. A third semiconductor die is mounted over the second die and partially within the second opening. A fourth semiconductor die is mounted over the second stepped interconnect layer. |
| US08097488B2 |
Method for forming pattern, method for manufacturing semiconductor apparatus, and method for manufacturing display
A method for forming a pattern includes the steps of forming a resin pattern through printing on a substrate, forming a water-repellent pattern in such a way that an opening bottom of the resin pattern is covered with a fluorine based material by feeding the fluorine based material from the top of the resin pattern, forming an open window in the water-repellent pattern by removing the resin pattern, and forming a desired pattern composed of a pattern-forming material by feeding the pattern-forming material into the open window of the water-repellent pattern. |
| US08097482B2 |
Method for manufacturing group III nitride semiconductor, method for manufacturing group III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device, group III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device, and lamp
A method for manufacturing a Group III nitride semiconductor of the present invention, comprising a sputtering step for disposing a substrate and a target in a chamber and forming a Mg-doped Group III nitride semiconductor on the substrate by a reactive sputtering method, wherein the sputtering step includes respective substeps of: a film formation step for forming a semiconductor thin film while doping with Mg; and a plasma treatment step for applying an inert gas plasma treatment to the semiconductor thin film that has been formed in the film formation step, and the Group III nitride semiconductor is formed by laminating the semiconductor thin film through alternate repetitions of the film formation step and the plasma treatment step. |
| US08097480B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of making the same
A method of making a liquid crystal display having a display region and a non-display region, the method comprises forming a thin film transistor (“TFT”) having a drain electrode on an insulating substrate, forming an inorganic layer and an organic insulating layer sequentially on the TFT, forming an organic insulating layer pattern, by patterning the organic insulating layer, comprising a first organic layer hole to expose the inorganic layer on the drain electrode and a second organic layer hole formed along a circumference of the display region where the organic insulating layer is partially removed, removing the inorganic layer exposed through the first organic layer hole and the organic insulating layer remaining in the second organic layer hole, and forming a sealant in the second organic hole. The present invention thus provides a method of making an LCD to prevent a color filter substrate separating from a TFT substrate using fewer masks. |
| US08097479B2 |
Anti-reflective film and production method thereof, and stamper for producing anti-reflective film and production method thereof
In this method for producing an anti-reflective film, pores are formed on a surface of a polymer molding material to continuously change a refractive index and then reduce reflectance, in which anodic oxidized porous alumina, in which pores having a tapered shape and whose pore diameter continuously changes, are formed by repeating anodic oxidation at about the same formation voltage and pore diameter enlargement treatment, is used as a mold, or a stamper, which is produced by using the anodic oxidized porous aluminum as a mold, is used as a mold. |
| US08097477B2 |
Method for forming a light-emitting case and related light-emitting module
A method for manufacturing a light-emitting case includes forming a PLED (Polymer Light Emitting Diode) device, disposing the PLED device into a mold, and utilizing the mold to sheathe the PLED device with transparent plastic material in an injection-molding manner. Since the mold has a cavity corresponding to a predetermined shape, the formed transparent plastic material has a geometric appearance corresponding to the predetermined shape. |
| US08097474B2 |
Integrated circuit chip design flow methodology including insertion of on-chip or scribe line wireless process monitoring and feedback circuitry
Disclosed are embodiments of a design and manufacturing system and an associated method that allow for design analysis and for insertion, during wafer manufacture, of intra-process monitoring circuitry. These embodiments use a library of pre-qualified intra-process monitoring circuits and a cross-correlation table that links different monitoring circuits with different IC chip components. Specifically, these embodiments analyze integrated circuit chip design data to identify the components designed into the chip. Then, one or more intra-process monitoring circuits are selected from the library and the design data is modified to include the selected monitoring circuit(s). |
| US08097470B2 |
Microchip analysis method and apparatus
The analysis apparatus for microchips, each at least having a main flow path performing migration of a sample for analysis inside a sheet-like member, comprises a holding part holding microchips so that the multiple main flow paths are provided; a pretreatment part common to the multiple main flow paths for performing a pretreatment step prior to an analysis step in each of the multiple main flow paths; a processing part for performing analysis in each of the main flow paths independently of the others; and a control part controlling an operation in the pretreatment part so that when a pretreatment step for one main flow path ends, a pretreatment for a next main flow path starts and further controlling an operation in the processing part so that an analysis is subsequently performed for the main flow path where the pretreatment step has ended. |
| US08097469B2 |
Method and system for determining whether a drug will be effective on a patient with a disease
A process of determining whether a patient with a disease or disorder will be responsive to a drug, used to treat the disease or disorder, including obtaining a test spectrum produced by a mass spectrometer from a serum produced from the patient. The test spectrum may be processed to determine a relation to a group of class labeled spectra produced from respective serum from other patients having the or similar clinical stage same disease or disorder and known to have responded or not responded to the drug. Based on the relation of the test spectrum to the group of class labeled spectra, a determination may be made as to whether the patient will be responsive to the drug. |
| US08097466B2 |
Optical reagent format for small sample volumes
An optical waveguiding optical format enables consistent optical analysis of small sample volumes with minimal variation in light path length among optical formats. The optical format is comprised of an input guide, an output guide, and a sample cavity adapted to allow light to pass through a sample on its way from the input guide to the output guide. A lid removed from the light pathway within the format may be provided with a reagent for assisting fluid analysis. |
| US08097463B2 |
Use of arylboronic acids in protein labelling
Tagging of Histidine in polypeptides with arylboronic acid tagging reagents for identifying proteins in a sample by isolating and identifying Histidine-comprising peptides from one protein sample or a pool of protein samples. Databases of Histidine-including peptides from in silico cleaved proteins are uses in the identification of proteins. |
| US08097459B2 |
Methods and compositions for increasing replication capacity of an influenza virus
In certain aspects, the present invention provides methods for increasing the replication capacity of influenza viruses in hens' eggs and/or cell culture, recombinant and/or reassortant influenza viruses with increased replication capacity, and immunogenic and vaccine compositions comprising such recombinant and/or reassortant influenza viruses. In other aspects, the invention further provides nucleic acids encoding influenza genes associated with increased replication capacity, expression vectors comprising the nucleic acids of the invention, methods for making influenza viruses with increased replication capacity, and kits useful for practice of the methods. |
| US08097455B2 |
System and method for forming skeletal muscle constructs having functional tissue interfaces
A system and method for forming a skeletal muscle construct include primary muscle cells provided on a substrate without disposing the cells within an exogenous scaffold, the cells cultured in vitro such that the cells form a confluent monolayer; at least two anchors secured to the monolayer in spaced relationship; and at least one secondary tissue, such as neural or tendon tissue, provided in contact with the monolayer such that the monolayer detaches from the substrate and self-organizes to at least partially surround the at least one secondary tissue, thereby forming a three-dimensional skeletal muscle construct having a functional interface with the secondary tissue. |
| US08097448B2 |
Genetically modified yeast of the species Issatchenkia orientalis and closely relates species, and fermentation processes using same
Cells of the species Issatchenkia orientalis and closely related yeast species are transformed with a vector to introduce an exogenous lactate dehydrogenase gene. The cells produce lactic acid efficiently and are resistant at low pH, high lactate titer conditions. |
| US08097447B2 |
Solid nutrient media useful for isolating and identifying alkaliphilic bacteria
The present invention relates to a solid nutrient media composition having alkaline pH, useful for isolating and identifying alkaliphilic microorganisms in pure form. The media composition consists of 5-15 g of carbon source, 2.5-10 g of peptone, 2.5-10 g of yeast extract, 0.5-1.5 g of dipotassium hydrogen phosphate; 0.1-0.5 g of magnesium sulphate heptahydrate, 30 μl-4 ml of super saturated solution of sodium hydroxide, 5-20 g of potassium chloride and 10-30 g of κ-carrageenan in one liter of distilled water. The potassium salt in combination with κ-carrageenan in specific proportion has been found to be a suitable replacement of agar in solidifying bacteriological media especially, for isolation of extreme alkaliphiles. The present invention also provides a method of using the solid nutrient media composition having alkaline pH to study biodiversity of cultivable alkaliphilic bacteria. |
| US08097445B2 |
Exo-endo cellulase fusion protein
The present invention relates to a heterologous exo-endo cellulase fusion construct, which encodes a fusion protein having cellulolytic activity comprising a catalytic domain derived from a fungal exo-cellobiohydrolase and a catalytic domain derived from an endoglucanase. The invention also relates to vectors and fungal host cells comprising the heterologous exo-endo cellulase fusion construct as well as methods for producing a cellulase fusion protein and enzymatic cellulase compositions. |
| US08097443B2 |
Nucleotidyltransferases with enhanced nucleotide triphosphate flexibility
The present invention provides mutant RmlA enzymes possessing an increased purine/pyrimidine bias in nucleotide triphosphate substrate specificity as compared to a corresponding non-mutated RmlA enzyme. Such enzymes expand the types of substrates that can be used in enzymatic glycorandomization methods thereby increasing diversity of chemical libraries. |
| US08097442B2 |
Laccases, nucleic acids encoding them and methods for making and using them
The invention provides laccases, polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, the methods of making and using these polynucleotides and polypeptides. |
| US08097438B2 |
Nucleic acids encoding modified cytochrome P450 enzymes and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides nucleic acids comprising nucleotide sequences encoding modified cytochrome P450 enzymes; as well as recombinant vectors and host cells comprising the nucleic acids. The present invention further provides methods of producing a functionalized compound in a host cell genetically modified with a nucleic acid comprising nucleotide sequences encoding a modified cytochrome P450 enzyme. |
| US08097434B2 |
Methods for the detection of beta-lactamases
Presented herein are methods and compositions for the detection of specific beta-lactamases, including class A serine carbapenemases, metallo-beta-lactamases. AmpC beta-lactamases, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). The methods presented herein include methods that permit the detection of the presence of specific beta-lactamases in bacterial samples within as few as 2 to 10 minutes. |
| US08097431B2 |
Methods and compositions for detecting steroids
The present invention provides for methods and systems for detecting steroids. Examples of such steroids include estrogen, progesterone, androgen, testosterone, and derivatives and analogs thereof. Systems useful for carrying out the method include tripartite constructs including a DNA-binding domain, a ligand binding domain, and an activation domain. The present invention provides numerous improvements over previous diagnostic systems for detection of steroids, such advantages include that the method allows for detection of steroid analogs and derivatives, whose structures may not yet be known, the method is generally applicable to a wide variety of organisms, and numerous ligand binding domains may be used in conjunction with the present system. |
| US08097428B2 |
Monoclonal antibodies and their use
Isolated monoclonal antibodies are disclosed herein that specifically bind a cell surface antigen expressed on the human pancreatic endocrine cells or a subset thereof, and/or a precursor thereof. Isolated monoclonal antibodies are also disclosed herein that specifically bind a cell surface antigen expressed on human pancreatic exocrine cells or human ductal cells. Humanized forms of these antibodies, and functional fragments of these antibodies, are also disclosed. The antibodies can be conjugated to an effector molecule, such as a detectable marker, a therapeutic agent, or a toxin. These antibodies are of use to detect and isolate pancreatic cells or a subset thereof. The antibodies can be used for in vitro or in vivo detection and/or isolation of pancreatic endocrine cells. Methods of treating a pancreatic tumor are also disclosed. In several examples, the isolated monoclonal antibodies bind pancreatic endocrine cells and can be used to detect diabetes or a pancreatic endocrine cell tumor. |
| US08097427B2 |
Direct mass spectrometric analysis of drug candidates targeting protein complexes
The invention relates to a method of using high mass matrix assisted laser desorption-ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the effect of drug candidates on protein complexes such as protein-protein interactions in purified samples or complex biological matrices, as well as to the use of this method for lead compound optimization, drug characterization, drug manufacturing processes, and drug quality control processes, including automated high throughput applications. |
| US08097426B2 |
Methods of screening T1R2/T1R3 receptors for compounds which modulate sweet taste signaling
Heteromeric taste receptors are provided. These receptors comprise a first polypeptide containing extracellular domains and transmembrane domains wherein the extracellular domains are at least 95% identical to the extracellular domains of specific T1R1 polypeptides and the transmembrane domains are at least 95% identical to the corresponding transmembrane domains of the specific T1R1 polypeptide or a different GPCR; and a second polypeptide comprising extracellular and transmembrane domains wherein the extracellular domains are at least 95% identical to the extracellular domains of specific T1R3 polypeptides and the transmembrane domains are at least 95% identical to the corresponding transmembrane domains of the specific T1R3 polypeptide or a different GPCR. |
| US08097425B2 |
Multiplex protein fractionation
The invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for multiplex fractionation of proteins in a sample. Protein-binding molecules, such as small epitope antibodies or small epitope aptamers, are used for multiplex fractionation of proteins in a protein containing sample. Detection of fractionated proteins may be used for characterization of proteins in a sample in applications such as expression profiling, identification and/or quantification of proteins in a sample, and identification or detection of biomarkers. |
| US08097423B2 |
MN/CA IX and breast cancer therapy
Herein disclosed are methods that are predictive of resistance to endocrine therapy in an estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) breast cancer patient. An exemplary method comprises detecting the overexpression of MN/CA9 gene expression product(s) in a sample from an affected subject, wherein if MN/CA9 is overexpressed, then the subject is considered to have a greater probability of resistance to endocrine therapy, particularly tamoxifen, and a corresponding poorer prognosis if undergoing endocrine therapy, than if MN/CA9 is not overexpressed. MN/CA9 gene expression products useful in the predictive/prognostic methods include MN/CA IX, MN proteins/polypeptides, MN nucleic acids and soluble MN/CA IX antigen (s-CA IX). The methods are useful as an aid in the selection of treatment for a patient with an ER-positive breast tumor. The methods of the invention can be used, for example, to identify those patients requiring additional/alternative therapies, preferably, but not necessarily, therapies that are not affected by acidic pH. The methods also comprise the use of diagnostic/prognostic imaging to detect MN/CA IX in a patient tumor, wherein the presence of MN/CA IX in one or more tumors is indicative of probable resistance to antiestrogen therapy, particularly to tamoxifen. |
| US08097422B2 |
Kir channel modulators
Provided is a three-dimensional structure of an alcohol bound to an alcohol-binding site of an inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channel, Kir channel alcohol modulators and methods for identifying Kir channel modulators. |
| US08097421B2 |
Method for performing a multiplex immunoassay using label disassociation and an integrated substrate
The application relates to a method, system and device for performing biological assays. The method, system and device allow more accurate and specific detections of biomolecules in multiplex assays, such as immunoassays and DNA microarray assays. More specifically, the embodiments of the invention allow the detection of labels after their detachment or disassociation from a binding situation wherein interference from other labels or the background may reduce the accuracy of specificity of the detection. The embodiments of the invention further allow detection of individual labels. |
| US08097417B2 |
