| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08253765B2 |
Thermal head and manufacturing method for the thermal head
Provided is a thermal head (1) including: a substrate body (12) constituted through bonding a flat supporting substrate (13) and a flat upper substrate (11), which are made of a glass material onto each other in a stacked state; a heating resistor (14) formed on a surface of the upper substrate (11); and a protective film (18) that partially covers the surface of the upper substrate (11) including the heating resistor (14) and protects the heating resistor (14), in which a heat-insulating concave portion (32) and thickness-measuring concave portions (34), which are open to a bonding surface between the supporting substrate and the upper substrate (11) and form cavities are provided in the supporting substrate (13), the heat-insulating concave portion (32) is formed at a position opposed to the heating resistor (14), and the thickness-measuring concave portions (34) is formed in a region that is prevented from being covered with the protective film (18). Thus, the thickness of the upper substrate is easily measured without decomposing the thermal head. |
| US08253760B2 |
Imaging display apparatus and method
An imaging display apparatus, includes: display means for image display; first image signal generation means for generating a display image signal based on a captured image signal captured by an imaging section with a field of view direction of a user being a direction of an object; second image signal generation means for generating a display image signal of an image different from an image of the display image signal generated by the first image signal generation means; and control means for allowing, simultaneously on the display means, display of the image of the display image signal generated by the first image signal generation means and display of the image of the display image signal generated by the second image signal generation means. |
| US08253759B2 |
Method and apparatus for anti-aliasing scan conversion
Methods and apparatuses for anti-aliasing scan conversion. In one aspect of the invention, an exemplary method to scan convert an image on a data processing system includes: sampling the image in a first direction to generate first signals for points along a second line in a second direction using a closed form solution for a convolution integral with a first kernel; and weighting the first signals for the points according to a second kernel in the second direction to generate a second signal for a pixel. In one example according to this aspect, the closed form solution is tabulated in a look up table. After entries are looked up from the look up table according to the image along a first line in the first direction on a first point of the points, the entries are combined to generate one of the first signals for the first point. |
| US08253756B2 |
Circuit for performing dithering on pixels of a display and method thereof
A circuit dithers pixel data on a display, and includes a lookup table module, a dithering parameter decoder, a first adder, a second adder, and an overflow handling module. A lookup table of the lookup table module stores dithering parameters generated by encoding odd and even pixel dithering parameters. The dithering parameter decoder generates second and third dithering parameters corresponding to odd and even pixels from a first dithering parameter. The first adder generates a dithered odd pixel parameter according to the odd pixel parameter and the second dithering parameter. The second adder generates a dithered even pixel parameter according to the even pixel parameter and the third dithering parameter. The overflow handling module checks for overflow, and generates an output odd pixel parameter according to the dithered odd pixel parameter, and generates an output even pixel parameter according to the dithered even pixel parameter. |
| US08253754B2 |
Sampling-efficient mapping of images
Spherical-like textures are useful to simulate reflections and to generate arbitrary views from a point. For addressing simplicity, graphics systems typically require rectangular arrays of texture samples but an infinite variety of functions can be used to map these samples to a sphere-like object. A new metric is presented for measuring how well various maps use a given number of samples to provide the greatest worst-case frequency content of the image everywhere over the sphere. Using this metric and other important local properties, a comparison is presented of maps used previously in computer graphics as well as other mapping techniques borrowed from cartography. Based on these analysis several novel mapping techniques are presented that are fairly simple to implement and significantly more efficient in terms of the amount of processing and data required, and the quality of the resulting images. The novel metric and mapping techniques can be employed to analyze or otherwise improve the sampling efficiency of mapping textures onto any three-dimensional surface. |
| US08253753B1 |
Dual-type component connections
Component connections are preserved during destructive component operations. Upon receiving a notification of the destruction of a direct component connection, a direct component connection is converted to an implied component connection. The implied component connection may be specified as additional component attributes of one or both components associated with the direct component connection or as data external to the component data structures. This allows preservation of the component connection despite destructive component operations. Upon the creation of a component, it is determined if the newly created component corresponds with a previously destroyed component that was associated with a direct connection. If the newly created component corresponds with this previously destroyed component, a direct component connection is created for the newly created component as specified by the implied component connection. Component connections can be recreated upon loading or instantiating components or upon accessing a component via a revision control system. |
| US08253750B1 |
Digital media processor
Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide highly integrated digital media processors for digital consumer electronics applications. These digital media processors are capable of performing the parallel processing of multiple format audio, video, and graphics signals. In one embodiment, audio and video signals may be received from a variety of input devices or appliances, such as antennas, VCRs, DVDs, and networked devices such as camcorders and modems, while output audio and video signals may be provided to output devices such as televisions, monitors, and networked devices such as printers and networked video recorders. Another embodiment of the present invention interfaces with a variety of devices such as navigation, entertainment, safety, memory, and networking devices. This embodiment can also be configured for use in a digital TV, set-top box, or home server. In this configuration, video and audio streams may be received from a number of cable, satellite, Internet, and consumer devices. |
| US08253749B1 |
Using affinity masks to control multi-GPU processing
One embodiment of the present invention sets forth a set of application programming interface (API) extensions that enable a software application to control the processing work assigned to each GPU in a multi-GPU system. The software application enumerates a list of available GPUs, sets an affinity mask from the enumerated list of GPUs and generates an affinity device context associated with the affinity mask. The software application can then generate and utilize an affinity rendering context that directs rendering commands to a set of explicitly selected GPUs, thus allocating work among specifically selected GPUs. The software application is empowered to use domain specific knowledge to better optimize the work assigned to each GPU, thus achieving greater overall processing efficiency relative to the prior art techniques. |
| US08253745B1 |
Systems and methods for creating and using modeless animation manipulation rigs
Systems and methods for custom designing modeless rigs or sets of object control elements that can be used when manipulating one or more objects. Users define object control rigs that can be used to perform specific object manipulation tasks for the user when manipulating objects in a scene. Different rigs can be constructed for the same set of animation objects to perform different tasks. A rig is modeless in that a rig may include an arbitrary user-selected mixture of object control elements that are typically used in different modes of manipulation. When a user selects a rig, all of the visual representations of the object control elements specified for that rig are enabled to be displayed proximal the object(s) with which the control elements are associated. No additional selection of object parts is necessarily required to determine which control elements are associated with the object(s). The user may manipulate the object(s) using a displayed visual representation of an object control element. |
| US08253736B2 |
Reducing occlusions in oblique views
An occlusion reduction system is described. The occlusion reduction system can reduce occlusions when displaying multiple objects by computing an occlusion measure and applying one or more functional dynamics techniques to minimize the occlusion measure, such as by moving objects, making objects at least partially transparent, and altering the scale of objects. The occlusion reduction system can create a geometric model based on modeling information it receives, establish a viewpoint, identify a set of objects for analysis, and compute an occlusion measure for the identified set of objects. |
| US08253734B2 |
Flexible landscape display system for information display and control
The present invention is a system that grids original data, maps the data at the grid locations to height values at corresponding landscape image pixel locations and renders the landscape pixels into a three-dimensional (3D) landscape image. The landscape pixels can have arbitrary shapes and can be augmented with additional 3D information from the original data, such as an offset providing additional information, or generated from processing of the original data, such as to alert when a threshold is exceeded, or added for other purposes such as to point out a feature. The pixels can also convey additional information from the original data using other pixel characteristics such as texture, color, transparency, etc. |
| US08253733B2 |
3D image generation apparatus and method
A three-dimensional (3D) image generator and 3D image generation method scale a depth map or a two-dimensional (2D) image, perform a cross filtering to sharpen a blurred region on the depth map based on location information of the depth map and 2D image, and thus obtain a clearer depth map and provide a more graphical 3D image using the depth map. |
| US08253731B2 |
Systems, methods, and computer program products for home and landscape design
This patent application relates generally to systems, methods, and computer program products for home and/or landscape design. |
| US08253727B2 |
Creating a web store using manufacturing data
A three dimensional web store having product images is created. Three dimensional product images are rendered from manufacturing information instead of the products themselves. The location of all products, advertisements, aisles, signs, and displays is determined for a real world store. The web store is then created using three dimensional internet or virtual world viewing and maneuvering capabilities, to appear identical to the real world store. |
| US08253725B2 |
Method and system for generating surface models of geometric structures
A method and system of generating a surface model of an anatomic structure includes a catheter with which a plurality of location data points are collected from the surface of the anatomic structure. The method and system further includes a computer system that is configured to receive the collected data points from the catheter and to compute the alpha shape of collected data points to thereby generate a surface model of the anatomic structure. The computer system may be further configured to process the computed alpha shape to generate a simplicial surface model of the anatomic structure. |
| US08253720B2 |
Liquid crystal display with alternating current off control circuit
An exemplary liquid crystal display includes a power supply circuit, a scaler, and an alternating current off control circuit connected between the power supply circuit and the scaler. The alternating current off control circuit is configured to detect an operation state of the power supply circuit, and output a corresponding control signal to the scaler. |
| US08253717B2 |
Control circuit of display device, and display device, and display device and electronic appliance incorporating the same
An object is to realize downsizing and cost reduction of a display device by efficiently using a physical region of a memory in a control circuit of the display device. A structure of a video data storage portion of the control circuit is that provided with a video data storage portion for storing video data of an n-th frame (n is a natural number), a video data storage portion for storing video data of an (n+1)th frame, and a video data storage portion for sharing video data of the n-th frame and the (n+1)th frame among received video data. |
| US08253713B2 |
Tracking approaching or hovering objects for user-interfaces
The claimed subject matter relates to an architecture that can utilize photo-sensors embedded in a substantially transparent layer of a UI display for tracking objects that approach or hover over the UI display. The photo-sensors can be configured to detect light of certain wavelengths (e.g., visible light, infrared light) that are propagated toward the UI display, while ignoring light emanating from the UI display when displaying content. Accordingly, by examining various characteristics of the incoming light such as intensity, the architecture can identify a location of a shadow incident upon the display caused by an approaching or hovering selector object blocking portions of incoming light. Additionally or alternatively, the architecture can identify a location of higher intensity for light emanating from the selector object. |
| US08253711B2 |
Input module with capacitance sensors, method for manufacturing the input module and method for constructing algorithm for processing touch input applied to the input module
Disclosed herein are a mouse with capacitance sensors, a method for manufacturing the mouse and a method for constructing an algorithm for processing an input corresponding to force applied by a user's finger to the mouse. The mouse with capacitance sensors includes a bottom plate having a center point, a plurality of electrodes formed at regular intervals on the top face of the bottom plate and arranged apart from the center point of the bottom plate by an equal distance, a top plate bonded to the top faces of the electrodes and deformed by force applied by a pointing object, and an adhesive layer formed around the top plate and the bottom plate to combine the top plate and the bottom plate. When the pointing object touches the top plate, capacitance sensors are formed between the pointing object and the electrodes to recognize a travel distance, a travel direction and a moving speed of a cursor through the magnitude and direction of force applied by the pointing object. |
| US08253706B2 |
Apparatus using a differential analog-to-digital converter
Electronic apparatus and methods of operating the electronic apparatus include less than a frequency associated with a generated waveform. In various embodiments, an apparatus using a differential analog-to-digital converter can perform low frequency noise rejection that can be implemented in a variety of applications. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed. |
| US08253703B2 |
Elastomeric wave tactile interface
A tactile interface includes a plurality of individually controllable drivers positioned about a perimeter of a tensioned elastomeric material. Each driver includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoelectric material. A top surface of the first electrode is coupled to the tensioned elastomeric material. The piezoelectric material is disposed between a top surface of the second electrode and a bottom surface of the first electrode. Driver circuitry can apply control information to each of the plurality of individually controllable drivers to produce a wave pattern in the tensioned elastomeric material. Some example methods of providing a tactile image on a tactile interface include producing a time-varying potential difference across the top electrode and the bottom electrode of the drivers so that a standing wave pattern can be created in the elastomeric material. The tactile image can be formed by modulating a subset of the plurality of drivers. |
| US08253702B2 |
Position detecting apparatus and position pointer
In a position detecting apparatus, electric power of a position pointer is turned on only when the position pointer is put within a particular range from a tablet to minimize consumption of a battery disposed in the position pointer. When the position pointer is brought close to the tablet, a control signal transmitted from the tablet is detected by a resonant circuit of the position pointer, and MOSFETs serving as a power switch are turned on by the detected signal. In response, electric power is supplied from a battery via the MOSFETs to circuit elements of the position pointer, and thus an operation of the position pointer starts. |
| US08253698B2 |
Tactile touch screen for electronic device
An electronic device includes a base and a touch screen display connected to the base and movable relative thereto. The touch screen display includes a display device and a touch-sensitive input surface overlying the display device. The electronic device includes a feedback mechanism including a switch moveable relative to the base for actuating in response to application of a force to the touch-sensitive input surface causing movement of the touch screen display. Operational components are connected to the touch screen display for operation of the electronic device. |
| US08253697B2 |
Height dependent filter for a pointing device or a digitizer tablet, a method of reducing jitter in position data of a pointing device or a digitizer tablet, a computer readable medium and driver for performing the method
A height dependent filter for a pointing device or digitizer tablet, a method of reducing jitter in position data of a pointing device, and a computer readable medium are provided. A method of stabilizing positional data in a digitizer tablet associated with a display device for reporting a position of a pointer includes detecting a current location of the pointer with respect to a coordinate grid defined on the tablet and outputting a position signal indicative of the current pointer location. Noise is filtered from the position signal based on at least one filter parameter. A distance between the pointer and a point on the tablet is determined, and an amount of jitter in the position signal is determined based on the determined distance. The at least one filter parameter is adjusted based on the estimated amount of jitter. |
| US08253696B2 |
Flexible fingerprint sensor
A flexible pressure sensor has a first set of substantially parallel conductors in the x direction, a second set of substantially parallel conductors in the y direction, and a composite material disposed between the first set and second set of conductors. The composite material is capable of returning to substantially its original dimensions on release of pressure. The composite material includes conductive particles at least partially embedded in an elastomeric layer that have no relative orientation and are disposed within the elastomeric layer for electrically connecting the first set and second set of conductors in the z direction under application of sufficient pressure there between. |
| US08253686B2 |
Pointing apparatus capable of providing haptic feedback, and haptic interaction system and method using the same
Provided are a pointing apparatus capable of providing haptic feedback, and a haptic interaction system and method using the same. The pointing apparatus includes a wireless communication unit, a controller, and a haptic stimulator. The wireless communication unit receives an event including haptic output information through wireless communication with the outside. The controller generates a control signal for reproducing a haptic pattern corresponding to the haptic output information. The haptic stimulator reproduces the haptic pattern by means of the control signal. Thus, it is possible to increase the performance and usability of a user interface of a user terminal including a touch screen. |
| US08253684B1 |
Position and orientation determination for a mobile computing device
For multiple times in a time period, multiple data points can be received from an accelerometer and from a magnetometer that are included in a mobile computing device. For each of the data points, an orientation and a position of the mobile computing device can be determined based on an acceleration output and a magnetometer output that corresponds to the particular time. A trajectory is determined that represents movement of the mobile computing device during the time period based on the determined orientations and positions of the mobile computing device at the multiple times. Information that characterizes the trajectory is compared to stored information that characterizes a set of one or more base trajectories. Based on the comparison, an operation of the mobile computing device is identified that is associated with a trajectory included in the set of one or more base trajectories. |
| US08253679B2 |
Gate drive device with shift register for display device and display device having the same
A gate drive portion for a display device including multiple pixels having first and second sub-pixels includes a first shift register generating a first output signal in response to a first gate clock signal, a second shift register generating a second output signal in response to a second gate clock signal, a level shifter coupled to the first and second shift registers and amplifying the first and second output signals, and an output buffer coupled to the level shifter and generating first and second gate signals. The first gate signal is generated in synchronization with the first gate clock signal and the second gate signal is generated in synchronization with the second gate clock signal. Accordingly, the charging time of the first and second sub-pixels may be improved by separately driving the odd-numbered and even-numbered sub-pixels and the visibility of the LCD device may also be improved. |
| US08253678B2 |
Drive unit and display device for setting a subframe period
In one embodiment of the present invention, a drive unit of a display device is a drive unit that drives a display device in which one frame is divided into a plurality of sub-frames so that display of input video data is realized by summation of displays of the sub-frames, and the drive unit includes: a sub-frame data generating section generating sets of sub-frame data corresponding to the respective sub-frames; and a sub-frame period fixing section setting at least one sub-frame period to a given value regardless of a type of the input video data. This makes it possible to prevent variations of display quality with respective to various kinds of input video signals. |
| US08253673B2 |
Liquid crystal display device capable of reducing image flicker and method for driving the same
A method for driving a liquid crystal display adjusts the falling edges of the gate driving signals for reducing image flicker. A first gate driving signal falls from a high level to a first level at the signal falling edge. A second gate driving signal falls from the high level to a second level at the signal falling edge. When the parasitic capacitance of a first pixel is larger than that of a second pixel, the first level is lower than the second level; when the parasitic capacitance of the first pixel is substantially the same as that of the second pixel, the first level is the same as the second level; when the parasitic capacitance of the first pixel is smaller than that of the second pixel, the first level is higher than the second level. |
| US08253672B2 |
Circuit board and display device including the same
One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a circuit board having a substrate and a plurality of differential signal lines formed on the substrate and transmitting differential signals. The differential signal lines include a first signal line and a second signal line. The first signal line and the second signal line extend along at least two paths that are parallel to each other. The paths of the first signal line and the second signal line switch at path change portions, and the path change portions of neighboring differential signal lines are positioned at different distances away from an edge of the circuit board along the length direction of the differential signal line. |
| US08253669B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A first edge (61a) and a second edge (61b) are not uniformly parallel to each other in a direction perpendicular to a first direction (A); a protrusion that is provided on one or both of the first edge (61a) and the second edge (61b), which protrusion protrudes into a slit (62b), is increased in just a direction from one predetermined region on one side of a bisector (C) shared by the first edge (61a) and the second edge (61b) to another region on the other side of the bisector C, which region on one predetermined region and the another region on the other side are regions of the first edge (61a) and the second edge (61b), and all of the protrusion(s) being extended into the slit to reach its maximum in the another region on the other side of the bisector. As a result, it is possible to achieve a liquid crystal display that is capable of generating alignment centers of liquid crystal molecules so that alignment centers of pairs of adjacent pixel electrodes are generated in uniform, which alignment center is generated in the vicinity of a slit sandwiched between pixel electrodes that are provided adjacent to each other in a direction in which the data signal lines extend and that are applied a voltage separately. |
| US08253666B2 |
Regulation of wavelength shift and perceived color of solid state lighting with intensity and temperature variation
Representative embodiments of the disclosure provide a system, apparatus, and method of controlling an intensity and spectrum of light emitted from a solid state lighting system. The solid state lighting system has a first emitted spectrum at full intensity and at a selected temperature, with a first electrical biasing for the solid state lighting system producing a first wavelength shift, and a second electrical biasing for the solid state lighting system producing a second, opposing wavelength shift. Representative embodiments provide for receiving information designating a selected intensity level or a selected temperature and providing a combined first electrical biasing and second electrical biasing to the solid state lighting system to generate emitted light having the selected intensity level and having a second emitted spectrum within a predetermined variance of the first emitted spectrum over a predetermined range of temperatures. |
| US08253665B2 |
Method and system for driving an active matrix display circuit
A method and system for driving an active matrix display is provided. The system includes a drive circuit for a pixel having a light emitting device. The drive circuit includes a drive transistor for driving the light emitting device. The system includes a mechanism for adjusting the gate voltage of the drive transistor. |
| US08253661B2 |
Method of compensating for luminance of an organic light emitting diode display
A method of compensating for luminance of an organic light emitting diode is provided. In an embodiment, an operational current of a dummy organic light emitting diode of a color is utilized to simulate the condition that a real pixel current attenuates with time, and a feedback current is outputted accordingly. A compensating voltage is generated according to the feedback current, and is used to regulates the data current inputted to the real pixel so as to compensate for the luminance of the real pixel of the color. |
| US08253660B2 |
Display device and controlling method thereof
A conventional setting voltage was a value with an estimated margin of a characteristic change of a light emitting element. Therefore, a voltage between the source and drain of a driver transistor Vds had to be set high (Vds≧Vgs−VTh+a). This caused high heat generation and power consumption because a voltage applied to the light emitting element. The invention is characterized by feedbacking a change in a current value in accordance with the deterioration of a light emitting element and a power source voltage controller which modifies a setting voltage. Namely, according to the invention, the setting voltage is to be set in the vicinity of the boundary (critical part) between a saturation region and a linear region, and a voltage margin for the deterioration is not required particularly for an initial setting voltage. |
| US08253659B2 |
Display device and pixel circuit
To efficiently compensate a threshold value of a driving transistor. In a state where a first switching transistor is non-conductive and a second switching transistor in conductive, a sampling transistor is made conductive and a reference voltage is supplied from a signal line to write a threshold voltage of a driving transistor to a first capacitance. After that, in a state where first and second switching transistors and are non-conductive, the sampling transistor is made conductive and a signal voltage from the signal line is written to the first capacitance. Further, after that the sampling transistor is put into a non-conductive state, and the first and second switching transistors are put in a conductive state, to drive the driving transistor and supply current to a light emitting element. |
| US08253658B2 |
Plasma display apparatus including an address electrode being electrically floated in a sustain period
A plasma display apparatus is disclosed. The plasma display apparatus a plasma display panel including a front substrate on which a scan electrode and a sustain electrode are positioned parallel to each other, a rear substrate on which an address electrode is positioned to cross the scan electrode and the sustain electrode, and a barrier rib that is positioned between the front substrate and the rear substrate to partition a discharge cell and a driver supplying a sustain signal to the scan electrode and the sustain electrode in a sustain period of at least one of a plurality of subfields of a frame. A sustain signal supplied to the scan electrode overlaps a sustain signal supplied to the sustain electrode in the sustain period. The address electrode is electrically floated in the sustain period. |
| US08253653B2 |
Image observation system
An image observation system includes a pair of image observation devices each having i) an image pickup device, ii) an image pickup optical system for directing light rays from an outside world to the image pickup device, iii) a display device for displaying an outside world image obtained by the image pickup system, and iv) a display optical system for directing light from the display device to an observing eye. The optical axis of the image pickup system and the optical axis of the display system are disposed coaxially, wherein the optical axes of the image pickup systems of the pair of image observation devices define a point of intersection, and wherein a focal plane being at a position conjugate with a surface of the image pickup device with respect to the image pickup optical system is disposed at a side of the intersection point of the optical axes of the image pickup systems, which side faces an observer. |
| US08253650B2 |
Electronic device with extensible screen
An electronic device includes a first display, a second display, numerous of first and second guide rail members, a movable unit, and a driver unit. The first guide rail members are configured for guiding the first display to move between a first position and a second position, and the second guide rail members are configured for guiding the second display to move between a third position and a fourth position. The driver unit is configured for driving the movable unit to move the second display between the fourth position and a fifth position along a direction perpendicular to the sliding direction of the second display. When the first display is in the second position and the second display is in the fifth position, the first display and the second display are coplanar. |
| US08253649B2 |
Spatially correlated rendering of three-dimensional content on display components having arbitrary positions
Two or more display components are used to provide spatially correlated displays of 3D content. Three-dimensional content is rendered on multiple displays where the 3D content refers to the same virtual 3D coordinates, in which the relative position of the displays to each other determines the 3D virtual camera position for each display. Although not required, one of the displays may be mobile, such as a cell phone, and the other stationary or nomadic, such as a laptop. Each display shows a view based on a virtual camera into 3D content, such as an online virtual world. By continuously sensing and updating the relative physical distances and orientations of each device to one another, the devices show the user a view into the 3D content that is spatially correlated. Each device has a virtual camera that uses a common pool of 3D geometrical data and renders this data to display images. |
| US08253645B2 |
Method and device for coupling cancellation of closely spaced antennas
An antenna system comprising at least two antenna radiating elements and respective reference ports the ports being defined by a symmetrical antenna scattering N×N matrix. The system further comprises a compensating network connected to the reference ports. The compensating network is arranged for counteracting coupling between the antenna radiating elements. The compensating network is defined by a symmetrical compensating scattering 2N×2N matrix comprising four N×N blocks, the two blocks on the main diagonal containing all zeros and the other two blocks of the other diagonal containing a unitary N×N matrix and its transpose. The product between the unitary matrix, the scattering N×N matrix and the transpose of the unitary matrix equals an N×N matrix which essentially is a diagonal matrix. The present invention also relates to a method for calculating a compensating scattering 2N×2N matrix for a compensating network for an antenna system. |
| US08253644B2 |
Control of passive intermodulation on aircrafts
There is described a Passive Intermodulation (PIM) shield for use with an aircraft for reducing PIM sources, the PIM shield comprising: a conductive material adapted to be placed between an antenna and a fuselage of the aircraft for preventing undesired Radio Frequency (RF) signals resulting from a combination of RF signals transmitted from and to the antenna and generated by non-linear junctions or material between the antenna and the fuselage of the aircraft, the conductive material having a thickness based on an RF skin-depth related to an operating frequency of the antenna. There is described a method for determining an operating frequency of an antenna, determining an RF skin-depth related to the operating frequency of the antenna, and providing the PIM shield. |
| US08253639B2 |
Wideband electromagnetic cloaking systems
Arrangement of resonators in an aperiodic configurations are described, which can be used for electromagnetic cloaking of objects. The overall assembly of resonators, as structures, do not all repeat periodically and at least some of the resonators are spaced such that their phase centers are separated by more than a wavelength. The arrangements can include resonators of several different sizes and/or geometries arranged so that each size or geometry corresponds to a moderate or high “Q” response that resonates within a specific frequency range, and that arrangement within that specific grouping of akin elements is periodic in the overall structure. The relative spacing and arrangement of groupings can be defined by self similarity and origin symmetry. |
| US08253634B2 |
Radio apparatus
In a portable telephone, a first housing and a second housing are connected to each other by hinge sections which makes the first housing and the second housing rotatable about the long-side direction of the housings. A metal frame is provided at a peripheral section of the first housing, and a display section is provided at the central section of the first housing. A metal is used as a frame and can also be operated as an antenna element. In the second housing, a circuit board to which a baseband circuit and a radio circuit are mounted, a first feeding section which supplies electric power to the metal frame, and a draw-out rod antenna which can be drawn out from and housed in the housing are supplied with electric power by the second feeding section. Further, a cellular antenna which performs communication with a base station is also incorporated in the second housing. The rod antenna can be drawn out in the direction substantially in parallel with the rotation axis of the above described hinge. |
| US08253632B2 |
Transmitting and receiving apparatus
A disclosed transmitting and receiving apparatus includes a UWB antenna having an element pattern and battery disposed on a side of the element pattern so that satisfactory antenna characteristics are obtained. The transmitting and receiving apparatus includes the UWB antenna having the element pattern, a ground pattern, and the battery disposed on a side of the element pattern. Preferably, the width and the height of the element pattern are about 16 mm and about 15 mm, respectively, and the distance between the element pattern and the battery is about 7 mm. |
| US08253627B1 |
Position determination with NRSC-5 digital radio signals
Apparatus to determine the position of a user terminal, the apparatus having corresponding methods and computer-readable media, comprises: a receiver to receive, at the user terminal, a wireless NRSC-5 digital radio signal; and a pseudorange module to determine a pseudorange between the receiver and a transmitter of the NRSC-5 digital radio signal based on the NRSC-5 digital radio signal; wherein the position module determines the position of the user terminal based on the pseudorange and a location of the transmitter. |
| US08253624B2 |
Detection and reduction of periodic jamming signals in GPS receivers and methods therefor
A method for eliminating or reducing interference in a receiver, for example, interference in a satellite positioning system receiver caused by a co-located TDMA transmitter, including detecting (210) the presence of a jamming signal, generating a synchronous blanking signal (220), and reducing the jamming signal by blanking (230) the receiver with a blanking signal. In one embodiment, the jamming signal is detected in the receiver, for example, at a correlator output of a satellite positioning system receiver. |
| US08253623B2 |
System and method for positioning a GPS device
A system and a method for determining the correct position for a GPS device from a predefined set of alternatives are provided. Based on the known positions of the visible GPS satellites and of the predefined alternative locations, the system determines theoretical distances between each satellite and each location and/or differences thereof. These distances are related to the distance measured between the GPS device antenna and each GPS satellite in order to choose the location from among the predefined location alternatives. Also disclosed are a system and a method for identification of predefined container slots on a freight yard. |
| US08253622B2 |
Device and method for the improved directional estimation and decoding by means of secondary radar signals
A device and a method for the improved directional estimation and decoding by means of secondary radar signals. The device includes: at least one array of antenna elements; a low noise first amplifier and bandpass filter combination connected to a plug-in connector S of the respective antenna elements; a first linear amplifier being connected at a filter output of said combination for amplifying the band-limited signal; a mixer connected to the first linear amplifier for the frequency conversion into a ZF region; a second linear amplifier and bandpass filter combination connected to the mixer output for amplifying and limiting the bandwidth of the signal in the ZF region; a first analog-to-digital converter connected to the second bandpass filter; a configurable signal processor connected to the first analog-to-digital converter; and a processing unit connected to the configurable signal processors. |
| US08253616B2 |
Analog-to-digital conversion in pixel arrays using a ramp signal having a single cycle
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) generates an output digital value equivalent to the difference between two analog signal values. The ADC receives a first analog signal level, a second analog signal level and a ramp signal. A counter is operable to count in a single direction. A control stage is arranged to enable the counter based on a comparison of the ramp signal with the first analog signal and the second analog signal. A digital value accumulated by the counter during a period when it is enabled forms the output. The ADC can perform the conversion during a single cycle of the ramp signal. The counter can be loaded with a starting digital value representing an exposure level accumulated during a previous exposure period. Techniques are described for reducing the conversion time. |
| US08253615B2 |
Current sensing circuit
A current sensing circuit including a current sensing unit, a feedback control unit, and a digital output unit is provided. The current sensing unit senses a current and generates a pulse signal according to at least one reference signal and at least one feedback signal. The feedback control unit is coupled to the current sensing unit and generates the at least one feedback signal according to a clock signal and the pulse signal. The digital output unit is coupled to the current sensing unit and outputs a digital signal according to the pulse signal. The digital output unit counts an amount of pulses of the pulse signal in a predetermined time period to output the digital signal, wherein the amount of pulses is positively correlated with a value of the current. |
| US08253607B2 |
Encoding and decoding information
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for encoding and decoding information. In one aspect, methods of encoding information in an encoder include the actions of receiving a signal representing information using a collection of discrete digits, converting, by an encoder, the received signal into a time-based code, and outputting the time-based code. The time-based code is divided into time intervals. Each of the time intervals of the time-based code corresponds to a digit in the received signal. Each digit of a first state of the received signal is expressed as a event occurring at a first time within the corresponding time interval of the time-based code. Each digit of a second state of the received signal is expressed as a event occurring at a second time within the corresponding time intervals of the time-based code, the first time is distinguishable from the second time. All of the states of the digits in the received signal are represented by events in the time-based code. |
| US08253606B2 |
Apparatus and a method for performing a fractional bit en- and decoding
The invention relates to a fractional bit encoder (1) and a method for encoding a data stream into code word identifiers for a physical line encoder (13), wherein said fractional bit encoder (1) comprises a (1:K) demultiplexer (3) for a de-multiplexing a received data stream into a predetermined number (K) of bit streams, a first (K1:n) multiplexer (4) for re-multiplexing a first number (K1) of said K bit streams onto n parallel lines transporting n re-multiplexed bit streams and a second multiplexer (5) re-multiplexing a second number (K2) of said K bit streams (K2:1) onto a single line transporting one further re-multiplexed bit stream, wherein n=[ld(M)] and M being a configurable number of different code word identifiers, a class detector (7) which evaluates the first n re-multiplexed bit streams to determine a class of the respective bit combination and a word encoder (10) which encodes the respective bit combination depending on the determined class of the bit combination. |
| US08253602B2 |
Keyboard with circuit for clearing CMOS data
A keyboard includes a keyboard body, a first resistor, a first capacitor, a jumper block mounted to the keyboard body, a battery, a keyboard interface, and a keyboard control circuit. The jumper block includes a grounded first pin and a second pin. The battery includes a positive terminal grounded by the first resistor and the first capacitor connected in series, and a grounded negative terminal. The keyboard interface includes a data pin, a voltage pin, and an idle pin. The idle pin is connected to a node between the first resistor and the first capacitor, and connected to the second pin of the jumper block. The keyboard control circuit is connected to the data pin to transmit data, and connected to the voltage pin to receive a voltage. |
