Document Document Title
US08203770B2 Multi-dimensional interpolation device, multi-dimensional interpolation method and computer-readable medium
A data divider divides N-dimensional digital image signals into higher-order bit signals and lower-order bit signals. Reference values corresponding to all combinations of the divided higher-order bit signals are divisionally stored in 2N−1 sub-memories without overlaps. The (N+1) reference values necessary for interpolation processing are read by a reference value reader at the same time.
US08203767B2 Auto document feeding device
An auto document feeding device causes an original document passing through an OUT path and an original document passing through an IN path to flow together with overlap a trailing edge of a preceding original document and a leading edge of a following original document. Before the original documents reach to a READ document glass, the auto document feeding device comprises a separating unit configured to separate an overlapping portion of the original documents. The auto document feeding device reduces a distance between the preceding original document and the following original document passing on the READ document glass to nearly 0 mm.
US08203765B2 Receipts scanner and financial organizer
Expense information is obtained from receipts having various formats. Electronic image information of a receipt is processed to obtain expense information contained on the receipt. The expense information contained on the receipt can be categorized into one or more predetermined categories to obtain categorized information for the receipt. The categorized information for the receipt can be combined with categorized information of other receipts to produce reports for one or more of the predetermined categories.
US08203762B2 Image reading device, image reading method and reading control program
An image reading device is provided. The image reading device includes: a reading unit which reads an original while the reading unit and the original are relatively moved, to produce a plurality of image data based on a plurality of producing conditions, respectively, in response to a reading command input one time, the plurality of producing conditions being different mutually; and a storing unit which stores the plurality of image data produced by the reading unit in a same storing destination.
US08203756B2 Method for characterizing the color response of an imaging device
A method for characterizing the color response of an imaging device, the method includes reproducing a color on the imaging device based on a set of device color coordinates; measuring spectral values for the reproduced color with a spectral measurement device controlled by a digital processing system; calculating a first set of tristimulus values from the spectral values; defining a set of human observer color matching functions, the set of human observer color matching functions being functions of the first set of tristimulus values of the reproduced color; calculating a second set of tristimulus values from the spectral values using the defined set of human observer color matching functions; and associating the reproduced device color coordinate with the second set of tristimulus values.
US08203755B2 Adjustment for output image of image data
An image processing method of processing an image data uses an image file. The image file includes the image data and image processing control information being used for processing the image data. The method includes the steps of: (a) determining a degree of auto adjustment for adjusting lightness and contrast of the image data according to lightness of a whole image expressed by the image data, based on the image processing control information; and (b) performing the auto adjustment based on the determination.
US08203751B2 Color signal converting apparatus, image forming apparatus, color signal conversion method and computer readable medium
The color signal converting apparatus is provided with: a color signal receiving unit that receives input of first color signals; and a converting unit that performs a conversion of the first color signals received by the color signal receiving unit, into second color signals. The converting unit performs the conversion to make a total sum of color component values of each of the second color signals equal to or smaller than an upper limit value set for each of the second color signals.
US08203749B2 Printing device, carriage and color measurement method
The invention relates to a color printing device, whereby the color printing device comprises a reciprocating color measurement device and a reciprocating optical density sensor, to a mobile carriage comprising a color printhead, a color measurement device and an optical density sensor and to a color measurement method comprising the following steps: identify the position of a pattern on a two-dimensional media using a mobile optical density sensor; derive the position of a color patch on the media from the position of the pattern; measure the color of the color patch using a color measurement device.
US08203744B2 System and method for registration device location
A method of connecting an image forming apparatus (IFA) to a network and assigning the IFA a network address, selecting a map file image from a plurality of map file images, the selected map file image corresponding to a regional location of the IFA, outputting the selected map file image, selecting a location on the map file image which corresponds to a physical location of the IFA, and storing the location and the network address. An IFA configured to implement the method.
US08203743B2 Form processing device including a written image extraction device
A disclosed document processing device for processing image data includes a medium identification information acquiring unit configured to acquire medium identification information from an image of the medium identification information included in the image data; a process information acquiring unit configured to acquire, based on the medium identification information, process information pertaining to a currently-executing process in a currently-executing workflow associated with the medium identification information; a form definition information acquiring unit configured to acquire, based on the process information pertaining to the currently-executing process, form definition information of a form corresponding to the currently-executing process; and a region image acquiring unit configured to acquire, based on the form definition information, a region image of a predetermined region in the image data, which predetermined region corresponds to an entry region in the form where written-input information is written in at the currently-executing process.
US08203742B2 Producing postscript bitmap images with varying degrees of transparency
Embodiments herein include a method of combining a graphic image with other data to be printed, such as text or other graphics. One embodiment receives image data and document data and applies a mask to the image data to produce an image snippet. The mask adjusts a transparency of the image data in the image snippet by eliminating pixels from the image data. The method combines the document data and the image snippet into a page description language (PDL) file (PostScript file) using a print driver. One feature of the embodiments herein is that the image snippet is combined with the document data only by the print driver, and the image does not need to be combined downstream using an interpreter. After creating the PDL file, then the method processes the page description language file through an interpreter to produce raster data and prints the raster data on a media sheet using a printer.
US08203741B2 Printing system, control method therefor, and photo-direct printing apparatus
In a printing system in which a digital camera (DSC) and PD printer apparatus are directly connected via a USB, and image data is transmitted from the DSC to the PD printer apparatus and printed, Capability of the PD printer apparatus is transmitted from the PD printer apparatus to the DSC after communication procedures are established by an application (NCDP) installed in the PD printer apparatus and DSC. The PD printer apparatus is caused to execute print operation in accordance with print conditions set by the DSC on the basis of the transmitted Capability.
US08203735B2 Content managing system
A managing system causes content managed by a server to be updated by a portable terminal by means of a communication network and includes a content updatable location registering device which registers a location which can be updated by a portable terminal.
US08203733B2 Image processing apparatus, storage medium in which image processing program is stored, and image processing method
An image processing apparatus according to an aspect of the invention includes a first storage unit, a second storage unit, a control unit, and a construction unit. A program of at least one module including a buffer module among modules of an image processing unit is stored in the first storage unit. An image processing program and a shared library can be additionally stored in the second storage unit. The image processing program is used to perform image processing and a program of a module generation unit is registered in the shared library. The control unit instructs at least one module in the image processing unit to perform image processing during construction of the image processing unit. The construction unit constructs the image processing unit.
US08203732B2 Searching for an image utilized in a print request to detect a device which sent the print request
Even if there are many printed images similar to a query image, this invention can effectively use a display window with a limited size and support to specify the print request source of each similar image by classifying and displaying the images according to additional information containing information indicating the print request source which has issued a print request for the image. Therefore, when a query image is input and images similar to the query image are found, the similar images are classified according to the user names of users who have printed them. The numbers of times of printing of the similar images and maximum similarities are displayed for the respective user names.
US08203730B2 Information processing device, information recording medium manufacturing device, information recording medium, methods therefore, and computer program
An information processing device for executing content reproduction processing includes: a content reproduction processing unit for executing data transformation processing for replacing a part of configuration data of input content to be reproduced with transformation data, and executing processing for reproducing the reproduction content; and a parameter generating unit for providing the content reproduction processing unit with a parameter to be applied in the data transformation processing; wherein the content reproduction processing unit has a configuration for obtaining a parameter identifier that is different for each segment set as a sectioning region of reproduction content, and outputting a parameter calculation request accompanied by the parameter identifier to the parameter generating unit; and wherein the parameter generating unit has a configuration for providing the content reproducing unit with a parameter corresponding to a segment, in response to the parameter calculation request from the content reproducing unit.
US08203728B2 Print device, print method, print program recording medium, print data production device, print data production method, and print data production program recording medium
A print device includes a print data acquisition unit that acquires print data having a plurality of signature attachment areas defined thereon, each signature attachment area having electronic signature data produced therefor and attached thereto, a range data acquisition unit that acquires data indicative of a range of a print target area defined on the print data, and a verification unit that verifies, before completion of acquisition of the print data by the print data acquisition unit, the electronic signature data attached to the signature attachment area containing at least a part of the print target area.
US08203727B2 Image processing apparatus provided with an image memory used by a plurality of boards performing expanded data processings, backup processing method, and storage medium storing program readable by computer
An image processing apparatus for eliminating the necessity of providing a first control board with a power supply unit beforehand for backing up data stored in an image memory, and reducing the cost of the apparatus as a whole. To accomplish this, in an image processing apparatus including a system control board configured to perform image processing, a memory backup function is enabled for an image memory storing data to be processed by the system control board, when a facsimile communication board is connected.
US08203726B2 Image forming apparatus
In an image forming apparatus, damage to the apparatus caused by power conduction at the time of installation is prevented. When initial adjustment at factory ends and service person moves the apparatus, a power switch is turned OFF. Using this OFF operation as a trigger, a control unit 100 reads specific information (information related to pre-processing before starting power supply to the apparatus), and displays the information on electronic paper 108.
US08203725B2 Automatic arrangement of nested images as a function of assigned print modes
Images selected for printing are assigned respective print-speed modes so that at least first and second of said images are assigned to a relatively fast print mode and at least a third image is assigned to a relatively slow print mode. The images are arranged as a function of print-speed mode so that said first and second images are in a first row and so that said third is in a second row. The images are then printed on real print media, with the first row being printed using a relatively fast print speed and the second row being printed at a relatively slow print speed.
US08203724B2 Image forming apparatus and control method therefor, as well as program for implementing the control method
An image forming apparatus which, when a conference material or the like is printed, is capable of printing the material according to the preferences of presentees of the conference while avoiding the conference material from being printed according to print settings by users responsible for printing the conference material. Print setting information is registered on a user-by-user basis. An image printing process is executed based on the registered print setting information. When the image printing process is executed based on the registered print setting information, a user-identifying image corresponding to the print setting information is added to the image to be printed.
US08203719B2 Stitching of near-nulled subaperture measurements
A metrology system for measuring aspheric test objects by subaperture stitching. A wavefront-measuring gauge having a limited capture range of wavefront shapes collects partially overlapping subaperture measurements over the test object. A variable optical aberrator reshapes the measurement wavefront with between a limited number of the measurements to maintain the measurement wavefront within the capture range of the wavefront-measuring gauge. Various error compensators are incorporated into a stitching operation to manage residual errors associated with the use of the variable optical aberrator.
US08203717B2 Rotational speed sensor
The invention relates to a sensor for the determination of the rotational speed of a shaft. To provide a sensor improved with respect to known tachometers, it is proposed that the sensor has a stationary part (20) and a part (22) co-rotating with the shaft (16), wherein the stationary part (20) has a laser light source (24), a first optical coupler (26), an optical detector (28) and an evaluation unit (30) which determines the rotational speed from the detector signals and the rotating part (22) has a light guide coil (32) which is rotationally fixedly connected to the shaft (16) and is wound concentrically to the shaft (16) and the ends (34 and 36) of the light guide coil (32) are guided to an end face so that, on the one hand, the light (40) of the light source (24) can be coupled into both ends (34 and 36) and two light components run around in opposite directions in the light guide coil (32) and, on the other hand, the light components can be decoupled from the two ends (34 and 36) for the superimposition of the light components on the detector (28) so that, on a rotation of the shaft (16), the detector signals can be detected while exploiting the Sagnac effect from the phase shift, dependent on the rotational speed, of the two light components running around in opposite directions.
US08203716B2 Tandem Fabry-Perot etalon cylindrical beam volume hologram for high resolution/large spectral range diffuse light spectroscopy
Systems and methods for performing two-dimensional (2D) high resolution spectral-spatial mapping are described. At least one embodiment includes a spectrometer for performing two-dimensional (2D) high resolution spectral-spatial mapping comprising a Fabry-Perot component configured to receive a diffuse input beam and provide a high resolution spectral mapping of the diffuse input beam in a first direction. The spectrometer further comprises a volume hologram for increasing a spectral operating range, the volume hologram configured to perform spectral mapping in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction to increase the spectral operating range. The spectrometer further comprises a charged coupled device (CCD) configured to receive output beams, the output beams used to provide spectral analysis of the input beams.
US08203710B1 Compact wide field fast hyperspectral imager
A spectrometer having substantially increased spectral and spatial fields.
US08203708B2 Spectrally encoded coherent ant-stokes raman scattering endoscope
Disclosed is a spectrally encoded coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) endoscope that is capable of spatially encoding spectral dispersions of two light sources having frequency difference as much as a Raman shift and overlapping two laser beams on a position where a sample to be measured is placed, thereby acquiring a spatial distribution of CARS signals.
US08203706B2 Method and apparatus for inspecting defects
To provide a defect inspection apparatus for inspecting defects of a specimen without lowering resolution of a lens, without depending on a polarization characteristic of a defect scattered light, and with high detection sensitivity that is realized by the following. A detection optical path is branched by at least one of spectral splitting and polarization splitting, a spatial filter in the form of a two-dimensional array is disposed after the branch, and only diffracted light is shielded by the spatial filter in the form of a two-dimensional array.
US08203704B2 Multi-stream sensor for noninvasive measurement of blood constituents
The present disclosure relates to a sensor having a set of photodetectors that are arranged at various locations to enable the measurement of blood glucose. The photodetectors are arranged across multiple locations. For example, the detector may comprise multiple photodetector arrays that are arranged to have a sufficient difference in mean path length to allow for noise cancellation and noise reduction. Walls may be used in the detector to separate individual photodetectors and prevent mixing of detected optical radiation between the different locations on the measurement site. A window may also be employed to facilitate the passing of optical radiation at various wavelengths for measuring glucose in the tissue.
US08203700B2 Supporting remote analysis
This disclosure relates to a method that includes receiving infrared adsorption absorption information for a sample, processing the infrared adsorption absorption information for the sample to determine an identity of the sample, generating a reference signature for the identified sample, and distributing the reference signature for the identified sample to a plurality of handheld measurement devices via cellular connections with the handheld measurement devices.
US08203697B2 Movable body drive method and system, pattern formation method and apparatus, exposure method and apparatus for driving movable body based on measurement value of encoder and information on flatness of scale, and device manufacturing method
A drive unit drives a wafer stage in a Y-axis direction based on a measurement value of an encoder that measures position information of the wafer stage in the Y-axis direction and based on information on the flatness of a scale that is measured by the encoder. In this case, the drive unit can drive the wafer stage in a predetermined direction based on a measurement value after correction in which a measurement error caused by the flatness of the scale included in the measurement value of the encoder is corrected based on the information on the flatness of the scale. Accordingly, the wafer stage can be driven with high accuracy in a predetermined direction using the encoder, without being affected by the unevenness of the scale.
US08203696B2 Projection exposure apparatus with optimized adjustment possibility
A projection apparatus for microlithography for imaging an object field includes an objective, one or a plurality of manipulators for manipulating one or a plurality of optical elements of the objective, a control unit for regulating or controlling the one or the plurality of manipulators, a determining device for determining at least one or a plurality of image aberrations of the objective, a memory comprising upper bounds for one or a plurality of specifications of the objective, including upper bounds for image aberrations and/or movements for the manipulators, wherein when determining an overshooting of one of the upper bounds by one of the image aberrations and/or an overshooting of one of the upper bounds by one of the manipulator movements by regulation or control of at least one manipulator within at most 30000 ms, or 10000 ms, or 5000 ms, or 1000 ms, or 200 ms, or 20 ms, or 5 ms, or 1 ms, an undershooting of the upper bounds can be effected.
US08203694B2 Lithographic apparatus, projection assembly and active damping
A lithographic apparatus includes an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam and a support constructed to support a patterning device. The lithographic apparatus further includes a substrate table constructed to hold a substrate; and a projection system configured to project the patterned beam onto a target portion of the substrate. An active damping system is provided to dampen a vibration of at least part of the projection system. The active damping system includes a combination of a sensor to measure a position quantity of the projection system and an actuator to exert a force on the projection system in dependency of a signal provided by the sensor. The active damping system is connected to a damping mass, the damping mass being connected to the projection system.
US08203691B2 High extinction ratio liquid crystal optical switch
An optical switch for performing high extinction ratio switching of an optical signal includes a beam polarizing element and one or more optical elements. The optical elements are configured to direct an optical signal along a first or second optical path based on the polarization state of the optical signal as it passes through the optical elements. The optical switch performs high extinction ratio switching of the optical signal by preventing unwanted optical energy from entering an output port by using an absorptive or reflective optical element or by directing the unwanted optical energy along a different optical path.
US08203690B2 Liquid crystal display device and method of manufacturing same
A liquid crystal display device 10 of the present invention includes a liquid crystal panel 11 and a lighting device 12. The liquid crystal panel 11 has a liquid crystal layer 50 between a pair of glass substrates 31 and 41. The lighting device 12 provides illumination light to the liquid crystal panel 11. A concave lens 60 is formed on the glass substrate 41 among the pair of glass substrates 31 and 41, which is arranged on a side opposite from the lighting device 12. The concave lens 60 has a recess on a surface of glass substrate 41 on an opposite side from the liquid crystal layer 50 in an area overlapping a black dot failure occurrence area when viewed in plan. A light transmissive material 70 having a refraction index equal to or higher than the glass substrate 41 is applied to at least a part of the concave lens 60.
US08203688B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display includes: a transparent first substrate placed on the display plane side; a transparent second substrate opposed to the first substrate; a cholesteric liquid crystal that is placed between the first and second substrates and whose selective reflection color is yellow; and a reflector for white/blue display opposed to the second substrate. The angular dependence of scattered light intensity of the reflector for white/blue display is equivalent to the angular dependence of scattered light intensity of the cholesteric liquid crystal.
US08203687B2 Display substrate and liquid crystal display panel having the same
One or more embodiments of a display substrate include a base substrate and a pixel electrode. The base substrate has a pixel area defined thereon. The pixel electrode includes a low pixel electrode formed in the pixel area to receive a first voltage, a high pixel electrode spaced apart from the low pixel electrode along a first direction to receive a second voltage that is higher than the first voltage, and a liquid crystal molecule control part formed on at least one of the low and high pixel electrodes so as to control liquid crystal molecules disposed at an area corresponding to a boundary of the low and high pixel electrodes. The liquid crystal molecules disposed at a domain corresponding to a boundary between the low and high pixel electrodes may be controlled, so that the generation of stains or afterimages may be prevented at a boundary of domain areas.
US08203678B2 Liquid crystal display with protruding sub-pixel electrode
A pixel unit of a liquid crystal display includes a first sub-pixel electrode coupled by a direct current path to a corresponding switching element and a second sub-pixel electrode capacitively connected to the first sub-pixel electrode. The second sub-pixel electrode has a protrusion extending upwardly toward a spaced apart common electrode. The common electrode has a cut-out directly above the protrusion.
US08203674B2 Manufacturing thin film transistor array panels for flat panel displays
A thin film transistor array panel for a flat panel display includes a substrate, a first signal line formed on the substrate, a second signal line intersecting and insulated from the first signal line, a switching element having a first terminal connected to the first signal line, a second terminal connected to the second signal line, and a third terminal, a pixel electrode connected to the third terminal of the switching element, and first and second light blocking members extending parallel to the second signal line, each being disposed on an opposite side of and partially overlapping an respective edge of the second signal line, an interval between the first and second light blocking members being in a range of from more than 1.5 μm to less than 4 μm. The array panel prevents light leakage from the display and improves its transmittance, aperture ratio and color reproducibility.
US08203673B2 Elliptical polarizer and vertical alignment type liquid crystal display device comprising the same
An elliptical polarizer with excellent viewing angle characteristics is provided which comprises at least a first polarizer, a first optical anisotropic layer, a second optical anisotropic layer, and a third optical anisotropic layer, laminated in this order, wherein the first optical anisotropic layer satisfies [1] 50≦Re1≦500, the second optical anisotropic layer satisfies [2] 0≦Re2≦20 and [3] −500≦Rth2≦−30, and the third optical anisotropic layer satisfies [4] 100≦Re3≦180 wherein Re and Rth indicate the retardation values in the plane and thickness direction, respectively, of each of the optical anisotropic layers.
US08203668B2 Optical member unit, lighting device for display, display, and television receiver
An optical member 15 is constituted by sticking a lens sheet 28 capable of transmitting light irradiated toward a liquid crystal panel 11 and a diffuser sheet 27 together. The lens sheet 28 is provided with a lens portion 30 having a large number of unit lenses 29 aligned on the front surface, while on the rear surface, provided with a reflecting layer 32 having an opening 31 corresponding to the lens portion 30. The optical member 15 is received on the backside by receiving members 21 and 24 provided respectively in a holder 17 and a lamp holder 16, while being held from the front by a frame 18. A protrusion 33 is provided in the receiving member 24 in the holder 17, which supports the optical member 15 in a posture so that the edge 15a of the optical member 15 and the arrangement of the unit lenses 29 are inclined relatively to the arrangement of the pixel electrodes PE in the liquid crystal panel 11, by abutting an outer circumferential end surface 15b in the optical member 15.
US08203663B2 Liquid crystal device and projector having particular concave reflective layer
A liquid crystal device includes a first substrate, an optically transparent second substrate, a liquid crystal layer provided between the first and second substrates, a plurality of light reflecting pixel electrodes provided between the first substrate and the liquid crystal layer, pixels including the pixel electrodes, a translucent electrode provided between the second substrate and the liquid crystal layer, and a reflective layer. The reflective layer is provided close to the first substrate rather than the pixel electrodes so as to overlap, in plan view, at least a part of a gap between the first pixel electrode of the pixel electrodes and the second pixel electrode adjacent to the first pixel electrode, and the cross-section of the reflective layer in a direction where the first and second pixel electrodes are adjacent to each other has a concave surface that is dented toward a side opposite to the liquid crystal layer.
US08203661B2 Liquid crystal display device, display device and manufacturing method thereof
Image display device having an electrode forming layer which includes a plurality of gate lines, a plurality of drain lines, a plurality of switching elements and the a plurality of pixel electrodes, and having reference electrode layer between the electrode forming layer and a substrate where the electrode forming layer formed thereon, and the reference electrode layer and the electrode forming layer are insulated by insulating layer.
US08203659B2 LCD display and gaming machine combination
A combination of an LCD display and a gaming machine includes an LCD comprising a touchscreen, a liquid crystal panel, a backlight module, printed circuit boards, and a rear cover having an opening wherein the backlight module comprises, from front to rear, four optical films each having three openings, three barrier films, a light guide having three openings, two light sources on top and bottom edges of the light guide respectively, a reflecting film having three openings, and a frame plate having three openings, the barrier films functions as a visual barrier or a transparent member by adjusting voltage applied thereto, and the openings are aligned one another; a plurality of revolving wheels disposed behind the LCD, each wheel comprising a plurality of symbols arranged annually thereon. One pattern including the symbols of the wheels behind the openings is illuminated by the light source.
US08203658B2 Screen protecting assembly for electronic device
A screen protecting assembly for an electronic device includes a pivot shaft, a cushion, and two connecting subassemblies positioned on the electronic device. Each connecting subassembly has a base and a rotating member rotatably received in the base. The rotating member engages with the pivot shaft. The cushion coils on the pivot shaft. When the rotating member is rotated in a first direction, the cushion unfolds to cover a screen of the electronic device. When the rotating member is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the cushion coils on the pivot shaft so that the screen of the electronic device is exposed.
US08203655B2 Multimedia television system
A multimedia television system is disclosed. The multimedia television system comprises a receiver, a detector, an audio processing/controlling device, and a mixing device. The receiver receives an audio/video signal comprising an audio signal and a video signal and outputs the audio signal and the video signal respectively. When an external upgrading/transmitting device is connected to the detector, the detector will generate an upgrading signal. When the audio processing/controlling device receives the upgrading signal, the audio processing/controlling device will process the audio signal into a multi-channel audio signal comprising front sub-audio signals and rear sub-audio signals according to the upgrading signal. Then, the mixing device processes the rear sub-audio signals into at least one mixed audio signal. The detector receives the at least one mixed audio signal and transmits the at least one mixed audio signal via the external upgrading/transmitting device.
US08203652B2 SECAM-L detector and video broadcast system having the same
A method for detecting SECAM-L signals is disclosed. First, a SECAM-L signal is received and demodulated into a demodulation signal. Then high frequency components of the demodulation signal are filtered out and a low frequency signal, including many sync pulses and many data pulses, is obtained. Next, the low frequency signal is inversion into an inversion signal, having many inversion sync pulses and many inversion data pulses. Afterwards a voltage level of the inversion signal is detected continuously whether it is a lowest level. After that, the lowest level is determined whether belonging to the inversion sync pulses when the voltage level of the inversion signal is the lowest level, and a detection signal is outputted. When the lowest level belongs to the inversion sync pulses, a voltage level of the detection signal is high, and the demodulation signal is an inversion SECAM-L demodulation signal.
US08203650B2 Pull-down signal detecting apparatus, pull-down signal detecting method, and video-signal converting apparatus
An inter-field pull-down pattern detecting circuit determines whether an input video signal is a first pull-down signal or a second pull-down signal, on the basis of input plug information and a pattern of the consecutive inter-field correlation levels, obtained from an inter-field correlation determination circuit. A counter counts the number of times the pattern detecting circuit determines that the input video signal is the first pull-down signal. The counter is reset to “0” when the input video signal is determined to be other than the first and second pull-down signals. When the count of the counter exceeds a preset value, the input video signal is finally determined to be the first pull-down signal.
US08203648B2 Motion vector detecting apparatus and motion vector detecting method
In encoding an interlace picture in a field picture, a motion-vector detecting apparatus changes over a reference picture of a P-picture in a field unit, and changes over a reference picture of a B-picture in a frame unit. Moreover, in detecting the motion vector in different predictive directions, the motion-vector detecting apparatus simultaneously carries out a process of the same reference picture by changing over original picture frames.
US08203644B2 Imaging system with improved image quality and associated methods
An image capturing device may include a detector including a plurality of sensing pixels, and an optical system adapted to project a distorted image of an object within a field of view onto the sensing pixels, wherein the optical system expands the image in a center of the field of view and compresses the image in a periphery of the field of view, wherein a first number of sensing pixels required to realize a maximal zoom magnification {circumflex over (Z)} at a minimum resolution of the image capturing device is less than a square of the maximal zoom magnification times a second number of sensing pixels required for the minimum resolution.
US08203643B2 Automatic focusing device
An automatic focusing device in accordance with the present invention comprises an image sensor being subjected to exposure performed in a rolling shutter system, a focusing system including a focus lens for focusing on the image sensor, an AF evaluation value calculating unit calculating an AF evaluation value based on an imaging signal obtained from the image sensor, and an AF control unit controlling an operation of the focusing system based on an AF evaluation value of a focusing area set in a part of the imaging picture by the image sensor, and the AF control unit makes the AF evaluation value of a focusing area of each imaging picture and a focus lens position at the time of exposure for the focusing area correspond to each other, and drives the focusing system during the period which overlaps with an exposure period while searching the focus lens position where the AF evaluation value becomes maximum.
US08203642B2 Selection of an auto focusing method in an imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging device receiving light from an object through an imaging lens at a predetermined imaging plane and performing photoelectric conversion of an object image to generate a captured image; a phase-difference detector for receiving the light from the object and generating a phase-difference detection signal corresponding to a focus level of the object image; an evaluation-value calculator for calculating a predetermined evaluation value corresponding to a contrast of the object image on the basis of the captured image; and a determining unit for selecting an optimum AF method from among a plurality of AF methods in which the phase-difference detection signal obtained by the phase-difference detecting unit and the predetermined evaluation value based on the captured image are used selectively or in combination, the optimum AF method being selected in accordance with image-capturing conditions of the object.
US08203641B2 Display processing apparatus and method, and recording medium
A display processing apparatus which makes it possible to set auto bracketing values while confirming a whole range of shooting conditions configurable for correction in which possible shooting condition corrections are taken into account. An exposure correction value is set based on an instruction from a user for correcting a preset value of exposure. Auto bracketing value auto bracketing shooting are set based on an instruction from the user. A process is carried out for displaying a scale for indicating values of the exposure correction value and the auto bracketing values, indicators indicative of a range of exposure correction values that can be set and are arranged in a manner associated with the scale, and indicators indicative of a range of auto bracketing values that can be set and are arranged in a manner associated with the scale and the first indicators.
US08203639B2 Method for resetting time-based CMOS image sensor
A method of resetting a time-based CMOS image sensor may be provided, where the time-based CMOS image sensor may include a photodiode, a transfer transistor transferring photo-generated charges generated in the photodiode to a floating diffusion node and having a gate to which a ramp signal is input, and a reset transistor resetting the photodiode and the floating diffusion node. The method may include generating photo-generated charges at the photodiode, transferring the photo-generated charges to the floating diffusion node in response to a ramp signal; and resetting a reset electron potential of the photodiode to be higher than a reset electron potential of the floating diffusion node.
US08203638B2 Electronic shutter control in image sensors
An image sensor includes an electronic shutter layer that is used to drain charge away from the photosensitive regions during an electronic shutter operation. A current sensing component and a selector component are electrically connected to a contact to the electronic shutter layer in the image sensor. The current sensing component senses a current level in the electronic shutter layer and changes a state of an alert signal when the current level equals or exceeds a threshold current level. The selector component receives the alert signal from the current sensing component and a shutter signal from an electronic shutter pulse driver component. Depending on the state of the alert signal, the selector component either transmits, or does not transmit, the shutter signal to the electronic shutter layer. An electronic shutter operation is performed when the electronic shutter layer receives the shutter signal.
US08203634B2 Physical quantity detecting device, solid-state imaging device, and imaging apparatus
A physical quantity detecting device includes a pixel array and a vertical driving circuit. In the pixel array, pixels each for converting a physical quantity supplied from the outside into an electric signal and storing the electric signal are two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix. The vertical driving circuit scans a plurality of sets of read rows so that a storage time for each of the electric signals differs from one another and performs a shutter operation on a shutter row in synchronization with a readout operation performed on the corresponding set of read rows out of the plurality of sets of read rows during 1H period that is a unit of time of scanning.
US08203632B2 Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging device operable to convert an optical image input through a focus lens for adjusting focus into electric signals in each of RGB colors, a luminance signal generator operable to generate a luminance signal based on the electric signal output from the imaging device, a low-frequency filter for transmitting low-frequency components of the luminance signal output, which has a frequency lower than a predetermined frequency, a high-frequency filter for transmitting high-frequency components of the luminance signal output, which has a frequency higher than a predetermined frequency, and a processor. The processor determines if focusing is influenced by a subject with high luminance. If determining that focusing is influenced, the unit detects a focal point based on high-frequency components. If determining that focusing is not influenced, the unit detects a focal point based on low-frequency components and then based on high-frequency components.
US08203630B2 Method for correcting image sensor control circuitry having faulty output values and structure therefor
Described herein are methods that may improve yield of an image sensor. In one embodiment, a method that may improve yield of an image sensor includes generating output values of control logic associated with an array of light sensitive elements. The method further may include determining if the control logic has one or more faulty output values. The method further may include automatically correcting the one or more faulty output values. In another embodiment, a method that may improve yield of an image sensor includes providing light to an array of light sensitive elements. The method further may include generating an image based on the light sensitive elements and associated control logic. The method further may include disconnecting control lines from control logic that has one or more faulty output values based on viewing the image. The method further may include generating another image based on the control logic having no faulty output values.
US08203626B2 Apparatus and method for image processing with special effect application to image and display of animation image
An image processing apparatus is arranged so that when a special effect to be applied to an input image is selected, an image showing the behavior of the special effect is displayed during the selection, comprising an image input unit for inputting an image; a selecting unit for selecting a special effect to be applied to the input unit; an effect applying unit for applying the selected special effect to the input unit; a special effect image display unit for displaying an image showing behavior of the selected special effect during the selection by the selecting unit; and a display unit for displaying the image to which the effect applying unit has applied the special effect.
US08203624B2 Image-data processing apparatus and image pickup apparatus
An image-data processing apparatus includes an operation unit; a correcting unit multiplying image data generated by an image pickup device by a correction gain; a totalizing unit sequentially calculating a total pixel level for every frame from the image data; a history holding unit holding the total pixel levels of a certain number; an in-phase averaging unit detecting the total pixel levels in phase with a flicker phase corresponding to the image data that is being supplied to the correcting unit from the held total pixel levels to calculate a first average of the detected total pixel levels; an average calculating unit calculating a second average of the held total pixel levels; and a correction gain calculating unit calculating the correction gain by dividing the first average by the second average to set the correction gain in the correcting unit.
US08203622B2 Techniques for modifying image field data obtained using illumination sources
Techniques for modifying data of an image that can be implemented in a digital camera, video image capturing device and other optical systems are provided to correct for non-uniform illumination and/or effects of saturation appearing in data obtained using one or more artificial illumination sources. In an implementation, correction factors are derived using data from at least two images that have been captured with different illumination levels of the object scene and close in time to the capture of the image of interest. Typically, the image of interest is of higher resolution than at least one of the at least two images.
