| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08111324B2 |
Apparatus and method for film source reconstruction
A method for film reconstruction includes identifying motion tear artifacts within a plurality of video fields of a stream of video fields. The motion tear artifacts identified by analyzing the video fields using fuzzy logic. The method also includes comparing the analysis of one video field to the analysis of an immediately preceding video field to determine whether there is a relatively high level of motion tear artifacts within the video field or a relatively low level of motion tear artifacts within the video field. The method further includes identifying a pattern of temporal periodicity for the comparisons. The method also includes determining the cadence of the stream of video fields based on the pattern of temporal periodicity. |
| US08111318B2 |
Imaging system, imaging apparatus, portable terminal apparatus, onboard apparatus, medical apparatus and method of manufacturing the imaging system
An imaging system is provided and includes an imaging lens and an imaging device such that the maximum diameter of an effective region of a point image covers three or more pixels of light receiving pixels, the point image being projected onto a light receiving surface through the imaging lens from an intended position. A signal processing unit executes restoration processing on first image data output from the imaging device, and the restoration processing is executed to generate second image data equivalent to the first image data output from the imaging device when the resolving power of the imaging lens is higher. The imaging lens has a first lens group having a positive power, and a second lens group having a positive power, in order from the object side. |
| US08111312B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, method of driving the same, and camera
A solid-state imaging device includes: a plurality of pixels which are arranged in a matrix; a sequential scanning device that selects each row of pixels; and an analog-to-digital conversion unit having a first analog-to-digital converter that is connected to a vertical signal line to which a pixel signal is supplied from the pixel and performs a first bit-length analog-to-digital conversion on an output signal from the vertical signal line or a pixel output signal obtained by sampling the output signal, and a second analog-to-digital converter that, when the first analog-to-digital converter completes the conversion operation, subtracts an analog signal corresponding to the first bit-length from the pixel output signal and then performs a second bit-length analog-to-digital conversion. |
| US08111310B2 |
Image sensor and image-capturing device
An image sensor includes: a plurality of first pixels that receive a light flux having passed through an optical system and output pixel signals to be used as image signals; a plurality of second pixels that receive a light flux having passed through the optical system and output pixel signals to be used as signals other than the image signals; a plurality of first pixel rows, each of which includes an array made up with a plurality of first pixels; at least one second pixel row that includes an array made up with first pixels and second pixels; an output circuit that outputs a read signal in response to which pixel signals output at the first pixels are read out from the first pixel rows over first pixel intervals and pixel signals output at the second pixels are read out from the second pixel row over second pixel intervals, different from the first pixel intervals, the output circuit outputting externally the pixel signals having been read out; and a switching device that selects a specific pixel row, either one of the first pixel rows or the second pixel row, from which pixel signals are to be read out by the output circuit. |
| US08111309B2 |
Solid-state image pickup device and signal processing method using solid-state image pickup device
A solid-state image pickup device having a reduced signal transfer time and a signal processing method using the solid-state image pickup device. A pixel array includes a plurality of light-receiving pixel elements and a plurality of light-blocked pixel elements. A read block reads the output signals of the plurality of light-blocked pixel elements. An AD conversion processing block includes a circuit for summing up the output signals of adjacent light-blocked pixel elements and transferring the signals of the light-blocked pixel elements in a reduced period. |
| US08111307B2 |
Defective color and panchromatic CFA image
A method of improving a first color filter array image from an image sensor having a plurality of color channels and a panchromatic channel, includes capturing the panchromatic channel at a different exposure time than at least one of the color channels with the image sensor; using the color channels to provide a luminance channel; and analyzing the color filter array image and the luminance channel to determine defective pixels in the color channels and using neighboring color and luminance pixel values to improve the defective pixels to produce a second color filter array image or full-color image having at least one improved channel. |
| US08111301B2 |
Method of performing auto white balance in YCbCr color space
There is provided a method of performing auto white balance including: setting a plurality of sections of a whole range of a value of each of Y, Cb, and Cr in the YCbCr color space, according to a size of each value; calculating an accumulated Y, Cb, and Cr value of pixels included in each of the plurality of sections; determining effective sections according to the number of the pixels included in each of the plurality of sections; calculating a mean Y, Cb, and Cr value of pixels included in all of the effective sections by using the accumulated Y, Cb, and Cr value of each of the effective sections; calculating a mean RGB value by converting the mean Y, Cb, and Cr value into an RGB color space; and determining an RGB color gain of a Bayer image outputted from an image sensor by using the mean RGB value. |
| US08111297B2 |
Image processing apparatus, program, and method for performing preprocessing for movie reproduction of still images
An apparatus takes in a plurality of still image frames, to generate an interpolated image frame. Next, moving addition of the still image frame and an interpolated image frame is performed in time-axis direction, to generate a superimposed image frame. At this time, high spatial frequency components in the superimposed image frame are suppressed strongly as alienation of motion between the still image frames becomes larger. Movie is reproduced by sandwiching these superimposed image frames between the still image frames. As a result of this, the movie reproduction with smooth motion is made possible even from a group of the still images photographed by an electronics still camera and the like. |
| US08111294B2 |
Hybrid image stabilization method and apparatus
The invention relates to a method of stabilizing the images of a scene, acquired by means of an observation device of an imaging system, comprising the step of digital processing of a stream of successive images. It comprises a step of acquiring gyrometric measurements by means of at least one gyrometric sensor secured to the observation device, of using these gyrometric measurements to determine so-called approximate shifts undergone between successive images, and the image processing step comprising a sub-step of using the approximate shifts and the image stream acquired to determine so-called fine shifts undergone between successive images. |
| US08111293B2 |
Photographic apparatus
A photographic apparatus comprises a movable platform and a controller.The movable platform has an imager and is movable and rotatable on an xy plane perpendicular.The controller calculates an inclination angle of the photographic apparatus, and performs a controlled movement of the movable platform for an inclination correction based on the inclination angle.The controller calculates a first position of the movable platform before the inclination correction.The controller calculates a second position of the movable platform after the inclination correction.The controller determines whether the movable platform should be moved to a third position before moving from the first position to the second position in the inclination correction, on the basis of a positional relationship between the first position and the second position.The third position is a position of the movable platform in an imaging operation by the imager without the inclination correction. |
| US08111292B2 |
Method and apparatus for stably correcting handshake in camera panning situation
Provided are an apparatus and method for stably correcting handshake that occurs during a camera panning situation. In the method, movement information is accumulated by a predetermined unit for a predetermined period of time. A regression model is matched to the accumulated movement information so as to determine a situation as one of a panning mode and a handshake mode. Switching is performed between the handshake mode and the panning mode according to the size of a matching factor generated by the matched regression model. Handshake is corrected on the basis of a handshake correcting amount determined according to one of the handshake mode and the panning mode. |
| US08111291B2 |
Image capture methods and systems compensated to have an optimized total gain
Image capture systems capable of ensuring clear images are provided, in which an image capture module senses at least one image, and an operational module performs a compensation to the image capture system according to a modulation transfer function (MTF) value corresponding to the image, such that the image capture system can be operated under an optimized total gain thereby ensuring clear images. |
| US08111288B2 |
Image processing controller and test support system
There is provided an image processing controller capable of faithfully recreating a process of a series of image processing based upon a control program, which includes: a history buffer for extracting a result of the measurement in each processing unit, executed by the program executing section, as history information in each measurement cycle and holding the extracted result in association with the processing unit and the measurement cycle; a history buffer for extracting a camera image acquired from a camera by the program executing section during execution of a control program, as history information in each the measurement cycle and holding the extracted image in association with the measurement cycle; and a history information transferring section for transferring history information, held in the history buffers, to the PC. |
| US08111287B2 |
Driving-operation assist and recording medium
A vehicle-operation assist includes a circumferential-state imager for imaging a circumferential state of a vehicle with a camera and generating a circumferential-state image; a synthetic-image generator for generating a synthetic image by superimposing on the circumferential-state image, an assumed-movement pattern of the vehicle performing a predetermined series of driving operations; and a display for displaying the synthetic image. The circumferential-state imager has at least one camera and a camera parameter table for storing characteristics of the camera and generating the circumferential-state image on the basis of the camera characteristics. |
| US08111282B2 |
System and method for distributed meetings
A system and method for teleconferencing and recording of meetings. The system uses a variety of capture devices (a novel 360° camera, a whiteboard camera, a presenter view camera, a remote view camera, and a microphone array) to provide a rich experience for people who want to participate in a meeting from a distance. The system is also combined with speaker clustering, spatial indexing, and time compression to provide a rich experience for people who miss a meeting and want to watch it afterward. |
| US08111281B2 |
Methods and terminals that control avatars during videoconferencing and other communications
Methods and associated wireless communication terminals are disclosed that control the display of avatars on communication terminals. A person's portrait characteristics are identified in a video stream from a video source. A portrait command is selected among a plurality of portrait commands that are known to the recipient communication terminal in response to the identified person's portrait characteristics in the video stream. The selected portrait command is transmitted to a recipient communication terminal. The recipient communication terminal can then modify a displayed avatar in response to received portrait command. |
| US08111280B2 |
Video conference system and method in a communication network
Image concealment video conference allows the user to conceal their image with an overlay image that will be shown in real-time to a peer during video conference. The real-time video concealment processes an image in a video stream, where the video stream is communicated from one video conference unit to a second video conference unit over a communication network. The real-time concealment is performed by first determining the prominent biometric features of the users image to recognize nodal points on a human face. The system then modifies the users image using a second image, so that at least one of the nodal points in the users image is covered by the second image. This modified image is then transmitted in real time to a peer in a video conference session. |
| US08111279B2 |
Commercial product routing system with video vending capability
A traffic control system selectively interfaces members of plural groups, as buyer groups and vendor groups, for video communication through a dial-up telephone system, for analyzing and compiling data, scheduling appointments, implementing conferences, consummating sales and the like. The traffic-control system comprises a telephonic interface apparatus for interfacing remote telephonic terminals of the dial-up telephone system identified with the members of plural groups, a video recording unit for recording and playing video transcriptions, a storage memory for storing data on the members, including telephonic terminal numbers and area-of-interest codes and a control computer to selectively interconnect the video recording unit with the remote telephone terminals through the telephonic interface apparatus to record and receive video communication. |
| US08111278B2 |
Image forming apparatus, control method thereof and program thereof
An image forming apparatus which performs an exposure of a plurality of line images concurrently, by scanning an image carrier with a plurality of light beams in a main scanning direction and simultaneously drives the image carrier in a sub scanning direction, the image forming apparatus having: a plurality of light sources which are driven to emit the plurality of light beams corresponding to image data; a polygon mirror configured to deflect the plurality of light beams emitted from the plurality of light sources in a main scanning direction; and a control section which determines an image formation speed and switches, based on the determined image formation speed, a control between a control of changing a number of light sources used for light emission drive and a control of changing a number of polygon mirror use-surfaces used for a scanning with the light beams in the main scanning direction. |
| US08111277B2 |
Image forming apparatus with a plurality of exposure units
An image forming apparatus includes: a lower body including a plurality of photosensitive members and having an opening; an upper body which is configured to open and cover the opening; a plurality of exposure units which are supported by the upper body and which are opposed to the photosensitive members when the cover covers the opening; a main substrate provided in the housing; an exposure control substrate which is provided to the upper body and controls light emission of the exposure units; a plurality of first cables which electrically connect the exposure units to the exposure control substrate, respectively, each of the first cables including a plurality of signal lines; and a second cable which electrically connects the exposure control substrate to the main substrate and which includes at least one signal line, a number of which is smaller than a total number of the signal lines included in the first cables. |
| US08111275B2 |
System for optically adjusting an imaging head
The present invention relates to a system for optically adjusting a computer-to-plate (CTP) imaging head which includes an a light source (104), optical fiber (124) for transmitting light emitted from the light source; an imaging lens (204) for focusing light emitted from a distal end of the optical fiber (128) on a substrate; wherein a portion of light striking the substrate is reflected back to the distal end of the optical fiber; a fiber optic coupler (116) in the optical fiber which transmits the reflected light to a light detector (112); wherein the light detector measures intensity of the reflected light; and a control unit configured to adjust the imaging head according to the intensity of the reflected light. |
| US08111268B2 |
Image scaling method and apparatus
A method and apparatus for down scaling image data is disclosed. One method controls a phase for an M/N filter, where N represents a number of input samples, and M represents a number of output samples. N is greater than M. Another method may switch between an M/N filter and a phase-controlled M/N filter. |
| US08111266B2 |
Display device and method for editing images
A method for editing image is provided. The method includes steps of: reading a to-be-displayed image; determining whether the display ratio of the image is with the same as the aspect of the display unit; editing the image if the display ratio of the image is not with the same as the aspect ratio of the display unit, and displaying the cropped image on the display unit. A display device for editing images is also provided. |
| US08111262B2 |
Interferometric modulator displays with reduced color sensitivity
Methods are described for selecting reflective layer distances in an interferometric modulator display that result in reduced color sensitivity to temperature and process variation. Colors are selected for interferometric modulator subpixels that correspond to a minimum in the rate that the colors change with respect to reflective layer distance. In some cases, colors are selected that deviate from the minimums in order to obtain a desired target color (e.g., a desired white point). |
| US08111258B2 |
Information processing program and information processing apparatus
As a virtual plane used when converting a designation point, which is a touched position on a touch panel, into a control point, in a virtual three dimensional space, used for controlling a movement of an object, a first virtual plane is used when a ball is an object to be controlled; a second virtual plane is used when an object to be operated is a dog and an action mode thereof is an attention mode; a third virtual plane is used when the object to be operated is the dog and the action mode thereof is a lick mode; a fourth virtual plane is used when the object to be operated is the dog and the action mode thereof is a rope shake mode; and a fifth virtual plane is used when the object to be operated is the dog and the action mode thereof is a circle mode. |
| US08111256B2 |
Method of altering a mesh model using model independent dirichlet parametrization
A method of altering a computer generated mesh model of a design feature by a computer user to improve a feature design process is provided including providing a mesh model; forming a plane; defining an alteration area of the plane; forming a 2D mesh on the plane including a plurality of mesh nodes independent of the mesh model nodes within the alteration area; defining a partial differential equation to be numerically solved using the 2D mesh; numerically solving the partial differential equation using said 2D mesh to obtain solved 2D mesh node values; using the solved 2D mesh node values to obtain new values for each mesh model node including the portion of the mesh model to be altered; and, graphically regenerating the design feature using the mesh model nodes including the new values to form an altered portion of the mesh model. |
| US08111255B2 |
Mobile communication terminal for controlling display information
A mobile communication terminal and a method of controlling display of a webpage thereof are disclosed. When a web browser is initiated to gain access to a webpage, the web browser screen is formed as a 3D polyhedron structure and a plurality of webpage screens are displayed on a plurality of facets of the 3D polyhedron structure. Therefore, a user is provided with various webpage screens on the web browser. Since different webpage screens are displayed on the plurality of facets of the polyhedron structure, the user is able to access a desired webpage screen easily in a single step. |
| US08111253B2 |
Controlling usage capacity in a radio access network
In a radio access network, techniques for controlling relative usages, by different groups of access terminals in communication with a radio access network, of available power handling capacity of the radio access network, based on information about usages by different groups of access terminals in communication with the radio access network. |
| US08111249B2 |
Impulse-type driving method and circuit for liquid crystal display
An impulse-type driving method for a liquid crystal display (LCD) is used for driving a pixel array of an LCD panel. The method includes providing a set of impulse control signals to a source driver. The source driver, according to the set of impulse control signals, drives the pixel array. The set of impulse control signals includes a command signal. The command signal includes a field of determining data voltage polarity and a command field. According to a time sequence, the field of determining data voltage polarity provides a polarity data for determining a voltage polarity output by the source driver. The command field and the field of determining data voltage polarity are consecutively and alternatively output, in which the command field allows to add a dynamic command in accordance with a desired action. |
| US08111247B2 |
System and method for changing touch screen functionality
A system and method changes touch screen functionality based on whether a user is detected during camera operation. A first camera generates a video signal containing a representation of at least a portion of a scene within a field of view of the first camera. A controller analyzes the video signal to determine whether one or more physical features of a user of the electronic device are present within the field of view of the first camera. A touch input device includes one or more touch points for receiving user input, each touch point being associated with controlling a respective one of a plurality of functions of the second camera. At least one of the touch points is associated with controlling a shutter function of a second camera, and a total number of touch points is dependent upon a result of the video signal analysis made by the controller. |
| US08111244B2 |
Apparatus, method, and medium for providing user interface for file transmission
Provided are an apparatus, method, and medium for providing a user interface for file transmission. The apparatus includes a motion perception (recognition) module perceiving (recognizing) a motion input to the user interface and identifying a position of the perceived (recognized) motion; a motion execution module executing a motion corresponding to the perceived motion and the identified position of the perceived motion and modifying components of the user interface according to the executed motion; and a communication module transmitting a file to a transmission target based on the perceived motion and the identified position of the perceived motion. The components of the user interface include a file list region where a file to be transmitted is selected and the selected file is moved; a transmission target region where a transmission target to which the selected file is to be transmitted and the selected transmission target is moved; and an execution region to which the selected file and the selected transmission target are moved and in which the selected file is transmitted to the selected transmission target. |
| US08111243B2 |
Apparatus and method for recognizing a tap gesture on a touch sensing device
A method and apparatus to recognize a tap gesture on a sensing device. The method may include detecting a presence of a conductive object on a sensing device, determining a velocity of the detected presence of the conductive object, and recognizing a tap gesture based on the velocity. The velocity may be determined by determining a differential of the capacitance over time on a sensing device. The sensing device may include a plurality of sensor elements to detect the presence of the conductive object, and a processing device may be used to determine the velocity of the presence of the conductive object, and to recognize a tap gesture based on the velocity of the presence of the conductive object. |
| US08111242B1 |
Electronic pointing device with user variable weight
An electronic pointing device for a computer comprising a housing and an electronic module to detect the relative displacement over an external surface and transmit it to the computer wherein the housing comprises means to adjust the total weight of the device. According to the invention, the user can freely (within certain limits) adjust the weight depending on his wishes. In one embodiment, the pointing device is a mouse. |
| US08111241B2 |
Gestural generation, sequencing and recording of music on mobile devices
System and methods for an application that allows users to interactively create, transform and play music using cell phones, iPhones™ and other enabled mobile communication devices communicating with a remote host are disclosed. Using an enabled mobile communication device, users are able to strike the mobile device like a drum to create and record rhythms, enter melodies using the keypads, add voice recordings, and manipulate musical tracks by tilting the mobile device continuously in three dimensions. The musical input is sequenced in multiple tracks and the transformative manipulations are applied in real time, allowing users to create their songs in an expressive motion-based manner. |
| US08111239B2 |
Man machine interfaces and applications
Affordable methods and apparatus are disclosed for inputting position, attitude (orientation) or other object characteristic data to computers for the purpose of Computer Aided Design, Painting, Medicine, Teaching, Gaming, Toys, Simulations, Aids to the disabled, and internet or other experiences. Preferred embodiments of the invention utilize electro-optical sensors, and particularly TV Cameras, providing optically inputted data from specialized datum's on objects and/or natural features of objects. Objects can be both static and in motion, from which individual datum positions and movements can be derived, also with respect to other objects both fixed and moving. Real-time photogrammetry is preferably used to determine relationships of portions of one or more datums with respect to a plurality of cameras or a single camera processed by a conventional PC. |
| US08111238B2 |
Liquid crystal display and dimming controlling method thereof
A liquid crystal display device and a dimming controlling method thereof are disclosed. The liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel, a drive circuit supplying a data pulse and a gate pulse to the liquid crystal display panel, a backlight unit divided into a plurality of block including light sources, and irradiating lights of which luminescence is controlled by the blocks, respectively, a controller analyzing an input video data by the block unit, generating a block dimming value based on a result of the analyzing, repeating a low pass filtering to the block dimming value to generate a local dimming value, applying a predeterminded global dimming value to an average of the local dimming value to generate a dimming signal, and a backlight driver generating a PWM signal for controlling a luminescence of the light sources by the blocks respectively according to the dimming signal to drive the light sources by the blocks respectively. |
| US08111237B2 |
Liquid crystal display and method of displaying thereof
A liquid crystal display includes: a liquid crystal panel; a backlight; an image move speed detection unit that detects the move speed of a display image, which is displayed on the liquid crystal panel; a black insertion percentage setting unit that sets black insertion percentage to produce black display according to liquid crystal response on the liquid crystal panel based on the move speed of the display image detected by the image move speed detection unit; and a backlight drive circuit that changes the luminance of the backlight in response to the black insertion percentage. |
| US08111234B2 |
Liquid crystal display apparatus, liquid-crystal-display controlling method, and computer program
A liquid crystal display apparatus including a liquid crystal display as a display unit, including the following elements: a backlight configured to illuminate the display unit from the back; and a controller configured to receive display-unit-brightness specifying information input from a user input unit and to adjust output of the backlight and contrast or Y gain of display data for the display unit in accordance with the brightness specifying information. The controller is configured to compare the brightness specifying information input by a user with a predetermined threshold, and, in the case where the brightness specifying information specifies brightness less than or equal to the threshold, adjust the contrast or the Y gain of the display data for the display unit. |
| US08111233B2 |
Liquid crystal display driver and liquid crystal display device
A driver includes a delay-time adjuster. A data clock is inputted to the delay-time adjuster through a data-clock signal line. While receiving input of a load signal that is a sampling signal of a second register, the delay-time adjuster adjusts a delay time of the data clock so that a phase difference between the data clock and gradation data inputted into a first register through a gradation-data signal line can be set to a predetermined value. After the completion of the input of the load signal, the delay-time adjuster holds a data clock for the adjusted delay time, and outputs the delayed data clock as a shift clock for a shift register. |
| US08111230B2 |
Drive circuit of display apparatus
In a drive circuit of a display apparatus in which a plurality of scanning lines and a plurality of data lines are orthogonalized, a first data latch circuit latches image data for every line in response to a horizontal signal. A decoder circuit decodes the latched image data. A gradation voltage selecting circuit selects voltage lines based on the decoded image data, to connect each of the plurality of data lines with any of the voltages lines. A data determining circuit generates determination signals based on the selected voltage lines such that each of a plurality of gradation amplifiers is selectively set to an inactive state based on the determination signal. A gradation amplifier circuit includes the plurality of gradation amplifiers, each of which amplifies a corresponding one of gradation voltages when being in an active state and does not amplify the corresponding gradation voltage when being in an inactive state, and the amplified gradation voltage being outputted on a corresponding one of the voltage lines. An output circuit drives the plurality of data lines based on the amplified gradation voltages on the voltage lines. |
| US08111229B2 |
Liquid crystal display and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display device includes a liquid crystal display panel including a plurality of data lines, a plurality of gate lines, and a plurality of liquid crystal cells, the plurality of liquid crystal cells associated to a first and second liquid crystal cell groups, a data drive circuit to supply a data voltage to the data lines in response to a polarity control signal, a gate drive circuit to supply a scan pulse to the gate lines, and a polarity control circuit to generate different polarity control signals for each frame period and to control data voltage frequencies of the first and second liquid crystal cell groups to be different from each other. |
| US08111227B2 |
Liquid crystal display system capable of improving display quality and method for driving the same
Systems for displaying images incorporates a display device that includes a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of data lines intersecting the plurality of gate lines, a plurality of switches each having a first end coupled to a corresponding gate line and a second end coupled to a corresponding data line, a plurality of storage units each coupled to a third end of a corresponding switch for storing data received from a corresponding data line, a power line formed in parallel with the plurality of gate lines, and a plurality of coupling capacitors each having a first end coupled to the power line and a second end coupled to a corresponding data line. |
| US08111223B2 |
Method of local dimming, backlight assembly for performing the method and display apparatus having the backlight assembly
In order to perform local dimming, a driving dimming duty cycle is generated using a target gamma curve (TGV), wherein the driving dimming duty cycle corresponds to a representative grayscale value (RGV) of each of a plurality of dimming unit areas. Each of a plurality of light unit blocks of a light source is driven based on the driving dimming duty cycle, wherein the light unit blocks correspond to the dimming unit areas, respectively. Therefore, a display apparatus may display an image having a higher contrast ratio than normal. |
| US08111220B2 |
EL device
An EL device includes a substrate having a square shape, an element-forming region provided on an upper surface of the substrate and having organic light-emitting elements, a protruding section arranged in a region between the element-forming region and an end portion of the substrate, and a protection film deposited in a region extending from the element-forming region to the end portion of the substrate and disposed so as to cover the protruding section. The protruding section is disposed in a substantially strip-like shape along at least two of four sides of the substrate. |
| US08111217B2 |
Driving circuit for an OLED (organic light emission diode), in particular for a display of the AM-OLED type
A driving circuit of an OLED diode is inserted between a first and a second voltage reference and having at least one input terminal receiving an input voltage signal and an output terminal for the generation of a driving current of the OLED diode, the driving circuit having at least one driver transistor having a first conduction terminal connected to the first voltage reference, a second conduction terminal connected to the output terminal and a control terminal connected to at least one first capacitor and one second capacitor. The first capacitor is inserted between this control terminal and an inner circuit node and the second capacitor is inserted between the inner circuit node and the second voltage reference, the driving circuit 10 further including: a first switch inserted between the input terminal and the inner circuit node; a second switch inserted between the first conduction terminal and control terminal of the driver transistor, and a third switch inserted between the inner circuit node and the second voltage reference, in parallel to the second capacitor, as well as a fourth switch inserted between the first voltage reference and the first conduction terminal of the driver transistor. |
| US08111210B2 |
Light source system for a color flat panel display
A system for operating a color flat panel display (FPD) is provided that includes a color FPD, a light source, and a display processing device. The color FPD has an adjustable color depth and is configured to reflect ambient light. The light source transmits light through the bottom surface of the color FPD. The display processing device is coupled to the color FPD and decreases the color depth of the color FPD when the light source is activated and increases the color depth of the color FPD when the light source is turned off. |
| US08111209B2 |
Composite display
A composite display is disclosed. A first paddle has a first plurality of pixel elements wherein the first paddle is arranged to sweep out a first area during a first paddle cycle. A second paddle has a second plurality of pixel elements wherein the second paddle is arranged to sweep out a second area during a second paddle cycle and wherein the first and second areas include first and second nonoverlapping portions. A first pixel element on the first paddle is configured to be activated when the first pixel element coincides with a first image pixel. A second pixel element on the second paddle is configured to be activated when the second pixel element coincides with a second image pixel. An image corresponding to the first and second image pixels is represented on the composite display by activating the first and second pixel elements. |
| US08111207B2 |
Antenna structure and related expansion card and computer apparatus
An antenna structure includes an expansion card connector, an antenna, and a plurality of metal pins. The antenna is disposed on the expansion card connector. The plurality of metal pins is disposed on the expansion card connector, whereof the plurality of metal pins includes a first designated pin to be a feeding point of the antenna. The plurality of metal pins further includes a plurality of second designated pins, whereof the plurality of second designated pins is electrically connected to each other to be a radiator of the antenna. |
| US08111203B2 |
Antenna apparatus
Disclosed is an antenna apparatus, including: a support member; a drum which is rotatably supported by the support member and whose outer circumference corresponds to faces of polygonal column; a case which covers the support member and the drum and which has a hole along a circumference direction of the drum; an antenna rod which extends from the outer circumference of the drum in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the drum toward an outside of the case through the hole of the case, and polyhedral faces which are provided inside the case and which are to be fitted into the outer circumference of the drum. |
| US08111188B2 |
Radar system
To provide a smaller radar system having a simple structure with as small number of component parts as possible at a lower cost as compared to conventional ones. A radar system 1 including a 3 dB coupler 5 having four terminals, and a pulse generator 8. A first terminal 51 of the 3 dB coupler 5 is supplied with an output signal from a high frequency oscillator 2 while a second terminal 52 of the 3 dB coupler 5 is connected to a transmitting and receiving antenna 4. Third and fourth terminals 53 and 54 of the 3 dB coupler 5 are connected to two-state devices 6, 7, respectively, which are in impedance mismatched only for a predetermined period of time to totally reflect the signal from the 3 dB coupler 5 and are in impedance matched during the time period other than the predetermined time to direct a signal from the 3 dB coupler 5 to a subsequent electronic circuit. The pulse generator 8 causes the two-state devices 6, 7 to be impedance mismatched at the time of transmission and causes the two-state devices 6, 7 to be impedance matched at the time of reception. |
| US08111186B2 |
Systems and methods for infering hail and lightning using an airborne weather radar volumetric buffer
A weather radar system for improving output of potential lightning and hail weather conditions. An exemplary system includes a processor that receives and stores the weather radar reflectivity values into a three-dimensional buffer, receives an outside air temperature value, and determines freezing level based on the received outside air temperature value. The processor generates lightning icon(s) when a reflectivity value stored at cell(s) of the three-dimensional buffer above determined freezing level is greater than a first threshold amount. Also, the processor adds 1.6 km to the determined freezing level and generates hail icon(s) when a reflectivity value stored at cell(s) at the determined freezing level plus 1.6 km are greater than a second threshold amount. The display device displays the hail and lightning icons when an altitude value that corresponds to the cells associated with the generated lightning icons has been selected for display. |
| US08111184B2 |
Digital-to-analog converting circuit, data driver and display device
A m-bit DAC outputs a voltage that is the result of interpolation from two reference voltages. The two reference voltages are selected, inclusive of redundant selection of the same reference voltage (inclusive also of reference voltages other than adjacent voltages) out of a plurality of reference voltages. The plurality of reference voltages are grouped into first to (3S+1)th groups (where S is a power of 2). An ith group includes [3S(j−1)+i]th reference voltages (where j=1, 2, . . . h, and h is a prescribed integer). The decoder includes (3S+1)th subdecoders, each selecting one voltage responsive to a first MSB group; and a (3S+1)-input and 2-output subdecoder for selecting two voltages, inclusive of redundant selection of the same reference voltage, out of (3S+1) voltages selected by the respective first to (3S+1)th subdecoders, responsive to a LSB group and outputs them to an interpolation amplifier (ratio 1:1). |
| US08111175B2 |
Reduced keyboard character selection system and method
A system and method of selecting a character for display in a communication device having a display and a reduced-key keyboard is provided. One of the plurality of keys on the reduced-key keyboard is selected and a default letter associated with the selected key is displayed. A backspace key is selected to display a cursor in the position of the character on the display. The key associated with the default character is selected again and an alternate character associated with the selected key is displayed in place of the default letter. |
| US08111173B2 |
Method of detecting and documenting traffic violations, such as red light violations or speeding violations
According to the present invention, a first measured data packet M1 of a first vehicle 1 at a first measuring time point tM1 and a first image data packet B1 are generated, and measured data packets MX of additional vehicles X are generated at additional measuring time points tMX, to which measured data packets duplicates of the first image data packet B1 are linked to the extent that the additional measuring time points tMX occur within a predetermined time interval α after the first measuring time point tM1. |
| US08111170B2 |
Remote area sensor system
A communications system comprises a primary wireless network and at least one secondary wireless networks, the primary and secondary wireless networks differing in at least one characteristic, at least one sensor unit comprising a means for sensing a parameter and a node of that secondary network adapted to transmit data relating to the parameter via that secondary network, at least one local data gathering point associated with the at least one secondary wireless network, incorporating a node of that secondary wireless network, a node of the primary network, and a control unit adapted to receive data signals from the at least one sensor unit via the secondary network, construct an outgoing data signal incorporating information from the received data signal, and transmit the outgoing data signal via the primary network, the primary wireless network being a multipoint radio network. The primary wireless network is optimized for relatively long distance communications, of the order of 10 kin, and the secondary network or networks are optimized for relatively short distance communications of the order of 100 m, the radio power of each network being different and appropriate for each transmission distance required. The nodes of the primary network may contain GPS receivers, to synchronize the sensors with which the nodes communicate, and aid routing performance of the primary wireless meshing network. |
| US08111169B2 |
Locating device
The invention is based on a locating device for locating objects in an item being investigated, the device having a basic body, a guide unit for guiding along the item being investigated in at least one direction of movement and an output unit. It is proposed that the locating device has a control unit which, in conjunction with the output unit, is provided for the purpose of outputting at least one item of information relating to a distance in the direction of movement with at least one dimensional distance variable. |