Methods for detecting therapeutic effects of anti-cancer drugs by monitoring changes in gut flora
Non-invasive methods for monitoring the effect of an agent for treating colorectal cancer, comprising (1) collecting fecal samples from healthy subjects, subjects having precancerous lesions, and subject having precancerous lesions and being treated with an anti-cancer agent; (2) isolating total microbial genomic DNA from the fecal samples to provide total microbial genomic DNA; (3) comparing the total microbial genomic DNA using fingerprint spectrum analysis; (4) identifying key fingerprint bands correlated with the effect of the anti-cancer agent; (5) identifying key microorganisms associated with the key fingerprint bands; (6) designing microbial sequence-specific primers and probes; and (7) determining the quantitative differences of the key microorganisms in fecal samples to identify an indicator microorganism for monitoring the effect of the anti-cancer agent. |
| US08097413B2 |
Detection of group B Streptococcus
The invention provides methods to detect group B streptococcus (GBS) in biological samples using real-time PCR. Primers and probes for the detection of GBS are provided by the invention. Articles of manufacture containing such primers and probes for detecting GBS are further provided by the invention. |
| US08097411B2 |
Genomic marker for tenderness meat
The invention concerns the use of a genomic marker comprising a nucleotide sequence corresponding to all or part of the nucleotide sequence SEQ ID No 1, or to all or a part of an allele of the nucleotide sequence SEQ ID No 1 and associated with the phenotype relating to the tenderness of the meat from bovines, for the implementation of any identification method for the quantification of DNAJA1 expression level with the aim of selecting and/or sorting ruminant animals of the bovine type which produce tender meat and/or for the implementation of an identification method of tender meats at the moment of slaughter by direct sampling from the carcass.The invention concerns identification methods using the real time RT-PCR technique, the hybridization of labelling cDNA with an oligonucleotide probe and the detection of antigen-antibody complexes. |
| US08097408B2 |
Molecular targets and compounds, and methods to identify the same, useful in the treatment of joint degenerative and inflammatory diseases
The application discloses methods for identifying and using compounds that inhibit extra-cellular matrix (ECM) degradation and inflammation, using a polypeptide sequence including SEQ ID NO: 17-127 (hereinafter “TARGETS”) and fragments thereof, expression inhibitory agents such as antisense polynucleotide, a ribozyme, and a small interfering RNA (siRNA), comprising a nucleic acid sequence complementary to, or engineered from, a naturally occurring polynucleotide sequence encoding a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 17-127, useful in pharmaceutical compositions comprising said agent, for the treatment, or prevention, of chronic joint degenerative and/or inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. |
| US08097406B2 |
Associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms and haplotype with feed intake and feed efficiency in beef cattle
The physiological regulation of intake, growth and energy partitioning in animals is under the control of multiple genes, which may be important candidates for unraveling the genetic variation in economically relevant traits in beef production. The present invention relates to the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their haplotypes, across the bovine genome in genes encoding polypeptides associated with feed efficiency, and their associations with residual feed intake in beef production. The invention further encompasses methods and systems, including network-based processes, to manage the SNP data, haplotype data and other data relating to specific animals and herds of animals, veterinarian care, diagnostic and quality control data and management of livestock which, based on genotyping, have predictable meat quality traits, husbandry conditions, animal welfare, food safety information, audit of existing processes and data from field locations. |
| US08097404B2 |
Composition and method for cell permeabilization comprising N-octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside, sodium polyphosphates, rubidium chloride and/or lithium chloride for detecting living cells on a membrane
The present invention relates to a composition for the permeabilization of the walls of microorganisms comprising the combination of octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (NOG), sodium polyphosphates (HMP), and a salt chosen from lithium chloride or rubidium chloride, and a method for the enumeration and identification of cells on a membrane using said composition. |
| US08097402B2 |
Using electric-field directed post-exposure bake for double-patterning (D-P)
The invention provides a method of processing a substrate using Double-Patterning (D-P) processing sequences and Electric-Field Enhanced Layers (E-FELs). The D-P processing sequences and E-FELs can be used to create lines, trenches, vias, spacers, contacts, and gate structures using a minimum number of etch processes. |
| US08097400B2 |
Method for forming an electronic device
Provided is a low cost system and method for forming electronic devices, especially large surface area devices. The process of imprint lithography is combined with alternate manufacturing techniques to fabricate the devices. Initially, a template imprints a three-dimensional pattern into a resist layer deposited on a flexible substrate. The resist layer is cured using ultraviolet light or other curing techniques. After curing, the 3-D pattern is modified using one of several techniques to include inkjetting, electrodeposition or laser patterning. In one embodiment, a semi-fluid material may be jetted into channels formed in the pattern, thereby forming conductive or insulating lead lines. Alternatively, a two-dimensional pattern may be jetted onto the resist layer. Final processing may include multiple etch-mask-etch steps. The integration of techniques into a single system provides a low cost, efficient method for manufacturing high quality, large surface area electronic devices. |
| US08097399B2 |
Photocurable compositions
An optical moulding process is disclosed comprising the sequential steps of: (a)(y) forming a layer of a photocurable composition; and (bXz) irradiating selected areas of the composition in the layer with radiation from a radiation source, thereby curing the composition in said selected areas and repeating the steps a) and b) on top of an earlier cured layer to form a three dimensional structure, wherein the radiation source used in step b) is a non-coherent source of radiation and wherein the photocurable composition comprises at least two curable components: (i) 45%-95% (and preferably at least 50%, more preferably at least 60%, e.g. at least 70%) by weight of the total curable components in the composition is a first component that is photocurable and that is such that, when cured in the presence of a photocuring initiator by exposure to UV radiation having an energy of 30 mJ/cm2, at least 90% of the component is cured within 50 milliseconds; and (ii) 5% to 55% (and preferably 10-40%, more preferably 15 to 30%, e.g. about 20%) by weight of the total curable components in the composition is a second component that results in the composition, on curing, shrinking, in a linear direction, by less than 3% and preferably that results in the composition having, after cure, a Tg of greater than 50° C., preferably at least 100° C. and more preferably at least 120° C. |
| US08097396B2 |
Positive resist composition and method for forming resist pattern
A positive resist composition that includes a resin component (A) that exhibits increased alkali solubility under action of acid, and an acid generator component (B) that generates acid on exposure, wherein the component (A) is a copolymer (A1) that includes a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate that contains an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group, a structural unit (a2) derived from an α-lower alkyl acrylate that contains a lactone ring, and a structural unit (a3) derived from an (α-lower alkyl)acrylate that contains a polar group-containing polycyclic group. |
| US08097394B2 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor, method of preparing the photoreceptor, and image forming method, image forming apparatus and process cartridge therefor using the photoreceptor
A method of preparing an electrophotographic photoreceptor, including forming a photosensitive layer on an electroconductive substrate; and forming a surface layer on the photosensitive layer, wherein the surface layer is formed by a spray coating comprising a spray droplet having an average diameter (D50) not greater than 10 μm. |
| US08097385B2 |
Bipolar plate for fuel cell
The present disclosure provides for a bipolar plate assembly for use in a fuel cell stack. The bipolar plate assembly includes: (a) at least one flow field layer defining a flow field portion and a perimeter portion; (b) at least one core assembly including at least one porous carbon layer and at least one impermeable layer; and (c) a cathode side reactant and an anode side reactant. The at least a first flow field layer is made from a porous carbon material and the perimeter portion is impregnated with a polymer material. The porous carbon layer is joined to: (i) the at least one impermeable layer on a first side by an adhesive material; and (ii) the flow field layer perimeter on a second side by a second adhesive material. The at least a first flow field layer defines reactant inlet and outlet ports and reactant flow passageways for each of the cathode side reactant and the anode side reactant. A method of making such a bipolar plate as described herein is also provided, as well as a method for rendering a layer of carbon material substantially impervious to a liquid agent such as an acid and rendering the porous carbon components wettable to retain an acidic liquid electrolyte. Fuel cell bipolar plates made in accordance with the teachings herein exhibit excellent heat transfer characteristics, and are particularly effective in conducting heat to the edge of a fuel cell stack. |
| US08097383B2 |
Electrolyte material for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, electrolyte membrane and membrane/electrode assembly
To provide a polymer electrolyte material for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, which is an electrolyte material having a high ion exchange capacity and a low resistance, and which has a higher softening temperature than a conventional electrolyte material.An electrolyte material for polymer electrolyte fuel cells, which is made of a polymer containing repeating units based on a fluoromonomer having a radical polymerization reactivity, wherein the repeating units contain, in their side chains, a structure having ionic groups represented in the following formula (α) (provided that in the formula, each of Q1 and Q2 which are independent of each other, is a single bond or a perfluoroalkylene group that may have an etheric oxygen atom, provided that they are not single bonds at the same time, Rf1 is a perfluoroalkyl group which may have an etheric oxygen atom, and X is an oxygen atom, a nitrogen atom or a carbon atom, provided that when X is an oxygen atom, a=0, when X is a nitrogen atom, a=1, and when X is a carbon atom, a=2, and Y is a fluorine atom or a monovalent perfluoro organic group). |
| US08097378B2 |
Stack seal interface adapter
A fuel cell system comprises a first fuel cell stack having a first end plate, wherein the first end plate has a first opening, and a fuel cell component having a second opening. An adapter connects the first opening in the first end plate and the second opening in the fuel cell component. The adapter comprises a hollow tube. At least one of the first and second openings is located in a first groove. At least a first portion of the adapter is located in the first groove such that there is a passage from the first opening to the second opening through an interior of the hollow tube. |
| US08097376B2 |
Fuel cell system comprising modular design features
There is described a fuel cell power system including a fuel processor subsystem, a fuel cell subsystem, and a power conditioning subsystem. The fuel processor subsystem comprises a main module for producing hydrogen rich streams from a hydrocarbon fuel, a balance of plant module for auxiliary components, and a control and electronic module for monitoring and controlling the fuel processor subsystem. The fuel cell subsystem comprises a main module for generation of electric power and thermal energy from hydrogen rich streams produced by the fuel processor module and air, a balance of plant module for auxiliary components, and a control and electronic module for monitoring and controlling the fuel cell subsystem. Each module has individual components attached thereto, the modules being designed and manufactured separately and assembled together to form the respective subsystems. |
| US08097375B2 |
Procedure for filling a fuel cell anode supply manifold with hydrogen for start-up
A method for filling a fuel cell anode supply manifold with hydrogen prior to a start-up operation to facilitate a substantially even hydrogen distribution across the fuel cell is disclosed. The anode supply manifold is in fluid communication with a source of hydrogen. A first valve in fluid communication with the anode supply manifold and a second valve in fluid communication with an anode exhaust manifold are initially in a closed position while hydrogen is supplied to the anode inlet conduit to pressurize the fuel cell stack. The first valve is then opened to purge at least a portion of a fluid from the anode supply manifold to facilitate a filling of the manifold with hydrogen. |
| US08097367B2 |
Non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell containing 1,3-dioxane compound
A non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell with superior cycle characteristics is provided. The non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell has a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a non-aqueous electrolyte containing a non-aqueous solvent and an electrolyte salt. The non-aqueous solvent contains ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate. The ratio of the ethylene carbonate to the total mass of the ethylene carbonate and the propylene carbonate is from 0.40 to 0.78. The non-aqueous electrolyte contains a 1,3-dioxane compound at a mass % of from 0.1 to 5.0. The 1,3-dioxane compound is represented by Formula 1: where R1 to R4 independently denote a hydrogen atom, a methyl group, or an ethyl group. |
| US08097365B2 |
Electrode current collector and method for inspecting the same, electrode for battery and method for producing the same, and secondary battery and method for producing the same
A current collector forming an electrode for battery. The electrode current collector is made of copper or a copper alloy, and has a front surface color and a back surface color, at least one color of which is a color belonging to a color space represented by: 50≦L*≦80, 5≦a*<60, 5≦b*<60, where L*, a*, and b* are numeric values determined based on the L*a*b* calorimetric system described in JIS Z 8729. |
| US08097364B2 |
Electroactive material for charge transport
An electroactive material for charge transport. The material is formed of a plurality of nanocomponents including nanoparticles, in turn formed of conductive carbon-based clusters bound together by a conductive carbon-based cluster binder including nanoclusters and nanocluster binders, all having high densities of mobile charge carriers (electrons, electronic acceptors, ionic species). A terminal is electrically coupled to the nanoparticles for charge transport. |
| US08097359B2 |
Rapid exchange battery construction
A rapid exchange battery construction is applied in a battery module of an electric device to supply power. The battery module is pivoted with a rotatable handle, a catching member is disposed on the handle, and a fixing structure is erected on a base of a battery assembly structure. A pressing portion and a releasing opening are disposed at a top edge of the fixing structure. The handle is rotated to a gripping position for lifting the battery module to install the battery module on the base along the fixing structure, and then, the handle is rotated to a withdrawal position to move the catching member to the pressing portion. The battery structure is designed in such a manner that the battery module is secured and fixed on the base, and an electrical connection relationship between the battery module and the electric device is ensured. |
| US08097357B2 |
Battery can and method for manufacturing the same
A battery can of the present invention ensures a stable and favorable contact with an electrode and thus makes it possible to obtain a highly reliable battery excellent in high rate discharge characteristics. The battery can having an opening, including a cylindrical side portion and a bottom portion, of the present invention is formed from a steel plate. The steel plate has an Ni—Fe alloy layer on the inner face side of the battery can. The Ni—Fe alloy layer has an oxide layer containing iron and having a thickness of 10 to 50 nm on the inner face side of the battery can. |
| US08097356B2 |
Battery pack
Provision of an extension-type battery pack which is improved in safety thereof against dropping and impact application. Although a battery pack is susceptible to damage caused by an impact since partial battery cells are located outside the outline of a notebook PC when it is mounted on the notebook PC, the battery pack is provided with a partition wall structure including an air space and a fireproof wall formed of a material which does not melt at a temperature of combustible gas discharged from a gas discharge valve of the respective battery cells. The material of the fireproof wall is preferably mica or the like. The partition wall structure can be provided between an inside battery compartment and an outside battery compartment of the battery pack or can be provided among other battery cells. This prevents fire spreading to other battery cells even if high-temperature combustible gas is discharged from a battery cell damaged by an impact or the like. |
| US08097355B2 |
Protecting against incorrect battery polarity
Embodiments of battery holders with dual-contact assemblies are disclosed. One embodiment comprises a battery holder with a substrate and a spring dual-contact assembly, wherein the spring dual-contact assembly comprises a positive contact configured to contact a positive terminal of a battery positioned in the battery holder with the positive terminal oriented toward the spring dual-contact assembly and a negative contact configured to contact a negative terminal of a battery positioned in the battery holder with the negative terminal oriented toward the spring dual-contact assembly. The positive and negative contacts are coupled to an insulator configured to hold the positive contact and negative contact in a fixed relation to one another. Further, one or more cantilever wire springs hold the negative contact, positive contact and insulator in a resiliently displaceable relationship to the substrate. |
