| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08169558B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes pixels A and pixels B, wherein a width BB of the pixel B is smaller than a width AA of the pixel A. A pixel electrode formed in the pixel B is smaller than a pixel electrode formed in the pixel A in area and hence, capacitance formed between the pixel electrode and a counter electrode which is formed below the pixel electrode with an insulation film sandwiched therebetween becomes small. To eliminate this difference in capacitance, a first branch electrode and a second branch electrode are formed on the pixel electrode of the pixel B thus increasing capacitance between the pixel electrode and the counter electrode. Due to such a constitution, it is possible to prevent the deterioration of image quality attributed to imbalance of capacitance. |
| US08169554B2 |
Projection display apparatus and display method using the same
A projection display apparatus has a beam controller provided on the optical axis of an optically-modulated linearly-polarized beam, to allow the beam to travel therethrough to reach a screen or cut off the beam, under control by a control signal. The controller, has driving zones on which the beam is incident. The zones are provided in a direction corresponding to a vertical scanning direction of pixels of a liquid crystal display device installed in the display apparatus, for optically modulating a linearly polarized beam. The controller is driven per driving zone in a specific zone order at a timing of vertical scanning of the pixels under control by the control signal generated based on a vertical synchronization signal detected from the input signal. The optically modulated beam is allowed to travel through the controller or cut off when incident on the zones at the timing of the vertical scanning. |
| US08169553B2 |
Assembling structure for flat-panel display unit, and flat-panel television
An assembling structure for a flat-panel display unit, comprising: a housing body comprised of a front cabinet and a rear cabinet is assembled to house a flat display panel; at both side faces of rear cabinet, several base portions that are extended by predetermined lengths toward the front cabinets from the both side faces are provided; at inner sides of side faces of the front cabinet, engaging portions for engaging the base portions are provided; at the base portions, protruding portions are provided; at the engaging portions, guides for allowing the protruding portions to be slid are formed at predetermined angles relative to a direction perpendicular to a display face of the flat display panel. |
| US08169552B2 |
Television receiver
The present invention relates to a television receiver including a controller, which indicates a plurality of selectable items being involved in contents of a program displayed on a screen, a memory, which holds a plurality of predetermined audio settings corresponding to the plurality of selectable items, and a processor which selects an audio setting from the plurality of predetermined audio settings and outputs the selected audio setting corresponding to an item selected from the plurality of selectable items. |
| US08169550B2 |
Cursor control method and apparatus
A cursor control method for controlling a cursor on an image display includes: providing at least two reference points for generating light of a predetermined spectrum and defining a predetermined area; providing an image sensor pointing inside the predetermined area; receiving the light of the predetermined spectrum by the image sensor to form a digital image; identifying positions and shapes of the images of the reference points on the digital image to form a first parameter; performing distance and angle compensations on the first parameter; moving the aiming point of the image sensor inside the predetermined area to form a second parameter; and calculating an displacement of the images of the reference points on the digital image according to the compensated first and second parameters so as to accordingly control the cursor. The present invention further provides a cursor control apparatus. |
| US08169548B2 |
Live broadcast interview conducted between studio booth and interviewer at remote location
A method to conduct a broadcast interview by producing in an area of restricted size in a realistic manner while minimizing perspective distortion and subject distortion a recording of an individual that produces the illusion that the individual is located in a larger area. |
| US08169546B2 |
Technique for tuner automatic gain control circuit for mobile television applications
A technique for providing stable tracking performance to an AGC loop circuit comprises amplifying a wideband radio frequency signal; detecting signals and blockers adjacent to the radio frequency signal; lowering a gain of the radio frequency signal; mixing a local oscillator signal with the radio frequency signal; shifting a frequency of the radio frequency signal from a radio frequency to an intermediate frequency; continuously varying a gain of the intermediate frequency signal; converting the intermediate frequency signal into a digital output signal; comparing the digital output signal with predefined thresholds comprising an upper threshold and a lower threshold; switching a post mixer amplifier (PMA) to a high gain state when an input of a variable gain amplifier (VGA) is greater than the upper threshold, and switching the PMA to a low gain state when an input of the VGA is lower than the lower threshold. |
| US08169543B2 |
Image conversion device and method for converting a field image into a frame image
In an image conversion device, a unit calculates an estimate pixel value for comparing an upper line pixel value with a lower line pixel value using the upper line pixel value corresponding to a plurality of consecutive pixels to be interpolated in a line between adjacent upper and lower lines in a field image and calculates an estimate pixel value for comparing the lower line pixel value with the upper line pixel value using the lower line pixel value; a unit searches for a combination of an estimate pixel value to minimize the sum of an absolute value of a difference between the estimate pixel value for the upper line and an upper line pixel value and an absolute value of a difference between the estimate pixel value for the lower line and a lower line pixel value; and a unit interpolates a pixel value for the minimizing combination. |
| US08169542B2 |
Automatic format identification of analog video input signals
In a method of automatically identifying a format of a video signal, where the video signal includes HSync pulses, VSync pulses, and video display data, the video signal is received, information about timing and width characteristics of the HSync pulses and the VSync pulses is extracted from the video signal, and the format of the video signal is determined based on the extracted information. |
| US08169540B2 |
Compact camera body to which interchangeable lens unit is mountable
A camera body allows the mounting of a lens unit configured to form an optical image of a subject, and includes a body mount, an imaging element, a capacitor, and a housing member. The body mount allows a lens unit to be mounted. The imaging element includes a light receiving face arranged to receive light passing through the lens unit, and converts an optical image of the subject into an electrical signal. The capacitor is disposed above the imaging element and more to the imaging element side than the body mount in a landscape orientation. The housing member accommodates the imaging element and the capacitor. |
| US08169532B2 |
Portable electronic device and method for measuring distance by performing auto focus function
A portable electronic device for measuring a distance of an object by performing an auto focus function and a distance measuring method are provided. The portable electronic device includes an image pickup module and a distance measuring program. The image pickup module includes a lens, an optical sensing element and a transmission mechanism. The distance measuring program includes a distance look-up table. The distance look-up table is established by correlating a plurality of lens moving step numbers with corresponding object distance values. The auto focus function is performed to capture an image of an object by the image pickup module, thereby obtaining a current lens moving step number required for performing the auto focus function. A current object distance value corresponding to the current lens moving step number is acquired according to the distance look-up table. |
| US08169528B2 |
Photographing lens assembly
This invention provides a photographing lens assembly comprising, in order from an object side to an image side: a first lens element with positive refractive power having a convex object-side surface and a convex image-side surface; a second lens element with negative refractive power having a concave object-side surface and a concave image-side surface; a third lens element with negative refractive power, the object-side and image-side surfaces thereof being aspheric; a fourth lens element with negative refractive power having a concave image-side surface on which at least one inflection point is formed; and an aperture stop disposed between an imaged object and the second lens element; wherein there are four lens elements with refractive power. Such an arrangement of optical elements can effectively reduce the size of the lens assembly, attenuate the sensitivity of the optical system and enable the lens assembly to obtain higher resolution. |
| US08169524B2 |
Image sensing apparatus with pixel readout correction
An image sensing apparatus comprises: a pixel array; a plurality of column signal lines; a readout unit; a driving unit that, in a transferring period for the readout unit to transfer pixel signals of columns in a first row to the output line, supplies to the pixel array and/or the readout unit a driving pulse for reading out the pixel signals from a second row, in a transferring period for the readout unit to transfer the pixel signals of the columns in the first row to the output line; and a correction unit that corrects a pixel signal of a first column in the first row that was transferred by the readout unit at a timing at which a level of the driving pulse transitions in the transferring period, according to at least a level of a pixel signal of the first column in the second row. |
| US08169514B2 |
Defective pixel detecting device, defective pixel detecting method, record medium storing a program for detecting defective pixels, and imaging apparatus
A defective pixel detecting device determining defective pixels as correction targets in an imaging device that produces image signals is provided, and the device includes: defect information storage configured to store priority of defective pixels to be corrected; a defective pixel detector configured to detect defective pixels by comparing levels of imaging signals from the imaging device with a predetermined detection level; a priority setter configured to set priority of the detected defective pixels, based on the levels of the imaging signals of the defective pixels detected by the defective pixel detector; and a correction target determiner configured to newly determine defective pixels to be corrected based on the priority of the defective pixels out of the defective pixels that are currently detected by the defective pixel detector and the defective pixels to be corrected stored in the defect information storage, determining priority of the newly determined defective pixels to be corrected, and storing the priority of the newly determined defective pixels to be corrected in the defect information storage. |
| US08169510B2 |
Data processing device, data processing method, and storage medium
The present invention relates to a data processing device, a data processing method, and a recording medium that enable a user to have a bodily sensation of collection of a material such as image data or the like, and editing.A processing section 31 generates first object image data as image data having a wider angle than image data obtained by image pickup by an image pickup device, and a manipulating section 35 extracts image data for one frame (extraction image data) from the first object image data according to an image pickup parameter set according to an operation of a user. Further, the manipulating section 35 superimposes the image data of a telop as second object image data on the extraction image data according to an editing parameter set according to an operation of the user. The present invention is applicable to television receivers receiving programs, for example. |
| US08169509B2 |
Image pickup system with signal noise reduction
In the image pickup system of the present invention, factors that have an effect on noise such as the signal level, temperature of the CCD during shooting, exposure time, gain and the like are dynamically acquired, the noise level of the CCD is estimated, for example, for each pixel by a noise estimating unit, and signal components equal to or less than this noise level in the video signals are suppressed by a noise reducing unit, so that a high-quality image that is substantially free of noise is obtained while preserving the edges of the image and the like. |
| US08169507B2 |
Image recording apparatus with electronic zoom and recording size setting, and control method and program therefor
An image recording apparatus for recording an image captured by use of electronic zoom, comprises an electronic-zoom setting unit configured to set a zoom magnification when using the electronic zoom, a recording-mode selection unit configured to select at least either a non-compression format or a compression format as a recording mode in recording the captured image, a recording-size setting unit configured to set a recording size in each recording mode, and a control unit configured to, when the zoom magnification is set to a magnification at which an image is enlarged, control a recording size in the non-compression format to be larger than the recording size set by the recording-size setting unit. |
| US08169505B2 |
Image management apparatus for displaying images based on geographical environment
An image management apparatus capable of managing a plurality of images captured within a geographical range included in a designated map linked with that map. The image management apparatus has a period setting unit setting a predetermined period, an imaging unit acquiring an image, a position information acquisition unit acquiring capturing position information, a map information acquisition unit acquiring map information representing a predetermined geographical range, a judgment unit judging whether or not the imaging location corresponding to each of a plurality of images is included within the predetermined geographical range, a display position determination unit determining the display position of the imaging location judged to be included within the predetermined geographical range by the judgment unit among imaging locations, and a display unit displaying the imaging location judged to be included within the predetermined geographical range according to the display position. |
| US08169504B2 |
Image processing device and image processing method
This invention provides an image processing device and an image processing method capable of performing image processing of higher accuracy using the synthetic image data with enlarged dynamic range. An image processing method including the steps of acquiring a plurality of input image data with pixel information defined with a first tone range by performing imaging over plural times at different exposure conditions using an imaging unit, generating synthetic image data with pixel information defined with a second tone range wider than the first tone range by synthesizing the plurality of input image data, generating processed image data containing pixel information defined with the second tone range by performing image processing on the synthetic image data for facilitating detection or measurement related to an imaged target; and converting the processed image data to output image data containing pixel information defined with a third tone range narrower than the second tone range is disclosed. |
| US08169500B2 |
Dynamic range compression apparatus, dynamic range compression method, computer-readable recording medium, integrated circuit, and imaging apparatus
A dynamic range (D-range) compression apparatus that uses a look-up table (LUT) is capable of dynamic compression that compresses the peak input value to the full output range, even when image signals with variable D-ranges are inputted. According to this D-range compression apparatus, D-range compression processing that places the D-range of the image signal within a predetermined output D-range is performed by the visual processing unit converting the tone of the image signal in accordance with the surrounding average luminance signal. Furthermore, with this D-range compression apparatus, the image signal is amplified in accordance with amplification input/output conversion characteristics determined based on the peak value in the image detected by the peak detection unit, and therefore it is possible to perform a dynamic amplification processing in accordance with the peak value so that the D-range of the image signal outputted from the visual processing unit becomes a predetermined output D-range. |
| US08169498B2 |
Nonlinear error correction processor for an image sensor
An image pickup device is provided, capable of complete correction with data of once analog-to-digital conversion, and prevention of excess use of switches and analog devices and/or erroneous correction, including: an image sensor having a plurality of analog-to-digital converters determining conversion results from a digital signal of higher order bit through separate steps of two or more times; a first correction unit which has a correction factor for correcting nonlinear errors of the plurality of analog-to-digital converters so as to adapt to the analog-to-digital converters and corrects a nonlinear error of a digital signal output from respective analog-to-digital converters based on a correction factor corresponding to respective analog-to-digital converters, characterized in that the first correction unit corrects the nonlinear errors after converting the digital signals from the plurality of analog-to-digital converters into a serial output. |
| US08169497B2 |
Method of segmenting videos into a hierarchy of segments
A method of segmenting a compressed video containing a plurality of frames into a multi-level hierarchy of video segments. The method comprises the steps of determining differences between the size of successive compressed frames in media time. The method then groups the frames to create a hierarchy of clusters of successive frames as video segments using a clustering process. The clustering process uses the size differences to determine boundaries between clusters at each level of the hierarchy. |
| US08169493B2 |
Image acquisition system and method of authenticating image acquisition device in the image acquisition system
An image acquisition system includes an image acquisition device and a commanding device configured as a separate member from the image acquisition device to transmit an image acquisition execution command to the image acquisition device and thereby to cause the image acquisition device to perform an image acquisition operation. The commanding device includes an authentication information transmission unit configured to transmit authentication information to the image acquisition device to cause the image acquisition device to authenticate the commanding device. The image acquisition device includes an authentication information receiving unit configured to receive the authentication information transmitted from the commanding device, an authentication information recognition unit configured to recognize the authentication information received by the authentication information receiving unit, and a function limiting unit configured to limit a predetermined function of the image acquisition device based on the authentication information recognized by the authentication information recognition unit. |
| US08169492B2 |
Panoramic experience system and method
In one general sense, a user may be presented with a multimedia experience corresponding to an entertainment event or venue by managing a sensor array having at least two sensors that are made configured to provide a stream of data units, associating location information with sensors in the sensor array, enabling the user to perceive a map related to an entertainment event or venue, relating the perceived map to one or more sensors within the sensor array, receiving a user request identifying a selected position within the map, identifying one or more sensors within the sensor array corresponding to the selection, and presenting to the user a multimedia experience based on one or more streams of data units associated with the selected sensors. |
| US08169491B2 |
Apparatus and method of obtaining image and apparatus and method of processing image
Provided are an apparatus and method of obtaining a high-quality image by efficiently processing an image obtained at low-light levels. The image obtaining apparatus comprises a sensor which detects a pixel array value by using a color filter including color pixels for obtaining a color image and a reference pixel for obtaining a reference image used for hand-trembling function estimation; an exposure controller which controls exposure times of the color pixels and the reference pixel; and an image generator which generates a long-exposure color image signal and a short-exposure reference image signal from the detected pixel array value, the long-exposure color image signal and the short-exposure reference image signal being aligned with each other. Accordingly, accurate estimation of the hand-trembling function is possible, thereby enabling the high-quality color image restoration. |
| US08169489B2 |
Multi view imaging device and method for correcting image blur
A multi view imaging device according to an aspect of the present invention detects vibration applied to a plurality of imaging means and corrects, for each of a plurality of imaging means, an image blur of a subject image taken by the imaging means caused by the vibration. The image blur is corrected to make the amounts of remaining blur of the image blur after the correction substantially the same among the plurality of imaging means. As a result, even if there are variations in operation characteristics and installation errors of image blur correction means arranged on the imaging means, an appropriate image blur correction can be performed for each imaging means. Since the amounts of remaining blur of the subject image after the image blur correction in the imaging means are substantially the same, a comfortable, natural parallax image that is good for eyes can be obtained. |
| US08169488B2 |
Digital camera for performing exposure during rotation to produce a panoramic image
A digital camera includes an imager. An optical image of an object scene is irradiated onto an imaging surface of the imager. When the digital camera is rotated, a CPU starts measuring processing for repetitively measuring a rotation angle, and suppresses a change due to the rotation in a positional relationship between the imaging surface and the optical image on the basis of the result of the measurement. The CPU performs exposure processing on the imager every time that the measurement result and the angle of view of the optical image on the imaging surface satisfy the angular condition, and captures the object scene image generated on the imaging surface in to a memory. The plurality of object scene images thus stored in the memory are combined with each other to thereby produce a single panoramic object scene image. |
| US08169487B2 |
Image-shake correction apparatus and imaging apparatus
An image-shake correction apparatus includes a shake detection unit configured to detect a shake applied to the image-shake correction apparatus, a shake correction unit configured to correct the shake of an image caused by the shake, a drive unit configured to drive the shake correction unit, a filtering unit configured to remove a specific frequency component from the output of the shake detection unit, a characteristic change unit configured to change the frequency characteristic of the filtering unit, and a temperature detection unit configured to detect temperature of the shake detection unit or a vivinity thereof, wherein the characteristic change unit changes the frequency characteristic of the filtering unit according to the change rate in temperature detected by the temperature detection unit. |
| US08169486B2 |
Image acquisition method and apparatus
An image acquisition sensor of a digital image acquisition apparatus is coupled to imaging optics for acquiring a sequence of images. Images acquired by the sensor are stored. A motion detector causes the sensor to cease capture of an image when the degree of movement in acquiring the image exceeds a threshold. A controller selectively transfers acquired images for storage. A motion extractor determines motion parameters of a selected, stored image. An image re-constructor corrects the selected image with associated motion parameters. A selected plurality of images nominally of the same scene are merged and corrected by the image re-constructor to produce a high quality image of the scene. |
| US08169485B2 |
Anti-shake apparatus
An anti-shake apparatus for image stabilizing comprises a movable unit and a controller. The movable unit is movable for an anti-shake operation. The controller stops the anti-shake operation after an exposure time and moves the movable unit to a first position after the anti-shake operation. The first position is a position of the movable unit before the exposure time and before the anti-shake operation. The controller moves the movable unit at a decelerated, low rate of speed before finishing its movement to the first position. |
| US08169474B2 |
System for taking images of the face of an individual
The invention relates to a system (100) for capturing images of the face of an individual comprising: an image capture device (110) having a line of sight (112) directed towards the place from where the individual arrives, and two illumination devices (102, 104) disposed symmetrically with respect to the line of sight (112) and at a distance therefrom, each comprising means of generating a light flux intended to illuminate the face of the individual as he moves and whereof the illumination lobe (106, 108), representative of the luminance in a horizontal plane, has a maximum, the two lobes (106, 108) being symmetrical with each other with respect to the line of sight (112), the capture system (100) being characterized in that the generation means are such that each lobe (106, 108) is asymmetric with respect to the straight line bearing said maximum and has, from this maximum, a first front (122) curved towards the image capture device (110) and a second front (120) that is substantially plane and extending on the side from where the individual comes. |
| US08169473B1 |
Method and system for exposing a photoresist in a magnetic device
A method and system for exposing a plurality of fields on a substrate. The substrate has a center and an edge. The fields include a plurality of rows. The method and system include determining an exposure sequence for the plurality of fields. Each of the plurality of fields has a distance from the center and a placement in the exposure sequence. The placement of a field in the exposure sequence is based on the distance and excludes placing each of the plurality of fields in a row of the plurality of rows next to an adjacent field in the row in combination with placing each of the plurality of rows next to an adjacent row. The method and system also include exposing the plurality of fields in the exposure sequence in order of the placement. |
| US08169471B2 |
Image capturing system, image capturing method, and computer readable medium
Provided is an image capturing system including an image capturing section that includes a plurality of first light receiving elements for receiving light of a first wavelength region and a plurality of second light receiving elements for receiving light of a second wavelength region, a control section that causes to be generated, from a subject, light of a different spectrum at a different timing for each of the first wavelength region and the second wavelength region, and an image generating section that generates an image from light of a first spectrum from the subject received by the first light receiving elements at a predetermined timing, and light of a second spectrum from the subject received by the second light receiving elements at a timing other than the predetermined timing. |
| US08169470B2 |
Optical imaging device having illumination light filter section
An optical imaging device of the present invention comprises: a light source device; a light guide and illumination lens, provided in an insertion section that can be inserted into a body cavity, for constituting an illumination light path for guiding an illumination light from the light source device to a subject; an objective lens for receiving return lights from the subject; an image capturing section for acquiring a visible light band image from the return light; an excitation light cut filter and image capturing section for acquiring a fluorescent image from the return lights; and an illumination light filter, provided on the illumination light path, for decreasing light in a band overlapping with the band of light of which image is captured by the image capturing section from the illumination light incident on. |
| US08169466B2 |
Endoscope system
An endoscope system comprises a light source, a light sensor, a signal processor, a video-signal generator, and a switcher. The light source emits red light including a first wavelength, green light including a second wavelength, and blue light including a third wavelength. The light sensor receives the light of the light source. The signal processor obtains a red signal based on the red light, a green signal based on the green light, and a blue signal based on the blue light. The video-signal generator generates video signal based on the red, green, and blue signals. The switcher switches between a first switching state and a second switching state. The red, green, and blue signals are output to the video-signal generator in the first switching state. The green and blue signals are output to the video-signal generator in the second switching state. |
| US08169463B2 |
Method and system for automatic camera control
A method for automatically determining an orientation and zoom of an image pickup device associated with a video conferencing system, wherein the method includes the steps of: generating, at the image pickup device, an image signal representative of an image framed by the image pickup device; processing the image signal to identify objects plural users of the video conferencing system in the image; steering the image pickup device to an initial orientation; determining a location of all the identified objects relative to a reference point and determining respective sizes of the identified objects; defining an area of interest in the image, wherein the area of interest includes all the identified objects; and steering the image pickup device to frame the defined area of interest including all the identified objects where a center of the frame substantially coincides with a center of all the identified objects. |
| US08169461B2 |
Method and system for a quick start camera application in a camera
A mobile radio terminal includes a radio circuit for establishing communication with a communication network, a first camera sensor for taking digital photographs and a second camera sensor for acquiring image data information, wherein the second camera sensor stores the acquired image data information in a storage element. A control circuit is coupled to the radio circuit, the first camera sensor, the second camera sensor and the memory and the control circuit is configured to execute logic to: store image data information acquired from the second camera sensor in the memory; detect initiation of a camera application by an associated user; generate a control signal to launch the camera application, wherein at least a portion of the acquired image data information is provided to the camera application as one or more parameters upon launching of the camera application; and acquiring image information from the first camera sensor for taking a photograph. |
| US08169460B2 |
Image forming apparatus
A holding unit turns, while holding a latent image writing unit, centered on a turning axis that is arranged on a main body of an image forming apparatus between an opening position and a closing position with respect to the main body. A positioning unit arranged on the main body positions the latent image writing unit with respect to the image carrier, when the holding unit is at the closing position. A biasing unit biases the latent image writing unit to make a contact with the positioning unit. A shock absorbing unit absorbs a shock received by the holding unit and the latent image writing unit when the holding unit is moved from the opening position to the closing position. |
| US08169458B2 |
Optical scanning device and image forming apparatus
An optical scanning device includes an optical housing in which a polygon mirror that is rotated by a motor is accommodated and an air inlet that includes a filter. An airflow guiding member is arranged at a position opposite to a surface of the polygon mirror on the air inlet side. An air inducing path is provided, which includes a first flowing path and a second flowing path. The first flowing path includes a first end linked to the air inlet and a second end arranged close to a mirror surface of the polygon mirror. The second flowing path is formed with a surface of the airflow guiding member on an opposite side of the air inlet and a top surface of the polygon mirror. |
| US08169455B2 |
Optical scanning device, image forming apparatus, control method, and computer program product
In an optical scanning device including a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), an optical scanning device controls so as to satisfy P1 |
| US08169449B2 |
System compositing images from multiple applications
A system for compositing images using a multilayer graphics controller includes first and second applications. The first application defines masked display regions to a layer of the multilayer graphics controller using masking criterion. The second application provides an image to a further layer of the multilayer graphics controller for display in the masked region. The image may be a still image, streaming video, Internet image, or any other image type. |
| US08169447B2 |
Automatic color display conversion
A color computer output is dynamically converted into a monochrome computer output based on a stored profile. The stored profile may be for a piece of hardware (e.g., a monochrome printer), or a user (e.g., a color-blind user). |
| US08169444B2 |
Bit block transfer circuit and method thereof and color filling method
A bit block transfer (Bitblt) circuit includes a read register, a write register, a bit shifting circuit and an overflowing register. The read register stores decomposition data including original data. The bit shifting circuit shifts the decomposition data in the read register to the write register and shifts bits of the decomposition data in the write register such that an initial bit of the original data of the decomposition data is situated apart from an initial address of the write register by a bit-shifting amount. The overflowing register coupled to the write register stores overflowing data of the original data overflowing from a memory length of the write register when the bits of the decomposition data in the write register are being shifted. The write register outputs and writes the decomposition data therein to a memory cell of a first memory. |
| US08169443B2 |
Method and system to pre-fetch data in a network
A system, a computer readable storage medium including instructions, and a computer-implemented method of pre-fetching in a network. A request is received from a user device for a first web page, the first web page being upstream of other web pages in a page flow. The first web page is transmitted to the user device. At least one web page that is downstream of the first web page in the page flow is transmitted to the user device, the at least one web page being transmitted without receiving a request for the at least one web page. |
| US08169441B2 |
Method and system for minimizing an amount of data needed to test data against subarea boundaries in spatially composited digital video
A method and system for minimizing an amount of data needed to test data against subarea boundaries in spatially composited digital video is provided. Graphics data for a frame is composed of geometry chunks. Each geometry chunk is defined by its own bounding region, where the bounding region defines the space the geometry chunk occupies on the compositing window. Only the parameters that define the bounding region are communicated to each graphics unit in conjunction with the determination of which graphics unit will render the geometry chunk defined by the bounding region. The actual graphics data that comprises the geometry chunk is communicated only to those geometry units that will actually render the geometry chunk. This reduces the amount of data needed to communicate graphics data information in spatially composited digital video. |
| US08169439B2 |
Scalar precision float implementation on the “W” lane of vector unit
Embodiments of the invention are generally related to image processing, and more specifically to vector units for supporting image processing. A combined vector/scalar unit is provided wherein one or more processing lanes of the vector unit are used for performing scalar operations. An integrated register file is also provided for storing vector and scalar data. Therefore, the transfer of data to memory to exchange data between independent vector and scalar units is obviated and a significant amount of chip area is saved. |
| US08169435B2 |
Generating and rendering three dimensional models of flexible packaging
A method, and apparatus, and a computer-readable medium encoded with instructions to carry out a method. The method is of rendering a model of a surface of wrinkly material such as paper or foil, e.g., a model of packaging on a display device. The method includes accepting a description of the different parts of the surface of the packaging, and how and where any of the parts are connected, discretizing to form a mesh, modelling the physics of the mesh, running a simulation to find a stable end-state for the mesh, modifying the mesh to visually smooth the mesh in a way that is perceived as typical for flexible packaging material; and rendering the model on a display device. The modifying the mesh is to visually smooth the mesh includes modifying during the rendering or modifying prior to the rendering. |
| US08169432B2 |
Display device and electronic apparatus
A sampling transistor in embodiments of the present invention is kept at the on-state with a time width shorter than one horizontal cycle, during the period from the rising of a control pulse supplied from a scanner to the falling of the control pulse, and samples a video signal Vsig from a signal line SL to write the video signal Vsig to a hold capacitor. A sampling transistor T1 has a double gate structure in which a pair of transistor elements are connected in common. This suppresses change in the threshold voltage of the sampling transistor. |
| US08169417B2 |
Signal transfer assembly of touch panel
A signal transfer assembly of a touch panel has a conductive film arranged on a surface of a substrate; an edge of the conductive film being connected to a silver conductive circuit; signals triggered on the conductive film being transferred to the silver conductive circuit and then to the signal output ends at two sides of the silver conductive circuit; an edge of the conductive film having a plurality of resistors near the silver conductive circuit; an area between two slots being formed as a transfer channel so that the resistors and the transfer channels are alternatively arranged. The resistors are hollowed slots penetrating through the conductive film. Each resistor has an oblong shape and lengths of the resistors are longer at a middle portion and are shorter at two sides. Widths of the transfer channels are wider at a middle section and are narrower at two sides. |
| US08169414B2 |
Control of electronic games via finger angle using a high dimensional touchpad (HDTP) touch user interface
A high dimensional touchpad (HDTP) controls a variety of game aspects by detecting a user's finger movement in the left-right, forward-backward, roll, pitch, yaw, and downward pressure directions. One or more of the detected finger movements are used to control games on game devices, computers, and mobile devices. |
| US08169410B2 |
Gesture inputs for a portable display device
An application such as a web browser running on a portable display device is responsive to gestures to a touch-sensitive surface of the portable display device. The gestures are supplied by touching and then sliding on the touch-sensitive surface. Various operations of the application may be controlled based on the gestures. |
| US08169407B2 |
KVM switch and method of controlling the same
A KVM switch including server units that are respectively connected to computers units, user units that are respectively connected to input-output units inputting and outputting a signal to the computer units, and a main unit that connects the server units and the user units selectively. The input-output unit switches between the computer units where the signal is input and output. The server unit has a first reference signal generator that generates a first reference signal used for a distortion control of a picture signal. The main unit has a first controller receiving the first reference signal and controlling the distortion of the picture signal and a second reference signal generator generating a second reference signal used for the distortion control of the picture signal. The user unit has a second controller that receives the second reference signal and controls the distortion of the picture signal. |
| US08169398B2 |
Liquid crystal display control circuit, operation panel, and image forming apparatus
A first output unit outputs a control signal for removing a residual electric charge from a liquid crystal display module that includes a backlight. A reference-signal obtaining unit obtains a reference signal for setting a reference when turning on the backlight. A delay-time setting unit sets a delay time for delaying a turn-on time of the backlight from a turn-on time of the reference signal. A second output unit outputs a turn-on signal for turning on the backlight at a turn-on time delayed by the delay time from the turn-on time of the reference signal. |
| US08169396B2 |
Liquid crystal display device with reduced power consumption and driving method thereof
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device with reduced power consumption is provided with a plurality of data lines, a plurality of gate lines, and at least one demultiplexer. Each demultiplexer can comprise a plurality of switches respectively connected to the corresponding data lines and controlled by a plurality of clock signals and configured to receive an image signal, and selectively output the image signal to one of the data lines via the switches. During a driving period, one of the gate lines can be asserted, and the switches can be turned on simultaneously, then only the first one of the switches remains turned on to transmit the image signal to the corresponding data line, and then the first one of the switches are turned off and the other switches is sequentially turned on one at a time to transmit the image signal to the corresponding data lines. |
