| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08269802B2 |
Image display apparatus
In general, when a user views an image displayed on a display apparatus, visual environments, such as ambient brightness, a distance from the user to the display apparatus and so on, may disadvantageously cause the image displayed on the display apparatus to become difficult to view. Moreover, it is complicated and troublesome for the user to enter information of ambient light amount and others when setting a picture quality. An image display apparatus holds both question constituent information related to visual environments and choice information serving as answers to questions constituted by the question constituent information, and further holds a plurality of picture quality control rules suitable for visual environments assumed in accordance with the choice information serving as the answers. When sensing a power-up, the image display apparatus outputs the questions; acquires result information that is choices serving as answers from the user to those questions and that is used to acquire the picture quality control rules; and controls the picture quality in accordance with the picture quality control rules acquired in accordance with the result information. |
| US08269800B2 |
Display device and electronic apparatus
With a source voltage of a transistor driving a light emitting element set to a fixed voltage, variations in an emission luminance due to variations in the threshold voltage of the transistor are corrected. The fixed voltage is set in accordance with a signal level of a drive pulse signal on-off controlling a transistor supplying power to the first transistor. |
| US08269799B2 |
Image signal processor and image display device
An image signal processor includes a controller configured to generate a red output signal, a green output signal, a blue output signal and a fourth color output signal in accordance with image input signals. A fourth color light component enables to reproduce a color outside the range of a color reproducible by the red light component, the green light component and the blue light component. The controller generates the fourth color output signal on the basis of a reference signal corresponding to a color different from a complementary color of a color reproduced by the fourth color light component. |
| US08269791B2 |
Information processing apparatus and method for processing a vector image composed of a plurality of objects described by structured document data
An information processing apparatus for processing a structured document describing a vector image includes a determining unit configured to determine whether an object in a vector image obtained by analyzing a structured document is included in a specified area. The information processing apparatus also includes a creating unit configured to create a structured document describing an object included in the specified area by deleting a description of an object if the determining unit determines that the object is not included in the specified area. |
| US08269788B2 |
Vector graphics anti-aliasing
A processor unit that can be used in a handheld device and configured for anti-aliasing of a vector graphics image, and including a counter value calculator configured to calculate, for one edge at a time and pixel-by-pixel, counter values for each pixel in a rasterization direction, a counter value recorder configured to store the calculated counter values in an edge buffer, and a pixel coverage value calculator configured to calculate pixel coverage values based on the stored counter values. The calculated pixel coverage values can be utilized for anti-aliasing the vector graphics image, while rasterizing the vector graphics image. |
| US08269787B2 |
Methods and apparatus for color grading with gamut match preview
A method for color grading within a component color space associated with a display includes receiving a source image comprising a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel is associated with a color comprising a plurality of color component values in the component color space, wherein the component color space comprises RGB, and wherein a pixel is associated with a color inside a gamut of the display but outside a gamut of a target media, receiving a color grading signal from a user, modifying the color associated with the pixel from the plurality of pixels in response to the color grading signal, to form a graded image comprising the pixel, wherein the pixel is associated with a graded color comprising a plurality of color component values, displaying the graded image on the display to the user, automatically performing a gamut remapping of the graded color associated with the pixel, to form a gamut remapped image comprising the pixel, wherein the pixel is associated with a gamut remapped color comprising a plurality of color component values, wherein at least one color component value of the graded color is substantially similar to one color component value of the gamut remapped color, and displaying the gamut remapped image on the display to the user, wherein the gamut remapped image comprises a plurality of pixels, wherein each pixel from the plurality of pixels is associated with a color within a gamut of the target media. |
| US08269786B2 |
Method for reading and writing image data in memory
A method for reading and writing a memory having n rows and A columns includes a first step of writing data in 0th to (n−2)th rows by a first technique; a second step of writing data in (n−1)th row per column and reading data in the 0th section by a second technique; a third step of writing data in 0th to (n−2)th sections by a third technique and reading data in 1st to (n−1)th sections by the second technique, a fourth step of writing data in the (n−1)th section by the third technique and reading data in 0th row by a fourth technique; a fifth step of writing data in 0th to (n−2)th rows by the first technique and reading data in 1st to (n−1)th rows by the fourth technique; and a sixth step of returning to the second step. |
| US08269782B2 |
Graphics processing apparatus
There is provided a graphics processing system that includes a main processing unit and a graphics processing unit (GPU). The main processing unit puts rendering commands generated using a graphics library in the queue of a command buffer in a main memory. In this process, the library function offered by the graphics library is converted into the rendering commands, without any rendering attributes retained in the library. The GPU reads and executes the rendering commands stacked in the command buffer, and generates rendering data in a frame buffer. |
| US08269781B2 |
Method and system for video decoding by means of a graphic pipeline, computer program product therefor
A system for decoding a stream of compressed digital video images comprises a graphics accelerator for reading the stream of compressed digital video images, creating, starting from said stream of compressed digital video images, three-dimensional scenes to be rendered, and converting the three-dimensional scenes to be rendered into decoded video images. The graphics accelerator is preferentially configured as pipeline selectively switchable between operation in a graphics context and operation for decoding the stream of video images. The graphics accelerator is controllable during operation for decoding the stream of compressed digital video images via a set of application programming interfaces comprising, in addition to new APIs, also standard APIs for operation of the graphics accelerator in a graphics context. |
| US08269780B2 |
Batching graphics operations with time stamp tracking
A method and an apparatus for updating graphics resource usage according to a stream of graphics commands atomically submitted to a graphics processing unit (GPU) are described. The stream of graphics commands may be received from a plurality of graphics APIs (application programming interfaces) by a graphics driver. Availability of graphics resources of the GPU may be monitored by the graphics driver for submitting the stream of graphics commands. A single notification from the GPU may indicate that all graphics commands submitted to the GPU have been executed for updating a usage of graphics resources associated with the executed graphics commands. |
| US08269779B2 |
Development tools for animated character rigging
Computer-implemented methods and computer program products for automatically transferring expressions between rigs with consistent joint structure, and for automatically transferring skin weights between different skin meshes based on joint positioning. A method is provided for transferring an expression between a plurality of source rigs and a target rig, where each rig characterizes an animated character, and each rig, in turn, is characterized by a set of joints and a skin mesh having a plurality of vertices, with each vertex characterized by a matrix of weights relating a response of the vertex to movement of associated joints. A set of offsets is calculated of joint positions of a goal expression of each source rig relative to a neutral expression of the source rig. A scaling transformation is then applied to the set of offsets to produce a scaled set of offsets, which are added, in turn, to a neutral expression of the target rig. Methods are also provided for transferring a set of skin weights between the source rigs and the target rig. |
| US08269777B2 |
Method and system for system visualization
In one embodiment, a computer-implemented method comprises receiving a time period indication selected by a user for a group of objects including a plurality of data points. The plurality of data points are mapped to features selected by the user. Key frames are generated for the group of objects for each interval of time of the time period. Relations can be inserted between any pair of objects. The group of objects and relations are rendered using the key frames over the time period to generate an animation. An object position is offset during animation according to an elasticity variable associated with the relations that is selected by the user. Positions in between key frames are interpolated to provide smooth rendering between variable time frames. In an alternate embodiment, the object position is offset during animation according to features of the group of objects selected by the user, with or without the elasticity variable. |
| US08269775B2 |
Discarding of vertex points during two-dimensional graphics rendering using three-dimensional graphics hardware
This disclosure describes techniques for removing vertex points during two-dimensional (2D) graphics rendering using three-dimensional (3D) graphics hardware. In accordance with the described techniques one or more vertex points may be removed during 2D graphics rendering using 3D graphics hardware. For example, the techniques may remove redundant vertex points in the display coordinate space by discarding vertex points that have the substantially same positional coordinates in the display coordinate space as a previous vertex point. Alternatively or additionally, the techniques may remove excess vertex points that lie in a straight line. Removing the redundant vertex points or vertex points that lie in a straight line allow for more efficient utilization of the hardware resources of the GPU and increase the speed at which the GPU renders the image for display. |
| US08269774B2 |
Graphical display with integrated recent period zoom and historical period context data
A system and method are provided for displaying a data series. In one embodiment, a graphical interface is provided including at least one axis that is divided into a plurality of axis regions. Preferably, each axis region uses a different linear scale, and the plurality of axis regions forms a continuous non-linear scale. The graphical interface also displays the data series in relation to the plurality of axis regions, and the data series is plotted in relation to each axis region based on a scale resolution corresponding to each respective axis region. |
| US08269772B1 |
System, apparatus, and method for generating images of layered surfaces in production of animated features
A system, apparatus, and method for rendering images as part of the production of animated features by generating an image of a surface or set of surfaces by modeling the reflection of light from the surface or set of surfaces. The invention may be used to provide a visually appealing and sufficiently realistic image of a surface or set of surfaces for use in production scale rendering, while requiring fewer computational resources than typically required by a strict physical model. |
| US08269770B1 |
Tessellation of trimmed parametric surfaces by walking the surface
A method, system, and computer-readable storage medium are disclosed for tessellating a trimmed parametric surface comprising a parametric surface and a trim curve. The parametric surface may be tessellated to produce a set of polygons approximating the parametric surface. A first polygon of the set of polygons in which a first point on the trim curve is located may be determined. A second point on the trim curve may be projected into a plane, wherein the plane is determined by the first polygon. A set of one or more additional polygons of the set of polygons may be projected into the plane. A second polygon of the set of one or more additional polygons in which the second point on the trim curve is located may be determined. |
| US08269766B2 |
Method for generating three-dimensional shape data, apparatus for generating three-dimensional shape data, and three-dimensional shape data generating program
A placement position of a sketched image into a three-dimensional space and viewing point direction are determined using the angle method or the three-point method, and the cross-section lines of a door cross-section line and center cross-section line of a vehicle depicted in the sketched image is determined and, based on the obtained cross-section line and center cross-section line, a spatial curved surface of the vehicle in the three-dimensional space is determined, distortion is corrected, and a curved surface is created. |
| US08269762B2 |
Almost rectangular triangulations
Triangulating quadrilaterals. A method includes accessing an irregular grid comprising a plurality of irregular quadrilaterals. A determination is made that each of the irregular quadrilaterals in the irregular grid is not a concave and is a convex quadrilateral. On a grid basis and as a result of determining that each of the irregular quadrilaterals in the irregular grid is not a concave and is a convex quadrilateral, each of the irregular quadrilaterals in the irregular grid is triangulated to create a triangular mesh by defining diagonals from at least one vertex point of each of the irregular quadrilaterals in the irregular grid to the diagonally opposed vertex point of the same irregular quadrilateral. The triangular mesh is stored in a computer readable storage medium that can be accessed by an application for performing tasks related to data visualization, computer graphics, computational geometry, etc. |
| US08269760B2 |
Pixel driving device, light emitting device, and property parameter acquisition method in a pixel driving device
A pixel driving device has a voltage impressing circuit that outputs a reference voltage that exceeds a threshold voltage of a drive transistor, a voltage measurement circuit, and a property parameter acquisition circuit that acquires a property parameter related to an electronic property of a pixel. The pixel driving device impresses the reference voltage on the pixel that has a light emitting element and the drive transistor. The voltage measurement circuit acquires voltage of a signal line, as measured voltages, after each of a plurality of the settling times elapsing from the time when the reference voltage is cut. The property parameter acquisition circuit acquires, as property parameters, the threshold voltage and a current amplification factor of drive transistor based on values of a plurality of measured voltages acquired by the voltage measurement circuit. |
| US08269759B2 |
Pixel driving device, light emitting device, and property parameter acquisition method in a pixel driving device
A pixel driving device in which, after a reference voltage exceeds a threshold voltage of a drive transistor is impressed through the signal lines on each pixel equipping a light emitting element and the drive transistor, set the signal lines in a state of high impedance, and acquires a voltage value of one end of the signal lines subsequent to a predetermined settling time elapsing, and acquires the threshold voltage of the drive transistor for each pixel and the current amplification factor of the pixel drive circuit as a first property parameter based on acquired voltage values at the time a plurality of first settling times longer than a predetermined value and acquires an irregularity parameter indicating the irregularity in the current amplification factor based on the value of the first property parameter and the measured voltage value acquired at the time shorter than the predetermined value. |
| US08269757B2 |
LCD driving method using self-masking, and masking circuit and asymmetric latches thereof
Provided are a method of driving a liquid crystal panel using self-masking, a masking circuit for performing the method, and asymmetric latches. The method includes supplying power to the liquid crystal panel; receiving a horizontal start pulse signal instructing source lines of the liquid crystal panel to be driven, from a timing controller; generating a horizontal start masking signal by masking at least one pulse of the horizontal start pulse signal; and driving the source lines in response to the horizontal start masking signal. The horizontal start masking signal turns off the switches until signals output from the source driver, which correspond to image data of the liquid crystal panel, are supplied. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent unknown image data from being displayed on the liquid crystal display when the liquid crystal panel is powered on. |
| US08269756B2 |
Controllable voltage device drivers and methods of operation therefor
Embodiments include controllable voltage device drivers adapted to generate driver output voltages. A device driver includes a direct current (DC) voltage source adapted to receive a voltage level command that indicates a commanded voltage, and to generate a DC transformer input voltage having a voltage level corresponding to the commanded voltage. The device driver also includes a step-up transformer adapted to receive the DC transformer input voltage and to convert the DC transformer input voltage into an alternating current (AC) transformer output voltage. The device driver also includes at least one processing element, adapted to receive one or more control inputs, and to generate an alternating current through a primary transformer winding based on the one or more control inputs. Other embodiments include methods for a controllable voltage device driver to generate a driver output voltage, and optical systems having an electro-optical device and an electro-optical device driver subsystem. |
| US08269752B2 |
Touch panel device and contact position detection method
A burst wave is applied to an excitation element of a touch panel main body from an oscillation section so as to excite surface acoustic waves, and the excited surface acoustic waves are received by a receiving element of the touch panel main body. The received signals are A/D converted by a receiving section, and a control section calculates the contact position and the contact width of the object in contact with the touch panel main body, based on time-series changes in the received strength. Based on the received strength of surface acoustic waves, the control section controls the wave number of the burst wave to be applied to the excitation element. |
| US08269750B2 |
Optical position input system and method
Optical position input systems and methods determine positions of at least one pointing objects within an active touch area. At least three imager modules form images of at least one pointing objects within the active touch area. A processor computes a position of each of the at least one pointing object based upon the images formed by the at least three imager modules. |
| US08269748B2 |
Display and electronic apparatus
A display is provided. The display includes at least one display cell having a display circuit; at least one light receiving cell including a light receiving element; a light emitting section operative to radiate light to the side of a display surface; and at least one transparent plate disposed on the front side in the display relative to a region in which the light emitting section is disposed and regions in which the display cell and the light receiving cell are formed, wherein an antireflection layer is formed on a most face-side surface of the display. |
| US08269740B2 |
Liquid crystal display
A multi-touch sensing method and apparatus are described. The multi-touch sensing method includes: storing, in a memory, coordinate values of a first dead zone and coordinate values of a second dead zone existing between first and second pair of image sensors, respectively; calculating coordinate values of touch points from images obtained by the first and second pairs of image sensors; comparing the coordinate values of the touch point and the coordinate values of the dead zones to identify the location of the dead zone to which the touch point belongs; selecting the coordinate values calculated in the third step if the coordinate values of the touch point belong to the first dead zone; and selecting the coordinate values calculated in the second step if the coordinate values of the touch point belong to the second dead zone. |
| US08269739B2 |
Touch driven method and apparatus to integrate and display multiple image layers forming alternate depictions of same subject matter
An interactive display system, including a touch sensitive display, establishes a first image and at least one secondary image, each image representing various spatial coordinates, the spatial coordinates overlapping at least in part such that each image comprises an alternate depiction of subject matter common to all of the images. The first image is presented upon the display. Responsive to user input including contact with the display, imagery presented by the display is updated to integrate a region of at least one of the secondary images into the display. Each integrated region has substantially identical represented coordinates as a counterpart region of the first image. Further, each integrated region is presented in same scale and display location as the counterpart region of the first image. |
| US08269731B2 |
Integrated pressure sensitive lens assembly
A touch screen assembly for an electronic device such as a cell phone or PDA. The touch screen assembly generally comprises a floating lens suspended over the display and, optionally, the keypad to allow a degree of freedom. An underlying thin connecting layer such as a flex film is attached beneath the floating lens, and a plurality (for example, four) differentially-mounted pressure sensors are mounted beneath the floating lens and are electrically connected to the electronic device via the flex film. The pressure sensors are differentially positioned along an x- and y-axis for registering a pressure z from a touch to the lens at each of the four positions, to provide four data sets (x1-4, y1-4, z1-4). Control software then interprets the exact touch-coordinate from the four data sets and generates a control signal. An optional haptic response generator and/or motion sensor are also contemplated. When used in a smaller electronics device such as a cell phone or PDA the touch screen sensor technology of the present invention is exceedingly thin and is capable of modular assembly for more-or-less “snap-in” construction. |
| US08269730B2 |
Wiring structures for panels
A panel capable of detecting an input signal applied on or over the panel comprises an array of sensor elements divided into first M1 groups arranged in rows and columns and second M1 groups arranged in rows and columns, each group in one of the first and second M1 groups including a number of M rows by N columns sensor elements, M1, M and N being integers, wherein each of the sensor elements includes a first port and a second port, M1 gate lines, wherein each of the M1 gate lines is coupled to one group of the first M1 groups and one group of the second M1 groups, and wherein the each of the M1 gate lines is coupled to the first port of each of the sensor elements in the one group of the first M1 groups and the one group of the second M1 groups, a first set of N fan-out lines, wherein each of the N fan-out lines is coupled to one column of the N columns of sensor elements in each of the groups at each of the columns of the first M1 groups, and a second set of N fan-out lines, wherein each of the N fan-out lines is coupled to one column of the N columns of sensor elements in each of the groups at each of the columns of the second M1 groups. |
| US08269728B2 |
System and method for managing media data in a presentation system
A media integration device associated with a touch system including a touch screen, comprises a media control module operative to receive media information from a plurality of devices and generate media data associated with each of the plurality of devices. The media control module selects one device from the plurality of devices for displaying media data associated with the one device on the touch screen. A program module is operatively coupled to the media control device and adapted to generate a graphical user interface including a first display on the touch screen for operationally controlling the selected one device from the touch screen. |
| US08269725B2 |
Input simulation system for touch based devices
Performance of automated touch data injection into a stack of software objects is provided. Previously stored data from a touch data file is received and transformed based upon a touch property. The transformed retrieved data is then injected into a lowermost layer of a stack of software objects. A computer-readable medium tool allows a user, such as a software developer, to create data that can consistently be employed to simulate the operation of movement of a user's finger across a touch input area. A buffer management module retrieves data from a touch data file. A data transformation module transforms the retrieved data based upon a touch property. A device management module injects transformed retrieved data into a human interface layer of a device. |
| US08269722B2 |
Gesture recognition system and method thereof
A gesture recognition system includes an image pick-up device, a processor, an operation engine, an optimal template selection means, and a display terminal. The image pick-up device is for capturing an image containing a natural gesture. The processor is for finding out a skin edge of a skin part from the image, and then classifying the skin edge into multiple edge parts at different angles. The operation engine has multiple parallel operation units and multiple gesture template libraries of different angle classes. These parallel operation units respectively find out gesture templates most resembling the edge parts in the gesture template libraries of different angle classes. The optimal template selection means selects an optimal gesture template from the resembling gesture templates found out by the parallel operation units. The display terminal is for displaying an image of the optimal gesture template. Thereby, marker-less and real-time gesture recognition is achieved. |
| US08269715B2 |
Backlight control for a portable computing device
In a portable computing device that includes a backlit device having a variable-intensity backlight, a light sensor, and a light controller coupled to the light sensor and the backlight, a method for controlling the intensity of light produced by the backlight involves the steps of (1) with the ambient light sensor determining the ambient light level at the computing device; and (2) with the light controller automatically adjusting the intensity of light produced by the backlight in accordance with the determined light level. |
| US08269711B2 |
LCD device of improvement of flicker upon switching frame rate and method for the same
An LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) Device of improvement of flicker upon switching frame rate and method for the same are proposed. The LCD device includes a pixel matrix, a timing controller and a gate driver. The timing controller outputs a first Gate-On-Enable signal to the gate driver, when the LCD device displays frame according to a first frame rate. When the first frame rate is switched to a second frame rate, the timing controller outputs a second Gate-On-Enable signal to the gate driver to cause a charge time of the pixel matrix to be unchanged. It is appreciated that a pulse width of the second Gate-On-Enable signal is equal to a summation of a pulse width of the first Gate-On-Enable signal and an adjusted pulse width. |
| US08269709B2 |
Liquid crystal display and pre-charging method thereof
A liquid crystal display and a pre-charging method thereof for pre-charging data lines using a ESD circuit to simplify a circuit configuration are provided. In the method, video lines receiving video signals are floated in a pre-charge interval of time. A pre-charge voltage is supplied to the video lines floated via a static electricity proof circuit connected to the video lines. The pre-charge voltage on the video line is pre-charged by a demultiplexer for making a time-divisional driving of the data lines in a video charge interval of time. |
| US08269708B2 |
Driver unit including common level shifter circuit for display panel and nonvolatile memory
In a driver unit for driving a display panel and a nonvolatile memory, a level shifter circuit receives a driver control signal to generate a level-shifted driver control signal. A display panel driver circuit drives the display panel in accordance with the level-shifted driver control signal. A nonvolatile memory driver circuit drives the nonvolatile memory in accordance with the level-shifted driver control circuit. A selection circuit selects one of the display panel driver circuit and the nonvolatile memory driver circuit. |
| US08269706B2 |
Operating unit of liquid crystal display panel and method for operating the same
An operating unit of an LCD panel and a method for operating the same are disclosed, to improve the picture quality by removing superior polarity. The operating unit includes a plurality of data driver ICs for supplying data to the data lines of the LCD panel, a plurality of gate driver ICs for sequentially operating the gate lines of the LCD panel, and a timing controller for supplying polarity control signals having opposite polarities respectively to first and second blocks of the data driver ICs formed by dividing the data driver ICs into multiple blocks. |
| US08269699B2 |
Display apparatus and electronic apparatus
A display apparatus includes a pixel unit in which pixels are arranged in a matrix pattern; and a driving circuit for driving the pixel unit. Each of the pixels includes a signal level holding capacitor; a first transistor that is turned on/off in response to a writing signal and via which one end of the signal level holding capacitor is connected to a signal line; a second transistor having one end of the signal level holding capacitor connected to a gate thereof and the other end of the signal level holding capacitor connected to a source thereof; a current-driven self-light-emitting element whose cathode is held at a cathode potential and whose anode is connected to the source of the second transistor; a third transistor that is turned on/off in response to a driving pulse signal; and a fourth transistor that is turned on/off in response to a control signal. |
| US08269694B2 |
Method for driving plasma display panel
A method for driving a plasma display panel (PDP) that can increase dark contrast without causing erroneous discharges is provided. A unit display period is divided into a plurality of subfields. A reset process and a sustain process are performed in one of the subfields. In the reset process, a reset pulse is applied to row electrodes of the PDP to initialize each discharge cell to an emission mode (or non-emission mode). In the sustain process, a sustain discharge is repeatedly generated a number of times, corresponding to the number of times a sustain pulse is to be applied, in those discharge cells that are in the emission mode. In this case, a peak potential of the reset pulse is changed based on the number of those discharge cells that are maintained in the non-emission mode during the unit display period and the number of times the sustain pulse is to be applied in the sustain process in this subfield. |
| US08269692B2 |
Image display apparatus, display method thereof, program, integrated circuit, goggle-type head-mounted display, vehicle, binoculars, and desktop display
An image display apparatus includes: a left-eye light source (101) that outputs a left-eye image constituting an original image in whole or in part; a left-eye deflection unit (104) that deflects, toward a left eye of the user, the left-eye image outputted by the left-eye light source (101); a right-eye light source (110) that outputs a right-eye image constituting the original image in whole or in part; a right-eye deflection unit (107) that deflects, toward a right eye of the user, the right-eye image outputted by the right-eye light source (110); and a control unit (105, 111) that controls the left-eye light source (101) and the right-eye light source (110) such that the left-eye image and the right-eye image are outputted which are different from each other in at least one of pixel position, image shape, image size, image resolution, and display frame rate so that the user can recognize the original image from the left-eye image and the right-eye image by an image fusion effect. |
| US08269691B2 |
Networked computer graphics rendering system with multiple displays for displaying multiple viewing frustums
To render graphics on multiple display devices, multiple computing platforms are networked and each computing platform separately executes an application rendering the graphics for a subset of the multiple display devices. A server including a first display device and a first computing platform generates a world space and renders from the generated world space a first viewing frustum for display on the first display device and a client coupled to the server receives a transmission of the world space position and renders a second viewing frustum for display on a second display device. |
| US08269689B2 |
Antenna device
An antenna device includes an insulating substrate, a ground plane, a radiating element, a horizontal polarized portion and a vertical polarized portion. The insulating substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, one end of the first surface defines a first isolating area and a second isolating area, one end of the second surface adjacent to the first and second isolating areas defines an insulating area, a horizontal feed circuit and a vertical feed circuit are disposed at the insulating area. The ground plane includes a first ground plane and a second ground plane. The radiating element is positioned opposite to and spaced from the first ground plane. The horizontal and vertical polarized portions are positioned on the radiating element and corresponding to the first and second isolating areas respectively so as to couple with the horizontal and vertical feed circuits, respectively. |
| US08269686B2 |
Dual circularly polarized antenna
An antenna includes a waveguide having an aperture at a first end and a conducting component at a second end, the conducting component shorting the waveguide and a first set of two orthogonal dipoles, fed in quadrature, the orthogonal dipoles located near the aperture of the waveguide operating close to its dominant mode cut off frequency. |
| US08269682B2 |
Multi-loop antenna module with wide beamwidth
A multi-loop antenna module with wide beamwidth includes a grounding unit and a plurality of first loop units and second loop units. The first loop units are vertically disposed on outer peripheral sides of the grounding unit. Each first loop unit has a first shorting pin disposed on the grounding unit, a first feeding pin separated from the first shorting pin and suspended above the grounding unit, and a first loop radiating body connected between the first shorting pin and the first feeding pin. The second loop units are vertically disposed on outer peripheral sides of the grounding unit. Each second loop unit has a second shorting pin disposed on the grounding unit, a second feeding pin separated from the second shorting pin and suspended above the grounding unit, and a second loop radiating body connected between the second shorting pin and the second feeding pin. |
| US08269676B2 |
Dual-band antenna and portable wireless communication device employing the same
An exemplary dual-band antenna includes a first antenna unit and a second antenna unit for receiving /sending radio frequency signals corresponding generating a low resonant frequency and a high resonant frequency. The first antenna unit is perpendicularly connected to the second antenna unit. The second antenna unit includes a feed portion, two slots, two gaps and two grounding sheets. The feed portion is electrically connected to the first antenna unit and is used to receive radio frequency signals. The slots are adjacent to one side of the first antenna unit and are defined at the both sides of the feed portion, and the slots are connected with the feed portion and used to radiate radio frequency signals. The gaps extend away from a position of the first antenna unit and are defined at the both sides of the feed portion, and each gap communicates with corresponding slot. The grounding sheets are symmetrically positioned at both sides of the feed portion. |
| US08269674B2 |
Electronic device antenna
Antennas for electronic devices such as portable computers are provided. An antenna may have a dipole structure in which one antenna element serves as a matching element and another antenna element serves as a radiating element. The antenna elements may be mounted on a substrate. The substrate may be mounted on a support structure that is attached to a grounding plate. The grounding plate may be grounded to a conductive housing portion of a portable computer. The antenna may be mounted within the conductive housing in the vicinity of an opening in the housing. The opening may be a slot opening that is used to accommodate optical disks or other storage media. Radio-frequency signals for the antenna may pass through the opening. |
| US08269668B2 |
Diversity antenna system with electrical tilt
A diversity antenna system with electrical tilt has two dual polarized, tilt adjustable antenna stacks (44A) and (44B) with physical separation providing space diversity. Each antenna stack (44A) or (44B) has two polarizations associated with independently adjustable electrical tilt angles. The electrical tilt angles of each antenna stack (44A) or (44B) are controlled to be equal to those of the other antenna stack to provide co-polarization or anti-polarization tilt coupling. The antenna system (40) may operate with multiple carrier frequencies each associated with a respective pair of polarizations of different antenna stacks (44A) and (44B) with co-polarization or anti-polarization tilt coupling. Antenna tilt angles are controllable so that different carrier frequencies are associated with independently adjustable angles of electrical tilt. The system may be used with groups of both contiguous and non-contiguous carrier frequencies. |
| US08269664B2 |
Covert long range positive friendly identification system