| US08253598B2 |
Light-emitting keyboard
A light-emitting keyboard is disclosed, which comprises: a light guide plate, configured with a light entrance surface, a light emitting surface, a bottom surface and a side surface in a manner that the light emitting surface is arranged opposite to the bottom surface, and the light entrance surface and the side surface are arranged respectively next and connecting to the light emitting surfaced and the bottom surface while being sandwiched therebetween; a light source, disposed next to the light entrance surface of the light guide plate; a frame, disposed on the light emitting surface of the light guide plate; a first reflector, disposed on the bottom surface of the light guide plate; and a second reflector, disposed on the side surface of the light guide plate. With the aforesaid structure, light from the light source can be fully utilized so that the overall brightness of the light-emitting keyboard can be enhanced. |
| US08253596B2 |
Digraphic keypad
A digraphic keypad includes a configuration of specific keys. These specific keys include an “S” key, an “O” key, a “U” key, an “A” key, an “N” key, an “I” key, a “T” key, an “E” key, an “R” key, an “H” key, a “D” key and an “L” key. |
| US08253593B2 |
Traffic light system and method for using the same
A traffic light system includes a traffic light unit and at least one reminding unit. The traffic light unit includes a plurality of traffic lights, a detecting module connected to the traffic lights, and a wireless communication module connected to the detecting module. Each reminding unit includes a central processing unit (CPU) and a signaling module, such as a speaker module connected to the CPU. The detecting unit detects the working statuses of the traffic lights and generates corresponding detect signals transmitted to the wireless communication module, the wireless communication module sends the detect signals to the reminding unit in a predetermined reminding area, the CPU processes the detect signals to obtain the workings statuses of the traffic lights and controls the speaker module to play corresponding audio signals to remind the user. |
| US08253587B2 |
Power free remote sensor system data transmissions
A system and method to monitor the condition of a structure is provided. In one embodiment, a sensor node can include a power supply that can scavenge available energy, a sensor for sensing conditions in the immediate environment, and a communications interface for communicating the sensed operating conditions. Readers can be used to acquire data from the sensor nodes. In one embodiment, the readers can determine if the data from the sensor nodes is an exception and, if so, determine whether trend data is sufficient. |
| US08253584B2 |
Electric dipole transmission system
An electric dipole transmission system includes an uphole dipole assembly adapted for receiving downhole telemetry data. The uphole dipole assembly includes a gap sub, an electric dipole transmitter, a battery stack and a wireline receiver. A short hop receiver assembly is connected to the lower end of the uphole dipole assembly by a wireline. A downhole dipole assembly operatively connected to the uphole dipole assembly includes a short hop transmitter, a battery stack and a sensor assembly. |
| US08253583B2 |
Hazard indicator with LED
A hazard indicator including a power-saving control circuit having a transistor with a collector connected via a resistor to the output of the signal processing circuit. In operation, the transistor delivers the clocked control signal for the semiconductor switch as a function of the current-proportional voltage applied to the base of the transistor. |
| US08253582B2 |
Home appliance and home appliance system
A home appliance and home appliance system are provided. The home appliance may include an input device, through which an input signal is received from a user, and a control panel, into which the input device is inserted and connected, including a sound through-hole through which sound information passes. The home appliance may further include a sound output device disposed on a rear surface of the control panel that outputs the sound information corresponding to product information of the home appliance through the sound through-hole to outside of the home appliance. A gap may be formed between the input device and the sound through-hole into which the input device is inserted. Therefore, the sound information output from the sound output device may be transmitted to the outside through the gap. The home appliance may further include a sound guide, such that the sound information transmitted from the sound output device may be efficiently transmitted to the sound through-hole. |
| US08253578B2 |
Smoke sensor of the sound wave type including a smoke density estimation unit
The present invention provides a smoke sensor of sound wave type that excels in responsiveness and has a low probability of false detection. The smoke sensor has a sound wave generating unit that provides an ultrasound wave to a monitoring space, a sound wave receiving unit that receives the ultrasound wave from the sound wave generating unit via the monitoring space, and a signal processing unit that detects an abnormality of the monitoring space by using an output of the sound wave receiving unit. The signal processing unit includes a smoke density estimation unit that estimates a smoke density in the monitoring space on the basis of a difference between the output of the sound wave receiving unit and a standard value, and a smoke density determination unit that determines the abnormality of the monitoring space by comparing the smoke density estimated by the smoke density estimation unit with a predetermined threshold. |
| US08253577B2 |
Wireless medical gases management system
The present invention generally provides methods and systems for managing a medical gas system by using wireless sensors located at the point of use. In one embodiment, a wireless sensor is fixed to a gas outlet, and is configured to measure gas flow, and to detect whether the gas outlet is connected to a medical device. The gas flow and connection data is included in a wireless signal that is transmitted to a remote server. The data received by the server may be analyzed to determine if any local or system leaks are occurring. In addition, the data may be used to monitor patient therapies, to calculate costs, and to determine replenishment points. |
| US08253576B2 |
Search and rescue using ultraviolet radiation
A system for search and rescue includes a rescue beacon including a radiation source to emit radiation, at least a portion of which includes ultraviolet c-band radiation, and an ultraviolet c-band detector to detect the ultraviolet c-band radiation to enable locating of the rescue beacon. |
| US08253569B2 |
Secure electromagnetic data storage element having a plurality of selectively determined switchable security modes
The apparatus of the present invention are directed to a selectively accessible electromagnetically resonant data storage element (implemented as a resonant tag, card, embedded element and/or similar devices), for inventory and facility control and management, for product tracking during transportation, for security purposes (e.g., personal identification (e.g., passports, driver's licenses, alien registration cards), access control, etc.), and to facilitate various forms of electronic information interchange (for example in electronic commerce, such as payment cards, etc.), that is selectively responsive to predetermined electromagnetic interrogation thereof, that comprises a novel membrane switch component for enabling a user to selectively enable and/or disable interrogatory access to the resonant component, to protect from unauthorized interrogation thereof. The novel membrane switch may be formed through a combination of aligned and configured subcomponents of at least a portion of the element within at least two stacked layers. |
| US08253566B2 |
System and apparatus for managing information and communicating with a RFID tag
An apparatus for communicating with a RFID tag comprises an antenna for communicating with a RFID circuit element by wireless communication, a signal processing circuit and a radio frequency circuit for accessing an IC circuit part of the RFID circuit element through the antenna based on an access instruction to information in a RFID tag, a storage device for storing at least correlation information of identification information of an object which is to bear a RFID tag containing the RFID circuit element to identification of the RFID circuit element corresponding thereto in a database, a control circuit for accessing the database based on an access instruction to a storage device, a tape feeding roller drive shaft for feeding out a cover film associated with the RFID circuit element, and a print head for printing a print based on a printing instruction. |
| US08253565B2 |
Radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods
The present invention provides radio frequency identification devices, remote communication devices, identification systems, communication methods, and identification methods. A radio frequency identification device according to one aspect includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to receive a wireless signal including an identifier, to process the identifier of the wireless signal and to output a control signal responsive to the processing of the identifier; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to receive the control signal and to indicate presence of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal. A communication method according to another aspect includes providing a radio frequency identification device; receiving a wireless signal including an identifier within the radio frequency identification device; processing the identifier; generating a control signal after the processing; and indicating presence of the radio frequency identification device using indication circuitry of the radio frequency identification device responsive to the control signal. |
| US08253563B2 |
System and method for intrusion detection
Present day intrusion detection systems frequently cause false alarms by mistaking occupants as intruders, and it is desirable to reduce such false alarms. This invention comprises a processor that employs various software algorithms. The processor receives signals over temporal periods and software algorithms statistically discern various activities, thereby reducing false alarms and detection failures. The software algorithms are adaptive to the level of detected activity such that a rate of false alarms may be predetermined. As such, the processor and software algorithms comprise an artificial intelligence system. This artificial intelligence system may be employed in intruder and vehicle alarm systems composed of a multiplicity of detectors and within such detectors. A second aspect of this invention is an improved infrasound detection method that may be employed in such artificial intelligence. |
| US08253557B2 |
System and method for tracking luggage
A system for tracking an object including a tracking station in communication with a network. The system includes a first tag coupled to the object, the first tag comprising a first tag identifier and a first GPS transmitter. The first GPS transmitter is effective to communicate the location of the first tag to the tracking station over the network. The system also includes a second tag comprising a second tag identifier and a second GPS transmitter effective to communicate the location of the second tag to the tracking station over the network. The system also includes a database in communication with the tracking station, the database is effective to associate the first tag identifier with the second tag identifier. A user may access the database through the network and ascertain the location of his luggage. |
| US08253552B2 |
Method and device for configuring functional capabilities in a data processing system
Configuring functional capabilities in a data processing system comprising entitlement data in a non-volatile storage. The position of the data processing system is determined. Based on said position, functional capabilities are changed based on position information comprised in the entitlement data. Changing functional capabilities consists of enabling functional capabilities, disabling functional capabilities, and both enabling and disabling functional capabilities. |
| US08253547B2 |
Wireless sensor network data management system and method
An system has a sensing device for detecting a signal and logic configured to assess a timestamp to at least one data point contained in the signal prior to transmitting data indicative of the data point to a controller. |
| US08253546B2 |
Magnitude comparator, magnitude comparator based content addressable memory cell, and non-equal bin width histogrammer
A magnitude comparator for comparing magnitude of a first data and a second data is disclosed. The first data and the second data are both binary data. The magnitude comparator includes many non-least comparator cells and a P-channel transistor. Each of the non-least comparator cells includes a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor and a fourth transistor. The drain of the second transistor is electrically connected to the source of the first transistor, and the source of the second transistor is electrically connected to a ground terminal. The third transistor electrically connects the first transistor, and the fourth transistor electrically connects the first transistor and the third transistor. The source of the P-channel transistor electrically connects a supply terminal, the gate of the P-channel transistor electrically connects the ground terminal, and the drain of the P-channel transistor electrically connects the third transistor of the first comparator cell. |
| US08253544B2 |
Remote control device, remote control method, and remote-controllable device
An apparatus and a method of remote control which can enable real time operation of a device in home from a terminal device at remote location through a network are provided. A first server communicates with a terminal device through the Internet and generates device control data for controlling the device. A second server communicates with the device in a predetermined manner to acquire and store a specific address of the device, generates transmission data for transmission of the received device control data from the first server to the device based on the specific address, and transmits the transmission data to the device. This allows real time control of the device from the terminal device through the network to be realized. |
| US08253542B2 |
Method and system for performing affinity transactions
There is provided a physical token for use in a defined venue with a server having communication with the physical token. The physical token may comprise an identification data and a transmitter configured to transmit the identification data. The physical token is configured to transmit the identification data to the server to cause the server to initiate a sensory interaction with a user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may comprise a character in the defined venue interacting with the user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may also comprise a display screen in the defined venue displaying information to the user possessing the physical token. The sensory interaction may further comprise an audio speaker in the defined venue announcing information to the user possessing the physical token. The physical token may represent an affinity comprising an experience, entitlement, or characteristic of the user possessing the physical token. |
| US08253540B2 |
Method of reading data from transponders through a reader, a transponder, and a reader
A method of reading data (DAT1 . . . DAT4) from transponders (T1 . . . T4) by means of a reader device (RD) during a number (N) of time slots (TS) is disclosed, wherein the seizure of said time slots (TS) by the transponders (T1 . . . T4) is observed in both the reader device (RD) and the transponders (T1 . . . T4). A reorganization (REORG) is performed in dependence on said seizure, wherein both the reader device (RD) and the transponders (T1 . . . T4) choose a new number (N) of time slots (TS). In addition, the transponders (T1 . . . T4) select one of the new time slots (TS) in which to send data (DAT1 . . . DAT4) back to the reader device (RD) so as to adapt the system's capacity to the real demands. Preferably, said reorganization (REORG) takes place without communication between the reader device (RD) and the transponders (T1 . . . T4). The invention further relates to a transponder (T1 . . . T4) and to a reader device (RD) for implementing the inventive method. |
| US08253527B2 |
Alarm system and method for warning of emergencies
An alarm system and method for warning of emergencies are provided. The method predefines a sign language list, and stores the sign language list in a storage device of a terminal device connected to at least one video camera. The method can control the video camera to capture sign images of a person when the person warns of an emergency using sign language, and combine the sign images to create a combined image. In addition, the method analyzes each of the sign images of the combined image to generate a group of sign numbers according to the sign language list stored in the storage device, generates a sign event according to the group of sign numbers, and responds to the sign event using a corresponding alarm. |
| US08253526B2 |
Termination compensation for differential signals on glass
A system for calibrating operation of integrated differential signal receiver circuitry mounted on a substrate and coupled via surface conductors to edge mounted interface electrodes in which compensation is provided for variances among the resistances of the surface conductors. |
| US08253524B2 |
Coil winding system and method for fabricating molded coil
There is provided a system for readily and efficiently fabricating a wound coil composed of a bobbinless coil. The system includes a coil winding device having an upper jig to which an upper plate is attached and a lower jig to which a lower plate is attached which are provided so as to be relatively displaceable and a tension device for applying predetermined tension to a wire rod fed from a wire rod supplying source. The coil winding device is provided with a claw section having first through third split claws that function as a winding section around which the wire rod is wound between the upper and lower plates and that slide in a radial direction when the upper jig is assembled coaxially with the lower jig. |
| US08253521B2 |
High current inductor assembly
An inductor winding includes first, second, and third arms, a middle portion extending between and connected to at least two of the first, second, and third arms and arranged to support a winding core mounted thereon, and first, second, and third legs extending downwardly from the first, second and third arms, respectively, and arranged to be mounted on a circuit board. The first, second, and third legs are arranged to provide three-point contact with the circuit board, and the inductor winding is arranged to provide a space between a bottom surface of the winding core mounted on the middle portion and an upper surface of electronic components mounted on the circuit board. |
| US08253520B2 |
Magnetic attractive conjunction mechanism of rotating gripper in clamping device
The magnetic attractive conjunction mechanism of rotating gripper in clamping device of the present invention relates to a clamping device with sector type prism rotating gripper clamping various shapes desirable targets, in which magnetic attractive conjunction mechanism is installed between rotary sector type prism rotating gripper and flush socket with sector type recessed cylindrical sliding surface of clip jaw for coupling to prevent from detachment. |
| US08253519B2 |
Coil former and coil body for an electromagnetic relay
A coil former for an electromagnetic relay is configured to receive a core and a coil winding. The coil former includes a first coil flange, a second coil flange, and a cylindrical winding area for fixing a coil winding arranged between the first and second coil flange, wherein at least one of the coil flanges is shaped such that at least a portion of one coil flange sits flush with the winding area of the coil former in a region of a periphery of the coil former. Also, a coil body for an electromagnetic relay includes a base integrally connected to the coil former. The coil former or the coil body is formed such that, in the production thereof, it has no more than three demolding directions for a master mould. |
| US08253518B2 |
Foldable cover for electronic device
A magnetic attachment mechanism and method is described. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach at least two objects together in a preferred configuration without fasteners and without external intervention. The magnetic attachment mechanism can be used to releasably attach an accessory device to an electronic device. The accessory device can be used to augment the functionality of usefulness of the electronic device. |
| US08253517B2 |
Full-protection circuit breaker
A full-protection circuit breaker has a line-protection circuit breaker and a residual-current-operated component which can be fitted thereto. A first switching mechanism, located therein, includes a first switching toggle for operation of a first latching mechanism, which is accommodated in the residual-current-operated component. A second switching mechanism, provided in the line-protection circuit breaker, includes a second switching toggle for operation of a second latching mechanism, which is accommodated in the line-protection circuit. The first and the second latching mechanisms are coupled by means of a first coupling element. The first and the second switching toggle are coupled by means of a second coupling element, wherein the second coupling element acts on the first switching toggle with respect to the second switching toggle, pivoting through the predeterminable lead angle in the direction of its connected position. |
| US08253516B2 |
Using an electric power cable as the vehicle for communicating an information-bearing signal through a barrier
The RF signal generated by a ZigBee radio on the outside of a building structure is conveyed to the interior of the building by guiding it as a surface wave along an electric cable bundle that passes through the building's wall to supply domestic electric power to the interior of the structure. The RF signal is launched by a unique coupler comprising a pair of insulated foil conductors. |
| US08253514B2 |
Array of coupled resonators, bandpass filter and oscillator
An array of coupled resonators including: an input unit that supplies an input electrical signal; an electrical excitation unit that electrically excites N coupled resonators of the array using the input electrical signal, wherein the electrical excitation unit includes, for each of the N coupled resonators, an actuator, connected to the input unit, that actuates a respective one of the N coupled resonators according to the input electrical signal, and a variable gain input amplifier that amplifies actuation of a respective one of the N coupled resonators; and a controller that controls a specific setting of a variable gain of each of the variable gain input amplifier. |
| US08253513B2 |
Temperature compensated thin film acoustic wave resonator
The present invention in one aspect relates to an acoustic wave resonator having an acoustic reflector, a piezoelectric layer, a composite structure having a first electrode, a temperature compensation layer formed on the first electrode, having one or more vias or trenches formed therein, and a second electrode formed on the temperature compensation layer and electrically connected to the first electrode at least through the one or more vias or trenches, and a third electrode, where the composite structure is disposed under the piezoelectric layer, on the piezoelectric layer, or inside the piezoelectric layer. |
| US08253512B2 |
Printed circuit board
A low pass filter circuit includes an inductor and a capacitor. A first terminal of the inductor functions as an input to receive direct current voltage, and a second terminal of the inductor is connected to a first terminal of the capacitor through first and second conductor traces connected in series. A second terminal of the capacitor is grounded. Widths of the first and second conductor traces both range from about 2 mils to about 5 mils. A node between the first and second conductor traces outputs the direct current. |
| US08253508B2 |
Modulator driver circuit having chirped components
Embodiments of the present invention provide arrays of electrical circuits having one or more chirped elements or components for providing output signals to corresponding arrays of electro-optic devices. Certain embodiments of the present invention include a plurality of modulator driver circuits, each of the plurality of driver circuits configured to be substantially identical to each other and provide a corresponding one of a plurality of modulator drive signals to a respective one of a plurality of electro-optic modulators, each of the plurality of modulator driver circuits being chirped to provide a desired output to the corresponding electro-optic modulator for enhanced operation. Each of the plurality of modulator driver circuits comprises a plurality of electrical components, at least one of the electrical components being chirped such that a design or operating parameter of the electrical component differs from an electrical component having a similar function in at least one of the remaining modulator driver circuits of the plurality of driver circuit. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of modulator driver circuits is provided on a common substrate. |
| US08253505B2 |
Package and vibrating device using the same
A vibrating device includes: a package having an internal space; and a vibrating reed housed in the internal space of the package, wherein the package has a porous portion formed of a communication hole communicating between the internal space and the outside and a porous body buried in the communication hole, and a metal film closing the internal space is arranged on the outside side of the porous portion. |
| US08253499B2 |
Charge pump and phase detection apparatus, phase-locked loop and delay-locked loop using the same
A charge pump includes a first current source, a second current source, a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, a fourth switch, a reset switch, an inverse reset switch and a capacitance. The first and third switches have first terminals coupled to the first current source. The second and fourth switches have first terminals coupled to the second current source. The first, second and reset switches have second terminals coupled to a first terminal of the inverse reset switch. The reset switch has a first terminal coupled to second terminals of the third and fourth switches. The first and second switches are respectively controlled by first and second control signals, the third and fourth switches are respectively controlled by inverse signals of the first and second control signals, and the inverse reset switch is controlled by the inverse reset signal. |
| US08253490B2 |
Wireless signal corrective pre-distortion using linearly interpolated filter coefficients derived from an amplifier sample set that is representative of amplifier nonlinearlity
A digital pre-distortion system which can provide the flexibility to model the highly non-linear distortion associated with High Efficiency RF Power Amplifiers while through a novel implementation of a least squares estimation process allows an implementation well suited for an FPGA application where limited resources and in particular memory resources are available. |
| US08253489B2 |
Amplifier, transmitter, and method for compensating gain
An amplifier includes a voltage detector that detects current flowing to a drain terminal of a transistor which amplifies a signal using GaN as a voltage difference by means of voltage conversion, a compensation decision unit that decides whether or not to perform gain compensation based on the voltage difference detected by the voltage detector, and a gain compensation unit that performs the gain compensation according to the voltage difference when the compensation decision unit decides to perform the gain compensation. |
| US08253488B1 |
Self-calibrating gain control system
A circuit for self-calibrating a gain control system samples the output of a digital amplifier coupled in series with one or more analog amplifiers to correct errors in a discrete stepped gain control. A digital gain control circuit controls both the digital amplifier and at least one analog amplifier to produce a smooth linear and continuous gain, wherein perturbations in the digital control of gain are smoothed by a signal applied to gain control circuit by a gain step correction circuit. |
| US08253487B2 |
Tracking power supply, method for controlling power supply, and communication apparatus
A tracking power supply, a method for controlling a power supply, and a communication apparatus are disclosed. The tracking power supply includes: a basic voltage output unit, configured to provide a basic voltage; and a compensation voltage output unit, configured to provide a compensation voltage. The compensation voltage output unit and the basic voltage output unit are connected in series so as to provide a voltage which is the sum of the basic voltage and the compensation voltage for a load. |
| US08253485B2 |
Power amplifier
A power amplifier comprises a series stack of power amplifier devices, connected in parallel to the amplifier input for receiving an RF input signal, and having output terminals being connected in series to the amplifier output. An intermediate coupling capacitor is connected between each adjacent pair of power amplifier devices in the series stack of power amplifier devices for DC isolation of said power amplifier devices. This reduces the required DC supply voltage, as well as allowing shorting of individual power amplifier devices in response to variation in the DC supply voltage. |
| US08253483B2 |
High-frequency switch module
A high-frequency switch module that significantly reduces deterioration of high-frequency characteristics and improves harmonic wave distortion characteristics includes a high-frequency switch and SAW filters mounted on a multilayer substrate. Low pass filters are provided within the multilayer substrate. The terminals of the high-frequency switch are located on the bottom surface of the semiconductor substrate. The high-frequency switch includes a high-frequency circuit ground terminal and a control circuit ground terminal, the multilayer substrate includes therein a ground electrode which is electrically connected to a top surface connection electrode to which the high-frequency circuit ground terminal is connected, and a wiring electrode electrically connected to a top surface connection electrode to which the control circuit ground terminal is connected is arranged so as to be insulated from the ground electrode. |
| US08253481B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
The present invention is directed to perform fine low-voltage control without largely increasing the circuit layout area in a low-power consumption structure. In the case of shifting a region to a low-speed mode, a system controller outputs a request signal and an enable signal to a power switch controller and a low-power drive circuit, respectively, to turn off a power switch and to perform a control so that the voltage level of a virtual reference potential becomes about 0.2 V to about 0.3V. The region operates on voltages between a power supply voltage and a virtual reference potential, so that it is controlled in the low-speed mode. |
| US08253477B2 |
Voltage boost circuit without device overstress
A voltage boost circuit is driven with a clock signal CLK which toggles between voltages V1 and V2. A first MOSFET is coupled between CLK and an output node OUT, and at least one additional MOSFET is coupled between OUT and a supply voltage. The first terminal of a capacitance is coupled at its first terminal to OUT, and at its second terminal to a delay circuit arranged to toggle its output to ˜V2 or ˜V1 a predetermined amount of time after the voltage applied to the clock signal side of the first MOSFET toggles to ˜V2 or ˜V1, respectively. The capacitance is charged to ˜V2 when the voltage applied to the clock signal side of the first MOSFET toggles to ˜V2, and OUT is increased to a voltage greater than V2 when the output of the delay circuit toggles to ˜V2. The only active device junctions subjected to the boosted voltage are MOSFET well-substrate junctions, such that no active devices are overstressed. |
| US08253476B2 |
Trimmer circuit and method
A trimmer circuit is so configured that an electronic device will break down to produce a high current to trim a fuse. The electronic device is selectively configured to have a breakdown voltage lower than an applied voltage, for the trigger of its breakdown to be controllable. In an embodiment, the electronic device is switched between two states having two breakdown voltages respectively, and the applied voltage is higher than one of the breakdown voltages and lower than the other one. |
| US08253475B2 |
Fuse detecting apparatus
A fuse detecting apparatus includes a detector, a calibrator and a logical operating unit. The detector includes a detecting switch module and a detecting latch. The detecting switch module generates an initial detecting result according to first and second control signals and a status of the fuse. The detecting latch stores a voltage level of the initial detecting result or maintains its originally stored voltage level according to the initial detecting result for generating a pre-calibrating detecting signal. The calibrator includes a calibrating switch module and a calibrating latch. The calibrating switch module generates a calibrating result according to the first and second control signals. The calibrating latch stores the calibrating result and generates a calibrating signal accordingly. The logical operating unit generates a calibrated detecting signal according to the pre-calibrating detecting signal and the calibrating signal. |
| US08253474B2 |
Leakage compensated electronic switch
An electronic circuit for switching purposes comprises a set of at least four electronic switches. A first subset and a second subset comprise at least two electronic switches of said set, respectively. Said at least two electronic switches of said first subset are arranged in a serial connection. Said at least two electronic switches of said second subset are arranged in a serial connection. The electronic circuit comprises a first buffer connected to a first electronic switch of said first subset and a second buffer connected to a second electronic switch of said second subset. Said first buffer minimises a potential drop across said first electronic switch when in open state, and said second buffer minimises a potential drop across said second electronic switch when in open state. The electronic circuit further comprises a switched connection towards ground arranged in between the two subsets. |
| US08253471B2 |
High impedance bias network
This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for offsetting reverse-bias leakage of a high impedance bias network. In an example, an apparatus includes an anti-parallel diode pair coupled between a signal node and a common-mode node. The anti-parallel diode pair can include a first diode and a second diode coupled to the first diode. A third diode can be coupled between a supply node and the signal node, and the third diode can be sized to compensate for a parasitic diode junction of the anti-parallel diode pair. |
| US08253470B2 |
Offset calibration for amplifiers
An apparatus, a method, and a system are provided to calibrate an offset in an amplifier. The apparatus can include an amplifier, a voltage control unit, a comparator, and a processing unit. The amplifier can have four terminals: a positive differential input (VIN+), a negative differential input (VIN−), a positive differential output (VOUT+), and a negative differential output (VOUT−). The voltage control unit can be configured to adjust a first voltage on VOUT+ and a second voltage on VOUT−. The comparator can be configured to compare the first voltage on VOUT+ to the second voltage on VOUT− when VIN+ and VIN− are coupled to a common voltage. Further, the processing unit can be configured to provide a control signal to the voltage control unit based on the comparison of the first and second voltages on VOUT+ and VOUT−, respectively. |
| US08253463B1 |
Pulse width control circuitry
Integrated circuits with pulse latches are provided. Pulse latches are controlled by clock pulse signals. The clock pulse signals are generated by pulse generators. The pulse generators are controlled by adaptive pulse width control circuitry to provide clock pulse signals with a minimum pulse width and with sufficient margin to tolerate for process, voltage, and temperature variations. The pulse width control circuitry may include a replica pulse generator, a test data generation circuit, a test latch, and a pulse width calibration circuit. The replica pulse generator controls the test latch. The test latch may attempt to latch the test data. The pulse width control circuit may determine if the test latch properly latches the test data with the given pulse width. The pulse width control circuit adjusts the pulse generator dynamically to provide a minimized pulse width. |
| US08253462B2 |
Duty cycle correction method and its implementing circuit
A duty cycle correction method includes detecting independently a relative delay time of two input differential signals; equating the sum of two relative delay time with the cycle of the input differential signals; and adjusting the two delay time to the same value. A corresponding implementation circuit includes two time delay units; two relative phase detectors connecting simultaneously with each of the two time delay units; a charge pump connecting with the output of each of the two relative phase detectors, with its output connecting to the two time delay units in order to form a loop; and a synthesis output unit connecting with both the time delay units, thereby generating output signals. The adjusting range of duty cycle becomes much wider. The implementation circuit is absolutely symmetrical, so a duty cycle with high accuracy can be obtain. |
| US08253459B2 |
Frequency adjusting apparatus and DLL circuit including the same
A frequency adjusting apparatus includes a frequency control signal generating unit that generates a multi-bit frequency control signal, which is changed in level bit by bit, in response to a reference clock signal, and a frequency adjusting unit that adjusts the frequency of the reference clock signal in response to the multi-bit frequency control signal. |
| US08253452B2 |
Circuit and method for powering up an integrated circuit and an integrated circuit utilizing same
The present invention is a circuit and method for providing a reference voltage and/or one or more circuit/circuit-block enabling signals for an IC. As the voltage level on a power supply line ramps upward towards or above a nominal operating voltage, a first threshold voltage detector circuit segment may be activated and may begin to generate a bandgap reset signal once the voltage level of the power supply reaches a first threshold voltage level. The bandgap reset signal may trigger the power-up and operation of a bandgap reference circuit segment, and according to further embodiments of the present invention, a second threshold voltage detector circuit segment, which second threshold voltage detector circuit segment may be matched with the first voltage detector circuit, may generate a voltage reset signal indicating that the bandgap reference source is powering-up. Once the supply voltage reaches a third threshold reference voltage, the first detector may disable the bandgap reset. |
| US08253450B2 |
Clock signal frequency dividing circuit and method
A mask circuit (10) masks the clock pulses of a clock S in accordance with an input mask signal (50), generating and outputting a clock B. A mask control circuit (20) generates a mask signal (50) which assigns mask timings to mask (M−N) clock pulses, to timings other than communication timings to perform data communication, out of the timings of M successive clock pulses of the clock S, based on communication timing information (30) indicating the communication timings of data communication that is performed with a circuit A by a circuit B using the clock B. The mask control circuit (20) then outputs the mask signal (50) to the mask circuit (10). |
| US08253449B2 |
Clock switch circuit and clock switch method of the same
A clock switch circuit includes a frequency divide circuit which divides a frequency of a basic clock to generate a plurality of frequency-divided clocks, an output select signal generation circuit which outputs an output select signal according to a clock select signal, and an output select circuit which switches a clock to be output according to the output select signal, in which the frequency divide circuit outputs a plurality of frequency-divided count values indicating the number of clocks of the basic clock from start of one cycle of each of the frequency-divided clocks, and the output select signal generation circuit switches a value of the output select signal at timings at which start timings of cycles of frequency-divided clocks before and after switch operation are matched based on a frequency-divided count value corresponding to a current selection clock among the plurality of frequency-divided count values. |
| US08253448B1 |
Techniques for varying frequencies of periodic signals
A circuit includes first and second frequency divider circuits and first storage circuits. Each of the first and the second frequency divider circuits receives periodic input signals and generates a periodic output signal having a frequency of one of the periodic input signals in a bypass mode. The periodic output signal of each of the first and the second frequency divider circuits has a fraction of a frequency of one of the periodic input signals in a frequency divider mode. Each of the first storage circuits stores an enable signal in response to the periodic output signal of one of the first frequency divider circuits. The enable signals stored in the first storage circuits enable the second frequency divider circuits in the frequency divider mode. The circuit may include second storage circuits storing enable signals that enable a subset of the first frequency divider circuits in the frequency divider mode. |
| US08253444B2 |
Receiving circuit
A receiving circuit includes an impedance compensating circuit, a first input terminal and a second input terminal coupled to a first signal line and a second signal line, a first signal and a second signal corresponding to differential signals being transmitted at the first input terminal and the second input terminal, respectively, a signal input circuit, coupled to the first input terminal and the second input terminal, which receives the first signal and the second signal are input, and a differential-signal detector that detects whether or not the differential signals are supplied to the first input terminal and the second input terminal. |
| US08253440B2 |
Methods and systems to calibrate push-pull drivers
Methods and systems to calibrate an on-die resistor relative to an operating voltage of an on-die push-pull driver, and to calibrate the push-pull driver relative to the on-die resistor and relative to operating voltages of the push-pull driver. The calibrated on-die resistor may be used to calibrate receive terminations, a differential transmit termination, and a simulated far-end differential receive termination. The calibrated differential transmit termination and simulated far-end differential receive termination may be coupled in parallel to calibrate current drivers. Calibration of the current drivers may include calibrating voltage swing, and may include a first phase that simultaneously adjusts compensation to the current drivers, and a second phase that individually adjusts the compensation to the current drivers. |
| US08253438B2 |
Low leakage and data retention circuitry
An integrated circuit includes first circuitry and sleep transistor circuitry. The first circuitry receives input signals and processes the input signals. The first circuitry also retains data in a sleep state that has low leakage. The sleep transistor circuitry is coupled to the first circuitry and receives a sleep signal that has a negative voltage. The sleep circuitry reduces power consumption of the first circuitry in the sleep state to have low leakage based on the sleep signal while retaining the data in the first circuitry. |
| US08253436B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit with data transmitting and receiving circuits