| US08169391B2 |
Display apparatus
A display apparatus includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes a main pixel, a sub-pixel, and a boosting capacitor. The main pixel receives a data signal in response to a first gate signal and is charged with a main pixel voltage. The sub-pixel receives the data signal in response to a second gate signal, and is charged with a sub-pixel voltage. The boosting capacitor is provided between the main pixel and the sub-pixel to increase the main pixel voltage when the sub-pixel is charged with the sub-pixel voltage in response to the second gate signal. |
| US08169390B2 |
Liquid crystal display
The present invention relates to a method of controlling luminance of a backlight based on a processed image data after receiving information of image data, in order to improve the visibility of moving picture. An inverter according to the present invention includes a first block generating a first luminance control signal with an analog value depending on the luminance control signal with a duty ratio depending on a synchronization signal. The luminance control signals generated by the respective blocks are synthesized luminance control signal. Accordingly, a liquid crystal display employing two backlight control methods can be provided. Thus, it is possible to remove the drag phenomenon of a screen and, at the same time, to improve the visibility for moving picture. |
| US08169387B2 |
Programmable LED driver
An LED driver includes an embedded non-volatile memory (NVM) capable of being programmed and storing control data for setting a variety of features of the LED driver, such as the maximum current for driving the LEDs, analog parameters such as the resistance of the internal resistor for setting the reference current for the LEDs, and the operation modes of the charge pump of the LED driver. This enables implementation of multiple LED driver product options without the need for different metallization steps during the fabrication process for the LED driver. |
| US08169384B2 |
Display device and electronic equipment
A display device includes: a pixel array section; and a drive section, the pixel array section including scan lines, signal lines, pixels, and power lines, the drive section including a main scanner, a drive scanner, and a signal selector, wherein each of the pixels includes a light-emitting element, sampling transistor, drive transistor, and holding capacitor. |
| US08169380B2 |
System and method for driving and receiving data from multiple touch screen devices
In one embodiment, multiple touch screen devices are driven from a graphics signal. A general-purpose computer provides a graphics signal of a particular display resolution. A display segmentor is configured to divide each graphics frame of the graphics signal into a plurality of pixel groups, each pixel group associated with a particular touch screen device of the plurality of touch screen devices. The display segmentor is further configured to generate an individual graphics signal from each pixel group, each individual graphics signal having a display resolution that is lower than the particular display resolution. One or more interfaces transmit each individual graphics signal to a different touch screen device of the plurality of touch screen devices. |
| US08169377B2 |
Dual opposed drive loop antenna pointing apparatus and method of operation
A pointing apparatus and method of operation for an antenna mount provided with a base frame and an antenna mount rotatably coupled together. A first wheel rigidly coupled to one of the base frame and the antenna mount driven by a mechanical linkage with a first drive wheel and a second drive wheel mounted to the base frame or the antenna mount not rigidly coupled to the first wheel. The first drive wheel and the second drive wheel driven against one another in opposite directions; a torque level unbalance applied between the first motor and the second motor operative to rotate the base frame and the antenna mount with respect to one another in a first desired direction. |
| US08169376B2 |
Base station transmitting and receiving antenna and control method thereof
The present invention relates to base station transmitting and receiving antennas and control methods thereof. For this purpose, the present invention provides a control method of a base station transmitting antenna. The control method includes collecting positional information and transmission level values of all terminals in a cell; analyzing statistics of cell traffic using the positional information and transmission level values, and generating antenna radiation patterns on the basis of the analyzed statistics result; optimizing the antenna radiation patterns by synthesizing beam patterns; and changing antenna beam patterns according to the optimized antenna radiation patterns. According to embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to increase a channel capacity in a cell, ensure the QoS in all terminals in the cell, and reduce installation and operation costs of a base station system. |
| US08169375B1 |
Stabilizing mechanism and method for a stowed mobile satellite reflector antenna
A stabilizing mechanism and method for a reflector antenna, in a mobile satellite system on a transport, such as a vehicle, for substantially minimizing damage to the reflector antenna when stowed. The stabilizing mechanism uses a stabilizing surface and a pair of stabilizing devices connected on opposite sides of the reflector antenna to provide a pre-load separation distance between a stabilizing surface and the reflector antenna when the reflector antenna is stowed. The pre-loaded separation minimizes any movement of the reflector antenna towards the stabilizing surface during movement of the transport or in adverse environmental conditions. |
| US08169374B2 |
Antenna for handheld electronic devices with conductive bezels
A handheld electronic device may be provided that contains wireless communications circuitry. The handheld electronic device may have a housing and a display. The display may be attached to the housing using a conductive bezel. The handheld electronic device may have one or more antennas for supporting wireless communications. A ground plane in the handheld electronic device may serve as ground for one or more of the antennas. The ground plane and bezel may define a opening. A rectangular slot antenna or other suitable slot antenna may be formed from or within the opening. One or more antenna resonating elements may be formed above the slot. An electrical switch that bridges the slot may be used to modify the perimeter of the slot so as to tune the communications bands of the handheld electronic device. |
| US08169373B2 |
Antennas with tuning structure for handheld devices
Handheld electronic devices are provided that contain wireless communications circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include antenna structures. To accommodate manufacturing variations, the antenna structures and handheld electronic devices may be characterized by performing measurements such as antenna performance measurements. Appropriate antenna adjustments may be made during manufacturing of a handheld electronic device based on the characterizing measurements. An antenna may be formed using an inverted-F design in which an antenna flex circuit is mounted to a dielectric antenna support structure. Cavities in the support may be selectively filled with dielectric material and dielectric patches may be added to the antenna flex circuit to adjust the dielectric loading of the antenna. The length of a ground return path in the antenna may be adjusted by appropriate positioning of an electrical connector within the ground return path. |
| US08169371B1 |
Metal patch antenna
Disclosed herein is a patch antenna comprises a planar conductive patch attached to a ground plane by a support member, and a probe connector in electrical communication with the conductive patch arranged to conduct electromagnetic energy to or from the conductive patch, wherein the conductive patch is disposed essentially parallel to the ground plane and is separated from the ground plane by a spacing distance; wherein the support member comprises a plurality of sides disposed about a central axis oriented perpendicular to the conductive patch and the ground plane; wherein the conductive patch is solely supported above the ground plane by the support member; and wherein the support member provides electrical communication between the planer conductive patch and the ground plane. |
| US08169370B2 |
Method and system for antenna geometry for multiple antenna handsets
Certain embodiments for antenna geometry for multiple antenna handsets may include receiving RF signals via a patch antenna coupled to a signal processing circuitry within a mobile terminal. The signal processing circuitry may process the RF signals, comprising at least one of a plurality of polarizations that are received by the patch antenna. The patch antenna may be a dual-polarized antenna, and may comprise a plurality of ports. RF signals at a first of the plurality of ports may be orthogonally polarized with respect to RF signals at a second of the plurality of ports. The patch antenna may be optimized to receive multiple RF bands. Each of the multiple RF bands may be communicated via different ports to be processed. |
| US08169367B2 |
Radio-frequency device, and radio-frequency tag communication device
A radio-frequency device includes a PAA processing portion configured to control a directivity of reception of a receiver antenna device, a received-signal-strength detecting portion configured to detect a strength of the received signal received by the receiver antenna device, and a direction detecting portion configured to detect the direction toward the communication object, on the basis of a direction in which a higher one of two strength values of the received signal respectively detected in first and second maximum-reception-directivity directions of a predetermined angular difference established by the PAA processing portion is minimal. Accordingly, the direction toward the radio-frequency tag can be suitably detected. |
| US08169362B2 |
Mobile sense through the wall radar system
A method and apparatus for sensing a target through a wall or obstruction by a Moving Target Indicator (MTI) radar sensor. In an exemplary embodiment, a series of radar pulses are transmitted at frequencies less than about 5 GHz. Radar return signals are received at a plurality of receive antenna array subapertures. The radar return signals are processed by a digital beamformer to form multiple beams. Target detection processing detects moving and stationary targets through a plurality of parallel target detection signal processing paths. |
| US08169355B2 |
Device for imaging test objects using electromagnetic waves, in particular for inspecting people for suspicious items
To depict test objects using electromagnetic waves, particularly to check people for suspicious articles, an apparatus is provided having: an antenna which emits electromagnetic waves, particularly millimetric waves, means for concentrating the emitted waves in three dimensions, and means for manipulating the waves at the point of high concentration such that this point serves as a moving virtual antenna for SAR evaluation. Whereby the means for three-dimensional concentration contain a rotatably mounted, focusing or defocusing, quasi-optical element and the means for manipulating the waves at the point of high concentration contain a reflector. In accordance with the invention, the quasi-optical element and the reflector are rotatably mounted about a common rotary axis and at the same angular velocity. |
| US08169349B2 |
Communication device and noise cancellation method
A communication device and the method thereof are disclosed in embodiments of the present invention. The communication device includes a level determining module, an digital to analog converter and an analog to digital converter. The level determining module determines a plurality of voltage levels and voltage intensity thereof according to an estimating signal to generate a first digital signal. The digital to analog converter converts the first digital signal into a pulse shaped analog signal according to the plurality of voltage levels and voltage intensity thereof. The analog to digital converter converts a first difference signal into a second digital signal wherein the first difference signal equals the result of subtracting the pulse shaped analog signal from a receiving signal. |
| US08169346B2 |
Apparatus and method for processing parallel digital input signals from plurality of circuit breakers
An apparatus for processing digital input signals transferred from a plurality of circuit breakers includes: a plurality of signal input terminals configured to receive a plurality of digital input signals, which are generated from the plurality of circuit breakers and indicate an ON/OFF state of the plurality of circuit breakers, in parallel; a digital input signal parallel-to-serial converting unit configured to convert the parallel digital input signals from the plurality of signal input terminals into serial digital input signals, and output the converted serial digital input signals according to a control signal; and a controller configured to receive and process the serial digital input signals transferred from the digital input signal parallel-to-serial converting unit, and transmit the control signal to the digital input signal parallel-to-serial converting unit. |
| US08169345B2 |
Methods and systems for processing digital data rate and directional playback changes
Various methods and systems permit digital data, such as video data, audio/video data, audio/video/subpicture data and the like, to be processed in a manner that permits playback at different speeds in both forward and reverse directions. Various embodiments are also directed to handling playback rate changes in a manner that can enhance the user's experience. |
| US08169342B1 |
Method of providing a destination alert to a transit system rider
Provided is a detection method used to alert a rider of a transit system that his or her upcoming destination location is approaching. The method detects upcoming transit stops and alerts the transit rider to prepare to depart the transit vehicle. Another alert to request a stop at the appropriate time may also be given. The detection method detects a destination location when the transit vehicle is not going to stop and service the second-to-last, or triggering, stop and when the transit vehicle stops at the triggering location and then resumes travel towards the destination location. The detection method establishes a triggering location, two regions about the triggering location, a destination location, a destination region about the destination location, and a current location and speed from available location data. The method then triggers alerts based on the current speed and the current location's position within or without the established regions. |
| US08169340B2 |
Parking assist device and a method for electric vehicle power transmission and reception between a vehicle and a ground apparatus
A parking assist device has a touch display (58) including a display unit for displaying a situation around a vehicle and an input unit for entering a target parking position of a vehicle, and also has a control device (60) performing parking assist control by calculating a path according to the target parking position. The control device (60) further performs, under a predetermined condition, assist control for position alignment of a vehicle-side power transmission/reception unit placed on the vehicle with an apparatus-side power transmission/reception unit of an apparatus placed on a ground. Preferably, the parking assist device further has a back monitor camera (53) for taking an image of a surrounding situation of the vehicle. When an identifier indicating the apparatus-side power transmission/reception unit is present in the vicinity of the target parking position in the taken surrounding situation, the control device (60) recognizes the position of the identifier and performs the position alignment assist control. |
| US08169339B2 |
Traffic situation display method, traffic situation display system, in-vehicle device, and computer program
There is provided a method for displaying a traffic situation in a traffic situation display system, the method comprising: transmitting image data obtained by imaging an imaging region including roads from a road-side device; receiving the transmitted image data in an in-vehicle device; displaying an image on the basis of the received image data; storing, by the road-side device, corresponding information in which a pixel coordinate in the image and positional information of the imaging region are corresponded to each other; transmitting, by the road-side device, the stored corresponding information; receiving, by the in-vehicle device, the corresponding information; acquiring, by the in-vehicle device, positional information of an own vehicle; specifying, by the in-vehicle device, an own vehicle position on the image based on the received corresponding information and the acquired positional information; and displaying, by the in-vehicle device, the specified own vehicle position on the image. |
| US08169336B1 |
Promotional receptacle
A gratuity receptacle that contains a gratuity sensor to detect when gratuity has been inserted into the opening of the gratuity receptacle. When gratuity has been inserted into the gratuity receptacle, the gratuity sensor activates a notification means to alert patrons and employees that gratuity has been inserted into the gratuity receptacle. The notification may be any combination of a visual, motion, and/or a sound notification. The notification may be related to an advertising campaign. |
| US08169335B2 |
Electromagnetic field adjustment for proximity detection
Embodiments described herein relate to a methods and apparatus for optimizing and calibrating a magnetic field generator. In various embodiments, the magnetic field generator includes a signal generator for outputting a voltage and a magnetic field generating circuit including a shunt that may be used to change a value of inductance in the magnetic field generating circuit. |
| US08169334B2 |
Magnetic rotary encoder with feedback unit
A magnetic rotary encoder with feedback unit, including a base, a cover body, a sensing element and a display element. The base has a hollow main body formed with a receiving space. The receiving space has an opening at one end of the main body. The cover body is disposed at the end of the main body of the base to block the opening. The cover body is formed with a through hole in communication with the receiving space. The sensing element is disposed in the receiving space for sensing the motion of a magnetic element disposed on a rotor of a rotary motor. The display element is arranged on the sensing element in alignment with the through hole of the cover body for receiving signals transmitted from the sensing element. The display element has different display modes in accordance with different signals for a user to easily judge the operation state of the rotary motor. |
| US08169332B2 |
Tactile device with force sensitive touch input surface
A tactile device includes a touch input surface in any number of forms including a force sensitive touch screen. In this embodiment a cover captures a transparent screen located on capacitive sensors. Touching the screen produces signals from each sensor that can be combined to identify the location of the touch and the force exerted by that touch. |
| US08169331B2 |
Circuit protector monitoring assembly
Monitoring assemblies for determining an operational state of a circuit protector in an electrical circuit. |
| US08169325B2 |
Portable hand wash monitoring system and method
An identification badge worn by an individual is sensed when that individual enters a lavatory area. The individual is also provided with an indicator device which is worn on or about the hands. Inside or in proximity to the lavatory, there is also provided a hand cleaning area, within which is a portable monitoring dispenser, which includes a pair of indicator readers that detect the presence of the indicator device and cause soap to be dispensed on the individual's hands, then provides an appropriate indication to a computer system. Should the badge sensor sense the individual's departure from the lavatory area without an appropriate indication being generated by the indicator readers, a warning signal is generated, which is sent to the computer system and to an appropriate officer, who can then address the individual. |
| US08169323B2 |
Noncontact IC tag label, airline baggage tag label, and manufacturing method for noncontact IC tag label
A noncontact IC tag label includes: a band-shaped label base material inclusive of a release surface formed at least at one end of the base material and releasably treated in advance, and a non-release surface; an electroconductive layer formed on the non-release surface of the band-shaped label base material and including a required antenna pattern; and an IC chip mounted on one face of the electroconductive layer. The electroconductive layer and the IC chip are shrouded by a surface protection sheet via a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. A thermoadhesive resin layer bonded onto the non-release surface of the band-shaped label base material is provided on an opposite face of the electroconductive layer including the antenna pattern, with respect to the surface protection sheet. Also, the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer is bonded onto the non-release surface and release surface of the band-shaped label base material. |
| US08169321B2 |
Radio frequency-enabled electromigration fuse
Embodiments of the invention provides a method, device, and system for programming an electromigration fuse (eFuse) using a radio frequency (RF) signal. A first aspect of the invention provides a method of testing circuitry on a semiconductor chip, the method comprising: receiving a radio frequency (RF) signal using at least one antenna on the semiconductor chip; powering circuitry on the semiconductor chip using the RF signal; activating a built-in self test (BIST) engine within the circuitry; determining whether a fault exists within the circuitry using the BIST; and programming an electromigration fuse (eFuse) to alter the circuitry in response to a fault being determined to exist. |
| US08169320B2 |
Orthogonal frequency coding for surface acoustic wave devices
Methods and systems for coding SAW OFC devices to mitigate code collisions in a wireless multi-tag system. Each device producing plural stepped frequencies as an OFC signal with a chip offset delay to increase code diversity. A method for assigning a different OFC to each device includes using a matrix based on the number of OFCs needed and the number chips per code, populating each matrix cell with OFC chip, and assigning the codes from the matrix to the devices. The asynchronous passive multi-tag system includes plural surface acoustic wave devices each producing a different OFC signal having the same number of chips and including a chip offset time delay, an algorithm for assigning OFCs to each device, and a transceiver to transmit an interrogation signal and receive OFC signals in response with minimal code collisions during transmission. |
| US08169317B2 |
Hands-free door opening system and method
Automatically operating a door system is controlled by an affirmative action of a patron. An occupancy status of an inside area is provided to the patron approaching the door from an outside area. The patron is directed to request the door be opened in response to an unoccupied status. A presence of the patron in the inside area is sensed and the door automatically closed, and optionally locked. One actuator is set to an in use status indicating use of the inside area by the patron. A door ready for opening status is provided to the patron. With an affirmative action with a second actuator by the patron desiring to open the door and exit the inside area, the door is unlocked and opened. Sensing an absence of the patron within the inside area, the door is automatically closed, and first actuator reset to the ready state. |
| US08169316B2 |
Active wireless tag and auxiliary device for use with monitoring center for tracking individuals or objects
The invention is directed to a location tracking device and auxiliary device for use with a monitoring center for tracking individuals or objects. The location tracking device has position determining circuitry and first wireless circuitry that communicates position data representative of the location of the tracking device to a remote location (e.g., a monitoring station). The tracking device also has second wireless circuitry that communicates with the auxiliary device. The tracking device has at least two operational modes. The tracking device switches operational modes when communication is established between the tracking device and the auxiliary device. The auxiliary device generally has an associated auxiliary device ID and wireless circuitry that communicates the auxiliary device ID to the location tracking device. The tracking device has a first operational mode, when communication is not established with the auxiliary device, wherein the position determining circuitry is maintained in a normal power state. The tracking device can also have a second operational mode, when communication is established between the tracking device and the auxiliary device. In the second operational mode, the second wireless circuitry receives the auxiliary device ID from the auxiliary device and the first wireless circuitry communicates the auxiliary device ID to the remote location. The tracking device can also have a third operational mode, when communication is established between the tracking device and the auxiliary device. In the third operational mode, the position determining circuitry is placed in a reduced power state. |
| US08169315B2 |
Electronic medic alert
A device and method for sending medic alert information electronically. The device may have a memory component and a processing component. The memory component may store medic alert information. The processing component may generate an electronic message containing the medic alert information and send the electronic message via a communications network. The device may also have an input component for receiving a user request to initiate a connection with an emergency contact, such as a 911 dispatcher. The electronic message may be automatically generated and sent in response to the user request. |
| US08169311B1 |
Wireless transmission system for vehicular component control and monitoring
Vehicle with wireless sensors includes a frame, at least one sensor assembly fixed to the frame and each including a sensor arranged to obtain data about a condition or property of the vehicle or part thereof or an environment in or around the vehicle, and a wireless transmission component coupled to the sensor for wirelessly transmitting a signal derived from the data obtained by the sensor, a receiver fixed to the frame arranged to receive signals from the wireless transmission component, and a reactive component for performing an action based on the data obtained by the sensor and transmitted from the wireless transmission component to the receiver. The data can be displayed as an indication to the driver or other occupant of the vehicle, relayed the data to a remote location for analysis or response and/or used to determine adjustment or control a component in the vehicle. |
| US08169303B2 |
Method and system using RFID tags for initiation of selected business processes
A system and related methods for dynamically re-configuring a radio frequency identification tag reader, engaging software business processes, or combinations of both, using a radio-frequency-readable configuration tag which physically associated with one or more RFID-tagged articles in a physical handling flow. The configuration tag reader is positioned prior to a radio frequency identification tag reader in said material handling flow, which allows the configuration reader to read the contents of the configuration tags before the articles reach the identification tag reader. Based on the contents of the read configuration tags, one or more selected business processes are initiated to customize the handling process of the tagged items. |
| US08169302B2 |
Sight-line non contact coupled wireless technology
Control systems and methods are disclosed for controlling operation of movable systems in an automated process with a stationary system having a first control system component and at least one movable system having a second control system component, in which optical or other non-contacting signaling between the stationary and movable systems is used to ascertain whether a movable system is proximate the stationary system, and wireless communications is used to transfer control data between the systems while the non-contacting signal link is maintained. |
| US08169299B2 |
Method and apparatus for neural activity identification
A method and apparatus is provided for creating and recognizing a USN (Unique Signature Number) from an analysis of living entity's (e.g. person, animal or other multi-cellular being having neural activity) emitted electrical or electromagnetic signal in a given, normalized or calm state. This USN may then be used at a later date, in a comparison function of a number of stored USN's, in ascertaining the identity of an entity recently detected as being in proximity to an antenna of the apparatus. A further analysis process can also detect neural activity that is abnormal to that indicated by the USN of a given entity in a calm state and which neural activity may be indicative of excessive aggression, stress or even ill health said given entity. |
| US08169298B2 |
Electric hand tool device and battery pack therefor
The invention relates to a battery-operated electric hand tool device (2) comprising control electronics (14), a wirelessly and contactlessly responding transceiver (12), and a storage unit (16) in which an authorization code is stored, a locked mode of operation and a released mode of operation being distinguishable. In order to improve theft protection, a wire-bound or wireless interface (22) is provided from the control electronics (14) of the electric hand tool device to a battery pack (4) such that locking data can be transmitted from the control electronics (14) of the electric hand tool device (2) to the battery pack (4), be stored in a storage device (24) of the battery pack (4), and be read out of the storage device (24) again. |
| US08169297B2 |
Electronic assembly having means to prevent non-permitted disassembling of its components
An electronic assembly includes a terminal unit, a signal connector and a memory device. The terminal unit includes a plurality of terminals consisting of a set of coupler terminals and a set of control terminals. The signal connector is utilized for electrically connecting to the coupler terminals, wherein electrical connection of the signal connector to the coupler terminals results in a first relation signal. The memory device is utilized for storing a first relation data corresponding to the first relation signal. Once the signal connector is electrically disconnected from the coupler terminals and upon required the signal connector is again electrically connected to the terminal unit results in a second relation signal such that the electronic assembly is prevented from being operated in case the second relation signal fails to conform to the first relation signal. |
| US08169295B2 |
Manually operable position sensor
A manually operable position sensor is shown, for providing control signals to an electronic device, such as an audio player. A fabric ribbon (101) has a length substantially longer than its width with insulating yarns and electrically conducting yarns included therein. The conducting yarns define three conductive tracks (103, 104, 105) running the length of the fabric. The conductive tracks are configured to interface with an electronic device at a first end. At a second end, an active region of the fabric forms part of a sensor assembly that is receptive to a manually applied pressure. |
| US08169294B2 |
Over-current protection device
An over-current protection device comprises two metal foils and a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material layer. The PTC material layer is sandwiched between the two metal foils and has a volume resistivity below 0.1 Ω-cm. The PTC material layer includes (i) plural crystalline polymers having at least one crystalline polymer of a melting point less than 115° C.; (ii) an electrically conductive nickel filler having a volume resistivity less than 500 μΩ-cm; and (iii) a non-conductive metal nitride filler. The electrically conductive nickel filler and non-conductive metal nitride filler are dispersed in the crystalline polymer. |
| US08169291B2 |
Combination-type fuse
A fuse includes an insulating base and a conducting terminal installed in the insulating base, and the insulating base is integrally formed and includes a groove and two concave pits interconnected to the groove. The conducting terminal is accommodated in the groove, and includes two conductive handles, a fuse filament coupled to the two conductive handles, and a forked holding portion formed at an end of each conductive handle and fixed into the concave pit. The forked holding portion is compressed, and a surface of the insulating base is stamped, such that the conducting terminal is passed and fixed securely to the insulating base, and the fuse features a simple structure and an easy installation. |
| US08169289B2 |
Reactor
A reactor is provided in which coil segments (5-1, 5-2) of each of first and second auxiliary winding elements (2-1, 2-2) is of a multilayered and aligned winding structure. The coil segments (5-1, 5-2) of the first auxiliary winding element (2-1) and the coil segments (5-1, 5-2) of the second auxiliary winding element (2-2) are disposed within respective space areas (6-1, 6-2) delimited between the coil segments of the second auxiliary winding element and an outside and between the outside and the coil segments of the first auxiliary winding element. The coil segments of each of those first and second auxiliary winding elements are so combined as to be adjacently alternately positioned in a line to thereby form a main winding body (3). The pair of the auxiliary winding elements are connected parallel to each other. |
| US08169284B2 |
Electromagnetic actuator having permanent magnets placed in the form of a V in an electromagnetically optimized arrangement
The invention relates to an electromagnetic actuator including an actuating member associated with an armature and able to move under the action of at least one electromagnet, a coil, and a core suitable for channeling a flux of the coil so that the flux closes within the armature, where the core includes a base from which branches extend, including a central branch around which the coil extends, and two permanent magnets which are associated with the core. The two permanent magnets are placed in the central branch of the core in order to form a V, which separates the central branch into two parts so that any section of the core or the armature through which the flux from one or the other of the permanent magnets can pass, has an area large enough to prevent saturation by this flux. |
| US08169283B2 |
Circuit breaker trip unit support
A support for anchoring a trip unit of a circuit breaker to a base thereof to prevent separation of the trip unit from the base during a short circuit fault. The support has top-facing two locking tabs that snap into place behind a wall in a lug-receiving area of the base. The support also has an opening through which a terminal of the trip unit is received snugly. The locking tabs keep the support in place and prevent forces produced by gasses during a fault from forcing the trip unit away from the base. The terminal, attached to the trip unit, is retained by the opening, which transfers upward forces to the top of the support, which is positioned against a top section of the base. The snug fit by the terminal through the opening and retention of the support in the lug-receiving area during a fault increases post-fault dielectric performance. |
| US08169282B2 |
Switch and electronic device
A switch and an electronic device maintain a power supply ON state until data processing is completed, and automatically turn OFF the power supply after the data processing is completed. The switch includes a rotation operating body that does not receive an operation force from an operating element when OFF operated is arranged inside the operating element. The rotation operating body includes a switch operating portion for turning ON a power supply switch mechanism and a return spring regulating piece for biasing a return spring in an anti-biasing direction. A regulating state of the return spring regulated by the return spring regulating piece is held, where the ON state of the power supply switch mechanism is held with a permanent magnet, and the ON state of the power supply switch mechanism is released by applying a release force on the permanent magnet when the power supply is reset. |
| US08169279B2 |
Notched saw image frequency rejection filter system
A notched SAW image frequency rejection filter system includes a SAW filter having an input, an output and a ground output and an impedance matching network including a first matching inductance connected to the SAW filter output and a second matching inductance connected to the ground output of the SAW filter; the SAW filter having an inherent internal capacitance that produces a predetermined capacitive leakage current at the image frequency; an inherent internal inductance that produces an inductance leakage current at the image frequency; and a boosted inherent parasitic ground inductance at the ground output of the SAW filter for generating a voltage across the second matching inductance to produce a compensation current which is substantially opposite in phase and substantially matched in magnitude with the capacitive leakage current for reducing the capacitive leakage current and increasing the image frequency rejection. |
| US08169277B2 |
Radio frequency directional coupler device and related methods
An electronic device may include a printed circuit board (PCB) including a ground plane and having first and second opposing surfaces. The electronic device may also include a radio frequency (RF) directional coupler carried by the first surface of the PCB and including a housing and circuitry therein defining an input port, an output port, and first and second monitoring ports. A first monitoring circuit may be carried by the first surface of the PCB and connected to the first monitoring port. The electronic device may also include a via conductor connected to the second monitoring port and extending through the PCB to the second surface thereof. A second monitoring circuit may also be carried by the second surface of the PCB and connected to the via conductor. |
| US08169273B2 |
Flat uniform transmission line having electromagnetic shielding function
Disclosed herein is a flat uniform transmission line having an electromagnetic shielding function. The flat uniform transmission line includes a strip transmission line, an insulating layer, and electromagnetic shielding layers. The strip transmission line is formed on a dielectric layer made of functional polymer material, and includes a plurality of strip lines. The plurality of strip lines are configured to be a ground line, or to transmit signals. The insulating layer is formed on the strip transmission line. The electromagnetic shielding layers are respectively formed on the insulating layer and beneath the strip transmission line. |
| US08169267B2 |
Wave reversing system and method for a rotary traveling wave oscillator
Circuitry for establishing a traveling wave on a rotary traveling wave oscillator is described. The circuitry includes a gain portion that establishes a wave in a preferred direction by degenerating any wave traveling opposite to the preferred direction and regenerating any wave traveling in the preferred direction. If there are two such gain portions, each having opposite preferred directions, then a wave that is presently established in one direction can be degenerated and a new wave can be established in the opposite direction, thereby achieving reversibility of the traveling wave in real time. Each of the gain portions included in a plurality of regeneration/degeneration elements present on the rotary oscillator. Each of the regeneration/degeneration elements is connected to a pair of taps on the oscillator, the taps being separated by a direction dependent phase difference. |
| US08169265B2 |
Phase lock loop circuits
A phase lock loop circuit is provided. A phase frequency detector detects a phase difference between a feedback signal and a reference signal, and generates a phase error signal in response to the detected phase difference. A charge pump consists of at least one core device and outputs a current signal based on the phase error signal. An active loop filter receives and transfers the current signal into a control signal. Operating voltage of the active loop filter is higher than operating voltage of the charge pump. A controlled oscillator receives the control signal and generates an output signal in response to the control signal. A feedback divider receives the output signal to generate the feedback signal. |
| US08169264B2 |
Distributed Doherty amplifiers
Doherty and distributed amplifier (DA) designs are combined to achieve, wideband amplifiers with high efficiency dynamic range. A modified Doherty amplifier includes a wideband phase shifter providing first and second outputs, a main amplifier coupled to the first output, an auxiliary amplifier coupled to the second output, and a wideband combining network combining the outputs in phase. A multi-stage DA has a main output and a termination port, and a phase delay module and transforming network allowing power at the termination port to be combined in phase with power at the main output. In one combination, one or more stages of the DA may comprise a Doherty amplifier. In another combination, a modified series-type Doherty amplifying system is achieved by cascading main and auxiliary DAs. In any combination, Doherty topology may include a bias control module. |
| US08169263B2 |
Differential gm-boosting circuit and applications
A fully-differential circuit includes a differential gm-boosting circuit and/or a differential output circuit. The use of differential gm-boosting and output circuits improves input common-mode and power-supply noise rejection relative to the prior art. The fully differential gm-boosted circuit may be used in a wide variety of applications. |
| US08169262B2 |
Method for reducing offset voltage of operational amplifier and the circuit using the same
The invention provides an operational amplifier. In one embodiment, the operational amplifier includes an input stage circuit, a feedback circuit, a fixed stage circuit, and an output stage circuit. The input stage circuit receives a positive input voltage and a negative input voltage, and amplifies the positive input voltage and the negative input voltage to output a first positive output voltage and a first negative output voltage. The feedback circuit generates a reference positive output voltage equal to the first positive output voltage according to the positive input voltage and the negative input voltage. The fixed stage circuit equally amplifies the first negative output voltage and the reference positive output voltage to generate a second positive output voltage and a second negative output voltage. The output stage circuit generates an output voltage according to a difference voltage between the second positive output voltage and a second negative voltage. |