The present invention pertains to a portable repeater device for use by friendly forces in a combat theater. The repeater device includes a sensor that receives an interrogator signal, coded or un-coded, from a friendly interrogator, such as an airborne attack or search and rescue vehicle, and a transmitter that transmits a coded or uncoded beacon at a covert wavelength outside the typical night-vision spectrum back to the interrogator in response. Because the transmission wavelength of the repeater signal is covert and outside typical night-vision capabilities, the system limits the ability of enemy forces to locate friendly forces employing such signaling beacons through typical night-vision equipment. |
| US08269663B2 |
Remote control system and method of controlling the remote control system
A remote control system (1) comprises a plurality of controlled devices (100, 100a, etc.), a specifying means (101) for specifying one controlled device (100) that the user desires as a remote control target, and a control device (200) for remotely controlling the one controlled device according to first identification information for identifying the one controlled device. |
| US08269658B1 |
Photonic analog-to-digital conversion using the robust symmetrical number system
Embodiments in accordance with the invention allow for direct digitization of wideband RF signals without the need for down conversion or the use of mixers. In one embodiment, a preprocessed input analog signal is applied to three wideband Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZI), e.g., modulators, to amplitude modulate a continuous wave laser signal. A photodetector is used at the output of each interferometer to convert the amplitude modulated optical signal into an electrical signal. This is followed by an amplifier and a low-pass filter (LPF) to increase the signal level and to reduce the noise. A small mi comparator bank at the output of each LPF is clocked at the sampling frequency and encodes the electrical signal from each detector into a thermometer code that represents an integer value within the modulus. A field programmable gate array (FPGA) then combines the thermometer-code from each comparator bank in order to generate a more convenient 6-bit binary representation, i.e., a digital output. |
| US08269656B2 |
Impedance matched transmission circuit with analog-to-digital converter
An impedance matching transmission circuit for a transducer has a transmission medium connected to the transducer. A transmitting circuit is connected to the transmission medium with the transmitting circuit terminating in a reference circuit element. The transmitting circuit comprises an analog to digital converter having an analog input connected to the reference circuit element, and having a digital output. A digital to analog converter receives the digital output and generates an analog output signal in response thereto. A driver circuit is connected to the transmission medium and receives the analog output signal and supplies a driver signal to the transmission medium. |
| US08269655B2 |
Key control circuit, electronic apparatus, portable device, and key control method
Key control for a key matrix circuit having a plurality of keys is provided to reduce power consumption in key searching caused by unintended key pressing. In key control on the key matrix circuit having a plurality of rows and columns of keys (key switches) in matrix arrangement, keys are disabled or enabled in row lines or in column lines on the key matrix circuit by any one of the lines through key selection by a key selecting means (opening/closing detection circuit, opening/closing detecting unit, key selection switch, key selecting unit). Following key selection, a control means (control unit) keeps key pressing detection in a standby status for a predetermined time in response to an event of detection of a press of a key included in enabled keys, and resumes the key pressing detection after the passage of the predetermined time. |
| US08269651B2 |
Modular wireless fixed network for wide-area metering data collection and meter module apparatus
A one-way direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communications wide-area network is the data collection channel (uplink) of an automatic meter reading (AMR) system, and a paging network, or other suitable communication channel is the optional forward (downlink) channel. The communications network may include one-way meter modules (transmitters) each communicatively coupled to a corresponding electric, gas or water utility meter, and may include two-way meter modules (transceivers) each coupled to such a corresponding utility meter. The meter modules monitor, store, encode and periodically transmit metering data via radio signals (air messages) in an appropriate RF channel. Metering data air messages are collected by a network of receiver Base Stations (BS) and forwarded to a Data Operations Center (DOC), which acts as a metering data gateway. The reception range of each base station is typically over 5 miles in urban areas, allowing sparse infrastructure deployment for a wide variety of metering data collection applications. |
| US08269646B2 |
Audio driven synchronized light display
Disclosed is a light display comprised of a light display unit containing 24 LEDs of various colors, a USB connector connecting the light display unit to a computer, and light display custom software that is loaded onto the computer. When the computer plays music audio such as a WAV file, MP3 file, or a CD disk, the light display custom software, installed on the computer, transforms the audio output into a four 8-bit byte record 40 times a second. The first byte is a header record, and the remaining 3 bytes contain 24 instruction bits. The instruction bits are calculated using a programmed spectrum analyzer that filter the sampled audio signal over a range of 20 Hz to 20K Hz. When the frequencies within a given band exceeds a threshold, the bit associated with that band is set to 1, otherwise the bit is set to 0. The light display unit contains a circuit board that turns the LED associated with the bit on if the bit is one, otherwise it is turned off. |
| US08269645B2 |
Rule based display systems and methods
Rule based display systems and methods are provided. In an aspect of the disclosure, a display screen is dynamically generated using one or more display boxes selected from a plurality of display boxes stored in memory. Each of the plurality of display boxes has rules associated with the display box. To generate the display screen, a rules module generates a set of conditions based on current conditions of the system. The rules module then compares the rules of each display box with the set of conditions to identify display boxes having rules that are satisfied by the set of rules. A display module then generates the display screen using the display boxes identified by the rules module, thereby dynamically generating the display screen. |
| US08269643B2 |
Positioning/navigation system using identification tag and position/navigation method
A positioning navigation system using identification tags and a method thereof is provided. The system and method are applied to an area having a plurality of identification tags to position and navigate a mobile apparatus. The system includes a plurality of identification tags and a mobile apparatus. The method includes steps of accessing unique position data stored in at least one identification tag and generating position information of the mobile apparatus according to the unique position data stored in the at least one identification tag and a geographic data of the area. The unique position data of each identification tag corresponds to a coordinate position of the geographic data of each identification tag within the area. |
| US08269635B2 |
Method and apparatus for monitoring ingestion of medications using an implantable medical device
An implantable medical device, such as a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), is configured to automatically detect ingestion of medications to verify that prescribed medications are taken in a timely manner and at the correct dosage. Briefly, individual pills are provided with miniature radio frequency identification (RFID) devices capable of transmitting RFID tag signals, which identify the medication contained within the pill and its dosage. The implanted device is equipped with an RFID transceiver for receiving tag signals from a pill as it is being ingested. The implanted system decodes the tag to identify the medication and its dosage, then accesses an onboard database to verify that the medication being ingested was in fact prescribed to the patient and to verify that the correct dosage was taken. Warning signals are generated if the wrong medication or the wrong dosage was taken. Therapy may also be automatically adjusted. Non-RF-based ID devices are also described, which instead transmit ID data via biphasic current pulses. |
| US08269632B2 |
System and method for detecting a breach of an electronic article surveillance tag
An EAS tag is provided having improved anti-defeat devices and methods. A pin assembly is coupled to a lanyard and includes a reduced cross-sectional profile that may be passed through a monitored article to produce no damage or minimal damage to the monitored article. The pin assembly engages a spring clamp provided in the EAS tag and is electrically coupled to an intermediate spring contact that provides an electrical current to a PC board for arming the EAS tag. A force may be applied to the intermediate spring contact to generate a reset signal that disarms the EAS tag. An alarm signal is generated if current to the PC board is disrupted without a corresponding reset signal, such as if the pin assembly is removed without rotating the intermediate spring contact or if the lanyard is cut. The tag body is provided with an arcuate channel through which an arcuate detacher probe can be guided for releasing the attaching assembly part. |
| US08269629B2 |
Method and system for item tracking with tags
Aspects of the present invention describe a method of tracking an item, comprising. The items is associated with a tag and capable of responding to a query from a tag reader and tag combination. The tag reader and tag combination capable of identifying the item associated with the tag using a tag reader. In operation, a tag reader makes a request to at least one tag reader and tag combination for the identity of an item associated with a tag. The tag reader and tag combination identifies the item associated with the tag and provides the identity of the item and tag to the tag reader. |
| US08269622B2 |
Method and system for intelligent energy network management control system
A system for providing network infrastructure for energy management and control is disclosed. A controller integrates powerline and wireless networking technologies in order to provide an integrated network. A gateway sends and receives command and control data across the integrated network. Client devices may connect to the integrated network and perform a variety of functions. An appliance module may send and receive data across the integrated network in relation to a particular appliance. A panel meter may send and receive data across the integrated network in relation to data measured at a distribution panel. A serial bridge may connect various devices to the integrated network. Computing devices may remotely or locally connect to the integrated network and send and receive data. |
| US08269621B2 |
Mezuzah case
The present invention relates to a mezuzah case having an electronic signaling device for attracting attention of Jewish people walking through a doorway to a mezuzah which is affixed to the doorpost. The Mezuzah case includes housing for holding and protecting a mezuzah parchment and an electric signaling device for emitting a noticeable signal. According to one embodiment the signaling device is a light source. According to an alternative embodiment, the signaling device emits an audio signal. The mezuzah case may further include electronic means for automatically controlling the signaling device according to a preset program and a power source for energizing the electronic means and the signaling device. |
| US08269619B2 |
Wireless light indication and control device
A wireless light indication and control device connected with a helmet is provided. The wireless light indication and control device includes a direction detector, a wireless transmitter, and at least one light element, wherein the direction detector senses a movement of the helmet to generate a turning signal, the wireless transmitter receives the turning signal and cooperates with a frequency hopping unit and a matching unit to generate a wireless signal, and the light element includes a wireless receiver for receiving the wireless signal. As the user wears the helmet of the present invention, the light can generate warning effect based on the movement of the helmet, so as to provide the user a more comprehensive traffic safety. |
| US08269618B2 |
Method and system for remotely monitoring the location of a vehicle
A telemetry system coupled to a vehicle can communicate with a remote site using a wireless network, such as a cellular mobile radiotelephone network. The telemetry system can monitor aspects of the vehicle's operations based on remote user input. The telemetry system can monitor a vehicle's location or a crossing of a geographical boundary by the vehicle. |
| US08269615B2 |
Door handle and locking system
A door handle, for opening and closing a door such as a vehicular door, includes: a transmitting antenna, transmitting a communication signal to a portable device carried by a user; an indicating portion, optically indicating a state of the door, including locked and unlocked states of the door, to the user with a visible light; and a first power supply portion, electromagnetically coupled to the transmitting antenna and supplying electric power to the indicating portion in response to a transmission of the communication signal. |
| US08269614B2 |
Vibratory assembly for a vehicle
A vibrator assembly for a vehicle for generating an oscillation of a vehicle part detectable by a person is provided. The vibrator assembly comprising a vehicle part having a supporting structure and a case connected with said supporting structure, and a vibrator surrounded by the case which is formed to stimulate the case to oscillate whereby the oscillations are perceivable by a person. The vibrator for stimulating the oscillations of the case is coupled via at least one spring element differing from the case with the supporting structure of the vehicle part so that the oscillations of the case are stimulated via the supporting structure. |
| US08269593B2 |
Magnetic element and bobbin thereof
A magnetic element includes a bobbin, a first winding assembly, a second winding assembly and a magnetic core assembly. The bobbin includes a winding part, a first extension part and a second extension part. The first extension part and the second extension part are separated from each other by the winding part. The first winding assembly is wound around the winding part of the bobbin, and includes plural first terminals. The second winding assembly is wound around the winding part of the bobbin, and includes plural second terminals. The magnetic core assembly includes a first window and a second window. The first extension part is protruded out of the first window. The second extension part is protruded out of the second window. At least one of the first terminals and at least one of the second terminals are simultaneously fixed on the first extension part and/or the second extension part. |
| US08269592B1 |
Pulse transformer
A transformer includes a magnetic core through which an insulated electrical first conductor extends to define a turn of winding. The first conductor is tubular, in that it defines a generally axial aperture. A plurality of electrically insulated conductive windings are twisted together to form a bundle, or a pair if only two. The bundle extends through the axial aperture, to define at least an additional turn of winding. The individual conductors of the bundle are stripped of insulation at locations without the aperture of the first conductor. |
| US08269591B2 |
Electric coil
An electric coil comprising a coil core (10), a main winding (16) surrounding the coil core (10) and having an electrically conductive coil wire, a start winding (14) surrounding the coil core (10) and having an electrically conductive coil wire, and an end winding (18) surrounding the coil core (10) and having an electrically conductive coil wire, is characterized in that the coil wire of the main winding (16), the coil wire of the start winding (14), and the coil wire of the end winding (18) are formed by a continuous wound wire, and at least the main winding (16), preferably also the start winding (14), is wound directly onto the coil core (10). |
| US08269589B2 |
Electromagnetic drive unit and an electromechanical switching device
An electromagnetic drive unit is disclosed, including a yoke and a movable armature. In at least one embodiment, the yoke and the armature have a matched shape so that, when the electromagnetic drive unit is activated, the armature is adapted to at least partially cross the yoke. An electromechanical switching device is also disclosed. |
| US08269584B1 |
Incorrect-circuit deactivation device of magnetic GFCI outlet
An incorrect-circuit deactivation device of a magnetic GFCI outlet includes an electromagnetic coil seat, a magneto-conductive core driven by the electromagnetic coil seat to displace, and two magnetic elements located on both sides of the magneto-conductive core. The magneto-conductive core is connected to a first electrical conductive end. The first electrical conductive end is positioned to face a second electrical conductive end. Electric power is supplied when the first electrical conductive end is brought into contact with the second electrical conductive end. The electromagnetic coil seat senses a reverse current to make the magneto-conductive core to displace toward one of the magnetic elements when there is a ground fault, thereby departing the first electrical conductive end from the second electrical conductive end to cut off the electric current. |
| US08269583B2 |
Using surface wave propagation to communicate 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 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. |
| US08269582B2 |
Tuning element assembly and method for RF components
Various exemplary embodiments relate to a tuning element assembly and method for tuning an a radio frequency (RF) component, where the component has one or more walls defining a cavity, with at least one wall having at least one bore hole. A bushing is mounted in the bore hole in the wall, and a tuning element is slidably mounted and received in the bushing so that the tuning element projects inwardly through the bushing and into the cavity and is axially adjustable. A method of tuning an RF component also includes providing a bushing mounted in a bore in a wall of the RF component, sliding a tuning element that is slidably mounted and received in the bushing so that the tuning element projects inwardly through the bushing and into the cavity by a distance varying according to the sliding of the tuning element, monitoring a performance characteristic of the RF component, and releasing the tuning element so that a desired performance characteristic is achieved. |
| US08269568B2 |
Method for manufacturing piezoelectric vibrator, piezoelectric vibrator, and oscillator
The invention provides a method for manufacturing a piezoelectric vibrator, a piezoelectric vibrator, and an oscillator, whereby mounting of the piezoelectric vibrating piece by flip-chip bonding is ensured. A manufacturing method of a piezoelectric vibrator is a method for manufacturing a piezoelectric vibrator that includes: a base substrate; a lid substrate bonded to the base substrate; a piezoelectric vibrating piece including a crystal plate having on its outer surface excitation electrodes, and mount electrodes electrically connected to the excitation electrodes; inner electrodes to be electrically connected to the piezoelectric vibrating piece; and metal bumps to provide electrical interconnections between the inner electrodes and the mount electrodes. The method includes a inner electrodes forming step of forming the inner electrodes, a metal bump forming step of forming the metal bumps, and a mount step of bonding the mount electrodes of the piezoelectric vibrating piece to the metal bumps, wherein, in the mount step, the piezoelectric vibrating piece is mounted and fixed in such a manner that tips of the metal bumps are not in contact with the crystal plate. |
| US08269559B2 |
Amplifying device
In an amplifying device, an amplification unit includes a first amplifier which amplifies a signal and a second amplifier which amplifies a signal when the signal has a predetermined level or more. A detector detects a temperature change. A calculation unit calculates an adjacent channel leakage power ratio of an output signal output from the amplification unit based on detection of the temperature change of the detector. A controller controls gate biases of the first and second amplifiers based on the adjacent channel leakage power ratio calculated by the calculation unit. |
| US08269557B2 |
Electronic amplifier
An electronic amplifier is characterized by a first stage (1) controlled by an input voltage UE, the operating voltage of said stage being on positive and/or negative potentials (V1+/V1A−), which are always constant with respect to the input voltage (UE), and further by a second impedance-converting stage (2), which is controlled by a voltage supplied by the first stage (1) and the operating voltage of which is on positive and/or negative potentials (V5+/V5A−), which are always constant with respect to the voltage supplied by the first stage (1). |
| US08269553B2 |
Delay circuit
A delay circuit includes a MOSFET and bias voltage sources. The bias voltage sources apply a voltage difference between the drain and source of the MOSFET. The bias voltage source supplies a source voltage to a source electrode of the MOSFET. The bias voltage source supplies a drain voltage to a drain electrode of the MOSFET. An input signal to be delayed is propagated through the gate of the MOSFET in the gate width direction (y-axis direction). |
| US08269548B2 |
Zero-temperature-coefficient voltage or current generator
General speaking, a resistor of high resistivity has a negative-temperature-coefficient and a resistor of low resistivity has a positive-temperature-coefficient. Utilizing this characteristic, an appropriate proportion between the above resistors can be found to make a combined resistor with an approximate zero-temperature-coefficient. The combined resistor can be used to design a circuit for generating voltage and current with approximate zero-temperature-coefficients. |
| US08269547B2 |
Bootstrap circuit
A bootstrap circuit comprises: a first transistor connecting a first power supply with an output node; and a second transistor applying a first input signal to a gate node of the first transistor and having a conductivity type identical to that of the first transistor. A second input signal obtained by inverting a level of the first input signal, delaying the inverted signal, and adding a direct current bias to the delayed signal is inputted to a gate node of the second transistor. |
| US08269544B2 |
Power-supply noise suppression using a frequency-locked loop
An integrated circuit that includes a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) that adjusts a clock frequency of a critical path of the integrated circuit based on the variations in a power-supply voltage of the DCO and the critical path is described. This DCO may be included in a feedback control loop that includes a frequency-locked loop (FLL), and which determines an average clock frequency of the critical path based on a reference frequency. Furthermore, the DCO may have a selectable delay characteristic that specifies a delay sensitivity of the DCO as a function of the power-supply voltage, thereby approximately matching a manufactured delay characteristic of the critical path. Additionally, for variations in the power-supply voltage having frequencies greater than a resonance frequency associated with a chip package of the integrated circuit, adjustments of the clock frequency may be proportional to the variations in the power-supply voltage and the selectable delay characteristic. |
| US08269540B2 |
Circuitry and methods for improving differential signals that cross power domains
Disclosed herein are circuitry and methods for improving differential signals that cross power domains. In an example embodiment, the power supply domain boundary along the output paths that generate the differential signal is staggered, such that the boundary occurs at an odd numbered stage in one differential output path and at an even numbered stage in the other differential output. Defining the power supply domain boundary in this manner can help ensure that the same logical state is present at the boundary in either of the differential output paths. This same logic signal should affect subsequent stages similarly from a speed perspective, and so should similarly affect the differential signals generated by each of the output paths. This means, among other things, that the differential signal as generated should tend to cross nearer to a midpoint voltage, which increases its compliance with certain integrated circuit specifications such as the Vox specification used for the differential data strobe in an SDRAM. |
| US08269538B2 |
Signal alignment system
Through the use of a multi-step sweep, the present invention is capable of increasing the speed and improving the error resistance of a signal alignment. In a specific embodiment of the invention, a method for the signal alignment of a target signal and an adjustable signal is disclosed. The target signal is sampled using three or more phase shifted versions of the adjustable signal to obtain a group of target signal state values. Next, through reference to the group of target signal state values it is determined that an edge of the target signal lies between a first phase shifted version and a second consecutive phase shifted version. In response, the first phase shifted version is selected as the starting point for a second sweep. During the second sweep, the phase of the first phase shifted version is sequentially adjusted in relatively small incremental steps to minimize the phase difference relative to the target signal. |
| US08269537B2 |
Data transfer circuit and method with compensated clock jitter
A data I/O interface for an integrated circuit device includes a noise detector receiving a power supply voltage, detecting a power supply voltage noise component, and providing a clock delay control signal in response to detected power supply voltage noise component. The data I/O interface also includes a clock delay circuit providing a delayed clock signal in response to the clock delay control signal, and a data transfer circuit powered by the power supply voltage and providing output data synchronously with the delayed clock signal. |
| US08269536B2 |
Onion waveform generator and spread spectrum clock generator using the same
An onion waveform generator and a spread spectrum clock generator (SSCG) using the same are provided. The onion waveform generator includes a value generation unit and an accumulating unit. The value generation unit outputs a counting value. The accumulating unit accumulates the counting value to output a waveform value. The accumulating unit switches from an increasing mode to a decreasing mode if the waveform value is a third boundary value, and the accumulating unit switches from the decreasing mode to the increasing mode if the waveform value is a fourth boundary value. |
| US08269534B2 |
Delay locked loop circuit and semiconductor device having the delay locked loop circuit
A delay locked loop (DLL) circuit is disclosed. The DLL circuit includes a delay circuit and a phase adjusting circuit. The phase adjusting circuit is configured to receive a clock signal output from the delay circuit, pass the clock signal through a N-divider and a replica path to create a N-divided delay signal, and detect phase information about an external clock signal in response to a rising edge and a falling edge of the N-divided delay signal, wherein N denotes a natural number. The delay circuit is configured to output the clock signal by adjusting a phase of the external clock signal in response to a result of the detection. A semiconductor device, semiconductor system, and method are also disclosed. |
| US08269533B2 |
Digital phase-locked loop
Apparatus, systems and methods are provided for digital phase-locked loops. A digital phase-locked loop comprises an oscillator module configured to generate an output signal and a phase detection module coupled to the oscillator module. The phase detection module is configured to signal the oscillator module to adjust a frequency of the output signal by a first amount when a phase difference between a reference signal and the output signal is less than a threshold amount, and signal the oscillator module to adjust the frequency by a greater amount when the phase difference is greater than the threshold amount. |
| US08269532B2 |
Constant phase angle control for frequency agile power switching systems
Power switching systems often benefit from controlling the instant at which the power devices change state so as to minimize dissipation in these devices. Such systems often require fairly tight tolerances on reactive components and a relatively narrow frequency operating range to be certain these switching times occur as intended. This invention defines a system that can adapt the required switching instant over very wide changes in the reactive components. |
| US08269531B1 |
Programmable power supervisor
A system can include at least one power supervisor coupled between two supply voltage terminals and including a comparator circuit configured to assert at least one output signal in response to a voltage between the terminals varying from at least one trip voltage, and a memory coupled to a programming interface for storing values that establish the at least one trip voltage; and circuitry coupled between the terminals that receives the at least one output signal, and configured to hold at least a portion of the circuitry in one mode of operation in response to the assertion of at least one output signal. |
| US08269527B2 |
Hysteresis comparator circuit and semiconductor device incorporating same
A hysteresis comparator circuit that compares first and second input signals to output a hysteresis output signal includes a constant current source, a first comparator, a second comparator, and an output circuit. The constant current source includes a load resistor to generate a given constant current. The first comparator is controlled by the constant current supplied from the constant current source to compare the first and second input signals to output a first comparison result. The second comparator is controlled by the constant current supplied from the constant current source to compare the first and second input signals to output a second comparison result. The output circuit has a pair of inputs thereof connected to the first and second comparators, respectively, which inverts an output thereof in response to each of the first and second comparison results to generate the hysteresis output signal. |
| US08269526B2 |
Apparatus for detecting presence or absence of oscillation of clock signal
A semiconductor apparatus includes an arithmetic circuit that executes a program based on an operating clock signal input through a clock transfer node, an internal oscillator that generates an internal clock signal to be used internally, a watch dog timer that counts the internal clock signal, detect that a count value reaches a predetermined value of an execution time of the program in the arithmetic circuit and output a notification signal, and a clock monitor circuit that detects presence or absence of the operating clock signal in response to the notification signal. |
| US08269525B2 |
Logic cell having reduced spurious toggling
A disclosed integrated circuit logic cell includes a clock input operative to receive a clock input from a clock tree of the integrated circuit, and clocking circuitry, internal to the logic cell, operative to place a plurality of clock nodes, within the logic cell, in a logical off state in response to a predetermined logic state of the logic cell, thereby preventing the clock nodes from toggling during the predetermined logic state of the logic cell. The integrated circuit logic cell includes primary logic circuitry, internal to the logic cell, operatively coupled to the clocking circuitry which is operatively coupled to an input of the primary logic circuitry. The clocking circuitry provides clock outputs operatively coupled to the clock nodes which are within the primary logic circuitry, and is operative to control the clock outputs in response to the predetermined logic state. |
| US08269524B2 |
General purpose input/output pin mapping
An I/O pin mapping module integrated on a microcontroller chip allows any microcontroller circuit node connected to the I/O pin mapping module to be mapped to any microcontroller I/O pin connected to the I/O pin mapping module. The size of the I/O pin mapping module can be customized prior to integration in accordance with the number of circuit nodes and I/O pins to be connected thereto. The I/O pin mapping module is programmable and can be described in a high level language to create a generic module that can be used in different microcontroller families, as well as in other types of integrated circuit chips. |
| US08269520B2 |
Using pattern generators to control flow of data to and from a semiconductor device under test
A semiconductor device tester includes programmable hardware configured to test a semiconductor device under test. The programmable hardware is programmed with two or more pattern generators to control a flow of data to and from the semiconductor device under test. |
| US08269518B1 |
Method and apparatus for preventing probe card oxidation
A method and apparatus for a pre-biasing storage mechanism to prevent oxidation and other contaminants from forming on the probe tips and probe tails of a probe card. The pre-biasing storage mechanism imposes a positive bias on the probe needles of the probe card so as to create physical contact between the probe tails and the conductive pads of the printed circuit board (PCB) arrangement of the probe card during a disengaged state of the probe card. In addition, the storage mechanism imposes a positive bias on the probe needles of the probe card, so as to create physical contact between the probe tips and a probe tip cleaning pad, or other protective surface, during a disengaged state of the probe card. |
| US08269516B1 |
High-speed contactor interconnect with circuitry
Disclosed is a contactor interconnect in an integrated circuit device test fixture comprises a plurality of contactor pins enabled to provide electrical contact with the contact points of an integrated circuit device, the contactor pins being mounted in the test fixture; and an electrical circuit coupled to two or more of the contactor pins of the test fixture, wherein the electrical circuit is isolated from other contactor pins of the plurality of contactor pins and wherein the electrical circuit is coupled to the two or more contactor pins by an electronically direct pathway. |
| US08269515B2 |
High impedance, high parallelism, high temperature memory test system architecture
An electronic device for use with a probe head in automated test equipment includes first and second pluralities of semiconductor devices. The first plurality of semiconductor devices is arranged to form at least one driver arranged to couple to a device under test. The at least one driver is configured to transmit a signal to the at least one device under test. The second plurality of semiconductor devices is arranged to form at least one receiver arranged to couple to the device under test. The at least one receiver is configured to receive a signal from the at least one device under test. Each of the second plurality of semiconductor devices has a thickness less than about 300 μm exclusive of any electrical interconnects. The at least one receiver is adapted to mount directly to the probe head. |
| US08269510B2 |
Apparatus for measuring dielectric properties of parts
A chamber formed from an electrically conductive material is connected to a ground potential. A hot electrode formed from an electrically conductive material is disposed within the chamber in a substantially horizontal orientation and is physically separated from the chamber. The hot electrode includes a top surface defined to support a part to be measured. A radiofrequency (RF) transmission rod is connected to extend from a bottom surface of the hot electrode through an opening in a bottom of the chamber and be physically separated from the chamber. The RF transmission rod is defined to transmit RF power from a conductor plate in an electrical components housing to the hot electrode. An upper electrode formed from an electrically conductive material is disposed within the chamber in a substantially horizontal orientation. The upper electrode is electrically connected to the chamber and is defined to be movable in a vertical direction. |
| US08269509B2 |
System and method for measuring thickness of a refractory wall of a gasifier using electromagnetic energy
A system and method for measuring a thickness of a refractory wall of a gasifier using electromagnetic energy is disclosed. The system includes a waveguide with a bistatic or monostatic phased array antenna at one end. The waveguide is operably connected to a Network Analyzer that generates a pulse of electromagnetic energy with a desired bandwidth. The pulse is transmitted through a coaxial cable to the waveguide. The reflection of the pulse is received by the waveguide and input to a data acquisition system. An output device displays the resolvable discontinuities in impedance encountered by the pulse in its propagation path in the system. |
| US08269507B2 |
Device for testing surface mounted connectors
This invention describes a device for testing a surface mounted connector using a test probe assembly that utilizes a vacuum to force the test wires and the test probe's wire array into intimate contact with the connector to be tested. The wires are directed through a wire module assembly and have a wide spacing at one end, and a narrow spacing corresponding to the spacing required for the specific units to be tested at the opposite end. The wires are kept in contact with the unit under test by the use of spring loaded test connectors and vacuum. |
| US08269505B2 |
Locating short circuits in printed circuit boards
One embodiment provides a method of locating a short circuit in a printed circuit board. Test signals may be injected at different test points on the circuit board. The distance between each test point and the short circuit may be determined according to how long it takes for a signal reflection at the short circuit to propagate back to each test point. The distances between the various test points and the short circuit can be used to narrow the possible locations of the short circuit or even to pinpoint the location of the short circuit. |
| US08269501B2 |
Methods for magnetic imaging of geological structures
Methods for imaging geological structures include injecting magnetic materials into the geological structures, placing at least one magnetic probe in a proximity to the geological structures, generating a magnetic field in the geological structures and detecting a magnetic signal. The at least one magnetic probe may be on the surface of the geological structures or reside within the geological structures. The methods also include injecting magnetic materials into the geological structures, placing at least one magnetic detector in the geological structures and measuring a resonant frequency in the at least one magnetic detector. Methods for using magnetic materials in dipole-dipole, dipole-loop and loop-loop transmitter-receiver configurations for geological structure electromagnetic imaging techniques are also disclosed. |
| US08269495B2 |
Method and device to determine an inversion time value of tissue by means of magnetic resonance technology