Provided is a semiconductor integrated circuit according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention including a data transmitting circuit and a data receiving circuit that receives data transmitted from the data transmitting circuit. The data transmitting circuit includes a data output circuit that outputs the data or sets an output to a high impedance state, and a control circuit that outputs a control signal to the data output circuit so that the data output circuit outputs the data when the data transmitting circuit transmits the data, and the data output circuit keeps outputting data last output in the previous data transmission, during a predetermined period after the previous data transmission when the data transmitting circuit further transmits another data after transmitting the data. |
| US08253427B2 |
Resistance bridge architecture and method
One or more embodiments are directed to a resistance bridge having two voltage measurements circuits that function in tandem. In one embodiment, a constant current source may be applied to two resistors coupled in series, in which the first resistor has a known resistance and the second resistor has a resistance to be determined or verified. A first measurement circuit may measure a first voltage across the first resistor and at substantially the same time a second measurement circuit measures a second voltage across the second resistor. The voltage of each resistor is converted to a ratio. Based on the ratio and the resistance of the first resistance, the resistance of the second resistor may be calculated. |
| US08253425B2 |
Production testing of a capacitive touch sensing device
In one embodiment, a method for production testing of a capacitive touch sensing device is disclosed. In this embodiment, the present technology for production testing of a capacitive touch sensing device samples a first value corresponding to a first channel of a capacitive touch sensing device when the capacitive touch sensing device is in production. The present embodiment also samples a second value corresponding to the first channel of the capacitive touch sensing device when the capacitive touch sensing device has a self-test capacitive circuit applying a signal thereto. The present embodiment compares the first value and the second value to determine a production testing result for the first channel of the capacitive touch sensing device, wherein the sampling of the second value and the comparing the first value and the second value occur during production of the capacitive touch sensing device. |
| US08253420B2 |
Integrated electrical circuit and test to determine the integrity of a silicon die
A detection circuit and one or more wires or circuit traces are included in a die. The combination is used to detect mechanical failure of the substrate, e.g. silicon after singulation of the dice from the wafer. Failures may be detected at different regions or planes within the die, and the tests may be performed during operation of the packaged die and integrated circuit, even after installation and during operation of a larger electronic device in which it is incorporated. This is especially useful for chip scale packages, but may be utilized in any type of IC package. |
| US08253419B2 |
Battery voltage monitoring system for monitoring the battery voltage of a series arrangement of more than two batteries
A battery voltage monitoring system monitors voltage of an arrangement of more than two batteries (U1, U2, U3, U4, U5) in series. The system comprises a voltage divider comprises a first (R1, R2, R3, R4) and second resistive element (R5, R6, R7, R8) arranged parallel to at least a part of the battery arrangement and connected to a reference voltage line and to a node (N1, N2, N3, N4) in the battery arrangement. In between the first (R1, R2, R3, R4) and second resistive element (R5, R6, R7, R8) a transistor (Q11, Q12, Q13, Q14) is arranged. The base of the transistor is, via a diode (D1, D2, D3, D4), connected to a further node (N2, N3, N4, N5) in the series arrangement of batteries, and a switching element (Q1, Q2, Q3, Q4) is provided to address the transistor (Q11, Q12, Q13,Q14). |
| US08253415B2 |
Magnetic resonance imaging apparatus and magnetic resonance imaging method
A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes a spectrum acquisition unit and a determining unit. The spectrum acquisition unit acquires a frequency spectrum of magnetic resonance signals from a metabolic product in a target region in an object. The determining unit determines one of the numbers of integrations and phase encodes of magnetic resonance signals for obtaining the frequency spectrum depending on a factor influencing the frequency spectrum. |
| US08253413B2 |
System that obtains a switching point with the encoder in a static position
A system including an encoder, multiple sensing elements and control logic. The encoder has a pole pitch and is configured to rotate in a direction of rotation. The multiple sensing elements are situated along the direction of rotation and span at least half the length of the pole pitch. The control logic is configured to receive signals from the multiple sensing elements based on the encoder in a static position and obtain a switching point based on the signals. |
| US08253411B2 |
Arrangement of a coil pair in a local measurement area
A configuration of a pair of inductor coils within a local measuring range which can comprise a position range or an angle range. For the coil configuration, a nominal distance to a damping part is predefined which comprises an eddy current damping part which covers the coils, to a certain degree. In the evaluation circuit, the coils are connected to a capacitor, forming an oscillator part, whose inductance and capacitance determine a resonant frequency. The characteristic curve, oscillator frequency as a function of the position or the angle is linear. The rectangular inductors of the pair of coils overlap within the measuring range. The linear characteristic curves have a common point of rotation, outside of the measuring range, which is independent from interferences by the measuring configuration. |
| US08253410B2 |
Protective system for a multiple channel transformer probe
The invention provides a transformer probe for sensing movement of a body of magnetic material, having multiple output channels wherein the output in each output channel is substantially unaffected by faults in other output channels. The transformer probe comprises a magnetically energizable pole piece, a sensing circuit comprising an electrical circuit having a portion, remote from the pole piece, which forms first and second transformer primary coils, a first output circuit comprising a first transformer secondary coil, inductively coupled to the first primary coil via a first transformer core, and terminated by a first load resistance, and means for measuring an output signal from the secondary circuit, a second output circuit comprising a second transformer secondary coil, inductively coupled to the second primary coil via a second transformer core and terminated by a second load resistance and means for measuring an output signal from the second secondary coil, and an inductive coupling, or resistive electrical component, connected across each primary coil, having an impedance within the sensing circuit such that a change from a normal circuit condition to an open circuit condition within the first or second output circuit does not significantly affect the voltage across the first and second primary coils. |
| US08253409B2 |
Range detection device
In a range detection device, a movable member has a magnetized portion and can move with a manual valve of a control device. A supporting member includes a plate portion having a surface opposed to the magnetized portion and a recess formed in an opposite surface of the plate portion, and supports the movable member such that the movable member is capable of moving parallel with the plate portion. A substrate is placed in the recess and has a first hole that penetrates the substrate. A magnetic detection element is installed to a surface of the substrate at a side of the plate portion to correspond to a position of the first hole, and detects magnetism of the magnetized portion. A sealing member is filled in the recess and covers the substrate and the magnetic detection element. |
| US08253407B2 |
Voltage mode switching regulator and control circuit and method therefor
The present invention discloses a voltage mode switching regulator with improved light load efficiency and mode transition characteristic, and a control circuit and a control method therefor. The switching regulator can switch between a pulse width modulation (PWM) mode and a pulse skipping mode. The control method for the switching regulator comprises: comparing a feedback signal relating to an output voltage with a reference signal, to generate an error amplification signal; generating a duty signal according to the error amplification signal and a ramp signal, to control the switching regulator; setting a threshold level of the error amplification signal and a threshold level of the pulse skipping mode according to the error amplification signal in a stable status; and when the error amplification signal is close or equal to the threshold level of the pulse skipping mode, generating a pulse skip signal to enter the pulse skipping mode. |
| US08253403B2 |
Converting circuit and controller for controlling the same
The present invention uses a discharge path to release the power stored in an output capacitor of a converting circuit when the time interval between two adjacent switching thereof is too long and may generate noises whose frequencies can be sensed by human ears. Hence, the present invention can keep the operating frequency of the converting circuit higher than a predetermined frequency and reduce the audio noise of the converting circuit. |
| US08253398B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a high-side switching element having a first switching element connected between an input voltage line and an inductive load; and a low-side switching element having a second switching element and a third switching element that are connected in parallel between the inductive load and a reference voltage line. A surge current is discharged through the third switching element to the reference voltage line when a surge is applied to a terminal connected to the inductive load in the low-side switching element. |
| US08253397B2 |
Switching converters with efficiently-controlled mode transitions
Efficiently controlled converter system embodiments are provided to operate in different operational modes. In a first operational PWM mode, first and second transistors are switched with a feedback-controlled duty cycle to thereby realize an inductor current that maintains a system output voltage. In a second operational PFM mode, after the output voltage decays to a lower threshold over a decay time, the control and synchronous transistors are driven a sufficient number of times to raise the output voltage to an upper threshold. The systems are controlled to efficiently transition between the first and second operational modes. For example, a converter system preferably transitions to the second PFM operational mode when current peaks of the inductor current drop below a predetermined current threshold and the system preferably transitions to the first PWM operational mode when the output voltage drops to a predetermined reference voltage. |
| US08253392B2 |
Method for discharging capacitive loads
Methods for storing electrical energy discharged from a capacitive source, embodiments including developing a capacitive load in the source and closing a switch between the capacitive source and a voltage conversion block after an output voltage of the source both exceeds a threshold value and is detected to peak. The conversion block includes an inductor and the storage device connected in series and further may include a diode connected in parallel across the inductor and the storage device. Apparatus for storing electrical energy discharged from a capacitive source include embodiments having a capacitive source configured to produce an output voltage, a switch connected to the source, an inductor connected to the switch, a storage device connected to the inductor and a controller configured to close the switch after an output voltage of the source both exceeds a threshold value and is detected to peak. |
| US08253390B2 |
Power supply device and system
A power supply device and system have an electrically polarized element in which a remnant electrical polarization is formed and retained. Electrodes are formed on the electrically polarized elements and the remnant electrical polarization generates an electrical potential on the electrodes. Electrical circuits are coupled to the electrically polarized element to control the external electric charges attracted and distributed on the electrodes, for establishing the electrical potential on the electrodes. The electrodes can output electric currents by controlling the external electric charges distribution. The electrically polarized element may be made of ferroelectric material, including a ferroelectric bulk ceramic, ferroelectric multilayer ceramic, ferroelectric single crystal, ferroelectric thin film, ferroelectric thick film and ferroelectric polymer, and all the other materials with electric polarization retained therein. Power supply devices and systems made according to the present invention have very long standby time, small in size and efficient for many applications including RF systems. |
| US08253386B2 |
Method of controlling charge and discharge of non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell
Capacity degradation due to charge/discharge cycles is suppressed in either a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell provided with a positive electrode including, as a positive electrode active material, a lithium-transition metal complex oxide having a layered structure and containing at least Ni and Mn as transition metals, and a negative electrode containing a carbon material as a negative electrode active material and having a higher initial charge-discharge efficiency than that of the positive electrode, or an assembled battery having a plurality of cells each of which is the secondary cell. A control circuit incorporated in the secondary cell or the assembled battery, or in an apparatus using the secondary cell or the assembled battery, monitors the voltage of the secondary cell or each of the cells in the assembled battery so that the end-of-discharge voltage of each cell is 2.9 V or higher. |
| US08253384B2 |
Electronic device having power management assembly
An electronic device includes a power cable, a host, a rechargeable battery, and a power management assembly. The power cable is configured for electrically coupling an external power supply to the electronic device. The rechargeable battery is electrically coupled to the host. The power management assembly is electrically coupled to the host and the rechargeable battery. The power management assembly is configured for controlling drawing the maximum rated power of the electronic device from the external power supply through the power cable as the power management assembly is being used, and controlling the host to switch on a power-saving mode, and increase current flowing to the rechargeable battery when the host works in the power-saving mode. |
| US08253382B2 |
Battery apparatus for controlling plural batteries and control method of plural batteries
Lower order control devices control plural battery cells configuring plural battery modules. An input terminal of the low order control device in the highest potential, an output terminal of the low order control device in the lowest potential, and a high order control device are connected by isolating units, photocouplers. Diodes which prevent a discharge current of the battery cells in the battery modules are disposed between the output terminal of the low order control device and the battery cells in the battery module on the low potential side. Terminals related to input/output of a signal are electrically connected without isolating among the plural low order control devices. |
| US08253380B2 |
Characteristic tracking method and circuit for a battery module
A characteristic tracking method for a battery module including at least one battery is disclosed. A look-up table is provided according to a primary characteristic of the battery. It is determined whether a battery has satisfied a preset condition when the battery module is operated from a usage state to an idling state. The battery is measured to have obtained a first voltage and a real capacity when the battery satisfies the preset condition. The measured first voltage is utilized to locate a table capacity of the battery from the look-up table. The look-up table is updated according to the real capacity and the table capacity. A peripheral circuit of characteristic tracking method has been exhibited. |
| US08253377B2 |
Hearing aid battery charger
A battery charger (10) for charging a rechargeable battery (45, 46) which is located in a hearing aid (18, 20), the battery charger (10) includes a power supply for supplying a charging current to the rechargeable battery (45, 46), a hearing aid connector for reception and accommodation of the hearing aid (18, 20), the connector having a set of first electrical terminals (36, 38) connected with the power supply and positioned for connection with the rechargeable battery (45, 46) when the hearing aid (18, 20) is positioned in the connector, and an actuator (32, 34) that is adapted for providing access to the battery (45, 46) for connection with the first electrical terminals (36, 38) when the hearing aid (18, 20) is positioned in the connector. |
| US08253370B2 |
Microcomputer for controlling ultrasonic motor, and method for controlling ultrasonic motor
A microcomputer that controls an ultrasonic motor includes a storage unit that stores a compare register value, and a digital/analog (D/A) conversion set value, a D/A converter that generates an amplitude control signal with an amplitude value corresponding to the D/A conversion set value, a timer that generates a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal with a frequency corresponding to the compare register value, a central processing unit (CPU) that reads the D/A conversion set value, and the compare register value from the storage unit, and that sets the D/A conversion set value and the compare register value to the D/A converter and the timer, respectively, and an output circuit that generates the control signal with the amplitude of the amplitude control signal, and the frequency of the PWM signal, in response to the amplitude control signal and the PWM signal. |
| US08253364B2 |
Heat-dissipating device and method for controlling fan speed
A method for controlling fan speed is disclosed. Firstly, a number of temperature ranges are defined. Each temperature range is associated with a corresponding fan speed. Each two adjacent temperature ranges overlap. The temperature of an electronic system is measured and is compared with the defined temperature ranges to determine whether it enters into a new range. If the measured temperature exceeds any one of the limits of a temperature range associated with the current fan speed, it enters into a new temperature range. The fan speed is adjusted to which is associated with the new entered temperature range. The overlap of each two adjacent temperature ranges covers the fluctuation of the temperature of the electronic system caused solely by the adjustment of fan speed caused by the traversing of the measured temperature between the two adjacent temperature ranges. |
| US08253361B2 |
Device for the controlled power consumption of electric drives in machinery and machine including the device for processing printing material
A device for controlling electric drives in machinery includes an electronic control unit for calculating in advance the electric power required by the at least one electric drive as a function of motion profiles of the electric drive. A printing material processing machine having the drive, is also provided. |
| US08253359B2 |
Electric rotating machine control system and vehicle driving system including the electric rotating machine control system
A control system includes an electric rotating machine; a driving circuit that is connected to a DC power supply, the driving circuit includes a frequency conversion unit configured such that, when the electric rotating machine is to be driven in a power running mode, the frequency conversion unit converts an output of the DC power supply into AC electric power, and when the electric rotating machine is to be driven in a regenerative operation mode, the frequency conversion unit converts an output of the electric rotating machine into DC electric power; and a control unit that controls the driving circuit, wherein the control unit judges whether a connection between the DC power supply and the driving circuit is being maintained, and is configured such that, when the connection is not being maintained, regenerative electric power generated by the electric rotating machine is reduced by controlling the driving circuit. |
| US08253357B2 |
Load demand and power generation balancing in direct series electric drive system
An electric drive system includes a prime mover connected to a generator, which is controlled in part by an excitation current. The generator makes electrical power available on a dc link. A method of load demand and power generation balancing within the electric drive system includes determining a voltage of the dc link and determining a torque command by an operator of the system. A speed for each of one or more drive motors receiving power from the dc link is determined and normalized to derive an average motor speed. A mechanical power being commanded is derived based on the average motor speed and the torque command. A predicted excitation current that is required to achieve the derived mechanical power is determined and an actual excitation current is determined based on the predicted excitation current. The actual excitation current is then applied to the generator. |
| US08253355B2 |
Multiplexed control of multi-axis machine with distributed control amplifier
A control apparatus for multiplexing a single distributed control amplifier to control multiple axes of motion in a multi-axis machine. In one example, the control apparatus comprises a distributed control motor amplifier, a first motor constructed and arranged to provide movement along a first axis of motion, a second motor constructed and arranged to provide movement along a second axis of motion, a first relay having a switch coupled to the distributed control motor amplifier, a first contact coupled to the first motor, a second contact coupled to the second motor, and an input for receiving an actuation signal, wherein the relay is configured to be manipulated between a first state in which the switch is electrically connected to the first contact a second state in which the switch is electrically connected to the second contact, in response to the actuation signal. |
| US08253351B2 |
Electronic ballast with multimode lamp power control
A control means has an adjustment function in a microprocessor to adjust variations in an output to a discharge lamp due to variations in components by correcting a duty ratio of a PWM signal for varying an operating frequency of an inverter circuit so that a detected value of a second detection circuit falls within a target range. The microprocessor switches paths to transmit the PWM signal between a path passing through a feedback circuit and a path passing through a voltage follower circuit by switches a switch circuit to supply the signal through the path passing through the voltage follower circuit in adjusting output variations in the preheating mode and the starting mode. |
| US08253348B2 |
Illumination device capable of adjusting light brightness and method thereof
An illumination device includes a light sensor, a light-emitting unit, a switch unit and a processing unit. The light sensor is configured for sensing ambient light intensity and providing results based on the sensed light intensity. The switch unit is configured for controlling the electrical connection between the light-emitting unit and a power unit. The processing unit includes a control module and a light adjusting module. The controlling module is configured for turning off the switch unit to cut off the electrical connection between the light-emitting unit and the power unit during the sensing of the light intensity. The light adjusting module is configured for adjusting the brightness of the light-emitting unit according to the results provided by the light sensor. A related method is also provided. |
| US08253346B2 |
Multi configurable lighting and energy control system and modules
The present disclosure generally relates to lighting and energy control systems. In some embodiments, a control module is provided that can facilitate installation of lighting systems and control power consumption. Control module may control a ballast coupled to one or more lamps in a light fixture or energy consuming devices on a circuit. The control module can retrofit with various junction boxes or light fixtures and thus enable energy and sensor controls to be deployed in a wide variety of lighting installations which may be inaccessible due to cost or installation constraints. Control device may include a control circuit which provides relaying and one or more interfaces to provide power controls to various devices, such as ballasts, motors, appliances, or other devices. |
| US08253334B2 |
Ion source
A cathode sub-assembly is comprised of a retainer, a cathode and a collar, each of which has smooth unthreaded surfaces that slidably engage each other. A shield serves to hold the sub-assembly in a support plate. The cathode projects from the sub-assembly into an arc chamber with a tortuous path created therebetween for passage of a plasma flow. |
| US08253330B2 |
Airtight multi-layer array type LED
An airtight multi-layer array type LED is disclosed, which comprises a metal substrate with an airtight metal frame formed thereon, and the metal substrate is integrally formed with the airtight metal frame, and an airtight sealing frame slot is formed around the upper surface of the airtight metal frame, the airtight metal frame is installed with two sets of sealing through hole pairs accommodating the lead frames. The interior of the airtight metal frame can be installed with packaging materials or optical components. The sealing holes are sealed with a glass or ceramic material. A fluorescent layer is formed on a silica gel layer, wherein the fluorescent layer can also be installed inside a silica glass package cover. The silica glass package cover is installed on the top surface of the airtight metal frame, and the silica glass package cover is engaged and sealed to a sealing rack. Nitrogen is filled in a space defined between the silica glass package cover and the fluorescent layer, so that moisture is prevented from permeating through the airtight metal frame and a dice protection layer. As such, a sealed-type LED packaging structure is formed and is suitable to be used in extreme or severe environments. |
| US08253327B2 |
Light-emitting element, light-emitting device, and electronic device
Objects of the present invention are to provide a light-emitting element that does not readily deteriorate, a light-emitting device and an electronic device that do not readily deteriorate, and a method of fabricating the light-emitting element that does not readily deteriorate. A light-emitting element having an EL layer between a pair of electrodes is covered with a layer containing an inorganic compound and halogen atoms or a layer containing an organic compound, an inorganic compound, and halogen atoms, whereby deterioration by moisture penetration can be inhibited. Thus, a light-emitting element with a long life can be obtained. |
| US08253319B2 |
Light emitter substrate with improved withstand discharge characteristics, and image displaying apparatus using the same
To provide a light emitter substrate which is characterized in that discharge current reduction performance is excellent, plural phosphors are arranged in an X direction and a Y direction on a substrate, metal backs are arranged on the phosphors, ribs extending in the Y direction are arranged between the phosphors adjacent in the X direction, first resistors to electrically connect the metal backs adjacent in the Y direction are formed on the ribs respectively, and second resistors to electrically connect the metal backs adjacent in the X direction are formed under the ribs respectively. |
| US08253315B2 |
Crossover point regulation method for electro-static focusing systems
System that focuses electron beams in an electro-static area to a laminar flow of electrons with uniform distribution of current density and extraordinary demagnification includes a housing having a first interior portion and a second interior portion electrically insulated from the first interior portion. The second interior portion has an electric field-free space. An electrode system is disposed in the first interior portion and includes a cathode assembly and at least one anode assembly. The cathode assembly generates an electron beam that passes through each anode assembly and then into the electric field-free space in the second interior portion. A position of a crossover point on a longitudinal axis maybe regulated by varying dimensions of a substantially cylindrical portion of the anode assembly and a substantially cylindrical portion of a near-cathode electrode assembly. |
| US08253309B2 |
Incandescent lamp incorporating reflective filament supports and method for making it
An improved incandescent lamp and incandescent lighting system are disclosed, for projecting a beam of light with substantially improved energy efficiency. The incandescent lamp includes a pair of reflective ceramic filament supports for supporting one or more filaments in prescribed position(s) within an envelope while reflecting back substantially all visible and infrared light for incorporation into the projected beam or for absorption by the filament(s). |
| US08253306B2 |
Inertial drive actuator configured to provide arbitrary motion in an X-Y plane
An inertial drive actuator includes a fixed member, a displacement generating mechanism of which, one end is adjacent to the fixed member, and a displacement is generated at the other end thereof, a driving mechanism which applies a voltage for displacing the displacement generating mechanism, a vibration substrate which is connected to the other end of the displacement generating mechanism, and which is displaceable in a direction of displacement, a mobile object which is disposed to be facing a vibration substrate electrode provided to the vibration substrate, and which moves with respect to the vibration substrate by an inertia, and a friction controlling mechanism which changes a frictional force between the mobile object and the vibration substrate. A regulating member which regulates the movement of the mobile object is provided to at least one of the fixed member and the vibration substrate such that the mobile object moves in a direction of displacement of the vibration substrate or in a direction other than the direction of displacement. |
| US08253303B2 |
Ultrasonic device for cutting and coagulating with stepped output
An apparatus, system, and method for driving an end effector in a surgical instrument are disclosed. The method comprises generating a first ultrasonic drive signal by a generator, actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the first ultrasonic drive signal for a first period, generating a second ultrasonic drive signal by the generator, and actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the second ultrasonic drive signal for a second period, subsequent to the first period. The first drive signal second drive signal are different over the first and second periods. The first and second drive signals define a step function waveform over the first and second periods. The apparatus comprises a generator to couple to an ultrasonic instrument. The system comprises a generator coupled to an ultrasonic instrument comprising an ultrasonic drive system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to a waveguide and an end effector. The ultrasonic drive system resonates at a resonate frequency. |
| US08253299B1 |
Wound magnetic flux channel transverse wound stator permanent magnet motor
A motor including an outside rotor having a rotor disc with plural magnets alternating polarities flush mounted in the disc, an inside stator assembly with a transversely wound stator windings encased by a ring of wound magnetic flux channel pole pieces to assemble within a hub of a motor, and a controller coupled with feedback electronics for monitoring a timing, speed and direction and coupling a signal to a processing unit for adjusting the drive electronics driving the phase windings. A u-shaped channel above the bobbin filed transverse winding coil to receive the rotor disc and focus the captured magnetic flux in the pole pieces toward the magnets. In an embodiment the wound magnetic flux channel pole pieces and encased transverse coil winding of the inside stator correspond to one phase of the motor; and a section of each one of the transverse windings passing through one channel, the remaining section folding back outside in close proximity to the outer base of the set of wound magnetic flux channel pole pieces. |
| US08253296B2 |
Stator for rotary electric machine and rotary electric machine using same
The wire 30 forming the stator winding 20 includes the in-slot portions 40 to be disposed in the slots 14 and 15 of the stator core 12 and the turned portions 42 connecting the in-slot portions 40 disposed in the circumferentially different slots 14 and 15. The turned portions 42 formed on axial opposite end sides of the stator core 12. The crank portion 44 which does not twist is formed at substantially the center of the turned portion 42. Steps are formed at sections of the turned portion 42 which protrude outside the stator core 12 from the slots 14 and 15. Further, the turned portion 42 of the wire 30 also has two steps 48 formed between the substantially central crank portion 44 and each of the steps 46 formed at the protruding sections of the turned portion 42. |
| US08253293B2 |
Magnetic fan device
A magnetic fan device includes a stator, at least three bearings fixed on the stator, a rotor fixedly connected to the stator, a motor, and at least three magnetic posts. The at least three bearings are permanent magnets. The rotor includes a shaft and a plurality of impellers rotatably connected to the shaft. The at least three magnetic posts with an opening at its lateral surface are configured for respectively receiving the at least three bearings by the opening. A first magnet is adhered to ends of the at least three magnetic posts, and a second magnet is adhered to opposite ends of the at least three magnetic posts. The magnetic pole of the first magnet adjacent to ends of the at least three bearings is opposite to the magnetic pole of the second magnet adjacent opposite ends of the at least three bearings. |
| US08253292B2 |
Cryogenic submerged turbine generator with hydrostatic bearings
A cryogenic submerged turbomachine equipped with one or more combinations of hydrostatic bearings, touchdown ball bearings, thrust bearings, and bushings. The pressurized fluid or gas introduced to the hydrostatic bearing creates a film of lubrication around at least one shaft of the turbomachine. A first combination includes at least a hydrostatic bearing or a pressurized journal bearing. A second combination includes a ball bearing and a thrust disk type bearing acting as a touchdown bearing. This second combination supports the rotor system of the turbine during transient periods when the Thrust Equalizing Mechanism device is not active, and decreases the axial thrust load during operation. A third combination uses a hydrostatic bearing with a sleeve that is joined as a unit with one or more ball bearings acting as touchdown ball bearings on the hydrostatic bearing sleeve. |
| US08253291B2 |
Air-core stepping motor and shaft support structure
An air-core stepping motor includes: a tubular stator including a yoke and a coil; a tubular rotor including a cylindrical magnet; and rotor support means for supporting the rotor rotatably with respect to the stator, the rotor support means including a sleeve fixed to the rotor, a holder fixed to the stator, and a ball held between the sleeve and the holder, the holder having a first holder member and a second holder member separated in a rotational-axial direction of the motor, the first holder member and the second holder member being assembled with the first holder member or the second holder member fitted to the sleeve, and being used thereafter with the first holder member or the second holder member disconnected from the sleeve. |
| US08253288B2 |
Electric actuator for driving a home-automation screen
This electric actuator for driving a home-automation screen is provided with a spring brake (105) comprising a helical spring (130), a friction part (140) having a friction surface (141) against which the helical spring (130) bears radially. Said brake further comprises an inlet part (110) suitable for driving the spring in rotation in a direction reducing the contact force between the spring (130) and the friction part (140), and an outlet part (120) connected to the screen.While the screen is being lowered, the inlet part (110; 210) drives the spring (130; 230) in rotation with the contact force being decreased to the extent that the outlet part (120; 220) is released in rotation, without direct contact between the inlet part and the outlet part. The inlet part (110; 210) has at least two contact surfaces (113a, 113d; 213b, 217c) suitable for transmitting drive torque (CM) for raising the screen (2), by direct contact, to at least two corresponding contact surfaces (123a, 123d; 223b, 227a) of the outlet part (120; 220). |
| US08253283B2 |
Power generation device with two mobile parts
A power generation device that includes an excitation coil with a central opening, and a magnetic circuit extending through the central opening of the coil and including at least one permanent magnet and a plurality of ferromagnetic members arranged in a fixed portion and two mobile portions. The two mobile portions are mounted on two parallel rotary axes and can each assume two positions. The device further includes a mechanism rotating the two mobile portions between the two positions thereof so as to create two states of the magnetic circuit, i.e. a first state in which a magnetic flow flows through the coil in one direction and a second state in which a magnetic flow flows through the coil in the opposite direction. |
| US08253282B2 |
Linear vibrator
Disclosed is a linear vibrator, the linear vibrator including a substrate supplying electric power, a case including a base supporting the substrate and a cover wrapping the base, a stator fixed to either the base or the cover, a vibrator including magnets each arranged to face both sides of the stator and a weight to which the magnets are fixed, an inner spring coupled to both sides of the weight to wrap the weight, and an external spring, both end portions of which are coupled to an inner lateral surface of the case to wrap the inner spring, and a part of which is coupled to the inner spring. |
| US08253281B2 |
Energy harvesting apparatus incorporated into shock absorber
An energy harvesting apparatus, for deployment on a vehicle, comprises a vehicle shock absorber including a dust tube, and a damper tube telescopically mounted within the dust tube and configured for oscillating translational movement with respect thereto. A magnet is fixedly coupled to one of the dust tube or the damper tube, and a coil is fixedly coupled to the other of the dust tube or the damper tube to achieve relative translational movement between the magnet and the coil to induce a current in the coil. |
| US08253276B2 |
Power supply device, method thereof, and image forming device
A power supply device is disclosed that is able to satisfy requirements of a device in connection and has high efficiency.The power supply device includes a first power supply; a voltage step-up unit that steps up an output voltage of the first power supply; a voltage step-down unit that steps down an output voltage of the voltage step-up unit; and a load that is driven to operate by an output voltage of the voltage step-down unit. The voltage step-up unit steps up the output voltage of the first power supply to a lower limit of an operating voltage of the voltage step-down unit. |
| US08253273B2 |
Power system having AC and DC power sources
A power system (110; 210; 310) combines a power source (14) having a DC output (20A, 20B) with an AC supply from the AC grid (12) to provide AC to customer's loads (16) and DC to various DC auxiliary loads (134, 134A). The DC output of the DC power source (14) is connected in steady-state to the DC input (120A, 120B, 60) of a converter/bi-directional inverter (122; 222) for conversion therein to AC for connection (124, 124A, 32) to the customer's loads (16) and (124, 124B) to any AC auxiliary loads (134, 234). During start-up of the DC power source (14), an open isolation switch (70) disconnects that DC power source (14) from the bi-directional inverter (122; 222). A start-up power supply (50, 60; 250, 60; 90, 180, 60) selectively connects (56; 94) between the AC power grid (12) and the bi-directional inverter (122; 222) and/or DC controllers (134A) to provide a supply of rectified DC power at the inverter DC input and to certain DC auxiliary loads (134, 234). DC power is supplied to the auxiliary loads (134; 234) from the inverter DC input substantially continuously during start-up and steady state. |
| US08253270B2 |
Automobile light control system
An automobile light control system includes first and second light groups, a battery, a micro control unit (MCU), a speed sensor, first and second switches, and an electronic switch. The battery is connected to the first light group through the first switch. The first light group is connected to the first terminal of the electronic switch through the second switch. The second terminal of the electronic switch is connected to the second light group. The control terminal of the electronic switch is connected to the MCU. The MCU is connected to the speed sensor to receive a speed signal. The MCU controls the electronic switch to be turned on in response to the speed signal being greater than a predetermined value. The MCU controls the electronic switch to be turned off in response to the speed signal being less than or equal to the predetermined value. |
| US08253265B2 |
Power-augmenting shroud for energy-producing turbines
A shroud, such as for an airborne wind-turbine for converting wind energy into another form of energy, such as electrical energy. The shroud has a ring-like shape with an airfoil cross-section and defines an interior volume for containing a lighter-than-air gas. The shroud includes a central opening oriented along a longitudinal axis of the shroud. The shroud is configured to produce an asymmetric moment of left and right lateral sections thereof, which asymmetric moment yields a restoring moment that automatically orients the longitudinal axis of the shroud substantially optimally relative to a prevailing wind direction. |
| US08253262B1 |
Automotive wind powered generator system
The Wind Powered Generator System is a combination of many common automotive parts. Automotive wind power is a new area and incorporates as a secondary layered roof. The air velocity or wind turns the fun blade when either vehicle is in motion or not, producing an electrical current. |
| US08253261B2 |
System and method for generating power from a fan
A system for generating power for a vehicle is provided. The system comprises a fan positioned to receive a flow of air, a turbine coupled to the fan, the turbine adapted to rotate the fan when operating in a first mode and to receive power from the fan when operating in a second mode, the turbine adapted to generate electrical power from the power received from the fan, and an electronic control unit adapted to selectively engage the first and second modes of the turbine. |
| US08253259B2 |
Microelectronic assembly with impedance controlled wirebond and reference wirebond
A microelectronic assembly can include a microelectronic device, e.g., semiconductor chip, connected together with an interconnection element, e.g., substrate, the latter having signal contacts and reference contacts. The reference contacts can be connectable to a source of reference potential such as ground or a voltage source other than ground such as a voltage source used for power. Signal conductors, e.g., signal wirebonds can be connected to device contacts exposed at a surface of the microelectronic device. Reference conductors, e.g., reference wirebonds can be provided, at least one of which can be connected with two reference contacts of the interconnection element. The reference wirebond can have a run which extends at an at least substantially uniform spacing from a signal conductor, e.g., signal wirebond that is connected to the microelectronic device over at least a substantial portion of the length of the signal conductor. In such manner a desired impedance may be achieved for the signal conductor. |
| US08253258B2 |
Semiconductor device with hollow and throughhole and method of manufacturing same