| US08111168B2 |
Smoke detector with included flame barrier
A smoke detector comprises a first housing to face an area in which to detect smoke, a second housing secured to the first housing, electronics to detect smoke within the area, and a flameproof barrier positioned between the first and second housings. |
| US08111163B2 |
Methods for manufacturing and application of RFID built-in cable, and dedicated RFID reading systems
Disclosed is a cable identifying system for accurately discriminating one cable from another on site over a long period of time, the system enabling a cable layer or a cable user, when laying out an RFID built-in cable, to do without manually writing any information in the RFID tags built in the cable. One cable having RFID tags built therein can be accurately realized. The individual ID's of the RFID tags are read and stored in a storage apparatus. When a part of the cable is cut, the ID's of the RFID tags nearest to the both end of the cable are read out, and the ID-related data of the RFID tags in the cut-out cable are recorded on a desired medium or electronic information medium. |
| US08111161B2 |
Methods, systems and/or apparatus relating to turbine blade monitoring
A method of monitoring a rotor blade of a turbine engine that includes a plurality of blades mounted to a rotor shaft, comprising: a) securing a RFID tag that includes an antenna to at least one of the rotor blades; b) securing a RFID reader on a stationary surface on the turbine engine in operational proximity to the RFID tag; and c) during operation of the turbine engine, monitoring the RFID tag with the RFID reader. |
| US08111159B2 |
Systems and methods for tracking pharmaceuticals within a facility
A pad is provided for monitoring administration of medical products to a patient, each of the medical products including a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag for storing data related to the respective medical product. The pad includes an RF antenna for reading RFID tags associated with medical products placed in close proximity to the pad to obtain data stored in the RFID tags. A processor coupled to the antenna compares the data with data associated with a patient to verify that the patient is intended to receive the medical products. The pad may include an output device that is activated when the processor detects a mismatch between the data from the RFID tags and the patient data. Optionally, the patient data may be accessed by a remote computer device communicating with the processor to verify that the patient is intended to receive the medical products. |
| US08111156B2 |
Intruder detection system and method
This invention is an intruder detection system which integrates wireless sensor network and security robots. Multiple ZigBee wireless sensor modules installed in the environment can detect intruders and abnormal conditions with various sensors, and transmit alert to the monitoring center and security robot via the wireless mesh network. The robot can navigate in the environment autonomously and approach to a target place using its localization system. If any possible intruder is detected, the robot can approach to that location, and transmit images to the mobile devices of the securities and users, in order to determine the exact situation in real time. |
| US08111152B2 |
Relative positioning system and method
A relative positioning system and method has an adjoining pair of spaced apart receivers positioned proximal to an object causing a signal interference with a radio frequency signal detectable by each receiver of the adjoining pair. The radio frequency signal is associated with an emitter. Control electronics operatively couple the spaced apart receivers. The control electronics are configured to determine a direction of the emitter based on the signal interference. In an embodiment of the system and method the emitter is associated with an object of interest, the signal encodes information relating to the identity and status of the object, and information and heading of the object are cutaneously communicated to an operator by an article worn by the operator. |
| US08111148B2 |
Method and apparatus for bi-directional communication with a miniature circuit breaker
A wireless electrically isolated plug-n-play communications system for branch circuit breakers. The system providing means for automatically connecting the wireless electrically isolated communication system between the branch circuit breaker and a communications strip as the branch circuit breaker is being installed in the load center. |
| US08111147B2 |
Lane departure warning and change assist system utilizing active materials
A lane change assist and/or lane departure warning system adapted for use with a vehicle having a module engaged by an operator, wherein the vehicle travels within a lane, and the system includes a steering wheel sensor, at least one sensor operable to detect a lane-marking or an approaching object in adjacent lanes in the direction of host vehicle travel, a warning device including an active material element engaged with the module, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and device and configured to determine a spatial relationship between the vehicle and the lane-marking or approaching object in the direction of host vehicle travel, compare the relationship to a threshold, transmit an activation signal to the element when the relationship exceeds the threshold or when an object is detected and the wheel sensor indicates a turn towards the object, and generate an alert by activating the element. |
| US08111141B1 |
Received signal strength distance determination of low frequency tags
Systems and methods provide for determining a distance between a signpost and a tag and for locating a tag using multiple signposts. The system uses a signal received at a tag from a signpost, and from them measures the signal strength of the signal with respect to one or more antennas on the tag. The system calculates an RSSI using the measured signal strength, from which a distance can be determined between the signpost and the tag. The system also uses signals received from multiple signposts, to measure multiple signal strengths, resulting in multiple distance determinations corresponding to the various signposts, thereby establishing a location for the tag. |
| US08111140B2 |
Transponder load modulation
An electromagnetic transponder and a method for controlling by pulse trains a switch for modulating the load of this transponder in an electromagnetic field from which it extracts its power supply, the duty ratio of the pulses being controlled according to the transponder supply voltage. |
| US08111131B2 |
Occupancy sensors programmed to determine loss of lamp life as lamp is used
Programmable occupancy sensors that control the on/off operation of a fluorescent lamp automatically determine loss of lamp life as the lamp is used. The programmable occupancy sensors can provide lamp life status and can automatically alert a user when a lamp is nearing its end of life and should be replaced. The occupancy sensors are also programmable to automatically maximize lamp life and energy savings by selecting an optimal time delay from among a number of selectable time delays at which to operate the sensor. The selection is based on an occupancy pattern sensed by the sensor over a given period of time. The optimal time delay, which prevents the lamp from turning off immediately after last sensing occupancy, extends lamp life by limiting the number of lamp off/on transitions, which shortens lamp life, in view of overall energy usage and lamp usage. |
| US08111130B2 |
Chip resistor and method for manufacturing the same
A chip resistor includes a resistor element, a reinforcing member, and a pair of electrodes. The resistor element includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The reinforcing member is bonded to the first surface of the resistor element. The pair of electrodes are formed on the second surface of the resistor element. The resistor element is formed with a slit located between the pair of electrodes. |
| US08111128B2 |
Multi-structure thermally trimmable resistors
A method for arranging a plurality of thermally isolated microstructures over at least one cavity, each of the microstructures housing at least part of a thermally-trimmable resistor, the thermally-trimmable resistor having at least a functional resistor, the method comprising: providing pairs of facing microstructures; grouping together sets of pairs of facing microstructures, each of the sets having at least one pair of facing microstructures; and arranging microstructures within a given set to have each microstructure exposed to heat from a same number of facing, side, and diagonal neighbors of microstructures from a same resistor. |
| US08111127B1 |
Thermistor
A thermistor comprises a main body, two electric plugs, a metallic fixing piece, and a cover. The electric plugs are located on one end of the main body, and the metallic fixing piece is located on the side of the main body. The metallic fixing piece has a connecting portion up against one side of the main body, and a soldering portion located on the other end of the main body, opposite to the electric plugs and protruding from the main body. The cover is over the main body and the connecting portion of the metallic fixing piece, thereby securing the metallic fixing piece to the main body. The soldering portion of the metallic fixing piece can be soldered directly onto the printed circuit board, thereby anchoring the thermistor to the printed circuit board more securely. |
| US08111125B2 |
Niobium-tin superconducting coil
A Nb3Sn superconducting coil can be formed from a wire including multiple unreacted strands comprising tin in contact with niobium. The strands are wound into a cable, which is then heated to react the tin and niobium to form a cable comprising reacted Nb3Sn strands. The cable comprising the reacted Nb3Sn strands are then mounted in and soldered into an electrically conductive channel to form a reacted cable-in-channel of Nb3Sn strands. The cable-in-channel of reacted Nb3Sn strands are then wound to fabricate a superconducting coil. The Nb3Sn superconducting coil can be used, for example, in a magnet structure for particle acceleration. In one example, the superconducting coil is used in a high-field superconducting synchrocyclotron. |
| US08111123B2 |
Disc wound transformer with improved cooling
A method of manufacturing a transformer that includes forming a disc-wound coil using a plurality of pre-formed cooling ducts. Each cooling duct may be supported by a support pipe secured between walls of the cooling duct, or by a removable insert. First and second conductor layers are formed, each of which include plurality of disc windings arranged in an axial direction of the disc-wound coil. A spacer layer is formed between the first and second conductor layers to form a plurality of axially-extending passages. The cooling ducts are slid into the axially-extending passages so as to be disposed between the first and second conductor layers. |
| US08111120B2 |
Electronic device
An electronic device having two cases and a display module disposed therebetween is disclosed. Magnets are disposed at the two cases and the display module. When an acceleration sensed by a sensing unit of the electronic device is larger than a threshold value. The display module may be suspended via the magnetic repellent between the magnets disposed at the display module and the magnets disposed at two cases. |
| US08111115B2 |
Method of operation and construction of dual-mode filters, dual band filters, and diplexer/multiplexer devices using half cut dielectric resonators
Novel quadruple-mode, dual-mode, and dual-band filters as well multiplexers are presented. A cylindrical dielectric resonator sized appropriately in terms of its diameter D and length L will operate as a quadruple-mode resonator, offering significant size reduction for dielectric resonator filter applications. This is achieved by having two mode pairs of the structure resonate at the same frequency. Single-cavity, quad-mode filters and higher order 4n-pole filters are realizable using this quad-mode cylindrical resonator. The structure of the quad-mode cylinder can be simplified by cutting lengthwise along its central axis to produce a half-cut cylinder suitable for operation in either a dual-mode or a dual-band. Dual-mode, 2n-pole filters are realizable using this half-cut cylinder. Dual-band filters and diplexers are further realizable using the half-cut structure and full cylinder by carrying separate frequency bands on different resonant modes of the structure. These diplexers greatly reduce size and mass of many-channel multiplexers at the system level, as each two channels are overloaded in one physical branch. Full control of center frequencies of resonances, and input and inter-resonator couplings are achievable, allowing realization of microwave filters with different bandwidth, frequency, and Return Loss specifications, as well as advanced filtering functions with prescribed transmission zeros. Spurious performance of the half-cut cylinder can also be improved by cutting one or more through-way slots between opposite surfaces. Size and mass reduction achieved by using the full and half-cut resonators described, provide various levels of size reduction in microwave systems, both filter level, and multiplexer level. |
| US08111110B2 |
Low-noise voltage controlled oscillator
A low-noise voltage controlled oscillator is provided, to improve a phase noise characteristic and widen a frequency variable range. The low-noise voltage controlled oscillator is configured so that an oscillation element and a capacitor 2 are connected in series between a collector C and an emitter E of a transistor 1, capacitors 3 and 4 are connected in series between the collector C and the emitter E, an electrical potential between the capacitors 3 and 4 is applied to a base B of the transistor 1; a one-port circuit 6 is provided between the collector C and the capacitor 4; and a capacitor for correction 5 is connected in parallel with the capacitors 3 and 4. The one-port circuit 6 includes a tuned circuit provided with a variable capacitor adjusting a capacity thereof smaller and an inductor adjusting a value of inductance larger so as to set a value of impedance relatively large. |
| US08111109B2 |
Temperature compensated piezoelectric oscillator
An oscillator that includes a movable element formed of silicon, the movable element vibrating by electrostatic force, a stationary element supporting the movable element, a temperature detector located in contact with the stationary element, the temperature detector detecting the temperature of the stationary element, a supporting element joined to a joint surface between the movable element and the stationary element, the supporting element supporting the movable element, the stationary element, and the temperature detector on a surface opposite to the joint surface, a surrounding element contacted with the supporting element, the surrounding element and the supporting element surround the movable element, and electrodes provided on a surface of the surrounding element opposite to a surface of surrounding element contacted with the supporting element. |
| US08111105B1 |
Variable gain BiCMOS amplifier
An amplifier circuit comprising: a MOSFET amplifier circuit; a BJT amplifier circuit; a MOSFET switch circuit arranged for switching between the MOSFET amplifier circuit and the BJT amplifier circuit to implement different gain modes of the amplifier circuit. |
| US08111098B2 |
Segmented linear FM power amplifier
Various apparatuses and methods for amplifying an FM signal in a segmented linear power amplifier are disclosed herein. For example, some embodiments provide an apparatus including a signal input, a signal output, and an output driver connected between the signal input and the signal output. The output driver includes a number of driver segments connected in parallel, each having an input connected to the signal input and each having an output. The output driver also includes a number of series capacitors, each associated with one of the driver segments. The series capacitors are each connected between the output of its associated driver segment and the signal output. The output driver also includes a number of shunt capacitors, each associated with one of the driver segments having an associated series capacitor. The shunt capacitors are each connected between the output of their associated driver segment and a ground. |
| US08111097B1 |
Device with reconfigurable continuous and discrete time functionality
A programmable system includes a programmable analog device including an operational amplifier to generate an output voltage based on input voltages at terminals of the operational amplifier. The programmable system also includes a system controller to direct the programmable analog device to reconfigure analog circuitry providing the input voltages to the operational amplifier. The reconfiguration of the analog circuitry allows the programmable analog device to implement discrete-time or continuous-time functions. |
| US08111093B2 |
Power supply noise rejection in PLL or DLL circuits
A phase controller can be part of a phase-locked loop (PLL) or a delay-locked loop (DLL). The phase controller includes first and second regulators. The first regulator provides power supply noise rejection while the second regulator provides phase and frequency lock. |
| US08111091B2 |
High speed track and hold circuit
Examples of systems and methods are provided for tracking-and-holding an input signal. The system may produce a pair of differential voltage outputs responsive to a pair of differential voltage inputs. The system may couple, in response to a clock signal, an input amplifier circuit to an output circuit or decouple the input amplifier circuit from the output circuit. The system may couple the input amplifier to an electrical ground. The system may track values of a pair of differential voltage outputs when a switching circuit is in a closed position and to hold the values of the pair of differential voltage outputs constant when the switching circuit is in an open position. |
| US08111089B2 |
Building block for a secure CMOS logic cell library
A logical building block and method of using the building block to design a logic cell library for CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Silicon) ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) is disclosed. Different logic gates, built with the same building block as described in this invention, will have the same schematics of transistor connection and also the same physical layout so that they appear to be physically identical under optical or electron microscopy. An ASIC designed from a library of such logic cells is strongly resistant to a reverse engineering attempt. |
| US08111086B2 |
Methods and systems for selective implementation of progressive display techniques
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for selective implementation of progressive display techniques based on a number of frames displayed in a window. A first hooking component identifies for a window displaying first application data on a local computing device a number of frames to be displayed in the window. A display manager generates, based on the identified number of frames to be displayed, an instruction to compress an identification of an update to the application data. The data is compressed and sent and transmitted to the local device in order to be displayed on the window. A display manager may determine for another window displaying a different application data on the local device whether or not to compress a second identification of an update to the second application data. The second application data may be transmitted to the local device compressed or not compressed based on the determination. |
| US08111085B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit, semiconductor storage device and impedance adjustment method
It is desired to reduce the current consumption of an autonomous impedance adjustment circuit. The semiconductor integrated circuit according to the present invention stops the change in the drive capability of a driver correspondingly to the output (count data) of a comparator which is sequentially outputted for changing the drive capability of a replica driver and an output driver. |
| US08111084B2 |
Impedance calibration circuit and semiconductor apparatus using the same
An impedance calibration circuit includes: a first calibration unit configured to compare a first converted voltage obtained by converting a first calibration signal with a reference voltage and vary the first calibration signal; a voltage detection unit configured to activate a voltage detection signal according to a level of a power supply voltage; a multiplexing unit configured to select and output the reference voltage or the first converted voltage in response to the detection signal; and a second calibration unit configured to compare a second converted voltage obtained by converting a second calibration signal with the level of the output signal of the multiplexing unit and vary the second calibration signal. |
| US08111073B2 |
Testing device
A testing device (100) includes a main body (20) for supplying power to an electronic product including a space capable of assembling a battery therein, and a housing (10). The main body includes a fixing member (22) and a moving member (24) movable relative to the fixing member. The housing includes a plurality of supporting posts (14) for supporting the main body and at least one driving post (18) for driving the moving member to move relative to the fixing member. When the testing device is in standby mode, a length of the main body is shorter than that of the battery of the electronic product; when the testing device is performing its testing process, the length of the main body is equal to that of the battery of the electronic product. |
| US08111072B2 |
Steam cooker and related superheater
A steam cooker includes a steam generator including a heating chamber defining a volume for holding water. A heat exchanger is associated with the heating chamber so as to generate steam. A steam superheater superheats steam traveling from the heating chamber to a steam cooking chamber. |
| US08111069B2 |
Magnetic resonance system and operating method with compensation of second-order maxwell terms
A magnetic resonance system has a basic magnet system that generates a temporally static, spatially homogeneous basic magnetic field in an examination volume of the magnetic resonance system, and a radio-frequency system. An overlay system generates overlay fields in the examination volume that, together with the basic field, form a complete field. The overlay system has at least one first order field system and at least one second order field system. The first order field system generates fields that, to a first approximation, exhibit a spatial dependency of the first order. The second order field system generates fields that, to a first approximation, exhibit a spatial dependency of the second order. A control device operates the radio-frequency system with an operating frequency and controls the first and second order field systems to cause a deviation between the complete field and a desired gradient to exhibit a spatial dependency of the second order and to satisfy a minimum condition within a correction volume. |
| US08111065B2 |
Sensor unit for a rotary encoder and a rotary encoder equipped with such a sensor unit
There is described a sensor unit (3) for a rotary encoder which serves for detecting the rotary movements of a drive shaft (1) in both directions and which has a single-stage transmission with an input gear (15) which is arranged concentrically with respect to and is non-rotatably connected to the drive shaft (1). The sensor unit includes an absolute segment counter which serves for counting the angle segments through which the drive shaft passes within each 360° rotation and has the following components: a magnetic segment counter exciter arrangement non-rotatably mounted on the second gear (16) of the transmission, that engages into the input gear, a stationary segment counter sensor arrangement which includes a Wiegand or pulse wire (28) with wound-on induction coil (29) and which delivers electrical pulses whenever the magnetic segment counter exciter arrangement passes through predetermined angular positions, and an electronic circuit (32) which counts said electrical pulses, stores the respectively acquired count value and calculates therefrom the instantaneous angular position of the drive shaft having regard to the transmission ratio of the transmission. |
| US08111063B2 |
Magnetic rotation sensing
Embodiments for rotation sensing are provided. The device may include a magnet apparatus comprising a magnet, the magnet apparatus configured to be coupled to a dial apparatus of a meter. Also included may be a magnetic field sensor configured to be coupled to a dial cover. When the magnet apparatus is coupled to the dial apparatus and the magnetic field sensor is coupled to the dial cover, the distance between the magnet and the magnetic field sensor may be a function of the strength of the magnet and the sensitivity of the magnetic field sensor. Also, the magnetic field sensor may be configured to generate an analog signal. The device may also include a memory component storing logic configured to detect an abnormal condition based on a data value of the analog signal. The detected condition may be magnetic tampering, a missing dial cover, and/or a missing dial hand. |
| US08111061B2 |
Multi-output determination circuit
An embodiment of the present invention provides a multi-output determination circuit that determines whether or not any one input voltage of a plurality of input voltages is equal to or higher than an upper-limit voltage value. This multi-output determination circuit includes a first diode-OR, upper-limit reference voltage generation means, and a first comparator. The first diode-OR includes a plurality of first diodes whose anodes are each connected to a respective one of the plurality of input voltages and whose cathodes are connected in common. The upper-limit reference voltage generation means has a first resistor, the first diode, and a second resistor that are connected in series between first and second power supply potentials, and generates an upper-limit reference voltage based on the voltage of the cathode of the first diode. The first comparator compares the output voltage of the first diode-OR with the upper-limit reference voltage. |
| US08111058B2 |
Circuit for generating reference voltage of semiconductor memory apparatus
A reference voltage generating circuit in a semiconductor memory apparatus comprises a driving control signal generating unit configured to generate a driving control signal according to a temperature variation, wherein the driving control signal generating unit is enabled in response to a power-up signal, a driving unit configured to control a voltage level, which is applied to a voltage transfer node, in response to the power-up signal and the driving control signal, and a reference voltage generating unit configured to generate a reference voltage when a voltage level on the voltage transfer node is higher than a predetermined voltage level. |
| US08111047B2 |
Sensor node voltage clamping circuit and method
A voltage clamping circuit includes a current source having a fixed current source and a variable current source and a variable resistor receiving current from the current source. The variable resistor varies its resistance in response to an environmental operating condition. The voltage clamping circuit also includes an amplifier configured to compare a sensor node voltage with a reference voltage, the sensor node voltage being in communication with the voltage drop across the variable resistor. The amplifier is configured and connected to provide a control output to control the variable current source to modify current output from the variable current source to at least in part prevent the sensor node voltage from exceeding a reference voltage when certain operating conditions are present. |
| US08111044B2 |
Auxiliary power adapter having device controls
An accessory for a portable electronic device, such as a digital music player, includes a set of device controls for controlling the portable electronic device. The accessory includes a microprocessor and a memory that contains function codes corresponding to the functions selected by the controls. Preferably, the accessory is a charger is adapted to be inserted into for a 12-volt car auxiliary power outlet and the protruding face of the charger body is a click wheel controller that rotates. The accessory may also include a FM transmitter for transmitting an audio signal received from the portable electronic device to the car stereo and a verification system for insuring the charger is produced by an authorized supplier. |
| US08111042B2 |
Integrated wireless resonant power charging and communication channel
A power delivery system wirelessly deliver electric power and a communication signal to a target device. The power delivery system includes a power transmitting unit having a power source operable to source alternating current power and a sending resonant coupling component operable to couple the alternating current power to a coil for wireless power transmission by a non-radiated magnetic field at a target resonant frequency. The power transmitting unit is capable of dynamically tuning the wireless power transmission to the target resonant frequency wherein the target resonant frequency is specified dynamically. A communication module couples to the power transmitting unit and is operable to couple the communication signal to the non-radiated magnetic field. Operations may include target device authentication, target resonant frequency information communication, billing, and device management. |
| US08111038B2 |
Vehicle electronic systems with battery management functions
An electronic system in a vehicle includes a motor, a charger, a battery pack, and a bus. The motor drives wheels and propellers of the vehicle. The charger generates charging power according to a control signal. The battery pack coupled to the charger and the motor is operable for generating the control signal based upon a status of each cell of multiple cells in the battery pack, for receiving the charging power via a charging path when the vehicle is stalled, and for powering the motor via a discharging path when the vehicle is started. The bus coupled to the charger and the battery pack is operable for transmitting the control signal from the battery pack to the charger. |
| US08111037B2 |
Method for battery state-of-health monitoring using battery voltage during vehicle starting
A method is provided for determining a battery's state-of-health. An initial battery voltage is measured after a first voltage drop during an initiation of an engine cranking phase. A battery voltage is monitored during the remainder of the engine cranking phase. A lowest battery voltage is determined during the remainder of the engine cranking phase. A determination is made if a voltage difference between the lowest battery voltage and the initial battery voltage at the initiation of the engine cranking phase is less than a voltage threshold. A low battery state-of-health is identified in response to the voltage difference being less than the voltage threshold. |
| US08111030B2 |
Motor control apparatus and motor control method
A motor control apparatus and a motor control method determine whether the motor is in a back-pressure area so as to provide different rotation-speed control signals. When the fan is in the low duty cycle, a first circuit loop is switched on, so that the fan has more accurate rotation speed. When the fan is in the high duty cycle, a second circuit loop is switched on, so that the rotation speed of fan does not be limited to a constant rotation-speed as the fan enters the back-pressure area. Thus, the fan has larger airflow quantity and higher airflow pressure. |
| US08111027B2 |
Motor drive device
The present motor control device detects from the speed of a motor and a current driving the motor that the motor is overloaded, and exerts control to set a target torque based on the detected overload state of the motor to cause the motor to output a maximal torque that the motor can output, intermittently within a preset allowable speed range. If the motor is overloaded, the motor's output torque is not decreased and a drive circuit can also be protected. |
| US08111025B2 |
Charged particle accelerators, radiation sources, systems, and methods
Man-portable radiation generation sources and systems that may be carried by hand to a site of interest by one or two people, are disclosed. Methods of use of such sources and systems are also disclosed. Battery operated radiation generation sources, air cooled radiation generation sources, and charged particle accelerators, are also disclosed. A radiation generation source with a target less than 0.20 mm is also disclosed. |
| US08111023B2 |
Control system for different colors of light emitting diodes
A control system includes a clock unit for providing a first clock signal, and a second clock signal having a frequency lower than that of the first clock signal. Three control units are coupled respectively to three light emitting diodes (LED) emitting respectively three different colors. Each control unit is operable based on the clock signals and a corresponding set of first and second reference values to output a driving pulse signal to a corresponding LED such that the corresponding LED is driven by the driving pulse signal to emit light during a corresponding one of first, second and third time periods of a control cycle of the control system. |
| US08111019B2 |
Sensing type control circuit for electronic apparatus
A sensing type control circuit for an electronic apparatus is provided. An output unit is coupled between an external power source and the electronic apparatus and provides varied power supply to the electronic apparatus according to a control signal. A switch is coupled between the external power source and the output unit and disconnects or connects the external power source. A control unit receives a sensing signal and generates the control signal to the output unit according to the received signal. A sensing unit includes a sensing device and senses an external variation, wherein the sensing unit generates the sensing signal to the control unit when the sensing device senses an excitation. |
| US08111018B2 |
Application infrastructure for constructing illumination equipments with networking capability
An application infrastructure for constructing illumination equipments with a transmission function includes at least one lamp reporting device for reporting a lamp condition, at least one lamp detection and transmission module with a two-way communication function, at least one message transmission and receiving module coupled to a control system, and a main system. Through a built-in wireless network or a power line network function of the illumination equipments, data can be transmitted among nodes of a mixed routing by indoor lighting having a transmission function and outdoor road lamps having a transmission function, without the need of building a basic network structure. A special network structure connecting the nodes to form lines and planes constitutes the application platform for constructing the illumination equipments with a two-way transmission function. |
| US08111015B2 |
Brightness-adjustable illumination driving system
An illumination driving system includes a control unit and at least one base. The control unit includes a first converter and a brightness-adjustable circuit. An input AC voltage is converted into a regulated DC voltage by the first converter. The brightness-adjustable circuit is connected to the first converter. The base is separated from the control unit for supporting the at least one light-emitting device. The base includes a second converter. The second converter is connected with the first converter and the light-emitting device for converting the regulated DC voltage into an output voltage. The light-emitting device is driven to illuminate by the output voltage. The brightness-adjustable circuit generates a brightness adjusting signal to the first converter. The magnitude of the regulated DC voltage is adjusted according to the brightness adjusting signal, thereby adjusting the brightness value of at least one light-emitting device. |
| US08111013B2 |
Method and firmware for controlling voltage and current in a fluorescent lamp array
A method and firmware for controlling voltage and current in an electrical load includes steps of calculating a numerically quantized duty cycle of a pulse-width modulated, digital switch control signal by firmware in an inverter voltage microcontroller as a function of an inverter voltage and controlling the inverter voltage by adjusting the duty cycle of the digital switch control signal to generate a load current in the electrical load. |
| US08111012B2 |
Method and firmware for controlling an inverter voltage by drive signal frequency
A method and firmware for controlling an inverter voltage includes steps of receiving as input a digitized feedback signal representative of an inverter voltage that varies with frequency according to a transfer function, calculating a frequency of a digital switch control signal in firmware in an inverter voltage microcontroller by the transfer function from the digitized feedback signal to adjust the inverter voltage to a set point value, and generating the digital switch control signal having the calculated frequency by firmware in the inverter voltage microcontroller as output to generate the inverter voltage at the set point value. |
| US08111010B2 |
Dimmable operating device having internal dimming characteristic
The invention relates to an operating device (BG) for lamps (LM), comprising an interface (IFi), by means of which the device (BG) may be provided with external dimming values. The device (BG) converts said provided external dimming values into internal dimming values on the basis of which the control of the connected lamps (LM) is achieved, the internal dimming values being of higher resolution than the external dimming values. According to the invention, the operating device (BG) is designed such that the conversion of the external dimming values into internal dimming values may be programmed. The operating device (BG) can particularly also be designed such that said conversion can be programmed with regard to the dynamics thereof. A programming can be provided by a time conversion relationship (linear, logarithmic or exponential time curve etc.) by means of which an internal dimming value corresponding to an external dimming value is reached. |
| US08111009B2 |
Light adjustment circuit for alternating-current light emitting diodes (AC-LED's)
A light adjustment circuit for alternating-current light emitting diodes (AC-LED's) connected to an AC power supply and a plurality of AC-LED's comprises: a light adjustment unit, being capable of modulating AC power from the AC power supply while providing the plurality of AC-LED's with the modulated AC power; and a pulse width modulation (PWM) control circuit, being capable of modulating an external voltage signal in correspondence to variation in input AC power to enable each of the AC-LED's to achieve a predetermined brightness; wherein the AC-LED's are turned off by modulating the external voltage signal to prevent the AC-LED's from being burnt out when the input AC power is too high. |
| US08111008B2 |
Multiple-input electronic ballast with processor
A ballast having a microprocessor embedded therein is controlled via four inputs. The ballast includes a high-voltage phase-controlled signal provided by a dimmer and an infrared (IR) receiver through which the ballast can receive data signals from an IR transmitter. The ballast can also receive commands from other ballasts or a master control on the serial digital communication link, such as a DALI protocol link. The fourth input is an analog signal, which is simply a DC signal that linearly ranges in value from a predetermined lower limit to a predetermined upper limit, corresponding to the 0% to 100% dimming range of the load. The output stage of the ballast includes one or more FETs, which are used to control the current flow to the lamp. Based on these inputs, the microprocessor makes a decision on the intensity levels of the load and directly drives the FETs in the output stage. |
| US08111007B2 |
Electronic device capable of controlling LED brightness and method thereof
An electronic device capable of controlling light-emitting diode (LED) bright is provided. The electronic device includes a signal producing unit for producing an operation signal; a Micro Control Unit (MCU) configured for outputting a normal brightness control signal according to the operation signal, and outputting a ultra brightness control signal according to the operation signal when an actual idle time of the electronic device reaches or exceeds a predetermined idle time; a pulse current control unit for controlling an output current according to the normal brightness control and the ultra brightness control signal; and a LED illuminator array for emitting light based on the output current. The MCU terminates the output of the ultra brightness control signal when an actual time of outputting the ultra brightness control signals reaches a predetermined time, and then the LED illuminator array resumes its normally bright. A control method is also provided. |
| US08111006B2 |
Light emitting diode driving apparatus
A light emitting diode driving apparatus 10 of the present invention includes: a driving voltage generating section 11 for generating a driving voltage Vout of an LED; a driving current control section 12 for PWM controlling driving currents iW1 to iW3 that flow through the LED; and a monitor voltage generating section 13 that monitors the driving voltage Vout, and that generates a monitor voltage Vm during an OFF period of the driving current by superposing on a predetermined reference voltage Vref, which is used as a standard, a voltage corresponding to a difference occurring in the driving voltage Vout during the OFF period. The driving voltage generating section 11 performs feedback control of the driving voltage Vout such that feedback voltages VW1 to VW3 are equal to the reference voltage Vref during an ON period of the driving current, and the driving voltage generating section 11 performs feedback control of the driving voltage Vout such that the monitor voltage Vm is equal to the reference voltage Vref during an OFF period of the driving current Vout. |
| US08111004B2 |
Color navigation system
A system and method for color navigation through a CIELAB color space with coordinates hue (H), lightness (L), chroma (C), with intervals ΔH, ΔL, ΔC such that the perceptual color difference AE1Nv, defined according to the formula: AZW =^{AL)2+{fc(H)−ACf+[AH)2, is constant for steps in direction C and L and for steps in direction H along boundary of color space. fc(H) is a proportionality factor between 0 and 1 depending on hue. For hue values between red (H1) and green (H2), fc(H) =1. For hue values between green (H2) and blue (H3), the proportionality factor fc(H) is set to a constant value foB such that Nκ,GB(fGB) differs less than 50% from NH,RG—For hue values between blue (H3) and red (H1), the proportionality factor fc(H) is set to a constant value fβR such that N^BR^BR) differs less than 50% from NH,RG—. |
| US08111003B2 |
Backlight assembly, display apparatus having the same and control method thereof
A backlight assembly with a light source unit, includes: a drive signal generator which generates a switching drive signal on the basis of a predetermined drive frequency and a feedback power fed back from the light source unit; a switching unit which outputs a power to the light source unit in response to the switching drive signal; and a controller which decreases the drive frequency if the feedback power is higher than a predetermined critical value. |
| US08111002B2 |
Device and method for operating a high-pressure discharge lamp
A device for operating a high-pressure discharge lamp (930) with a bipolar supply current and a regulated power input. The device includes a regulator (961) with an asymmetrical regulating characteristic curve for forming a current or power impulse (K1, K2) close to the zero crossing of the supply current. |
| US08111001B2 |
LED with integrated constant current driver
An LED package containing integrated circuitry for matching a power source voltage to the LED operating voltage, LEDs containing such integrated circuitry, systems containing such packages, and methods for matching the source and operating voltages are described. The integrated circuitry typically contains a power converter and a constant current circuit. The LED package may also contain other active or passive components such as pin-outs for integrated or external components, a transformer and rectifier, or a rectifier circuit. External components can include control systems for regulating the LED current level or the properties of light emitted by the LED. Integrating the power supply and current control components into the LED can provide for fabrication of relatively small LEDs using fewer and less device-specific components. |