| US08169261B2 |
High efficiency amplification
A radio frequency amplification stage comprising: an amplifier for receiving an input signal to be amplified and a power supply voltage; and a power supply voltage stage for supplying said power supply voltage, comprising: means for providing a reference signal representing the envelope of the input signal; means for selecting one of a plurality of supply voltage levels in dependence on the reference signal; and means for generating an adjusted selected power supply voltage, comprising an ac amplifier for amplifying a difference between the reference signal and one of the selected supply voltage level or the adjusted selected supply voltage level, and a summer for summing the amplified difference with the selected supply voltage to thereby generate the adjusted supply voltage. |
| US08169259B2 |
Active filter, delta-sigma modulator, and system
An active filter includes a first filter and a second filter. The first filter receives an input signal, and generates a first output signal by filtering the input signal. The second filter receives the first output signal during a time period adjusted based on a variation of a time constant of the first filter, and generates a second output signal by filtering the first output signal received during the time period. Therefore, a variation of a time constant is compensated by using post integration time control. |
| US08169258B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a reference voltage generating block, a circuit block, and a transmission line. The reference voltage generating block generates a first reference voltage and generates and outputs a digital code corresponding to the level of the first reference voltage. The circuit block converts the digital code into a second reference voltage and uses the second reference voltage for operation related to the function of the semiconductor integrated circuit. The transmission line is connected between the reference voltage generating block and the circuit block to allow transmission of the digital code to the circuit block. |
| US08169253B2 |
Power circuit including step-up circuit and stabilizing method thereof
A power circuit includes a reference potential circuit, a step-up circuit, and a conversion circuit. The reference potential circuit generates a reference potential. The step-up circuit generates a desired internal potential by stepping up a power supply potential. The step-up circuit includes a comparison circuit, a differential amplifier circuit, and a switch element. The comparison circuit outputs the result of comparison between a potential and the reference potential. The differential amplifier circuit is turned on or off by the operation control signal. The switch element performs on/off control according to the operation control signal and resets the output potential of the differential amplifier circuit. The conversion circuit converts the of the operation control signal so as to make longer the on period of the differential amplifier circuit and the off period of switch element. |
| US08169252B2 |
Low voltage drop closed loop unidirectional electronic valve
A low voltage drop unidirectional electronic valve constituted of: a first terminal; a second terminal; a first electronically controlled switch coupled between the first terminal and the second terminal; and a first charge pump arranged to close the first electronically controlled switch when the voltage potential at the first terminal is greater than the voltage potential at the second terminal by a first value. The first charge pump is arranged in a closed loop with the first electronically controlled switch so as to continuously maintain the voltage potential at the first terminal greater than the voltage potential at the second terminal by the first value. |
| US08169251B2 |
Capacitor interface circuit
A capacitor interface circuit is provided. A capacitor under test (CUT) is divided into a variable portion and an invariable portion, and the capacitance of an offset capacitor is designed to equal to or close to the fixed capacitance of the CUT. The offset capacitor is used to store the charges opposite to the invariable portion of the CUT for neutralizing the effect of the invariable portion of the CUT. Thereupon, the charge converter composed by the fully-differential amplifier and the feedback capacitors only responses for the variable portion of the CUT so as to increase the accuracy of the follow-up data processing. |
| US08169249B2 |
Calibrating a system by setting difference between signals
In a signal monitoring system, a circuit includes an input terminal and an output terminal. In addition, a processor coupled to the circuit is operable for calculating a parameter indicative of an error factor of the circuit by setting a level difference between an input signal at the input terminal and an output signal at the output terminal to a predetermined level. |
| US08169246B2 |
Dynamic-to-static converter latch with glitch suppression
A latch circuit. The latch circuit may include an input circuit, a precharge circuit, and a transfer circuit. The precharge circuit may precharge a first node during a first phase of a clock signal. Based on an input signal received at a first logic value, the input signal may drive the first node to a second logic value during the second clock phase. The transfer circuit may include a discharge circuit that is active during an evaluation phase beginning at a delay time subsequent to the clock signal entering the second phase and ending when the clock signal re-enters the first phase. The transfer circuit may also include pull-up and pull-down transistors, one of which may drive a logic value to a second node during the evaluation phase. |
| US08169241B2 |
Proportional phase comparator and method for phase-aligning digital signals
Embodiments of a proportional phase comparator and method for aligning digital signals are generally described herein. In some embodiments, circuitry to align digital signals comprises a proportional phase comparator that generates triangular-shaped pulses for application to a charge pump. The triangular-shaped pulses may reduce an amount of charge injection in the charge pump close to convergence. |
| US08169233B2 |
Programming of DIMM termination resistance values
Systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer program products, for providing termination resistance in a memory module are provided. An apparatus is provided that includes a plurality of memory circuits; an interface circuit operable to communicate with the plurality of memory circuits and to communicate with a memory controller; and a transmission line electrically coupling the interface circuit to a memory controller, wherein the interface circuit is operable to terminate the transmission line with a single termination resistance that is selected based on a plurality of resistance-setting commands received from the memory controller. |
| US08169232B2 |
Apparatus and method for generating resistance calibration code in semiconductor integrated circuit
A resistance calibration code generating apparatus includes a code calibration unit configured to calibrate and output code values of a resistance calibration code during predetermined cycles of a calibration clock, which are determined by a code calibration time control command, and a calibration clock generating unit configured to output the calibration clock using a code calibration command. |
| US08169227B2 |
Probing apparatus with multiaxial stages for testing semiconductor devices
A probing apparatus for testing semiconductor devices comprises a housing configured to define a testing chamber, a device carrier positioned in the housing and configured to receive the semiconductor device, a platen positioned on the housing, an alignment module positioned on the platen, a planarity-adjusting module positioned on the alignment module, an angular adjusting module positioned on the planarity-adjusting module, and a card holder positioned on the angular adjusting module and configured to receive a probe card having a plurality of probes. |
| US08169226B2 |
Method for measuring a current, in particular by means of a grounding apparatus
The subject matter of the invention is a method of measuring a grounding current of a photovoltaic power system incorporating a photovoltaic inverter, a measurement current being led through two shunts (Rs1, Rs2) disposed at different points, the measurement current being a current that may flow alternatively at two different points at different electric potentials, the current flowing at a potential that differs by at least 50 V from the potential of the point of evaluation, the shunts (Rs1, Rs2) being inserted in such a manner in a current mirror circuit that the voltage drop caused by the measurement in the shunts generates an asymmetry in the current mirror the magnitude of which is proportional to the measurement current, and the measurement current being the grounding current of the photovoltaic power system with optional positive or negative pole grounding. |
| US08169223B2 |
Ionization vacuum gauge
An ionization vacuum gauge includes a cathode, an anode and an ion collector. The anode is surrounding the cathode. The ion collector is surrounding the anode. The cathode, the anode and the ion collector are concentrically aligned and arranged in that order. The anode comprises a carbon nanotube structure including a plurality of carbon nanotubes. |
| US08169222B2 |
Method for electroseismic survey design
A method for designing a controlled-source electromagnetic survey that will discriminate between a defined deep marginal-interest reservoir (2) and specified false positive resistivity structures of concern (3, 4, 5). A reservoir model and a false positive model are constructed for each false positive scenario. The resistivity of the false positive model may be tuned to give electromagnetic data similar enough to the reservoir model when forward modeled that any differences fall in the model null space. A null-space discriminating ratio (“NSDR”) is defined, for example as the peak normalized difference of the two related modeled electromagnetic field data sets. An area coverage display of NSDR values (6) allows determination of such additional data as may be needed to distinguish the false positive body, and a survey design is developed accordingly (7). Reduction of the number of variables affecting the area coverage displays is a key feature of the method. |
| US08169221B2 |
Multi-frequency excitation coils for MRI
Devices, systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are described. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an RF coil for use in multi-nuclear excitation in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The RF coil includes a set of two or more L-C coils. Members of the set of two or more L-C coils have individual resonance frequencies. An RF amplifier is placed near the RF coil. The RF amplifier is controllable to selectively produce the individual resonance frequency of a member of the set of two or more L-C coils based, at least in part, on a digital input provided to the RF amplifier. |
| US08169215B2 |
Magnetic sensor and method of manufacturing thereof
The present invention relates to a magnetic sensor with which magnetic characteristics are made extremely stable by consideration of an area of contact of a base layer of a magnetic substance and a semiconductor substrate. On a semiconductor substrate (111) a plurality of Hall elements (112a, 112b) are embedded so as to be coplanar to a top surface of the semiconductor substrate while being mutually spaced apart by a predetermined distance, and above the Hall elements and the semiconductor substrate, a base layer (114), having coefficient of thermal expansion differing from that of the Hall elements and partially covers a region of each Hall elements, is formed via a protective layer (113), and a magnetic flux concentrator (115), having an area larger than the base layer and with magnetic amplification, is formed on the base layer. An area of contact of the base layer of the magnetic substance and the semiconductor substrate is made small to lessen the generation of an offset voltage. |
| US08169211B2 |
Method for verifying the bandwidth and phase of a digital power control system
A method for verifying the bandwidth and phase of a digital power control system according to the present invention includes steps of: A. Disturbance Order Reading in which an A/D conversion unit receives an analog signal order and mix it with existing command components in a digital system unit; B. Phase Delay Compensation in which a phase lead compensator is designed that is based on the different sampling frequencies and time delay parameters of the digital system unit, and the phase lead compensator is added to the digital system unit; and C. System Measuring in which a mixed wave calculation unit and a supply unit are added to the digital system unit to make the analog command signal pass through the digital system unit and the mixed wave calculation unit to the supply unit and to further drive a power circuit. |
| US08169206B2 |
Duty feed forward method and apparatus for modulating duty cycle of PMW signal and power converting method and power converter using the same
The duty of a PWM signal in a power converter is extracted to feed forward to modulate the slope of a linear oscillating ramp signal or the voltage level of an error signal, so as to modulate the duty of the PWM signal, by which the transient response of the power converter and the stability of the PWM loop both are improved. |
| US08169192B2 |
Wireless power storage device, semiconductor device including the wireless power storage device, and method for operating the same
To simplify charging of a battery in a power storage device which includes the battery. Further, to provide a wireless power storage device which can transmit and receive information without the task of replacing a battery for drive power supply, which becomes necessary when the battery depletes over time, being performed. An antenna circuit, a battery which is electrically connected to the antenna circuit via a rectifier circuit, and a load portion which is electrically connected to the battery are provided. The battery is charged when an electromagnetic wave received by the antenna circuit is input to the battery via the rectifier circuit, and discharged when electrical power which has been charged is supplied to the load portion. The battery is charged cumulatively, and the battery is discharged in pulses. |
| US08169191B2 |
System for use in gathering or processing data in a healthcare facility having fleet of mobile workstations
A system for use in gathering and/or processing data in healthcare facilities includes a fleet of mobile workstations, a set of interchangeable batteries for the fleet of mobile workstations and a battery recharging system for the set of interchangeable batteries. The battery recharging system includes a common battery charger and a control device configured to reduce variation in charging cycle count among the batteries at least in part by outputting a battery selection signal in response to comparing charging cycle counts for each of the batteries. |
| US08169187B2 |
Multifunctional charger system and method
An adapter for providing a source of power to a mobile device through an industry standard port is provided. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the adapter comprises a plug unit, a power converter, a primary connector, and an identification subsystem. The plug unit is operative to couple the adapter to a power socket and operative to receive energy from the power socket. The power converter is electrically coupled to the plug unit and is operable to regulate the received energy from the power socket and to output a power requirement to the mobile device. The primary connector is electrically coupled to the power converter and is operative to couple to the mobile device and to deliver the outputted power requirement to the mobile device. The identification subsystem is electrically coupled to the primary connector and is operative to provide an identification signal. |
| US08169186B1 |
Automated electric vehicle charging system and method
A system and method for charging an electric vehicle includes identifying vehicle information corresponding to the electric vehicle based on an electronic image of the electric vehicle, retrieving from an electronically stored local database a location of a charging port on the electric vehicle based on the vehicle information, robotically moving a charging connector according to the retrieved location to engage the charging port of the electric vehicle, querying the local database to determine whether a current time corresponds to an energy efficient usage time based on energy efficient usage data received from a power grid, and initiating a charging process upon determining that the current time corresponds to the energy efficient usage time. |
| US08169182B1 |
Charging system for an electric vehicle
A system that produces electrical power for an electric vehicle while in motion, utilizing a roof-mounted ductwork, is herein disclosed. The ductwork tunnel comprises a plurality of fan alternator assemblies which rotate due to an air flow therethrough, thereby producing an electrical current which is in-turn used to charge a plurality of on-board batteries and alternately to provide power directly thereto the electric motor portion of the electric vehicle. |
| US08169179B2 |
Open-ended control circuit for electrical apparatus
An AC machine control system for an AC machine (motor, generator, transformer, etc.) having open-ended windings, the control system comprising a drive circuit configured to transfer AC power between a first set of voltages and each end of the open-ended windings without the use of a substantial energy storage device, while eliminating common mode voltage and/or injecting zero sequence voltages. |
| US08169176B2 |
Controlling method for driving a drawer of a refrigerator
A movement structure for a drawer of a refrigerator is provided. The movement structure may a storage box to be automatically withdrawn from or inserted into a storage compartment of the refrigerator by pressing a button. This automatic movement of the storage box may allow the storage box to be easily withdrawn from and inserted into the storage compartment regardless of a weight of items stored in the storage box. |
| US08169175B2 |
System and method for driving a drawer in a refrigerator
A system and method for driving a drawer of a refrigerator and a refrigerator employing this system is provided. This system and method allows for the automatic opening and closing of multiple drawers of a refrigerator either sequentially or simultaneously. The system automatically closes a first drawer after a second drawer has been opened to reduce the loss of cooling air and to preserve freshness of items stored in the refrigerator. |
| US08169172B2 |
Synchronous disturbance suppression in a variable speed motor drive
A variable speed drive for an electric motor has an inverter for receiving pulse width modulation controls. The inverter communicates power signals to a poly-phase electrical motor. A resolver communicates signals from the poly-phase motor back to a motor control. The motor control includes a speed control, a field-oriented control, and a pulse width modulation drive for driving the inverter. The resolver is connected to the speed control and to the field-oriented control, and further communicates with a synchronous compensator. The synchronous compensator is configured to drive the harmonic content at a target frequency or frequencies in a selected signal towards zero over time. |
| US08169171B2 |
Drive apparatus
A drive apparatus includes a magnet rotor, a stator having a coil, a position detector configured to detect a position of the magnet rotor, a lead angle circuit configured to output a signal having a lead angle relative to an output of the position detector, a first driver configured to switch an electrification state of the coil in accordance with a preset time interval, a second driver configured to switch an electrification state of the coil in accordance with an output of the lead angle circuit, and a controller configured to adjust a lead angle amount of the signal output from the lead angle circuit within a range that does not cause step out in the driving by the first driver, prior to changing the driving by the second driver to the driving by the first driver. |
| US08169168B2 |
Electric power steering apparatus
An electric power steering apparatus includes a charge-discharge circuit including a circuit charging an auxiliary power supply by turning on and off an MOS-FET for voltage boosting and that selectively configures a first output mode in which an electric power is supplied to a motor by a first electrical conduction path to which a voltage of a battery is applied or a second output mode in which the electric power is supplied to the motor by a second electrical conduction path to which a voltage of a source of the series-connected battery and auxiliary power supply is applied. When a failure of the battery is detected, the electric power steering apparatus connects the first conduction path to an electrical conduction path to ground by continuously holding the MOS-FET in an on-state and drives the charge-discharge circuit to select the second output mode, thereby configuring a circuit to supply the motor with the electric power only from the auxiliary power supply. |
| US08169165B2 |
Multi-mode portable lighting device
A portable lighting device, such as a flashlight, with a mechanical power switch and multiple operating modes is provided. The mechanical power switch is disposed in series with the controller for the lighting device and acts as the user interface to the controller to change modes of operation. Because the mechanical power switch is in series with the controller, the portable lighting device does not consume battery power when the mechanical switch is open. A state machine coupled to the controller is polled by the controller each time it is powered up to determine the operational mode of the lighting device. |
| US08169164B2 |
Light output control device for laser light source
A light output control device for laser light sources for respective RGB colors includes, for each of RGB, three sets, each including: a semiconductor laser for one of the colors; light output detection unit for detecting a light output from the semiconductor laser; light output adjustment unit for updating a light output target value; light output control unit for controlling the semiconductor laser based on the updated light output target value; and division unit for dividing the light output by an output from the light output adjustment unit to obtain a ratio of the rising of the light output, and includes rising determination unit for determining, based on results obtained by the respective division unit, a semiconductor laser with a slowest rising and outputs light output adjustment values for the respective colors. The light output adjustment unit update their respective light output target values based on the light output adjustment values. The light output control unit causes their respective corresponding semiconductor lasers to operate in accordance with a semiconductor laser whose rising time is slowest, based on the updated light output target values to keep RGB color balance upon start-up. |
| US08169163B2 |
Control device and LED light emitting device using the control device
The present invention relates to a control device of a light emitting device that includes a plurality of LED rows formed of a plurality of LEDs sequentially connected in series. The control device includes: a plurality of switches respectively connected to the plurality of LED rows and sequentially transmitting a detection voltage of each of the plurality of LED rows, wherein the detection voltage corresponds to an output voltage applied to the plurality of LED rows; a comparator receiving the plurality of detection voltages, and generating a clock control signal according to a result of comparison with a predetermined reference; a clock signal generator generating a clock signal having a period that is changed according to the clock control signal; and a shift register that controls switching operations of the plurality of switches according to the clock signal. |
| US08169161B2 |
Electronic circuits for driving series connected light emitting diode strings
Electronic circuits provide an error signal to control a regulated output voltage signal generated by a controllable DC-DC converter for driving one or more series connected strings of light emitting diodes. |
| US08169160B2 |
Circuits and methods for driving light sources
A circuit for driving a light source, e.g., an LED light source, includes a converter, a sensor, and a controller. The converter converts an input voltage to an output voltage across the LED light source based upon a driving signal. A duty cycle of the driving signal determines an average current flowing through the LED light source. The sensor is selectively coupled to and decoupled from the converter based upon the driving signal. The sensor generates a sense voltage indicative of a current flowing through the LED light source when the sensor is coupled to the converter. The controller is coupled to the converter and sensor. The controller compares the sense voltage to a reference voltage indicative of a predetermined average current through the LED light source to generate a compensation signal and generates the driving signal based upon the compensation signal. The duty cycle of the driving signal is adjusted based upon the compensation signal to adjust the average current flowing through the LED light source to the predetermined average current. |
| US08169159B2 |
Boost converter LED driver and controller thereof
A LED driver is disclosed for providing a current for LED lighting. The LED driver includes an inductor and a controller having a power switch, and the inductor, the power switch and a LED to be driven are configured to be an asynchronous boost converter. Because the driven LED serves as a rectifier diode of the asynchronous boost converter, the controller may have fewer components and requires smaller die area. |
| US08169152B2 |
Plasma lamp with field-concentrating antenna
An electrodeless plasma lamp is described comprising a lamp body including a solid dielectric material. The lamp includes a bulb received at least partially within an opening in the solid dielectric material and a radio frequency (RF) feed configured to provide power to the solid dielectric material. A conductive material is provided adjacent to the bulb to concentrate the power proximate the bulb. The conductive material may be located below an upper surface of the solid dielectric material. The conductive material may modify at least a portion of an electric field proximate the bulb so that the portion of the electric field is oriented substantially parallel to an upper surface of the lamp body. |
| US08169150B2 |
Powering and controlling light emitting diodes via thermally separated arrays of dissipative active elements
A chipset for powering and controlling a plurality of light emitting diode (LED) strings. The chipset includes a controller having a pulse width modulating (PWM) functionality and a data transfer interface circuitry; and at least one dissipative active element array comprising a plurality of dissipative active elements. The dissipative active element array(s) are packaged to be thermally separate from the controller. The PWM functionality is arranged to individually pulse width modulate a current flow through each of the LED strings. Each of the plurality of dissipative active elements is associated with a particular one of the plurality of LED strings and is arranged to limit the current flow of the pulse width modulated current that flows through the particular LED string to a value, the value being responsive to a value output by the controller via the data transfer interface circuitry. |
| US08169149B2 |
Circuit arrangement and method for the operation of at least one discharge lamp
Circuit arrangement for operation of discharge lamp comprising an input for connecting a supply alternating current voltage. A startup supply device is provided with an input and an output, where the input is connected to an input of a control circuit and the output is connected to another input of the control circuit. The startup supply device provides a startup supply voltage at the output of the startup supply device and hence reduces the stand-by losses. |
| US08169146B2 |
Metal halide lamp
A metal halide lamp capable of delaying the rate of deformation in an electrostrictive phenomenon caused by the discharge of a ferroelectric ceramic capacitor when dielectric breakdown is initiated between the electrodes of an arc tube thereby preventing breakage accident, wherein a starting circuit, housed in parallel connection together with an arc tube in an outer tube of a metal halide lamp has in serial connection, a ferroelectric ceramic capacitor that is charged and discharged when a voltage at a predetermined coercive voltage or higher is applied thereby outputting a starting pulse at a high voltage from a ballast, a semiconductor switch that turns to a conduction state when a voltage of a predetermined breakover voltage or higher is applied, and a time constant control resistor that delays the discharge time of electric charges discharged from the capacitor when dielectric breakdown is initiated in the arc tube. |
| US08169140B2 |
Organic light emitting display including spacer and method of manufacturing the same
An organic light emitting display, and a method of manufacturing the same, the organic light emitting display including: a substrate including thin film transistors (TFTs) formed on a surface thereof; organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) disposed on the TFTs; an encapsulating unit that encapsulates the OLEDs; and spacers formed on the encapsulating unit. The OLEDs include first electrodes electrically connected to the TFTs, a pixel defining layer formed around the first electrodes, organic thin layers formed on the first electrodes, and second electrodes formed on the organic thin layers. The spacer is formed of moisture absorbing material, and faces the pixel defining layer. |
| US08169137B2 |
Light source and device using electroluminescence element
Deterioration of the whole electroluminescence layer which is caused by moisture penetration through the electroluminescence layer because of a pinhole in an electrode is prevented. A plurality of island-shaped electroluminescence layers is provided. That is, an electroluminescence layer is divided into plural layers. In addition, the plurality of island-shaped electroluminescence layers is interposed between a pair of common electrodes. Accordingly, even when moisture penetrates through one of the island-shaped electroluminescence layers, moisture does not penetrate through another of the island-shaped electroluminescence layers. |
| US08169131B2 |
Fluorescent material and light-emitting device
A lamp includes a light-emitting body that converts electric energy into light energy and a translucent glass covering the light-emitting body, wherein a phosphor layer is provided on at least inner or outer surface of the translucent glass. The phosphor layer includes a fluorescent material including a first phosphor that at least partially converts energy emitted by an excitation source, which emits ultraviolet having a wavelength of about 365 nm, to a first emission spectrum that is different from the energy, and a second phosphor that at least partially converts the first emission spectrum to a second emission spectrum. Peak wavelengths of the emission spectrum of the first and second phosphors have a relation of complementary colors so that when the light created due to the peak wavelengths of the first and second phosphors are mixed, the resulting light is in the white region. |
| US08169125B2 |
Transducer arrays for medical ultrasound and method of making the same
An ultrasound transducer (40,70,100) comprises a combined individual die integrated circuit (42,72,102) and an array of acoustic elements (44,74,104) coupled to the combined individual die integrated circuit via an array of flip-chip bumps (46,76,106). The combined individual die integrated circuit includes a first integrated circuit die (48,78,108) aligned with at least one additional integrated circuit die (50,80,(110,112)). In addition, the first integrated circuit die, the at least one additional die integrated circuits, and the array of acoustic elements together form a large aperture transducer array. |
| US08169119B2 |
Electric machine having slot insulation with flange arrangement
An electric machine having a rotor and a stator that encloses the rotor. The stator is closed at its end faces by flanges. A slot insulation is applied in an axial direction to the stator and has means of centering the rotor and/or the flanges with respect to the stator. |
| US08169105B2 |
Configurable apparatus and methods for supplying power and data to electronic devices
Embodiments of a system, topology, and methods for providing electrical power to electronic devices from various power sources are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08169103B2 |
Data-ready power mains distribution panel and data coupler
A power mains distribution panel including a data signal coupler providing a data path across multiple circuits therein. The power mains distribution or breaker panel provides mains power distribution from multiple non-neutral (i.e. having a voltage and providing a flow of current relative to each other or a common or neutral wire or virtual point, also called ‘hot’) mains circuits of a single or multiple phase for distribution within the distribution or breaker panel to branch circuits which in turn have a data path therebetween according to the present invention. Also described is a particular data signal coupler which may be used in the embodiments of the power mains distribution panels according to the present invention. |
| US08169102B2 |
Vertical-axis windpower fan unit and module and power generating system thereof
The present invention provides a vertical-axis windpower fan unit using a central axle having modulized design for assembling or disassembling quickly and includes supporting arms with capability of weight adjustment so as to balance the rotation of the fan unit. In one embodiment, the present invention further provides a coaxial fan module comprising a plurality of fan units coupled sequentially wherein a blade of each fan unit is disposed in the middle position with respect to the two blades of the adjacent fan unit for reducing unbalance and eliminating vibrational noise while the fan module is rotating. In addition, in another embodiment, the present invention further provides a power generating system comprising the coaxial fan module and a power generator unit coupled to the coaxial fan module so as to generate electricity. |
| US08169091B2 |
Energy and power transformation systems and apparatuses
Systems and apparatuses for delivering power and energy using deflecting beams or other oscillating members motivated to oscillate a beam assembly using an eccentrically balanced rotating body that induces deflections in the elastic beam or other oscillating member. One or more rotors may be used on the elastic beams and a mechanical output or outputs are connected to the elastic beams. The rotating body is advantageously maintained in rotation by pulses of electro-magnetic force. The oscillating beam or members are preferably driven at a natural resonant frequency to minimize losses and render more efficient the output which can be obtained. The pulse motor or motors can be powered using stored electrical energy, such as may be generated from solar panels, wind generators or other energy storage devices. One or more outputs may be used to drive heat pumps, compressors, pumps or other equipment to assist in independent energy systems. |
| US08169090B2 |
Encapsulating resin composition for preapplication, semiconductor device made with the same, and process for producing the same
An encapsulation resin composition for preapplication, comprising (a) an epoxy resin, and (b) a curing agent having flux activity, wherein the tack after B-staging is at least 0 gf/5 mmφ and at most 5 gf/5 mmφ, and the melt viscosity at 130° C. is at least 0.01 Pa·s and at most 1.0 Pa·s; a preapplied encapsulated component and semiconductor device using the composition, and a process of fabrication thereof. The resin composition is less susceptible to air entrapment during provisional placement of semiconductor chips, and excels in workability and reliability. |
| US08169089B2 |
Semiconductor device including semiconductor chip and sealing material
A semiconductor device includes at least bonding wires between electrode pads on a main surface of a semiconductor chip and connection pads on a wiring board. The wires form loop shapes from the electrode pads of the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor device also includes at least forming flat parts on the loop-shaped wires, and using a sealing material to seal the semiconductor chip such as to bury the flat parts. |
| US08169087B2 |
Semiconductor device
A protective coating is formed on the surface of a semiconductor device. The surface is located on the side to which an extension portion of a wire connected to a pad of the semiconductor device is pulled. The protective coating is formed such that its height decreases toward the pad. |
| US08169086B2 |
Semiconductor chip pad structure and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor chip pad structure and a method for manufacturing the same, wherein a flat area at the center of the terminal pad and a roughened area at the periphery thereof are provided by use of the mask photolithograph technique and the roughening process. The central area provides a sufficient adhering force for the ball bond while the peripheral area prevents the wire-bonding vibrating energy from the lateral transmission to the external side of the terminal pad. In this way, the ball bond for the terminal pad may meet the wire-bonding requirements. Moreover, the ball bond quality is ensured. |
| US08169085B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
A semiconductor device according to one embodiment includes: a substrate; a wiring provided above the substrate and including a graphene nanoribbon layer comprising a plurality of laminated graphene nanoribbon sheets; and a wiring connecting member penetrating at least one of the plurality of graphene nanoribbon sheets for connecting the wiring and a conductive member above or below the wiring. |
| US08169083B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a wiring substrate having a mounting surface on which a semiconductor element is mounted. A portion of the mounting surface exposed from the semiconductor element is covered by a solder-resist layer, and an extension portion of the solder-resist layer extends from a dropping-commencing point of a liquid-state under-filling agent on the portion of the mounting surface exposed from the semiconductor element and into an area of the wiring substrate covered by the semiconductor element. A gap between the semiconductor element and the extension portion of the solder-resist layer is formed to be narrower than the gap between the semiconductor element and the mounting surface of the wiring substrate so that liquid drops of the under-filling agent dropped at the dropping-commencing point are sucked into the gap by a capillary phenomenon. |
| US08169081B1 |
Conductive routings in integrated circuits using under bump metallization
An integrated circuit structure includes a first conductive layer and an under bump metallization layer over the first conductive layer. The first conductive layer has a first conductive region and a second conductive region electrically isolated from the first conductive region. The under bump metallization layer has a first conductive area and a second conductive area electrically isolated from the first conductive area, the first conductive area substantially located over the first conductive region and the second conductive area substantially located over the second conductive region. At least one of the first conductive area or the first conductive region includes a first protrusion extending toward the second conductive area or second conductive region, respectively. Conductive vias connect the first conductive region to the second conductive area and connect the second conductive region to the first conductive area, and the vias include at least one via connected to the first protrusion. |
| US08169078B2 |
Electrode structure, semiconductor element, and methods of manufacturing the same
According to the present invention, there is provided an electrode structure which includes: a nitride semiconductor layer; an electrode provided over the nitride semiconductor layer; and an electrode protective film provided over the electrode, wherein the nitride semiconductor layer contains a metal nitride containing Nb, Hf or Zr as a constitutive element, the electrode has a portion having a metal oxide containing Ti or V as a constitutive element formed therein, and the electrode protective film covers at least a portion of the electrode, and contains a protective layer having Au or Pt as a constitutive element. |
| US08169076B2 |
Interconnect structures having lead-free solder bumps
An integrated circuit structure includes a semiconductor substrate, and a polyimide layer over the semiconductor substrate. An under-bump-metallurgy (UBM) has a first portion over the polyimide layer, and a second portion level with the polyimide layer. A first solder bump and a second solder bump are formed over the polyimide layer, with a pitch between the first solder bump and the second solder bump being no more than 150 μm. A width of the UBM equals one-half of the pitch plus a value greater than 5 μm. |
| US08169073B2 |
Semiconductor device and electronic apparatus of multi-chip packaging
External connection terminals 27 which are electrically connected to semiconductor chips 11-1, 11-2, 12-1, 12-2 and also protrude beyond the semiconductor chips 11-1, 11-2, 12-1, 12-2 are disposed on a substrate 13 of the side to which the plural semiconductor chips 11-1, 11-2, 12-1, 12-2 are connected. |
| US08169072B2 |
Semiconductor device, manufacturing method thereof, and electronic device
A disclosed semiconductor device includes a reinforcing board having first and second faces, an electronic part accommodating portion penetrating the reinforcing board, a through hole, an electronic part having a front face on which an electrode pad is formed and a back face, a through electrode installed inside the through hole, a first sealing resin filling a gap between the through electrode and an inner wall of the through hole, a second sealing resin filled into the electronic part accommodating portion while causing the bonding face of the electrode pad of the electronic part accommodating portion to be exposed to an outside, and a multi-layered wiring structure configured to include insulating layers laminated on the first face of the reinforcing board and an interconnection pattern, wherein the interconnection pattern is directly connected to the electrode pad of the electronic part and the through electrode. |
| US08169071B2 |
Semiconductor device having vertically offset bond on trace interconnects on recessed and raised bond fingers