The present invention provides a semiconductor device which includes a semiconductor chip formed with an electrode pad on one surface thereof, a wiring board having a wiring pattern, with its one surface opposing the other surface of the semiconductor chip, a wire for electrically connecting the electrode pad of the semiconductor chip with the wiring pattern of the wiring board, an external terminal arranged on the other surface of the wiring board for electrical connection with the electrode pad through the wire and wiring pattern, and a sealant for fixing the semiconductor chip on one surface of the wiring board such that a hollow is formed between the other surface of the semiconductor chip and the one surface of the wiring board. The wiring board includes a throughhole communicating with the hollow. |
| US08253257B2 |
Layered chip package and method of manufacturing the same
A layered chip package includes a main body and wiring. The main body includes a main part including a plurality of stacked layer portions, and a plurality of terminals disposed on the top and bottom surfaces of the main part. The wiring includes a plurality of lines electrically connected to the plurality of terminals. The plurality of lines include a plurality of common lines and a plurality of layer-dependent lines. Each of the plurality of layer portions includes a plurality of common electrodes electrically connected to the plurality of common lines, and a selective connection electrode selectively electrically connected to only the layer-dependent line that the layer portion uses among the plurality of layer-dependent lines. The selective connection electrode varies in shape depending on which of the layer-dependent lines it is electrically connected to. |
| US08253255B2 |
Electronic device which disconnects first and second terminals upon lapse of a prescribed device lifetime
An electronic device includes a substrate, a first chip mounted on the substrate and having a first terminal, a second terminal, an input pad and a semiconductor time switch connected to the first terminal and the second terminal and configured to disconnect the first terminal and the second terminal upon lapse of a prescribed lifetime, the input pad being configured to set the prescribed lifetime, a second chip mounted on the substrate and incorporating an operational device having a third terminal connected to the first terminal and a fourth terminal serving as an input terminal for an external device, a first memory device mounted on the substrate, having a fifth terminal connected to the second terminal and storing information required for operating the operational device, and an encapsulater covering at least the input pad of the first chip. |
| US08253253B2 |
Connecting and bonding adjacent layers with nanostructures
An apparatus, comprising two conductive surfaces or layers and a nanostructure assembly bonded to the two conductive surfaces or layers to create electrical or thermal connections between the two conductive surfaces or layers, and a method of making same. |
| US08253250B2 |
Interconnection structure of electronic device having multilayer interconnections structure with electrically conductive layers
An interconnection is formed on an object having a step by a screen printing method. The interconnection is formed by printing it on a substrate having an upper stage surface and a lower stage surface. A multilayer interconnection structure having a plurality of layers which are stacked is formed by repeatedly performing a process of printing and drying an interconnection pattern on the lower stage surface. Then, when the height of the multilayer interconnection structure approaches the height of the upper stage surface, an interconnection pattern of the uppermost layer is printed on the multilayer interconnection structure to extend onto the upper stage surface. Because the interconnection pattern of the uppermost layer is printed in a smaller step, the print characteristic is good. Thus, by the printing, the interconnection structure is formed which has a narrow interconnection width and surely connects the upper surface and the lower surface in a larger step than the interconnection width. |
| US08253249B2 |
Carbon nanotube-based horizontal interconnect architecture
The invention relates to a device which makes it possible to establish a horizontal electrical connection between at least two bonding pads. This device comprises horizontal carbon nanotubes which link the vertical walls of said bonding pads and the bonding pads are made by stacking layers of at least two materials, one of which catalyzes growth of the nanotubes and the other of which acts as a spacer between the layers of material which catalyzes growth of the nanotubes. |
| US08253248B2 |
Fabrication method of semiconductor device having conductive bumps
A semiconductor device having conductive bumps and a fabrication method thereof is proposed. The fabrication method includes the steps of forming a first metallic layer on a substrate having solder pads and a passivation layer formed thereon, and electrically connecting it to the solder pads; applying a second covering layer over exposed parts of the first metallic layer; subsequently, forming a second metallic layer on the second covering layer, and electrically connecting it to the exposed parts of the first metallic layer; applying a third covering layer, and forming openings for exposing parts of the second metallic layer to form thereon a conductive bump having a metallic standoff and a solder material. The covering layers and the metallic layers can provide a buffering effect for effectively absorbing the thermal stress imposed on the conductive bumps to prevent delamination caused by the UBM layers. |
| US08253244B2 |
Semiconductor package having memory devices stacked on logic device
A semiconductor package includes a base substrate, a logic device with a serializer/deserializer (SerDes), a plurality of odd memory devices disposed on a lower surface of the logic device and operatively stack-connected with the SerDes, and a plurality of even memory devices disposed on an upper surface of the logic device and operatively stack-connected with the SerDes, such that the plurality of odd memory devices and the plurality of even memory devices are connected in parallel by the SerDes. |
| US08253243B2 |
Bonded wafer substrate utilizing roughened surfaces for use in MEMS structures
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes providing first and second semiconductor substrates, each having first and second main surfaces opposite to one another. A roughened surface is formed on at least one of the first main surface of the first semiconductor substrate and the second main surface of the second semiconductor substrate. A dielectric layer is formed on the first main surface of the semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate is disposed on the dielectric layer opposite to the first semiconductor substrate. The second main surface of the second semiconductor substrate contacts the dielectric layer. |
| US08253242B2 |
Sensor assembly
A sensor assembly includes a sound sensor, an image sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gyroscope sensor. The sound sensor includes a substrate defining a first cavity, a diaphragm positioned on the substrate and covering the first cavity, a back plate covering the diaphragm and positioned on the substrate, and a capacitance. A first electrode layer is coated on the diaphragm and faces the first cavity. A second cavity is defined between the diaphragm and the back plate. A second electrode layer is coated on the back plate and faces the second cavity. The capacitance is electrically connected between the first and second electrode layers. The image sensor, the acceleration sensor, and the gyroscope sensor are positioned on the substrate. |
| US08253240B2 |
Cap member and semiconductor device employing same
A cap member capable of alleviating degradation of reliability and improving fabrication yields is provided. The cap member has a cylindrical side wall portion, a top face portion closing one end of the side wall portion and having a light exit hole formed therein to allow extraction of laser light from a semiconductor laser chip; a light transmission window fitted to the top face portion to stop the light exit hole, and a flange portion arranged at the other end of the side wall portion and welded on the upper face of a stem on which the semiconductor laser chip is mounted. A groove portion is formed in an inner surface of the top face portion, and this groove portion makes part of the top face portion in a predetermined region less thick than the other part thereof. |
| US08253235B2 |
Semiconductor packaging substrate improving capability of electrostatic dissipation
A semiconductor packaging substrate with improved capability of electrostatic dissipation comprises a dielectric layer, a plurality of leads, a plurality of first electrostatic guiding traces, a plurality of second electrostatic guiding traces and a solder mask. The first electrostatic guiding traces and the second electrostatic guiding traces are formed in pairs in a plurality of electrostatic dissipation regions on the dielectric layer, where each pair of the first and second electrostatic guiding traces are disposed in equal line spacing and are electrically isolated from each other. The solder mask partially covers the leads but exposes the first electrostatic guiding traces and the second electrostatic guiding traces. The first electrostatic guiding traces are connected to some of the leads to enhance protection against electrostatic discharge. |
| US08253234B2 |
Optimized semiconductor packaging in a three-dimensional stack
A mechanism is provided for optimizing semiconductor packing in a three-dimensional (3D) very-large-scale integration (VLSI) device. The 3D VLSI device comprises a processor layer coupled, via a first set of coupling devices, to at least one signaling and input/output (I/O) layer. The 3D VLSI device further comprises a power delivery layer coupled, via a second set of coupling devices, to the processor layer. In the 3D VLSI device the power delivery layer is dedicated to only delivering power and does not provide data communication signals to the elements of the three-dimensional VLSI device, and the at least one signaling and input/output (I/O) layer is dedicated to only transmitting the data communication signals to and receiving the data communications signals from the processor layer and does not provide power to the elements of the processor layer. |
| US08253233B2 |
Module including a sintered joint bonding a semiconductor chip to a copper surface
A module includes a substrate including a first copper surface and a semiconductor chip. The module includes a first sintered joint bonding the semiconductor chip directly to the first copper surface. |
| US08253230B2 |
Disabling electrical connections using pass-through 3D interconnects and associated systems and methods
Pass-through 3D interconnects and microelectronic dies and systems of stacked dies that include such interconnects to disable electrical connections are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a system of stacked dies includes a first microelectronic die having a backside, an interconnect extending through the first die to the backside, an integrated circuit electrically coupled to the interconnect, and a first electrostatic discharge (ESD) device electrically isolated from the interconnect. A second microelectronic die has a front side coupled to the backside of the first die, a metal contact at the front side electrically coupled to the interconnect, and a second ESD device electrically coupled to the metal contact. In another embodiment, the first die further includes a substrate carrying the integrated circuit and the first ESD device, and the interconnect is positioned in the substrate to disable an electrical connection between the first ESD device and the interconnect. |
| US08253227B2 |
Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A semiconductor integrated circuit device capable of achieving improvement of I/O processing performance, reduction of power consumption, and reduction of cost is provided. Provided is a semiconductor integrated circuit device including, for example, a plurality of semiconductor chips stacked and mounted, the chips having data transceiving terminals bus-connected via through-vias, and data transmission and reception are performed via the bus with using the lowest source voltage among source voltages of internal core circuits of the chips. In accordance with that, a source voltage terminal of an n-th chip to be at the lowest source voltage is connected with source voltage terminals for data transceiving circuits of the other semiconductor chips via through-vias. |
| US08253226B2 |
Electronic parts, and method for arranging shielding case and chip parts
An electronic part (100) that shields parts on a substrate (101) includes a plurality of chip parts (102) each having on a respective end portion a ground terminal (103A) and an electrode terminal (103B) that supplies a voltage source, and located at regular intervals on the substrate with the respective ground terminals aligned, the ground terminal and the electrode terminal being electrically connected to a ground terminal land (107A) and an electrode terminal land (107B) of the substrate respectively; and a shielding case (104) that shields the plurality of chip parts and includes an opening (105) through which a resin is to be provided for securing strength of the respective electrical connection points of the ground terminal land and the electrode terminal land of the substrate with the ground terminal and the electrode terminal of the chip parts; the opening being formed such that an edge (106) of the opening becomes parallel to the ground terminal of the respective chip parts, and such that upon being warped the opening edge and the ground terminal of the respective chip parts contact each other, and such that upon being a portion of said chip parts other than a grounding part opposes the opening without contacting the edge of the opening. |
| US08253222B2 |
Semiconductor device and fabrication method of semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor region of a first conductivity type; a second semiconductor region of a second conductivity type, disposed on a surface of the first semiconductor region, and having an impurity concentration higher than that of the first semiconductor region; a trench that penetrates the second semiconductor region to reach the first semiconductor region; a first electrode disposed inside the trench via an insulating film; a first recess portion disposed deeper than an upper end of the first electrode, in a surface layer of the second semiconductor region, so as to be in contact with the trench; and a second electrode embedded in the first recess portion. |
| US08253218B2 |
Protective element and semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes at least one semiconductor element having a semiconductor stack containing a channel layer and a cap layer and a lower electrode and an upper electrode formed over a semiconductor stack, and at least one protective element having the semiconductor stack in common with the semiconductor element for protecting the semiconductor element. The protective element includes a recessed portion that penetrates the cap layer in the direction of the thickness, an insulation region formed in the semiconductor stack from the bottom of the recessed portion 221 in the direction of the thickness, and a pair of ohmic electrodes and formed on both sides of the recessed portion and connected to the cap layer. |
| US08253211B2 |
Semiconductor sensor structures with reduced dislocation defect densities
Non-silicon based semiconductor devices are integrated into silicon fabrication processes by using aspect-ratio-trapping materials. Non-silicon light-sensing devices in a least a portion of a crystalline material can output electrons generated by light absorption therein. Exemplary light-sensing devices can have relatively large micron dimensions. As an exemplary application, complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor photodetectors are formed on a silicon substrate by incorporating an aspect-ratio-trapping technique. |
| US08253208B1 |
Structure and fabrication of field-effect transistor having nitrided gate dielectric layer with tailored vertical nitrogen concentration profile
A gate dielectric layer (500, 566, or 700) of an insulated-gate field-effect transistor (110, 114, or 122) contains nitrogen having a vertical concentration profile specially tailored to prevent boron in the overlying gate electrode (502, 568, or 702) from significantly penetrating through the gate dielectric layer into the underlying channel zone (484, 554, or 684) while simultaneously avoiding the movement of nitrogen from the gate dielectric layer into the underlying semiconductor body. Damage which could otherwise result from undesired boron in the channel zone and from undesired nitrogen in the semiconductor body is substantially avoided. |
| US08253205B2 |
Method for forming strained channel PMOS devices and integrated circuits therefrom
An integrated circuit (IC) includes a plurality of compressively strained PMOS transistors. The IC includes a substrate having a semiconductor surface. A gate stack is formed in or on the semiconductor surface and includes a gate electrode on a gate dielectric, wherein a channel region is located in the semiconductor surface below the gate dielectric. A source and a drain region is opposing sides of the gate stack. At least one compressive strain inducing region including at least one specie selected from Ge, Sn and Pb is located in at least a portion of the source and drain regions of the PMOS transistors, wherein the strain inducing region provides ≦1010 dislocation lines/cm2 and an active concentration of the compressive strain inducing specie that is above a solid solubility limit for the compressive strain inducing specie in the compressive strain inducing region. A method for forming compressively strained PMOS transistors includes implanting on at least opposing sides of the gate stack using at least one compressive strain inducing specie selected from Ge, Sn and Pb at a dose ≧1×1015 cm−2, at an implantation temperature during implanting in a temperature range ≦273 K, wherein the implant conditions are sufficient to form an amorphous region. The wafer is annealed using annealing conditions including a peak anneal temperature of between 1050° C. and 1400° C. and an anneal time at the peak temperature of ≦10 seconds, wherein the amorphous region recrystallizes by solid phase epitaxy (SPE). |
| US08253197B2 |
Integrated circuit with a laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor device and method of forming the same
An integrated circuit with a transistor advantageously embodied in a laterally diffused metal oxide semiconductor device having a gate located over a channel region recessed into a semiconductor substrate and a method of forming the same. In one embodiment, the transistor includes a source/drain including a lightly or heavily doped region adjacent the channel region, and an oppositely doped well extending under the channel region and a portion of the lightly or heavily doped region of the source/drain. The transistor also includes a channel extension, within the oppositely doped well, under the channel region and extending under a portion of the lightly or heavily doped region of the source/drain. |
| US08253191B2 |
Vertically-oriented semiconductor selection device for cross-point array memory
A vertical semiconductor material mesa upstanding from a semiconductor base that forms a conductive channel between first and second doped regions. The first doped region is electrically coupled to one or more first silicide layers on the surface of the base. The second doped region is electrically coupled to a second silicide layer on the upper surface of the mesa. A gate conductor is provided on one or more sidewalls of the mesa. |
| US08253186B2 |
Semiconductor device having controllable transistor threshold voltage
A semiconductor device of this invention is a single-layer gate nonvolatile semiconductor memory in which a floating gate having a predetermined shape is formed on a semiconductor substrate. This floating gate opposes a diffusion layer serving as a control gate via a gate oxide film and is capacitively coupled with the diffusion layer by using the gate oxide film as a dielectric film. The diffusion layer immediately below the dielectric film is insulated from the semiconductor substrate by an insulating film such as a silicon oxide film. A pair of diffusion layers are formed in surface regions of the semiconductor substrate on the two sides of the floating gate extending on a tunnel oxide film. This invention can realize a reliable semiconductor device which is a single-layer gate semiconductor device by which a low-cost process is possible, has a control gate which can well withstand a high voltage applied when data is erased or written, and can prevent an operation error by minimizing variations in the threshold value. |
| US08253185B2 |
Memory device and method for fabricating the same
A memory device includes gate lines and select lines formed over a substrate, and at least two dummy lines formed in a gap region between adjacent select lines. The memory device is able to reduce a width of the select line by enhancing uniformity of the line pattern density. Therefore, a degree of integration of the memory device is enhanced and the cost of production is reduced. Furthermore, by forming a source line in a gap region between adjacent dummy lines, it is possible to secure a process margin of photolithography for forming a contact hole and to reduce contact resistance. |
| US08253180B2 |
Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes: a high dielectric constant gate insulating film formed on an active region in a substrate; a gate electrode formed on the high dielectric constant gate insulating film; and an insulating sidewall formed on each side surface of the gate electrode. The high dielectric constant gate insulating film is continuously formed so as to extend from under the gate electrode to under the insulating sidewall. At least part of the high dielectric constant gate insulating film located under the insulating sidewall has a smaller thickness than a thickness of part of the high dielectric constant gate insulating film located under the gate electrode. |
| US08253175B2 |
Sealed semiconductor device
A sealed semiconductor device having reduced delamination of the sealing layer in high temperature, high humidity conditions is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a substrate and a stack of device layers on the substrate sealed with a sealing layer. The upper surface of a street area of the substrate is oxidized so that the oxidized region extends under the sealing layer. The presence of the oxidized region of the upper surface of the substrate helps reduce the delamination, because the oxidized surface does not react with water to the same extent as a non-oxidized surface. The semiconductor devices remain sealed after dicing through the street area because the oxidized surface does not delaminate. |
| US08253171B1 |
Two terminal nanotube switch, memory array incorporating the same and method of making
A two terminal switching device includes a first conductive terminal, a second conductive terminal in spaced relation to the first terminal, the first terminal encompassed by the second terminal. The device also includes an electrically insulating spacer that encompasses the first terminal and provides the spaced relation between the second terminal and the first terminal. It also includes a nanotube article comprising at least one carbon nanotube, the nanotube article being arranged to overlap at least a portion of each of the first and second terminals. The device also includes a stimulus circuit in electrical communication with at least one of the first and second terminals that is capable of applying a first electrical stimulus to at least one of the first and second terminals to change the resistance of the device between the first and second terminals from a relatively low resistance to a relatively high resistance. |
| US08253167B2 |
Method for forming antimony-based FETs monolithically
An integrated circuit structure includes a substrate and a first and a second plurality of III-V semiconductor layers. The first plurality of III-V semiconductor layers includes a first bottom barrier over the substrate; a first channel layer over the first bottom barrier; and a first top barrier over the first channel layer. A first field-effect transistor (FET) includes a first channel region, which includes a portion of the first channel layer. The second plurality of III-V semiconductor layers is over the first plurality of III-V semiconductor layers and includes a second bottom barrier; a second channel layer over the second bottom barrier; and a second top barrier over the second channel layer. A second FET includes a second channel region, which includes a portion of the second channel layer. |
| US08253164B2 |
Fast switching lateral insulated gate bipolar transistor (LIGBT) with trenched contacts
A lateral insulated gate bipolar transistor (LIGBT) includes a drain-anode adjoining trenched contact penetrating through an insulating layer and extending into an epitaxial layer, directly contacting to a drain region and an anode region, and the drain region vertically contacting to the anode region along sidewall of the drain-anode adjoining trenched contact. The LIGBT further comprises a breakdown voltage enhancement doping region wrapping around the anode region. The LIGBTs in accordance with the invention offer the advantages of high breakdown voltage and low on-resistance as well as high switching speed. |
| US08253160B2 |
Light-emitting diode chip structure and fabrication method thereof
A light-emitting diode chip structure including a conductive substrate, a semiconductor stacking layer and a patterned seed crystal layer is provided. The conductive substrate has a surface. The surface has a first region and a second region alternately distributed over the surface. The semiconductor stacking layer is disposed on the conductive substrate, and the surface of the conductive substrate faces the semiconductor stacking layer. The patterned seed crystal layer is disposed on the first region of the surface of the conductive substrate and between the conductive substrate and the semiconductor stacking layer. The patterned seed crystal layer separates the semiconductor stacking layer from the first region. The semiconductor stacking layer covers the patterned seed crystal layer and the second region, and is electrically connected to the conductive substrate through the second region. A fabrication method of the light-emitting diode chip structure is also provided. |
| US08253149B2 |
Light emitting diode device
An LED device includes a substrate, a plurality of LEDs, a first light pervious layer, a reflective plate, and a plurality of phosphor particles contained in the first light pervious layer. The LEDs are electrically mounted on the substrate and configured for emitting light of a first wavelength. The reflective plate is mounted on the substrate for directing the light of the first wavelength to transmit through the first light pervious layer. The phosphor particles are configured for converting the light of the first wavelength into light of a second wavelength. A distribution of the phosphor particles in the first light pervious layer gradually decreases from a center to a periphery thereof. |
| US08253148B2 |
Light emitting diode and method for manufacturing the same
An exemplary light emitting diode includes a conductive base, an LED die, a transparent conductive layer and at least one pad. The LED die includes a p-type GaN layer connected to the base, an active layer on the p-type GaN layer, and an n-type GaN layer on the active layer. The transparent conductive layer is coated on an exposed side of the n-type GaN layer. The exposed side has an arched central portion, which in one embodiment is concave and in another embodiment is convex. The at least one n-side pad is mounted on the transparent conductive layer. The at least one n-side pad and the conductive base are for connecting with a power source. |
| US08253146B2 |
LED die having heat dissipation layers
An LED die includes a multi-layer semiconductor with a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, an inclined plane connecting to the first surface and the second surface, a first electrode and a second electrode respectively positioned on the first surface and the second surface, a first heat dissipation layer made of electrically-insulating and thermally conductive material being coated on the first surface and the inclined plane with a first opening exposing the first electrode, and a second heat dissipation layer made of electrically and thermally conductive material being coated on the first heat dissipation layer and contacting and electrically connecting with the first electrode. |
| US08253144B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
As for a semiconductor device which is typified by a display device, it is an object to provide a highly reliable semiconductor device to which a large-sized or high-definition screen is applicable and which has high display quality and operates stably. By using a conductive layer including Cu as a long lead wiring, an increase in wiring resistance is suppressed. Further, the conductive layer including Cu is provided in such a manner that it does not overlap with the semiconductor layer in which a channel region of a TFT is formed, and is surrounded by insulating layers including silicon nitride, whereby diffusion of Cu can be prevented; thus, a highly reliable semiconductor device can be manufactured. Specifically, a display device which is one embodiment of a semiconductor device can have high display quality and operate stably even when the size or definition thereof is increased. |
| US08253141B2 |
Thin film transistor, method of fabricating the same, and organic light emitting diode display device including the thin film transistor
A thin film transistor (TFT), a method of fabricating the same, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device having the TFT. The TFT includes: a substrate; a polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) semiconductor layer disposed on the substrate, including source, drain, and channel regions, a crystallization-inducing metal, first gettering sites disposed on opposing edges of the semiconductor layer, and a second gettering site spaced apart from the first gettering sites; a gate insulating layer disposed on the semiconductor layer; a gate electrode disposed on the gate insulating layer; an interlayer insulating layer disposed on the gate electrode; and source and drain electrodes disposed on the interlayer insulating layer and electrically connected to the source and drain regions of the semiconductor layer. |
| US08253140B2 |
Display device having capacitor wiring
To provide a liquid crystal display device having high quality display by obtaining a high aperture ratio while securing a sufficient storage capacitor (Cs), and at the same time, by dispersing a load (a pixel writing-in electric current) of a capacitor wiring in a timely manner to effectively reduce the load. A scanning line is formed on a different layer from a gate electrode and the capacitor wiring is arranged so as to be parallel with a signal line. Each pixel is connected to the individually independent capacitor wiring via a dielectric. Therefore, variations in the electric potential of the capacitor wiring caused by a writing-in electric current of a neighboring pixel can be avoided, whereby obtaining satisfactory display images. |
| US08253139B2 |
Thin film transistor substrate
A thin film transistor substrate, capable of being assembled, is attached to a filter substrate to provide a semi-finished liquid crystal display panel. The thin film transistor substrate includes a base substrate with thin film transistors formed thereon, wiring assemblies formed on the substrate and electrically connected to the corresponding thin film transistors selectively, metal sheets formed on the base substrate, a protection layer formed on the thin film transistors, the wiring assemblies, and the metal sheets, and a buffer module formed on the protection layer. The buffer module is positioned above a projection of a cutting line onto the base substrate, and the surplus materials of the filter substrate are removed along the cutting line. |
| US08253134B2 |
Oxide thin film transistor
An oxide thin film transistor and a method of manufacturing the oxide TFT are provided. The oxide thin film transistor (TFT) including: a gate; a channel formed to correspond to the gate, and a capping layer having a higher work function than the channel; a gate insulator disposed between the gate and the channel; and a source and drain respectively contacting either side of the capping layer and the channel and partially on a top surface of the capping layer. |
| US08253128B2 |
Organic light emitting diode display
An organic light emitting diode display includes a substrate, a thin film transistor on the substrate and including a gate electrode, a source electrode, and a drain electrode, a planarization layer on the thin film transistor and having a contact hole exposing a portion of one of the drain electrode or the source electrode, a pixel electrode on the planarization layer and coupled to the one of the drain electrode or the source electrode through the contact hole, a colored pixel defining layer on the planarization layer and including an opening exposing at least a portion of the pixel electrode, and a colored layer on the pixel electrode and the pixel defining layer and having a chromatic color different from a chromatic color of the pixel defining layer. |
| US08253127B2 |
Organic light-emitting device having improved light-emitting efficiency and method for fabricating the same
The present invention provides an organic light emitting device in which a layer having a refractive index in the range of 1.3 to 3 is further formed on an upper electrode of at least one region of regions through which rays having red, green, and blue colors are passed and a method of manufacturing the organic light emitting device. An optical length that can cause the microcavity effect according to the type of color of emitted light is controlled by using the layer to manufacture the organic light emitting device having high light emitting efficiency. |
| US08253126B2 |
Organic electronic device
Disclosed is an electronic device including an n-type organic compound layer as a portion of an electrode for hole injection or hole extraction. The electronic device includes a first electrode including a conductive layer and an n-type organic compound layer disposed on the conductive layer; a second electrode; and a p-type organic compound layer that is interposed between the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and the second electrode and forms an NP junction together with the n-type organic compound layer of the first electrode and energy levels of the layers satisfy the following Expressions (1) and (2): 2 eV |
| US08253125B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device and method of manufacturing the same
There is provided a method of manufacturing a nitride semiconductor light emitting device. A method of manufacturing a nitride semiconductor light emitting device according to an aspect of the invention may include: nitriding a surface of an m-plane sapphire substrate; forming a high-temperature buffer layer on the m-plane sapphire substrate; depositing a semi-polar (11-22) plane nitride thin film on the high-temperature buffer layer; and forming a light emitting structure including a first nitride semiconductor layer, an active layer, and a second nitride semiconductor layer on the semi-polar (11-22) plane nitride thin film. |
| US08253123B2 |
Method and device for generating EUV radiation or soft X-rays with enhanced efficiency
The present invention relates to a method and device for generating optical radiation, in particular EUV radiation or soft x-rays, by means of an electrically operated discharge. A plasma (15) is ignited in a gaseous medium between at least two electrodes (1, 2), wherein said gaseous medium is produced at least partly from a liquid material (6) which is applied to one or several surface(s) moving in the discharge space and is at least partially evaporated by one or several pulsed energy beams. In the proposed method and device at least two consecutive pulses (9, 18) are applied within a time interval of each electrical discharge onto said surface(s). With this measure, the collectable conversion efficiency is increased compared to the use of only one single energy pulse within each electrical discharge. |
| US08253122B2 |
Infrared physiotherapeutic apparatus
An infrared physiotherapeutic apparatus is provided. The infrared physiotherapeutic apparatus includes a supporting element, an infrared radiating element, and a first and second electrode. The infrared radiating element is mounted on the supporting element. The first electrode and the second electrode are spaced apart from each other and electrically connected to the infrared radiating element. The infrared radiating element includes a carbon nanotube structure. |
| US08253120B2 |
Flood source with pigmentless active area and visible border
Method and/or system for forming a radiation flood source. The radiation flood source includes a paper sheet, a pigmentless radioactive fill printed on the paper sheet, and a pigmented border printed on the paper sheet and around the pigmentless radioactive fill. In one embodiment the radiation flood source is formed by preparing a radioactive isotope carrier solution; loading the radioactive isotope carrier solution into a radioactive isotope carrier solution cartridge; loading a separate border cartridge into a plotter; selecting and configuring a shape of an active area; setting a border to be placed around the active area; printing the active area by utilizing the radioactive isotope carrier solution cartridge on a sheet substrate; and printing the border by utilizing the separate border cartridge on the sheet substrate. |
| US08253119B1 |
Well-based dynamic pattern generator
One embodiment relates to an apparatus of a dynamic pattern generator for reflection electron beam lithography. The apparatus includes a plurality of base electrodes in a two-dimensional array, an insulating border surrounding each base electrode so as to electrically isolate the base electrodes from each other; and a sidewall surrounding each base electrode. The sidewall comprises a plurality of stacked electrodes which are separated by insulating layers. In addition, the base electrodes are advantageously shaped so as to be concave. Furthermore, a conformal coating may be advantageously applied over the base electrodes and sidewalls. Another embodiment relates to an apparatus for reflection electron beam lithography. The apparatus includes a shadow mask configured to form an array of incident electron beamlets. The shadow mask comprises an array of holes which correspond one-to-one with an array of pixel pads of an electron reflective patterned structure. Other embodiments, aspects and features are disclosed. |
| US08253117B2 |
Fluorescence detector
A fluorescence detector is provided to improve the non-linearity relationship between concentration and fluorescence intensity for a high specimen concentration. The detector improves the dynamic range of the measurements. For a high concentration of the specimen, a light beam restriction unit is used so that only the fluorescence being emitted from a region close to the incident end of the excitation light is condensed by the condensing lens and led to the fluorescence side spectrometer and detected. Because the fluorescence emitted from a region after the passage of the excitation light through a specimen solution as well as its strong absorption by the specimen solution is not reflected in the measurement result, the linearity of the relationship between concentration and fluorescence intensity is improved despite the reduction in the fluorescence quantity. For a low specimen concentration, the light beam restriction unit is used to improve sensitivity. |
| US08253116B1 |
Device and method for spatial reconstructing of absorbers mapping
The invention concerns a method for locating at least one absorber in a diffusing medium, using at least one excitation radiation and at least one detector (Φfluo), including: a) for at least one pair (radiation source-detector), at least one excitation by the radiation source, and at least one detection of the fluorescence signal emitted by the absorber after this excitation, b) identification of meshing of the volume into mesh elements, and c) estimation of the location of the absorber in its diffusing medium, by computing a function (Pm) of at least one of three parameters. |
| US08253114B2 |
Ion source
An ion source includes a plasma generating chamber into which an ionization gas containing fluorine is introduced, a hot cathode provided on one side in the plasma generating chamber, an opposing reflecting electrode which is provided on other side in the plasma generating chamber and reflects electrons when a negative voltage is applied from a bias power supply to the opposing reflecting electrode, and a magnet for generating a magnetic field along a line, which connects the hot cathode and the opposing reflecting electrode, in the plasma generating chamber. The opposing reflecting electrode is formed of an aluminum containing material. |
| US08253113B2 |
Charged particle beam irradiation system and charged particle beam extraction method
A charged particle beam irradiation system includes a synchrotron which accelerates an ion beam, an irradiation apparatus for irradiating an object with the ion beam introduced from the synchrotron, detection means for measuring an amount of accumulated charge of the ion beam that orbits in the synchrotron immediately before an extraction control period in an operating cycle of the synchrotron, and beam extraction control means for controlling extraction of the ion beam based on the measurement result of the accumulated beam charge amount so that extraction of a total amount of the ion beam is to be completed with an expiration of an extraction control time, the extraction control time representing a length of the extraction control period of the synchrotron and being set in advance. |
| US08253112B2 |
Lithography apparatus and focusing method for charged particle beam
A lithography apparatus includes a unit irradiating a charged particle beam; first and second aperture plate members configured to shape the beam; first and second coils configured to be arranged between the unit and the first aperture plate member, to temporarily deflect the beam, to change a direction of the beam after the temporarily deflecting, and to deflect the beam to a position where the beam passes through the first aperture plate member by the changing; a lens configured to be arranged between the first and second aperture plate members and to control a focal position of the beam having passed through the first aperture plate member; and a unit configured to calculate a difference between positions of the beam on the second aperture plate member obtained by different sets of amounts of deflection at a same focal position when a combination of one of focal positions of the beam controlled by the lens and one of sets of amounts of deflection of the beam obtained by the first and second coils is changed. |
| US08253111B2 |
X-ray diagnostic apparatus
An imaging apparatus including a flow passage 51 formed inside a base substrate 5, an active matrix substrate 3 disposed relative to a surface of the base substrate 5, an amplifier circuit connected to the active matrix substrate, and a temperature-control heat transfer medium circulated through the flow passage 51 to remove heat generated in the amplifier circuit 4 and suppress a temperature change in a semiconductor layer 2. |
| US08253105B1 |
System and method for analyzing thermal images
A thermal imaging system to facilitate analysis of thermal images comprises a portable thermal imager having a communication interface for transfer of data. The imager also has an on-board memory in which image data for corresponding thermal images is stored. A remote computer is operative to communicate with the thermal imager via the communication interface for download of the image data. The computer runs software operative to superimpose at least one marker at a selected location on a thermal image, the marker being saved on the image. |
| US08253104B2 |
Method and apparatus for detecting terahertz waves
A terahertz wave detecting apparatus includes a semiconductor chip 12 in which a 2-dimensional electron gas 13 is formed at a constant position from its surface, and a carbon nanotube 14, a conductive source electrode 15, a drain electrode 16 and a gate electrode 17 provided in close contact with the surface of the chip. The carbon nanotube 14 extends along the surface of the chip, where both ends of the tube are connected to the source electrode and the drain electrode of the chip, and the gate electrode 17 is spaced at a constant interval from the side surface of the carbon nanotube. Further, the apparatus includes a SD current detecting circuit 18 for applying a voltage between the source electrode and the drain electrode and for detecting SD current therebetween, a gate voltage applying circuit 19 for applying a variable gate voltage between the source electrode and the gate electrode, and a magnetic field generating device 20 for applying a variable magnetic field to the chip. |
| US08253103B2 |
Terahertz wave measuring apparatus having space arrangement structure and measuring method