| US08110999B2 |
Light source apparatus
The light source apparatus is provided with a plurality of light source device disposed in the form of a ring and that emit illumination light toward the central axis of the ring by being lit in a sequential pulsed fashion; a light-guide portion having a light entrance surface rotatably disposed on the central axis and on which the illumination light emitted from the light source devices is incident, and a reflecting surface that reflects the incident illumination light in the direction along the central axis; and a driving device that controls a pulsed-lighting phase range. The driving device controls the pulsed-lighting phase range (W) such that, when the pulsed-lighting phase range (W) is shorter than a maximum-pulse phase range (M), a preceding light-out phase range (F) and a succeeding light-out phase range (R) are provided before and after the pulsed-lighting phase range (W) in the maximum-pulse phase range (M). |
| US08110998B2 |
Multi-pulse ignition circuit for a gas discharge lamp
An ignition circuit for igniting a gas discharge lamp generates a high voltage gas breakdown pulse by building up a current through a primary winding of a transformer. After a predetermined period and thus when a predetermined current flows through the primary winding, a capacitance is switched in series with said primary winding, thereby generating said high voltage gas breakdown pulse in a secondary winding of said transformer. After generating the high voltage pulse, the capacitance is short-circuited in order to preserve energy in the primary winding. The preserved energy is employed to build up energy again for a next high voltage pulse in a short time. At a high repetition rate and high voltage of the generated pulses, the ignition circuit according to the present invention is also suitable for driving the gas discharge lamp during a take-over period following the gas breakdown of the lamp for heating the lamp electrodes. |
| US08110993B2 |
Methods for inductively-coupled RF power source
A method for tracking a variable resonance condition in a plasma coil during creation of plasma from a gas flowing in a plasma torch adjacent to the plasma coil comprises: providing a radio-frequency (RF) power source comprising a power amplifier that generates a radio-frequency power signal with an adjustable operating frequency; providing a high-voltage ignition charge from said RF power source to the gas in plasma torch so as to create an electrical discharge through said gas so as to create a test sample comprising a partial plasma state within said plasma torch; and applying an RF power signal from said plasma coil to said test sample in said plasma torch, wherein said adjustable operating frequency of said power amplifier tracks said variable resonance condition of said plasma coil such that said test sample in the plasma torch achieves a full plasma state. |
| US08110992B2 |
Controlled plasma power supply
A plasma power supply system for producing electrical power in the range between 1 kW and 100 kW for a plasma processing system and supplying the power to a plasma chamber through a power line connection, the plasma power supply system includes a power converter, a monitoring section, an arc diverter, a control section with an arc diverter control section and an arc detection section, and an input device wherein the input device is connected to the arc diverter. |
| US08110990B2 |
Atmospheric pressure plasma apparatus
Disclosed is an atmospheric pressure plasma apparatus for enhancing and or controlling the dissociation of a secondary gas by converting a source gas into a plasma state at atmospheric pressure and controlling the interaction between that plasma and the secondary gas using porous metal, and ceramic tubes to create a path having controllable isolation from the region where plasma is generated. |
| US08110983B2 |
Self light emitting device
To provide a method of improving an efficiency for extracting light in a self light-emitting device using an organic EL material. In the self light-emitting device having a structure in which an EL layer (102) is sandwiched between a transparent electrode (103) and a cathode (101), a film thickness of the EL layer (102) and a film thickness of the transparent electrode (102) are equivalent to the film thicknesses in which there is no occurrence of a guided light, and an inert gas is filled in a space between the transparent electrode (103) and a cover material (105). |
| US08110978B2 |
Display device
The present invention provides a display device including: a pair of substrates in which a plurality of pixels are disposed in a matrix form as a whole, the pixels being configured with pixels corresponding to R (red), G (green), or B (blue), and the pixels corresponding to the R, G, or B having size different from each other; a self-luminous photo-emission element formed in a region corresponding to each of the pixels, on one of the pair of substrates; and a black matrix layer formed in a region corresponding to among the pixels, on the other of the pair of substrates. Formula (1) and formula (2) are satisfied, or formula (1) and formula (3) are satisfied. |
| US08110976B2 |
Method of preparing field electron emitter and field electron emission device including field electron emitter prepared by the method
A method of preparing a field electron emitter includes preparing an aqueous solution including a carbon nanotube-nucleic acid composite, preparing a substrate to receive the carbon nanotube-nucleic acid composite, and electrophoresis-depositing the carbon nanotube-nucleic acid composite onto the substrate. |
| US08110965B2 |
Piezoelectric devices having improved impact resistance
An exemplary piezoelectric vibrating device has a lid plate, a chip plate including a tuning-fork type vibrating piece surrounded by an outer frame, and a package base arranged where the chip plate is sandwiched between the lid plate and package base, and the three layers are bonded together. The tuning-fork type piezoelectric vibrating piece is connected to the outer frame by supporting arms. A base-movement buffer having a predetermined height in the X-direction extends from the inner edge surface of the outer frame toward a side edge of the base. The base-movement buffer has a height in the X-direction that is proportional to the length from the base-movement buffer to a point at which the tuning-fork type piezoelectric vibrating piece is coupled to the outer frame. |
| US08110964B2 |
Energy harvesting device
A piezoelectric energy harvesting device (PEHD) comprising a driving element, conducting element, piezoelectric layer and non-piezoelectric layer capable of converting ambient mechanical energy into electrical energy. The piezoelectric layer may be constructed from PMN-PT or PZT having a thickness of about 1-150 ?m. The PEHD may be used to generate about 1 W. The harvested energy may be stored and used to power microelectronic devices and rechargeable battery technologies. |
| US08110961B2 |
Permanent-magnet-less machine having an enclosed air gap
A permanent magnet-less, brushless synchronous system includes a stator that generates a magnetic rotating field when sourced by an alternating current. An uncluttered rotor disposed within the magnetic rotating field is spaced apart from the stator to form an air gap relative to an axis of rotation. A stationary excitation core spaced apart from the uncluttered rotor by an axial air gap and a radial air gap substantially encloses the stationary excitation core. Some permanent magnet-less, brushless synchronous systems include stator core gaps to reduce axial flux flow. Some permanent magnet-less, brushless synchronous systems include an uncluttered rotor coupled to outer laminations. The quadrature-axis inductance may be increased in some synchronous systems. Some synchronous systems convert energy such as mechanical energy into electrical energy (e.g., a generator); other synchronous systems may convert any form of energy into mechanical energy (e.g., a motor). |
| US08110954B2 |
Electric rotating machine
The electric rotating machine is provided with an intermediate plate having a power circuit connection portion that is connected with an outgoing lead drawn out from a power circuit unit and an armature winding connection portion that is connected with the power circuit connection portion and an outgoing lead drawn out from an armature winding. The power circuit connection portion and the armature winding connection portion are arranged at desired positions and outgoing leads from the armature winding of the stator are drawn out in such a way as to fall within a given space, so that intermediate connection lines for connecting windings can be shortened. Accordingly, not only the breakage of an intermediate connection line caused by a vibration can be prevented, but also the switching elements can separately be arranged so as to reduce thermal interference between the switching elements; therefore, the switching elements can effectively be cooled. |
| US08110951B2 |
Electromagnetic vibrator and producing method thereof
An electromagnetic vibrator includes a vibration sheet, suspension edge, basin frame and magnetic return path system. The electromagnetic vibrator is prepared as connecting back surface of vibration sheet to voice coil being set in magnetic return path system, injecting the vibration sheet and suspension edge to be an integral unit, connecting suspension edge with basin frame by ultrasonic mode and connecting vice coil wire to terminal sheet on basin frame after the wire is connected by vibration sheet. |
| US08110946B2 |
Uninterruptible power supply
An uninterruptible power supply with an input terminal and an output terminal, a main switch connected to the input terminal, an input filter circuit connected to the main switch, a rectifier circuit connected to the input filter circuit, a main capacitor connected to the rectifier circuit, a switching device connected to the capacitor and the output terminal, a voltage boost circuit connected to the capacitor and a battery input terminal, a slope control circuit connected to the voltage boost circuit, a slope selection circuit connected to the slope control circuit, and a control board connected to the slope selection circuit, where the control board has a central processing unit and memory. |
| US08110944B2 |
Switching circuit and power converter
The invention provides a switching circuit and a power converter having a built-in power source for a conduction control terminal even if they have a single-arm structure. In the switching circuit having a switching device and a conduction control terminal power source capacitor, a negative terminal of the capacitor is connected to a reference voltage terminal of a main power source and to the gate terminal selectively through a half-bridge circuit and a positive terminal of the capacitor is selectively connected to a positive terminal of the main power source and to a source terminal of the switching device through a half-bridge circuit. The capacitor is charged when the positive terminal is connected to the main power source and discharges when the negative terminal is connected to the gate terminal and the positive terminal is connected to the source terminal and applies voltage to the gate terminal of the switching device. |
| US08110942B2 |
Standby saver
A remote-controlled mains power switch is provided, which is suitable for supplying mains-powered equipment such as TVs or personal computers with electricity. The switch comprises mains power input, an electricity storage device, a control circuit and a sensor for receiving signals from remote controlling equipment, which is ordinarily supplied with the mains-powered equipment. In use, the electricity storage device is charged by the mains power whilst the mains-powered equipment is in use, the control circuit is powered by the electricity storage device and is operative to selectively switch the mains power supply on or off in response to signals received from controlling equipment. |
| US08110939B2 |
Engine starting apparatus
The engine starting apparatus operates on battery voltage when the battery voltage is higher than a predetermined voltage to control starting of an engine of a vehicle. The engine starting apparatus includes a relay control section configured to output a drive signal individually to first and second relays of a starter of the vehicle engine to drive the first and second relays when predetermined engine start conditions are satisfied, the starter being configured to operate when the first and second relays are driven, and an inter-relay switch configured to make electrical connection between the first and second relays when the first relay is applied with the battery voltage, the second relay being applied with the battery voltage when the electrical connection is made. The first relay is configured to be applied with the battery voltage when a manual start switch is operated. |
| US08110938B2 |
Line connection structure for electric equipment and electric vehicle
A line connection structure for a PCU includes: the PCU mounted in an engine room positioned on a front side of a hybrid vehicle; an air cleaner that is provided on a rear side of the vehicle so as to face the PCU and that includes a resin portion deforming easier than electric equipment; and a cable connected to the PCU. The cable is formed by three-phase cables of U, V, and W phases being gathered. The cable is connected to the PCU on the side surface of the PCU positioned on the vehicular-rear side. The three-phase cables positioned between the PCU and the air cleaner is provided so as to align on the identical plane parallel to the width direction of the hybrid vehicle. |
| US08110937B2 |
Wave energy capturing device
A wave energy capturing device (10) comprising a base (12) adapted for fixed connection to a submerged surface (14). At least one elongate buoyant paddle (26) is pivotally mounted to the base (12) about a first pivotal axis (22), for angular oscillation through an angle range when wave motion applies a force to the paddle (26). The paddle (26) has a longitudinal axis (27), an upper end portion and a lower end portion. An energy transfer member is attached to the paddle (26) and is adapted to be driven by the angular oscillation of the paddle (26). A paddle adjustment assembly is associated with the paddle (26) and is adapted to adjust the angle range of the paddle (26) in magnitude and/or angular position relative to the first pivotal axis (22). |
| US08110935B2 |
Apparatus for converting wave energy into electrical energy
An apparatus for converting wave energy into electrical energy includes a wave power generation unit including a frame and float guides. A wave power generation float is joined to the float guides for vertical motion in response to the wave energy. The wave power generation float includes at least one wave power conversion module. The wave power conversion module includes a module case and an air sealing tube formed in the module case for generally preventing fluids from entering the module case. A power transmission cable transmits electrical energy where one end of the power transmission cable passes through the air sealing tube and is joined to the frame. A cable reel winds and unwinds the power transmission cable. A power transmission drive translates a bidirectional rotation of an input shaft into a unidirectional rotation. A generator generates electrical energy in response to the unidirectional rotation. |
| US08110933B2 |
Semiconductor device mounted structure and semiconductor device mounted method
A recess portion is formed on a board surface at a position facing a peripheral end portion of a semiconductor device so as to place a sealing-bonding resin partially inside the recess portion. Thereby, increases of a placement area for a fillet portion (foot spreading portion) of the sealing-bonding resin are suppressed while its inclination angle is increased. Thus, stress loads that occur to peripheral portions of the semiconductor device due to thermal expansion differences and thermal contraction differences among individual members caused by heating and cooling processes during a mounting operation are relaxed, by which internal breakdown of the semiconductor device mounted structure is avoided. |
| US08110929B2 |
Semiconductor module
A semiconductor module includes: a substrate having a wiring layer; a first rectangular-shaped semiconductor device mounted on one surface of the substrate; a second rectangular-shaped semiconductor device mounted on the other surface of the substrate. The first semiconductor device is arranged such that each side thereof is not parallel to that of the second semiconductor device, and that the first semiconductor device is superimposed on the second semiconductor device, when seen from the direction perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. |
| US08110928B2 |
Stacked-type chip package structure and method of fabricating the same
A stacked-type chip package structure including a first package structure, a second package structure, and a first molding compound is provided. The first package structure includes a first substrate, and a first chip stacked thereon and electrically connected thereto. The second package structure is stacked on the first package structure, and includes a second substrate, a second chip, and a plurality of solder blocks. The second chip is electrically connected to the second substrate, and the second substrate is electrically connected to the first substrate. The second chip is fixed on the first chip through an adhesive layer. The solder blocks are disposed on the back of the second substrate. The first molding compound is disposed on the first substrate and encapsulates the first package structure and the second package structure. The first molding compound has a recess for exposing the solder blocks. |
| US08110923B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
An improved manufacturing method of a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes preparing a semiconductor substrate having an integrated circuit together with connection pads. The method also includes forming a dielectric film on the semiconductor substrate. The method also includes forming connection wires having a predetermined pattern on the dielectric film such that the connection wires are electrically connected to the connection pads. The method also includes forming a surface resin layer to partially cover the connection wire. The method also includes forming a metal film over the exposed connection wires. The method also includes forming a display unit having through holes to present identification information in a region corresponding to the center area of the semiconductor substrate on the surface resin layer. The forming of the metal film and the forming of display unit are carried out simultaneously. |
| US08110921B2 |
Semiconductor package and method of manufacturing the same
A plurality of semiconductor devices having different thicknesses from each other and having respective electrode terminals are fixed on a surface of the support plate through a resin layer in such a manner that terminal surfaces of the electrode terminals are on the level with each other. An insulating layer covers terminal forming surfaces of the semiconductor devices. At least one tapered bump having a tip surface formed in a smaller area than an area of the terminal surface of the electrode terminal of the semiconductor device is formed on one of the terminal surfaces of the electrode terminals and penetrates the insulating layer in such a manner that the tip surface of the tapered bump is exposed to a surface of the insulating layer. A wiring pattern is formed on the surface of the insulating layer and connected to the tip surface of the tapered bump. |
| US08110920B2 |
In-package microelectronic apparatus, and methods of using same
A mounting substrate for a processor includes a die side and a land side with a processor footprint configured on the die side. The processor footprint is coupled to at least one processor interconnect and a microelectronic die is embedded in the mounting substrate. The microelectronic die is coupled to the processor interconnect and communication between a processor to be installed on the processor footprint is in a rate between 10 Gb/s and 1 Tb/s. |
| US08110916B2 |
Chip package structure and manufacturing methods thereof
A chip package structure includes a chip module, a plurality of pre-patterned structures, a filling material layer, and a redistribution layer. The chip module includes a chip including an upper surface, a side surface, and an active surface. The pre-patterned structures are disposed around the chip. Each of the pre-patterned structures includes a circuit, a first surface, an upper surface opposite the first surface, and a side surface. The filling material layer encapsulates the chip and the pre-patterned structures. The filling material layer includes a second surface, and encapsulates the upper and side surfaces of the chip, and the upper and side surfaces of each of the pre-patterned structures. The active surface, each first surface, and the second surface are substantially co-planar. The redistribution layer is disposed on the active surface, each first surface, and the second surface. The redistribution layer electrically connects the chip and each circuit. |
| US08110908B2 |
Integrated circuit packaging system using bottom flip chip die bonding and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a substrate having a substrate cavity; mounting a bottom flip chip die below the substrate; mounting an internal integrated circuit die above the substrate; filling between the internal integrated circuit die and the substrate and between the bottom flip chip die and the substrate with a substance filling through the substrate cavity; and encapsulating the internal integrated circuit die with an encapsulation. |
| US08110906B2 |
Semiconductor device including isolation layer
A semiconductor device includes a carrier, a semiconductor chip including an active area on a first face and a separate isolation layer applied to a second face, and an adhesion material coupling the isolation layer to the carrier with the second face facing the carrier. |
| US08110902B2 |
Chip package and manufacturing method thereof
A chip package including at least a shielding layer for better electromagnetic interferences shielding is provided. The shielding layer disposed over the top surface of the laminate substrate can protect the chip package from the underneath EMI radiation. The chip package may further include another shielding layer over the molding compound of the chip package. |
| US08110901B2 |
Vertical field effect transistor arrays including gate electrodes annularly surrounding semiconductor pillars
Vertical field effect transistor semiconductor structures and methods for fabrication of the vertical field effect transistor semiconductor structures provide an array of semiconductor pillars. Each vertical portion of each semiconductor pillar in the array of semiconductor pillars has a linewidth greater than a separation distance to an adjacent semiconductor pillar. Alternatively, the array may comprise semiconductor pillars with different linewidths, optionally within the context of the foregoing linewidth and separation distance limitations. A method for fabricating the array of semiconductor pillars uses a minimally photolithographically dimensioned pillar mask layer that is annularly augmented with at least one spacer layer prior to being used as an etch mask. |
| US08110900B2 |
Manufacturing process of semiconductor device and semiconductor device
After forming a ring-shaped trench penetrating through a semiconductor substrate from a rear surface side thereof and forming an insulating film inside the trench and on the rear surface of the semiconductor substrate, a through hole is formed in the insulating film and semiconductor substrate on an inner side of the ring-shaped trench from the rear surface side, thereby exposing a surface protection insulating film formed on a front surface of the semiconductor substrate at a bottom of the through hole. After removing the surface protection insulating film at the bottom of the through hole to form an opening to expose an element surface electrode, a contact electrode connected to the element surface electrode is formed on inner walls of the through hole and opening, and a pad electrode made of the same layer as the contact electrode is formed on the rear surface of the semiconductor substrate. |
| US08110899B2 |
Method for incorporating existing silicon die into 3D integrated stack
An apparatus including a first die including a plurality of conductive through substrate vias (TSVs); and a plurality of second dice each including a plurality of contact points coupled to the TSVs of the first die, the plurality of second dice arranged to collectively include a surface area approximating a surface area of the first die. A method including arranging a plurality of second dice on a first die such that collectively the plurality of second dice include a surface area approximating the surface area of the first die; and electrically coupling a plurality of second device to a plurality of the first die. A system including an electronic appliance including a printed circuit board and a module, the module including a first die including a plurality of TSVs; and the plurality of second dice arranged to collectively include a surface area approximating the surface area of the first die. |
| US08110896B2 |
Substrate structure with capacitor component embedded therein and method for fabricating the same
A capacitor components embedded substrate structure comprises a substrate, capacitor components, a first and second dielectric layers, and a circuit layer. The substrate includes a first surface, a second surface, and a hole penetrating the first and the second surfaces. The capacitor components whose surface is pretreated with a roughness process is received in the hole of the substrate, such that at least one surface of the capacitor components is disposed with a plurality of electrode pads. The first and the second dielectric layers are formed on the surface of substrate and the surface of the capacitor components respectively such that the capacitor components are secured in position in the hole of the substrate. The first and the second dielectric layers have a plurality of openings to expose the electrode pads of the capacitor components. The circuit layer is formed on the surface of the first and second dielectric layers, and a conductive structure is formed in the opening of the first and second dielectric layers for electrically connecting the circuit layer to the electrode pads of the capacitor components. The present invention further provides a method for fabricating a capacitor components embedded substrate structure. The capacitor components embedded substrate structure and the method for fabricating the same of the present invention reinforces the bonding strength between the capacitor components and the substrate, reduces substrate package sizes, and allows circuit layout design to be more flexible. |
| US08110892B2 |
Semiconductor device having a plurality of repair fuse units
A semiconductor device includes a plurality of stacked semiconductor chips; and a plurality of through-silicon vias (TSVs) including first TSVs and redundant TSVs and configured to commonly transfer a signal to the plurality of stacked semiconductor chips. At least one of the semiconductor chips includes a plurality of repair fuse units configured to store defect information as to at least one defect of the TSVs; and a plurality of latch units allocated to the respective TSVs and configured to store a plurality of signals indicating at least one TSV defect and outputted from the plurality of repair fuse units. |
| US08110891B2 |
Method of increasing deposition rate of silicon dioxide on a catalyst
Methods for forming dielectric layers, and structures and devices resulting from such methods, and systems that incorporate the devices are provided. The invention provides an aluminum oxide/silicon oxide laminate film formed by sequentially exposing a substrate to an organoaluminum catalyst to form a monolayer over the surface, remote plasmas of oxygen and nitrogen to convert the organoaluminum layer to a porous aluminum oxide layer, and a silanol precursor to form a thick layer of silicon dioxide over the porous oxide layer. The process provides an increased rate of deposition of the silicon dioxide, with each cycle producing a thick layer of silicon dioxide of about 120 Å over the layer of porous aluminum oxide. |
| US08110888B2 |
Edge termination for high voltage semiconductor device
High voltage semiconductor devices with high-voltage termination structures are constructed on lightly doped substrates. Lightly doped p-type substrates are particularly prone to depletion and inversion from positive charges, degrading the ability of associated termination structures to block high voltages. To improve the efficiency and stability of termination structures, second termination regions of the same dopant type as the substrate, more heavily doped than the substrate but more lightly doped than first termination regions, are positioned adjoining the first termination regions. The second termination regions raise the field threshold voltage where the surface is vulnerable and render the termination structure substantially insensitive to positive charges at the surface. The use of higher dopant concentration in the gap region without causing premature avalanche is facilitated by only creating second termination regions for regions lacking field plate protection. |
| US08110887B2 |
Photodetector and display device provided with the same
Provided are a photodetector capable of suppressing variations in the output characteristics among photodiodes, and a display device provided with the photodetector. A display device in use has an active matrix substrate (20) including a transparency base substrate (2), a plurality of active elements and a photodetector. The photodetector includes a light-shielding layer (3) provided on the base substrate (2), and a photodiode (1) arranged on an upper layer of the light-shielding layer (3). The light-shielding layer (3) is overlapped with the photodiode (1) in the thickness direction of the base substrate (2). The photodiode (1) includes a silicon layer (11) insulated electrically from the light-shielding layer (3). The silicon layer (11) includes a p-layer (11c), an i-layer (11b) and an n-layer (11a) that are provided adjacent to each other in the planar direction. The p-layer (11c) is formed so that its area (length Lp) will be larger than the area (length Ln) of the n-layer (11a). |
| US08110886B2 |
Photodiode with integrated semiconductor circuit and method for the production thereof
A semiconductor circuit in a semiconductor body and a wafer bonding method for connecting the semiconductor circuit to another substrate, in which a diode is realized in a laminar structure. The semiconductor circuit is connected to the terminals of the diode by means of feedthroughs that extend through the semiconductor body. |
| US08110883B2 |
Electromagnetic and thermal sensors using carbon nanotubes and methods of making same
Electromagnetic radiation detecting and sensing systems using carbon nanotube fabrics and methods of making the same are provided. In certain embodiments of the invention, an electromagnetic radiation detector includes a substrate, a nanotube fabric disposed on the substrate, the nanotube fabric comprising a non-woven network of nanotubes, and first and second conductive terminals, each in electrical communication with the nanotube fabric, the first and second conductive terminals disposed in space relation to one another. Nanotube fabrics may be tuned to be sensitive to a predetermined range of electromagnetic radiation such that exposure to the electromagnetic radiation induces a change in impedance between the first and second conductive terminals. The detectors include microbolometers, themistors and resistive thermal sensors, each constructed with nanotube fabric. Nanotube fabric detector arrays may be formed for broad-range electromagnetic radiation detecting. Methods for making nanotube fabric detectors, arrays, microbolometers, thermistors and resistive thermal sensors are each described. |
| US08110880B1 |
Systems and methods for interconnect metallization using a stop-etch layer
Systems and methods for single lithography step interconnection metallization using a stop-etch layer are described. A method that includes depositing a stop-etch layer over a semiconductor device, depositing an interconnect metallization material over the stop-etch layer, performing a single lithography step to pattern a mask over the interconnect metallization material, etching the interconnect metallization material in non-masked areas, and removing the stop-etch layer. A system comprises a stop-etch layer material for deposit into a stop-etch layer over a wafer, an interconnect metallization material for deposit over the chrome layer, a lithography operation for patterning a mask over the interconnect metallization material, a first etching compound for etching the interconnect metallization material, where the etching stops at the stop-etch layer, and a second etching compound for removing the stop-etch layer. |
| US08110879B2 |
Controlling lateral distribution of air gaps in interconnects
Properties of a hard mask liner are used against the diffusion of a removal agent to prevent air cavity formation in specific areas of an interconnect stack. According to one embodiment, there is provided a method in which there is defined a portion on a surface of an IC interconnect stack as being specific to air cavity introduction, with the defined portion being smaller than the surface of the substrate. At least one metal track is produced within the interconnect stack, and there is deposited at least one interconnect layer having a sacrificial material and a permeable material within the interconnect stack. There is defined at least one trench area surrounding the defined portion and forming at least one trench, and a hard mask layer is deposited to coat the trench. At least one air cavity is formed below the defined portion of the surface by using a removal agent for removing the sacrificial material to which the permanent material is resistant. |
| US08110878B2 |
Semiconductor device having a plurality of shallow wells
There is provided a technology which allows improvements in manufacturing yield and product reliability in a semiconductor device having a triple well structure. A shallow p-type well is formed in a region different from respective regions in a p-type substrate where a deep n-type well, a shallow p-type well, and a shallow n-type well are formed. A p-type diffusion tap formed in the shallow p-type well is wired to a p-type diffusion tap formed in a shallow n-type well in the deep n-type well using an interconnection in a second layer. The respective gate electrodes of an nMIS and a pMIS each formed in the deep n-type well are coupled to the respective drain electrodes of an nMIS and a pMIS each formed in the substrate using an interconnection in a second or higher order layer. |
| US08110872B2 |
Semiconductor device with transistor, conductive pad, and contact
A semiconductor device includes a transistor, a conductive pad, and a contact. The conductive pad is electrically connected to the transistor. The conductive pad may include, but is not limited to, a first region and a second region. The contact is electrically connected to the conductive pad. At least a main part of the first region overlaps the transistor in plan view. At least a main part of the second region does not overlap the transistor in plan view. At least a main part of the contact overlaps the second region in plan view. The at least main part of the contact does not overlap the first region in plan view. The at least main part of the contact does not overlap the transistor in plan view. |
| US08110866B2 |
Non-volatile memory device having asymmetric source/drain junction and method for fabricating the same
Disclosed herein are non-volatile memory devices with asymmetric source/drain junctions and a method for fabricating the same. According to the method, a gate stack is formed on a semiconductor substrate, and impurity ions are implanted at a predetermined angle to form a source/drain junction in the semiconductor substrate. Thermal treatment of the semiconductor substrate forms an asymmetrically disposed source/drain junction between adjacent gate stacks. |
| US08110858B2 |
Thin film transistor array, method for manufacturing the same, and active matrix type display using the same
One embodiment of the present invention is a thin film transistor array, having an insulating substrate and a stripe-shaped semiconductor layer for a plurality of transistors, the layer extending over the plurality of transistors. Another embodiment of the present invention is an active matrix type display, having the thin film transistor array of the one embodiment and an image display means. |
| US08110857B2 |
Low noise JFET
A low noise (1/f) junction field effect transistor (JFET) is disclosed, wherein multiple implants push a conduction path of the transistor away from the surface of a layer upon which the transistor is formed. In this manner, current flow in the conduction path is less likely to be disturbed by defects that may exist at the surface of the layer, thereby mitigating (1/f) noise. |
| US08110855B2 |
Offset geometries for area reduction in memory arrays
An array with cells that have adjacent similar structures that are displaced from each other across a common cell border in a direction that is not perpendicular to the cell border thus avoiding an across cell border design rule violation between the adjacent similar structures. A method of forming reduced area memory arrays by displacing adjacent similar structures along a common cell border. A method of building arrays using conventional array building software by forming unit pairs with cells that are not identical and are not mirror images or rotated versions of each other. |
| US08110854B2 |
Integrated circuit device with linearly defined gate electrode level region and shared diffusion region of first type connected to shared diffusion region of second type through at least two interconnect levels
A semiconductor device includes a substrate portion having a plurality of diffusion regions defined therein. The semiconductor device includes a gate electrode level region including a number of conductive features defined to extend in only a first parallel direction. Adjacent ones of the number of conductive features that share a common line of extent in the first parallel direction are fabricated from respective originating layout features that are separated from each other by an end-to-end spacing having a size that is substantially equal across the gate electrode level region and is minimized to an extent allowed by a semiconductor device manufacturing capability. Some of the conductive features within the gate electrode level region extend over the plurality of diffusion regions to form PMOS or NMOS transistor devices. A number of the PMOS transistor devices is equal to a number of the NMOS transistor devices in the gate electrode level region. |
| US08110852B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A finger length a1 of a transistor P11 is longer than a finger length A1 of a transistor P1, and a finger length b1 of a transistor N11 is longer than a finger length B1 of a transistor N1. The finger length b1 of the transistor N11 is shorter than the finger length A1 of the transistor P1, and the relation: a1>A1>b1>B1 is established. In a relation between an I/O section and a logic circuit section, as for MOS transistor of the same conductive type, a finger length of a MOS transistor constituting the logic circuit section is set so as to be longer than a finger length of a MOS transistor constituting the I/O section. |
| US08110847B2 |
Nitride-based semiconductor light emitting diode
Provided is a nitride-based semiconductor LED including a substrate; a first conductive-type nitride semiconductor layer formed on the substrate; an active layer formed on a predetermined region of the first conductive-type nitride semiconductor layer; a second conductive-type nitride semiconductor layer formed on the active layer; a transparent electrode formed on the second conductive-type nitride semiconductor layer; a second conductive-type electrode pad formed on the transparent electrode; a plurality of second conductive-type electrodes extending from the second conductive-type electrode pad in one direction so as to be formed in a line; a first conductive-type electrode pad formed on the first conductive-type nitride semiconductor layer, where the active layer is not formed, so as to be positioned on the same side as the second conductive-type electrode pad; and a plurality of first conductive-type electrodes extending from the first conductive-type electrode pad in one direction so as to be formed in a line. |
| US08110840B2 |
Light emitting apparatus and method for the same
A light emitting apparatus includes a patterned conductive layer, a light emitting device on the patterned conductive layer, and a first light diffusion layer. The light emitting device and the patterned conductive layer are embedded in the first light diffusion layer. A method of forming such a light emitting apparatus is also disclosed. |
| US08110838B2 |
Spatial localization of light-generating portions in LEDs
Light-emitting devices (e.g., LEDs) and methods associated with such devices are provided. In some embodiments, the device includes a distribution of light-generating portions (including active regions) that are spatially localized and separated (e.g., horizontally or vertically) from one or more patterned light extraction portions. This arrangement can allow light generated by the device to propagate and pass through regions of low absorption (e.g., light-extraction portions) rather than in regions of high absorption (e.g., light-generating portions), which can enhance light emission. |
| US08110837B2 |
Sensing module
A sensing module comprises a carrier, a sensor, a substrate, and a plurality of chips. The carrier has a carrying surface and a back surface opposite to the carrying surface. The sensor and the substrate are disposed on the carrying surface and are electrically connected to the carrier respectively. The chips are disposed on the substrate and are electrically connected to the substrate respectively. The production cost of the sensing module is low. |
| US08110835B2 |
Switching device integrated with light emitting device
A light emitting component can include a substrate, a light emitting device supported by the substrate, wherein the light-emitting device has first and second terminals, and a switching element supported by the substrate and having first and second terminals electrically connected to the first and second terminals of the light-emitting device, respectively. The switching element is configured to, at least in part, divert at least some current away from the light emitting device when the switching element is in a closed state. An electrical connection between the first terminal of the switching element and the first terminal of the light emitting device can have a length of less than 5 cm (e.g., less than 2 cm, less than 1 cm, less than 5 mm, less than 1 mm). A current regulator may be supported by a second substrate and can supply current to the light emitting device. |
| US08110832B2 |
Electro-optical substrate, method for designing the same, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
An electro-optical substrate, including: a transparent substrate; a first light-shielding layer arranged on a first surface of the transparent substrate, in at least part of a region surrounding an opening in plan view; a first insulating layer arranged in a position facing the transparent substrate with the first light-shielding layer interposed therebetween, the first insulating layer having a refraction index n and a layer thickness t measured in nanometers, and covering at least part of the first light-shielding layer; a semiconductor layer, arranged in a position facing the transparent substrate, with the first light-shielding layer interposed therebetween, containing part of a thin film transistor, the thin film transistor including a channel region which is, in plan view, positioned within the first light-shielding layer, a corner edge of the first light-shielding layer and a corner edge of the channel region having a distance Lc therebetween in nanometers, the distance Lc satisfying relational expression 1: nt2<244Lc; a gate insulating layer covering the channel region; a gate electrode arranged in a region facing the channel region, with the gate insulating layer being interposed therebetween; a second insulating layer arranged to a position covering at least the gate electrode; and a second light-shielding layer provided in a position facing the semiconductor layer with the second insulating layer interposed therebetween, so as to cover at least the channel region. |