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a first recessed conductive layer embedded and recessed into a first surface of the substrate, and a first raised conductive layer disposed above the first surface. A first vertical offset exists between an upper surface of the first recessed conductive layer and an upper surface of the first raised conductive layer. The device includes a second recessed conductive layer embedded and recessed into a second surface of the substrate. The second surface of the substrate is opposite the first surface. The device includes a second raised conductive layer disposed beneath the second surface and an interconnect structure disposed on the first recessed and raised conductive layers and the second recessed and raised conductive layers. A second vertical offset exists between a lower surface of the second recessed conductive layer and a lower surface of the second recessed conductive layer. |
| US08169069B2 |
Integrated semiconductor outline package
A transistor outline package is provided for a semiconductor integrated device suitable for use in a control module of an automobile for connection between a printed circuit board and a bus bar of such a module. The package includes a package housing, having a first end suitable for mounting to a PCB and which has a width. The package is also formed with a leadframe which includes a heat sink and ground plane blade suitable for connection to a bus bar, a plurality of connector leads suitable for connection to a PCB and at least one source tab lead suitable for connection to a module connector of such a control module. The plurality of connection leads and the source tab lead extend from the first end of the package housing side by side in the direction along and within the width of the first end of the package housing. |
| US08169065B2 |
Stackable circuit structures and methods of fabrication thereof
Stackable circuit structures and methods of fabrication are provided employing first level metallization directly on a chips-first layer(s), which includes: a chip(s), each with a pad mask over its upper surface and openings exposing its contact pads; electrically conductive structures; and structural dielectric material surrounding the side surfaces of the chips and the conductive structures. Each chips-first layer further includes a metallization layer on the front surface of the layer, residing at least partially on the pad mask and extending over an edge of the chip. Together, the pad mask and the structural material electrically isolate the metallization layer from the chip. Input/output interconnect structures physically and electrically contact the metallization layer over the front surface and/or the lower surfaces of the electrically conductive structures at the back surface of the chips-first layer, to facilitate input/output connection to chips of the layers in a stack. |
| US08169063B2 |
Semiconductor component and method for producing the same
A semiconductor component of semiconductor chip size includes a semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip has a metallic coating that completely covers the side edges, the rear side and the top side, on which surface-mountable external contacts are arranged. One embodiment includes power semiconductor components, wherein the metallic coating connects a rear side electrode to one of the surface-mountable external contacts on the top side of a power semiconductor chip. |
| US08169060B2 |
Integrated circuit package assembly including wave guide
Some embodiments herein relate to a transmitter. The transmitter includes an integrated circuit (IC) package including a first antenna configured to radiate a first electromagnetic signal therefrom. A printed circuit board (PCB) substrate includes a waveguide configured to receive the first electromagnetic signal and to generate a waveguide signal based thereon. A second antenna can be electrically coupled to the waveguide and can radiate a second electromagnetic signal that corresponds to the waveguide signal. Other devices and methods are also disclosed. |
| US08169057B2 |
Positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN)/negative-intrinsic-positive (NIP) diode
A positive-intrinsic-negative (PIN)/negative-intrinsic-positive (NIP) diode includes a semiconductor substrate having first and second main surfaces opposite to each other. The semiconductor substrate is of a first conductivity. The PIN/NIP diode includes at least one trench formed in the first main surface which defines at least one mesa. The trench extends to a first depth position in the semiconductor substrate. The PIN/NIP diode includes a first anode/cathode layer proximate the first main surface and the sidewalls and the bottom of the trench. The first anode/cathode layer is of a second conductivity opposite to the first conductivity. The PIN/NIP diode includes a second anode/cathode layer proximate the second main surface, a first passivation material lining the trench and a second passivation material lining the mesa. The second anode/cathode layer is the first conductivity. |
| US08169054B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
The invention is directed to a semiconductor device having a via hole and a method of manufacturing the same that achieve both the prevention of a barrier layer insufficiently covering the via hole and the control of via resistance at the same time. A semiconductor substrate having a pad electrode on its front surface is prepared. The semiconductor substrate is etched from its back surface to its front surface to form a via hole exposing the pad electrode. A first barrier layer is then formed in the via hole by a sputtering method or a PVD method and reverse-sputtering (etching). By this reverse-sputtering, the barrier layer on the bottom of the via hole is removed to expose the pad electrode. A second barrier layer is then formed on the pad electrode exposed in the via hole. The via resistance is controlled by adjusting only the thickness of the second barrier layer. |
| US08169052B2 |
Semiconductor device
A metal electrode is disposed on each of a plurality of resistor groups which are made of polycrystalline silicon resistors and constitute a resistor circuit. The metal electrode is connected to an end of the resistor via another interconnecting layer. Accordingly, the external influence which the metal electrode receives during a semiconductor manufacturing process is prevented from directly acting on the resistor, whereby resistance variation is suppressed. |
| US08169046B2 |
Light emitting diode with a temperature detecting pattern and manufacturing method thereof
A light emitting diode (LED) includes a substrate, a temperature detecting pattern, and a semiconductor structure. The temperature detecting pattern is formed on the substrate. Then the semiconductor structure is formed on the temperature detecting pattern and the substrate. The semiconductor structure includes an n-type semiconductor layer, a p-type semiconductor layer, and an active layer. Per above-mentioned structural design, the temperature detecting pattern directly integrated into the LED can measure the actual temperature of PN junction with high precision. |
| US08169045B2 |
System and method for constructing shielded seebeck temperature difference sensor
An embodiment of the invention relates to a Seebeck temperature difference sensor that may be formed in a trench on a semiconductor device. A portion of the sensor may be substantially surrounded by an electrically conductive shield. A plurality of junctions may be included to provide a higher Seebeck sensor voltage. The shield may be electrically coupled to a local potential, or left electrically floating. A portion of the shield may be formed as a doped well in the semiconductor substrate on which the semiconductor device is formed, or as a metal layer substantially covering the sensor. The shield may be formed as a first oxide layer on a sensor trench wall with a conductive shield formed on the first oxide layer, and a second oxide layer formed on the conductive shield. An absolute temperature sensor may be coupled in series with the Seebeck temperature difference sensor. |
| US08169044B2 |
Image sensor and method for manufacturing the same
Embodiments provide an image sensor. The image sensor includes readout circuitry, an interlayer dielectric, an interconnection, and an image sensing device. The interconnection includes a lower barrier metal and a nitride barrier formed under the lower barrier metal. A contact plug electrically connecting the lower barrier metal to a lower interconnect is formed passing through the nitride barrier. |
| US08169040B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes: an n-channel MIS transistor and a p-channel MIS transistor. An n-channel MIS transistor includes: a first gate insulating film having an amorphous layer or an epitaxial layer formed on a p-type semiconductor region between a first source/drain regions; and a first gate electrode having a stack structure formed with a first metal layer and a first compound layer. The first metal layer is formed on the first gate insulating film and made of a first metal having a work function of 4.3 eV or smaller, and the first compound layer is formed on the first metal layer and contains a compound of a second metal and a IV-group semiconductor. The second metal is different from the first metal. A p-channel MIS transistor includes a second gate electrode having a second compound layer containing a compound of the same composition as the first compound layer. |
| US08169034B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a drift layer of a first conductivity type; a base layer of a second conductivity type provided on the drift layer; an emitter layer of the first conductivity type provided in part of an upper portion of the base layer; a buffer layer of the first conductivity type provided below the drift layer; a high-resistance layer of the first conductivity type provided below the buffer layer; a collector layer of the second conductivity type provided in a partial region on a lower surface of the high-resistance layer; a contact layer of the first conductivity type provided in another partial region on the lower surface of the high-resistance layer; a trench gate electrode extending through the emitter layer and the base layer into the drift layer; and a gate insulating film provided between the emitter layer, the base layer, and the drift layer on one hand and the trench gate electrode on the other. |
| US08169033B2 |
Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof
Methods of forming transistors and structures thereof are disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a semiconductor device including a workpiece, a gate dielectric disposed over the workpiece, and a thin layer of conductive material disposed over the gate dielectric. A layer of semiconductive material is disposed over the thin layer of conductive material. The layer of semiconductive material and the thin layer of conductive material comprise a gate electrode of a transistor. A source region and a drain region are formed in the workpiece proximate the gate dielectric. The thin layer of conductive material comprises a thickness of about 50 Angstroms or less. |
| US08169030B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and production method thereof
In a static memory cell composed of four MOS transistors, the transistors composing a memory cell are formed on a substrate and have a drain, gate, and source arranged vertically with the gate surrounding a columnar semiconductor layer. In this memory cell, the first diffusion layers (second diffusion layers) functioning as a first memory node (second memory node) are connected via a first silicide layer (second silicide layer) formed on their surfaces, whereby an SRAM cell having a small area is realized. Furthermore, a first anti-leak diffusion layer (second anti-leak diffusion layer) having the conductivity type opposite to the first well is formed between the first well and the first diffusion layer (second diffusion layer) having the same conductivity type as the first well so as to prevent leak to the substrate. |
| US08169027B2 |
Substrate band gap engineered multi-gate pMOS devices
A multi-gate transistor and a method of forming a multi-gate transistor, the multi-gate transistor including a fin having an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion having a first band gap and the lower portion having a second band gap with the first band gap and the second band gap designed to inhibit current flow from the upper portion to the lower portion. The multi-gate transistor further including a gate structure having sidewalls electrically coupled with said upper portion and said lower portion and a substrate positioned below the fin. |
| US08169022B2 |
Vertical junction field effect transistors and diodes having graded doped regions and methods of making
Semiconductor devices and methods of making the devices are described. The devices can be junction field-effect transistors (JFETs) or diodes such as junction barrier Schottky (JBS) diodes or PiN diodes. The devices have graded p-type semiconductor layers and/or regions formed by epitaxial growth. The methods do not require ion implantation. The devices can be made from a wide-bandgap semiconductor material such as silicon carbide (SiC) and can be used in high temperature and high power applications. |
| US08169020B2 |
Semiconductor device with buried bit lines and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device includes a substrate having trenches, buried bit lines formed in the substrate, and including a metal silicide layer and a metallic layer, wherein the metal silicide layer contacts sidewalls of the trenches and the metallic layer is formed over the sidewalls of the trenches and contacts the metal silicide layer. |
| US08169017B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device that comprises the steps of: removing a second insulating film on a contact region of a first conductor; forming a second conductive film on the second insulating film; removing the second conductive film on the contact region of the first conductor to make the second conductive film into a second conductor; forming an interlayer insulating film (a third insulating film) covering the second conductor; forming a first hole in the interlayer insulating film on the contact region; and forming a conductive plug, which is electrically connected with the contact region, in the first hole. |
| US08169016B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
A plurality of conductive layers are stacked in a first region and a second region. A semiconductor layer is surrounded by the conductive layers in the first region, includes a columnar portion extending in a perpendicular direction with respect to a substrate. A charge storage layer is formed between the conductive layers and a side surface of the columnar portion. The conductive layers includes first trenches, second trenches, and third trenches. The first trenches are arranged in the first region so as to have a first pitch in a first direction. The second trenches are arranged in the second region so as to have a second pitch in the first direction. The third trenches are arranged in the second region so as to have a third pitch in the first direction and so as to be sandwiched by the second trenches. |
| US08169015B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method therefor
This semiconductor device according to the present invention includes a plurality of cylindrical lower electrodes aligned densely in a memory array region; a plate-like support which is contacted on the side surface of the cylindrical lower electrodes, and links to support the plurality of the cylindrical lower electrodes; a pore portion provided in the plate-like support; a dielectric film covering the entire surface of the cylindrical lower electrodes and the plate-like support in which the pore portion is formed; and an upper electrode formed on the surface of the dielectric film, wherein the boundary length of the part on the side surface of the cylindrical lower electrode which is exposed on the pore portion is shorter than the boundary length of the part on the side surface of the cylindrical lower electrode which is not exposed on the pore portion. |
| US08169011B2 |
Image sensor and method of manufacturing the same
An image sensor comprises a substrate including a photodiode, and an insulation pattern structure making contact with the photodiode on the substrate. An anti-reflection pattern is formed on the insulation pattern structure and the substrate. The anti-reflection pattern includes a first opening through which the insulation pattern structure is exposed corresponding to the photodiode. A first insulation interlayer structure is formed on the anti-reflection pattern, and the first insulation interlayer structure includes at least one insulation layer and a second opening connected to the first opening. A metal wiring structure is formed in the insulation layer, and a transparent insulation pattern is formed in the first and second openings. A color filter is formed on the transparent insulation pattern, and a micro lens is formed on the color filter. |
| US08169010B2 |
Low-voltage image sensor with sensing control unit formed within
Provided are an image sensor and a method of sensing the same. The image sensor includes: a light receiving device; a signal conversion unit including a transfer transistor having a plurality of transfer gates and for converting photocharges generated by the light receiving device into a voltage to output the voltage; and a sensing control unit for generating at least two reset signals and/or at least two transfer signals applied to the transfer gates of the transfer transistor during a one-time photosensing cycle. The image sensor is obtained by changing the structure and driving method of a transfer transistor of a typical 4-transistor CMOS image sensor and employs a deep depletion operation and a multiple reset operation, thereby reducing an image lag and increasing the well capacity of the light receiving device. |
| US08169008B2 |
Semiconductor device
The present invention miniaturizes a HEMT element used as a switching element in a radio frequency module. A single gate electrode 17 is formed in an active region defined by an element separation portion 9 on a main surface of a substrate 1 comprising GaAs. The gate electrode 17 is patterned so as to extend in the vertical direction of the page surface between source electrodes 13 and drain electrodes 14, and to extend in left and right directions at other portions. Thus, the ratio of the gate electrode 17 disposed outside the active region is reduced, and the area of a gate pad 17A is reduced. |
| US08169003B2 |
Termination and contact structures for a high voltage GaN-based heterojunction transistor
A semiconductor device is provided that includes a substrate, a first active layer disposed over the substrate, and a second active layer disposed on the first active layer. The second active layer has a higher bandgap than the first active layer such that a two-dimensional electron gas layer arises between the first active layer and the second active layer. A termination layer, which is disposed on the second active layer, includes InGaN. Source, gate and drain contacts are disposed on the termination layer. |
| US08169002B2 |
High electron mobility transistor and method for fabricating the same
A high electron mobility transistor includes a substrate, a buffer layer, a channel layer, a spacer layer, a schottky layer and a cap layer. The buffer layer is formed on the substrate. The channel layer is formed on the buffer layer, in which the channel layer comprises a superlattice structure formed with a plurality of indium gallium arsenide thin films alternately stacked with a plurality of indium arsenide thin films. The spacer layer is formed on the channel layer. The schottky layer is formed on the spacer layer. The cap layer is formed on the schottky layer. |
| US08168994B2 |
Light emitting diode comprising semiconductor nanocrystal complexes
A light emitting diode (LED) formed by depositing an LED chip and coupling a stability layer to the LED chip. Semiconductor nanocrystals are placed in a first matrix material to form a nanocrystal complex layer. The nanocrystal complex layer is deposited on top of the stability layer. A thickness of the stability layer is chosen to maximizes a power of a light output by the nanocrystal complex layer. The matrix material and the stability layer can be of the same type of material. Additional layers of matrix material can be deposited on top of the nanocrystal complex layer. These additional layers can comprise matrix material only or can comprise matrix material and semiconductor nanocrystals to form another nanocrystal complex layer. |
| US08168993B2 |
Light emtting device, method for manufacturing light emitting device, and light emitting apparatus
A light emitting device according to the embodiment includes a reflecting layer; an adhesion layer including an oxide-based material on the reflecting layer; an ohmic contact layer on the adhesion layer; and a light emitting structure layer on the ohmic contact layer. |
| US08168989B2 |
LED light source and method of manufacturing the same
After the LEDs 2 (red LEDs (R), green LEDs (G) and blue LEDs (B), or white LEDs (W)) are mounted on the frame 3, without dicing the frame 3 for dividing the LEDs 2 into pieces, the tie bar is punched off to form an electric circuit. Thus, the RGB three primary color LED light source 1A or the white LED light source 1B that emits light in the state of the frame 3 can be manufactured. |
| US08168988B2 |
Light emitting element with a plurality of cells bonded, method of manufacturing the same, and light emitting device using the same
The present invention relates to a light emitting element with arrayed cells, a method of manufacturing the same, and a light emitting device using the same. The present invention provides a light emitting element including a light emitting cell block with a plurality of light emitting cells connected in series or parallel on a single substrate, and a method of manufacturing the same, wherein each of the plurality of light emitting cells includes an N-type semiconductor layer and a P-type semiconductor layer, and the N-type semiconductor layer of one light emitting cell is electrically connected to the P-type semiconductor layer of another adjacent light emitting cell. Further, the present invention provides a light emitting device including a light emitting element with a plurality of light emitting cells connected in series. Accordingly, it is possible to simplify a manufacturing process of a light emitting device for illumination capable of being used with a household AC power source, to decrease a fraction defective occurring in manufacturing a light emitting device for illumination, and to mass-produce the light emitting device for illumination. Further, there is an advantage in that DC driving efficiency can be enhanced in an AC operation by installing a predetermined rectifying circuit outside the light emitting element. |
| US08168984B2 |
Light emitting diodes with smooth surface for reflective electrode
A light emitting diode comprising an epitaxial layer structure, a first electrode, and a second electrode. The first and second electrodes are disposed on one side of the epitaxial layer structure. The epitaxial layer structure includes a transparent ohmic contact layer having a root-means-square (RMS) roughness less than about 3 nm at a surface whereon the second electrode is formed. The epitaxial layer structure includes a p-type epitaxial layer and a n-type epitaxial layer, wherein the n-type epitaxial layer is coupled between the first electrode and the p-type epitaxial layer, and the p-type epitaxial layer is between the second electrode and the n-type epitaxial layer. The first electrode is located on the n-type epitaxial layer. |
| US08168982B2 |
Substrate for electro-optical device with light shielding section having various widths, electro-optical device, and electronic apparatus
Disclosed is a substrate for an electro-optical device including: a substrate; a plurality of data lines and a plurality of scanning lines which intersect with other on the substrate; a pixel electrode formed in each of a plurality of pixels which configure a display region on the substrate and are defined in correspondence with intersections between the plurality of data lines and the plurality of scanning lines; a transistor provided in each of non-opening regions which discriminate between opening regions of the plurality of pixels and including a semiconductor layer including a channel region having a channel length in one direction of the display region, a data line side source/drain region electrically connected to the data line, a pixel electrode side source/drain region electrically connected to the pixel electrode, a first junction region formed between the channel region and the data line side source/drain region, and a second junction region formed between the channel region and the pixel electrode side source/drain region; and a light-shielding section which is formed above each of the semiconductor layers, extends along the one direction, and includes a first portion which covers the first junction region and a second portion which covers the second junction region and has a width larger than that of the first portion in a direction intersecting the one direction. |
| US08168981B2 |
Display substrate having stepped data line and a liquid crystal display device having the same
A display substrate includes; a gate line disposed on a substrate, a first insulating layer disposed on the substrate including the gate line, the first insulating layer including an opening part extended in a direction crossing the gate line, a data line disposed on the first insulating layer and an inner surface of the opening part, the data line extending in a direction substantially parallel with an extension direction of the opening part, a protective layer disposed on the first insulating layer and the data line, a switching element electrically connected to the gate line and the data line and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the switching element. |
| US08168975B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A wiring line is electrically connected in parallel to an auxiliary wiring line via a plurality of contact holes. The contact holes are formed through an insulating film and arranged in vertical direction to the wiring line. Since the auxiliary wiring line is formed in the same layer as an electrode that constitutes a TFT, the electric resistance of the wiring line can be reduced effectively without increasing the number of manufacturing steps. |
| US08168973B2 |
Thin film transistor
The thin film transistor includes, over a substrate having an insulating surface, a gate insulating layer covering a gate electrode, an amorphous semiconductor layer over the gate insulating layer, a semiconductor layer including an impurity element imparting one conductivity type over the amorphous semiconductor layer. The amorphous semiconductor layer comprises an NH radical. Defects of the amorphous semiconductor layer are reduced by cross-linking dangling bonds with the NH radical in the amorphous semiconductor layer. |
| US08168972B2 |
Method for simultaneous recrystallization and doping of semiconductor layers and semiconductor layer systems produced according to this method
A method for simultaneous recrystallization and doping of semiconductor layers, in particular for the production of crystalline silicon thin layer solar cells. A substrate base layer 1 is produced, and subsequently, an intermediate layer system 2 which has at least one doped partial layer is deposited on the base layer. An absorber layer 3 which is undoped or likewise doped is deposited on the intermediate layer system 2, and in a recrystallisation step, the absorber layer 3 is heated, melted, cooled and tempered. Alternately, instead of an undoped capping layer, a capping layer system 4 which has at least one partial layer can also be applied on the absorber layer 3. |
| US08168971B2 |
Pseudomorphic Si/SiGe/Si body device with embedded SiGe source/drain
The invention relates to a semiconductor structure and method of manufacturing and more particularly to a CMOS device with at least one embedded SiGe layer in the source/drain region of the PFET, and at least one embedded SiGe layer in the channel region of the NFET. In one embodiment, the structure of the invention enhances the electron mobility in the NFET device, and further enhances the hole mobility in the PFET device. Additionally, by using the fabrication methods and hence achieving the final structure of the invention, it is also possible to construct a PFET and NFET each with embedded SiGe layers on the same substrate. |
| US08168960B2 |
Method for the production of a sample for electron microscopy
A probe (1) for electron microscopy is cut from a solid material. A sample surface (3) is configured on the same, which is treated with an ion beam (J) at a predetermined angle of incidence such that the material is ablated from the sample surface (3) by means of etching until the desired observation surface (20) is exposed on the sample (1) in the region of the incidence zone (4) of the ion beam (J), which enables the viewing (12) of the desired region of the sample (1) using an electron microscope. For this purpose, at least two stationary ion beams (J1, J2) are guided onto the sample surface (3) at a predetermined angle (α) in alignment with each other such that the ion beams (J1, J2) at least come in contact with each other on the sample surface (3), or cross each other, and form an incidence zone (4) in that location, and that both the sample (1) and the ion beams (J1, J2) are not moved, and thus are operated in a stationary manner. |
| US08168959B2 |
Reticle protection member, reticle carrying device, exposure device and method for carrying reticle
A position measurement device 29 measures the position of a position measurement mark 26 formed on the lower surface of a reticle 1, thereby measuring the position of the reticle 1. A position measurement device 30 measures the position of the position measurement mark 27 formed on the lower surface of a lower lid 2b, thereby measuring the position of the lower lid 2b. The relative displacement of the reticle 1 and lower lid 2b is known when the position of the reticle 1 and the position of the lower lid 2b are known. Therefore, when the lower lid 2b having the reticle 1 loaded thereon is carried with a carrying device and set in an exposure device, the stop position of the lower lid 2b is determined by taking this displacement into account. As a result, the reticle 1 can be correctly set in the exposure device. |
| US08168958B2 |
Ionizing-radiation-responsive compositions, methods, and systems
A method, composition and system respond to ionizing radiation to adjust biological activity. In some approaches the ionizing radiation is X-ray or extreme ultraviolet radiation that produces luminescent responses that induce biologically active responses. |
| US08168952B2 |
Target marker having quantum cascade laser for thermally marking a target
A portable target marker includes a quantum cascade laser configured to generate a thermal infrared beam. The target marker also includes a driver operably connected to the quantum cascade laser and configured to pulse the beam at a desired repetition rate. The pulsed beam intersects a target. The target marker further includes a thermal imager configured to form a visible image of the pulsed beam intersecting the target. |
| US08168950B2 |
Charged particle beam apparatus, and image generation method with charged particle beam apparatus
The present invention has a subject to provide an apparatus that optimizes scanning in accordance with circumstances or purposes, reduces distortion of images, and improves throughput, image quality, and defect detection rate by controlling deflection of a charged particle beam in a stage tracking system. To solve this subject, an apparatus according to the present invention is an inspection apparatus for detecting abnormal conditions of an inspection target by irradiating the inspection target with the charged particle beam and detecting generated secondary electrons, including both a stage that moves continuously with the inspection target placed thereon and a deflection control circuit for providing a deflector with a scanning signal that causes the charged particle beam to scan repeatedly in a direction substantially perpendicular to a stage movement axis direction while the charged particle beam being deflected in the stage movement axis direction in accordance with a change in movement speed of the stage during movement of the stage. |
| US08168949B2 |
Method for stem sample inspection in a charged particle beam instrument
A method for sample examination in a dual-beam FIB calculates a first angle as a function of second, third and fourth angles defined by the geometry of the FIB and the tilt of the specimen stage. A fifth angle is calculated as a function of the stated angles, where the fifth angle is the angle between the long axis of an excised sample and the projection of the axis of the probe shaft onto the X-Y plane. The specimen stage is rotated by the calculated fifth angle, followed by attachment to the probe tip and lift-out. The sample may then be positioned perpendicular to the axis of the FIB electron beam for STEM analysis by rotation of the probe shaft through the first angle. |
| US08168936B2 |
Interface techniques for coupling a sensor to a readout circuit
Techniques are disclosed that can be used to interface a sensor circuit with readout circuitry. The techniques can be employed, for instance, with microchannel plate (MCP) based devices used in numerous sensing/detection applications, and are particularly suitable for applications where it is desirable to interface an MCP having a relatively large active area to a readout circuit having a relatively smaller active area. The interface effectively decouples anode geometry from readout circuit geometry and also may be configured with flexible anode pad geometry, which allows for compensation of optical blur variations as well as a very high fill factor. The interface can be made using standard semiconductor materials and photolithography techniques and can be configured with thermal expansion qualities that closely track or otherwise match that of the readout circuitry. |
| US08168935B2 |
Pressure sensor and pressure measurement method of pressure sensor
Disclosed is a pressure sensor comprising: a substrate; a pressure reception plate which is provided in a state of facing the substrate, the pressure reception plate comprising in a surface which faces the substrate, a low reflection region, and a high reflection region having a relatively higher reflection ratio compared to the low reflection region; a support portion to change a distance between the substrate and the pressure reception plate when a pressure is applied to the pressure reception plate, the support portion being provided in between the substrate and the pressure reception plate; and a plurality of light receiving elements which are respectively provided on the substrate in positions facing the low reflection region and in positions facing the high reflection region, of the pressure reception plate. |
| US08168931B1 |
Solar tracking device
A dual axis tracker is a solar collecting device with fully mobile panel arrays that can be fully rotated 360° and tilted from a 90° position to a 10° position relative to the earth and is easy to maintain and operate. This device has a base support followed by a stable lower column attached thereto and a movable or rotatable upper column that permits full rotation located thereon. This permits the full rotation. A motorized jack is employed to tilt the panel array from the 90° position to a 10°. Since the array is held higher off the ground by a longer lower column, such vertical positioning is achieved in a better manner than prior art devices. Because of these movements more power can be produced in a given amount of time than prior art devices. In addition, during periods of snowfall, this device can collect more radiation off the accumulated snow cover that will surround the device thus taking advantage of said radiation to produce even greater power than previously possible. |
| US08168927B2 |
Apparatus, arrangement and method for supporting a helical wire coil heating element
An apparatus, arrangement and method for supporting a helical wire coil heating element is provided. The apparatus includes a generally circular support frame having an open center portion and a plurality of supporting arms extending radially inward into the open center portion. Insulating standoffs are supported on the supporting arms such that the standoffs extend into the open center portion of the frame. A helical wire coil heating element is attached to each end of the standoff. An arrangement for supporting a helical wire coil heating element includes a substantially closed elongated tubular wrapper having an open interior. One or more generally circular support frames are arranged in the open interior of the wrapper and support insulating standoffs. A method for assembling an arrangement for a supporting a helical wire coil heating element is further provided. |
| US08168921B1 |
Method and system for marking a material using a laser marking system
A laser marking system for marking a length of material includes a laser device for emitting a marking beam. A motor moves the length of material relative to the laser device. A sensing system detects a predetermined movement of the length of the material and provides a speed signal and a distance signal, and a controller is provided in operative communication with the sensing system and the laser device for receiving the speed signal and the distance signal and responsively directing the marking beam of the laser system onto the length of material in a predetermined pattern. |
| US08168919B2 |
Laser working apparatus and method of controlling laser working apparatus
A laser working apparatus includes: a laser head provided with a reflector which changes the direction of any one of a laser beam and a visible light; a robot which moves the laser head; and a robot control apparatus. When laser working is performed, the robot control apparatus controls the laser head so that the laser beam can draw a predetermined working pattern on the basis of a predetermined working position on a work piece. When an operation checking work is performed, the robot control apparatus controls the laser head so that the visible light beam can be emitted only to a reference position of the working pattern. |
| US08168916B2 |
Enhanced piercing through current profiling
In general, the present invention provides a method of piercing a workpiece with a plasma arc torch of the type having a plasma gas flow path for directing a plasma gas through the torch and a secondary gas flow path for directing a secondary gas through the torch. The method comprises directing a flow of shield gas along a distal end portion of the plasma arc torch to deflect metal spatter generated from the piercing, and ramping a current provided to the plasma arc torch along a profile during piercing and controlling current ramp parameters as a function of a thickness of the workpiece and an operating current level, wherein the current ramp parameters comprise a length of time, a ramp rate, a shape factor, and a modulation. |
| US08168913B2 |
Electric discharge machining die sinking device
An EDM die sinking device includes a tank for holding a fluid, and at least one electrode in the tank having a shape for imparting to a first portion of a workpiece. A workpiece holder positions the workpiece at least partially immersed in the fluid and alternately moves the workpiece between an inoperable position and a first operable position of the first electrode at which electric discharge machining occurs on the first portion. A pulse generator creates an electric discharge between the first portion and the first electrode to remove material from the first portion in response to the workpiece being in the first operable position. Movement of the workpiece from the electrode flushes particle containing fluid away from the workpiece and the electrode. A segmented electrode includes a separate pulse generator for each segment may also be employed. |
| US08168910B2 |
Contact for a medium-voltage vacuum circuit-breaker with reinforced structure, and an associated circuit-breaker or vacuum circuit-breaker, such as an AC generator disconnector circuit-breaker
A vacuum circuit-breaker wherein at least in one of the contacts at least one stud is used as a spacer, and is disposed between the mechanical connection portion and the circular plate of the contact body in such a manner as to avoid the collapse thereof during a closing operation of the vacuum circuit-breaker, and in the closed position the contacts can withstand very high compression forces, typically greater than 700 kg-force or 2 t-force. |
| US08168903B2 |
Illuminated keyboard
An illuminated keyboard includes a frame plate, a character keycap, a light source, a membrane plate, a switch circuit plate and a base plate. The character keycap is connected with the frame plate, and movable upwardly or downwardly with respect to the frame plate. The light source is disposed under the character keycap for emitting invisible light. The character keycap, the frame plate, the membrane plate, the switch circuit plate and the base plate are sequentially arranged from top to bottom. The illuminated keyboard further includes a luminous substance, which is excited by the light source to generate visible light to irradiate the illuminated keyboard. |
| US08168902B2 |
Electrical device with a waterproof keypad
An electrical device includes a housing, a circuit unit disposed in the housing, a waterproof keypad disposed in the housing at a position above the circuit unit, and a press member. The waterproof keypad includes a rigid layer, a resilient pad body, a waterproofing ring, and a plurality of keys. The press member is connected to the housing and presses against the rigid layer. The waterproofing ring is connected to a bottom face of the resilient pad body, abuts against the housing, and surrounds the circuit unit. A portion of a top face of the resilient pad body is connected immovably to a bottom face of the rigid layer. Another portion of the top face of the resilient pad body is exposed from the rigid layer. The keys are connected to the exposed portion of the top face of the resilient pad body and are exposed from the rigid layer. |
| US08168895B2 |
Printed wiring board
Provided is a multilayer printed wiring board in which multiple via holes that connect a first power supply wiring with a second power supply wiring are aligned in a line in parallel to a direction along which current flows. In order to prevent current from being concentrated on the via hole connected to a farthest end of the power supply wiring among the via holes, a narrow portion between the via hole and the via hole is narrowed to increase a resistance. A narrow portion that is narrowed is disposed similarly at a farthest end of the power supply wiring of the second conductor layer. |
| US08168892B2 |
Soldermask-less printed wiring board
A printed wiring board has a non-conducting substrate with first and second major outboard surfaces; printed electrical conductors over at least the first major outboard surface; and an electrically insulating coating selectively disposed over the printed electrical conductors such that the coating forms an outermost layer over the first major outboard surface. In various embodiments, the coating is screen printed dielectric carbon ink which is also disposed over keypads on the second major outboard surface. There is no need for a soldermask layer as the keypads and electrical conductors are protected by the carbon ink from oxidation due to humidity and from shorting against other components. A method for making the PWB is also detailed. |
| US08168891B1 |
Differential trace profile for printed circuit boards