| US08097346B2 |
Barrier films containing microlayer structures
Films containing microlayer structures are provided. In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a film containing a first microlayer of a heat resistant polymer and a second microlayer of a barrier polymer having a heat distortion temperature ranging between about 50° C. and about 120° C. attached to the first microlayer. Each of the first microlayer and the second microlayer has a thickness ranging from about 0.01 microns to about 10 microns. |
| US08097345B2 |
Gas barrier film, gas barrier laminate and method for manufacturing film or laminate
Disclosed is an excellent gas barrier laminate whose gas-barrier property has little dependency on temperature and which hardly causes fracture even when the laminate is stretched. A gas barrier film comprising a polymer (A) of an unsaturated carboxylic acid compound monovalent metal salt (a), wherein the polymer (A) contains a modified vinyl alcohol polymer (B); a gas barrier laminate comprising a base layer and the gas barrier film formed on at least one surface of the base layer; and a method for production of a gas barrier laminate comprising the steps of: coating a solution of an unsaturated carboxylic acid compound monovalent metal salt (a) having a polymerization degree less than 20 on at least one surface of a base layer, wherein the solution contains a modified vinyl alcohol polymer (B); performing the polymerization to form a layer of the polymer (A) of the unsaturated carboxylic acid compound monovalent metal salt (a) containing the modified vinyl alcohol polymer (B). |
| US08097339B2 |
Selective polishing of fuser members
A method of forming and a resulting selectively polished fuser member. The method includes selectively polishing that portion of the fuser member surface not subject to rapid natural wear. The method further includes polishing both a surface region subject to rapid sheet edge wear and a surface region not subject to rapid sheet edge wear, and polishing the surface region not subject to rapid sheet edge wear more than the surface region subject to rapid sheet edge wear. The rapid natural wear corresponds to sheet edge wear on the fuser member surface. |
| US08097335B2 |
Lightweight circuit board with conductive constraining cores
Prepregs, laminates, printed wiring board structures and processes for constructing materials and printed wiring boards that enable the construction of printed wiring boards with improved thermal properties. In one embodiment, the prepregs include substrates impregnated with electrically and thermally conductive resins. In other embodiments, the prepregs have substrate materials that include carbon. In other embodiments, the prepregs include substrates impregnated with thermally conductive resins. In other embodiments, the printed wiring board structures include electrically and thermally conductive laminates that can act as ground and/or power planes. |
| US08097334B2 |
Pultruded component
A pultruded composite component includes a matrix material comprising a thermosetting polyurethane resin, and fibers provided within the resin matrix. All of the fibers within the resin matrix are oriented in substantially a single direction and the matrix material has an elongation-to-failure that exceeds that of the fibers. |
| US08097333B2 |
Composite materials with blend of thermoplastic particles
Pre-impregnated composite material (prepreg) is provided that can be cured to form composite parts that have high levels of damage tolerance. The matrix resin includes a thermoplastic particle component that is a blend of particles that have a melting point above the curing temperature and particles that have a melting point at or below the curing temperature. |
| US08097332B2 |
Indexable cutting insert
An indexable cutting insert (1) includes a base (8) and a coating layer, wherein the coating layer includes an inner sublayer and an outer sublayer, each of subsublayer constituting the inner sublayer is composed of a compound containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Group IVa elements, Group Va elements, Group VIa elements in the periodic table, Al, and Si, the outer sublayer is an alumina sublayer or a sublayer containing aluminum, and in portions of the outer sublayer participating in cutting, when an average thickness on the flank face (3) side is represented by A μm and an average thickness on the rake face (2) side is represented by B μm, A/B≦0.95. |
| US08097329B2 |
Thin film device having thin film elements and thin film pattern on thin film elements, and method of fabricating the same
A thin film device has a substrate having thin film elements, and an undercoat formed on the thin film elements of the substrate. The undercoat comprises at least one insulating film formed into a predetermined shape by closely adhering, exposing, and etching a film comprising a photosensitive resin material. The thin film device further has a thin film pattern formed into a predetermined shape on the undercoat. |
| US08097328B2 |
High-pressure melamine resin decorative plates
The high-pressure melamine resin decorative plate of the present invention includes a laminate of a decorative sheet, and a melamine resin-impregnated paper and a core layer on a back surface of the decorative sheet, and then the resultant laminated structure is subjected to heat- and press-molding. The decorative sheet includes at least a low-gloss pattern ink layer partially formed on a substrate, and a surface protective layer which is present on and contacted with the low-gloss pattern ink layer so as to cover a whole surface; the surface protective layer is formed by crosslinking and curing an ionizing radiation-curable resin composition, and provided therein with a low-gloss region which is located in a portion just above the low-gloss pattern ink layer and in the vicinity of the portion and visually recognized as a concave portion. |
| US08097318B2 |
Glass-metal connection, in particular for a vacuum-tube solar collector
The invention relates to a glass-metal connection, in particular for a vacuum-tube solar collector, comprising a metallic connecting part (1), which connects a heat recovery tube (3) and a enclosing tube (2) of glass in a vacuum-tight manner, one end (5) of the enclosing tube (2) being inwardly deformed in a flange-like manner in such a way that it encloses an outer edge portion (7) of the metallic connecting part (1) in a vacuum-tight manner on both sides by fusing. This edge portion (7) is expediently formed in a rotationally symmetrical manner and/or the enclosing tube (2) is produced from a soda-lime glass. The connecting part (1) is connected in a vacuum-tight manner to one or more heat recovery tubes (3). The connecting part (1) and the glass of the enclosing tube (2) have approximately the same coefficient of expansion. |
| US08097316B2 |
Laminated resin tube
A laminated resin tube is formed mainly of inexpensive materials and has improved low-permeable ability.The laminated resin tube has a plurality of laminated component resin tubes made of thermoplastic resins. At least one of the plurality of component resin tubes is a first low-permeable barrier tube made of polyamide 9T, and the rest of the component resin tubes include a resin tube made of polyamide 6 or polyamide 66. |
| US08097314B2 |
Fluororesin tube and process for producing the same
The present invention provides a large diameter thin-walled fluororesin tube, which has, even with a large diameter (for example, ø 100 mm or more), excellent wall thickness precision and a low degree of stable orientation; and a process for producing the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to a fluororesin tube having an average thickness of 70 μm or less and an outer diameter of 100 mm or more, wherein variation in the tube thickness is within ±20% with respect to the average tube thickness and a degree of orientation (F) is within a range of 0.25 to 0.55. |
| US08097311B2 |
Seamless master and method of making same
Hollow, cylindrical, seamless metal master for producing seamless diffuser sheets of preselected length and width. Additional aspects of the invention include a hollow cylindrical seamless invertible elastomeric master and method of making the same and an apparatus and process for effecting variable diffuser recording in photosensitive medium. |
| US08097308B2 |
Protective layer for charged particle beam processing
A protective layer is applied to a work piece to protect the surface during charged particle beam processing by directing a fluid toward the surface. The surface is preferably not touched by the applicator. Ink jet print-type print heads are suitable applicators. Ink jet-type print heads allow a wide variety of fluids to be used to form the protective layer. Useful fluids that form protective layers include colloidal silica having small silver particles and hydrocarbon-based inks. |
| US08097307B2 |
Method of strengthening stone and other construction materials
The invention relates to a method of strengthening stone and other construction materials. The inventive method is performed on the monument, building or statue in question or on any other object that has undergone deterioration. It achieves the formation of a mesoporous molecular sieve with an ordered topology in the pores of the altered substrate. The invention is advantageous in that: by considerably increasing the radius of the pores of the gel in relation to that of commercial binders, capillary pressure is significantly reduced and, with it, the risk of fractures in the material; by obtaining a binder having a uniform pore radius, the risk of fracture is prevented since it impedes the occurrence of stresses caused by pores of different sizes; by obtaining a mesoporous material with a given pore volume, the pores of the altered substrate are prevented from being blocked and, consequently, the damp-proofing of the building is impeded. |
| US08097296B2 |
Method for retarding the setting of mortar and concrete surfaces
An exemplary method for set retarding the surface of a mortar or concrete material, comprising applying to the surface of a mortar or concrete, or to the inner surface of a mold for forming the mortar or concrete, a hot melt coating composition which is heated to assume a flowable or sprayable form, and allowing the hot melt coating composition to cool to ambient temperature whereby the composition forms a solidified membrane, and thereafter removing the membrane. Preferably, the hot melt coating composition contains at least one agent operative to retard the setting of the mortar or concrete, and optional finely divided particulate materials, light-reflective pigments, or mixtures thereof. |
| US08097289B2 |
Papaya puree and the use of the same
The invention relates to a method for producing a puree preparation from Carica papaya fruit, said method comprising the following steps: the fruit or crushed fruit, especially in a sieved form, is cooked for at least 30 minutes at normal pressure, optionally in an aqueous solution which is at least twice the volume of the fruit; the fruit or crushed fruit which has been cooked is cooled over a period of time of at least 30 minutes in an oxygen-containing atmosphere; and the fruit or crushed fruit which has been cooled is optionally crushed, mixed and strained until a homogeneous puree is obtained. |
| US08097288B1 |
Composition and method for providing nutritional immunology for production animals
A method of reducing an involuntary cull in production animals. The method comprising the step of administering to the production animals a composition comprising an effective amount of a pomegranate extract substantially derived from the whole fruits of pomegranate. The pomegranate extract can be in powder, liquid or solid form and mixed into foods as part of a regular regime of the production animals diet. When site specific treatment is needed such as with mastitis in milk cows the pomegranate extract may be injected directly to the site where treatment is desired. |
| US08097287B2 |
Use of a Ginkgo biloba extract for the treatment of mitochondrial disease of genetic origin
The invention relates to the use of Ginkgo biloba for the treatment of mitochondrial diseases of genetic origin and more particularly mitochondrial encephalomyopathies. |
| US08097286B2 |
Herbal composition weight management
Herbal extracts composition suitable for weight management in mammals is disclosed. The composition comprises a mixture of Garcinia extract, Green tea extract, Green coffee extract and Banaba extract. The method of reducing weight, and treating diabetes in mammals involve oral administration of the composition. The invention further relates to a method of producing and standardizing the individual extract useful for human health. |
| US08097284B2 |
Polarized scorpion venom solution and a method for making polarized scorpion venom solution
Various embodiments of this invention disclose a polarized dilute blue scorpion venom solution, a method for making a polarized dilute scorpion venom solution, and a method for administering dilute scorpion venom solution. The polarized dilute scorpion venom solution relieves pain, improves immune-system response, treats cancer, prevents cancer, improves quality of sleep, reduces inflammation, and minimizes negative biological response to chemotherapy and radiation treatment. |
| US08097283B2 |
Methods and compositions for imaging
The present invention is directed to synthetic nanoparticles useful as imaging agents for use in MRI, CT, Gamma-scintigraphy, or optical imaging techniques. The synthetic nanoparticles comprise at least one apolipoprotein that is not an apoB lipoprotein, at least one amphipathic lipid, and at least one metallic or non-metallic contrast agent linked through a chelator to a component of the nanoparticle, wherein the one metallic or non-metallic contrast agent is present in an amount of between 5% to about 50% (w/w) of the nanoparticle, and the nanoparticle has a diameter of from about 5 nm to about 50 nm. Compositions and kits comprising the synthetic nanoparticles and methods of making and using the same are also provided. |
| US08097279B2 |
Chewable soft capsule
A matrix formulation for a soft chewable capsule is provided which includes a gel-forming composition, a plasticizer, a polymer modifier and water. The polymer modifier may be a carboxylic acid or other organic compound that alters the physical and/or chemical properties of the capsule formulation. A chewable soft capsule is also provided, having enhanced organo-leptic and processing properties. An active material may be delivered to a user using this dosage form. A method of forming the chewable soft capsule is also provided. |
| US08097274B2 |
Skin substitutes, preparation methods and uses thereof
Provided herein are skin substitutes suitable for use in a living subject for purpose of repairing damaged tissues, methods of producing the skin substitutes and their uses. A biocomposite membrane comprising poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and at least one material selected from collagen and gelatin is provided. In one embodiment, the biocomposite is a 2-component membrane of PCL and gelatin. In another embodiment, the biocomposite is a 3-component membrane of PCL, collagen and gelatin. The bio-composite membrane may be used directly in vivo as a wound dressing, or as a support for cell growth on each side of the membrane to produce an in vitro cultivated artificial skin for future in vivo and/or in vitro applications. |
| US08097269B2 |
Bioactive material delivery systems comprising sol-gel compositions
Implantable medical devices employing a sol-gel composition coatings that functions as a bioactive material reservoir, and the use of sol-gel composition coatings for improved adhesion of organic and inorganic substrates are disclosed. |
| US08097268B2 |
Coatings for implantable medical devices
Coatings for implantable medical devices comprising non-fouling moieties or polymers chemically bonded to the surface of the device via chelating structures, and methods of fabricating the coatings are disclosed. |
| US08097266B2 |
Solvent systems for pour-on formulations for combating parasites
This invention relates to pharmaceutical and veterinary formulations providing enhanced solvency and stability for pharmaceutical and veterinary agents for administration to animals, especially ruminants. In addition, the invention relates to pour-on formulations for combating parasites in animals, such as cattle and sheep. In some embodiments, this invention provides glycol-ether-based pour-on formulations comprising a composition comprising a flukicide, such as, for example, clorsulon (4-amino-6-trichloroethenyl-1,3-benzene disulfonamide) and/or a macrolide anthelmintic or antiparasitic agent. In other embodiments, the invention provides pour-on formulations comprising at least one active agent, a glycol ether, and a stability enhancer. This invention also provides for methods for eradicating, controlling, and/or preventing parasite infestation in animals, such as cattle and sheep. |
| US08097261B2 |
Roundworm coproantigen detection
A composition, device, kit and method for detecting the presence or absence of roundworm in a fecal sample. The composition, device, kit and method of the present invention may be used to confirm the presence or absence of roundworm in a fecal sample from a mammal that may also be infected with one or more of hookworm, whipworm, and heartworm. |
| US08097259B2 |
Method for prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease
This invention provides method for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease without noticeable side effects caused to patients, comprising administering an effective amount of Monascus-fermented product including Monascus powder and Monascus beverage. The Monascus powder and beverage are prepared through specific fermentation procedures disclosed and comprise monacolins, anti-inflammation agents and anti-oxidant compounds. The Monascus compositions are extracted from fermented red mold rice (RMR). |
| US08097255B2 |
Mammalian receptor protein DCRS5; methods of treatment
Nucleic acids encoding mammalian, e.g., primate, receptors, purified receptor proteins and fragments thereof. Antibodies, both polyclonal and monoclonal, are also provided. Methods of using the compositions for both diagnostic and therapeutic utilities are described. |
| US08097252B2 |
Methods and compositions for administering therapeutic and diagnostic agents