| US08110828B2 |
Real time process monitoring and control for semiconductor junctions
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor layer is provided. In a first deposition during a first period of time, at least one Group IIIA element and at least one Group VIA element are deposited on a substrate or on a layer optional disposed on the substrate such as a back-electrode. During a second deposition during a second period of time, at least one Group IB element and the at least one group VIA element are deposited on the substrate or the optional layer. The one Group IB element combines with the Group VIA element to form a IB2VIA composition. A first deposition state is monitored, during the second deposition by making a first plurality of measurements of a first deposition state. The second deposition is terminated or attenuated based on a function of the first plurality of measurements of the indicia of the first deposition state. |
| US08110825B2 |
Organic light-emitting element in which each of a plurality of unit pixels has two types of partitions to divide an organic light-emitting layer, organic light-emitting transistor and light-emitting display device having the organic light-emitting element
An organic light-emitting element comprises a large number of unit pixels each at least composed of a base, an auxiliary electrode, a first insulating layer to cover at least the auxiliary electrode, a charge injection layer on the first insulating electrode, laminated bodies each consisting of a first electrode and a second insulating layer and provided in a predetermined pattern, an organic light-emitting layer formed in regions where the laminated bodies are not provided, and a second electrode to cover at least the organic light-emitting layer. The unit pixel has first partitions provided to demarcate the organic light-emitting layer from other adjacent unit pixels and at least one or more second partitions to have a uniform coated thickness, and at least one of the first partition and the second partition is the laminated body. |
| US08110823B2 |
III-V photonic integration on silicon
Photonic integrated circuits on silicon are disclosed. By bonding a wafer of III-V material as an active region to silicon and removing the substrate, the lasers, amplifiers, modulators, and other devices can be processed using standard photolithographic techniques on the silicon substrate. The coupling between the silicon waveguide and the III-V gain region allows for integration of low threshold lasers, tunable lasers, and other photonic integrated circuits with Complimentary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) integrated circuits. |
| US08110820B2 |
Ion beam apparatus and method for ion implantation
A multipurpose ion implanter beam line configuration constructed for enabling implantation of common monatomic dopant ion species and cluster ions, the beam line configuration having a mass analyzer magnet defining a pole gap of substantial width between ferromagnetic poles of the magnet and a mass selection aperture, the analyzer magnet sized to accept art ion beam from a slot-form ion source extraction aperture of at least about 80 mm height and at least about 7 mm width, and to produce dispersion at the mass selection aperture in a plane corresponding to the width of the beam, the mass selection aperture capable of being set to a mass-selection width sized to select a beam of the cluster ions of the same dopant species but incrementally differing molecular weights, the mass selection aperture also capable of being set to a substantially narrower mass-selection width and the analyzer magnet having a resolution at the mass selection aperture sufficient to enable selection of a beam of monatomic dopant ions of substantially a single atomic or molecular weight. |
| US08110818B2 |
Method of controlling particle absorption on a wafer sample being inspected by a charged particle beam imaging system
A method of controlling particle absorption on a wafer sample being inspected by a charged particle beam imaging system prevents particle absorption by grounding the wafer sample and kept electrically neutral during the transfer-in and transfer-out process. |
| US08110817B2 |
Probe array and method of manufacturing the same
A probe array includes a probe-carrying substrate and a base member. The probe-carrying substrate has first and second principal surfaces extending parallel to each other, and a plurality of probe carriers carrying probe molecules. The base member has a reference surface extending parallel to a fluorescence-receiving surface, and a seating surface supporting the probe-carrying substrate and extending in a direction other than a direction parallel to the reference surface. The probe carriers each have a plurality of surfaces forming different angles with respect to the fluorescence-receiving surface, the plurality of surfaces including a bottom surface and uprising surfaces extending from the bottom surface. Accordingly, the plurality of surfaces have different sensitivities, realizing a wide dynamic range. |
| US08110816B2 |
Fluorescence detection system
A fluorescence detection system capable of detecting fluorescence with a high sensitivity even if a sample generating fluorescence is small in amount includes a light source emitting excitation light, a probe arranged in opposition to a sample unit, an optical multiplexer/demultiplexer, a detector, a first optical fiber connecting the light source to the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer, a second optical fiber connecting the probe to the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer, and a third optical fiber connecting the detector to the optical multiplexer/demultiplexer. An excitation filter, serving as a short-pass filter, is arranged on the first optical fiber and a detection filter serving as a long-pass filter is arranged on the third optical fiber. The optical multiplexer/demultiplexer includes a multiplexing/demultiplexing filter serving as a long-pass filter. |
| US08110812B2 |
Method and system for detecting nitrogenous materials via gamma-resonance absorption (GRA)
A method for detecting nitrogenous materials within an object by means of Gamma-Resonance Absorption (GRA), including placing on one side of an object a target containing 13C for bombardment with a proton beam of approximately 1.75 MeV energy, to produce a source of 9.172 MeV gamma-rays for scanning the object, reading from the gamma-ray detector the total and the non-resonant attenuations of the incident photon flux, and deriving from the attenuations the net resonant attenuation and the spatial distribution thereof; wherein scanning the object includes: I. performing a rapid pre-scan to classify the overall gamma-ray-attenuation regime and locate regions of high physical density, in which longer scanning times might be required; II. performing a full scan to identify and locate regions that contain nitrogenous materials; and III. performing a plurality of scans in same or different segments to establish presence of explosives. |
| US08110811B2 |
Devices and methods related to radiation delivery
Devices and methods are disclosed which relate to the calibration and quality assurance of motion tracking enabled radiation therapy machines. A phantom, capable of mimicking human breathing through inflation and deflation of the lungs, houses an independently moving target (tumor) that detects the amount of radiation received from the radiation therapy machine. This amount can be compared with a desired amount to determine if adjustment or repositioning is necessary. The servo-mechanism(s) of the motion tracking enabled radiation therapy machine(s) are adjusted in comparison of detected versus programmed motion of the respiring phantom having incorporated independently moving target that incorporated radiation dose detector(s). In the invention, motion tracking and irradiation mechanisms of the radiation therapy machine are adjusted to calibrate with reference to performance specifications of the radiation therapy machine. |
| US08110808B2 |
Floating intelligent perimeter sensor system
A system, method, and floating intelligent perimeter sensor, provide protection for waterways and critical infrastructures. The system and method utilize one or more floating intelligent perimeter sensors to detect, and in some cases identify, hazardous materials associated with vessels in the waterways. The hazardous materials detected, and optionally identified, can include radiological materials, fissile materials, explosives, chemicals and biological materials (CBRNE). A set of radiation data associated with a radiation source in a vessel is received from the one or more floating intelligent perimeter sensors. At least one histogram is generated based on the set of radiation data. The at least one histogram is compared to multiple spectral images associated with known materials. The at least one histogram is determined to substantially match at least one of the multiple spectral images. A determination is made whether a material associated with the radiation source is a hazardous material. |
| US08110796B2 |
Nanophotonic production, modulation and switching of ions by silicon microcolumn arrays
The production and use of silicon microcolumn arrays that harvest light from a laser pulse to produce ions are described. The systems of the present invention seem to behave like a quasi-periodic antenna array with ion yields that show profound dependence on the plane of laser light polarization and the angle of incidence. By providing photonic ion sources, this enables enhanced control of ion production on a micro/nano scale and direct integration with miniaturized analytical devices. |
| US08110793B2 |
Tandem mass spectrometry with feedback control
The invention relates to acquisition methods for fragment ion spectra of biopolymer molecules in tandem mass spectrometers which are coupled to separation devices. The invention provides a real-time method for calculating a quality coefficient for each fragment ion spectrum. The quality coefficient indicates whether the fragment ion spectrum can be used successfully for identifying the biopolymer molecule or whether it should be acquired once more, possibly with other acquisition parameters. |
| US08110789B2 |
Electronic device and method for recording disassembly times thereof
An electronic includes a memory, a photosensitive element, and a processing element. The photosensitive element receives light beams and generating trigger signals when intensity of the received light beams reach a predetermined value. The processing element electrically connected to the photosensitive element and the memory, counts a number of disassembly times of the electronic device according to the times the trigger signals have been generated by the photosensitive element and stores the number in the memory. |
| US08110783B2 |
Tubular heater
A tubular heater includes a continuous heat-generating resistance element formed in a predetermined pattern on one surface of a tubular insulating substrate, and first and second lead wires connected opposite ends of the heat-generating resistance element and extending from one end of the tubular insulating substrate in a common axial direction of the tubular insulating substrate. The first and second lead wires are disposed in diametrically opposed relation to each other about a central axis of the tubular insulating substrate. |
| US08110779B2 |
Door lock control device in heating cooker
There is provided a door lock control device in a heating cooker that prevents a door from being accidentally unlocked when the door is locked and a temperature inside the heating cooker is a predetermined temperature or more such as during self-cleaning. When the temperature inside the cooker is low and a thermal switch 8 of a lock detection and thermal switch portion 6 is closed, the lock detection and thermal switch portion 6 can be energized, and a power supply line 2 can supply power to a drive motor 5 to lock and unlock the door. In the case of self-cleaning or the like, the door is locked and a detection switch 7 is on a door lock side 7a, but the temperature inside the cooker is high and thus the thermal switch 8 is opened, and the power supply line 2 is interrupted. |
| US08110778B2 |
Hair crimper (local heating)
A hair crimper comprising a pair of complementary hair crimping surfaces which are configured for hair crimping by application of heat and pressure to hair when cooperatively engaged, wherein each one of said complementary hair crimping surfaces comprises a corrugated hair styling surface which defines a transversal hair shaping profile, characterized in that, said complementary hair crimping surfaces are configured to cooperatively apply heat at predetermined intervals along said transversal hair shaping profile. |
| US08110777B2 |
Method and device for dividing a plane-parallel plate made of a brittle material into a plurality of individual plates by means of a laser
The present invention relates to a method of dividing a plane-parallel plate made of a brittle material into a plurality of individual plates having a specified edge length, in which break-off cuts are made along specified scored lines that form a lattice-like pattern by introducing thermally induced stresses by means of a laser beam, and in which, after making the break-off cuts along a first working direction, the resultant plate strips are spaced out at intervals in that a framed stretch film to which the plane-parallel plate is bonded is stretched by means of a vacuum device. The invention also relates to a device with a special clamping table for use in carrying out the method. |
| US08110775B2 |
Systems and methods for distinguishing reflections of multiple laser beams for calibration for semiconductor structure processing
A system determines relative positions of a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of laser beam spots on or within the semiconductor substrate in a machine for selectively irradiating structures on or within the substrate using a plurality of laser beams. The system comprises a laser source, first and second laser beam propagation paths, first and second reflection sensors, and a processor. The laser source produces at least the first and second laser beams, which propagate toward the substrate along the first and second propagation paths, respectively, which have respective first and second axes that intersects the substrate at respective first and second spots. The reflection sensors are positioned to detect reflection of the spots, as the spots moves relative to the substrate, thereby generating reflection signals. The processor is configured to determine, based on the reflection signals, positions of the spots on or within the substrate. |
| US08110768B2 |
Method for sorting postal items and data structure for a sorting plan
There is provided a method and system for sorting mailpieces in which a mailpiece is diverted into a sorting compartment of a sorting machine as a function of a sorting code associated with the mailpiece, where several sorting code ranges are each associated with a sorting compartment. An exemplary method comprises associating at least one first sorting code range with at least another sorting code range which is a subrange of the first sorting code range and checking consecutively for the sorting code ranges associated with each other whether the sorting code belongs to the sorting code range. The exemplary method further includes diverting the mailpiece into the sorting compartment that is associated with the last sorting code range for which the sorting code belongs to the sorting code range. |
| US08110767B2 |
Structured touch switch
A structured touch switch, which is of an electrostatic capacitance, type is provided. The structured touch switch comprises a substrate made of a material having a non-conductive characteristic, a conductive member made of a material having a conductive characteristic and formed integrally with the substrate so that a portion of the conductive characteristic member appears at a surface of the substrate and a detection electrode positioned at a backside of the substrate and in opposed relation to the conductive member in a state where a space is defined with respect to the conductive member. |
| US08110766B2 |
Switch attachment assembly
An assembly for installation of a switch in the dashboard of a vehicle without the use of any tools. The assembly comprises a housing, a resilient member such as a washer spring, and a bezel. The switch is secured to the housing and subsequently inserted into the bezel which is integrated with the dashboard. The installation of the switch, which is secured to the housing is then completed through the interaction of a profiled wall on the bezel and a flange on the housing with the washer spring interposed between. |
| US08110765B2 |
Electroluminescent lamp membrane switch
An combined monolithic electroluminescent lamp and membrane switch is manufactured by continuous printing. Graphic indicia is imprinted on deformable substrate. An electroluminescent lamp is imprinted on the graphic indicia layer and a membrane switch is formed on the lamp. The monolithic switch has a layer for sensing switch actuation by means including resistance change, capacitance change, or magnetic field change. |
| US08110760B2 |
Electrical switch having plural switching elements, as for controlling a flashlight
An electrical switch comprises first and second switch elements each including a respective electrically conductive flexible dome for selectively making an electrical connection. The second switch element is adjacent the first switch element. An actuator is movable for exerting force on the first and second switch elements, wherein the flexible dome of the first switch element makes connection to a first electrical conductor when the actuator moves a first distance and the flexible dome of the second switch element makes the electrical connection to a second electrical conductor when the actuator moves a second distance in addition to the first distance. |
| US08110758B2 |
Mode dial mechanism and electronic device having the same
A mode dial device is set in an electrical device. The mode dial device includes a rotary member and a pressure detection module. The rotary member includes a main body, a shaft portion connecting the main body and the electrical device, and a contact portion located at the bottom of the main body with an inclined surface. The pressure detection module is electrically coupled to the electrical device and located under the rotary member. The pressure detection module includes a button portion which is movable vertically. The button portion contacts the contact portion. When the rotary member is rotated, the contact portion pushes the button portion of the pressure detection module. The pressure detection module outputs a signal according to a moving distance of the button portion. |
| US08110755B2 |
Package for an optical device
A device includes: a package having a bottom and a side wall surrounding the bottom; an element adhered to the bottom of the package; an internal contact formed inside the package; a resin encapsulation material with which a space between the package and the element is filled; and a coating formed to cover an end surface of the internal contact near the element, and made of a material whose thermal expansion coefficient is greater than or equal to the thermal expansion coefficient of the package and less than the thermal expansion coefficient of the resin encapsulation material. |
| US08110754B2 |
Multi-layer wiring board and method of manufacturing the same
A multi-layer wiring board without a core substrate includes: a multi-layer laminated structure; first terminals provided on a front surface of the multi-layer laminated structure; second terminals provided on a rear surface of the multi-layer laminated structure; terminal pins bonded to a corresponding one of the second terminals, wherein each of the terminal pins is formed in a nailhead shape that includes a shaft portion and a head portion, and a diameter of the head portion is larger than that of the shaft portion; and a reinforcing plate which has pin insertion openings formed at positions corresponding to the terminal pins and which is fixed to the rear surface, wherein the diameter of the pin insertion openings is smaller than the diameter of the head portion and is larger than the diameter of the shaft portion. |
| US08110750B2 |
Multilayer printed wiring board
A multilayer printed wiring board has a core substrate, an interlayer insulation layer formed over the core substrate, conductive layers formed over the core substrate, and a via hole for providing electrical connection between the conductive layers. The conductive layers include a conductive layer formed on the core substrate, and the conductive layer formed on the core substrate has a side face in a form of rounded taper tapering toward the core substrate. |
| US08110744B2 |
Flexible shielded cable
A flexible shielded cable is disclosed. The cable may include a plurality of conductors formed on a common base, a dielectric material disposed about the plurality of conductors, and a shielding material disposed adjacent the dielectric material. At least one of the plurality of conductors may include an unshielded portion not overlaid by the shielding material and at least one of the plurality of conductors may include a shielded portion overlaid by the shielding material. |
| US08110741B2 |
Composite coiled tubing end connector
Connectors for attaching a composite pipe to a service member are described herein. In one embodiment, a connector can include a service end, a slip nut, a slip, a seal carrier, and an energy conductor. The slip nut can be disposed about the outer surface of the pipe and can be engaged by the service end. The slip can be positioned about the outer surface of the pipe and can be engaged by the service end and the slip nut to compress the slip into gripping contact with the pipe. The seal carrier can be positioned in a bore of the pipe at a location radially opposite the slip to resist deformation of the pipe when the slip is compressed into gripping contact with the pipe. The energy conductor can be embedded within and surrounded by a material of the service end for connection with an energy conductor within the composite pipe. |
| US08110734B2 |
Position sensitive rotatable DJ control device
The disclosure relates to a display for a device for manipulating audio in a disc jockey or similar application. A touch sensitive user rotatable member detects the position where the DJ touches the surface. Effects like needle dropping are possible for the first time without the use of a phonographic table or without a computer device which uses a phonographic turntable as a control input device. The display can show music as color coded concentric circles which represent tracks and/or record grooves. Color coded markers show current position of the music on the control surface and allows the user to set and use visual cue points. Functionality of the rotatable member can be dynamically mapped for unprecedented control. For example, the inner portion of the rotatable member can be used for needle dropping while the outer portion can be used for scratch effects. The device is capable of manipulating audio and video streams or a combination of the two. In addition, it can be used as a standard DJ control surface for scratching and the display can be used to create a beat synchronized light show or display custom messages. |
| US08110733B2 |
Tuning stabilizer for stringed instrument
A self-contained tuning stabilizer for a stringed instrument consists of a body which is attachable to the stringed instrument like a capo, the stabilizer containing mechanical members for increasing or decreasing the tension on each of the strings to keep them in tune as the instrument is played. The device contains sensors for each string, an analyzer for determining if the frequency produced by each string is correct, and a driver for each of the mechanical members for applying micro-tuning corrections to the strings. The device must first be zeroed, and the instrument tuned by hand. Thereafter, the device will maintain the original tuning. |
| US08110729B2 |
Pyrolytic carbon components for stringed instruments
Pyrocarbon components have been found to create richer, clearer sound when employed as bridges (19), saddles (1), nuts (2), frets (3), tuning heads (4), pegs (9) and other components which contact the strings in guitars (6, 16), violins (11) and like stringed musical instruments. Bridges/saddles and nuts of stringed instruments produce a marked difference in the sound when pyrocarbon components are used compared with currently used materials. There is a significant increase in sound volume for a given intensity of string movement, along with richer harmonics and a clearer, less muddy sound. The crystalline structure of pyrolytic carbon minimizes the damping of string vibration as it is transferred to the sound-amplifying portion of acoustic instruments, producing a rich, pleasing and higher volume sound. The useful life of strings is increased in contact with pyrolytic carbon components before they go “dead” or break. |
| US08110728B2 |
Soybean variety A1016498
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016498. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016498. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016498 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016498 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US08110724B2 |
Nucleotide sequences and corresponding polypeptides conferring an altered flowering time in plants
The present invention relates to isolated nucleic acid molecules and their corresponding encoded polypeptides able to confer the trait of altered flowering time in plants. The present invention further relates to using the nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides to make transgenic plants, plant cells, plant materials or seeds of a plant having flowering times that are altered with respect to wild-type plants grown under similar conditions. Altered flowering time includes both plants having an early flowering time and a late flowering time with respect to wild-type plants grown under similar conditions. Flowering time in plants may be altered either with respect to the normal time at which wild-type plants flower within their normal life cycle or altered temporally such that the entire life cycle of the plant is accelerated or prolonged using the nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides of the present invention. |
| US08110722B2 |
Aromatic acyltransferase genes
The present invention provides a protein having the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 or a protein having a modified amino acid sequence thereof and having an activity of transferring an aromatic acyl group to a sugar residue of a flavonoid; a gene, especially cDNA, encoding the protein; and use thereof. For example, by introducing the above gene into a plant expressing hydroxycinnamate 1-O-glucosyltransferase gene, optionally together with a cDNA encoding a protein having the amino acid sequence as shown in SEQ ID NO: 14, 16 or 18 or a protein having an amino acid sequence derived therefrom by modification and having an activity of glucosylating a hydroxyl group at position 1 of hydroxycinnamic acid, and then expressing the introduced gene(s), it is possible to acylate the sugar residue of flavonoids in flowers of the plant to thereby confer a blue color on the flowers. |
| US08110716B2 |
Method for the removal of acetylenes from olefins using ionic liquid-based solution
The present invention relates to a process for removing acetylenes from olefins by using an ionic liquid-based solution, and particularly to a process for removing a small amount of acetylenes contained in olefins by using an ionic liquid-based solution where copper halide (CuX, X=halogen atom) is dissolved. In an ionic liquid-based solution used in the present invention, copper halide (CuX) is stabilized by ionic liquid, thus preventing monovalent copper ion (Cu+) from being oxidized into divalent copper ion (Cu2+), maintaining the superior activity of monovalent copper ion (Cu+) in removing acetylene for a long period of time, and remarkably increasing the selective removal of acetylene-based compounds. Moreover, an ionic liquid-based solution used in the present invention may serve as an extracting solution as well as an absorbent, thereby facilitating the operation and reducing equipment cost in comparison to the conventional extracting agent used in a slurry phase. |
| US08110708B2 |
Synthesizing and utilizing novel ruthenium nanoparticle-activated charcoal-nano-zinc oxide composite catalyst
Ruthenium/activated charcoal (Ru/AC) treated with synthesized nano-ZnO (n-ZnO) is used for the first time as a novel composite catalyst in one-step self-condensation of acetone (DMK) to methyl isobutyl ketone in the gas phase. The DMK self-condensation was performed under atmospheric pressure, in a tubular glass fixed-bed microreactor, under DMK and H2 continuous flow at temperature in the range of 523 to 648 K. Addition of n-ZnO to Ru/AC resulted in a pronounced increase in the degree of dispersion of Ru and in the acidic/basic sites concentration ratio. For the one-step synthesis of MIBK at 623 K, the composite catalyst with 2.5 wt % Ru loading was an active and selective bi-functional composite catalyst with balanced acid/base and hydrogenation properties. At 523 K, isopropyl alcohol, product of DMK-direct hydrogenation, was produced in high selectivity for instantly investigated composite catalyst. The catalytic performance depended on the composite catalyst identity, DMK flow rate, H2 flow rate, and reaction temperature. |
| US08110706B2 |
Formoterol tartrate process and polymorph
A method of preparation of a highly pure salt of R,R-formoterol L-tartrate is disclosed. The process provides the most thermodynamically stable polymorph by recrystallization of a novel polymorph. |
| US08110703B2 |
Retinoid derivative and pharmaceutical composition and use thereof
The invention relates to a retinoid derivative and pharmaceutical composition and use thereof. The compound of the invention is capable of preventing or treating hematological tumors, such as acute leukemia, chronic leukemia, multiple myeloma and lymphoma, solid tumors, such as liver cancer, rectal cancer, mammary cancer and esophagus cancer, and skin disorders, such as psoriasis and acne. |
| US08110696B2 |
Cyclic siloxane compound, a material for forming Si-containing film, and its use
The present invention has the objects to provide a novel material for forming Si-containing film, especially a material containing a cyclic siloxane compound suitable to a PECVD equipment for low dielectric constant insulating film, and to provide an Si-containing film using the same, and a semiconductor device containing those films. The present invention relates to a material for forming Si-containing film, containing a cyclic siloxane compound represented by the following general formula (1) (In the formula, A represents a group containing at least one selected from the group consisting of an oxygen atom, a boron atom and a nitrogen atom, n is 1 or 2, and x is an integer of from 2 to 10.), and its use. |
| US08110693B2 |
Method and device for dissolving solids in liquids
The invention relates to a method and device for dissolving solid bodies with a liquid, in particular for bringing solid bodies of different shapes and sizes, but mainly very course bodies, in contact with liquids, in order to dissolve them by a chemical reaction or dispersion. The device comprises a closed container (1) that is partially filled with the liquid and into which the solid bodies are introduced before being received inside the container (1) into a basket (2) that is movable relative to the container (1), and the solid bodies inside the basket (2) are brought into contact with the liquid. For the solid bodies to be introduced more easily, quickly and also more uniformly into the basket inside the container (1), in order to be dissolved, the basket (2) is suspended inside the container (1) in an oscillating manner, such that it can be moved back and forth, after it is filled with a bulk load of solid bodies, in alternating directions of rotation relative to the container (1). |
| US08110692B2 |
Organic-inorganic hybrid silicates and metal-silicates having an ordered structure
The present invention relates to new organic-inorganic hybrid silicates and metal-silicates called ECS, characterized by an X-ray powder diffraction pattern with reflections exclusively at angular values higher than 4.0° of 2θ, preferably at angular values higher than 4.7°, and an ordered structure containing structural units having formula (a) wherein R is an organic group: Formula (a) and possibly containing one or more elements T selected from groups III B, IV B, V B and transition metals, with a Si/(Si +T) molar ratio in said structure higher than 0.3 and lower than or equal to 1, wherein Si is the silicon contained in the structural unit (a). A process is also described, starting from disilanes, for the preparation of these materials, which does not include the use of templates or surfactants. These materials can be used as molecular sieves, adsorbents, in the field of catalysis, in the field of electronics, in the field of sensors, in the field of nanotechnologies. |
| US08110686B2 |
Azoles as malonyl-CoA decarboxylase inhibitors useful as metabolic modulators
The present invention relates to methods of treatment of certain metabolic diseases, and to novel compounds and their prodrugs, and/or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds useful in treating such diseases. In particular, this invention relates to the use of novel compounds and compositions for treatment of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers, acidosis, and obesity through the inhibition of malonyl-CoA decarboxylase (MCD). These compounds have the formulae (I) and (II), wherein Y, C, R1, R2, R6, and R7 are defined herein. |
| US08110684B2 |
Diaza-spiro [4.5] decanes useful as pesticides
A method of combating and controlling insects, acarines, nematodes or molluscs which comprises applying to a pest, to a locus of a pest, or to a plant susceptible to attack by a pest an insecticidally, acaricidally, nematicidally or molluscicidally effective amount of a compound of formula (I) wherein Y is a single bond, C═O, C═S or S(O)m where m is 0, 1 or 2; and R1, R3, R2 and R8 are defined organic, groups, p is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 or salts or N-oxides thereof; novel compounds and composition's containing them are also provided. |
| US08110683B2 |
Piperidinyl compounds that selectively bind integrins
The invention is directed to piperidinyl compounds that selectively bind integrin receptors and methods for treating an integrin mediated disorder. |
| US08110680B2 |
Optically active quaternary ammonium salt having axial asymmetry, and method for producing alpha-amino acid and derivative thereof by using the same
The present invention discloses an optically active quarternary ammonium salt having axial asymmetry and a method for producing an α-amino acid and a derivative thereof using the same. The optically active quarternary ammonium salt having axial asymmetry of the present invention is a chiral phase-transfer catalyst that has a simple structure and that can be produced in a smaller number of process steps. The compound of the present invention is very useful as a phase-transfer catalyst in the synthesis of an α-alkyl-α-amino acid and a derivative thereof as well as an α,α-dialkyl-α-amino acid and a derivative thereof. Therefore, the compound of the present invention can be used in the development of novel foods and pharmaceuticals. |
| US08110679B2 |
Nanofilm and membrane compositions
Nanofilms useful for filtration are prepared from oriented amphiphilic molecules and oriented macrocyclic modules. The amphiphilic species may be oriented on an interface or surface. The nanofilm may be prepared by depositing or attaching an oriented layer to a substrate. A nanofilm may also be prepared by coupling the oriented macrocyclic modules to provide a membrane. |
| US08110673B2 |
Aggregation sensor and solutions and kits comprising the same
This invention relates to an aggregation sensor useful for the detection and analysis of aggregants in a sample, and methods, articles and compositions relating to such a sensor. The sensor comprises first and second optically active units, where energy may be transferred from an excited state of the first optically active unit to the second optically active unit. The second optically active unit is present in a lesser amount, but its relative concentration is increased upon aggregation, increasing its absorption of energy from the first optically active units. This increase in energy transfer can be detected in variety of formats to produce an aggregation sensing system for various aggregants, including for quantitation. Other variations of the inventions are described further herein. |
| US08110672B2 |
Promoter engineering and genetic control
The present invention relates to expression cassettes libraries of expression vectors comprising the same, wherein each vector comprises at least one gene of interest and a promoter operatively linked thereto wherein each promoter comprises a nucleic acid, whose sequence is randomly mutated with respect to that of another in the library and cells comprising the same. Methods utilizing either the libraries or cells of this invention, in optimizing gene expression, protein expression, or optimized gene or protein delivery are described. |
| US08110668B2 |
Sperm-specific cation channel, catsper-3 and uses therefor
Nucleic acid and protein sequences relating to a cation channel which is sperm-specific (CatSper3) are disclosed. The CatSper3 protein is shown to be specifically expressed in sperm. Nucleic acids, vectors, transformed cells, transgenic animals, polypeptides, and antibodies relating to the CatSper3 gene and protein are disclosed. Also provided are methods of in vitro fertilization and contraception, methods of identifying modulators of CatSper3 activity, methods of genotyping subjects with respect to CatSper3, and methods of diagnosing and treating CatSper3-mediated disorders, including infertility. Related business methods are also disclosed. |
| US08110661B2 |
Anti-IP-10 antibodies and methods of use thereof
The invention relates to fully human antibodies, and fragments thereof, that bind to interferon-inducible-protein-10 (IP-10, CXCL10), thereby modulating the interaction between IP-10 and its receptor, CXCR3, and/or modulating the biological activities of IP-10. The invention also relates to the use of such anti-IP-10 antibodies in the prevention or treatment of immune-related disorders and in the amelioration of one or more symptoms associated with an immune-related disorder. |
| US08110654B2 |
T cell epitope peptides of ovarian cancer anti-idiotypic antibody 6B11 and use thereof
The present invention provides two T-cell epitode peptides of anti-idiotype antibody 6B11 of ovarian cancer, the sequences of which are shown in SEQ ID NO:3 or 6. The present invention also provides the use of such T-cell epitope peptides in the manufacture of vaccines against ovarian cancer and in the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer. The T-cell epitope peptides of the present invention could specifically kill ovarian cancer cells which are OC166-9 positive, and could find a wide use in the treatment and prevention of ovarian cancer. |
| US08110648B2 |
Siloxanes containing methylol groups
N-methylol-containing organosiloxane polymers further containing at least one Si-bonded N-hydrocarbyl-N-(methylol or methalkoxy)-hydrocarbyl group are storage stable and retain their ability to post-crosslink, and display excellent permanence on many substrates. They are particularly useful for the treatment of fibers, textiles, and leather. |
| US08110647B2 |
Process for the preparation of an organopolysiloxane functionalized with a benzalmalonate by hydrosilylation in the presence of a hydroxy carboxylic acid or a cyclic ester thereof
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of an organopolysiloxane functionalized with a benzalmalonate by hydrosilylation, said process involving the use of a hydroxy carboxylic acid or a cyclic ester thereof. |
| US08110646B2 |
Preparation of triorganosiloxy end-capped organopolysiloxane
A triorganosiloxy end-capped organopolysiloxane, i.e., organopolysiloxane having a backbone consisting essentially of repeating (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)methylsiloxane units and end-capped with triorganosiloxy groups is prepared by copolymerizing tris(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)trimethylcyclo-trisiloxane with a silanol end-capped organopolysiloxane in the presence of an alkyllithium or lithium silanolate catalyst to form a silanol end-capped copolymer, and adding a trialkylsilyl triflate or strong acid in excess relative to the catalyst and a hexaorganodisilazane for effecting end-capping and neutralization. |
| US08110637B2 |
Room temperature curable silicon group-containing polymer composition
Disclosed is a room temperature curable silicon group-containing polymer composition containing a reactive silicon group-containing polymer (A) having a group represented by the formula (1) at an end of the main chain, which is obtained through a reaction between a polyoxypropylene polyol and a γ-isocyanate propyltrialkoxysilane, a curing catalyst (B), an amino-functional organosiloxane (C), and optionally an inorganic filler (D) which is surface-treated with glycol. Also disclosed is a room temperature curable silicon group-containing polymer composition which contains, as the reactive silicon group-containing polymer (A), a mixture of a polymer (A1) having a reactive silicon-containing group at two or more ends, which is obtained through a reaction between a polyoxypropylene polyol and a γ-isocyanate propyltrialkoxysilane, and another polymer (A2) having a reactive silicon containing-group only at one end, which is obtained through a reaction between a hydroxypolyoxypropylene having a hydroxyl group at one end and a γ-isocyanate propyltrialkoxysilane, a curing catalyst (B) and an amino group-substituted alkoxysilane (C1) or an amino-functional organosiloxane (C2). |
| US08110635B2 |
Method for producing conjugated diene polymer, conjugated diene polymer, and polymer composition
A method for producing a conjugated diene polymer is provided that includes a step of polymerizing a conjugated diene-containing monomer in a hydrocarbon solvent in the presence of an alkali metal catalyst, thus giving a polymer having a catalyst-derived alkali metal at one terminus of a polymer chain comprising a conjugated diene-based monomer unit, and a step of reacting the polymer obtained in the step of polymerizing and a trialkoxysilane compound represented by the formula below. (In the formula, Y and Z independently denote an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom, R1, R2, and R3 independently denote an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, m denotes an integer of 1 to 5, and n denotes an integer of 0 to 5.) There are also provided a conjugated diene polymer produced by the production method, and a polymer composition containing a rubber component that includes the conjugated diene polymer and carbon black and/or silica, the total content of the carbon black and the silica being 5 to 200 parts by weight relative to 100 parts by weight of the rubber component. |
| US08110634B2 |
Sulfenamide accelerators for improved network stabilization of rubber vulcanizates
Sulfenamide derivatives of 4-alkyl substituted 2-mercapto benzothiazole (4m-MBT) as accelerators used in vulcanizable rubber composition having improved ‘Reversion Resistance’ and ‘Modulus & Hardness Stabilization’ properties for sulphur vulcanized tire compounds predominantly based on Natural Rubber or its blends with Polybutadiene (BR) and styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) in which Natural Rubber is the major component thereby improving the overall tire performance, ride safety and tyre service life. |
| US08110633B2 |
Seal for a dispensing apparatus
A seal for a valve for use in a pharmaceutical dispensing device, which seal is formed from a blend comprising: a thermoplastic elastomer including a propylene component with isotactic crystallinity; and a polymer selected from one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene and copolymers thereof. |
| US08110630B2 |
Silicone elastomer gels
Gel compositions containing a silicone elastomer from the reaction of an organohydrogensiloxane having at least two SiH containing cyclosiloxane rings in its molecule, a compound having at least two aliphatic unsaturated hydrocarbon groups in its molecule, and a hydrosilylation catalyst. The silicone elastomer reaction product may itself be a gelled composition, or optionally may be contained in a carrier fluid to form a gel. The gel compositions may further contain a personal or healthcare active. The actives may be incorporated into the gel via either a pre or post load method. |