Circuit boards and methods for their manufacture are disclosed. The circuit boards carry high-speed signals using conductors formed to include lengthwise channels. The channels increase the surface area of the conductors, and therefore enhance the ability of the conductors to carry high-speed signals. In at least some embodiments, a discontinuity also exists between the dielectric constant within the channels and just outside the channels, which is believed to reduce signal loss into the dielectric material. |
| US08168889B2 |
Thermosetting conductive paste and multilayer ceramic part having an external electrode formed using the same
Disclosed is a thermosetting conductive paste which is advantageous in that an external electrode for multilayer ceramic electronic part formed using the paste exhibits excellent bonding properties with an internal electrode and is suitable for mounting on a substrate or plating, achieving excellent electric properties (electrostatic capacity, tan δ. A thermosetting conductive paste comprising: (A) metal powder having a melting point of 700° C. or higher; (B) metal powder having a melting point of higher than 300 to lower than 700° C.; and (C) a thermosetting resin. |
| US08168888B2 |
Cable protector systems and methods relating thereto
In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a cable protector system is provided. The system includes a first component, the first component comprising a top surface, a bottom surface, and two opposing ends. The first component defines a channel extending between the two opposing ends. The system also comprises a second component, the second component being substantially identical to the first component. When the first and second components are coupled, each of the top surfaces are substantially co-planar and each of the bottom surfaces are substantially co-planar and the channels together define a single channel extending between the first component and second component. The channel is configured to receive at least one cable. |
| US08168887B2 |
Method and apparatus for pre-fab wiring
A bracket and junction box assembly and method allows simplified wiring at a prefab production facility and at a construction site. A junction box including a detachable and reattachable rear cover plate is pre-assembled with a plaster ring, electrical device, and leads attached to the switch or outlet, at a prefab facility. A Metal Clad (MC) cable may be attached to the junction box and wires carried in the MC Cable may be connected to the leads. A mounting bracket is generally sandwiched between the junction box and the plaster ring for mounting to framing members at the construction site. Following assembly at the prefab facility, the prefab junction box is shipped to the construction site where the bracket and junction box assembly is mounted to framing members. Connections to wires carried by MC Cables are then facilitated by removing the rear cover plate to access the interior of the junction box. |
| US08168885B2 |
Low modulus solar cell encapsulant sheets with enhanced stability and adhesion
The present invention provides a pre-formed bi-layer thermoplastic film or sheet comprising a first surface layer made of acid copolymers, or ionomers, or combinations thereof and a second surface layer made of ethylene acrylate ester copolymers, a solar cell pre-laminate assembly comprising the same, and a simplified process for manufacturing a solar cell module derived therefrom. |
| US08168884B2 |
Solar cell structure including a plurality of concentrator elements with a notch design and predetermined radii and method
A solar cell concentrator structure includes a first concentrator element having a first aperture region and a first exit region including a first back surface region and a first corner region. The structure also includes a second concentrator element integrally formed with the first concentrator element. The second concentrator element includes a second aperture region and a second exit region-including a second back surface region and a second corner region. Additionally, the structure includes a first radius of curvature of 0.25 mm and less characterizing the first corner structure and the second corner structure, a first coupling region between the first exit region and a first surface region of a first photovoltaic device. The structure further includes a second radius of curvature of 0.15 mm and less characterizing a region between the first concentrator element and the second concentrator element. |
| US08168881B2 |
Monolithic photovoltaic module
A photovoltaic module comprised of a plurality of series connected photovoltaic cells disposed upon a substrate is fabricated utilizing thin film device techniques. A body of photovoltaic stock material comprised of an electrically conductive substrate having at least a bottom electrode layer, a body of photovoltaic material, and a top electrode layer supported thereupon is patterned so as to define a number of individual, electrically isolated photovoltaic cells and a number of electrically isolated connection zones. The connection zones are patterned to each include a portion of the bottom electrode material and are configured so that the bottom electrode material in each segment of the connection zone is exposed, and is in electrical communication with the bottom electrode portion of a particular cell. A current collecting grid structure is disposed on the top electrode of each cell and is placed in electrical communication with the bottom electrode of an adjoining cell via the electrode layer in an appropriate connection zone. In this manner, a series interconnection between the cells is established. Electrical terminals may be affixed to the module, and the finished module may be encapsulated in a body of protective materials. The substrate used in the manufacture of the module may comprise a thin, flexible layer of polymeric material and the disclosed techniques may be utilized to fabricate ultra lightweight photovoltaic modules. Also disclosed are specific module structures. |
| US08168880B2 |
Shingle with photovoltaic element(s) and array of same laid up on a roof
A shingle having butt and tab portions is provided, wherein the tab portions are exposed when applied to a roof, and wherein active photovoltaic element(s) appear on portions only of the tab portions of the shingles, wherein adjacent zones of the tab portions of the shingles to which the photovoltaic element(s) are applied are free of active photovoltaic elements. The shingles are applied to a roof or a major portion of a roof, laid up in courses so that exposed tab portions of next-overlying courses cover unexposed butt portions of next-underlying courses, leaving photovoltaic elements exposed. In an array of shingles on a roof, the photovoltaic elements are distributed substantially uniformally. The surface ornamentation of the exposed surfaces of the photovoltaic elements may be either complementary to the exposed surfaces of the shingles not having photovoltaic elements thereon, or may blend with such zones not having photovoltaic elements thereon. |
| US08168875B2 |
Drumstick with a light emitting diode and method for manufacturing
The drumstick provided for musical instruments such as drums and percussion instruments comprises a drumstick shaft and a drumstick head comprising an outlet opening from which the light of at least one light-emitting diode provided in the drumstick can exit. According to the invention, the drumstick comprises two shells that are complementary to one another and extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drumstick, said shells being glued together and preferably made of wood, at least the first shell of which comprising a notch within which a switching apparatus is disposed for controlling the light-emitting diode which is located in the drumstick head or which is located in the drumstick shaft and is connected to at least one fiber-optic cable that leads to the outlet opening of the drumstick head. |
| US08168871B1 |
Bow attachment
A bow attachment device attaches to the end of a bow to compensate for a smaller or under-developed digit. The bow attachment device provides a block that attaches to the bow in a manner allowing the stick of the bow to slide through the block. A leg on the block provides a ledge that extends outward from the block allowing the digit to rest on the ledge and be elevated higher than other digits. The device creates an extension between the bow stick and the smaller digit allowing the digit to participate in subtle manipulation of the bow. |
| US08168868B1 |
Soybean variety XB48E09
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB48E09. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB48E09, to the plants of soybean XB48E09 to plant parts of soybean variety XB48E09 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB48E09 with another soybean plant, using XB48E09 as either the male or the female parent. |
| US08168864B2 |
Transgenic pollen expressing exogenous plant vacuolar pyrophosphatase and methods for increasing seed production in plants
Methods are provided for imparting desirable phenotypic traits to transgenic plants, among them being increased tolerance to external stresses such as drought, freezing temperatures, high salt conditions, and the like. In addition, the present invention is directed toward methods for increasing the yield of seeds from plants by using the pollen from a transgenic plant transformed to overexpress a vacuolar proton-pumping pyrophosphatase to fertilize plants, and to the pollen of transgenic plants itself. |
| US08168863B2 |
Methods for accumulating heterologous polypeptides in plant stover utilizing a vacuole sorting signal
Compositions and methods for increasing the expression and/or accumulation of cellobiohydrolase enzyme in the vacuoles of plant cells are provided. The method involves targeting the enzyme to the vacuoles through the use of a barley polyamine oxidase (BPAO) vacuole sorting signal peptide. Plants transformed with an expression construct encoding the vacuole sorting signal peptide operably linked to the cellobiohydrolase enzyme direct expression of the polypeptide to the vacuoles of the plant cells. Transgenic plants, seeds, and plant tissues, and plant parts are provided. Downstream uses of transgenic plants or plant material expressing the constructs of the invention include agronomical and industrial uses, for example, human food, animal feed, biofuel, industrial alcohol, fermentation feedstocks, and the like. |
| US08168859B2 |
Ubiquitin regulatory elements
The present invention provides compositions and methods for regulating expression of heterologous nucleotide sequences in a plant. Compositions are novel nucleotide sequences for a constitutive regulatory element isolated from sorghum. A method for expressing a heterologous nucleotide sequence in a plant using the regulatory sequences disclosed herein is provided. The method comprises transforming a plant cell to comprise a heterologous nucleotide sequence operably linked to one or more of the regulatory sequences of the present invention and regenerating a stably transformed plant from the transformed plant cell. |
| US08168854B2 |
Human chronic lymphocytic leukemia modeled in mouse by targeted TCL1 expression
Transgenic animals containing a nucleic acid sequence encoding TCL1 operably linked to transcriptional control sequences directing expression to B cells are described. Such transgenic animals provide a useful animal model system for human B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. |
| US08168852B2 |
Activated carbon substrates
A substrate that contains an odor control composition is provided. The odor control composition includes activated carbon for adsorbing one or more odorous compounds to reduce odor. The odor control composition also contains a water-soluble binder for increasing the durability of the activated carbon when applied to a substrate. In addition to improving durability, such a water-soluble binder may also provide good drapability and low residual odor in the resulting coated substrate. |
| US08168850B2 |
Methods for the treatment or prevention of scars and/or keloids
Devices, bandages, kits and methods are described that can control or regulate the mechanical environment of a wound to ameliorate scar and/or keloid formation. The mechanical environment of a wound includes stress, strain, and any combination of stress and strain. The control of a wound's mechanical environment can be active, passive, dynamic, or static. The devices are configured to be removably secured to a skin surface in proximity to the wound site and shield the wound from endogenous and/or exogenous stress. |
| US08168848B2 |
Access openings in vacuum bandage
A wound dressing member is provided for use in a vacuum bandage connected to a vacuum source and for use with a wound having a wound surface. The member may include a top surface and a bottom surface adapted to be in contact with and generally conform to the wound surface. The member may further include a plurality of discrete holes formed in the bottom surface and at least one discrete opening formed in the top surface. A port of the member may be provided to communicate with the vacuum source, each discrete hole, and the at least one discrete opening. |
| US08168835B2 |
Method for preparing propargylic alcohol catalyzed by 2-morpholinoisobornane-10-thiol
A method for preparing a propargylic alcohol catalyzed by 2-morpholinoisobornane-10-thiol (MITH) is disclosed, which includes reacting R1CHO with R2CCH in the presence of R3ZnR4 and MITH, wherein each of R1, R2, R3, and R4, independently, is optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, alkylsilyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkenyl, aryl, aryloxy, or heteroaryl. The method can give enantioenriched propargylic alcohols with good enantioselective at low loading of MITH. |
| US08168832B2 |
2,4,6-trialkylphenyl substituted cyclopentane-1,3-dione
The invention relates to novel 2,4,6-trialkylphenyl-substituted cyclopentane-1,3-diones of the formula (I) in which X, Y, A, B, Q1, Q2 and G have the meanings given above, to a plurality of processes and intermediates for their preparation and to their use as pesticides and/or herbicides, and also to selective herbicidal compositions comprising, firstly, the 2,4,6-trialkylphenyl-substituted cyclopentane-1,3-diones of the formula (I) and, secondly, at least one crop plant compatibility-improving compound. |
| US08168830B2 |
High stability diionic liquid salts
The present invention relates to diionic liquid salts of dicationic or dianionic molecules, as well as solvents comprising such diionic liquids and the use of such diionic liquids as the stationary phase in a gas chromatographic column. |
| US08168824B2 |
Purification of acetic acid from wood acetylation process using extraction
There is shown a method of purifying glacial acetic acid containing terpene and terpenoid impurities. Substantially dry acetic acid containing terpene and terpenoid impurities is combined with water and a suitable organic solvent, which is substantially immiscible with acetic acid and water, to form a separating composite extraction medium having a weight ratio of acetic acid:water of at least 1:1. The components are separated into an organic phase and an aqueous acid phase, with the terpene and terpenoid impurities concentrated in the organic phase, and with the aqueous acid phase purified of terpene and terpenoid impurities. The purified aqueous acid phase is recovered, and the purified acetic acid is dried. |
| US08168823B2 |
Process for the preparation of betaines
Betaines of formula R3N+-Q-COO− (I), wherein R is C1-4 alkyl and Q is C1-4 alkanediyl, optionally substituted with hydroxy, are prepared in one step by adding an ω-halocarboxylate of formula X-Q-COOR′ (II), wherein Q is as defined above, R′ is Cl1-4 alkyl and X is chlorine, bromine or iodine, to an aqueous solution containing a tertiary amine of formula R3N (III), Wherein R is as defined above and a base selected from alkali hydroxides and alkaline earth hydroxides. The process is particularly suited to the production of L-carnitine. |
| US08168822B2 |
Acetic acid production by way of carbonylation with enhanced reaction and flashing
A method of making acetic acid includes: (a) catalytically reacting methanol or a reactive derivative thereof with carbon monoxide in the presence of a homogeneous Group VIII metal catalyst and a methyl iodide promoter in a reactor vessel in a liquid reaction mixture including acetic acid, water, methyl acetate, methyl iodide and homogeneous catalyst, the reactor vessel being operated at a reactor pressure; (b) withdrawing reaction mixture from the reaction vessel and feeding the withdrawn reaction mixture along with additional carbon monoxide to a pre-flasher/post reactor vessel operated at a pressure below the reactor vessel pressure; (c) venting light ends in the pre-flasher vessel and concurrently consuming methyl acetate in the pre-flasher/post reactor vessel. Reaction conditions, residence time and composition are controlled in the pre-flasher/post reactor vessel such that a pre-flash mixture is enriched in acetic acid and diminished in methyl iodide and methyl acetate in the pre-flasher/post reactor vessel. From the pre-flasher/post reaction vessel the acetic acid enriched mixture is (d) withdrawn and fed to a flash vessel. |
| US08168821B2 |
Cyclopropylacetic acid derivatives and use thereof
The present application relates to novel cyclopropylacetic acid derivatives, to processes for their preparation, to their use for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases and to their use for preparing medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases, in particular for the treatment and/or prevention of cardiovascular disorders. |
| US08168820B2 |
Deuterated catecholamine derivatives and medicaments comprising said compounds
The present invention concerns deuterated catecholamine derivatives as well as pharmaceuticals containing these compounds. In addition, the invention concerns the use of deuterated catecholamine derivatives as well as physiologically compatible salts thereof, and also pharmaceutical compositions, which contain these compounds, also in combination with enzyme inhibitors, for the treatment of dopamine deficiency diseases or diseases which are based on disrupted tyrosine transport or disrupted tyrosine decarboxylase, as well as other disorders. |
| US08168818B2 |
Method for producing isocyanates
The invention relates to a process for preparing isocyanates in the gas phase. |
| US08168815B2 |
Fused aromatic PTP-1B inhibitors
The invention encompasses the novel class of compounds represented by the formula below, which are inhibitors of the PTP-1B enzyme. The invention also encompasses pharmaceutical compositions which include the compounds shown (Formula I) above and methods of treating or preventing PTP-1B mediated diseases, including diabetes. |
| US08168811B2 |
Precursors for CVD/ALD of metal-containing films
Precursors useful for vapor phase deposition processes, e.g., CVD/ALD, to form metal-containing films on substrates. The precursors include, in one class, a central metal atom M to which is coordinated at least one ligand of formula (I): wherein: R1, R2 and R3 are each independently H or ogano moieties; and G1 is an electron donor arm substituent that increases the coordination of the ligand to the central metal atom M; wherein when G1 is aminoalkyl, the substituents on the amino nitrogen are not alkyl, fluoroalkyl, cycloaliphatic, or aryl, and are not connected to form a ring structure containing carbon, oxygen or nitrogen atoms. Also disclosed are ketoester, malonate and other precursors adapted for forming metal-containing films on substrates, suitable for use in the manufacture of microelectronic device products such as semiconductor devices and flat panel displays. |
| US08168807B2 |
Process for one-stage preparation of 2-methyltetrahydrofuran from furfural over two catalysts in a structured bed
The present invention provides a process for preparing 2-methyltetrahydrofuran by one-stage hydrogenation of furfural with a hydrogen-comprising gas in the presence of a structured bed of at least one copper catalyst and at least one catalyst which comprises at least one noble metal from groups 8, 9 and/or 10 of the periodic table of the elements applied on a support material. |
| US08168806B2 |
Boron chelate complexes
Boron chelate complexes of the general formula are described, where X is either —C(R1R2)— or —C(R1R2)—C(═O)—, in which R1, R2 independently of one another denote H, alkyl (with 1 to 5 C atoms), aryl, silyl or a polymer, and one of the alkyl radicals R1 or R2 may be bonded to a further chelatoborate radical, or X denotes 1,2-aryl with up to two substituents S in the positions 3 to 6 in which S1, S2 independently of one another denote alkyl (with 1 to 5 C atoms), fluorine or a polymer, as well as M+ denotes Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+ or [(R3R4R5R6)N]+ or H+, where R3, R4, R5, R6 independently of one another denote H or alkyl with preferably 1 to 4 C atoms. |
| US08168801B2 |
Imidazolium-type ionic oligomers
The present disclosure relates to structurally defined imidazolium-type ionic oligomers of the formula: wherein n is an integer ranging from 1 to 20; A is N or m is an integer ranging from 1 to 5; X is selected from the group consisting of Br, OTf, CF3CO2, CH3CO2, BF4, PF6, NTf2, F, Cl and I; and R is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C1-10 alkyl. The imidazolium-type ionic oligomers lend themselves as soluble/solid supports for biopolymer synthesis. |
| US08168800B2 |
Aβ-binding small molecules
In one aspect, the present invention provides for compounds and labeled compounds of Formula I, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. In another aspect, the present invention provides for methods of using compounds or labeled compounds of Formula I for various therapeutic and imaging purposes, including, but not limited to, treating Alzheimer's disease in patient and imaging Aβ peptide aggregates in a patient. |
| US08168797B2 |
Oxazolidinone derivative with difluorophenyl moiety, pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preparation method thereof and antibiotic composition containing the same as an active ingredient
Novel oxazolidinone derivatives with a difluorophenyl moiety, represented by Chemical Formula 1, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, a preparation method thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same as an active ingredient are provided. Exhibiting potent inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria including Haemophilus influenza and Coagulase negative staphylococci and resistant bacteria including vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), the pharmaceutical composition is useful as an antibiotic (wherein, R is as defined in the specification). |
| US08168785B2 |
Benzothiazole derivatives
Provided are compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts that are useful for the treatment of diseases related to the adenosine receptor. Also included are methods of treating patients suffering from or susceptible to at least one symptom of abuse of, dependence on, or withdrawal from at least one substance. |
| US08168777B2 |
Bisulphite reagent treatment of nucleic acid
Methods for treating nucleic acid including: (a) providing an alkali environment to a nucleic acid sample; (b) reacting the nucleic acid sample with a bisulphite reagent and incubating the reaction so as to form a treated nucleic acid sample where methylated nucleotides in the nucleic acid sample remain unchanged while unmethylated nucleotides are converted to another form; (c) removing unwanted reagents or diluents from the treated nucleic acid sample; and (d) carrying out de-sulphonation of the precipitated treated nucleic acid at a temperature from 70° C. to 95° C. by adjusting the precipitated treated nucleic acid to a pH of between 10 and less than 12.5 to remove sulphonate groups present on the treated nucleic acid and obtain a nucleic acid sample substantially free of sulphonate groups. |
| US08168776B2 |
Method for making a 21 nucleotide double stranded RNA chemically linked at one end
The present invention provides methods and compositions for inhibiting gene expression using double stranded RNA molecules that are between 15 and 21 nucleotides in length and are complementary to a target gene sequence. |
| US08168775B2 |
Compositions and methods for inhibiting expression of transthyretin
The invention relates to a double-stranded ribonucleic acid (dsRNA) targeting a transthyretin (TTR) gene, and methods of using the dsRNA to inhibit expression of TTR. |
| US08168774B2 |
Control of gene expression
The present invention relates generally to a method of modifying gene expression and to synthetic genes for modifying endo gene expression in a cell, tissue or organ of a transgenic organism, in particular a transgenic animal or plant. More particularly, the invention utilizes recombinant DNA technology to post-transcriptionally modify or modulate the expression of a target gene in tissue, organ or whole organism, thereby producing novel phenotypes. Novel synthetic genes and genetic constructs which are cap repressing delaying or otherwise reducing the expression of an endogenous gene or a target gene in an organism when introduced are also provided. |
| US08168773B2 |
Methods for monitoring multiple gene expression
The present invention relates to methods for monitoring differential expression of a plurality of genes in a first Bacillus cell relative to expression of the same genes in one or more second Bacillus cells using microarrays containing Bacillus genomic sequenced tags. The present invention also relates to computer readable media and computer-based systems. The present invention further relates to substrates containing an array of Bacillus licheniformis or Bacillus clausii GSTs. |
| US08168772B2 |
Nucleic acids encoding novel chimeric C15/prM/E dengue virus immunogens prepared by DNA shuffling
The invention provides polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded therefrom having advantageous properties, including an ability to induce an immune response to flaviviruses. The polypeptides and polynucleotides of the invention are useful in methods of inducing immune response against flaviviruses, including dengue viruses. Compositions and methods for utilizing polynucleotides and polypeptides of the invention are also provided. |
| US08168770B2 |
Cloning, sequencing and expression of a gene encoding an eukaryotic amino acid racemase, and diagnostic, therapeutic, and vaccination applications of parasite and viral mitogens
A method of preventing or inhibiting infection by a parasite or virus in vivo comprising administering to a human in need thereof a parasite or virus mitogen in a sub-mitogenic amount sufficient to induce a protective immune response against the parasite or virus in the human. |
| US08168762B2 |
Antigen binding proteins to proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9)
Antigen binding proteins that interact with Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) are described. Methods of treating hypercholesterolemia and other disorders by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of an antigen binding protein to PCSK9 are described. Methods of detecting the amount of PCSK9 in a sample using an antigen binding protein to PCSK9 are described. |
| US08168759B2 |
Compositions monovalent for CD28 binding and methods of use
Disclosed are domain antibodies that monovalently bind CD28. Domain antibodies that are monovalent for binding of CD28 can inhibit CD28 activity. In one aspect, a domain antibody consists of or comprises a single immunoglobulin variable domain that specifically binds and antagonizes the activity of CD28, in an aspect, without substantially agonizing CD28 activity. In another aspect, the domain antibody is a human domain antibody. The disclosure further encompasses methods of antagonizing CD80 and/or CD86 interactions with CD28 in an individual and methods of treating diseases or disorders involving CD80 and/or CD86 interactions with CD28, the methods involving administering a domain antibody to the individual. |
| US08168757B2 |
PD-1 binding proteins
The present invention features PD-1 binding proteins, a subset of which inhibits binding of PD-L1 to the PD-1 receptor. These binding proteins can be employed to modulate the immune system through the manipulation of the PD-1 signaling pathway, enhancing host immunity to treat infections and cancer. |
| US08168756B2 |
Levetiracetam immunoassays
Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed directed at levetiracetam derivatives, immunogens, signal generating moieties, antibodies that bind levetiracetam and immunoassays for detection of levetiracetam. |
| US08168755B2 |
Antibodies specific to heterodimers of Bcl-2 family and uses thereof
Isolated antibodies specifically binding to heterodimers of the Bcl-2 family and uses thereof for detecting presence of Bcl-2 heterodimers in a patient. |
| US08168754B2 |
Modified vitamin K-dependent polypeptides
The invention provides vitamin K-dependent polypeptides with enhanced membrane binding affinity. These polypeptides can be used to modulate clot formation in mammals. Methods of modulating clot formation in mammals are also described. |
| US08168752B2 |
T cell proteins and nucleotides encoding the same
The present invention relates to mouse and human J12 polynucleotides, polypeptide and anti J12 antibody molecules. The J12 is a cytokine that is preferentially expressed in Th2 cells. The polypeptides and/or antibodies described herein can be used in methods for detection and treatment of certain autoimmune and inflammatory diseases including asthma. |
| US08168751B2 |
Interferon alpha mutant and its polyethylene glycol derivative
IFN-alpha mutants are obtained by substituting Cys for Tyr at position 85 or 86 in existing IFN-alpha. Their polyethylene glycol derivatives with high in vitro antiviral activity and prolonged in vivo half-life are also provided, wherein a polyethylene glycol moiety is covalently bound to the free Cys residue of an IFN-alpha mutant. The preparation methods of PEG derivatives of IFN-alpha mutants and medical compositions comprising the derivatives are also provided. The test results showed that the IFN-alpha mutants of the present invention are ready to prepare and have high activity; their polyethylene glycol derivatives have extended lifetime in the body and low clearance rate. |
| US08168741B2 |
Chelating silicon-based polymers
The present invention relates to novel silicon-based polymers, particularly silicon-based polymers having citrate groups, and their use as chelating agents, for forming nanostructures, as surfactants, as reducing agents and as stabilizers. |
| US08168738B2 |
Low temperature, moisture curable coating compositions and related methods
Disclosed are low temperature, moisture curable coating compositions, related coated substrates, and methods for coating a substrate. The coating compositions include an ungelled, secondary amine-containing Michael addition reaction product of reactants including a compound comprising more than one site of ethylenic unsaturation, and an aminofunctional silane. |
| US08168737B2 |
Dual curing polymers and methods for their preparation and use
A polymer cures by both radiation and moisture curing mechanisms. The polymer is prepared by hydrosilylation. The polymer is useful in adhesive compositions. The polymer includes units of formulae (I), (R22Si02/2)b, (R2Si03/2)c, (Si04/2)d, (R1)f, and (R23SiO1/2)g, where each R1 is independently an oxygen atom or a divalent hydrocarbon group; each R1 is independently divalent hydrocarbon group; each R2 is independently a monovalent organic group that is free of terminal aliphatic unsaturation each X is independently a monovalent hydrolyzable group; each J is independently a monovalent epoxy functional organic group; subscript a has a value of 1 or more; subscript b has a value of 0 or more; subscript c has a value of 0 or more; subscript d has a value of 0 or more; subscript e has a value of 1 or more; subscript f has a value of 0 or more; subscript g has a value of 0 or more; subscript s is 1, 2, or 3; and subscript t is 1, 2, or 3. |
| US08168734B2 |
Lateral alpha-substituted acrylate compound and polymer thereof
The invention relates to compounds represented by Formula (1): wherein Ra is independently halogen, cyano, —CF3, —CF2H, —CFH2, —OCF3, —OCF2H, —N═C═O, —N═C═S or alkyl having a carbon number of approximately 1 to approximately 20; in the alkyl, optional —CH2— may be substituted with —O—, —S—, —SO2—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF— or —C≡C—, and optional hydrogen may be substituted with halogen; Rb is fluorine or —CF3; A is independently 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-cyclohexenylene, 1,4-phenylene, naphthalene-2,6-diyl, tetrahydronaphthalene-2,6-diyl, fluorene-2,7-diyl or bicyclo[2.2.2]octane-1,4-diyl; in these rings, optional —CH2— may be substituted with —O—, optional —CH═may be substituted with —N═, and optional hydrogen may be substituted with halogen, alkyl having a carbon number of approximately 1 to approximately 5 or halogenated alkyl having a carbon number of approximately 1 to approximately 5; Z is independently a single bond or alkylene having a carbon number of approximately 1 to approximately 20; in the alkylene, optional —CH2— may be substituted with —O—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO—, —CH═CH—, —CF═CF— or —C≡C—, and optional hydrogen may be substituted with halogen; Y is a single bond or alkylene having a carbon number of approximately 1 to approximately 20; in the alkylene, optional —CH2— may be substituted with —O—, —CO—, —COO—, —OCO— or —CH═CH—, and optional hydrogen may be substituted with halogen; and m and n are each an integer of approximately 0 to approximately 5, wherein m and n are not 0 at the same time. |
| US08168733B2 |
Copolymer comprising alkene, acrylate and unsaturated acid anhydride, and method for preparing the same
The present invention provides a copolymer that includes at least one alkene monomer, at least one acrylate monomer and at least one the unsaturated acid anhydridge monomer, and a method of preparing the same. |
| US08168732B2 |
Polyether ether ketone/polyphenylene sulfide blend
The present description discloses a polymeric composition which is a melt-processed alloy comprised of (a) a polyarylene sulfide resin, (b) a polyaryl-ether-ketone resin, and a reactive compound which results in (c) a graft copolymer of the polyarylene sulfide resin and/or the polyaryl-ether-ketone resin in addition to the starting resins. Exemplary melt-processed polymeric compositions can be made by reacting an alkoxy silane with the polyarylene sulfide resin and/or the polyaryl-ether-ketone resin to produce a graft copolymer of a portion of one or both of the resins, sufficient to render the composition uniform and homogeneous. It is normally preferred for the exemplary organosilane compound, to be an amino silane. The subject invention further reveals an insulated wire comprising (1) an electrical conductor and (2) a layer of the melt-processed alloy composition; and fiber reinforced composites comprising fibers substantially fully impregnated with the alloy polymeric composition. |
| US08168728B2 |
Polycarbonate diol with ease of reaction stabilization
A polycarbonate diol comprising repeating units represented by the following formula (A) and a terminal hydroxy group. It is characterized in that 60-100 mol % of the repeating units represented by the formula (A) are repeating units represented by the following formula (B) or (C), the amount of the repeating units represented by the formula (B) is 10-50 mol %, excluding 50 mol %, based on the total amount of the repeating units represented by the formula (A), and the polycarbonate diol has a terminal primary OH ratio of 95-98.5%. (A) (In the formula, R represents a C2-12 divalent aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon.) |
| US08168726B2 |
Process for making polysiloxane/polymide copolymer blends
A method of making a thermoplastic composition comprises melt blending two polysiloxane/polyimide block copolymers. Both of the block copolymers have extended polysiloxane blocks. |
| US08168724B2 |
Synthesis and use of well-defined, highly-branched saturated hydrocarbon polymers
The present invention relates to a method to produce highly branched polymers with a polyolefin backbone structure of ethylene and precise control of the nature of the branching. In particular, the distribution of branch length and number of branches can be more precisely controlled via the polymerization method of the present invention. The method comprises using anionic chemistry to make unsaturated polydienes with a well-defined, highly-branched structure, and then hydrogenating these polydienes to form highly branched or dendritic saturated hydrocarbon polymers. Highly branched or dendritic polyethylene, ethylene-propylene copolymer and atactic polypropylene are among the saturated hydrocarbon polymers that can be anionically synthesized via the proper selection of diene monomer type, coupling agent, and hydrogenation conditions. |
| US08168720B2 |
Biomedical devices containing internal wetting agents
This invention includes a wettable biomedical device containing a high molecular weight hydrophilic polymer and a hydroxyl-functionalized silicone-containing monomer. |
| US08168718B2 |
Thermoplastic vulcanizate adhesive compositions
The invention described is a thermoplastic vulcanizate comprising dynamically-cured rubber, a functionalized thermoplastic polymer, and a functionalized hydrocarbon resin, which thermoplastic vulcanizate can be advantageously adhered to a polar substrate, for example by overmolding. In one or more embodiments of the present invention an article of commerce comprising: a) a polar substrate, and the b) a thermoplastic vulcanizate comprised of dynamically-cured rubber, a functionalized thermoplastic polymer, and a functionalized hydrocarbon resin; wherein said thermoplastic vulcanizate is adhered to the polar substrate is provided. |
| US08168710B2 |
Golf balls containing highly-neutralized acid polymer blends
A golf ball having a core, a cover layer, and an optional intermediate layer disposed between the core and the cover layer is disclosed and described. One or more of the core, the cover layer, or the intermediate layer is formed of a highly neutralized polymer blend of an acid copolymer and a metallocene-catalyzed copolymer, an olefinic block copolymer, a sufficient amount of a suitable cation source and a fatty acid or salt of a fatty acid. The highly neutralized polymer blend is neutralized from 80% to 100% while still retaining processability. Further, the core can have a diameter of 0.5 inches to about 1.62 inches and an Atti compression less than or equal to 105. The cover layer can have a material hardness between about 30 and 70 Shore D. |
| US08168709B2 |
Method of processing rubber composition, rubber composition and pneumatic tire
The present invention is directed to a method of processing a rubber composition, comprising the steps of mixing at least one diene base elastomer with at least one additive selected from the group consisting of fillers, to a final temperature of about 150 to about 160° C. in a first non-productive mix step to form a first non-productive mix; cooling the first non-productive mix to a temperature of about 60 to about 90° C.; mixing the first non-productive mix with 0.1 to 10 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of elastomer, of a treated short aramid fiber having a length ranging from 1 to 10 mm and having a thickness ranging from 5 to 15 microns and comprising 3 to 40 percent by weight of a peroxide radical initiator in a second non-productive mix step to a final temperature of about 150 to about 160° C. to form a second non-productive mix; and mixing the second non-productive mix with curatives in a productive mix step to form a productive mix. |
| US08168705B2 |
Polymer membranes
The invention relates to novel organic/inorganic hybrid membranes which have the following composition: a polymer acid containing —SO3H, PO3H2, —COOH or B(OH)2 groups, a polymeric ease (optional), which contains primary, secondary or tertiary amino groups, pyridine groups, imidazole, benzimidazole, triazole, benzotriazole, pyrazole or benzopyrazole groups, either in the side chain or in the main chain; an additional polymeric base (optional) containing the aforementioned basic groups; an element or metal oxide or hydroxide, which has been obtained by hydrolysis and/or sol-gel reaction of an elementalorganic and/or metalorganic compound during the membrane forming process and/or by a re-treatment of the membrane in aqueous acidic, alkaline or neutral electrolytes. The invention also relates to methods for producing said membranes and to various uses for membranes of this type. |
| US08168695B2 |
Ink composition, inkjet recording method, and printed material
This invention provides an ink composition capable of forming an image which has favorable curing sensitivity, is excellent in rubbing resistance and blocking properties, and has controlled surface stickiness and improved surface curing properties, an inkjet recording method using the ink composition, and a printed material; and the ink composition containing a polymer (a) including a partial structure selected from the group consisting of fluorine-substituted hydrocarbon group, a siloxane skeleton group, and a long-chain alkyl group; a radical polymerizable group, and a tertiary amine structure. |
| US08168690B2 |
Solvent-free photocurable resin composition for protective film
A solvent-free photocurable resin composition is provided which can be applied to the surface of optical discs or the like to form a highly transparent protective film that can stably adhere to the surface and effectively protect the surface from scratches. The solvent-free photocurable resin composition contains a urethane(meth)acrylate oligomer, a trifunctional (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer, a photopolymerization initiator, and a dilution monomer. The dilution monomer contains a fluorine-based (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer having three or more fluorine atoms and a monofunctional or difunctional (meth)acrylic acid ester monomer in amounts of from 10 to 40 wt% and from 10 to 30 wt%, respectively. |
| US08168687B2 |
Process for decreasing or eliminating unwanted hydrocarbon and oxygenate products caused by Fisher Tropsch synthesis reactions in a syngas treatment unit
The present invention provides a process for decreasing or eliminating unwanted hydrocarbon and oxygenate products caused by FTS reactions in a syngas treatment unit by utilizing heat exchangers and optionally associated pipes that are substantially fabricated of a material selected from the group consisting of chromium containing alloys and carbon steel for heating up gas streams having a carbon monoxide partial pressure greater than one bar obtained from a front end purification unit/cold box unit. |
| US08168686B2 |
Integrated biorefinery for production of liquid fuels
A method and system for reforming a carbonaceous feedstock comprising the steps, reforming the feedstock produce a first synthesis gas, subjecting a portion of the first synthesis gas to catalytic conversion, separating from the synthesis gas conversion product at least one byproduct, and utilizing at least a portion of the at least one byproduct during reforming of additional carbonaceous material. In certain instances, the method and system may be used to produce a liquid fuel. |
| US08168685B2 |
Process for the production of methanol including one or more membrane separation steps
Disclosed herein is a methanol production process that includes a membrane separation step or steps. Using the process of the invention, the efficiency of methanol production from syngas is increased by reducing the compression requirements of the process and/or improving the methanol product yield. As an additional advantage, the membrane separation step generates a hydrogen-rich stream which can be sent for other uses. An additional benefit is that the process of the invention may debottleneck existing methanol plants if more syngas or carbon dioxide is available, allowing for feed of imported carbon dioxide into the synthesis loop. This is a way of sequestering carbon dioxide. |