US08203599B2 3D image display apparatus and method using detected eye information
Provided is a three-dimensional (3D) image display apparatus and method including: a display; a photographing unit including a camera, a first light source disposed on an axis identical to a camera axis and a second light source disposed on an axis different from the camera axis, which takes a photograph of an observer using light emitted from the first and second light sources, and generates first and second images; an eye information detection unit which detects eye information of the observer based on the first and second images and determines a position of the observer based on the detected eye information; and a 3D image adjustment unit which adjusts a 3D image, which will be displayed on the display, based on the determined position of the observer.
US08203593B2 Audio visual tracking with established environmental regions
A method, apparatus, and electronic device for audio-video conferencing are disclosed. A memory may store an initial historical configuration parameter representation of an initial historical configuration parameter for a set of historical video data. A processor may determine a primary initial configuration parameter based on the initial historical configuration parameter representation. An audio-video capture mechanism may capture a current set of video data using the primary initial configuration parameter. An audio input may receive an audio trigger. A configuration control mechanism may switch automatically between the primary initial configuration parameter and a primary subsequent configuration parameter based on the audio trigger.
US08203592B2 Videoconference recording, post-processing, and playback
Apparatus having corresponding computer-readable media comprises: a recording module adapted to record audio and video streams of a videoconference; a storage module adapted to store a media file associated with the videoconference; and a command module adapted to generate a command file comprising records for events that occur during the videoconference, wherein at least one of the records comprises a time of occurrence in the videoconference of an event associated with the media file, and a reference to the media file.
US08203590B2 Video camera calibration system and method
A video camera calibration system includes a video camera, having a fixed location and a variable viewing orientation with respect to a fixed object, and a video calibration target, integral with the fixed object and having a known position. The viewing orientation of the video camera can be adjusted by aligning the position of the video calibration target in a video image produced by the video camera.
US08203583B2 Writing erasable paper using thermal printhead and UV illumination
A system for imaging erasable media includes a thermal print head on a first side of an erasable medium and a UV illumination source opposing the thermal print head and on a second side of the erasable medium. The thermal print head locally heats the erasable medium at a pixel level and the UV illumination source images the erasable medium only at the locally heated regions thereof. Thus the normal roles of uniformly heating the media and imaging with the UV source are reversed.
US08203580B2 Adaptive control of LCD display characteristics based on video content
Determining video content type of a video displayed on a LCD and triggering adjustment in drive power of the LCD based on the video content type. The video content type indicates relative content motion of the video. A video content type detection module is one or combination of a software and a hardware and directs the LCD to be driven relative slower or faster based upon video content. The module independently or in conjunction with another module identifies an active window from a plurality of windows corresponding to a plurality of applications running on the host device and sets the drive power of the LCD based on speed of a video displayed on the active window. The module may also adapt LCD drive power based upon user input and/or remaining battery life.
US08203579B2 Methods and systems for backlight modulation with image characteristic mapping
Elements of the present invention relate to systems and methods for selecting a display source light illumination level. Aspects of some embodiments also comprise methods and systems for temporal filtering of a display source light illumination level.
US08203576B2 Method for aligning objects
A computer implemented method for aligning objects receives a reference object and a to-be-moved object; determining feature elements of the reference object. A first coordinate system is constructed according to a plurality of feature elements of the reference object. A second coordinate system is constructed according to a plurality of feature elements of the to-be-moved object. A third coordinate system is constructed according to the first coordinate system and the second coordinate system. An operation matrix is computed according to the three coordinate systems. The two objects are aligned using the operation matrix.
US08203566B2 Fixed function pipeline application remoting through a shader pipeline conversion layer
Systems, methods and computer readable media are disclosed for sending a client graphics data across a remote session for an application, where the application makes fixed function pipeline API calls and the client and server support shader pipeline API calls for the remote session. fixed function pipeline graphics calls from sent from the application are intercepted, wrapped, converted into their fixed function pipeline equivalent graphics call or calls and then sent across the communications network to the client according to a protocol of the remote session.
US08203562B1 Apparatus, system, and method for distributing work to integrated heterogeneous processors
An integrated circuit includes at least two different types of processors, such as a graphics processor and a video processor. At least one operation is commonly by supported by two different types of processors. For each commonly supported operation that is scheduled, a decision is made to determine which type of processor will be selected to implement the operation.
US08203554B2 Method and apparatus for identifying visual content foregrounds
A method and apparatus for identifying visual content foregrounds, the method comprises steps of: determining a 3-D opening-by-reconstruction modest structure element (BO) and a 3-D closing-by-reconstruction modest structure element (BC); comparing an original image with an image obtained by performing MSOR operation to the original image with BO and an image obtained by performing MSCR operation to the original image with BC so as to generate an enhanced top-hat image and an enhanced bottom-hat image; and locating an overlap region between the enhanced top-hat image and the enhanced bottom-hat image. The overlap region forms a foreground identifying screen which is capable of identifying and extracting—refined for obtaining delicate foregrounds.
US08203550B2 Plasma display and method for driving plasma display panel
A disclosed plasma display includes a plasma display panel including cells and display electrodes including a group of X electrodes and a group of Y electrodes; an X electrode driving circuit configured to apply a sustaining pulse to the group of X electrodes; and a Y electrode driving circuit configured to apply a sustaining pulse to the group of Y electrodes. One of the X electrode driving circuit and the Y electrode driving circuit applies a low-voltage sustaining pulse that can cause the sustaining discharge by itself to a corresponding one of the group of X electrodes and the group of Y electrodes. The other one of the X electrode driving circuit and the Y electrode driving circuit applies a high-voltage sustaining pulse that can cause the sustaining discharge by itself to the other one of the group of X electrodes and the group of Y electrodes.
US08203548B2 Driving circuit
A driving circuit of a display device is provided. In a first time period of a data writing period, a control section of the driving circuit effects control so as to short-circuit a first node which is set to a target gradation potential and a node (second node) adjacent to the first node, and such that a line (second line) between the second node and a hold capacitor of a pixel is connected in parallel to a line (first line) between the first node and the hold capacitor of the pixel. Further, in a second time period following the first time period, the control section controls switching element groups so as to cancel short-circuiting between the first node and the second node, and such that the second line is not connected in parallel to the first line.
US08203546B2 Electronic document reading devices
This invention generally relates to an electronic document reading device, that is to a device such as an electronic book which presents a document to a user on a display to enable the user to read the document. A portable flex-tolerant electronic document reading device, the device including a flex-tolerant display coupled to a flex-tolerant layer of pixel driver circuitry, and wherein said device has a physical configuration comprising a planar display surface and a rear surface having a frame around its outer perimeter to stiffen the device, the frame defining a central region of relatively reduced thickness compared with a thickness of said frame.
US08203543B2 Portable electronic device having a securely positioned touch control pen
A portable electronic device includes a housing configured with an elongate inner accommodating space for accommodating a touch control pen therein, and formed with a housing opening disposed at one end of the housing, in spatial communication with the inner accommodating space and permitting insertion of the touch control pen into the inner accommodating space therethrough, and a positioning groove in spatial communication with the housing opening and the inner accommodating space.
US08203542B2 Pointing device
The invention relates to a pointing device including a touch plane for an object moving thereon to generate a sound, a microphone for converting the sound into a sound wave signal, and a control unit. The control unit receives the sound wave signal and determines a moving direction of the object, so as to generate a direction signal. Accordingly, the moving direction of the object can be determined according to the sound wave signal received by the microphone, such that the volume and the cost of the pointing device of the invention can be reduced.
US08203540B2 LCD panel with integral touchscreen
A liquid crystal display (LCD) device (100) having an integrated touchscreen includes a built-in probe signal source behind the liquid crystal (LC) layer (20). The probe signal source may include a pair of light sources (82 and 84) modulated at first and second frequencies (f1 and f2), respectively. A pair of probe light sensing devices (92 and 94) may also be implemented behind the LC layer, each configured to measure the intensities of the first and second frequencies, respectively. The probe light sensing devices are designed to detect user contact with the touchscreen surface by sensing a reflection of the probe light signals from the touchscreen surface. Using the multiple intensity measurements from each probe light sensing device, the location of the point of contact on the touchscreen surface is determined.
US08203539B2 Display panel and method of manufacturing the same
A display panel and a method of manufacturing the same are provided, which can prevent the deterioration of input sensitivity to the panel, and maximize the aperture ratio of the panel. The display panel includes a first substrate, a gate line and a data line crossing each other on the first substrate, in a manner that the gate line and the data line are electrically insulated from each other. The display panel further comprises a first sensor wire formed in parallel to the data line, a second sensor wire formed to overlap the data line in parallel to the data line, a second substrate arranged opposite to the first substrate, and a sensor spacer formed on the second substrate to project toward the first substrate.
US08203538B2 Sensor structure of touch panel and method for determining touch signal generating by sensor structure of touch panel
A sensor structure of a touch panel and a method of determining a touch signal generated by the same are disclosed. The sensor structure includes a plurality of sensor lines disposed on a surface of a substrate, and a control circuit electrically connected to the sensor lines. Each of the sensor lines has a plurality of conductive pads and a conductive line electrically connected the conductive pads. The control circuit receives a touch signal from one of the sensor lines. The touch signal is resulting from a touch capacitance generated between a touch and one of the conductive pads of the sensor line. The control circuit calculates the position of the touch based on the touch capacitance. In addition, the touch capacitance generated by a conductive pad close to the control circuit is larger than the touch capacitance generated by another conductive pad further away from the control circuit.
US08203535B2 Passive touch system and method of detecting user input
A passive touch system includes a passive touch surface and at least two cameras associated with the touch surface. The at least two cameras acquire images of the touch surface from different locations and have overlapping fields of view. A processor receives and processes images acquired by the at least two cameras to detect the existence of a pointer therein and to determine the location of the pointer relative to the touch surface. Actual pointer contact with the touch surface and pointer hover above the touch surface can be determined.
US08203534B2 Electronic apparatus
In an electronic apparatus having a touch panel and a chassis for supporting the touch panel, pair of fixing cushions are fixed to the touch panel along edges, which are parallel to each other, of the touch panel. Pair of vibration absorbing cushions are fixed to the chassis parallel to each other. A fixing flame is disposed between the touch panel and the chassis and fixed to the fixing cushions and the vibration absorbing cushions. Thus, the touch panel is supported against the chassis by the fixing cushions, the fixing frame and the vibration absorbing cushions. When the touch panel vibrates, the vibration absorbing cushions prevent transmission of the vibration from the touch panel to the chassis through fixing cushions and the fixing frame. Accordingly, the vibration of the touch panel hardly exercises a harmful influence on components mounted on the chassis.
US08203532B2 Portable mouse attachable on a surface of an object
A portable mouse includes a base, a casing, an attractable element and a control module. The control module includes a keycap, a triggering element, a positioning element and a retractable mechanism. The keycap is exposed outside a surface of the casing. By depressing the keycap, the attractable element is protruded out of the base, so that the attractable element could be attached on a surface of the object.
US08203531B2 Vector-specific haptic feedback
In one or more embodiments, vector-specific movement can be imparted to a user interface device (UID) to provide vector-specific haptic feedback. In at least some embodiments, this vectored movement can be based on input received by the UID. The input can include information associated with the user's interaction with an associated device integrated with or communicatively linked with the UID, and or with an application implemented on the associated device. In at least some embodiments, the UID can be configured with a controller, a microprocessor(s), and a vector-specific actuator that includes an electrically-deformable material.
US08203518B2 Display device
Provided is a display device including a level shift circuit, which includes a thin film transistor having a polycrystalline semiconductor layer, and which realizes a reliable operation even when a threshold of the thin film transistor varies. The display device includes: a board; and the level shift circuit which includes the thin film transistor having the polycrystalline semiconductor layer, and is formed on the board, in which the level shift circuit includes: a plurality of source-input level shift circuits including a plurality of unit level shift circuits having drain resistors different in value from one another; and a selection circuit, which selects one of outputs from the plurality of unit level shift circuits as an output from a normally operated unit level shift circuit.
US08203515B2 Image display device, image display method, image display program, recording medium containing image display program, and electronic apparatus
An image display device corrects image data, which are used for displaying an image, using a gray scale value assigned to each pixel and also controls a source light luminance of a light source. The image display device includes a scene change detection device, an image correction device, a source light luminance control device, and a time characteristic control device. The scene change detection device detects a change of scene of the input image data. The image correction device corrects the image data. The source light luminance control device controls the source light luminance. The time characteristic control device changes a first time characteristic of a change in the source light luminance and a second time characteristic of an image correction amount by which the image data are corrected on the basis of the change of scene and executes a process on the basis of the first time characteristic and the second time characteristic.
US08203508B2 Plasma display device and driving method thereof
A plasma display device includes a plasma display panel having a scan driver including a falling reset signal/scan low signal generating circuit that includes: a first switch coupled to a scan electrode, a second switch coupled in series with the first switch and coupled to a scan low voltage source having a scan low voltage, a first driving circuit having an output terminal coupled to a control terminal of the first switch and a ground terminal coupled to the first and second switches, a second driving circuit having an output terminal coupled to a control terminal of the second switch and a ground terminal coupled to the second switch and the scan low voltage source, a control Zener diode between the control terminals of the first and second switches, and a control resistor between the control terminal of the second switch and the scan low voltage source.
US08203507B2 Drive method of plasma display panel
A drive method of a plasma display panel that can increase the dark contrast, without causing a discharge failure. When a discharge cell that assumes a black display state in a first field from among first and a second fields that are adjacent in time and switches to a display state representing a brightness other than black in the second field is detected as a lighting transition cell, at least one drive of the below-described first and second forced lighting drives is executed. In the first forced lighting drive, the lighting transition cell is forcibly set into the lighting mode only in the address process of a predetermined subfield within the field in the first field. In the second forced lighting drive, an adjacent discharge cell that is adjacent to the lighting transition cell is forcibly set into the lighting mode only in the address process of the predetermined subfield in the second field.
US08203506B2 LED drive circuit
An LED array includes a plurality of LED segments connected in a common cathode configuration at a common cathode node. A high side driver is operable responsive to segment control signals to selectively supply current to certain LED segments. A low side driver is provided to sink current from the common cathode node. A plurality of selectively actuated current sink paths are provided in each low side driver. A control logic circuit actuates a current sink path within the low side driver for each LED segment that is selectively supplied current by the high side driver. A substantially constant low side voltage drop through these sink paths is provided regardless of the number of LED segments that are supplied current by the high side driver so as to achieve a substantially constant LED segment brightness. A common anode configuration operating in an analogous way is also disclosed.
US08203502B1 Wearable heads-up display with integrated finger-tracking input sensor
Disclosed are systems, methods, and devices for interfacing with a wearable heads-up display via a finger-operable input device. The wearable heads-up display may include a display element for receiving and displaying display information received from a processor, and may also include a wearable frame structure supporting the display element and having a projection extending away from the display element. The projection may be configured to secure the heads-up display to a user's body in a manner such that the display element is disposed within a field of view of the user. A finger-operable input device secured to the wearable frame structure is configured to sense at least one of a position and movement of a finger along a planar direction relative to a surface of the input device, and to provide corresponding input information to the processor.
US08203500B2 Compact circularly polarized omni-directional antenna
Antennas that can transceive signals in an elliptically-polarized, omni-directional manner are described. In an example embodiment, an antenna comprises two elements proximally located to each other at a predetermined distance, such that two orthogonally-polarized omni-directional electromagnetic waves are tranceived. In a further example, the two elements are supported by an internal printed circuit, the printed circuit including conductors configured to supply a feed to the elements, which may be contained within a radome. Alternate embodiments comprise a plurality of elements of varying lengths.
US08203496B2 Top mount mast antenna reinforcement
A mounting apparatus for a top mount mast antenna includes a secondary mounting bracket positioned below the fender panel to stabilize the antenna attachment screws extending through the antenna base into the fender panel of the automotive vehicle on which the antenna is mounted. The secondary mounting bracket is formed with a generally circular reinforcement collar that projects upwardly through the opening in the fender panel. The reinforcement collar has opposing retention tabs that pass through recesses formed in the opening. A rotation of the secondary mounting bracket within the opening rotates the retention tabs to a position overlying the fender panel, and moves deformable bosses into alignment with the screw holes in the fender panel. The rotation of the secondary mounting bracket is halted by the engagement of a closed side of the bosses with a flange of material created by the piercing of the screw holes.
US08203489B2 Dual-band antenna
A dual-band antenna includes a ground plane, a loop antenna, and a monopole antenna. The loop antenna is connected to the ground plane, and has a radiator that forms a loop. The radiator has a first end and a second end adjacent to the first end, and is capable of resonating at a first frequency band. The monopole antenna has one end connected to the first end of the radiator of the loop antenna, and is capable of resonating at a second frequency band. A feed point is disposed at a connection between the first end of the radiator of the loop antenna and the monopole antenna. A ground point is disposed at the radiator of the loop antenna proximate to the second end of the radiator.
US08203485B2 Method of estimating direction of arrival and apparatus thereof
A method includes generating a correlation vector of baseband-signal vectors based upon signals received from a plurality of sensor devices, generating a generalized Hankel matrix R representing a covariance matrix to which a spatial averaging is applied based upon the correlation vector, generating a kernel matrix Ω1, which is a projection matrix onto noise subspace, by performing linear operation using submatrices R1 and R2 of the generalized Hankel matrix R, generating a kernel matrix Ω2, which is orthogonal with the kernel matrix Ω1, and estimating a direction of arrival of a signal based upon the kernel matrices Ω1 and Ω2.
US08203484B2 Path-sharing transceiver architecture for antenna arrays
A path sharing transceiver array architecture is disclosed. A plurality of channels are linked to antennas of an array for transmitting and receiving wireless signals that are offset in one of phase or time relative to one another. Each channel is associated with a delay element. In the receiving case, an offset signal is received at a first channel, processed, and shifted by a first delay element. The resulting signal is combined with the processed signal of a second, adjacent channel where a phase or time delayed signal is received. The combined signal is then shifted by a second delay element to produce a net signal. The first delay element is used to generate a shifted signal for both the first and second channel. The architecture can be extended to another number of channels.
US08203479B2 Electronic counter measure system
A tactical electronic counter measure system comprising a first retro-directional transceiver sub system, receiving signals at a first frequency band, and first retro-directional transceiver re transmitting a signal at least substantially toward the direction from which the sources signal was received, and first retro directional transceiver sub system including a plurality of blade antennas and a controller, coupled with and first retro-directional transceiver, and controller controlling the activity of and first retro directional transceiver sub system, and controller further managing the missions of and first retro directional transceiver sub system.
US08203478B1 Distributed and coordinated electronic warfare system
A distributed and coordinated electronic warfare system is disclosed, which comprises a plurality of autonomous, geographically-distributed, mobile units (e.g., soldiers, vehicles, etc.), each of which carries an electronic warfare module. Each electronic warfare module comprises: a telecommunications transceiver for enabling the electronic warfare modules and their users to communicate with each other, and a threat-detection receiver for detecting potentially hostile radio signals, such as those that are used to detonate IEDs; and a jamming transmitter for transmitting sequences of electromagnetic pulses to interfere with potentially hostile radio signals, and an electronic warfare controller for coordinating the efforts of the electronic warfare modules.
US08203472B2 Compensation of clock jitter in analog-digital converter applications
Processes and systems for use in reducing clock jitter-induced error, obtain a first sample during each cycle of a periodic analog reference signal. The sample includes an error resulting at least in part from jitter-induced timing error of the clock signal. For each respective cycle, a second sample of a discrete-time analog representation of the periodic analog reference signal is also obtained. The second sample is substantially unsusceptible to jitter-induced timing error of the clock signal. Each of the first and second samples corresponds to the same respective cycle of the clock signal. For each cycle, a respective difference between each of the first and second samples is determined. The difference is indicative of timing error of the respective cycle of the clock signal. The difference is converted to a digital representation that can be used to compensate for jitter-induced error.
US08203470B2 Digital signal coding method and apparatus, digital signal decoding apparatus, digital signal arithmetic coding method and digital signal arithmetic decoding method
A digital decoding method and apparatus for receiving a compression coded digital signal in predetermined transmission units for decoding is disclosed. The decoding apparatus includes an initialization unit for initializing a probability of occurrence based on information multiplexed into data constituting the transmission unit, when decoding of the transmission unit is started, a binarization unit for generating a binarization rule determined based on a type of decoded data, a probability of occurrence generation unit for providing the probability of occurrence of symbol generated by the binarization rule, and a decoding unit for executing arithmetic decoding based on the probability of occurrence thus generated.
US08203462B2 Automatic registration of meters to a centralized data system
A system and methods for automatically configuring a monitoring device that is attachable to a network coupled to a data collection system. The network has associated network parameters. The monitoring device is coupled to an energy distribution system. The monitoring device measures a characteristic of energy supplied by the energy distribution system and stores data representative of the measured characteristics. A first network communications link is automatically established between the monitoring device and the network, and a host server is contacted to identify network parameters including an address of the data collection system. A second network communications link is automatically established between the monitoring device and the data collection system based on the address of the data collection system. Nameplate and configuration information associated with the monitoring device is communicated from the monitoring device over the network to the data collection system. The registration of the monitoring device in the data collection system is acknowledged based on acceptance of the nameplate information and the configuration information by the data collection system.
US08203460B2 Synthetically generated sound cues
A communications system is disclosed that may incorporate a first platform and a second platform. The second platform may have a relative position with respect to the first platform, with at least one of the platforms being mobile. A communications subsystem is included that is adapted to modify a signal sent from the second platform to a user on the first platform that provides a spatial indication to the user as to a position of the second platform relative to the user.
US08203459B2 Security systems and methods for continuously monitoring the weight of a container
Various embodiments disclosed herein are directed to weight monitoring systems for recovering, processing, monitoring, and managing various commodities or products stored in a container.
US08203458B2 Safety helmet with gas-measuring device
A safety helmet provides toxic gas monitoring in the field of vision of the helmet user. The safety helmet includes a gas-measuring device of modular design. The safety helmet has a sensor module (5) positioned in the field of vision of the helmet user.
US08203457B1 Portable currency reader and process for detection of currency value
A portable currency reader and process for detecting the value of currency comprising the detection and reading of the security stripe in currency swiped through the reader by sensing color intensities in light transmitted or refracted through the swiped bill illuminated with ultraviolet radiation and correlating a local maximum intensity of the fluoresced color associated with the value of the currency with a maximum of a calculated composite value of refracted light associated with a discontinuity indicating the presence of the security stripe.
US08203455B2 Posture sensing alert apparatus
A posture sensing alert apparatus is provided. The posture sensing alert apparatus comprises an attachment element, a detecting element, a processing element and an alert element. The attachment element is adapted to attach on a human body. The detecting element is disposed on the attachment element and is adapted to sense a posture change from the human body. The processing element is disposed on the attachment element and connects to the detecting element. The processing element is adapted to output a signal to the alert element in response to the posture change for a predetermined period so that the alert element is adapted to output an alert accordingly.
US08203447B2 Telemetry system and method
A telemetry system is disclosed herein. The telemetry system includes a transmitter configured to provide tracking data, and a receiver adapted to define a coverage area. The receiver is configured to receive the tracking data from the transmitter only when the transmitter is within the coverage area. The telemetry system also includes a processor configured to receive the tracking data from the receiver. The processor is configured to estimate the location of the transmitter when the transmitter is outside the coverage area based on the tracking data.
US08203446B2 Radio communication terminal
A radio communication terminal includes a radio communication unit that performs radio communication with another device, a detector that detects radio waves in a predetermined frequency range emitted from a medical device that is used integrally with a human body, and a prohibition unit that prohibits radio communication by the radio communication unit when radio waves in the predetermined frequency range have been detected.
US08203439B1 Mini-dome, nurse call visual communication system
A patient and room status display device used to provide effective communication in healthcare environments. The display device uses a RGB (Red, Green and Blue) LED (Light Emitting Diode) to illuminate a dome light with any color, thus providing signals to healthcare workers representing different patient or room statuses. The display device can be operated through an external web-based interface, a nurse call master station or at least one user controlled actuator located on the display device. Each display device is mounted outside of every patient's room to provide multiple status signals for every patient in the hospital wing.
US08203437B2 Programmable display switch
A programmable graphical display switch is described herein that provides users with a way of controlling other devices and for customizing how that control is initiated and communicated to a user.
US08203436B2 Remote controller for enabling an operation command to be obtained from an electronic apparatus and set into an operation key, remote control system having said remote controller, and remote control method pertaining thereto
A remote controller for operating another apparatus has: an operating unit having operation keys to which different key numbers have been allocated and with which operation commands for operating the another apparatus have been associated; a transmitting/receiving unit for communicating with the another apparatus by bidirectional radio communication; a memory to store the operation commands; and a control unit for reading out the operation command according to the executed operation and transmitting the operation command to the another apparatus. The control unit forms a request signal for requesting code information including a key number and the operation command, transmits it to the another apparatus, receives the code information corresponding to the request signal, and stores the operation command into the memory so as to be associated with the operation key.
US08203434B2 Wireless power feeding system and capsule endoscope system applied with the same
A wireless power feeding system is provided, which achieves a configuration enabling effective reception of electrical energy wirelessly transmitted from a wireless power feeding device, and which contributes to the improvement of the power reception efficiency. For the above purpose, the wireless power feeding system includes a power transmitting coil for wirelessly transmitting the electrical energy, a power supply connected to the power transmitting coil, a control unit for controlling the power supply, a power receiving coil portion for receiving the electrical energy transmitted from the power transmitting coil, a power receiving circuit for supplying a load member with the electrical energy received by a power receiving coil, and a magnetic member for collecting a magnetic flux generated by the power transmitting operation of the power transmitting coil to the power receiving coil.
US08203431B2 Method of processing data, electronic device and transponder
In a method of processing data, an RFID signal (6) sent by a reader (3,5) via a field generated by the reader (3,5) is received at a passive RFID transponder (2). The transponder (2) comprises a dedicated receiver (28) for receiving a time signal (8), which is wirelessly sent By an external sender (4) and comprises information about the present time. The transponder (2) including the dedicated receiver (28) is powered utilizing the field such that the dedicated receiver (28) detects the time signal (8) and decodes the present time. Utilizing the transponder (2), the first data (7) contained in the RFID signal (6) is decoded and processed. Second data (9) which are time stamped by said transponder (2) utilizing said present time are generated, and a response signal (10) comprising the second data (9) is transmitted from the transponder.
US08203426B1 Feed protocol used to report status and event information in physical access control system
A physical access control system is disclosed which includes a network, at least one access controller, a producer device, and a consumer device. Each access controller generates status and event information associated with a controlled physical barrier. The producer device includes producer logic which collects and stores the status and event information. The consumer device includes consumer logic which periodically polls the producer logic via the network to retrieve the status and event information from the producer device. The producer logic and the consumer logic communicate via the network according to a commonly accepted message syndication protocol, such as the RSS protocol or the Atom Publishing Protocol or the like. The use of a commonly accepted message syndication protocol simplifies communications, avoids proprietary configurations and facilitates integration, such as combining systems or adding new devices and the like.
US08203423B2 Portable access device
Portable devices, methods, and systems for controlling access to computers and other secure systems such as systems protecting secure premises, by processing data supplied by the individual seeking access to the system and data supplied by the system to which the prospective user seeks access, to determine whether access by the individual is to be authorized or enabled. In one embodiment the invention provides a device for providing a code that may be used to access a system such as a computer or security system. The device comprises an output device and at least one processor. The processor processes data representing a biometric characteristic of a prospective user of the system and a signal provided by the system, and, depending upon a result of the processing, provides to the output device a code that may be used to access the system.
US08203422B2 Resistor device and method of manufacturing the same
To provide a glazed metal film resistor device excellent in TCR characteristics with using an economical base body containing glass by reducing affection to TCR characteristics caused by glass contained in the base body. The resistor device comprises base body 11 containing glass, first protective film 12, which does not contain glass, formed on a surface of base body 11, and thick film resistor 13 formed on first protective film 12. By forming first protective film 12 on a surface of base body 11 containing glass and insulating base body 11 containing glass against thick film resistor 13 of ruthenium oxide as primary component, affection of glass contained in base body 11 to thick film resistor 13 of ruthenium oxide can be suppressed, and change of TCR value from original value of thick film resistor itself can be suppressed.
US08203418B2 Manufacture and use of planar embedded magnetics as discrete components and in integrated connectors
The current invention provides an integrated planar transformer and electronic component that includes at least one wideband planar transformer disposed in a planar substrate, where each wideband planar transformer includes a planar substrate in a fully-cured and rigid state, a ferrite material embedded in the planar substrate, where the ferrite material is enveloped in an elastic and non-conductive material, inter-wound conductors disposed around the embedded ferrite material, where top and bottom conductors are bonded by an insulating adhesive. The top and bottom conductors are connected in an inter-connected pattern by conductive vias disposed on each side of the ferrite material and span through the layers to the conductors. The planar transformer further includes at least one center tap connected to at least one inter-wound conductor. The integrated planar transformer and electronic component further includes at least one electronic component connected to at least one terminal of the wide-band planar transformer.
US08203417B2 Inductor assembly
An inductor assembly includes a first inductor, a second inductor being magnetically coupled to the first inductor, and a third inductor being magnetically coupled to said first and second inductors. The third inductor may be connected to a variable resistor adapted for adjusting the magnetic coupling between the first and the second inductors by varying a resistance value of said variable resistor.
US08203413B2 Winding component
[Problems] To realize a structure that is substantially highly reliable, that solves a problem of a wire break accompanied by an application of an external force to a terminal and at the same time solves a problem of a wire break caused by heat effects during dip soldering, without causing a strength reduction of the terminal, cost increase, and wire thinning.[Means for Solution] A winding component in which a terminal 12 is disposed in a protruding manner to a bobbin 14 provided with a winding portion, and a winding end is connected to the terminal, wherein a resin protrusion 40 is formed integral with the bobbin at a foot of the terminal, the resin protrusion is shaped with a part of its circumference notched so that a side surface of the terminal partially juts out, and a wire material that is wound around the resin protrusion a plurality of times comes into contact with the terminal and is to be connected by dip soldering.
US08203411B2 Potted inductor apparatus and method of use thereof
The invention comprises a potted inductor, where a solid potting material substantially contacting the inductor enhances cooling of the inductor. The inductor comprises an annular core composed of a distributed gap material, where the distributed gap material includes sub-millimeter particles of alternating magnetic and non-magnetic layers separated by gaps. The potting material includes a urethane, resin, epoxy, or the like combined with a lower thermal impedance additive, such as a silica sand or an aluminum oxide. Optionally, one or more cooling lines direct a circulating coolant flow through the potting material, around the inductor, and/or through the inductor.
US08203406B2 Magnetic having linear magnetic flux density
The present invention relates to a magnet having a linear magnetic flux density, which causes the magnetic flux density thereof to vary linearly and, more particularly, to a magnet having a linear magnetic flux density, in which the shape and magnetization pattern of the magnet are changed so that displacement in proportion to linearly varying displacement from the magnet is more accurately measured using a magnetic flux sensor, thus causing the magnetic flux density to vary linearly (or rectilinearly) according to the displacement. The present invention is configured to have a rectangular shape or a trapezoid shape so that displacement in proportion to linearly varying displacement from the magnet is more accurately measured using a magnetic flux sensor, and is configured such that the value of magnetic flux density varies linearly (rectilinearly) according to the magnetization pattern of the rectangular shape or a trapezoid shape.
US08203405B2 Electromagnetic actuating apparatus
An electromagnetic actuating apparatus with an elongate actuating element (3), which forms an engagement region (11) at the end and is capable of moving owing to the force of a coil device provided in stationary fashion, and sections of the actuating element have permanent magnets (4), which are designed to interact with a stationary core region (7), wherein a stationary bearing element (8) acting as a yoke is provided axially opposite the core region (7) for the actuating element (3), at least sections of which are in the form of a piston, wherein the actuating element (3) has two sections (10, 20; 3a, 3b), wherein a first section (19, 3a), which is arranged in the region of the permanent magnets (4), is optimized in terms of the magnetic conductivity and a second section (20, 3b), which is arranged in the engagement region, is optimized in terms of wear.
US08203404B2 Vehicle power system and electrical contactor for use with same
A vehicle power system includes an electrical power source, an electrical bus, and a contactor electrically connected with the electrical power source and electrical bus. The contactor includes first and second poles, dual plungers each operatively associated with one of the first and second poles, and an electromagnetic coil configured to cause at least one of the dual plungers to move if the coil is energized.
US08203400B2 Broadband filter
A broadband filter filtering noise over a first conductive wire, a second conductive wire, and a third conductive wire includes a differential-mode filtering circuit connected to both the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire and a common-mode filtering circuit connected to both the first conductive wire and the second conductive wire. The differential-mode filtering circuit includes two inductors and two capacitors for filtering differential-mode noise of different frequencies. The common-mode filtering circuit includes two inductors and six capacitors filtering common-mode noise of different frequencies.
US08203399B2 Transformer capable of removing harmonic components
A transformer includes at least one input conductive line having both ends provided as input ports of a positive (+) signal and a negative (−) signal, respectively, one output conductive line disposed adjacent to the at least one input conductive line to be electromagnetically coupled to the at least one input conductive line, and having a first end connected to a ground, a first resonator disposed between a second end of the output conductive line and the ground, a second resonator having a first end connected to the second end of the output conductive line and a second end provided as an output port, and a third resonator connected in series between the first end of the output conductive line and the ground.