Methods and compositions are described for targeting therapeutic and diagnostic molecules to particular types of cells using targeting antibodies or other targeting moeities. |
| US08097245B2 |
Delivery vehicle for probiotic bacteria comprising a dry matrix of polysaccharides, saccharides and polyols in a glass form and methods of making same
The disclosure relates to a solid glass matrix of polysaccharide, saccharides and polyols as delivery vehicle for preservation and post gastric administration of a probiotic. The delivery vehicle is capable of releasing the probiotic at their site of action. The present invention further includes methods of making and using the solid glass matrix delivery vehicle of the invention. |
| US08097241B2 |
Formulation and method for treating animal waste
The invention is directed to a formulation and method for treating solid waste from animals. The formulation comprises a surfactant having antimicrobial activity, preferably a cationic surfactant, and a solvent, preferably water. The preferred cationic surfactant is a quaternary ammonium compound. The formulation may further include one or more of acids, bases, enzymes, oxidizing agents, foamants, colorants, and/or fragrances. The formulation is prepared as a concentrate composition for use with a suitable diluent, such as water. The diluted composition is applied to the waste as a pressurized jet of fluid, such as using a sprayer attached to a garden hose. The result is that the solid waste is substantially sanitized, disintegrated and/or deodorized. |
| US08097236B2 |
Devices and methods for the treatment of cancer
The invention relates to the treatment of cancer. In particular the invention relates to an internal therapeutic product comprising: (i) an anti-cancer component selected from one or both of: a radionucleotide, a cytotoxic drug; and (ii) a silicon component selected from one or more of: resorbable silicon, biocompatible silicon, bioactive silicon, porous silicon, polycrystalline silicon, amorphous silicon, and bulk crystalline silicon, the internal therapeutic product being for the treatment of cancer. |
| US08097233B2 |
Synthesis of nanoparticles by laser pyrolysis
The present invention relates to the synthesis of nanoparticles by laser hydrolysis. For this purpose, a precursor interacts with a laser beam (LAS) in a pyrolysis reactor (REAC) for producing nanoparticles (nP), characterized in that the precursor is firstly in the liquid state and is then converted into the vapor phase and in that the flow rate of the precursor is controlled in the liquid phase. |
| US08097229B2 |
Methods for manufacturing functionalized inorganic oxides and polymers incorporating same
Inorganic oxide substrates are functionalized with silicon-free organic functionalizing agents. The organic functionalizing agent has a bonding functional group for bonding to the substrate and a functionalizing moiety that is not bonded to the substrate for imparting a desired functionality to the substrate. The functionalized inorganic oxide substrates are manufactured by selecting a functionalizing agent and reaction conditions that allows the bonding functional group to bond to the inorganic material while leaving the functionalizing moiety available for providing the desired functionality. The functionalized inorganic oxides can be used as filler materials in polymers or to manufacture a supported nanoparticle catalyst. |
| US08097224B2 |
Apparatuses and media for drug elution and methods for making and using them
Embodiments of the invention provide to apparatuses and media used in drug elution studies and methods for making and using them. Such methods and materials can be used for example to assess and control the manufacturing process variability of drug eluting implantable devices such as cardiac leads. One embodiment of the invention is a drug elution method that can be used for in-vitro studies of a matrix impregnated with a compound such as a drug blended polymer matrix. A related embodiment of the invention is an apparatus that is used for example to facilitate the practice of the above-noted methods by inhibiting the evaporation of dissolution media from the vessels in which elution is observed. |
| US08097220B2 |
Porous bodies and methods
Systems and methods for treating a fluid with a body are disclosed. Various aspects involve treating a fluid with a porous body. In select embodiments, a body comprises ash particles, and the ash particles used to form the body may be selected based on their providing one or more desired properties for a given treatment. Various bodies provide for the reaction and/or removal of a substance in a fluid, often using a porous body comprised of ash particles. Computer-operable methods for matching a source material to an application are disclosed. Certain aspects feature a porous body comprised of ash particles, the ash particles have a particle size distribution and interparticle connectivity that creates a plurality of pores having a pore size distribution and pore connectivity, and the pore size distribution and pore connectivity are such that a first fluid may substantially penetrate the pores. |
| US08097215B2 |
Wall-mounted aromatic air freshener device
A wall-mounted aromatic air freshener device includes a board, and a housing and a frame, both disposed at a backside of the board, a container disposed in the housing for containing an essential oil, a light emitting element and a light emitting control element, both installed in the frame, a switch device for turning on or off the light emitting element, such that an oil wick can absorb and vaporize an essential oil to disperse an aromatic air, and the light emitting element produces an optical decorative effect, so as to constitute the aromatic air freshener device. |
| US08097208B2 |
White copper-base alloy
A white bronze alloy consisting essentially of, in weight percent, about 0.3-1.5 wt % aluminum, about 0.5-2.0 wt % bismuth, about 61-66 wt % copper, about 0.0-0.5 wt % iron, about 11-15 wt % manganese, about 4.0-6.0 wt % nickel, about 0.5-2.0 wt % tin, and about 16-20 wt % zinc, as well as incidental amounts of impurities. The alloy is expected to have antimicrobial properties which make the alloy desirable for fabrication into food handling equipment and products for hospitals, bathrooms, and kitchens. |
| US08097205B2 |
Continuous annealing equipment
Continuous annealing equipment contains: a heating zone, a soaking zone, and a rapid cooling zone, the rapid cooling zone having gas jet cooling equipment and is provided with at least one pair of seal rolls at each of an inlet and an outlet thereof and bridle roll units each composed of two or more bridle rolls in front of and behind itself; the bridle roll unit behind the rapid cooling zone having two or more heating rolls each having an induction heater thereinside; and the heating roll having a winding angle of 100° or more per heating roll and 380° or more in total of all the heating rolls. |
| US08097203B2 |
Crosslinked green body articles and method of manufacturing porous ceramic articles therefrom
The invention describes a high porosity ceramic article and method of manufacturing the same and intermediate dried honeycomb green body articles. The article may have a total porosity of at least about fifty-five percent, above sixty percent, or even above sixty-five percent. The method of manufacture includes mixing a ceramic-forming powder, an organic pore former, water, and a crosslinker. Drying causes a condensation reaction between the pore former and the crosslinker thereby forming a network within the green body that strengthens the green body and reduces cracking. The pore former may include starch or an activated cellulose compounds. Secondary pore forming agents, such as graphite may also be included. |
| US08097198B2 |
Manufacturing method with vacuum bag
A method for producing an article of composite material. A female molding tool is provided. A form bag is provided. At least one prepreg is placed in the molding tool. A heel shaped hard tool part. A hard tool part is placed at the female tool close to an edge of the laminate being placed in the mold. The form bag is placed in the female tool so that the bag seals towards the heel shaped tool part, in such a way that, at a later air evacuation of the bag, an increased pressure that the bag will apply towards the laminate reaches a radius before the pressure reaches an edge. |
| US08097190B2 |
Optical resin composition having excellent impact resistance and method for fabricating optical lens using the same
An optical resin composition with superior impact resistance and a method for producing an optical lens from the composition are disclosed. In one embodiment, the optical resin composition for a plastic optical lens has superior impact resistance as well as light-weight, superior moldability, excellent dyeing ability, a high Abbe number and good transparency. The optical lens produced from the composition exhibits superior impact resistance even after multi-coating. The optical resin composition with superior impact resistance has a solid refractive index (nD) of about 1.53 to about 1.57, an Abbe number of about 35 to about 48, a liquid specific gravity of about 0.97 to about 1.25 and a solid specific gravity of about 1.10 to about 1.35, by which the composition comprises a mixture of isophorone diisocyanate and hexamethylene diisocyanate, pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptopropionate), a UV absorber, a release agent and a polymerization initiator. The optical lens is produced by thermally curing the composition. |
| US08097189B2 |
Method for manufacturing optical disc master and method for manufacturing optical disc
A method for manufacturing an optical disc master using an existing exposure system, and a method for manufacturing an optical disc having higher recording capacity. The method for manufacturing an optical disc, using a master to produce the optical disc having an irregular pattern thereon, the master being produced by the steps of forming a resist layer composed of a resist material including an incomplete oxide of a transition metal such as W or Mo on a substrate, the oxygen content of the incomplete oxide being smaller than the oxygen content of the stoichiometric composition corresponding to a valence of the transition metal; selectively exposing the resist layer with laser according to a recording signal pattern using a light source with an irradiation power that is less than an irradiation threshold power at which exposure of the resist starts; and developing the resist layer to form the predetermined irregular pattern. |
| US08097187B2 |
Additive for dielectric fluid
A dielectric fluid comprising hydrocarbon liquid admixed with an ester-based compound, wherein the ester-based compound is present in an effective amount to impart breakdown inhibiting properties to a paper insulation material when the dielectric fluid is in contact with the paper material. |
| US08097185B2 |
Magnetic activated carbon particles for adsorption of solutes from solution
A composition of and method for forming activated carbon with magnetic properties for magnetic separation of the activated carbon from a liquid being treated is disclosed wherein a solution iron magnetic precursor is intimately mixed or absorbed into a porous carbon precursor or mixed with a solution or meltable carbon precursor to form an essentially homogeneous mixture or solution that when dried and pyrolized forms activated carbon particles with magnetic material evenly dispersed throughout the activated carbon material. The activated carbon particles may be of fine particle size, even powdered, and still retain magnetic properties sufficient for magnetic separation. In a particular aspect of the invention, a carbon precursor of soft wood is soaked in a solution of a ferric salt, dried, pyrolized and activated. |
| US08097184B2 |
Conductive composition and conductive cross-linked product, capacitor and production method thereof, and antistatic coating material, antistatic coating, antistatic film, optical filter, and optical information recording medium
A conductive composition comprises a π conjugated conductive polymer, a dopant, and a nitrogen-containing aromatic cyclic compound. A capacitor comprises an anode composed of a porous material of valve metal, a dielectric layer formed by oxidizing the surface of the anode, and a cathode provided on the dielectric layer and having a solid electrolyte layer containing a π conjugated conductive polymer, which comprises an electron donor compound containing an electron donor element provided between the dielectric layer and the cathode. Another capacitor is based on the above-described capacitor, wherein the solid electrolyte layer further comprises a dopant and a nitrogen-containing aromatic cyclic compound. An antistatic coating material comprises a π conjugated conductive polymer, a solubilizing polymer containing an anion group and/or an electron attractive group, a nitrogen-containing aromatic cyclic compound, and a solvent. An antistatic coating is formed by applying the antistatic coating material. |
| US08097183B2 |
Liquid pigment dispersion and curative agents
A liquid pigment dispersion is disclosed. The dispersion comprises a pigment dispersed in a blend of two or more active hydrogen-containing materials that together have a freezing point that is room temperature or below. The pigment remains dispersed in the blend, even if the dispersion is subjected to freezing and thawing. A curative blend comprising at least two active hydrogen-containing materials, which is liquid at room temperature, is also disclosed. The dispersions and curative blends of the present invention can be solvent-free. Resins and prepolymers comprising the curative blends of the invention, either pigmented or unpigmented, are also disclosed. |
| US08097174B2 |
MEMS device and interconnects for same
A microelectromechanical systems device having an electrical interconnect connected to at least one of an electrode and a movable layer within the device. At least a portion of the electrical interconnect is formed from the same material as a movable layer of the device. A thin film, particularly formed of molybdenum, is provided underneath the electrical interconnect. The movable layer preferably comprises aluminum. |
| US08097167B2 |
Concentration of suspensions
The present invention relates to a process of concentrating an aqueous suspension of solid particles comprising the steps of adding at least one organic polymeric flocculant to the suspension thereby forming flocculated solids in which the flocculated solids are allowed form a layer of solids and thereby forming a more concentrated suspension in which the process comprises the addition of an effective amount of an agent that is selected from the group consisting of free radical agents, oxidising agents, enzymes and radiation, in which the agent is applied to the suspension prior to or substantially simultaneously with adding the organic polymeric flocculant and/or the organic polymeric flocculant is added to the suspension in a vessel and the agent is applied to the suspension in the same vessel. The process is particularly suitable for solids liquid separation in which the flocculated solids are allowed to settle by sedimentation in a gravity thickener. |
| US08097161B2 |
Wastewater treatment method
The present invention provides a method that allows solid-liquid separation of activated sludge and a treated liquid to be carried out stably and efficiently by suitably evaluating the risk of clogging prior to membrane clogging and adopting necessary and adequate countermeasures. The present invention provides a wastewater treatment method employing a membrane separation activated sludge process, by which the upper limit of BOD-sludge load is determined based on an index indicating the total organic content of the organic wastewater and a BOD value, and the BOD-sludge load in the activated sludge tank is adjusted so as not to exceed the upper limit. |
| US08097158B2 |
Spool valve manifold interconnect for a filter system
A filter cartridge and spool valve manifold assembly includes a filter cartridge and a spool valve manifold. The filter cartridge includes a filter element and inlet/outlet portion in fluid communication with the filter element. The inlet/outlet portion has a cartridge inlet port and a cartridge outlet port. The spool valve manifold includes a housing and a body. The housing has a housing inlet port and a housing outlet port adapted for fluid communication with a fluid supply system. The body is located within the housing and configured to rotate around a first axis relative to the housing. The inlet/outlet portion of the filter cartridge is fluidly coupled to the body via insertion of the inlet/outlet portion into the body in a direction perpendicular to the first axis. |
| US08097157B2 |
Fluid filtration system
A fluid filtration system is disclosed comprising a manifold assembly comprising a mounting bracket, an alignment collar connected to the mounting bracket, and a latch assembly moveable with respect to the mounting bracket and alignment collar. The system further comprises a filter cartridge comprising a filter cartridge outer surface and a cartridge latching structure formed on the filter cartridge outer surface to interact with the latch assembly. When the filter cartridge is aligned with the alignment collar and inserted into the manifold assembly, the filter cartridge is (i) latched into the manifold assembly by translating the filter cartridge into the manifold assembly to cause movement of the latch assembly to engage the cartridge latching structure; and (ii) unlatched from the manifold assembly by translating the filter cartridge into the manifold assembly to cause movement of the rotating latch assembly to disengage the cartridge latching structure. |
| US08097156B2 |
Fluid filtration system
The present disclosure relates to a new fluid filter system including, but not limited to, structure for enabling a filter cartridge to be installed and removed from a manifold with a straight line push/pull motion, an innovative latching mechanism and an innovative water manifold, the latching mechanism providing a unique mechanism interface between an innovative manifold and a filter cartridge, the latching mechanism providing a compact and simple mechanism between the innovative manifold and the filter cartridge that significantly reduces the installation and removal force previously found with fluid filtration cartridges by including a low force filter cartridge installation and removal mechanism for utilization by the end consumer and the manifold assembly includes an inlet and an outlet port, the manifold assembly having structure for maintaining a substantially constant volumetric cavity of the fluid filtration system that contains fluid during installation and operation of the filter therein and removal of the filter therefrom and that has an automatic shut-off system, as the inlet water pressure increases past a predetermined desired maximum system operating pressure, the inlet water will automatically be shut-off, i.e., will not flow into (or out of) the filter cartridge. |