| US08110629B2 |
Flame-retardant composition
A flame-retardant composition includes: a powdery acid-modified hydrogenated block copolymer (a) having a bulk density of 0.1 to 0.4 g/ml and which is a hydrogenated block copolymer modified by addition of an unsaturated carboxylic acid or a derivative thereof, the hydrogenated block copolymer comprises a polymer block A composed mainly of a vinyl aromatic compound unit and a polymer block B composed mainly of a conjugated diene unit, and has a weight average molecular weight of 50,000 to 500,000; a polyolefin resin (b); a non-aromatic rubber softener (c); and a metal hydrate (d). The flame-retardant composition contains the components (a), (b), (c) and (d) in proportions that satisfy the following relationships (1) to (3): 0.1≦Wa/(Wa+Wb)≦0.9 (1) 0.05≦Wc/(Wa+Wb+Wc)≦0.5 (2) 0.4≦Wd/(Wa+Wb+Wc+Wd)≦0.75 (3) wherein Wa, Wb, Wc and Wd represent masses of the acid-modified hydrogenated block copolymer (a), the polyolefin resin (b), the non-aromatic rubber softener (c) and the metal hydrate (d), respectively. |
| US08110627B2 |
Rubber composition for tire
A rubber composition for a tire superior in low heat build-up (tan δ) and superior in fracture strength is provided. A rubber composition for a tire comprising (B) 5 to 80 parts by mass of silica based on 100 parts by mass of (A) including (a) 10 to 60% by mass of a butadiene rubber including 2.5 to 20% by mass of 1,2-syndiotactic polybutadiene crystals, (b) 5 to 60% by mass of a modified diene rubber and (c) 20 to 75% by mass of a diene rubber other than (a) and (b). |
| US08110624B2 |
Coating compositions containing low VOC compounds
Coating compositions containing coalescents and a latex polymer, wherein the coalescent has a volatile organic content of less than about 50% and is dispersible in the coating composition. |
| US08110605B2 |
Compound for inactivating viruses and bacteria and method of making same
The invention discloses a novel compound effective in inactivating viruses and bacteria. The compound, 2-(10-mercaptodecyl)-propanedioic acid or salts thereof, is shown to disrupt, break down or inactivate viruses and bacteria, thus suppressing infection and proliferation thereof in host cells. A method of chemically synthesizing the novel compound is also disclosed. |
| US08110604B2 |
Methods and composition for treating a material
A composition and method are described for sanitizing or otherwise treating a material such as a non-living surface, living tissue, soil or atmosphere which may be contaminated by a toxin, chemical warfare agent, insect, prion, microorganism or other infectious agent. Also described are methods of making the composition. |
| US08110601B2 |
Compound, α1 adrenergic receptor antagonistic agent, and composition
A novel compound, a novel α1 adrenergic receptor antagonistic agent, and a novel composition are provided which are capable of exerting a therapeutic effect on treatment of hypertension as well as treatment of prostatic hypertrophy and the like. The compound is represented by the following formula (1): |
| US08110596B2 |
Triprenyl phenol compound, process for production of triprenyl phenol compound, and thrombolysis enhancer
The present invention provides a triprenyl phenol compound represented by the following formula (II) and (III) and having a thrombolysis-enhancing activity, and an efficient method for producing the triprenyl phenol compound. In formula (II) and (III), R1 represents an aromatic group having as a substituent or as a part of a substituent at least one member selected from the group consisting of a carboxyl group, a hydroxyl group, a sulfonic acid group and a secondary amino group, or an aromatic group which comprises a secondary amino group and may comprise nitrogen; R4 in the general formula (III) represents an aromatic amino acid residue represented by the general formula (III-1) below; X represents —CHY—(CH3)2Z; and Y and Z are respectively —H or —OH or together form a single bond: (III-1) wherein R5 represents a hydroxyl group which may be present or absent; and n represents an integer of 0 or 1. |
| US08110594B2 |
Diarylthiohydantoin compounds
The present invention relates to diarylthiohydantoin compounds and methods for synthesizing them and using them in the treatment of hormone refractory prostate cancer. |
| US08110590B2 |
Synthesis of epothilones, intermediates thereto and analogues thereof
The present invention provides compounds of formula (I): as described generally and in classes and subclasses herein. The present invention additionally provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising compounds of formula (I) and provides methods of treating cancer comprising administering a compound of formula (I). |
| US08110587B2 |
Aryl ureas as kinase inhibitors
This invention relates to new aryl ureas and methods for their synthesis. The inventive compounds are useful in the treatment of (i) raf mediated diseases, for example, cancer, (ii) p38 mediated diseases such as inflammation and osteoporosis, and (iii) VEGF mediated diseases such as angiogenesis disorders. |
| US08110586B2 |
8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives and their use as monoamine neurotransmitter re-uptake inhibitors
This invention relates to novel 8-aza-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives useful as monoamine neurotransmitter re-uptake inhibitors.In other aspects the invention relates to the use of these compounds in a method for therapy and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the invention. |
| US08110585B2 |
Bicyclic compound and pharmaceutical use thereof
The present invention provides a compound represented by the formula wherein R1 is a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s), amino optionally having substituent(s), hydroxy optionally having a substituent or a heterocyclic group optionally having substituent(s); R2 is a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group optionally having substituent(s); Xa and Xb are each C, N, O or S; Xc and Xd are each C or N; m is 0-2; n is 1-3; ring A is a 5-membered ring optionally having substituent(s); ring B is a 6-membered ring optionally having substituent(s); and ring C is a 3- to 5-membered ring optionally having substituent(s), provided that when Xa, Xc and Xd are each C, then Xb is N or S, or a salt thereof, which is useful as an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of a disease relating to an action of melatonin, and the like. |
| US08110583B2 |
Tetrahydroquinoline derivatives
Compounds of the formula I, in which s, k, I, W, R1, R2, R3, and U have the meanings indicated in claim 1, can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of tumours. |
| US08110582B2 |
Prophylactic treatment of UV-induced epidermal neoplasia
The present invention provides a method of protecting a subject against UV-induced epidermal neoplasia. Generally, the method includes administering to a subject an IRM compound in an amount effective to provide protection against UV-induced epidermal neoplasia. The present invention also provides compositions that include an IRM compound in an amount effective for providing protection against UV-induced epidermal neoplasia. |
| US08110579B2 |
5,6-bisaryl-2-pyridine-carboxamide derivatives, preparation and application thereof in therapeutics as urotensin II receptor antagonists
The present invention relates to derivatives of 5,6-bisaryl-2-pyridine-carboxamide, their preparation and their application in therapeutics as antagonists of urotensin II receptors. |
| US08110578B2 |
Pyrazino[2,3-b]pyrazine mTOR kinase inhibitors for oncology indications and diseases associated with the mTOR/PI3K/Akt pathway
Provided herein are Heteroaryl Compounds having the following structure: wherein R1-R4 are as defined herein, compositions comprising an effective amount of a Heteroaryl Compound and methods for treating or preventing cancer, inflammatory conditions, immunological conditions, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, obesity, neurological disorders, age-related diseases, or cardiovascular conditions, comprising administering an effective amount of a Heteroaryl Compound to a patient in need thereof. |
| US08110577B2 |
Histone deacetylase inhibitors
The present invention provides histone deacetylase inhibitors of general formula (I), a process for the preparation of such compounds and uses of the compounds in medicine, especially in the treatment of cancers and the inhibition of histone deacetylase activity. |
| US08110576B2 |
Substituted pyrrolo[2,3b]pyrazines and methods for treatment of raf protein kinase-mediated indications
Compounds and salts thereof, formulations thereof, conjugates thereof, derivatives thereof, forms thereof and uses thereof are described, wherein the compounds have the formula: In certain aspects and embodiments, the described compounds or salts thereof, formulations thereof, conjugates thereof, derivatives thereof, forms thereof are active on at least one Raf protein kinase. Also described are methods of use thereof to treat diseases and conditions associated with activity of Raf protein kinases, including melanoma, colorectal cancer, thyroid cancer, ovarian cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, pain or polycystic kidney diseases. |
| US08110569B2 |
Enantiomerically pure S-etifoxine, pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of their use
Enantiomerically pure S-etifoxine and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, hydrates or prodrugs thereof are provided. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and methods of treating disorders associated with central nervous system using the compounds and pharmaceutical compositions. |
| US08110564B2 |
Bile acid or bile salt fatty acid conjugates
The present invention relates to the use of a bile acid or bile salt fatty acid conjugate of general formula II W—X-G in which G is a bile acid or bile salt radical, which, if desired, is conjugated in position 24 with a suitable amino acid, W stands for one or two fatty acid radicals having 14-22 carbon atoms and X stands for a suitable bonding member or for a direct C═C bond between said bile acid or bile salt radical and the fatty acid(s) or of a pharmaceutical composition comprising same for the reduction of Cholesterol in blood, for the treatment of Fatty Liver, Hyperglycemia and Diabetes. |
| US08110563B1 |
Fire ant killer (“F.A.K.”)/ insecticide
The present invention features a composition for killing fire ants. In some embodiments, the composition comprises an insecticide and a triclosan composition. In some embodiments, the composition is a liquid composition. |
| US08110561B2 |
Injectable cross-linked polymeric preparations and uses thereof
A therapeutic composition for treatment of a body tissue which includes an aqueous solution of a cross-linked polymer being capable of: (i) maintaining a liquid state in storage at room temperature for at least 24 hours; and (ii) assuming a gel state following deposition within the body tissue. The therapeutic composition can be effectively administered into a damaged body tissue via injection or catheterization, thereby treating the damaged body tissue. |
| US08110556B2 |
Method of expressing human lysosomal protein in brain cells
The gene associated and causative of classical late infantile neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (LINCL), CLN2, has been identified and characterized. The translation product of this gene is a novel protease and a deficiency in this activity results in LINCL. Identification of CLN2 will not only aid in the prevention of LINCL through genetic counseling but provides strategies and test systems for therapeutic intervention. In addition, further characterization of this previously unknown lysosomal enzyme may provide useful insights into other more common human neurodegenerative disorders. Finally, the utility of a general approach for determining the molecular bases for lysosomal disorders of unknown etiology has been demonstrated. |
| US08110554B2 |
Peptides whose uptake by cells is controllable
A generic structure for the peptides of the present invention includes A-X-B-C, where C is a cargo moiety, the B portion includes basic amino acids, X is a cleavable linker sequence, and the A portion includes acidic amino acids. The intact structure is not significantly taken up by cells; however, upon extracellular cleavage of X, the B-C portion is taken up, delivering the cargo to targeted cells. Cargo may be, for example, a contrast agent for diagnostic imaging, a chemotherapeutic drug, or a radiation-sensitizer for therapy. Cleavage of X allows separation of A from B, unmasking the normal ability of the basic amino acids in B to drag cargo C into cells near the cleavage event. X is cleaved extracellularly, preferably under physiological conditions. D-amino acids are preferred for the A and B portions, to minimize immunogenicity and nonspecific cleavage by background peptidases or proteases. |
| US08110552B2 |
Antagonists against interaction of PF4 and RANTES
The invention relates to polypeptides of amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 1 according to formula (1), the use thereof for producing a medicament, and medicaments for the treatment of diseases related to monocyte recruitment. |
| US08110551B2 |
Cytolethal distending toxin and use thereof
This invention relates to immunotoxins and their use. Specifically, the invention relates to compositions comprising Cdt toxins or their inhibitors and their use in methods for treating infectious and proliferative diseases. |
| US08110550B2 |
HDAC inhibitors and hormone targeted drugs for the treatment of cancer
The present invention relates to the methods of treating endocrine-regulated cancers, including hormone resistant cancers, for example. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of increasing the sensitivity of hormone resistant cancers to hormonal therapeutic agents. In particular embodiments, the present invention concerns delivery of a histone deacetylase inhibitor and a hormone targeted drug to an individual with cancer. In specific embodiments, the histone deacetylase inhibitor and the hormone targeted drug act synergistically to treat the cancer, including by overcoming resistance to a cancer therapy. |
| US08110548B2 |
Method for treating cartilage disorders
The present invention relates to a method for the treatment of a cartilage disorder, including cartilage damaged by injury or degenerative cartilagenous disorders. The method involves contacting the cartilage with an IGF-1 analog with altered affinity for IGF-binding proteins (IGFBPs) or an IGFBP displacer peptide that prevents the interaction of an IGF with an IGFBP and does not bind to a human IGF receptor. |
| US08110547B2 |
Compositions for buccal delivery of parathyroid hormone
Compositions and pharmaceutical formulations for buccally delivering parathyroid hormone comprising a) a delivery agent, b) a PTH component and, optionally, c) an antiresorptive agent are provided. |
| US08110546B2 |
VEGF antagonist formulations
Formulations of a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-specific fusion protein antagonist are provided including a pre-lyophilized formulation, a reconstituted lyophilized formulation, and a stable liquid formulation. Preferably, the fusion protein has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:4. |
| US08110545B2 |
Non-proteolysable oligopeptides that inhibit glycoprotein GP41 of the aids virus
The invention relates to non-proteolysable oligopeptides that inhibit glycoprotein 41 of the AIDS virus. More specifically, the invention relates to the identification of oligopeptides, particularly hexapeptides, (D), (L) or mixed, preferably D-hexapeptides, which inhibit the binding of a retrovirus to a target cell, thereby providing novel therapies against infection from the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The invention also relates to the use of said D-hexapeptides in the form of single components or complex mixtures as prophylactic or therapeutic agents for retroviral infections, especially human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). |
| US08110540B2 |
Antigen delivery vectors and constructs
The present invention relates to fluorocarbon vectors for the delivery of antigens to immunoresponsive target cells. It further relates to fluorocarbon vector-antigen constructs and the use of such vectors associated with antigens as vaccines and immunotherapeutics in animals. |
| US08110534B2 |
Cleaning solution for substrate for semiconductor device and process for producing substrate for semiconductor device
To provide a cleaning solution for a substrate for a semiconductor device which is excellent in the ability to remove particles, organic contaminants, metal contaminants and composite contaminants of an organic matter and a metal attached on a substrate surface, whereby the substrate surface can be highly cleaned, without being corroded. Particularly, to provide a cleaning solution which is excellent in the ability to clean low dielectric constant (Low-k) materials on which liquid is easily repelled due to hydrophobic and of which the ability to remove particles is poor.A cleaning solution for a substrate for a semiconductor device, which comprises the following components (A) and (B): (A) an organic acid (B) a nonionic surfactant having an HLB value of from 5 to less than 13. |
| US08110531B2 |
Lubricant additive composition suitable for lubricating, preventing deposit formation, or clean-up of two-stroke engines
A lubricant composition with a total nitrogen content of 0.1 to 0.25 percent by weight suitable for lubricating a two-stroke engine comprising an oil of lubricating viscosity, a synthetic ester, at least one condensation product of a fatty acid having 12 to 24 carbon atoms with a polyamine, and a Mannich dispersant. |
| US08110524B2 |
Gas storage cylinder formed from a composition containing thermally exfoliated graphite
A gas storage cylinder or gas storage cylinder liner, formed from a polymer composite, containing at least one polymer and a modified graphite oxide material, which is a thermally exfoliated graphite oxide with a surface area of from about 300 m2/g to 2600 m2/g. |
| US08110512B2 |
Facing and faced insulation products
A facing laminate for insulation products includes: a foil or metallized polymeric film sheet layer forming an inner layer of the laminate that is adapted be bonded directly to a surface of an insulation product; a paper composite sheet layer, which may include synthetic and/or inorganic fibers, forming an outer exposed layer of the laminate; and a scrim intermediate and bonded to the foil or metallized polymeric film sheet and paper composite sheet layers. The facing laminate may include a humectant and/or a water, oil, and/or grease repellant component. The paper composite sheet layer of the laminate exhibits greater dimensional stability and reduced wrinkling when the laminate is exposed to conditions of high humidity. Insulation products to be faced with this facing laminate include pipe insulation, duct board, duct wrap insulation, metal building insulation, and other building insulation products. |
| US08110506B2 |
Methods of forming fine patterns in semiconductor devices
Methods of forming a semiconductor device can be provided by simultaneously forming a plurality of mask patterns using self-aligned reverse patterning, including respective mask pattern elements having different widths. |
| US08110504B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
The method of manufacturing a semiconductor device according to the present invention includes: an insulating layer forming step of forming an insulating layer made of an insulating material containing Si and O; a groove forming step of forming a groove in the insulating layer; a metal film applying step of covering the inner surface of the groove with a metal film made of MnOx (x: a number greater than zero) by sputtering; and a wire forming step of forming a Cu wire made of a metallic material mainly composed of Cu on the metal film. |
| US08110501B2 |
Method of fabricating landing plug with varied doping concentration in semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a landing plug in a semiconductor memory device, which in one embodiment includes forming a landing plug contact hole on a semiconductor substrate having an impurity region to expose the impurity region; forming a landing plug by filling the landing plug contact hole with a polysilicon layer, wherein the landing plug is divided into a first region, a second region, a third region, and a fourth region from a lower portion of the landing plug, and the first region is doped with a first doping concentration that is relatively lowest, the second region is doped with a second doping concentration that is higher than the first doping concentration, the third region is doped with a third doping concentration that is higher than the second doping concentration and the fourth region is not doped; and annealing the resulting product formed with the landing plug. |
| US08110500B2 |
Mitigation of plating stub resonance by controlling surface roughness
Plating stub resonance in a circuit board may be mitigated by increasing surface roughness of the plating stub conductor. Roughening the plating stub increases its resistance due to the skin effect at higher frequencies, which decreases the quality factor of the transmission line and consequently increases the damping factor, to reduce any resonance that would occur in the plating stub as formed prior to roughening. The surface roughness can be increased in a variety of ways, including chemical processes, by selectively applying a laser beam, or by applying an etch-resistance material in selected locations. |
| US08110499B2 |
Method of forming a contact structure
An insulation layer may be formed on an object having a contact region. The insulation layer may be partially etched to form an opening exposing the contact region. A material layer including silicon and oxygen may be formed on the exposed contact region. A metal layer may be formed on the material layer including silicon and oxygen. The material layer including silicon and oxygen may be reacted with the metal layer to form a metal oxide silicide layer at least on the contact region. A conductive layer may be formed on the metal oxide silicide layer to fill up the opening. |
| US08110496B2 |
Method for performing chemical shrink process over BARC (bottom anti-reflective coating)
A structure and a method for forming the same. The method comprises providing a structure including (a) a hole layer, (b) a BARC (bottom antireflective coating) layer on the top of the hole layer, and (c) a patterned photoresist layer on top of the BARC layer and having a photoresist hole; etching the BARC layer through the photoresist hole to extend the photoresist hole to the hole layer; performing the chemical shrinking process to shrink the extended photoresist hole; and etching the hole layer through the shrunk, extended photoresist hole so as to form a hole in the hole layer. |
| US08110495B2 |
Multilayer wiring structure of semiconductor device, method of producing said multilayer wiring structure and semiconductor device to be used for reliability evaluation
A multilayer wiring structure of a semiconductor device having a stacked structure is arranged to restrain reliability degradation due to stress applied to the region of wiring between opposite upper and lower plugs. The rate of overlap of contact surface between upper plug and wiring on contact surface between lower plug and wiring, is small to the extent that no void is generated. The multilayer wiring structure is produced such that no grain boundary is contained in the region of wiring between upper and lower plugs. The difference in thermal expansion coefficient between the material of wiring and the material of upper and lower plugs, is small to the extent that no void is generated. |
| US08110494B1 |
Systems and methods for maximizing breakdown voltage in semiconductor devices
Systems and methods for maximizing the breakdown voltage of a semiconductor device are described. In a multiple floating guard ring design, the spacing between two consecutive sets of floating guard rings may increase with their distance from the main junction while maintaining depletion region overlap, thereby alleviating crowding and optimally spreading the electric field leading to a breakdown voltage that is close to the intrinsic material limit. In another exemplary embodiment, fabrication of floating guard rings simultaneously with the formation of another semiconductor feature allows precise positioning of the first floating guard ring with respect to the edge of a main junction, as well as precise control of floating guard ring widths and spacings. In yet another exemplary embodiment, design of the vertical separation between doped regions of a semiconductor device adjusts the device's gate-to-source breakdown voltage without affecting the device's pinch-off voltage. |
| US08110491B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device and substrate processing apparatus
A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device of the present invention includes the step of forming an insulating film on a substrate, and the step of forming a high dielectric constant insulating film on the insulating film, and the step of forming a titanium aluminum nitride film on the high dielectric constant insulating film, wherein in the step of forming the titanium aluminum nitride film, formation of an aluminum nitride film and formation of a titanium nitride film are alternately repeated, and at that time, the aluminum nitride film is formed firstly and/or lastly. |
| US08110489B2 |
Process for forming cobalt-containing materials
Embodiments of the invention described herein generally provide methods and apparatuses for forming cobalt silicide layers, metallic cobalt layers, and other cobalt-containing materials. In one embodiment, a method for forming a cobalt silicide containing material on a substrate is provided which includes exposing a substrate to at least one preclean process to expose a silicon-containing surface, depositing a cobalt silicide material on the silicon-containing surface, depositing a metallic cobalt material on the cobalt silicide material, and depositing a metallic contact material on the substrate. In another embodiment, a method includes exposing a substrate to at least one preclean process to expose a silicon-containing surface, depositing a cobalt silicide material on the silicon-containing surface, expose the substrate to an annealing process, depositing a barrier material on the cobalt silicide material, and depositing a metallic contact material on the barrier material. |
| US08110488B2 |
Method for increasing etch rate during deep silicon dry etch
A method of increasing etch rate during deep silicon dry etch by altering the geometric shape of the etch mask is presented. By slightly altering the shape of the etch mask, the etch rate is increased in one area where an oval etch mask is used as compared to another areas where different geometrically-shaped etch masks are used even though nearly the same amount of silicon is exposed. Additionally, the depth of the via can be controlled by using different geometrically-shaped etch masks while maintaining virtually the same size in diameter for all the vias. |
| US08110486B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor wafer by forming a strain relaxation SiGe layer on an insulating layer of SOI wafer
A semiconductor wafer is produced at a step of forming a lattice relaxation or a partly lattice-relaxed strain relaxation SiGe layer on an insulating layer in a SOI wafer comprising an insulating layer and a SOI layer, wherein at least an upper layer side portion of the SiGe layer is formed on the SOI layer at a gradient of Ge concentration gradually decreasing toward the surface and then subjected to a heat treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere. |
| US08110482B2 |
Miscut semipolar optoelectronic device
A method for improved growth of a semipolar (Al,In,Ga,B)N semiconductor thin film using an intentionally miscut substrate. Specifically, the method comprises intentionally miscutting a substrate, loading a substrate into a reactor, heating the substrate under a flow of nitrogen and/or hydrogen and/or ammonia, depositing an InxGa1-xN nucleation layer on the heated substrate, depositing a semipolar nitride semiconductor thin film on the InxGa1-xN nucleation layer, and cooling the substrate under a nitrogen overpressure. |
| US08110477B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming high-frequency circuit structure and method thereof
A semiconductor device is made by providing an integrated passive device (IPD). Through-silicon vias (TSVs) are formed in the IPD. A capacitor is formed over a surface of the IPD by depositing a first metal layer over the IPD, depositing a resistive layer over the first metal layer, depositing a dielectric layer over the first metal layer, and depositing a second metal layer over the resistive and dielectric layers. The first metal layer and the resistive layer are electrically connected to form a resistor and the first metal layer forms a first inductor. A wafer supporter is mounted over the IPD using an adhesive material and a third metal layer is deposited over the IPD. The third metal layer forms a second inductor that is electrically connected to the capacitor and the resistor by the TSVs of the IPD. An interconnect structure is connected to the IPD. |
| US08110476B2 |
Memory cell that includes a carbon-based memory element and methods of forming the same
In accordance with aspects of the invention, a method of forming a memory cell is provided, the method including forming a steering element above a substrate, and forming a memory element coupled to the steering element, wherein the memory element comprises a carbon-based material having a thickness of not more than ten atomic layers. The memory element may be formed by repeatedly performing the following steps: forming a layer of a carbon-based material, the layer having a thickness of about one monolayer, and subjecting the layer of carbon-based material to a thermal anneal. Other aspects are also described. |
| US08110474B2 |
Method of making micromodules including integrated thin film inductors
Micromodules and methods of making them are disclosed. An exemplary micromodule includes a substrate having a thin film inductor, and a bumped die mounted on the substrate and over the thin film inductor. |
| US08110473B2 |
Semiconductor device comprising multilayer dielectric film and related method
A semiconductor device including a multilayer dielectric film and a method for fabricating the semiconductor device are disclosed. The multilayer dielectric film includes a type-one dielectric film having a tetragonal crystalline structure, wherein the type-one dielectric film comprises a first substance. The multilayer dielectric film also comprises a type-two dielectric film also having a tetragonal crystalline structure, wherein the type-two dielectric film comprises a second substance different from the first substance and a dielectric constant of the type-two dielectric film is greater than a dielectric constant of the type-one dielectric film. |
| US08110472B2 |
High power and high temperature semiconductor power devices protected by non-uniform ballasted sources
A semiconductor power device is formed on a semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor power device includes a plurality of transistor cells distributed over different areas having varying amount of ballasting resistances depending on a local thermal dissipation in each of the different areas. An exemplary embodiment has the transistor cells with a lower ballasting resistance formed near a peripheral area and the transistor cells having a higher ballasting resistance are formed near a bond pad area. Another exemplary embodiment comprises cells with a highest ballasting resistance formed in an area around a wire-bonding pad, the transistor cells having a lower resistance are formed underneath the wire-bonding pad connected to bonding wires for dissipating heat and the transistor cells having a lowest ballasting resistance are formed in an areas away from the bonding pad. |
| US08110469B2 |
Graded dielectric layers
Graded dielectric layers and methods of fabricating such dielectric layers provide dielectrics in a variety of electronic structures for use in a wide range of electronic devices and systems. In an embodiment, a dielectric layer is graded with respect to a doping profile across the dielectric layer. In an embodiment, a dielectric layer is graded with respect to a crystalline structure profile across the dielectric layer. In an embodiment, a dielectric layer is formed by atomic layer deposition incorporating sequencing techniques to generate a doped dielectric material. |
| US08110468B2 |
DMOS-transistor having improved dielectric strength of drain and source voltages
A DMOS-transistor having enhanced dielectric strength includes a first well region. A highly doped source region is located in the first well region and is complementarily doped thereto. A highly doped bulk connection region is located in the first well region and has the same type of doping as the first well region. A gate electrode and a gate insulation layer for forming a transistor channel are included on a surface of the first well region. The DMOS-transistor further comprises an isolation structure, a highly doped drain doping region, and a second well complementarily doped to the first well region. The second well accommodates the first well region and the drain doping region. A highly doped region is formed at least adjacent to the second well and has the same type of doping as the second well for enhancing the dielectric strength of the highly doped source region. |
| US08110463B2 |
Method of fabricating semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device includes a first step of forming a defect suppression film suppressing increase in a defect due to implantation of an impurity on a semiconductor substrate, a second step of forming an active region on a surface of the semiconductor substrate by implanting the impurity through the defect suppression film, a third step of removing the defect suppression film and a fourth step of forming an interface state suppression film suppressing increase in an interface state density of the active region on the active region. |
| US08110451B2 |
Method for manufacturing light emitting device
A method for manufacturing a light emitting device, includes: forming a first multilayer body including a first substrate, a first semiconductor layer provided on the first substrate and having a light emitting layer, and a first metal layer provided on the first semiconductor layer; forming a second multilayer body including a second substrate having a thermal expansion coefficient different from a thermal expansion coefficient of the first substrate, and a second metal layer provided on the second substrate; a first bonding step configured to heat the first metal layer and the second metal layer being in contact with each other; removing the first substrate after the first bonding step; and a second bonding step configured to perform, after the removing, heating at a temperature higher than a temperature of the first bonding step. |
| US08110446B2 |
Method of making a semiconductor chip assembly with a post/base heat spreader and a conductive trace
A method of making a semiconductor chip assembly includes providing a post and a base, mounting an adhesive on the base including inserting the post into an opening in the adhesive, mounting a conductive layer on the adhesive including aligning the post with an aperture in the conductive layer, then flowing the adhesive into and upward in a gap located in the aperture between the post and the conductive layer, solidifying the adhesive, then providing a conductive trace that includes a pad, a terminal and a selected portion of the conductive layer, mounting a semiconductor device on a heat spreader that includes the post and the base, electrically connecting the semiconductor device to the conductive trace and thermally connecting the semiconductor device to the heat spreader. |
| US08110443B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of fabricating semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a semiconductor device from a semiconductor wafer, having external connecting terminals on one side of the semiconductor wafer and a cover layer on another side of the semiconductor wafer, includes forming a groove with a first width from the one side to at least an interface between the semiconductor wafer and the cover layer in the semiconductor wafer, and cutting the cover layer with a second width from a bottom side of the groove. The second width is narrower than the first width. |
| US08110440B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming overlapping semiconductor die with coplanar vertical interconnect structure
A semiconductor device is made by forming first and interconnect structures over a first semiconductor die. A third interconnect structure is formed in proximity to the first die. A second semiconductor die is mounted over the second and third interconnect structures. An encapsulant is deposited over the first and second die and first, second, and third interconnect structures. A backside of the second die is substantially coplanar with the first interconnect structure and a backside of the first semiconductor die is substantially coplanar with the third interconnect structure. The first interconnect structure has a height which is substantially the same as a combination of a height of the second interconnect structure and a thickness of the second die. The third interconnect structure has a height which is substantially the same as a combination of a height of the second interconnect structure and a thickness of the first die. |
| US08110439B2 |
Method of stacking and interconnecting semiconductor packages via electrical connectors extending between adjoining semiconductor packages
An electronic component is disclosed including a plurality of stacked semiconductor packages. A first such embodiment includes an internal connector for electrically coupling the stacked semiconductor packages. A second such embodiment includes an external connector for electrically coupling the stacked semiconductor packages. |
| US08110423B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor light-emitting device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor light-emitting device which includes the steps of forming a plurality of light-emitting device sections (40), having an approximately rectangular shape in plan view, on a substrate (10) in a matrix shape, forming a first dividing groove (61) between the long sides (41) of the light-emitting device sections (40) so that the long side (41) of the light-emitting device section (40) is along an easily cleaved plane of the substrate (10), forming a second dividing groove (62), having a larger width than the width of the first dividing groove (61), between short sides (42) of the light-emitting device sections (40), and dividing the substrate (10) along a first dividing groove (61) and a second dividing groove (62) to cut out the light-emitting device section (40). |
| US08110419B2 |
Process of manufacturing photovoltaic device
An inline process for manufacturing a photovoltaic device on a removable substrate is disclosed. The process discloses two semiconductor layers forming an active region; at least one of the semiconductor layers is formed by a high-purity plasma spray process; optional layers include a release layer, one or more barrier layers, a cap layer, a conductive support layer, a mechanical support layer, an anti-reflection layer, and distributed Bragg reflector. The process may also be used to form multiple active regions. |
| US08110412B2 |
Integrated circuit wafer system with control strategy
An integrated circuit wafer system includes an integrated circuit wafer, measuring thicknesses of the integrated circuit wafer, calculating a change in temperature ramp rates and thickness offsets for subsequent processing based on the temperature ramp rates for prior processing and the resultant thicknesses, and calculating an average temperature and deposition time for subsequent processing based on calculated changes in temperature ramp rates, coupled with the average temperature, deposition time for prior processing, and the resultant thicknesses. |
| US08110409B2 |
Method to measure serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis
This invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and quantitatively measure the concentrations of different liver fibrosis-associated serum biomarkers in a serum sample, which can be used for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. It also discloses an efficient formula to make a mixed SAM that can greatly enhance the immobilization ability of the metal surface in SPR based techniques, which is good for the immobilization of relevant antibodies used for the detection of liver fibrosis-associated serum biomarkers for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis. |
| US08110404B2 |
Luminescent lanthanide binding chelates
Lanthanide chelates derived from diazacrown ethers having two ethyliminodiacetic acid side chains have increased ability to bind lanthanide ions. |
| US08110402B2 |
Metal abstraction peptide (MAP) tag and associated methods
Compositions comprising a tripeptide having the sequence XC1C2; wherein X is any amino acid such that XC1C2 is capable of binding a metal in a square planar orientation or square pyramidal orientation or both; and wherein C1 and C2 are the same or different; and wherein C1 and C2 individually are chosen from a cysteine and a cysteine-like nonnatural amino acid, as well as metal-XC1C2 complexes and methods for forming such complexes. |
| US08110401B2 |
Blend dyes and method of identifying leaks
A blended dye for use in a coolant. In one embodiment of the invention, the blended dye includes a first water miscible dye adapted to fluoresce when illuminated with a light. The first dye preferably has a wavelength of about 340 nm to about 420 nm. The blended dye also includes a second water miscible dye adapted to fluoresce when illuminated with a light having a wavelength of about 400 nm to about 460 nm. The second dye has a different composition from the first dye. |
| US08110394B2 |
Culture microscope apparatus
A culture microscope apparatus has an illumination unit to apply excitation light to the specimen, a specimen observing portion to observe light generated from the specimen due to the excitation light, and a dimmer unit to dim the excitation light that has penetrated the specimen. |
| US08110388B2 |
Lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase genes
The present invention provides novel lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase genes.A nucleic acid comprising the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, 3, 36 or 37 or a fragment thereof. |
| US08110382B2 |
Process for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide
A process is provided for producing glycolic acid from formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide. More specifically, heat-treated formaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide are reacted to produce glycolonitrile having low concentrations of impurities. The glycolonitrile is subsequently converted to an aqueous solution of ammonium glycolate using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity derived from Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 57746). Glycolic acid is recovered in the form of the acid or salt from the aqueous ammonium glycolate solution using a variety of methods described herein. |
| US08110381B2 |
L-glutamic acid-producing bacterium and method for production of L-glutamic acid
A method for producing L-glutamic acid by culturing a coryneform bacterium in which the gluX is inactivated in a medium to produce L-glutamic acid in the medium or cells, and collecting L-glutamic acid from the medium. |
| US08110374B2 |
Method for predicting the risk of transplant rejection and immunological testkit
The invention relates to a method and an immunological test kit for predicting the risk of transplant rejection by detecting anti-AT1 receptor auto-antibodies in biological materials of a patient to be examined, e.g. by an immune reaction with the AT1 receptor or functionally analogous peptides or proteins thereof. The invention is also directed to the use of the AT1 receptor or functionally analogous peptides or proteins in order to predict (diagnose) the risk of transplant rejection. Said risk exists if anti-AT1 receptor auto-antibodies can be detected in such biological materials, e.g. in body fluids or tissues. |
| US08110373B2 |
Methods and compositions for treating and diagnosing diseases