In a method to determine an inversion time value for contrast improvement between different tissue in a contrast agent-supported magnetic resonance imaging, a series of magnetic resonance images of an imaging area is acquired using an inversion recovery sequence with different inversion times. A structure in the magnetic resonance images is segmented and a time response of the signal intensity of image elements corresponding to one another in the magnetic resonance images of the segmented structure is automatically determined. Minima of the signal intensity in the segmented structure are determined automatically and associated with the associated inversion time values. The optimal inversion time value for contrast improvement is automatically determined from the inversion time values that have been associated with the minima of the signal intensity in the segmented structure. |
| US08269494B2 |
Preparing the magnetization state of a sample for alternating repetition time steady state free precession magnetic resonance imaging
Techniques and systems for magnetic resonance imaging. In one aspect, preparatory pulse sequences precede alternating repetition time steady state free precession (ATR SSFP) pulse sequences to enable image acquisition before reaching a steady-state equilibrium. The design of the preparatory sequences is based on a two step process: First an oscillatory residue is expressed in terms of a window (e.g., a Kaiser-Bessel window) and scale parameters. Second the oscillatory residue is minimized to determine the scale parameters according to a desired application (e.g. ATR SSFP, optimized for fat, water, etc.) The preparation scheme described in this specification can be applied to arbitrary repetition times and RF phase cycling combinations. |
| US08269489B2 |
System and method for eddy current inspection of parts with complex geometries
An inspection system for inspecting a part is provided. The inspection system includes a multi-dimensional array of eddy current sensors that conforms to a contour of a three dimensional shape of the part. The inspection system also includes a controller coupled to the multi-dimensional array, wherein the controller is configured to electronically scan the part via an electrical connection of the eddy current sensors to an eddy current instrument. The inspection system further includes a processor coupled to the eddy current instrument, wherein the processor is configured to analyze output from the eddy current instrument and the controller to accomplish inspection of the part. |
| US08269485B2 |
Linear variable differential transformer with digital electronics
Techniques for coupling with devices that convert displacements into differential voltages and improve the sensitivity of such devices. The disclosed system improves the accuracy and resolution of a transducers such as an LVDT by converting certain parts of the circuit to a digital circuit. One embodiment uses a processor, although other digital processing circuitry may also be used. |
| US08269478B2 |
Two-terminal voltage regulator with current-balancing current mirror
A voltage regulator comprises first and second bipolar transistors operating at different current densities; a resistor is connected between their bases across which ΔVBE appears. A third bipolar transistor is connected such that the voltages at the bases of the first and third transistors are equal or differ by a PTAT amount. A current mirror is arranged to balance the collector current of one of the second and third transistors with an image of the collector current of the first transistor when the output node is at a unique operating point. The operating point includes both PTAT and CTAT components, the ratio of which can be established such that the operating point has a desired temperature characteristic. A transistor connected to the output node and driven by the output of the current mirror regulates the output voltage by negative feedback. |
| US08269475B2 |
Class DH amplifier
A class DH amplifier is provided. The amplifier is generally comprised of a tracking power supply, a class D amplifier section, and a carrier generator. The tracking power supply receives a supply voltage and an analog input signal, and the tracking power supply provides an input for the carrier generator. Based on its input from the tracking power supply, the carrier generator can output a positive ramp signal and a negative ramp signal to the class D amplifier section. The class D amplifier section can generate an output signal base on the analog input signal and the ramp signals from the carrier generator. |
| US08269474B2 |
System and method for reducing voltage overshoot during load release within a buck regulator
A buck regulator comprises an upper switching transistor connected between a voltage input node and a phase node. A lower switching transistor is connected between the phase node and a ground node. An inductor is connected between the phase node and an output voltage node. Circuitry generates control signals to the upper switching transistor and the lower switching transistor responsive to the output voltage and a reference voltage. The control signals to the lower switching transistor selectively turn off the lower switching transistor responsive to a current direction through the lower switching transistor and an indication of whether a voltage error signal has been clamped at a selected level. |
| US08269473B2 |
AC high voltage power supply device, charging device, developing device, and image forming apparatus
An AC high voltage power supply device includes a comparison circuit configured to compare a first signal of a sinusoidal waveform and a second signal of a triangular waveform; a switching amplifier circuit configured to perform a switching operation based on a comparison result signal output from the comparison circuit to perform signal amplification; a conversion circuit configured to convert a waveform of a switch signal output from the switching amplifier circuit into a sinusoidal waveform; a transformer configured to boost a voltage of a converted signal output from the conversion circuit; and a control circuit configured to perform feedback control on the first signal input to the comparison circuit based on a monitoring signal including an input signal or an output signal of the transformer, so that a peak level of the output signal of the transformer becomes a desired peak level. |
| US08269472B2 |
Control circuit and method for a buck-boost power converter
Control signals are generated for a buck-boost power stage of a buck-boost power converter to convert an input voltage to an output voltage. The buck-boost power stage includes an inductor and at least two power switches connected thereto. The output voltage is monitored to generate an error signal having clamped level according to a first detecting signal related to at least one of the input voltage, output voltage and inductor current. In a buck-boost mode, a compensation signal and a duty insertion signal are generated according to a second detecting signal related to at least one of the input voltage, output voltage, inductor current and variation of the output voltage, the error signal is compensated with the compensation signal to generate a compensated error signal, and the control signals are determined upon the combination of the compensated error signal, the duty insertion signal and a ramp signal. |
| US08269468B2 |
Charging circuit having a smooth charging transition mode including a current mirror block controlled by a charge mode transition block comprising series connected transistors
A charging circuit includes a current mirror block configured to charge a load in response to a control voltage applied thereto, and a charge controller configured to generate the control voltage in response to comparison result values obtained by comparing a current sensing value and a voltage sensing value of the current mirror block with respective reference values. The comparison result value are applied to the gates of MOS transistors connected in series. The charge controller is configured to switch a charge mode from a constant current charge mode to a constant voltage charge mode when the charge state of the load reaches a predetermined state. |
| US08269465B2 |
Battery charging circuit generating an oscillating triangular waveform to remove sulphate from battery plates
A circuit charges and maintains a battery. The circuit includes a microprocessor for receiving a current sense signal and a voltage sense signal. The microprocessor generates control signals for selectively operating the circuit in a charging mode and in a maintenance mode. The circuit includes a current sense circuit for measuring the battery's current consumption and generating the current sense signal responsive to the measured current consumption. The circuit includes a voltage sense circuit for measuring the battery's voltage and generating the voltage sense signal responsive to the measured battery voltage. The circuit includes a waveform generator circuit for receiving the control signals, and operating in response thereto to apply a charging signal to the battery when in the charging mode and to deactivate the charging signal when in the maintenance mode. The charging signal has an oscillating triangular waveform superimposed on a DC bias signal. |
| US08269462B2 |
State monitoring apparatus for assembled battery
The state monitoring apparatus includes a high-voltage side monitoring section having monitoring units assigned to respective unit batteries and a low-voltage side monitoring section having a control device. The monitoring units measures the voltages of the unit batteries upon reception of a voltage measurement command transmitted from the control device, and determines whether or not the measured voltages are within a predetermined range. This determination is transmitted to the control device. If this determination is negative, the control device limits a charge/discharge current of the assembled battery, and then causes the monitoring units to transmit the measured voltages. |
| US08269461B2 |
Hybrid battery charger and control circuit and method thereof
A hybrid battery charger includes a control circuit and a power stage. The control circuit includes an error amplifier to generate a first error signal and a second error signal according to an output voltage and an output current of the hybrid battery charger, a linear controller to generate a first control signal according to the first error signal, a PWM controller to generate a second control signal and a third control signal according to the second error signal, and according to a mode signal, a multiplexer to select the first control signal for the power stage to operate the hybrid battery charger in a linear mode, or the second and third control signals for the power stage to operate the hybrid battery charger in a switching mode. |
| US08269460B2 |
Disconnection detecting device
A switch element is configured to decrease an impedance of a voltage-detection integrated circuit that detect voltage between both ends of unit cells of a higher-ordered battery block, for adjacently-connected pair of the higher-ordered battery block and a lower-ordered battery block. The voltage-detection integrated circuit is configured to detect disconnection of an electrical wire when voltage between both ends of a lowest-ordered unit cell that is detected with the switch element turned on is equal to or lower than a threshold. |
| US08269459B2 |
Lithium-based battery pack for a high current draw, hand held power tool
A method for conducting an operation including a power tool battery pack. The battery pack can include a housing, a first cell supported by the housing and having a voltage, and a second cell supported by the housing and having a voltage. The battery pack also can be connectable to a power tool and be operable to supply power to operate the power tool. The method can include discharging one of the first cell and the second cell until the voltage of the one of the first cell and the second cell is substantially equal to the voltage of the other of the first cell and the second cell. |
| US08269457B2 |
System and method for charging an on-board battery of an electric vehicle
An electric vehicle and a range extender engine are shown including the controls to operate the same. |
| US08269455B2 |
Charge balancing system
A method, circuit, and topology are provided for utilization of this circuit in Li-Ion or any other battery that benefits from balancing between individual cells. The whole system is characterized as having high efficiency (and thus low heat losses) compared to previous art implementations. The actions of the circuit are continuous and bi-directional in respect to each cell. |
| US08269453B2 |
Battery charging system for mobile and accessory device
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed at a method and system for recharging batteries for wireless electronic devices. According to one embodiment, a battery charging and monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a host machine providing a plurality of charging slots and a plurality of wireless devices coupled to and powered by a plurality of batteries. The host machine is adapted to communicate with the plurality of wireless devices through a plurality of wireless links to monitor the plurality of batteries coupled to the wireless devices. According to another embodiment, an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device is adapted to couple with at least a rechargeable battery and to negotiate with the rechargeable battery for an agreed range of power parameters. The electronic device is further adapted to accept power from and to provide power to the rechargeable battery at the agreed range of power parameters. |
| US08269450B2 |
Winding switching apparatus and winding switching system
A winding switching apparatus includes a winding switching device and a drive circuit. The winding switching device is configured to switch a plurality of windings of an AC motor. The drive circuit is configured to control the winding switching device. The winding switching device includes a winding switch, a diode bridge, and a capacitor. The diode bridge includes a positive-side DC output terminal, a negative-side DC output terminal, and AC input terminals. The AC input terminals corresponds to respective phases of the AC motor. The positive-side and negative-side DC output terminals are respectively connected to positive-side and negative-side DC buses provided in an inverter. The AC input terminals are respectively connected to winding-switching terminals corresponding to the respective phases of the AC motor. The AC input terminals are respectively connected to phase terminals provided in the winding switch. |
| US08269444B2 |
System and method for controlling sensorless motor
A system and a method for controlling a sensorless motor are disclosed, where the system includes a motor driver and a zero-crossing detector. The motor driver can drive the sensorless motor. The zero-crossing detector can detect a zero-crossing point when the voltage of one motor coil of the sensorless motor is in a blanking period. |
| US08269443B2 |
Rotary electric machine control apparatus
It is possible to suppress vibration of a rotary machine in a rotary machine control apparatus. A drive control system of a fuel cell vehicle having a rotary machine includes a control unit having: a drive permission power calculation module which calculates the rotary machine drive permission power according to the states of a fuel cell and an accumulator as power sources of the rotary machine: a limit torque calculation module which calculates a limit torque of the rotary machine according to the drive permission power; and a filter processing module which performs a low-pass process on the limit torque calculation. A storage device of the control unit stores a filter processing region map indicating the region where the filter process is executed by correlating the region with the drive permission power and the rpm. |
| US08269439B2 |
Drive controller and drive control method for electric motor
Control mode switching determination is made as a part of a main loop (control period for overall control of an AC electric motor. When switching from the rectangular wave voltage control mode to PWM control mode is determined, the change in voltage phase of the rectangular wave voltage is inhibited from the timing of control mode switching determination until the next execution of the main loop until the timing at which the control mode is actually switched, to maintain voltage phase of the rectangular wave voltage at the time of control mode switching determination. Consequently, in a drive controller for an AC electric motor allowing switching between control modes, control mode can appropriately be switched without destabilizing the operation of the AC electric motor. |
| US08269438B2 |
Apparatus for driving motor of air conditioner and method for driving the same
An apparatus and method for driving a motor of an air conditioner are disclosed. A method for driving a motor of an air conditioner includes driving the motor in response to a predetermined speed command, sequentially detecting first and second mechanical angles in response to the speed command or a reference speed being spaced apart from the speed command by a predetermined range, calculating a maximum speed mechanical angle corresponding to a maximum speed ripple of the motor on the basis of the detected first and second mechanical angles, and compensating for load torque of the motor on the basis of the calculated the maximum speed mechanical angle. As a result, the speed ripple is decreased during the constant speed operation. |
| US08269435B2 |
Motor control unit, motor control method and image forming apparatus
Time information indicates time required for reflecting a speed control indicating value actually on the rotation speed of the motor, the speed control indicating value being read by a motor driving part and then, being reflected on the rotation speed of the motor by the motor driving part. the speed control indicating value is generated based on the time information and the rotation speed information. The speed control indicating value is read at a period which is based on the time information for actually driving the motor. |
| US08269433B2 |
Circuit arrangement and method for operating a discharge lamp
A circuit arrangement for operating a discharge lamp having a dielectric layer between at least one electrode and one discharge medium, comprising a primary circuit, which comprises a flux converter with at least one electronic switch, the flux converter having a first input terminal and a second input terminal for connecting an input voltage; a secondary circuit, which has a first output terminal and a second output terminal for connecting the discharge lamp; a transformer coupling the primary circuit to the secondary circuit, the transformer having at least a primary winding, a secondary winding and a transformer core, on which the primary winding and the secondary winding are wound; and a discrete inductance with a core, the discrete inductance being coupled electrically in parallel with the secondary winding. |
| US08269422B2 |
Output controllable frequency modulation electronic ballast
An output controllable frequency modulation electronic ballast includes a first stage for converting AC current into DC current and boosting of voltage; a buck DC-DC converter; a transistor of the buck DC-DC converter having an input end which is selected from a gate for MOSFET and a base for a bipolar transistor; and a PWM controller connected between the input end of the buck DC-DC converter and an output end of the lamp body; a frequency controllable oscillator being connected to the PWM controller for providing variable frequency to the PWM controller as a base band signals of the PWM controller; and an oscillation controlling processor being connected to the frequency controller oscillator for generating instructions to change the oscillation frequency of the frequency controller oscillator and thus to adjust the modulation frequency of the output of the PWM controller. |
| US08269420B2 |
Illuminating device having fluorescent lamp, display apparatus including the same, and light-diffusing film
An illuminating device includes a fluorescent lamp including a blue phosphor and a red phosphor applied on an inner surface, the fluorescent lamp emitting blue light and red light from the blue phosphor and the red phosphor, respectively; and a green phosphor layer disposed outside the fluorescent lamp, the green phosphor layer containing a green phosphor containing Eu2+ or Ce3+ as a luminescent center. Green light emitted from the green phosphor excited by the blue light is mixed with the red light and the blue light so that white light is emitted from the illuminating device. |
| US08269418B2 |
Light emitting apparatus and light unit
A light emitting device according to an embodiment includes: a body including a cavity formed with a stepped section; an electrode of which one end is disposed on the stepped section and the other end is disposed outside of the body; a heat sink including a main frame and a sub frame, wherein the sub frame includes a slope and a portion of the heat sink is disposed outside of the body; and a light emitting diode disposed on the heat sink. |
| US08269414B2 |
Organic light emitting display and manufacturing thereof
An organic light emitting display and a manufacturing method that prevents an open edge from occurring when forming an emission layer of an organic light emitting display in order to prevent a dielectric breakdown from occurring at the edge of an anode electrode. The organic light emitting display includes: a substrate; an active layer formed on the substrate; a planarization layer formed on the active layer; an anode electrode formed on the planarization layer; a pixel definition layer formed on the upper surface of the planarization layer to cover an edge of the anode electrode; and an organic thin film formed on the pixel definition layer, wherein the pixel definition layer includes a thick film portion and a step down portion that is formed to be stepped down at both ends of the thick film portion. |
| US08269412B2 |
Organic electroluminescent display device and method of fabricating the same
An organic electroluminescent display device includes: a substrate; a gate line, a data line and a power line on the substrate; a switching element connected to the gate line and the data line; a driving element connected to the switching element, the driving element including a driving drain electrode; a first passivation layer on the switching element and the driving element, the first passivation layer having a first contact hole exposing the driving drain electrode; a first shield pattern under the first contact hole, the first shield pattern including a same material and a same layer as the gate line; a first electrode on the first passivation layer, the first electrode connected to the driving drain electrode through the first contact hole; an organic electroluminescent layer on the first electrode; and a second electrode on the organic electroluminescent layer. |
| US08269409B2 |
Method of fabricating a light-emitting device (LED) utilizing powder/pelletized homogeneously mixed molding compound
The present invention comprises a process of mixing a luminous substance in powder form to a transferable grade molding compound in a pelletized or powder form, such as a clear epoxy, to derive a homogeneous mixture that can be pressed and sintered into solid pellets. The solid pellets are further processed so as to permit their deposition on and around a light emitting semiconductor driver so as to obtain a white light emitting semiconductor device. This white light emitting device can be used in a variety of lighting applications. |
| US08269406B2 |
Mercury-free-high-pressure gas discharge lamp
A mercury-free high-pressure gas discharge lamp (HID [high intensity discharge] lamp) is described which is provided for use in automotive technology. To achieve improved lamp characteristics, in particular a substantially equal luminous efficacy in comparison with lamps of the same power and a mercury-free gas filling, as well as a highest possible burning voltage, the discharge vessel (1) is provided in its wall regions (10) which are lowermost in the operational position with a coating (15) which reflects at least a portion of the infrared radiation generated during operation, such that the temperature of the coldest spots, and in particular of the light-generating substances collected there, is raised, with the result that the light-generating substances can enter the gas phase in sufficient quantities also without mercury, and in particular with the use of a metal halide as a voltage-gradient generator. |
| US08269402B2 |
BNT-BKT-BT piezoelectric composition, element and methods of manufacturing
Piezoelectric/electrostrictive ceramics having the composition represented by the general formula: xBNT-yBKT-zBT (x+y+z=1) are provided, wherein at least one kind among A-site elements are allowed to become deficient from stoichiometry in which a point (x, y, z) representing content ratios x, y and z of (Bi1/2Na1/2)TiO3, (Bi1/2K1/2)TiO3 and BaTiO3 is within a range including a border line of a quadrangle ABCD with a point A, a point B, a point C and a point D as vertices in a ternary phase diagram. Vacancies are formed in an A-site of a perovskite structure by allowing the A-site elements to become deficient from stoichiometry. An amount of A-site vacancies becomes at least 2 mol % to at most 6 mol %. |
| US08269399B2 |
Systems and apparatus for harvesting energy
A sensor assembly includes a transducer and a control module coupled with the transducer. The control module is configured to selectively switch the sensor assembly between a first mode of operation wherein the sensor assembly measures an amount of energy induced to the sensor assembly, and a second mode of operation wherein the sensor assembly stores an amount of energy induced to the sensor assembly. |
| US08269395B2 |
Translating and rotation micro mechanism
A translation and rotation mechanism is disclosed, which comprises of one or more bi-directional electrostatic actuators. Each bi-directional electrostatic actuator comprising of fixed electrodes and movable electrodes, where the fixed electrodes of each actuator being attached onto a base. The movable electrodes of each actuator are connected to the translating and rotation unit through a spring system. The movable elements of each said actuator being able to rotate with respect to the base plane by applying voltage signals to the actuator and by controlling the voltage signals applied to each said actuator independently, said translating and rotation unit being able to translate, rotate, or translate and rotate simultaneously. |
| US08269390B2 |
Permanent-magnet-type rotating electrical machine and permanent magnet motor drive system
A permanent-magnet-type rotating electrical machine capable of realizing variable-speed operation in a wide range from low speed to high speed at high output and improving, in a wide operating range, efficiency, reliability, and productivity. The rotating electrical machine includes a first permanent magnet whose product of coercive force and magnetizing direction thickness is small and a second permanent magnet whose product of coercive force and magnetizing direction thickness is large, to form a magnetic pole. The product of coercive force and magnetizing direction thickness of the first permanent magnet is equal to or larger than the product of magnetic field strength and magnetizing direction thickness of the second permanent magnet at a no-load operating point. At the magnetic pole, a magnetic field created by a current of an armature coil magnetizes the first permanent magnet, irreversibly changing a flux amount of the first permanent magnet. |
| US08269386B2 |
Phase lead connections for a bar wound stator
A stator assembly includes a stator stack and a plurality of lead conductors extending from the stator stack. A plurality of conductor terminals are each connected to a respective one of the plurality of lead conductors. A plurality of wires are each connected to a respective one of the plurality of conductor terminals and a plurality of phase lead connection terminals are each connected to at least one of the plurality of wires. |
| US08269382B2 |
Cooling structure of stator
A cooling structure of a stator, including a case that accommodates a rotating electrical machine, and cooling a coil end portion protruding from a stator core included in the stator of the rotating electrical machine. The structure supplies a cooling medium from the stator axial direction toward a gap that is formed between an inner surface of the case and an outer edge of the stator core. The cooling medium introducing gap is formed above a portion of the coil end portion to which the cooling medium is to be supplied. A storage space forming member is provided along an outer peripheral surface of the coil end portion. The storage space forming member has a contact portion having a first contact portion that contacts the inner surface of the case to close the cooling medium storage space on the one side in the stator axial direction. |
| US08269380B2 |
Brushless motor for washing machine having stress reduction on sensor casing and washing machine having the brushless motor mounted therein
A brushless motor, to be used in a washing machine, includes a stator, a rotor, a magnetic sensor, and a drive circuit. The magnetic sensor and the drive circuit are accommodated in a case, and sealed with moisture-proof sealing resin, thereby forming a drive circuit unit, which is built in the brushless motor. |
| US08269379B2 |
Linear vibrator
A linear vibrator is disclosed. The linear vibrator includes a housing having a base and a cover, a number of elastic members connected to the housing, a moving unit suspended inside the housing by the elastic members, a PCB covered by the housing and a coil mounted on the PCB. The base has a bottom wall, a plurality of sidewalls extending vertically from the bottom wall and a blocking ring extending form a central portion of the bottom wall. The moving unit has a magnet assembly and at least a pair of patches and vibrates along a direction parallel to the bottom wall, the coil is located right below the magnet assembly. |
| US08269378B2 |
Switched reluctance linear motor/generator
The invention consists on a linear switched reluctance electrical machine that may be operated indistinctly as a generator or a motor, with a series of characteristics that allow the optimization of the mass to power ratio, as well as the manufacturing cost. The machine has several air gaps, crossed by a single magnetic flux, in which the magnetic force is obtained. This flux is fed by a set of coils (6) placed in the active parts, these active parts are two yokes (4) and (5) in which the magnetic flux closes, there might be other active parts in the mentioned magnetic circuit through which the magnetic flux does not close. A set of passive elements, normally the translators (1) and (2), produce, while moving relatively to the active part, a variation of the reluctance of the circuit with respect to the position which causes a magnetic force. The most unique characteristic of the present invention is that the magnetic flux only returns through the two outermost active parts (4-5), allowing the desired reduction in mass, weight and cost. |
| US08269376B1 |
Method and apparatus for switching on-off a group or all lights or appliances of premises
A method and apparatus for switching AC appliances and lights of residences and other automation systems through SPDT or DPDT relays connected in electrical circuit with SPDT or DPDT switch including a current sensor and/or a status sensor. The operating key of the relay and the key lever of the electric switch can each be used for operating a dedicated appliance or light, a group of appliance and lights and all appliance and/or lights including scenarios setup via the many well known two way, three way or four way light switches, by operating the switch lever or key in multi steps. The SPDT or DPDT relays are operated via RF, IR and fiber optic communicating two way signal for operating the lights and reporting statuses. |
| US08269375B2 |
Coil unit, and power transmission device and power reception device using the coil unit
A coil unit includes a first coil having an outer diameter of D1, and at least one second coil having an outer diameter of D2 (D2 |
| US08269370B2 |
Power converter and its control method and air conditioner
A controller (10) includes subtracters (101, 105), a command value corrector (103), and a control block (102). The subtracter (101) obtains a deviation (Δv0) of an output voltage (v0) applied from a switching power-supply circuit (61) to a second load (Cdc+Load) with respect to its command value (v0*). The control block (102) performs PI control on the basis of the deviation (Δv0) to generate a command value (idc*) for a current (idc) flowing in a coil (Ldc). The command value corrector (103) corrects the command value (idc*) such that high-frequency components of a current (iL) flowing in a first power-supply line (21), with respect to the fundamental frequency of an input current (iu1, iv1, iw1), are consumed in the switching power-supply circuit (61). The subtracter (105) obtains a deviation (Δidc) between the corrected command value (idc*) and the current (idc). Commands (r1, r2) for switches are generated on the basis of the deviation (Δidc). |
| US08269365B2 |
Apparatus for converting wave energy into electric power
The invention concerns an apparatus for converting wave energy into electric power, comprising a closed floating element (1) and a mass forming element (2), the mass forming element (2) being arranged inside the floating element (1) and mounted mobile relative to the floating element (1), the mass forming element (2) being adapted to be set in relative motion with respect to the floating element (1) under the action of the waves on the floating element (1). The invention is characterized in that it also comprises locking means (13) adapted to lock the movement of the mass forming element (2) and control means adapted to control the locking means (13) for selectively locking or releasing the mass element (2) so as to amplify the movement of the mass forming element (2) by constant adaptation to the dynamics of the apparatus to successive waves. |
| US08269363B2 |
Power generating system
Provided is a power generator, including a plurality of wind power generators generating electrical power using wind power energy, and variable-speed wind power generators connected between the power generator and an electrical power system. The variable-speed wind power generators equalize an output of the entire power generating system by outputting power for correcting for a drop in output of the power generator. |
| US08269362B2 |
Constant direction four quadrant lift type vertical shaft wind power generator
A constant direction four quadrant lift type vertical shaft wind power generator is provided, which includes a truss-type wind wheel formed by an upper wind disc (5), a lower wind disc (3), and supporting rods (11); a speeder (8); and a generator (9), in which the wind wheel and the speeder (8) are sleeved on a central shaft (2), several groups of vanes (7) are perpendicularly arranged at a diametral top end of the wind wheel by their respective pivots (10), the wind wheel and the vanes (7) are disposed at an upper end of the equipment, and the generator (9), the speeder (8), and a controller are disposed at a bottom of the equipment. The wind power generator can be conveniently installed, operated, and maintained. |
| US08269359B2 |
Electronic control for a hydraulically driven generator
Electronic control for a hydraulic system to drive an auxiliary power source is provided, with an application as a system for controlling the operation of a hydraulically driven AC generator. The system includes a hydraulic pump, a hydraulic motor drivably connected to the generator, and a fluid circuit for circulating fluid from the pump to the motor and back. The feedback circuit contains a feedback conduit to feedback the motor. The system also includes a proportional servo control valve assembly for controlling the fluid conduits and a control circuit for controlling the control valve assembly to thereby control the flow of fluid to the motor. Sensors for measuring the operating parameters of the system and an operator interface module are both able to influence the operation of the system. |
| US08269358B2 |
Bis(aminophenol) derivative, process for producing same, polyamide resin, positive photosensitive resin composition, protective film, interlayer dielectric film, semiconductor device, and display element
A bis(aminophenol) derivative having substituents at positions adjacent to two amino groups is provided. The bis(aminophenol) derivative is used as a raw material of a polyamide resin for a positive-tone photosensitive resin composition. A polyamide resin comprising bis(aminophenol) and a structure derived from a carboxylic acid is also provided, the bis(aminophenol) having substituents at positions adjacent to the two amino groups. A positive-tone photosensitive resin composition comprising a polybenzooxazole precursor resin, exhibiting high sensitivity and a high cyclization rate even when cured at a low temperature is provided. Also provided is a positive-tone photosensitive resin composition comprising a polyamide resin having an imide structure, an imide precursor structure, or an amide acid ester structure. The composition exhibits high sensitivity and produces a cured product having low water absorption even when cured at a low temperature. |
| US08269357B2 |
Microelectronic assembly with impedance controlled wirebond and conductive reference element
A microelectronic assembly can include a microelectronic device having device contacts exposed at a surface thereof and an interconnection element having element contacts and having a face adjacent to the microelectronic device. Conductive elements, e.g., wirebonds connect the device contacts with the element contacts and have portions extending in runs above the surface of the microelectronic device. A conductive layer has a conductive surface disposed at least a substantially uniform distance above or below the plurality of the runs of the conductive elements. In some cases, the conductive material can have first and second dimensions in first and second horizontal directions which are smaller than first and second corresponding dimensions of the microelectronic device. The conductive material is connectable to a source of reference potential so as to achieve a desired impedance for the conductive elements. |
| US08269356B2 |
Wire bonding structure and method that eliminates special wire bondable finish and reduces bonding pitch on substrates
A semiconductor package has a semiconductor die disposed on a substrate. A bond wire is connected between a first bonding site on the semiconductor die and a second bonding site on the substrate. The first bonding site is a die bond pad; the second bonding site is a stitch bond. The second bonding site has a bond finger formed on the substrate, a conductive layer in direct physical contact with the bond finger, and a bond stud coupled to the bond wire and in direct physical contact with the conductive layer to conduct an electrical signal from the semiconductor die to the bond finger. The bond finger is made of copper. The conductive layer is made of copper or gold. The bond stud is made of gold and overlies a side portion and top portion of the copper layer. |
| US08269350B1 |
Reducing the switching noise on substrate with high grounding resistance
An interconnection component includes a plurality of through-substrate vias (TSVs) penetrating through a substrate. The plurality of TSVs includes an active TSV having a first end and a second end. The first end of the active TSV is electrically coupled to a signal-providing circuit. The second end of the active TSV is electrically coupled to an additional package component bonded to the interconnection component. The plurality of TSVs further includes a dummy TSV having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is electrically coupled to the signal-providing circuit, and wherein the second end is open ended. |