| US08097143B2 |
Plating method, light-transmitting electrically-conductive film and light-transmitting electromagnetic wave shield film
A plating method comprising: continuously electroplating a surface of a film having a surface resistivity of from 1 to 1,000Ω/□ in a plurality of times, wherein the plurality of times are equally divided into a former half stage and a latter half stage, and wherein an average plating time of the former half stage of the electroplating step is shorter than an average plating time of the latter half stage of the electroplating step or an average plating voltage at the latter half stage of the electroplating step is 60% or less of an average plating voltage at the former half stage of the electroplating step. |
| US08097138B2 |
Oxygen partial pressure control apparatuses and methods of using solid electrolytes for oxygen partial pressure control
The present invention provides oxygen partial pressure control apparatuses that can control the partial pressure of oxygen in atmospheric gases in processing apparatuses or the like to within the range of 0.2 to 10−30 atm, while maintaining low material and operational cost conditions. The present invention provides oxygen partial pressure control apparatuses in which air or pure oxygen is supplied to the inside of a heating furnace that can heat and maintain solid electrolytes at an operational temperature, wherein the heating furnace houses at least one oxygen pump comprising a solid electrolyte with a tubular structure and at least two oxygen sensors comprising a solid electrolyte with a tubular structure, wherein the at least one oxygen pump described above and the at least two oxygen sensors described above are placed in parallel such that the aforementioned air or pure oxygen serves as a purge gas that sweeps the surroundings of each solid electrolyte tube, and wherein they are connected such that a common process gas can flow through each solid electrolyte tube. |
| US08097136B2 |
Hydrogen gas sensor
A first electrode and a second electrode are provided, and an electrolyte is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are made of corresponding different materials in chemical potential for hydrogen gas. The first electrode includes higher chemical potential material and the second electrode includes lower chemical potential material. The first electrode functions as a detecting electrode for hydrogen gas, and the second electrode functions as a standard electrode for the hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is detected on an electromotive force generated between the first electrode and the second electrode. |
| US08097126B2 |
Aqueous composition and use thereof for paper production
The present invention relates to an aqueous composition comprising at least one finely divided filler and at least one water-soluble amphoteric copolymer, a process for the preparation of such a composition and its use as an additive in the production of paper, cardboard and board. |
| US08097124B2 |
Aqueous alkylketene dimer dispersions
Aqueous alkyl ketene dimer dispersions which comprise at least 15% by weight of an alkyl ketene dimer and at least one water-soluble cationic starch, aluminum sulfate and at least one condensate of naphthalenesulfonic acid and formaldehyde or lignin sulfonic acid or in each case salts thereof, the dispersions comprising, based in each case on alkyl ketene dimer, from 2 to 50% by weight of aluminum sulfate, and in which the dispersions additionally comprise from 0.1 to 5% by weight of a saturated carboxylic acid having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, benzenesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and/or a mineral acid at an aluminum sulfate content of from 2 to 15% by weight, and the use of the dispersions as engine size and surface size for paper and paper products. |
| US08097121B2 |
Protective tape separation method and protective tape separation apparatus
A surface height of a protective tape joined to a wafer mounted and held on a separation table is detected, an operation amount of approaching a joining member to the protective tape until a separation tape wound around the joining member contacts the protective tape based on detected information, the joining member is operation controlled to approach the protective tape based on the calculated operation amount, the joining member and the separation table are relatively moved along a direction of a surface of the protective tape in a state of maintaining the height of the joining member to join the separation tape to the protective tape, and the separation tape is separated from the surface of the wafer integrally with the protective tape. |
| US08097113B2 |
Glass laminate containing poly vinyl acetal
A process comprises constructing a sub-assembly including a rigid layer and a poly (vinyl acetal) interlayer in a vacuum bag or vacuum press; applying vacuum to the vacuum bag or vacuum press for a maximum of 30 to 60 minutes while maintaining the sub-assembly at a temperature between 10° C. and 22° C. to produce a cooled sub-assembly; increasing the temperature of the cooled sub-assembly to at least 100° C. or 125° C. over a minimum of 10 minutes or 20 minutes to produce a heated sub-assembly; maintaining the heated sub-assembly at minimum of 100° C. or 125° C. for a minimum of 10 minutes or 20 minutes to form a laminate; cooling the laminate at a rate of at least 0.5° C./minute until the laminate reaches a temperature below 40° C.; contemporaneously with the cooling, removing the vacuum from the vacuum bag, containing the laminate, and allowing the laminate to reach atmospheric pressure. |
| US08097108B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming a fireworthy laminate
A laminate is provided for forming an aesthetically pleasing fire worthy exterior surface on an object, for example a decorative interior sidewall used in a commercial aircraft. A first film layer forms an exterior surface of the sidewall, and an ink layer is disposed adjacent to the first film layer to provide color and/or images in an aesthetically pleasing manor, and to protect the subsequent layer from damaging UV light exposure. An embossing resin layer is disposed adjacent to the ink layer to improve the fire worthiness of the laminate by being situated adjacent to the exterior surface of the laminate. A second film layer is disposed adjacent to the embossing resin layer and a surface of the sidewall. The location of the embossing resin layer enhances the fire worthiness of the laminate by operating to absorb thermal energy released by the sidewall in the event the sidewall is exposed to fire or to a high temperature sufficient to otherwise cause higher thermal energy release of a conventional laminate. |
| US08097106B2 |
Method for fabricating composite structures having reinforced edge bonded joints
A ceramic matrix composite structure has a reinforced core for carrying loads. The core includes a web connected between the facesheets by edge bonded joints for transmitting compressive, tensile and shear loads. The edge bonded joints are laterally reinforced by bridging members bonded to the facesheets, on opposite sides of the webs The bridging members may comprise low density, high temperature rigid foam. |
| US08097104B2 |
Tape installation device and method for the construction of a laminate
The present invention creates a tape laying device as well as a method for the construction of a laminate by means of a tape laying device, in particular in the field of aviation and aerospace. The tape laying device comprises a laying arrangement for laying tape for the construction of a laminate and a stimulation arrangement by means of which the tape which has to be laid can be stimulated directly and evenly over the thickness thereof so as to be heated. The idea the present invention is based on consists in that instead of the stimulation at the surface of the tape which has to be laid which is known to the Applicant a direct and evenly stimulation of the tape which has to be laid takes place, that means, a stimulation which acts substantially direct and evenly over the thickness of the tape which has to be laid on the tapes components. The heating achieved by this is much faster than by means of convection according to the known approach. Therefore, the desired tackiness of the tape which has to be laid can be achieved at the desired high laying velocity. |
| US08097101B2 |
Aluminium casting alloy
A method of forming a hypoeutectic aluminium silicon alloy including the steps of: forming an aluminium melt including greater than zero and less than about 12 wt % silicon, adding 20-3000 ppm of a eutectic modifying element selected from the group consisting of strontium, sodium, antimony, barium, calcium, yttrium, lithium, potassium, ytterbium, europium and mischmetal; and either adding nucleant particles and/or causing nucleant particles to be formed in the melt, the nucleant particles being selected from the group of TiSix, MnCx, AlP, AlBx and CrBx wherein x is an integer of 1 or 2. |
| US08097098B2 |
Martensitic stainless steel composition, method for making a mechanical part from said steel and resulting part
The invention concerns martensitic stainless steel, characterized in that its composition in weight percentages is as follows: 9%=Cr=13%; 1.5%=Mo=3%; 8%=Ni=14%; 1%=Al=2%; 0.5%=Ti=1.5% with AI+Ti=2.25%; traces=Co=2%; traces=W=1% with Mo+(W/2)=3%; traces=P=0.02%; traces=S=0.0050%; traces=N=0.0060%; traces=C=0.025%; traces=Cu=0.5%; traces=Mn=3%; traces=Si=0.25%; traces=O=0.0050%; and is such that: Ms (° C.)=1302 42 Cr 63 Ni 30 Mo+20AI-15W-33Mn-28Si-30Cu-13Co+10 Ti=50Cr eq/Ni eq=1.05 with Cr eq (%)=Cr+2Si+Mo+1.5 Ti+5.5 AI+0.6W Ni eq (%)=2Ni+0.5 Mn+3O C+25 N+Co+0.3 Cu. The invention also concerns a method for making a mechanical part using said steel, and the resulting part. |
| US08097097B2 |
Stainless steel having a high hardness and excellent mirror-finished surface property, and method of producing the same
Disclosed is a stainless steel containing, by mass, 0.05% or less carbon, 1.5 to smaller than 3.5% Si, 3.0% or less Mn, 6.0 to 12.0% Cr, 4.0 to 10.0% Ni, 10.0% or less Co, 6.0% or less Cu, 0.5 to 3.0% Ti, 0 to 2.0% Al, less than 0.4% Mo, not more than 0.01% nitrogen, and the balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities. Preferably, it has a hardness of not lower than 59 HRC and may contain not more than 1.0% Nb and/or not more than 1.0% Ta. Alternatively, the stainless steel may further contain not more than 0.1% of Zr. The process for producing the steel includes producing a steel having a composition as described above by a consumable electrode remelting process, and then subjecting the steel to a solution treatment at a temperature of 1000 to 1150° C. and an aging treatment at a temperature of 400 to 550° C., thereby aging the stainless steel to a hardness of not lower than 59 HRC. |
| US08097095B2 |
Hardfacing material
A method of producing a hard metallic material by forming a mixture containing at least 55% iron and at least one of boron, carbon, silicon and phosphorus. The mixture is formed into an alloy and cooled to form a metallic material having a hardness of greater than about 9.2 GPa. The invention includes a method of forming a wire by combining a metal strip and a powder. The metal strip and the powder are rolled to form a wire containing at least 55% iron and from two to seven additional elements including at least one of C, Si and B. The invention also includes a method of forming a hardened surface on a substrate by processing a solid mass to form a powder, applying the powder to a surface to form a layer containing metallic glass, and converting the glass to a crystalline material having a nanocrystalline grain size. |
| US08097091B2 |
Hot source cleaning system
There is an apparatus for cleaning a substrate (5) mounted on a moveable platen. In an example embodiment, the apparatus comprises a first chamber (20), the first chamber has solvent-dispensing nozzles (25); the solvent-dispensing nozzles wet the substrate surface (5) with a solvent (7) as the platen transports the substrate. The platen moves in a predetermined direction and at a predetermined scan velocity as it transports the substrate into a process chamber. The process chamber has a hot source (30) at a predetermined height (h) from the substrate surface (5); it provides heat energy directed toward the substrate surface, the heat energy evaporates the solvent (7) dispensed on the substrate surface; the solvent evaporation removes particulates (35) from the substrate surface, as the platen transports the substrate from the first chamber (20) into the process chamber. Substrates cleaned may include precision photo-masks, or wafers. |
| US08097087B2 |
Method of cleaning support plate
A method of cleaning a support plate according to which, while no waste solution is produced after cleaning the support plate, the support plate can be treated at low cost. The method of cleaning the support plate includes the step of removing an organic substance adhered to the support plate by putting the support plate in contact with oxygen plasma. |
| US08097085B2 |
Thermal diffusion chamber
A frame supporting a containment chamber, the containment chamber is preferably configured to enclose and confine a process chamber. A heat source module is disposed between the containment chamber and the process chamber, while a thermal regulation cavity is maintained between the heat source module and the process chamber. Preferably, at least one fluid inlet box is in fluidic communication with the thermal regulation cavity, in which the fluid inlet box provides a plate valve that mitigates the flow of fluids from the thermal regulation cavity through the fluid inlet box and to an environment external to the thermal regulation cavity. Additionally, the preferred fluid inlet box further includes a flow adjustment structure interacting with the plate valve to control fluid flow from the environment external to the thermal regulation cavity past the plate valve and into thermal regulation cavity. |
| US08097082B2 |
Nonplanar faceplate for a plasma processing chamber
A method and apparatus for adjust local plasma density during a plasma process. One embodiment provides an electrode assembly comprising a conductive faceplate having a nonplanar surface. The nonplanar surface is configured to face a substrate during processing and the conductive faceplate is disposed so that the nonplanar surface is opposing a substrate support having an electrode. The conductive faceplate and the substrate support form a plasma volume. The nonplanar surface is configured to adjust electric field between the conductive plate and the electrode by varying a distance between the conductive plate and the electrode. |
| US08097080B2 |
Method of cutting single crystals
A method of dividing single crystals, particularly of plates of parts thereof, is proposed, which can comprise: pre-adjusting the crystallographic cleavage plane (2′) relative to the cleavage device, setting a tensional intensity (K) by means of tensional fields (3′, 4′), determining an energy release rate G(α) in dependence from a possible deflection angle (α) from the cleavage plane (2′) upon crack propagation, controlling the tensional fields (3′, 4′) such that the crack further propagates in the single crystal, wherein G(0)≧2γe(0) and simultaneously at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: ∂ G ∂ α α = 0 ≤ 2 β e h if ∂ 2 G ∂ α 2 ≤ 0 or ( 2.1 ) ∂ G ∂ α ≤ 2 β e h ∀ α : α 1 < α < α 2 . ( 2.2 ) |
| US08097077B2 |
Strenghtened, pressable ceramic compositions for dental purposes
Pressable glass-ceramic compositions for dental purposes of the composition I, II or III IIIIII (percent by weight)(percent by weight)(percent by weight) ZrO217-70% ZrO2/Al2O315-70% Al2O315-70% SiO217-59% SiO217-59% SiO217-59% Al2O3 2-15%ZrO2 2-15%ZrO2 2-15% Y2O3 0-6%Y2O3 0-6%Y2O3 0-6% K2O3-12.5% K2O3-12.5% K2O3-12.5% Na2O0.2-8.5% Na2O0.2-8.5% Na2O0.2-8.5% Li2O0-1.5%Li2O0-1.5%Li2O0-1.5% CaO0.3-2%CaO0.3-2%CaO0.3-2% B2O30.1-5%B2O30.1-5%B2O30.1-5% F0-2.5%F0-2.5%F0-2.5% CeO20.2-2%CeO20.2-2%CeO20.2-2% TiO20-1.5%TiO20-1.5%TiO20-1.5% are particularly suitable for the manufacturing of ceramic veneer frames. |
| US08097076B2 |
Wetting and dispersing agent
Low-VOC mixture of at least partially salified copolymers of at least one ethylenically unsaturated, phenyl-group-containing monomer and at least one α,β-unsaturated monocarboxylic acid and/or at least one α,β-unsaturated dicarboxylic acid, of at least one water-soluble polyether, esterification products of at least one water-soluble polyether and an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid, and of a star polymer obtainable by esterifying a carboxylic acid containing at least 3 carboxyl groups with at least one water-soluble polyether, and use thereof as a wetting and dispersing agent, preferably for producing low-VOC pigment pastes or low-VOC paint systems. |
| US08097072B1 |
Apparatuses and methods for reducing pollutants in gas streams
Apparatuses and methods for reducing pollutants in a gas stream are disclosed. The gas stream is introduced into a condensation chamber to condense the gas stream. It then proceeds into a first reaction chamber adapted to electrochemically alter the gas stream. From there, the gas stream is directed into a reduction chamber adapted to reduce pollutants and a resonance chamber adapted to ionize the gas stream. The gas stream is then directed into a second reaction chamber adapted to further reduce pollutants in the stream. After treatment, the gas stream may be discharged into the atmosphere or recirculated through the apparatus to further reduce pollutants in the gas stream, the latter providing for a closed-looped system. |
| US08097066B2 |
Predicting ash loading using an electrically heated particulate filter
A control system includes a heater control module, a measured duration module, and a regeneration volume module. The heater control module selectively initiates a regeneration in a zone of a particulate filter in an exhaust system. The measured duration module measures a duration of the regeneration. The regeneration volume module determines an available volume within the particulate filter to regenerate particulate based on the measured duration of the regeneration. |
| US08097063B2 |
System for furnace slopping prediction and lance optimization
A method of making steel in a vessel comprising providing a lance for blowing oxygen on the surface of the steel in the vessel, the lance joined to a lance carriage and in communication with an accelerometer, the accelerometer in signal communication with a data acquisition module and a computer; charging the vessel with materials for steel making; lowering the lance into the vessel and injecting oxygen into the materials; acquiring a signal from the accelerometer indicative of lance vibration; processing the vibration signal to determine component frequencies of lance vibration; comparing the levels of the component frequencies to desired operating values; and adjusting at least one steel making process parameter based on the level of at least one of the component frequencies. The steel making process parameter to be adjusted may be oxygen flow rate through the lance. |