US08203397B2 Attenuator
An attenuator includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a first circuit coupled between the first and second terminals and including a field effect transistor including a gate terminal coupled to a resistor, a second circuit coupled between the first circuit and the second terminal and coupled to the first circuit via a node, and a third circuit coupled to the node.
US08203393B1 Voltage controlled oscillator open loop coarse amplitude control with respect to process and temperature variations
A voltage controlled oscillator having a temperature and process controlled output. A VCO in accordance with the present invention comprises a reference current source, a fixed current source, coupled in series with the reference current source, the fixed current source comprising a temperature independent current source, a third current source, coupled in parallel with the combination of the reference current source and the fixed current source, and an oscillator, coupled in series with the third current source, wherein a current used to control the oscillator is based on operating temperatures and processes of the reference current source and the third current source.
US08203391B2 Oscillating device
A low-price, compact oscillating device having a good temperature characteristic of a frequency intermediate between a temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO) and an oven-controlled crystal oscillator (OCXO) is provided. The oscillating device having a TCXO is provided with a base on which the TCXO is mounted, that is formed into a box shape having a recess, with a plane area substantially equal to that of the TCXO; and a semiconductor chip including a temperature control circuit, a temperature sensor, and a heating element, mounted in the recess. An opening of the recess is provided in a surface opposite a surface in which the temperature compensated crystal oscillator is mounted, and sealed by a cover. A temperature of the TCXO can be kept constant to provide a oscillating device having an excellent temperature characteristic of a frequency compared with the single TCXO.
US08203390B2 Local oscillator and phase adjusting method for the same
According to one embodiment, a local oscillator includes a digitally-controlled oscillator that outputs an oscillating signal having a frequency N times as large as an oscillating frequency according to an oscillator tuning word; a frequency divider that performs a 1/N frequency division of the oscillating signal, and outputs a 2N phase clock; a counter that counts the clock and outputs the count value as integer oscillator phase data based upon a reference signal; a first flip-flop that latches the clock with the reference signal, and outputs the resultant as first phase information; a variable delay circuit that delays the reference signal and outputs the resultant as a delay reference signal; a second flip-flop that latches the clock with the delay reference signal, and outputs the resultant as second phase information; a delay control unit that controls a delay amount of the variable delay circuit; a data conversion unit that outputs fractional oscillator phase data based upon the first and second phase information; an adder that adds the integer oscillator phase data and the fractional oscillator phase data, and outputs the added value as third phase information; and a filter that smoothes the difference between a reference phase for setting the oscillating frequency of the digitally-controlled oscillator and the third phase information so as to output the oscillator tuning word.
US08203389B1 Field tunable spin torque oscillator for RF signal generation
A spin transfer oscillator (STO) device is disclosed with a giant magnetoresistive (GMR) junction comprising a magnetic resistance layer (MRL)/spacer/magnetic oscillation layer (MOL) configuration, and a MR sensor including a sensing layer/junction layer/reference layer configuration. MOL and sensing layer are magnetostatically coupled and separated by a conductive spacer. MRL has perpendicular magnetic anisotropy while MOL and sensing layer have a Mst (saturation magnetization×thickness) value within ±50% of each other. When a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the planes of the MOL and a high density current flows from the conductive spacer to the MRL, a MOL oscillation state with a certain frequency is induced. Consequently, the sensing layer oscillates with a similar RF frequency and when a low density current flows across the MR sensor, an AC voltage signal is generated to determine the sensing layer frequency that can be varied by adjusting the applied field.
US08203384B1 Amplifier
An amplifier has first and second differential outputs connected to first and second ends of one side of a balun. A second side of the balun, inductively coupled to the first side of the balun, has a center tap that is electrically coupled to a conductive path to a power supply reference node for the amplifier.
US08203382B2 Amplifier circuitry
A class D amplification device that prevents beats caused by switching operations of a switching power supply and a class D amplifier from causing noise within a voice band, enables easy control over power supply operations, and offers low power loss is provided. The amplification device includes a unit that generates a reference clock, a switching power supply that operates at a first frequency at which the frequency of the reference clock is divided, and a triangular wave generation unit that operates at a second frequency higher than the first frequency at which the frequency of the reference clock is divided. The amplification device further includes a class D amplifier that performs a switching operation with a pulse whose width has been modulated according to the input signal.
US08203378B2 Boosting circuit
Provided is a boosting circuit which avoids a malfunction of a peripheral circuit to be connected to the boosting circuit. The boosting circuit includes: a first discharge circuit for discharging a voltage of a first output terminal when a boosting unit stops a boosting operation; and a second discharge circuit for discharging a voltage of a second output terminal. The second discharge circuit discharges the voltage of the second output terminal to a potential of the first output terminal when a difference voltage between the voltage of the second output terminal and the voltage of the first output terminal is equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage.
US08203374B2 Electrically tunable continuous-time circuit and method for compensating a polynomial voltage-dependent characteristic of capacitance
A capacitance compensation circuit includes an input terminal, a plurality of switches coupled to the input terminal, a plurality of varactors coupled to the plurality of switches, and a plurality of blocking capacitors coupled between the plurality of switches and the plurality of varactors. The capacitance compensation circuit further includes a plurality of adjustable biasing circuits to precisely compensate for linear and parabolic voltage dependent components of an input or other capacitor. Two such circuits can be used with a single input terminal to compensate for both increasing and decreasing voltage dependent characteristics of a target capacitor.
US08203372B2 Synchronous rectifier post regulator
Methods and apparatus for regulating a synchronous rectifier DC-to-DC converter by adjusting one or more existing synchronous rectifiers in the converter are provided. By regulating an existing synchronous rectifier, the rectifier may function as a modulator for post regulation over a limited range of output voltages suitable for load regulation, without introducing an additional conversion stage for post regulation, which typically decreases efficiency and power density. Independent post regulation of an existing synchronous rectifier may improve the load regulation, reduce output voltage ripple and improve the transient response of the converter. By operating independently from the main control loop, post regulation may most likely avoid the limitations of the main control loop, such as limited gain bandwidth and a relatively slow transient response. Such post regulation may be added to isolated or non-isolated switched-mode power supplies, such as forward or buck converters.
US08203369B2 Fast-locking bang-bang PLL with low ouput jitter
The present invention relates to a gigitaol phaselocked loop DPLL (300, 400) having a phase-to-digital P2D (60) with an enhanced bang-bang phase detector BBPD. Such a P2D (60) comprises a BBPD (62), an additional digital circuit (200) including a sign detector (210), a counter (220) and a mapping function (230), and a summer block (64). During the locking process, the BBPD (62) may-output a repeating value, namely a string of data bits of same polarity value either “+1” or “−1”. The polarity sign is detected by the sign detector (210), and the data string length is determined by the counter (220) that is reset to zero whenever the BBPD output changes sign. The mapping function (230) is configured for mapping the data string length in input to the phase correction level in output Its output is added to that of the BBPD (62) through the summer block (64), such that the phase correction level is increased to enhance the locking process whenever a data string is detected.
US08203367B2 Frequency divider and method for frequency division
A frequency divider and a method for frequency division are disclosed that can achieve a balanced duty cycle when performing a frequency division with an odd division ratio, independently of an input frequency.
US08203362B2 Adjustable finite impulse response transmitter
Apparatus and methods are provided for generating output signals representative of bits of serial data. A transmitter comprises a plurality of delay elements, driver circuitry, and bypass logic coupled between the plurality of delay elements and the driver circuitry. The plurality of delay elements delay serialized data, resulting in delayed serialized data, and the driver circuitry generates an output signal representative of a first bit of the delayed serialized data. The bypass logic is configured to selectively bypass one or more delay elements of the plurality of delay elements to provide the first bit of the delayed serialized data to the driver circuitry.
US08203359B2 System and method for open loop modulation to detect narrow PWM pulse
An open loop modulation network for a voltage regulator including a latch network, an output sense network, a timing network, and pulse control logic. The latch network latches assertion of a pulse control signal and provides a corresponding latched control pulse indication. The output sense network detects initiation of an output pulse and provides a corresponding output pulse indication. The timing network initiates a delay period in response to the output pulse indication and resets the latched control pulse indication after expiration of the delay period. The pulse control logic terminates the output pulse after the latched control pulse indication is reset and the pulse control signal is negated, whichever occurs last. Very narrow input pulses are detected and either a minimum output pulse is generated or the output pulse is based on the pulse control signal.
US08203357B2 Opportunistic timing control in mixed-signal system-on-chip designs
An integrated circuit may include a plurality of circuit sub-systems that include at least one converter circuit operating in respective critical phases and non-critical phases of operation, a clock distribution circuit that has an input for an externally-supplied clock signal that is active during the non-critical phases and inactive during the critical phases, and a clock generator to generate an internal clock signal to the converter circuit that is active when the external-supplied clock signal is inactive.
US08203356B2 Device, system and method for testing and analyzing integrated circuits
This invention relates to a semiconductor device for testing and analyzing integrated circuits (1) on a first side and a second side. The semiconductor device (1) having a first surface (A1) and a second surface (A2) both sides having a set of contacts (P3a, P3b, P3a′, P3b′). The sets of contacts on are symmetrically located on positions relative to a first fictitious plane of symmetry (S1) and a second fictitious plane of symmetry (S2). The semiconductor device (1) has at least a first position of use and a second position of use, whereby the second position of use is obtained by rotating the semiconductor device (1) in the first position of use 180° around a fictitious axis (M). This axis (M) is defined by the crossing of the first fictitious plane of symmetry (S1) and the second fictitious plane of symmetry (S2). The semiconductor device thus obtained provides a flexible and generic solution for testing and analyzing integrated circuits on both sides.
US08203355B2 Circuit board having bypass pad
An electronic device having a printed circuit board is provided. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board includes a plurality of external pads to be coupled with an external device and a plurality of bypass pads for testing an electric circuit. The external pads are exposed and at least one of the plurality of bypass pads are not exposed from an outer surface of the PCB. A system using the electronic device and a method of testing an electronic device are also provided.
US08203351B2 Probing apparatus with guarded signal traces
A probing apparatus can comprise a substrate, conductive signal traces, probes, and electromagnetic shielding. The substrate can have a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, and the electrically conductive first signal traces can be disposed on the first surface of the first substrate. The probes can be attached to the first signal traces, and the electromagnetic shielding structures can be disposed about the signal traces.
US08203350B2 Apparatus and method for direct measurement of reciprocating compressor rider band wear
A method and apparatus for direct measurement of rider band wear in a valve assembly for a reciprocating compressor is provided. A distance transducer probe is inserted through a compressor valve assembly to measure a distance between a piston assembly and the transducer probe and the wear of a rider band is determined based on the distance.
US08203348B1 Autonomous impedance tuner with human control interface
An electro-mechanical microwave impedance tuner operates as a stand-alone instrument and includes on-board digital processor, firmware, memory, digital display and human control interface, in form of a joystick, mouse, keyboard or tactile (touch sensitive) screen in order to recognize and execute commands for moving the tuner motors and probes, generating required microwaves impedances and calculating losses and de-embedding to reference planes different than the tuner ports. Before being used in operations the tuner can also be controlled by a control computer in order to be calibrated on a network analyzer and the data can be uploaded into the on-board memory in order to be used in the above calculations. During measurement and tuning operations the tuner is therefore stand-alone and totally independent of a control computer.
US08203345B2 Storage battery and battery tester
A storage battery is provided which has a first and second post for electrically coupling to an electrical system. A test plug is provided for use in coupling the storage battery to an electronic battery tester. In another aspect, a battery tester is provided having a plug configured to couple to a test plug of a storage battery for use in performing an electronic battery test on the storage battery.
US08203342B2 Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging system and coil unit
A coil unit comprises a gradient coil which is disposed along a static magnetic field generating source, and a radio frequency coil which is disposed along the gradient coil in a test region at a position closer to the center of the test region compared with the gradient coil, and a conductor part which is disposed between the gradient coil and the radio frequency coil, and covers periphery of the radio frequency coil. The radio frequency coil comprises a first loop coil and a second loop coil locating in planes substantially perpendicular to direction of the static magnetic field, a plurality of linear conductors connecting the first loop coil and the second loop coil and substantially parallel to the direction of the static magnetic field, and a plurality of first capacitors disposed in the first loop coil and the second loop coil.
US08203341B2 Cylindrical bi-planar gradient coil for MRI
Cylindrical bi-planar gradient coil assemblies for use in open magnetic resonance imaging, wherein each of the coil assemblies contains in sequential order (i) a circular primary coil set placed flat above a cylindrical planar substrate, (ii) cooling means, (iii) 0th and 2nd order shims, (iv) shield layers, and (v) 1st order shims. In use the gradient coil assemblies are disposed symmetrically to each other about a plane of symmetry parallel to each.
US08203340B2 Magnetic resonance method and apparatus for generating a perfusion image
In a magnetic resonance method and apparatus for generating perfusion images, a perfusion series of magnetic resonance perfusion images is acquired that includes tag images and at least one control image, that are grouped in pairs. From each pair an initially processed perfusion image is obtained, such as by subtraction. Each initially processed image is subjected to a quality control review by analysis with respect to at least one image quality criterion. Any initially processed image that does not satisfy the quality criterion is rejected. Only initially processed images that satisfy the quality criterion are combined to form a resultant magnetic resonance perfusion image. Artifacts in the resultant perfusion image are thereby reduced or avoided.
US08203338B2 Linear structure verification in medical applications
A method is disclosed for verifying linear structures in a digital mammographic image, comprising providing a configurable linear structure verifier in mammography computer assisted diagnosis system; optionally using an microcalcification candidate cluster driven linear structure verification methodology; selecting parameters for the linear structure verifier from a plurality of different parameter generating sources, at least one of which is controllable by human input; configuring the verifier according to selected parameters; and verifying linear structure using cascade rules.
US08203337B2 Elimination of errors due to aging in magneto-resistive devices
The problem of magneto-resistive sensor drift with age has been solved by normalizing the sensor's output relative to its output when it is in a selected reproducible state. Details for the method to accomplish this normalization are disclosed together with several examples of how the method can be utilized.
US08203335B2 System and method for an inductive proximity switch on a common substrate
An inductive proximity switch device has inductive elements including at least one transmitter coil and at least one receiver coil disposed on a common substrate. The inductive elements are arranged in one or more metalizing layers on the common substrate, and an evaluation circuit is coupled to at least one of the plurality of the inductive elements.
US08203334B2 Magnetically spirally encoded shaft for measuring rotational angel, rotational speed and torque
A magnetically spirally encoded shaft and magnetic field detecting system includes first, second, third and fourth magnetically encoded bands spirally encircling a circumference of the shaft. Each band includes first magnetically encoded regions having a first magnetic polarity alternating with second magnetically encoded regions having a second magnetic polarity. Dead zones are defined in each band between successive first and second magnetically encoded regions. The shaft is for use with a first fixed magnetic field sensor for detecting magnetic fields in the force-sensitive regions, wherein one or more of rotational speed, shaft rotational position, bending forces, torque forces, stress forces and strain forces can be determined responsive to detected magnetic fields.
US08203333B2 Rotation angle detecting device
A rotation angle detecting device includes a housing, a rotating shaft rotatably held by the housing, a driving gear fixed to the rotating shaft, a driven gear engaged with the driving gear, a magnetic field generating part fixed in the driven gear, having a permanent magnet, and configured to generate a magnetic field, a magnetic sensor element configured to detect a change in the magnetic field due to a rotational movement of the magnetic field generating part, and a signal processor configured to process a signal from the magnetic sensor element for detecting a rotation angle of the rotating shaft. Each of teeth of the driving gear has a first circumferential width, each of teeth of the driven gear has a second circumferential width, and the second circumferential width is greater than the first circumferential width.
US08203332B2 Gear tooth sensor (GTS) with magnetoresistive bridge
The invention discloses a method and apparatus for determining the rotational status of a gear wheel whether or not it is actually turning. A key feature is the magnetic angle sensor that is used. Said sensor comprises a bridge structure of four MR devices in a square array. The direction of the pinned reference layer is the same for all four devices and lies along one of the diagonals of said square array. A single wafer process is used to manufacture the invented device.
US08203331B2 Non-contact sensor system and method for selection determination
A non-contact sensor system is provided that comprises a first sensor element disposed on a stationary member, and a second sensor element disposed on a rotational member. The second sensor element is proximate the first sensor element without physically contacting the first sensor element. The rotational member is configured to facilitate selection of at least a first position and a second position, and the first sensor element and the second sensor element are operatively coupled to facilitate sensing of the selected position.
US08203329B2 Calibratable multidimensional magnetic point sensor
A calibratable magnetic field sensor for sensing a first and a second spatial component of a magnetic field in a reference point, wherein the magnetic field includes a first and a second measurement field component and/or a first and a second calibration field component. The magnetic filed sensor includes a first sensor element arrangement including at least a first and a second sensor element for sensing the first magnetic field component, which includes a first measurement field component and/or a first calibration field component, with respect to a first spatial axis in the reference point. Furthermore, the magnetic field sensor includes a second sensor element arrangement for sensing the second magnetic field component, which includes a second measurement field component and/or a second calibration field component, with respect to a second spatial axis in the reference point. The magnetic filed sensor also includes an excitation line arranged with respect to the first sensor element arrangement so that, when impressing a default current into the excitation line, a pair of different asymmetrical default calibration field components in the first sensor element and in the second sensor element is generated with respect to the first spatial axis in the first sensor element arrangement, wherein the two spatial axes pass along linearly independent position vectors.
US08203327B2 Device for counting oscillations of an oscillating temporal signal
A device for counting oscillations of an oscillating temporal signal. The device comprises means for counting all the alternate crossings of a positive threshold value and of a negative threshold value by a monitored time signal.
US08203326B2 Position sensor
A resolver includes an excitation coil for receiving an excitation signal formed by amplitude modulation of a high-frequency signal and a detection coil for outputting a detection signal. The resolver is arranged to detect a change in position of a rotor provided with the excitation coil or the detection coil based on the detection signal varying with the change in position of the rotor. The high-frequency signal is a digitized signal generated from a reference clock.
US08203325B2 Activation systems and methods to initiate HDMI communication with mobile sources
Activation systems and methods initiate High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) communication between an HDMI source and an HDMI sink through an HDMI receptacle of the source. These systems and methods are especially suited for use with mobile sources that generally operate from a battery that cannot provide the +5V signal which the HDMI protocol requires sources to place on the +5V pin of their HDMI receptacles. These systems and methods automatically detect the insertion of an HDMI cable into the source's HDMI receptacle and subsequently generate and apply the required +5V signal to the +5V pin of the source's HDMI receptacle to initiate HDMI communication. Because they are directed to use in mobile sources, the embodiments are configured to minimize current drain.
US08203324B2 Low voltage bandgap voltage reference circuit
A temperature compensated low voltage reference circuit can be realized with a reduced operating voltage overhead and reduced spatial requirements This is accomplished in several ways including integrating one or more bipolar junction transistors into a current differencing amplifier and reducing the number of components required to implement various voltage reference circuits. All of the reference circuits may be constructed with various types of transistors including DTMOS transistors.
US08203316B2 Eddy current torsional damper for generator
A generator rotor torsional damper system includes a prime mover for generating rotational force, a generator stator, a generator rotor rotatably supported relative to the generator stator and configured to receive a rotational force input from the prime mover, a flywheel rotationally supported relative to the generator rotor by bearings, and an eddy current coupling operably connected between the flywheel and the generator rotor such that rotation of the generator rotor induces rotation of the flywheel in a common rotational direction through engagement by the eddy current coupling.
US08203310B2 Energy storage module for load leveling in lift truck or other electrical vehicle
An energy storage module for use in an electric vehicle, such as a lift truck, is disclosed. The energy storage module includes a bank of super capacitors or ultra-capacitors which are connected between the battery and the load. In operation, the energy storage module charges the capacitors, and uses the charged capacitors to level the load on the battery, limiting spikes in current draw, and assuring a substantially smooth discharge profile, wherein the battery discharge is substantially steady state. The energy storage module further includes sensors for determining when the battery and load are connected.
US08203307B2 Audio and charging system with audio device, power tool battery, and external battery charger
An electrical component, such as, for example, a radio, MP3 player, audio component, battery charger, radio/charger, MP3 player/radio, MP3 player/charger, or MP3 player/radio/charger. The electrical component includes a housing and an electrical circuit supported by the housing. In some aspects, the electrical component is an audio component and the electrical circuit is an audio circuit. In other aspects, the electrical component is a battery charger and the electrical circuit is a charging circuit. In further aspects, the electrical component is an MP3 player and the electrical circuit is a MP3 circuit. In yet further aspects, the electrical component is an combination of any or all of a radio, battery charger, and MP3 player and the electrical component can include any combination or all of the audio, radio, and MP3 circuits. A battery may be connectable to the housing and electrically connectable the electrical circuit.
US08203306B2 Battery pack and control method therefor
A battery pack includes one or more cell blocks in which one or more secondary battery cells are connected in series and/or in parallel, and a control section for measuring a voltage of the one or more cell blocks to detect an abnormality of a cell block on the basis of a measurement result. The control section calculates a time differential of the voltage for the one or more cell blocks on the basis of the measured voltage, extracts a first time differential which is maximum and a second time differential which is minimum from the time differentials of the voltage for the one or more cell blocks, and determines that a cell block corresponding to the second time differential is abnormal in a case where a difference between the first time differential and the second time differential is less than a prescribed value.
US08203305B1 Enhanced voltage-based fuel gauges and methods
Enhanced voltage-based fuel gauges and methods that increase the accuracy of voltage-based fuel gauges and allow the use of voltage-based fuel gauges to detect current, and particularly excessive current from a battery without the use of a sense resistor. When used with a coulomb counter, the outputs of a voltage-based fuel gauge and a coulomb counter may be combined in a manner that allows the combination to provide better performance that either alone may provide. Various embodiments and methods of operation are disclosed.
US08203304B2 Control method and system with feedback indicative of load flux
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed, including an induction-motor controller having a phase path; a solid-state switch interposed on the phase path; and a controller coupled to the solid-state switch. In certain embodiments, the controller is configured to switch the solid-state switch so that the solid-state switch is conductive during a conduction angle of a cycle of an incoming AC power waveform conveyed by the phase path, calculate the conduction angle based on a generally sinusoidal reference value that has a frequency lower than a frequency of the incoming AC power waveform, and adjust the generally sinusoidal reference value based on a value indicative of flux in a load coupled to the phase path.
US08203303B2 Asynchronous AC induction electrical machines in cross-interlockingly parallel connection
At least two asynchronous AC induction electrical machines in series connection with the power source are respectively made with the main winding and control winding for operating the electrical machines, wherein the individually driven loading operations of the two electrical machines in cross-interlockingly series connection being series connected with the power source are led by the changes of individual electrical machine driving loading statuses to appear variable impedance operation so as to change the end voltage ratio between individual electrical machines in cross-interlockingly series connections.
US08203302B2 System and method for controlling four-quadrant operation of a switched reluctance motor drive through a single controllable switch
A single controllable switch (509) drive system for regulating the speed of a two-phase switched reluctance machine (TPSRM) (700) rotor may include a speed control feedback loop (970) component that uses an established speed control signal and a signal indicative of the rotor's speed to dynamically adjust a first parameter. And a current control feedback loop (976) component that uses an established current control signal and a signal indicative of the current flowing through a stator winding (505,508) of the TPSRM to dynamically adjust a second parameter.
US08203301B2 Temperature monitoring system for the entire region of environment
A temperature monitoring system consists of a multielement thermopile, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), first and second microcontrollers (MCUs), a first stepping motor, a second stepping motor, a plurality of microswitches and a monitoring apparatus. The multielement thermopile is connected to the ADC linked with the first MCU, and the first MCU is further connected to the first stepping motor with microswitches for vertical motion control, and the second stepping motor with microswitches for horizontal motion control. At the same time the first MCU can be connected to the second MCU and the second MCU is linked with the monitoring apparatus. A hot spot occurring in electrical heating equipment or a smoldering source hidden in upholstery can be identified and proper measures can be performed, in case of extremely high temperature, so as further to prevent a fire.
US08203299B2 Machine tool or production machine with signal generation by means of direct drive and method for generating signals in such a machine
Machine (10) with an NC control unit (11) and at least one motor (12) which can be triggered by said control unit (11) and which forms an oscillatory system with its bearing and/or parts of the machine (10). The control unit (10) injects control variables (S1) into the motor (12) which trigger a desired motion of the motor (12). When necessary, the control unit (11) additionally injects predetermined signal variables (S2) into the motor (12) which trigger desired mechanical oscillations of the oscillatory system. The signal variables (S2) are predetermined in such a way that the mechanical oscillations are audible and/or tangible.
US08203294B2 Electric energy storage integrated within or proximate to electrically driven flight control actuators
An apparatus for use with a flight control actuator and method for assembling the same is provided. The apparatus includes a motor drive system and a control unit. The motor drive system includes a capacitor-based energy storage configured to store and provide energy within or proximate to the actuator. The control unit is coupled to the motor drive system and is configured to facilitate managing power within or proximate to the actuator.
US08203286B2 Solid state lighting panels with variable voltage boost current sources
A lighting panel system includes a lighting panel having a string of solid state lighting devices and a current supply circuit having a voltage input terminal, a control input terminal, and first and second output terminals coupled to the string of solid state lighting devices. The current supply circuit is configured to supply an on-state drive current to the string of solid state lighting devices in response to a control signal. The current supply circuit includes a charging inductor coupled to the voltage input terminal and an output capacitor coupled to the first output terminal. The current supply circuit is configured to operate in continuous conduction mode in which current continuously flows through the charging inductor while the on-state drive current is supplied to the string of solid state light emitting devices.
US08203281B2 Wide voltage, high efficiency LED driver circuit
An electrical circuit and method for driving light emitting diodes with a constant current via a high efficiency DC-DC converter controlled by a digital controller through pulse width modulation (PWM).
US08203278B2 Power supply for light emitting diode display
There is provided a power supply for a light emitting diode display using a light emitting diode as a backlight unit that unites a DC power supply provided from outside the light emitting diode display and a driving power supply provided inside the light emitting diode display. A power supply of a light emitting diode display according to an aspect of the invention may include: a power conversion unit converting commercial AC power into at least one driving power having a predetermined voltage level; and a backlight driving unit generating a backlight driving signal using the driving power from the power conversion unit, wherein the power conversion unit and the backlight driving unit are mounted onto one printed circuit board.
US08203274B2 LED and thermal management module for a vehicle headlamp
The LED headlamps for vehicles provide a modular efficient light source for vehicle headlamps. The invention addresses the LED negative temperature coefficient in efficient heat removal system. Beam direction and pattern is controlled by its composite lens beam shaping mechanism. The beam targeting using the LED source is done through beam shaping via lens surface shaping, lens curvature contouring and composite lens component offsetting from the LED source or outgoing beam axis to direct the light beam.
US08203272B2 Plasma lamp with dielectric waveguide integrated with transparent bulb
A dielectric waveguide integrated plasma lamp (DWIPL) with a body comprising at least one dielectric material having a dielectric constant greater than approximately 2, and having a shape and dimensions such that the body resonates in at least one resonant mode when microwave energy of an appropriate frequency is coupled into the body. A dielectric bulb within a lamp chamber in the body contains a fill which when receiving energy from the resonating body forms a light-emitting plasma. The bulb is transparent to visible light and infrared radiation emitted by the plasma. Radiative energy lost from the plasma is recycled by reflecting the radiation from thin-film, multi-layer coatings on bulb exterior surfaces and/or lamp chamber surfaces back into the bulb. The lamp further includes two- or three-microwave probe configurations minimizing power reflected from the body back to the microwave source when the source operates: (a) at a frequency such that the body resonates in a single mode; or (b) at one frequency such that the body resonates in a relatively higher mode before a plasma is formed, and at another frequency such that the body resonates in a relatively lower order mode after the plasma reaches steady state.
US08203271B2 Metal halide lamp including sealed metal foil
A metal halide lamp (MHL) includes: a light-transmitting hermetic vessel made of quartz glass, including: a surrounding portion having a discharge space formed therein; and at least one sealing portion joined to the surrounding portion; electrodes sealed within the discharge space of the light-transmitting hermetic vessel; a discharge medium filled within the discharge space of the light-transmitting hermetic vessel; and at least one sealed metal foil connected to proximal ends of the electrodes and hermetically embedded within the sealing portion, the sealed metal foil being formed with height-differentiating portions comprised of laser traces on at least one of surfaces of the metal foil.
US08203270B2 Light source device
A start assisting light source is configured such that it can be mounted simply and reliably at a position capable of efficiently radiating UV-light for enhancing the starting performance of a high pressure discharge lamp to discharge chamber without being heated to a high temperature during lighting of the lamp and also adopted to a simple constitution of not increasing the manufacturing cost. A start assisting light source includes an airtight vessel filled with a rare gas and a pipe member that penetrates through the vessel is mounted to an electrode lead which protrudes from the end face of an electrode seal portion secured to a bottom hole of the concave reflector by inserting the electrode lead through the pipe member.
US08203268B2 Discharge lamp with a reflective mirror with optimized electrode configuration
A discharge lamp configured to suppress temperature increases in the electrode on the opening part side of a reflective mirror is described. The discharge lamp includes an F electrode and an R electrode having shapes before forming the melt electrodes that satisfy at least one of the following conditions (a) to (c): (a) The diameter of the core wire of the F electrode is d1f, and the diameter of the core wire of the R electrode is d1r, then d1f>1.2×d1r; (b) The wire diameter of the coil of said F electrode is d2f, and the wire diameter of the coil of the R electrode is d2r, then d2f>1.2×d2r; (c) the number of windings of the coil of the F electrode is nf, and the number of windings of the coil of the R electrode is nr, then nf>1.2×nr.
US08203267B2 Method for manufacturing high-pressure discharge lamp, high-pressure discharge lamp, lamp unit and projection-type image display
The present invention is directed to a method for manufacturing a high-pressure discharge lamp including: a spherical portion forming a light-emitting portion (1a); sealing portions that are connected with both ends of the spherical portion; an electrode (2a) that is sealed to each of the sealing portions; and a metal foil (3a) that is connected with a rear end of each electrode. A vessel provided with a cylindrical glass tube (8) on both ends of the spherical portion is used, a connection structure of the metal foil and the electrode are disposed in the glass tube such that a front end of the electrode is positioned in the spherical portion, and the glass tube is melted by heat and shrunk for sealing the metal foil and the electrode so as to form the sealing portion. An inner diameter φ of the glass tube before the heat-melt processing and a distance L from an edge of the metal foil to the internal space of the spherical portion are set to satisfy a relationship of L/φ≧1.35, a corner of an edge portion of the metal foil on a side of the connection with the electrode is cut so as to form a wedge shape (7a), and subsequently the sealing step is performed. Thereby, it can suppress the generation of the breakage during the lighting life span, which is caused by a gap generated from the metal foil to an axis of the electrode during the sealing processing of the high-pressure discharge lamp having a high brightness property.
US08203264B2 Flat panel display and method of fabricating the same
A flat panel display and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The flat panel display includes a conductor, and a passivation layer pattern disposed on a side end of the conductor. As such, the passivation layer pattern can prevent or reduce corrosion and damage of the conductor. In one embodiment, the conductor includes a conductive layer formed of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum and an aluminum alloy. The passivation layer pattern may be formed of an organic material or an inorganic material.
US08203262B2 Light-emitting element including a carrier transport controlling layer, light-emitting device and electronic device
A light-emitting element is provided, which includes a light-emitting layer and a control layer between a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the control layer includes a first organic compound and a second organic compound, the first organic compound is included in the control layer more than the second organic compound, the second organic compound has a property of trapping carriers having the same polarity as carriers transported by the first organic compound, and the concentration and the carrier-trapping property of the second organic compound included in the control layer satisfy certain conditions.
US08203261B2 Display device
A flexible display device bendable in a certain direction is realized. R, G, and B pixels are arranged in a mosaic pattern. The display is bendable in a first direction, but is not assumed to be bent in a second direction. A data line extends in the first direction and a select line extends in the second direction. In order to prevent accumulation of distortion in the data line and breakage of the data line when the display is bent in the first direction, the data line is formed into a crank shape. Accordingly, even when the display is bent, an amount of distortion accumulated in the data line corresponds to only a length thereof in the first direction, and therefore, the distortion can be reduced. As a result, breakage of a wire in a flexible display can be prevented.
US08203260B2 Color temperature tunable white light source
A color temperature tunable white light source comprises: first and second LED arrangements operable to emit light of first and second wavelength range respectively that are configured such that their combined light output, which comprises light generated by the source, appears white in color. One or both LED arrangements comprises a phosphor provided remote to an associated LED operable to generate excitation radiation and to irradiate the phosphor such that it emits light of a different wavelength range, wherein the light emitted by the LED arrangement comprises the combined light from the LED and phosphor. The color temperature of output white light is tunable by controlling the relative light outputs of the LED arrangements by for example controlling the relative magnitude of the drive currents of the LEDs or a duty cycle of a pulse width modulated drive current.
US08203258B2 Spark plug for low temperature environment
A spark plug having an electrode, an insulator, a metallic shell, a main ground electrode, and at least two auxiliary ground electrodes.