| US08269343B2 |
Semiconductor device including a pressure-contact section
A semiconductor device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention can include a substrate onto which a wiring pattern is formed. In addition, the semiconductor device can include a plurality of semiconductor packages. Each semiconductor package can include a lead frame that is coupled to an electrode of a semiconductor chip. Each lead frame can be located on a side surface and a bottom surface of the semiconductor package. In addition, the semiconductor device can include a pressure-contact section for receiving the plurality of semiconductor packages and for causing the plurality of semiconductor packages to come into contact with the wiring pattern. |
| US08269341B2 |
Cooling structures and methods
Cooling structures and methods, methods of manufacturing semiconductor devices, and semiconductor devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a cooling structure for a semiconductor device includes at least one channel defined between a first workpiece and a second workpiece. The second workpiece is bonded to the first workpiece. The at least one channel is adapted to retain a fluid. |
| US08269338B2 |
Semiconductor device having improved heat dissipation capabilities
A semiconductor device mountable to a substrate includes a semiconductor die and an electrically conductive lead frame having first and second end portions and a first attachment surface and a second attachment surface. The die electrically contacts the first end portion of the lead frame on the first attachment surface. An externally exposed housing encloses the semiconductor die and the first end portion of the lead frame, said housing including a metallic plate facing the second attachment surface of the lead frame. |
| US08269334B1 |
Multichip package leadframe including electrical bussing
Embodiments of the present invention provide electrical bussing for multichip leadframes. In various embodiments, a leadframe may comprise a first die paddle for receiving a first microelectronic device, a second die paddle for receiving a second microelectronic device, and at least one electrical bus disposed between the first die paddle and the second die paddle. |
| US08269330B1 |
MOSFET pair with stack capacitor and manufacturing method thereof
A MOSFET pair with a stack capacitor is disclosed herein. It can regulate the input voltage and optimize a short EMI loop. It has a bottom lead frame and an up lead frame, which can simultaneously dissipate the heat generated by two MOSFETs to achieve excellent thermal-dissipation. It can adopt solder, Ag epoxy, or gold balls to implement the electrical bonding of two MOSFETs with the bottom lead frame and the up lead frame to achieve excellent structural flexibility. A device, such as an IGBT, a diode, an inductor, a choke, and a heat sink, can be stacked above the up lead frame to form a powerful SiP module. A corresponding method of manufacturing the MOSFET pair with a stack capacitor is also disclosed herein, which is simple, time-saving, flexible, cost-effective, and facile. |
| US08269325B2 |
Semiconductor storage device and manufacturing method thereof
According to one embodiment, a semiconductor storage device includes an organic board provided with external connection terminals on one surface and formed as an individual piece into a plane shape substantially identical to that of an area where the external connection terminals are provided, a lead frame having a mounting area positioned relative to the organic board, and a semiconductor memory chip bonded to the mounting area. |
| US08269319B2 |
Collective and synergistic MRAM shields
Various structures chip packages are disclosed including a magnetoresistive random access memory (“MRAM”) device and a magnetic shield structure. The magnetic shield structure may be made from material having either ferromagnetic or diamagnetic material and may be shaped and incorporated into the chip package to divert stray magnetic fields away from the MRAM device. |
| US08269316B2 |
Silicon based substrate and manufacturing method thereof
A silicon based substrate includes a silicon wafer, a first circuit substrate and a second circuit substrate. The silicon wafer includes a first surface and a second surface and at least a through silicon via. The first circuit substrate is disposed on the first surface and includes a plurality of first dielectric layers and a plurality of first conductive trace layers alternately stacked. The second circuit substrate is disposed on the second surface and includes a plurality of second dielectric layers and a plurality of second conductive trace layers alternately stacked. The trace density of the first conductive trace layers is higher than the trace density of the second conductive trace layers. Otherwise, the first dielectric layer includes an inorganic material and the second dielectric layer includes an organic material. A manufacturing method of the silicon based substrate is also provided. |
| US08269314B2 |
Display apparatus
The present invention supplied a display apparatus using plastic substrate instead of glass substrate, which can solve such problems that the plastic substrate has a low heat conductivity and its heat release performance becomes bad so that it is difficult to obtain stable performance and reliability. In the display apparatus, inner surface electrode integrated with vertical wiring between plastic substrate and thin film LED 102 is accumulated, the inner surface electrode acts as a heat release layer for releasing heat produced inside the thin film LED 102. |
| US08269313B2 |
Bipolar transistor including conductive first and second protection layers
A bipolar transistor at least includes a semiconductor substrate including an N− epitaxial growth layer and a P− silicon substrate, an N+ polysilicon layer, a tungsten layer, two silicide layers, a base electrode, an emitter electrode, and a collector electrode. The N+ polysilicon layer formed on the semiconductor substrate is covered with one of the silicide layers. The tungsten layer that is formed on the silicide layer is covered with the other silicide layer. |
| US08269312B2 |
Semiconductor device with resistive element
A semiconductor device according to an aspect of the present invention includes a semiconductor layer, an insulating film formed on the surface of the semiconductor layer, a first insulator embedded in the semiconductor layer with a thickness larger than the thickness of the insulating film, and a resistive element formed on the first insulator. A semiconductor device according to another aspect of the present invention includes a semiconductor layer, an insulating film formed on the surface of the semiconductor layer, a resistive element formed on the insulating film, and a floating region formed on a portion of the semiconductor layer opposed to the resistive element through the insulating film and electrically floating from a periphery thereof. |
| US08269311B2 |
Multilayer oxide on nitride on oxide structure and method for the manufacture of semiconductor devices
An integrated circuit device having a capacitor structure and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The device has a substrate, e.g., silicon wafer, silicon on insulator, epitaxial wafer. The device has a dielectric layer overlying the substrate and a polysilicon layer overlying the dielectric layer. The device has a tungsten silicide layer overlying the polysilicon layer and a first oxide layer overlying the tungsten silicide layer. A nitride layer overlies the oxide layer. A second oxide layer is overlying the nitride layer to form a sandwiched oxide on nitride on oxide structure to form a capacitor dielectric. The device also has an upper capacitor plate formed overlying the second oxide layer. |
| US08269310B2 |
Storage capacitor having an increased aperture ratio and method of manufacturing the same
Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a storage capacitor having increased aperture ratio: providing a substrate having a metal layer disposed thereon, and said metal layer is covered correspondingly with a first dielectric layer and a second dielectric layer in sequence; forming a photoresist layer with a uniform thickness to cover said second dielectric layer; performing a process of exposure-to-light and development to a portion of said photoresist layer that is correspondingly disposed over said metal layer sequentially, so that its thickness is less than its original thickness; removing said photoresist layer and etching said portion of said second dielectric layer, so that a thickness of said portion of said second dielectric layer is less than its original thickness, and the etching depth of said portion is greater than that of the other remaining portions of said second dielectric layer; and forming an electrode layer on said second dielectric layer. |
| US08269307B2 |
Shallow trench isolation structure and method for forming the same
The invention provides a STI structure and a method for manufacturing the same. The STI includes a semiconductor substrate; a first trench formed on the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate and filled with an epitaxial layer, wherein the upper surface of the epitaxial layer is higher than that of the semiconductor substrate; and a second trench formed on the epitaxial layer and filled with a first dielectric layer, wherein the upper surface of the first dielectric layer is flush with that of the epitaxial layer, and the width of the second trench is smaller than that of the first trench. The invention reduces the influences of divots on performance of the semiconductor device. |
| US08269306B2 |
Isolation regions
A dielectric liner is formed in first and second trenches respectively in first and second portions of a substrate. A layer of material is formed overlying the dielectric liner so as to substantially concurrently substantially fill the first trench and partially fill the second trench. The layer of material is removed substantially concurrently from the first and second trenches to expose substantially all of the dielectric liner within the second trench and to form a plug of the material in the one or more first trenches. A second layer of dielectric material is formed substantially concurrently on the plug in the first trench and on the exposed portion of the dielectric liner in the second trench. The second layer of dielectric material substantially fills a portion of the first trench above the plug and the second trench. |
| US08269302B2 |
Materials, systems and methods for optoelectronic devices
A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer. |
| US08269298B2 |
Semiconductor module and camera module mounting said semiconductor module
A semiconductor module includes a lower wiring substrate having a semiconductor device mounted and an upper wiring substrate having an opening in a position corresponding to the semiconductor device and having a packaging-component mountable region around the opening. The lower wiring substrate and the upper wiring substrate are electrically connected to each other via a plurality of solder balls provided around the semiconductor device. The solder balls are covered with light blocking under-fills. |
| US08269296B2 |
Camera module and method of producing the same
A camera module includes a sensor chip having a backside surface and a main surface including a sensor forming region and a sensor peripheral region surrounding the sensor forming region, in which a light receiving portion is disposed in the sensor forming region; a lens chip having a non-lens forming surface and a lens forming surface including a lens forming region and a lens peripheral region surrounding the lens forming region, in which a lens portion disposed in the lens forming region; a spacer portion for bonding the sensor peripheral region to the lens peripheral region with a specific space in between so that the light receiving portion faces the lens portion; and a cover including an opening portion for passing light from outside toward the lens portion and the light receiving portion. |
| US08269293B2 |
Spin transistor and method of operating the same
Disclosed are a spin transistor and a method of operating the spin transistor. The disclosed spin transistor includes a channel formed of a magnetic material selectively passing a spin-polarized electron having a specific direction, a source formed of a magnetic material, a drain, and a gate electrode. When a predetermined voltage is applied to the gate electrode, the channel selectively passes a spin-polarized electron having a specific direction and thus, the spin transistor is selectively turned on. |
| US08269290B2 |
Semiconductor device including a plurality of semiconductor substrates and method of manufacturing the same
In a semiconductor device, a first semiconductor substrate includes a first element on a first-surface side thereof, and a second semiconductor substrate includes a second element and a wiring part on a first-surface side thereof. The first semiconductor substrate and the second semiconductor substrate are attached with each other in such a manner that a first surface of the first semiconductor substrate is opposite a first surface of the second semiconductor substrate. A hole is provided from a second surface of the first semiconductor substrate to the wiring part through the first semiconductor substrate, and a sidewall of the hole is insulated. A drawing wiring part made of a conductive member fills the hole. |
| US08269288B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
An object of the present invention is to provide a semiconductor device having a fin-type transistor that is excellent in characteristics by forming a fin-shaped semiconductor portion and a gate electrode with high precision or by making improvement regarding variations in characteristics among elements. The present invention is a semiconductor device including a fin-shaped semiconductor portion having a source region formed on one side thereof and a drain region formed on the other side thereof, and a gate electrode formed between the source region and the drain region to surround the fin-shaped semiconductor portion with a gate insulating film interposed therebetween. One solution for solving the problem according to the invention is that the gate electrode uses a metal material or a silicide material that is wet etchable. |
| US08269282B2 |
Semiconductor component and method for producing a semiconductor component
A semiconductor component includes at least one field effect transistor disposed along a trench in a semiconductor region and has at least one locally delimited dopant region in the semiconductor region. The at least one locally delimited dopant region extends from or over a pn junction between the source region and the body region of the transistor or between the drain region and the body region of the transistor into the body region as far as the gate electrode, such that a gap between the pn junction and the gate electrode in the body region is bridged by the locally delimited dopant region. |
| US08269279B2 |
High speed, low power consumption, isolated analog CMOS unit
A semiconductor device including: a low threshold PMOS device formed over an N-type region, the source and drain of the low threshold PMOS formed in P-regions surrounded by N-regions; a low threshold NMOS device formed in a P-type region, the source and drain of the low threshold NMOS formed in N-regions surrounded by P-regions; first and second substrate bias generators, each connected to one of the low threshold devices for generating a substrate bias; a voltage source for generating substrate bias during a standby mode to reduce leakage current; wherein a low voltage threshold is established by the source and drain regions of the low threshold devices and their respective surrounding regions of opposite polarity. |
| US08269273B2 |
Trench MOSFET with etching buffer layer in trench gate
The present invention is to provide a trench MOSFET with an etching buffer layer in a trench gate, comprising: a substrate which has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other and comprises at least a drain region, a gate region, and a source region which are constructed as a plurality of semiconductor cells with MOSFET effect; a plurality of gate trenches, each of which is extended downward from the first surface and comprises a gate oxide layer covered on a inner surface thereof and a gate conductive layer filled inside, comprised in the gate region; at least a drain metal layer formed on the second surface according to the drain region; at least a gate runner metal layer formed on the first surface according to the gate region; and at least a source metal layer formed on the first surface according to the source region; wherein the gate trenches distinguished into at least a second gate trench formed at a terminal of the source region and at least a first gate trenches wrapped in the source region; and the second gate trench comprises a gate contact hole which is filled with metal to form a gate metal contact plug, and a gate buffer layer which is formed in the gate conductive layer at the bottom of the gate contact hole in the second gate trench to prevent from over etching, causing gate-drain shortage. |
| US08269271B2 |
Hybrid planarFET and FinFET provided on a chip
A semiconductor device includes: a FinFET (Fin Field Effect Transistor); and a PlanarFET (Planar Field Effect Transistor). The FinFET is provided on a chip. The PlanarFET is provided on the chip. A second gate insulating layer of the PlanarFET is thicker than a first gate insulating layer of the FinFET. |
| US08269269B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory device and manufacturing method therefor
A gate electrode of a select gate transistor includes a gate insulating film that is formed on a semiconductor substrate, a lower gate electrode that is formed on the gate insulating film and that has a tapered portion in which a side surface on a side of a gate electrode of a memory cell transistor is in a tapered shape, a first oxide film, a silicon nitride film, a second oxide film, and a conductive film that are sequentially formed on the tapered portion, and an upper gate electrode that is connected to the conductive film and the lower gate electrode. |
| US08269267B2 |
Nonvolatile semiconductor memory
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory according to an aspect of the invention comprises a semiconductor substrate which has an SOI region and an epitaxial region at its surface, a buried oxide film arranged on the semiconductor substrate in the SOI region, an SOI layer arranged on the buried oxide film, a plurality of memory cells arranged on the SOI layer, an epitaxial layer arranged in the epitaxial region, and a select gate transistor arranged on the epitaxial layer, wherein the SOI layer is made of a microcrystalline layer. |
| US08269265B2 |
Trench capacitor for high voltage processes and method of manufacturing the same
The present invention provides embodiments of a capacitor and a method of forming the capacitor. The capacitor includes one or more trenches formed in a semiconductor layer above a substrate. The trench includes dielectric material deposited on the trench walls and a conductive fill material formed within the trench and above the dielectric material. The capacitor also includes one or more first doped regions formed adjacent the trench(es) in the semiconductor layer. The first doped region is doped with a first type of dopant. The capacitor further includes one or more second doped regions formed adjacent the first doped region(s) in the semiconductor layer. The second doped regions are doped with a second type of dopant that is opposite to the first type of dopant. |
| US08269264B2 |
Image sensor having waveguides formed in color filters
An image sensor having an array of pixels disposed in a substrate. Each pixel includes a photosensitive element, a color filter, and waveguide walls. The waveguide walls are disposed in the color filter and surround portions of the color filter to form waveguides through the color filter. The refractive index of the waveguide walls is less than the refractive index of the color filter. The image sensor may be back side illuminated (BSI) or front side illuminated (FSI). In some embodiments, metal walls may be coupled to the waveguide walls. |
| US08269260B2 |
Materials, systems and methods for optoelectronic devices
A photodetector is described along with corresponding materials, systems, and methods. The photodetector comprises an integrated circuit and at least two optically sensitive layers. A first optically sensitive layer is over at least a portion of the integrated circuit, and a second optically sensitive layer is over the first optically sensitive layer. Each optically sensitive layer is interposed between two electrodes. The two electrodes include a respective first electrode and a respective second electrode. The integrated circuit selectively applies a bias to the electrodes and reads signals from the optically sensitive layers. The signal is related to the number of photons received by the respective optically sensitive layer. |
| US08269259B2 |
Gated AlGaN/GaN heterojunction Schottky device
Some exemplary embodiments of a semiconductor device using a III-nitride heterojunction and a novel Schottky structure and related method resulting in such a semiconductor device, suitable for high voltage circuit designs, have been disclosed. One exemplary structure comprises a first layer comprising a first III-nitride material, a second layer comprising a second III-nitride material forming a heterojunction with said first layer to generate a two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) within said first layer, an anode comprising at least a first metal section forming a Schottky contact on a surface of said second layer, a cathode forming an ohmic contact on said surface of said second layer, a field dielectric layer on said surface of said second layer for isolating said anode and said cathode, and an insulating material on said surface of said second layer and in contact with said anode. |
| US08269258B2 |
Method for manufacturing a solar cell
A method for manufacturing a solar cell comprises disposing a first doping layer on a substrate, forming a first doping layer pattern by patterning the first doping layer to expose a portion of the substrate, disposing a second doping layer on the first doping layer pattern to cover the exposed portion of the substrate, diffusing an impurity from the first doping layer pattern which forms a first doping region in a surface of the substrate, and diffusing an impurity from the second doping layer which forms a second doping region in the surface of the substrate, wherein the forming of the first doping layer pattern uses an etching paste. |
| US08269257B2 |
Nanowire synthesis
A noble metal nanoparticle can be grown on a semiconductor substrate by contacting a predetermined region of the substrate with a solution including noble metal ions. The predetermined region of the semiconductor substrate can be exposed by applying a polymeric layer over the substrate selectively removing a portion of the polymeric layer. The nanoparticles can be prepared in a predetermined pattern. Nanowires having a predetermined diameter and a predetermined position can be grown from the nanoparticles. |
| US08269247B2 |
Light emitting elements, light emitting devices including light emitting elements and methods for manufacturing such light emitting elements and/or devices
An emitting device includes a first electrode on a base substrate, a second electrode on the base substrate, a third electrode on the base substrate, an emitting structure on and/or at a same level as the first electrode, a first pattern on the base substrate being electrically connected to the first electrode, and a plurality of second patterns on the base substrate, wherein at least one of the second patterns is arranged on a first side of the first pattern and is electrically connected to the second electrode and at least another one of the second patterns is arranged on a second side of the first pattern and is electrically connected to the third electrode, the first side opposing the second side. |
| US08269239B2 |
Light emitting diode chip package
A light emitting diode (LED) chip package including: a package body; an LED chip mounted on the package body and emitting an excited light; a phosphor layer including a phosphor absorbing the excited light and emitting a wavelength conversion light obtained by converting a wavelength of the excited light and a phosphor resin mixed with the phosphor; and a reflector layer including a reflector formed between the LED chip and the phosphor layer, transmitting the excited light to the phosphor layer, and reflecting the wavelength conversion light from the phosphor layer, and a reflector resin mixed with the reflector. |
| US08269238B2 |
Photonic crystal light emitting device using photon-recycling
A photonic crystal light emitting device including: a light emitting diode (LED) light emitting structure including a first conductive semiconductor layer, a second conductive semiconductor layer, and an active layer interposed between the first and second conductive semiconductor layers; and a first photon-recycling light emitting layer formed on one surface of the first conductive semiconductor layer, opposite to the active layer, wherein the first photon-recycling light emitting layer absorbs a primary light emitted from the LED light emitting structure and emits a light having a different wavelength from that of the primary light, and a photonic crystal structure is formed on an entire thickness of the first photon-recycling light emitting layer. |
| US08269232B2 |
TFT LCD array substrate and manufacturing method thereof
A TFT LCD array substrate and a manufacturing method thereof. The TFT LCD array substrate includes a substrate and a pixel array on the substrate. Each pixel has: a gate line and a gate electrode formed on the substrate; a gate insulating layer formed on the gate line and the gate electrode; a semiconductor layer formed on the gate insulating layer disposed on the gate electrode; an ohmic contact layer having two parts, which are disposed on two sides of the semiconductor layer respectively and are apart from one another; an isolation insulating dielectric layer covering the substrate and the gate insulating layer except a portion on which the semiconductor layer is formed; a pixel electrode formed on the isolation insulating dielectric layer and the ohmic contact layer over the semiconductor layer; a source/drain electrode formed on the pixel electrode over the ohmic contact layer, and a passivation layer at least covering the semiconductor layer. The TFT LCD array substrate can be manufactured with a 3Mask technology, thereby the process steps are reduced and the utilization ratio of the equipment is improved. |
| US08269228B2 |
AC light emitting diode
Disclosed is a light emitting diode (LED) operated by being directly connected to an AC power source. An AC LED according to the present invention comprises a plurality of light emitting cells two-dimensionally arranged on a single substrate; and wires electrically connecting the light emitting cells; wherein the light emitting cells are connected in series by the wires to form a serial array, the single substrate is a non-polar substrate, and the light emitting cells have non-polar GaN-based semiconductor layers grown on the non-polar substrate. |
| US08269227B2 |
Light emitting device and electronic device
The invention provides a light emitting device which uses a color conversion layer, with high light emission efficiency and a low driving voltage. The light emitting device includes a light emitting element having a pair of electrodes and a layer containing an organic compound sandwiched between the pair of electrodes, and a color conversion layer which absorbs light emitted from the light emitting element and emits light with a longer wavelength than a wavelength of the absorbed light. A portion of the layer containing an organic compound includes a buffer layer containing a composite material including an organic compound having a hole transporting property and a metal compound. The thickness of the buffer layer is determined so that the light emission efficiency becomes high. |
| US08269223B2 |
Polarization enhanced avalanche photodetector and method thereof
An avalanche photodetector comprising a multiplication layer formed of a first material having a first polarization; the multiplication layer having a first electric field upon application of a bias voltage; an absorption layer formed of a second material having a second polarization forming an interface with the multiplication layer; the absorption layer having a second electric field upon application of the bias voltage, the second electric field being less than the first electric field or substantially zero, carriers created by light absorbed in the absorption layer being multiplied in the multiplication layer due to the first electric field; the absorption layer having a second polarization which is greater or less than the first polarization to thereby create an interface charge; the interface charge being positive when the first material predominately multiplies holes, the interface charge being negative when the first material predominately multiplies electrons, the change in electric field at the interface occurring abruptly at the atomic level; the interface charge creating electric field discontinuity causing first electric field to attain the breakdown field in the multiplication region and the second electric field to be low or zero in the absorption layer to thereby eliminate the need for a doped charge layer and the associated thickness of the doped charge layer required to transition from the low field to the high field. Also claimed is a method of making. |
| US08269220B2 |
Transparent transistor with multi-layered structures and method of manufacturing the same
Provided is a transparent transistor including a substrate, source and drain electrodes formed on the substrate, each having a multi-layered structure of a lower transparent layer, a metal layer and an upper transparent layer, a channel formed between the source and drain electrodes, and a gate electrode aligned with the channel. Here, the lower transparent layer or the upper transparent layer is formed of a transparent semiconductor layer, which is the same as the channel. Thus, the use of the multi-layered transparent conductive layer can ensure transparency and conductivity, overcome a problem of contact resistance between the source and drain electrodes and a semiconductor, and improve processibility by patterning the multi-layered transparent conductive layer all at once, while deposition is performed layer by layer. |
| US08269218B2 |
Display device
One object is to provide a transistor including an oxide semiconductor film which is used for the pixel portion of a display device and has high reliability. A display device has a first gate electrode; a first gate insulating film over the first gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor film over the first gate insulating film; a source electrode and a drain electrode over the oxide semiconductor film; a second gate insulating film over the source electrode, the drain electrode and the oxide semiconductor film; a second gate electrode over the second gate insulating film; an organic resin film having flatness over the second gate insulating film; a pixel electrode over the organic resin film having flatness, wherein the concentration of hydrogen atoms contained in the oxide semiconductor film and measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry is less than 1×1016 cm−3. |
| US08269215B2 |
Pyromellitic diimide organic semiconductors and devices
n-type organic semiconductors have a pyromellitic diimide structure and electronic or electro-optic devices include pyromellitic diimide compounds as organic semiconductors. Specific semiconductors include pyromellitic diimide compounds have sidechains comprising fluorine substituted aliphatic or aromatic moieties linked to the pyromellitic diimide structure by an alkylene or heteroalkylene linking group. An electronic or electro-optic device includes a first electrode, a second electrode space apart from the first electrode, and an organic semiconductor layer arranged between the first and second electrodes. The organic semiconductor layer comprises a pyromellitic diimide compound. |
| US08269207B2 |
Memory device having variable resistance memory cells disposed at crosspoint of wirings
A phase-change memory device has a plurality of first wiring lines WL extending in parallel to each other, a plurality of second wiring lines BL which are disposed to cross the first wiring lines WL while being separated or isolated therefrom, and memory cells MC which are disposed at respective cross points of the first wiring lines WL and the second wiring lines BL and each of which has one end connected to a first wiring line WL and the other end connected to a second wiring line BL. The memory cell MC has a variable resistive element VR which stores as information a resistance value determined due to phase change between crystalline and amorphous states thereof, and a Schottky diode SD which is connected in series to the variable resistive element VR. |
| US08269203B2 |
Resistive RAM devices for programmable logic devices
A resistive random access memory device formed on a semiconductor substrate comprises an interlayer dielectric having a via formed therethrough. A chemical-mechanical-polishing stop layer is formed over the interlayer dielectric. A barrier metal liner lines walls of the via. A conductive plug is formed in the via. A first barrier metal layer is formed over the chemical-mechanical-polishing stop layer and in electrical contact with the conductive plug. A dielectric layer is formed over the first barrier metal layer. An ion source layer is formed over the dielectric layer. A dielectric barrier layer is formed over the ion source layer, and includes a via formed therethrough communicating with the ion source layer. A second barrier metal layer is formed over the dielectric barrier layer and in electrical contact with the ion source layer. A metal interconnect layer is formed over the barrier metal layer. |
| US08269202B2 |
Optical sensor device
An optical sensor device has a sensor unit which includes a light emitter (24), a light receiver (26), and a lens plate (12) that is used for coupling a pencil of rays, radiated by the light emitter (24), into and out of the pane and directing it onto the light receiver (26). The lens plate (12) includes a combined Fresnel structure (16a, 16b) having a Fresnel lens structure (18a, 18b) and a Fresnel reflector structure (20a, 20b) on a first surface (12a) facing the light emitter (24) and the light receiver (26), and a Fresnel reflector structure (22a, 22b) on an opposite, second surface (12b) facing the pane. This configuration is especially suitable for use as a rain sensor. Without the light emitter the sensor device is suitable to be used as a light sensor. |
| US08269201B2 |
Radiopharmaceutical pig
A pharmaceutical pig is used to transport a syringe containing a liquid radiopharmaceutical from a radiopharmacy to a medical facility for administration to a patient. The pharmaceutical pig includes an elongate polymer cap that is removably attached to an elongate polymer base. The elongate polymer cap includes a cap shell that completely encloses a cap shielding element and the elongate polymer base includes a base shell that completely encloses a base shielding element. Preferably the polymer utilized for the cap shell and the base shell is polycarbonate resin, e.g., LEXAN®. An inner liner is not utilized and the cap shielding element and the base shielding element, which are preferably, but not necessarily, made of lead, are completely sealed and unexposed. |
| US08269200B2 |
Terahertz radiation device and method of generating terahertz radiation
A method and device for generating terahertz radiation comprising a substrate; a plurality of segments of polar crystal material formed on the substrate, the segments having an internal electric polarization; each segment comprising at least two edges oriented substantially perpendicular to the polar axis such that the electric polarization terminates at the edges and the segment comprises a majority of positive charges on one edge and a majority of negative charges on the opposite edge thereby leading to creation of an internal electric field; whereby when irradiated by a pulsed source of duration less than one picosecond, electron-hole pairs are generated within the segments and the internal electric field separates and accelerates the electron-hole pairs to thereby produce terahertz radiation. |
| US08269193B2 |
Handheld fluorometer and method of use
Embodiments provide a handheld fluorometer and method of determining a concentration of a product within a sample. In some cases the handheld fluorometer includes an immersible sensor head that measures a fluorescence of the product and a controller that calculates the concentration of product. In some cases the handheld fluorometer includes a handheld controller module, an immersible sensor head connected to the controller module, a sample cup for containing a water sample, and a fastener that removably fastens the sample cup about the immersible sensor head. In some cases the sensor head is angled with respect to the controller module and the fluorometer provides a substantially stable base. The sample cup can be removed to acquire a sample of water containing the product and then refastened about the sensor head for determining the concentration. |
| US08269189B2 |
Methods and systems for increasing the energy of positive ions accelerated by high-power lasers
The energy of positive ions accelerated in laser-matter interaction experiments can be significantly increased by providing a plurality of laser pulses, e.g., through the process of splitting the incoming laser pulse, to form multiple laser-matter interaction stages. From a thermodynamic point of view, the splitting procedure can be viewed as an effective way of increasing the efficiency of energy transfer from the laser light to positive ions, which energy peaks for processes having the least amount of entropy gain. A 100% increase in the energy efficiency is achieved for a six-stage laser positive ion accelerator compared to a single-stage laser positive ion accelerator. |
| US08269185B2 |
Stacked crystal array for detection of photon emissions
A stacked crystal array includes a plurality of crystal slices and a plurality of interconnects. The interconnects have electrically conductive, spaced-apart and generally parallel elements joined by electrically conductive spacers extending generally orthogonally therebetween, the spacers being rotationally offset from each other by a predetermined angle. The array further includes a plurality of electrical insulators and an electrically insulative housing having a plurality of slots. The crystal slices, insulators and interconnects are arranged in the housing to form an assembly wherein the crystal slices are coupled together in a parallel electrical circuit. The assembly provides photon absorption comparable to a monolithic crystal having a thickness generally equivalent to the sum of the thicknesses of the crystal slices, but at a lower bias voltage. |
| US08269182B2 |
Digital X-ray detector assembly
In one embodiment, a digital X-ray detector is provided with a detector assembly that includes a support panel, a digital detector array with a rear side of the detector array being secured to a front side of the support panel, a backscattered X-ray and reflected light absorption layer disposed between the detector array and the support panel, a rear shock absorbing structure secured to a rear side of the support panel, and a front shock absorbing structure secured to a front side of the detector array. The digital X-ray detector further includes a shell assembly surrounding the detector assembly and secured to the rear shock absorbing structure. In another embodiment, a method is provided for assembling a digital X-ray detector. |
| US08269178B2 |
Capacitive type proximity sensor