| US08097061B2 |
Elliptical seal interface for filter assembly
A filter assembly is described that includes a unique seal configuration between a filter and a housing. The filter has a filter media that allows fluid to be filtered therethrough, and has an endplate with an opening that allows fluid to flow into or out of the filter media. The endplate has a main surface with an elliptical spud protruding outward from the main surface and surrounding the opening. An oval seal is disposed about an outer surface of the elliptical spud. The housing is releasably connected to the filter, and has a mounting component. The mounting component has an elliptical boss that mates with the elliptical spud and seals against the oval seal. |
| US08097058B2 |
Nozzle assembly for separating hydrocarbon emulsions and methods of separating hydrocarbon emulsions
A nozzle assembly and related methods for separating hydrocarbon emulsions in a fluid is provided. The nozzle assembly comprises an impingement plate into which hydrocarbon emulsions are ejected causing large emulsion particles in the fluid to be broken apart upon impact with the plate, thus allowing the various constituent components of the emulsion to be more easily separated. In certain embodiments, impact of the hydrocarbon emulsions into the impingement plate also expose clean surfaces on the various components of the emulsion fluid that can more easily interact with any surfactant that may be mixed with the fluid. |
| US08097057B2 |
Particle separator
Apparatus for separation of particles from a fluid stream entraining said particles comprises an inlet zone, a centrifugal separation zone, particles collection means and exhaust means, in which the inlet and separation zones are in communication via a transition zone for inducing vortical flow in the fluid stream, the transition zone having a diameter greater than the diameter of the inlet zone and comprising means defining an outlet port to the separation zone, an entry port being formed in the transition zone upstream of the baffle means, the entry and outlet ports being mutually arranged to minimise fluid perturbation in the fluid stream in use. |
| US08097056B2 |
Air cleaner unit for internal combustion engine
An air cleaner unit for an internal combustion engine includes a casing and a filter element disposed in the casing. The casing includes a first case member having a first opening and a first sealing surface on a periphery of the first opening and a second case member having a second opening and a second sealing surface on a periphery of the second opening. The first case member and the second case member are coupled such that the first and second openings are opposed in a substantially horizontal direction of a vehicle. The filter element has a peripheral portion that is interposed between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface. The first case member includes a side wall and a projection that projects from an inner surface of the side wall. The filter element is held in a substantially vertical position in the casing through the projection. |
| US08097054B2 |
Dust filter bag
A dust filter bag is in the shape of a flat bag for a vacuum cleaner, which is formed from a first layer and a second layer made of a weldable material. The layers are welded together circumferentially along the circumference thereof. |
| US08097049B2 |
Biodiesel purification by a continuous regenerable adsorbent process
A quick, economical and environmentally friendly, “green”, process for the continuous purification of biodiesel (fatty acid alkyl esters (FAAE)) is described using a powdered, granulated or extruded adsorbent. The adsorbent is contained in a column system and is regenerated for reuse multiple times. The process employs an adsorbent such as, but not limited to, carbon, silica, clay, zeolite or a metal silicate contained in a column to remove the impurities from fatty acid alkyl esters (FAAE) or crude biodiesel in a continuous process. The process utilizes the adsorbent column system for the purification of biodiesel, rather than water or filtration, to remove soaps and other impurities entrained in a crude biodiesel. The crude biodiesel is contacted with an adsorbent packed into a column, or multiple columns in series, for a sufficient amount of time to remove impurities such as, but not limited to, soaps, metals, free glycerin, sterol glucosides and many of the other impurities that reduce the stability of biodiesel. The resulting finished biodiesel exiting the column(s) is ready for the methanol recovery process. Once the adsorbent no longer removes the desired amount of impurities, it is regenerated for reuse. The solvent used for the regeneration process is reclaimed and reused by recycling it back to the transesterification reaction. |
| US08097048B2 |
Polyphenylene sulfide member and method for producing the same
Disclosed is a PPS member having an excellent fastness to lights such as ultraviolet light, and of which color does not change even when the member is used outdoors, while retaining the characteristics of PPS. The polyphenylene sulfide member according to the present invention is characterized by having a light-fastness rating of Class 1 or higher, against light from an ultraviolet carbon arc lamp, which rating is measured in accordance with JIS L-0842. |
| US08097043B2 |
Suspension liner with seal
A suspension liner sleeve providing an interface between a residual limb and a hard prosthetic socket includes a resilient seal element extending around its outer periphery to enhance a sealing effect between the sleeve and the interior of a prosthetic socket to isolate the distal end of the socket from atmosphere after the sleeve with a residual limb has been inserted within the socket and to thereby improve the retention of the liner sleeve and the residual limb in the prosthetic socket. |
| US08097041B2 |
Infra-orbital implant
An infra-orbital implant is provided for surgically altering the appearance of an infra-orbital region of an associated human eye. The implant includes a body made from a biocompatible material adapted for use with human tissue. The body includes an anterior surface and a posterior surface. The anterior surface of the body includes a skin tone correction surface. The skin tone correction surface of the infra-orbital implant cooperates with the overlying skin to correct a skin tone of the infra-orbital region when the implant is introduced beneath the skin portion of the infra-orbital region of the associated human eye. |
| US08097040B2 |
Osteosynthesis modular prosthesis, particularly for humerus osteosynthesis
The present invention relates to an improved osteosynthesis modular prosthesis, particularly for humerus osteosynthesis, characterize in that it comprises a cup element (7) having a convex surface suitable to be introduced within a bone cavity, particularly within the humerus glenoid cavity, and having a concave surface suitable to contain and keep joined all the bone fragments, particularly fragments of humerus epiphysial pa (2, 3, 4), permitting vascularization and the consequent recovery of bone tissue, a stem element suitable to be introduced within a diaphyseal channel, particularly within humerus diaphyseal channel, a coupling element (9), and coupling means (10, 11) suitable to fix ends of said coupling element (9) respectively at said cup element (7) and at said stem element (8). |
| US08097034B2 |
Expandable arcuate interbody spinal fusion implant with two expanders
An at least in part frusto-conical threaded interbody spinal fusion implant having an expandable height. |
| US08097030B2 |
System and method for leak detection in external cooling pad
An externally-applied heat exchange pad has three layers laminated together, an inner and outer non-conductive layer and a middle conductive layer. A leak in the inner layer causes coolant to contact the middle layer and change impedance, which can be sensed and used as an indication of an impending total leak of the pad. |
| US08097027B2 |
Minimally invasive instruments and methods for inserting implants
Instruments and methods for inserting one or more implants to a surgical site in a patient in a surgical procedure, including minimally invasive surgical procedures are provided. The implant is mountable to the instrument in a reduced profile orientation and after insertion is manipulated with the insertion instrument to the desired orientation. |
| US08097019B2 |
Systems and methods for in situ assembly of an interspinous process distraction implant
An implant system for implantation between adjacent spinous processes for the relief of pain associated with the spine. The implant has a series of spacers which may be inserted over a shaft located between adjacent spinous processes thus allowing the implant to be assembled in situ. The spacers may rotate on the shaft relative to the wings. To minimize trauma to the patient, each spacer has a tapered tissue expander to distract the opening between the spinous processes during assembly. The shaft is connected to a wing, and a second wing or deployable wing may be inserted over the shaft and locked into place. |
| US08097010B2 |
Treatment sheath for endoscopic blood vessel harvesting
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is disclosed a treatment sheath for endoscopic blood vessel harvesting, comprising a sheath main unit which can be inserted into a body through a cut skin portion in order to harvest a blood vessel in the body, a channel which is formed along a longitudinal direction in the sheath main unit and through which an endoscope is inserted so as to be insertable/detachable, a blood vessel holding member which is disposed at the sheath main unit and which holds the blood vessel to be harvested; and a blood vessel cutting device which is disposed at the sheath main unit and is positioned substantially symmetrically with the blood vessel holding member with respect to the channel and which cuts the blood vessel to be harvested. |
| US08097009B2 |
Endovascular stent insertion method
Endovascular stent insertion methods are provided. In one embodiment for end-to-side anastomosis the method includes disposing an endovascular stent in a transparent sheath; inserting a guide wire through a guide needle into first and second blood vessels; sliding the endovascular stent into both the first and second blood vessels along the guide wire and the guide needle to dispose in a position between spaced first and second blood vessels; and pulling the sheath when an intermediate annular marker band of the endovascular stent seen through the transparent sheath is substantially disposed between the first blood vessel and the second blood vessel to release the endovascular stent so that the endovascular stent is adapted to expand to securely hold the facing ends of the first and second blood vessel together. |
| US08097006B2 |
Surgical suture instrument
A surgical suture instrument including a shank (2) on whose distal end a forceps jaw (4) is formed. The surgical suture instrument comprises a needle guide (30) through the forceps jaw (4). A receiver (40) for the releasable fastening of a needle holder (42) is formed on the shank (2), connected to the needle guide (30) on the proximal side of the needle guide (30). |
| US08097001B2 |
Medical instrument with stop motion override and associated method
A medical instrument comprises a tubular introducer member, an operative element, an elongate shifter connected at a distal end to the operative element, a handle, at least one stop component, and an override. The shifter and the operative element are movable relative to the tubular member, while the first part of the handle is fixed to a proximal end of the tubular member and the second part of the handle is fixed to a proximal end of the shifter. The stop component is disposed on the first part or second part to limit relative motion of the first part and the second part and concomitantly to stop travel of the operative element at a predetermined location relative to a distal end of the tubular member. The override enables a user to override or passivate the stop component and thereby permit travel of the operative element past the predetermined location. |
| US08097000B2 |
Hybrid laparoscopic-endoscopic surgical technique for delivering end effectors through a natural orifice
A method for performing a hybrid laparoscopic-endoscopic procedure is achieved by inserting a medical instrument laparoscopically through an abdominal wall and into a gastric cavity, inserting an overtube and endoscope transorally into the gastric cavity to provide an access path to the gastric cavity, passing an end effector transorally to the surgical site translumenally within the endoscope, and attaching the end effector to a distal end of the medical instrument while the instrument is positioned within the gastric cavity. |
| US08096998B2 |
External fixation tensioner
A tensioner for tensioning a wire/cable coupled to an external orthopedic device. The tensioner can include a housing, an outer sleeve movable relative to the housing, a movable tension actuator handle operable to move the outer sleeve relative to the housing, and a plurality of movable jaws supported in the outer sleeve. The jaws can move between an open position for receiving the wire/cable and a closed position for gripping the wire/cable when the tension actuator handle is operated. |
| US08096996B2 |
Rod reducer
A rod reduction instrument for position a rod relative to a seat of a bone anchor in a spinal implant system is provided. The instrument includes three concentric cannulas with circumferentially aligned rod receiving portions formed therein. One cannula is movable with respect to another to lock and unlock the seat of a bone anchor to the rod reduction instrument. The rod to be reduced is positioned inside at least one of the rod receiving portion. One cannula is moved with respect to another to lock the seat of the bone anchor to the rod reduction instrument. Once locked to the bone anchor, the remaining cannula is moved to reduce the distance between the rod and the seat within at least one of the rod receiving portions. The distance between the rod and the seat is reduced until the rod is position inside the seat. A secondary instrument is inserted through a central bore of the rod reduction instrument to introduce a cap and lock the cap to the seat securing the rod to the bone anchor. |
| US08096995B2 |
Percutaneous spinal implants and methods
An apparatus includes a first elongate member, a second elongate member and a connector. The second elongate member is movably disposed within a distal end portion of the first elongate member. The second elongate member is configured to engage an inner member of an implant disposed within an outer member of the implant. The connector is disposed at the distal end portion of the first elongate member and is configured to releasably connect the distal end portion of the first elongate member to the outer member of the implant. |
| US08096993B2 |
Surgical technique and instrumentation for minimal incision hip arthroplasty surgery
Improved instruments for modifying a shape of a proximal femur of a patient for installation of a stem of a femoral component of a prosthetic hip during hip replacement surgery, comprising a handle including an elongated shaft extending downward approximately in a z-direction, a first offset extending from a bottom of the elongated shaft approximately in a y-direction, a second offset extending from the second offset approximately in an x-direction, and a shaping member elongated downward from the second offset approximately in the z-direction. Provided is an improved femoral broach and an improved osteotome. Also provided is a method of improving a patient's positioning during hip replacement surgery by using a variable configuration mattress for positioning the patient. |
| US08096991B2 |
Medical device for treating broken bones or fixing stabilising elements to bone parts
A medical device for fixing bone parts or for fixing stabilizing elements to bone parts. A rigid outer tube is provided with at least two opposed recesses on the side that is positioned in the bone. A second inner tube is accommodated in the rigid outer tube. The inner tube is provided with at least two strips extending in the longitudinal direction of the inner tube on the side that is positioned in the bone. The medical device is provided with a device for loading the inner tube in the axial direction, in such a manner that a pressure force is exerted on the strips, which pressure force causes the strips to bend outwards through the recesses. |
| US08096988B2 |
Methods and apparatus for dispersing current flow in electrosurgery
Methods and apparatus for delivering, monitoring, balancing, and/or dispersing high-frequency current flow in monopolar electrosurgery. The methods generally include positioning an active electrode in or on target tissue, positioning at least two dispersive electrodes on tissue remote from the target tissue, establishing electrical current flow from the active electrode through the dispersive electrodes, and individually adjusting the current through at least one of the dispersive electrodes to balance the current through the dispersive electrodes. By adjusting and balancing the current through two or more dispersive electrodes, safety of electrosurgical systems may be enhanced by preventing unwanted patient burns. |
| US08096987B2 |
Methods and apparatus for translating a continuous-delivery into a plurality of periodic bolus deliveries
Methods and apparatus for translating a continuous-delivery delivery profile into a plurality of periodic bolus deliveries. |
| US08096986B2 |
Barb-ended, self-actuating, partially indwelling and continually retained urinary catheter
While waiting for prostate-size-reducing drugs or herbs to have an effect, it's often necessary to have a catheter, like the Foley, inserted into the bladder. Urine passing through such collects in a plastic bag which must be drained, regularly, and is awkward to carry and difficult to disguise under clothing. In lieu of a Foley, full-length self-cathetering is less awkward, but the recurring process can irritate the urethra and prostate, and increase the chance of getting cystitis. The present new catheter type has a barb-like tip to retain such inside the bladder. A urine drainage inlet is located less than an inch below the barb. The easy drainage of urine is facilitated simply by pushing the catheter upward until the inlet opening is inside the bladder. Because the required insertion distance is much reduced, there's less likelihood of there being irritation of the organs, and less likelihood of getting cystitis. |