US08203257B2 Vehicle headlamp that produces a lower intensity light beam above the light/dark cutoff line
The invention relates to a lamp for motor vehicles that at least comprises a first incandescent filament that is intended to produce a light beam having a light/dark cutoff line, the incandescent filament having associated with it for this purpose a shielding cap to restrict the light emitted to a given angular range. The shielding cap (4) has at least one opening that is intended to produce a light beam above the light/dark cutoff line, with at least part of this light beam, which light beam passes through the said opening, not passing through and/or passing through a color filter.
US08203256B2 Tuning-fork type piezoelectric vibrating piece, piezoelectric frame, piezoelectric device, and a manufacturing method of tuning-fork type piezoelectric vibrating piece and piezoelectric frame
A tuning-fork type crystal vibrating piece (20) is comprised of a base portion (23) comprising a piezoelectric material, a pair of parallel vibrating arms (21) with a designated thickness (D3) and width (W3) extend from the base portion, and a pair of weight portions (28) are formed by enlarging the width (W4) of the distal ends pair of vibrating arms. A cross-section of the pair of weight portions is formed symmetric with a central axis which is center of the pair of vibrating arms, and at least one portion of the pair of weight portions has a thickness which is less than the designated thickness (D3).
US08203252B2 Clamp and lock permanent magnets within a rotating electrical machine using pitched focused flux magnets
Permanent magnets are mounted within an electrical machine in a pitched saw-tooth pattern around the rotor shaft. This focused flux configuration provides for improved magnet mounting strength without resort to bonding or taping; provides improved rotor and stator cooling by access to the axial generator air flow; and provides for a simpler and more easily manufactured design. A laminated version of this basic structure provides for reduced surface losses and self-heating.
US08203251B2 Stator with restraints for restraining relative radial movement between turn portions of electric wires
A stator includes a stator core, a stator coil comprised of a plurality of electric wires, and at least one restraint. Each of the electric wires has a plurality of in-slot portions received in slots of the stator core and a plurality of turn portions that are located outside of the slots to connect the in-slot portions. The restraint is mounted to end parts of the turn portions belonging to a turn portion group of the electric wires to restrain relative radial movement between the turn portions of the turn portion group. All the turn portions of the turn portion group protrude from the same slot of the stator core. The end parts of the turn portions respectively adjoin the in-slot portions of the electric wires received in the same slot of the stator core and align with each other in a radial direction of the stator core.
US08203249B1 Reducing the core-end heating in large power generators
The invention provides for flux-shields wrapped around the flux-sources at the core-end of large power generators. They prevent overheating of all core-end parts under all abnormal conditions of operation. A first flux-shield is an electrically conductive cylindrical shell concentric with rotating end-windings, held outside the retaining ring. The rotating flux source induces eddy currents in the first flux-shield whose flux repels the source flux. Only a small part of the rotating source flux is hence received by all the core-end parts, thereby greatly reducing their temperatures. A second flux-shield comprises an electrically conductive tape wrapped over the ground-insulation of stator bars protruding from the core. Alternating flux generated by the stator bars induces eddy currents in the second flux-shield whose flux repels the source flux. Only a small fraction of the source flux is hence received by all core-end parts, thereby greatly reducing their temperatures. The present invention replaces multiple devices such as step-iron, flux-shields, flux shunts, short-rotors etc, used in the prior-art with only two devices. As a result, the design of the core-end is simplified and the cost of the generator is reduced.
US08203248B2 Electric motor
The invention relates to an electric motor having a stator and a rotor in a housing, wherein the stator comprises a plurality of lamellae that are disposed in parallel and are combined into a package. The lamellae are held together via a spring clamp, which overlaps the lamella package in an axial manner, wherein the spring clamp simultaneously supports the lamella package radially on the interior wall of the housing.
US08203247B2 Stator for electric rotating machine
A stator for an electric rotating machine includes a hollow cylindrical stator core and a stator coil made up of a plurality of wave-shaped electric wires. Each of the electric wires has a plurality of in-slot portions, each of which is received in one of slots of the stator core, and a plurality of turn portions each of which is located outside of the slots of the stator core to connect one adjacent pair of the in-slot portions of the electric wire. The stator coil includes a plurality of radial position shift portions each of which is provided, in one of the electric wires, in one of the turn portions of the electric wire between an apex part of the turn portion and one of the in-slot portions of the electric wire adjoining the turn portion and is radially bent to shift the radial position of the electric wire.
US08203244B2 Support for fixing an electrical motor to a tub of a washing machine or similar household appliance
A support (200) is described for fixing an electric motor (3) to a tub (6) of a washing machine (1) or similar household appliance. The electric motor (3) is of the type with external rotor (70), for driving in rotation a drum (2) supported in the tub (6); the electric motor (3) is provided with a control circuit board (100) associated with a heat dissipator (33). The heat dissipator (33) is integrally formed with the support (33).
US08203239B2 Method of forming a power tool
An electric motor has a stator in which an armature is disposed. The armature has a lamination stack having slots in which magnet wires are wound. An armature shaft extends coaxially through the lamination stack and a commutator is disposed on the armature shaft to which ends of the magnet wires are electrically coupled. The magnet wires are at least partially encased in thermally conductive plastic. When the thermally conductive plastic is molded, a balancing feature is formed of the thermally conductive plastic. In aspects, the balancing feature can include a layer of the plastic from which plastic can be removed during balancing; one or more balancing rings adjacent axial sides of the lamination stack from which plastic can be removed to balance the armature; or one or more balancing rings having one or more pockets therein in which one or more weights are disposed to balance the armature.
US08203232B2 Embedded wireless communications for electronic control unit having multiple ground references
A system configured to facilitate wireless communications between different ground planes is provided. The system may rely on bi-directional communications between galvanically isolated components to support any number of operations, including but not limited operations associated with supporting wireless message communications between three or more isolated ground planes, such as but not limited to supporting communications between three or more ground planes included within an onboard vehicle charger.
US08203228B2 Aerogenerator
An aerogenerator is provided. The aerogenerator includes an impeller which is rotated by the wind. A rotatable shaft, a rotatable plate and a rocker arm mount the impeller to a support structure so that the impeller is rotatable, and convert the rotating motion of the impeller into linear motion. A rod is connected with the rocker arm and is reciprocated linearly. A magnet is provided on the rod and has magnetic force. An induction coil is provided outside the reciprocating magnet and interacts with the magnet to create an induced voltage. A transform unit transforms the induced voltage of the induction coil to an electric current. An electricity storage unit stores the electric current of the transform unit.
US08203223B2 Overlay target for polarized light lithography
A target and method for use in polarized light lithography. A preferred embodiment comprises a first structure located on a reference layer, wherein the first structure is visible through a second layer, and a second structure located on the second layer, wherein the second structure is formed from a photomask containing a plurality of sub-structures oriented in a first orientation, wherein a polarized light is used to pattern the second structure onto the second layer, and wherein a polarization of the polarized light is the same as the orientation of the plurality of sub-structures. The position, size, and shape of the second structure is dependent upon a polarity of the polarized light, permitting a single design for an overlay target to be used with different polarities of polarized light.
US08203220B2 Integrated circuit package system with multiple device units and method for manufacturing thereof
A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit package system includes: forming a first device unit, having first external interconnects arranged along a perimeter of the first device unit, and a second device unit, having second external interconnects arranged along a perimeter of the second device unit, in an array configuration; mounting an integrated circuit die over the first device unit; connecting the integrated circuit die and the first external interconnects; encapsulating with an encapsulation covering the integrated circuit die, the first device unit, and the second device unit with both the first external interconnects and the second external interconnects partially exposed; and forming a partial encapsulation cut in the encapsulation electrically isolating the first external interconnects and the second electrical interconnects.
US08203219B2 Electrically enhanced wirebond package
Consistent with an example embodiment, there is an integrated circuit (IC) device in a packaging having electrically insulated connections. The IC device comprises a semiconductor device (100) mounted onto a die attachment area (10); the semiconductor device has a plurality of bonding pads (20a, 25a, 30a, 35a). A lead frame having a plurality of bonding fingers (20b, 25b, 30b, 35b) surrounds the die attachment area. A plurality of mutually isolated connection conductors (25d, 30d, 40, 50) having respective first ends are attached to respective bonding pads on the semiconductor device and the plurality of mutually isolated connection conductors having respective second respective second ends are attached to respective bonding fingers of the lead frame. An insulating material (45) coats at least a portion of the plurality of mutually isolated connection conductors. The mutually isolated connection conductors may include a bond wire (40, 50) for the signal connection and a conductive strap (25d, 30d) for the voltage reference connection. The insulating material (45) coating the bond wires reduces the likelihood of short circuits during encapsulation.
US08203216B2 Layered chip package and method of manufacturing same
A layered chip package includes a main body and wiring, the wiring including a plurality of wires disposed on a side surface of the main body. The main body includes a main part and a plurality of terminals. The main part includes a plurality of layer portions stacked. The terminals are disposed on at least either one of the top and bottom surfaces of the main part and electrically connected to the wires. Each of the layer portions includes a semiconductor chip. The plurality of wires include a plurality of common wires and a plurality of layer-dependent wires. In at least one of the layer portions, the semiconductor chip is electrically connected to the plurality of common wires and is selectively electrically connected to only the layer-dependent wire that the layer portion uses, among the plurality of layer-dependent wires.
US08203212B2 Air gaps in a multilayer integrated circuit and method of making same
A multilayer integrated circuit (IC) including a cross pattern of air gaps in a wiring layer and methods of making the multilayer IC are provided. The patterning of the air gaps is independent of the wiring layout. Patterns of air gaps including: parallel alternating stripes of air gaps and dielectric that are orthogonal to a uni-directional metal wiring layout; parallel alternating stripes of air gaps and dielectric that are diagonal to either a uni- or bi-directional metal wiring layout; and a checkerboard pattern of air gaps and dielectric that crosses either a uni- or bi-directional metal wiring layout are easily formed by conventional photolithography and provide a comparatively uniform reduction in parasitic capacitance between the wires and the surrounding materials, when about one-half of a total length of the metal wiring layout is disposed within the air gaps.
US08203210B2 Semiconductor device having metal contacts formed in an interlayer dielectric film comprising four silicon-containing layers
The reliability of a semiconductor device having an embedded wire in the lowest layer wire is improved. In a main surface of a semiconductor substrate, MISFETs are formed and over the main surface, insulating films 10, 11 are formed. In the insulating films 10, 11 a contact hole is formed and a plug is embedded therein. Over the insulating film 11 in which the plug is embedded, insulating films 14, 15, 16 are formed and an opening is formed in the insulating films 14, 15, 16 and a wire is embedded therein. The insulating film 15 is an etching stopper film when etching the insulating film 16 in order to form the opening, containing silicon and carbon. The insulating film 11 has a high hygroscopicity and the insulating film 15 has a low moisture resistance, however, by interposing the insulating film 14 therebetween and making the insulating film 14 have a higher density of the number of Si (silicon) atoms than that of the insulating film 11, an electrically weak interface is prevented from being formed.
US08203200B2 Diode leadframe for solar module assembly
A leadframe design for a diode or other semiconductor device that reduces stress on the device and provides increased heat dissipation is provided. According to various embodiments, the leadframe has a contoured profile including a recessed area and a raised surface within the recessed area. The surface supports the device such that the edges of the device extend past the surface. Also provided are device assemblies including the novel leadframes. In certain embodiments, the assemblies include one or more leadframes attached via a solder joint to a device. According to various embodiments, the leadframes are attached to the front side of the device, back side of the device or both. In particular embodiments, the device is a bypass diode for one or more solar cells in a solar module.
US08203197B2 Thermally enhanced semiconductor devices
Thermal communication of matched transistors formed in lower electrical resistance subregions of first and second active substrate regions is provided by thermally conductive members formed to extend over isolation regions between higher electrical resistance subregions of the first and second regions. In one form, thermal communication is done, with or without contacts, through insulating layers to metal layers formed over the substrate. In another form, thermal communication is done through a polysilicon layer formed over the substrate.
US08203196B2 Image sensor
Disclosed is an image sensor. The image sensor includes a substrate having photodiodes therein; a dielectric layer on the substrate; a passivation layer on the dielectric layer exposing the dielectric layer in a region corresponding to a first color filter; and a color filter layer on the exposed dielectric layer and the passivation layer.
US08203195B2 Materials, fabrication equipment, and methods for stable, sensitive photodetectors and image sensors made therefrom
Optically sensitive devices include a device comprising a first contact and a second contact, each having a work function, and an optically sensitive material between the first contact and the second contact. The optically sensitive material comprises a p-type semiconductor, and the optically sensitive material has a work function. Circuitry applies a bias voltage between the first contact and the second contact. The optically sensitive material has an electron lifetime that is greater than the electron transit time from the first contact to the second contact when the bias is applied between the first contact and the second contact. The first contact provides injection of electrons and blocking the extraction of holes. The interface between the first contact and the optically sensitive material provides a surface recombination velocity less than 1 cm/s.
US08203192B2 STRAM with compensation element and method of making the same
Spin-transfer torque memory having a compensation element is disclosed. A spin-transfer torque memory unit includes a free magnetic layer having a magnetic easy axis and a magnetization orientation that can change direction due to spin-torque transfer when a write current passes through the spin-transfer torque memory unit; a reference magnetic element having a magnetization orientation that is pinned in a reference direction; an electrically insulating and non-magnetic tunneling barrier layer separating the free magnetic layer from the magnetic reference element; and a compensation element adjacent to the free magnetic layer. The compensation element applies a bias field on the magnetization orientation of the free magnetic layer. The bias field is formed of a first vector component parallel to the easy axis of the free magnetic layer and a second vector component orthogonal to the easy axis of the free magnetic layer. The bias field reduces a write current magnitude required to switch the direction of the magnetization orientation of the free magnetic layer.
US08203187B2 3D memory array arranged for FN tunneling program and erase
A 3D memory device includes an array of semiconductor body pillars and bit line pillars, dielectric charge trapping structures, and a plurality of levels of word line structures arranged orthogonally to the array of semiconductor body pillars and bit line pillars. The semiconductor body pillars have corresponding bit line pillars on opposing first and second sides, providing source and drain terminals. The semiconductor body pillars have first and second channel surfaces on opposing third and fourth sides. Dielectric charge trapping structures overlie the first and second channel surfaces, providing data storage sites on two sides of each semiconductor body pillar in each level of the 3D array. The device can be operated as a 3D AND-decoded flash memory.
US08203180B2 Devices containing permanent charge
An edge termination structure includes a final dielectric trench containing permanent charge. The final dielectric trench is surrounded by first conductivity type semiconductor material (doped by lateral outdiffusion from the trenches), which in turn is laterally surrounded by second conductivity type semiconductor material.
US08203178B2 System and method for reducing process-induced charging
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, a memory cell formed on the substrate, and a contact to the substrate. The contact is formed in an area away from the memory cell and functions to raise the potential of the substrate.
US08203176B2 Dielectric, capacitor using dielectric, semiconductor device using dielectric, and manufacturing method of dielectric
To make it possible to significantly suppress the leakage current in a semiconductor device having a capacitor structure using a dielectric film. There is provided a composite oxide dielectric which is mainly composed of Zr, Al and O, and which has a composition ratio of Zr and Al in a range of (1−x):x where 0.01≦x≦0.15, and has a crystal structure. When the dielectric is set to have the Al composition in the above described range and is crystallized, the relative dielectric constant of the dielectric can be significantly increased. When the dielectric is used as a dielectric film of a capacitor of a semiconductor device, the leakage current of the capacitor can be significantly reduced.
US08203175B2 Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same
A semiconductor device includes: diffusion layers formed at the front surface of a substrate; low-resistance parts formed at the front surfaces of the diffusion layers so as to have resistance lower than the diffusion layer; and rear contact electrodes passing through the substrate from the rear surface of the substrate to be connected to the low-resistance parts through the diffusion layers.
US08203173B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit
A semiconductor integrated circuit has: a substrate; a basic logic cell placed on the substrate and configured to function as a part of a logic circuit; and a dummy cell placed on the substrate and not configured to function as a part of a logic circuit. The basic logic cell includes a diffusion layer formed in the substrate, and a distance from the diffusion layer to a boundary between the basic logic cell and another cell adjacent to the basic logic cell is equal to a first distance. The dummy cell includes a dummy diffusion layer that is a diffusion layer formed in the substrate, and a distance from the dummy diffusion layer to a boundary between the dummy cell and another cell adjacent to the dummy cell is equal to the first distance.
US08203172B2 Nitride semiconductor device
A nitride semiconductor device includes: a first layer made of a first nitride semiconductor; a second layer provided on the first layer and made of a second nitride semiconductor having a larger band gap than the first nitride semiconductor; a first electrode electrically connected to the second layer; a second electrode provided on the second layer and juxtaposed to the first electrode in a first direction; and a floating electrode provided on the second layer, the floating electrode including: a portion sandwiched by the second electrode in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction; and a portion protruding from the second electrode toward the first electrode.
US08203169B2 Glass, coating material for light-emitting devices and light-emitting device
To provide glass with which a sealing treatment can be carried out at a temperature of at most 400° C. and which does not deteriorate or change in quality for a long time.Glass comprising, as represented by mol % based on oxides, from 27 to 33% of P2O5, from 50 to 70% of SnO, from 0 to 10% of ZnO, from 0.5 to 5% of CaO and from 0 to 5% of B2O3.
US08203168B2 Integration of SMD components in an IC housing
The invention relates to an electronic component having a semiconductor component, particularly a semiconductor chip, and at least one SMD component, a chip carrier with a support platform and with connecting leads. Whereby the semiconductor component, which is connected electrically via chip bonds to bond fingers of the connecting leads is mounted on the support platform and the SMD component connects the support platform to a connecting lead via contact surfaces arranged thereon, a housing, which encloses the semiconductor component, the SMD component, and at least partially the chip carrier. The support platform and the connecting lead in the area of the SMD component are profiled to create barriers in such a way that flowing of a free-flowing material from the contact surfaces connected to the SMD component of the chip carrier both onto the support platform and onto the connecting lead is prevented.
US08203164B2 Light emitting diode package
A light emitting diode (LED) package including: an LED chip; a first lead frame having a heat transfer unit with a top where a groove for stably mounting the LED chip is formed; a second lead frame disposed separately from the first lead frame; a package body having a concave portion encapsulating a portion of the heat transfer unit and the second lead frame but exposing a portion of the top of the heat transfer unit and a portion of the lead frame, and a ring-shaped portion extended in a ring shape along an inner wall of the groove of the heat transfer unit and forming an aperture in a center thereof; and a phosphor layer formed on the aperture of the ring-shaped portion and applied to the LED chip, wherein the LED chip is disposed in the inside of the aperture of the ring-shape portion.
US08203163B2 Lighting emitting device package and method of fabricating the same including a plating layer at an outer circumference of the package body
Provided is a light emitting device package and a method of fabricating the same. The light emitting device package comprises a package body having a cavity, a seed layer on a surface of the package body, a conductive layer on the seed layer, a mirror layer on the conductive layer, and a light emitting device in the cavity.
US08203161B2 Wavelength converted semiconductor light emitting device
A device includes a semiconductor structure comprising a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region. A luminescent material is positioned in a path of light emitted by the light emitting layer. A thermal coupling material is disposed in a transparent material. The thermal coupling material has a thermal conductivity greater than a thermal conductivity of the transparent material. The thermal coupling material is positioned to dissipate heat from the luminescent material.
US08203160B2 LED semiconductor body and use of an LED semiconductor body
An LED semiconductor body includes a number of at least two radiation-generating active layers. Each active layer has a forward voltage, wherein the number of active layers is adapted to an operating voltage in such a way that the voltage dropped across a series resistor connected in series with the active layers is at most of the same magnitude as a voltage dropped across the LED semiconductor body. The invention furthermore describes various uses of the LED semiconductor body.
US08203158B2 Organic EL display panel
An organic EL display panel comprising a substrate and an organic light-emitting element R emitting red light, an organic light-emitting element G emitting green light and an organic light-emitting element B emitting blue light which are arranged on the substrate, wherein each of the organic light-emitting element has a concavely curved pixel electrode which is a reflective electrode, a functional layer formed with coating over the pixel electrode, an organic light emitting layer arranged on the functional layer, a counter electrode which is a transparent electrode arranged over the organic light emitting layer and a bank defining the functional layer formed with coating, the element R, the element G and the element B have different amount of the functional layer and the element R, the element G and the element B have different curvature radius of the concavely curved pixel electrode.
US08203155B2 Cavity-enhanced multispectral photonic devices
A multispectral pixel structure is provided that includes a plurality of stacked cavity arrangements for emitting or detecting a plurality of specified wavelengths, wherein each stacked cavity arrangement having a photoactive layer for spectral emission or detection of one of the specified wavelengths. The photoactive layer is positioned within a resonant cavity stack and the resonant cavity stack being positioned between two adjacent mirror stacks. A plurality of coupling-matching layers are positioned between one or more of the stack mirror arrangements for controlling optical phase and coupling strength between emitted or incident light and resonant modes in each of the stacked cavity arrangements.
US08203153B2 III-V light emitting device including a light extracting structure
Embodiments of the invention include a substrate comprising a host and a seed layer bonded to the host, and a semiconductor structure comprising a light emitting layer disposed between an n-type region and a p-type region grown over the seed layer. A variation in index of refraction in a direction perpendicular to a growth direction of the semiconductor structure is disposed between the host and the light emitting layer.
US08203152B2 Nitride semiconductor devices including a separation preventing layer
The nitride semiconductor device includes an insulating layer and a metal layer formed on a nitride semiconductor layer. The insulating layer makes contact with the nitride semiconductor layer. A separation preventing layer is formed between the insulating layer and the metal layer so as to make contact with each of these layers. The separation preventing layer includes, as a main component, at least one oxide of a metal selected from a group of metals consisting of tungsten, molybdenum, chromium, titanium, nickel, hafnium, zinc, indium and yttrium.
US08203149B2 Standard cell having compensation capacitance
A standard cell includes a capacity element which is made up of a first well diffusion layer into which a first conductive impurity is diffused in a region from a surface of a substrate to a predetermined depth, an insulation film which is provided on the first well diffusion layer, and a first dummy pattern which is provided on the insulation film.
US08203146B2 Integrated circuits utilizing amorphous oxides
Semiconductor devices and circuits with use of transparent oxide film are provided. The semiconductor device having a P-type region and an N-type region, wherein amorphous oxides with electron carrier concentration less than 1018/cm3 is used for the N-type region.
US08203138B2 Organic field-effect transistor, production method and intermediate structure therefor, and organic field-effect device
An organic field-effect transistor normally includes: a source electrode and a drain electrode; an organic semiconductor layer in contact with the source electrode and the drain electrode; a gate insulating layer adjacent to the organic semiconductor layer; and a gate electrode in contact with the gate insulating layer. The gate insulating layer according to the present invention is in a liquid state, constituted with a material containing no glue or thickener, a sole or main component of which is an ionic liquid. Thus the capacitance of the ionic liquid corresponding to a gate voltage modulation frequency of 10 Hz is reduced to 1/10 at a frequency of 10 kHz of higher. As a result, an organic field-effect transistor capable of operating at low voltage and assuring ample current gain and high-speed response (the capacitance of the ionic liquid corresponding to a gate voltage modulation frequency of 10 Hz is reduced to 1/10 at a frequency of 10 kHz of higher) is provided.
US08203134B2 Memory devices with enhanced isolation of memory cells, systems including same and methods of forming same
Memory cells of a memory device including a variable resistance material have a cavity between the memory cells. Electronic systems include such memory devices. Methods of forming a memory device include providing a cavity between memory cells of the memory device.
US08203131B2 Limiting plate shifting within a plate pallet
An apparatus for aligning and inserting a plate stack (112) into an automatic plate loader (100) in a predefined position. A plate pallet (116) carries the plate stack. A plate pallet adapter (128) adapted to carry the plate pallet, a centering element (236, 264) attached to the plate pallet adapter aligns the plate stack in a center position relative to the plate pallet adapter. A guiding unit (216, 220, 224, 228, 232, 504, 712) is attached to the plate pallet adapter, configured to align to the plate pallet and guide the plate pallet adapter into the automatic plate loader. In one embodiment, a plate adapter positioning sensor (268) is configured to sense and notify (124) an operator when the pallet adapter reaches the predefined position (248).
US08203130B2 Image sensor module, method of manufacturing the same, camera module including the same and electronic device including the camera module
An image sensor module may include an image sensor, a variable thickness member and a lens member. The image sensor may include a light receiver configured to receive a light. Further, a driving voltage may be applied to the image sensor. The variable thickness member may be arranged on the image sensor adjacent to the light receiver. Further, the variable thickness member may have a variable thickness along an optical axis of the light in accordance with the driving voltage through the image sensor.
US08203129B2 Methods and apparel for attenuating electromagnetic fields emanating from a person in or on a body of water
Attenuating, while in or on a body of water, one's own emanated electromagnetic field by wearing apparel that includes an electromagnetically shielding fabric. The shielding fabric comprises a substantially continuous system of conductive fibers combined with non-conductive fabric. Or attenuating, while a person is in or on a body of water, the electromagnetic field emanated by the person, by (i) providing to the person apparel that includes the electromagnetically shielding fabric, and (ii) instructing the person to wear it while in or on the water. The attenuation of the emanated electromagnetic field decreases the likelihood of a person being located in the body of water by a water-borne predator detecting that person's emanated electromagnetic field.
US08203127B2 Terahertz radiation device using polar semiconductor materials and method of generating terahertz radiation
A method and device for generating terahertz radiation comprising a plurality of layers of polar crystal material operative to emit terahertz radiation; the plurality of layers comprising transport layers and divider layers, the plane of the layers being not parallel to the polar axis, the interface between the transport layers and divider layers forming boundaries at which the internal electric polarization terminates leading to charges accumulating at the boundaries, and creation of internal electric fields oriented along the polar axis.
US08203126B2 Apparatus and method for exposing a substrate to a rotating irradiance pattern of UV radiation
Embodiments of the invention relate generally to an ultraviolet (UV) cure chamber for curing a dielectric material disposed on a substrate and to methods of curing dielectric materials using UV radiation. A substrate processing tool according to one embodiment comprises a body defining a substrate processing region; a substrate support adapted to support a substrate within the substrate processing region; an ultraviolet radiation lamp spaced apart from the substrate support, the lamp configured to transmit ultraviolet radiation to a substrate positioned on the substrate support; and a motor operatively coupled to rotate at least one of the ultraviolet radiation lamp or substrate support at least 180 degrees relative to each other. The substrate processing tool may further comprise one or more reflectors adapted to generate a flood pattern of ultraviolet radiation over the substrate that has complementary high and low intensity areas which combine to generate a substantially uniform irradiance pattern if rotated. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08203122B1 Thermoelectric conversion device, and radiation detector and radiation detection method using the same
A radiation detector including a substrate; a first inclined thin film disposed on a first main surface of the substrate, and having crystal planes serving as a factor in inducing anisotropy; a second inclined thin film disposed on a second main surface of the substrate opposite to the first main surface, and having crystal planes serving as a factor in inducing anisotropy; a first electrode pair of electrodes disposed on the first inclined thin film, the electrodes being opposed to each other in a direction in which the crystal planes of the first inclined thin film are aligned inclined to the first main surface; and a second electrode pair of electrodes disposed on the second inclined thin film, the electrodes being opposed to each other in a direction in which the crystal planes of the second inclined thin film are aligned inclined to the second main surface.
US08203121B2 Radiation detector stand
A radiation detector stand has a first support having a plurality of first trenches to which a plurality of radiation detectors for detecting a radiation are inserted, and a second support arranged in parallel to the first support. The first trenches are arranged at a predetermined interval corresponding to an interval of arranging the radiation detectors. The second support has a plurality of second trenches to which the radiation detectors are inserted, and the second trenches are arranged at the predetermined interval.
US08203117B2 Method and apparatus for embedded heater for desorption and ionization of analytes
A heated DESI spray device provides improved resolution or control of analyte desorption at a target locus on a sample. Heating controls spot size and enhances resolution in an imaging mode without impairing signal level. Additionally or alternatively the heated DESI spray may control desorption kinetics of a target analyte or otherwise control analyte discrimination in detection mode. One embodiment of the DESI spray is heated by heating nebulizing gas that accompanies the electrosprayed solvent. Another embodiment heats a separate gas stream that transports or directs desorbed material to the ion aperture of an analysis instrument. Heating may reduce size of primary droplets, alter the impact dynamics or the energy delivered by the spray to the surface, reduce size of secondary droplets and/or assure desolvation, improve species selectivity or otherwise affect sampling and enhance the ion signal level.
US08203114B2 Adaptive spatial-spectral processing (ASSP)
A hyperspectral imaging sensor and an adaptive spatial spectral processing filter capable of detecting, identifying, and/or classifying targets having a spatial extent of one pixel or less includes a sensor that may be oversampled such that a pixel is spatially smaller than the optical blur or point spread function of the sensor. Adaptive spatial spectral processing may be performed on hyperspectral image data to detect targets having spectral features that are known a priori, and/or that are anomalous compared to nearby pixels. Further, the adaptive spatial spectral processing may recover target energy spread over multiple pixels and reduce background clutter to increase the signal-to-noise ratio.
US08203113B2 Illumination apparatus and projection display apparatus
An illumination apparatus includes; a first solid-state light source, a second solid-state light source, a first arrangement member provided with a first arrangement surface, a second arrangement member provided with a second arrangement surface, an optical unit configured to reduce a dispersion angle of a light beam. The first solid-state light source emits a light beam having a first directivity. The second solid-state light source emits a light beam having a second directivity greater than the first directivity. A distance from the second arrangement surface to the second light-entering surface is longer than a distance from the first arrangement surface to the first light-entering surface.
US08203110B2 Dual axle solar tracker
Solar tracker with a principal substructure comprising a series of posts between which sections of beams are arranged, joined by intermediate axles and which can turn in respect of a longitudinal axle; it is also provided with secondary substructures comprising a frame for attachment of the solar panels which rotate in respect of an axle transversal to the longitudinal and with connection parts between the frames and the beams, and in respect of which they are articulated, with the frames being activated by connecting rods joined to a common slide. The centre of gravity of the structure overall is arranged such that it is very close to the longitudinal axle, which facilitates its actuation, reduces wind sensitivity and facilitates erection in addition to being provided with a certain degree of longitudinal tolerance, which enables better use to be made of land, as it is possible to achieve greater power per square meter.
US08203103B2 Plasma arc coating system and method
In an embodiment an apparatus for coating a substrate comprises: an array of plasma arcs; a first plurality of reagent manifolds located upstream of the array of plasma arcs and a second plurality of reagent manifolds located downstream of the array of plasma arcs, each manifold having at least one orifice through which a reagent is ejected into a plasma jet issuing from a respective plasma arc; and a controller which modulates the flow of reagent to each manifold according to the contours of the substrate and to the substrate position relative to the plasma arcs and the manifolds.
US08203101B2 Conveying device
A conveying device A is disposed inside a vacuum chamber B, includes a fixation base 1; a swivel base which is held rotatably with respect to the fixation base 1; linear movement mechanisms 3A, 3B supported by the swivel base 2; and hands 4A, 4B supported by the linear movement mechanisms 3A, 3B; and a transports work W placed on the hands 4A, 4B by operation of the linear movement mechanism 3A, 3B. Radiation plates 62, 63, 65 are provided at appropriate locations on a lower surface side of the swivel base or of the linear movement mechanisms 3A, 3B. The vacuum chamber is provided with heat absorption plates 61, 66 on a wall which faces the lower surface side of the swivel base 2.
US08203098B2 Laser processing machines and methods for providing a gas to the beam guide of a laser processing machine
A laser processing machine having a laser processing head that is open to a workpiece has a device for providing gas to the laser beam guide that introduces a first gas through a first gas inlet into the laser beam guide and introduces a second gas through a second gas inlet into the laser beam guide.
US08203095B2 Method of using a thermal plasma to produce a functionally graded composite surface layer on metals
A method of material treatment in which the surface of a metal substrate is converted to a composite structure of the metal and its nitride or carbide utilizing a high temperature chemically active thermal plasma stream, and the product obtained from that method. The complex thermal plasma contains controllable additions of active gas, liquid or solid substances. The surface layer obtained is functionally graded to the substrate resulting in an excellent bond that resists delamination and spalling, and provides a significant increase in hardness, wear and erosion resistance, and corrosion resistance, and a decrease in coefficient of friction.
US08203093B2 Pushbutton for electronic device
A pushbutton for an electronic device includes a pushbutton cap, a pushbutton base, and an adhesive member. The pushbutton cap has a flange extending from an edge thereof. The pushbutton base engages with the flange of the pushbutton cap, thus enveloping the adhesive member between the pushbutton cap and the pushbutton base.