It is provided a capacitive type proximity sensor, comprising a sensing electrode, whereas the sensing electrode has a surface with electroconductive areas 113 and not-electroconductive areas 117, whereas the sensor is adapted for measuring an electrical field 110, 112 between the sensing electrode and an object 109, 111. Further it is described an apparatus for medical x-ray diagnosis and/or x-ray therapy and/or nuclear diagnosis/therapy, e.g. SPECT, a system for medical x-ray diagnosis and/or x-ray therapy and/or nuclear diagnosis/therapy, e.g. SPECT, a method for avoiding collision between an apparatus for medical x-ray diagnosis and/or x-ray therapy and/or nuclear diagnosis/therapy, e.g. SPECT, and an object, a program element and a computer readable medium. It is disclosed a capacitance type proximity sensor whose sensitivity of approaching objects has an improved independence from the special geometry of the sensor itself. |
| US08269177B2 |
Multiplexing readout scheme for a gamma ray detector
A method and apparatus for producing a PET image of a tissue using a PET scanner that includes scintillation crystals and detectors. A first crystal group including a first subset of crystals is formed, and a second crystal group including a second subset of the crystals is formed. The crystals in the first crystal group are different from crystals in the second crystal group A first beam striking one or more crystals of the first crystal group is converted to a first electrical signal, while a second beam striking one or more crystals of the second crystal group is converted to a second electrical signal, wherein the second beam is scattered from the first beam. The second electrical signal is corrected using a correction factor derived from at least one of a first and second timing relationships to compensate for energy in the second signal scattered from the first signal. An image of the tissue is created using the corrected second electrical signal. |
| US08269175B2 |
Electronic device with sensing assembly and method for detecting gestures of geometric shapes
A method for detecting a gesture and controlling an electronic device includes providing a sensing assembly including at least one photoreceiver and a plurality of phototransmitters, wherein each phototransmitter emits infrared light; controlling the emisson of infrared light by each of the phototransmitters during each of a plurality of time periods during movement of an external object in a geometric shape relative to the electronic device. For each of the plurality of phototransmitters and for each of the plurality of time periods, a corresponding measured signal is generated which is indicative of a respective amount of infrared light which originated from that phototransmitter during that time period and was reflected by the external object prior to being received by the photoreceiver. The measured signals are evaluated to identify the geometric shape; and the electronic device is controlled in response to the identification of the geometric shape. |
| US08269173B2 |
Cell, device comprising this cell and method for measuring the amount of insoluble particles in a fluid and applications
The disclosure relates to a cell for measuring the amount of insoluble particles in a fluid that comprises a duct that passes through the cell, a filter for the particles contained in the fluid, the filter being positioned in the duct, an emitter capable of emitting an electromagnetic beam directed towards the insoluble particles concentrated on the filter, and a receiver capable of receiving the electromagnetic beam emitted by the emitter and reflected by the insoluble particles concentrated on the filter. The disclosure also relates to a device comprising this cell, to a method for measuring the amount of insoluble particles in a fluid and to applications thereof, in particular to the study of the oxidation stability of petroleum distillates, to the antioxidant capacity of additives of petroleum products and to the determination of the asphaltene content of petroleum products. |
| US08269172B2 |
Double layer photodiodes in ambient light sensors and proximity detectors
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, devices and methods for detecting both ambient light and proximity to an object. This detection is performed by a double-layered photodiode array and corresponding circuitry such that ambient light and proximity detection are enabled by a plurality of integrated photodiodes. In various embodiments of the invention, ambient light is sensed using a first set of photodiodes and a second set of photodiodes such that a spectral response is created that is approximately equal to the visible light spectrum. Proximity detection is realized using an integrated photodiode, positioned below the first and second sets of photodiodes, that detects infrared light and generates a response thereto. |
| US08269170B2 |
Methods and systems for remote detection of gases
Novel systems and methods for remotely detecting at least one constituent of a gas via infrared detection are provided. A system includes at least one extended source of broadband infrared radiation and a spectrally sensitive receiver positioned remotely from the source. The source and the receiver are oriented such that a surface of the source is in the field of view of the receiver. The source includes a heating component thermally coupled to the surface, and the heating component is configured to heat the surface to a temperature above ambient temperature. The receiver is operable to collect spectral infrared absorption data representative of a gas present between the source and the receiver. The invention advantageously overcomes significant difficulties associated with active infrared detection techniques known in the art, and provides an infrared detection technique with a much greater sensitivity than passive infrared detection techniques known in the art. |
| US08269167B2 |
Method and system for non-destructive distribution profiling of an element in a film
A method to determine a distribution profile of an element in a film. The method comprises exciting an electron energy of an element deposited in a first film, obtaining a first spectrum associating with the electron energy, and removing a background spectrum from the first spectrum. Removing the background value generates a processed spectrum. The method further includes matching the processed spectrum to a simulated spectrum with a known simulated distribution profile for the element in a film comparable to the first film. A distribution profile is obtained for the element in the first film based on the matching of the processed spectrum to a simulated spectrum selected from the set of simulated spectra. |
| US08269165B2 |
Nano-electrospray ionization technique and device
Nano-electrospray ionization techniques include the introduction of a separation solvent containing a sample to a column-integrated needle having a column filled with a resin for liquid chromatography. The separated sample components are sprayed from the tip of the column-integrated needle toward a sample introduction orifice of a mass spectrometer. An organic solvent is simultaneously introduced to a solvent-supplying needle. The organic solvent is supplied from the tip of the solvent-supplying needle to the tip of the column-integrated needle. |
| US08269161B2 |
Apparatus and method for evaluating downhole fluids
An apparatus for evaluating downhole fluids is disclosed. The apparatus includes: an optical block having an adjustable opening that receives electromagnetic energy emitted by an electromagnetic energy source; a controller operatively associated with the optical block for adjusting the opening size, wherein the opening size is adjusted at least in part based on one or more estimated downhole parameters; and a sensor that receives the electromagnetic energy emitted by the electromagnetic energy source after the emitted electromagnetic energy interacts with a downhole fluid. A method for evaluating downhole fluids is also disclosed. |
| US08269160B2 |
Image capturing system and image capturing method
Provided is an image capturing system comprising an irradiating section that sequentially irradiates an observed position with a plurality of types of irradiation light having different polarizations; a polarization filter section that includes a plurality of polarization filter units, which each include a plurality of returned polarized light filters that each pass light having a different polarization, the polarization filter section passing returned light from the observed position having each of the plurality of polarizations; and a light receiving section that receives the returned light passed by the polarization filter section having each of the plurality of polarizations. |
| US08269155B2 |
Food service heat retention device
A heat retaining dish includes a pressure relief mechanism and has a heat retention material capable of being heated by microwave or other thermal radiation in order to maintain any food placed on the dish at an elevated temperature. The heat retention material is capable of accommodating expansion during heating of the device, and when an overpressure condition occurs as a result of inadvertent overheating, the pressure relief mechanism vents the pressure to the ambient environment. The pressure relief mechanism is an integral part of the wall construction of at least one of the portions making up the housing of the device, and deformation due to overpressure directly causes the opening of the pressure relief mechanism as soon as the housing is deformed sufficiently to open a fluid communication path through an aperture in the wall. |
| US08269154B2 |
Ovenware for microwave oven
Ovenware for microwave ovens which contain a composition comprising a susceptor and a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer are improved when the composition also has a thermal conductivity of about 0.7 W/m° K. or more. Heat generated by absorption of microwave radiation by the susceptor is more readily conducted to the food being cooked when the thermal conductivity of the composition is high, particularly when the part containing the susceptor is relatively thick. Also described are designs for various pieces of ovenware containing this composition. |
| US08269150B2 |
Electric heater
Disclosed is the electric heater including a base, and a heating unit having a plurality of unit heating elements disposed on a plate surface of the base and at least one of heating connection portions configured to heat and conductively connecting the unit heating elements to each other and non-heating connection portions configured not to heat and conductively connecting the unit heating elements to each other, thereby preventing a thermal stress concentration, thus to prevent damage to the heating unit and to enhance its output. |
| US08269147B2 |
Hotplate, and also assembly comprising such a hotplate
The invention relates to a hotplate, comprising a metal plate part and an electric heating element fixed on the lower side of the plate part. The hotplate furthermore comprises a ring. The ring is made of electrically insulating plastic, and the plate edge is accommodated in a watertight manner on the inside of the ring. |
| US08269146B2 |
Oven apparatus
An oven apparatus for solidifying a coating on a housing includes a supporting module, a curing module, and a transporting module. The supporting module includes a frame and of periphery boards around the frame, the frame includes at least two stacked frame sections. The curing module and the heating module are respectively mounted to the frame sections, the transporting module circularly transports the housing and passes though the heating module and heating module. |
| US08269145B2 |
Method for operating a heating element in a motor vehicle by pulse width modulation
The invention relates to a method for operating a heating element in a motor vehicle by pulse width modulation, wherein fluctuations in the supply voltage are compensated for by adapting the duty cycle so as to achieve a desired heating output. According to the invention, during a voltage pulse the voltage that is present at the heating element and/or the current flowing through the heating element are measured at specified intervals, and the measured values or values determined therefrom are added to calculate a sum value, which rises with the energy that is fed into the heating element by the voltage pulse, and the voltage pulse is ended at the latest when the sum value has reached a target value. The invention furthermore relates to a glow plug controller for carrying out the method according to the invention. |
| US08269142B2 |
Weld current generating apparatus
A weld current generating apparatus includes a voltage conversion circuit, a control circuit, and a charge/discharge circuit. The voltage conversion circuit receives an AC voltage from an AC voltage input terminal and converts the AC voltage to a DC voltage. The control circuit receives the DC voltage and outputs control signals. The charge/discharge circuit receives the DC voltage and is charged by the DC voltage or discharged according to the control signals. The charge/discharge circuit outputs a continuous weld current during discharging process. |
| US08269141B2 |
Power source for electric arc welding
A power source for an electric arc welding process, wherein the power source comprises an input stage having an AC input and a first DC output signal; a second stage in the form of an unregulated DC to DC converter having an input connected to the first DC output signal and an output in the form of a second DC output signal electrically isolated from the first DC output signal and with a magnitude of a given ratio to the first DC output signal; and, a third stage to convert the second DC output signal to a welding output for the welding process. |
| US08269140B2 |
Method and apparatus for laser soldering
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a solder paste feeding device feeds solder paste to a ring-like terminal surrounding a through-hole and a rod terminal fitted in the through-hole so as to fill in the through-hole, the laser beam irradiation device irradiates the solder past with a laser beam, and wire solder is further fed from above the solder past at the same time as melting of the solder paste is started, thereby fusing the wire solder and the solder paste to solder the ring-like terminal and the rod terminal. |
| US08269133B2 |
Electric soldering iron with automatic poweroff and method thereof
An electric soldering iron comprises a power unit connecting the electric soldering iron to an external power source, an electric soldering iron body comprising an iron head and a motion sensor for detecting motion of the electric soldering iron body, and a control system connected to the power unit and the electric soldering iron body, which comprises a switch, a control unit and a timer. The control unit directs the switch to maintain or terminate connection between the power unit and the iron head based on motion detected by the motion sensor and duration measured by the timer. When the duration exceeds a predetermined value, the control system enables the switch to terminate connection of the iron head and the power unit to achieve automatic cutoff of power. |
| US08269131B2 |
Nickel-containing flanges for use in direct resistance heating of platinum-containing vessels
A flange (13) for use in direct resistance heating of a glass-carrying vessel (10), such as a finer, is provided. The flange comprises a plurality of electrically-conductive rings which include an innermost ring (140) which is joined to the vessel's exterior wall (12) during use of the flange and an outermost ring (150) which receives electrical current during use of the flange. The innermost ring (140) comprises a high-temperature metal which comprises at least 80% platinum and the outermost ring (150) comprises at least 99.0% nickel. This combination of materials both increases the reliability of the flange and reduces its cost. In certain embodiments, the flange can also include one or more rings (190) composed of a platinum-nickel alloy which has a lower thermal conductivity than platinum or nickel and thus can serve to reduce heat loss through the flange. |
| US08269128B2 |
Vacuum switch tube
A vacuum switch tube is provided, which includes a first conductive rod disposed with a first contact and a second conductive rod disposed with a second contact. The first contact and the second contact are disposed facing each other and sealed in a vacuum tube body. Contact bodies of the first contact and the second contact are spheres with spherical caps at two ends being cut off. The first contact and the second contact respectively include conductive members and magnetic members extending in the same direction and joining with each other to form the contact bodies. The cross section shape of the magnetic members is divided by a neutrality line into two unequal regions. The magnetic member of the first contact and the conductive member of the second contact are correspondingly disposed. The conductive member of the first contact and the magnetic member of the second contact are correspondingly disposed. The vacuum switch tube of the present invention can generate a rotating magnetic field in a vacuum gap formed between contact surfaces of two vacuum switch contacts in a vacuum arc-extinguishing chamber, so as to increase high-voltage resistant capability of the vacuum switch tube, which can be applied in a vacuum switch device of a higher voltage circuitry. |
| US08269124B2 |
Dome switch structure for a portable terminal
Disclosed is a portable terminal, including, a first conductor formed on one surface of a board and having a contact surface, a second conductor formed at an outer periphery of the first conductor and having a support surface, and a metal dome supported by the support surface and transformed responsive to a key being pressed so as to contact the contact surface, wherein the contact surface is located at a position lower than the support surface so as to increase a transformation stroke of the metal dome. |
| US08269121B2 |
Force switch
A mechanical force switch to be disposed along a longitudinal device axis of a medical device includes an electrically conductive switching piston to form a first electrical contact of the switch, a hollow body, an end stop, a bias device, and an electrically conductive second contact of the switch electrically insulated from the piston. The piston is movably disposed in the body hollow along the axis to define different switch-making and -breaking positions. The piston is also movably disposed in a cavity of the stop and the stop is disposed in the body. The stop can be a smooth or threaded puck. The bias device surrounds the piston and imparts bias against it to retain it in one of the two positions until an external axis force overcomes the bias, at which time the switch indicates a state changeover. The switch can be normally open or closed. |
| US08269120B1 |
Interlock assembly for use with pair of aligned switches
A system and method of interlocking a plurality of electrical panel switches includes an interlock assembly having an interlock. The interlock has a first position that allows connection of one of utility power and power from an alternate power supply, such as a generator, to the electrical panel and prevents connection of the other of the utility power and alternate power. The interlock has a second position that allows connection of the other of the utility power and alternate power and prevents connection of one of the utility power and alternate power to the electrical panel. The interlock also is constructed to control the positioning and sequence of operation of neutral connections between the power supplies and the electrical panel. |
| US08269118B2 |
Touch panel
A touch panel includes a substrate, a touch-sensing circuit, a plurality of sensing signal transmission wires, a capacitance compensation conductor, and a sensing signal readout circuit. The touch-sensing circuit is disposed on the substrate. The sensing signal transmission wires are disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the touch-sensing circuit. The capacitance compensation conductor is disposed over the sensing signal transmission wires. Capacitance of each sensing signal transmission wire is C1, and coupling capacitance between each sensing signal transmission wire and the capacitance compensation conductor is C2. The sensing signal readout circuit is electrically connected to the sensing signal transmission wires. In each sensing signal transmission wire, variation of summation of C1 and C2 is less than a readout resolution of the sensing signal readout circuit. Another touch panel using an electrostatic discharge conductor to adjust varied capacitances of sensing signal transmission wires is also provided. |
| US08269114B2 |
Flexible printed board
A flexible printed board includes a base material, first conductive pads arranged along an imaginary line on the base material and extending with a first width from front end to rear end on a front side of the imaginary line, second conductive pads arranged along the imaginary line and extending with a second width from front end on a rear side of the imaginary line to rear end, first wiring patterns provided between the second conductive pads, and extending with a third width to front end connected to the rear ends of the first conductive pads, and a reinforcing layer for reinforcing a reinforcing area over the first conductive pads and the first wiring patterns, and having a front edge on a front side of rear ends of the first conductive pads and a rear edge on a rear side of the rear ends of the second conductive pads. |
| US08269108B2 |
Transparent conductive film and conductive substrate using the same
A transparent conductive film (12, 22) including a transparent base material (2) having insulation properties; and a mesh member made of a conductive metal and provided in the transparent base material (2), wherein the transparent base material (2) is provided with a conductive portion in which the mesh member is arranged, and an insulating portion (I) in which a gap (5) formed by removing the mesh member is arranged. |
| US08269107B2 |
Halogen-free flame retardant polyolefin
A halogen-free compositions containing an additive of bohmite, nanoclay, microcrystalline talc, zinc hydroxystannate, and a polyolefin oil. The composition is useful as a covering material (e.g. insulation or jacket) for electrical cables. |
| US08269106B2 |
Mirrored arc conducting pair
A mirrored arc geometrical arrangement of two conductors configured to perform similar functions as a traditional twisted pair of wires is presented. The mirrored arc conductor pair occupies the same physical space required by prior art twisted pair cable designs. Each conductor pair includes two inward-facing arc shaped conductors placed within a dielectric material. Each arc shaped conductor may be constructed from thin foil strips of a conducting metal or from a group of separate bare metal conductors which are placed side by side in intimate contact so as to effectively create the same mirrored arc geometry. The conductor pairs may subsequently be bundled to create a data network cable bundle. |
| US08269102B1 |
Retrofit outlet electrical box
A retrofit electrical outlet comprises an electrical box comprising one or more moveable braces coupled to linear brace actuators, whereby pulling on the linear brace actuator causes the brace to move toward the front end of the box to impinge a wall surface material between the brace and a front flange of the box. Releases may be included to allow for adjustment of the braces. The braces may move linearly or pivotally toward the wall surface material. The linear brace actuator may be stored within the wall for future use. |
| US08269100B2 |
Hybrid solar cells via UV-polymerization of polymer precursor
A hybrid photovoltaic cell comprising a composite substrate of a nanotube or nanorod array of metal oxide infiltrated with a monomer precursor and subsequently polymerized in situ via UV irradiation. In an embodiment, the photovoltaic cell comprises an electron accepting TiO2 nanotube array infiltrated with a photo-sensitive electron donating conjugated polymer. The conjugated polymer may be formed in situ through UV irradiation polymerizing a monomer precursor such as 2,5-diiodothiophene (DIT). |
| US08269096B2 |
Low power thermoelectric generator
A thermoelectric generator has a top plate disposed in spaced relation above a bottom plate. A series of foil segments are electrically and mechanically connected end-to-end to generate a foil assembly that is spirally wound and in thermal contact with the bottom and top plates. Each foil segment comprises a substrate having a series of spaced alternating n-type and p-type thermoelectric legs disposed in parallel arrangement on the front substrate surface. Each of the n-type and p-type legs is formed of a bismuth telluride-based thermoelectric material having a thickness of about 10-100 microns, a width of about 10-100 microns and a length of about 100-500 microns. The alternating n-type and p-type thermoelectric legs are electrically connected in series and thermally connected in parallel such that a temperature differential between the bottom and top plates results in the generation of power. |
| US08269090B2 |
Keyboard practice apparatus
A keyboard practice apparatus is provided which includes a slide member, a support member, and means for supporting the slide member in juxtaposition with a keyboard of an instrument. The support member is configured to support an arm of a user and to be slidably coupled to the slide member. The apparatus is operable to allow a player of a keyboard instrument in a seated position with a forearm resting on the support member to move their forearm along a length of the keyboard by sliding the support member along a portion of a length of the slide member. |
| US08269089B2 |
Bearing structure for drum pedal
A drum pedal includes a base having a pair of posts, a shaft, a beater, a footboard, and a chain belt. A shaft is rotatably supported by the upper ends of the posts with bearings. One of the bearings is fixed to a first end portion of the shaft by fastening a screw to the shaft along the axial direction. The bearing fixed to the shaft is sandwiched by the cover and the post along the axial direction of the shaft. |
| US08269088B1 |
Cymbal support structure
A cymbal support structure for holding a cymbal comprises a rod, a nut, a rotary element, an upper felt, a lower felt, a compression element, and an elevation adjustment ring. The nut is fastened to one end of the rod. The rotary element is pivotally coupled to the nut. The upper and lower felts clamp the cymbal. When the rotary element is rotated to parallel the nut, the cymbal and the upper and lower felts pass through the nut and rotary element to couple on the rod. When the rotary element is rotated to not parallel the nut, the cymbal and the upper and lower felts are prevented from passing through the rod. The elevation adjustment ring is screwed on the rod to push the compression element to compress the lower felt upwards. Via rotating the rotary element, the user can easily assemble or disassemble the cymbal to perform replacement. |
| US08269073B2 |
Soybean variety A1015632
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1015632. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1015632. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1015632 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1015632 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US08269070B2 |
Soybean variety A1015492
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1015492. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1015492. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1015492 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1015492 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US08269069B1 |
Modified Bacillus thuringiensis cry proteins that inhibit coleopterans
The present invention includes domain I modifications that improve various attributes of various Coleopteran-active Cry proteins. These attributes can include improved target pest spectrum, potency, and insect resistance management. The subject modifications can affect protoxin activation and the efficiency of pore formation, which can lead to enhanced insect intoxication. |
| US08269065B2 |
Nucleic acids and proteins associated with sucrose degradation in coffee
Disclosed herein are nucleic acid molecules isolated from coffee (Coffea spp.) comprising sequences that encodes various sucrose metabolizing enzymes, along with their encoded proteins. Specifically, three types of invertase and four invertase inhibitors and their encoding polynucleotides from coffee are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for using these polynucleotides for gene regulation and manipulation of the sugar profile of coffee plants, to influence flavor, aroma, and other features of coffee beans. |
| US08269064B2 |
Transformed plant expressing a mutansucrase and synthesizing a modified starch
The present invention relates to plant cells and plants, which are genetically modified, wherein the genetic modification leads to the expression in plastids of such plant cells and plants of an enzyme having the activity of a mutansucrase. Furthermore, the present invention relates to means and methods for the manufacture of such plant cells and plants. Plant cells and plants of this type synthesise a modified starch. The present invention therefore also relates to the starch synthesised by the plant cells and plants according to the invention as well as to methods for the manufacture of the starch and to the manufacture of starch derivatives of this modified starch. |
| US08269061B2 |
Selective ablation of diploid embryos
Methods of selecting haploid embryos are disclosed. Methods of producing haploid embryos and non-viable diploid embryos on a plant are provided. Methods for selecting haploid embryos produced from haploid inducer maize lines are provided. Methods for producing improved maize haploid inducer lines are disclosed. Maize haploid inducer lines comprising transgenes causing ablated or abnormal diploid embryos are disclosed. |
| US08269060B2 |
Absorbent materials and absorbent articles incorporating such absorbent materials
An absorbent material formed at least in part of a crosslinked polymer. The absorbent material has a centrifuge retention capacity as determined by a Centrifuge Retention Capacity Test of at least about 20 g/g and a gel bed permeability under load as determined by a Gel Bed Permeability Under Load Test of at least about 300×10−9 cm2 or a free swell gel bed permeability as determined by a Free Swell Gel Bed Permeability Test of at least about 2,500×10−9 cm2. The crosslinked polymer may comprise either at least about 75 weight percent anionic polymer or at least about 75 weight percent cationic polymer. In one embodiment, the cross-linked polymer is surface treated with a water soluble non-cross-linked polymer having a potential for becoming charged opposite that of the cross-linked polymer. |
| US08269058B2 |
Absorbable tissue dressing assemblies, systems, and methods formed from hydrophilic polymer sponge structures such as chitosan
Absorbable tissue dressing assemblies are formed from hydrophilic polymer sponge structures, such as chitosan. |
| US08269056B2 |
Process for the preparation of an olefinic product
Process for the preparation of an olefinic product, which process comprises contacting a reaction mixture comprising an oxygenate feedstock and an olefinic component with an oxygenate conversion catalyst comprising a molecular sieve having one-dimensional 10-membered ring channels, in a flow-through reactor unit defining a flow trajectory for fluids towards a downstream outlet for an olefinic reaction effluent from the flow-through reactor unit, wherein an olefinic co-feed is added at an upstream olefin feed inlet of the flow-through reactor unit, and wherein oxygenate feedstock is admitted to the reactor such that it is added to the reaction mixture at a plurality of locations along the feed trajectory. |
| US08269052B2 |
Method for producing pentafluoroethane
The invention relates to a method for producing pentafluoroethane, and especially to a method comprising (i) a step during which perchloroethylene and optionally 2,2-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane and/or 2-chloro-1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane react(s) with hydrofluoric acid in a gaseous phase in the presence of a catalyst in an adiabatic multi-stage reactor, and optionally (ii) a step of separating the flow produced in step (i) in order to obtain a fraction of light products and a fraction of heavy products. |
| US08269047B2 |
Synthesis of alpha-halo enones and enals
A method for preparing an α-halo enal or enone from an unprotected propargyl alcohol and an electrophilic halogen source catalyzed by the combination of a gold catalyst complex and a metal co-catalyst complex is disclosed. The method can be further enhanced by addition of an additive that facilitates suppression of a des-halo derivative. |
| US08269046B2 |
Cyclic bisamides useful in formulating inks for phase-change printing
Cyclic bisamides may be used to formulate inks for jet ink printing. The cyclic bisamide may be prepared from a cyclic diamine and acylic monocarboxylic acids. Conversely, the cyclic bisamide may be prepared from a cyclic diacid and acylic monoamines. The performance properties of the product may be enhanced by adding some additional difunctional reactant(s), e.g., diacid or diamine. A blend of bisamides may provide better performance properties than either of the component bisamides alone, where the blend includes at least one cyclic bisamide. The bisamides, in combination with an image-forming material, and optionally in combination with other materials, is taken to a molten form and the applied to a substrate to provide a printed substrate. |
| US08269044B2 |
Method for selectively producing primary amine compound
Disclosed is a method for producing a primary amine compound represented by the formula (3): wherein, Ar is as defined below, which is characterized in that a halogen compound represented by the formula (1): wherein, Ar represents an unsubstituted aromatic group such as a phenyl group, a naphthyl group, a pyridyl group, a furyl group, a thienyl group, a pyrrolyl group, an oxazolyl group, an isoxazolyl group or a pyrimidinyl group, or an aromatic group obtained by substituting such an unsubstituted aromatic group with 1-3 substituents; and X represents a halogen atom, ammonia and formaldehyde are reacted with each other, thereby obtaining a hexahydrotriazine compound represented by the formula (2): wherein, Ar is as defined above, and then the thus-obtained hexahydrotriazine compound is decomposed. By this method, a primary amine compound can be commercially advantageously produced by using a low-cost ammonia while suppressing production of a secondary amine as a by-product. |
| US08269043B2 |
Bicyclic aryl sphingosine 1-phosphate analogs
Compounds that have agonist activity at one or more of the S1P receptors are provided. The compounds are sphingosine analogs that, after phosphorylation, can behave as agonists at S1P receptors. |
| US08269040B2 |
Derivatives of venlafaxine and methods of preparing and using the same
Methods of preparing, and compositions comprising, derivatives of venlafaxine are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of treating and preventing diseases and disorders including, but not limited to, affective disorders such as depression, bipolar and manic disorders, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, cerebral function disorders, obesity and weight gain, incontinence, dementia and related disorders. |
| US08269035B2 |
Process for production of radioactive-fluorine-labeled organic compound
A process for production of a radioactive fluorine-labeled organic compound is provided which can improve the yield of radioactive fluorination. Provided is a process in which a compound represented by the following formula (1): (wherein R1 is a straight or branched alkyl chain with 1-10 carbon atoms or an aromatic substituent, R2 is a straight or branched haloalkylsulfonic acid substituent with 1-10 carbon atoms, a straight or branched alkylsulfonic acid substituent with 1-10 carbon atoms, a fluorosulfonic acid substituent or an aromatic sulfonic acid substituent, and R3 is a protective group) is heated under stirring in an inert organic solvent in a presence of a phase transfer catalyst, 18F ions and potassium ions, so as to effect labeling with a radioactive fluorine, wherein the heating temperature is 40-90° C., and the concentration of the phase transfer catalyst in the inert organic solvent is 70 mmol/L or more. Preferably, the molar ratio of the phase transfer catalyst is 0.7 or more relative to the compound of the formula (1), and the concentration of the compound of the formula (1) in the inert organic solvent is 50 mmol/L or more. |
| US08269034B2 |
C-nitroso-derived nitroxyl donors
Active compounds of Formula I are described: wherein: R1 and R2 are each independently C1-C4 alkyl; or R1 and R2 together form a C2-C7 alkylene chain; and Z is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID); along with pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrug thereof, and methods of using the same. |
| US08269032B1 |
Composition, synthesis, and use of isonitriles
The present invention relates to isonitrile compounds, methods of synthesis, and uses in a variety of fields. In one aspect, the present invention includes sulfinyl methyl isonitriles and methods for their preparation. In another aspect, the present invention includes the use of sulfinyl methyl isonitriles to prepare various other isonitrile compounds and derivatives thereof. In yet another aspect, the present invention includes a relatively simple and routine synthesis of sulfinyl methyl isonitrile compounds, other isonitrile compounds and derivatives thereof. |
| US08269029B2 |
Water repellent metal-organic frameworks, process for making and uses regarding same
Microwave assisted synthesis may be used to produce water-repellent metallic organic frameworks (MOFs) molecules. The water-repellent MOFs contain non-polar functional groups, such as a trifluoromethoxy group, which has a strong water repellent effect. The water-repellent MOF, when exposed to water vapor for one week does not result in a significant X-ray power pattern change. The water-repellent MOFs may be suitable as an adsorbent in many industrial applications, such as gas chromatography. |
| US08269027B2 |
Bipolar trans carotenoid salts and their uses
The invention relates to trans carotenoid salt compounds, methods for making them, methods for solubilizing them and uses thereof. These compounds are useful in improving diffusivity of oxygen between red blood cells and body tissues in mammals including humans. |
| US08269024B2 |
Compounds and methods for modulating communication and virulence in quorum sensing bacteria
The present invention provides compositions and methods for modulating the communication and virulence of quorum sensing bacteria. In various exemplary embodiments, the invention provides a combinatorial library of quorum sensing compounds including synthetic analogs of naturally occurring and non-naturally occurring acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL) analogs, and methods of synthesizing and using these compounds. |
| US08269022B2 |
Polymorphs of enantiopure erdosteine
The present invention provides novel crystalline polymorphs of enantiopure Erdosteine, referred to as Form I and Form II, and processes for the preparation thereof. |
| US08269019B2 |
Inhibitors
Novel heterocyclic derivatives as inhibitors of glutaminyl cyclase (QC, EC 2.3.2.5). QC catalyzes the intramolecular cyclization of N-terminal glutamine residues into pyroglutamic acid (5-oxo-prolyl, pGlu*) under liberation of ammonia and the intramolecular cyclization of N-terminal glutamate residues into pyroglutamic acid under liberation of water. |
| US08269013B2 |
Substituted pyrazole inhibitors of c-Met protein kinase