There is provided a measuring apparatus including a space arrangement structure that includes space regions surrounded by conductors in a plane, an electromagnetic wave emitter that emits electromagnetic waves towards an object held by the space arrangement structure, and an electromagnetic wave detector that measures the electromagnetic waves that have passed through the space arrangement structure. Here, characteristics of the object are measured by measuring the electromagnetic waves that have passed through the space arrangement structure. The electromagnetic waves emitted from the electromagnetic wave emitter towards the space arrangement structure are incident on the plane containing the space regions at an angle, and the electromagnetic waves that have passed through the space arrangement structure are measured. |
| US08253093B2 |
Optoelectronic detector assembly and method of operating same
An optoelectronic detector and method of using same. In order to avoid any condensation on a surface, it has been known to heat such a surface. However, heating an optoelectronic detector will create a stronger hissing noise due to the greater dark current that is caused thereby. The invention is intended to avoid any condensation on an optoelectronic detector without airtight encapsulation. To this end, the detector is cooled and equipped with a sensor for the determination of a current value of one of the variables ambient humidity and ambient dew point temperature and a control unit that is connected with the sensor and designed to control the cooling device in dependence of such a value. By taking into account the ambient humidity or, respectively, the dew point temperature in the control of the cooling device, condensation on the detector can be avoided. An airtight encapsulation of the detector and the cooling device is not required. |
| US08253088B2 |
Heat-distribution sensor and solar tracker having same
An exemplary heat-distribution sensor includes a base and a number of thermocouples. The base includes a spherical surface and defines a number of receiving holes in the spherical surface. Each thermocouple has a sensing end which is received in a corresponding receiving hole and is configured for sensing heat generated by sunlight rays impinging on the sensing end. |
| US08253084B2 |
Drawer type cooking device having turntable mechanism
The invention provides a drawer type microwave oven having a turntable functioning as a uniform heating mechanism with a visual effect, while maintaining the ceiling height of a heating chamber and having improved usability. A turntable drive mechanism 40 utilizing a thin deceleration mechanism and a pivot mechanism is disposed in a space 19 formed between a bottom wall 17 of the drawer body 4 and a bottom wall 12 of the heating chamber 3, and a power transmission mechanism is engaged in a detachable manner in conjunction with the movement of the drawer body 4 together with the door. Thus, a drawer type microwave oven capable of performing uniform heating by pivot rotation while maintaining the ceiling height of the heating chamber is realized. |
| US08253081B2 |
System and method for electromagnetic pulse surface treatment
A system and method for electromagnetic surface treatment of a work piece has an electromagnetic pulse generator and an electromagnetic pulse tool. The work piece has a working surface. A current pulse generated by the electromagnetic pulse generator travels through the tool producing an electromagnetic pulse. The electromagnetic pulse interacts with the working surface causing an indentation to form. A residual compressive stress layer is also formed. The indentation has a smooth and continuous topography that is described by an indentation perimeter, an indentation transition region, an indentation sidewall, an impact transition region, and an impact region. The method may also simultaneously, or subsequently, form a second indentation which overlaps with the indentation. An inter-indentation overlap region is formed when the indentations overlap. The inter-indentation overlap region is smooth and continuous. Multiple treated surfaces may easily be formed on the working surface of the work piece. |
| US08253079B2 |
Temperature-control circuit of a heating line and a temperature-control method thereof
A temperature-control circuit of a heating line and a temperature-control method thereof are disclosed. The method comprises steps of: outputting a forward square-wave signal by a first forward square-wave signal generation circuit; outputting a reverse square-wave signal by a reverse square-wave signal generation circuit; and outputting a varied forward square-wave signal by a second forward square-wave signal generation circuit. Above square-wave signal generation circuits are respectively connected with an AND gate. When the input square-wave signals are simultaneously logic high, a switch is triggered by a trigger circuit to heat the heating wire. When the heating wire's temperature increases, the forward square-wave signal output by the second forward square-wave signal generation circuit is changed so as to render these input square-wave signals non-simultaneously logic high and not to trigger the switch in order to stop the heating wire's heating and keep the heating wire at a certain temperature range. |
| US08253073B2 |
Retractable hose reel and enclosure
A hose heater for use in outdoor or unheated interior spaces of a home, construction office or farm. The hose heater includes an enclosure having a hose reel for storing the hose also having an electrical heating unit to warm the stored hose between uses. A heating core located in the center of the reel provides heat, keeping the hose from freezing. The enclosure which itself may be heated or unheated, blankets the hose to provide heat to the outer hose coils to ensure that the extremities are maintained at a freeze-free temperature. This can be used in small scale farming, outside use, and other areas where animals and ice rinks need watering in winter with a hose. |
| US08253072B2 |
Data input device
A data input device includes a heating circuit and a temperature control circuit. The heating circuit includes a heating apparatus, and a relay. When a temperature of the data input device is lower than a determined temperature, a first switch of the data input device is turned off, and a relay of the data input device is turned on, and the heating apparatus heats at least one surface of the data input device. |
| US08253064B2 |
Progressive laser blanking device for high speed cutting
A laser blanking device for high speed cutting of a rapidly fed strip of coil stock is disclosed and includes a support frame extending along a first longitudinal axis and a conveyor supported by the support frame. A strip of coil stock material is fed onto the conveyor at a pinch roll located near a first end of the frame. Transverse, moveable gantries above the conveyor suspend lasers. A pinch roll located near a second end of the frame assists movement of the material. Multiple laser cutting operations are simultaneously performed on the material as it moves along the device, and a laser head suspended from a gantry situated after the second pinch roll completes a cut that separates a blank from the remainder of the stock material. |
| US08253060B2 |
Hybrid laser arc welding process and apparatus
A welding method and apparatus for welding workpieces together by conducting a laser beam welding process on a joint region that includes a weld seam defined by and between faying surfaces of the workpieces, and then conducting a hybrid laser arc welding process on the joint region. The laser beam welding process entails causing a first laser beam to travel along the joint region, penetrate the weld seam and form a weldment. The hybrid laser arc welding process remelts the weldment by simultaneously causing an electric arc and a second laser beam to overlap and travel along the joint region and form a weld pool in the weldment. On cooling, a weld joint is formed within the joint region and its weld seam. |
| US08253058B2 |
Hybrid nozzle for plasma spraying silicon
A hybrid nozzle for use in a plasma spray gun, especially for plasma spraying silicon to form semiconductor devices such as solar cell. The outlet of the gun includes a two-piece annular electrode against which the plasma is ignited and through which the plasma plume exits the gun together with entrained silicon. In one embodiment, the upstream part is composed of graphite to allow ignition of the plasma and the downstream part is composed of pure silicon. In another aspect, the silicon feedstock is injected into the plasma plume through ports formed through the silicon part. |
| US08253057B1 |
System and method for plasma generation
A system and method for generating a plasma. An embodiment of the system for generating a plasma may include a first electrode; a second electrode disposed adjacent the first electrode; a first power supply for supplying power at the second electrode; a second power supply for generating a magnetic field; and a sequencer for coordinating a discharge of power from the first power supply and a discharge of power from the second power supply. The first power supply may be configured such that the discharge of power from the first power supply generates a plasma between the first electrode and the second electrode. The second power supply may be configured such that the magnetic field generated by the discharge of power from the second power supply rotates the plasma. |
| US08253055B2 |
Vacuum circuit breaker
There is provided a vacuum circuit breaker including a vacuum valve, a first main circuit conductor fixed to a fixed current-carrying rod end of the vacuum valve, a polygonal movable conductor connected to a movable current-carrying rod end of the vacuum valve, an operation movable rod connected to the movable conductor in an axial direction and connected to an operation mechanism, a second main circuit conductor, through which the operation movable rod is movably inserted, and at least one extendable flexible conductor, which connects side surfaces of the movable conductor and the second main circuit conductor. |
| US08253052B2 |
Keyboard dome stiffener assembly
A keyboard dome stiffener assembly includes a circuit board having a plurality of dome pads that each defines a venting aperture, a dome sheet disposed over the circuit board, and a stiffener disposed beneath the circuit board that defines a plurality of cutouts corresponding to each venting aperture. The dome pads correspond to a key of an associated keyboard to be assembled with the keyboard dome stiffener assembly. The dome sheet forms an air space associated with each dome pad that is in fluid communication with the corresponding venting aperture. The cutouts of the stiffener provide an air cavity between the circuit board and the stiffener. Each air cavity is in fluid communication with an air space, and when one of the keyboard keys is depressed, some of the air in the air space travels between the air space of the keyboard to the corresponding air cavity. |
| US08253049B2 |
Decorative light switch cover
A slip on cover for the end portion of the toggle of a light switch is disclosed. The cover can slip over the toggle and adhere by suction or friction. The cover can provide a variety of decorative features, including color and glow in the dark feature to allow a person to easily find the light switch in the dark. It can provide protection for the light switch toggle to limit damage. The light switch cover can also incorporate various decorative features at the end of the light switch, including balls and hats and a wide variety of other shapes. |
| US08253048B2 |
Illuminated indicator on an input device
An input device includes a base. A keycap is coupled to the base by a key guide structure that supports the keycap in a position that provides a space between the keycap and the base. The keycap includes a light transmitting section. An illuminator is located adjacent the light transmitting section. A flexible illumination guide is positioned about a perimeter of the illuminator. The flexible illumination guide is operable to flex in response to engaging the keycap. The illuminator is operable to provide illumination through the flexible illumination guide and the light transmitting section. The flexible illumination guide prevents illumination from escaping directly from the perimeter of the illuminator and through the space between the keycap and the base. |
| US08253045B2 |
Keypad assembly and electronic device using same
A keypad assembly is used for an electronic device. The keypad assembly includes a support member, a plurality of key strips and a plurality of elastic members. The support member defines a plurality of receiving grooves each with an angled bottom surface. The key strips are received in the receiving grooves. The elastic members are received in the receiving grooves, and each elastic member abuts a corresponding key strip providing a biasing force to extend a portion of the key strips from the receiving groove. |
| US08253041B2 |
Electronic element packaging module
An electronic element packaging module including a lead frame, an insulating layer and at least one electronic element is provided. The lead frame is a patterned metal sheet and has a first surface, a second surface opposite thereto and a through trench passing from the first surface to the second surface. A substrate portion and a plurality of lead portions around the substrate portion of the lead frame are defined by the through trench. The second surface of the lead frame is exposed outside the electronic element packaging module. The insulating layer disposed in the through trench has a third surface and a forth surface substantially coplanar with the first and the second surfaces, respectively. The electronic element disposed on the first surface is coupled to the lead frame. |
| US08253039B2 |
Assembly comprising an electromagnetically screened SMD component, method and use
The disclosure relates to an electronic component assembly including at least one SMD component (11) having a number of external surfaces (111) limited by edges (112) and at least two electrical terminals (113), an electromagnetic screen (12) for limiting the electromagnetic coupling to and from the SMD component or components, and an electrically insulating layer (13) located between at least one of the surfaces and the electromagnetic screen. The disclosure furthermore relates to a method of manufacturing an electronic component assembly and to the use of an electronic component assembly. |
| US08253038B2 |
Enclosure of electronic device
An enclosure includes a plate. The plate defines a number of through holes. A first shield extends from an edge bounding each through hole. A second shield extends from the edge bounding each through hole, opposite to the first shields. Each through hole is partially covered by a corresponding first shield and a corresponding second shield. The enclosure with the shields can shield the electronic device from electromagnetic interference. |
| US08253037B2 |
Electromagnetic shielding configuration
An electromagnetic shielding configuration comprising a first electrically conductive wall having a first surface and a second electrically conductive wall having a second surface. The first surface is oppositely disposed from the second surface, wherein interfacing of the first conductive wall and the second conductive wall forms an enclosure wall. The first surface comprises at least one stepped edge forming a plurality of surfaces of unequal lateral displacement, and a corrugated surface on at least one of the plurality of surfaces, the corrugated surface formed by a series of apices extending radially from the first surface. The second surface is substantially a conjugate of the first surface. |
| US08253036B2 |
Joint structure between the wall elements of a magnetically shielded room
The present invention discloses a joint structure between the wall elements of a light-weight magnetically shielded room. In the joint structure, the end of the aluminum plate of the element is stepped and its surface roughened. In addition to this, the aluminum plate is coated, for example, with tin to improve the electrical contact. The joint includes μ metal plates which are used to make a magnetic contact between the μ metal plates of the elements. The compression force achieved by means of bolts is transmitted to the joint by means of an aluminum moulding. The non-continuous compression force is balanced over the entire joint area by using presser rubbers. The joint structure is protected by means of supporting profiles which are used to electrically couple the thinner aluminum plate of the sandwich type wall element to the thinner aluminum plate of an adjacent element. The thinner aluminum plate and the supporting profile can also be coated, for example, with tin to improve the contact. |
| US08253033B2 |
Circuit board with connection layer with fillet
A lower sub-board of a circuit board includes a first base layer having an upper surface, and a first wiring pattern provided on the upper surface of the first base layer. An upper sub-board of a circuit board includes a second base layer having a lower surface, and a second wiring pattern provided on the lower surface of the second base layer. A connection layer between lower and upper sub-boards includes an insulating layer having a lower surface and an upper surface, the lower surface of connection layer being situated on the upper surface of the first base layer, the upper surface of connection layer being situated on the lower surface of the second base layer, and a via-conductor passing through the insulating layer and connected to the first and second wiring patterns. This circuit board connects the sub-boards to each other via a via-conductor densely. |
| US08253032B2 |
Printed circuit board strip and panel
A printed circuit board strip and a printed circuit board panel are disclosed. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the printed circuit board strip includes an unit area, a plating lead-in wire, which is for plating the unit area, and a mold gate, which is disposed on an outer side of the unit area. Here, the plating lead-in wire and the mold gate are electrically connected to each other through a lead line having a shape that is bent plural times. This can significantly save the production cost by preventing an excessive plated layer from being formed in an unnecessary area. |
| US08253029B2 |
Filter circuit element and electronic circuit device
A plurality of vias is disposed side by side on a multilayer board. A first via which is one of the vias disposed at one outer portion is electrically connected to a first outgoing line provided on the multilayer board. A second via at the other outer portion is electrically connected to a second outgoing line provided on the multilayer board. A plurality of the vias is connected to a first fixed potential layer (a ground layer, for example) of the multilayer board. At least one second fixed potential layer is provided, with a plurality of the vias through a clearance and having the same potential as that of the first fixed potential layer, as an inner layer of the multilayer board between the first and second outgoing lines and the fixed potential layer. Therefore, a BPF whose rate of occupied area is low is formed on the multilayer board without additional production processes. |
| US08253026B2 |
Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board is provided with at least one via hole, in which a heat dissipating element is arranged, wherein at least one radiant source is arranged on the heat dissipating element. The lighting device is provided with at least one such printed circuit board. |
| US08253023B2 |
Communication cable with variable lay length
Communication cables are provided in which a core lay length of the cable varies along the cable length. The cable may be provided with different segments that have different core lay lengths. It is desirable for neighboring core lay lengths in a cable to differ by a factor of two, to enable a reduction in power-sum alien near-end crosstalk (PSANEXT) when two cables are installed alongside one another. Segments of the cable having different core lay lengths may be spaced periodically along the length of the cable, and the periodicity of the spacing may be altered by a jitter distance. The introduction of jitter into the periodicity of the spacing of the segments increases the likelihood that a beneficial placement of core lay lengths will occur when two or more cables are installed alongside one another. |
| US08253022B2 |
Device and method for mechanically bonding and grounding painted cable trays
A suspension tray is provided that is adapted to hold a plurality of cables and/or wires that includes a device for electrically bonding and grounding the tray. The tray includes a series of spokes forming a wire mesh support on which the cables and/or wires are placed. The device (which serves to electrically bond and ground the tray) includes a plurality of conductive elements affixed to the wire mesh support. Each conductive element may include two side portions and a middle portion. The two side portions are preferably sealed with a paint composition and the middle portion includes a conductive surface that is capable of electrically bonding and grounding the tray. |
| US08253018B2 |
System and method for loop detector installation
A pre-fabricated ferromagnetic loop having a footprint characterized by a continuous wire shaped according to a predetermined planar pattern. In some embodiments, the predetermined planar pattern can be multiple contiguous polygons within a larger footprint used for establishing a sensor for the detection of moving vehicles. The footprint may include one of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, an ellipse, or a circle, and/or other shapes or configurations. Similarly, each of the multiple contiguous polygons may include one of a triangle, a square, a rectangle, a rhombus, a parallelogram, and/or other shapes or configurations. A loop sensor housing is arranged to enclose a continuous loop sensor wire configured in the predetermined planar pattern. The prefabricated loop sensor is inserted in a groove web pre-cut in a receiving medium to match the predetermined planar pattern. |
| US08253007B1 |
Potentiometer control for musical instruments
A potentiometer control for use as a volume or tone control for a musical instrument, such as a guitar, that includes a switch which switches out the resistive element when the control is set to its most clockwise position so as to not load the instrument pickup when desired and so permit maximum volume to be achieved. |
| US08253005B2 |
Selecting device, selecting method, and information recording medium
A music information memory unit stores music information including identification information on each piece of music and pace information thereof. A process control unit selects out a predetermined number of pieces of music information each of whose identification information is to be presented from the music information memory unit. A notification image generating unit generates a notification image in which an object is moved in a scrolling manner based on the pace information of each piece of the selected music information. An image display control unit synthesizes the identification information of each piece of the selected music information with each of the generated notification images, and displays the synthesized image. |
| US08253003B2 |
Hinged drumstick
A percussion instrument is disclosed that may include a body having a longitudinal axis extending from a butt end to a striking end thereof and at least one hole extending along a transverse axis through the thickness of the body; a grasping mechanism having a first grip plate at a first end thereof and a second grip plate at a second end thereof, and a shaft extending through the hole in the body; and a compliance mechanism disposed between the first and second grip plates, enabling the first and second grip plates to be brought closer together in response to a compressive force applied to the grasping mechanism. |
| US08253001B1 |
Structure of drum with multiple uses
A structure of drum with multiple uses allows of being switched among multiple uses. The drum includes a shell which receives therein a slidable base board that carries thereon a multi-layered stack of cushioning pads and a detection sound collection board. The base board has opposite sides that are supported by slidable rod seats coupled to adjustable threaded rod, so that through rotation and adjustment of the threaded rods, upward movement of the base board is achieved to have the cushioning pad in contact engagement with a drum skin that reduces the sound generated by the drum so that the drum may serve as a practicing drum. Alternatively, the sound collection board is electrically connected to the electronic speaker, so that through controlled realized with a detection circuit board, an electronic drum is formed. For regular performance, the base board is separated from the skin to provide a regular drum. |
| US08252992B1 |
Inbred maize variety PH17RM
A novel maize variety designated PH17RM and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH17RM with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH17RM through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH17RM or a locus conversion of PH17RM with another maize variety. |
| US08252991B1 |
Inbred maize variety PH17R8
A novel maize variety designated PH17R8 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PH17R8 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PH17R8 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PH17R8 or a locus conversion of PH17R8 with another maize variety. |
| US08252986B1 |
Soybean cultivar 00174033
A soybean cultivar designated 00174033 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 00174033, to the plants of soybean cultivar 00174033, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 00174033, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 00174033. 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. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 00174033. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 00174033, 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 cultivar 00174033 with another soybean cultivar. |
| US08252984B1 |
Soybean variety RJS01001
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated RJS01001. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety RJS01001, to the plants of soybean RJS01001 to plant parts of soybean variety RJS01001 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety RJS01001 with another soybean plant, using RJS01001 as either the male or the female parent. |
| US08252980B2 |
GRG23 EPSP synthases: compositions and methods of use
Compositions and methods for conferring herbicide resistance or tolerance to bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions include polynucleotides encoding herbicide resistance or tolerance polypeptides, vectors comprising those polynucleotides, and host cells comprising the vectors. The nucleotide sequences of the invention can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in organisms, including microorganisms and plants. Compositions also include transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated polynucleotides encoding glyphosate resistance or tolerance polypeptides are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated polynucleotides containing nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 31, or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30. |
| US08252979B2 |
Manipulation of ammonium transporters (AMTS) to improve nitrogen use efficiency in higher plants
The present invention provides polynucleotides and related polypeptides of the protein AMT. The invention provides genomic sequence for the AMT gene. AMT is responsible for controlling nitrogen utilization efficiency in plants. |
| US08252976B2 |
Sugarcane plants with an increased storage carbohydrate content
The present invention relates to a method for increasing the storage carbohydrate content of sugarcane plants. |
| US08252973B2 |
Metabolic engineering of lipid metabolism by improving fatty acid binding and transport
CHI like fatty acid binding proteins and genes, recombinant cells and organisms, methods of metabolic pathway engineering to improve lipid production in cells, Crystal structures of CHI like fatty acid binding proteins, methods of engineering CHI like fatty acid binding proteins and systems thereof are provided. |
| US08252971B2 |
Systems and methods for protecting incisions
The present invention provides systems and methods for protecting wounds, such as surgical incisions. In one embodiment, a dressing for protecting a wound includes: a support cushion configured to surround the wound, the support cushion having sidewalls defining a major axis and a minor axis, the support cushion including at least two perforations that traverse the sidewalls at offset locations; a reservoir configured to be suspended over and in engagement with the support cushion; and a cover configured to be positioned over the reservoir. The at least two perforations may define first and second interlocking J-shaped portions. The support cushion may include a wicking portion configured to surround the wound and a hydrophobic portion configured to surround the hydrophobic portion. The wicking portion may be configured to transfer fluid from the wound to the reservoir. Methods of applying the dressing, and kits including the dressing, also are provided. |
| US08252970B2 |
Method and apparatus for hemostasis
Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving hemostasis in traumatized patients. Such haemostatic packing devices and methods are especially useful in the emergency, trauma surgery or military setting. In such cases, the patient may have received trauma to abdominal viscera, the thoracic cavity or the periphery. The devices utilize fluid impermeable outer surfaces and distributed pressure to achieve tamponade and hemostasis, primarily by exertion of pressure. The devices are flexible, bendable, and conformable in their wet or dry state so that they exert distributed pressure on the wound. Peripheral haemostatic packing devices include optional adhesive structures to attach one packing device to another. The hemostatic packing devices may be placed and removed by open surgery or laparoscopic access without generating excessive re-bleeding. The devices can be inserted into a wound and filled with fluid, gel, or particulates through an axially elongate tube to generate pressure to tamponade the wound. |
| US08252968B2 |
Process for producing a low volatility gasoline blending component and a middle distillate using an ionic liquid
A process for producing a low volatility gasoline blending component and a middle distillate, comprising alkylating a hydrocarbon stream comprising at least one olefin having from 2 to 4 carbon atoms and at least one paraffin having from 4 to 6 carbon atoms with an ionic liquid catalyst and an unsupported halide containing additive, and separating the alkylate into at least the low volatility gasoline blending component and the middle distillate, wherein the middle distillate is a fuel suitable for use as a jet fuel or jet fuel blending component. Also, a process for producing a gasoline blending component and a middle distillate, comprising adjusting a level of a halide containing additive provided to an ionic liquid alkylation reactor to shift selectivity towards heavier products, and recovering a low volatility gasoline blending component and the middle distillate. Also, processes comprising alkylating isobutane with butene over specific chloroaluminate ionic liquids. |
| US08252965B2 |
Method for separating halocarbons
The invention provides a method for separating halocarbons. In particular, a method for separating 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane (HCFC-244bb) from 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFO-1233xf) based on differences in melting points of these compounds. More particularly the invention pertains to a method for separating HCFC-244bb from HCFO-1233xf which are useful as intermediates in the production of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf). |
| US08252964B2 |
Process for the purification of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (HFO-1234yf)
The subject of the invention is a process for the purification of 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (HFO-1234yf). More particularly, it relates to a purification process in which 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene, comprising impurities based on halogen compounds, is brought into contact with an adsorbent, preferably molecular sieves and advantageously molecular sieves having a pore opening with an average diameter between 5 and 11 Å, preferably between 5 and 9 Å. |
| US08252962B2 |
Method for producing 1,2-propandiol by hydrogenating glycerine in a two-step reactor cascade
The present invention relates to a process for preparing 1,2-propanediol, in which a glycerol-containing stream, especially a stream obtained on the industrial scale in the production of biodiesel, is subjected to a hydrogenation in a two-stage reactor cascade. |
| US08252961B2 |
Method of producing lower alcohols from glycerol
This invention relates generally to a process for value-added processing of fats and oils to yield glycerol and glycerol derivatives. More particularly, the process converts glycerol to acetol and then acetol to propylene glycol to produce a propylene glycol with ultra-low amounts of ethylene glycol. The propylene glycol thus produced may be used as an antifreeze, deicing compound, or anti-icing compound. |
| US08252960B2 |
Process for manufacturing acrolein or acrylic acid from glycerin
The subject of the present invention is a process for preparing acrolein by dehydration of glycerin, characterized in that the dehydration is carried out in the presence of a catalyst comprising mainly a compound in which protons in a heteropolyacid are exchanged at least partially with at least one cation selected from elements belonging to Group 1 to Group 16 of the Periodic Table of Elements. The process according to the invention permits to obtain acrolein at higher yield. |
| US08252959B2 |
Preparation of α-hydroxy and α-amino ketones
A process for the preparation of an 1,1-disubstituted oxirane is disclosed, wherein an organic sulphide is reacted in a polar solvent with an educt containing a leaving group attached to a primary or secondary carbon atom, and/or the sulfonium salt formed in this way is reacted with a ketone in presence of a base and a polar solvent. Oxiranes of the type obtained may be further converted into the corresponding α-hydroxyketone or α-aminoketone, either in one step by subjecting to aerobic oxidation in the presence of a transition metal catalyst, or in two steps by hydrolyzation in the presence of an aqueous acid to the corresponding dialcohol and subsequent selective oxidation. Further described are some novel epoxide intermediates. The α-hydroxyketones and α-aminoketones thus obtainable are useful inter alga as photoinitiators. |
| US08252958B2 |
Use of guanabenz and its derivatives for making drugs for treating cystic fibrosis and diseases related to a protein addressing deficiency in the cells
The invention concerns the use of guanabenz and its derivatives for making drugs for treating cystic fibrosis and diseases related to a protein addressing deficiency in the cells, said derivatives corresponding to formula (I), wherein: R═H or C1 and the phenyl group comprises two substituents, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of said derivatives. |
| US08252954B2 |
Processes for the preparation of calixarene derivatives
A method for the preparation of calix[n]arene derivatives, in particular phosphonated calix[n]arenes. The present invention also relates to nano-structures of phosphonated calix[n]arenes. |
| US08252951B2 |
Process for the synthesis of (methoxy-1-naphthyl) acetonitrile and application in the synthesis of agomelatine
Process for the industrial synthesis of the compound of formula (I) Application of such process in the synthesis of agomelatine. |
| US08252948B2 |
Fat composition
The present invention relates to fat composition, more specifically relates to 60% to 99.9% by weight of diglyceride containing 0.1 to 89.9% by weight of conjugated linoleic acid; 0.001% to 0.2% by weight of banaba extracts fermented by microorganism such as Bacillus sp. or Aspergillus sp.; and the balance being monoglyceride, triglyceride or a mixture thereof.The fat composition of the present invention comprises fermented banaba extracts as an antioxidant, and the fat composition excels in oxidation stability and keeping stability, therefore the fat composition of the present invention may be widely used as cooking oil. |
| US08252946B2 |
Crystalline forms of tigecycline hydrochloride
The present invention relates to crystalline forms A and B of Tigecycline hydrochloride and to methods for the preparation of the same. Furthermore the present invention relates to the use of crystalline forms A and B of Tigecycline hydrochloride as intermediates for the formulation of an anti-infective medicament. Moreover the present invention relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising crystalline form A of Tigecycline hydrochloride in an effective amount and to the use of crystalline form A of Tigecycline hydrochloride as anti-infective medicament. |
| US08252942B2 |
Substituted imidazoline compounds
The invention relates to compositions comprising substituted imidazoline compounds including prodrugs, and salts thereof. In some embodiments, the invention relates to the use of these compositions as therapeutic agents, preferably for the treatment of arthritis or cancer. In further embodiments, The invention relates to the pharmaceutical compositions with effective amounts of substituted imidazoline compounds disclosed herein that function as agonist or antagonists of the genetic expression or interactions with transcription factor NF-κB. |
| US08252940B2 |
5-substituted-2-imino-thiazolidinone compounds and their use as inhibitors of bacterial infection
A method for inhibiting Gram-negative bacterial pathogenesis, a method of screening for compounds that inhibit type III secretion in Gram-negative bacteria, and compounds that inhibit type III secretion in Gram-negative bacteria. |
| US08252936B2 |
Insecticidal compounds
Novel heteroaromatic compounds of formula (I): wherein A1, A2, A3, R1, R2, G1, G2, Q1 and Q2 are as defined in claim 1; or salts or N-oxides thereof. Furthermore, the present invention relates to processes for preparing compounds of formula (I), to insecticidal, acaricidal, molluscicidal and nematicidal compositions comprising them and to methods of using them to combat and control insect, acarine, mollusc and nematode pests. |
| US08252932B2 |
Modified carbocyanine dyes and their conjugates
Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes incorporating an indolium ring moiety that is substituted at the 3-position by a reactive group or by a conjugated substance, and their uses, are described. Conjugation through this position results in spectral properties that are uniformly superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar dyes wherein attachment is at a different position. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens. |
| US08252931B2 |
Thiazolo[5,4-B]pyridine glucokinase activators
The present invention provides compounds of the formula which are activators of glucokinase activity and, thus, may be employed as therapeutic agents for the treatment of glucokinase mediated conditions. Accordingly, the compounds of formula (I) may be employed for the prevention and the treatment of impaired glucose tolerance, type 2 diabetes and obesity. |
| US08252930B2 |
Azaindole derivatives with a combination of partial nicotinic acetyl-choline receptor agonism and dopamine reuptake inhibition
Azaindole derivatives of formula (I): wherein the symbols have the meanings given in the specification, are described. These compounds have a combination of partial nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonism and dopamine reuptake inhibition. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds, to methods for preparing them, methods for preparing novel intermediates useful for their synthesis, methods for preparing compositions, and uses of such compounds and compositions, for example, their use in administering them to patients to achieve a therapeutic effect in disorders in which nicotinic receptors and/or dopamine transporters are involved, or that can be treated via manipulation of those receptors. |
| US08252929B2 |
8-carboxamido-2,6-methano-3-benzazocines
8-Substituted-2,6-methano-3-benzazocines of general structure I in which A is —CH2—OH, —CH2NH2, —NHSO2CH3, and Y is O, S or NOH are useful as analgesics, anti-diarrheal agents, anticonvulsants, antitussives and anti-addiction medications. 8-Carboxamides, thiocarboxamides, hydroxyamidines and formamides are preferred. |
| US08252926B2 |
Process for the preparation of imatinib base
Provided is an environmentally-friendly process for preparing imatinib base in high yield, without the use of an organic solvent. |
| US08252922B2 |
Method for crystallizing sucralose
The present application discloses a method for crystallizing sucralose, which uses an alcohol solvent or a mixed solvent of alcohol and other solvent(s) in the crystallization of sucralose. |
| US08252921B2 |
Method for the controlled oxidation of polysaccharides
The invention relates to a method for the controlled oxidation of oligo- and/or polysaccharides containing free —CH2OH primary hydroxyl groups, using an oxidizing agent. The invention is characterized in that the oxidation reaction is performed in a densified fluid which is inert in relation to the oxidizing agents employed. The invention is suitable for use, for example, in the food, paint, paper, textile, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries, in the medical, biomedical or paramedical fields, in the surgical field, in the cosmetic industry and as agents for the complexing or sequestering of metal ions, heavy metals and radioactive elements in the nuclear industry. |
| US08252920B2 |
Inosine derivatives and production methods therefor
The present invention provides a method for producing an inosine derivative represented by the following general formula (1) including the steps of subjecting an inosine derivative of general formula (3) to dithiocarbonylation and carrying out radical reduction of the obtained compound. According to the present invention there can be produced compounds useful as anti-AIDS drugs on industrial scale. wherein R1 may be the same or different and are each benzyl group, benzhydryl group or trityl group, each of which may have a substituent in general formulas (1) and (3). |
| US08252919B2 |
2′-hydroxy-protected ribonucleoside derivative and production method thereof
The present invention relates to a method for producing a 2′-hydroxy-protected nucleoside derivative by reacting a ribonucleoside with an acylating or a carbamoylating reagent in the presence of a metal complex consisting of a copper compound and an optically active ligand. By the method according to the present invention, a 2′-hydroxy-protected ribonucleoside derivative, which is an important intermediate for producing an oligonucleoside, can be easily produced with good regioselectivity from a nucleoside derivative of which 2′,3′-hydroxy groups are not protected. |
| US08252918B2 |
RNAi probes targeting cancer-related proteins
RNAi sequences that are useful as therapeutics in the treatment of cancers of various types, including prostate cancer, sarcomas such as osteosarcoma, renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, anaplastic large cell lymphoma and melanoma; and Alzheimer's disease. These sequences target clusterin, IGFBP-5, IGFBP-2, both IGFBP-2 and -5 simultaneously, Mitf, and B-raf. The invention further provides for the use of these RNAi sequences in the treatment of cancers of various types, including prostate cancer, sarcomas such as osteosarcoma, renal cell carcinoma, breast cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, anaplastic large cell lymphoma and melanoma; and Alzheimer's disease, and a method of treating such conditions through the administration of the RNA molecules with RNAi activity to an individual, including a human individual in need of such treatment. |
| US08252915B2 |
Human transferase family members and uses thereof
The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, and 53320 nucleic acid molecules, which encode novel human transferase family members. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, or 53320 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, or 53320 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, or 53320 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-33877, 47179, 26886, 46743, 27417, 32252, or 53320 antibodies. Diagnostic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided. |
| US08252914B2 |
Chimeric NK receptor and methods for treating cancer
The present invention relates to chimeric immune receptor molecules for reducing or eliminating tumors. The chimeric receptors are composed a C-type lectin-like natural killer cell receptor, or a protein associated therewith, fused to an immune signaling receptor containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif. Methods for using the chimeric receptors are further provided. |
| US08252909B2 |
Synthetic C-glycolipid and its use for treating cancer, infectious diseases, and autoimmune diseases