US08203090B2 Switch assembly
A switch assembly having a housing with a lower housing portion removably securable to an upper housing portion is provided. A switch subassembly including a printed circuit board (PCB) is removably secured within the lower housing portion. A mechanical switch assembly and a sensor are electrically connected to the PCB, and the PCB includes circuitry to place each of the mechanical switch assembly and the sensor into electrical communication with an external source. The switch assembly further includes a plunger engageable with the mechanical switch assembly.An attachment assembly for securing the upper housing portion to a mounting structure includes a mounting plate securable to the mounting structure, wherein the mounting plate includes at least one threaded opening. At least one opening is formed in the upper housing portion that is alignable with the threaded opening in the mounting plate that is sized and configured to receive a fastener.
US08203083B2 Electromagnetic wave shielding heat-radiation sheet and manufactured method thereof
Disclosed is an electromagnetic wave shielding heat-radiation sheet allowing electricity and heat to be transferred from one side surface to the other side surface of the sheet, in which conductive protrusions formed by partially cutting a conductive layer laminated on an elastic support layer are bent toward the rear surface of the elastic support layer to pass through the elastic support layer and come in contact with the rear surface of the elastic support layer.
US08203082B2 Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board includes a first layout layer, a second layout layer, a copper foil layer, a first via and a second via. The first layout layer has a first signal line and a second signal line, each of which has a curved first portion. The second layout layer has a third signal line and a fourth signal line, each of which also has a curved first portion. The curved first portions of the first signal line, the second signal line, the third signal line and the fourth signal line are coupled to the first via and the second via. In this case, the curved first portions of the first signal line, the second signal line, the third signal line and the fourth signal line cooperatively generate spiral inductance characteristic.
US08203080B2 Build-up printed wiring board substrate having a core layer that is part of a circuit
Integrated circuits and processes for manufacturing integrated circuits are described that use printed wiring board substrates having a core layer that is part of the circuit of the printed wiring board. In a number of embodiments, the core layer is constructed from a carbon composite. In several embodiments, techniques are described for increasing the integrity of core layers in designs calling for high density clearance hole drilling. One embodiment of the invention includes a core layer that includes electrically conductive material and at least one build-up wiring portion formed on an outer surface of the core layer. In addition, the build-up portion comprises at least one micro wiring layer including a circuit that is electrically connected to the electrically conductive material in the core layer via a plated through hole.teh
US08203073B2 Front electrode for use in photovoltaic device and method of making same
This invention relates to a front electrode/contact for use in an electronic device such as a photovoltaic device. In certain example embodiments, the front electrode of a photovoltaic device or the like includes a multilayer coating including at least one transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer (e.g., of or including a material such as tin oxide, ITO, zinc oxide, or the like) and/or at least one conductive substantially metallic IR reflecting layer (e.g., based on silver, gold, or the like). In certain example instances, the multilayer front electrode coating may include one or more conductive metal(s) oxide layer(s) and one or more conductive substantially metallic IR reflecting layer(s) in order to provide for reduced visible light reflection, increased conductivity, cheaper manufacturability, and/or increased infrared (IR) reflection capability. At least one of the surfaces of the front glass substrate may be textured in certain example embodiments of this invention.
US08203072B2 Solar cell and method of manufacturing the same
A solar cell and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The solar cell includes a substrate of a first conductive type having at least one via hole; an emitter layer only on at least a portion of the via hole and at least one selected from a group consisting of an incident surface and side surfaces of the substrate, the emitter layer having a second conductive type opposite the first conductive type; at least one first electrode on the incident surface, the first electrode being electrically connected to the emitter layer; a second electrode connected to an opposite surface to the incident surface; and at least one first electrode current collector on the opposite surface, the at least one first electrode current collector being insulated from the second electrode and being electrically connected to the at least one first electrode through the via hole.
US08203070B2 Automated solar tracking system
An automated tracking solar power collector is disclosed herein, the tracking solar powered collector includes at least one solar collector such as a solar concentrator and an actuator coupled to the at least one solar collector. The tracking solar power collector further includes a tracking controller configured to aim the at least one solar collector toward the sun with the actuator; and, a power controller configured to supply power to the actuator based on an energy collected by the at least one solar collector.
US08203069B2 System, method, and apparatus for coupling photovoltaic arrays
System, methods and apparatus for coupling photovoltaic arrays are disclosed. The apparatus may include a first input adapted to couple to a neutral line of a first photovoltaic array; a second input adapted to couple to a neutral line of a second photovoltaic array; a contactor configured to switchably couple the neutral line of a first photovoltaic array to the a neutral line of a second photovoltaic array, the contactor being controllable by an electric control signal; and a control input adapted to couple the switch to a remotely located controller so as to enable the controller to control the first switch by sending the electric control signal.
US08203067B2 Thermoelectric transportation material containing nitrogen
A nitrogen-containing thermoelectric material, which has an element composition represented by: AlzGayInxMuRvOsNt  (A) or AlzGayInxMuRvDwNm  (B) (wherein M represents a transition element; R represents a rare earth element; D represents at least one element selected from elements of the Group IV or II; 0≦z≦0.7, 0≦y≦0.7, 0.2≦x≦1.0, 0≦u≦0.7, 0≦v≦0.05, 0.9≦s+t≦1.7, 0.4≦s≦1.2, 0≦w≦0.2 and 0.9≦m≦1.1; and x+y+z=1), and has an absolute value of a Seebeck coefficient of 40 μV/K or more at a temperature of 100° C. or more. These thermoelectric materials comprise elements having low toxicity, are excellent in a heat resistance, a chemical resistance and the like, and have a high thermoelectric transforming efficiency.
US08203065B2 Percussion instrument
A percussion instrument is configured for minimizing space used for set up for use. The percussion instrument uses a belt member stretched between one of two upper stretching members and a lower stretching member, to form a striking surface. By using the elasticity of the belt member, the striking surface can simulate the tension sensation of a conventional acoustic percussion instrument. By forming the belt member in a band shape, the width dimensions of the striking surface can be small relative to conventional circular shaped striking surfaces.
US08203064B2 Adjustable folding leg for bass drum
An adjustable, foldable support leg for a bass drum has a cylindrical leg member movable longitudinally within a tubular leg member. A threaded portion of the tubular member includes apertures in which ball bearings are located. The bearings are retained in the apertures by an annular locking collar which is also threaded to allow the collar to move longitudinally on the tubular member as the collar is turned. The locking collar has an interior frustoconical surface. When the collar moves downwardly on the tubular member, this surface presses the ball bearings against the cylindrical member, locking the leg members in place. A mounting bracket includes a pin about which the folding leg pivots and a channel which receives the inner end of the leg. The leg is biased against the floor of the channel which includes detents to receive the end of the leg in the folded and extended positions.
US08203050B2 Cotton variety 09R555B2R2
The invention relates to the novel cotton variety designated 09R555B2R2. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants, plant parts and derivatives of the cotton variety 09R555B2R2. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the cotton variety 09R555B2R2 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing cotton plants by crossing the cotton variety 09R555B2R2 with itself or another cotton variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08203044B1 Soybean variety XB40U10
A novel soybean variety, designated XB40U10 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB40U10, cells from soybean variety XB40U10, plants of soybean XB40U10, and plant parts of soybean variety XB40U10. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB40U10 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic, mutant trait, and/or native trait into soybean variety XB40U10, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB40U10. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB40U10 are further provided.
US08203040B2 Soybean variety A1016332
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1016332. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1016332. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1016332 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1016332 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08203035B2 Soybean cultivar 8922462
A soybean cultivar designated 8922462 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 8922462, to the plants of soybean 8922462, to plant parts of soybean cultivar 8922462, and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing soybean cultivar 8922462 with itself or with another soybean variety. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. This invention also relates to soybean cultivars, or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean variety 8922462, to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 8922462, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing the cultivar 8922462 with another soybean cultivar.
US08203031B2 Transgenic plants exhibiting increased resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and methods for producing the same
The invention relates to plants, especially transgenic plants, plant parts and plant cells overproducing a secretory phospholipase A2 protein (e.g. sPLA2-a or sPLA2-b) and having an enhanced resistance against a wide range of abiotic (e.g., against osmotic stress) and biotic stress (e.g., bacterial, or fungal infections) conditions as well as inducing early flowering. The invention also comprises nucleic acid sequences encoding a secretory phospholipase A2 or functional isoforms thereof and the use of such sequences for rendering plants resistant against abiotic and biotic stress conditions. The invention is useful for mitigating crop damages by a wide variety of pathogen infections and stress conditions and for accelerating flowering time.
US08203028B2 Processes for olefin/paraffin separation utilizing porous, hydrophobic poly(ether ether ketone) membranes
Processes for olefin/paraffin separation utilizing porous, hydrophobic poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) membranes are provided. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a process for olefin/paraffin separation comprises providing a porous membrane formed of PEEK polymer functionalized with hydrophobic groups, the porous membrane having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface of the porous membrane is contacted with a feed comprising an olefin and a paraffin and a permeate is caused to flow from the second surface of the porous membrane. The permeate has a concentration of the paraffin that is higher than a concentration of the paraffin of the feed.
US08203022B2 Conversion of 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane to 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene
Described is a method for producing fluoropropenes of formula CF3CX═CX2 wherein each X is F or H, at least one X is H, and at least one X is F, comprising pyrolyzing a hydrofluorochloropropane of formula CF3CXYCX2Y, wherein each X is F or H, at least one X is H, and at least one X is F, and one Y is Cl and the other Y is H, in the gas-phase in a reaction vessel, maintained at a temperature high enough to effect the pyrolysis of said hydrofluorochloropropane to said fluoropropene, wherein the selectivity for the production of the fluoropropene is at least 80%, in the absence of a catalyst.
US08203013B2 Preparation of fatty acids in solid form
A method for making a fatty acid mineral salt is disclosed where liquid oils containing fatty acids are hydrolyzed using a base solution. A buffering agent is added to the hydrolyzed solution to maintain pH between 8.0 and 11.0 followed by a water soluble metal salt solution which causes a metathesis reaction with the hydrolyzed solution, forming a precipitates of fatty acid metal salts which are glycerin-free. The precipitates are filtered, washed and subsequently dried. The produced fatty acid metal salt is easier for the human body to digest than omega-3 fatty acid in oil form and also is less prone to oxidation and emitting of unpleasant odor.
US08203012B2 Process for preparing conjugated linoleic acid and derivatives thereof from ricinoleic acid
A process for preparing conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) or derivatives thereof from ricinoleic acid, lower alkyl esters of ricinoleic acid, or salts thereof. The CLA is formed by reacting a carboxylic acid, or anhydride, anhydride equivalent, or ester thereof with the ricinoleic acid or derivative to form an intermediate having a carboxylic ester at the 12-hydroxy position of the ricinoleic acid or derivative, and reacting the intermediate with a base to form a cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid.
US08203011B2 3′,4′,5-trimethoxy flavone derivatives as stimulant of mucus secretion, method for the same, and pharmaceutical composition comprising the same
The present invention provides a 3′,4′,5-trimethoxy flavone derivative and a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, preparation thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment and prevention of dry eye syndrome comprising the same as an active ingredient.The 3′,4′,5-trimethoxy flavone derivative and its pharmaceutically acceptable salt inhibit corneal damage through excellent stimulatory action on mucus secretion in the conjunctiva and therefore may be effective as a prophylactic or therapeutic agent for dry eye syndrome.
US08203010B2 Compounds useful in the synthesis of halichondrin B analogs
In general, the invention features compounds useful for the synthesis of analogs of halichondrin B, such as eribulin or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, e.g., eribulin mesylate. Exemplary compounds are of formula (I), (II), or (III):
US08203009B2 Neurotrophic activity of deoxygedunin
Novel compounds and methods for activating the TrkB receptor are provided. The methods include administering in vivo or in vitro a therapeutically effective amount of a compound containing four six-membered rings and a substituted or unsubstituted C5 or C6 heteroaryl or hetero-cycloalkyl ring and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and derivatives thereof. Specifically, methods and compounds for the treatment of disorders including neurologic, neuropsychiatric, and metabolic disorders are provided. For example, a method is provided of treating or reducing the risk of depression, anxiety, or obesity in a subject, which includes selecting a subject with or at risk of developing depression, anxiety, or obesity, and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the described compounds. A further method of promoting neuroprotection in a subject is provided, which includes selecting a subject in need of neuroprotection, and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the described compounds.
US08203004B2 Tetrahydroindole derivatives for treatment of alzheimer's disease
Tetrahydroindole derivatives of formula (I): are disclosed. These compounds modulate the activity of gamma-secretase and hence find use in treatment or prevention of Alzheimer's disease.
US08203002B2 Intermediates for the preparation of pramipexole
Intermediates useful for the preparation of pramipexole and the use thereof in such synthesis.
US08202999B2 Compounds for inflammation and immune-related uses
The invention relates to compounds of structural formulas (I), (VII) and (XI): or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, clathrate, or prodrug thereof, wherein X1, X2, X3, Y, Z, L, R1, R2, R3, R18 and n are defined herein. These compounds are useful as immunosuppressive agents and for treating and preventing inflammatory conditions, allergic disorders, and immune disorders.
US08202996B2 Crystalline forms of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-methyl-L-valyl-(4R)-4-((7-chloro-4-methoxy-1-isoquinolinyl)oxy)-N- ((1R,2S)-1-((cyclopropylsulfonyl)carbamoyl)-2-vinylcyclopropyl)-L-prolinamide
The present disclosure generally relates to crystalline forms of N-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)-3-methyl-L-valyl-(4R)-4-((7-chloro-4-methoxy-1-isoquinolinyl)oxy)-N-((1R,2S)-1-((cyclopropylsulfonyl)carbamoyl)-2-vinylcyclopropyl)-L-prolinamide. The present disclosure also generally relates to a pharmaceutical composition comprising one or more of the crystalline forms, as well of methods of using the crystalline forms in the treatment of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and methods for obtaining such crystalline forms.
US08202995B2 Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of aporphine derivatives and carboxyl group-containing agents and methods for preparing the same
The present invention discloses novel pharmaceutically acceptable salts of aporphine compounds and carboxyl-group containing agents. Also, the present invention discloses methods for preparing the pharmaceutically acceptable salts. These pharmaceutically acceptable salts are suitable for use in treating and/or preventing hyperglycemic disease and/or several oxidative stress related diseases.
US08202993B2 Spiro-piperidine derivatives
The present invention is concerned with novel indol-2-yl-carbonyl-spiro-piperidine derivatives as V1a receptor antagonists, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use for the treatment of anxiety, depressive disorders and other diseases. The compounds of present invention are represented by the general formula (I) wherein R1 to R1, X and Y are as defined in the specification.
US08202990B2 Polo-like kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates generally to processes of making 4-(9-cyclopentyl-7,7-difluoro-5-methyl-6-oxo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-pyrimido[4,5-b][1,4]diazepin-2-ylamino)-3-methoxy-N-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)benzamide and Form A of 4-(9-cyclopentyl-7,7-difluoro-5-methyl-6-oxo-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-pyrimido[4,5-b][1,4]diazepin-2-ylamino)-3-methoxy-N-(1-methylpiperidin-4-yl)benzamide.
US08202986B2 Branched hyaluronic acid and method of manufacture
A branched hyaluronic acid, wherein the linear backbone comprises hyaluronic acid in which one or more N-Acetyl-Glucosamine has been deacetylated to Glucosamine, with branching sidechain(s) covalently linked to the primary amine(s) of said deacetylated Glucosamine thus forming a secondary amine(s); a precursor for producing said branched hyaluronic acid; and a method for producing said branching hyaluronic acid.
US08202983B2 Thiocarbon-protecting groups for RNA synthesis
Aspects of the invention include 2′ protected nucleoside monomers that are protected at the 2′ site with thiocarbon protecting groups. Thiocarbon protecting groups of interest include thiocarbonate, thionocarbonate, dithiocarbonate groups, as well as thionocarbamate protecting groups. Aspects of the invention further include nucleic acids that include the protecting groups of the invention, as well as methods of synthesizing nucleic acids using the protecting groups of the invention.
US08202981B2 Compositions and their uses directed to PTPRU
Disclosed herein are compounds, compositions and methods for modulating the expression of PTPRU in a cell, tissue or animal. Also provided are methods of active target segment validation. Also provided are uses of disclosed compounds and compositions in the manufacture of a medicament for treatment of diseases and disorders. Also provided are methods for the prevention, amelioration and/or treatment of diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, insulin deficiency, hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, hyperfattyacidemia, liver steatosis, steatohepatitis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease by administration of antisense compounds targeted to PTPRU.
US08202978B2 Compositions for detecting group A streptococci
Compositions, methods and kits for detecting Group A streptococci. Particularly described are oligonucleotides that are useful as amplification primers and hybridization probes for detecting very low levels of Group A streptococci nucleic acids.
US08202977B2 Pestivirus species
The application relates to a pestivirus, designated PMC virus, that is associated with porcine myocarditis syndrome, and the gene and protein sequences derived therefrom. The application further relates to detection methods, vaccine therapeutics, and diagnostic methods using the PMC virus or gene/protein sequences derived therefrom.
US08202976B2 Nucleic acid molecules that encode human anti-IFN-gamma neutralizing antibodies as selective IFN-gamma pathway inhibitors
This invention provides antibodies that interact with or bind to human interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and methods for treating IFN-γ mediated diseases by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of antibodies to IFN-γ. Methods of detecting the amount of IFN-γ in a sample using antibodies to IFN-γ are also provided.
US08202975B2 High-risk human papillomavirus detection
This invention provides compositions and methods for detecting HPV in a sample. This invention also provides related kits, systems, and computers.
US08202972B2 Isothermal DNA amplification
Provided herein are nucleic acid synthesis methods and agents that employ an endonuclease for example, endonuclease V, to introduce a nick into a target DNA including one or more inosine, and uses a DNA polymerase to generate amplicons of the target DNA.
US08202968B2 Predicting lung cancer survival using gene expression
The present invention provides a plurality of biomarkers for predicting survival of a subject with a lung cancer. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods of predicting survival of a subject with a lung cancer, a kit for predicting survival of a subject with a lung cancer, and an array for predicting survival of a subject with lung cancer.
US08202967B2 H5 proteins, nucleic acid molecules and vectors encoding for those, and their medicinal use
The present invention relates to novel hemagglutinin H5 proteins, nucleic acids and vectors encoding for those as well as vaccines comprising any of such H5 proteins, nucleic acids or vectors encoding for those H5 proteins. Moreover, the present invention also relates to the medicinal use of any of such compositions in humans and animals.
US08202959B2 Process for preparing polymers from 3-methylbut-1-ene
The present invention relates to a copolymer which contains 3-methylbut-1-ene as a comonomer and which contains ethene or propene as a further monomer, the proportion of the incorporated 3-methylbut-1-ene being 0.1 to 40 mol %, and to a process for preparing such copolymers, the polymerization being performed in the presence of a catalyst which comprises at least one cyclopentadienyl group.
US08202957B2 Method for producing post-cured water-absorbent polymer particles with a higher absorption by polymerising droplets of a monomer solution
A process for preparing postcrosslinked water-absorbing polymer beads with high absorption by polymerizing droplets of a monomer solution in a gas phase surrounding the droplets, wherein the solids content of the monomer solution is at least 35% by weight and the polymer beads have a mean diameter of at least 150 μm.
US08202954B2 Metal-ligand complexes and catalysts
The present invention generally relates to metal-ligand complexes, catalysts comprising or prepared from the metal-ligand complexes, processes of catalyzing olefin polymerization reactions with the catalysts to prepare polyolefins, polyolefins prepared thereby, processes of making the metal-ligand complexes and catalysts, and intermediate compounds useful therefor.
US08202953B2 High efficiency solution polymerization process
A catalyst composition comprising a zirconium complex of a polyvalent aryloxyether and an alumoxane, polymerization processes employing the same, especially the continuous, solution polymerization of ethylene and one or more C3-30 olefins or diolefins to prepare copolymers having reduced cocatalyst by-product content, are disclosed.
US08202949B2 System and method for measuring pressure and flow in a loop reactor
A system and method for measuring pressure and flow rate of polymer slurry circulating in a loop reactor. For flow rate measurement, the loop reactor has a pressure tap on an outside radius of an elbow of the loop and a pressure tap on an inside radius of the elbow. The pressure taps incorporate diaphragms. Sensing legs couple the pressure taps with a differential pressure meter configured to provide a signal indicative of the flow rate of the polymer slurry. For pressure measurement, pressure taps without diaphragms at the loop reactor wall may be disposed at various points along the loop reactor, the pressure taps coupled to pressure sensing lines. A diluent flush line having a screen disposed therein may provide diluent to the pressure taps. The screen may reduce fouling of the pressure tap and sensing line with solids from the reactor.
US08202948B2 Phosphorus-containing compounds useful for making halogen-free ignition-resistant polymers
Phosphorus-containing compounds are disclosed which are obtainable by reacting: (A) at least one organophosphorus compound having a group selected from the group H—P═O; the group P—H and the group P—OH; and (B) at least one compound having the following Formula (I): [R′(Y)m′]m(X—O—R″)n  Formula (I) wherein R′ is an organic group; Y is a functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, carboxylic acid, and amine; X is a hydrocarbylene group; R″ is hydrogen or a hydrocarbyl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, R is alkyl or aryl group having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms; m′, m and n are, independently, numbers equal to or greater than 1; and (C) a thermosetting or thermoplastic composition.
US08202944B2 Modified polymer, rubber composition, and tire
The present invention provides a modified polymer, which is obtained by reacting, with an active metal bonded to a polymer, a modifier represented by the general formula (I) (where X1 to X5 each represent a hydrogen atom or a specific monovalent functional group, and at least one of those is other than a hydrogen atom, R1 to R5 each represent a single bond or a divalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, and a plurality of aziridine rings may be bonded through any of X1 to X5 and R1 to R5). More particularly, the present invention provides a novel modified polymer which has excellent interaction with carbon black and enables improvement in dispersibility of the carbon black when used in a rubber composition blended with the carbon black, a rubber composition containing the modified polymer and capable of providing a tire excellent in low heat generating property, rupture characteristics, and abrasion resistance, and a tire made of the rubber composition and having the above-mentioned characteristics.
US08202943B2 Fluidity-improving agent, aromatic polycarbonate resin composition, and shaped article thereof
A fluidity-improving agent containing 0.5 to 99.5 parts by mass of a polymer (A) which is obtained by polymerizing a monomer mixture (a) containing 0.5 to 99% by mass of (a1) an aromatic vinyl monomer, 0.5 to 99% by mass of (a2) a phenyl(meth)acrylate or a phenyl(meth)acrylate containing a substituent in a phenyl group, and 0.5 to 5% by mass of (a3) a vinyl monomer including a functional group (X), and 0.5 to 99.5 parts by mass of a polymer (B) which is obtained by polymerizing a monomer mixture (b) containing (b1) a phenyl(meth)acrylate or a phenyl(meth)acrylate containing a substituent in a phenyl group with a compound including a functional group (Y) reactive with the functional group (X), where the total of the polymer (A) and the polymer (B) is 100 parts by mass.
US08202938B2 Thermoplastic resin composition and molded product made using the same
Disclosed is a thermoplastic resin composition that includes (A) a polycarbonate resin, (B) a modified acryl-based copolymer resin, (C) a polysiloxane copolymer including an aryl group, and (D) a core-shell graft copolymer.
US08202933B2 Silicone resin composition for encapsulating luminescent element and process for producing optical-semiconductor electronic part with the same through potting
The present invention provides a silicone resin composition for encapsulating light-emitting elements with which encapsulation using a potting method can be easily accomplished, and which can be easily molded into a lens shape such as hemisphere, parabola, or the like. The composition can impart high transparency to the resulting encapsulating lens molded using a potting method.More particularly, the invention provides a silicone resin composition for encapsulating light-emitting elements, including 2 to 25 wt % of silica with a mean particle size of 1 to 30 nm based on the total amount of Components (A) and (B); and having a viscosity (23° C.) of more than 10 Pa·s and less than 70 Pa·s, and a thixotropic index of 2.0 to 5.5; the composition being used for encapsulation using a potting method. The invention also provides a process for producing an optical semiconductor electronic part, including applying the composition as an encapsulating resin to a substrate with a light-emitting element, thereby molding the encapsulating resin into a lens shape by potting.
US08202929B2 Polymer networks
Polymer mixtures containing a first long-chain polymer and a second short-chain polymer. The structural parameters of the two polymers are coordinated in such a way that a polymeric material is obtained which is easier to process while being provided with improved mechanical properties and in part also improved thermal properties compared with the first polymer at suitable conditions for producing the polymer mixture as a result of networks being formed and heterocrystallization taking place.
US08202925B2 Golf balls with cores or intermediate layers prepared from highly-neutralized ethylene terpolymers and organic acids
Described are golf balls comprising cores or intermediate layers prepared from thermoplastic compositions having coefficients of restitution equal to or greater than 0.83 and PGA compression greater than 100. Also described is a composition comprising or prepared from (a) at least one aliphatic, mono-functional organic acid having from 16 to 20 carbon atoms, wherein the organic acid is unsaturated and linear; (b) an ethylene acid copolymer consisting essentially of copolymerized comonomers of ethylene and from 18 to 24 weight % of copolymerized comonomers of at least one C3 to C8 α,β ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid, based on the total weight of the ethylene acid copolymer, having a melt index from about 200 to about 600 g/10 minutes; wherein the combined acid moieties of (a) and (b) are nominally neutralized to a level from about 120% to about 200%; and optionally (c) filler.
US08202923B2 System and method for high throughput preparation of rubber-modified asphalt cement
This invention encompasses rubber modified asphalt cement compositions, as well as systems, apparatuses, methods for preparing, as well as methods for using rubber-modified asphalt cement compositions.
US08202918B2 Method and system for processing waste materials
Methods and systems for processing waste materials and for manufacturing composite materials are disclosed herein. According to some embodiments, the heterogeneous waste includes a plastic component and a non-plastic component, and the non-plastic component includes a plurality of pieces of waste. The heterogeneous waste is heated to melt at least a portion of said plastic component and reducing a volume of said heterogeneous waste, and then mixed (e.g. by rotating a mixing chamber or by stirring) until at least some said pieces are each encapsulated by the melted plastic component. Upon cooling, the mixture optionally sets into a composite material. The presently disclosed invention does not require pre-sorting of the heterogeneous waste and is operative to process “as is” waste. Optionally, the waste is pre-sorted. Exemplary uses for the composite material include but are not limited to flooring sheets, construction bricks, thermal insulation, acoustic walls, road paving materials, road beds, ballistic shields shock absorbing flooring, artificial islands, artificial reefs, and marine docks.
US08202917B2 Pillow panel reactor and process
A novel catalytic reactor suitable for use in chemical and petrochemical processes. The reactor is of a pillow panel that has superior heat transfer properties. This invention also relates to a chemical process, such as a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process performed with use of the novel pillow panel reactor.
US08202916B2 Method of and apparatus for producing methanol
An apparatus and method of producing methanol includes reacting a heated hydrocarbon-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas in a reactor; and adding a relatively cold hydrocarbon-containing gas, to be mixed directly with a mixture of the heated hydrocarbon-containing gas and the oxygen-containing gas, after formaldehyde is formed to inhibit decomposition of formaldehyde in the reactor, to provide a product stream comprising methanol and formaldehyde; and transferring heat from the product stream to the hydrocarbon-containing gas to heat the hydrocarbon containing gas.
US08202912B2 Pharmaceutical compositions providing enhanced drug concentrations
A drug in a solubility-improved form is combined with a concentration-enhancing polymer in a sufficient amount so that the combination provides substantially enhanced drug concentration in a use environment relative to a control comprising the same amount of the same solubility-improved form of drug without the concentration-enhancing polymer.
US08202907B2 Composition with preventive or improvement effect on symptoms or diseases associated with stress-induced behavior disorders
A composition with a preventive or improvement effect on symptoms or diseases associated with stress-induced behavior disorders, comprising arachidonic acid and/or a compound comprising arachidonic acid as a constituent fatty acid.
US08202905B2 Compounds with (substituted phenyl)-propenal moiety, their derivatives, biological activity, and use thereof
The present invention includes compounds, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics having at least one (substituted phenyl)-propenal moiety. The compounds and compositions of the present invention are useful in the treatment or prevention of medical conditions including androgen associated conditions, androgen associated inflammation, acne, alopecia, hirsutism, a wound, prostate cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, breast cancer and Kennedy's disease.
US08202902B2 Bivalent SMAC mimetics and the uses thereof
The invention relates to bivalent mimetics of Smac which function as inhibitors of Inhibitor of Apoptosis Proteins. The invention also relates to the use of these mimetics for inducing apoptotic cell death and for sensitizing cells to inducers of apoptosis.
US08202890B2 Pest control agent
Disclosed is a compound usable as a pest control agent and has excellent pest control activity. A compound represented by formula (I) has excellent pest control activity. The compound or an agriculturally or horticulturally acceptable salt thereof is thus useful as a pest control agent.
US08202886B2 Small molecule E2F inhibitor
A small molecular inhibitor of E2F (HLM006474) was identified using a computer-based virtual screen and the known crystal structure of the DNA bound E2F4/DP2 heterodimer. Treatment of multiple cell lines resulted in the loss of intracellular E2F4 DNA-binding activity. Overnight exposure to HLM006474 resulted in down regulation of total E2F4 protein as well as several known E2F targets. The effects of treatment on different cell lines included a reduction in cell proliferation and an increase in apoptosis. Apoptosis was induced in a manner distinct from cisplatin and doxorubicin. E2F4-null MEFs (mouse embryo fibroblasts) were less sensitive than wildtype counterparts to the apoptosis-inducing activity of the compound revealing its biological specificity. A375 cells were extremely sensitive to the apoptosis-inducing activity of the compound in two-dimensional culture and HLM006474 was a potent inhibitor of melanocytes proliferation and subsequent invasion in a three-dimensional tissue culture model system.
US08202878B2 Inhibitors of diacylglycerol O-acyltransferase type 1 enzyme
The present invention relates to a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a pharmaceutical composition of formula (I), and related methods for treating or preventing metabolic diseases or conditions.
US08202870B2 Substituted oxindole derivatives, medicaments containing the latter and use thereof
The invention relates to novel oxindole derivatives of general formula (I), in which the substituents R1, R2, R3, Y1, Y2, m, n, W, X, B and Z are defined as cited in claim 1, to medicaments containing said derivatives and to the use of the latter for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of vasopressin-dependent and/or oxytocin-dependent diseases
US08202865B2 Oxadiazole derivatives
The invention relates to compounds of formula I: wherein R1, R2, Ra, Rb, W, Q and S have the meanings given in claim 16. The compounds are useful e.g. in the treatment of autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis.
US08202864B2 Compounds
Compounds of formula (I) wherein R1 is 2-indanyl, R2 is 1-methylpropyl, R3 is a group selected from 2,6-dimethyl-3-pyridyl or 4,6-dimethyl-3-pyridyl, R4 represents methyl and R5 represents hydrogen or methyl or, R4 and R5 together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached represent morpholino and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof are described, as are for their preparation, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in medicine, particularly their use as oxytocin antagonists.
US08202862B2 Substituted piperidines
The invention relates to compounds of the formula to processes for the preparation thereof, and to the use thereof for treatment and/or prophylaxis of cardiovascular diseases and tumour diseases.
US08202858B2 Vasopressin V1a antagonists
The present invention concerns compounds inter alia according to general formula 1a. Compounds according to the invention are vasopressin V1a receptor antagonists. Pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds are useful as treatment of dysmenorrhoea.
US08202853B2 Convenience kit for eyelid treatment
The present invention offers an eyelid treatment kit used for convenient combination therapy for improving overall eyelid hygiene while also providing for adjunctive eyelid therapy. The eyelid treatment kit comprises low dose doxycycline hyclate tablets, a non-irritating eyelid cleansing composition, an anti-bacterial eyelid preparation and at least one pair of moist heat goggles and/or one pair of moisture chamber goggles. The eyelid treatment kit further comprises instruction sheets containing dosage and administration information on the doxycycline hyclate coupled with information on improving eyelid hygiene. The various embodiments of the eyelid treatment kit of the invention facilitate treatment of dry eyes due to infected eyelids, and proper cleansing of the eyelids to prevent recurring infections.
US08202851B2 Antisense oligonucleotides for treating allergy and neoplastic cell proliferation
Antisense oligonucleotides for treating and/or preventing at least one of asthma, allergy, hypereosinophilia, general inflammation and cancer are provided. The oligonucleotides are directed against nucleic acid sequences coding for a receptor selected from the group consisting of a CCR3 receptor and a common sub-unit of IL-3, IL-5 and GM-CSF receptors.
US08202848B2 Identification of micro-RNAS involved in neuromuscular synapse maintenance and regeneration
The present invention relates to the identification of miRNAs that are involved in the process of neuromuscular synaptic maintenance and regeneration following injury or disease. Modulation of these miRNAs is proposed as treatment for spinal cord injury and neurodegenerative disease.
US08202845B2 Means and methods for the specific modulation of target genes in the CNS and the eye and methods for their identification
Provided are methods for the treatment of disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) and the eye. In particular, use of compositions comprising a compound capable of modulating a target gene or gene product is described for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition for the treatment of disorders of the CNS and/or the eye, wherein the composition is designed to be administered outside the blood-CNS and the blood-retina barriers. Furthermore, methods are provided for identifying and obtaining nucleic acid molecules encoding polypeptides involved in CNS disorders or of the eye, methods for diagnosing said disorders as well as transgenic animal deficient in the expression of target genes identified in accordance with the described method. In addition, methods of identifying and isolating drugs that are particularly useful for the treatment of disorders related to the CNS and/or the eye are disclosed.