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I, which is useful in the inhibition of c-Met protein kinase. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising compounds of formula I and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of proliferative disorders. |
| US08269005B2 |
L-malate salts of 6-(5-chloro-2-Pyridyl)-5-[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)carbonyloxy]-7-Oxo-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrazine
L-malate salts of (6-(5-chloro-2-pyridyl)-5-[(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)carbonyloxy]-7-oxo-6,7-dihydro-5H-pyrrolo[3,4-b]pyrazine) are provided. |
| US08269002B2 |
Pyrimidine sulphonamide derivatives as chemokine receptor modulators
A compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate or in vivo hydrolysable ester thereof and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these, all for use in the treatment of chemokine mediated diseases and disorders. |
| US08269001B2 |
Process for the synthesis of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors
A novel synthesis of statins uses Wittig reaction of a heterocyclic core of statin with a lactonized side chain already possessing needed stereochemistry. Any separation of diastereoisomers is performed early in the course of synthesis. |
| US08269000B2 |
Substituted pyrimidine and triazine compounds
Substituted pyrimidine and triazine compounds corresponding to formula I wherein R1, R2, R3, R4a, R4b, R5a, R5b, R7, R8, R9a, R9b, R10, R11, A, a, b, s, t, V, W1, W2 and W3 have defined meanings, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, a process for preparing such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions to treat or inhibit pain and/or other disorders or disease states. |
| US08268999B2 |
Tri-cyclic pyrazolopyridine kinase inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of PI3K, particularly of PI3Kγ. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders. |
| US08268994B2 |
Fused ring heterocycle kinase modulators
The present invention provides novel fused ring heterocycle kinase modulators and methods of using the novel fused ring heterocycle kinase modulators to treat diseases mediated by kinase activity. |
| US08268991B1 |
Processes for preparing certain hexaazaisowurtzitanes and their use in preparing hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane
The present invention describes a novel heavy-metal-free sequence leading to a superior, more economical, and scalable process for the high efficiency conversion of hexaallylhexaazaisowurtzitane (HAllylIW) to hexa(1-propenyl)hexaazaisowurtzitane (HPIW) and hence via reaction with singlet oxygen and subsequent nitrolysis to hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane (CL-20). |
| US08268989B2 |
Thermally inhibited polysaccharides and process of preparing
This invention is directed to a process for making a thermally inhibited polysaccharide by dehydrating a polysaccharide to substantially anhydrous or anhydrous conditions and thermally inhibiting the substantially anhydrous or anhydrous polysaccharide at a temperature of 100° C. or greater for a time sufficient to inhibit the polysaccharide in an oxygen enriched concentration of at least 6.5 moles/m3. |
| US08268987B2 |
Reverse transcription primers and methods of design
The present invention provides novel algorithms for designing oligonucleotides that do not substantially hybridize to a small group of unwanted transcripts, while hybridizing to most other transcripts. Such oligonucleotides are particularly useful as primers for reverse transcription. The invention also provides compositions containing oligonucleotides that do not substantially hybridize to a small group of unwanted transcripts, while hybridizing to most other transcripts. |
| US08268986B2 |
RNA interference mediated inhibition of gene expression using chemically modified short interfering nucleic acid (siNA)
The present invention concerns methods and reagents useful in modulating gene expression in a variety of applications, including use in therapeutic, diagnostic, target validation, and genomic discovery applications. Specifically, the invention relates to synthetic chemically modified small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) against target nucleic acid sequences. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of any disease or condition that responds to modulation of gene expression or activity in a cell, tissue, or organism. |
| US08268985B2 |
siRNA targeting amyloid beta (A4) precursor protein (APP)
Efficient sequence specific gene silencing is possible through the use of siRNA technology. By selecting particular siRNAs by rational design, one can maximize the generation of an effective gene silencing reagent, as well as methods for silencing genes. Methods, compositions, and kits generated through rational design of siRNAs are disclosed including those directed to nucleotide sequences for APP. |
| US08268984B2 |
Detection of salmonella by real-time multiplex PCR
The invention relates to the detection of Salmonella by nucleic acid amplification. The invention provides primer and probe oligonucleotides that can be used in multiplex to detect Salmonella in real-time amplification. The oligonucleotides of the invention detect all group I serovars, and have an increased Salmonella detection range: they enable to cover the seven Salmonella groups. They also have an increased sensitivity, without loss in specificity. |
| US08268981B2 |
Plasmodium malariae and plasmodium ovale genes and uses thereof
The subject invention relates to nucleic acid sequences and amino acid sequences encoded thereby, derived from the Merozoite Surface Protein (MSP1) gene of the Plasmodium species P. malariae and P. ovale. Such genes and proteins have many beneficial diagnostic as well as therapeutic uses. |
| US08268980B2 |
5′-modified bicyclic nucleic acid analogs
The present invention provides 5′-modified bicyclic nucleoside analogs and oligomeric compounds comprising at least one of these nucleoside analogs. In preferred embodiments the nucleoside analogs have either (R) or (S)-chirality at the 5′-carbon. These bicyclic nucleoside analogs are useful for enhancing properties of oligomeric compounds including for example enhanced nuclease resistance. |
| US08268979B2 |
Human MutY
A human mutY polypeptide and DNA (RNA) encoding such polypeptide and a procedure for producing such polypeptide by recombinant techniques is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing such polypeptide for preventing and/or treating diseases associated with a mutation in this gene. Diagnostic assays for identifying mutations in nucleic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of the present invention and for detecting altered levels of the polypeptide of the present invention for detecting diseases, for example, cancer, are also disclosed. |
| US08268977B2 |
Strongly quenching oligomeric excimer/quencher pairs for detection schemes
Compositions and systems are provided for the high efficiency quenching small water-soluble oligomers, or oligofluors, of from about 1-10 kd in size, where the oligofluors comprise multiple excimeric or exciplex forming fluorophores arranged on a scaffold, which are efficiently quenched by a quencher entity linked to the oligomer through a cleavable moiety. Fluorophores of interest include, without limitation, aromatic fluorophores such as pyrenes, e.g. benzopyrene, perylene, pyrene, etc. In some embodiments the oligofluor/quencher combination provides for a Stern-Vollmer constant (KSV) of greater than about 106 M−1, and may be greater than about 107 M−1, greater than about 108 M−1, or more. In some embodiments of the invention, the scaffold is a phosphodiester/glycoside backbone, e.g. an analog of a polynucleotide. The system of oligofluors and quenchers can be used in qualitative and quantitative screening and detection methods to detect any enzymatic, chemical or catalytic activity that can cleave the moiety between the quencher and scaffold. |
| US08268975B2 |
Demulsification compositions, systems and methods for demulsifying and separating aqueous emulsions
The present invention provides compositions, systems and methods for demulsifying an emulsion including an aqueous phase and an organic phase by adding an effective amount of a composition comprising at least one quaternary organopolysiloxane or salt thereof to the emulsion, the composition optionally including at least one of quaternary epihalohydrin/polyamine copolymers or salts, and/or (poly)diallyldimethylammonium halides. |
| US08268974B2 |
Process to produce fibrillar proteins
A method for changing a globular protein structure into a fibrillar protein structure. The method comprising the steps of providing a globular protein, forming a solution containing the globular protein, adding a detergent to the solution containing the globular protein, applying the solution to a molecular sizing column with a pore size of at least 70 kDa and eluting with a solution containing detergent. A method for changing an unfolded protein structure into a fibrillar protein structure. The method comprising the steps of providing a globular protein, forming a solution containing the globular protein, adding a urea to the solution to unfold the globular protein, applying the solution to a molecular sizing column and eluting with a solution containing detergent. A method for treating cancer comprising the steps of providing a protein, changing the protein into a fibrillar structure, and administering a therapeutically effective amount of the fibrillar structure protein to a patient in need thereof. A method for producing a vaccine adjuvant or antigen adjuvant comprising the steps of providing a protein, and changing the protein into a fibrillar structure. |
| US08268971B2 |
Antibody therapy for modulating function of intestinal receptors and methods of treating diabetes and obesity
The present invention provides pharmaceutical compositions formulated for direct delivery to the GI tract of a patient comprising an antibody specific for a target apical intestinal receptor. The present invention further provides methods of treating diseases and conditions in a patient comprising administering directly to the GI tract of the patient, compositions of the present invention wherein modulation of the target apical intestinal receptor by the antibody treats the condition. |
| US08268970B2 |
Human antibodies that bind mesothelin, and uses thereof
The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to mesothelin with high affinity, particularly human monoclonal antibodies. Preferably, the antibodies bind human mesothelin. In certain embodiments, the antibodies are capable of internalizing into mesothelin-expressing cells or are capable of mediating antigen dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The invention further provides anti-mesothelin antibodies that can inhibit the binding of mesothelin to the ovarian cancer antigen CA125. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the antibodies of this disclosure, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. Antibody-partner molecule conjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the antibodies of this disclosure are also provided. This disclosure also provides methods for detecting mesothelin, as well as methods for treating cancers, such as mesotheliomas, pancreatic cancers and ovarian cancers, using an anti-mesothelin antibody of this disclosure. |
| US08268969B2 |
Globo H and related anti-cancer vaccines with novel glycolipid adjuvants
Immunogenic compositions, cancer vaccines and methods for treating cancer are provided. Compositions comprising: (a) a glycan such as Globo H or an immunogenic fragment thereof, wherein the glycan is conjugated with a carrier protein by a linker such as para-nitrophenyl; and (b) an adjuvant comprising glycolipid capable of binding CD1d on a dendritic cell, such as an α-galactosyl-ceramide derivative, wherein the immunogenic composition induces an immune response that induces a higher relative level of IgG isotype antibodies as compared to IgM isotype antibodies, are provided. Immunogenic compositions comprising the carrier protein diphtheria toxin cross-reacting material 197 (DT-CRM197) and the adjuvant C34 are provided. Antibodies generated by immunogenic compositions disclosed herein further neutralize at least one of the antigens Globo H, stage-specific embryonic antigen-3 (SSEA-3) and stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4). Therapeutics against breast cancer stem cells comprising immunogenic compositions comprising Globo H, SSEA-3 or SSEA-4 conjugated with DT-CRM197. |
| US08268968B2 |
Method for producing modified biopolymer and method for crosslinking biopolymer
It is an object of the present invention to provide a method wherein a structure which was prepared with a biopolymer such as gelatin is chemically modified with the use of a low-volatile chemical substance without dissolution of gelatin, and a biopolymer crosslinking method for producing a biopolymer having high strength (a high degree of crosslinking). The present invention provides a method for producing a modified biopolymer, which comprises reacting a structure prepared with a biopolymer with a solid-state compound having a melting point of 50° C. or more at a humidity of 50% or more, and a method for crosslinking biopolymer which comprises treating a biopolymer with a crosslinking agent, wherein the crosslinking agent concentration in a reaction mixture is 1.0% to 10% by weight and crosslinking is carried out in the presence of an organic fluorine compound. |
| US08268963B2 |
Process for the purification of macrolide antibiotics
The present invention concerns a process for the purification of macrolide antibiotics. More specifically it concerns a process for the purification of macrolide antibiotics that result in a white powder. The powder remains white also after some time of storage. The process of the present invention is performed by dissolving the macrolide antibiotics, e.g. commercial vancomycin hydrochloride, in water and subjecting the solution to ultrafiltration with a membrane having nominal retention lower than 30,000 Da, preferably of 10,000 Da. The purified solution is preferably concentrated by reversed osmosis and then lyophilized at the optimized conditions of pressure and temperature to obtain a white powder. |
| US08268955B2 |
Polyamides
Polyamide containing a compound which bears at least one hydroxy group and has chemical bonding by way of an amide group to the end of the polymer chain, process for preparing this polyamide, and also fibers, films, and moldings, comprising at least one such polyamide. |
| US08268952B2 |
Supramolecular ionomers
The invention relates to supramolecular ionomers. i.e. polymers having quadruple hydrogen bonding units (4H-units) and ionic groups or ionogenic groups within their structure. The supramolecular ionomers can be dispersed or solubilized in water at high solids contents while maintaining low viscosities, facilitating easy use and processing of the resulting aqueous formulations. The aqueous supramolecular ionomer compositions have excellent film-forming properties. Moreover, the polymer materials have good mechanical properties after drying, as they are not tacky, show high elasticity and low or no creep. |
| US08268950B2 |
Glucosamine materials
Polymers comprising glucosamine (GlcN) are used to make medical devices. Examples include polyGlcN and carrier molecules containing multiple GlcN residues. |
| US08268940B2 |
Flame-retardant adhesive resin composition and adhesive film using the same
Disclosed is a halogen- and phosphorus-free flame-retardant adhesive resin composition which can be used in heat contact bonding of adherends at or below 250° C. and is excellent in heat resistance, solder heat resistance after moisture absorption, and processability. Also disclosed is an adhesive film produced from said composition. The flame-retardant adhesive resin composition comprises 65-98% by weight of a silicone unit-containing polyimide resin and 2-35% by weight of an epoxy resin having an acenaphthylene-substituted naphthalene skeleton. The adhesive film produced from the flame-retardant adhesive resin composition is suitable as an adhesive for a laminate for a multiplayer printed circuit board substrate, an adhesive for a hybrid circuit board substrate, and an adhesive for a coverlay film. |
| US08268939B2 |
Process for modifying surfaces
Use of one or more mixed curable hydroxyl-containing silyl polyethers as a constituent of compositions, as modifiers for surfaces, the silyl polyethers being prepared by DMC-catalysed alkoxylation of epoxy-functional alkoxysilanes. |
| US08268937B2 |
Crosslinkable aramid copolymers
The invention pertains to an aramid copolymer composition comprising an aramid copolymer having at least one arylene carboxylic acid moiety and at least one hydroxyarylene moiety, or comprising an aramid copolymer having at least one arylene carboxylic acid moiety or having at least one hydroxyarylene moiety, and a crosslinker agent. The invention further relates to crosslinked copolymers derived thereof and shaped articles comprising said crosslinked copolymers. |
| US08268933B2 |
Polymers functionalized with polyimine compounds
A method for preparing a functionalized polymer, the method comprising the steps of (i) polymerizing conjugated diene monomer by employing a lanthanide-based catalyst to form a reactive polymer, and (ii) reacting the reactive polymer with a polyimine compound. |
| US08268932B2 |
Method for chemical anchoring
This invention relates to the use of resin compositions for chemical anchoring, wherein the resin composition comprises at least: a. a thiol-containing component, and b. a resin containing one or more reactive moieties selected from the group of: i. non-aromatic carbon double bond moieties, and ii. epoxide moieties, and an initiator. Preferably, the resin composition further comprises a diluent, more preferably a reactive diluent. Furthermore, the present invention also relates to the use of a multi-component, preferably a 2-component system of which one component contains a thiol group(s) containing component for chemical anchoring by means of cold curing. |
| US08268931B2 |
Process for cleaner production of chlorinated rubber without using carbon tetrachloride and water
The present invention relates to a green technology to produce chlorinated rubber without using carbon tetrachloride and water by using 1,1,2-trichloroethane as the solvent and iodine as the catalyst. The natural rubber reacts with an excessive amount of gaseous chlorine at 60-100° C. for 3-8 hours and the product is then dried. The method of the present invention complies with the environmental requirements of “The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer” by abandoning the usage of CCl4. It also complies with the relevant regulations regarding ship-shell paints. Moreover, it is easy to carry out and is suitable for industrialization. |
| US08268929B2 |
Resin composition
A resin composition comprises (a) 100 parts by weight of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of phenol resins and brominated phenol resins, (b) 20 to 500 parts by weight of a crystalline olefin resin, provides that copolymers of ethylene with unsaturated carboxylic acid ester or vinyl acetate are precluded, and (c) 0 to 300 parts by weight of a non-aromatic softening agent for rubber. The resin composition is easy to handle in dynamic cross-linking of rubber or a thermoplastic elastomer to give uniform cross-linking. A cross-linked rubber composition or thermoplastic elastomer composition has improved compression set and moldability. |
| US08268928B2 |
Thermoplastic polymer composition and sheet-like molded article therefrom
[Object] Provided are a sheet-like molded article having excellent surface smoothness, moldability, flexibility, and a high transmittance of short-wavelength light, and a thermoplastic polymer composition used to produce the sheet-like molded article.[Solution] A thermoplastic polymer composition containing an acrylic block copolymer (A) and an acrylic resin (B), in which the acrylic block copolymer (A) has, in its molecule, at least one structure where polymer blocks (a2) mainly composed of a methacrylic ester unit are bonded to both ends of a polymer block (a1) mainly composed of an acrylic ester unit, the acrylic block copolymer (A) having a specific weight-average molecular weight range, the acrylic block copolymer (A) contains an acrylic block copolymer (A1) having a polymer block (a2) content of 40% by mass or more and not less than 80% by mass and contains an acrylic block copolymer (A2) having a polymer block (a2) content of 10% by mass or more and less than 40% by mass, the acrylic resin (B) is mainly composed of a methacrylic ester unit, and the mass ratio [(A)/(B)] is in the range of 97/3 to 10/90. |
| US08268920B2 |
Heat aging resistant polyamides
Thermoplastic molding compositions comprising A) from 10 to 99.94% by weight of a polyamide, B) from 0.05 to 5% by weight of a polyethyleneimine homo- or copolymer, C) from 0.01 to 20% by weight of iron powder, and D) from 0 to 70% by weight of further additives, where the total of the percentages by weight of A) to D) is 100%. |
| US08268917B2 |
Resin composition, molded product and method for producing molded product
A resin composition, containing at least (A) a polylactic acid, (B) a phosphazene compound and (C) a crystal nucleator. |
| US08268916B2 |
Flame-retardant compound and method of forming a continuous material therefrom
A halogen-free flame-retardant compound and method of forming a continuous material therefrom includes compounding poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) with fire-retardant ingredients melamine cyanurate (MC) and melamine polyphosphate (MPP). The compound is then formed into pellets and/or extruded as a thin film or sheet, and also as a filament or yarn, including monofilaments and multifilaments. |
| US08268913B2 |
Polymeric blends and methods of using same
A film comprising a polylactic acid and polypropylene blend having a haze of from about 10% to about 95% and a gloss 45° of from about 50 to about 125. A method of producing an oriented film comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, forming the polymeric blend into a film, and orienting the film. A method of producing an injection molded article comprising blending polypropylene and polylactic acid to form a polymeric blend, injecting the polymeric blend into a mold, and forming the article. |
| US08268910B2 |
Non-ionic surfactant additives for improved particle stability in high organic inkjet inks
Inkjet ink compositions and methods for increasing inkjet ink particle stability are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a latex polymer-containing inkjet ink composition comprises a secondary alcohol ethoxylate and a fluoro-surfactant at a concentration ratio effective to increase particle stability of the inkjet ink composition when the pigment particles are substantially electrostatically dispersed. In another embodiment, an inkjet ink composition comprises a latex dispersion having a conductivity of no more than about 1.5 mS/cm. |
| US08268909B2 |
Dispersed pigments
Disclosed herein are pigment dispersions and inks formulated using the same; including at least one dispersed pigment, an aqueous carrier; and at least one block copolymer dispersant having Structure I and comprising a hydrophobic block (A) and a hydrophilic block (B); at least one block copolymer having Structure I and comprising a hydrophobic block (A) and a hydrophilic block (B); |
| US08268907B2 |
Photocurable acrylic coating compositions having good adhesion properties to a subsequent coating and corresponding coated substrates
An abrasion resistant photocurable acrylic coating composition that can provide good adhesion to subsequent coatings deposited thereon, and a hard coated article, especially an optical article such as an ophthalmic lens, comprising a substrate coated with a coating obtained from the above abrasion resistant acrylic coating composition providing good subsequent adhesion. |
| US08268905B1 |
Compositions containing poly(lactic acid), bacteriocin(s), plasticizers(s), and optionally pore forming agent(s), and methods or making
A composition containing poly(lactic acid), at least one bacteriocin (e.g., nisin, generally in the form of Nisaplin®), and at least one plasticizer (e.g., lactic acid, lactide, triacetin, glycerol triacetate), and optionally at least one pore forming agent. A method of making the composition, involving mixing about 100% of the total of the poly(lactic acid), about 50% to about 90% of the total of the at least one plasticizer, and optionally at least one pore forming agent at a first temperature of about 150° to about 170° C. to form a mixture, cooling the mixture to a second temperature of about 115° to about 125° C., adding at least one bacteriocin and about 10% to about 50% of the total of the at least one plasticizer and the remainder of the total of the poly(lactic acid) to the mixture and mixing to form the composition. |
| US08268904B2 |
Extruded polystyrene foam with broad comonomer content distribution
Prepare an extruded polymeric foam using a thermoplastic polymer composition of styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer having a copolymerized acrylonitrile comonomer content of 20 weight-percent or less, a mean acrylonitrile comonomer content that exceeds its median acrylonitrile comonomer content and an average copolymerized acrylonitrile comonomer distribution having a breadth at half-height that is greater than 2.5 weight-percent as measured at half peak height of a copolymerized acrylonitrile comonomer distribution curve for the styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer. |
| US08268903B2 |
Nanoporous media templated from unsymmetrical amphiphilic porogens
Substantially or roughly spherical micellar structures useful in the formation of nanoporous materials by templating are disclosed. A roughly spherical micellar structure is formed by organization of one or more spatially unsymmetric organic amphiphilic molecules. Each of those molecules comprises a branched moiety and a second moiety. The branched moiety can form part of either the core or the surface of the spherical micellar structure, depending on the polarity of the environment. The roughly spherical micellar structures form in a thermosetting polymer matrix. They are employed in a templating process whereby the amphiphilic molecules are dispersed in the polymer matrix, the matrix is cured, and the porogens are then removed, leaving nanoscale pores. |
| US08268902B2 |
Composite material based on vinylaromatic polymers having enhanced thermal insulation properties and process for the preparation thereof
Expandable particle composite material suitable for the preparation of expanded materials having a density lower than 40 g/l and a content of closed cells of at least 60%, including heterophase cavities and/or heterophase domains, whose matrix is a synthetic thermoplastic resin having at least 60% by weight of a vinyl aromatic polymer and in which an expanding system is contained, together with a heterogeneously distributed graphite material, having a graphitization degree, calculated by means of the Maire and Mering formula, of at least 0.2. |
| US08268899B2 |
Processes for hydromethanation of a carbonaceous feedstock
The present invention relates to processes for preparing gaseous products, and in particular methane, via the catalytic hydromethanation of a carbonaceous feedstock in the presence of steam, syngas and an oxygen-rich gas stream. |
| US08268898B2 |
Production method of liquid hydrocarbons from natural gas
In a so-called GTL process of producing synthesis gas from natural gas, producing Fischer-Tropsch oil by way of Fischer-Tropsch synthesis of the obtained synthesis gas and producing liquid hydrocarbons containing fuel oil by upgrading, the synthesis gas produced from the synthesis gas production step is partly branched off prior to getting to the Fischer-Tropsch oil production step and the synthesis gas entering the branch line is subjected to a water gas shift reaction to raise the hydrogen concentration thereof. Subsequently, high-purity hydrogen is isolated from the synthesis gas and the residual gas left after the isolation is circulated to the synthesis gas production step and used as raw material for synthesis gas production. As a result, a significant improvement can be achieved in terms of raw material consumption per product of the entire process. |
| US08268897B2 |
Incorporation of catalytic dehydrogenation into Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to lower carbon dioxide emissions
A method for producing liquid fuels includes the steps of gasifying a starting material selected from a group consisting of coal, biomass, carbon nanotubes and mixtures thereof to produce a syngas, subjecting that syngas to Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) to produce a hyrdrocarbon product stream, separating that hydrocarbon product stream into C1-C4 hydrocarbons and C5+ hydrocarbons to be used as liquid fuels and subjecting the C1-C4 hydrocarbons to catalytic dehydrogenation (CDH) to produce hydrogen and carbon nanotubes. The hydrogen produced by CDH is recycled to be mixed with the syngas incident to the FTS reactor in order to raise the hydrogen to carbon monoxide ratio of the syngas to values of 2 or higher, which is required to produce liquid hydrocarbon fuels. This is accomplished with little or no production of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas. The carbon is captured in the form of a potentially valuable by-product, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT), while huge emissions of carbon dioxide are avoided and very large quantities of water employed for the water-gas shift in traditional FTS systems are saved. |
| US08268887B2 |
Drug conjugates and methods of use thereof
In one aspect, the present invention provides a composition of a covalent conjugate of a GABA analog with a drug. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods for treating pain and neurological disorders using the conjugates of GABA analogs. |
| US08268884B2 |
Derivatives of substituted tartaric acid and usage for preparing beta-secretase inhibitors
The present invention relates to compounds represented by formula (I), or isomers, prodrugs, pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates or hydrates thereof: in which each substituent of formula (I) is as defined in the specification. The present invention also relates to preparation methods of compounds represented by formula (I), a pharmaceutical composition comprising compounds represented by formula (I) and usage of compounds represented by formula (I) for treating chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and other diseases induced by aggregation or deposition of β-amyloid peptide. |
| US08268881B2 |
Carboxamide derivatives as muscarinic receptor antagonists
The invention relates to compounds of formula processes and intermediates for their preparation, their use as muscarinic antagonists and pharmaceutical composition containing them. |
| US08268873B2 |
Inhibitors of IMPDH enzyme
The present invention relates to compounds which inhibit IMPDH. This invention also relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The compounds and pharmaceutical compositions of this invention are particularly well suited for inhibiting IMPDH enzyme activity and consequently, may be advantageously used as therapeutic agents for IMPDH-mediated processes. This invention also relates to methods for inhibiting the activity of IMPDH using the compounds of this invention and related compounds. |
| US08268867B2 |
1,3-dioxane carboxylic acids
The present invention relates to novel 1,3-dioxane carboxylic acids of the general formula (I), their tautomeric forms, their stereoisomers, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, pharmaceutical compositions containing them, methods for their preparation, use of these compounds in medicine and the intermediates involved in their preparation. |
| US08268865B2 |
Quaternary alkyl ammonium bacterial efflux pump inhibitors and therapeutic uses thereof
Disclosed are compounds having at least one quaternary alkyl ammonium functionality. The compounds inhibit bacterial efflux pump inhibitors and are used in combination with an anti-bacterial agent to treat or prevent bacterial infections. These combinations can be effective against bacterial infections that have developed resistance to anti-bacterial agents through an efflux pump mechanism. |
| US08268864B2 |
Combination of anticholinergics and leukotriene receptor antagonists for the treatment of respiratory diseases
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising an anticholinergic and at least one leukotriene inhibitor for treatment of respiratory diseases, including allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, COPD and common cold, and methods of treatment. |
| US08268863B2 |
Disubstituted alkyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane compounds as mu opioid receptor antagonists
The invention provides novel 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane compounds of formula (I): where the variables are defined in the specification, or a pharmaceutically-acceptable salt thereof, that are antagonists at the mu opioid receptor. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, methods of using such compounds to treat conditions associated with mu opioid receptor activity, and processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds. |
| US08268859B2 |
Glucocorticoid mimetics, methods of making them, pharmaceutical compositions and uses thereof
Compounds of Formula (I) wherein R1, R2, X, and Y are as defined herein, or a tautomer, optical isomer, prodrug, co-crystal, or salt thereof; pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and methods of modulating the glucocorticoid receptor function and methods of treating disease-states or conditions mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor function or characterized by inflammatory, allergic, or proliferative processes in a patient using these compounds. |
| US08268856B2 |
Method to use compositions having antidepressant anxiolytic and other neurological activity and compositions of matter
The sponges were collected from a variety of locations in the Florida Keys and separated based on morphology and color. The samples were identified as three species, two of which are well known: V. rigida (Esper, 1794) (order Verongida, family Aplysinidae) and S. aurea (Hyatt, 1875) (order Dictyoceratida, family Thorectidae), and a third S. cerebriformis (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864), is less common and separated based on subtle differences of morphology and coloration, from the other two species. Several compounds were isolated and were evaluated in established animal models predictive of neurological related drug function, namely, the rodent FST and the chick anxiety-depression model. |
| US08268854B2 |
Aza-beta-carbolines and methods of using same
Provided are compounds having the general structure according to Formula (I): Further provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds. The invention still further provides methods of treating alcoholism, methods of reducing alcohol intake, methods of treating anhedonia, and methods of treating anxiety using theses compounds or the compositions containing them. |
| US08268852B2 |
Heterocyclic inhibitors of MEK and methods of use thereof
Disclosed are compounds of the Formula I and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and prodrugs thereof, wherein R1, R2, R7, R8, R9, W, X and Y are as defined in the specification. Such compounds are MEK inhibitors and useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases, such as cancer and inflammation, in mammals, and inflammatory conditions. Also disclosed are methods of using such compounds in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases in mammals and pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds. |
| US08268851B2 |
Compositions and methods for inhibition of the JAK pathway
The invention encompasses compounds having formula I and the compositions and methods using these compounds in the treatment of conditions in which modulation of the JAK pathway or inhibition of JAK kinases, particularly JAK3, are therapeutically useful. |
| US08268849B2 |
Multifunctional Antioxidants and methods of use thereof
Compositions comprising multifunctional agents and methods of use thereof are provided. Particularly, a series of analogs of 1-N, N′-dimethylsulfamoyl-4-(2-pyrimidyl)piperazine are provided which are useful for treating and/or preventing cataract, macular degeneration, neurodegenerative disorders, and/or injury or symptoms associated with radiation exposure. |
| US08268848B2 |
Cyclopropane compound
A cyclopropane compound represented by the following formula (A) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof has orexin receptor antagonism, and therefore has a potencial of usefulness for the treatment of sleep disorder for which orexin receptor antagonism is effective, for example, insomnia: wherein Q represents —CH— or a nitrogen atom, R1a and R1b each independently represent a C1-6 alkyl group and the like, R1c represents a hydrogen atom and the like, R2a, R2b, R2c and R2d each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-6 alkyl group and the like, R3a, R3b and R3c each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom and the like, and R3d represents a hydrogen atom and the like. |
| US08268838B2 |
Substituted purinyl-pyrazole derivatives and their use as potassium channel modulators
Provided are substituted purinyl-pyrazol derivatives of the following formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and their use as potassium channel modulating agents, as well as pharmaceutical compositions having such derivatives that are useful for the treatment or alleviation of diseases or disorders associated with the activity of potassium channels: wherein R1 represents hydrogen or alkyl; one of R2, R3 and R4 represents alkyl, hydroxy-alkyl, alkoxy-alkyl, halo, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy or alkoxy; and the other two of R2, R3 and R4, independently of each other, represent hydrogen, alkyl, hydroxy-alkyl, alkoxy-alkyl, halo, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, hydroxy or alkoxy; R5 represents phenyl optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from the group consisting of alkyl, halo, trifluoromethyl, trifluoromethoxy, alkoxy and cyano; and R6 represents R′OC(═O)—, wherein R′ represents alkyl, alkoxy, alkoxy-alkyl or adamantanyl. |
| US08268834B2 |
Pyrazine derivatives that inhibit phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase enzyme
The present invention concerns a compound of formula (I) or a salt, suitably a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or solvate thereof, wherein the groups R1, R2, Ar′, A and Y are defined in the description, to compositions and use of the compounds in the treatment of inflammatory and allergic conditions. |
| US08268828B2 |
Inhibitors of the chemokine receptor CxCR3
This invention is directed to a 3-(amido or sulphamido)-4-(4-substituted-azinyl)benzamide or benzsulphonamide compound as defined herein. The 3-(amido or sulphamido)-(4-substituted-azinyl)benzamide or benzsulphonamide compound is useful as a inhibitor of the chemokine receptor CxCR3, and for preventing or treating a CxCR3 chemokine receptor mediated disease or condition related thereto in a patient in need of such. |
| US08268824B2 |
Therapeutic agent for corneal disease
A therapeutic agent for a corneal disease comprising irsogladine or a salt thereof as an active ingredient. The purpose is to find a substance capable of effectively treating/ameliorating a corneal disease which has been increased in the number of cases thereof in recent years and to provide a therapeutic agent for a corneal disease comprising the substance as an active ingredient. |
| US08268820B2 |
2,3-diaryl- or heteroaryl-substituted 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-hydroxypropyl compounds
The present invention relates to compounds of formula I wherein R1a to R1c, R2, R3 and R5 are as defined in the description and claims and R4 signifies a bicyclic heteroaryl group or a cyanophenyl group, as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds are glucocorticoid receptor antagonists useful for the treatment and/or prevention of diseases such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, adrenal imbalance or depression. |