| US08096984B2 |
Cell delivery catheter and method
A cell delivery catheter having one of more apearutres is used to positon and deliver cells to an implant site in a patient. |
| US08096983B2 |
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy
A mechanism for optimizing insulin infusion rate of a CSII pump for each patient. A continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy uses a continuous subcutaneous insulin pump, which includes: determining a circadian variation curve representing sympathetic nerve activity and that represents parasympathetic nerve activity of a target patient; acquiring an inflection point of each of the circadian variation curves representing the two types of nerve activity; detecting a time that corresponds to the inflection point; and employing the time as a point at which the insulin infusion rate of the continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion pump is changed. |
| US08096982B2 |
Method and apparatus to enhance optical transparency of biological tissues
Contemplated methods and compositions use selected agents to clarify biological tissues, and particularly tissues in vivo. In especially preferred aspects, the clarification agent is topically applied to clarify a plurality of layers, wherein the dermal layer that includes a target object remains unclarified. Light energy is then applied to the skin in an amount and under a protocol effective to destroy or alter the target object such that all skin layers avoid thermal damage. For example, hair follicles, collagen, and/or tattoo pigments located in the dermal reticular layer of skin are irradiated under a protocol in which the dermal papillary layer and all epidermal layers are clarified while the dermal reticular layer remains unclarified. Remarkably, such protocol significantly reduces thermal damage in the dermis, epidermis, and hypodermis. |
| US08096976B2 |
Valve body and medical tool
A valve body is formed from an elastic member in the form of an elliptic or circular film (disk shape) having an upper face and a lower face. The valve body has an opening and closing section which is opened and closed in response to insertion and pulling out of a dilator and is formed from a first slit, a second slit, a second concave portion and two third concave portions. A pair of ribs and six projections are formed on the lower face side of the valve body. The ribs are disposed in opposing relationship to each other with the second slit interposed therebetween and extend along the lower face. Further, the projections are disposed such that they are positioned on the inner side of the ribs and are opposed to each other with the second slit interposed therebetween. |
| US08096972B2 |
Devices for intraocular drug delivery
A therapeutic agent delivery device that is particularly suitable for delivery of a therapeutic agent to limited access regions, such as the posterior chamber of the eye and inner ear. Preferred devices of the invention are minimally invasive, refillable and may be easily fixed to the treatment area. Preferred delivery devices of the invention also include those that comprise a non-linear shaped body member housing one or more substances and a delivery mechanism for the sustained delivery of the one or more substances from the non-linear shaped body member to the patient. |
| US08096967B2 |
Tissue engineered cerebrospinal fluid shunt
This invention relates to cerebrospinal fluid shunts, and a method of treating shunt catheters, whereby the interior lumen of a shunt catheter, comprised of a biocompatible matrix, is seeded with cells for placement within cerebrospinal fluid pathways of the central nervous system. The seeded cells have at least one of the following characteristics: (1) they are of a polarized ependymal epithelial phenotype with tight junctional complexes and apical cilia directed toward the lumen of the catheter; (2) they maintain stem/progenitor characteristics and are capable of neurogenesis; (3) they maintain stem/progenitor characteristics and are capable of gliogenesis. |
| US08096965B2 |
Locomotion assisting device and method
An exoskeleton bracing system includes: a trunk support for affixing to the trunk of a disabled person and leg braces for connecting to the legs of the person, each leg brace including limb segment braces. Motorized joints are adapted to provide relative angular movement between the limb segment braces of the leg braces and between the leg braces and the trunk support. One or more ground force sensors are designed to sense ground force exerted on each of the leg braces. The system also includes a controller for receiving sensed signals from said one or more ground force sensors, with an algorithm for identifying a stance from the sensed signals and, based on the identified stance, actuating the motorized joints to perform an action relating to a mode of locomotion selected from a set of predefined actions corresponding to the identified stance. |
| US08096959B2 |
Trans-septal catheter with retention mechanism
A trans-septal guide catheter for providing access through the septum separating a first heart chamber from a second heart chamber that includes an elongated guide catheter body extending between guide catheter proximal and distal ends. A distal segment of the guide catheter is adapted to be inserted through the septum to locate the distal segment of the guide catheter within one of the first heart chamber and the second heart chamber. The catheter body encloses a guide catheter lumen adapted to provide access into the one of the first heart chamber and the second heart chamber through a guide catheter lumen proximal end opening and a guide catheter lumen distal end opening. A retention mechanism engages the septum and maintains the distal segment of the guide catheter extending into the one of the first heart chamber and the second heart chamber. |
| US08096957B2 |
Method for removing material from a patient's body
The invention comprises a method for removal of bone marrow tissue from a patient's body. The method generally comprises the steps of providing an apparatus comprising an elongate member for receiving bone marrow tissue. The elongate member defines a lumen and comprises a distal end defining an aperture and a proximal end. The apparatus further comprises an elongate tissue removal member for conveying bone marrow tissue through the lumen. The tissue removal member is rotatably disposed within the lumen. The method further comprises gathering a sample of said tissue into said lumen; and conveying with said tissue removal member at least a portion of the tissue sample proximally along said lumen. The step of gathering may be accomplished by advancing the apparatus through the tissue. |
| US08096956B2 |
Multifunctional biopsy instrument
A biopsy instrument comprises a cutting head having first and second co-operable jaws movable with respect to a support between open and closed states, and a jaw drive for moving one or both of the jaws into the closed state to take a biopsy sample in response to an actuating input from a user. The jaw drive is user-adjustable between first and second cutting modes differentiated by the response of the jaws to the actuating input. In the first cutting mode, both jaws may move equi-angularly with respect to the support between the open and closed states; in the second cutting mode, one jaw may remain stationary with respect to the support such that only the other jaw moves between the open and closed states. |
| US08096954B2 |
Adaptive sampling of heart sounds
A system and method to sense heart sounds with one or more implantable medical devices according to one or more parameters. The system alters one or more of the parameters as a function of one or more triggering events. The system then senses heart sounds with the one or more implantable medical devices according to at least the one or more altered parameters. |
| US08096953B2 |
Organism information detecting apparatus
An organism information detecting apparatus includes a detector that detects organism information of a subject for a predetermined sampling time period, determines a motion state of the subject when the organism information is detected, and outputs an organism signal. A first calculator processes the organism signal to calculate organism information data, the detector determining a reliability degree of the organism information data based on whether the determined motion state of the subject is a previously determined motion state. A second calculator calculates an average value of the amount of variation per time of data obtained by digitizing the organism signal, the average value being data supplementary to the organism information data. The detector determines the motion state of the subject based on whether the supplementary data exceeds a previously determined threshold. A storage device stores the organism information data and the supplementary data such that the organism information data and the supplementary data are associated with one another. |
| US08096951B2 |
Transmit beamforming in 3-dimensional ultrasound
An ultrasound system comprises a probe including a two-dimensional (2D) array of transducer elements that form an aperture having a plurality of receive elements that are configured to receive ultrasound signals. The transducer elements form at least one transmit sub-aperture that is configured to be interconnected with a fixed group of the transducer elements within the aperture. Transmitters generate electrical transmit signals, and at least one transmit sub-aperture processor (tx SAP) maps the transducer elements within the fixed group of the transducer elements to the transmitters in a transmit configuration based on a beam steering direction. |
| US08096949B2 |
User interface for ultrasound mammographic imaging
Methods and related apparatuses are described for acquiring and displaying ultrasound mammographic image information. The system includes an ultrasound image acquisition device having at least one ultrasonic transducer positionable by a user on breast tissue of a patient so as to provide sonographic information of the breast tissue. A processing system controls the ultrasonic transducer, receives sonographic data from the transducer, and processes the data to generate sonographic image information for real time viewing by the user. A graphical user interface includes a touch-sensitive display programmed and configured to accept user adjustments with respect to the sonographic imaging process, and display the sonographic image information to the user responsive to the accepted adjustments in real time. |
| US08096940B2 |
Reproductive management
A method for breeding bovines, especially a method for breeding dairy and beef cattle without use of heat detection prior to insemination or embryo implantation. |
| US08096936B2 |
Thermotherapy device with an inflatable hood
A thermotherapy device with a reclining surface and with an inflatable hood for covering the reclining surface. The inflatable hood (1) is provided with a plurality of inflatable, tubular support elements (3) with plastic films (2) arranged between them, which tenter one or more surfaces between the support elements (3) in the inflated state. |
| US08096934B2 |
System for treating carbon dioxide, and method for storing such treated carbon dioxide underground
The present invention provides a system for treating carbon dioxide, and a method by which such treated carbon dioxide can be stored underground at low cost and with high efficiency. The present invention' method for storing carbon dioxide underground includes: a step for pumping up to the ground groundwater from a pumping well in a deep aquifer, and then producing injection water. Carbon dioxide that has been separated and recovered from exhaust gas from a plant facility is changed into the bubbles. The bubbles are mixed with the injection water, and hereby produces a gas-liquid mixture a step for injecting into. The deep aquifer is injected into the gas-liquid mixture from the injection well. The method preferably further includes a step for dissolving a cation-forming material in the injection water, and a step for injecting the injection water, in which the cation-forming material is dissolved, into the deep acquifer at its top and above the place at which injection water has already been injected. |
| US08096930B1 |
Exercise apparatus adapted to facilitate stand-up crunches
The invention is an exercise equipment apparatus. More specifically, the invention is for an exercise equipment apparatus that facilitates performance of variations of a boxer crunch stand. An exercise equipment apparatus in accordance with the present invention comprises a frame, a substantially rectangular pad coupled to the frame, a first pair of substantially cylindrical pads coupled to the frame, and a second pair of substantially cylindrical pads coupled to the frame, and situated between the rectangular pad and the first pair of cylindrical pads, wherein the cylindrical pads height level may be adjustable for users of various heights. |
| US08096929B2 |
Abdominal exercise station
A multi-station exercise apparatus includes a station for performing abdominal exercises. The abdominal exercise station is combined with another exercise station, such as a press exercise station, a high pulley station or a leg extension/leg curl station. The apparatus for performing an abdominal exercise includes a pad for the head and/or neck of the exerciser that is pivotally connected to the frame of the exercise machine. A pair of hand grips are connected to the head/neck pad and disposed so that the exerciser may grasp the hand grips in order to pull forward in a “crunch” exercise. Exercise resistance is provided by means such as a weight stack that is shared by the various stations of the exercise machine. The head/neck pad may be “docked” when not performing an abdominal exercise to prevent looseness and serve as a fixed headrest for other exercises. |
| US08096927B2 |
Shaft-mounted clamp
A shaft-mounted clamp includes a pair of clamp members that are pivotably coupled to one another at one end, each clamp member including a through-hole for receiving the shaft to which the clamp is to be mounted. At least one of the clamp members includes a push rod that extends through the opposite clamp member, and which has a distal end portion that is contacted by an article supported on the shaft to increase the engagement of at least one of the clamp members on the shaft. A coupling device may be provided at one of the clamp members for suspending an article therefrom. The clamps may be readily repositioned along the shaft by squeezing the clamp members together (such as against the biasing force of a spring) to more closely align the through-holes with one another and thereby release the engagement of the clamp members with the shaft. |
| US08096926B1 |
Multi resistance ratio exercise apparatus
A multi resistance ratio exercise apparatus may provide at least one arm assembly which includes multiple flexible connector ends exiting which can be pressed or pulled to perform user defined functional and strength training exercises. A handle assembly may be attached to one or more flexible connector ends. The flexible connector ends may be interconnected with resistance wherein the pressing or pulling of one flexible connector end will provide the user with an alternate ratio of resistance and flexible end travel distance capability than the pressing or pulling of an alternate flexible connector end. |
| US08096925B2 |
Treadmill belt with foamed cushion layer and method of making
The present invention is directed to a treadmill belt with foamed cushion layer and method of making same. In one embodiment, the treadmill belt includes a fabric base layer and a foamed cushion layer foamed on and integral with the fabric base layer. The foamed cushion layer includes a thermoplastic composition and has a Shore A hardness of about 20 to about 80. In one example, the first foamed cushion layer is from about 0.05 inches to about 0.35 inches thick. The thermoplastic composition, prior to being foamed, includes about 1 part to about 5 parts of a foaming agent, e.g., a chemical foaming agent, based on 100 parts thermoplastic material, e.g., polyvinyl chloride. An outer wear layer is securely adhered on the foamed cushion layer to sandwich the foamed cushion layer between the fabric base layer and outer wear layer thereby defining the treadmill belt. |
| US08096920B2 |
Transmission scheduling for multi-stroke engine
An approach is described that coordinates transmission shifting with changing between two-stroke and four-stroke combustion to improve shift and drive performance. In one example, responsive to a driver tip-in, the system may transition the engine to a two-stroke combustion mode from the four-stroke mode and increase a transmission gear ratio in order to avoid transmission shifts during the subsequent acceleration. |
| US08096915B2 |
Multi-speed transmission
A transmission of the present invention has an input member, an output member, four planetary gear sets, a plurality of coupling members and a plurality of torque transmitting devices. Each of the planetary gear sets includes first, second and third members. The torque transmitting devices may include clutches and brakes. The torque transmitting devices are selectively engageable in combinations of at least three to establish at least ten forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. |
| US08096912B2 |
Speed change transmission device
The object is to simplify the construction of a speed change apparatus in which an engine drive force is speed-changed in a plurality of speed ranges and speed-changed steplessly in each speed range, with using a stepless speed change device (10), planetary transmission mechanisms (P1, P2, P3) and clutches (C1, C2).There is provided a main speed change device (B) configured to combine an output from the stepless speed change device (10) and the drive force from the engine trough the first, second and third planetary transmission mechanisms (P1, P2, P3) and then output the resultant combined force from an output shaft (41). There is provided an auxiliary speed change device (20) for effecting speed change on the drive force from the output shaft (41) of the main speed change device (B) and then outputting the speed-changed force. |
| US08096909B2 |
Power train of hybrid vehicle
A power train according to an embodiment of the invention includes three sets of planetary gear sets, one clutch, and two brakes, such that it provides two electric vehicle modes, two hybrid modes, and two engine modes of overdrive shift ratio. Further, the power train of a hybrid vehicle has a simple configuration, high power performance, and reduced weight and fuel consumption, while being easily equipped in the vehicle. In particular, since an engine mode that makes it possible to reduce a significant amount of fuel consumption especially when a vehicle is traveling at a constant high-velocity. |
| US08096908B2 |