| US08168684B2 |
Carbon efficiencies in hydrocarbon production
This invention relates to a method of producing liquid hydrocarbons, preferably internal combustion engine fuels, using feedstocks of coal or methane. Depending on the nature of the feedstock it is subjected to a gasification and/or reforming process and/or water gas shift process which produces a syngas that is rich in carbon dioxide and hydrogen rather than carbon monoxide and hydrogen as in the conventional process. The carbon dioxide and hydrogen are combined in a Fischer Tropsch process to produce desired hydrocarbons and water. The energy requirements of the gasification/reforming process to produce a syngas that is rich in carbon dioxide and hydrogen is considerably less than the energy requirements for gasification/reforming process for producing the conventional carbon monoxide rich syngas. This reduction in energy consumption reduces considerably the quantities of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere compared to conventional processes that are based on carbon monoxide rich syngas. Unreacted CO2-rich syngas can be recirculated or can also be used, in molten carbonate fuel cells, or to generate energy or steam in turbine processes such as IGCC. |
| US08168683B2 |
Fluorinated vinylidene cationic surfactant
A fluorinated pyridinium cationic compound of formula (I) wherein, Rf is F(CF2)6(CH2CF2)m(CH2CH2)n—, m and n are each independently integers of 1 to 3, and R is H, C1 to C5 linear or branched alkyl, or C1 to C5 linear or branched alkoxy, having surfactant properties for lowering surface tension in an aqueous medium or solvent medium, and for use as a foaming agent. |
| US08168679B2 |
Salts of Tramadol and Naproxen and their crystal forms in the treatment of pain
The present invention concerns salts of Tramadol and Naproxen and their crystalline forms, and compositions thereof, for the treatment of pain, as well as their process for preparation. |
| US08168677B2 |
Method for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease
Method for therapeutic treatment of inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease, comprising administering to a patient in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a retinoid as an active ingredient to treat the inflammatory bowel disease, the retinoid being selected from the group consisting of 4-[(5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthalenyl) carbamoyl]benzoic acid, 4-[(3,5-bis-trimethylsilylphenyl)carboxamido]benzoic acid, 4-[2,3-(2,5-dimethyl-2,5-hexano)dibenzo[b,f][1,4]thiazepin-11-yl]benzoic acid, and 4-(5H-7,8,9,10-tetrahydro-5,7,7,10,10-pentamethylbenzo[e]naphtho[2,3-b][1,4]diazepin-13-yl)benzoic acid. |
| US08168676B2 |
Production on peracids using an enzyme having perhydrolysis activity
A process is provided for producing peroxycarboxylic acids from carboxylic acid esters. More specifically, carboxylic acid esters are reacted with an inorganic peroxide, such as hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of an enzyme catalyst having perhydrolysis activity. The present perhydrolase catalysts are classified as members of the carbohydrate esterase family 7 (CE-7) based on the conserved structural features. Further, disinfectant formulations comprising the peracids produced by the processes described herein are provided. |
| US08168674B1 |
Method for treating bronchial diseases
Administration of a loop diuretic in nebulized dry powder form directly to a patient's lungs for treating bronchial disease. |
| US08168670B2 |
Pyrazolone derivative emulsion formulations
Pyrazolone derivative emulsion formulations are provided. The emulsion formulations include a pyrazolone derivative active agent, e.g., Edaravone, oil, water and an emulsifier. Also provided are methods of making and using the subject emulsion formulations. |
| US08168669B2 |
Therapeutic agent for inflammatory bowel disease and TNF-α production inhibitor
Disclosed is an agent for use in the treatment or prevention of inflammatory bowel disease. Also disclosed is an agent for inhibiting the production of TNF-α. A therapeutic or prophylactic agent for inflammatory bowel disease comprising at least one amino acid selected from the group consisting of lysine, histidine, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan, glutamine, glycine, cysteine, cystine and threonine, the amino acid being administered at a dose of 0.1 to 4000 mg/kg per day; and a TNF-α production inhibitor comprising an amino acid selected from the group consisting of histidine, phenylalanine and tryptophan, the amino acid being administered at a dose of 0.1 to 4000 mg/kg per day. |
| US08168668B2 |
Compounds
The present invention relates to new compounds or salts, solvates or solvated salts thereof, processes for their preparation and to new intermediates used in the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing said compounds and to the use of said compounds in therapy. |
| US08168666B2 |
Substituted carbinol compound
There is provided a novel LXRβ agonist useful as a preventative and/or therapeutic agent for arteriosclerosis; arteriosclerosis such as those resulting from diabetes; hyperlipidemia; hypercholesterolemia; lipid-related diseases; inflammatory diseases caused by inflammatory cytokines, skin diseases such as allergic skin diseases, diabetes or Alzheimer's disease. The agonist is a carbinol derivative represented by the following general formula (1) or salt thereof, or their solvate. |
| US08168665B2 |
Substituted 2-phenyl-benzimidazoles and their use as pharmaceuticals
The present invention relates to derivatives of 2-phenyl-benzimidazoles of the formula I, in which X, R, R1 to R3 and n have the meanings indicated in the claims, which modulate the transcription of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase and are valuable pharmacologically active compounds. Specifically, the compounds of the formula I upregulate the expression of the enzyme endothelial NO synthase and can be applied in conditions in which an increased expression of said enzyme or an increased NO level or the normalization of a decreased NO level is desired. The invention further relates to processes for the preparation of compounds of the formula I, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising them, and to the use of compounds of the formula I for the manufacture of a medicament for the stimulation of the expression of endothelial NO synthase or for the treatment of various diseases including cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, thrombosis, coronary artery disease, hypertension and cardiac insufficiency, for example. |
| US08168660B2 |
Fungicidal composition comprising a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative and a compound capable of inhibiting the ergosterol biosynthesis
A composition comprising at least a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I) (a) and a compound capable of inhibiting the ergosterol biosynthesis (b) in a (a)/(b) weight ratio of from 0.01 to 20.A composition further comprising an additional fungicidal compound.A method for preventively or curatively combating the phytopathogenic fungi of crops by using this composition. |
| US08168655B2 |
Compositions and methods for treatment of eye disorders
The present invention provides compounds and methods for the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. In particular, LFA-1 antagonists are described herein and these antagonists are used in the treatment of LFA-1 mediated diseases. One aspect of the invention provides for diagnosis of an LFA-1 mediated disease and administration of a LFA-1 antagonist, after the patient is diagnosed with a LFA-1 mediated disease. In some embodiments, the LFA-1 mediated diseases treated are dry eye disorders. Also provided herein are methods for identifying compounds which are LFA-1 antagonists. |
| US08168650B2 |
Therapeutic uses of bicyclic ligands of sigma 2 receptor
A series of N-substituted 9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3α-yl phenylcarbamate analogs are disclosed, as well as methods of their preparation. Their affinities for sigma (σ1 and σ2) receptors are described. Two new compounds, N-(9-(4-aminobutyl)-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3α-yl)-N′-(2-methoxy-5-methylphenyl)carbamate and N-(9-(6-aminohexyl)-9-azabicyclo[3.3.1]nonan-3α-yl)-N′-(2-methoxy-5-methylphenyl)carbamate, are shown to have a high affinity and selectivity for σ2 versus σ1 receptors. Among the disclosed compounds are biotinylated and fluorescent analogs. These compounds can serve as probes to the σ2 receptor. In addition, some disclosed compounds can induce apoptotic cell death by both caspase-dependent and caspase-independent mechanisms, and are effective for treatment of tumors. The compounds can be used as chemotherapeutics or chemosensitizers in the treatment of a wide variety of solid tumors. |
| US08168649B2 |
Niacin receptor agonists, compositions containing such compounds and methods of treatment
The present invention encompasses compounds of Formula (I): as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts and hydrates thereof, that are useful for treating atherosclerosis, dyslipidemias and the like. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use are also included. |
| US08168647B2 |
Vinblastine derivatives, their preparation, use and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the said derivatives
The invention provides vinblastine derivatives represented by the following formula 1 or their physiologically acceptable salts, their preparation, use and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the said derivatives. The said vinblastine derivatives show inhibiting activities against tumor cell lines and can be used as medicaments for treating malignant tumors. |
| US08168643B2 |
Reversible inhibitors of S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine hydrolase and uses thereof
The present invention provides compositions and methods for reversibly inhibiting S-adenosyl-L-homocysteine (SAH) hydrolase. The compounds of the present invention can be used in combination with an anti-hemorrhagic viral infection agent, an immunosuppressant, a homocysteine lowering agent, or an anti-neoplasm agent. The compositions and methods of the present invention can be used for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhagic virus infection, autoimmune diseases, autograft rejection, neoplasm, hyperhomocysteineuria, cardiovascular disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, or diabetes. |
| US08168640B2 |
Cosmetic use of 1-aroyl-N-(2-oxo-3-piperidinyl)-2-piperazine carbomamides and related compounds
Cosmetic compositions comprising 1-aroyl-N-(2-oxo-3-piperidinyl)-2-piperazine carboxamides and methods of using such compositions to impart anti-aging benefits to the skin are disclosed. The 1-aroyl-N-(2-oxo-3-piperidinyl)-2-piperazine carboxamides are believed to have modulatory activity against one or more biochemical pathways implicated in skin aging. |
| US08168633B2 |
Thiazolopyrimidines and their use as inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase
Thiazolopyrimidine compounds of formula I, where W represents a thiazole ring, selectively inhibit the p110 delta subtype of PI3 Kinase (PI3K), and are useful for treating diseases and disorders arising from abnormal cell growth, function or behavior associated with PI3 kinase such as cancer, immune disorders, cardiovascular disease, viral infection, inflammation, metabolism/endocrine function disorders and neurological disorders. |
| US08168632B2 |
Bicyclic amide derivatives for the treatment of respiratory disorders
This invention relates to compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for use in the prevention and treatment of disorders of respiration such as overdose of an alcohol, an opiate, an opioid, a barbiturate, an anesthetic, or a nerve toxin. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to bicyclic amide compounds useful for treatment of such conditions, and methods of using these compounds for such treatment. |
| US08168631B2 |
3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-hydroxy-2-amino-propionic acid amides and related compounds having analgesic activity
Compounds according to the formula below are disclosed herein: Therapeutic methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed. |
| US08168628B2 |
Conjugated psychotropic drugs and uses thereof
Novel chemical conjugates of psychotropic drugs and organic acids, uses thereof in the treatment of psychotic and/or proliferative disorders and diseases and as chemosensitizing agents, and their syntheses are disclosed. The organic acids are selected to reduce side effects induced by the psychotropic drugs and/or to exert an anti-proliferative activity. |
| US08168625B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition based on agonist of benzodiazepine
The present invention describes the use of pharmaceutical compounds in pharmaceutical compositions for sublingual administration, including as active ingredient thereof, an agonist of the central receptor of benzodiazepinics chosen among diazepam, lorazepam, bromazepam, triazolam, alprazolam, flunitrazepam, nitrazepam and midazolam maleate, in a mixture with a pharmaceutical excipient consisting of, at least, 70% of the weight of the final formulation containing 40-45% by weight of lactose, 15-27% by weight of sorbitol and 12-16% by weight of cellulose. |
| US08168623B2 |
Prodrugs of GABA analogs, compositions and uses thereof
The present invention provides prodrugs of GABA analogs, pharmaceutical compositions of prodrugs of GABA analogs and methods for making prodrugs of GABA analogs. The present invention also provides methods for using prodrugs of GABA analogs and methods for using pharmaceutical compositions of prodrugs of GABA analogs for treating or preventing common diseases and/or disorders. |
| US08168621B2 |
6-substituted estradiol derivatives and methods of use
A compound having the structure: wherein R1, R2, R, R, X, Y and Z are as defined herein. The compounds are estrogen receptor modulators useful for the treatment of proliferative disorders. |
| US08168620B2 |
Combination of azelastine and steroids
A pharmaceutical product or formulation, which comprises azelastine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or physiologically functional derivative thereof, and a steroid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or physiologically functional derivative thereof, preferably the product or formulation being in a form suitable for nasal or ocular administration. |
| US08168615B2 |
Prodrugs of piperazine and substituted piperidine antiviral agents
This invention provides for prodrug Compounds I, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and their use in treating HIV infection. wherein: X is C or N with the proviso that when X is N, R1 does not exist; W is C or N with the proviso that when W is N, R2 does not exist; V is C; E is hydrogen or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and Y is selected from the group consisting of Also, this invention provides for intermediate Compounds II useful in making prodrug Compounds I. wherein: L and M are independently selected from the group consisting of C1-C6 alkyl, phenyl, benzyl, trialkylsilyl, -2,2,2-trichloroethoxy and 2-trimethylsilylethoxy. |
| US08168613B2 |
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. |
| US08168612B2 |
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. |
| US08168610B2 |
Bispecific oligonucleotide for the treatment of CNS malignancies
CNS malignancy is treated in a subject suffering from a CNS malignancy by administering to the subject an antisense oligonucleotide having a sequence of bases that is complementary to portions of both the gene encoding IGFBP-2 and the gene encoding IGFBP-5, and which is of sufficient length to act as an inhibitor of the effective amount of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-5, in an amount effective to reduce effective levels of IGFBP-2 and IGFBP-5 in cells of the CNS malignancy. |
| US08168609B2 |
RNAi-mediated inhibition of Rho kinase for treatment of ocular disorders
RNA interference is provided for inhibition of Rho kinase mRNA expression for treating patients with ocular disorders, particularly for treating intraocular pressure, ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Rho kinase mRNA targets include mRNA for ROCK1 and ROCK2. |
| US08168608B2 |
Promoter and plasmid system for genetic engineering
This invention provides a series of low-copy number plasmids comprising restriction endonuclease recognition sites useful for cloning at least three different genes or operons, each flanked by a terminator sequence, the plasmids containing variants of glucose isomerase promoters for varying levels of protein expression. The materials and methods are useful for genetic engineering in microorganisms, especially where multiple genetic insertions are sought. |
| US08168607B2 |
Methods of treating eye diseases in diabetic patients
The present invention provides novel molecules, compositions, methods and uses for treating microvascular disorders, eye diseases and respiratory conditions based upon inhibition of the RTP801 gene and/or protein. |
| US08168605B2 |
Polymeric oligonucleotide prodrugs
Polymer conjugates containing nucleotides and/or oligonucleotides are disclosed. |
| US08168599B2 |
Composition and method for healing tissues
The composition and method for healing tissues is a medicinal composition for facilitating the growth, protection and healing of tissues and cells in animals and humans. The composition is formulated as a either a powder, gel, paste, film, fluid injectable, rehydratable freeze-dried paste or sponge, sprayable solution, topically applied patch with adhesive and reservoir system, an intermediate for coatables such as films and bandages, a matrix for membranes, or as a matrix of flexible polymer(s), or delivered as either an orally ingestible liquid, tablet or capsule. The main ingredient of the formulated compositions is hydrolyzed collagen, which can be combined with polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid or salts thereof, or a glucosamine salt, and mixtures thereof. The composition may be formulated as an aqueous eye drop solution. |
| US08168598B2 |
Optimised formulation of tobramycin for aerosolization
The invention provides a tobramycin formulation for delivery by aerosolization in the form of additive-free, isotonic solution whose pH has been optimised to ensure adequate shelf-life at room temperature. Said formulation can be advantageously used for the treatment and prophylaxis of acute and chronic endobronchial infections, in particular those caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated to lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis. |
| US08168596B2 |
Use of cycloartane compounds for treating arthritis
A method of treating a disease associated with cartilage defect in a subject in need thereof by administering to the subject an effectively amount of a cycloartane compound of Formula (I). |
| US08168591B2 |
Compositions and methods related to anti-FGF agents
The invention relates to an isolated amino acid that can act as an antagonist to FGF signaling, comprising at least a portion of the FGF protein amino acid sequence, and including a mutation in either a) the integrin αvβ3 binding region of FGF-1; or b) the FGFR binding region of FGF-1. |
| US08168587B2 |
Combination enzyme replacement and small molecule therapy for treatment of lysosomal storage diseases
This invention provides various combinations of enzyme replacement therapy, gene therapy, and small molecule therapy for the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases. |
| US08168579B2 |
Fluid detergent compositions comprising a di-amido gellant, and processes for making
The invention is directed to a fluid detergent composition comprising a di-amido gellant and a surfactant, and a method for structuring said composition. |
| US08168578B2 |
Water-based silicone dispersion containing low level of silicone oils
A water-based composition for enhancing shine or gloss in an elastomeric surface is in the form of a stable aqueous dispersion having a pH of from about 6 to about 7 and containing by weight: (a) less than 10% of at least one polydiorganosiloxane fluid; (b) from about 0.02% to about 2.0% of an alkali-swellable acrylic homopolymer or copolymer crosslinked with a polyalkenyl polyether; and (c) water. In one embodiment, the composition contains less than 1% by weight of a wetting agent and has no additional surfactants, hydrotropes and emulsifying agents. The composition can be used to enhance shine or gloss in elastomeric surfaces such as rubber or vinyl, preferably automotive tires, by applying an effective amount of the composition to the surface and distributing the composition with an application implement. The composition contains less organopolysiloxane than commercial formulations but exhibits gloss-enhancing performance that is comparable or even higher than that exhibited by commercial compositions. |
| US08168577B2 |
Post plasma etch/ash residue and silicon-based anti-reflective coating remover compositions containing tetrafluoroborate ion
A microelectronic cleaning compositions of: a) from about 80% to about 99% by weight of the composition of at least one organic sulfone; b) from about 0.5% to about 19% by weight of the composition of water; and c) from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the composition of at least one component providing tetrafluoroborate ion, and d) optionally at least one polyhydric alcohol is especially useful to clean etch/ash residues from microelectronic substrates or device having both Si-based anti-reflective coatings and low-k dielectrics. |
| US08168571B2 |
Lubricant combinations
A lubricant composition for thermoplastic processing including at least one natural fat and/or oil with an iodine value below 10 and at least one lubricant different from the natural fat and/or oil is provided. A method for processing thermoplastics including incorporating into a thermoplastic polymer a lubricant composition including at least one natural fat and/or oil with an iodine value below 10 and at least one lubricant different from the natural fat and/or oil, and processing the thermoplastic polymer is also provided. |
| US08168566B2 |
4-biphenyl-substituted pyrazolidin-3,5-dione derivatives
The present invention relates to novel 4-biphenyl-substituted pyrazolidine-3,5-dione derivatives of the formula (I) in which A, D, G, W, X, Y and Z are as defined above, to a plurality of processes for the preparation and to their use as pesticides and/or herbicides and/or microbicides. Moreover, the invention relates to selective herbicidal compositions comprising both the 4-biphenyl-substituted pyrazolidine-3,5-dione derivatives of the formula (I) and a crop plant compatibility-improving compound. |
| US08168560B2 |
Exhaust gas purifying catalyst
An exhaust gas purifying catalyst is provided which includes a catalyst substrate and a catalyst coating layer. The catalyst coating layer is formed on the catalyst substrate and contains a noble metal and a refractory inorganic oxide. The catalyst coating layer has a layered structure including an A-layer and a B-layer. The A-layer contains Pd and Pt as the noble metal in a weight ratio of 3:1 to 20:1. The B-layer includes Rh as the noble metal. |
| US08168558B2 |
Method of manufacturing nano-platinum catalyst on nano-sized silicon dioxide
The present disclosure uses a nano-SiO2 powder as a supporter with H2PtCl6 added as an electro-catalyst precursor. A chemical reduction is processed at a high temperature to adhere nano-sized Pt ions on the nano-SiO2 powder through reduction. Thus, a nano-Pt catalyst using nano-SiO2 as supporter is manufactured for fuel cells, organic compound reactions and the textile industry. |
| US08168543B2 |
Methods of forming a layer for barrier applications in an interconnect structure
Methods of forming a barrier layer are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate into a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber, supplying at least two reactive gases and an inert gas into the PVD chamber, sputtering a source material from a target disposed in the processing chamber in the presence of a plasma formed from the gas mixture, and forming a metal containing dielectric layer on the substrate from the source material. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a substrate into a PVD chamber, supplying a reactive gas the PVD chamber, sputtering a source material from a target disposed in the PVD chamber in the presence of a plasma formed from the reactive gas, forming a metal containing dielectric layer on the substrate from the source material, and post treating the metal containing layer in presence of species generated from a remote plasma chamber. |
| US08168542B2 |
Methods of forming tubular objects
A tubular object is fabricated by a method comprising the steps of providing a first layer, forming a second layer on the first layer, and then patterning the second layer to form a raised feature with one or more sidewalls. Subsequently, the first layer is processed such that components of the first layer deposit on the one or more sidewalls of the raised feature. |
| US08168539B2 |
Method for forming tungsten film at a surface of a processing target material, film-forming apparatus, storage medium and semiconductor device with a tungsten film
A tungsten film with a lower specific resistance and a lower fluorine concentration over its boundary with the base barrier layer, which adheres to the barrier layer with a high level of reliability, compared to tungsten films formed through methods in the related art, is formed. The tungsten film is formed through a process in which a silicon-containing gas is delivered to a wafer M placed within a processing container 14 and a process executed after the silicon-containing gas supply process, in which a first tungsten film 70 is formed by alternately executing multiple times, a tungsten-containing gas supply step for supplying a tungsten-containing gas and a hydrogen compound gas supply step for supplying a hydrogen compound gas with no silicon content with a purge step in which an inert gas is supplied into the processing container and/or an evacuation step for evacuating the processing container executed between the tungsten-containing gas supply step and the hydrogen compound gas supply step. |
| US08168538B2 |
Buried silicide structure and method for making
Methods for manufacturing buried silicide lines are described herein, along with high density stacked memory structures. A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit as described herein includes forming a semiconductor body comprising silicon. A plurality of trenches are formed in the semiconductor body to define semiconductor lines comprising silicon between adjacent trenches, the semiconductor lines having sidewalls. A silicide precursor is deposited within the trenches to contact the sidewalls of the semiconductor lines, and a portion of the silicide precursor is removed to expose upper portions of the sidewalls and leave remaining strips of silicide precursor along the sidewalls. Silicide conductors are then formed by inducing reaction of the strips of silicide with the silicon of the semiconductor lines. |
| US08168535B2 |
Method fabricating semiconductor device using multiple polishing processes
A method of fabricating a phase change memory device includes the use of first, second and third polishing processes. The first polishing process forms a first contact portion using a first sacrificial layer and the second polishing process forms a phase change material pattern using a second sacrificial layer. After removing the first and second sacrificial layers to expose resultant protruding structures of the first contact portion and the phase change material pattern, a third polishing process is used to polish the resultant protruding structures using an insulation layer as a polishing stopper layer. |
| US08168532B2 |
Method of manufacturing a multilayer interconnection structure in a semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor substrate, an oxygen-containing insulating film disposed above the above-described semiconductor substrate, a concave portion disposed in the above-described insulating film, a copper-containing first film disposed on an inner wall of the above-described concave portion, a copper-containing second film disposed above the above-described first film and filled in the above-described concave portion, and a manganese-containing oxide layer disposed between the above-described first film and the above-described second film. Furthermore, a copper interconnection is formed on the above-described structure by an electroplating method and, subsequently, a short-time heat treatment is conducted at a temperature of 80° C. to 120° C. |
| US08168522B2 |
Method for fabricating semiconductor device
An aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for fabricating a semiconductor device, including, forming a gate insulating film on a semiconductor substrate, forming a metal film on the gate insulating film, depositing a metal-silicon compound film on the metal film without exposing the semiconductor substrate into atmosphere after forming the metal film, forming a silicon film on the metal-silicon compound film, and etching the metal film, the metal-silicon compound film, and the silicon film. |
| US08168518B2 |
Method for crystallizing thin film, method for manufacturing thin film semiconductor device, method for manufacturing electronic apparatus, and method for manufacturing display device
A gate insulating film (13) is formed on a substrate (1) so as to cover a gate electrode (11), and an amorphous silicon film (semiconductor thin film) (15) is further formed. A light absorption layer (19) is formed thereon through a buffer layer (17). Energy lines Lh are applied to the light absorption layer (19) from a continuous-wave laser such as a semiconductor laser. This oxidizes only a surface side of the light absorption layer Lh and produces a beautiful crystalline silicon film (15a) obtained by crystallizing the amorphous silicon film (15) using heat generated by thermal conversion of the energy lines Lh at the light absorption layer (19) and heat of the oxidation reaction. This provides a method for crystallizing a thin film with good controllability at low costs achieved with simpler process. |
| US08168515B2 |
Method for manufacturing semiconductor substrate
A first silicon carbide substrate having a first back-side surface and a second silicon carbide substrate having a second back-side surface are prepared. The first and second silicon carbide substrates are placed so as to expose each of the first and second back-side surfaces in one direction. A connecting portion is formed to connect the first and second back-side surfaces to each other. The step of forming the connecting portion includes a step of forming a growth layer made of silicon carbide on each of the first and second back-side surfaces, using a sublimation method of supplying a sublimate thereto in the one direction. |
| US08168508B2 |
Method of isolating nanowires from a substrate
A method is provided. The method includes forming a plurality of nanowires on a top surface of a substrate and forming an oxide layer adjacent to a bottom surface of each of the plurality of nanowires, wherein the oxide layer is to isolate each of the plurality of nanowires from the substrate. |
| US08168507B2 |
Structure and method of forming enhanced array device isolation for implanted plate EDRAM
A method for forming a memory device in a semiconductor on insulator substrate is provided, in which a protective oxide that is present on the sidewalls of the trench protects the first semiconductor layer, i.e., SOI layer, of the semiconductor on insulator substrate during bottle etching of the trench. In one embodiment, the protective oxide reduces back channel effects of the transistors to the memory devices in the trench that are formed in the semiconductor on insulator substrate. In another embodiment, a thermal oxidation process increases the thickness of the buried dielectric layer of a bonded semiconductor on insulator substrate by oxidizing the bonded interface between the buried dielectric layer and at least one semiconductor layers of the semiconductor on insulator substrate. The increased thickness of the buried dielectric layer may reduce back channel effects in devices formed on the substrate having trench memory structures. |
| US08168505B2 |
Method of fabricating transistor with epitaxial layers having different germanium concentrations
A method of fabricating a transistor is provided. The transistor includes a SiGe epitaxial layer formed in a recess region of a substrate at both side of a gate electrode and a SiGe capping layer formed on the SiGe epitaxial layer. The transistor further includes a SiGe seed layer formed under the SiGe epitaxial layer and a silicon capping layer formed on the SiGe capping layer. |
| US08168499B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
It is made possible to provide a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device that includes CMISs each having a low threshold voltage Vth and a Ni-FUSI/SiON or high-k gate insulating film structure. The method comprises: forming a p-type semiconductor region and an n-type semiconductor region insulated from each other in a substrate; forming a first and second gate insulating films on the p-type and n-type semiconductor regions, respectively; forming a first nickel silicide having a composition of Ni/Si<31/12 above the first gate insulating film, and a second nickel silicide having a composition of Ni/Si≧31/12 on the second gate insulating film; and segregating aluminum at an interface between the first nickel silicide and the first gate insulating film by diffusing aluminum through the first nickel silicide. |
| US08168497B2 |
Low-resistance electrode design
A solution for designing a semiconductor device, in which two or more attributes of a pair of electrodes are determined to, for example, minimize resistance between the electrodes, is provided. Each electrode can include a current feeding contact from which multiple fingers extend, which are interdigitated with the fingers of the other electrode in an alternating pattern. The attributes can include a target depth of each finger, a target effective width of each pair of adjacent fingers, and one or more target attributes of the current feeding contacts. Subsequently, the device and/or a circuit including the device can be fabricated. |
| US08168493B2 |
Semiconductor memory device and method of manufacturing the same
Provided are a semiconductor memory device and a method of manufacturing the semiconductor memory device. The semiconductor memory device includes a semiconductor substrate including a first active region and a second active region, a gate electrode including a silicide layer formed on the first active region and a resistor pattern formed on the second active region. A distance from a top surface of the semiconductor substrate to a top surface of the resistor pattern is smaller than a distance from a top surface of the semiconductor substrate to a top surface of the gate electrode. |
| US08168487B2 |
Programmable connection and isolation of active regions in an integrated circuit using ambiguous features to confuse a reverse engineer
A technique for and structures for camouflaging an integrated circuit structure and strengthen its resistance to reverse engineering. A plurality of transistors are formed in a semiconductor substrate, at least some of the transistors being of the type having sidewall spacers with LDD regions formed under the sidewall spacers. Transistors are programmably interconnected with ambiguous interconnection features, the ambiguous interconnection features each comprising a channel formed in the semiconductor substrate with preferably the same dopant density as the LDD regions, with selected ones of the channels being formed of a conductivity type supporting electrical communication between interconnected active regions and with other selected ones of the channels being formed of a conductivity type inhibiting electrical communication but ambiguously appearing to a reverse engineer as supporting electrical communication. |
| US08168485B2 |
Semiconductor device making method
A method of making a semiconductor device includes forming a p-type semiconductor region to an n-type semiconductor substrate in such a manner that the p-type semiconductor region is partially exposed to a top surface of the semiconductor substrate, forming a Schottky electrode of a first material in such a manner that the Schottky electrode is in Schottky contact with an n-type semiconductor region exposed to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate, and forming an ohmic electrode of a second material different from the first material in such a manner that the ohmic electrode is in ohmic contact with the exposed p-type semiconductor region. The Schottky electrode is formed earlier than the ohmic electrode. |
| US08168481B2 |
Method of manufacturing SOI substrate
The method of one embodiment of the present invention includes: a first step of irradiating a bond substrate with ions to form an embrittlement region in the bond substrate; a second step of bonding the bond substrate to a base substrate with an insulating layer therebetween; a third step of splitting the bond substrate at the embrittlement region to form a semiconductor layer over the base substrate with the insulating layer therebetween; and a fourth step of subjecting the bond substrate split at the embrittlement region to a first heat treatment in an argon atmosphere and then a second heat treatment in an atmosphere of a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen to form a reprocessed bond substrate. The reprocessed bond substrate is used again as a bond substrate in the first step. |
| US08168478B2 |
Method for producing a matrix of individual electronic components and matrix produced thereby
The invention relates to a method for producing a matrix of electronic components, comprising a step of producing an active layer on a substrate, and a step of individualizing the components by forming trenches in the active layer at least until the substrate emerges. The method comprises steps of depositing a layer of functional material on the active layer, depositing a photosensitive resin on the layer of material in such a way as to fill said trenches and to form a thin film on the upper face of the components, at least partially exposing the resin to radiation while underexposing the portion of resin in the trenches, developing the resin in such a way as to remove the properly exposed portion thereof, removing the functional material layer portion that shows through after the development step, and removing the remaining portion of resin. |
| US08168476B2 |
Interconnects for packaged semiconductor devices and methods for manufacturing such devices
Packaged semiconductor devices and assemblies including interconnects and methods for forming such interconnects are disclosed herein. One embodiment of a packaged semiconductor assembly includes a die attached to a support layer. A plurality of interconnects are embedded in and project from the support layer, such that the support layer at least partially retains the interconnects in a predetermined array. An encapsulant is molded around each of the interconnects and encases at least a portion of the die, support layer and interconnects. |
| US08168472B2 |
Semiconductor device having a semiconductor chip, and method for the production thereof
A semiconductor device having a semiconductor chip having an active surface with flip-chip contacts and a passive surface is disclosed. In one embodiment, the flip-chip contacts are surrounded by an electrically insulating layer as underfill material, the layer having a UV B-stageable material. The UV B-stageable material is applied on the active surface of the semiconductor wafer. |
| US08168469B2 |
Nonvolatile memory device made of resistance material and method of fabricating the same
A nonvolatile memory device using a resistance material and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The nonvolatile memory device includes a switching element, and a data storage part electrically connected to the switching element. In the data storage part, a lower electrode is connected to the switching element, and an insulating layer is formed on the lower electrode to a predetermined thickness. The insulating layer has a contact hole exposing the lower electrode. A data storage layer is filled in the contact hole and the data storage layer is formed of transition metal oxide. An upper electrode is formed on the insulating layer and the data storage layer. |
| US08168468B2 |
Method of making a semiconductor device including a bridgeable material
A method for making a semiconductor device (10) includes providing an interconnect layer (14) over an underlying layer (12), forming a first insulating layer (16) over the interconnect layer, and forming an opening (18) through the insulating layer to the interconnect layer. A first conductive layer (24) is formed over the interconnect layer and in the opening. This is performed by plating so it is selective. A second conductive layer (28) in the opening is formed by displacement by immersion. This is performed after the first conductive layer has been formed. The result is the second conductive layer is formed by a selective deposition and is effective for providing it with bridging material. A layer of bridgeable material (34) is formed over the second conductive layer and in the opening. A third conductive layer (42) is formed over the bridgeable material. The semiconductor device may be useable as a conductive bridge memory device. |
| US08168466B2 |
Schottky diode and method therefor
In one embodiment, a Schottky diode is formed on a semiconductor substrate with other semiconductor devices and is also formed with a high breakdown voltage and a low forward resistance. |
| US08168465B2 |
Three-dimensional semiconductor template for making high efficiency thin-film solar cells
A semiconductor template having a top surface aligned along a (100) crystallographic orientation plane and an inverted pyramidal cavity defined by a plurality of walls aligned along a (111) crystallographic orientation plane. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor template by selectively removing silicon material from a silicon template to form a top surface aligned along a (100) crystallographic plane of the silicon template and a plurality of walls defining an inverted pyramidal cavity each aligned along a (111) crystallographic plane of the silicon template. |
| US08168460B2 |
Method for manufacturing group III nitride compound semiconductor light-emitting device, group III nitride compound semiconductor light-emitting device, and lamp
A method for manufacturing a Group III nitride semiconductor light-emitting device according to the present invention, comprising forming, on a substrate, a semiconductor layer comprised of a Group III nitride compound semiconductor containing Ga as a Group III element by a sputtering method, wherein during the formation of the semiconductor layer, sputtering is performed under the condition where at least the surface layer of a sputtering target comprised of Ga is liquefied. |
| US08168458B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of forming bond wires and stud bumps in recessed region of peripheral area around the device for electrical interconnection to other devices