| US08268817B2 |
Substituted oxazole ketone modulators of fatty acid amide hydrolase
Certain oxazole ketone compounds are described, which are useful as FAAH inhibitors. Such compounds may be used in pharmaceutical compositions and methods for the treatment of disease states, disorders, and conditions mediated by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) activity. Thus, the compounds may be administered to treat, e.g., anxiety, pain, inflammation, sleep disorders, eating disorders, or movement disorders (such as multiple sclerosis). |
| US08268815B2 |
Pyrimidine compounds and use thereof
The invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and the use of these compounds. |
| US08268814B2 |
Substituted sulfonamide compounds
Substituted sulfonamide compounds corresponding to formula I processes for the preparation thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing such compounds, and the use of such compounds for treating and/or inhibiting pain or other conditions at least partly mediated by the bradykinin 1 receptor. |
| US08268812B2 |
Use of oxazolidinone-quinoline hybrid antibiotics for the treatment of anthrax and other infections
The present invention relates to the use of compounds, in which the pharmacophores of quinolone and oxazolidinone are chemically linked together through a linker that is stable under physiological conditions, for the treatment of anthrax and other infections. |
| US08268809B2 |
Kinase inhibitors for preventing or treating pathogen infection and method of use thereof
The present invention provides compositions and methods of use thereof to prevent and/or treat pathogenic infection. In particular, the present invention provides the use of kinase inhibitors to inhibit kinases that involve in pathogen-host cell interactions that are associated with or cause pathogenic infections, therefore, to effectively prevent and/or treat pathogenic infections with far less likely to engender resistance as compared to conventional antibiotics and anti-viral drugs. The present invention further provides the use of kinase inhibitors for the treatment of acute pathogenic infections for a short period of time to avoid toxicities that may caused by long term use of these kinase inhibitors. |
| US08268807B2 |
Compositions and method for the treatment of multiple myeloma
The disclosure provides compositions and methods for treating multiple myeloma. In some embodiments, the compositions comprise (E)-3-hydroxy-21-[2′-(N,N-dimethylamino)ethoxy]-19-norpregna-1,3,5(10),17(20)-tetraene or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or prodrug thereof and a pharmaceutical carrier. |
| US08268806B2 |
Pharmaceutical compositions
Novel methods for treating or reducing the likelihood of acquiring symptoms or diseases due to the menopause, in postmenopausal women, particularly osteoporosis, vaginal atrophy and dryness, hypogonadism, diminished libido, skin atrophy, connective tissue disease, urinary incontinence, breast, endometrial, ovarian and uterine cancers, hot flashes, loss of muscle mass, insulin resistance, fatigue, loss of energy, aging, physical symptoms of menopause, in susceptible warm-blooded animals including humans involving administration of a sex steroid precursor are disclosed. Said method comprising novel ways of administering and dosing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in order to take advantage of positive androgenic effects in the vaginal layers lamina propia and/or the layer muscularis, without undesirably causing systemic estrogenic effects in order to avoid the risk of breast and uterine cancer. Pharmaceutical compositions for delivery of active ingredient(s) useful to the invention are also disclosed. |
| US08268804B2 |
Minocycline oral dosage forms for the treatment of acne
Minocycline oral dosage forms containing a controlled release carrier are useful for the treatment of acne. |
| US08268794B2 |
Pharmaceutical containing HIF-1 alpha and HIF-2 alpha expression inhibitor
Provided is a pharmaceutical product exhibiting a high therapeutic effect in the treatment of retinal diseases associated with angiogenesis such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and the like. A therapeutic agent for a retinal disease, containing a substance specifically inhibiting HIF-1α expression and a substance specifically inhibiting HIF-2α expression. The aforementioned inhibitory substances, which are active ingredients in the therapeutic agent of the present invention, are nucleic acids capable of inducing RNAi, antisense nucleic acids or ribozymes for HIF-1α and HIF-2α, or expression vectors thereof. |
| US08268792B2 |
Use of an active ingredient combination that contains hydroxystilbene for preventing and/or treating diseases
The invention relates to the use of a combination of active ingredients, consisting essentially of rhaponticin and deoxyrhaponticin, their functional derivatives or the stereoisomeric forms thereof, in the form of salts or phenol respectively, for producing an agent for the prevention and/or treatment of diseases, whose occurrence and/or progress is associated with an increased IL-6 serum level and/or whose occurrence and/or progress can be treated by a dose of a selective oestrogen receptor β (ER-β) agonist. |
| US08268791B2 |
Alkylglycoside compositions for drug administration
The present invention provides compositions and methods and for increasing the bioavailability of therapeutic agents in a subject. The compositions include at least one alkyl glycoside and at least one therapeutic agent, wherein the alkylglycoside has an alkyl chain length from about 10 to about 16 carbon atoms. |
| US08268789B2 |
PAR-2 antagonists
Compounds represented by the general formula (1) or salts thereof or solvates of both; PAR-2 antagonists containing the compounds; and preventive or therapeutic agents for PAR-2 related diseases containing the antagonists as the active ingredient: (1) wherein R1 is hydrogen, halogeno, or a group represented by the general formula (2): (wherein R11 is straight-chain or branched C1-6 alkylene or the like; and R12 and R13 together with the nitrogen atom adjacent to them form a 5- to 7-membered ring); R2 is straight-chain or branched C1-6 alkyl or the like; R3 and R4 are each independently hydrogen, one to three halogen atoms, or the like; and A1-A2-A3 is a tripeptide residue composed of α-amino acids each independently selected from the group consisting of glycine, alanine, cyclohexylalanine, and so on. |
| US08268786B2 |
Anti-cancer tocotrienol analogues and associated methods
Compounds are disclosed relating to the treatment of cancer that include tocotrienols and derivatives of tocotrienols including 2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-((3E,7E)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-3,7,11-trienyl)chroman-6-ylphenylsulfonylcarbamate; (R)-2,8-dimethyl-2-((3E,7E)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-3,7,11-trienyl)chroman-6-yl tosylcarbamate; and (R)-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-((3E,7E)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-3,7,11-trienyl)chroman-6-yl benzylcarbamate. Therapeutic uses of these types of compounds are also taught. |
| US08268785B2 |
Use of a Pde 5 inhibitor for treating and preventing hypopigmentary disorders
The invention relates to the use of PDE5 inhibitors, preferably sildenafil or tadalafil, optionally in combination with a further active ingredient, for treating and/or preventing hypopigmentary disorders. |
| US08268780B2 |
Process for solubilizing glucagon-like peptide 1 compounds
Disclosed is a method of preparing a GLP-1 compound that is soluble in aqueous solution at pH 7.4 from a GLP-1 compound that is substantially insoluble in aqueous solution at pH 7.4. The insoluble GLP-1 compound is dissolved in aqueous base or in aqueous acid to form a GLP-1 solution. The GLP-1 solution is then neutralized to a pH at which substantially no amino acid racemization of the GLP-1 compounds occurs, after which the soluble GLP-1 compound is isolated from the neutralized solution. |
| US08268776B2 |
Macrocylic oximyl hepatitis C protease inhibitors
The present invention discloses compounds of formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters, or prodrugs thereof: which inhibit serine protease activity, particularly the activity of hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3-NS4A protease. Consequently, the compounds of the present invention interfere with the life cycle of the hepatitis C virus and are also useful as antiviral agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the aforementioned compounds for administration to a subject suffering from HCV infection. The invention also relates to methods of treating an HCV infection in a subject by administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compounds of the present invention. |
| US08268775B2 |
Macrolactone derivatives
The disclosure relates to compounds of the formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as defined in the disclosure, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; which is formed by the microorganism ST 201196 (DSM 18870); the use thereof for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of fungal disorders; medicaments containing a compound of formula (I); processes for production thereof; and the microorganism ST 201196 (DSM 18870). |
| US08268774B2 |
Method for reducing pain
The present invention is direct to a method of producing analgesia in a mammalian subject. The method includes administering to the subject an omega conopeptide, preferably ziconotide, in combination with an analgesic selected from the group consisting of morphine, bupivacaine, clonidine, hydromorphone, baclofen, fentanyil, buprenorphine, and sufentanil, or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein the ω-conopeptide retains its potency and is physically and chemically compatible with the analgesic compound. A preferred route of administration is intrathecal administration, particularly continuous intrathecal infusion. The present invention is also directed to a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an omega conopeptide, preferably ziconotide, an antioxidant, in combination with an analgesic selected from the group consisting of morphine, bupivacaine, clonidine, hydromorphone, baclofen, fentanyl, buprenorphine, and sufentanil. |
| US08268769B2 |
Composition and method for removing stains from fabrics
An aqueous solution containing a combination of Phosphoric Acid, Emulsifying Wax, Triethlyene Glycol, Cocamido Propyl Beatine, Lauryl Alcohol, EDTA-Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (polyamino carboxylic acid) and Sodium Hydrochloride is applied directly to stains on clothing that are caused by perspiration and/or the interaction of perspiration with commercial antiperspirants containing aluminum compounds. The aqueous solution converts aluminum oxide into a water-soluble phosphate compound that can be washed out when laundering the clothing, thereby effectively removing the stain. |
| US08268767B2 |
Personal wash cleanser comprising defined alkanoyl compounds, defined fatty acyl isethionate surfactant product and skin or hair benefit agent
The present invention relates to super mild surfactant systems used in combination with skin or hair benefit agent(s). Specifically, surfactant systems comprise a combination of specific alkanoyls or mixtures of alkanoyl surfactants with specifically identified fatty acyl isethionate product to provide synergy which reduces irritation (as measured by Patch Testing) so greatly that it is comparable to mildness which normally can be only achieved using very great amounts of benefit agent (e.g., emollient). Use of benefit agent reduces irritation even further. |
| US08268764B2 |
Porous, dissolvable solid substrate and surface resident starch perfume complexes
The present invention relates to personal care compositions, especially those personal care compositions in the form of a personal care article that is a porous dissolvable solid substrate. The porous dissolvable solid substrate has a surface resident coating comprising the starch perfume complex that can provide a consumer benefit. |
| US08268758B2 |
Consolidating emulsions comprising convertible surfactant compositions and methods related thereto
Methods are provided that include a method comprising: providing an emulsified treatment fluid comprising an oleaginous phase, an aqueous phase, a consolidating agent, and an emulsifying agent that comprises at least one convertible surfactant described by a one of the disclosed formulae, and placing the subterranean treatment fluid in a subterranean formation. |
| US08268755B2 |
Oxime ether derivative and fungicide for agricultural and horticultural use
The present invention provides a novel oxime ether derivative represented by the following formula (I), or salt thereof, that can be industrially produced advantageously, and can function as a fungicide for agricultural and horticultural use that has reliable effects and can be used safely, and a fungicide for agricultural and horticultural use that contains at least one of these compounds as an active ingredient thereof. In addition, the present invention provides a novel ketone derivative that is a production intermediate of the oxime ether derivative. |
| US08268753B2 |
2-substituted-6-amino-5-alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acids and 6-substituted-4-amino-3-alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl picolinic aids and their use as herbicides
6-Amino-4-pyrimidinecarboxylic acids having alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl substituents in the 5-position and 4-aminopicolinic acids having alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl substituents in the 3-position, and their amine and acid derivatives, are potent herbicides demonstrating a broad spectrum of weed control. |
| US08268752B2 |
Herbicides containing substituted thien-3-yl-sulphonylamino(thio)carbonyl-triazolin(ethi)ones
The invention relates to herbicidal compositions, their preparation, and their use for controlling unwanted vegetation. The compositions include an effective amount of an active compound combination that includes:(a) a substituted thien-3-yl-sulphonylaminocarbonyltriazolinone of formula (I-2) or salts thereof; and (b) at least one of the known herbicides listed in the disclosure and, (c) optionally a safener. |
| US08268747B2 |
Safening penoxsulam herbicide injury in water-seeded, direct-seeded and transplanted paddy rice
Clomazone safens rice from the slight amounts of damage caused by penoxsulam at concentrations required to adequately control undesirable vegetation. |
| US08268743B2 |
Pluggage removal method for SCR catalysts and systems
The present disclosure relates to methods for treating an SCR catalyst or components of an SCR system having a decreased NOx potential efficiency as a result of particulate pluggage in the system or in one or more channels in the SCR catalyst which renders at least a portion of the catalytic active areas inaccessible for the flue gas. The methods include removal of the particulates and plug(s) using a blasting stream of a pressurized carrier gas having a particulate blasting medium directed at the SCR catalyst or component of an SCR system. |
| US08268742B2 |
Highly zirconia-based refractory and melting furnace
A highly zirconia-based refractory suitable for an electric melting furnace, which has a high electrical resistivity and does not exhibit a chipping off phenomenon and which is scarcely susceptible to extraction of components even when in contact with molten low alkali glass and, hence, is less susceptible to cracking during operation. The highly zirconia-based refractory that includes, as chemical components by mass %, from 85 to 95% of ZrO2 in terms of inner percentage, from 3.0 to 10% of SiO2 in terms of inner percentage, from 0.85 to 3.0% of Al2O3 in terms of inner percentage, substantially no Na2O, from 0.01 to 0.5% of K2O in terms of outer percentage, from 1.5 to 3.0% of SrO in terms of inner percentage, and from 0.1 to 2.0% of Nb2O5 and/or Ta2O5 as a value obtained by [(Nb2O5 content)+(Ta2O5 content/1.66)], in terms of inner percentage. |
| US08268740B2 |
Halide free glasses having low OH, OD concentrations
A fused silica glass having a refractive index homogeneity of less or equal to about 5 ppm over an aperture area of at least about 50 cm2. The fused silica glass is also substantially free of halogens and has an adsorption edge of less than about 160 nm. The glass is dried by exposing a silica soot blank to carbon monoxide before consolidation, reducing the combined concentration of hydroxyl (i.e., OH, where H is protium (11H) and deuteroxyl (OD), where D is deuterium (12H)) of less than about 20 ppm by weight in one embodiment, less than about 5 ppm by weight in another embodiment, and less than about 1 ppm by weight in a third embodiment. |
| US08268739B2 |
X-ray opaque barium-free glasses and uses thereof
Zirconium-containing BaO- and PbO-free X-ray opaque glasses having a refractive index nd of about 1.57 to about 1.61 and a high X-ray opacity with an aluminum equivalent thickness of at least about 400% are provided. Such glasses are based on a SiO2—Al2O3—La2O3—ZrO2—Cs2O system with additions of Li2O, Na2O, ZnO and/or Ta2O5. Such glasses may be used, in particular, as dental glasses or as optical glasses. |
| US08268733B2 |
Localized anneal
A method of forming a device is presented. The method includes providing a wafer having an active surface and dividing the wafer into a plurality of portions. The wafer is selectively processed by localized heating of a first of the plurality of portions. The wafer is then repeatedly selectively processed by localized heating of a next of the plurality of portions until all plurality of portions have been selectively processed. |
| US08268731B2 |
Semiconductor device producing method, substrate producing method and substrate processing apparatus
Disclosed is a producing method of a semiconductor device, including: loading a substrate into a reaction tube; oxidizing the substrate under an atmospheric pressure by supplying a plurality of kinds of gases which react with each other and an inert gas into the reaction tube; and unloading, from the reaction tube, the substrate after the oxidizing, wherein in the oxidizing, a flow rate of the inert gas is varied in accordance with a variation of the atmospheric pressure to keep constant a partial pressure of an oxidizing gas or partial pressures of oxidizing gases in the reaction tube, and the flow rate of the inert gas is calculated based on a pre-calculated flow rate of a gas or pre-calculated flow rates of gases produced by reaction of the plurality of gases and a pre-calculated flow rate of a gas which is not consumed by the reaction and which remains or pre-calculated flow rates of gases which are not consumed by the reaction and which remain. |
| US08268725B2 |
Horizontal coffee-stain method using control structure to pattern self-organized line structures
A modified coffee-stain method for producing self-organized line structures and other very fine features that involves disposing a solution puddle on a target substrate, and then controlling the peripheral boundary shape of the puddle using a control structure that contacts the puddle's upper surface. The solution is made up of a fine particle solute dispersed in a liquid solvent wets and becomes pinned to both the target substrate and the control structure. The solvent is then caused to evaporate at a predetermined rate such that a portion of the solute forms a self-organized “coffee-stain” line structure on the target substrate surface that is contacted by the peripheral puddle boundary. The target structure is optionally periodically raised to generate parallel lines that are subsequently processed to form, e.g., TFTs for large-area electronic devices. |
| US08268723B2 |
Methods for forming semiconductor device structures
The present invention relates to methods for forming through-wafer interconnects in semiconductor substrates and the resulting structures. In one embodiment, a method for forming a through-wafer interconnect includes providing a substrate having a pad on a surface thereof, depositing a passivation layer over the pad and the surface of the substrate, and forming an aperture through the passivation layer and the pad using a substantially continuous process. An insulative layer is deposited in the aperture followed by a conductive layer and a conductive fill. In another embodiment of the invention, a semiconductor device is formed including a first interconnect structure that extends through a conductive pad and is electrically coupled with the conductive pad while a second interconnect structure is formed through another conductive pad while being electrically isolated therefrom. Semiconductor devices and assemblies produced with the methods are also disclosed. |
| US08268722B2 |
Interfacial capping layers for interconnects
Adhesive layers residing at an interface between metal lines and dielectric diffusion barrier (or etch stop) layers are used to improve electromigration performance of interconnects. Adhesion layers are formed by depositing a precursor layer of metal-containing material (e.g., material containing Al, Ti, Ca, Mg, etc.) over an exposed copper line, and converting the precursor layer to a passivated layer (e.g., nitridized layer). For example, a substrate containing exposed copper line having exposed Cu—O bonds is contacted with trimethylaluminum to form a precursor layer having Al—O bonds and Al—C bonds on copper surface. The precursor layer is then treated to remove residual organic substituents and to form Al—N, Al—H bonds or both. The treatment can include direct plasma treatment, remote plasma treatment, UV-treatment, and thermal treatment with a gas such as NH3, H2, N2, and mixtures thereof. A dielectric diffusion barrier layer is then deposited. |
| US08268720B2 |
Method of positioning catalyst nanoparticle and nanowire-based device employing same
A method of positioning a catalyst nanoparticle that facilitates nanowire growth for nanowire-based device fabrication employs a structure having a vertical sidewall formed on a substrate. The methods include forming the structure, forming a targeted region in a surface of either the structure or the substrate, and forming a catalyst nanoparticle in the targeted region using one of a variety of techniques. The techniques control the position of the catalyst nanoparticle for subsequent nanowire growth. A resonant sensor system includes a nanowire-based resonant sensor and means for accessing the nanowire. The sensor includes an electrode and a nanowire resonator. The electrode is electrically isolated from the substrate. One or more of the substrate is electrically conductive, the nanowire resonator is electrically conductive, and the sensor further comprises another electrode. The nanowire resonator responds to an environmental change by displaying a change in oscillatory behavior. |
| US08268719B2 |
Sprocket opening alignment process and apparatus for multilayer solder decal
A process for aligning at least two layers in an abutting relationship with each other comprises forming a plurality of sprocket openings in each of the layers for receiving a sprocket of diminishing diameters as the sprocket extends outwardly from a base, with the center axes of the sprocket openings in each layer being substantially alignable with one another, the diameter of the sprocket openings in an abutting layer for first receiving the sprocket being greater than the diameter of the sprocket openings in an abutted layer. This is followed by forming a plurality of reservoir openings in each of at least two of the layers and positioning the sprocket openings in the layers to correspond with one another and the reservoir openings in the layers to correspond with one another so that substantial alignment of the center axes of the corresponding sprocket openings in the layers effects substantial alignment of the center axes of the corresponding reservoir openings in the layers. Engaging the sprocket openings with the sprocket by inserting the end of the sprocket having the smallest diameter into the sprocket openings having the largest diameter in the layers and continuing through to the sprocket opening having the smallest diameter in the layers effects substantial alignment of the center axes of the corresponding sprocket openings and substantial alignment of the center axes of the corresponding reservoir openings in the layers. The invention also comprises apparatus for performing this process. |
| US08268718B2 |
Bonded structure and manufacturing method for bonded structure
A manufacturing method for a bonded structure, in which a semiconductor device is bonded to an electrode by a bonding portion, the method including: first mounting a solder ball, in which a surface of a Bi ball is coated with Ni plating, on the electrode that is heated to a temperature equal to or more than a melting point of Bi; second pressing the solder ball against the heated electrode, cracking the Ni plating, spreading molten Bi on a surface of the heated electrode, and forming a bonding material containing Bi-based intermetallic compound of Bi and Ni; and third mounting the semiconductor device on the bonding material. |
| US08268714B2 |
Method for fabricating solar cell using inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition
In one example, a method for fabricating a solar cell comprising a first electrode, a first-type layer, an intrinsic layer, a second-type layer and a second electrode is disclosed. The method comprising forming a second-type layer including an amorphous silicon (Si) carbide thin film by an inductively coupled plasma chemical vapor deposition (ICP-CVD) device using mixed gas including hydrogen (H2) gas, silane (SiH4) gas, diborane (B2H6) and ethylene (C2H4) gas, wherein the ethylene (C2H4) gas includes 60% hydrogen gas diluted ethylene gas, the diborane gas is 97% hydrogen gas diluted diborane gas, the mixed gas includes 1 to 1.2% ethylene gas and 6 to 6.5% diborane gas. |
| US08268713B2 |
Method of manufacturing nonvolatile memory device
A method of manufacturing a nonvolatile memory device having a laminated structure in which a first magnetic material layer, a tunnel insulator film, and a second magnetic material layer are sequentially laminated, in which information is stored when an electric resistance value changes depending on a magnetization reversal state is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: sequentially forming the first magnetic material layer, the tunnel insulator film, and the second magnetic material layer; forming a mask layer on the second magnetic material layer; oxidizing a part uncovered by the mask layer of the second magnetic material layer; and reducing the oxidized part of the second magnetic material layer. |
| US08268712B2 |
Method of forming metal gate structure and method of forming metal gate transistor
A method of forming metal gate transistor includes providing a substrate; forming a gate dielectric layer, a work function metal layer and a polysilicon layer stacked on the substrate; forming a hard mask and a patterned photoresist on the polysilicon layer; removing the patterned photoresist, and next utilizing the hard mask as an etching mask to remove parts of the polysilicon layer and parts of the work function metal layer. Thus, a gate stack is formed. Since the patterned photoresist is removed before forming the gate stack, the gate stack is protected from damages of the photoresist-removing process. The photoresist-removing process does not attack the sidewalls of the gate stack, so a bird's beak effect of the gate dielectric layer is prevent. |
| US08268709B2 |
Independently accessed double-gate and tri-gate transistors in same process flow
A method for fabricating double-gate and tri-gate transistors in the same process flow is described. In one embodiment, a sacrificial layer is formed over stacks that include semiconductor bodies and insulative members. The sacrificial layer is planarized prior to forming gate-defining members. After forming the gate-defining members, remaining insulative member portions are removed from above the semiconductor body of the tri-gate device but not the I-gate device. This facilitates the formation of metallization on three sides of the tri-gate device, and the formation of independent gates for the I-gate device. |
| US08268707B2 |
Gallium nitride for liquid crystal electrodes
Described herein is a liquid crystal (LC) device having Gallium Nitride HEMT electrodes. The Gallium Nitride HEMT electrodes can be grown on a variety of substrates, including but not limited to sapphire, silicon carbide, silicon, fused silica (using a calcium fluoride buffer layer), and spinel. Also described is a structure provided from GaN HEMT grown on large area silicon substrates and transferred to another substrate with appropriate properties for OPA devices. Such substrates include, but are not limited to sapphire, silicon carbide, silicon, fused silica (using a calcium fluoride buffer layer), and spinel. The GaN HEMT structure includes an AlN interlayer for improving the mobility of the structure. |
| US08268706B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing method
A method for fabricating a semiconductor device according to the present invention includes the steps of: growing a p-type gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor layer by performing a metalorganic chemical vapor deposition process in a heated atmosphere so that the crystal-growing plane of the semiconductor layer is an m plane (Step S13); and cooling the p-type gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor layer (Step S14) after the step of growing has been carried out. The step of growing includes supplying hydrogen gas to a reaction chamber in which the p-type gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor layer is grown. The step of cooling includes cooling the p-type gallium nitride-based compound semiconductor layer with the supply of the hydrogen gas to the reaction chamber cut off. |
| US08268700B2 |
Method for manufacturing SOI wafer
There is disclosed a method for manufacturing an SOI wafer comprising at least: implanting a hydrogen ion, a rare gas ion, or both the ions into a donor wafer formed of a silicon wafer or a silicon wafer having an oxide film formed on a surface thereof from a surface of the donor wafer, thereby forming an ion implanted layer; performing a plasma activation treatment with respect to at least one of an ion implanted surface of the donor wafer and a surface of a handle wafer, the surface of the handle wafer is to be bonded to the ion implanted surface; closely bonding these surfaces to each other; mechanically delaminating the donor wafer at the ion implanted layer as a boundary and thereby reducing a film thickness thereof to provide an SOI layer, and performing a heat treatment at 600 to 1000° C.; and polishing a surface of the SOI layer for 10 to 50 nm based on chemical mechanical polishing.A method for manufacturing with excellent productivity an SOI wafer having an SOI layer with a mirror-finished surface and high film thickness uniformity can be provided. |
| US08268698B2 |
Formation of improved SOI substrates using bulk semiconductor wafers
The present invention relates to a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate having one or more device regions. Each device region comprises at least a base semiconductor substrate layer and a semiconductor device layer with a buried insulator layer located therebetween, while the semiconductor device layer is supported by one or more vertical insulating pillars. The vertical insulating pillars each preferably has a ledge extending between the base semiconductor substrate layer and the semiconductor device layer. The SOI substrates of the present invention can be readily formed from a precursor substrate structure with a “floating” semiconductor device layer that is spaced apart from the base semiconductor substrate layer by an air gap and is supported by one or more vertical insulating pillars. The air gap is preferably formed by selective removal of a sacrificial layer located between the base semiconductor substrate layer and the semiconductor device layer. |
| US08268696B2 |
Alignment mark for opaque layer
An IC alignment mark in a contact metal layer for use under an opaque layer, and a process for forming the alignment mark, are disclosed. The alignment mark includes contact metal fields, each several microns wide, with an array of PMD pillars in the interior, formed during contact etch, contact metal deposition and selective contact metal removal processes. The pillars are arrayed such that all exposed surfaces of the contact metal are planar. One configuration is a rectangular array in which every other row is laterally offset by one-half of the column spacing. Horizontal dimensions of the pillars are selected to maximize the contact metal fill factor, while providing sufficient adhesion to the underlying substrate during processing. The contact metal is at least 15 nanometers lower than the PMD layer surrounding the alignment mark, as a result of the contact metal removal process. |
| US08268692B2 |
Non-volatile memory cell devices and methods
A method of fabricating a memory cell including forming nanodots over a first dielectric layer and forming an intergate dielectric layer over the nanodots, where the intergate dielectric layer encases the nanodots. To form sidewalls of the memory cell, a portion of the intergate dielectric layer is removed with a dry etch, where the sidewalls include a location where a nanodot has been deposited. A spacing layer is formed over the sidewalls to cover the location where a nanodot has been deposited and the remaining portion of the intergate dielectric layer and the nanodots can be removed with an etch selective to the intergate dielectric layer. |
| US08268688B2 |
Production of VDMOS-transistors having optimized gate contact
A method for producing VDMOS transistors in which a specific layer arrangement and a specific method sequence allow setting up an improved gate contact when simultaneously producing source and gate contacts using a single contact hole mask (photo mask). |
| US08268687B2 |
Three-dimensional semiconductor memory device and method of fabricating the same
An embodiment is directed to a method of fabricating a semiconductor memory device, the method including preparing a substrate having a cell array region and a contact region, forming a thin film structure on the substrate, including forming sacrificial film patterns isolated horizontally by a lower isolation region, the lower isolation region traversing the cell array region and the contact region, and forming sacrificial films sequentially stacked on the sacrificial film patterns, and forming an opening that penetrates the thin film structure to expose the lower isolation region of the cell array region, the opening being restrictively formed in the cell array region. |
| US08268683B2 |
Method for reducing interfacial layer thickness for high-K and metal gate stack
A method for reducing interfacial layer (IL) thickness for high-k dielectrics and metal gate stack is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes forming an interfacial layer on a semiconductor substrate, etching back the interfacial layer, depositing a high-k dielectric material over the interfacial layer, and forming a metal gate over the high-k dielectric material. The IL can be chemical oxide, ozonated oxide, thermal oxide, or formed by ultraviolet ozone (UVO) oxidation process from chemical oxide, etc. The etching back of IL can be performed by a Diluted HF (DHF) process, a vapor HF process, or any other suitable process. The method can further include performing UV curing or low thermal budget annealing on the interfacial layer before depositing the high-k dielectric material. |
| US08268682B2 |
Method for manufacturing a semiconductor integrated circuit device
When a natural oxide film is left at the interface between a metal silicide layer and a silicon nitride film, in various heating steps (steps involving heating of a semiconductor substrate, such as various insulation film and conductive film deposition steps) after deposition of the silicon nitride film, the metal silicide layer partially abnormally grows due to oxygen of the natural oxide film occurring on the metal silicide layer surface. A substantially non-bias (including low bias) plasma treatment is performed in a gas atmosphere containing an inert gas as a main component on the top surface of a metal silicide film of nickel silicide or the like over source/drain of a field-effect transistor forming an integrated circuit. Then, a silicon nitride film serving as an etching stop film of a contact process is deposited. As a result, without causing undesirable cutting of the metal silicide film, the natural oxide film over the top surface of the metal silicide film can be removed. |
| US08268681B2 |
Display substrate and method of manufacturing the same
A display substrate includes a driving element, a switching element, a gate line, a data line, a driving voltage line and an electroluminescent element. The driving element includes a driving control electrode formed from a first conductive layer, and a driving input electrode and a driving output electrode formed from a second conductive layer. The switching element includes a switching control electrode formed from the second conductive layer, and a switching input electrode and a switching output electrode formed from a third conductive layer. The gate and data lines are formed from the second and third conductive layers, respectively. The driving voltage line is formed from the third conductive layer. Thus, misalignment between upper and lower patterns may be prevented to improve the reliability of a manufacturing process and increase an aperture ratio, thereby enhancing display quality. |
| US08268678B2 |
Diode array and method of making thereof
A method of making a non-volatile memory device includes providing a substrate having a substrate surface, and forming a non-volatile memory array over the substrate surface. The non-volatile memory array includes an array of semiconductor diodes, and each semiconductor diode of the array of semiconductor diodes is disposed substantially parallel to the substrate surface. |
| US08268675B2 |
Passivation layer for semiconductor device packaging
Methods of protecting a surface of a copper layer or a copper bonding pad on a semiconductor device against oxidation. A surface of the layer or bonding pad is cleaned by removing an oxidation layer with a plasma. A polymer layer is formed on the cleaned surface of the layer using a plasma-enhanced deposition process to protect the cleaned surface of the layer against exposure to an oxidizing gas. |
| US08268673B2 |
Stacked electronic component and manufacturing method thereof
A stacked electronic component comprises a first electronic component adhered on a substrate via a first adhesive layer, and a second electronic component adhered by using a second adhesive layer thereon. The second adhesive layer has a two-layer structure formed by a same material and having different modulus of elasticity. The second adhesive layer of the two-layer structure has a first layer disposed at the first electronic component side and a second layer disposed at the second electronic component side. The first layer softens or melts at an adhesive temperature. The second layer maintains a layered shape at the adhesive temperature. According to the stacked electronic component, occurrences of an insulation failure and a short circuiting are prevented, and in addition, a peeling failure between the electronic components, an increase of a manufacturing cost, and so on, can be suppressed. |
| US08268665B2 |
Antimony and germanium complexes useful for CVD/ALD of metal thin films
Antimony, germanium and tellurium precursors useful for CVD/ALD of corresponding metal-containing thin films are described, along with compositions including such precursors, methods of making such precursors, and films and microelectronic device products manufactured using such precursors, as well as corresponding manufacturing methods. The precursors of the invention are useful for forming germanium-antimony-tellurium (GST) films and microelectronic device products, such as phase change memory devices, including such films. |