The invention is directed to compounds of formula (I) wherein X is O or NH; R′ is a hydrocarbon chain; R3 and R4 are hydrogen, OH or a monosaccharide; R5 is hydrogen or a monosaccharide; Q′ is optionally present and may be a C1-10 hydrocarbon; X′ is optionally present and may be O, S or NR8; and Q3 may be a hydrocarbon or hydrogen. The invention is also directed to the use of the compounds for treating cancer, infectious diseases and autoimmune diseases. The invention is also directed to syntheses of the compounds of formula (I). |
| US08252896B2 |
Process for making bivalirudin
The present invention relates to the efficient commercial synthesis of Bivalirudin. |
| US08252894B2 |
Poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (PNAG/dPNAG)-binding peptides and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to peptides, particularly human monoclonal antibodies, that bind specifically to poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (PNAG), such as Staphylococcal PNAG, in acetylated, partially acetylated and/or fully deacetylated form. The invention further provides methods for using these peptides in the diagnosis, prophylaxis and therapy of infections by bacteria that express PNAG such as but not limited to Staphylococci and E. coli. Some antibodies of the invention enhance opsonophagocytic killing and in vivo protection against bacteria that express PNAG such as but not limited to Staphylococci and E. coli. Compositions of these peptides, including pharmaceutical compositions, are also provided, as are functionally equivalent variants of such peptides. |
| US08252892B2 |
Process for obtaining an elastomer in solid phase starting from its polymer solution
A process for obtaining an elastomer in solid phase from its polymer solution which comprises: (a) optionally pre-concentrating the polymer solution coming from the production system by a flash process; (b) subjecting the polymer solution to a concentrating stripping operation by water vapor in a mixing device comprising internal moveable mixing parts which transfer minimal mechanical energy to the solution in the form of friction heat; and (c) subjecting the concentrated polymer phase coming from (b) to devolatilization by mechanical energy and/or vapor flow to remove residual solvent. |
| US08252890B2 |
Benzoxazine-based monomer, polymer thereof, electrode for fuel cell including the same, electrolyte membrane for fuel cell including the same, and fuel cell using the same
A benzoxazine-based monomer, a polymer thereof, an electrode for a fuel cell including the same, an electrolyte membrane for a fuel cell including the same, and a fuel cell using the same. The aromatic ring may contain up to 2 nitrogens within the ring. Single ring and fused ring substituents are attached to the pendent nitrogen. The ring substituents may be heterocyclic. |
| US08252888B2 |
Process for continuous preparation of high molecular weight polyesters by esterification of dicarboxylic acids and/or transesterification of dicarboxylic acids with diols and/or mixtures thereof and an apparatus therefor
The present invention relates to a method for the continuous production of high-molecular polyesters by esterification of dicarboxylic acids and/or transesterification of dicarboxylic acid esters with diols and/or mixtures thereof in the presence of catalysts with formation of a prepolymer in a tower reactor and polycondensation thereof to form a high-molecular polyester in a polycondensation reactor, a prepolymer with >40 to 70 repeat units (DP) being produced in the tower reactor and this prepolymer being polycondensed in only one further reactor to form a polyester with >150 to 205 DP. |
| US08252881B2 |
Initiator integrated poly(dimethylsiloxane) and methods for making the same and its application
Disclosed herein is an initiator integrated polydimethylsiloxane (iPDMS). The iPDMS is a polydimethylsiloxane undergoing a hydrosilylation reaction. The initiator 10-undecenyl 2-bromo-2-methyl propionate is integrated on the surface of iPDMS by covalent bond. At % is 0.01-1% confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Disclosed herein is a method for making an initiator integrated polydimethylsiloxane. Prepolymer A, cross-linker B and vinyl-terminated initiator C were mixed below a ratio of 10:1:4-0.01 for 6-24 hours, then the elastomer was formed. And, disclosed herein is functional surface modification of initiator integrated polydimethylsiloxane and its applications for biocompatibility, organic solvent compatibility and heat-sensitive materials. |
| US08252878B2 |
Polymer
A novel class of polymers obtainable by copolymerising a monomer mixture comprising (i) hydrophilic monomer of general formula (I) Y—B—X; (ii) styrene or a substituted styrene, a monomer or mixture of monomers which when polymerized form a polymer with a Tg lower than the Tg of a homopolymer of monomer (I) and lower than the Tg of a homopolymer of monomer (ii); and a monomer having a crosslinkable group is described. The invention also relates to a method for producing such polymers, implants coated with the polymers and methods for forming the same. |
| US08252875B2 |
Process for the preparation of unsymmetric bis(imino) compounds
Process for the preparation of monoimine compounds, wherein a dicarbonyl compound is reacted in an aliphatic, non-aromatic solvent with aniline. Monoimine compounds having electron-withdrawing substituents in the ortho position and unsymmetric bis(imino) compounds and unsymmetric iron complexes prepared therefrom and the use thereof in the polymerization of olefins. |
| US08252874B2 |
Ligands and catalyst systems for the oligomerization of olefinic monomers
The present invention relates to ligands and catalyst systems and a process for the simultaneous trimerization and tetramerization of olefinic monomers using said ligands, the ligands having the general formula (I): (R1)2P—P(R1)m(R2)n═N(R3) (I) wherein R3 is selected from hydrogen, a hydrocarbyl group, a substituted hydrocarbyl group, a heterohydrocarbyl group, a substituted heterohydrocarbyl group, a silyl group or derivative thereof; the R1 groups are independently selected from an optionally substituted aromatic group bearing a polar substituent on at least one of the ortho-positions; and the R2 groups are independently selected from hydrocarbyl, substituted hydrocarbyl, heterohydrocarbyl and substituted heterohydrocarbyl groups with the proviso that when the group is aromatic it does not contain a polar substituent at any of the ortho-positions; with the proviso that m is 0 or 1, n is 1 or 2 and the total of m+n is 2. |
| US08252872B2 |
Polymer material containing chains bearing imidazolidone functions
The invention concerns a polymer material consisting of macromolecular chains bound by hydrogen bonds, wherein: the macromolecular chains consist of a polymer skeleton whereon is fixed by at least one covalent bond a modifying agent, the modifying agent comprising, assembled in a common molecule, one or more associative groups capable of being bound by hydrogen bonds and one or more reactive groups capable of forming covalent bonds with the polymer skeleton, at least one of the associative groups of the modifying agent is an imidazolidone heterocycle, the macromolecular chains bear on average, 1 to 10 imidazolidone groups per chain. The average number of imidazolidone groups to be introduced into the macromolecular chains depends both on the average mass of said chains and the final properties desired for the material. |
| US08252870B2 |
Cure system of halogenated elastomer compositions, a curable halogenated elastomer composition, and a method for curing halogenated elastomer compositions
The instant invention is a cure system for halogenated elastomer compositions, a curable halogenated elastomer composition, and a method for curing a halogenated elastomer composition. The cure system for halogenated elastomer compositions includes a polymercapto crosslinking agent, an inorganic base, and a combination of at least two or more of (a) a nitrogen containing chelating agent; (b) a first accelerator; or (c) a second accelerator. The curable halogenated elastomer composition includes a chlorinated elastomer, and a cure system including a polymercapto crosslinking agent, an inorganic base, and a combination of at least two or more of (a) a nitrogen containing chelating agent; (b) a first accelerator; or (c) a second accelerator. Furthermore, the method for curing a halogenated elastomer composition includes the following steps: (1) providing a chlorinated elastomer composition; (2) providing a cure system composition including a polymercapto crosslinking agent, an inorganic base, and a combination of at least two or more of (a) a nitrogen containing chelating agent; (b) a first accelerator; or (c) a second accelerator; (3) uniformly blending the cure system into the chlorinated elastomer composition; (4) thereby forming a curable chlorinated elastomer composition; (5) subjecting the curable chlorinated elastomer composition to heat or heat and pressure; and (6) thereby curing the curable chlorinated elastomer composition. |
| US08252869B2 |
Process for production of crosslinked poly(meth) acrylic acid nitroxide compounds
The present invention relates to a crosslinked poly(meth)acrylic acid nitroxide compound resulting from crosslinking of a poly(meth)acrylic acid nitroxide compound, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method of inexpensively and easily producing a crosslinked poly(meth)acrylic acid nitroxide compound having a high radical concentration.The present invention is a method of producing a crosslinked poly(meth)acrylic acid nitroxide compound including a repeating unit represented by the general formula (2): (in the formula, R represents a hydrogen atom or a methyl group), comprising a nitroxidation step carried out in a state that a crosslinked poly(meth)acrylic acid imino compound resulting from crosslinking of a poly(meth)acrylic acid imino compound including a repeating unit represented by the general formula (1): (in the formula, R represents the same group as that represented by R in said general formula (2)) is dispersed in water. |
| US08252868B2 |
Thermoplastic polymer composition and molded product
A thermoplastic polymer composition capable of exhibiting excellent impact resistance, durability and destaticizing property containing (A) 50 to 95% by mass of an aliphatic polyester-based resin and (B) 5 to 50% by mass of a block copolymer of (B1) a hard segment block with at least one of a polyamide, polyester, polyolefin or polyurethane, and (B2) a soft segment block having an ether bond. |
| US08252862B2 |
Silane coupling agents for filled rubbers
The invention describes a composition comprising a) a naturally occurring or synthetic rubber susceptible to oxidative, thermal, dynamic, light-induced and/or ozone-induced degradation, b) a white reinforcing filler, and c) as coupling agent, at least one compound of the formula I wherein the general symbols are as defined in claim 1, or an oligomeric hydrolysis product of the compound of the formula I. |
| US08252858B2 |
Low smoke density poly(arylene ether) compositions, methods, and articles
Thermoplastic compositions and methods of making the compositions are disclosed. The thermoplastic compositions include poly(arylene ether), a poly(alkenyl aromatic), an organophosphate ester flame retardant, a functionalized polysiloxane, and an organic acid. The thermoplastic compositions produce surprisingly low smoke density when burned, and they are useful for the fabrication of articles for the transportation and building and construction industries. |
| US08252855B2 |
Liquid color concentrate
A liquid color concentrate is disclosed, having a liquid acrylic-based polymer carrier; colorant; and optionally other functional additives. The colorant can be one or more pigments, one or more dyes, or combinations thereof. The liquid polymer is compatible with a variety of plastic resins, especially optically clear plastic resins, such as polycarbonate, polymethyl methacrylate, and styrene-acrylonitrile. |
| US08252854B2 |
Sulfonated or phosphonated latex polymers for ink-jet printing
The present invention is drawn to a latex particulate having a plurality of polymerized monomers and a dispersing agent incorporated therein. The dispersing agent can have the structure X—CH2(R)—SO3M, X—CH2(R)—PO3M2, or mixtures thereof, wherein X is SH, Cl or Br; R is independently C1 to C19 alkyl; and M is independently Li, Na, or K. The dispersing agent can comprise from about 0.1 wt % to about 20 wt % of the latex particulate. |
| US08252835B2 |
Compounds and methods for treating estrogen receptor-related diseases
Provided herein in certain embodiments are compounds, pharmaceutical compositions and methods for modulating the functions of estrogen receptor alpha 36, for preventing and/or treating diseases related to estrogen receptor alpha 36, for preventing and/or treating respiratory diseases such as asthma, for inducing cell death and/or inhibiting cell proliferation and for preventing and/or treating diseases involving abnormal cell proliferation such as cancers. |
| US08252833B2 |
Benzo (f) isoindol-2-ylphenyl acetic acid derivatives as EP4 receptor agonists
A compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, wherein, R1 R2 R3, R4, R5, R6, X and Y are as defined in the specification; a process for preparing such compounds; a pharmaceutical composition comprising such compounds; and the use of such compounds in medicine. |
| US08252831B2 |
Imidazole-2-benzamide compounds useful for the treatment of osteoarthritis
The present invention provides compounds of the formula below or pharmaceutical salts thereof, wherein R1, R2 and R3 are as described herein; methods of treating osteoarthritis using the compounds; and a process for preparing the compounds. |
| US08252829B2 |
Aminopyrrolidinone derivatives and uses thereof
The present invention provides compounds of formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein each of Ring A, Ring B, T, R2, R2′, and RA is as defined and described herein and methods for treating subjects or patients with a disease, disorder, or condition. |
| US08252826B2 |
Cyclopentyl- and cycloheptylpyrazoles
This invention relates to novel cyclopentyl- and cycloheptylpyrazole derivatives of the formula I wherein A and R1 to R4 are as defined in the description and in the claims, as well as physiologically acceptable salts thereof. The invention relates also to compositions including these compounds and methods of using the compounds. |
| US08252824B2 |
Substituted N-phenyl-bipyrrolidine carboxamides and therapeutic use thereof
The present invention discloses and claims a series of substituted N-phenyl-bipyrrolidine carboxamides of formula (I). wherein R, R1, R2, R3 and R4 are as described herein. More specifically, the compounds of this invention are modulators of H3 receptors and are, therefore, useful as pharmaceutical agents, especially in the treatment and/or prevention of a variety of diseases modulated by H3 receptors including diseases associated with the central nervous system. Additionally, this invention also discloses methods of preparation of substituted N-phenyl-bipyrrolidine carboxamides and intermediates therefor. |
| US08252820B2 |
1-orthofluorophenyl substituted 1,2,5-thiazolidinedione derivatives as PTP-as inhibitors
Compounds of the formula are inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) and, thus, may be employed for the treatment of conditions mediated by PTPase activity. The compounds of the present invention may also be employed as inhibitors of other enzymes characterized with a phosphotyrosine binding region such as the SH2 domain. Accordingly, the compounds of formula (I) may be employed for prevention and/or treatment of insulin resistance associated with obesity, glucose intolerance, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and ischemic diseases of the large and small blood vessels, conditions that accompany type-2 diabetes, including hyperlipidemia, hypertriglyceridemia, atherosclerosis, vascular restenosis, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, adipose cell tumors and carcinomas such as liposarcoma, dyslipidemia, and other disorders where insulin resistance is indicated. In addition, the compounds of the present invention may be employed to treat and/or prevent cancer, osteoporosis, neurodegenerative and infectious diseases, and diseases involving inflammation and the immune system. |
| US08252818B2 |
Nicotinamide derivatives useful as P38 inhibitors
Compounds of formula (I): are inhibitors of p38 kinase and are useful in the treatment of conditions or disease states mediated by p38 kinase activity or mediated by cytokines produced by the activity of p38. |
| US08252816B2 |
Vanilloid receptor ligand compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, a method of producing them and the use thereof to treat pain and various other conditions
Compounds corresponding to formula I: which act as vanilloid receptor ligands, pharmaceutical composition s containing such compounds, a method for producing the compounds, and the use of such compounds to treat pain and various other conditions. |
| US08252814B2 |
Agents and crystals for improving excretory potency of urinary bladder
Agents for improving potency of the urinary bladder which comprise an amine compound of non-carbamate-type having an acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting action. Particularly, crystals of a tricyclic, condensed, heterocyclic derivative are provided, which possess an excellent action to inhibit acetylcholinesterase and an action to improve the excretory potency of the urinary bladder. As an example, crystals of 8-[3-[1-[(3-fluorophenyl)-methyl]-4-piperidinyl]-1-oxopropyl]-1,2,5,6-tetrahydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2,1-ij]quinolin-4-one or a salt thereof and pharmaceutical compositions containing them are disclosed. |
| US08252813B2 |
Salt and crystalline forms thereof of a drug
A crystalline form of a drug, ways to make it, compositions containing it and methods of treatment of diseases and inhibition of adverse physiological events using it are disclosed. |
| US08252812B2 |
Indazole inhibitors of the WNT signal pathway and therapeutic uses thereof
Indazole compounds for treating various diseases and pathologies are disclosed. More particularly, the present invention concerns the use of an indazole compound or analogs thereof, in the treatment of disorders characterized by the activation of Wnt pathway signaling (e.g., cancer, abnormal cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, Alzheimer's disease and osteoarthritis), the modulation of cellular events mediated by Wnt pathway signaling, as well as genetic diseases due to mutations in Wnt signaling components. Also provided are methods for treating Wnt-related disease states. |
| US08252810B2 |
Bicycloamine derivatives
Compounds represented by formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof have excellent sodium channel inhibitory action and are useful as therapeutic agents and analgesics for various kinds of neuralgia, neuropathy, epilepsy, insomnia, premature ejaculation and the like. wherein Q represents ethylene, etc., R1, R2 and R3 represent hydrogen, etc., X1 represents C1-6 alkylene, etc., X2 represents C1-6 alkylene, etc., A1 represents a 5- to 6-membered heterocyclic group, etc., and A2 represents C6-14 aryl, etc. |
| US08252808B2 |
Process and compounds for the production of (+)opiates
The invention generally provides processes and intermediate compounds useful for the production of (+)-opiates. Non-limiting examples of (+) opiates that may be derived from one or more compounds of the invention include (+)-noroxymorphone, (+)-naltrexone, (+)-naloxone, (+)-N-cyclopropylmethylnorhydrocodone, (+)-N-cycloproylmethylnorhydromorphone, (+)-N-allylnorhydrocodone, (+)-N-allylnorhydromorphone, (+)-noroxycodone, (+)-naltrexol, (+)-naloxol, and (+)-3-O-methyl-naltrexone. |
| US08252807B2 |
Methods of inhibiting the interaction between S100 and the receptor for advanced glycation end-products
A method of inhibiting an interaction between a S100 protein and the receptor for advanced glycation end-products is provided comprising administering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of cromolyn, C5, or salt, hydrate, or solvate thereof. In some embodiments, the S100 protein is S100P. In some embodiments, the S100 protein is S100P. In addition, the present invention provides a method of treating a cancer comprising administering to a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of cromolyn, C5, or salt, hydrate, or solvate thereof. Additional methods are also provided. |
| US08252806B2 |
Potassium channel modulating agents and their medical use
This invention relates to novel potassium channel modulating agents, and their use in the preparation of pharmaceutical compositions.Moreover the invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions useful for the treatment or alleviation of diseases or disorders associated with the activity of potassium channels, in particular respiratory diseases, epilepsy, convulsions, vascular spasms, coronary artery spasms, renal disorders, polycystic kidney disease, bladder spasms, urinary incontinence, bladder outflow obstruction, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal dysfunction, secretory diarrhoea, ischaemia, cerebral ischaemia, ischaemic heart disease, angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, traumatic brain injury, psychosis, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, dementia, memory and attention deficits, Alzheimer's disease, dysmenorrhea, narcolepsy, Reynaud's disease, intermittent claudication, Sjorgren's syndrome, migraine, arrhythmia, hypertension, absence seizures, myotonic muscle dystrophia, xerostomi, diabetes type II, hyperinsulinemia, premature labour, baldness, cancer, immune suppression or pain. |
| US08252804B2 |
Selective proton coupled folate transporter and folate receptor, and GARFTase inhibitor compounds and methods of using the same
Fused cyclic pyrimidine compounds, including tautomers thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, solvates and hydrates thereof, are disclosed having the general Formula I: These compounds are useful in methods for treating cancer, selectively targeting cancerous cells via the proton coupled folate transporter, folate receptor alpha, and/or folate receptor beta pathways, inhibiting GARFTase in cancerous cells, and selectively targeting activated macrophages in a patient having an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis. |
| US08252803B2 |
Piperidine derivatives
Compounds of formula I: I selectively inhibit production of Ab(1-42) and hence find use in treatment of Alzheimer's disease and other conditions associated with deposition of A(b) in the brain. |
| US08252796B2 |
1-butyl-2-hydroxyaralkyl piperazine derivatives and the uses as anti-depression medicine thereof
The invention discloses 1-butyl-2-hydroxyl aralkyl piperazine derivatives and their use as antidepressants. The derivatives of the present invention have triple inhibition effect on the reuptake of 5-HT, NA and DA, and can be administrated to the patients in need thereof in form of composition by route of oral administration, injection and the like. Compared with clinically currently used dual targets antidepressants (such as venlafaxine), said derivatives may have stronger antidepression effect, broader indications, faster onset and lower neurotoxicity and side reaction; and said derivatives have stronger antidepression activity, lower toxicity, higher bioavailability, longer half life and better druggablity, compared with aryl alkanol piperazine derivatives and optical isomers thereof disclosed in prior art. The 1-butyl-2-hydroxyl aralkyl piperazine derivative is the free alkali or its salt of a compound of formula below: |
| US08252794B2 |
Composition for regenerative treatment of cartilage disease
A composition for regenerative treatment of cartilage disease, which comprises a PDE4 inhibitor as an active ingredient, specifically a composition comprising a PDE4 inhibitor and a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer is provided, which composition, when formulated into a form suited to administer locally to affected cartilage region, such as microsphere preparation, can provide a pharmaceutical composition showing an excellent effect in regenerative treatment of cartilage. |
| US08252791B2 |
Purine compounds as cannabinoid receptor blockers
The present invention relates to purine-based cannabinoid receptor blockers and pharmaceutical compositions thereof and methods of using the same for treating obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemias, cardiovascular disorders, inflammatory disorders, hepatic disorders, and a combination thereof. |
| US08252784B2 |
Photoactivable nitrogen bases
Base-polymerizable or base-crosslinkable compositions comprising select bicyclic amines with benzylic substitution undergo photochemically induced, base-catalysed reactions upon photochemical conversion of the benzylically substituted amine to an amidine derivative. |
| US08252783B2 |
Quinolone carboxylic acids, derivatives thereof, and methods of making and using same
A process of preparing a quinolone carboxylic acid or its derivatives having Formula I, Ia, Ib, or IV, as shown herein, comprises using a starting quinolone that already has one or more desired substituents at one or more particular positions on the quinolone ring and preserving the orientation of such substituents throughout the synthesis. The present process comprises fewer steps than prior-art processes. The present process also can include a simple separation of a desired enantiomer of the quinolone carboxylic acid or its derivatives from the enantiomeric mixture. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising fluoroquinolones prepared by the present process can be used effectively against a variety of microbial pathogens. |
| US08252782B2 |
Monocarbams
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 as defined herein. The invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treating bacterial infections using compounds of formula (I). |
| US08252781B2 |
1,2-diazetidin-3-one derivatives and drugs containing same
[Object]It is to provide a novel compound useful for preventing and/or treating diseases that involves 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (in particular diabetes, insulin resistance, diabetes complication, obesity, dyslipidemia, hypertension, fatty liver, or metabolic syndrome).[Means to Solve the Object]A 1,2-diazetidin-3-one derivative represented by the following general formula (1) or salt thereof, or their solvate. |
| US08252780B2 |
Organometallic complexes as therapeutic agents
This invention comprises salophene-based metallic complexes. Included are metal-chelating analogues, and method of their preparation and use. These analogues have therapeutic activity including anticancer activity. |
| US08252772B2 |
Hyperthermic technologies and therapeutic uses thereof
The present invention provides nanoscale and microscale compositions useful for a variety of purposes, including the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a disease treatment system comprising a thermal induction agent and a radiation source, wherein the thermal induction agent comprises at least one carbon nanotube, at least one carbon microtube, or a mixture thereof. |
| US08252770B2 |
Compositions comprising glycosaminoglycans of low viscosity and use of said composition in therapy of chronic cystitis
The present invention concerns an aqueous pharmaceutical composition for bladder instillation, cystitis therapy, or interstitial cystitis therapy, the aqueous composition containing water, hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof and/or chondroitin sulphate or a salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable bivalent metal ion, wherein the bivalent metal ion is chosen from calcium and magnesium, and wherein the bivalent ion lowers the viscosity of the composition. |
| US08252765B2 |
Treatment of cancer by inhibition of IGFBPs and clusterin
Agents that reduce the amount of IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 and that are known to be useful in the treatment of cancer result in increased expression of the protein clusterin. Since clusterin can provide protection against apoptosis, this secondary effect detracts from the efficacy of the therapeutic agent. In overcoming this, the present invention provides a combination of therapeutic agents that is useful in the treatment of cancer. The combination includes an agent that reduces the amount of IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 and that stimulates expression of clusterin as a secondary effect, and an oligonucleotide that is effective to reduce the amount of clusterin in cancer cells. In some embodiments of the invention, the agent that reduces IGFBP-2 and/or IGFBP-5 is a bispecific antisense species. The oligonucleotide may be an antisense oligonucleotide or an RNAi oligonucleotide. |
| US08252763B2 |
RNAi therapeutic for treatment of hepatitis C infection
Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) or small hairpin RNA (shRNAs) and compositions comprising same are provided that specifically target human cyclophilin A (CyPA) to effectively inhibit Hepatitis C(HCV) infection in a cell. Such siRNA and shRNAs may have a length of from about 19 to about 29 contiguous nucleotides corresponding to a specific region of human cyclophilin A (CyPA) cDNA of from about nucleotide 155 to about nucleotide 183 having particular potency against CyPA and HCV. Such siRNA and shRNAs may be formulated as naked compositions or as pharmaceutical compositions. DNA polynucleotides, plasmids, and viral or non-viral vectors are also provided that encode siRNA or shRNA molecules, which may be delivered directly to cells or in combination with known delivery agents, such as lipids, polymers, encapsulated lipid particles, such as liposomes. Methods for treating, managing inhibiting, preventing, etc., HCV infection using such siRNA and shRNAs and compositions comprising same are also provided. |
| US08252761B2 |
Method of increasing murine ES cell differentiation with PCL2
A method of suppressing undesirable cell proliferation, such as tumor growth, is provided comprising the step of increasing the level of PCL2 in target cells. |
| US08252760B2 |
Compositions and methods for diagnosing and treating melanoma
Described herein are compositions and methods for the diagnosis, prognosis, prevention and treatment of melanoma or melanoma associated symptoms. The compositions are microRNA molecules associated with melanoma, as well as various nucleic acid molecules relating thereto or derived therefrom. |
| US08252759B2 |
Methods and compositions for the treatment of eye disorders with increased intraocular pressure
The present invention relates to methods and compositions that decrease intraocular pressure (IOP) of the eye. The compositions of the invention comprise short interfering nucleic acid molecules (siNA) including, but not limited to, siRNA that decrease expression of genes associated with production or drainage of intraocular fluid. The compositions of the invention can be used in the preparation of a medicament for the treatment of an eye conditions displaying increased IOP such as glaucoma, infection, inflammation, uveitis, and diabetic retinopathy. The methods of the invention comprise the administration to a patient in need thereof an effective amount of one or more siNAs of the invention. |
| US08252755B2 |
Duplex oligonucleotide complexes and methods for gene silencing by RNA interference
Provided herein are duplex oligonucleotide complexes which can be administered to a cell, tissue or organism to silence a target gene without the aid of a transfection reagent(s). The duplex oligonucleotide complexes of the disclosure include a conjugate moiety that facilitates delivery to a cell, tissue or organism. |
| US08252754B2 |
Neuronal pain pathway
The present invention relates to the discovery of a novel molecular pathway involved in long-term hyperexcitability of sensory neurons, which, in higher animals, is associated with persistent pain. It is based on the discovery that, following injury to an axon of a neuron, an increase in nitric oxide synthase activity results in increased nitric oxide production, which, in turn, activates guanylyl cyclase, thereby increasing levels of cGMP. Increased cGMP results in activation of protein kinase G (“PKG”), which then is retrogradely transported along the axon to the neuron cell body, where it phosphorylates MAPKerk. |
| US08252747B2 |
Tissue adhesive sealant
A tissue adhesive sealant includes a cross-linkable protein in a solution that when combined with a cross-linking agent solution including an aldehyde and amino acid containing species reactive with the aldehyde cross-links to form a seal. The sealant is well suited for bonding tissue alone or in combination with a patch. The ratio between the aldehyde and the amino acid containing species is between 20:1 and 1:1 on an aldehyde moiety:amino acid or peptide subunit molar basis. Particularly strong seals are formed when the protein and cross-linking agent are present in a molar ratio of between 15:1 and 1:1. |
| US08252746B2 |
Anti-angiogenic agents and methods of their use
The present invention relates to the use of sFRP-4 and functional variants thereof as anti-angiogenic agents. It relates to methods of treatment and screening methods using sFRP-4 and functional variants thereof. Further, it relates to compositions, and in particular pharmaceutical composition, including sFRP-4 and functional variants thereof which may be used in the various methods provided herein. |
| US08252745B2 |
Methods for treatment of headaches by administration of oxytocin
The present invention relates to methods for the treatment of headache and headache disorders. The methods comprise administration of an oxytocin peptide for the treatment of primary and secondary headaches or trigeminal neuralgia. |
| US08252743B2 |
Modified erythropoietin polypeptides and uses thereof for treatment
Modified erythropoietin (EPO) polypeptides and other modified therapeutic polypeptides are provided. The EPO polypeptides and other therapeutic polypeptides are modified to exhibit physical properties and activities that differ from the unmodified EPO polypeptides and other unmodified therapeutic polypeptides, respectively. Nucleic acid molecules encoding these polypeptides also are provided. Also provided are methods of treatment and diagnosis using the polypeptides. |
| US08252742B2 |
Methods for enhancing the quality of life of a senior animal
Methods for enhancing the quality of life of a senior or super senior animal by feeding the animal a composition comprising at least one omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and various combinations of amino acids, minerals, and antioxidants in amounts effective to enhance alertness, improve vitality, protect cartilage, maintain muscle mass, enhance digestibility, and improve skin and pelage quality. Changes in expression of genes associated with several biological pathways induced in an animal by feeding it said composition are consistent with an enhanced quality of life. |
| US08252736B2 |
Cleaning composition
An alkaline cleaning composition for use in aqueous medium comprising nanoparticles or a nanoparticles precursor and a polymeric nanoparticle stabilizer. |
| US08252728B2 |
Drilling fluids comprising hydroxylated polymers
Drilling fluids comprising polymers containing hydroxylated structural units are useful as accretion inhibiting agents, and/or as fluid rheology controlling agents, and/or as filtrate reducing agents, and/or as lubricating agents. |
| US08252726B2 |
Method for changing magnetisation of a superconductor
This invention relates to methods and apparatus for magnetizing a superconductor, in particular to flux pumps, and to new types magnetized superconductor. A method of changing the magnetisation of a superconductor, the method comprising automatically controlling a magnetic field to generate a wave of changing magnetic flux travelling over a surface of said superconductor. |
| US08252722B2 |
Controlling plant pathogens and pests with applied or induced auxins
The present invention is directed to methods for inhibiting the growth of disease organisms, particularly fungi and bacteria, on plant tissues. The present invention is also directed to methods for inhibiting the infestation of plants by insects and larva, particularly sucking and chewing insects. These methods are achieved by applying an auxin or a plant growth regulator (PGR) which will effect the level of auxin in the plant tissue to the seeds or tubers of the plant prior to planting or to the roots, foliage, flowers or fruit of the plant after planting. |
| US08252721B2 |
Herbicidal compositions
A description follows of compositions with a herbicidal activity containing the compound having formula (I), mixed with one or more known herbicidal products, possibly stabilized by the addition of at least one inorganic or organic base, and the relative use for the control of weeds in agricultural crops. |
| US08252718B2 |
Nutritive media for use in manufactured seeds
In one aspect, an improved nutritive media is provided that comprises from 10 g/L to 100 g/L of an adsorbent material, from 350 mg/L to 450 mg/L of NH4NO3, from 2000 mg/L to 3000 mg/L of KH2PO4, from 5 mg/L to 25 mg/L of FeSO4, from 600 mg/L to 1500 mg/L of MgSO4; and at least one component selected from the group consisting of: from 150 mg/L to 300 mg/L of Myo-inositol, from 1.5 mg/L to 3.0 mg/L of Thiamine-HCl, from 0.30 mg/L to 0.80 mg/L of Pyridoxine-HCl, from 1.5 mg/L to 3.0 mg/L of Nicotinic acid, from 0.15 mg/L to 0.30 mg/L of Riboflavin, from 0.75 mg/L to 2.0 mg/L of Ca-pantothenate, from 0.01 mg/L to 0.03 mg/L of Biotin and from 0.15 mg/L to 0.30 mg/L of Folic Acid. In another aspect, a manufactured seed is provided comprising the improved nutritive media. |
| US08252717B2 |
Dual-sided two-ply direct thermal image element
A dual-sided two-ply direct thermal image element is provided. In one embodiment, the dual-sided two-ply direct thermal image element comprises a first substrate having a first side and a second side, and a second substrate having a first side and a second side, wherein both the first substrate and the second substrate include a thermally sensitive coating on at least a first side thereof, and wherein the second side of the first substrate is releasably attached to the second side of the second substrate. |
| US08252716B2 |
Process for making porous activated carbon
A two-cycle thermal process for making porous activated carbon materials involves a first step of heating a mixture of a carbon precursor/chemical additive in a first heating cycle at a first temperature to cause gas liberation and volumetric expansion of the mixture, and heating the carbon material produced in the first step in a second heating cycle at a second temperature to carbonize and activate the carbon precursor. During the second cycle, essentially no gas liberation or volumetric expansion is observed. |
| US08252712B2 |
Polymer dispersant addition to fuel cell electrode inks for improved manufacturability
An ink composition for forming a fuel cell electrode includes a catalyst composition, a polymeric binder, a polymeric dispersant, and a solvent. The polymeric dispersant includes a perfluorocyclobutyl-containing polymer. |
| US08252711B1 |
Self supporting structurally engineered non-platinum electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction in fuel cells
A highly dispersed, unsupported, electrocatalyst made of pyrolyzed porphyries and a method for synthesizing the same. The disclosed synthesis procedure allows for optimization of pore size and therefore transport properties. Compounds suitable for use include transition metal N4-chelates such as, but not necessarily limited to, N4-chelates containing different metal centers including Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Ru, Cu, etc., and other N4-chelates such as porphyrin, phthalocyanies, and structures based on their pyro products. |
| US08252708B2 |
Crystallization-free glass frit compositions and frits made therefrom for microreactor devices
A borosilicate glass composition suitable for manufacturing microreactor glass frits includes 12-22 mol % B2O3=12-22; 68-80 mol % SiO2; 3-8 mol % Al2O3, 1-8 mol % Li2O, and one of 0.5±0.1 mol % ZrO2 and 1.1±0.5 mol % F. After sintering a glass frit having the borosilicate glass composition, the glass frit has a surface crystalline layer of 30 μm or less or is amorphous throughout. |
| US08252705B2 |
Turf reinforcement erosion control mat
A bi-layer, woven geotextile fabric has interwoven first and second layers. The first layer is over and under woven through the second layer in a pre-determined pattern so that the first layer has portions which face a first side of the second layer and portions which face a second side of the second layer. Monofilaments in the warp direction of the first layer have a pre-determined differential heat shrinkage characteristic that is greater than the monofilaments in the warp direction of the second layer. Closed cells defined by the pattern of the over and under weave are disposed on the first and second sides of the second layer. Shrinkage of the monofilaments in the warp direction of the first layer provide for a separation of a portion of the second layer from the first layer at the cells. |
| US08252704B2 |
Additives to prevent degradation of cyclic alkene derivatives
This disclosure relates to compositions that include (a) at least one substituted or unsubstituted cyclic alkene, and (b) an antioxidant composition including at least one compound of Formula (I): R1 through R4 in Formula (I) are described in the specification. |
| US08252701B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device, method of processing substrate, and substrate processing apparatus
Provided is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device. The method includes: (a) forming an oxide film having a predetermined thickness on a substrate by alternately repeating: (a-1) forming a layer containing a predetermined element on the substrate by supplying a source gas containing the predetermined element into a process vessel accommodating the substrate and exhausting the source gas from the process vessel; and (a-2) changing the layer containing the predetermined element into an oxide layer by supplying an oxygen-containing gas and an hydrogen-containing gas into the process vessel, wherein inside of the process vessel is under a heated atmosphere having a pressure lower than an atmospheric pressure; and exhausting the oxygen-containing gas and the hydrogen-containing gas from the process vessel; and (b) modifying the oxide film formed on the substrate by supplying the oxygen-containing gas and the hydrogen-containing gas into the process vessel, wherein the inside of the process vessel is under the heated atmosphere having the pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure, and exhausting the oxygen-containing gas and the hydrogen-containing gas from the process vessel. |
| US08252697B2 |
Zinc-tin oxide thin-film transistors
Methods of forming transparent zinc-tin oxide structures are described. Devices that include transparent zinc-tin oxide structures as at least one of a channel layer in a transistor or a transparent film disposed over an electrical device that is at a substrate. |
| US08252696B2 |
Selective etching of silicon nitride
Methods for etching dielectric layers comprising silicon and nitrogen are provided herein. In some embodiments, such methods may include providing a substrate having a dielectric layer comprising silicon and nitrogen disposed thereon, forming reactive species from a process gas comprising hydrogen (H2) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) using a remote plasma; and etching the dielectric layer using the reactive species. In some embodiments, an oxide layer is disposed adjacent to the dielectric layer. In some embodiments, the flow rate ratio of the process gas can be adjusted such that an etch selectivity of the dielectric layer to at least one of the oxide layer or the substrate is between about 0.8 to about 4. |
| US08252695B2 |
Method for manufacturing a micro-electromechanical structure
Disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing a micro-electromechanical structure. The method includes the following steps. A circuitry layer having a release feature is formed on an upper surface of a first substrate. A passive layer is formed on the circuitry layer without covering the release feature. The release feature is removed to expose the first substrate by a wet etching process. A portion of the exposed first substrate is anisotropically etched. A second substrate is disposed above the circuitry layer. A cavity is formed in the lower surface of the first substrate. The cavity is filled with a polymeric material. A portion of the first substrate under the microstructure is removed to release the micro-electromechanical structure. |
| US08252691B2 |
Method of forming semiconductor patterns
Semiconductor patterns are formed by performing trimming simultaneously with the process of depositing the spacer oxide. Alternatively, a first part of the trimming is performed in-situ, immediately before the spacer oxide deposition process in the same chamber in which the spacer oxide deposition is performed whereas a second part of the trimming is performed simultaneously with the process of depositing the spacer oxide. Thus, semiconductor patterns are formed reducing PR footing during PR trimming with direct plasma exposure. |
| US08252689B2 |
Chemical-mechanical planarization method and method for fabricating metal gate in gate-last process