US08202843B2 Macrocyclic compounds and methods of making and using the same
The present invention provides macrocyclic compounds useful as therapeutic agents of the formula: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, N-oxide, or prodrug thereof, wherein T, R1, R2, R3, D, E, F, and G are as defined herein. More particularly, these compounds are useful as anti-infective, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and prokinetic agents.
US08202839B1 Pharmaceutical composition of nanoparticles
The invention discloses a pharmaceutical composition of bioactive nanoparticles composed of chitosan, poly-glutamic acid, and a bioactive agent for oral delivery. The chitosan-based nanoparticles are characterized with a positive surface charge and enhanced permeability for oral drug delivery.
US08202835B2 Disease treatment via antimicrobial peptides or their inhibitors
The invention provides methods for the treatment of disease and promotion of healing that include providing a therapeutically effective amount of a mammalian antimicrobial peptide (AMP) or analog thereof, in particular a cathelicidin or cathelicidin fragment or cathelicidin analog, thereby treating the disease in the subject in need thereof. The invention also provides specific analogs or fragments of cathelicidin that function as agonists, as do endogenous cathelicidins, or as either dominant negatives or as inhibitors to endogenous cathelicidin or to other endogenous AMPs or that compete with pro-inflammatory agents or fragments of AMPs on cognate receptors without inducing disease.
US08202834B2 Fat regulation
The present invention provides methods and compounds for regulating fat metabolism and achieving fat homeostasis in a subject. Methods and compound for regulating body weight, reducing body fat, and inducing weight loss are also provided, as are methods and compounds for treating or preventing obesity and for preventing or treating conditions associated with altered fat metabolism including, e.g., obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, etc.
US08202833B2 Composition containing biocompatible polymerization accelerator and polymerizable material
The present invention provides method and materials for forming a polymeric matrix having improved biocompatible properties. A polymerization accelerator is provided that includes an N-vinyl group and a biocompatible functional group. The polymerization accelerator is particularly useful for the polymerization of macromers, which can be used to form biocompatible polymeric coatings on the surface of biological materials, such as cells and tissue.
US08202831B2 Detergent composition comprising a variant of a family 44 xyloglucanase
The present invention relates to detergent compositions comprising a variant of a parent xyloglucanase.
US08202829B2 Lubricating composition
There is provided a lubricating composition having a major amount of a lubricating oil having less than about 40% by weight alkylcycloparaffins and a minor amount of at least one diarylamine, and processes for making and using thereof.
US08202812B2 Zinc containing glasses and enamels
This invention relates to lead free, cadmium free, bismuth free low melting high durability glass and enamel compositions. The compositions comprise silica, zinc, titanium, and boron oxide based glass frits. The resulting compositions can be used to decorate and protect automotive, beverage, architectural, pharmaceutical and other glass substrates.
US08202809B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, method of processing substrate, and substrate processing apparatus
A semiconductor device manufacturing method includes: forming a layer on a heated substrate by supplying source gas into a process vessel; changing the layer into an oxide layer by supplying gases containing oxygen and hydrogen to the heated substrate in the process vessel under a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure; and forming an oxide film on the heated substrate by alternately repeating the forming of the layer and the changing of the layer while purging an inside of the process vessel therebetween. In the forming of the layer, the source gas is supplied toward the substrate through a nozzle at a side of the substrate, and inert or hydrogen-containing gas is supplied together with the source gas through the nozzle toward the substrate, such that the velocity of the source gas flowing parallel to the substrate is greater than the velocity of the inert gas flowing parallel to the substrate in the purging of the process vessel.
US08202807B2 Template derivative for forming ultra-low dielectric layer and method of forming ultra-low dielectric layer using the same
A reactive cyclodextrin derivative or a reactive glucose derivative is used as a template derivative for forming an ultra-low dielectric layer. A layer is formed of the reactive cyclodextrin derivative or the reactive glucose derivative capped with Si—H and then cured in an atmosphere of hydrogen peroxide to form the ultra-low dielectric layer.
US08202803B2 Method to remove capping layer of insulation dielectric in interconnect structures
A method for patterning an insulation layer and selectively removing a capping layer overlying the insulation layer is described. The method utilizes a dry non-plasma removal process. The dry non-plasma removal process may include a self-limiting process.
US08202797B2 Integrated circuit system with recessed through silicon via pads and method of manufacture thereof
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit system includes: providing a substrate with a face surface having a via therein and a back surface having a trench therein; filling the via with a conductive pillar; forming a recessed contact pad in the trench; filling the recessed contact pad partially with solder; and forming an under-bump metal having a base surface in electrical contact with the conductive pillar, and having sides that extend away from the face surface of the substrate and further extend beyond the base surface.
US08202793B2 Inclusion-free uniform semi-insulating group III nitride substrates and methods for making same
In a method for making an inclusion-free uniformly semi-insulating GaN crystal, an epitaxial nitride layer is deposited on a substrate. A 3D nucleation GaN layer is grown on the epitaxial nitride layer by HVPE under a substantially 3D growth mode, wherein a surface of the nucleation layer is substantially covered with pits and the aspect ratio of the pits is essentially the same. A GaN transitional layer is grown on the nucleation layer by HVPE under a condition that changes the growth mode from the substantially 3D growth mode to a substantially 2D growth mode. After growing the transitional layer, a surface of the transitional layer is substantially pit-free. A bulk GaN layer is grown on the transitional layer by HVPE. After growing the bulk layer, a surface of the bulk layer is smooth and substantially pit-free. The GaN is doped with a transition metal during at least one of the foregoing GaN growth steps.
US08202792B2 Method of processing a substrate having a non-planar surface
A technique for conformal processing of a substrate having a non-planar surface is disclosed. The technique includes several stages. In a first stage, some surfaces of the substrate are effectively processed. During a second stage, these surfaces are treated to limit or eliminate further processing of these surfaces. During a third stage, other surfaces of the substrate are processed. In some applications, the surfaces that are perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular to the flow of particles are processed in the first and second stages, while other surfaces are processed in the third stage. In some embodiments, the second stage includes the deposition of a film on the substrate.
US08202791B2 Method for generating two dimensions for different implant energies
A method for fabricating an integrated circuit device is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate; forming a first hard mask layer over the substrate; patterning the first hard mask layer to form one or more first openings having a first critical dimension; performing a first implantation process on the substrate; forming a second hard mask layer over the first hard mask layer to form one or more second openings having a second critical dimension; and performing a second implantation process.
US08202789B2 Implanting a solar cell substrate using a mask
Various masks for use with ion implantation equipment are disclosed. In one embodiment, the masks are formed by assembling a collection of segments and spacers to create a mask having the desired configuration. This collection of parts is held together with a carrier or frame. In another embodiment, a panel is formed by machining open-ended slots into a substrate, so as to form a comb-shaped device. Two such panels may be connected together to form a mask. In other embodiments, the panels may be used sequentially in an ion implantation process to create interdigitated back contacts. In another embodiment, multiple masks are overlaid so as to create implant patterns that cannot be created effectively using a single mask.
US08202785B2 Surface treatment for molecular bonding
A method of bonding a first substrate to a second substrate by molecular bonding by forming an insulating layer on the bonding face of the first substrate, chemical-mechanical polishing of the insulating layer, activating a bonding surface of the second substrate by plasma treatment, etching an exposed surface of the insulating layer, and bonding together the two substrates together by molecular bonding wherein the etching is conducted after the chemical-mechanical polishing and before the bonding.
US08202782B2 Method of manufacturing transistor
A method of manufacturing a transistor (300), the method comprising forming a gate (101) on a substrate (102), forming a spacer (201) on lateral side walls of the gate (101) and on an adjacent portion (202) of the substrate (102), modifying material of the spacer (201) so that the modified spacer (301) covers only a lower portion (303) of the lateral side walls of the gate (101), and providing source/drain regions (301) in the modified spacer (301).
US08202779B2 Methods for forming a memory cell having a top oxide spacer
Methods for fabricating a semiconductor memory cell that has a spacer layer are disclosed. A method includes forming a plurality of source/drain regions in a substrate where the plurality of source/drain regions are formed between trenches, forming a first oxide layer above the plurality of source/drain regions and in the trenches, forming a charge storage layer above the oxide layer and separating the charge storage layer in the trenches where a space is formed between separated portions of the charge storage layer. The method further includes forming a spacer layer to fill the space between the separated portions of the charge storage layer and to rise a predetermined distance above the space. A second oxide layer is formed above the charge storage layer and the spacer layer and a polysilicon layer is formed above the second oxide layer.
US08202778B2 Patterning a gate stack of a non-volatile memory (NVM) with simultaneous etch in non-NVM area
Forming a gate stack of a non-volatile memory (NVM) over a substrate having an NVM region and non-NVM region which does not overlap the NVM region includes forming a select gate layer over the substrate in the NVM and non-NVM regions; simultaneously etching the select gate layer in the NVM and non-NVM regions; forming a charge storage layer over the substrate in the NVM and non-NVM regions; forming a control gate layer over the charge storage layer in the NVM and non-NVM regions; and simultaneously etching the charge storage layer in the NVM and the non-NVM regions. Etching the select gate layer in the NVM region results in a portion of the charge storage layer over a portion of the select gate layer and overlapping a sidewall of the select gate layer and results in a portion of the control gate layer over the portion of the charge storage layer.
US08202777B2 Transistor with an embedded strain-inducing material having a gradually shaped configuration
In a transistor, a strain-inducing semiconductor alloy, such as silicon/germanium, silicon/carbon and the like, may be positioned very close to the channel region by providing gradually shaped cavities which may then be filled with the strain-inducing semiconductor alloy. For this purpose, two or more “disposable” spacer elements of different etch behavior may be used in order to define different lateral offsets at different depths of the corresponding cavities. Consequently, enhanced uniformity and, thus, reduced transistor variability may be accomplished, even for sophisticated semiconductor devices.
US08202772B2 Vertical junction field effect transistors having sloped sidewalls and methods of making
Semiconductor devices and methods of making the devices are described. The devices can be junction field-effect transistors (JFETs). The devices have raised regions with sloped sidewalls which taper inward. The sidewalls can form an angle of 5° or more from vertical to the substrate surface. The devices can have dual-sloped sidewalls in which a lower portion of the sidewalls forms an angle of 5° or more from vertical and an upper portion of the sidewalls forms an angle of <5° from vertical. The devices can be made using normal (i.e., 0°) or near normal incident ion implantation. The devices have relatively uniform sidewall doping and can be made without angled implantation.
US08202765B2 Achieving mechanical and thermal stability in a multi-chip package
A system and method system for achieving mechanical and thermal stability in a multi-chip package. The system utilizes a lid and multiple thermal interface materials. The method includes utilizing a lid on a multi-chip package and utilizing multiple thermal interface materials on the multi-chip package.
US08202764B2 Method of manufacturing semiconductor package
Provided is a semiconductor package and method of manufacturing same. The method includes: forming a plurality of semiconductor chips which have the same pattern direction on a semiconductor substrate, each of which includes a memory cell region, a peripheral region and a pad region, and in each of which the pad region is disposed in an edge region; separating the semiconductor chips, which are formed on the semiconductor substrate, from one another; and disposing semiconductor chips, which are selected from the separated semiconductor chips, on a package substrate by changing the pattern directions of the selected semiconductor chips and arranging pad regions of the selected semiconductor chips in a center region of the package substrate.
US08202762B2 Stack package having reduced electrical connection length suitable for high speed operations and method of manufacturing the same
A stack package includes an upper semiconductor chip having a plurality of first bonding pads which are formed on an upper surface of the upper semiconductor chip and via-holes which are defined in the upper semiconductor chip under the respective first bonding pads; and a lower semiconductor chip attached to a lower surface of the upper semiconductor chip and having a plurality of second bonding pads which are formed on an upper surface of the lower semiconductor chip and bumps which are formed on the respective second bonding pads and are inserted into the respective via-holes to be come into the respective first bonding pads.
US08202760B2 Method for manufacturing an organic semiconductor element
In manufacturing a device using an organic TFT, it is essential to develop an element in which a channel length is short or a channel width is narrow to downsize a device. Based on the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an organic TFT in which characteristic is improved. In view of the foregoing problem, one feature of the present invention is that an element is baked after an organic semiconductor film is deposited. More specifically, one feature of the present invention is that the organic semiconductor film is heated under atmospheric pressure or under reduced pressure. Moreover, a baking process may be carried out in an inert gas atmosphere.
US08202759B2 Manufacturing method of organic semiconductor device
The present invention provides a manufacturing method of an organic semiconductor device comprising a step of transferring an organic semiconductor layer to a gate insulation layer by a thermal transfer at a liquid crystal phase transition temperature of a liquid crystalline organic semiconductor material, and the step uses: an organic semiconductor layer-transferring substrate comprising a parting substrate having parting properties, and the organic semiconductor layer formed on the parting substrate and containing the liquid crystalline organic semiconductor material; and a substrate for forming an organic semiconductor device comprising a substrate, a gate electrode formed on the substrate, and the gate insulation layer formed to cover the gate electrode and having alignment properties which are capable of aligning the liquid crystalline organic semiconductor material on a surface of the gate insulation layer.
US08202755B2 Photodiode module and apparatus including multiple photodiode modules
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a photodiode module including a structure configured to selectively couple light to a dielectric-surface mode of a photonic crystal of the photodiode module. In one embodiment of the present invention, a photodiode module includes a semiconductor structure having a p-region and an n-region. The photodiode module further includes a photonic crystal having a surface positioned adjacent to the semiconductor structure. A diffraction grating of the photodiode module may be positioned and configured to selectively couple light incident on the diffraction grating to a dielectric-surface mode associated with the surface of the photonic crystal. In another embodiment of the present invention, a photodiode apparatus includes multiple, stacked photodiode modules, each of which is configured to selectively absorb light at a selected wavelength or range of wavelengths.
US08202753B2 LED having vertical structure and method for fabricating the same
A light emitting diode (LED) having a vertical structure and a method for fabricating the same. The light emitting diode (LED) having a vertical structure includes a support layer; a first electrode formed on the support layer; a plurality of semiconductor layers formed on the first electrode; a conductive semiconductor layer formed on the plurality of semiconductor layers, and provided with an outer surface having a tilt angle of a designated degree; and a second electrode formed on the conductive semiconductor layer.
US08202751B2 Flip-chip light emitting diodes and method of manufacturing thereof
Provided are a flip-chip nitride-based light emitting device having an n-type clad layer, an active layer and a p-type clad layer sequentially stacked thereon, comprising a reflective layer formed on the p-type clad layer and at least one transparent conductive thin film layer made up of transparent conductive materials capable of inhibiting diffusion of materials constituting the reflective layer, interposed between the p-type clad layer and reflective layer; and a process for preparing the same. In accordance with the flip-chip nitride-based light emitting device of the present invention and a process for preparing the same, there are provided advantages such as improved ohmic contact properties with the p-type clad layer, leading to increased wire bonding efficiency and yield upon packaging the light emitting device, capability to improve luminous efficiency and life span of the device due to low specific contact resistance and excellent current-voltage properties.
US08202748B2 Liquid crystal display apparatus and manufacturing method therefor
A manufacturing method of a liquid crystal display apparatus, including disposing a pair of substrates to face each other, on which no surface alignment control films are formed; sealing a liquid crystal to which a polymerizable compound is added, between these substrates; polymerizing the polymerizable compound by irradiating UV rays when no voltage is applied; and forming a polymer near the surfaces of the substrates. The anchoring energy for the liquid crystal molecules on the substrate surface is controlled by controlling the composition, the adding amount and the polymerizing conditions of the polymerizable compound.
US08202746B2 Method of manufacturing LED package for formation of molding member
Provided is a method of manufacturing an LED package, the method including preparing a mold die which includes an upper surface and a lower surface having an outer circumferential surface and a concave surface surrounded by the outer circumferential surface, the mold die having an outlet extending from the upper surface to the lower surface; preparing a base having a light emitting section formed therein; forming an inlet formed in a predetermined region of the base excluding the region where the light emitting section is formed; positioning the mold die on the light emitting section; forming a mold member by injecting a molding compound into the inlet of the base; and removing the mold die.
US08202743B2 Light emitting device and manufacturing method thereof
The concentration of oxygen, which causes problems such as decreases in brightness and dark spots through degradation of electrode materials, is lowered in an organic light emitting element having a layer made from an organic compound between a cathode and an anode, and in a light emitting device structured using the organic light emitting element. The average concentration of impurities contained in a layer made from an organic compound used in order to form an organic light emitting element having layers such as a hole injecting layer, a hole transporting layer, a light emitting layer, an electron transporting layer, and an electron injecting layer, is reduced to 5×1019/cm2 or less, preferably equal to or less than 1×1019/cm2, by removing the impurities with the present invention. Formation apparatuses are structured as stated in the specification in order to reduce the impurities in the organic compounds forming the organic light emitting elements.
US08202741B2 Method of bonding a semiconductor device using a compliant bonding structure
A compliant bonding structure is disposed between a semiconductor device and a mount. In some embodiments, the device is a light emitting device. When the semiconductor light emitting device is attached to the mount, for example by providing ultrasonic energy to the semiconductor light emitting device, the compliant bonding structure collapses to partially fill a space between the semiconductor light emitting device and the mount. In some embodiments, the compliant bonding structure is plurality of metal bumps that undergo plastic deformation during bonding. In some embodiments, the compliant bonding structure is a porous metal layer.
US08202738B2 Endpoint method using peak location of modified spectra
A method of optically monitoring a substrate during polishing includes receiving an identification of a selected spectral feature and a characteristic of the selected spectral feature to monitor during polishing, measuring a first spectrum from the substrate during polishing, the first spectrum measured within an initial time following initiation of polishing, measuring a sequence of second spectra from the substrate during polishing, the sequence of second spectra measured after the initial time, for each second spectrum in the sequence of second spectra, removing the first spectrum from the second spectrum to generate a sequence of modified third spectra, determining a value of a characteristic of the selected spectral feature for each third spectrum in the sequence of third spectra to generate a sequence of values for the characteristic, and determining a polishing endpoint or an adjustment for a polishing rate based on the sequence of values.
US08202737B2 Magnetic memory device and method for manufacturing the same
A magnetic memory device and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed. The magnetic memory device includes a plurality of gates formed on a semiconductor substrate, a source line connected to a source/drain region shared between the gates neighboring with each other, a plurality of magnetic tunnel junctions connected to non-sharing source/drain regions of the gates on a one-to-one basis, and a bit line connected to the magnetic tunnel junctions. The magnetic memory device applies a magnetic memory cell to a memory so as to manufacture a higher-integration magnetic memory, and uses the magnetic memory cell based on a transistor of a DRAM cell, resulting in an increase in the availability of the magnetic memory.
US08202735B2 Methods for screening cells and antibodies
The invention provides methods of detecting a change in cell growth patterns, methods of screening many different antibodies in one receptacle, and methods of detecting specific binding of an antibody to a protein or cell, wherein the antibody is in a mixture of many different antibodies.
US08202734B2 Method for adding an apparent non-signal line to a lateral flow assay
A test device and method for determining the presence or absence of an analyte in a fluid sample, the test device including a support bearing a mark thereon, and a matrix defining an axial flow path. In operation, an observation area in the test device becomes transparent, thereby allowing the user to view a mark that is present on a support that is disposed beneath the observation area. Typically, the mark on the underlying support is configured as a minus (−) sign. In the absence of analyte in the sample, the test device presents a negative result as a minus (−) signal. In the presence of analyte in the sample, however, the mark operates in concert with a perpendicular test line on the observation area to present a positive result as a plus (+) signal that is visible to the user.
US08202730B2 Method for analyzing petroleum-based fuels and engine oils for biodiesel contamination
A method for detecting contamination of a conventional petroleum-based fuel used in an internal combustion engine is provided. A sample of engine oil is separated into a polar component and a non-polar component by a polar solvent. The polar component is analyzed for one or more biodiesel chemical components selected from the group consisting of plant sterols, fatty acid methyl esters, cetane, and combinations thereof, which relate to a degree of engine oil contamination. The polar and non-polar component may be analyzed by Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and optionally Flame Ionization Detection (FID) for the one or more biodiesel chemical components, which can provide a semi-quantitative level of such biodiesel chemical components. Fuel samples can also be analyzed for biodiesel contamination species via GC/MS.
US08202729B2 Method for automatically testing a fluid specimen
A system for automatically testing a fluid specimen, e.g., urine, to indicate the presence of specified chemical components in the specimen. The system preferably utilizes an assaying device comprised of a collection cup and a cap which carries at least one test strip. The device includes an integrated aliquot delivery mechanism actuatable to wet the test strip with an aliquot delivered from the fluid specimen. The assaying device is configured to operate in conjunction with an electronic reader device capable of actuating the aliquot delivery mechanism and reading the reaction of the test strip. A preferred reader device defines a keyed receptacle for accommodating a complementary shaped cup housing in a particular orientation. The reader device is comprised of a camera for capturing the image of a test strip, an actuator for actuating an aliquot delivery mechanism, and a microprocessor/controller for (1) controlling the camera and actuator and (2) processing the image.
US08202727B2 Sequential cloning system
This invention discloses a cloning system and more particularly a system for sequentially cloning a plurality of heterologous nucleic acid sequences to assemble a chimeric construct of interest. The cloning system employs a marker sequence, which confers an identifiable characteristic on host cells in which it is contained, to chaperone individual insert nucleic acid sequences into recipient constructs that do not comprise the marker sequence but comprise other nucleic acid sequences for inclusion in the chimeric construct. Recombinant constructs into which one or more insert nucleic acid sequences have been introduced with the chaperone marker sequence are isolated by introducing recombinant constructs into host cells and identifying hosts cells with the identifiable characteristic.
US08202725B2 Cell sodding method and apparatus
Tissue engineering methods and biochamber apparatus are provided for making tissue grafts for implantation into a patient. The methods include applying a sustained low magnitude pressure gradient transmurally across a permeable scaffold material using a media containing cells, preferably microvascular epithelial cells, to be deposited on the scaffold for the production of tissue grafts, preferably vascular grafts, to promote accelerated adhesion and maturation of cells on the scaffold material. Biochambers for preparing tubular tissue grafts are provided which contain connectors for holding a graft substrate, proximal and distal tubing for connection to an optional perfusion system, and structure for switching between transmural flow of a cell suspension across the graft substrate and translumenal flow through the lumen of the graft.
US08202723B2 Multivalent vaccines comprising recombinant viral vectors
Described are vaccines comprising recombinant vectors, such as recombinant adenoviruses. The vectors comprise heterologous nucleic acids encoding at least two antigens from one or more tuberculosis-causing bacilli. Also described is the use of specific protease recognition sites linking antigens through which the encoded antigens are separated upon cleavage. After cleavage, the antigens contribute to the immune response in a separate manner. The recombinant vectors may comprise a nucleic acid encoding the protease cleaving the linkers and separating the antigens. Also described is the use of genetic adjuvants encoded by the recombinant vectors, wherein such genetic adjuvants may also be cleaved through the presence of the cleavable linkers and the specific protease.
US08202716B2 Thermophilic and thermoacidophilic biopolymer-degrading genes and enzymes from alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and related organisms, methods
Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius are provided. Further provided are methods of at least partially degrading, cleaving, or removing polysaccharides, lignocellulose, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, starch, chitin, polyhydroxybutyrate, heteroxylans, glycosides, xylan-, glucan-, galactan-, or mannan-decorating groups using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius.
US08202714B2 Pseudomonas SP. HN-72 and purification method of 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid using the same
Provided are a novel microorganism and a method for purifying 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid with high purity using the microorganism. The microorganism is Pseudomonas sp. Strain HN-72 isolated from soil and has the ability to convert 2-formyl-6-naphthoic acid contained as an impurity in a crude naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, which is an oxidation product of 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene, to 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid. The Pseudomonas sp. strain HN-72 has excellent effects in producing high-purity 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid in high yield.
US08202707B2 Continuous method of producing a mash extract
The present invention relates to a continuous method of producing a mash extract by decoction mashing, said method comprising: a. mixing a first malt enzyme source with an aqueous liquid to obtain an aqueous malt enzyme suspension; b. separately, mixing a second enzyme source with one or more starch-containing adjuncts to obtain a decoction suspension while maintaining temperature conditions that do not cause significant gelatinization of the starch; c. subjecting the decoction suspension to a first heat treatment at 60-85° C. to simultaneously partially gelatinize and enzymatically degrade the starch; d. subjecting the decoction suspension to a second heat treatment at a higher temperature than the first heat treatment to gelatinize the starch at an increased rate and to a higher extent; e. combining the heated decoction suspension obtained from the second heat treatment with the aqueous malt enzyme suspension from step a. to obtain a mash; f. maintaining the mash at 35-85° C. for at least minutes; and g. removing spent grain from the heated mash to produce a mash extract. The present method is very robust and easy to control. Furthermore, the method yields a mash extract of constant quality.
US08202706B2 Method of production of L-amino acids
An isolated polynucleotide encodes a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, with the L-aspartic acid at position 5 of the amino acid sequence replaced by another proteinogenic amino acid, and possesses citrate synthase activity. In addition, a vector comprises the polynucleotide and a bacterium comprises the vector. An isolated polynucleotide comprises a nucleotide sequence comprising, from position 1 to 39, the nucleotide sequence corresponding to position 1 to 39 of SEQ ID NO: 11, from position 40 to 105, a nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12, with each proteinogenic amino acid except L-aspartic acid being present at position 5. A method of producing an L-amino acids is also described.
US08202693B2 Method of isolation of nucleic acids
A method of isolation of nucleic acids from a biological sample of cells comprising a combination of a solid phase cell nuclei isolation procedure with a solid phase nucleic acid isolation method.
US08202691B2 Uniform fragmentation of DNA using binding proteins
The invention provides a method for preparing and analysing a population of fragmented polynucleotide sequences having a substantially uniform size. The method can include steps of (a) binding at least one protection molecule to at least one polynucleotide sequence; (b) cleaving the at least one polynucleotide sequence to generate a plurality of polynucleotide fragment sequences of substantially uniform size; (c) amplifying the polynucleotide fragments; and (d) determining a sequence characteristic of a plurality of the polynucleotide fragments.
US08202690B2 Cancer marker and therapeutic agent for cancer
A novel cancer marker is provided. A method for detecting cancer using a level of BMCC1 gene expression as an indication is provided, in which the cancer is selected from the group consisting of prostate cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, bladder cancer, and uterine cancer.
US08202689B2 Nanofabrication processes and devices for the controlled assembly of functionalized nanostructures
The invention relates to processes and devices for the controlled fabrication of nanostructures from starting components that have high fidelity recognition properties and multiple binding groups. In one embodiment, the invention relates to the formation of nanostructures using controlled sequential addition of nanocomponents at regular intervials via sequential formation of binding pairs or other chemical binding reactions.
US08202686B2 Enzyme assays for a droplet actuator
The invention relates to a microfluidic platform and methods of using the platform for conducting enzyme assays using a droplet actuator. The enzyme assays of the invention are useful for, among other things, identifying and/or characterizing disorders resulting from conditions in which enzymes are defective or are produced in inappropriate amounts. Enzyme assays of the invention may, for example, be used to detect altered activity of a particular enzyme in a sample, which may serve as an indicator of a particular disease. Altered activity may, for example, be caused by conditions which result in the increased or reduced production of a certain enzyme or its substrate and/or conditions which result in defective enzymes and/or substrates exhibiting increased or decreased effectiveness relative to corresponding normal enzymes and/or substrates.
US08202683B2 Method for forming pattern of semiconductor device
A method for forming a pattern of a semiconductor device is provided. Specifically, in a method for manufacturing a NAND flash memory device using a spacer patterning process, a dummy pattern, which is not used in an actual device operation, is additionally formed in a peripheral circuit region when a photoresist pattern for forming a string pattern is formed in a cell region. As a result, the edge photoresist pattern is prevented from being bent, and a critical dimension difference between the center region and the edge region of the photoresist pattern is not generated, thereby improving a margin of DOF to obtain a reliable semiconductor device.
US08202681B2 Hybrid multi-layer mask
A hybrid mask set for exposing a plurality of layers on a semiconductor substrate to create an integrated circuit device is disclosed. The hybrid mask set includes a first group of one or more multi-layer masks (MLMs) for a first subset of the plurality of layers. Each MLM includes a plurality of different images for different layers, the images being separated by a relatively wide image spacer. The hybrid mask set also includes a first group of one or more production-ready masks for a second subset of the plurality of layers. Each production-ready mask includes a plurality of similar images for a common layer, each image being separated by a relatively narrow scribe street.
US08202676B2 Toner for developing electrostatic latent image, and image forming method using the toner
A toner for developing electrostatic latent images, including a binder resin; and a colorant, wherein the toner further includes propyleneglycolmonomethylether in an amount of from 30 to 200 ppm.
US08202672B2 Method and system for design of a reticle to be manufactured using variable shaped beam lithography
A method for fracturing or mask data preparation or proximity effect correction of a desired pattern to be formed on a reticle is disclosed in which a plurality of variable shaped beam (VSB) shots are determined which can form the desired pattern. Shots within the plurality of VSB shots are allowed to overlap each other. Dosages of the shots may also be allowed to vary with respect to each other. The union of the plurality of shots may deviate from the desired pattern. The plurality of shots may be determined such that a pattern on the surface calculated from the plurality of shots is within a predetermined tolerance of the desired pattern. In some embodiments, an optimization technique may be used to minimize shot count. In other embodiments, the plurality of shots may be optionally selected from one or more pre-computed VSB shots or groups of VSB shots.
US08202669B2 Electro-catalyst compositions for fuel cells
A precursor electro-catalyst composition for producing a fuel cell electrode. The precursor composition comprises (a) a molecular metal precursor dissolved or dispersed in a liquid medium and (b) a polymer dissolved or dispersed in the liquid medium, wherein the polymer is both ion-conductive and electron-conductive with an electronic conductivity no less than 10−4 S/cm (preferably greater than 10−2 S/cm) and ionic conductivity no less than 10−5 S/cm (preferably greater than 10−3 S/cm). Also disclosed is an electro-catalyst composition derived from this precursor composition, wherein the molecular metal precursor is converted by heat and/or energy beam to form nanometer-scaled catalyst particles and the polymer forms a matrix that is in physical contact with the catalyst particles, coated on the catalyst particles, and/or surrounding the catalyst particles as a dispersing matrix with the catalyst particles dispersed therein when the liquid is removed. The fuel cell comprising such a composition in an electrode exhibits a superior power output.
US08202668B2 Fuel cell device
A fuel cell device includes a housing containing a fuel processor that generates fuel gas and a fuel cell having electrodes forming an anode and cathode, and an ion exchange electrolyte positioned between the electrodes. The housing can be formed as first and second cylindrically configured outer shell sections that form a battery cell that is configured similar to a commercially available battery cell. A thermal-capillary pump can be operative with the electrodes and an ion exchange electrolyte, and operatively connected to the fuel processor. The electrodes are configured such that heat generated between the electrodes forces water to any cooler edges of the electrodes and is pumped by capillary action back to the fuel processor to supply water for producing hydrogen gas. The electrodes can be formed on a silicon substrate that includes a flow divider with at least one fuel gas input channel that can be controlled by a MEMS valve.
US08202666B2 Unit cell assembly, fuel cell, and method for manufacturing unit cell assembly
A unit cell assembly, stacked in a plurality to form a fuel cell, includes: a separator; a unit cell constituent member disposed at a first region on one face of the separator; a seal member which is formed of an elastic member and bonded to a second region surrounding the first region on one face of the separator, and which is integrated with at least part of a peripheral edge of the unit cell constituent member; and a first insulating portion having insulating properties and provided at least on part of a peripheral edge of the separator.
US08202663B2 Solid acid electrolytes for electrochemical devices
Improved solid acid electrolyte materials, methods of synthesizing such materials, and electrochemical devices incorporating such materials are provided. The stable electrolyte material comprises a solid acid capable undergoing rotational disorder of oxyanion groups and capable of extended operation at elevated temperatures, that is, solid acids having hydrogen bonded anion groups; a superprotonic, trigonal, tetragonal, or cubic, disordered phase; and capable of being operating at temperatures of ˜100° C. and higher.
US08202658B2 Method for stopping a hydrogen generator by controlling water supply to a reformer
A hydrogen generator includes: a reformer configured to generate a hydrogen-containing gas by a reforming reaction between a raw material and water; a heater configured to combust at least a part of the hydrogen-containing gas to supply heat necessary for the reforming reaction to the reformer; a combustion detector configured to detect a combustion state of the heater; a raw material supplier configured to supply the raw material; a water supplier configured to supply the water; and an operation controller. When stopping the hydrogen generator, the operation controller causes the raw material supplier to stop operating, the water supplier to stop operating in a case where the combustion detector detects extinction of flame, and the raw material supplier to start operating to supply the raw material to the hydrogen generator in a case where the reforming temperature detector detects a temperature equal to or lower than a reference temperature.