Methods and compositions for diagnosing and treating diseases, particularly cancer, associated with differential expression of cancer-associated targets (CAT) in disease cells compared to healthy cells are provided. Also provided are antagonists and agonists of CAT, and methods for screening agents that modulate CAT level or activity in vivo or in vitro. |
| US08110372B2 |
Methods for detecting modulators of cytokine receptor zalpha11
Novel polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and related compositions and methods are disclosed for zalpha11, a novel cytokine receptor. The polypeptides may be used within methods for detecting ligands that stimulate the proliferation and/or development of hematopoietic, lymphoid and myeloid cells in vitro and in vivo. Ligand-binding receptor polypeptides can also be used to block ligand activity in vitro and in vivo. The polynucleotides encoding zalpha11, are located on chromosome 16, and can be used to identify a region of the genome associated with human disease states. The present invention also includes methods for producing the protein, uses therefor and antibodies thereto. |
| US08110370B2 |
IBC-1 (Invasive Breast Cancer-1), a putative oncogene amplified in breast cancer
This invention encompasses antibodies specific for IBC-1 (Invasive Breast Cancer-1), methods for diagnosis and prognosis of metastatic breast cancer and degenerative neural conditions, methods of identifying and manufacturing therapeutic compounds, and methods of treating patients with invasive and metastatic breast cancer or degenerative neural conditions. |
| US08110367B2 |
Methods for diagnosing renal disorders
The present invention relates to methods for diagnosing the presence and progress of pathologies characterized by an accumulation of the extracellular matrix components by measuring the level of Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) in a sample. The method of the present invention is directed to diagnosing kidney fibrosis and associated renal disorders, in particular, complications associated with diabetes, hyperglycemia, and hypertension. |
| US08110362B2 |
Method for determining a tongue cancer
An object is to provide: a method for determining a tongue cancer in which the malignancy of tongue cancer can be objectively and accurately determined; a method for analyzing a tongue cancer tissue specimen; and a kit for analyzing a tongue cancer tissue specimen. There is provided: a method for determining a tongue cancer, comprising measuring mRNA quantity of an integrin family gene and a reference gene in the tongue cancer tissue specimen, and determining the malignancy of the tongue cancer based on a ratio of the mRNA quantity of the integrin family gene/the mRNA quantity of the reference gene; a method for analyzing a tongue cancer tissue specimen, comprising the steps of measuring mRNA quantity of an integrin family gene and a reference gene in the tongue cancer tissue specimen, and correlating a ratio of the mRNA quantity of the integrin family gene/the mRNA quantity of the reference gene with clinical data; and a kit for analyzing a tongue cancer tissue specimen. |
| US08110353B2 |
Engineered toehold reactions and networks
A catalytic system and method of catalyzing reactions that uses a novel toehold exchange mechanism that allows a specified input to catalyze the release of a specified output, which in turn can serve as a catalyst for other reactions is provided. This toehold exchange catalyst system, which can be driven forward by the configurational entropy of the released molecule, provides an amplifying circuit element that is simple, fast, modular, composable, and robust. Using this toehold exchange catalyst system it has been possible to construct and characterize several circuits that amplify nucleic acid signals, including a feed-forward cascade with quadratic kinetics and a positive feedback circuit with exponential growth kinetics. |
| US08110346B2 |
Process for preserving tissues
A process for preserving tissues is described which comprises transferring the tissues in a container and evacuating the container. |
| US08110345B2 |
High resolution lithography system and method
Provided are a high resolution lithography system and method. In one example, a method for producing a pattern on a substrate includes separating the pattern into at least a first sub-pattern containing lines oriented in a first direction and a second sub-pattern containing lines oriented in a second direction. Lines oriented in the first direction are created on a first layer of photosensitive material on the substrate using a first standing wave interference pattern. A portion of the created lines are trimmed to create the first sub-pattern. A second layer of photosensitive material is applied to the substrate after creating the first sub-pattern. Lines oriented in the second direction are created on the second layer using a second standing wave interference pattern. A portion of the created lines are trimmed to create the second sub-pattern. |
| US08110343B2 |
Manufacturing method for optical recording and reproducing medium stamper
In an optical recording and reproducing medium having a groove 2 formed along a recording track and which is recorded and/or reproduced with irradiation of light L having a predetermined wavelength λ, a track pitch p of the groove 2 is selected in a range of from 200 nm to 350 nm and a ratio wg′/p between a width wg of the groove 2 and the track pitch p is selected in a range of from 0.24 to 0.67. |
| US08110339B2 |
Multi-tone resist compositions
Multi-tone resists can enhance the resolution limit of a lithographic process by advantageously using the changeable solubility of a resist composition as a function of lithographic radiation dosage. By imaging a multi-tone resist with different doses of lithographic radiation in a selected pattern, the pattern can be imparted to the resist upon subsequent development of the resist. In some aspects, a resist composition is utilized having an aliphatic polymer (e.g., a copolymer with fluoropolymer units and/or methacrylate units) with acid labile groups and a plurality of crosslinkable groups that can be crosslinked to other portions of the aliphatic polymer. Other components such as base generators and/or crosslinking agents can also be included. Such compositions can be useful in extending the resolution of UV lithographic radiation processes (e.g., wavelengths less than 200 nm). Other aspects of such compositions and methods are also discussed. |
| US08110338B2 |
Heat-sensitive positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor
A heat-sensitive positive-working lithographic printing plate precursor includes a support having a hydrophilic surface or which is provided with a hydrophilic layer, a heat-sensitive coating including an IR absorbing agent, a phenolic resin, and a first polymer, wherein the first polymer is an alkaline soluble polymer including a monomeric unit having a structure according to Formula I or Formula II, wherein at least one of the aromatic groups Ar1 and Ar2 is an optionally substituted heteroaromatic group: |
| US08110335B2 |
Resist patterning process and manufacturing photo mask
There is disclosed a resist patterning process with a minimum line width of 65 nanometers or less may be formed by using a resist composition containing a polymer, as a base polymer of a chemically-amplified resist composition, composed of a styrene unit whose hydroxyl group is protected by an acid labile group, and an indene unit, and/or an acenaphthalene unit, wherein the polymer has the weight-average molecular weight of 4,000 to 7,000, and in particular, 4,500 to 5,500. One of the currently existing problems to be solved is the line edge roughness. To solve this problem by an acid-generator and a basic compound, there is a problem of the trade-off relationship with a resolution power. There can be provided a resist composition having a high resolution containing a base polymer such as hydroxystyrene that is protected by an acid labile group, a resist patterning process with a pattern rule of 65 nanometers or less having a reduced line edge roughness. |
| US08110331B2 |
Electrophotographic developer and image forming method
An electrophotographic developer including: magnetic particles, and a toner containing toner particles charged with the magnetic particles and having a particle diameter distribution, wherein the toner exhibits cumulative toner weight distributions of both square of charge amount q2 [C2] and attachment force F [N] per particle with respect to a representative toner particle diameter in the particle diameter distribution, giving a linear approximation of plots of the attachment force F [N] versus the square of charge amount q2 [C2] per particle at a plurality of corresponding cumulative toner weight ratios, and the linear approximation satisfies a slope of the linear approximation of from 5×1020 to 3×1022 and a squared multiple correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.6 or more. As a result, the developer allows good control of transferability under the control of an electric field and allows a reduction in transfer residual amount of the toner. |
| US08110330B2 |
Toner, developer, toner container, process cartridge, image forming method, and image forming apparatus
To provide a toner that contains at least a binder resin, a colorant, a releasing agent and zeolite, the toner being manufactured through O/W type wet granulation and having an average circularity of 0.970 or greater, and a developer and image forming method using the toner. |
| US08110328B2 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor, process cartridge and image forming apparatus
An electrophotographic photoreceptor comprising a conductive support and a photosensitive layer provided on or above the conductive support, the photosensitive layer having an outermost layer comprising a cured product of a composition comprising a curable resin, a surfactant containing a fluorine atom, and a charge transporting organic compound having a specific structure. |
| US08110327B2 |
Fluorinated nano diamond anticurl backside coating (ACBC) photoconductors
A photoconductor that includes a first layer, a supporting substrate thereover, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer of at least one charge transport component, and wherein the first layer is in contact with the supporting substrate on the reverse side thereof, and which first layer includes a fluorinated nano diamond component. |
| US08110326B2 |
Electrophotographic photoreceptor, image forming apparatus, and process cartridge
An electrophotographic photoreceptor including a conductive substrate and a photosensitive layer located overlying the conductive substrate which includes a naphthalenetetracarboxylic acid diimide derivative having a specific formula; and an image forming apparatus and a process cartridge using the electrophotographic photoreceptor are provided. |
| US08110325B2 |
Substrate treatment method
A substrate treatment method including a first treatment process (S13 to S16) for exposing, heating, and developing a substrate on which a first resist is formed, thereby forming a first resist pattern, and a second treatment process (S17 to S20) for forming a second resist film on the substrate on which the first resist pattern is formed, exposing, heating, and developing the substrate on which the second resist film is formed, thereby forming a second resist pattern. Also, the substrate treatment method compensates a first treatment condition in a first treatment process (S22 to S25) based on a measured value of a line width of the second resist pattern and a second treatment condition in a second treatment process (S26 to S29) based on a measured value of a line width of the first resist pattern. |
| US08110324B2 |
Photosensitive resin composition, light-shielding color filter and production process therefor, and image sensor
A photosensitive resin composition is provided that includes at least (A) titanium black, (B) two or more types of polymerizable compounds, (C) a resin, (D) a photopolymerization initiator, and (E) an organic solvent. There are also provided a light-shielding color filter formed by using the photosensitive resin composition, and a process for producing a light-shielding color filter, the process including a step of coating a substrate with the photosensitive resin composition, a step of imagewise exposing, and a step of developing to form a pattern. Furthermore, there is provided an image sensor that includes the light-shielding color filter. |
| US08110323B2 |
Optically semitransmissive film, photomask blank and photomask, and method for designing optically semitransmissive film
The present invention provides an optically semitransmissive film that has a near-zero phase shift, has a desired transmissivity, and is relatively thin; a novel phase-shift mask that uses the optically semitransmissive film; a photomask blank that can [be used to] manufacture the phase-shift mask; and a method for designing the optically semitransmissive film. The film is formed on a translucent substrate and transmits a portion of light having a desired wavelength λ, wherein the film has at least one phase-difference reduction layer that fulfills the following functions. Specifically, the phase-difference reduction layer is a layer that has a refractive index n and a thickness d that satisfy the expression 0 |
| US08110322B2 |
Method of mask forming and method of three-dimensional microfabrication
The invention provides a method for forming a selective mask on a surface of a layer of AlXGaYIn1-X-YAsZP1-Z or AlXGaYIn1-X-YNZAs1-Z (0≦X≦1, 0≦Y≦1, 0≦Z≦1), which is a method for forming a mask with a minute width suitable for microfabrication in nano-order.(1) An energy beam 4a, 4b is selectively irradiated onto a natural oxide layer 2 formed on the surface of the layer 1 of AlXGaYIn1-X-YAsZP1-Z or AlXGaYIn1-X-YNZAs1-Z. (2) Of the natural oxide layer 2, parts other than parts onto which the energy beam 4a, 4b has been irradiated is removed by heating. (3) The natural oxide layer 2 of the parts onto which the energy beam 4a, 4b has been irradiated is partially removed by heating while alternatively carrying out a rise and fall in heating temperature. |
| US08110319B2 |
Fuel cell stack components
An interconnect for a fuel cell stack includes a first set of gas flow channels in a first portion of the interconnect, and a second set of gas flow channels in second portion of the interconnect. The channels of the first set have a larger cross sectional area than the channels of the second set. |
| US08110316B2 |
Fuel cell
A first metal separator of one of adjacent power generation cells and a second metal separator of the other of the adjacent power generation cells are directly stacked together to form a coolant flow field. The first metal separator has a press line protruding toward the coolant flow field, between a fuel gas flow field and an inlet buffer. The second metal separator has a press line protruding toward the coolant flow field, between an oxygen-containing gas flow field and an inlet buffer. The press lines contact each other to limit flow of the coolant into a back surface buffer. |
| US08110314B2 |
Means of stabilizing electrolyte in a direct carbon-air fuel cell based on a molten metal hydroxide electrolyte
A system and a method for suppressing the build up of metal carbonates in the electrolyte, using a porous cell separator is used to allow the use of different electrolyte compositions around the anode (anolyte) and the cathode (catholyte). This cell configuration enables the oxygen cathode to operate in a molten hydroxide electrolyte, and the carbon anode to operate in mixed carbonate-hydroxide melt, so that most of the advantages of using a molten hydroxide electrolyte will be retained. |
| US08110312B2 |
Fuel cell system and starting method therefor
A fuel cell system and a starting method therefore prevent problems when the system is started. The fuel cell system includes a fuel cell, a secondary battery that is electrically connected with the fuel cell, and a cell temperature sensor that detects a temperature of the fuel cell. Energy which is necessary for starting the fuel cell system is calculated based on the temperature of the fuel cell detected by the cell temperature sensor. The calculated value is used as a threshold for determining a start-up mode of the fuel cell system. |
| US08110310B2 |
Power generating plant
Coal is reacted in a furnace 22 to obtain a coal gasification gas. The coal gasification gas is cooled by a gas cooler 23, passed through a porous filter 24, and desulfurized by a desulfurizer 25 to produce a CO-containing gas as an anode. The CO gas-containing gas is subjected to an exothermic reaction in a shift reactor 26 to form H2 and CO2, and the anode gas containing H2 is supplied to an anode 7 of MCFC 2. Thus, in the absence of an extra heat source and a heat exchange source, a desired anode gas is obtained from the coal gasification gas, and with heat buildup of the MCFC 2 being inhibited and its performance being maintained, reduction of CO2 is taken into consideration. A power generating plant equipped with the MCFC 2 capable of using a coal gasification fuel substantially containing a CO gas is thus achieved. |
| US08110307B2 |
Negative electrode for lithium secondary battery, method for producing same, and lithium secondary battery comprising such negative electrode for lithium secondary battery
A negative electrode 100 for a lithium secondary battery includes: a current collector 11; a negative-electrode active material body 12 supported by the current collector 11, the negative-electrode active material body 12 having a chemical composition represented as SiOx (0.1≦x≦1.2); and a covering layer 14 formed on the negative-electrode active material body 12, the covering layer 14 having a chemical composition composed of silicon dioxide. The covering layer 12 has a thickness which is greater than 1 nm and no more than 10 nm. |
| US08110305B2 |
Rechargeable lithium battery
A rechargeable lithium battery including: a negative electrode comprising lithium-vanadium oxide having the following Formula 1 and being capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions, and a carbon-based material; a positive electrode comprising a positive active material capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions; and an electrolyte comprising a monomer including alkylene oxide and a reactive double bond, a lithium salt, and a non-aqueous organic solvent. LixMyVzO2+d Chemical Formula 1 In Formula 1, 0.1≦x≦2.5, 0≦y≦0.5, 0.5≦z≦1.5, 0≦d≦0.5, and M is at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Al, Cr, Mo, Ti, W, and Zr. |
| US08110304B2 |
Packing material for lithium cell and production method thereof
A packing material for a lithium cell of the present invention includes a first adhesive layer, an aluminum foil layer, a coating layer, an adhesive resin layer or a second adhesive layer, and a sealant layer laminated sequentially onto one surface of a base material layer, wherein the coating layer includes a layer (A) in which 1 to 100 parts by mass of a phosphoric acid or a phosphate has been blended into 100 parts by mass of a rare earth element based oxide. |
| US08110302B2 |
Battery pack
Provided is a battery pack in which the production of heat due to passage of current in a connector for connecting secondary batteries in parallel is made uniform to increase service life and reduce maintenance costs. A positive terminal connector 14 comprises a connector 14 with through-holes 18. The connector 14 is divided into two regions: a distant region which is distant from the portion connected to an external terminal; and a close region which is close to the connection portion and has the same area as the distant region. The connector 14 is formed so that the open area ratio of the distant region is greater than that of the close region. Thus, the electrical resistance of the close region can be made smaller than that of the distant region. Therefore, the production of heat due to passage of current in the close region can be suppressed. |
| US08110299B2 |
Granular perpendicular media interlayer for a storage device
An apparatus and method are provided for improving perpendicular magnetic recording media. The present invention provides media, and a method of fabricating media in a cost-effective manner, with a reduced ruthenium (Ru) content interlayer structure, while meeting media performance requirements. A perpendicular magnetic recording medium is provided comprising a non-magnetic substrate having a surface, and a layer stack situated on the substrate surface. The layer stack comprises, in overlying sequence from the substrate surface a magnetically soft underlayer; an amorphous or crystalline, non-magnetic seed layer; an interlayer structure for crystallographically orienting a layer of a perpendicular magnetic recording material situated on the underlayer; and at least one crystallographically oriented, magnetically hard, perpendicular magnetic recording layer situated on the interlayer structure. The interlayer structure is a stacked structure comprising, in overlying sequence: a chromium alloy situated on the seed layer; and an upper interlayer situated on the chromium alloy. |
| US08110293B2 |
White organic light emitting device
Provided is a white organic light emitting device including an anode, a cathode and an organic layer disposed therebetween, the organic layer having a structure wherein an arrangement of a green emissive layer and a blue emissive layer is formed on both surfaces of a red emissive layer such that the resultant structure is symmetrical around the red emissive layer, and a spacer layer is disposed between opposing surfaces of the blue emissive layer and the green emissive layer, where the white organic light emitting device including this structure exhibits a constant luminescence spectra irrespective of any change in current density. A method of forming the white organic light emitting device is also disclosed. |
| US08110290B2 |
Surface coating method
A method for forming a multilayer structure on a surface is disclosed. The method comprises forming a body having a surface, the body being substantially light permeable. The method further comprises forming a first layer on the surface of the body, the first layer being substantially light absorbing and having a mark formed therein for permeating light therethrough, and forming a second layer on the first layer, the second layer being substantially light permeable. More specifically, the first layer has a mark formed thereon and light is permeable through the multilayer structure for illuminating the mark. |
| US08110284B2 |
Microcapsules loaded with active ingredients and a method for their preparation
The invention relates to microcapsules having a core material encapsulated within a microcapsular shell, the core material comprises at least one active ingredient, wherein the microcapsular shell comprises at least one inorganic polymer comprising polymerized precursors obtained by in-situ polymerization of the precursors; wherein the concentration of the core material based total weight of the microcapsules is above 95% w/w. The invention further relates to a composition and to a suspension comprising the microcapsules. The invention additionally relates to a process for preparing the microcapsules. |
| US08110283B2 |
Article and associated method
An article includes a membrane having pores and that is air permeable. A nanoparticle precursor is dispersed throughout the pores, and the nanoparticle precursor is responsive to a stimulus to form a catalytically active nanoparticle. An associated method is also provided. |
| US08110282B2 |
Laminated film and molded body
An object of the present invention is to provide a film having a high brightness and a natural metal-effect, and also having excellent formability, causing no delamination and maintaining the metal-effect after forming. Another object is to provide a molded body having less environmental burden, excellent in recycling efficiency and giving no electromagnetic interference. A laminated film including a structure where each 30 layers or more of a layer composed of a resin A (A layer) and a layer composed of a resin B (B layer) are alternately laminated, wherein a relative reflectance in a wavelength range of 400 nm to 1000 nm is 30% or more, tensile stresses at 100% elongation in a longitudinal direction and a width direction of the film are 3 MPa or more and 90 MPa or less in a tensile test at 150° C., and the number of layers with a layer-pair thickness of 10 nm or more and less than 220 nm is more than the number of layers with a layer-pair thickness of 220 nm or more and 320 nm or less. |
| US08110281B2 |
Systems and methods for creating optical effects on media
Methods and systems for optical effects in pigments, inks, and on media. One aspect of this disclosure involves a pigment particle which includes a core, having a fluorescent material and having a spherical shape, and a shell surrounding the core; the shell includes a photochromic material which has a first optical property in a first light source and a second optical property in a second light source which includes a set of wavelengths not sufficiently present in the first light source. The second optical property attenuates an emitted radiation from the fluorescent material. Other aspects are also described. |
| US08110279B2 |
Method for improving the edge strength of tempered glass sheet articles
A tempered glass sheet article includes a glass sheet having a thickness t, at least one edge, and at least one surface. The at least one edge is connected to the at least one surface by an edge-to-surface corner. The edge-to-surface corner is rounded with a radius r and has a surface compression that is at least 78% of a surface compression measured at or near a center of the at least one surface. |
| US08110278B2 |
Scratch-resistant optical film having organic particles with highly uniform particle size
The subject invention relates to a scratch-resistant optical film, which comprises: (a) a transparent substrate having a first surface and a second surface; (b) a diffusion layer on the first surface of the substrate, which has a convex-concave structure and is comprised of a first hard coat layer comprising organic particles; (c) a scratch-resistant layer on the second surface of the substrate, which is comprised of a second hard coat layer; wherein the organic particles in the first hard coat layer are formed from a polyacrylate resin which comprises at least one multi-functional acrylate monomer as polymerization units, said multi-functional acrylate monomer being in an amount from 30 to 70 wt % based on the total weight of the monomer used, and wherein the organic particles have a single mean particle size and have a particle size distribution in the range within about ±5% of the mean particle size. |
| US08110275B2 |
Mixed particles and honeycomb structure for gas conversion apparatus
Mixed particles including noble metal particles of a noble metal, first particles of one or more metal oxides, and second particles of a metal oxide. The first particles of one or more metal oxides are selected from Al2O3, SiO2, ZrO2 and TiO2. The second particles of a metal oxide have a larger adsorptive interaction with the noble metal of the noble metal particles as compared with the metal oxide of the first particles. The noble metal particles are carried by the second particles in a larger proportion than by the first particles. |
| US08110272B2 |
Information recording medium
An information recording medium (100) is provided with at least a first recording layer (101), which accepts a first laser beam having a first wavelength, can display a visible display pattern (pit art), and has a first pit formed thereon for reading information; and a second recording layer (102), which accepts a second laser beam having a second wavelength and can record second information by forming a second pit. |
| US08110270B2 |
Frictional holding pad
A frictional holding pad for removably attaching items, such as a cell phone or sunglasses, to a vehicle surface, such as a dash or console, to allow storage of items on the pad to prevent the items from shifting or sliding due to the movement of the vehicle. The holding pad includes a top surface having an uppermost contact surface configured to contact and frictionally cling to the item and a bottom surface having a lowermost contact surface configured to contact and cling to the vehicle surface. The top and the bottom surfaces are configured to provide a greater frictional engagement between the lowermost contact surface and the vehicle surface than the uppermost contact surface and the item. |
| US08110269B2 |
Frictional holding pad
A frictional holding pad removably attaches handheld items, such as a cell phone, to a surface, such as a dash, to allow storage of handheld items on the surface with the pad to prevent the items from shifting or sliding due to the movement of the support surface. A smoother application side of the pad clings to the handheld item by specific or mechanical adhesion, and a contoured exposed side of the pad clings to the surface by specific or mechanical adhesion. The smoother application side of the pad can have a greater surface area than the contoured exposed side so the pad remains with the handheld item when removed from the surface. Indicia can be formed on the pad. The pad can be translucent or transparent. The pad can include an expanded vinyl material or a polyurethane material. |
| US08110266B2 |
Glove coating and manufacturing process
This invention relates to an elastomeric article with improved lubricity and donnablity and reduced stickiness/tackiness. According to the methods of the invention, the internal surface of the elastomeric article is coated with a polyisoprene coating. The coating of the invention is formed from synthetic polyisoprene rubber that may or may not contain minor amounts of other components. The coating is preferably directly bonded to the underlying elastomeric article. |
| US08110254B1 |
Flexible circuit chemistry
The present invention provides a circuit creation technology that improves conductive line manufacture by adding active and elemental palladium onto the surface of a substrate. The palladium is disposed in minute amounts on the surface and does not form a conductive layer by itself, but facilitates subsequent deposition of a metal onto the surface, according to the pattern of the palladium, to form the conductive lines. |
| US08110253B2 |
Ink composition
An ink composition is provided that includes compound A represented by Formula (I) below, compound B represented by Formula (II) below, and a polymerizable compound, wherein, in Formula (I), X denotes O, S, or NRa, n1 denotes 0 or 1, Ra, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, and R10 independently denote a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and two of R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 that are adjacent may be linked to each other to form a ring, and in Formula (II), X denotes O, S, or NRb, n2 denotes 0 or 1, Rb, R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, and R18 independently denote a hydrogen atom or a monovalent substituent, and two of R11, R12, R13, and R14 that are adjacent may be linked to each other to form a ring. There is also provided an inkjet recording method comprising (a) a step of discharging the ink composition onto a recording medium, and (b) a step of curing the ink composition by irradiating the discharged ink composition with actinic radiation. |
| US08110249B2 |
UV-curable antireflective coating composition, antireflective coating film using the same, and its manufacturing method
An antireflective coating composition includes a photopolymerizable acrylate monomer (C1); a particle-type metal fluoride (C2) with a refractive index of 1.40 or less; a photopolymerization initiator (C3); and at least one liquid dispersion-enhancing chelating agent (C4) selected from the group consisting of Mg(CF3COO)2, Na(CF3COO), K(CF3COO), Ca(CF3COO)2, Mg(CF2COCHCOCF3)2 and Na(CF2COCHCOCF3). This composition ensures good mechanical strength, excellent adhesion to a substrate, short curing time by UV curing, prevention of dust attachment, good erasure of stain, good dust removal and good scratch resistance, so it is usefully for making an antireflective coating film of a display. |
| US08110245B2 |
Semiconductor device, mounting substrate and method of manufacturing mounting substrate, circuit board, and electronic instrument
There is provided a semiconductor device comprising: a first plating layer formed on one surface of an interconnect pattern; a second plating layer formed within through holes in the interconnect pattern; a semiconductor chip electrically connected to the first plating layer; an anisotropic conductive material provided on the first plating layer; and a conductive material provided on the second plating layer, wherein the first plating layer has appropriate adhesion properties with the anisotropic conductive material, and the second plating layer has appropriate adhesion properties with the conductive material. |
| US08110243B2 |
Coating for a stent and a method of forming the same
A coating for a stent and methods for coating a stent are provided. The coating may be used for the sustained delivery of an active ingredient or a combination of active ingredients. |
| US08110241B2 |
Foaming soluble coffee powder containing pressurized gas
An instant coffee powder has dried soluble coffee in the form of particles or granules having internal voids filled with entrapped pressurized gas. Advantageously, when the coffee powder is dissolved in a beverage, the instant coffee powder produces a foam on the top surface of the beverage. |
| US08110238B2 |
Drink-treatment method which is used to increase the sweetness thereof and compound to be added to a drink in order to increase the sweetness of same
The disclosed embodiments concern a processing method for a beverage destined for human or animal consumption with the aim of increasing the sweetness of said beverage, characterized in that a yeast preparation inerted by enzymatic and/or physical-chemical treatment containing a peptide sweetener with a molecular weight equal to 2.750+/−0.1 kDa is added to the beverage. The disclosed embodiments also concern such a sweetener compound. |
| US08110231B2 |
Methods for making improved texture cereal bars
A method of producing a cereal bar is provided in which the cereal comprises a cereal mixture including ready-to-eat (RTE) cereal pieces joined together with a binder, where the cereal and binder together form a cereal matrix which is heated for a time and temperature to reduce the water activity of the external portion thereof while maintaining an internal portion of the cereal matrix at a higher second water activity. The method provides cereal bars requiring less compressive force to be formed into a cohesive self-supporting structure in providing a chewy reduced-density cereal bar with improved shelf life. |
| US08110229B2 |
Herbal composition for reducing ADD/ADHD and method thereof
Disclosed herein is a herbal composition comprising supercritical fluid extracts/oils of Jyotishmati, Bacopa monnieri, Ginger Oil, Flax Seed oil, Rosemary Ext and Vitamin E in an effective amounts useful in the treatment of symptoms associated with Attention Deficit disorder (ADD) and Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). |
| US08110226B2 |
Drug formulations having inert sealed cores
A drug composition comprising a coated bead is used in the manufacture of immediate release and/or controlled release drug compositions. In a specific embodiment, the bead includes an inert core of a water-soluble or water-swellable material, which has been coated with a seal layer formed from a non-polymeric hydrophobic material. The immediate and/or controlled release beads may be used to form tablets or capsules. A method of making the beads by sequential deposition of multiple layers on the inert cores is also described. |
| US08110223B2 |
Methods for making pharmaceutical dosage forms containing active cushioning components
Novel methods for making dosages form comprising a cushioning component. The methods of the present invention provides dosage forms which can be compressed to form compressed dosage forms that are substantially uniform in composition and robust and exhibit reduced friability. The invention also relates to methods for making fast-disintegrating dosage forms. |
| US08110220B2 |
Temperature sensitive polymers
The present invention relates to compositions comprising polymers whose solubility characteristics can be changed by incubation and particularly ploy (hydroxyalkyl (meth) acrylamide mono/di-lactate) interpolymers. Another aspect of this invention is the application of such temperature sensitive polymers as release systems of biologically active compounds. The polymers of the present invention comprise monomers, which have modifiable functionality. The functionality of the monomers can for example be modified by the presence of hydrolysable groups. The modification is effected by the incubation, leading to a change of the water solubility characteristics of the polymer. The polymers used in the present invention contain hydrolysable chemical groups. As a result the polymer's solution characteristics, specifically its lower critical solution temperature (LCST), change upon incubation. |
| US08110213B2 |
Method of forming a tissue structure by introducing cells into an implanted matrix
Polymeric materials are used to make a pliable, non-toxic, injectable porous template for vascular ingrowth. The pore size, usually between approximately 100 and 300 microns, allows vascular and connective tissue ingrowth throughout approximately 10 to 90% of the matrix following implantation, and the injection of cells uniformly throughout the implanted matrix without damage to the cells or patient. The introduced cells attach to the connective tissue within the matrix and are fed by the blood vessels. The preferred material for forming the matrix or support structure is a biocompatible synthetic polymer which degrades in a controlled manner by hydrolysis into harmless metabolites, for example, polyglycolic acid, polylactic acid, polyorthoester, polyanhydride, or copolymers thereof. The rate of tissue ingrowth increases as the porosity and/or the pore size of the implanted devices increases. The time required for the tissue to fill the device depends on the polymer crystallinity and is less for amorphous polymers versus semicrystalline polymers. The vascularity of the advancing tissue is consistent with time and independent of the biomaterial composition and morphology. |
| US08110210B2 |
Nonwoven tissue scaffold
A biocompatible meniscal repair device is disclosed. The tissue repair device includes a scaffold adapted to be placed in contact with a defect in a meniscus, the scaffold comprising a high-density, dry laid nonwoven polymeric material and a biocompatible foam. The scaffold provides increased suture pull-out strength. |
| US08110206B2 |
Cosmetic composition comprising a hydrocarbon oil and a silicone oil
The present disclosure relates to a composition comprising in a physiologically acceptable medium at least one phenylsilicone oil of high viscosity and at least one non-volatile hydrocarbon oil having a molecular mass of more than 500 g/mol. The composition possesses at least one good property chosen from staying power, gloss, and comfort. |
| US08110200B2 |
Fusion proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
The present invention relates to compositions and fusion proteins containing at least two Mycobacterium sp. antigens, and nucleic acids encoding such compositions and fusion proteins. The compositions of the invention increase serological sensitivity of sera from individuals infected with tuberculosis, and methods for their use in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of tuberculosis infection. |
| US08110197B2 |
Mutated E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin
This invention relates to a mutant E. coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) subunit A that can be used as an adjuvant. This subunit A mutant contains an amino acid substitution at a position corresponding to position 61 of a wild-type LT. An LT containing this mutated subunit A exhibits reduced toxicity compared to its wild type counterpart. |
| US08110196B2 |
Methods and compositions for polytopic vaccination
The present invention relates to therapeutic and prophylactic methods for treating or preventing an infectious disease in a subject by stimulating or enhancing an immune response against an infectious agent causing the disease. The methods comprise administering to the subject a plurality of compositions, each composition being administered to a different site of the subject, wherein each site is, or substantially drains to, an anatomically distinct lymph node, a group of lymph nodes, a nonencapsulated cluster of lymphoid tissue, or the spleen. Each composition comprises at least one antigenic molecule having one or more epitopes of the same infectious agent or a strain thereof. The antigenic molecules of each composition comprise in aggregate a set of epitopes distinct from that of any other composition that is administered to the subject. |
| US08110194B2 |
CTLA-4 antibody dosage escalation regimens
A disease or condition, such as cancer or an infectious disease, can be treated in a patient by administering a CTLA-4 antibody in an escalating dosage regimen until a partial or complete response is elicited in the patient or a pre-determined maximum dosage is reached. |
| US08110193B2 |
Methods for conditioning a subject for hematopoietic cell transplantation
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an effective therapy for treatment of hematological malignancies and various autoimmune conditions. However, HCT traditionally requires conditioning by total body irradiation and/or chemotherapy, both of which are toxic and induce GVHD. Provided herein are compositions and methods for conditioning a subject for HCT by administering one or more anti-CD3 compounds and one or more histone deacetylase inhibitors. Also provided herein are methods for reducing GVHD in a subject receiving total body irradiation prior to HCT comprising administering one or more anti-CD3 compounds to the subject prior to total body irradiation. |
| US08110192B2 |
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-neutralizing human single-chain antibodies with improved breadth and potency
The present invention provides an antibody to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) envelope glycoprotein that can recognize one or more strains of HIV, wherein the epitope of HIV recognized by the antibody is inducible, and wherein the antibody binding to the epitope is enhanced by the presence of CD4 and the HIV co-receptor, and related fusion proteins, conjugates, nucleic acids, vectors, host cells, compositions and methods of use to inhibit an infection of a human at risk of becoming infected with HIV, to reduce the severity of an infection of a human infected with HIV, and to treat an infection of a human with HIV. |
| US08110187B2 |
Purification and characterization of cytotoxic lymphocyte maturation factor and monoclonal antibodies thereto
The present invention is a novel cytokine protein called IL-12 or Cytotoxic Lymphocyte Maturation Factor (CLMF) which is produced and synthesized by human NC-37 B lymphoblastoid cells (American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md.). CLMF synergistically induces with low concentrations of IL-2 the cytolytic activity of Lymphokine Activated Killer (LAK) cells, and CLMF is capable of stimulating T-cell growth.Also claimed are the cloned gene for CLMF, its recombination in a suitable vector, the transformed cells containing said vector, the recombinant protein produced by the transformed cells and antibodies to CLMF. |
| US08110186B2 |
Method to maintain the efficacy of orlistat
A method to effectively treat the adverse events of ingested orlistat, and to maintain the effectiveness of ingested orlistat, the method comprising the steps of: ingesting a compound of orlistat to irreversibly bind with lipase enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract; ingesting a compound of simethicone to cause undigested fats to remain in an emulsified state in the bowel; and ingesting an enteric coated activated charcoal member to absorb emulsified fats only in the lower bowel, thus preventing the adverse events associated with the ingestion of orlistat alone. |
| US08110182B2 |
Treatment of multiple sclerosis by administration of interferon alpha and C-phycocyanin
The present invention consists of the combination of Interferon alpha and C-Phycocyanin (IFN-α/C-Phyco) for obtaining a pharmaceutical preparation for autoimmune disease, allergy and cancer treatments. The anti-inflammatory, immunomodulator, antioxidant, anti-viral, anti-proliferative and anti-tumoral effects, associated to the regulatory T cell inducer effect demonstrated in this invention is the rationale for the use of the IFN-α/C-Phyco combination in these diseases. |
| US08110176B2 |
Molecular sieve composition (EMM-10), its method of making, and use for hydrocarbon conversions