A semiconductor wafer contains a plurality of semiconductor die each having a peripheral area around the die. A recessed region with angled or vertical sidewall is formed in the peripheral area. A conductive layer is formed in the recessed region. A first stud bump is formed over a contact pad of the semiconductor die. A second stud bump is formed over the first conductive layer within the recessed region. A bond wire is formed between the first and second stud bumps. A third stud bump is formed over the bond wire and first stud bump. A dicing channel partially formed through the peripheral area. The semiconductor wafer undergoes backgrinding to the dicing channel to singulate the semiconductor wafer and separate the semiconductor die. The semiconductor die can be disposed in a semiconductor package with other components and electrically interconnected through the bond wire and stud bumps. |
| US08168457B2 |
Shaped articles comprising semiconductor nanocrystals and methods of making and using same
A shaped article comprising a plurality of semiconductor nanocrystals. Devices incorporating shaped articles are also provided. Methods of manufacturing shaped articles by various molding processes are also provided. |
| US08168455B2 |
Method for manufacturing light emitting diode
A method for manufacturing light emitting diode (LED) is revealed. By means of wet etching, a plurality of pyramids is formed on epitaxial structure. The depth of the pyramids is beyond a n-type semiconductor layer, reaching a p-type semiconductor layer. Thus light emitting directions of the LED made by the method of the present invention are increased. Therefore, the light emitting efficiency of LED is improved. |
| US08168448B2 |
Ferroelectric register, and method for manufacturing capacitor of the same
The present invention discloses a ferroelectric register and a method for manufacturing a capacitor of the same. The ferroelectric register is configured to reduce probability of data storage failure due to a weak state capacitor, by connecting a plurality of capacitors in parallel in a ferroelectric capacitor unit for storing data, instead of using a single capacitor, thereby improving storage reliability and stability. In addition, the ferroelectric register obtains a data sensing margin by pumping a cell plate signal into not a power voltage level but a pumping voltage level. |
| US08168445B2 |
Use of metal complexes
A method of immobilizing a target molecule on a substrate, which comprises exposing the target molecule to the substrate in the presence of a metal complex, wherein the target molecule is an unmodified target molecule, and wherein the metal complex is selected to provide a stable binding interaction between the target molecule and the substrate. |
| US08168440B2 |
Polymeric sulfated surfactants for capillary electrophoresis (CE) and CE-mass spectrometry (CE-MS)
The present invention relates generally to methods for enantiomeric separation of complex chemical mixtures using micelles of surfactant molecules that have a sulfate or sulfonate head group, a chiral selector, a linker, and a hydrophobic tail. Also provided are micelle compositions with sulfate or sulfonated head groups, methods of manufacture, and applications thereof. In particular, the micelles of the present invention provide an efficient enantiomeric separation and detection techniques for use in capillary electrophoresis and capillary electrophoresis with mass spectrometry. |
| US08168438B2 |
Chemical sensors for detecting hydrogen and methods of use
The presently-disclosed subject matter provides sensors and methods for detecting hydrogen by determining the conductivity of a chemiresistant film upon exposure to hydrogen, including for example chemiresistant films comprised of alkylamine-, alkylthiolate-, and/or surfactant-coated metal alloy nanoparticles. |
| US08168437B2 |
Quantitative determination of risedronate in urine by SPE-LC-MS-MS
The disclosure provides a method for quantitatively determining risedronate in a urine sample by adding an internal standard to the urine sample, applying the urine sample to a polymeric water-wettable reverse-phased sorbent preconditioned with methanol, washing the sorbent with TEA in water and formic acid in methanol, eluting risedronate with a mixture of methanol and water containing EDTA under vacuum, evaporating the eluted solution and reconstituting with a mixture of methanol and NH4OH buffer and analyzing the sample with a LC-MS/MS system. |
| US08168435B2 |
Apparatus, method and storing medium for a virtual role playing game control
An apparatus, method and recording medium for controlling a game where a battle occurs in virtual space between one or more player characters acting according to manipulation of a player and one or more enemy characters acting independently of the manipulation of the player, including a command information storage for storing command information sets which includes a command to a player character and a plurality of numerical values, a card display for displaying a card showing a command included in the command information set or symbols related with the numerical values, and a command input acceptance unit to accept an input which selects the card displayed as well as one of the numerical values or symbols attached to the card. |
| US08168422B2 |
Microorganism producing inosine and method of producing inosine using the same
The present invention relates to a microorganism producing inosine, which is one of purine nucleoside, an important material for 5′-inosinic acid synthesis, and method for producing inosine using the same. More particularly, the present invention relates to a recombinant microorganism of Corynebacterium genus producing inosine at high concentration by inactivating the gene encoding nucleoside hydrolase II and by enhancing the expression of the gene encoding 5′-nucleotidase, which still retains the characteristics of Corynebacterium ammoniagenes CJIP2401 (KCCM-10610). |
| US08168416B2 |
Modified lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase enzymes
The invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, thrombosis, and for decreasing or prevention of accumulation of cholesterol in a subject by modifying LCAT polypeptide. |
| US08168411B2 |
Highly thermostable fluorescent proteins
Thermostable fluorescent proteins (TSFPs), methods for generating these and other stability-enhanced proteins, polynucleotides encoding such proteins, and assays and method for using the TSFPs and TSFP-encoding nucleic acid molecules are provided. The TSFPs of the invention show extremely enhanced levels of stability and thermotolerance. In one case, for example, a TSFP of the invention is so stable it can be heated to 99° C. for short periods of time without denaturing, and retains 85% of its fluorescence when heated to 80° C. for several minutes. The invention also provides a method for generating stability-enhanced variants of a protein, including but not limited to fluorescent proteins. |
| US08168407B2 |
Method of synthesizing a suppressor TRNA, DNA construct and use thereof for producing a protein including a non-natural amino acid
There are provided a DNA construct comprising non-eukaryote-derived suppressor tRNA gene containing no internal promoter functioning in a eukaryotic cell, and a eukaryote-derived or bacteriophage-derived promoter linked at the 5′ end of the tRNA gene, a method for synthesizing a suppressor tRNA by using the DNA construct, and a process for producing a non-natural amino acid-incorporated protein by using the same. |
| US08168405B2 |
Covalent tethering of functional groups to proteins and substrates therefor
A mutant hydrolase optionally fused to a protein of interest is provided. The mutant hydrolase is capable of forming a bond with a substrate for the corresponding nonmutant (wild-type) hydrolase which is more stable than the bond formed between the wild-type hydrolase and the substrate and has at least two amino acid substitutions relative to the wild-type hydrolase. Substrates for hydrolases comprising one or more functional groups are also provided, as well as methods of using the mutant hydrolase and the substrates of the invention. Also provided is a fusion protein capable of forming a stable bond with a substrate and cells which express the fusion protein. |
| US08168403B2 |
Agonists of bitter taste receptors and uses thereof
The present invention relates to agonists of the human bitter-taste receptor hTAS2R40 and their role in bitter taste transduction. The invention also relates to assays for screening molecules that modulate, e.g. suppress or block hTAS2R40 bitter taste transduction or bitter taste response. |
| US08168398B2 |
Asbestos exposure, pleural mesothelioma, and osteopontin levels
The present invention provides diagnostic methods based on levels of osteopontin. |
| US08168397B2 |
Methods for the treatment of an infectious bacterial disease with an anti-lactone or lactone derived signal molecules antibody
The present invention relates to methods for the control of virulence of infectious bacteria by modulating the extra-cellular concentration of bacterial cell signalling molecules. Derivatives of cell signalling molecules are conjugated to suitable carrier proteins and used to isolate high affinity receptors recognizing the native signal molecule(s). By binding to signalling molecules, the receptors reduce and maintain extra-cellular concentrations of signal molecules below the threshold level that would otherwise result in certain opportunistic pathogens adopting a virulent form, and can transform virulent organisms to non-virulent states. These receptors have applications for the treatment of individuals with susceptibility to infection, the treatment of patients with existing infections, in disease monitoring and management, and in related applications where the host for infection is an animal or plant. |
| US08168388B2 |
Preparation of nucleic acid templates for solid phase amplification
The invention relates to a method of preparing template constructs for solid-phase nucleic acid amplification and to use of the templates in methods of solid-phase nucleic acid amplification. The method involves carrying out two ligation reactions: (a) a ligation reaction in which the first end of one or more target polynucleotide molecules are ligated to surface-bound adaptor polynucleotide molecules, and (b) a ligation reaction in which solution-phase adaptor polynucleotide molecules are ligated to the second end of said target polynucleotide molecules, in order to produce one or more template constructs attached to a solid support. |
| US08168382B2 |
Methods for detecting DNA originating from different individuals
In a first aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample. These methods may be used to differentiate or detect fetal DNA in a maternal sample or to differentiate DNA of an organ donor from DNA of an organ recipient. In preferred embodiments, the DNA species are differentiated by observing epigenetic differences in the DNA species such as differences in DNA methylation. In a second aspect, the present invention features methods of detecting genetic abnormalities in a fetus by detecting fetal DNA in a biological sample obtained from a mother. In a third aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from an organ donor from those of an organ recipient. In a fourth aspect, the present invention features kits for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample. |
| US08168379B2 |
Application of surface plasmon resonance technology for detecting and genotyping HPV
The present invention discloses using SPR technology to simultaneously and qualitatively detect different HPV genotypes. 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 HPV specific DNA probes used for the detection of different HPV genotypes. |
| US08168377B2 |
Pattern forming method and method of manufacturing semiconductor device by using the same
The pattern forming method includes forming a catalyst film on a base layer having an uneven surface, wherein the catalyst layer is formed along the uneven surface of the base layer; forming a coating film by coating a fluid material on the catalyst film; forming an insoluble layer which is insoluble in a solvent in the coating film by reacting the coating film along the catalyst film; and maintaining the insoluble layer by removing an unreacted portion of the coating film by using the solvent. |
| US08168376B2 |
Manufacturing method of optical waveguide device
A method of manufacturing an optical waveguide device which is capable of connecting light-receiving and light-emitting elements mounted on a board and an optical waveguide to each other with high accuracy. Insulation layers are formed on a first surface of a metal substrate. A first photomask is positioned by using an alignment mark formed in the metal substrate, and exposure to light and development are performed to form conductor layers. A second photomask is positioned on a second surface of the metal substrate opposite from the first surface by similarly using the above-mentioned alignment mark, and exposure to light and development are performed to form an opening for optical coupling between a light-emitting element and an optical waveguide film. The light-emitting element is mounted on pads of the conductor layers, and the optical waveguide film is fixed to the metal substrate using the optical coupling opening. |
| US08168375B2 |
Patterning method
Disclosed is a patterning method including: forming a first film on a substrate; forming a multi-layered film including a resist film on the first film; forming a patterned resist film having a preset pattern by patterning the resist film by photolithography; forming a silicon oxide film different from the first film on the patterned resist film and the first film by alternately supplying a first gas containing organic silicon and a second gas containing an activated oxygen species to the substrate; etching the silicon oxide film to thereby form a sidewall spacer on a sidewall of the patterned resist film; removing the patterned resist film; and processing the first film by using the sidewall spacer as a mask. |
| US08168373B2 |
Method for fabricating 3D microstructure
A method for fabricating 3D microstructure is disclosed. A matching fluid is arranged between the mask and the photoresist layer. When the mask and photoresist layer perform the relative scanning and exposure process simultaneously, the matching fluid will reduce the diffraction error, so that the gap between the mask and the photoresist layer becomes more tolerable. Besides, the matching fluid also acts as a lubricant for achieving a smooth scanning process, so as to fabricate a high-precision large-area 3D optical microstructure. |
| US08168372B2 |
Method of creating photolithographic structures with developer-trimmed hard mask
Novel, developer-soluble, hard mask compositions and methods of using those compositions to form microelectronic structures are provided. The composition comprises the compound a compound for controlling development rate, and a crosslinking agent in a solvent system. The methods involve applying the composition to a substrate and curing the composition. An imaging layer is applied to the composition, followed by light exposure and developing, during which the light-exposed portions of the imaging layer are removed, along with portions of the hard mask composition adjacent said light-exposed portions. The size of the hard mask composition structures are controlled by the development rate, and they yield feature sizes that are a fraction of the imaging layer feature sizes, to give a pattern that can ultimately be transferred to the substrate. |
| US08168368B2 |
Miniaturized microparticles
A system and method for forming encoded microparticles is described. One embodiment includes a system for forming encoded microparticles, the system comprising a step and repeat exposure system capable of performing a method comprising: printing at a first time a first portion of a code of a microparticle; and printing at a second time after the first time a second portion of the code of the microparticle; and a computer readable medium having a sequence of computer executable instructions for controlling the step and repeat exposure system to perform said method. |
| US08168366B2 |
Low activation energy photoresist composition and process for its use
The present invention relates to a radiation sensitive photoresist composition. The composition comprises a polymer comprising at least two monomers. The first monomer has an acid cleavable tertiary ester group. The second monomer is an acidic monomer. The acid cleavable ester group of the polymer has a surprisingly low activation energy which results in improved resist images in lithographic processes. |
| US08168363B2 |
Toner and producing method thereof, developer, two-component developer, developing device and image forming apparatus
A toner is so configured as to satisfy the following conditions: (b)/(a) is from 0.90 to 1.02, (a) is from 140 to 150 and the average value in the entire toner particles of a shape factor SF-2 of the toner particles is larger than 140, where (a) represents a shape factor SF-2 showing the degree of irregularity on the surface of toner particles having a particle size D75V or less which is a particle size at which a cumulative volume from a large particle size side in particle size distribution by volume is 75%, and (b) represents a shape factor SF-2 of toner particles having a particle size D25V or more which is a particle size at which a cumulative volume from a large particle size side in particle size distribution by volume is 25%. |
| US08168356B2 |
Structurally simplified flexible imaging members
The presently disclosed embodiments relate in general to electrophotographic imaging members, such as layered photoreceptor structures, and processes for making and using the same. More particularly, the embodiments pertain to the incorporation of a liquid compound having a high boiling point into the charge transport layer such that an anticurl back coating is no longer needed for reduction or elimination of photoreceptor upward curling. |
| US08168355B2 |
Method of imaging in crystalline colloidal arrays
A method of producing an image in the crystalline colloidal array is disclosed. The method includes providing an ordered array of particles received within a curable matrix composition; curing a first portion of the matrix composition, wherein the first cured portion diffracts radiation at a first wavelength; curing another portion of the matrix composition, wherein the other cured portion diffracts radiation at another wavelength; and exposing the array to radiation to exhibit an image. |
| US08168352B2 |
Reflective mask blank for EUV lithography and mask for EUV lithography
Provision of an EUV mask whereby an influence of reflected light from a region outside a mask pattern region is suppressed, and an EUV mask blank to be employed for production of such an EUV mask.A reflective mask for EUV lithography (EUVL), comprising a substrate having a mask pattern region and an EUV light-absorbing region located outside the mask pattern region; a reflective layer provided on the mask pattern region of the substrate for reflecting EUV light and having a portion on which an absorber layer is present and a portion on which no absorber layer is present; the portion on which an absorber layer is present and the portion on which no absorber layer is present being arranged so as to constitute a mask pattern; wherein the reflectivity of a surface of the absorber layer for EUV light is from 5 to 15% and the reflectivity of a surface of the EUV light-absorbing region for EUV light is at most 1%. |
| US08168348B2 |
Process for the electrochemical catalysts of fuel cells based on polymer electrolytes
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of electrochemical catalysts of the polymer electrolytes-based fuel cells. With the process of the present invention, high catalyst activity while uniformly supporting a large amount of metal particles on a surface of a support can be achieved. Also, the present invention provides a process for the preparation of electrochemical catalysts of the polymer electrolytes-based fuel cells capable of using a small amount of toxic solvent without an additional high-temperature hydrogen annealing. |
| US08168347B2 |
SOFC assembly joint spacing
A textured surface is formed on at least one of a fuel cell mounting plate or fuel cell subassembly to define a joint spacing between these two components. In a preferred embodiment, the textured surface comprises a plurality of dimples coined or otherwise formed in the metal mounting plate. The joint spacing improves the manufacturing and assembly process of the fuel cell cassettes through precise application and control of the brazing process which improves the braze joint strength while reducing material cost. |
| US08168345B2 |
Device and method for operation of a fuel cell
A pressure equalizing system (16) having two variable volume elements which interact with one another via a separating medium which can be deformed or can be moved as a function of the pressure difference, with a constant total volume, is positioned upstream of a fuel cell (11) in order to feed the fuel cell (11) with its raw-material gases (H, O). A pressure equalizing container (19) can be provided for this purpose, which is subdivided into two chambers (17H, 17O) by a separating wall (18) which can be deformed or can be moved as a function of the pressure difference; alternatively, two chambers (17H, 17O) are connected to one another by an equalizing channel (21) with a solid or liquid separating medium which can be moved therein as a function of the pressure difference. If the raw-material gas pressures are different, the separating medium is moved towards the chamber (17) with the lower gas pressure until a pressure equilibrium is achieved as a consequence of the corresponding change in the volume elements on both sides of the separating medium. In the fuel cell (11) which is fed from the chambers (17), its membrane (12), which is susceptible to fracture, therefore no longer has a destruction-critical dynamic pressure difference applied to it, without having to take control measures for this purpose in feed fittings for the raw-material gases. |
| US08168344B2 |
Air-cooled thermal management for a fuel cell stack
The air-cooled thermal management of a fuel cell stack is disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises a cooling plate apparatus for an air-cooled fuel cell stack, where the cooling plate comprises a body configured to receive heat from one or more fuel cells in thermal communication with the body, and airflow channels formed in the body and configured to allow a flow of a cooling air to pass across the body. An insulating structure is disposed in the airflow channels, wherein the insulating structure has decreasing thickness from a cooling air inlet toward a cooling air outlet. |
| US08168343B2 |
Humidification control during shutdown of a fuel cell system
A process for controlling the length of a purge and the purge rate of a fuel cell stack at system shut-down so as to provide the desired amount of stack humidity. The membrane humidification is measured at system shut-down by a high frequency resistance sensor that detects membrane humidification and provides the measurement to a controller. The controller controls the compressor that provides cathode input air to the fuel cell stack so that the time of the purge and the flow rate of the purge provide a desired membrane humidity for the next start-up. |
| US08168342B2 |
Method of producing (NH2(R2)) and/or hydrogen
A method of producing NH2(R2), the method comprising reacting a metal hydride with a compound having the general formula: M1X(BH4)y(NH2(R2))n wherein M1 comprises one or more of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Al, Ga and Sc; 0 |
| US08168340B2 |
Water removal features for PEMfc stack manifolds
A bipolar plate includes angled facets oriented to form V-shaped projections on the plate edge. Liquid leaving the reactant channels is drawn back into the V-shaped grooves of the projections, leaving no liquid to obstruct the channel exit openings. The bipolar plate includes one portion of the bipolar plate offset from another portion of the bipolar plate so as to expose the reactant channels. The liquid is drawn toward the end portions of the reactant channels by capillary forces, while the gas flows can exit near the beginning of the offset portion. A fuel cell stack includes angled facets that are rotated to lie in the plane of the bipolar plate edges. The edges are chamfered so the channel exit openings of the reactant channels are at the tip portions thereof, thus allowing the liquid to flow away from the channel exit openings and the gas to exit freely. |
| US08168338B2 |
Mobile terminal equipment using fuel battery and fuel battery system for mobile terminal equipment
Mobile terminal equipment is provided with a battery receiving chamber for using a fuel battery cell unit including a hydrogen storage alloy container, a pressure adjusting valve, and a fuel battery cell. A fuel battery system for mobile terminal equipment is further provided with a fuel battery including the valve, and a secondary battery. A space section between an inner surface of the battery receiving chamber and the fuel battery cell unit is formed by contact between protrusion sections provided on the fuel battery cell unit and the inner surface of the battery receiving chamber. In an electronic camera main body, an air intake port provided near a grip is disposed near an anode side of a fuel battery cell, a part of the air intake port and a fuel tank can be attached or detached from the electronic camera main body. |
| US08168337B2 |
Electrochemical cell, and particularly a metal fueled cell with non-parallel flow
The present invention relates to an electrochemical cell for use with an electrolyte, oxidizable solid fuel, and an oxidizer to generate electrical power. The electrochemical cell includes a permeable electrode body provided along a flow path for receiving a flow including an electrolyte. The permeable electrode body is configured to permit the electrolyte to flow therethrough and to collect solid fuel thereon from the electrolyte flowing therethrough so as to comprise a first electrode for oxidizing the fuel to generate electrons for conduction by the first electrode. The cell also includes a second electrode for receiving electrons and reducing an oxidizer. The first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart to define a gap therebetween for receiving the flow from the permeable electrode body. One or more return channels are directly communicated to the gap. |
| US08168336B2 |
Fuel cell housing structure
A fuel cell housing structure includes a fuel cell, an electrically insulated housing and a vent gas port. The electrically insulated housing contains the fuel cell. The housing is arranged to provide a space within the housing surrounding the fuel cell. The vent gas port is provided in the housing. The vent gas port connects to the space at a position above or on a same level as the fuel cell. In the fuel cell housing structure, water entering the housing from the vent gas port is blocked from contacting the fuel cell. |
| US08168333B2 |
Plastic crystal electrolyte for lithium batteries
A solid ionic electrolyte having a neutral organic plastic crystal matrix doped with an ionic salt may be used in an electrochemical device having an anode comprising a Li-containing material having an electrochemical potential within about 1.3 V of lithium metal. Electrochemical devices are disclosed having a cathode, an anode of a Li-containing material having an electrochemical potential within about 1.3 V of lithium metal, and a solid ionic electrolyte having a neutral organic plastic crystal matrix doped with an ionic salt. Such devices have high energy density delivery capacity combined with the favorable properties of a neutral organic plastic crystal matrix such as succinonitrile. |
| US08168332B2 |
Separator having porous coating layer and electrochemical device containing the same
A separator includes a porous substrate having a plurality of pores; and a porous coating layer formed on at least one surface of the porous substrate and made of a mixture of a plurality of inorganic particles and a binder polymer, wherein the binder polymer includes a first polyvinylidene fluoride based copolymer having solubility of 25 weight % or more with respect to acetone at 35° C.; a second polyvinylidene fluoride-based copolymer having solubility of 10 weight % or less with respect to acetone at 35° C.; and a polymer having a cyano group. This separator decelerates deterioration of life span of an electrochemical device, and prevents disintercalation of inorganic particles in the porous coating layer, thereby improving safety of the electrochemical device. |
| US08168330B2 |
Lithium titanate cell with reduced gassing
A method of manufacturing a lithium cell is disclosed. The method can include providing a lithium cell having an operating voltage range, where the lithium cell includes a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and an electrolyte in contact with, and between, the negative electrode and the positive electrode. The negative electrode can include lithium titanate and the electrolyte can include an additive. The method can also include reducing the additive to form a coating on a surface of the negative electrode in contact with the electrolyte. The reducing step can include overcharging the lithium cell to a voltage greater than an upper limit of the operating voltage range and dropping a voltage of the negative electrode to 0.2-1V vs. lithium. |
| US08168326B2 |
Battery structures, self-organizing structures and related methods
An energy storage device includes a first electrode comprising a first material and a second electrode comprising a second material, at least a portion of the first and second materials forming an interpenetrating network when dispersed in an electrolyte, the electrolyte, the first material and the second material are selected so that the first and second materials exert a repelling force on each other when combined. An electrochemical device, includes a first electrode in electrical communication with a first current collector; a second electrode in electrical communication with a second current collector; and an ionically conductive medium in ionic contact with said first and second electrodes, wherein at least a portion of the first and second electrodes form an interpenetrating network and wherein at least one of the first and second electrodes comprises an electrode structure providing two or more pathways to its current collector. |
| US08168321B2 |
Alkaline battery having a protective layer
An alkaline battery can include a housing, a cathode within the housing, an anode, a separator between the anode and the cathode, and an alkaline electrolyte contacting the anode and the cathode. The cathode defines an anode cavity and the anode is deposited within the anode cavity. The cathode has a top surface adjacent to the anode cavity. The battery can include a protective layer deposited on the top surface of the cathode and/or a gel plug deposited over the anode. The protective layer can include a PVA layer coated over the top surface of the cathode. |
| US08168314B2 |
Method for evaluating internal short-circuit of battery, device for evaluating internal short-circuit of battery, battery, battery pack and their manufacturing methods
Methods for evaluating battery safety under internal short-circuit conditions are improved to eliminate variations in evaluation results and accurately evaluate battery safety under internal short-circuit conditions. An internal short-circuit is caused in a battery by using an internal short-circuit causing method in which battery information obtained upon the occurrence of an internal short-circuit hardly changes with the structure of the battery. At this time, the battery information is detected to accurately evaluate the safety of the battery upon the internal short-circuit and identify the safety level. |
| US08168303B2 |
Use of popcorn for timber and composite materials
The present invention relates to the use of popcorn as material that provides structure and that stabilizes dimensions, for lignocellulose-containing molded articles, such as wood/composite materials, and also to the use of popcorn as binder for formaldehyde in wood/composite materials. |
| US08168301B2 |
Polyester compositions, methods of manufacture, and uses thereof
A composition comprising a combination of a thermoplastic polyester; and 0.2 to 0.7 parts by weight of an alkali metal salt, an alkaline earth metal salt, and/or a C1-12 ester of an aliphatic C24-36 carboxylic acid, based on 100 parts by weight of the polyester. The compositions are useful for molding parts, such as automotive headlamp reflectors. |
| US08168291B2 |
Ceramic composite materials containing carbon nanotube-infused fiber materials and methods for production thereof
In various embodiments, composite materials containing a ceramic matrix and a carbon nanotube-infused fiber material are described herein. Illustrative ceramic matrices include, for example, binary, ternary and quaternary metal or non-metal borides, oxides, nitrides and carbides. The ceramic matrix can also be a cement. The fiber materials can be continuous or chopped fibers and include, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, metal fibers, ceramic fibers, organic fibers, silicon carbide fibers, boron carbide fibers, silicon nitride fibers and aluminum oxide fibers. The composite materials can further include a passivation layer overcoating at least the carbon nanotube-infused fiber material and, optionally, the plurality of carbon nanotubes. The fiber material can be distributed uniformly, non-uniformly or in a gradient manner in the ceramic matrix. Non-uniform distributions may be used to form impart different mechanical, electrical or thermal properties to different regions of the ceramic matrix. |
| US08168285B2 |
Joined component, in particular a pilot boss for a force transfer device, method for manufacture of a continuous material connection and a force transfer device
A joined component, in particular a rotation symmetrical component for connecting to another second joined component into a unit for creating a continuous material, non-disengageable connection through compression welding, comprising a joined surface and a joint portion, provided at the joined surface, for contacting the other, second joined component. A recess for receiving weld bead material is provided at the joined surface around the joint portion. |
| US08168283B2 |
Highly reflective materials for use as logos and/or identification
The present invention is generally directed to tapes or laminates designed for use in conjunction with lighter-than-air vehicles, platforms or other inflated structures. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to tapes or laminates designed for use in logos and/or identification numbers that can be, for example, used on a lighter-than-air vehicle, platform or other inflated structure. In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to tapes or laminates that include, among other layers, at least one dichroic layer designed to produce a logo, letter and/or number that can be, for example, used on a lighter-than-air vehicle, platform or other inflated. |
| US08168281B2 |
Polyurea adhesive
A polyurea adhesive composition that is obtainable by reaction of reaction components that include a polyisocyanate comprising isocyanurate rings, the polyisocyanate having a functionality equal to or greater than 3, a polyamine having an average molecular weight greater than about 500 dalton and a carboxylic acid. Additionally, the reaction components may comprise an aromatic diamine chain extender. The molar ratio of the isocyanate groups to whole amine and carboxylic acid functions of the reaction components is between 1.5 and 3.5. Further provided is an article comprising a component bonded to the article with the polyurea adhesive described above. The bonded faces between the component and the article may be of cross-linked rubber composition. The article may be, for example, a tire, a tread band and/or a patch applied to the tire. |
| US08168280B2 |
Lint roller
Unwinding, or “lanemarking,” of lint roll tape during use can be greatly minimized or eliminated by providing a roll of tape that comprises a backing having a first side and a second side, an adhesive on the first side of the backing, a plurality of separation lines separating the tape into sheets, a low adhesion zone adjacent each separation lines extending in an upweb direction along the tape from the separation line. The low adhesion zone has a lower adhesion than the adhesive. Each separation line extends beyond the next adjacent and underlying low adhesion zone. |
| US08168276B2 |
Food and beverage containers and methods of coating
Food and beverage containers and methods of coating are provided. The food and beverage containers include a metal substrate that is at least partially coated with a coating prepared from a composition that includes a resin system, a crosslinker, and a catalyst. Preferably, the coating composition is substantially Bisphenol A-free. |
| US08168275B2 |
Tube-in-tube balloon
A tube-in-tube assembled parison for preparation of an elongated medical device. The parison if formed by assembling in tube-in-tube fashion a first tube of orientable polymer material and a second tube formed of orientable polymer material disposed around the first tube, with an adhesive tie layer disposed between the first and second tubes. The tubes are brought into contact to form a unitary parison. The adhesive may allow movement between the polymer layers during balloon blowing. The first tube, or the second tube, or both, may have been longitudinally pre-stretched after formation thereof but before assembly of the parison. |
| US08168274B2 |
Polyethylene film with improved processability and mechanical properties
The present invention relates to a film comprising at least one layer comprising an ethylene homo- or copolymer which has a complex viscosity at 5 kPa shear stress eta5 of 200,000 or less and a shear thinning index SHI(5/300) measured at 190° C. as the ratio between the complex viscosity at 5 kPa shear stress and the complex viscosity at 300 kPa shear stress of 120 or more. |
| US08168271B2 |
Optical film assembly and display device
Microstructured optical films, assemblies of films including at least one microstructured optical film, and (e.g. illuminated) display devices including a single microstructured optical film or assembly. |
| US08168270B2 |
Film formation method and apparatus for semiconductor process
An oxide film is formed on a target substrate by CVD, in a process field to be selectively supplied with a first process gas including a source gas containing a film source element and no amino group, a second process gas including an oxidizing gas, and a third process gas including a preliminary treatment gas. A first step includes an excitation period of supplying the third process gas excited by an exciting mechanism, thereby performing a preliminary treatment on the target substrate by preliminary treatment gas radicals. A second step performs supply of the first process gas, thereby adsorbing the film source element on the target substrate. A third step includes an excitation period of supplying the second process gas excited by an exciting mechanism, thereby oxidizing the film source element adsorbed on the target substrate by oxidizing gas radicals. |
| US08168259B2 |
Articles for high temperature service and methods for their manufacture
An article for use in aggressive environments is presented. In one embodiment, the article comprises a substrate and a self-sealing and substantially hermetic sealing layer disposed over the bondcoat. The substrate may be any high-temperature material, including, for instance, silicon-bearing ceramics and ceramic matrix composites. A method for making such articles is also presented. The method comprises providing a substrate; disposing a self-sealing layer over the substrate; and heating the sealing layer to a sealing temperature at which at least a portion of the sealing layer will flow. |
| US08168255B2 |
Coating method and manufacturing method of photochromic lens
To manufacture a photochromic lens by uniformly applying a coating liquid having a photochromic function without leaving an uncoated area, with a minimum necessary coating amount. There is provided a manufacturing method of the photochromic lens for dripping and applying a coating liquid 9 having the photochromic function onto a coating surface 2 of a spectacle lens, while rotating a spectacle lens 1, and forming a photochromic film having the photochromic function on the coating surface, comprising dripping (ring-shaped drip part 25) the coating liquid in a ring shape in the vicinity of an outer circumference on the coating surface of the spectacle lens, and thereafter dripping (spiral-shaped drip part 26) the coating liquid in a spiral shape toward a geometrical center or an optical center of the spectacle lens from the vicinity of the outer circumference, wherein the coating surface has a convex curved shape, and a viscosity of the coating liquid is 25 to 500 cps at 25° C. |
| US08168252B2 |
Electromagnetic wave shielding material and process for producing the same
The present invention provides an electromagnetic wave shielding material that has high electromagnetic wave shielding effects, excellent transparency, and excellent see-through property, and a simple and inexpensive production process for the electromagnetic wave shielding material. Specifically, the present invention provides a process for producing an electromagnetic wave shielding material, the process comprising screen-printing in a geometric pattern a conductive paste containing a particulate silver oxide, a tertiary fatty acid silver salt, and a solvent, onto a transparent porous layer surface of a transparent resin substrate having a transparent porous layer containing as a main component at least one member selected from the group consisting of oxide ceramics, non-oxide ceramics, and metals; and performing heat treatment to form a conductive region with a geometric pattern on the transparent porous layer surface; and an electromagnetic wave shielding material produced by the production process. |
| US08168251B2 |
Method for producing tapered metallic nanowire tips on atomic force microscope cantilevers
A method of making nanowire probes is provided. The method includes providing a template having a nanoporous structure, providing a probe tip that is disposed on top of the template, and growing nanowires on the probe tip, where the nanowires are grown from the probe tip along the nanopores, and the nanowires conform to the shape of the nanopores. |
| US08168249B2 |
Urinary catheter
A medical device is disclosed, comprising a substrate, having on its surface, on at least a part thereof, a hydrophilic surface layer providing low-friction surface character of the medical device when wetted by a wetting fluid. The substrate is made of a polymer blend comprising a polyolefin and a composition having molecules with active hydrogen(s), such as polyamide or polyurethane. The hydrophilic surface layer is preferably adhered to the substrate by a polyurea network, whereby said polyurea network forms a covalent bond to said active hydrogen(s) in the substrate. The new substrate material is environmentally acceptable and cost effective, has adequate mechanical and chemical properties and enables the hydrophilic coating to be adequately adhered. |
| US08168242B2 |
Situ fructooligosaccharide production and sucrose reduction
The invention pertains to an in situ process for producing fructooligosaccharides in a food product by contacting the food product with a fructosyltransferase to enzymatically convert sucrose to fructooligosaccharides in the food product. The increase in fructooligosaccharides results in an increase in dietary fiber content of the food product. |
| US08168240B2 |
Effervescent composition including cranberry extract
Disclosed is an effervescent composition that includes an effervescent agent and cranberry extract, preferably in an amount sufficient to decrease the measurable amount of bacteria present in the urine of an individual having a urinary tract infection. |