US08202654B2 Medical devices having fluorocarbon polymer coatings
In accordance with various aspects of the invention, implantable and insertable medical devices are provided, which contain (a) a substrate and (b) a polymeric layer disposed on the substrate that comprises a fluorinated polymer to which is grafted an unsaturated monomer having at least one carbon double bond and at least one polar functional group.
US08202652B2 Slurry composition for secondary cell positive electrode, secondary cell positive electrode and secondary cell
A slurry composition for a positive electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery, comprising a polymer A wherein a HOMO value by a semiempirical method molecular orbital calculation is −13.5 eV to −10 eV and a content of ethylene repeating units is 30 mol % to 95 mol %; a polymer B wherein a HOMO value by a semiempirical method molecular orbital calculation is −13.5 eV to −10 eV, a glass transition temperature is −80° C. to 0° C., and a gel content is 50 wt % or more; an active material for a positive electrode; a conductivity adding agent; and a liquid medium C in which the polymer A dissolves but the polymer B does not dissolve. According to the composition, a lithium ion secondary battery having a large battery capacity, a good charge/discharge cycle characteristic and an improved rate characteristic can be realized.
US08202649B2 Active metal/aqueous electrochemical cells and systems
Alkali (or other active) metal battery and other electrochemical cells incorporating active metal anodes together with aqueous cathode/electrolyte systems. The battery cells have a highly ionically conductive protective membrane adjacent to the alkali metal anode that effectively isolates (de-couples) the alkali metal electrode from solvent, electrolyte processing and/or cathode environments, and at the same time allows ion transport in and out of these environments. Isolation of the anode from other components of a battery cell or other electrochemical cell in this way allows the use of virtually any solvent, electrolyte and/or cathode material in conjunction with the anode. Also, optimization of electrolytes or cathode-side solvent systems may be done without impacting anode stability or performance. In particular, Li/water, Li/air and Li/metal hydride cells, components, configurations and fabrication techniques are provided.
US08202647B2 Laminate cased battery
A laminate cased battery in which at least one of curvature radiuses RB and RD of the corners (bottom side corners) where the first side surface respectively meets the second main surface, the third side surface and the fourth side surface is set to be larger than at least one of curvature radiuses RA and RC of the corners (top side corners) where the second side surface respectively meets the second main surface, the third side surface and the fourth side surface.
US08202646B2 Battery can with cutting-edge portion higher than cutting start portion, manufacturing method and manufacturing device therefore, and battery using the same
A battery case is made by cutting from a blank case of a bottomed cylindrical battery case having an unwanted portion at an opening portion the unwanted portion from the case wall in the circumferential direction by a blade. The cutting of the case wall is performed so as to render a cutting-end portion higher than a cutting-start portion. Thus, re-cutting of the cutting-start portion by the blade after it has already completed one rotation can be avoided. As a result, the generation of thread-like chips from re-cutting of the cut surface can be avoided.
US08202635B2 Magnetic rom information carrier with additional stabilizing layer
The invention relates to a read only magnetic information carrier (1b, 1c, 1d) comprising a substrate (2), an information layer (3) and a stabilizing layer (15a, 15b). The information layer (3) comprises a pattern of magnetic bits (4) of magnetic material wherein the pattern of magnetic bits (4) constitutes an array of bit locations. The presence or absence of the magnetic material at a bit location represents a value of the bit location by a magnetic field (5) having a predetermined magnetization direction (6). The stabilizing layer (15a, 15b) is arranged between the substrate (2) and the information layer (3) and comprises hard magnetic material (8, 9) which is magnetically coupled to the magnetic material of the magnetic bit (4). The magnetically coupled hard magnetic material (8, 9) provides the predetermined magnetization direction (6) of the magnetic field (5). The magnetic coupling between the hard magnetic material (8, 9) and the magnetic bits (4) prevents the predetermined magnetization direction (6) of the magnetized material of the magnetic bits (4) to change, which improves the thermal stability of the magnetic bits (4).
US08202633B2 Electron transport material and organic electroluminescent device using the same
A compound represented by the following Formula (1) is useful as an electron transport material of an organic EL device, and an organic EL device comprising the compound in the electron transport layer is long in life, and low in drive voltage: wherein G is an n-valent link, n is an integer of 2 to 4; R1 to R4 are each independently hydrogen, a monovalent group, or a free valency bonded with G, and R5 to R8 are each independently hydrogen or a monovalent group, and one of R1 to R4 is a free valency bonded with G; and n groups of 2,3′-bipyridyl may be the same or different with each other.
US08202632B2 Anthracene derivative, light-emitting material, material for light-emitting element, composition for coating, light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device
An anthracene derivative represented by the general formula (G1) is provided. The anthracene derivative represented by the general formula (G1) is a novel anthracene derivative having a wide band gap. Further, the anthracene derivative has a large energy gap and can be very suitably used as a material for a light-emitting element which exhibits blue light emission.
US08202626B2 Brass-plated steel wire for reinforcing rubber articles and method for manufacturing the same
A brass-plated steel wire for reinforcing rubber articles capable of surely improving adhesiveness between brass-plated steel wire and rubber and a method for manufacturing the same.
US08202624B2 Coated papers having improved labelling properties
A process for producing a coated paper, comprising the steps of: a) providing a base paper, the fraction of long-fiber chemical pulp in the base paper being at least 25% by weight, the base paper leaving an absolute moisture content of ISO 287 of not less than 2.5%, the base paper having a water absorbency to ISO 535 for a test time of 10 s (Cobb10) of 5 to 20g/m2, and the base paper having a (Fenchel) wet elongation, measured parallel to the machine direction, of not greater than 0% and, measured transverse to the machine direction, of not greater than 3%, b) applying 10 to 40g/m2 (ovendry) of an aqueous coating composition to at least one face of the base paper, to give a coated base paper, and c) conditioning the coated paper obtained in step b).
US08202616B2 Dark color sheet-like body having light reflection properties in near-infrared region
A dark color, resin sheet-like body having light reflective properties in a near-infrared region, the body comprising a surface layer (A) receiving solar radiation and a reflection layer (B). Surface layer (A) exhibits a dark color with a solar radiation absorption ratio of 90% or more in a wavelength region of 380 to 720 nm, a ratio of less than 30% in a near-infrared region of 720 to 1500 nm, and ratio of 50% or more in a near-infrared region of 720 to 1500 nm. Reflection layer (B) has a solar radiation reflection ratio of 85% or more in a wavelength region of 380 to 1500 nm. A ratio in a near-infrared region of 720 to 1500 nm of a sheet-like body formed by laminating surface layer (A) and reflection layer (B) is 70% or more.
US08202604B2 Pneumatic tire and method of production of same
A pneumatic tire having an air permeation preventive layer formed by adhering a resin film containing thermoplastic resin as a main component thereof to a tire inner wall surface, wherein the resin film is laminated, as a narrow width slit film shape, with an elastomer and the resultant ribbon-shaped laminate is continuously and spirally wound in a tire circumferential direction so that the edges thereof partially overlap to thereby form the air permeation preventive layer, whereby a pneumatic tire having a light weight and superior air permeation preventive property, no splice openings of the air permeation preventive layer at the time of tire processing, and capable of shortening the processing time can be obtained as well as the production method thereof.
US08202602B2 Honeycomb segment with spacer and honeycomb structure
A honeycomb segment 10 is provided with a spacer(s) 11 in each of predetermined regions from both the end face toward inside along the axial direction on one end side and the other end side in the axial direction of the outer peripheral surface 7s of the outer peripheral wall 7 so that the spacer(s) occupies(y) 30 to 80% of a route length through the center from a long side 7x to the other long side 7x of the outer peripheral surface. Since spacers are aligned in the direction along the short side 7y, the spacers are formed in such a manner that the length b1+b2 in the short side direction of the spacers 11 occupies 30 to 80% of a length a of the short side 7y, thereby a honeycomb structure having practically no misalignment between segments upon bonding, with little dimensional deviation can be obtained.
US08202595B2 Rolled shielding and insulating material
A shielding material includes a non-conductive sheet, an elongated adhesive strip and a conductive sheet. The elongated adhesive strip is disposed on a first side of the non-conductive sheet. The adhesive strip is spaced apart from a first edge of the non-conductive sheet and includes a removable cover film that protects the elongated adhesive strip until it has been removed. The conductive sheet is adhered to a second side of the non-conductive sheet. A first end of the conductive sheet is spaced apart from the first edge of the non-conductive sheet so that a first portion of the conductive sheet extends beyond the first edge of the non-conductive sheet. The conductive sheet is also disposed relative to the non-conductive sheet so that the second end is parallel to a second edge and so that a second portion of the non-conductive sheet extends beyond the second end.
US08202594B2 Double-sided adhesive tape for fixing decorative sheet for speaker and method for attaching decorative sheet for speaker to housing
The present invention provides a double-sided adhesive tape for fixing a decorative sheet for speaker, which includes a nonwoven fabric substrate, an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive layer A disposed on one side of the nonwoven fabric substrate and an acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive layer B disposed on the other side of the nonwoven fabric substrate, in which the adhesive tape has a tensile strength in the tape flow (MD) direction of 8 N/10 mm or more and a tensile length in the width (TD) direction of 8 N/10 mm or more. The double-sided adhesive tape is excellent in the adhesion performance to a housing and a decorative sheet for speaker and at the same time, has excellent releasability ensuring that when separating the decorative sheet portion, smooth separation can be attained without leaving a residue of tape or pressure-sensitive adhesive on the housing portion.
US08202591B2 Polyester resin, molded object thereof, and processes for producing these
A polyethylene terephthalate resin which is obtained by melt polymerization at a reduced pressure or in an inert gas atmosphere and has the following properties (A) to (F): (A) the intrinsic viscosity [η] is 0.4-2.5 Dl/g; (B) the content of carboxy groups present at polymer ends is 30 meq/kg or lower; (C) the acetaldehyde content is 10 ppm or lower; (D) a hexafluoroisopropanol solution of the resin, when analyzed by the transmission method, has a hue which has an L value of 99 or larger and a b value of 0.4 or smaller; (E) the Mw/Mn is 1.8-2.3; and (F) the cyclic trimer content is 5 wt. % or lower.
US08202589B2 Oral delivery pouch product with coated seam
Provided is an oral pouch product having a coated seam, having a porous pouch wrapper; an inner filling material enclosed within first and second opposed layers of the porous pouch wrapper; at least one seam holding a portion of said first and second opposed layers of said porous pouch wrapper together; and a first coating comprising a releasable ingredient applied to an outer surface of said seam. Also provided is a method for making the oral pouch product.
US08202588B2 Hybrid ceramic structure with internal cooling arrangements
A structure for use in high temperature applications is provided. The structure may include an inner ceramic matrix composite (CMC) material (12). At least a portion of this CMC material includes waves that define a first wavy surface (140 and an opposed second wavy surface (16). A ceramic insulation material (18) may be bonded with the first wavy surface and includes a distal surface (20) for exposure to a high temperature environment. A core material (22) is bonded with at least a portion of the second wavy surface. One or more cooling channels (24) are disposed in the core material. An outer CMC material (26) may be joined to a portion of the inner CMC material. The core material is a material different than a matrix material of the inner CMC material.
US08202585B2 Inkjet recording media with cationically-modified clay particles
An inkjet printing system, comprises an inkjet printer, an ink composition, and an inkjet recording media comprising a support, and coated on the support in order from the support, a porous base layer and a porous uppermost layer, each with particular limitations The inkjet recording media and printer system is manufacturable using low-cost materials in an efficient process requiring only a single coating and drying step and that gives images with excellent gloss, color density, and image quality.
US08202579B2 Water-resistant fabrics and methods of preparation thereof
A composition having a polyurethane, a hydrophilic polyisocyanate, a wetting agent, and a fluoropolymeric additive can be disposed on a substrate such as a fabric to provide water-repellant characteristics. The urethane-coated substrate can then be fabricated into a water storage container.
US08202576B2 Method of forming metal film
A method of forming a metal film, the method including: (a) forming a primer layer on a substrate by applying a first polymer including a unit having a cyano group in a side chain; (b) forming a polymer layer on the surface of the primer layer by applying a second polymer, the second polymer having a functional group that interacts with an electroless plating catalyst or a precursor thereof and a polymerizable group; (c) applying the electroless plating catalyst or the precursor thereof to the polymer layer; and (d) forming a metal film on the polymer layer by performing electroless plating.
US08202560B2 System with capsule having sealing means
A beverage forming system that includes a capsule for containing beverage ingredients and having an outer surface; a capsule-based beverage producing device provided with a member for injecting a liquid under pressure into the capsule, a member for draining a beverage from the capsule, and an enclosing member transferable from an opened state to a defined closed state, in which the enclosing member encloses the outer surface of the capsule; and a sealing member associated with the capsule and which is compressible when engaged by the enclosing member in the closed state, wherein the sealing member is effective to compensate for the clearance between the enclosing member and the capsule which would otherwise exist when the enclosing member is in its defined closed state. Also, a method for producing a beverage using such a system.
US08202559B2 Microwave vegetable preparation
An improved method of preparing vegetables intended for microwave cooking allows a hot, cooked vegetable to be easily removed from an enveloping film. The vegetables are cleaned and seasonings and cooking aids such as oils are optionally applied to the vegetable. Then the prepared vegetables are enclosed by and sealed into a plastic film. The film protects the vegetable from excess desiccation and provides a “built-in” container for microwave cooking. The film includes an opening system for safely releasing the vegetable after cooking. A tear-strip includes an edge or tab for grasping so that the film can be opened by a simple pull.
US08202558B2 Reproductive cell function preservation system
Compositions or extracts (2)(15)(24)(25)(16)(23)(31)(36)(41) obtained from the fruit (4) or leaves (26) of plants of the genus Hippophae (1) and methods of using such compositions or extracts to reduce loss of reproductive cell function.
US08202553B2 Methods and compositions for treating blood circulation disorders
Methods for preparing improved Panax Notoginseng saponin fraction from a Sanchi extract and its use in pharmaceutical compositions for treating or preventing a blood circulation disorder.
US08202550B2 Compositions for intranasal administration
Pharmaceutical compositions are for administration to the nasal tract. In particular, dry powder compositions are cellulose, and in particular hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), and one or more therapeutic agents. It has been shown that administration of HPMC to the nasal cavity is capable of enhancing natural mucus. These powders, and the gel that forms when they are administered to the nasal tract, have now surprisingly been found to be a very effective way of intranasally administering therapeutic agents, and in particular, herbal or homeopathic agents.
US08202548B2 Chlorine dioxide gel and associated methods
A method of making a composition having the property of being able to store chlorine dioxide includes mixing an aqueous chlorine dioxide solution with a superabsorbent, water-soluble polymer that is substantially unreactive with chlorine dioxide and permitting a mixture formed thereby to form one of a gel and a solid composition. A method of delivering chlorine dioxide includes providing a gel or solid composition as described and degelling the gel or dissolving the solid composition to dispense the chlorine dioxide therefrom. A method of disinfecting a target such as water, wastewater, or a surface comprises delivering chlorine dioxide as above and permitting the polymer to precipitate out of the mixture. Aqueous chlorine dioxide is then recovered and applied to the target.
US08202547B2 Citrate-based dialysate chemical formulations
The present invention constitutes dialysate formulations that are suitable for use in preparing dialysate solutions for use in batch and/or proportioning systems and for improving dialysis efficiency by reducing or preventing clotting of the dialysis flow paths. The dialysate chemical formulations for one batch of dialysate comprise an acid concentrate stored in a first vessel, and a citrate-containing bicarbonate concentrate stored in a second vessel. The contents of the first and second vessels are emptied into a dialysate preparation tank and mixed with water to form a batch quantity of dialysate solution. Alternately, a dry acid and/or a dry citrate-containing base concentrates are dissolved separately in measured quantities of water to form liquid concentrates which are then used in conjunction with a proportioning machine to generate on-line a final dialysis solution stream.
US08202535B2 Small-volume oral transmucosal dosage forms
Small-volume oral transmucosal dosage forms or NanoTabs® comprising a predetermined amount of a pharmaceutically active drug are provided. Exemplary applications include use of the NanoTabs® to administer a drug for the treatment of acute, post-operative or breakthrough pain.
US08202528B2 Implantable medical devices with elastomeric block copolymer coatings
Implantable medical devices with elastomeric block copolymer coatings are disclosed.
US08202525B2 Methods and compositions for treating distress dysfunction and enhancing safety and efficacy of specific medications
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for reducing distress dysfunction, including emotional and physical distress. The invention entails co-administration of at least one Receptor Switcher and at least one Endorphin Enhancer. Additionally, at least one Synergistic Enhancer and/or at least one Exogenous Opioid are also administered to enhance or prolong the therapeutic effects.
US08202524B2 Method for producing microspheres loaded with drugs and microspheres loaded with drugs produced thereby
The present invention relates to a method for producing polymeric microspheres loaded with drugs and polymeric microspheres loaded with drugs produced thereby, specifically a method for producing polymeric microspheres loaded with drugs, the method comprising the steps of a) adding a dispersion phase containing a high molecular compound, a drug, and a water-insoluble organic solvent to a dispersion solvent to produce an O/W (oil-in-water) type or O/O (oil-in-oil) type emulsion, or adding a W/O (water-in-oil) type emulsion, which is prepared by emulsifying an aqueous solution, in which a drug is dissolved, in a water-insoluble organic solvent, in which the high molecular compound is dissolved, to the dispersion solvent to produce a W/O/W (water-in-oil-in-water) type emulsion; and b) adding an ammonia solution to the emulsion produced in step a) to convert the water-insoluble organic solvent into water-soluble solvents, and polymeric microspheres loaded with drugs produced thereby. According to the present invention, the desired polymeric microspheres loaded with drugs can be simply produced with a small amount of water in a short period of time.
US08202519B2 Marine extracts and biofermentations for use in cosmetics
An extract of the marine algae, Sarcodiotheca, and more particularly Sarcodiotheca gaudichaudii, is described for use in cosmetic compositions. A biofermentation of Sarcodiotheca, such as for example S. gaudichaudii, is also described. This marine bioferment is useful as a skin care active ingredient for anti-aging cosmetic applications, and particularly useful when used in combination with an extracts of red algae, such as Chondrus crispus.
US08202518B2 Antibodies against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)
The present invention provides novel antibody sequences that bind human cytomegalovirus (hCMV) and neutralize hCMV infection. The novel sequences can be used for the medical management of hCMV infections, in particular for preparing pharmaceutical compositions to be used in the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of hCMV infections.
US08202513B2 Aryl potassium channel blockers and uses thereof
The present invention relates to compounds useful in the modulation of potassium channel activity in cells, in particular the activity of Kv1.3 channels found in T cells. The invention also relates to the use of these compounds in the treatment or prevention of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis, pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and methods for their preparation.
US08202511B2 Contrast agents
The present invention relates to a class of compounds and to diagnostic compositions containing such compounds where the compounds are iodine containing compounds. The invention also relates to the use of such diagnostic compositions as contrast agents in diagnostic imaging and in particular in X-ray imaging, and to contrast media containing such compounds.
US08202510B2 Biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
The invention provides a method for diagnosing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in a subject, a method for assessing the effectiveness of a drug in treating ALS, and a method for determining the site of onset of ALS in a subject. Each method comprises (a) obtaining a sample from the subject, (b) analyzing the proteins in the sample by mass spectroscopy, and (c) determining a mass spectral profile for the sample. In some embodiments, the method comprises comparing the mass spectral profile of the sample to the mass spectral profile of a positive or a negative standard.
US08202506B2 High activity small crystal ZSM-12
A porous, crystalline material is described having the framework structure of ZSM-12 and a composition involving the molar relationship: X2O3:(n)YO2 wherein X is a trivalent element, Y is a tetravalent element and n is less than about 45, e.g., less than about 40, wherein the average crystal size of the material is less than about 0.1 micron, which material is substantially free of impurities. The material is made by: (a) preparing a mixture capable of forming said material, said mixture comprising sources of alkali or alkaline earth metal (M), an oxide of trivalent element (X), an oxide of tetravalent element (Y), hydroxyl (OH−) ions, water, and an organic monoquaternary ammonium cation directing agent (R) and an organic diquaternary ammonium structure blocking agent (R′); (b) maintaining the mixture under sufficient conditions until crystals of said material are formed; and (c) recovering the crystalline material from step (ii). The material can be used as a hydrocarbon conversion process catalyst.
US08202505B2 Aligned carbon nanotube bulk aggregate, process for producing the same and uses thereof
An aligned carbon nanotube bulk structure capable of attaining high density and high hardness not found so far. The aligned carbon nanotube bulk structure has a plurality of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) applied with a density-increasing treatment, and having alignment in a predetermined direction, the structure has a degree of anisotropy of 1:3 or more between the direction of alignment and the direction vertical to the direction of alignment, and the intensity by irradiating X-rays along the direction of alignment is higher than the intensity by irradiating X-rays from the direction vertical to the direction of alignment at a (002) peak in X-ray diffraction data, and the degree of alignment thereof satisfies predetermined conditions.
US08202500B2 Processes and uses of dissociating molecules
A process has been developed to selectively dissociate target molecules into component products compositionally distinct from the target molecule, wherein the bonds of the target molecule do not reform because the components are no longer reactive with each other. Dissociation is affected by treating the target molecule with light at a frequency and intensity, alone or in combination with a catalyst in an amount effective to selectively break bonds within the target molecule. Dissociation does not result in re-association into the target molecule by the reverse process, and does not produce component products which have a change in oxidation number or state incorporated oxygen or other additives because the process does not proceed via a typical reduction-oxidation mechanism. Target molecules include ammonia for waste reclamation and treatment, PCB remediation, and targeted drug delivery.
US08202498B2 Multiphase contact and distribution apparatus for hydroprocessing
Systems and apparatus for mixing, cooling, and distributing multiphase fluid mixtures within a reactor, wherein reactor internal apparatus of the present invention provides not only improved fluid mixing and distribution to each underlying catalyst bed surface, but also offers other advantages including: decreased mixing tray height; easier maintenance, assembly and disassembly; and decreased amounts of fabrication material. In an embodiment, fluid may be evenly distributed to a catalyst bed from a fluid distribution unit comprising a nozzle tray including a plurality of nozzles, wherein the nozzles include at least one liquid inlet disposed tangentially to an inner surface of the nozzle.
US08202494B2 Apparatus and methods for liquid droplet deposition
A method of and an apparatus for generating droplets has a capillary tube mounted in a moveable member. The capillary tube is accelerated towards a plate, and then subject to rapid deceleration, e.g. by way of an impact, to promote separation of a droplet which is then deposited on the plate. The droplet can be entirely separated from the capillary tip before being deposited, or, for smaller droplets, the droplet merely extends from the capillary tip and is then drawn onto the plate by a wicking action. The plurality of capillary tubes can be mounted on the common support member to effect multiplexing of drops.
US08202490B2 Membranes and methods for coating membranes
A method for applying reactive films containing solids to microporous membranes is provided wherein the membrane is firstly moistened and the reactive film containing solids is applied to the membrane while it is still moist. Membranes produced in this manner can contain reactive films having a high proportion of film openers and can be used advantageously in diagnostic elements for detecting constituents and, in particular, large hydrophobic analytes in body fluids.
US08202486B2 Pinching channels for fractionation of fragmented samples
The invention provides a device, system, and method for isolating one or more sample components of a sample material following separation of the sample material into a plurality of sample components. The device includes first and second pinching channels, a separation channel extending between the first and second pinching channels, a collection leg that includes a collection well, and a waste leg, all of which are in fluid communication with a switching region. In the method, a sample material is separated into a plurality of separated components in the device. and one or more of the separated components are isolated in the collection well. The separated components are constrained and elongated in the switching region by first and second buffer streams.
US08202485B2 Particulate flow control process
Process for providing a flow of particulate matter to a reactor, by intermittently adding the particulate matter and a diluent to a mixing tank, and continuously withdrawing a slurry of particulate matter in diluent from the mixing tank for introduction into the reactor. Prior to each addition of particulate matter and diluent to the mixing tank, the concentration of particulate matter in the diluent already in the mixing tank is measured or calculated, and the amount of particulate matter and diluent subsequently added is measured so as to achieve the same concentration at the end of the addition as that measured or calculated prior to the addition.
US08202484B2 Combined exhaust gas aftertreatment device
The description relates to an exhaust gas purification system for exhaust gases that are emitted from an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine. In one embodiment, exhaust gases from the engine are separated into two streams. The two exhaust streams are processed differently so as to take advantage of different attributes of different aftertreatment devices.
US08202483B2 Catalyst-supported particulate filter
In at least part of a catalyst layer of a particulate filter, a second catalyst part is exposed on the surface of the catalyst layer to overlie a first catalyst part, the first catalyst part contains Pt-carried activated alumina particles, the second catalyst part contains ZrNd-based mixed oxide particles containing a rare earth metal M and at least one of the first catalyst part and the second catalyst part further contains CeZr-based mixed oxide particles containing a rare earth metal R.
US08202482B2 Apparatus for removing of trace of toxic substance from exhaust gas and method of operating the same
An apparatus for removing of traces of toxic substances from exhaust gas, comprising, disposed in sequence from the upstream side in a flow channel of exhaust gas emitted from combustion equipment, a denitration unit including a denitration catalyst layer capable of removing nitrogen oxides from the exhaust gas and capable of oxidizing metallic mercury; an air preheater adapted for heat exchange between air for combustion in the combustion equipment and the exhaust gas; a dust removal unit having a bag filter containing a catalyst for metallic mercury oxidation; and a desulfurization unit for removing sulfur oxide from the exhaust gas. The bag filter may be disposed in advance of the desulfurization unit. Thus, there can be provided an apparatus for removing of traces of toxic substances from exhaust gas that is stable over a prolonged period of time and is highly reliable; and provided a method of operating the same.
US08202480B2 Apparatus for separating pitch from slurry hydrocracked vacuum gas oil
An apparatus is disclosed for converting heavy hydrocarbon feed into lighter hydrocarbon products. The heavy hydrocarbon feed is slurried with a particulate solid material to form a heavy hydrocarbon slurry and hydrocracked in a slurry hydrocracking unit to produce vacuum gas oil (VGO) and pitch. A first vacuum column separates VGO from pitch, and a second vacuum column further separates VGO from pitch. As much as 15 wt-% of VGO can be recovered by the second vacuum column and recycled to the slurry hydrocracking unit. A pitch composition is obtained which can be made into particles and transported without sticking together.
US08202479B1 Light collection system
The present teachings provide a detection cell for a biological material and methods for detecting biological material including a photosensitive material optically coupled to an interior volume containing the biological material so to avoid optical components or an external light source.
US08202477B2 Magnesium-based alloy
The present invention relates to compositions and structure of deformable alloys on the basis of magnesium with an optimum combination of mechanical properties (strength, plasticity) and a resistance to corrosion, including in vivo. Alloys of the new group possess an excellent formability at room temperature, high corrosion stability in sodium chloride solution, excellent heat resistance and can be used in various technical applications, particularly in vivo as a structural material for stents.
US08202470B2 Low NOx fuel injection for an indurating furnace
An indurating furnace has a heating station and an air passage leading to the heating station. A draft of preheated recirculation air is driven through the passage toward the heating station, and is mixed with fuel gas to form a combustible mixture of preheated recirculation air and fuel gas that ignites in the passage. This is accomplished by injecting the fuel gas into the passage in a stream that does not form a combustible mixture with the preheated recirculation air before entering the passage.
US08202467B2 Propylene-based polymer article
A method for extruding transparent and/or translucent article is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises providing a propylene-based polymer comprising propylene derived units and one or more dienes, the propylene-based polymer having a triad tacticity of from 50% to 99% and a heat of fusion of less than 80 J/g, extruding the propylene-based polymer in the absence of processing oil into an article; and then crosslinking the extruded article.
US08202466B2 Making process of an integrally plastic outlet pipe
An integrally plastic outlet pipe and making process thereof includes the steps of: a. preparing a mold; b. mold closing at the first opposite position; c. injection molding a semi-finished first part member; d. opening mold to take out a semi-finished upper cover of the wasted second part member; e. mold closing at a second opposite position; f. hot pressing a finished outlet pipe of a third part member and injection molding the semi-finished first part member and the semi-finished upper cover of the second part member; g. mold opening to obtain a finished integrally plastic outlet pipe of the third part member; h. mold closing at the first opposite position again; i. hot pressing the finished outlet pipe and rejection molding the semi-finished first part member and the semi-finished upper cover of the second part member; j. opening mold to acquire a finished integrally plastic outlet pipe.
US08202465B2 Preferential curing technique in compression molding of fiber reinforced composites
A molding process that involves applying heat (17) to a mold billet (12) located in a mold cavity (11) defined by steel inserts (15). A layer (19) of material having a low thermal conductivity of 1-2 BTU/hour/square foot/inch/F.° at 450° F. is positioned contiguously to at least one of the inserts (15) so that a portion (13) of the mold billet (12) in the vicinity of the low thermal conductivity material layer (19) remains cooler than portions of the mold billet that are remote from the layer of material (19). Also, a mold apparatus comprising a mold cavity (11) defined by steel inserts (15) wherein each of the inserts (15) rests on a bed (19) of low thermal conductivity material which is comprised of 38-48 weight-% calcium carbonate, 27-38 weight-% polymerized unsaturated polyester resin, and 20-30 weight-% fiberglass. The mold billet (12) may be configured in the shape of an aircraft landing system brake disc preform (33).
US08202464B2 Method and system for layerwise production of a tangible object
A method cycle of a method for layerwise production of a tangible object (5) comprises the successive steps of: solidifying a predetermined area of a layer (10) of a liquid (3), said liquid layer adjoining a construction shape (6), so as to obtain a solid layer (14) having a predetermined shape; separating said solid layer from said construction shape; and moving the separated solid layer and the construction shape to a predetermined position relative to one another for letting the liquid flow-in between the separated solid layer and the construction shape. Reduced pressure is applied to at least one fluid, such as the liquid (3).
US08202463B2 Imprint method
An imprint method includes contacting a template on a first substrate. The template includes a pattern to be transferred on the first substrate. The first substrate includes a first semiconductor substrate, and a first light curable resin coated on the first semiconductor substrate. The method further includes separating the template from the first substrate, and removing particles adhered on the template. The particle removal includes: pressing the template on an adhesive member which is distinct from the first substrate. The adhesive member includes a dummy substrate, a particle removing film formed on the dummy substrate and configured to remove the particles, and a second light curable resin coated on the particle removing film. The second light curable resin is thicker than the first light curable resin.
US08202459B2 Process for producing thermoplastic resin molded product and thermoplastic resin particle composition
A process for producing a thermoplastic resin molded product, comprising: a placement step of placing a thermoplastic resin particle composition 6A into a cavity 22 of a rubber die 2 made of a rubber material; a particle heating step of irradiating the thermoplastic resin particle composition 6A in the cavity 22 with electromagnetic waves having wavelengths ranging from 0.78 to 2 μm through the rubber die 2, thereby heating to melt the thermoplastic resin particle composition 6A; a filling step of filling a thermoplastic resin 6 in a molten state into a space 220 left in the cavity 22; and a cooling step of cooling a thermoplastic resin 6 in the cavity 22 thereby obtaining a thermoplastic resin molded product.
US08202458B2 Method for producing profile parts
The present invention relates to a method for producing profile parts, each having an L-shaped cross-section, or an assembled profile part having, in particular, a T-shaped cross-section. For this purpose a lay-up made of composite fiber material is initially placed on a forming tool. In a further step, the lay-up is deformed by the forming tool to form a profile having a preferably U-shaped cross-section, the profile thus exhibiting the book effect at each opposite end. In a further step, the profile is preferably cut in the longitudinal direction in order to produce two profile parts. The idea on which the invention is based is to allow the layers in the lay-up to shift during the deformation process and subsequently to produce a substantially right-angled chamfered end on the profile parts by means of a cutting process. The disadvantageous formation of corrugations and complex clamping of the lay-up are thus avoided.
US08202456B2 Method for preparing sustained release tablet
Herein provided is a method for easily preparing a sustained release tablet which contains an orally administrable medicinal component, while maintaining the uniformity of the content of the medicinal component.The method comprises mixing (1) a granulated product A obtained by granulating an excipient and an enteric coating agent while spraying thereon with a solution or a suspension containing an orally administrable medicinal component, with (2) a composition B containing a hydrogel-forming substance; and then compressing the resulting mixture into a tablet.
US08202455B2 Press and method for forming a beam from glue-coated wood chips
The invention relates to a press for pressing glue-coated wood chips for forming a beam having at least one substantially U-shaped cross-sectional portion. The press comprises a master tool (6), in which an elongate groove with parallel side surfaces is provided, and an elongate forming tool (7) which is vertically displaceable in the groove of the master tool. The side surface of the forming tool (7) and the groove (9) are located at a distance from another for forming a gap (10) between them and comprise each at least one carrier surface (11, 12) which is oriented in the pressing direction of the forming tool, a forming insert (13) which during pressing of the glue-coated wood chips, will move with the carrier surface (11) of the forming tool and contribute to pressing together the wood chips. During retraction of the forming tool, the forming inserts will be obstructed by the carrier surface (12) of the master tool, thereby disengaging the beam from the forming tool. The invention further relates to a method for pressing a beam having a U-shaped cross-sectional portion.