This invention relates to a crystalline molecular sieve, in its ammonium exchanged form or in its calcined form, comprising unit cells with MWW topology, said crystalline molecular sieve is characterized by diffraction streaking from the unit cell arrangement in the c direction. The crystalline molecular sieve is further characterized by the arced hk0 patterns of electron diffraction pattern. The crystalline molecular sieve is further characterized by the unit cells streaking along c direction. This invention also relates to a method of making thereof. |
| US08110175B2 |
System and process for extracting and collecting substances from a molecular combination
A system and process are provided for extracting a substance from a molecular combination. The process comprises heating the molecular combination to dissociate the molecular combination into cations and anions, moving the cations and anions through a magnetic field to separate cations and anions, and isolating cations from anions with a barrier. The system comprises a non-conductive conduit for guiding an ionized particle stream, a magnetic field source for creating a magnetic field through which the ionized particle stream moves, and a barrier located in the conduit. The ionized particle stream has a velocity relative to the conduit, and the magnetic field source is oriented relative to the velocity of the ionized particle stream so that cations are separated from anions as the ionized particle stream moves through the magnetic field. The barrier is oriented in the conduit so that cations are isolated from anions after separation. |
| US08110173B2 |
Fabrication of NIO nanoparticles and chip-like nanoflakes by solvothermal technique
A method is disclosed for fabrication of NiO nanoparticles and NiO chip-like nanoflakes by solvothermal technique. Mixed organic alcohols were used as solvent to make a homogenous solution from a nickel containing salt (or complex) for production of NiO nanoparticles and chip-like nanoflakes. The solution was heated in a sealed flask sitting inside a warm furnace. The precipitate was filtered, rinsed, dried and calcined to produce nanoparticles or nanoflakes. The size of the particles was controllable by heating time and temperature. Similar procedures were used for production of both nanostructures except hydrogen peroxide addition to the initial solution for NiO chip-like nanoflakes fabrication. |
| US08110172B2 |
Methods of making a niobium metal oxide and oxygen reduced niobium oxides
Methods to at least partially reduce a niobium oxide are described wherein the process includes mixing the niobium oxide and niobium powder to form a powder mixture that is then heat treated to form heat treated particles which then undergo reacting in an atmosphere which permits the transfer of oxygen atoms from the niobium oxide to the niobium powder, and at a temperature and for a time sufficient to form an oxygen reduced niobium oxide. Oxygen reduced niobium oxides having high porosity are also described as well as capacitors containing anodes made from the oxygen reduced niobium oxides. |
| US08110171B1 |
Method for decolorizing diamonds
A method for changing the color of a diamond. The method comprises placing the diamond in a substrate holder in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) equipment. The CVD equipment is maintained at pressures near or below atmospheric pressure. A mixture of gases including hydrogen is introduced inside the CVD equipment. The introduced mixture of gases is energized by using microwave radiation to heat the diamond to temperatures above 1400° C. Then, the diamond is maintained at temperatures above 1400° C. for few seconds to few hours. |
| US08110166B2 |
Process for producing silica from olivine
A process for producing from olivine precipitated silica with controlled specific surface area and high degree of purity. The process comprises adding olivine in a controlled manner to a heated mineral acid solution; after separating undissolved olivine and filtering the silica is slurried in aqueous solution to obtain a low viscosity high solid content silica slurry that can be efficiently degritted and dried with a relatively low energy consumption. The obtained silica can be in powder, bead or granule form and preferably has a specific surface area of at least about 100 m2/g. |
| US08110165B2 |
Process for manufacturing high density boron carbide
A process for manufacturing high density boron carbide by pressureless sintering, enabling to create sintered products of complex shapes and high strength. The process comprises mixing raw boron carbide powder with carbon precursor, such as a polysaccharide, compacting the mixture to create an object of the desired shape, and finally carbonizing and sintering the object at higher temperatures. |
| US08110163B2 |
Complexation and removal of heavy metals from flue gas desulfurization systems
A method for the reduction of the emission of mercury into the environment from the burning of fossil fuels with the use of polydithiocarbamic compounds. The polydithiocarbamic compounds are used for the capture of mercury from the resulting flue gases using a flue gas desulfrization systems or scrubbers. The method uses polydithiocarbamic compounds in conjunction with a scrubber to capture mercury and reduce its emission and/or re-emission with stack gases. The method is a unique process of reducing the toxic levels of mercury, which allows for the use of coal as a clean and environmentally friendlier fuel source. |
| US08110162B2 |
Method of processing copper arsenic compound
Provided is a method of easily producing scorodite which is stable and has excellent filtering properties with excellent reproducibility and without using complex operations, when processing arsenic that is included in non-ferrous smelting intermediates, and particularly when processing copper arsenic compounds in the form of an intermetallic compound. Scorodite is produced by a leaching step of leaching arsenic from a non-ferrous melting intermediate containing a copper arsenic compound in the form of an intermetallic compound in the presence of a sulfidizing agent and an oxidizing agent, a solution adjusting step of oxidizing trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic by adding the oxidizing agent to the leaching solution, and a crystallizing step of converting the arsenic in the adjusted solution to scorodite crystals. |
| US08110158B2 |
Heat-reduction methods and systems related to microfluidic devices
A system and method for preventing or reducing unwanted heat in a microfluidic of the device while generating heat in selected regions of the device. In one example, current is supplied to a heating element through electric leads, wherein the leads are designed so that the current density in the leads is substantially lower than the current density in the heating element. This maybe accomplished using conductive leads which have a cross-sectional area which is substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the heating element. In another example, unwanted heat in the microfluidic complex is reduced by thermally isolating the electric leads from the microfluidic complex. This maybe accomplished by running each lead directly away from the microfluidic complex, through a thermally isolating substrate. After the leads pass through the thermally isolating substrate, they are then routed to the current source. Thus, the thermally isolating substrate substantially blocks the transfer of heat from the leads to the microfluidic complex. In another example, unwanted heat is removed from selected regions of the microfluidic complex using one or more cooling devices. One or more Peltier cooling devices may be attached to a substrate to remove heat generated by heating elements and/or other electronic circuitry. |
| US08110154B2 |
Exhaust treatment device with sensor and method of making
An exhaust treatment device, comprising: a shell portion defining an inlet opening and an outlet opening; at least one catalyst brick being inserted within the shell portion; an insulative material disposed between the shell portion and the at least one catalyst brick; and a sensor receiving area formed in at least one catalyst brick. |
| US08110153B2 |
Housing for an exhaust gas treatment component with a reinforcing sleeve, exhaust gas treatment component, exhaust system and motor vehicle
A housing for an exhaust gas treatment component includes a casing having a first thickness and a first length and at least one sleeve having a second thickness and a second length. The at least one sleeve is at least partially in contact with the outside of the casing and is connected thereto. The second length of the at least one sleeve is shorter than the first length of the casing. An exhaust gas treatment component, an exhaust gas system and a motor vehicle are also provided. |
| US08110151B2 |
Exhaust flow distribution device
The present disclosure relates to an diesel exhaust treatment device including a main body having a central longitudinal axis that extends between first and second ends of the main body. A catalyzed substrate is positioned within an interior of the main body. A side inlet is positioned at a side of the main body for directing exhaust gas into the interior of the main body. A flow distribution element is positioned within the interior of the main body at a location between the side inlet and an upstream face of the substrate. The flow distribution element extends across a direction of exhaust flow through the main body and is mounted at a side of the main body that is opposite the side inlet. |
| US08110149B2 |
Process for continuous preparation of high molecular weight polyesters by esterification of dicarboxylic acids and/or transesterification of dicarboxylic acids with diols and/or mixtures thereof and an apparatus therefor
The present invention relates to a method for the continuous production of high-molecular polyesters by esterification of dicarboxylic acids and/or transesterification of dicarboxylic acid esters with diols and/or mixtures thereof in the presence of catalysts with formation of a prepolymer in a tower reactor and polycondensation thereof to form a high-molecular polyester in a polycondensation reactor, a prepolymer with >40 to 70 repeat units (DP) being produced in the tower reactor and this prepolymer being polycondensed in only one further reactor to form a polyester with >150 to 205 DP. |
| US08110146B2 |
Embedded block humidifier, automatic thin slice manufacturing device, and automatic thin slice specimen manufacturing apparatus
An embedded block is capable of being humidified in a short time without influencing a surface temperature of the embedded block as much as possible. An embedded block humidifier for humidifying an embedded block having a biological specimen embedded in an embedding agent is provided which includes a vapor generating mechanism for generating vapor heated at a predetermined temperature and a guiding mechanism for guiding the vapor to the embedded block so that the generated vapor contacts with a surface of the embedded block set at a predetermined standby position. |
| US08110141B2 |
Pump with rotating inlet
A device for use in a molten metal pump helps alleviate jams between a rotating rotor and stationary inlet. The device includes an inlet structure including one or more openings and a displacement structure that preferably includes one or more rotor blades. The inlet structure and displacement structure are connected to one another (preferably, but not necessarily, as a unitary piece), thus enabling them both to rotate. A pump including the device is also enclosed. The invention further includes a bearing surface for an impeller or for a device according to the invention, wherein the bearing surface includes grooves that help reduce molten metal build up between the bearing surface of the impeller or device and the bearing surface of a pump chamber. |
| US08110139B2 |
Method for manufacturing honeycomb structure
A honeycomb structure is manufactured by molding a pillar-shaped honeycomb molded body having a large number of cells disposed in parallel with one another in a longitudinal direction with a cell wall therebetween by extrusion-molding a raw material composition including a ceramic powder and a binder, and carrying out a firing treatment on the honeycomb molded body to manufacture a honeycomb fired body. A plurality of the honeycomb fired bodies are provided, and both end faces of each of the plurality of the honeycomb fired bodies are hold with a holding member after positioning the plurality of the honeycomb fired bodies on a predetermined position. An adhesive paste is injected into a gap between the plurality of honeycomb fired bodies held on the predetermined position. The adhesive paste is dried and solidified to form an adhesive layer. |
| US08110134B2 |
Manufacturing cementitious reinforcing support devices
Lightweight trays are fabricated containing a multitude of cavities in shapes for molding dobies for supporting concrete reinforcing, such as rebar. The trays are sized to fit boxes of a convenient size and weight. The trays are also designed in a way that when placed into the box they make a seal between the tray edges and the inside wall of the box. This seal allows the cavities in the tray to be filled with grout without spilling into a lower tray. The trays are also designed so that when placed into the box and turned, alternating 180° to each other, the lower tray provides support to the upper tray. The boxes are sealed and the dobies are allowed to cure inside the box. The size and arrangement of trays and boxes is designed to fit uniformly on a standard pallet for convenient handling, storage, and shipping. |
| US08110133B2 |
Method for manufacturing a composite construction element
A method for producing a composite construction element is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes the steps of: a) providing a composite construction element, which comprises a thermoplastic core layer between two fiber-reinforced thermoplastic cover layers; b) providing one or more interruptions in a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic cover layer of the panel; c) positioning a fiber-reinforced thermoplastic reinforcing layer over and/or near the interruption; d) deforming at least the edges situated along the interruption and, if desired, the thermoplastic reinforcing layer, preferably while simultaneously locally compacting the core layer, so that a thermoplastic construction element having a recess which is delimited by fiber-reinforced thermoplastic walls is obtained. |
| US08110127B2 |
Photochromic coating exhibiting improved performance
A photochromic coating exhibiting improved performance and photochromic lenses made using the coating. The coating has excellent photochromic darkening and fatigue properties. The coating formulation is made from a monomer blend having at least two different types of monomers. A metal salt catalyst is used along with an initiator. An antioxidant is used in combination with a hindered amine light stabilizer. The coating is suitable for use in an in-mold coating process. |
| US08110124B2 |
Method of preparing fluorescent body precursor
To produce fluorescent bodies providing high brightness and high energy efficiency, a method of preparing a fluorescent body precursor is provided to enable an activator having a large ionic radius to be doped arbitrarily. The problems described above are solved by a method of preparing a fluorescent body precursor, which method is characterized by comprising applying a shock pressure of 0.1 GPa or higher to a mixture consisting essentially of a fluorescent body base, an activator and a co-activating particle-growth promoter to dope the activator into the fluorescent body base in the presence of the co-activating particle-growth promoter. |
| US08110122B2 |
Anthracene derivative, material for light-emitting element, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic appliance
An anthracene derivative represented by general formula (1) is provided. In the formula, Ar1, Ar3, Ar5, and Ar6 independently represent an aryl group having 6 to 13 carbon atoms, Ar2 and Ar4 independently represent an arylene group having 6 to 13 carbon atoms, and R1 to R8 independently represent hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms. Ar1 to Ar6 may independently have a substituent. When Ar1 to Ar6 independently have two or more substituents, the substituents may be bonded to each other to form a ring. When a carbon atom of Ar1 to Ar6 has two substituents, the substituents may be bonded to each other to form a spiro ring. |
| US08110121B2 |
Lead zirconate titanate with iron/tungstein doping, method of producing a piezoceramic material with the lead zirconate titanate, and use of the piezoceramic material
A piezoceramic composition has a nominal empirical formula of Pb1−aREbAEc[ZrxTiy(FefWw)z]O3. RE is a rare earth metal with a fraction b and AE is an alkaline earth metal with a fraction c. Iron is present with an iron fraction f·z, and tungsten with a tungsten fraction w·z. In addition, the following relationships apply: a<1; 0=b=0.15; 0=c=0.5; f>0; w>0; 0.1=f/w=5; x>0; y>0; z>0 and x+y+z=1. A method of producing a piezoceramic material using the piezoceramic composition has the steps: a) provision of a green ceramic body with the piezoceramic composition, and b) heat treatment of the green body, a piezoceramic of the piezoceramic material being produced from the piezoceramic composition. The heat treatment encompasses calcining and/or sintering. The piezoceramic composition undergoes compaction at below 1000° C. Metals which melt at low temperature (such as silver or a silver-palladium alloy with a low palladium content, for example) can therefore be sintered together with the piezoceramic composition. |
| US08110120B2 |
Method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display apparatus
A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display apparatus includes forming at least one assembly for forming a plurality of finished liquid crystal display apparatuses, by opposing two glass substrates to have a space therebetween and sealing a periphery of the space between the two glass substrates by an outer peripheral seal member. Outer surfaces of the two glass substrates are etched by soaking the assembly in an etching solution within an etching bath while maintaining a temperature and a concentration of the etching solution within the etching bath at a substantially constant temperature and at a substantially constant concentration. The etched outer surfaces of the glass substrates are flattened by polishing the outer surfaces of the glass substrates. |
| US08110117B2 |
Method to form a recess for a microfluidic device
A method includes forming a recess in a first surface of a substrate, the recess having a width, depth, and height selected to correspond to a width, depth, and height of a fluid chamber, forming a sacrificial material in the recess, forming a first heater element, forming a metal layer overlying the first heater element, and forming a nozzle opening in the metal layer to expose the sacrificial material. The method also includes forming a path from a second surface of the substrate to expose the sacrificial material and removing the sacrificial material from the recess to expose the chamber with the selected width, depth, and height, the chamber in fluid communication with the path, the nozzle opening, and a surrounding environment. |
| US08110115B2 |
Mobile water treatment
A mobile water treatment apparatus to on-load a dirty fluid into a storage container attached to a motor vehicle and transport the fluid in the storage container from a first location and to a second location where the fluid is filtered by a filtration system attached to the motor vehicle. The filtered fluid is discharged from the mobile water treatment apparatus at the second location. |
| US08110113B2 |
High-throughput evaluation of Rubisco and plant photosynthetic performance in vivo
The present invention provides a method for determining a level of a RuBP, PGA, 2-PA in a photosynthetic cellular extract by resolving at least one RuBP, PGA, or 2-PA or combinations thereof in a photosynthetic cellular extract obtained from a plant. In another aspect, it provides for detecting at least one resolved RuBP, PGA, or 2-PA or combinations, thereby determining a level of the resolved RuBP, PGA, or 2-PA or combinations. In one aspect the photosynthetic cellular extract is obtained from a plant subjected to an abiotic stress. A method of the invention can be useful, for example, for identifying plants with increased photosynthetic performance. Also included herein is a high throughput system for identifying a plant with increased photosynthetic performance. |
| US08110112B2 |
Liquid to liquid biological particle concentrator
A rapid one-pass liquid filtration system efficiently concentrates biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. Additional concentration stages may be added in “cascade” fashion, in order to concentrate particles below the size cut of each preceding stage remaining in the separated fluid in a concentrated sample suspension. This process can also be used to create a “band-pass” concentration for concentration of a particular target size particle within a narrow range. |
| US08110111B1 |
Membrane contactor assisted extraction/reaction process employing ionic liquids
The present invention relates to a functionalized membrane contactor extraction/reaction system and method for extracting target species from multi-phase solutions utilizing ionic liquids. One preferred embodiment of the invented method and system relates to an extraction/reaction system wherein the ionic liquid extraction solutions act as both extraction solutions and reaction mediums, and allow simultaneous separation/reactions not possible with prior art technology. |
| US08110110B2 |
Method for removing organic matter from water and a device for carrying out said method
A system and method is provided for removing organic matter from water. The method includes contacting the water with a powdered material with an anionic or cationic surface charge and having a particle size of between 0.1 mm and 2 mm. The powdered material is a modified product of natural origin. The system and method also provides for the regeneration of the powdered material in situ and reused. |
| US08110108B2 |
Wastewater treatment system
Disclosed is a system for treating wastewater. The system includes a microorganism clad structure positioned in a body of wastewater such that the microorganism clad structure is at least partially submerged in the body of wastewater. The apparatus also includes an aeration device, such as a propeller-type, surface mounted aeration device, supplying a horizontal flow of oxygenated water to the microorganisms attached to the microorganism clad structure such that the microorganisms may carry out a biological process. |
| US08110107B2 |
Method of waste water treatment
The wastewater treatment tank results in high quality effluent meeting what is referred to as “Secondary Treatment Standard. The tank deploys in combination an Facultative Aerobic Bacterial Generators (FABG) that includes a plurality of surrounding horizontally extending bacteria supporting filters disposed in a vertical array along with a second vertical filter media disposed between the FABG and the outlet port. A facultative bacteria generator and additional bacteria supporting filters are also deployed adjacent the FABG and between the second vertical filter media. |
| US08110106B2 |
Anaerobic digester design and operation
An apparatus for the anaerobic digestion of solid waste is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pre-digestion treatment chamber and an anaerobic digester chamber coupled to the pre-digestion treatment chamber. A liquid suspension of solid waste is pretreated under aerobic conditions by heating to a desired pre-digestion temperature. One or more chemical or biological additives are added to the suspension of solid waste to improve the anaerobic digestibility of the solid waste. This may include enzymes to destruct poorly digestible solids and/or materials to provide a desired C:N ratio in the solid waste. The apparatus may include mixers, heaters, chemical or biological additives as needed, various sensors and probes, and a control system to monitor and control the anaerobic digestion process and maintain microbial health of the digester. |
| US08110105B2 |
Stormwater filtration systems
A stormwater filtration system suitable for treatment of stormwater runoff in a developed environment uses a primary treatment bay that includes a filtration bed with live plant matter. A second treatment bay treats water that exceeds the maximum throughput of the primary bay. A reservoir stores treated runoff to water the plants during dry weather. Removable trays on the surface of the primary filtration bed provide plants suitable for ground cover. Additional bays expand the filtration bed throughput and accommodate extended root systems. A flow control may be provided for the primary treatment bay. |
| US08110103B2 |
Flow-control supports for distributor plates in composite pressure vessel assemblies
The present invention provides a flow-control support for a distributor plate in a composite pressure vessel. The distributor plate includes a thermoplastic polymeric disk having a top side, a bottom side, a perimeter edge and a central opening and a plurality of fluid flow passages through the disk. The flow-control support is disposed between the bottom side of the disk and an inner side of an end of a thermoplastic liner assembly. The flow-control support includes a spirally fluted upper surface that is adapted to direct fluid flowing from a supply pipe disposed in the central opening of a distributor plate that is supported by the flow control support such that the fluid swirls in a space between the bottom side of the distributor plate and an inner side of an end portion of a water treatment vessel. The swirling water insures that fluid is distributed to substantially all of the fluid flow passages through the disk during backwashing operations. |
| US08110102B2 |
Liquid filter
A liquid filter intended for use as a fuel filter is composed of a housing produced from aluminum by an extrusion process and of a cover (1) formed as an aluminum casting. The cover (1) is provided with connecting bores (4′, 5′) in which pipe elements (6, 9) which are intended for delivering and discharging fuel are held by means of an adhesive bond. This results in a cover which can be produced more cost-effectively than the prior art and which can further be used as a casting which can be employed in modular fashion, this casting allowing different variations for the connections of the pipe elements. |
| US08110098B2 |
Pool cleaning vehicle with filter element and self locking clip
Disclosed herein is an improved pool cleaning vehicle. The vehicle includes a housing, a bottom frame and a filter bag between the housing the bottom frame and attached to the bottom frame. The vehicle includes an intake and an outlet, both of which are in communication with the filter bag. The housing is releaseably attached to the bottom frame and the filter bag releaseably connected to the bottom frame. A V-shaped self locking clip with normally outwardly extending legs serves as the attachment member and when urged toward each other with the housing in the locked position allows for easy release. At least one of the intake or outlet includes a filter member. The filter member includes a means for attachment and a particulate filter member for filtering particulates from the water. The filter member is attached to the vehicle at or proximate to the perimeter of the intake or outlet. |
| US08110092B2 |
Process for recovering power from FCC product
Disclosed is a process for recovery power from an FCC product. Gaseous hydrocarbon product from an FCC reactor is heat exchanged with a heat exchange media which is delivered to an expander to generate power. Cycle oil from product fractionation may be added to the gaseous FCC product to wash away coke precursors. |
| US08110088B2 |
Implant and method for manufacturing same
The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an implant, in particular an intraluminal endoprosthesis, with a body containing metallic material, preferably iron. To control the degradation of the implant, the method comprises the following steps: a) preparing the body of the implant, and b) incorporating hydrogen into at least a portion of the structure of the implant body near the surface. Furthermore, such an implant is described. |
| US08110087B2 |
Production of a structured hard chromium layer and production of a coating
A method for producing a structured hard chromium layer, during which chromium from an electrolyte is deposited onto a workpiece, which contains: a) a Cr(VI) compound in a quantity corresponding to between 50 and 300 g/l of chromic anhydride; b) 0.5 g/l to 10 g/l sulfuric acid, and; c) 5 g/l to 15 g/l aliphatic sulfonic acid having 1 to 6 carbon atoms. The electrolyte comprises substantially no compounds from the group consisting of ammonium molybdate, alkaline molybdate, alkaline earth molybdate, ammonium vanadate, alkaline vanadate and alkaline earth vanadate, ammonium zirconate, alkaline zirconate and alkaline earth zirconate, and is processed with a cathodic efficiency of 12% or less. A method for producing a coating, to a structured hard chromium layer, a coating and an electrolyte. |
| US08110086B2 |
Method of manufacturing a process chamber component having yttrium-aluminum coating
A method of manufacturing a substrate processing chamber component comprises forming a chamber component comprising a metal alloy comprising yttrium and aluminum, and anodizing an exposed surface of the metal alloy. |
| US08110080B1 |
Method for improving performance and longevity of solid electrolyte gas sensor
A method is provided for activating a zirconia oxygen sensor which detects the oxygen concentration of an ambient atmosphere by means of a zirconia element that has a porous electrode formed on both sides of an impervious oxygen ion conductor. An electrical current is applied as a pulsed, square wave, direct current during heat up, heat soak, and cool down of the ionic conductor that is applied to ceramic substrate, thereby causing oxygen ions to flowing through the sensor body and pumping oxygen gas through the sensor electrodes, thus improving electrode porosity distribution. |
| US08110079B2 |
Electrochemical sensor
Disclosed herein is an electrochemical sensor for detecting an analyte. The sensor comprises an electrode, a redox active species that is electrochemically accessible to the electrode, and a binding moiety capable of associating with the analyte, wherein association of the binding moiety with the analyte affects the electrochemistry of the redox active species. Also disclosed herein is a method for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample. |
| US08110072B2 |
Through air dried papermaking machine employing an impermeable transfer belt
A papermaking machine for making uncreped through air dried paper having a forming section, a press section, and a drying section is disclosed. The paper web is pressed between two press members while enclosed between a press felt and a transfer belt having non-uniformly distributed microscopic depressions in its surface. The web follows the transfer belt from the press to a transfer point at which the web is transferred via a suction transfer device onto a structuring fabric. The web is then dried with a through air dryer. |
| US08110070B2 |
Production of non-woven elements made of natural fibres
A method of producing non-woven elements made from a raw material comprising grass plants. A first intermediate product is made of per-prepared, damp natural fibers having a dry substance concentration of between 30%-50%, more preferably approximately 40%. The invention also relates to the production of a second intermediate product from the first intermediate product according to the following steps. The natural fibers are predried, thermoactive binding fibers are added thereto, additives are sprayed thereon and the order of the step can vary and/or individual steps may be carried out simultaneously with one another. Preferably, the raw material is silated grass and, in order to produce the first intermediate product, the raw material is defibered and the digestible components of the raw material are separated therefrom. |
| US08110069B2 |
Methods and apparatus for peeling a flexible sheet from a substrate
Methods and apparatus are described for removing donor sheets from substrates. A take-up roller contacts the donor element at or near an edge thereof and a peel roller contacts the donor element at a location spaced apart from the edge. A securing mechanism secures the edge of the donor element to the take-up roller which is then moved away from the substrate. While maintaining the peel roller in contact with the donor element, the take-up roller is rotated to take up the donor element while the peel roller and take-up roller are both simultaneously moved in a direction tangential to the substrate. In this manner, the donor element is peeled from the surface of the substrate. |
| US08110064B2 |
Labeling apparatus with housing having fluid pump and related methods
A labeling apparatus is for applying labels to articles advanced along an article conveyor. The labeling apparatus may include a frame to be positioned adjacent the article conveyor, and a labeler carried by the frame. The labeler may include a housing, a rotary bellows wheel carried by the housing, bellows carried by the rotary bellows wheel and a fluid pump within the housing and connected in fluid communication with the rotary bellows wheel to provide a fluid flow for the bellows so that each bellows is movable between a retracted position and an extended label-applying position. |
| US08110062B2 |
Welding method and welding apparatus for resin member
A welding method and welding apparatus for resin members is provided in which dimensional accuracy of two resin members after welding can be secured and reduction in joining strength due to excessive laser irradiation can be prevented. In a method of superimposing a resin having a laser-transmitting property and a resin having laser absorptiveness and irradiating the resin members with a laser beam from the side of the laser-transmitting resin member to deposit the resin members on each other, irradiation with the laser beam is ended in accordance with reduction in the approaching speed of the two resin members during the irradiation with the laser beam. |
| US08110060B2 |
Golf clubs and golf club heads
A golf club head enables the initial velocity of a ball to be increased and enables the carry to be lengthened. In some example structures, the golf club includes a face plate formed from metal and club head body (e.g., a crown and sole) formed from fiber reinforced plastic. A weighted body is provided inside the rearmost portion of the golf club head and a low rigidity portion whose width becomes gradually narrower as it approaches the rearmost portion is provided in the crown extending from the vicinity of the face plate to the rearmost portion. |
| US08110057B2 |
Automatic labeling and packaging system label folding and application
A method of labeling of a container including a medication includes, in at least one embodiment, reducing the size of the label using a label apparatus and reducing the label size using the label apparatus, applying a surface securing adhesive to at least one surface securing section of the label using an adhesive application apparatus, and attaching the at least one surface securing section of the label to the container with the securing adhesive. The method also includes applying a label securing adhesive to the label to maintain the label in the reduced orientation. |
| US08110045B2 |
Processing equipment for object to be processed
Processing equipment for an object to be processed is provided with a process container, the internal of which can be evacuated, a gas introducing means for introducing a prescribed gas into the process container, a supporting table provided in the process container, a ring-shaped supporting part provided on the supporting table, a mounting plate for mounting the object to be processed and supported by the supporting part, a plurality of thermoelectric conversion elements provided on an upper plane of the supporting table on an inner side of the supporting part, an element storing space evacuating means for evacuating inside the element storing space formed by a lower surface of the mounting plate, which is supported by the supporting part, an upper plane of the supporting table and the supporting part. |
| US08110036B2 |
Moisture curable oil and fat compositions and processes for preparing the same
A moisture-curable, silane-modified oil is disclosed. The silane-modified oil includes an unsaturated oil having at least one unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon chain per molecule of the unsaturated oil, and at least one hydrolysable silyl group grafted to the unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon chain. The silane-modified oil has a degree of unsaturation that is substantially similar that of the unsaturated oil. A process for forming the moisture-curable, silane-modified oil according to the disclosure includes reacting the unsaturated oil with an unsaturated hydrolysable silane in the presence of a free radical initiator. Also disclosed is a cured silane-modified oil which includes the reaction product of the silane-modified oil and water. Compositions according to the disclosure have relatively low viscosities (facilitating their application to a substrate) and have relatively high levels of silane grafting (resulting in non-leaching cured compositions with a high gel content). |
| US08110034B2 |
Ink set, and ink jet recording method using the ink set
An ink set for ink jet recording that realizes a satisfactory image in addition to high color-developing ability, high ejection stability, and high recover ability from clogging is provided.An ink set contains two or more ink compositions at least including a black ink composition and a color ink composition. The black ink composition includes a self-dispersing pigment having a hydrophilic group on the surface thereof and the color ink composition includes a self-dispersing pigment having a hydrophilic group on the surface thereof with a phenyl group interposed therebetween. The ink set is used for an ink jet recording method. |
| US08110033B2 |
Ink composition for ink jet recording
An ink composition that achieves high-quality images free of white streaks or rough textures even when low-resolution printing is performed on printing paper such as art paper. The ink composition contains at least a colorant, water, and a surfactant, and further contains a sparingly water-soluble alkanediol, a water-soluble 1,2-alkanediol, a dialkylene glycol, and a water-soluble alkanetriol or a sugar. This ink composition is used in an ink jet recording method. |
| US08110027B2 |
Heated blanket for air separation module
An air separation module and blanket has an air separation module having an air inlet, an oxygen outlet and a nitrogen outlet. At least one tank has air separation elements for separating oxygen from air, and delivers the separated oxygen to the oxygen outlet, and delivers nitrogen to the nitrogen outlet. A resistance heating element is positioned between the blanket and the air separation module. Further, an inventive blanket for use with the air separation module is also disclosed and claimed. |
| US08110025B1 |
Dust collector chip separation baffle
A dust collector for collecting sawdust and wood chips during use of wood working tools includes a conduit or hose connected through an impeller forcing air with entrained dust and chips to an inlet ring of a single stage dust collector. A particle collector reservoir is connected on the bottom of the inlet ring and a filter element is connected on top of the inlet ring. A tapered ring wall with a central opening is provided in the inlet ring and a baffle is mounted in the central opening of the ring wall. The baffle is of a cone shape and tapers an opposite direction from the frusto-conical ring wall. The inlet opening of the inlet ring is directed to between the ring wall and the baffle. |
| US08110022B2 |
Hydrogen purifier module and method for forming the same
A hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen permeable membrane, and a gas-tight seal, where the seal is uses a low temperature melting point metal, which upon heating above the melting point subsequently forms a seal alloy with adjacent metals, where the alloy has a melting point above the operational temperature of the purifier. The purifier further is constructed such that a degree of isolation exists between the metal that melts to form the seal and the active area of the purifier membrane, so that the active area of the purifier membrane is not corrupted. A method of forming a hydrogen purifier utilizing a hydrogen permeable membrane with a seal of the same type is also disclosed. |
| US08110021B2 |
Synthesis of PtCo nanoparticles
Synthesis of nanoparticles with particle size control is provided by the method of using two different metal-containing precursors, a capping component, an optional reducing agent, and then contacting the two precursors with the capping component to form a reaction solution, which is heated to produce first and second metals-containing nanoparticles. By controlling the ratio of the concentration of the capping component to the total concentration of the two metal-containing precursors, the nanoparticles can have diameters ranging between about 1 nm to about 15 nm. A decrease in the concentration of the capping component typically increases the size of the nanoparticles. Preferred compositions include Pt and Co-containing alloy nanoparticles. Controlled synthesis of larger, about 6 nm to about 12 nm, sized nanoparticles can be achieved in a solvent-free reaction process. |
| US08110020B2 |
Metallurgical powder composition and method of production
An annealed pre-alloyed water atomised iron-based powder suitable for the production of pressed and sintered components having high wear resistance is provided. The iron-based powder comprises 10-below 18% by weight of Cr, 0.5-5% by weight of each of at least one of Mo, W, V and Nb, and 0.5-2%, preferably 0.7-2% and most preferably 1-2% by weight of C. The powder has a matrix comprising less than 10% by weight of Cr, and comprises large M23C6-type carbides in combination with M7C3-type carbides. A method for production of the iron-based powder, a method for producing a pressed and sintered component having high wear resistance, and a component having high wear resistance are provided. |
| US08110017B2 |
Fertilizer suspension and method of preparation
A concentrated, homogenous, stable, water-soluble fertilizer suspension comprising: water-soluble mineral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; and an organic stabilizing additive; and wherein the pourable, aqueous suspension has water-soluble mineral nutrients amounting to at least about 80 percent by weight (wt. %) of the suspension. |
| US08110010B2 |
Coated coloring agents
Agents for coloring keratin-containing fibers, in particular human hair, that contain encased oxidation dye precursor products. More-uniform coloring, which is independent of which strands are wetted first or last with the coloring product, is thereby ensured. The casing of the oxidation dye precursor products is made up of an encapsulating material made of methacrylic-acid, methacrylic acid-ester, or vinyl-acetate homo- or copolymers, or shellac, as well as at least one release agent. Contact time is equalized over time and shortened overall, resulting in a reduction in hair damage due to excessively long contact times. A method for manufacturing coloring agents for keratinic fibers, containing coated particles is also provided. |
| US08110009B2 |
Petroleum based processed detergent for dry cleaning and its use
The present invention provides compositions and methods for dry cleaning garments. The present invention provides a petroleum based processed detergent for dry cleaning and methods of use. The present invention provides methods of using the petroleum based processed detergent for dry cleaning wherein use of the detergent decreases the proliferation of bacteria and microbes in the detergent, and reduces the opposite pollution ratio of the detergent following a dry cleaning cycle. Additionally, the petroleum based processed detergent maintains a stable conductivity during use. |
| US08110007B2 |
Porous and nonporous materials for tissue grafting and repair
Implants, such as interbody spacers, fusion devices and bone grafts, are provided having improved mechanical properties and/or degradation profiles. Such implants include a three-dimensional scaffold formed from particles, such as microspheres, which may in some embodiments be resorbable or biodegradable and which may have at least two different degradation rates. In some embodiments, the scaffold may be elastomeric. The three-dimensional scaffold may be for example, porous or semi-porous. Also provided are kits including such implants, and methods of producing and using the same. |
| US08110003B2 |
Prostheses for spine discs having fusion capability