| US08168239B1 |
Method for the production of diet food with medicinal herbs
Disclosed is a method for the production of a diet food with medicinal herbs. According to the method, herbs which have physiological activities suitable for dieting are selected by making reference to various reports and through experimentation. Depending on nutritional and pharmaceutical ingredients responsible for the physiological functions and activities, the herbs are classified into three groups, and combined with each other to form a composition which is extracted in such a manner that as few effective ingredients are lost as possible. The diet food is effective for the prevention and treatment of obesity. |
| US08168238B2 |
Extracts of Aquilaria hulls and use thereof in the treatment of cancer
The invention discloses an ethyl acetate layer of methanol extract of Aquilaria hulls for killing cancer cells and treating/preventing cancers and its uses. The extracts of Aquilaria hulls has an significant amount of cucurbitacins and these cucurbitacins are effective in killing cancer cells and treating/preventing cancers. |
| US08168237B2 |
Medicinal herbal extract having anti-obesity effect
Disclosed is an anti-obesity active extract obtained from a medicinal plant. More specifically, the extract obtained from lysimachiae foenum-graeci herba (which is a medicinal plant traditionally used in the East) can be used as an active ingredient for a raw material, a functional food, cosmetic, a crude drug, etc. for an obesity preventing or therapeutic agent because the extract can suppress the adipocyte differentiation and decrease the body weight and body fat in an obese animal, thereby suppressing fat accumulation (that is, a factor for obesity). |
| US08168236B2 |
Extracts of Polygonum multiflorum thunb., and preparation process and uses of the same
Disclosed herein are processes for preparing extract products from the root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. and the extract products thus obtained, which are biologically active in promoting the proliferation, growth and/or differentiation of hematocytes and bone marrow cells in vitro and in vivo. |
| US08168233B2 |
Treatment of pancreatitis with amylin
The disclosed invention provides for the treatment of pancreatitis, and the alleviation of pain associated therewith, with amylin, amylin agonists and amylin analogs. |
| US08168231B2 |
Antimicrobial composition useful for preserving wood
Antimicrobial compositions useful for preserving wood, and comprising a variety of antimicrobial compounds. |
| US08168224B2 |
Sodium alginate microsphere vascular embolus containing water-soluble drug and preparation and application thereof
The present disclosure relates to a kind of sodium alginate microsphere vascular embolus that contains water-soluble drug and preparation and application thereof. The embolus preparation falls into dry microsphere type and wet one that are made of degradable materials. The drug carrier can be sodium alginate, human serum albumin, chitosan or sodium hyalurate, solidifying and forming microsphere together with calcium ion solution under presence of static charge. The microsphere can have a diameter in the range of 20-1000 μm and can be divided into a wide variety of sizes in case of need. The present disclosure adopts raw materials that are good at mechanical strength, bio-compatibility, bio-degradability and stability. In vitro experiments, animal trials and clinical observations reveal that this embolus is a good targeting medication for embolism treatment and immunochemotherapy, which is safe, effective for the treatment of solid tumors including primary liver cancer, lung cancer, renal tumors, bladder cancer, uterine cancer, ovary cancer, colon carcinoma and rectal cancer. |
| US08168221B2 |
Composition 064
A pharmaceutical composition which comprises N-(3-methoxy-5-methylpyrazin-2-yl)-2-(4-[1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]phenyl)pyridine-3-sulphonamide with mannitol and/or 5 microcrystalline cellulose is described. |
| US08168220B2 |
Dosage forms of active ingredients containing hydroxystilbene for treating menopausal complaints
The invention relates to novel dosage forms containing hydroxystilbene, to a method for producing said dosage forms and to their use for treating female menopausal complaints, juvenile oligomenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea, primary and secondary amenorrhoea or endometritis. |
| US08168215B2 |
Alginate coated, collagen matrix cellular device, preparative methods, and uses thereof
The present invention is directed to cellular devices comprising a collagen matrix, cell layer, and gelled alginate layer, processes for producing the devices, methods of implanting the devices, and methods of treatment thereof. |
| US08168213B2 |
Medical devices having coating with improved adhesion
According to an aspect of the present invention, a medical device is provided which comprises a metallic substrate and polymeric region disposed over and in contact with the metallic substrate. The polymeric region comprises (a) a block copolymer that comprises (i) a hard polymer block that comprises a high Tg monomer and (ii) a soft polymer block that comprises a low Tg monomer, (b) an adhesion promoting copolymer that comprises (i) a first monomer that covalently or non-covalently bonds with the metallic substrate and (ii) a second monomer that is compatible with the low Tg monomer and/or the high Tg monomer and (c) a therapeutic agent. The polymeric region may further comprise an optional polymer that is used to tailor the release rate of the therapeutic agent. |
| US08168212B2 |
Topical compositions comprising non-proteogenic amino acids and methods of treating skin
Cosmetic compositions comprising non-natural, non-proteogenic amino acids and methods of using such compositions to impart antiaging benefits to the skin are disclosed.The non-natural, non-proteogenic amino acids are believed to have modulatory activity against one or more biochemical pathways implicated in skin aging, and in particular, are enhancers of LOXL-1. |
| US08168211B2 |
Use of a polyphenol-rich plant extract as antioxidant in combination with a hydrating or humectant agent
A polyphenol-rich plant extract is used in combination with at least one hydrating or humectant agent, as cosmetic active agents in a cosmetic composition. The combination improves hydrating and antioxidant cosmetic care. |
| US08168208B1 |
Silica-calcium phosphate bioactive composite for improved synthetic graft resorbability and tissue regeneration
A method is disclosed for the generation of bone tissue by the preparation and the application to bone defect sites of a resorbable silica-calcium phosphate bioactive composite (SCPC) that finds utility as a bone tissue engineering scaffold. The resorbable silica-calcium phosphate bioactive composite can be applied directly to bone defect or can be employed as a bioactive coating on implants to facilitate bone growth around the implant. The resorbable silica-calcium phosphate bioactive composite is prepared from a mixture of a silica salt in an amount to provide between about 0.31 moles and about 0.93 moles of silica and calcium phosphate, said silica salt being present in the resorbable silica-calcium phosphate bioactive composite. The mixture is thermally treated at a temperature ranging between about 130° C. to about 1200° C. to form said resorbable silica-calcium phosphate bioactive composite having a phase composition comprising a thermally treated form of silica and calcium phosphate. |
| US08168207B2 |
Immunogenic proteins of leptospira
The invention provides novel immunogenic proteins LigA and LigB from Leptospira for use in the development of effective vaccines and antibodies, as well as improved diagnostic methods and kits. |
| US08168199B2 |
Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors for the treatment of schizophrenia and depression
A method for therapeutically treating an animal, including a human, for psychosomatic, depressive and neuropsychiatric diseases, such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, schizophrenia, epilepsy, spasm and chronic pain. Administration of a suitable DP IV inhibitor causes the reduction of activity in the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase (DP IV or CD 26) or of DP IV-like enzyme activity in the brain of mammals and leads as a causal consequence to a reduced degradation of the neuropeptide Y (NPY) and similar substrates by DP IV and DP IV-like enzymes. Such treatment will result in a reduction or delay in the decrease of the concentration of functionally active neuronal NPY (1-36). As a consequence of the resulting enhanced stability of the endogenous NPY (1-36) caused by the inhibition of DP IV activity, NPY activity is prolonged thereby resulting among other things in functionally active NPY Y1 receptor activity thereby facilitating antidepressive, anxiolytic, analgesic, antihypertension and other neurological effects. |
| US08168197B2 |
External composition for skin containing Scrophularia buergeriana miq. extract and the use thereof for the skin moisturizing cosmetics
Disclosed herein is a skin external composition for alleviating dry skin symptoms, which contains an extract of Scrophularia buergeriana Miq. as a main component and further contains an extract of Poria cocos Wolf, as well as the use thereof for skin-moisturizing cosmetics. The composition contains, as active ingredients, the Scrophularia buergeriana Miq. extract and the Poria cocos Wolf extract, which are prepared by extracting each of Scrophularia buergeriana Miq. and Poria cocos Wolf using water, ethanol, methanol, hexane, ethyl acetate or butanol. |
| US08168195B2 |
Vaccines against Escherichia coli O157 infection
This invention relates to conjugates of the O-specific polysaccharide of E. coli O157 with a carrier, and compositions thereof, and to methods of using of using of these conjugates and/or compositions thereof for eliciting an immunogenic response in mammals, including responses which provide protection against, or reduce the severity of, bacterial infections. More particularly it relates to the use of polysaccharides containing the tetrasaccharide repeat unit: (→3)-α-DGalpNAc-(1→2)-α-D-PerpNAc-(1→3)-α-L-Fucp-(1→4)-β-D-Glcp-(1→), and conjugates thereof, to induce serum antibodies having bactericidal (killing) activity against hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) causing E. coli, in particular E. coli O157. The conjugates, and compositions thereof, are useful as vaccines to induce serum antibodies which have bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity against E. coli, in particular E. coli O157, and are useful to prevent and/or treat illnesses caused by E. coli O157.The invention further relates to the antibodies which immunoreact with the O-specific polysaccharide of E. coli O157 and/or the carrier, that are induced by these conjugates and/or compositions thereof. The invention also relates to methods and kits using one or more of the polysaccharides, conjugates or antibodies described above. |
| US08168192B2 |
Enterovirus type 71 protein and method for production
The invention provides a new type of a capsid protein VP1 of human enterovirus 71, named as MEL701-VP1 and functional/structural variants thereof, which is used for protection against enterovirus. The transgenic animal producing the protein, the composition comprising the protein and the method for production thereof are also provided. |
| US08168191B2 |
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte
The present invention relates to a T lymphocyte having an activity to induce a T lymphocyte recognizing an antigen and a technique to use the T lymphocyte. |
| US08168186B2 |
Therapeutic using a bispecific antibody
Multivalent, multispecific molecules having at least one specificity for a pathogen and at least one specificity for the HLA class II invariant chain (Ii) are administered to induce clearance of the pathogen. In addition to pathogens, clearance of therapeutic or diagnostic agents, autoantibodies, anti-graft antibodies, and other undesirable compounds may be induced using the multivalent, multispecific molecules. |
| US08168185B2 |
Process for the purification of anti CD-25 antibodies
The invention relates to a process for the purification of an Fc-containing protein based on cation exchange chromatography. |
| US08168183B2 |
Antibodies to granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor
The current invention relates to high-affinity antibodies to Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor that have reduced immunogenicity when administered to a human to treat diseases and method of using such antibodies. |
| US08168180B2 |
Methods and compositions for modulating angiogenesis
Methods and compositions suitable for modulating angiogenesis in a mammalian tissue are provided. Further provided are methods suitable for inhibiting metastasis and fibrosis in a mammalian tissue and for assessing the malignancy of colon cancer tumors. |
| US08168179B2 |
Treatment method using anti-PD-L1 antibody
Compositions for cancer or infection treatment via immunopotentiation caused by inhibition of immunosuppressive signal induced by PD-1, PD-L1, or PD-L2 and therapies using them, immunopotentiative substrates included as the active ingredient, screening methods of the substrates for cancer or infection treatment, cell lines used for the screening methods, evaluation methods that select the substrates for cancer treatment, and carcinoma cell transplanted mammals used for the evaluation methods. The compositions of the present invention that inhibits the function of PD-1, PD-L1, or PD-L2 are useful for treatment of cancer or infection. |
| US08168177B2 |
Method of regulating mammalian target-of-rapamycin activity by interaction between phospholipase D and Rheb
The present invention relates to method of regulating mammalian target-of-rapamycin (mTOR) based on a novel finding of a regulating mechanism of mTOR by a phospholipase D (PLD), and Ras homolog enriched in brain (Rheb). Further, the present invention also relates to a method of screening inhibitors of mTOR, and a method and a composition for treating mTOR-related metabolic diseases by inhibiting mTOR. |
| US08168173B2 |
CerCan: an energy supplement product for boosting the immune system
This invention concerns the process of creating an energy supplement product, good also as an anti-aging, aphrodisiac and as an alternative source to prevent or to remedy some diseases. The product is a composition of five ingredients: four marine animals (sea cucumber, sea urchin, sea sponge, and shark fin), and an algae called Sargassum. These ingredients are sterilized and then dried by using isothermal isotopes, reduced to powder, measured and encapsulated. |
| US08168168B2 |
Infectivity-enhanced conditionally-replicative adenovirus and uses thereof
A modified adenovirus capable of overcoming the problem of low level of coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR) expression on tumor cells and methods of using such adenovirus are provided. The fiber protein of the adenovirus is modified by insertion or replacement so as to target the adenovirus to tumor cells, and the replication of the modified adenovirus is limited to tumor cells due to specific promoter control or mutations in E1a or E1b genes. |
| US08168166B2 |
Live genetically attenuated malaria vaccine
Method for inoculating a vertebrate host against malaria, by administering to the host a live Plasmodium organism that is genetically engineered to disrupt a liver-stage-specific gene function. |
| US08168165B2 |
Alkylated interleukin-18 compositions
Alkylated interleukin-18 (IL-18), compositions comprising alkylated IL-18, kits comprising such compositions, methods of alkylating IL-18, and methods of using compositions comprising alkylated IL-18. |
| US08168164B2 |
Targeted conjugates and radiation
The invention relates to a method for enhancing an endogenous immune response-mediated elimination of a population of cancer cells in a host. The method comprises the steps of administering to the host a composition comprising an immunogen conjugated to a vitamin receptor-binding ligand selected from the group consisting of a vitamin, or an analog or a derivative thereof, and administering to the host a therapeutically effective amount of radiation wherein the amount of radiation can range from about 0.5 to about 10 Gy per dose. |
| US08168158B2 |
Base-facilitated produciton of hydrogen from carbonaceous matter
A base-facilitated process for producing hydrogen. Hydrogen is produced from a reaction of carbonaceous matter with a base and water, preferably through the formation of a bicarbonate or carbonate by-product. The base-facilitated hydrogen-producing reactions are thermodynamically more spontaneous and are able to produce hydrogen gas at less extreme reaction conditions than conventional reformation or gasification reactions of carbonaceous matter. In another embodiment, the instant reactions permit the production of hydrogen from carbonaceous matter without the production of carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide. In a preferred embodiment, the carbonaceous matter is coal or a derivative thereof. |
| US08168157B2 |
Production method of fine particle zinc oxide powder and cosmetics containing the same
It is to provide a production method of zinc oxide powder excellent in UV protection ability and transparency and to provide cosmetics containing the same. The fine particle zinc oxide powder is produced by subjecting either an aqueous solution containing both a water-soluble zinc salt and a carboxylic acid or an aqueous solution containing a water-soluble zinc carboxylate to pH adjustment with an alkali carbonate agent and aging the resulting mixture without calcining. The alkali carbonate agent may be 0.1 to 2 mol/L aqueous solution and the carboxylate group is 1 to 5 times in moles with respect to zinc. The pH adjustment can be carried out by dropwise addition of the alkali carbonate aqueous solution at 0.5 to 5 mL/min per 100 mL of either the aqueous solution containing both the water-soluble zinc salt and the carboxylic acid or the aqueous solution containing the water-soluble zinc carboxylate. |
| US08168155B2 |
Method for production of ammonium paratungstate tetrahydrate and highly pure ammonium paratungstate tetrahydrate
The invention is directed to a method for the production of ammonium paratungstate tetrahydrate by thermal treatment of ammonium paratungstate decahydrate in an aqueous suspension. The ammonium paratungstate tetrahydrate can be produced with high purity and high yield. The production method may furthermore be carried out in a simple and energy-efficient manner. |
| US08168153B2 |
Process for the production of chlorine dioxide
The invention concerns a process for the production of chlorine dioxide comprising generating chlorine dioxide in an aqueous reaction medium in a reaction vessel maintained at super-atmospheric pressure, withdrawing gaseous chlorine dioxide from said reaction medium, bringing withdrawn gaseous chlorine dioxide to an aqueous absorption medium and withdrawing gaseous chlorine dioxide from said absorption medium. |
| US08168152B2 |
Method for producing trichlorosilane and method for utilizing trichlorosilane
The present invention relates to a method for producing trichlorosilane. In this method for producing trichlorosilane, first, silicon tetrachloride and hydrogen are subjected to a conversion reaction at a temperature of equal to or higher than 1000° C. and equal to or lower than 1900° C., to produce a reaction gas containing trichlorosilane, dichlorosilylene, hydrogen chloride and high-order silane compounds, and then the reaction gas discharged from the conversion furnace is cooled to 600° C. or higher within 0.01 seconds from the initiation of cooling and to 500° C. or lower within 2 seconds. Subsequently, the reaction gas is maintained in a temperature range of equal to or higher than 500° C. and equal to or lower than 950° C. for a time period of equal to or longer than 0.01 seconds and equal to or shorter than 5 seconds. The reaction gas is further cooled to below 500° C. |
| US08168147B2 |
Sorbents for the oxidation and removal of mercury
A promoted activated carbon sorbent is described that is highly effective for the removal of mercury from flue gas streams. The sorbent comprises a new modified carbon form containing reactive forms of halogen and halides. Optional components may be added to increase reactivity and mercury capacity. These may be added directly with the sorbent, or to the flue gas to enhance sorbent performance and/or mercury capture. Mercury removal efficiencies obtained exceed conventional methods. The sorbent can be regenerated and reused. Sorbent treatment and preparation methods are also described. New methods for in-flight preparation, introduction, and control of the active sorbent into the mercury contaminated gas stream are described. |
| US08168146B2 |
Process for preparing high concentration dispersions of lithium hydroxide monohydrate and of anhydrous lithium hydroxide oils
The disclosed technology relates to a dispersion comprising LiOH and/or LiOH.H2O particulates dispersed in an organic medium comprising at least one oil and at least one surfactant, the concentration of LiOH and/or LiOH.H2O particulates in the dispersion being greater than 10% by weight, the LiOH and/or LiOH.H2O particulates having a mean particle size in the range up to about 10 microns wherein at least about 99% by weight of the LiOH particulates have a particle size in the range up to about 20 microns. A process for making the dispersion is disclosed. Grease compositions made using the dispersion are disclosed. |
| US08168144B2 |
System and method for providing an integrated reactor
A system and method for providing an integrated indirectly fired reactor and steam generator are disclosed. According to one embodiment, the reactor comprises an indirect heating zone heating water and generating steam, a mixing zone mixing feedstock and the steam and providing a mixture of the feedstock and the steam, and a reaction zone comprising a first reactor and a second reactor. The first reactor converts the mixture to a first syngas at a first temperature. The second reactor converts the first syngas to a second syngas at a second temperature, the second temperature being higher than the first temperature. |
| US08168138B2 |
Cryogenic vial
Provided is a cryogenic vial for storing at least one sample, the vial including a pipette, a cap assembly, and a container having at least one opening in a body portion of the container to allow liquid and/or gas to enter and/or exit the vial to balance the pressure between the inside of vial and the outside environment. The cryogenic vial allows for reduced processing time and minimizes the chance a sample may be lost or damaged while being processed. |
| US08168137B2 |
Nestable, stackable pipette rack for nestable pipette tips
The pipette rack comprises a plate, a peripheral base and a peripheral skirt. The plate has a first surface and defines an array of tip receptacles extending therethrough in a first direction orthogonal to the first surface. The tip receptacles are contoured to provide a clearance fit at locations axially offset from one another along a part of a pipette tip. The base extends in the first direction from the plate to a distal end surface. The skirt extends in the first direction from the base, and is outwardly offset therefrom to expose the distal end surface of the base so that the distal end surface contacts the plate of a similar pipette rack when the pipette racks are stacked. |
| US08168133B2 |
Device for performing a high throughput assay
A device and method is provided for performing a high throughput assay. The device includes a plate structure having a plate and a plurality of microfluidic structures positioned thereon. Each microfluidic structure defines a channel having an input and an output. At least one of the input and the output of the channel of each of the plurality of mircofluidic structures includes a first plurality of ports. In operation, the channels are filled with fluid and pressure gradients are generated between the fluids at the inputs and the fluids at the outputs of the channels. As a result, fluid flows through the channels toward the outputs. |
| US08168132B2 |
Apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam
An apparatus and method for drying instruments using superheated steam is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a chamber for receiving the instruments, a distribution means for distributing superheated steam within the chamber and an exhaust means for purging vaporized moisture from the chamber. The chamber has at least one inlet port which is connected to the distribution means. The method comprises sterilizing the instruments using saturated steam generated by the steam generation means and drying the instruments using superheated steam generated by the steam generation means to vaporize moisture within the chamber and purging the vaporized moisture from the chamber using the exhaust means. |
| US08168130B2 |
Plasma generation system and plasma generation method
A method and system for surely and conveniently generating plasma in a narrow tube having a small diameter.A first electrode formed by a conductive member covered with an insulator or dielectric is inserted into a narrow tube. The narrow tube is located on a second electrode. A power supply applies an alternating voltage or pulse voltage between the first electrode and the second electrode so that plasma is generated in the narrow tube around the first electrode. |
| US08168128B2 |
Plasma reactor
A plasma reactor (10) comprises a microwave resonant cavity (12) having a gas inlet (18) and a gas outlet (20), a waveguide (14) for conveying microwave radiation to the resonant cavity, and a plasma torch (40) for injecting into the resonant cavity a plasma stream containing ions for reacting with a gas flowing from the gas inlet (18) to the gas outlet (20). |
| US08168124B2 |
Exhaust gas treatment device and method
An exhaust gas treatment device for an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine includes a housing that is adapted to be tied into the exhaust system and at least one exhaust gas purification insert arranged in the housing. The exhaust gas purification insert includes an insert housing which is open at one end and at least one exhaust gas purification element arranged in the insert housing. The housing has at least one insert bracket which has at least one mounting opening on whose opening edge is supported an end section of the insert housing in the form of a ring. The end section forms a first spherical shell segment and the opening edge forms either a second spherical shell segment that is complementary to the first spherical shell segment or a conical jacket segment that fits the first spherical shell segment. |
| US08168122B2 |
Purified hydrogen peroxide gas microbial control methods and devices
The present invention relates to methods and devices for providing microbial control and/or disinfection/remediation of an environment. The methods generally comprise: generating a Purified Hydrogen Peroxide Gas (PHPG) that is substantially free of, e.g., hydration, ozone, plasma species, and/or organic species; and directing the gas comprising primarily PHPG into the environment such that the PHPG acts to provide microbial control and/or disinfection/remediation in the environment, preferably both on surfaces and in the air. |
| US08168117B2 |
Method to improve stability of burn-resistant titanium alloy
A powder metallurgy method includes the steps of forming a member, such as a work piece or an aerospace component, from a titanium alloy powder. The average size of a carbide phase in the titanium alloy powder is controlled in order to control an average size of a carbide phase in the member. In one example, an amount of carbon within the titanium alloy and size of the carbide phase are selected to provide a desirable balance of good hot workability, resisting formation of an alpha-titanium phase within the member and a desired level of fatigue performance. |
| US08168116B2 |
Method for producing an object at least partly with a silicon carbide structure from a blank of a carbon-containing material
The invention relates to a method for production of an object with an at least partly silicon carbide structure from a blank of a carbon-containing material, wherein, in a first step, the object made from the carbon-containing material is produced essentially in the desired end form and/or end size, the object made from the carbon-containing material is then at least partly enveloped in a carbon-rich silicon dioxide granulate and then fired at least once in the envelope in a protective gas atmosphere such that the silicon dioxide granulate gives off gas containing silicon carbide which diffuses into the object and the carbon-containing material is completely or partly converted into silicon carbide. The invention further relates to a method for producing an object with an at least partly silicon carbide structure from a blank made from a carbon-containing material or a porous silicon carbide in which the pre-made object is infiltrated with a precursor sol containing silicon and carbon and fired at least once in a protective gas atmosphere at a firing temperature for carrying out a carbothermal reduction, wherein the infiltrated precursor sol gives off a gas containing silicon carbide which converts the material of the object partly or completely into silicon carbide. |
| US08168111B2 |
Injection moulding method
An injection molding method in which plastic material under pressure is injected from a storage chamber with a closable outlet into a mold cavity and fills same under pressure, wherein the volume of the storage chamber and the pressure obtaining therein upon opening of the closure means are of values which are sufficient for filling of the mold cavity by expansion of the material in the storage chamber, and the storage chamber is arranged in the mold forming the mold cavity. |
| US08168110B2 |
Method for producing a deep-drawn film part from a thermoplastic material
Process for the production of an at least partly printed, metallized and/or otherwise coated thermoformed film part with at least the following process steps: a flat film piece which is at least partly printed, metallized and/or otherwise coated on one or on both surface(s) and is made of at least one thermoplastic, and which includes at least one film section which corresponds to the thermoformed part to be produced with respect to size and printing, metallizing and/or coating is provided; this film piece is mounted in a defined arrangement on a frame, only the edge sections of the film piece lying on the frame; the film piece lying on the frame in this way is introduced into a heating zone, and at least the film section is heated there to a given temperature; and the film piece heated in this way is introduced rapidly into a forming zone and is charged there immediately and directly with a fluid pressure means under a pressure means pressure of greater than 20 bar and is formed isostatically to give the desired thermoformed part within a period of time of less than 5 sec. characterized in that such a heating is carried out so that at least one side of the entire film section or of the predominant part of the film section has a film surface temperature in the range of from 10 to 65° C. above the Vicat softening temperature B/50. |
| US08168103B2 |
Method for making mushroom-type hook strap and mushroom-type hook strap made thereby
A method for making a mushroom-type hook strap for mechanical fasteners is disclosed. In a first stage of the method, a hook strap on which a plurality of hook preforms each having a substantially V-shaped free end are integrally molded. Then, in a second stage of the method, the V-shaped free end of each the hook preform is deformed into a polygonal head portion by two calendar rolls so as to form a mushroom-type hook strap that has a higher engaging percentage with the loop strap, has a longer lifetime, and is capable of providing a reliable and all-directional uniform fastening function. |
| US08168102B2 |
Machine utilized for producing and manufacturing a resilient film soft at touch, suitable to draining use
A machine utilized for producing and manufacturing a film, soft at touch, resilient and suitable at draining use. A film produced by such a machine, presents, at least, on one surface an essentially continuous pattern of micro-funnels three-dimensional (3D) directed in an essentially perpendicular way to the surface from which the micro-openings have origin. It presents also on the opposite surface a continuous pattern, composed by 3D macro-funnels directed in an essentially perpendicular way to the surface from which the macro-funnels have origin. The “micro-funnels” term, intend to describe a multitude of funnels non distinguishable by the human eye at a distance equal or higher than 450 mm. while the “macro funnels” term, intend to describe funnels clearly visible by the human eye at a distance higher than 450 mm. |
| US08168101B2 |
Inorganic membrane devices and methods of making and using the same
An inorganic membrane device is provided. The device comprises a substrate having a network of pores, and a membrane layer at least partially coupled to the substrate and having a plurality of pores, wherein the pores have an aspect ratio in a range from about 1:2 to about 1:100. |
| US08168097B2 |
Injection molding machine and method of controlling the same
An injection molding machine 1 includes mode selection means 8 that can selectively switch between a first control mode M1 and a second control mode M2. In the first control mode M1, control is performed by a first control system Cf in which a screw speed is controlled by feedback with a speed detection value Vd that is detected by screw speed detection means 5 and a speed target value Vfc, and an injection pressure is controlled by feedback with a pressure detection value Pid that is detected by injection pressure detection means 6 and a pressure target value Pic, whereas, in the second control mode M2, control is performed by a second control system Cs in which the screw speed is open-loop controlled with a speed target value Vsc, and a pump pressure is controlled by feedback with a pressure detection value Ppd that is detected by pump pressure detection means 7 and that is related to the pump pressure of the hydraulic pump 4 and a pressure target value Ppc. |
| US08168095B2 |
Spray-drying process for the manufacture of dye-loaded particles
According to a first aspect of the invention, a process is provided for the preparation of amorphous particles comprising a homogeneous distribution of one or more dyes encapsulated by an amorphous, siliceous encapsulating agent, the process comprising: (a) providing a precursor of the encapsulating agent in liquid form; (b) providing the one or more dyes in liquid form; (c) mixing the liquid forms; (d) aerosolizing the mixture to form droplets comprising the one or more dyes and encapsulating agent; and (e) heating the droplets to form the particles comprising the one or more dyes encapsulated by the siliceous encapsulating agent; wherein at least one of the liquid forms provided is aqueous and the or each aqueous liquid form is acidic. According to a second aspect of the invention, encapsulated dyes made by the process of the first aspect of the invention are provided. |
| US08168094B2 |
Method for manufacturing disc and method for manufacturing stamper
A method for manufacturing a disc includes the steps of performing laser exposure of an inorganic resist master on which a photosensitive layer is formed using an inorganic material, which protrudes in an exposed region, and a surface coat layer is formed on the surface of the photosensitive layer in order to control the shape of protrusion, transferring the shape of protrusion formed by the laser exposure on the inorganic resist master to produce a stamper on which a portion corresponding to the shape of protrusion is a depression, forming a resin substrate using the stamper so that a portion corresponding to the shape of protrusion is a protrusion, and forming a predetermined layer structure on the resin substrate to produce an optical disc. |
| US08168093B2 |
Cable having internal identifying indicia and associated methods
A cable for ensuring the authenticity thereof and discouraging the unauthorized counterfeiting of the cable may include a cable core and an opaque outer jacket surrounding the cable core. The jacket may include identifying indicia visible on an inner surface of the opaque outer jacket when opened, but visually obscured from viewing from outside the opaque outer jacket when unopened. The indicia may be integrally molded plastic stripes, for example. |
| US08168085B2 |
White light phosphors for fluorescent lighting
Materials suitable for use in highly energy-efficient production of white light through photo-luminescence, such as in light emitting devices, are generally provided. A composition comprising a compound having the formula: Sr3-vAvMO4-xF1-ywherein A is Ca, Ba, or a mixture thereof; M is Al, Ga, In, W, Mo, or a mixture thereof; 0≦v≦1; 0 |
| US08168082B2 |
Liquid crystalline coating solution and polarizing film
A liquid crystalline coating solution which comprises: an azo compound represented by the following general formula (I); and a solvent to dissolve the azo compound: wherein Q1 is a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl group or a substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl group; Q2 is a substituted or unsubstituted phenylene group or a substituted or unsubstituted naphthylene group; m is an integer from 1 to 5; and M is a counter ion. |
| US08168077B2 |
Refrigerant compositions and use thereof in low temperature refrigeration systems
A refrigerant composition. The composition has 25 to 35 mass % difluoromethane, 20 to 40 mass % pentafluoroethane, and 35 to 45 mass % tetrafluoroethane. The composition exhibits a positive superheat at an evaporation temperature of about −30° F. There is also a process for producing refrigeration and a refrigeration system. |
| US08168074B2 |
Modification of polymer surface with shielded plasma
Methods and systems for modifying a surface of a polymer with a shielded plasma are provided. The surface may be modified to create a surface with increased crosslinking and/or a particular mechanical property, such as a coefficient of friction. A shielding arrangement is used to modify the plasma to which the polymer surface is exposed, thereby providing a surface with the desired mechanical properties. In one aspect, a single source that provides multiple species of plasma particles is advantageously used instead of having to switch or move in multiple sources. The extent of crosslinking is evaluated using a surface force microscope to determine a frictional property that is correlated to the crosslinking, e.g., via calibrated values determined from reference surfaces. |
| US08168073B2 |
Waste concrete and aggregate reclaimer
A reclaimer, for the separation of heavier solids from slurry water, including an inlet means (50) to allow loading of a flow of the solid laden slurry water (90), a reclaiming tank (10) to contain the input from the inlet means (50), a plurality of lamella plates (20) to increase the effective separation surface area to improve the separation process, said lamella plates (20) provided at an angle, an agitation mechanism (40) for loosening up the slurry water from the heavier solids, an outlet means (82) to allow the separated slurry water to exit the tank (10), wherein the agitation mechanism (40) is a conveyor, with a plurality of protrusions (42). |
| US08168069B2 |
Enrichment process for a PGM-metals containing stream
The invention provides an enrichment process for a PGM-group metals containing stream, said process including the steps of contacting activated carbon particles with a PGM-rich stream by contacting the stream with a batch of the particles on a continuous basis, whereby at least some of the PGM-group metals are adsorbed from the stream onto active surface sites of the activated carbon and a PGM-metals depleted stream passes out of contact with the activated carbon batch, thereafter stripping the PGM-group metals from the activated carbon batch by means of a concentrated HCl solution as stripping agent, wherein the stripping agent is contacted with the activated carbon batch on a continuous flow basis and the PGM-group metals loaded stripping agent is removed from contact with the activated carbon from which the PGM-group metals have been stripped, and then regenerating the activated carbon batch by washing with water and, if necessary, reactivating the carbon particles. |
| US08168068B2 |
Treatment of contaminated water streams from coal-bed-methane production
The present invention is a method for treating contaminated water streams resulting from the production of coal-bed-methane. The method of treating contaminated water streams typically includes the steps of: providing a reaction vessel that contains a bed of weak acid cation ion exchange resin beads; introducing the contaminated water stream to the reaction vessel; allowing for the exchange of hydrogen ions for sodium ions; removing the ion exchanged treated water from the reaction vessel; stopping the stream of contaminated water; and regenerating the weak cation exchange resin. |
| US08168067B2 |
Process for incorporating a dry treatment product into a liquid waste
A process for treating and disposing a liquid waste, which is solidified prior to disposal, includes steps of adding to said liquid waste a dry treatment product generally comprising approximately 25% to 75% bentonite clay and respectively 75% to 25% of a liquid-sorbing polymer, subjecting the liquid waste to a single pass high shear mix so as to incorporate the treatment product into the liquid waste with increased dispersion and reduced agglomeration, subjecting the treated liquid waste to a retention time suitable for solidification, and disposing of the solidified liquid waste. The liquid waste preferably is recirculated prior to addition of dry treatment product so as to permit a calibration of the characteristics of the liquid waste, and subsequent determination of the correct rate of dry treatment addition. |
| US08168066B2 |
Quick-drain filter
An apparatus, system, and method for a quick-drain filter includes a filter housing, a clean fluid passage disposed axially in the housing, and a service drain passage disposed at an axial end of the housing and spaced radially away from the clean fluid passage. A protrusion extending radially from a stand pipe defining the clean fluid passage, disposed axially in the housing, defines the inner radius of the drain passage, and a housing member defines the outer radius. A plug extends axially from a filter cartridge to plug the drain passage when the cartridge is installed in the housing. |
| US08168062B2 |
Composition and method for breaking water in oil emulsions
A multi-component demulsifier comprising an alkoxylated C5-C7 alkyl substituted phenol-formaldehyde resin and at least one polyalkylene oxide triblock copolymer. This synergistic combination of materials is useful in breaking emulsions, of water in hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon in water. |
| US08168060B2 |
System and method for improving accuracy of a gas sensor
A method is disclosed for operating an electrochemical gas sensor with a measuring electrode pair and a pumping electrode pair. The method includes obtaining a measurement of the interfering species at a location spatially adjacent to a measuring electrode of the measuring electrode pair; and adjusting one or more of an operation or an output processing of the electrochemical gas sensor based on the measurement of the interfering species. In this manner, the measurement of the interfering species may be used to adjust the removal rates of the interfering species and/or to adjust an offset of an analyte measurement to compensate for the presence of the interfering species. |