The present invention provides a chemical-mechanical planarization method. The chemical-mechanical planarization method includes: providing a substrate including a gate and source/drain regions on the sides of the gate, the gate and the source/drain regions being overlay by an insulating layer, and the insulating layer including a protruding part above the gate and a recessed part above a surface of the substrate between gates; selectively doping the insulating layer such that only the protruding part is doped; and performing CMP on the substrate after doping, to remove the protruding part and planarize the surface of the substrate. By selectively doping the insulating layer, the method makes only the protruding part of the insulating layer doped, enhancing the corrosive attacks on the material of the protruding part by the slurry in the CMP, and increasing the removal rate of the material of the protruding part by the CMP. |
| US08252687B2 |
Barrier slurry for low-k dielectrics
The invention provides a chemical-mechanical polishing composition for polishing a substrate. The polishing composition comprises silica, a compound selected from the group consisting of an amine-substituted silane, a tetraalkylammonium salt, a tetraalkylphosphonium salt, and an imidazolium salt, a carboxylic acid having seven or more carbon atoms, an oxidizing agent that oxidizes a metal, and water. The invention further provides a method of chemically-mechanically polishing a substrate with the aforementioned polishing composition. |
| US08252684B1 |
Method of forming a trench by a silicon-containing mask
A method of forming a trench by a silicon-containing mask is provided in the present invention. The method includes providing a substrate covered with a silicon-containing mask. Then, anti-etch dopants are implanted into the silicon-containing mask to transform the silicon-containing mask into an etching resist mask. Later, the substrate and the etching resist mask are patterned to form at least one trench. Next, a silicon-containing layer is formed to fill into the trench. Finally, the silicon-containing layer is etched by taking the etching resist mask as a mask. |
| US08252673B2 |
Spin-on formulation and method for stripping an ion implanted photoresist
A spin-on formulation that is useful in stripping an ion implanted photoresist is provided that includes an aqueous solution of a water soluble polymer containing at least one acidic functional group, and at least one lanthanide metal-containing oxidant. The spin-on formulation is applied to an ion implanted photoresist and baked to form a modified photoresist. The modified photoresist is soluble in aqueous, acid or organic solvents. As such one of the aforementioned solvents can be used to completely strip the ion implanted photoresist as well as any photoresist residue that may be present. A rinse step can follow the stripping of the modified photoresist. |
| US08252669B2 |
Method for manufacturing microcrystalline semiconductor film by plasma CVD apparatus
An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a technique for manufacturing a dense crystalline semiconductor film (e.g., a microcrystalline semiconductor film) without a cavity between crystal grains. A plasma region is formed between a first electrode and a second electrode by supplying high-frequency power of 60 MHz or less to the first electrode under a condition where a pressure of a reactive gas in a reaction chamber of a plasma CVD apparatus is set to 450 Pa to 13332 Pa, and a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the plasma CVD apparatus is set to 1 mm to 20 mm; crystalline deposition precursors are formed in a gas phase including the plasma region; a crystal nucleus of 5 nm to 15 nm is formed by depositing the deposition precursors; and a microcrystalline semiconductor film is formed by growing a crystal from the crystal nucleus. |
| US08252667B2 |
Laser processing method for semiconductor wafer
A laser processing method for a semiconductor wafer including a groove forming step of applying a pulsed laser beam having an absorption wavelength to the semiconductor wafer along a division line formed on the semiconductor wafer to thereby form a laser processed groove along the division lines on the semiconductor wafer, wherein the pulse width of the pulsed laser beam to be applied in the groove forming step is set to 2 ns or less, and the peak energy density is set in the range of 5 to 200 GW/cm2. |
| US08252663B2 |
Method of transferring a thin layer onto a target substrate having a coefficient of thermal expansion different from that of the thin layer
A method of transferring a thin layer from a source substrate having a surface layer of a first material along a free surface thereof to a target substrate having at least one surface layer of a second material along a free surface thereof, where the first material differs from the second material, includes forming within the surface layer of the source substrate a weakened zone delimiting a thin layer with respect to the free surface, and assembling the free surface of the source substrate to the free surface of the target substrate in a stack of alternating layers comprising the first and second materials, so that there are, on either side of an interface formed by bringing the free surfaces into intimate contact. The cumulative thicknesses of the layers of the first material are substantially equal to the cumulative thickness of the layers of the second material, the layers having thicknesses at least equal to 50 microns and at least 1000 times the depth at which the weakened zone is formed. The thin layer is detached by applying at least partially thermal energy to fracture the weakened zone. |
| US08252656B2 |
Zener triggered ESD protection
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection clamps (61, 95) for I/O terminals (22, 23) of integrated circuit (IC) cores (24) comprise a bipolar transistor (25) with an integrated Zener diode (30) coupled between the base (28) and collector (27) of the transistor (25). Prior art variations (311, 312, 313, 314) in clamp voltage in different parts of the same IC chip or wafer caused by prior art deep implant geometric mask shadowing are avoided by using shallow implants (781, 782) and forming the base (28, 68) coupled anode (301, 75) and collector (27, 70, 64) coupled cathode (302, 72) of the Zener (30) using opposed edges (713, 714) of a single relatively thin mask (71, 71″). The anode (301, 75) and cathode (302, 72) are self-aligned and the width (691) of the Zener space charge region (69) therebetween is defined by the opposed edges (713, 714) substantially independent of location and orientation of the ESD clamps (61, 95) on the die or wafer. Because the mask (71, 71″) is relatively thin and the anode (301, 75) and cathode (302, 72) implants (781, 782) relatively shallow, mask shadowing is negligible and prior art clamp voltage variations (311, 312, 313, 314) are avoided. |
| US08252654B2 |
Method for manufacturing memory cell
In a method for manufacturing a memory cell, a substrate is provided. A doped region with a first conductive type is formed in the substrate near a surface of the substrate. A portion of the substrate is removed to define a plurality of fin structures in the substrate. A plurality of isolation structures is formed among the fin structures. A surface of the isolation structures is lower than a surface of the fin structures. A gate structure is formed over the substrate and straddles the fin structure. The gate structure includes a gate straddling the fin structure and a charge storage structure located between the fin structure and the gate. A source/drain region is formed with a second conductive type in the fin structure exposed by the gate structure, and the first conductive type is different from the second conductive type. |
| US08252651B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor device
A semiconductor device having a FIN type transistor including a FIN-shape semiconductor portion improved for reliability by suppressing scattering of the characteristics of the FIN-shape transistor by decreasing a difference between impurity concentration at an upper surface and impurity concentration on a lateral side of the FIN-shape semiconductor portion, in which a pad insulating film at a thickness of about 2 to 5 nm is formed to the upper surface of the FIN-shape semiconductor portion, cluster ions are implanted to one lateral side of the FIN-shape semiconductor portion from an oblique direction at a first implantation angle θ1 and then cluster ions are implanted to another lateral side of the FIN-shape semiconductor portion from an oblique direction at a second implantation angle θ2 in symmetrical with the first implantation angle θ1 and, subsequently, the cluster ions implanted to the FIN-shape semiconductor portion 10 are activated to form a diffusion region that forms a portion of a source region and a drain region. |
| US08252648B2 |
Power MOSFET device with self-aligned integrated Schottky and its manufacturing method
A power MOSFET device and manufacturing method thereof, includes the steps of selectively depositing a first conductive material in the middle region at the bottom of a contact trench and contacting with light-doped N-type epitaxial layer to form a Schottky junction and depositing a second conductive material at the side wall and bottom corner of the contact trench and contacting with P-type heavy-doped body region to form an ohmic junction. The first and second conductive materials can respectively optimize the performance of the ohmic contact and the Schottky contact without compromise. Meanwhile, the corner of the contact trench is surrounded by P-type heavy-doped region thereby effectively reducing the leakage currents accumulated at the corner of the contact trench. |
| US08252647B2 |
Fabrication of trench DMOS device having thick bottom shielding oxide
Semiconductor device fabrication method and devices are disclosed. A device may be fabricated by forming in a semiconductor layer; filling the trench with an insulating material; removing selected portions of the insulating material leaving a portion of the insulating material in a bottom portion of the trench; forming one or more spacers on one or more sidewalls of a remaining portion of the trench; anisotropically etching the insulating material in the bottom portion of the trench using the spacers as a mask to form a trench in the insulator; removing the spacers; and filling the trench in the insulator with a conductive material. Alternatively, an oxide-nitride-oxide (ONO) structure may be formed on a sidewall and at a bottom of the trench and one or more conductive structures may be formed in a portion of the trench not occupied by the ONO structure. |
| US08252643B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof
A semiconductor device which is formed in a self-aligned manner without causing a problem of misalignment in forming a control gate electrode and in which a leak between the control gate electrode and a floating gate electrode is not generated, and a manufacturing method of the semiconductor device are provided. A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor film, a first gate insulating film over the semiconductor film, a floating gate electrode over the first gate insulating film, a second gate insulating film which covers the floating gate electrode, and a control gate electrode over the second gate insulating film. The control gate electrode is formed so as to cover the floating gate electrode with the second gate insulating film interposed therebetween, the control gate electrode is provided with a sidewall, and the sidewall is formed on a stepped portion of the control gate electrode, generated due to the floating gate electrode. |
| US08252641B2 |
Memory embedded logic semiconductor device having memory region and logic circuit region
In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, first contact holes reaching diffusion regions of a cell transistor, bit line contact holes reaching diffusion regions of the cell transistor, and interconnect grooves communicating with the bit line contact holes are buried in a first insulating film. In addition, first contact plugs and bit line contacts are respectively formed by burying conductive materials in the first contact holes, the bit line contact holes and the interconnect grooves, and the first contact plugs are electrically connected to a capacitor formed in a third insulating film through an opening formed in a second insulating film. |
| US08252637B2 |
Semiconductor device and method of fabricating the same
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a reliable semiconductor device comprising TFTs having a large area integrated circuit with low wiring resistance. One of the features of the present invention is that an LDD region including a region which overlaps with a gate electrode and a region which does not overlap with the gate electrode is provided in one TFT. Another feature of the present invention is that gate electrode comprises a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer and portion of the gate wiring has a clad structure comprising the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer with a low resistance layer interposed therebetween. |
| US08252635B2 |
Electronic system modules and method of fabrication
A trace routing method for a multi-layer interconnection circuit includes the steps of providing stacked contacts with trace stubs at input/output pads of said interconnection circuit, and limiting contacts between conductive layers to two-level contacts in routing areas where maximum routing density is desired. |
| US08252629B2 |
Method for making a stackable package
The present invention relates to a method for making a stackable package. The method includes the following steps: (a) providing a first carrier; (b) disposing at least one chip on the first carrier; (c) forming a molding compound so as to encapsulate the chip; (d) removing the first carrier; (e) forming a first redistribution layer and at least one first bump; (f) providing a second carrier; (g) disposing on the second carrier; (h) removing part of the chip and part of the molding compound; (i) forming a second redistribution layer; and (j) removing the second carrier. Therefore, the second redistribution layer enables the stackable package to have more flexibility to be utilized. |
| US08252625B2 |
Organic thin film transistor substrate and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention provides an organic thin film transistor substrate and a method of manufacturing the same capable of uniformly forming the thickness of a gate insulating layer and a protective layer and preventing overflow of an organic semiconductive layer.The organic thin film transistor according to the present invention comprises a gate line formed on a substrate; a data line which intersects the gate line with an organic gate insulating layer interposed therebetween to define a pixel area; a thin film transistor connected with the gate line and the data line and which includes an organic semiconductive layer; a pixel electrode connected with the thin film transistor and formed in the pixel area; an organic protective layer formed parallel with the gate line to cover the organic semiconductive layer and its peripheral area; a first border insulating layer stepwise formed so that the organic gate insulating layer and the protective layer are filled, and a second border insulating layer formed on the source electrode and the drain electrode of the thin film transistor so that the organic semiconductive layer is filled. |
| US08252621B2 |
Method for forming copper indium gallium chalcogenide layer with optimized gallium content at its surface
A method of forming a Group IBIIIAVIA solar cell absorber, which includes a top surface region of less than or equal to 300 nm depth. The Ga/(Ga+In) molar ratio within the top surface region is in the range of 0.1-0.3. The Group IBIIIAVIA solar cell absorber is formed by reacting the layers of a multilayer material structure which includes a metallic film including at least Cu and In formed on a base, a separator layer including Se is formed on the metallic film, a metallic source layer substantially including Ga formed on the separator layer, and a cap layer substantially including Se formed on the source layer. |
| US08252619B2 |
Treatment of thin film layers photovoltaic module manufacture
Systems and processes for treatment of a cadmium telluride thin film photovoltaic device are generally provided. The systems can include a treatment system and a conveyor system. The treatment system includes a preheating section, a treatment chamber, and an anneal oven that are integrally interconnected within the treatment system. The conveyor system is operably disposed within the treatment system and configured for transporting substrates in a serial arrangement into and through the preheat section, into and through the treatment chamber, and into and through the anneal oven at a controlled speed. The treatment chamber is configured for applying a material to a thin film on a surface of the substrate and the anneal oven is configured to heat the substrate to an annealing temperature as the substrates are continuously conveyed by the conveyor system through the treatment chamber. |
| US08252618B2 |
Methods of manufacturing cadmium telluride thin film photovoltaic devices
Methods for manufacturing a cadmium telluride based thin film photovoltaic device are generally disclosed. A resistive transparent layer can be sputtered on a transparent conductive oxide layer from a metal alloy target in a sputtering atmosphere of argon and oxygen that includes argon from about 5% to about 40%. A cadmium sulfide layer can then be formed on the resistive transparent layer. A cadmium telluride layer can be formed on the cadmium sulfide layer; and a back contact layer can be formed on the cadmium telluride layer. The sputtering can be accomplished within a sputtering chamber. |
| US08252617B2 |
Continuous large area imaging and display arrays using readout arrays fabricated in silicon-on-glass substrates
A vertically-integrated image sensor is proposed with the performance characteristics of single crystal silicon but with the area coverage and cost of arrays fabricated on glass. The image sensor can include a backplane array having readout elements implemented in silicon-on-glass, a frontplane array of photosensitive elements vertically integrated above the backplane, and an interconnect layer disposed between the backplane array and the image sensing array. Since large area silicon-on-glass backplanes are formed by tiling thin single-crystal silicon layers cleaved from a thick silicon wafer side-by-side on large area glass gaps between the tiled silicon backplane would normally result in gaps in the image captured by the array. Therefore, embodiments further propose that the pixel pitch in both horizontal and vertical directions of the frontplane be larger than the pixel pitch of the backplane, with the pixel pitch difference being sufficient that the frontplane bridges the gap between backplane tiles. |
| US08252616B2 |
Package structure of photodiode and forming method thereof
A package structure of photodiode and a forming method of the same are provided. The method includes providing a heat-dissipation plate; placing a circuit board on the heat-dissipation plate, the circuit board having an opening exposing a top surface of the heat-dissipation plate and a first contact pad located on a peripheral area of the opening; placing a carrier with a metal cladding surface into the opening, the carrier connecting the top surface of the heat-dissipation plate; placing a photodiode chip on the carrier wherein the bottom area of the photodiode chip is less than the metal cladding surface such that a portion of the metal cladding surface is exposed; and electrically connecting the exposed metal cladding surface to the first contact pad. |
| US08252615B2 |
Integrated circuit package system employing mold flash prevention technology
An integrated circuit package system that includes: providing a support structure including an integrated circuit and an electrical contact adjacent thereto; providing a first mold having a first cavity with a projection and a recess for collecting flash; engaging the first mold on the support structure with the first cavity over at least a portion of the integrated circuit and the projection and the recess between the at least a portion of the integrated circuit and the electrical contact; and injecting encapsulation material into the first cavity. |
| US08252612B2 |
Organic EL display device and manufacturing method thereof
An object of the invention is to provide an organic EL display device manufacturing method that allows the reliability of the organic EL display device having undergone a defect repair process to be improved. A method for manufacturing an organic EL display device, the method including an organic EL element substrate formation step of forming at least one organic EL element on an organic EL element substrate, the organic EL element including an organic EL film, an anode electrode and a reflection electrode that form a first conductive film provided below the organic EL film, and a cathode electrode that forms a second conductive film provided above the organic EL film, a resin sealing step of providing a thermoplastic sealing resin to cover the upper side of the organic EL element, a defect detection step of detecting a defect in the organic EL element, and a defect elimination step of eliminating the defect detected in the defect detection step by irradiating the defect with a laser beam. |
| US08252610B2 |
Method of manufacturing light emitting diode
A method for making a light emitting diode is provided, which includes first providing a light emitting diode chip. The light emitting diode chip includes a substrate and a p-type semiconductor layer, an active layer and an n-type semiconductor layer sequentially formed on the substrate. And then sections with different resistance are formed in the n-type semiconductor layer by implanting ions into the n-type semiconductor layer in an ion implanter. Finally, an electrode pad is deposited on the n-type semiconductor layer. The electrical resistances of the sections increase following an increase of a distance from the electrode pad to the sections. |
| US08252609B2 |
Curvature reduction for semiconductor wafers
A method for reducing curvature of a wafer having a semiconductor surface. One or more process steps are identified at which wafers exhibit the largest curvature, and/or wafer curvature that may reduce die yield. A crystal damaging process converts at least a portion of the semiconductor surface into at least one amorphous surface region After or contemporaneously with the crystal damaging, the amorphous surface region is recrystallized by recrystallization annealing that anneals the wafer for a time ≦5 seconds at a temperature sufficient for recrystallization of the amorphous surface region. A subsequent photolithography step is facilitated due to the reduction in average wafer curvature provided by the recrystallization. |
| US08252608B1 |
Measurement of a sample using multiple models
A sample with at least a first structure and a second structure is measured and a first model and a second model of the sample are generated. The first model models the first structure as an independent variable and models the second structure. The second model of the sample models the second structure as an independent variable. The measurement, the first model and the second model together to determine at least one desired parameter of the sample. For example, the first structure may be on a first layer and the second structure may be on a second layer that is under the first layer, and the processing of the sample may at least partially remove the first layer, wherein the second model models the first layer as having a thickness of zero. |
| US08252605B2 |
Method and composition for stabilizing liquid reagents
The invention relates to methods and compositions for removing a dissociated species from a fluid medium solution during and after it has detached from a solid-phase immersed in said medium, thereby allowing the concentration of free species to remain close to zero, and for improving the signal to noise ratio in assays. This is achieved by employing a substrate, such as a scavenging solid-phase, having an attached binding partner or partners (“scavenger”) for the specifically binding species and which is present during storage. This substrate may also contain regions for binding signal generating components attached to the solid-phase. This substrate binds any free species bleeding off the solid phase, increasing the reliability and sensitivity of assays. A subset of the substrates in the invention additionally forms cross-linked networks of solid-phase particles that further increase the sensitivity of assays. |
| US08252602B2 |
System for explosives detection
The system and method for explosives detection may be used for detecting the presence of explosive elements. A testing device may have a case with a cover. A sample holder may be disposed in the case for receipt of a sample element and may have a sample retainer. The sample element may have a swipe pad attached to a backing element a heater may be disposed in the sample holder wherein the heater may be below the swipe pad adjacent the backing element when the sample element may be positioned in the sample holder. The heater may be in communication with an electric power source. The case may have a plurality of cavities formed therein for receipt of a plurality of fluid containers. The plurality of fluid containers may have at least a first reagent fluid and a second reagent fluid. |
| US08252595B2 |
Metal abstraction peptide (MAP) tag and associated methods
Compositions comprising a tripeptide having the sequence XC1C2; wherein X is any amino acid such that XC1C2 is capable of binding a metal in a square planar orientation or square pyramidal orientation or both; and wherein C1 and C2 are the same or different; and wherein C1 and C2 individually are chosen from a cysteine and a cysteine-like nonnatural amino acid, as well as metal-XC1C2 complexes and methods for forming such complexes. |
| US08252594B2 |
Chemical markers
A composition containing a petroleum hydrocarbon, a biodiesel fuel or an ethanol fuel, and an organic marker compound. |
| US08252585B2 |
Neural progenitor cell populations
This invention provides populations of neural progenitor cells, differentiated neurons, glial cells, and astrocytes. The populations are obtained by culturing stem cell populations (such as embryonic stem cells) in a cocktail of growth conditions that initiates differentiation, and establishes the neural progenitor population. The progenitors can be further differentiated in culture into a variety of different neural phenotypes, including dopaminergic neurons. The differentiated cell populations or the neural progenitors can be generated in large quantities for use in drug screening and the treatment of neurological disorders. |
| US08252581B2 |
Apparatus for high throughput chemical reactions
Apparatus, systems, chips, and methods of performing a large number of simultaneous chemical reactions are provided herein. The chips of the invention comprise addressable units that can be addressed according to the temperature of the reaction to be run. The subject apparatus, systems, and chips are particularly suited for performing polymerase chain reactions on thousands of nucleic acid sequences, up to and including sequences of an entire genome of an organism of interest. |
| US08252578B2 |
Juvenile hemochromatosis gene (HFE2A) cleavage products and uses thereof
Isolated fragments of the HFE2A protein able to bind and modulate HFE2A and other proteins, such as hepcidin, involved in the iron metabolism pathway are disclosed, such fragments being of molecular weight of approximately 7 kDa to 43 kDa. Also disclosed are corresponding isolated polynucleotides encoding the fragments of the HFE2A protein. The invention includes derivatives and analogs of the polypeptide fragments of HFE2A, along with compositions of these, that are functionally active, i.e. capable of interacting with the HFE2A, as well as methods of production of the HFE2A cleavage products, derivatives and analogs, e.g. by recombinant means. Methods for identifying modulators of HFE2A, comprising contacting a test compound with HFE2A and determining a change in HFE2A activity due to the compound, are provided. Also taught are methods of diagnosing an animal afflicted with or at risk of developing a disease of iron metabolism comprising determining a change in the level, amount or activity of a fragment of an HFE2A obtained in a sample from said animal relative to the level, amount or activity of a fragment of an HFE2A obtained in a control sample from an unaffected animal, wherein a change identifies said individual as being affect by or at risk of developing a disease of iron metabolism. Methods for treating and/or preventing a disorder in animals comprising administering to an animal afflicted therewith, or at risk of developing said disorder, a therapeutically effective amount of an HFE2A modulator are provided. |
| US08252576B2 |
Use of prokaryote viruses to remediate bio-fouling
This invention provides a process for control in oil and gas wells and related facilities of prokaryote caused souring, fouling and corrosion by reduction of problematic prokaryotes with naturally occurring lysing organisms, particularly sulfate-reducing prokaryotes by proliferating suitable virulent lysing organisms under conditions in which problematic prokaryotes thrive, including in a gas production wellbore. The process provides in situ proliferation of virulent lysing organism in a wellbore by providing both virulent lysing organisms and their host prokaryotes to selectively grow an effective control amount and concentrations of lysing organisms in a well formation. |
| US08252573B2 |
Alpha-amylase variant with altered properties
The present invention relates to variants (mutants) of parent Termamyl-like alpha-amylases, which variant has alpha-amylase activity and exhibits altered properties relative to the parent alpha-amylase. |
| US08252571B2 |
Preparation of solvent-borne polymeric bioactive coatings
Processes for preparation of a protein-polymer composite material are provided according to embodiments of the present invention which include providing an admixture of a polymer resin, a surfactant and a non-aqueous organic solvent. An aqueous solution containing bioactive proteins and substantially free of surfactant is mixed with the admixture. The emulsion is mixed with a crosslinker to produce a curable composition. The curable composition is cured, thereby producing the protein-polymer composite material. |
| US08252570B2 |
Bone delivery device
Bone cages are disclosed including devices for biocompatible implantation. The structures of bone are useful for providing living cells and tissues as well as biologically active molecules to subjects. |
| US08252569B2 |
Microfluidic device and method for concentration and lysis of cells or viruses
A microfluidic device for the concentration and lysis of cells or viruses and a method of concentrating and lysing cells or viruses using the microfluidic device include: magnetic beads, a reaction chamber in which the magnetic beads are accommodated and a laser source. The reaction chamber includes a plurality of electrodes which cross each other and are separated by a dielectric to generate an electric field and a vibrating part agitating the magnetic beads in the chamber. The laser source radiates a laser onto the magnetic beads in the reaction chamber. |
| US08252566B2 |
Ethanol production from citrus waste through limonene reduction
The present invention relates to processes for producing ethanol from citrus waste wherein the level of fermentation-inhibiting compounds found in citrus waste or the complex polysaccharide or sugars derived therefrom is reduced using a pre-fermentation treatment step to lower the level of fermentation-inhibiting compounds to the fermentation feedstock. |
| US08252565B2 |
Method for production of microbial fermentation product
The present invention relates to a method for production of a diol form represented by the formula (2), which includes filtering a culture fluid obtained by microbial conversion using a compound represented by the following formula (1a) and/or formula (1b) as a substrate, using a filter having an aperture size of 10 to 100 μm; washing the residue on the filter with water or a solvent having an SP value outside the range of 8.3 to 20 (cal/cm3)1/2; subsequently dissolving the obtained cake in a solvent having an SP value of 8.3 to 20 (cal/cm3)1/2; and then filtering or centrifuging the solution.According to the present invention, 1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2,5,5,8a-tetramethyldecahydronaphthalen-2-ol, which is useful as an intermediate for the production of 3a,6,6,9a-tetramethyldodecahydronaphtho[2,1-b]furan, can be efficiently produced at high purity. |
| US08252560B2 |
Process for producing useful substance with immobilized enzyme
The present invention relates to a process for producing a fatty acid, which includes feeding a liquid mixture formed of two liquid phases that flow in a co-current manner into a fixed bed-type reaction column packed with immobilized lipase, and performing a hydrolysis reaction when the two liquid phases are in contact with the immobilized lipase in the fixed-bed reaction column; wherein the fixed-bed reaction column comprises partition plates so as to comprise a plurality of tube- shaped structures, wherein each tube-shaped structure has a cross -section which is rectangular, circular, oval, or polygonal in shape with at least a part being unclosed and the cross-section has a representative length of 100 mm or less. |
| US08252558B2 |
Methods for amplifying and detecting nucleic acid sequences
The present invention, in different aspects and embodiments, provides nucleic acid amplification and detection methods that are both sensitive and fast. In various aspects there are disclosed amplification methods employing different combinations of primers to which can achieve exponential amplification and strand displacement, such as to generate a more than two fold increase of the amount of a target nucleic acid sequence during repeated cycles, while additionally permitting the production of single stranded products. Also provided are detection systems and kits. |
| US08252557B2 |
Peptide-containing culture medium for culturing animal cell
Disclosed is a culture medium for culturing an animal cell, which is characterized by containing a peptide comprising, as a constituent unit, an amino acid residue selected from the amino acid group consisting of serine, tyrosine and cysteine. The culture medium is suitable for the high level production of a protein by an animal cell. |
| US08252554B2 |
Halohydrin dehalogenases and related polynucleotides
The present invention relates to novel halohydrin dehalogenase polypeptides and the polynucleotides that encode them. These polypeptides are useful in the production of 4-substituted-3-butyric acid derivatives and vicinal cyano, hydroxyl substituted carboxylic acid esters. The invention also provides related vectors, host cells and methods. |
| US08252553B2 |
Specific binding sites in collagen for integrins and use thereof
The present invention identified a high affinity binding sequence in collagen type III for the collagen-binding integrin I domains. Provided herein are the methods used to characterize the sequence, the peptides comprising this novel sequence and the use of the peptides in enabling cell adhesion. Also provided herein are methods to identify specific integrin inhibitors, sequences of these inhibitors and their use in inhibiting pathophysiological conditions that may arise due to integrin-collagen interaction. |
| US08252549B2 |
Multi-purpose substrates useful for cell culture and methods for making
Described herein are multi-purpose substrates composed of (1) a base coated with a calcium phosphate coating and (2) a fluorophore-labeled collagen adsorbed on the calcium phosphate coating. The multi-purpose substrates are useful in culturing and studying the activity of a variety of cells. The multi-purpose substrates described herein can be used for both solution- and image-based analysis of cultured cells. New methods for producing and using such coated substrates are also disclosed. |
| US08252545B2 |
Peptides of a melanoma antigen and their use in diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic methods
Immunogenic peptides of a melanoma antigen recognized by T cells, designated gp100, bioassays using the peptides to diagnose, assess or prognose a mammal afflicted with cancer, more specifically melanoma or metastatic melanoma, and use of the proteins and peptides as immunogens to inhibit, prevent or treat melanoma. |
| US08252542B2 |
Serpin B 13 as a marker for squamous cell carcinoma of the lung
Disclosed is a method aiding in the assessment of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It involves the use of the protein serpin B13 as a marker of SCC. Furthermore, the disclosure relates to a method for assessing lung cancer in a tissue sample derived from a patient having non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and for differentiating SCC from adenocarcinoma or large cell carcinoma of the lung. |
| US08252540B2 |
Drug delivery system toward demyelinating lesion and biochemical marker of demyelinating lesion
It is intended to provide a drug delivery system toward a demyelinating lesion. It is also intended to provide a biochemical marker of a demyelinating lesion. A delivery system for a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for a demyelinating disease characterized in that a substance capable of specifically recognizing Contactin is conjugated to an active ingredient of a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for a demyelinating disease is provided. Also provided is a method of evaluating and/or differentiating a demyelinating disease, including measuring the expression of Contactin in a body fluid. |
| US08252538B2 |
MicroRNA expression signature for predicting survival and metastases in hepatocellular carcinoma
Provided herein are methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Also provided are methods of identifying anti-HCC agents. |
| US08252537B2 |
Identification of a DNA variant associated with adult type hypolactasia
The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule comprising a 5′ portion of an intestinal lactase-phlorizine hydrolase (LPH) gene contributing to or indicative of the adult-type hypolactasia. The present invention further relates to methods for testing for the presence of or predisposition to adult-type hypolactasia that are based on the analysis of an SNP contained in the above recited nucleic acid molecule. Additionally, the present invention relates to diagnostic composition and kit useful in the detection of the presence of or predisposition to adult-type hypolactasia. |
| US08252536B2 |
Integrated nucleic acid analysis
The present invention relates to an integrated method of nucleic acid analysis, and more particularly to a simplified sample pre-treatment, which renders the method more easily automated, where the sample is provided on or applied onto a solid matrix and the subsequent amplification and detection steps are performed in one single, sealed reaction vial without removing the matrix. |
| US08252535B2 |
RNA interference tags
The invention relates to a method for inhibiting the expression of a target gene in a eukaryotic cell. The method includes the following steps: a) providing at least one eukaryotic cell, the cell being capable of RNA interference, b) transfecting the eukaryotic cell with a composition that includes a genetic construct that includes an siRNA tag, and a target gene that forms a transcription unit together with the siRNA tag, and c) introducing at least one siRNA that is complementary to the siRNA tag of the transfected genetic construct to inhibit the expression of the target gene. |
| US08252532B2 |
Regulators of the non-genomic action of progesterone and methods of use
A progesterone regulator capable of modulating the non-genomic action of progesterone and methods of using the progesterone regulator are described. The progesterone regulator is useful for attenuating progesterone's inhibition of apoptosis and for the treatment of patients having a progesterone-responsive tissue disease such as endometriosis or cancer, particularly ovarian cancer, as well as for diagnosis, prognosis, and/or staging of ovarian cancers. |
| US08252524B2 |
Method of screening pharmaceutical compositions that promote nuclear transfer of Cdc42 protein
A nuclear transfer promoter for Cdc42 protein comprising an isoprenoid synthesis inhibitor and/or a geranylgeranyl transferase inhibitor such as an HMG-CoA synthase inhibitor, an HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, an AMPK activator or a farnesyl pyrophosphoric acid synthase preparation; utilization thereof; a method therefor; a blood vessel remedy comprising the nuclear transfer promoter for Cdc42 protein as the active ingredient; and a method of screening a blood vessel remedy which comprises assaying the ability of Cdc42 protein to transfer into nucleus. |
| US08252522B2 |
Species detection methods and systems
The disclosure provides methods, systems and kits for cellular and subcellular identification in a rapid, throughput manner. |
| US08252520B2 |
Methods and compounds for inhibiting Hec1 activity for the treatment of proliferative diseases
The present invention provides methods and compounds for inhibiting HEC1 activity for the treatment of diseases involving cell hyperproliferation, e.g. cancer. The present invention also provides methods of identifying compounds for inhibiting HEC1 activity. |
| US08252518B2 |
Chemically amplified positive resist composition and resist patterning process
There is disclosed a chemically amplified positive resist composition to form a chemically amplified resist film to be used in a lithography, wherein the chemically amplified positive resist composition comprises at least, (A) a base resin, insoluble or poorly soluble in an alkaline solution, having a repeating unit whose phenolic ydroxyl group is protected by a tertiary alkyl group, while soluble in an alkaline solution when the tertiary alkyl group is removed; (B) an acid generator; (C) a basic component; and (D) an organic solvent, and a solid component concentration is controlled so that the chemically amplified resist film having the film thickness of 10 to 100 nm is obtained by a spin coating method. There can be provided, in a lithography, a chemically amplified positive resist composition giving a high resolution with a suppressed LER deterioration caused by film-thinning at the time of forming a chemically amplified resist film with the film thickness of 10 to 100 nm, and a resist patterning process using the same. |
| US08252508B2 |
Positive photosensitive composition and method of forming resist pattern
A positive photosensitive composition comprises: (A) 5 to 20 parts by weight of the total amount of at least one compound that generates an acid upon irradiation with an actinic ray; and (B) 100 parts by weight of the total amount of at least one fluorine atom-containing resin having a group that increases a solubility of the resin in an alkaline developer by the action of an acid. |
| US08252504B2 |
Polymer, resist composition, and patterning process
A polymer obtained through copolymerization of a monomer having a hexafluoroalcohol pendant whose hydroxyl moiety has been protected and a monomer having an acid labile group is useful as an additive to a photoresist composition for immersion lithography. When processed by immersion lithography, the resist composition exhibits good water repellency and water slip and produces few development defects. |
| US08252502B2 |
Method for producing toner and resulting toner
A method for producing a toner is provided that comprises a kneading step, a milling step, a pre-externally adding step, in which at least a part of an external additive is externally added to the powder to prepare a mixture, a classifying step, a recycle step, and a post-externally adding step, wherein the internally added amount X of the external additive in the toner is regulated within a range of 0.2 part by mass to 3.0 parts by mass based on 100 parts by mass of the toner base. |
| US08252498B2 |
Toner for printing method and method for electrophoretic printing process
Amphiphilic toner which has both hydrophilic groups and lipophilic groups in the molecule, use thereof for an electrophoretic printing process, and method for an electrophoretic printing process using it. The toner is first dispersed in a non-polar carrier liquid, the toner-containing carrier liquid being transported from a charge image carrier by means of a transfer roller to a point of transfer and from there transferred to a substrate. A polar liquid is added before transfer of the toner to the substrate. |
| US08252496B2 |
Developing agent and method for producing the same
A method for producing a developing agent including preparing a dispersion liquid containing first fine particles containing a binder resin and second fine particles containing a color developable compound, a color coupler, and a color eraser, and aggregating the first and second fine particles in the dispersion liquid to form aggregated particles. |
| US08252495B2 |
Electrophotographic toner and manufacturing method thereof