The present invention provides both a device and a method. The device is a human made replacement for the soft discs in the spine. A fabric pouch encloses a central hydraulic element made up of small soft beads. Two pouches with beads are implanted into a prepared disc space to function as an intervertebral disc. The method is conversion of the device into a fusion element. |
| US08110000B2 |
Ligament reconstruction system
A system for ligament reconstruction includes placing a first jig having a first plurality of drill guide holes on a first bone of the joint, forming two intersecting holes in the first bone using the first plurality of drill guide holes, placing a second jig having a second plurality of drill guide holes on a second bone of the joint, forming a tunnel and a first branch hole and a second branch hole in the second bone using the second plurality of drill guide holes, placing a tendon having sutured ends through the two intersecting holes, extending the sutured ends through the tunnel and through the first and second branch holes so that the first and second ends of the tendon are positioned within the tunnel, and affixing the tendon within the tunnel. The apparatus of this system has specially formed jigs placed over bones. |
| US08109999B2 |
Intraocular lens
The invention relates to an artificial intraocular lens consisting of a polymer material which permits a change of the optical properties of the artificial intraocular lens when exposed to light. This enables the lens to be exactly adjusted to the required visual acuity upon implantation thereof. |
| US08109996B2 |
Minimally-invasive cardiac-valve prosthesis
A cardiac-valve prosthesis is adapted for percutaneous implantation. The prosthesis includes an armature adapted for deployment in a radially expanded implantation position, the armature including a support portion and an anchor portion, which are substantially axially coextensive with respect to one another. A set of leaflets is coupled to the support portion. The leaflets can be deployed with the armature in the implantation position. The leaflets define, in the implantation position, a flow duct that is selectably obstructable. The anchor portion can be deployed to enable anchorage of the cardiac-valve prosthesis at an implantation site. |
| US08109995B2 |
Percutaneously implantable replacement heart valve device and method of making same
A method of making a replacement heart valve device whereby a fragment of biocompatible tissue material is treated and soaked in one or more alcohol solutions and a solution of glutaraldehyde. The dried biocompatible tissue material is folded and rehydrated in such a way that forms a two- or three-leaflet/cusp valve without affixing of separate cusps or leaflets or cutting slits into the biocompatible tissue material to form the cusps or leaflets. After the biocompatible tissue material is folded, it is affixed at one or more points on the outer surface to the inner cavity or a stent. |
| US08109994B2 |
Biodegradable drug delivery material for stent
A stent is fabricated utilizing a polymer that is selected for its tendency to degrade from the surface inwardly rather than undergo bulk erosion so as to substantially reduce the risk of large particles becoming detached and being swept downstream. Such polymer is hydrophobic yet has water-labile linkages interconnecting the monomers. Ester or imide bonds are incorporated in the polymer to render the surface degrading materials suitable for use in stent applications. The stent may be coated with such polymer or may be wholly formed therefrom. |
| US08109992B2 |
Stent
A stent shaped as a three-dimensional body which is formed by interlaced threads (1) arranged in multistart turns of a helical line. The threads (1) are arranged in at least two groups (2 and 3) of the helical turns featuring opposite senses of helix. The stent ends are established by sections (5) where the turns of one helical line merge into those of the other helical line, said sections appearing as a single length of the thread (1). |
| US08109989B2 |
Helical stent design
An expandable tubular reinforcing member used for body lumens such as blood vessels, the reinforcing member being formed of a continuous elongated helical element comprised of spaced undulating portions forming end loop portions and including a plurality of curvilinear connector elements extending between and interconnecting at least some of the adjacent undulating portions of the helical element over its length. |
| US08109987B2 |
Method of treating a lumenal bifurcation
A stepped balloon catheter prosthesis deployment system is disclosed for placement of a prosthesis across an Os opening from a main body lumen to a branch body lumen. The prosthesis comprises a radially expansible support at one end, a circumferentially extending link at the other end and at least one frond extending axially therebetween. The prosthesis is configured to be deployed from a stepped diameter balloon with the support in the branch body lumen, with the circumferentially extending link in the main lumen and the frond extendable across the Os. |
| US08109984B2 |
Method and device for treatment of mitral insufficiency
A device for treatment of mitral annulus dilation is disclosed, wherein the device comprises two states. In a first of these states the device is insertable into the coronary sinus and has a shape of the coronary sinus. When positioned in the coronary sinus, the device is transferable to the second state assuming a reduced radius of curvature, whereby the radius of curvature of the coronary sinus and the radius of curvature as well as the circumference of the mitral annulus is reduced. |
| US08109979B2 |
Instrumentation and methods for use in implanting a cervical disc replacement device
Instrumentation for implanting a cervical disc replacement device includes cervical disc replacement trials for determining the appropriate size of replacement device to be implanted, an insertion plate for maintaining the elements of the replacement device in fixed relation to one another for simultaneous manipulation, an insertion handle for attachment to the insertion plate for manipulation of the elements, an insertion pusher for releasing the insertion handle from the insertion plate, a drill guide that cooperates with the insertion plate to guide the drilling of tap holes for bone screws to be placed through bone screw holes in the flanges of the replacement device, clips that are applied to the flanges after placement of the bone screws to resist screw backout, and a clip applicator for applying the clips to the flanges. |
| US08109978B2 |
Methods of posterior fixation and stabilization of a spinal segment
Methods for spinal stabilization operative to prevent lateral bending, extension, and rotation across two or more adjacent vertebrae are described with particular emphasis on preventing excessive forces on the facet joins. Broadly, the method includes placing one or more anchors, each having one or more sutures at each vertebral level on a posterior portion of the vertebrae, applying tension to the sutures and joining the sutures over the disc space between two or more vertebra. The sutures can be wrapped around the spinous process of the adjacent vertebrae. Alternatively, the sutures can be welded in a cross-braced pattern extending between the spinous process of the adjacent vertebrae. |
| US08109973B2 |
Method for dynamic vertebral stabilization
An intervertebral stabilization device and method is disclosed. The device preferably includes a planar spring enclosed within a housing. The housing is joined to an articulation component at either end, and the articulation components have couplings connectable to anchoring components which are securable to adjacent vertebrae. The planar spring can flex and retract providing relative motion between the adjacent vertebrae. The articulation components are ball and socket joints which allow the entire assembly to flexibly follow the curvature of the spine. A fusion rod with articulation components and couplings at either end may be substituted for the spring device. The couplings enable interchangeability between a fusion rod assembly and spring assembly, so that dynamic stabilization can occur at one vertebral level and fusion at the adjacent vertebral level. An overhung spring assembly with a sideways displaced housing which allows for a shorter pedicle to pedicle displacement is also disclosed. |
| US08109971B2 |
Orthopedic fixation mechanism
A fixation mechanism and method of fixation, such as the fixation of a facet resurfacing implant to an articular facet of a spinal vertebra. The fixation mechanism includes a securing mechanism having a socket configured to receive a knob of a biologic implant. The fixation mechanism further includes a locking mechanism for limiting expansion of the socket following engagement with the knob of the implant. |
| US08109970B2 |
Deflection rod system with a deflection contouring shield for a spine implant and method
A dynamic stabilization, motion preservation spinal implant system includes an anchor system, a horizontal rod system and a vertical rod system. The systems are modular so that various constructs and configurations can be created and customized to a patient. |
| US08109968B2 |
Suture lock
A suture lock according to the present invention sufficiently secures a suture thread in place in a quick and efficient manner. It eliminates the need for a laparoscopic surgeon to tie complex or multi-step knots. The suture lock generally comprises a suture lock body having a suture channel that allows a suture thread to be drawn into the suture lock body. A plurality of teeth extends into an opening of the suture channel in such a manner that an inserted suture thread will be locked in place. In addition, a guide portion eases insertion of a suture thread free end by simplifying relative rotational adjustment of the lock. An embodiment of the suture lock may be fabricated from a material or materials that naturally dissolve within the human body. |
| US08109962B2 |
Retrievable device having a reticulation portion with staggered struts
A retrievable device for treatment of a stenotic lesion in a body vessel is disclosed. The device comprises a reticulation portion including a plurality of struts connected together in a singly staggered configuration distally along a longitudinal axis. The plurality of struts of the reticulation portion is configured to fold along the longitudinal axis defining a collapsed state of the device for retrieval. The device further includes an expandable body distally extending from the reticulation portion along an outer diameter for treatment of the stenotic lesion. The expandable body is configured to expand in the open state and collapsed in the collapsed state of the reticulation portion for retrieval. The device further comprises a retrieval stem extending proximally from the reticulation portion for retrieval of the device in the collapsed state. |
| US08109961B2 |
Bone fusion system and method
A bone fusion system and method is disclosed. The system includes a bone mill having at least one docking station that is located at a position other than where a user inserts bone to be morcellated into the bone mill. This allows, for example, a surgeon to deposit morcellated bone onto a desired location on a patient's spine immediately after the bone is morcellated. The bone mill can include two or more docking stations having different sizes so that a surgeon can couple differently sized syringes to the bone mill. This allows, for example, morcellated bone to be deposited at two or more locations immediately after the bone is morcellated. A hand held retractor having a serrated tip is included so that a surgeon can simultaneously retract a patient's muscle bundles while decorticating a recipient bed. |
| US08109960B2 |
Patient's skin puncturing device
A patient's skin puncturing device according to the present invention is built of a body and of seated therein a pricking needle assembly and of a push-button arranged in the upper portion of the body. Between the push-button and the pricking needle assembly at least two driving springs are arranged. The driving springs are connected by upper ends with the push-button provided with a pushing face. Between the body and the pricking needle assembly at least two return springs are disposed, which are connected with the body. The pricking needle assembly has a driving face cooperating with the pushing face of the push-button, and in the upper portion has wings which upper surfaces cooperate with the driving springs of the push-button and which lower surfaces cooperate with the return springs, and has outer projections cooperating with inner projections with which the body is provided. |
| US08109957B2 |
Disc nucleus removal devices and methods
Disclosed herein are devices and methods for removing tissue. In one aspect, a device for removing tissue includes a hollow elongate member having an outer wall and a lumen, a selectively deployable tissue-cutting element extending from the hollow elongate member, and an actuation member extending through the lumen and coupled to the hollow elongate member at a location that is distal to the tissue-cutting element. Movement of the actuation member can cause the tissue-cutting element to move from the insertion configuration where the tissue-cutting element is not deployed to a tissue-cutting configuration where the tissue-cutting element is deployed such that it is radially extended relative to the insertion configuration. |
| US08109956B2 |
Systems and methods for surgical removal of tissue
A method for treating a body tissue comprises delivering a cutting mechanism of a surgical instrument into proximity to a target portion of the body tissue wherein the cutting mechanism includes a first member defining a lumen and a distal cutting tip. At least the first member is supported, via a coupler, by the handpiece. A fluid pathway extends from the distal cutting tip, through the lumen of the first member, and through an interior of the handpiece for fluid connection to a source of negative pressure. In one configuration, a coupler provides an internally-located aspiration control mechanism including a user interface port exteriorly exposed on the coupler and defining an aspiration control pathway extending from the user interface port to a proximal window of the inner member for communication with the lumen of the inner member. With the distal cutting tip placed into contact with the target portion, the treatment site is selectively aspirated by manipulating a position of a finger relative to the user interface port to manually effectuate an altering of a level of vacuum applied by the source of negative pressure at the distal cutting tip. |
| US08109955B2 |
Rotational atherectomy device with fluid inflatable support elements and distal protection capability
A rotational atherectomy device for abrading a stenotic lesion from a vessel of a patient comprises a flexible drive shaft (1) which extends towards a distal end of the device, a distal fluid inflatable support element (3, 3″) located at a distal end of the drive shaft and an abrasive element (5) mounted to the drive shaft proximal to and spaced away from the distal fluid inflatable support element. Both the abrasive element and the distal fluid inflatable support element are rotatable together with the drive shaft and the drive shaft comprises a torque transmitting coil (2) which defines a long lumen of the drive shaft. The distal fluid inflatable support element is formed from a fluid impermeable membrane (9, 9″) that crosses a longitudinal axis (x-x) common to the torque transmitting coil and the lumen of the drive shaft at the distal end of the device, thereby preventing pressurized fluid flowing along the lumen of the drive shaft from entering the vessel in the direction of said longitudinal axis so that fluid has to pass through the fluid inflatable support element, inflating said support element and exiting from the device through an outflow opening (66) in the fluid inflatable support element in a direction different from the direction of the longitudinal axis of the coil and the lumen. |
| US08109954B2 |
Rotational atherectomy device with distal protection capability and method of use
A rotational device for removing a stenotic lesion from within a vessel of a patient is disclosed. The device comprises a flexible hollow drive shaft having a distal end insertable into the vessel and an abrasive element located on the drive shaft proximal to the distal end of the drive shaft to abrade a stenotic lesion when the drive shaft rotates. The hollow drive shaft defines a lumen for fluid supplied into the drive shaft to flow in an antegrade direction along the lumen and into the vessel from the drive shaft distal to the abrasive element so that the fluid entering the vessel flows in a retrograde direction over the abrasive element and die drive shaft to entrain debris abraded by the abrasive element for removal of said debris from the patient. |
| US08109948B2 |
Compression anastomosis device and method
An anastomotic device for use in the joining of a first tubular structure and a second tubular structure is provided. The anastomotic device includes a cylindrical sleeve configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the first tubular structure, the cylindrical sleeve defining a bore therethrough; an inverting member configured and dimensioned for placement at least partially within the second tubular structure, the inverting member defining a bore therethrough which is configured and dimensioned to selectively receive the cylindrical sleeve therein; and a constricting member selectively positionable on the inverting member and movable onto the cylindrical sleeve when the cylindrical sleeve is at least partially positioned within the bore of the inverting member. |
| US08109945B2 |
Percutaneous suture path tracking device with cutting blade
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for cutting filaments percutaneously. The methods and systems may be used in conjunction with sealing a puncture percutaneously in tissue separating two internal portions of the body of a living being with an anchor, a sealing plug and a filament connecting the anchor and sealing plug. The present invention provides for safe filament cutting below the skin and may reduce the risk of cutting the filament distal of any knots. |
| US08109944B2 |
Surgical device
A device for automatically providing needles to a sealing apparatus for sealing a puncture in an anatomical structure, the sealing apparatus including a needle insertion lumen and a needle pusher channel having a needle pusher disposed therein. The device may include a housing coupled to the sealing apparatus and a cartridge disposed in the housing. The cartridge has a first and a second needle slot extending from a distal end of the cartridge to a proximal end of the cartridge. The first and second needle slots have first and second needles disposed, e.g., pre-loaded, therein, respectively. The cartridge is moveable, such as by a biasing element, relative to the housing between a first position in which the first needle slot is aligned with the needle insertion lumen and the needle pushing channel, and a second position in which the second needle slot is aligned with the needle insertion lumen and the needle pushing channel. |
| US08109943B2 |
Systems and methods for suture anchor deployment
Provided are systems and methods for suture anchor deployment. A system according to the present invention is a trocar system that includes a cannula assembly and an obturator assembly, the cannula assembly providing a needle assembly and the obturator assembly providing a needle actuation mechanism. The obturator assembly may be at least partially inserted into the cannula assembly and arranged to operatively couple the needle actuation mechanism to the needle assembly. The needle assembly includes at least one needle, each needle having disposed near its distal tip a suture anchor. A method according to the present invention includes steps for deploying and/or depositing at least one suture anchor in or through an organ of the human body. |
| US08109940B2 |
Breast surgery method and apparatus
A surgical apparatus for cutting a tissue mass comprising an elongated housing having a distal portion, a rotatable shaft positioned in the elongated housing, and a plurality of flexible electrocautery cutting blades extending from the housing, wherein the plurality of cutting blades are radially expandable from a first position defining a first diameter to a second larger diameter and the blades are rotatable and transmit electrical energy to cut the tissue mass. |
| US08109939B2 |
System and method for removing an implanted catheter from a patient
A method comprising removing a port from a patient through an incision and coupling a rod disposed in a sheath to the end of a catheter. The method also includes sliding the sheath along the rod and catheter into tissue surrounding the catheter in a rotating manner to separate the tissue from the catheter until the catheter is able to freely be removed from the patient, and removing the catheter from the patient. The method may also include making a shorter second incision on the patient and exposing a portion of the catheter through the patient's skin to facilitate coupling of the rod with the catheter and retrieval of the catheter. |
| US08109937B2 |
Surgical system for indication of media types
A surgical system includes a surgical instrument, an aspiration flow rate measurement device, a vacuum force measurement device, and an indicator. The surgical instrument has an aspiration portion and is located in a media type. The aspiration flow rate measurement device is configured to measure the flow rate generated by the aspiration portion. The vacuum force measurement device is configured to measure the vacuum force generated by the aspiration portion. The indicator provides an indication of the media type in which the surgical instrument is located. The indication is based on aspiration flow rate measurement information, vacuum force measurement information, and an operation and configuration of the surgical instrument. |
| US08109934B2 |
All through one drill guide for cervical plating
Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for guiding medical instruments, including a handle with a handle shaft, an alignment stand configured to interface with a receptacle of a cervical plate, an instrument guide tube coupled to the alignment stand and having a lumen therethrough, such that when the alignment stand is in communication with the receptacle, the instrument guide tube is positioned over a bone screw receiving hole in the cervical plate and an axial centerline of the instrument guide tube passes through the bone screw receiving hole. Instrument guide tube may swivel about the alignment stand via a rotational coupling, or may be one of two fixed instrument guide tubes. Alignment stand may include an angle-limiting post to interface with the receptacle to permit ranges of tilting, or a stem and optional bone pin for holding the alignment stand at a substantially constant angle in the receptacle. |
| US08109928B2 |
Plasma-generating device, plasma surgical device and use of plasma surgical device
The present invention relates to a plasma-generating device, comprising an anode, a cathode and a plasma channel which in its longitudinal direction extends at least partly between said cathode and said anode. The end of the cathode which is directed to the anode has a cathode tip tapering towards the anode, a part of said cathode tip extending over a partial length of a plasma chamber connected to the plasma channel. The plasma chamber has a cross-sectional surface, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plasma channel, which exceeds the cross-sectional surface, transversely to the longitudinal direction of the plasma channel, of an opening, positioned closest to the cathode, of the plasma channel. The invention also concerns a plasma surgical device and use of such a plasma surgical device. |
| US08109923B2 |
Osmotic pump with remotely controlled osmotic pressure generation
Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled osmotic pump device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to some embodiments, an osmotic pump device is placed in an environment in order to pump a material into the environment or into an additional fluid handling structure within the osmotic pump device. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used. |
| US08109922B2 |
Orifice device having multiple channels and multiple layers for drug delivery
An orifice device for delivering one or more drugs includes an inner member having a proximal end and a distal end; and a plurality of windings helically wound around the inner member. Each winding defines a separate layer and each winding includes at least one wire helically wound around the inner member. The plurality of windings and the inner member define at least two separate channels for carrying one or more drugs therethrough. An inlet is at the proximal end of each of the plurality of windings and an outlet is at the distal end of the plurality of windings. At least one of the plurality of windings has a plurality of distinct wires helically wound in parallel around the inner member and at least one of the plurality of windings respectively. |
| US08109921B2 |
Operating a portable medical device
Some embodiments of a portable medical device, such as an infusion pump, can receive an external reference signal (e.g., a radio, cellular and/or satellite signal) to provide an automatic time-setting and maintenance operation. In these circumstances, the medical device can maintain accurate time and date information even in the event of a power interruption, a time-zone change and/or an internal clock error, for example. In this manner, the portable medical device provides safe operation and added convenience to the user. |
| US08109918B2 |
Sinus delivery of sustained release therapeutics
The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers. |
| US08109917B2 |
Twistable medication dispensing system
Disclosed is a dispenser having a first chamber containing a first fluid and a second chamber containing a second material. Each chamber has screw threads that are selectively joinable so that the first and second chambers are twistable relative to one another. The first chamber includes an open top end that is, before use, covered with a breakable membrane. A breaker ring is located within the second chamber and is configured to break the breakable membrane when the dispenser is transitioned between an extended position and a compact position. In the compact position with the breakable membrane broken, the first fluid and second material form a mixture that can be dispensed via an opening in an openable tip. |
| US08109915B2 |
Pull-on disposable wearing article
A pull-on disposable wearing article has a base sheet including an inner sheet and an outer sheet. A plurality of auxiliary elastic members extending across a panel are interposed between the inner sheet and the outer sheet and attached to these sheets between waist surrounding elastic members and leg-holes so that these auxiliary elastic members may contract in the waist-circumferential direction. Each of the auxiliary elastic members has transversely opposite end portions secured to the inner and outer sheets and an intermediate portion not directly bonded to the inner and outer sheets. |
| US08109911B2 |
Universal access seal
A surgical access device including a valve housing and an instrument receiving element mounted in the valve housing having an aperture for flexibly receiving and directing instruments having a wide range of diameters. The instrument receiving element includes a braid or mesh tube generally shaped like an hourglass. The surgical access device may include an access septum seal molded from a gel material. The surgical access device can flexibly engage instruments having diameters ranging from about 3.5 mm to about 12.9 mm. |
| US08109908B1 |
Biodegradable shroud for a dilator/sheath assembly
An introducer assembly includes a sheath and a dilator. A biodegradable shroud covers the distal portion of the introducer assembly on the surface of both the sheath and the dilator. The biodegradable shroud dissolves in blood after being exposed for a predetermined time. Afterwards, the dilator can be separated from the sheath without breaking the sheath. The shroud improves movement of the introducer assembly through a venous system by preventing body tissue from getting caught in the space between the dilator and the shroud, for example should a “fish mouth” separation occur between them. |
| US08109907B2 |
Continuous drug solution infusion device
A continuous drug solution infusion device is provided that is capable of administering a drug solution into a patient's body for a predetermined period of time substantially at a predetermined flow rate from the beginning to end of the drug solution infusion by suppressing the change in pressure from the beginning to end of the infusion. The continuous drug solution infusion device has at least two tubular members disposed in series along an infusion path for a drug solution and at least one expandable/contractible tubular member disposed between the tubular members. |
| US08109905B2 |
Retractable needle assembly
A fluid collection or infusion set is provided. The set includes flexible tubing with a fitting attached to a proximal end and a needle assembly attached to the distal end. The needle assembly includes a needle hub and a needle cannula secured in the hub. An actuator arm extends proximally and outwardly from the needle hub and has an actuator button at its free end. The needle assembly is disposed in a barrel and can move from a distal position where the needle cannula is exposed to a proximal position where the needle cannula is shielded. A spring is disposed in the barrel for propelling the needle assembly to the proximal position. The barrel includes an actuating aperture that receives the actuator button for locking the spring in a compressed condition. Depression of the actuator button enables the spring to propel the needle assembly into its proximal shielded position. |
| US08109904B1 |
Drug delivery medical devices
Medical devices for delivering a bioactive agent(s) and methods of use thereof are provided. |
| US08109902B2 |
Systems and methods for mixing fluids
Improvements are provided for a syringe-to-syringe mixing system to improve the mixing characteristics of the system. In one embodiment, a mixing apparatus includes opposite fittings for mounting to a pair of syringes. The mixing apparatus defines a fluid passageway therethrough and includes a flow modifying element disposed within the passageway. The flow modifying element is configured to increase the flow velocity, disrupt the fluid flow or introduce turbulence into the fluid flow between the two syringes. In another embodiment, a nozzle element is disposed within the tip of the syringe, the element configured to increase the fluid flow therethrough. The nozzle element can be a nozzle insert removably mounted within the tip, or an integrally formed nozzle within the tip. |
| US08109897B2 |
Method for selective thermal treatment
Methods for selective cooling or heating of a target site in the human body include a catheter having a supply elongated element and a delivery elongated element, with inlet and exit ports. Blood is withdrawn from the supply elongated element and cooled or heated in a control unit. The treated blood is sent to the targeted area via delivery elongated element. The supply elongated element can act as an insulator for the treated blood in the delivery elongated element. |
| US08109895B2 |
Intestinal sleeves and associated deployment systems and methods
An intestinal implant includes a proximal anchor self-expandable from a radially compressed position to a radially expandable position for engagement with a wall of the intestinal lumen and a flexible sleeve coupled to the anchor. The sleeve is implanted with the anchor downstream from the pylorus and the sleeve extending further downstream through the intestinal lumen. |
| US08109893B2 |
Chronic access system for extracorporeal treatment of blood including a continously wearable hemodialyzer
A patient wearable, continuously operating extracorporeal pump apparatus which accesses the patient's arterial venous pressure differential by applying external pressure to a subcutaneous graft that has been cannualized to modulate blood flow through an extracorporeal circuit and to drive the pump for delivering a medicament, such as an anticoagulant, to the site of an intravenous cannula to prevent clogging thereof and also to move a dialysate through a circuit, including a dialyzer and a dialysate rejuvenating cartridge, whereby kidney failure can be treated without recourse to prior art hemodialysis machines found in most treatment facilities. With slight modification, the present invention can be used to remove excess fluids from CHF patients, to remove toxins from the blood in those suffering from liver failure and to facilitate administration of insulin to diabetics and/or glucose to those having hypoglycemia. |
| US08109891B2 |
Device and method for detecting an epileptic event
The invention discloses an epileptic event alert system, capable of detecting and analyzing whether motions sensed by at least one motion sensor of the system, are related to an epileptic seizure event. The system may be utilized for detection of additional motion-related pathologies. A detection method is similarly disclosed, as is computer-readable media adapted to perform the detection method of the invention. |
| US08109890B2 |
Body movement monitoring device
An autonomous sensing unit and system that includes a set of sensors, a conditioning means for deriving information from the sensors, display means for displaying the information to an operator, and a means for recording the kinematic parameters of a body segment, and a method for using the system. |
| US08109885B2 |
Biopsy device for removing tissue specimens using a vacuum
A biopsy device for taking tissue samples, includes a housing, a removable element and a control panel. The housing contains an electric power source and a tension slide connected to the power source. The tension slide may be brought into a cocked position against the action of a spring by the power source. The removable element is configured for insertion into the housing and includes a biopsy needle unit, a vacuum pressure-generating device and a control panel. The removable element may be provided as a sterile package unit. The biopsy needle unit can be arranged on the tension slide and includes a hollow biopsy needle with a sample removal chamber and a cutting sheath. The biopsy device can be held in one hand and is fully integrated with all components required to perform a vacuum biopsy such that no cables or lines are required to other external units. |
| US08109882B2 |
System and method for venous pulsation detection using near infrared wavelengths
Methods and systems for detecting venous pulsation are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present technique, there is provided a method for detecting venous pulsation, including acquiring a first signal corresponding to absorption at a first near-infrared wavelength, acquiring a second signal corresponding to absorption at a second near-infrared wavelength, deriving an offset metric from the first and second signals, and detecting the presence of venous pulsation based on the offset metric. The method further includes correcting calculations of physiological parameters such as, for example, blood oxygen saturation, when venous pulsation is detected. |
| US08109868B2 |
Cardiac support device
A highly compliant and elastic cardiac support device is provided. The device is constructed from a biocompatible material is applied to an external surface of a heart. The device can be used to resist dilatation of the heart, to provide acute wall support, or to enhance reduction in the size of the heart using stored potential energy, without interfering with systolic contraction. |
| US08109866B2 |
Method and apparatus for prolapse repair
A pelvic implant having a central support portion, and a plurality of extension members, is provided. The extension members can be positioned or extend from the central support portion in opposing pairs. The extension members are generally attached to the central support portion at respective junctions (e.g., via rivets), and sheaths or covers can be employed to cover at least a length or portion of the extension members. Further, one or more spanning members can extend from a first of the opposed and paired extensions to the opposing extension, e.g., under or across the central portion and the respective junctions to provide additional tensile strength for the implant during deployment or implantation. |
| US08109863B2 |
Resistance exercise trainer and related speed training process
The resistance exercise trainer includes an adjustable strap wearable by a user, a leash attached to the strap at a first end and a bag attached to a second end of the leash and configured for removable reception of at least one weight. When wearing the strap and pulling the bag and the weight with the leash, the weighted bag impedes user movement thereby providing resistance exercise training. As part of the resistance exercise training, the leash may be disconnected from the strap and used individually as a jump rope and the weight may be removed from the bag and used individually in strength training exercises. Together, the strap, the leash, the bag and the weight may be used in a speed training triangle. |
| US08109860B2 |
Twisting and leaping exercise apparatus
A twisting and leaping exercise apparatus includes a base, at least one fixed seat, one or more sets of upper and lower swinging arms, a pedal set, a connecting plate and an elastic module. If an exerciser applies a force onto the pedal set, the pedal set will press onto the elastic module, such that the restoring resilience of the elastic module allows the exerciser to have an up-and-down leaping exercise, and the exerciser can also turn the pedal set to left and right to achieve the function of a waist twisting exercise, so as to achieve an all-round exercise and a better exercise effect. |
| US08109857B2 |
Vehicle launch device having fluid coupling and electric machine
An automatic shifting power transmission includes a hydrodynamic fluid drive device, a first reaction clutch disposed in series with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device, a variable capacity clutch disposed in parallel with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device, and an electric machine disposed in series with the hydrodynamic fluid drive device and the first reaction clutch. A method of controlling the automatic transmission includes slipping the first reaction clutch corresponding to a first gear engagement to affect a first gear launch maneuver when engine load is at or above a first predetermined value. The method includes the steps of fully engaging the first reaction clutch corresponding to the first gear engagement when engine load is below the first predetermined value, slipping the variable capacity clutch corresponding to the first gear engagement when engine load is below a second predetermined value, fully engaging a second reaction clutch corresponding to the appropriate gear engagement, depressurizing the hydrodynamic fluid drive device corresponding to a second gear engagement, and energizing the electric machine corresponding to a second gear engagement, the electric machine driving a turbine of the hydrodynamic fluid drive device further removing fluid from the hydrodynamic fluid drive device. |
| US08109853B2 |
Control of a locking differential
A method for controlling a locking differential for a vehicle includes using a coil to unlock the differential, if the vehicle stops for a period whose length is equal to or greater than a reference length, and using the coil to lock the differential, if the vehicle is moving or stopped for less than the reference length. |
| US08109849B1 |
Device for releasing tension from auto tensioning cylinder
An apparatus for compressing an automatic belt tensioning cylinder to permit a belt to be placed around, the engine pulleys, includes a pneumatic cylinder and a jig, the jib being adapted to hold the tensioning cylinder during compression thereof by the pneumatic cylinder. The jig holds a plunger sensor that is operable to detect the presence of the tensioning cylinder, and to control the flow of pressurizing fluid such that the pneumatic cylinder cannot be operated in an extension direction when the tensioning cylinder is absent from the jig. |
| US08109843B2 |
Multilayer golf ball with a thin thermoset outer layer
The present invention is directed towards a method of forming a multilayer golf ball which comprises a core, an inner cover layer and an outer cover layer. The steps include forming a golf ball core; molding an inner cover layer around said golf ball core with a material having a first shore D hardness; and casting an outer cover layer around said inner cover layer and golf ball core with a thermoset material having a second shore D hardness less than the first. The core is comprised of a center made from a first rubber based material and an outer layer formed from a second rubber based material. Preferably, the first rubber based material has about 15 to 25 parts of a crosslinking agent per hundred parts of rubber and the second rubber based material has about 20 to 40 parts of a crosslinking agent per hundred parts of rubber. |
| US08109839B2 |
Golf swing training device and method
A golf swing aid apparatus includes a base forming a sound chamber, a cover pivoted to the base, and a noisemaker configured to actuate a clicker in the base when the cover is released. The present apparatus provides a click noise immediately prior to ball impact during a golfer's swing, thus providing feedback on synchronized timing of the swing. The feedback is real time, and is of a nature whereby a golfer can recognize its feedback without disrupting the golf swing itself. The apparatus can be anchored using golf ball tees, and an accessory used that helps alignment of the golfer's stance. Notably, the present apparatus can be used in a variety of sports with a swing where weight transfer is important, such as softball and baseball. |
| US08109838B2 |
Golf club head with a three-dimensional alignment member and methods to manufacture golf club heads
Embodiments of golf club heads with a three-dimensional alignment member and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08109833B2 |
Vehicle provided with torque damper
A torque damper for a power unit includes a rotating shaft on which the torque damper is mounted to reduce the axial size and weight. A torque damper for absorbing excessive torque occurring in a torque transmission path between an output shaft of a running clutch and an intermediate shaft includes an input cam member adapted to receive torque of the output shaft and an output cam member. A driven gear adapted to apply torque of the output shaft to the input cam member is provided on the input cam member rotatably supported by the intermediate shaft. In the torque damper, a torque-absorbing portion for absorbing excessive torque includes an input cam portion of the input cam member and an output cam portion of the output cam member and is disposed between a pair of bearings. One bearing is disposed between the input cam portion and the driven gear. |
| US08109832B2 |
Sic-bo automated dice-cage and method of implementing the same
A Sic-bo automated dice-cage has a control module, a dice module and a switch module. The dice module is connected to the control module and has a base, a dice container, multiple dice, a shaker and a cover. The dice container is pellucid and is mounted on the base. The dice are placed in the dice container. The shaker is mounted movably inside the dice container and is controlled by the control module to shake the dice at a variable frequency. The cover selectively covers the dice container and is controlled by the control module to cover and uncover the dice container. The switch module is electronically connected to the control module and comprises actuators to activate the control module to shake the dice, to cover and uncover the dice. The variable frequency of movement of the shaker may further change according to a position of the cover. |
| US08109829B1 |
Compositing device for combining visual content
A compositing apparatus is provided that has, in certain implementations, electronic circuitry for combining visual content for an electronic game of chance. The compositing apparatus may receive wagering display information from a wagering engine that controls wagering aspects of the game and entertainment display information from an entertainment engine that controls non-wagering aspects of the game. The compositing apparatus may combine the wagering and entertainment display information for presentation to a player on a display. In certain implementations, the compositing apparatus also enables the wagering engine to control the output of display information on the display. |