US08202454B2 Mould and method for vacuum assisted resin transfer moulding
A mold and method for vacuum assisted resin transfer molding of a fiber reinforced laminated structure are provided. The mold includes a first mold part and a second mold part. The first mold part defines a negative impression of the laminated structure, being structurally stable and forming a support for fiber reinforcement layers of the laminated structure. The second mold part connectable to the first mold part for closing the mold and defines together with the first mold part an enclosed space which can be evacuated. The mold further includes a flow duct for guiding a liquid polymer which is formed as a recess in the first mold part and/or a recess in the second mold part that is open towards the enclosed space and extends along a section of the periphery of the first mold part and/or the second mold part.
US08202452B2 Mold for processing optical film and manufacturing method thereof
A mold for processing optical film includes a substrate, a copper oxide film, and a hydrophobic fluorinated self-assembled monolayer film. The substrate has a copper surface. The copper oxide film is formed on the copper surface. The hydrophobic fluorinated self-assembled monolayer film is formed on the surface of the copper oxide film. The mold provides easy release of the hydrophobic fluorinated self-assembled monolayer film.
US08202449B2 Corrosion-inhibited ammonium polyphosphate fire retardant compositions
A fire-retardant composition comprising an ammonium polyphosphate, a suspending agent and an effective amount of a corrosion inhibiting agent. When in solution the corrosion inhibiting agent includes at least one ion selected from the group of ions consisting of aluminum ions, ferric ions, calcium ions and magnesium ions. Said ions complex an effective amount of fluoride ions present in the fire-retardant composition to reduce the corrosiveness of the fire-retardant composition.
US08202446B2 Ionic liquid based mixtures for gas storage and delivery
A mixture and method for the storage and delivery of a gas are disclosed herein. In one aspect, there is provided a mixture comprising: an ionic liquid comprising an anion and a cation, at least a portion of the gas that is disposed within and reversibly chemically reacted with the ionic liquid, and optionally an unreacted gas. In another aspect, there is provided a method for delivering a gas from a mixture comprising an ionic liquid and one or more gases comprising: reacting at least a portion of the gas with the ionic liquid to provide the mixture comprising a chemically reacted gas and an ionic liquid and separating the chemically reacted gas from the mixture wherein the chemically reacted gas after the separating step has substantially the same chemical identity as the chemically reacted gas prior to the reacting step.
US08202444B2 Glycol-free aqueous anti-freeze agent containing dicarboxylic salts
The present invention relates to an aqueous antifreeze composition comprising 10 to 50% by weight of one or more dicarboxylic acids, preferably aliphatic dicarboxylic acids having 4 to 12 carbon atoms in the form of the alkali metal, ammonium or alkaline earth metal salt. Preferably, these salts are used in combination with at least one further substance.This gives antifreeze compositions with a good frost protective action, good heat conductivity and good protection against corrosion.
US08202440B1 Methods and apparatus for electron beam assisted etching at low temperatures
Disclosed are methods and apparatus for etching a sample, such as a semiconductor device or wafer. In general terms, embodiments of the present invention allow dry etching of a material on a sample, such as a copper material, at room temperature using a reactive substance, such as a chorine based gas. For example, the mechanisms of the present invention allow precise etching of a copper material to produce fine feature patterns without heating up the whole device or substrate to an elevated temperature such as 50° C. and above. The etching is assisted by simultaneously scanning a charged particle beam, such as an electron beam, and a photon beam, such as a laser beam, over a same target area of the sample while the reactive substance is introduced near the same target area. The reactive substance, charged particle beam, and photon beam act in combination to etch the sample at the target area. For example, a copper layer may be etched using the mechanisms of the present invention.
US08202437B2 Method for producing a photonic crystal
The invention relates to a process for producing a photonic crystal which consists of a material of high refractive index, comprising the following process steps: a) providing a polymer structure with crosslinked air pores, whose surface has empty interstitial sites, b) applying a homogeneous, isotropic thin coating material to the surface of the polymer structure, c) introducing a high-index material, d) opening up a route to the polymer or to the coating material applied in step b), e) removing the layer applied in step b), f) removing the polymeric structure.
US08202435B2 Method for selectively etching areas of a substrate using a gas cluster ion beam
A method for selectively etching areas of a substrate is described. The method includes providing in a process chamber a substrate containing a first material having a film deposition surface and a second material having an etch surface. The method further includes forming a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) from a pressurized gas containing a deposition-etch gas, and exposing the substrate to the GCIB to remove at least a portion of the second material from the etch surface and deposit a thin film on the film deposition surface of the first material. According to some embodiments, the deposition-etch gas may contain silicon (Si) and carbon (C), and it may possess a Si—C bond.
US08202434B2 Method of manufacturing hollow microneedle structures
Provided is a method of manufacturing a hollow microneedle structure. The method includes forming an injection mold having a through hole, filling the injection mold with a photoresist formed of a viscous material, and extruding the photoresist from the injection mold through the through hole, solidifying the extruded photoresist to form a needle-type photoresist structure, forming a seed layer on the surface of the photoresist structure, forming a metal plated layer on the seed layer, inclining an end tip of the photoresist structure having the metal plated layer, and removing the photoresist from the metal plated layer to form a hollow. Thus, the hollow microneedle structure can be manufactured to have such diameter, length, hardness, and inclination angle as to minimize pain. The hollow microneedle structure can be combined with an apparatus for detecting a biomaterial or injecting cosmetic substances or medicines, and variously applied.
US08202433B2 Reducing adherence in a MEMS device
In one embodiment, an apparatus for reducing adherence in a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device comprises a substrate. A MEMS is disposed outwardly from the substrate. The MEMS comprises structures and corresponding landing pads. Dibs are disposed outwardly from the substrate. Each dib has a surface with depressions. An adherence-reducing material is disposed within each depression. The adherence-reducing material reduces adherence between at least a portion of a structure and a corresponding landing pad.
US08202432B2 Wastewater treatment system
The wastewater treatment system includes a tank having first and second partition walls dividing the tank into first, second and third chambers. An inlet port is formed through the first chamber and an outlet port is formed through the third chamber. A first port is formed through the first partition wall for controlling fluid flow from the first chamber to the second chamber, and a second port is formed through the second partition wall for controlling fluid flow from the second chamber to the third chamber. Oils and sludge are removed from the wastewater in the first chamber. Anaerobic bacteria within the second chamber then removes organic material from the water. The water is stored in the third chamber is irradiated by germicidal ultraviolet light before discharge from the third chamber.
US08202431B2 Method for removing impurities from a metal deposition process solution
A method and apparatus involving at least two distinct adsorbent media for adsorptive removal of impurities from a metal deposition composition such as an electroless or electrolytic deposition composition.
US08202430B2 Modified diamond particle surfaces and method
A method for preparing modified diamond particles for use in chromatography where hydroxyl groups at the diamond surfaces are reacted with a reactive molecule to introduce a desired functional group at the diamond surface.
US08202429B2 Method for recovering a used slurry
Foreign substances which are not inherently contained in a polishing slurry are selectively separated and removed from a polishing slurry component comprised of abrasives, a solvent and an additive which are inherently contained in the polishing slurry.
US08202427B2 Porous ferro-or ferrimagnetic glass particles for isolating molecules
Porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are described that selectively bind molecules of interest, especially nucleic acid molecules; under appropriate conditions. Methods of preparing the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles and their use for identifying or separating molecules of interest are also described. Kits comprising the porous, ferro- or ferrimagnetic, glass particles are also provided.
US08202418B2 Tank
A tank filter combination is provided for appliances which use water, in particular domestic appliances or appliances for preparation of foodstuffs and/or drinks, such as automatic drinks machines, in particular automatic coffee machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking and baking appliances, steamers, in particular steam irons, steam cleaners, high-pressure cleaners, air cleaners and air conditioners, etc. having a suction connection on the tank for suction of water from the tank at a reduced pressure, and a filter connection for connection of a filter cartridge in the interior of and/or outside the tank to ensure use of a permissible filter type. A filter cartridge according to the invention is distinguished by mechanical coding structures with a polygonal structure on the circumferential surface on the output side of the filter cartridge to prevent the use of a filter cartridge which does not correspond to the tank.
US08202417B2 Chiral stationary phases for chromatography based on aromatic allyl amines
New chiral stationary phases (CSPs) based on chiral selectors covalently bound on a solid support were prepared. Chiral selectors were obtained from enantiomerically pure aromatic amines and 3,5-dinitrobenzoic acid and then linked to the support surface through the allylic double bond. Such obtained materials allow enantioseparation of racemates or enantiomerically enriched compounds. These chiral stationary phases can be used as fillings in chromatographic columns for enantiomer separation of naproxen type drugs and other similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) by means of high performance liquid chromatography on both the analytical and preparative scale.
US08202415B2 Hydrocyclones for treating drilling fluid
Methods and systems are disclosed for treating a drilling fluid mixture including feeding the drilling fluid mixture to a hydrocyclone (or hydrocyclones) with a flow-volume-adjustable inlet for controlling flow of the drilling fluid mixture into the hydrocyclone(s). This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).
US08202414B2 Process for the purification of benzene feedstock containing contaminating sulfur compounds
The invention is directed to a process for the purification of benzene feedstock containing contaminating sulfur compounds, more in particular thiophenic sulfur compounds, said process comprising contacting the benzene feedstock in the presence of hydrogen with a sulfided nickel adsorbent, wherein in said adsorbent part of the nickel is present in the metallic form, and subsequently contacting the said feedstock with a supported metallic copper adsorbent.
US08202413B2 Process to conversion of oxygenates to gasoline
A process for the preparation of hydrocarbon products including the steps of (a) providing a stream containing oxygenates; (b) mixing the stream with a recycle stream to form a gasoline feed stream; (c) contacting the gasoline feed stream with one or more gasoline synthesis catalysts to obtain an effluent stream with higher hydrocarbons boiling in the gasoline range; (d) withdrawing from step (c) the effluent stream; and (e) splitting a part of the effluent stream to form the recycle stream which is optionally further reduced in content of water or enriched in hydrogen, then pressurized and recycled to step (b).
US08202407B1 Apparatus and method for manufacturing polycarbonate solar cells
An apparatus and method for manufacturing polycarbonate solar cells. The apparatus is designed to adapt many techniques used in the compact disc manufacturing industry to the manufacture of polycarbonate solar cells. The apparatus comprises: means for creating a polycarbonate substrate for a solar cell with a molding machine; means for depositing a cathodic contact layer on the polycarbonate substrate; means for depositing in one-step by sputtering a quaternary Cu—In—Ga—Se photonic energy absorbing layer on the polycarbonate substrate; means for using a high intensity pulsed xenon flashlamp for rapid heat treatment to form a CIGS absorber layer; means for depositing a buffer layer on the polycarbonate substrate; means for depositing a highly resistive transmissive intrinsic layer with directed sputtering energy; means for depositing a transmissive contact layer on the polycarbonate substrate; means for adding anodic contacts to one of the layers; means for depositing an anti-reflective coating layer on the polycarbonate substrate; and means for encapsulating the solar cell to provide environmental protection.
US08202404B2 Surface treatment apparatus
The surface treatment apparatus includes: a supply device for supplying an introduced workpiece to the inside of a treatment cell of a subsequent surface treatment device; a surface treatment device for supplying a surface treatment liquid to the inside of the treatment cell while rotating the treatment cell, thereby performing a surface treatment on the workpiece; a workpiece collection device for inverting the treatment cell, and squirting the inside of the treatment cell with water from below to flow out the workpiece, thereby collecting the workpiece into a collection vessel; a drying device for receiving the collection vessel from the workpiece collection device, and exposing the workpiece within the collection vessel to air, thereby drying the workpiece; and a carrying device for carrying the treatment cell between the surface treatment devices, and between the surface treatment device and the workpiece device, wherein the surface treatment apparatus includes the one or more surface treatment devices.
US08202403B2 Core de-entrainment device for vessels with tangential inlets
A distillation tower for use in a petrochemical or petroleum operation effects liquid and vapor separation by using centrifugal force applied to the feed introduced into a ring from a tangential inlet. The feed is separated into a liquid component that flows into the bottoms section of the tower and a vapor component that flows upwardly through the core of the ring to a wash zone in the tower. De-entrainment devices are provided in the core so that the vapor swirling upwardly impacts the devices and any remaining entrained liquid is separated from the vapor. As a result, overflash with decreased resid can be collected from the wash zone and used as feed suitable for a fluid catalytic cracking operation, for example.
US08202402B2 System and method of passive liquid purification
The present invention relates to systems and related methods of water purification by distillation that will operate in a self-contained mode using a passive heat source, such as, without limitation, solar heat, air conditioning waste heat, or waste heat from the exhaust or cooling systems of an internal combustion engine, which may be used to desalinate sea water, saline water, or saline water containing contaminants. The present invention may also be used to distil sewage water, creek water, swamp water or water containing contaminants or used to cleanse or purify water contaminated with mud, chemicals, minerals, or bacteria in a local environment.
US08202399B2 Process for modifying fuel solids
The invention provides a process for comminuting coal or other fuel solids in a shear field, and for optionally coating the solids with catalysts for combustion, liquefaction, and or gasification during the milling process. The process further provides for control of water content in the solids may be controlled before, during and after the milling in order to obtain micronized solids with fine hydration layers. The output fuel solids from the process can burn at low temperatures, avoiding emissions of nitrogen oxides, and they also have improved properties for surfactant-free suspension in either water or oil media, as well as for liquefaction and gasification.
US08202396B2 Structural clothing and method of manufacturing a tissue paper web
A clothing for structuring a wet fibre web (1′) in a press section of a tissue papermaking machine is described which has a three-dimensional woven structure forming elevations (62) and depressions (63), said elevations, like the depressions, are repeated and distributed to form a pattern of polygonal, geometrically similar smallest unitary surfaces (64), each of said unitary surfaces having an area a and covering a plurality of depressions with the mean depth d. According to the invention, the area a and the mean depth d of each unitary surface (64) are adapted in relation to each other in such a way that, calculated by the length unit mm, their ratio is equal to or greater than 30 mm, wherein a is selected within the range of 1.0-3.0 mm2 and d is selected within the range of 0.03-0.09 mm. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a creped tissue paper web by using said structuring clothing.
US08202395B2 Method for the creping of paper
A creping doctor device for the scraping off and creping of a running paper web from a rotating cylinder, comprising a holder device arranged to be able to support a continuous, or divided, longitudinally moveable doctor blade, which doctor blade is arranged to have a length that exceeds at least twice the length of said cylinder and is provided with a scraping surface and a contact line and/or contact surface, which contact line and/or contact surface is intended to bear against the jacket surface of said rotating cylinder at a certain linear load, said doctor blade comprising a supporting part and a wear part that is moveable in relation to the supporting part.
US08202392B2 Process for applying a coated or uncoated film on a lens substrate
Processes for applying a coated or uncoated film onto at least one geometrically defined surface of a lens substrate which comprises: providing a liquid hot melt adhesive (HMA) composition; providing a film having two opposite main surfaces; providing a lens substrate having at least one geometrically defined surface; and applying the film to the lens substrate surface using the HMA.
US08202389B2 Engineered wood floor using core material with vertical glue-line position
A composite board comprising a first layer having an orientation and a second layer bonded to the first layer where the second layer comprises a plurality of wooden veneer structures, each wooden veneer structure is substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the first layer.
US08202388B2 Apparatus and method for holding materials for the forming and joining thereof
A machine cell for the forming and joining of a first sheet material to a second sheet material includes an upper gate and a lower nest. The lower nest includes a vacuum pad having a recessed channel defined therein. A vacuum system is fluidly connected to the recessed channel to hold the first sheet material to the lower nest during the joining of the first and second sheet materials. The machine cell further includes an arrangement for aligning the first sheet material to the second sheet material.
US08202381B2 Radial tire and method of manufacturing the same
The invention provides a radial tire, in which a single rubber coated cord (C1) is used to form a carcass layer (1) without generating any material jointed portion and which is favorable in weight balance, external appearance, and quality and excellent in productivity, the carcass layer (1) is formed from at least one cord row layer (11A) formed by cutting a rubber coated cord (C1), which is formed to make an external shape of a cross section elliptical, one by one, to align and bond the same in a tire circumference direction, and the cord row layer is jointed only in a single location on a tire circumference to generate little overlap.
US08202378B2 Apparatus and method for enhancement of connection performance and fatigue detection
An apparatus and method adapted to enhance the structural performance of a desired connection and provide a readily perceivable indication of predetermined limitations having being reached prior to actual failure of a connection. A method for enhancing structural performance of a desired structure by preventing fracture propagation.
US08202377B2 Non-toxic percussion primers and methods of preparing the same
A percussion primer composition including at least one explosive, at least one nano-size non-coated fuel particle having natural surface oxides thereon, at least one oxidizer, optionally at least one sensitizer, optionally at least one buffer, and to methods of preparing the same.
US08202376B2 High-strength motor-vehicle frame part with targeted crash
A structural motor-vehicle element is made by hot-shaping and press-hardening a steel workpiece into the element and thereafter heating the hot-shaped and press-hardened workpiece to between 320° C. and 400° C. The steel workpiece constitutes in weight percent, Carbon (C)0.18% to 0.3% Silicon (Si)0.1% to 0.7% Manganese (Mn)1.0% to 2.5% Phosphorus (P)max. 0.025% Chromium (Cr)up to 0.8% Molybdenum (Mo)up to 0.5% Sulfur (S)max. 0.01% Titanium (Ti)0.02% to 0.05% Boron (B)0.002% to 0.005% Aluminum (Al)0.01% to 0.06% the rest iron including impurities caused by the smelting process.
US08202373B2 Auxiliary rinse phase in a wash machine
A warewash machine includes a rinse sump and a wash sump. A controllable deflector, under control of a control module, directs wash agent dispensed during a wash phase to the wash sump, directs rinse agent to the wash sump for a predetermined period of time after initiation of an auxiliary rinse phase, and directs the rinse agent to the rinse sump after the predetermined period of time and for a remaining duration of the auxiliary rinse phase. The controllable deflector directs water dispensed during a final rinse phase to the rinse sump such that the water combines with the rinse agent therein. The rinse agent is re-used during at least one subsequent auxiliary rinse phase.
US08202371B2 Method for shortened clear rinse in a dishwasher and dishwasher adapted to carry out such method
A method for rinsing crockery in a dishwashing machine is disclosed. The dishwashing machine includes a circulation pump, a water heater, an upper spray arm and a lower spray arm both alternatively fed by the circulation pump. The method includes the step of heating of the rinsing circulated water up to a maximum predetermined value. The method further includes the step of interrupting the feeding of the lower spray arm when a threshold water temperature is reached so that only the upper spray arm is fed by the circulated water.
US08202370B2 Method for removing acidic deposit
To provide a method for removing an acidic deposit containing a sulfur compound, whereby the terminal point of the cleaning state can be ascertained simply and efficiently without necessity to visually directly observe the cleaning state or to observe the behavior of the pH value of the cleaning fluid. A method for removing an acidic deposit containing a sulfur compound, which comprises contacting the acidic deposit with a prescribed amount of an aqueous cleaning fluid, characterized in that the concentration of sulfate ion (SO42−) in the aqueous cleaning fluid is measured, and the contact with the aqueous cleaning fluid is terminated after the increase per hour of the measured value becomes 15 not more than 10%.
US08202360B2 Method of producing amorphous aluminum silicate, amorphous aluminum silicate obtained with said method, and adsorbent using the same
The present invention aims to provide an adsorbent with superior adsorption performance of 20 wt % or more in a humidity range of 5 to 60 wt % by using a low-cost reagent as the raw material. Aluminum sulfate is used as the Al source, the respective aqueous solutions are mixed to achieve a Si/Al molar ratio of 0.70 to 1.0 in the mixed solution, the pH is adjusted to be 6 to 9 with acid or alkali, the solution is heated at 90 to 110° C. and subsequently subject to desalination treatment in order to synthesize an amorphous aluminum silicate. The obtained amorphous aluminum silicate yields a superior water vapor adsorption performance of 20 wt % or more in a relative humidity of 60%, and can be used as an adsorbent for desiccant air conditioning and as other adsorbents.
US08202358B2 Phthalocyanine, naphthalocyanine, and bridged phthalocyanine/naphthalocyanine dyes and inks containing the same
Phthalocyanine dyes, naphthalocyanine dyes, and/or bridged phthalocyanine/naphthalocyanine dyes represented by one of the general structures I to XVII, inkjet ink formulation comprising said dyes, and detection systems using said dyes are disclosed and described.
US08202352B2 Wetted wall cyclone system and methods
In an embodiment, a wetted wall cyclone comprises a cyclone body including an inlet end, an outlet end, an inner flow passage, and an inner surface defining an inner diameter. In addition, the wetted wall cyclone comprises a cyclone inlet tangentially coupled to the cyclone body. The cyclone inlet includes an inlet flow passage in fluid communication with the inner flow passage. Further, the wetted wall cyclone comprises a skimmer extending coaxially through the outlet end of the cyclone body. The skimmer comprises an upstream end disposed within the cyclone body, a downstream end distal the cyclone body, and an inner exhaust passage in fluid communication with the inner flow passage. Still further, the wetted wall cyclone comprises a first annulus positioned radially between the upstream end and the cyclone body having a radial width W1 between 3% and 15% of the inner diameter of the cyclone body.
US08202351B2 Limiting of impurity peaks
A process for gas purification or separation intended to produce a gas mixture containing mainly hydrogen and, to a minor extent CO, it being imperative for the CO content to remain below a set value is presented. This invention particularly relates to adsorption processes and even more particularly to processes of the PSA (“Pressure Swing Adsorption”) type.
US08202350B2 Method and apparatus for gas removal
Aspects of the invention include a method and apparatus for reversibly sorbing a target gas. In one embodiment, an apparatus for reversibly sorbing a target gas is disclosed. The apparatus includes an inlet, a multi-channel monolith coupled to the inlet, the multi-channel monolith including a plurality of channels, each one of the plurality of channels includes one or more walls, wherein at least one of the one or more walls of at least one of the plurality of channels is porous and wherein one or more of the plurality of channels contain a sorbent and an outlet coupled to the multi-channel monolith.
US08202349B2 Method and apparatus for removal of carbon dioxide from pre-combustion syngas
A method for processing pre-combustion syngas includes, in an exemplary embodiment, providing an absorber unit having a membrane contactor having a plurality of micro-pores, channeling pre-combustion syngas along a first surface of the membrane contactor, channeling an amine based solvent along a second opposing surface of the membrane contactor, and contacting the solvent with the syngas such that the solvent and the syngas contact at gas-liquid interface areas, defined by the plurality of micro-pores in the membrane contactor, to separate CO2 from the flue gas by a chemical absorption of CO2 into the solvent to produce a solvent containing CO2.
US08202347B2 Process for recycling aluminum alloy scrap coming from the aeronautical industry
A manufacturing process for a remelt block containing aluminum designed for making aluminum alloy for the aircraft industry in which scrap containing mainly aluminum alloys used in the aircraft industry is supplied during a supply stage, the scrap is melted in a smelting furnace in order to obtain an initial molten metal bath during a smelting stage, the initial molten metal bath is subjected to purification by fractional crystallization in order to obtain a solidified mass and a bath of residual liquid during a segregation stage, and the solidified mass is recovered in order to obtain a remelt block during a recovery stage. The invention is particularly useful for the recycling of aluminum alloys used in the aircraft industry as it makes it possible to purify scrap of series 2XXX or series 7XXX alloys for iron and silicon, without eliminating additive elements such as zinc, copper and magnesium.
US08202338B2 Cyclone separator for blast furnace gas
The invention relates to a cyclone separator for blast furnace gas including: a cyclone vessel having a central axis and including a side wall, a top wall and bottom wall; a first inlet duct connected with an end to the side wall of the cyclone vessel at a predetermined position intermediate the top and bottom wall; and a central outlet duct which traverses through the top wall of the cyclone vessel and extends into the cyclone vessel, and a further inlet duct connected with an end to the side wall of the cyclone vessel in circumferentially spaced relationship to the first inlet duct.
US08202337B2 Integrated containment system
Embodiments of the invention generally provide a containment system having integrated bubble tight-dampers. In another embodiment, the containment system includes an integral auto-scan mechanism disposed in the housing of the containment system so that a filter element, disposed in the housing, may be leak tested without accessing the interior of the housing. In yet another embodiment, a method for testing a filter disposed in a containment system includes challenging an upstream side of a filter element disposed in a housing of the containment system with a test aerosol, and automatically moving a probe disposed within the housing to obtain samples for leak testing.
US08202335B2 Superabrasive elements, methods of manufacturing, and drill bits including same
Methods of manufacturing a superabrasive element and/or compact are disclosed. In one embodiment, a superabrasive volume including a tungsten carbide layer may be formed. Polycrystalline diamond elements and/or compacts are disclosed. Rotary drill bits for drilling a subterranean formation and including at least one superabrasive element and/or compact are also disclosed.
US08202332B2 Fractional catalytic pyrolysis of biomass
Methods for fractional catalytic pyrolysis which allow for conversion of biomass into a slate of desired products without the need for post-pyrolysis separation are described. The methods involve use of a fluid catalytic bed which is maintained at a suitable pyrolysis temperature. Biomass is added to the catalytic bed, preferably while entrained in a non-reactive gas such as nitrogen, causing the biomass to become pyrolyzed and forming the desired products in vapor and gas forms, allowing the desired products to be easily separated.
US08202330B2 Method for gasifying solid fuel and concurrent gasifier
A method for gasifying solid fuel in a co-current gasifier having a fuel silo and a combustion chamber. The method includes a pyrolysis phase in which the fuel decomposes into pyrolysis products, and a gasification phase in which the pyrolysis products are gasified into product gas. Heat transfer from the combustion chamber to the fuel silo is restricted to ensure that the fuel does not dry and pyrolysis does not take place in the fuel silo. The beginning of the pyrolysis is intentionally transferred as close to the gasification phase as possible, and an attempt is made to make the duration of the pyrolysis phase as short as possible. The rise of the fuel temperature is slowed down by transferring heat generated in the gasification phase to a medium, such as gasification air. In the co-current gasifier between the fuel silo and the combustion chamber, there is a cooling channel, which restricts heat transfer and also functions as a preheater for the gasification air.
US08202328B2 Battery part
A battery part such as a battery terminal and method of making the same with the battery part having a sealing region or sealing bead located on a lateral face of the acid ring with the beveled sealing region increasing the resistance to leakage therepast as the container shrinks. Another embodiment of the invention comprises a battery part with a bifurcated acid ring end and a beveled end face. The invention further includes the method of forming a battery terminal with an end face of the acid ring having a bifurcated end lip and a beveled face that permits one to either use the battery terminal in an as is condition or in a flared condition wherein a lip on the acid ring is flared to form a beveled sealing region on the lateral face of the acid ring.
US08202327B2 Pigment composition, inkjet recording ink, coloring composition for color filter, and color filter
A pigment composition including (A) an azo pigment represented by formula (1), and at least one of (B) a coloring agent represented by formula (2), or (C) at least one additive represented by formula (3) or an additive represented by formula (4).
US08202324B2 Modular orthopaedic component case
A case for modular neck components for hip implants. The case may include indicators based on independent variables associated with physical characteristics of the implant, including leg length, offset, and anteversion. During surgery, the surgeon may be confronted with a need to change a preoperatively-chosen modular neck. For example, the surgeon may desire a change in at least one of the variables, e.g., leg length, offset, and/or anteversion. The case allows the surgeon to quickly and easily select a different modular neck based on an evaluation of one of the variables without requiring reevaluation of the other variables. A method described herein may include preoperative planning in which a template including a grid coordinate system is used, which advantageously provides an intuitive system for the surgeon both preoperatively and during surgery.
US08202323B2 Knee prostheses with enhanced kinematics
A knee replacement system includes a proximal tibial posterior camming portion defined by a first radius of curvature with a first origin in a first medio-lateral plane, a distal tibial posterior camming portion defined by a second radius of curvature with a second origin in a second medio-lateral plane, an anterior femoral camming portion of a posterior cam defined by a third radius of curvature with a third origin in the first medio-lateral plane, and a posterior femoral camming portion of the posterior cam and defined by a fourth radius of curvature with a fourth origin in the second medio-lateral plane, wherein the second origin is closer to the lateral tibial portion than the first origin, or the fourth origin is closer to the medial femoral portion than the third origin.
US08202320B2 Intervertebral disc prosthesis
A method of implanting an intervertebral disc prosthesis in a patient comprises selecting a superior and inferior endplates from a plurality of endplates having different endplate features. The different endplate features include different structural and material composition features. In addition, a core is selected from a plurality of cores having different core features such as different structural and material composition features. In one embodiment, the core is a composite core comprised of a first material and a different second material. After the endplates and core are selected, the intervertebral disc prosthesis is assembled with the selected core positioned between the selected endplates. The assembled intervertebral disc prosthesis is then positioned on an insertion tool and implanted in the patient.
US08202318B2 Bundle graft and method of making same
A graft construct formed of a plurality of single tendon strands or soft tissue grafts placed together so that at least a portion of one of the single tendon strands is wrapped around a portion of another of the single tendon strands by employing suturing, for example. The graft construct is provided with at least two regions, one region formed of at least a plurality of tendon strands tied together, and the other region formed of loose segments of the plurality of tendon strands.
US08202314B2 Holders for prosthetic aortic heart valves
A holder for a flexible leaflet prosthetic aortic heart valve that is less bulky than earlier holders and minimizes obstructions to vision and working space around the valve to facilitate implantation thereof. The holder may have a central hub and three outwardly extending legs that connect directly and exclusively to tips of the commissures of the aortic heart valve for better tactile feedback when parachuting and seating the valve in the annulus. The legs are sized so that they do not overlap the commissure tips and therefore afford a better view of the sewing ring adjacent the commissures. The legs may be narrow in the midsection or split into two rails to increase visibility of the valve leaflets. The hub may be vaulted axially upward relative to the outer ends of the legs to further increase visibility of the valve. A more secure engagement between the central hub and a delivery handle is also provided to ensure the holder/handle connection does not become loose during suture placement through the sewing ring and fewer handle revolutions are required to screw in and unscrew the handle from the holder.
US08202313B2 Expandable medical device with beneficial agent in openings
An expandable medical device having a plurality of elongated struts, the plurality of elongated struts being joined together by ductile hinges to form a substantially cylindrical device which is expandable from a cylinder having a first diameter to a cylinder having a second diameter. The plurality of struts and ductile hinges are arranged to improve the spatial distribution of the struts which is particularly important when delivering beneficial agents with the struts. The improved strut arrangement expands to a substantially parallelogram shape for improved beneficial agent distribution to the surrounding tissue. A beneficial agent may be loaded into openings within the struts or coated onto the struts for delivery to the tissue.
US08202311B2 Stent/graft device and method for open surgical placement
A method and a stent/graft device for intraoperative repair of a damaged portion of a body vessel. The stent/graft device has a length at least as long as the length of the damaged portion of the vessel undergoing repair, and is positioned within the vessel such that the device at least spans the length of the damaged vessel portion. The stent/graft device is securely engaged with the vessel at the site of the damage in a manner such that migration of the device in said vessel is inhibited.
US08202310B2 AAA repair device with aneurysm sac access port
An abdominal aortic aneurysm repair device having an access port may be utilized to percutaneously access the aneurismal sac without disturbing the repair. The access port has a self-sealing member for maintaining the port in the normally closed position. The insertion of a percutaneous device into the port opens the port.
US08202307B2 Phototherapy equipment for the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia and other diseases
The present invention relates to a phototherapy equipment, provided with at least one super LED of high luminous radiation, whose application is the treatment of hyperbilirubinemia, constituted by a luminous source formed by a split compact and elongated housing, provided, in its lower and front portion, with a cover containing internally adjustable lenses having one or more phototherapic sources with very high luminous irradiation at blue spectral range, more accurately in the wavelength of 450 nm, containing in the upper part a fan and electrically connected with a microprocessed circuit, which is able to be adjusted through control and programming actuators, having its functions monitored by means a display and a connector for any sensor, or digitized through a connection with a microcomputer.
US08202304B2 Methods and systems for performing spinal surgery
A device and method for use in spinal surgery are provided.
US08202301B2 Dynamic spinal rod and implantation method
Embodiments of the invention include a system and method for stabilizing a segment of a spinal column with a dynamic spinal rod having a shank, a stay, and a casing sized to stretch tightly between components of the dynamic spinal rod and provide a structural connection between the components.
US08202300B2 Spinal flexion and extension motion damper
An orthopedic damper system and method to control the degree of flexion and/or extension motion of the mobile vertebral segment while providing additional stability to the spine. The damper system includes an anchor having a spring hitch, a spring coupled to the spring hitch, and a cap coupled to the spring. The anchor is adapted to connect to a spinous process. The spring includes an inner hollow area adapted to accommodate the spring hitch. The cap includes an opening connected to an inner cavity that is adapted to accommodate the spring and the spring hitch.