The electrophotographic toner of the present invention comprises toner particles and inorganic fine powder externally added to the toner particles. The toner particles comprise a core particle containing at least a resin, a coloring agent and wax, a first shell layer that is formed on the surface of the core particle to prevent inorganic fine powder from being buried, and a second shell layer that is formed on the surface of the first shell layer to retain inorganic fine powder. This makes it possible to inhibit inorganic fine powder that is an external additive from being buried in a toner and prevent deterioration of developing performance, reduction in transfer efficiency, blocking of a developer and toner aggregation. |
| US08252492B2 |
Toner for electrostatic development, image forming apparatus, and image forming method
An embodiment of toner for electrostatic development may include toner base particles, and resin fine particles. Further, some embodiments may include external additives, such as hydrophobic silica. In some embodiments, the resin fine particles may include a polymer having an isobornyl group-containing acrylate monomer. |
| US08252491B2 |
Method of forming a marker, substrate having a marker and device manufacturing method
A marker, for example an alignment marker or an overlay marker is formed in two steps. First, a pattern of two chemically distinct feature types having a pitch comparable to product features is formed. This pattern is then masked by resist in the form of the desired marker, which has a larger pitch than the pattern. Finally, one of the two feature types is selectively etched in the open areas. The result is a marker with a large pitch suitable to be read with long wavelength radiation but the edges of the features are defined in an exposure step having a pitch comparable to the product features. |
| US08252490B2 |
Color filter and solid state imaging device having a colored pattern formed from a curable composition
A color filter or solid state imaging device comprising a colored pattern formed from a curable composition which includes (A) a pigment, (B) a compound having a defined cyclic urea structure and having an acid group or a basic group, (C) a dispersant, (D) a solvent, (E) a radical polymerizable compound, and (F) a photopolymerization initiator. The pigment may be a pigment having a urea structure or an imide structure. The pigment may also be a pigment having a barbituric skeleton. |
| US08252489B2 |
Mask-shift-aware RC extraction for double patterning design
A method includes providing a layout of an integrated circuit design, and generating a plurality of double patterning decompositions from the layout, with each of the plurality of double patterning decompositions including patterns separated to a first mask and a second mask of a double patterning mask set. A maximum shift between the first and the second masks is determined, wherein the maximum shift is a maximum expected mask shift in a manufacturing process for implementing the layout on a wafer. For each of the plurality of double patterning decompositions, a worst-case performance value is simulated using mask shifts within a range defined by the maximum shift. The step of simulating the worst-case performance includes calculating capacitance values corresponding to mask shifts, and the capacitance values are calculated using a high-order equation or a piecewise equation. |
| US08252484B2 |
Separator for fuel cell having electrically conducting flow path part
A high-performance separator for a fuel cell is provided that includes an electrically conducting flow path part and an integrated insulating outer circumferential part surrounding the flow path part. The flow path part includes an electrically conducting resin composition including a carbonaceous material (A) and a thermoplastic resin composition (B) at a mass ratio (A)/(B) of 1 to 20 with the total mass of (A) and (B) accounting for 80 to 100 mass % in the composition. The flow path part has a corrugated shape having a recess and a projection on each of front and back surfaces thereof, where the recess constitutes a groove for a flow path, and a thickness of 0.05 to 0.5 mm and a maximum thickness/minimum thickness ratio of 1 to 3. The insulating outer circumferential part includes an insulating thermoplastic resin composition having a volume resistivity of 1010 Ωcm or more. |
| US08252482B2 |
Solid polymer fuel cell
A fuel cell includes a power generation portion. The power generation portion at least has a fuel electrode, an oxygen electrode, a solid polymer electrolyte membrane interposed therebetween, and a first opening member including an opening on the fuel electrode side. The fuel cell includes a fuel storage portion storing fuel and including a second opening member that includes an opening. The fuel cell includes a container portion provided on the power generation portion containing the fuel storage portion. The container portion is designed to contain the fuel storage portion such that the fuel storage portion is attachable to and detachable from the power generation portion, while the opening of the first opening member and the opening of the second opening member are positioned so as to be communicable with each other. |
| US08252481B2 |
Fuel cell system and solid polymer electrolyte film
According to the invention, a fuel cell system features a fuel cell (14) having a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (4), and an antioxidant residing in or contacting the solid polymer electrolyte membrane (4), for inactivating active oxygen. |
| US08252479B2 |
Solid oxide fuel cell
The solid oxide fuel cell of the present invention has a substrate (1); an electrolyte (3) that is disposed on one surface of the substrate (1); and at least one electrode element E having an anode (5) and a cathode (7) disposed on the same surface of the electrolyte (3) with a predetermined space therebetween. |
| US08252477B2 |
Direct-flame fuel cell
A direct-flame fuel cell according to the invention has a cell in which a solid electrolyte 1 is sandwiched between an anode 2 and a cathode 3. The anode 2 contains one or more kinds of alkaline metal compounds or alkaline earth metal compounds which are effective in suppressing soot generation due to exposure to a flame. Where the anode 2 includes two or more layers 2a and 2b, the one or more kinds of alkaline metal compounds or alkaline earth metal compounds are contained in the outermost layer 2b. |
| US08252473B2 |
Fuel cell-equipped vehicle and control method for fuel cell-equipped vehicle
A vehicle equipped with a fuel cell recognizes an external characteristic of a following mobile unit. Corresponding to the recognized characteristic, the vehicle controls the permission, the amount and the prohibition of discharge of the water produced along with electricity generation of the fuel cell. |
| US08252470B2 |
Fuel cell system
A temperature sensor detects the temperature of a coolant circulating in a coolant supply system of a fuel cell. A control unit monitors the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. When the temperature of the coolant is higher than a target temperature, the control section switches a rotary valve to a radiator-side flow path so that a radiator cools the coolant, and when the temperature of the coolant is lower than the target temperature, the control section switches the rotary valve to a bypass-side flow path to raise the temperature of the coolant through FC generation so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor is equal to the target temperature. During the process above, in a low temperature environment, the target temperature is raised to a temperature that is higher than a target temperature during a normal operation, while a heater heats the coolant. Through the above processing, the temperature inside the fuel cell can be prevented from decreasing excessively even in the low temperature environment. |
| US08252463B2 |
Modified current collector of lithium ion battery, method for making the same, and lithium ion battery using the same
A modified current collector includes a metal plate and a protective film disposed on a surface of the metal plate. A composition of the protective film is at least one of AlxMyPO4 and AlxMy(PO3)3. M represents at least one chemical element selected from the group consisting of Cr, Zn, Mg, Zr, Mo, V, Nb, and Ta. A valence of M is represented by k, wherein 0 |
| US08252461B2 |
Lithium-sulfur battery and cathode therefore
An improved cathode suitable for lithium-sulfur batteries, a battery including the cathode, and a battery including a separator containing inorganic fillers are disclosed. The cathode includes sulfur and a metal oxide and optionally includes an additional polymeric material. The metal oxide reduces dissolution of sulfur at the cathode and reduces sulfur-containing deposits on the battery anode, thereby providing a battery with relatively high energy density and good partial discharge performance. The separator also reduces unwanted diffusion of sulfur species. |
| US08252458B2 |
Electrolyte-absoring, non-permeable sealing materials
An engineered thermoplastic sealing member for LiFeS2 and other nonaqueous cells is disclosed. The optimal material displays a propensity to absorb at least 10 weight percent of an ether-based electrolyte while, at the same time, displaying a vapor transmission rate of less than 500((g×mil)/(100 in2×days). |
| US08252457B2 |
Battery cell and power supply
A battery (2) includes an insulating member (40) fitted into a hole (26) in a case (20), and electrode terminals (60, 70), each being passed through the insulating member (40) and extended out of the case (20). The insulating member (40) includes: a first insulating portion (42) that isolates each of the electrode terminals (60, 70) from the inner surface of the hole (26) and closes the interface between each of the electrode terminals (60, 70) and the inner surface; and a second insulating portion (48) formed along the surface of each of the terminals (60, 70) at the outer end portion of the insulating member (40). |
| US08252455B2 |
Battery pack, vehicle equipped with the battery pack, and device equipped with the battery pack
A secondary battery includes a cylindrical battery case, a positive and negative electrode body group, a top plate and a battery lid connected to first and second electrode bodies of the electrode body group respectively. The secondary battery further includes a current collector placed on an end of the electrode body group on the top plate side and connected to the first electrode body of the electrode body group and a spacer placed between the top plate and the current collector. The top plate is partly formed with a thin portion. The spacer is formed with through holes in positions corresponding to the thin portion. The portion of the current collector corresponding to the thin portion is in contact with the thin portion through the through hole. The thin portion is deformed when the internal pressure of the battery case rises, thereby breaking electric connection between the top plate and the current collector. |
| US08252442B2 |
Battery cover latching assembly
A battery cover latching assembly, detachably securing a battery cover to a housing, includes a button, battery cover, elastic member arranged between the button and the housing, and a resisting member resisting the battery cover away from the housing. The button includes a locking portion. The battery cover includes a corresponding locking member. The locking portion is slidably received in the housing to clamp or release the locking member. |
| US08252441B2 |
Spacers for fixing battery cells within a battery package casing and associated systems and methods
A battery support system for supporting at least one battery cell disposed within a battery package is described herein. In one embodiment, the battery support system includes a spacer element having a frame member configured to be proximate to an end of the battery cell. The frame member has first projections extending away from the frame member in a first direction. The first projections are configured to engage a portion of the side surface of the battery cell. In a particular embodiment, the frame member further has second projections extending away from the frame member in a second direction generally opposite the first direction. The second projections are configured or positioned to provide a stand-off between the end of the battery cell and an interior surface of the battery package in which the battery support system is disposed. |
| US08252440B2 |
Sealed battery
The present invention provides a sealed battery 10 including an electrode body 14 formed by winding a positive electrode plate 11, a negative electrode plate 12 and a separator 13 interposed therebetween so as to have a hollow portion 14a at the center, a tube-shaped center pin 20a inserted in the hollow portion 14a, a battery outer can 17 containing the electrode body 14, an external terminal 19 also serving as a safety valve 18 evacuating gas when a gas pressure in the battery outer can 17 exceeds a predetermined value. A slit 24a is formed on a peripheral surface of the center pin 20a, and a cutout part 22a is formed on at least an end of the center pin 20a at the external terminal 19 side. |
| US08252435B2 |
Cutting tool, process for producing the same, and method of cutting
[PROBLEMS] To provide a cutting tool consisting of a hard material improved in the adherence between a substratum of cemented carbide having hard phases bound by a binder metal and a TiN layer superimposed on a surface of the substratum, and provide a process for producing the same. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] There is provided a cutting tool consisting of a hard material, characterized in that the hard material has a substratum containing hard phases and a binder metal and a TiN layer superimposed on a surface of the substratum, and that the substratum has β-phases consisting of at least one solid solution of carbide, nitride or carbonitride containing W and at least one member selected from among Ti, Ta, Nb and Zr, and that at least some of the β-phases lie at a surface of the substratum, and that the TiN layer has crystals with the same orientation relationship as that of β-phase crystals just above the β-phases of the substratum surface. |
| US08252432B2 |
Composition for charge-transporting film and ion compound, charge-transporting film and organic electroluminescent device using same, and method for manufacturing organic electroluminescent device and method for producing charge-transporting film
A composition for preparing a charge-transport film is provided. The composition comprises, at least: a charge-transporting compound having an ionization potential of between 4.5 and 5.5 ev; and an ionic compound selected from the group consisting of the compounds of formulae (1)-(3), wherein R11, R21 and R31 are each independently an organic group bound to A1-A3, via a carbon atom; R12, R22, R23 and R32-R34 are each independently an arbitrary group. Two or more neighboring groups of R11-R34 may combine to form a ring. A1-A3 are each an element of the third and subsequent periods in the periodic table. A1 is an element of group 17 of the long form periodic table; A2 is an element of group 16 and A3 is an element of group 15. Z1n1−-Z3n3− are counter anions and n1-n3 are an ionic valency of the counter anion. |
| US08252430B2 |
Heat-resistant member
A heat-resistant member is provided that includes a Ni-base superalloy substrate coated with at least one substance. The substrate and the substance are formed of materials that are substantially in a state of thermodynamic equilibrium, or in a state similar to a state of thermodynamic equilibrium, so that interdiffusion is suppressed. The heat-resistant member therefore inhibits interdiffusion of elements at the substrate/coating interface even at elevated temperatures of 1,100° C. and higher. |
| US08252427B2 |
Bonding wood composites with resin solids-fortified phenol-formaldehyde resin
The invention comprises an aqueous phenol-formaldehyde resole resin liquid fortified with powdered (e.g., spray dried) phenol-formaldehyde resole resin, preparing wood composites, particularly oriented strand board (OSB), waferboard, particleboard, medium density fiber board, and hardboard, using the solids-fortified liquid resin, and related wood composites bonded with the solids-fortified resin. |
| US08252423B2 |
Laminate and use thereof
There is provided a resin laminate having a layer construction of a first inorganic material layer/insulating layer/second inorganic material layer or a layer construction of an inorganic material layer/insulating layer, wherein the insulating layer has a multi-layer structure of two or more resin layers of a core insulating layer and an adhesive insulating layer. In this case, the resin laminate has the adhesive insulating layer which can realize optimal etching, is suitable for etching by a wet process, and has excellent adhesion. At least one of the layers constituting the insulating layer is formed of a polyimide resin which comprises repeating units represented by formula (1) and has a glass transition point of 150 to 360° C. and is dissolvable in a basic solution at a rate of more than 3 μm/min, preferably more than 5 μm/min, and most preferably more than 8 μm/min. |
| US08252422B2 |
Hybrid silicon wafer and method of producing the same
Provided is a hybrid silicon wafer made of a wafer comprised primarily of two or more types of concentric single-crystal silicon or polycrystalline silicon prepared by mutually integrating one in a molten state and another in a solid state, and having specific resistances that differ by two orders of magnitude or more. Additionally provided is a method of manufacturing a hybrid silicon wafer, wherein high specific resistance silicon or an ingot comprised primarily of silicon is disposed at a central portion or a decentered position in a crucible, a nugget or powdered silicon having a specific resistance that is lower by two orders of magnitude or more than the ingot is filled in a void part around the ingot in the crucible, the nugget or powdered silicon is selectively melted and integrated with the ingot to form a complex, and a wafer shape is cut out therefrom. The provided hybrid silicon wafer comprises the functions of both a polycrystalline silicon wafer and a single-crystal wafer, or two or more polycrystalline silicon wafers having different functions. |
| US08252421B2 |
Gas barrier film
The present invention relates to a gas barrier film where a polyurethane type resin layer and an inorganic layer are disposed in this order from a polyester type resin film side on at least one surface of a polyester type resin film, wherein the polyurethane type resin constituting said polyurethane type resin layer is a resin containing a skeleton represented by the following formula (1) and/or the following formula (2). |
| US08252420B2 |
Polyamideimide polybenzimidazole containing intermediate transfer members
An intermediate transfer member that includes a mixture of a polyamideimide, a polybenzimidazole, and an optional conductive filler. |
| US08252418B2 |
Drug delivery system and method of manufacturing thereof
In one embodiment, a drug delivery system and method provide a member including a combination of a drug substance and a polymer or other material, and an encapsulating layer formed in an outer surface of the member by gas cluster ion beam irradiation of the outer surface of the member, which encapsulating layer is adapted to determine one or more characteristics of the drug delivery system. |
| US08252416B2 |
Nanocrystal-metal oxide complex comprising at least two different surfactants and method for preparing the same
Disclosed herein is a nanocrystal-metal oxide complex. The nanocrystal of the nanocrystal-metal oxide complex is substituted with two or more different types of surfactants which are miscible with a metal oxide precursor and enable maintenance of luminescent and electrical properties of the nanocrystal. The nanocrystal-metal oxide complex exhibits superior optical and chemical stability and secures high luminescent efficiency of the nanocrystal. Accordingly, when the nanocrystal-metal oxide complex is used as a luminescent material of an electroluminescent device, it can improve luminescent efficiency and reliability of products. Further disclosed herein is a method for preparing the nanocrystal-metal oxide complex. |
| US08252414B2 |
Polymer particles with additives encapsulated in microvoids
Porous particles comprising a polymer binder and at least one additive distinct from any pore stabilizing compound present in the particle, wherein: the polymer binder comprises a solid compositionally continuous phase having an external particle surface; discrete pores are dispersed within the solid compositionally continuous phase, forming internal pore surfaces; and the at least one additive is present primarily in the discrete pores. The additive may further preferably not be present in the solid compositionally continuous phase, and be substantially absent from the external particle surface. A toner set for forming a color electrophotographic image comprising a plurality of different colored toners, where at least one of the different colored toners comprise such porous particles comprising additives, and in a particular embodiment wherein at least two different colored toners each comprise different pigments present primarily in the internal pores. A process of making such porous particles. |
| US08252410B2 |
Ceramic cover wafers of aluminum nitride or beryllium oxide
Embodiments of the invention provide a method and apparatus for protecting a susceptor during a cleaning operation by loading a ceramic cover substrate containing either aluminum nitride or beryllium oxide onto the susceptor before introducing the cleaning agent into the chamber. In one embodiment, an aluminum nitride ceramic cover substrate is provided which includes an aluminum nitride ceramic wafer having a thermal conductivity of greater than 160 W/m-K, a circular-shaped geometry having a diameter within a range from about 11 inches to about 13 inches, a thickness within a range from about 0.030 inches to about 0.060 inches, and a flatness of about 0.010 inches or less. The thermal conductivity may be about 180 W/m-K, about 190 W/m-K, or greater. The thickness may be within a range from about 0.035 inches to about 0.050 inches, and the flatness may be about 0.008 inches, about 0.006 inches, or less. |
| US08252409B2 |
Durable printed composite materials and associated methods
A durable printed composite material can include a printable layer having an image reverse printed thereon. The printable layer can be a transparent or translucent material. A metallic layer can be adhered to the image side of the printable layer using an adhesive layer. The layers are formed such that at least a portion of the metallic layer is visible through the printable layer. A method of forming a durable printed composite material can include reverse printing an image on a printable layer to form a printed surface. A metallic layer can then be adhered to the printed surface of the printable layer. Heat and pressure can be applied to the metallic layer to produce a durable printed composite material. The metallic layer can be at least partially visible through the printable layer. The durable printed composite material provides a medium which has an image having a reflective metallic background useful in a variety of applications. |
| US08252406B2 |
Carrier foil
In order to produce a carrier foil for printed circuit boards, which is particularly suitable for high component densities, it is proposed that said carrier foil be produced from a polymer material comprising a thermoplastically processable, substantially fully fluorinated plastics material. |
| US08252402B2 |
Optically detectable adhesive tape with reduced gloss properties
An adhesive tape for flying splice of flat web material which has been wound to form rolls, the adhesive tape having at least one carrier layer and a layer of adhesive, at least part of that surface of the carrier layer that faces that layer of adhesive being optically detectable, or optically detectable means being provided between the carrier layer and the layer of adhesive, and the layer of adhesive being designed such that the optical detection can be made through the layer of adhesive. The adhesive tape is modified such that its gloss value, i.e. the ratio of directed fraction and diffusely reflected fraction of the light stream incident on the surface, on the external surface of the layer of adhesive is reduced by at least 20% relative to an unmodified adhesive tape of otherwise identical construction. |
| US08252392B2 |
Recording medium
The invention provides a recording medium comprising a substrate and an ink receiving layer that is provided on the substrate and contains alumina hydrate and a binder. A surface of the ink receiving layer is covered with a partial coating formed by a plurality of coatings containing a cationic polyurethane. The plurality of coatings have an average major diameter of 0.03 μm or more and less than 1.00 μm. The partial coating provides a coverage of 10% or more and less than 70% with respect to the surface of the ink receiving layer. |
| US08252391B2 |
Card
An article such as a greeting card (10) comprising a sheet (11) defining a first portion (16) and a second portion (18) connected together. The first portion (16) is adapted for erection into a three-dimensional form and the second portion (18) is adapted for location adjacent the three-dimensional form. The first and second portions (16, 18) are foldably connected together, whereby the second portion (18) can be folded into the location adjacent the three-dimensional form and secured at that location. The first portion (16) has two opposed edges (26, 28) adapted to be drawn together to create the three-dimensional form. The greeting card (10) can be delivered in a collapsed condition to an intended recipient in ways similar to conventional cards and can be readily assembled into a three-dimensional form to create interest and facilitate display. |
| US08252389B2 |
Mesogenic dimers
The invention relates to novel mesogenic dimeric compounds which are especially suitable for use in birefringent films with negative optical dispersion, to novel liquid crystal (LC) formulations and polymer films comprising them, and to the use of the dimers, formulations and films in optical, electrooptical, electronic, semiconducting or luminescent components or devices. |
| US08252386B2 |
Method for forming UV-patternable conductive polymer film
According to a method for forming a UV patternable conductive polymer film, vapor-phase polymerization (VPP) may be employed to synthesize a conductive polymer, and a UV-curable polymer resin may be used as a binder to form a conductive polymer film, the method including coating a mixed solution of a binder and an oxidant on a transparent substrate, synthesizing a conductive polymer by vapor-phase polymerization (VPP) on the coating to form a conductive polymer film and patterning the conductive polymer film with UV light. The conductive polymer film may be patterned in a relatively simple manner while maintaining increased conductivity, improved transparency and improved flexibility. Therefore, the conductive polymer film may be used as a material for transparent electrodes of a variety of display devices, e.g., LCD and PDP devices, and electronic devices, e.g., ELs and TFTs. |
| US08252385B2 |
Spin-printing of electronic and display components
Processes for printing conductors, insulators, dielectrics, phosphors, emitters, and other elements containing elongated functional particles aligned along the axis of a spun fiber or film that can be for electronics and display applications are provided. Also provided are viscoelastic compositions used in the processes, and devices made therefrom. |
| US08252384B2 |
Method for feeding particles of a coating material into a thermal spraying process
In a method particles in a thermal spraying process are entrained by a carrier gas stream and deposited on a component to be coated. The particles are dispersed in a liquid or solid additive before being introduced into a supply line which issues into the thermal spraying apparatus, the additive, after leaving the supply line, being transferred into the gaseous state in the carrier gas stream. A liquid additive evaporates or a solid additive is sublimated, whereby the particles in the carrier gas stream are separated. The dispersal of the particles in the additive simplifies an exact metering and prevents the particles from forming lumps, so that improved layers can be deposited by virtue of an improved homogeneity of the carrier gas stream. As the additive has been transferred into the gaseous state, it is not deposited in the layer. |
| US08252383B2 |
Method and apparatus for ejecting liquefied material
A method for ejecting liquid crystal from a droplet ejection head onto a mother glass substrate is disclosed. The ejecting method includes: substantially equalizing the temperature in the proximity of the droplet ejection head when the droplet ejection head is held in a standby state at a standby position with the temperature in the proximity of the droplet ejection head at the time when the droplet ejection head ejects the liquid crystal onto the mother glass substrate; and moving the droplet ejection head from the standby position to a position at which the mother glass substrate is located, thereby performing ejection of the liquid crystal onto the mother glass substrate. |
| US08252382B2 |
Aluminum wheel having high gloss
The present invention relates to an aluminum wheel having high gloss and a method for manufacturing the same, and the method for manufacturing an aluminum wheel having high gloss includes the steps of: (i) coating a primary coating powder paints for increasing a flatness of an aluminum wheel having a rough surface and improving an adhesive force to a silver mirror coating surface, (ii) forming of silver coating layer forming a mirror surface having a high gloss and high reflectivity on the powder paints coated surface using a silver coating solution, and (iii) forming at least one transparent top coating for protecting the silver mirror surface and increasing an abrasion resistance and a saltwater resistance after the step (ii). In accordance with the present in an aluminum wheel having high gloss and high reflectivity can be manufactured in a simple processes and relative inexpensive cost. |
| US08252381B1 |
Molecular coating on metal surfaces
A coated metal surface is disclosed, with a chemically-bonded film of long-chain organic groups. Such coating may be hydrophobic, and therefore repel the presence of water. This allows the surface to resist corrosion and surface oxidation, without diminishing the desired metallic characteristics of the surface. Further disclosed are methods for applying and coating on various substrates. Such coating may be advantageously applied to protect metals from corrosive environments such as air, water, chemicals, and bodily fluids. |
| US08252376B2 |
Method for restoring the microstructure of a textured article and for refurbishing a gas turbine blade or vane
During a solution heat treatment grain recrystallization may occur of a textured article, especially at the surface rim.The present invention provides a method for restoring the microstructure of a textured article, which comprises coating the surface of the article with a high temperature stable surface coating or by a controlled development of an oxide scale and subsequently performing a solution heat treatment, thereby maintaining said thermally stable surface coating. |
| US08252367B2 |
Methods and apparatus to fabricate soft magnetic film with preferred uniaxial anisotropy for perpendicular recording
Soft magnetic film fabricated with preferred uniaxial anisotropy for perpendicular recording. One type of cathode design has a field direction that is parallel to the direction of the Hex of the second SUL with a magnetically-pinned first SUL. In addition, SUL structures having low AP exchange energy also are disclosed. The SUL structure combines the cathode field direction of the SUL2 with the pinned SUL1. The SUL1 is magnetically pinned to the pinning layer and the pinning direction is parallel to the direction of the cathode field applied during deposition of the SUL1. High Hc ferro-magnetic materials may be deposited onto a heated substrate that is magnetized along the radial direction by the cathode field. The pinning field may be higher than the cathode field, indicating that the cathode field during deposition of the SUL2 cannot disturb the magnetic state of the SUL1 pinned to pinning layer. |
| US08252366B2 |
Method for making toughened electrode-supported ceramic fuel cells
A solid oxide electrochemical device having a laminar composite electrode with improved electrochemical and mechanical performance, the laminar composite electrode comprising a porous support electrode layer, a thin and patterned structure layer, and a thin and dense electrolyte layer and methods for making. |
| US08252364B2 |
Metal pattern forming method, metal pattern obtained by the same, printed wiring board, conductive film forming method, and conductive film obtained by the same
The present invention provides a method of forming a metal pattern and a metal pattern obtained by the method. The method includes the steps of (I) forming on a substrate a polymer layer in which a polymer having a functional group that interacts with an electroless plating catalyst or a precursor thereof is chemically bonded directly to the substrate in a pattern form, (II) adding the electroless plating catalyst or precursor thereof to the polymer layer, and (III) forming a metal layer in the pattern form by electroless plating. The present invention also provides a method of forming a conductive film, including the steps of (A) forming on a substrate a polymerization initiating layer in which a polymer having, on a side chain thereof, a crosslinking group and a functional group having polymerization initiating capability is immobilized by a crosslinking reaction on the surface of the base material, (B) generating a graft polymer by chemically bonding a polymer having a functional group that interacts with an electroless plating catalyst or a precursor thereof directly onto the entire surface of the polymerization initiating layer, (C) adding the electroless plating catalyst or precursor thereof to the graft polymer, and (D) forming a metal layer by electroless plating. |
| US08252363B2 |
Method of thinning a block transferred to a substrate
The invention relates to a method of thinning a block transferred to a substrate. According to the invention, the method includes depositing a stop layer at least onto the substrate and in a way adjacent to and contiguous with the transferred block. The stop layer is made out of material of greater resistance or hardness than the material of the transferred block and of smaller thickness than that of the transferred block. The method further includes actuating the thinning of the transferred block. The thinning time is pre-programmed as a function of a predetermined speed of thinning the transferred block, the thinning time being selected so that the thinning also attacks the stop layer. |
| US08252359B2 |
Method for the preparation of refreshing drink and use thereof
The present invention discloses a nutritious, tasty and affordable drink made from the sap of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed which is readily cultivable. The drink resembles coconut water in appearance and taste and is rich in potassium. It also contains an adequate proportion of the daily requirement of iodine besides many other useful minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc, phosphorous and iron while having low concentrations of toxic elements such as lead and chromium. The process of refining sap, which enables the seaweed drink to be palatable and widely acceptable, besides bestowing adequate shelf life, is also described. The process of preparation is integrated with preparation of carrageenan and plant nutrient thereby making optimum use of the seaweed and minimizing waste. |
| US08252357B2 |
Cup shaped baked confectionary and manufacturing method thereof
A cup shaped baked confectionary has light texture, uniform thickness and easy to release from the die. The cup shaped baked confectionary may be produced by mounting a dough of a cup shaped baked confectionary having desired contour shape on a top of a metallic three-dimensional baking die having desired shape of outer peripheral surface, in a condition extending horizontally with placing outer periphery thereof outside of the three dimensional baking die and heating the dough for softening the dough of the cup shaped baked confectionary to contact on the outer peripheral surface of the three-dimensional baking die and baking. |
| US08252356B2 |
Flavor composition or fragrance composition
The present invention relates to a flavor composition or fragrance composition which can satisfy diversified requirements for flavored products, as well as to a flavor-improving agent which can improve the quality and release of aroma of a beverage or food. More particularly, the present invention relates to a flavor composition or fragrance composition which comprises an optically active S-alkyl 2-methylbutanethioate as an active ingredient, a flavor- or fragrance-added product, a flavor-improving agent which comprises an optically active S-alkyl 2-methylbutanethioate as an active ingredient, and a beverage or food having an improved flavor. The optically active S-alkyl 2-methylbutanethioate includes S-alkyl(R)-2-methylbutanethioate and S-alkyl(S)-2-methylbutanethioate. |
| US08252354B2 |
Manufacture of seed derivative compositions
A method is used to separate fractions from a seed. This can be done by: a) Physically breaking down the Chia seed into smaller particles; b) Adding a liquid carrier to the broken Chia seed to form a Chia liquid carrier blend; c) Optionally providing further processing of the Chia liquid carrier blend to further reduce the particle size of the Chia particles d) Optionally centrifuging the Chia liquid carrier blend; e) Optionally forming at least three discernible layers of materials within the centrifuged Chia liquid carrier blend; f) Optionally separating the composition of at least one layer from remaining layers; and g) Optionally combining the separated layers together into a desired combination/ratios h) Drying the separated layers or combined layers into a flowable powder. |
| US08252353B2 |
Custom food product preparation apparatus
Custom food product methods and apparatus are provided that allow customers to participate in the preparation of food products as a part of the dining experience. A method of preparing a custom food product under the direction of a customer includes placing a customer-selected substrate on a scale of custom food product preparation table, placing customer-selected ingredients on the substrate in customer-selected amounts and customer-selected areas, and calculating and displaying the cost of the custom food product to the customer as the customer-selected ingredients are placed on the substrate. Each ingredient is assigned a cost per unit of weight and, as the ingredients are utilized, the cost of the food product is calculated and displayed via a display associated with the table. A customer may be provided with a record of the ingredients of the custom food product and may include an image and/or name of the custom food product. |
| US08252350B1 |
Ethanol recovery from fermentation broth
A method of separating an aqueous ethanol mixture from an active ethanol fermentation broth. The method comprising the steps of (a) supplying a selected fraction of the fermentation broth to a first reverse osmosis membrane separation stage to generate a dilute aqueous ethanol permeate and a reduced ethanol content fermentation broth retentate; (b) recycling the reduced ethanol retentate to the active fermentation broth; (c) supplying the aqueous ethanol permeate to a second membrane separation stage to generate a concentrated aqueous ethanol retentate and a dilute aqueous ethanol permeate; and (d) recycling the dilute aqueous ethanol permeate of step (c) to the active ethanol fermentation broth. An additional step of processing the concentrated aqueous ethanol retentate to remove water optionally follows. |
| US08252348B2 |
Cosmetic preparation comprising hyaluronic acid
The present invention relates to cosmetic preparations with an active substance combination of hyaluronic acid and saponins. |
| US08252347B1 |
Stabilizing and antioxidant composition containing saw palmetto berry component and method of use
A stabilizing and antioxidant composition is prepared from the residue obtained from the saw palmetto berry. The residue from the saw palmetto berry exhibits antioxidant properties that can be used to stabilize various compositions such as food or edible compositions and cosmetics. The saw palmetto residue is also delivered topically or orally to a patient to administer an effective amount of an antioxidant to a patient. |
| US08252346B2 |
Natural extract for the control of botrytis cinerea at pre- and post-harvest
Obtaining, producing and using metabolites having anti-botrytis cinerea properties from a natural extract of a native Chilean plant. An in vitro cultivated quillay extract (Quillaza saponaria Mol.), which allows improving the antifungal activity as the result of the enrichment of some secondary metabolites not found in the in vivo plants. Also provided are an in vivo cultivation method, an extraction method, a biocide formulation, and their applications and uses. |
| US08252343B2 |
Use of WF10 for treating allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis
The present invention provides a method of inhibiting at least one of allergic asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic. The present invention further provides a method for the reduction, prevention or treatment of allergy like symptoms in a subject. |
| US08252342B2 |
Method for producing complex of metallic nanoparticle and inorganic clay and ethanolamine promoter
A method for producing a complex of metallic nanoparticles and inorganic clay and an organic promoter, wherein the organic promoter is ethanolamine, for example, monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA) or triethanolamine (TEA). The metallic nanoparticles produced by this method can be stably and uniformly dispersed without adding other reducing agent or dispersant. |
| US08252338B2 |
Synthetic LDL as targeted drug delivery vehicle
The present invention provides a synthetic LDL nanoparticle comprising a lipid moiety and a synthetic chimeric peptide so as to be capable of binding the LDL receptor. The synthetic LDL nanoparticle of the present invention is capable of incorporating and targeting therapeutics to cells expressing the LDL receptor for diseases associated with the expression of the LDL receptor such as central nervous system diseases. The invention further provides methods of using such synthetic LDL nanoparticles. |
| US08252337B2 |
Charged mesoporous silica nanoparticle-based drug delivery system for controlled release and enhanced bioavailability
A charged mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN)-based drug delivery system for controlled release and enhanced bioavailability is disclosed. The system comprises a positively charged MSN, which has a silica matrix and an array of pores and/or nanochannels in the matrix. The entire substance of the matrix, all the surfaces and the pores and/or nanochannels comprise a plurality of silanol (Si—OH) and quaternary ammonium functional groups. The bioavailability of a negatively charged bioactive compound can be increased by loading it into the pores and/or nanochannels. The silanol (Si—OH) functional groups on the surfaces lining the walls of the pores and/or nanochannels are free to deprotonate in a fluid having pH above the pI of the positively charged MSN and lead to a sustained release of the negatively charged drug from the pores and/or nanochannels, and thereby enhance the bioavailability of the drug. |
| US08252329B2 |
Bioadhesive drug formulations for oral transmucosal delivery
Bioadhesive drug formulations that adhere to an oral mucosal membrane of a subject are provided together with single dose applicators and devices for delivering the drug formulations to the oral mucosa, and methods for using the same. |
| US08252328B2 |
Bioadhesive drug formulations for oral transmucosal delivery
Formulations for controlled delivery of oral transmucosal medications are provided. The formulations are characterized as hydrogel-forming or eroding-types which are bioadhesive and provide for controlled and sustained release of the medication such that enhanced bioavailability and efficacy is provided. |
| US08252324B2 |
Drug delivery nanocarriers targeted by landscape phage
A targeted drug delivery nanocarrier and a method of forming the same is disclosed herein. The targeted drug delivery nanocarrier includes a plurality of amphipathic molecules forming a carrier particle having a plurality of drug molecules contained therein. A targeted landscape phage protein assembly is complexed to the carrier particle preferably using the unique method disclosed herein. The targeted landscape phage protein assembly displays a binding peptide that is selected to specifically and selectively bind to a target site. The method for forming targeted drug delivery nanocarriers includes the steps of obtaining a plurality of bacteriophage displaying a binding peptide for a desired target site, treating the bacteriophage with a denaturing agent, mixing the treated bacteriophage with a plurality of carrier particles and purifying the mixture to obtain a plurality of targeted drug delivery nanocarriers. |