Bicycle sprocket with a laterally projecting gear change tooth
A sprocket comprises a sprocket body and a plurality of sprocket teeth extending radially outwardly from a root portion of the sprocket body. The sprocket body has a first side surface and a second side surface, wherein a root portion side surface of the root portion defines a root portion plane at the first side surface of the sprocket body. A shift assist recess is formed in the root portion below a first sprocket tooth at the first side surface of the sprocket body, and a second sprocket tooth has a projecting portion that extends laterally outwardly from the root portion plane at the first side surface of the sprocket body. |
| US08096907B2 |
Apparatus for driving and braking a shaft
An apparatus for driving and braking a shaft of an engine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pulley driven by the engine. The shaft extends through a housing. The apparatus includes means for biasing the pulley toward the housing, and means for translating the pulley away from the housing. The apparatus has a stopped position in which the pulley and housing are in friction contact, and has a driving position in which the pulley and housing are not in friction contact. |
| US08096904B2 |
Printed net
The invention relates to a novel net, in particular for sports, such as a volleyball net, tennis net or goal net, which can be provided with advertising or other information. Said net is characterized by a mesh structure that is formed by a film containing holes distributed over its surface. A film of this type can be printed before the holes are produced, thus enabling advertising or other information to be applied by simple printing presses. |
| US08096901B2 |
Basketball training aid
A basketball training aid designed to teach a user how to correctly grip, set up, and release a basketball. The device includes a material that wraps around the top (prone side) of the hand and bottom half of the underside (supine side) of the hand, without limiting wrist extension and flexion during a basketball shot. The glove includes a splint support material on top of the index, middle, and ring fingers, running from the middle of the digits to the bottom half of the top (prone side) of hand. The splint support material prevents premature finger flexion at the base of the fingers during the release of the shot, ensuring an open hand at follow through. Additionally, the design encourages proper finger separation and proper extension of wrist joint on set up, keeps the ball off the palm of the hand, and promotes proper position for dribbling a basketball effectively. |
| US08096897B2 |
Golf club-heads having a particular relationship of face area to face mass
Golf clubs and club-heads for same are disclosed. An exemplary club-head has a hollow body and a face plate. The body defines a front opening and a face support, wherein the face plate is affixed to the face support and covers the front opening. The “face portion” of the club-head has a face area (Af, in mm2) and a face mass (Mf, in grams), wherein Af≧5400 mm2, and in a plot of Mf as a function of Af, Mf is below Mf=0.0072(Af)+18. At least a portion of the face plate can be made of composite. E.g., the face plate can include a composite plate made of carbon fiber and cured epoxy resin. The strike face of the face plate can include a composite plate and a cap bonded to the composite plate on the strike face. The cap can be made of a metallic material, such as (but not limited to) titanium alloy or stainless steel. |
| US08096895B2 |
Interchangeable shaft for a golf club
A golf club (20) having a club head (22) with an interchangeable shaft (40) is disclosed herein. The golf club (20) includes a tube (44, 144) mounted in the club head (22), and a sleeve (46, 146) mounted on a tip end (50) of the shaft (40). The tube (44, 144) includes a tapered portion (60, 160) and a rotation prevention portion (62, 162). The sleeve (46, 146) has a frustoconical portion (72, 172) and a keyed portion (74, 174) that are respectively received in the tapered portion (60, 160) and the rotation prevention portion (62, 162) of the tube (44, 144). The golf club (20) further includes a mechanical fastener (48, 148) for removably securing the shaft (40) to the club head (22). |
| US08096893B2 |
Handle configuration and alignment feature for a golf club
A golf club including a club head with a ball striking face lying in a plane and a shaft connected to the club head. The golf club is formed with an elongated handle, having a cross-sectional configuration with a first length in a direction perpendicular to the plane of said ball striking face and a second length in a direction parallel to the plane of said ball striking face. Alignment indicia in the form of intersecting lines is provided on a top surface of the handle to assist the golfer to properly align the golf club in order to execute a proper golf stroke toward an intended target. |
| US08096889B2 |
Boot comprising an attachment region with at least three circumferential outside ribs
A boot comprising a fold region and an attachment region is disclosed. The attachment region comprises an outside with at least two circumferential ribs extending from a base surface towards the outside and providing for a binder seat surface. |
| US08096888B2 |
Opposed path joint
An opposed path joint including an inner hub, which is provided with first and second inner grooves, and an outer hub, which is provided with first outer grooves and second outer grooves that respectively form a pair with the first and second inner grooves. The opposed path joint also includes a ring-shaped cage, which is placed between the inner hub and the outer hub and which has radial openings whose number corresponds to that of the groove pairs. Balls that engage inside the grooves are guided inside these radial openings. The outer hub of the opposed path joint has at least two elements that are located one behind the other on the outer hub axis and jointly center the cage. |
| US08096887B2 |
Fixed type constant velocity joint
A constant velocity joint for a drive system comprises: an outer race having a plurality of guide grooves formed in an axial direction in the inner spherical surface of the outer race; an inner race having a plurality of guide grooves formed in an axial direction in the outer spherical surface of the inner race, said guide grooves of the outer race and the inner race together forming a plurality of ball guide tracks; a plurality of balls disposed in the ball guide tracks; and a cage installed between the inner spherical surface of the outer race and the outer spherical surface of the inner race, said cage having a plurality of windows for retaining the balls therein. Each guide groove of the outer race is shaped to have a longitudinal cross section formed with two circular regions with different centers, a first circular region disposed at a first lateral side of the outer race and a second circular region disposed at a second lateral side of the outer race, and a linear region tangentially extending between these two circular regions, and each guide groove of the inner race is shaped to have a longitudinal cross section formed with two circular regions with different centers, a first circular region disposed at a first lateral side of the inner race and a second circular region disposed at a second lateral side of the inner race, and a linear region tangentially extending between these two circular regions. |
| US08096886B2 |
Torsion-elastic shaft coupling
A shaft coupling has an input element adapted to be rotationally driven about an axis, an output element rotatable about the axis adjacent and limitedly relative to the input element, and an intermediate element rotatable about the axis adjacent and limitedly relative to both the input element and the output element. A first coupling assembly with progressive resistance to torque is fixed between one of the input and output elements and the intermediate element. A second coupling assembly with linear resistance to torque is fixed between the other of the input and output elements and the intermediate element such that torque is transmitted between the input and output elements through the coupling elements in series with each other in a single stage. |
| US08096883B2 |
System and method for delivering wager gaming machine information
Systems and methods for delivering wager gaming machine information are described herein. In one embodiment, the method includes collecting information about a wager gaming machine. The method can also include creating a human-readable wager gaming machine information report based on the information and e-mailing the wager gaming machine report to an email address. |
| US08096878B2 |
Wagering game with simulated mechanical reels
A gaming machine for playing a wagering game includes a housing having a display region, a curved transparent layer located in the display region, and a video display. The video display is located behind the transparent layer for projecting moving images onto the transparent layer. The images including a plurality of symbols that indicate a randomly selected outcome of the wagering game. The curved transparent layer can be moving as well. Environmental mapping may be used to sense the location of the player and/or the ambient lighting surrounding the gaming machine and alter the images based on the sensing. The altering may include spectral highlights, shading, and the parallax effect. The video images may further include imperfections normally found in mechanical reel strips. The gaming machine provides video images that more closely simulate the look of traditional mechanical reels. |
| US08096877B2 |
Gaming system, gaming device and gaming method providing stacking symbols
The gaming system, gaming device and method provides a reel game that includes stacks of symbols configured on the reels to minimize the effects of blocking often associated with stacks of symbols. The gaming device includes a plurality of reels wherein each reel includes a reel-strip and a plurality of symbols. The plurality of reels can be configured to include at least one stack of symbols wherein a stack of symbols is formed by placing a plurality of a designated symbol adjacent to each other on a single reel. In one embodiment, the gaming device is configured such that each subsequent reel includes a quantity of stacked symbols that is greater than the quantity of stacked symbols on a previous reel. This configuration provides that winning symbol combinations including non-stacked symbols can be formed across adjacent reels even if each reel generated a stack of symbols. |
| US08096876B2 |
Three dimensional sports game
The present invention discloses a highly specialized gaming console. The gaming console comprises housing for supporting a field covering, a scoreboard, display means, holographic projecting camera, and user interface means. The software components of the present invention includes a means for initializing the game from an external media, selecting teams for playing the game, repetitively generating plays based upon the team statistics in conjunction with the offensive and defensive plays of the teams, and generating a holographic display of the generated play on the field. The game can be adapted to play baseball, football, and golf. |
| US08096873B2 |
Methods and apparatus for managing an account to fund benefits for a player
In accordance with one or more embodiments, an account is established for a player of a gaming device. The balance of the account is increased if a predetermined condition is satisfied. An example of a condition the satisfaction of which may result in an increase in the balance is a player's obtainment of an outcome that corresponds to both (i) a first payout that is displayed on a payout schedule of the gaming device, and (ii) an amount by which the balance of the account is to be increased. Disbursements from the account may be made if a predetermined condition is satisfied. A disbursement may be in the form of a payout, bonus, or other benefit. An example of a condition the satisfaction of which may result in a disbursement is the obtainment by the player of a predetermined number of consecutive non-winning outcomes. Thus, in one or more embodiments, currency may be accumulated for a player during a gaming session of the player and utilized to fund payouts provided to the player at times in which the player may be becoming discouraged and contemplating discontinuation of play of the gaming device. |
| US08096872B2 |
Method and apparatus for providing electronic credits at a gaming device without first requiring payment therefor
In accordance with some embodiments, apparatus and methods are disclosed for providing electronic credits to a player of a gaming device. The electronic credits are provided in response to an occurrence of an event other than an outcome of a game play. Further, the electronic credits are provided without requiring the player to first provide payment therefore. In some, the number of electronic credits may be determined based on information associated with at least one of the player, the gaming device, and a casino associated with the gaming device. In some embodiments, the an offer for the electronic credits is output to the player at the gaming device and the electronic credits are added to a credit meter balance of the gaming device upon the player's acceptance of the offer. In some embodiments, the player is required to provide a payment for the electronic credits at a time subsequent to the time at which the electronic credits are provided to the player. |
| US08096871B2 |
Gaming machine and method
A gaming machine includes a display having a reel section and a grid section. The reel section includes a plurality of cells arranged in one reel row and a plurality of reel columns. The grid section includes a plurality of cells arranged in a plurality of grid rows and a plurality of grid columns, with each of the reel columns corresponding to a specific grid column. A game is played by repeating the steps of displaying icons in each of the cells in the reel section, selecting one of the icons in the reel section and transferring the selected icon to the lowermost unoccupied cell in the grid column corresponding to the reel column in which the icon is displayed. The game is won when an alignment of icons in the grid section is equal to a defined winning grid alignment of icons. |
| US08096864B2 |
Gaming system and method of operation thereof
A gaming system comprises a primary wagering facility which is usable by a player to place an initial wager on a turn of a game of blackjack, and a secondary wagering facility which automatically places a side wager on the same turn of the game of blackjack. The side wager relates to an outcome which is a function of a number of different playing cards contained in the blackjack hand dealt to the player in turn of the game of blackjack. The side wager is paid at odds of at least 2 to 1 if the first dealt card in the player's hand is of a predetermined rank. |
| US08096863B2 |
Emotion-based game character manipulation
Methods and systems for emotion-based game character manipulation are provided. Each character is associated with a table of quantified attributes including emotional attributes and non-emotional attributes. An adjustment to an emotional attribute of a game character is determined based on an interaction with another game character. The emotional attribute of the first game character is adjusted, which further results in an adjustment to a non-emotional attribute of the first game character. The behavior of the first game character is then determined based on the adjusted non-emotional attribute. |
| US08096860B2 |
Automated meat breaking system and method
An automated system and method for breaking a primal cut of meat into smaller components includes a conveyor for advancing the primal cut from a first end of the system to a second end of the system, at least one automated cutting assembly for performing a first cut and a second cut to separate the primal cut into three sub-components, and a guide for orienting the primal cut on the conveyor. In some embodiments, the guide is configured to align with a spinal groove in the primal cut. In some embodiments, the at least one automated cutting assembly includes a first automated cutting assembly for performing the first cut and a second automated cutting assembly for performing the second cut. |
| US08096857B2 |
Power tool, in particular angle grinder
A power tool, in particular a right-angle grinder, includes a motor and a gear, the motor and/or the gear embodied as a mountable function module. The gear is embodied as a mountable function module, with a gear input shaft supported in a gearbox, and the gear input shaft is fixed in the gearbox via at least one detent connection. |
| US08096855B2 |
Accessory with hub for use with multiple types of rotary tool mandrels
An accessory with a hub for mounting on rotary tool mandrels of different types is disclosed. In one embodiment, the rotary tool accessory includes a work portion and a hub portion operably connected to the work portion for rotating the work portion. The hub portion includes a first mandrel mounting portion on a first side of the hub portion for mounting with a first mandrel type and a second mandrel mounting portion on a second side of the hub portion for mounting with a second mandrel type, wherein the second mandrel type is different from the first mandrel type. |
| US08096854B2 |
Machine tool and tool, both with an automatic balancing device
A machine tool and a tool include an automatic balancing device, with a first balancing mass located such that it is movable relative to the shaft of the machine tool in all radial directions and in the circumferential direction, that may be started rotating via the rotation of the shaft, and that, during rotation, exerts a force on the shaft in the radial direction. |
| US08096851B2 |
Detachable and removable camisole panel
A camisole panel is described comprised of a triangular shaped fabric material having a top portion with two top sides and a bottom portion with one bottom side centered underneath the top portion. The top sides of the panel each have a means to attach to the user's undergarment. The bottom side of the panel is tucked into the user's waistband. |
| US08096850B1 |
Hand-held noisemaker
A hand-held noisemaker for use at sporting and other events. A dome-shaped, metal ringer is secured to a shallow, cup-shaped base by a lock knob having a parallel pair of barbed ends inserted into a keyway cutout of an upstanding boss within the base. A depending, cylindrical wall portion of the ringer is received within an annular recess of the base, but touches no part of the base. Whenever the noisemaker is shaken, and whenever two noisemakers are clapped together, a spherical ball within a closed, annular space defined by the ringer and base strikes the ringer, causing the ringer to emit a ringing sound. |