| US08268663B2 |
Annealing of semi-insulating CdZnTe crystals
In a method of annealing a Cd1-xZnxTe sample/wafer, surface contamination is removed from the sample/wafer and the sample/wafer is then introduced into a chamber. The chamber is evacuated and Hydrogen or Deuterium gas is introduced into the evacuated chamber. The sample/wafer is heated to a suitable annealing temperature in the presence of the Hydrogen or Deuterium gas for a predetermined period of time. |
| US08268660B2 |
Process for fabricating micromachine
A method for manufacturing a micromachine is provided which can remove a sacrifice layer and can perform sealing without using a specific packaging technique. In a method for manufacturing a micromachine (1) including an oscillator (4), a step of forming a sacrifice layer around a movable portion of the oscillator (4); a step of covering a sacrifice layer with an overcoat film (8), followed by the formation of a penetrating hole (10) reaching the sacrifice layer in the overcoat layer (8); a step of performing sacrifice-layer etching for removing the sacrifice layer using the penetrating hole (10) in order to form a space around the movable portion; and a step of performing a film-formation treatment at a reduced pressure following the sacrifice-layer etching so as to seal the penetrating hole (10). |
| US08268658B2 |
Light emitting diode and method for making same
A light emitting diode includes a substrate, a number of light emitting units formed on the substrate, and an insulating layer. Each light emitting unit includes a first electrode layer, a number of light emitting nanowires and a second electrode layer. Each light emitting nanowire includes a zinc-oxide-nanowire buffering segment extending from the first electrode layer, an N-type gallium nitride nanowire segment and a P-type gallium nitride nanowire segment. The N-type gallium nitride nanowire segment is interconnected between the zinc-oxide-nanowire buffering segment and the P-type gallium nitride nanowire segment. The P-type gallium nitride nanowire segment has a distal portion embedded in the second electrode layer. The insulating layer is formed on the substrate and the first electrode layer. The light emitting nanowires is embedded in the insulating layer and insulated from each other. |
| US08268655B2 |
Method for fabricating flexible display device
A method for fabricating flexible display device includes the following steps. Firstly, a rigid substrate is provided. Secondly, a sacrificing layer is formed on the rigid substrate. Thirdly, an element layer is formed on the sacrificing layer. Fourthly, the sacrificing layer is etched by a gas and then gasified, so that the element layer is separated from the rigid substrate. Then, the element layer is adhered to a flexible substrate. Because products generated by the sacrificing layer reacting with the gas are gases, the products can be removed by air exhaust for simplifying process. Thus, the cost of the process of fabricating flexible display device can be decreased. |
| US08268654B2 |
Method for manufacturing LCD with reduced mask count
The number of photomasks is reduced in a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device which operates in a fringe field switching mode, whereby a manufacturing process is simplified and manufacturing cost is reduced. A first transparent conductive film and a first metal film are sequentially stacked over a light-transmitting insulating substrate; the first transparent conductive film and the first metal film are shaped using a multi-tone mask which is a first photomask; an insulating film, a first semiconductor film, a second semiconductor film, and a second metal film are sequentially stacked; the second metal film and the second semiconductor film are shaped using a multi-tone mask which is a second photomask; a protective film is formed; the protective film is shaped using a third photomask; a second transparent conductive film is formed; and the second transparent conductive film is shaped using a fourth photomask. |
| US08268651B2 |
Manufacturing method of light emitting diode package
The invention provides a side-view LED having an LED window opened to a side to emit light sideward. A pair of lead frames each act as a terminal. An LED chip is attached to a portion of the lead frame and electrically connected thereto. A package body houses the lead frames and has a concave formed around the LED chip. Also, a high reflective metal layer is formed integrally on a wall of the concave. A transparent encapsulant is filled in the concave to encapsulate the LED chip, while forming the LED window. In addition, an insulating layer is formed on a predetermined area of the lead frames so that the lead frames are insulated from the high reflective metal layer. The side-view LED of the invention enhances light efficiency and heat release efficiency with an improved side-wall reflection structure. |
| US08268649B2 |
Disk laser including an amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) suppression feature
A laser system may include a first portion of laser host material adapted for amplification of laser radiation and a second portion of laser host material surrounding the first portion which may be adapted for suppression of ASE. The first portion of laser host material and the second portion of laser host material may be respectively doped at a different predetermined concentration of laser ions. A heat exchanger may be provided to dissipate heat from the first portion and the second portion. |
| US08268645B2 |
Method and apparatus for forming a thin lamina
A method for producing a lamina from a donor body includes implanting the donor body with an ion dosage and heating the donor body to an implant temperature during implanting. The donor body is separably contacted with a susceptor assembly, where the donor body and the susceptor assembly are in direct contact. A lamina is exfoliated from the donor body by applying a thermal profile to the donor body. Implantation and exfoliation conditions may be adjusted in order to maximize the defect-free area of the lamina. |
| US08268641B2 |
Spin transfer MRAM device with novel magnetic synthetic free layer
A method of forming a CPP MTJ MRAM element that utilizes transfer of spin angular momentum as a mechanism for changing the magnetic moment direction of a free layer. The device includes a tunneling barrier layer of MgO and a non-magnetic CPP layer of Cu or Cr and utilizes a novel synthetic free layer having three ferromagnetic layers mutually exchange coupled in pairwise configurations. The free layer comprises an inner ferromagnetic and two outer ferromagnetic layers, with the inner layer being ferromagnetically exchange coupled to one outer layer and anti-ferromagnetically exchange coupled to the other outer layer. The ferromagnetic coupling is very strong across an ultra-thin layer of Ta, Hf or Zr of thickness preferably less than 0.4 nm. |
| US08268638B2 |
Methods and apparatuses for detecting analytes in biological fluid of an animal
Methods and devices for detecting an analyte are provided. An analyte binding molecule is fixed to a nanoparticle to form a nanoparticle complex. The analyte binding molecule is capable of binding an analyte. The nanoparticle complex is introduced into one of a circulatory system of an animal or biological fluid of the animal. The analyte is allowed to bind to the nanoparticle complex. The analyte bound nanoparticle complex can be extracted and the presence of the analyte can be detected. |
| US08268635B2 |
Methods of identifying agents that selectively activate p38 and/or NKkB signaling
The present invention relates to a method of selectively modulating a signalling pathway of interest controlled by a cell receptor involved in signalling through multiple pathways. The method includes exposing the receptor to an agent that modulates signalling by the receptor through the signalling pathway of interest and does not substantially modulate signalling through one or more other signalling pathways controlled by the receptor. |
| US08268634B2 |
Fluid sample collecting and analyzing apparatus and method
A spongy swab (16) is mounted against the distal face (15) of a piston (14) at the end of a push-rod (12). Once humected with a sample fluid, the swab and piston assembly is inserted into a tubular body (30) like the plunger of a syringe. As the swab is pushed and squeezed against the distal end (20) of the body up to a trippable stop, part of the fluid is excreted into a chromatographic immunoassay testing device (21) through a first aperture (19) in a distal section of the body. The remainder of the sample is kept in a sealed chamber (7) between the piston and the end wall of the tubular body until it is excreted through a second aperture (23) for a secondary test by pushing the piston beyond the trippable stop. That preserves the sample within the spongy swab that has been used to collect it; thus preventing the adsorption of the analytes on the surfaces of the sealed chamber, and to provide a convenient and rapid way to extract the remainder of the specimen in a syringe-like manner. |
| US08268633B2 |
Microfluidic devices for the controlled manipulation of small volumes
A method for conducting a broad range of biochemical analyses or manipulations on a series of nano- to subnanoliter reaction volumes and an apparatus for carrying out the same are disclosed. The invention is implemented on a fluidic microchip to provide high serial throughput. In particular, the disclosed device is a microfabricated channel device that can manipulate nanoliter or subnanoliter reaction volumes in a controlled manner to produce results at rates of 1 to 10 Hz per channel. The reaction volumes are manipulated in serial fashion analogous to a digital shift register. The invention has application to such problems as screening molecular or cellular targets using single beads from split-synthesis combinatorial libraries, screening single cells for RNA or protein expression, genetic diagnostic screening at the single cell level, or performing single cell signal transduction studies. |
| US08268632B2 |
Method and device for recording process paramaters of reaction fluids in several agitated microreactors
The invention relates to a method and a device for the recording of process parameters of reaction fluids in several microreactors which are continuously agitated, at least until the termination of the reaction in all the microreactors. The process parameters in the microreactor are recorded during the reaction by means of at least one sensor optical system. According to the invention, the reliability of the method may be increased, whereby, during the recording of the value of a process parameter, for example, on recording an instantaneous value of the auto-fluorescence of the reaction fluids, the sensor optical system is held stationary. The relative movement of the agitated microreactor and each sensor optical system thus produced is not problematical when the electromagnetic radiation from each sensor optical system is introduced exclusively into one of the microreactors concerned during the recording of the process parameter in said microreactor and the radiation emitted from the reaction fluid is only incident on the sensor of the corresponding sensor optical system. |
| US08268624B2 |
System and method for determining acid content in lubricants
A system and method of characterizing an at least partially hydrophobic sample. The method includes providing an ethanolic solution of ethanol and sodium hydrogen cyanamide, adding a first portion of the ethanolic solution to a sample to produce a reagent-sample mixture, performing infrared spectroscopic testing of the reagent-sample mixture to generate mixture absorption data representing at least one absorption characteristic of the reagent-sample mixture, and generating acidity data for the sample based on the mixture data. The system includes a cell for holding and evaluating a sample which is mixed with an ethanolic solution to create a reagent-sample mixture, an infrared spectrometer for measuring light absorption characteristics of the reagent-sample mixture, and a computer equipped with software for analyzing data outputted by the infrared spectrometer and utilizing an empirical model to derive at least one universal calibration equation relating data representing the light absorption characteristics of the reagent-sample mixture to acidity of the sample. |
| US08268622B2 |
EPSPS mutants
The present invention relates to the production of a non-transgenic plant resistant or tolerant to a herbicide of the phosphonomethylglycine family, e.g., glyphosate. The present invention also relates to the use of a recombinagenic oligonucleobase to make a desired mutation in the chromosomal or episomal sequences of a plant in the gene encoding for 5-enol pyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS). The mutated protein, which substantially maintains the catalytic activity of the wild-type protein, allows for increased resistance or tolerance of the plant to a herbicide of the phosphonomethylglycine family, and allows for the substantially normal growth or development of the plant, its organs, tissues or cells as compared to the wild-type plant irrespective of the presence or absence of the herbicide. Additionally the present invention relates to mutant E. coli cells that contain mutated EPSPS genes. |
| US08268619B2 |
Method for the isolation and expansion of cardiac stem cells from biopsy
Method for the isolation, expansion and preservation of cardiac stem cells from human or animal tissue biopsy samples to be employed in cell transplantation and functional repair of the myocardium or other organs. Cells may also be used in gene therapy for treating genetic cardiomyopathies, for treating ischemic heart diseases and for setting in vitro models to study drugs. |
| US08268617B2 |
Anti-IGF-I receptor antibodies, DNAs, vectors, host cells and genetic constructs
DNAs, vectors, host cells and genetic constructs of antibodies, humanized antibodies, resurfaced antibodies, antibody fragments, derivatized antibodies, and conjugates of these molecules with cytotoxic agents, which specifically bind to and inhibit insulin-like growth factor-I receptor, antagonize the effects of IGF-I and are substantially devoid of agonist activity toward the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor. These molecules can be conjugated to cytotoxic agents for use in the treatment of tumors that express elevated levels of IGF-I receptor, such as breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, ovarian carcinoma, synovial sarcoma and pancreatic cancer. These molecules can also be labeled for in vitro and in vivo diagnostic uses, such as in the diagnosis and imaging of tumors that express elevated levels of IGF-I receptor. |
| US08268615B2 |
Expression, purification and uses of a plasmodium falciparum liver stage antigen 1 polypeptide
In this application is described the expression and purification of a recombinant Plasmodium falciparum (3D7) LSA-NRC polypeptide. The method of the present invention produces a highly purified polypeptide which is useful as a vaccine and as a diagnostic reagent. |
| US08268614B2 |
Method for assaying cell movement
The present invention relates to the field of assays of cell movement. In particular, the present invention provides methods for assaying cell movement where inserts are used to confine cells to a defined area in a well of a multiwell plate and movement from the defined area is assayed. |
| US08268613B2 |
Surface plasmon resonance measuring chip and method of manufacture thereof
A surface plasmon resonance measuring apparatus is provided with a dielectric block, a metal film formed on a surface of the dielectric block, a light source for emitting a light beam, an optical system for making the light beam enter the dielectric block at various angles of incidence so that a condition for total internal reflection is satisfied at an interface between the dielectric block and the thin film layer, and a photodetector for detecting the intensity of the light beam satisfying total internal reflection at the interface. In the measurement chip to be utilized in the surface plasmon resonance measuring apparatus, the dielectric block is formed from a synthetic resin in which, when said light beam is p-polarized outside said dielectric block and then strikes the interface, the intensity of a s-polarized component at the interface is 50% or less of the intensity of the light beam at the interface. |
| US08268609B2 |
Production of sialylated N-glycans in lower eukaryotes
The present invention relates to eukaryotic host cells which have been modified to produce sialylated glycoproteins by the heterologous expression of a set of glycosyltransferases, including sialyltransferase and/or trans-sialidase, to become host-strains for the production of mammalian, e.g., human therapeutic glycoproteins. Novel eukaryotic host cells expressing a CMP-sialic acid biosynthetic pathway for the production of sialylated glycoproteins are also provided. The invention provides nucleic acid molecules and combinatorial libraries which can be used to successfully target and express mammalian enzymatic activities (such as those involved in sialylation) to intracellular compartments in a eukaryotic host cell. The process provides an engineered host cell which can be used to express and target any desirable gene(s) involved in glycosylation. |
| US08268608B2 |
Method of treating biomass, compost, mulching material for livestock and agent for treating biomass
The present invention provides a method of treating biomass that reduces water-polluting substances, suppresses the production of malodorous gases and greenhouse gases, decreases the nitrogen content in the compost or livestock bedding thus prepared, and furthermore, easily treats nitrogen-containing biomass in a short time at high temperature. The present invention also provides compost and livestock bedding produced by the method and a biomass treating agent. The method of treating biomass includes blending, with nitrogen-containing biomass, a Geobacillus microorganism having denitrification capability and a fermentation promoter that promotes the fermentation of the nitrogen-containing biomass by the Geobacillus microorganism. |
| US08268606B2 |
Polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US08268600B2 |
Strain and a novel process for ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass at high temperature
The present invention relates to a novel thermophilic ethanol producing yeast strain, a microorganism, Kluyveromyces sp. IIPE453 MTCC 5314, classified as yeast, which exhibits growth and sugar fermentation at higher temperature range between 37° C. to 55° C. The novel yeast strain is capable of utilizing wide range of mono and di-saccharide sugars belongs to hexose and pentose carbohydrate family individually or in a mixture that obtained from hydrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass, such as sugarcane bagasse or starch based biomass such as cassava, potato, corn etc. for its growth and produce ethanol by fermentation process at temperature range 40° C. to 55° C. It also relates to a novel process for the preparation of ethanol by Kluyveromyces species IIPE453. Thus application of thermophilic yeast strain Kluyveromyces sp. IIPE453 MTCC 5314 has wide scope for industrial production of bioethanol from low cost renewable biomass as alternate feedstock to molasses. |
| US08268599B2 |
Method for producing a fatty alcohol or fatty aldehyde
Compositions and methods for producing hydrocarbons such as aldehydes, alkanes, and alkenes are described herein. Certain hydrocarbons can be used in biofuels. |
| US08268594B2 |
pyrC as a selection marker in Escherichia coli
The present invention relates to a method of producing a recombinant protein comprising using a selection method other than antibiotics. In particular, it relates to a stable host/vector system based on the pyrC gene complementation designed to produce high level of heterologous recombinant protein in Escherichia coli. The expression system of the present invention allows rapid selection of plasmid containing cells during the cloning phases and lead to high protein expression during fermentation. This system has a strong selective efficiency, especially during the induction phase, leading to the selection of an almost homogeneous and stable plasmid bearing cell population. Moreover the productivity of the culture is to a large extent better than the one based on antibiotic resistance. This elevated vector stability combined with its high productivity fulfils the requirements for heterologous protein production in Escherichia coli to an industrial level. |
| US08268587B2 |
Immunosuppressive polypeptides and nucleic acids
The invention provides immunosuppressive polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides. In one aspect, the invention provides mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides and nucleic acids encoding mutant CTLA-4 polypeptides. Compositions and methods for utilizing such polypeptides and nucleic acids are also provided. |
| US08268582B2 |
Methods of synthesizing heteromultimeric polypeptides in yeast using a haploid mating strategy
Methods are provided for the synthesis and secretion of recombinant hetero-multimeric proteins in mating competent yeast. A first expression vector is transformed into a first haploid cell; and a second expression vector is transformed into a second haploid cell. The transformed haploid cells, each individually synthesizing a non-identical polypeptide, are identified and then genetically crossed or fused. The resulting diploid strains are utilized to produce and secrete fully assembled and biologically functional hetero-multimeric protein. |
| US08268578B2 |
Method of bioassaying yokukansan
To find out an in-vitro bioassay system capable of ensuring qualities of yokukansan to a higher degree, it is intended to provide a method of bioassaying yokukansan characterized by comprising adding a yokukansan-containing test sample to astroglial cells to be cultivated under the condition of thiamine deficiency, and then determining the pharmacological activity value of yokukansan based on the glutamic acid or neutral red intake level in the cultivated astroglial cells. |
| US08268576B2 |
Diagnosis of autism
A method for diagnosing autism in a subject is performed by determining the presence and concentration of specific peptides in the body fluid. The peptides have the amino acid sequences SKITHRIHWESASLL (SEQ ID NO: 1), SSKITHRIHWESASLL (SEQ ID NO: 2), and SSKITHRIHWESASLLR (SEQ ID NO: 3) with the molecular masses 1779 +/−1 Da, 1865 +/−1 Da and 2022 +/−1 Da, respectively. |
| US08268573B2 |
Compositions and methods for monitoring breast cancer treatment
The present invention provides compositions and processes for preparing the same wherein the compositions are useful for monitoring breast cancer treatment. |
| US08268564B2 |
Methods and applications for stitched DNA barcodes
Methods of identifying the genotypes of a plurality of single cells, wherein each cell includes a plurality of DNA barcodes, each associated with a genetic mutation or marker, are provided. In particular, methods including linking a plurality of DNA barcodes together to create a stitched barcode, amplifying the stitched barcode and sequencing the stitched barcode are provided. Also provided are methods of determining the presence of at least one genetic mutation in a population of cells. |
| US08268563B2 |
Method and apparatus for surface treatment
A method for producing a monolayer of molecules on a surface comprises: loading a stamp with seed molecules; transferring seed molecules from the stamp to the surface; and, amplifying the seed molecules via an amplifying reaction to produce the monolayer. The method permit generation of complete monolayers from incomplete or sparse monolayers initially printed on the surface. |
| US08268562B2 |
Biomarkers for predicting response of esophageal cancer patient to chemoradiotherapy
The present invention relates to novel genetic markers associated with response of a patient with esophageal cancer (ECa) to chemoradiation therapy, and particularly to methods and kits for predicting an ECa patient's response to chemoradiation therapy by genotyping of the markers. |
| US08268558B2 |
Internal calibration standards for electrophoretic analyses
The present teachings relate, among other things, to polynucleotide sequencing, fragment analysis and sample/lane tracking, and to polynucleotide sequencers and analyzers that employ optical detection techniques. Embodiments of the present teachings are described which include, for example, the addition of a calibration standard to a sequencing reaction. Information such as peak spacing and peak shape can be extracted from the standard. |
| US08268554B2 |
Method for analyte detection using proximity probes
A method for detecting an analyte in a sample, comprising (a) contacting the sample with at least one set of at least first, second and third proximity probes, which probes each include an analyte-binding domain and a nucleic acid domain and can simultaneously bind to the analyte, the nucleic acid domain of the third proximity probe being a splint which is capable of hybridizing at least to the nucleic acid domains of the first and second proximity probes, wherein when all of the at least three proximity probes bind to the analyte, the nucleic acid domains of the first and second proximity probes are conjugatable by means of an interaction mediated by the hybridized splint of the third proximity probe; (b) conjugating the nucleic acids, of the first and second proximity probes; and (c) detecting the conjugation. Also provided is a kit for use in such a method. |
| US08268553B2 |
High throughput screening of genetically modified photosynthetic organisms
The present invention provides a method and compositions for high throughput screening of genetically modified photosynthetic organisms for plasmic state. The present invention provides methods of producing one or more proteins, including biomass degrading enzymes in a plant. Also provided are the methods of producing biomass degradation pathways in alga cells, particularly in the chloroplast. Single enzymes or multiple enzymes may be produced by the methods disclosed. The methods disclosed herein allow for the production of biofuel, including ethanol. |
| US08268546B2 |
Structure for pattern formation, method for pattern formation, and application thereof
A structure for pattern formation adapted for optically forming a pattern, characterized by comprising: a photocatalyst-containing layer provided on a substrate, the photocatalyst-containing layer containing a material of which the wettability is variable through photocatalytic action upon pattern-wise exposure. |
| US08268543B2 |
Methods of forming patterns on substrates
A method of forming a pattern on a substrate includes forming spaced first features over a substrate. The spaced first features have opposing lateral sidewalls. Material is formed onto the opposing lateral sidewalls of the spaced first features. That portion of such material which is received against each of the opposing lateral sidewalls is of different composition from composition of each of the opposing lateral sidewalls. At least one of such portion of the material and the spaced first features is densified to move the at least one laterally away from the other of the at least one to form a void space between each of the opposing lateral sidewalls and such portion of the material. |
| US08268538B2 |
Method for producing a thin film transistor
A method for producing a thin film transistor includes providing a glass substrate; disposing a positive photosensitive coating on the glass substrate; providing a transparent molding plate having a plurality of ladder opaque protrusions that are arranged in accordance with a predetermined pattern and that have at least two different depths; pressing the transparent molding plate into the positive photosensitive coating without contacting the glass substrate; exposing a part of the positive photosensitive coating which is unshielded under the ladder opaque protrusions, with a UV light; separating the transparent molding plate from the glass substrate after the step of exposing; and removing the part of the positive photosensitive coating, which is unshielded under the ladder opaque protrusions and not cured, using a chemical solvent, whereby the thin film transistor is formed in a pattern having more than two different depths. |
| US08268535B2 |
Pattern formation method
After forming a lower layer film, an intermediate layer film and a first resist film on a substrate, a first resist pattern is formed by performing first exposure. Then, after a first intermediate layer pattern is formed by transferring the first resist pattern onto the intermediate layer film, a second resist film is formed thereon, and a second resist pattern is formed by performing second exposure. Thereafter, a second intermediate layer pattern is formed by transferring the second resist pattern onto the intermediate layer film. After removing the second resist film, the lower layer film is etched by using the second intermediate layer pattern as a mask, so as to form a lower layer pattern. |
| US08268534B2 |
Self-aligned, sub-wavelength optical lithography
Embodiments of the invention provide a method and an apparatus for performing self-aligned, sub-wavelength optical lithography. One embodiment provides a region of photoresist above a conductive surface having a plurality of periodically arrayed openings extending therethrough. At least a portion of the region of photoresist is then exposed to a light, wherein the intensity of the light is less than the intensity required to cure the photoresist. In so doing, at least one self-aligned, sub-wavelength location in at least one location of the region of photoresist is cured. |
| US08268531B2 |
Photoacid generator compounds and compositions
The invention provides various ionic and non-ionic photoacid generator compounds. Photoresist compositions that include the novel ionic and non-ionic photoacid generator compounds are also provided. The invention further provides methods of making and using the photoacid generator compounds and photoresist compositions disclosed herein. The compounds and compositions are useful as photoactive components in chemically amplified resist compositions for various microfabrication applications. |
| US08268527B2 |
Toner, developer, developing device, process cartridge, image forming apparatus, image forming method, and method of manufacturing toner
A toner is provided including a core particle comprising a binder resin, a colorant, and a release agent, and a shell layer comprising particles of a vinyl resin. The vinyl resin comprises 80% by weight or more of a unit of an aromatic compound having a vinyl-polymerizable functional group. A method of manufacturing the above toner is also provided, including steps of dissolving or dispersing the binder resin, the colorant, and the release agent in an organic solvent to prepare an oily liquid, dispersing the oily liquid in an aqueous medium to prepare the core particles, and adhering particles of a vinyl resin to the surfaces of the core particles to form shell layers. |
| US08268525B2 |
Toner usable with electrophotography and method of preparing the same
A toner usable with electrophotography includes an iron (Fe) content in the toner is in a range of about 1.0×102 ppm to about 1.0×104 ppm and a circle equivalent diameter of a sectional area of an Fe agglomerating agent is in a range of about 1.0 nm to about 2.0×102 nm. |
| US08268522B2 |
Toner set for electrostatic image development, image forming method and image forming apparatus
A toner set for electrostatic image development, includes: at least one kind of a colored toner that contains a coloring agent; and a transparent toner that does not substantially contain a coloring agent, wherein a proportion of particles having a shape factor of 0.94 or less in mother particles of the transparent toner is about 5% by number or less based on particles having a particle diameter of 7.5 to 15 μm, and a reflectance of the mother particles of the transparent toner is about 90% or more for light at a wavelength of 700 nm. |
| US08268520B2 |
Polyalkylene glycol benzoate polytetrafluoroethylene containing photoconductors
A photoconductor that includes a supporting substrate, an optional ground plane layer, an optional hole blocking layer, an optional adhesive layer, a photogenerating layer, and at least one charge transport layer, and where the charge transport layer contains a polyalkylene glycol benzoate and a fluorinated polymer. |
| US08268515B2 |
Mask blank and method of manufacturing a transfer mask
A mask blank having, on a light-transmissive substrate, a light-shielding film made of a material mainly containing chromium, and adapted to use a resist film for electron beam writing when forming a transfer pattern in the light-shielding film. In the mask blank, an etching mask film made of a material containing a nitride or oxynitride of silicon is formed on an upper surface of the light-shielding film and a conductive mask film made of a conductive material dry-etchable with a fluorine-based gas and a mixed gas of chlorine and oxygen is formed on an upper surface of the etching mask film. |
| US08268514B2 |
Pellicle mounting method and apparatus
Apparatus is provided for mounting a pellicle to a photomask. A chamber has at least one port for filling the chamber with extreme clean dry air (XCDA) or an inert gas. A pellicle mounter is provided within the chamber. A vacuum ultra violet (VUV) light source is provided for irradiating a mask held by the pellicle mounter while the chamber is filled with the XCDA or inert gas. The mask is irradiated with the VUV light in an atmosphere of the XCDA or inert gas, and the pellicle is mounted to the mask while the mask is in the atmosphere of the XCDA or inert gas and exposed to the VUV light. |
| US08268513B2 |
Mask blank manufacturing method
A method of manufacturing a mask blank includes a thin film forming step of forming a thin film, which becomes a mask pattern, on a mask blank substrate and a resist film forming step of forming a resist film on the thin film. The method further includes a step of storing resist film forming information including information about a date of formation of the resist film on the thin film, a step of correlating the resist film forming information with the mask blank, a step of identifying, based on the resist film forming information, the mask blank having the resist film whose sensitivity change exceeds an allowable range, a step of stripping the resist film formed in the identified mask blank, and a step of forming again a resist film on the thin film stripped of the resist film. |
| US08268511B2 |
Roll-good fuel cell fabrication processes, equipment, and articles produced from same
Fabricating roll-good fuel cell material involves laminating first and second bonding material webs having spaced apart windows to first and second surfaces of a fuel cell membrane web. First and second active regions of the membrane web are positioned within the respective bonding material windows. Third and fourth gasket material webs having spaced apart windows are respectively laminated to the bonding material on the first and second membrane web surfaces. The bonding material windows align with the respective gasket material windows so that at least some of the bonding material extends within the respective gasket material windows. Fluid transport layer (FTL) material portions cut from fifth and sixth FTL material webs are laminated to the respective first and second active regions. The FTL material portions are positioned within respective gasket material windows and contact the bonding material extending within the respective gasket material windows. |
| US08268510B2 |
Fuel cell fabrication using photopolymer based processes
A fuel cell component is provided, including a substrate disposed adjacent at least one radiation-cured flow field layer. The flow field layer is one of disposed between the substrate and a diffusion medium layer, and disposed on the diffusion medium layer opposite the substrate. The flow field layer has at least one of a plurality of reactant flow channels and a plurality of coolant channels for the fuel cell. The fuel cell component may be assembled as part of a repeating unit for a fuel cell stack. A method for fabricating the fuel cell component and the associated repeating unit for the fuel cell is also provided. |
| US08268508B2 |
Fluid tank capable of supplying a fuel mixture irrespective of position for fuel cell
Disclosed herein are a fluid tank used as a water controller system for fuel cells, wherein the fluid tank includes a housing defining an inner space for receiving a liquid-phase component and a gas-phase component, discharging carbon dioxide and air of the gas-phase component, and supplying the liquid-phase component into a fuel cell stack, and wherein the housing is constructed in a dual structure in which a hermetically-sealed type inner case is disposed inside a hermetically-sealed type outer case such that a space defined between the hermetically-sealed type cases is filled with water, the housing is provided on the outer case and the inner case at one side surface thereof with one or more gas and liquid separation membranes, respectively, and the housing is provided on the outer case and the inner case at the other side surface thereof with one or more gas and liquid separation membranes, respectively, whereby the gas-phase component passes through the water filled in the space defined between the inner and outer cases when the gas-phase component is discharged to the outside from the inner space of the housing, and a fuel cell including the fluid tank. |
| US08268507B2 |
Fuel cell
Flow guides forming an inlet channel are formed on a surface of a metal separator of a fuel cell. The flow guides overlap a section of an outer seal provided on the other surface of the metal separator. When a load is applied to the flow guides and the overlapping section in a stacking direction of the fuel cell, the flow guides and the overlapping section are deformed substantially equally in the stacking direction to the same extent. The line pressure of the flow guides and the line pressure of the overlapping section are substantially the same. The seal length L1 of the flow guides and the seal length L2 of the overlapping section are substantially the same. |
| US08268506B2 |
Fuel cell structure and separator plate for use therein
The present invention concerns a separator plate for use in a fuel cell stack with a substantially circular or oval main surface wherein a fluid flow path is defined by a plurality of channels extending substantially in parallel to each other and leading a fluid from a fluid supply port to a fluid discharge port. Adjacent channels merge such as to decrease the number of parallel channels from the supply port to the discharge port, thereby decreasing a cross sectional area of the flow path. The plurality of parallel channels comprises the following sections: a first section starting at the fluid supply port wherein the plurality of parallel channels extends in a curve along an outer contour of the main surface, a second section wherein the plurality of parallel channels extend at a certain distance to the outer contour in a curve being parallel to said outer contour, a C-shaped third section, a central horse-iron-shaped forth section extending around a center of the main surface, the orientation of the C-shaped forth section being opposite the orientation of the C-shaped third section, a fifth section wherein the plurality of parallel channels is led back to the outer contour of the main surface, and a final section wherein the plurality of parallel channels extends in a curve along the outer contour of the main surface until it reaches the fluid discharge port. |
| US08268504B2 |
Thermomechanical sealing of interconnect manifolds in fuel cell stacks
A planar fuel cell stack is provided. The planar fuel cell stack comprises an anode interconnect structure comprising a corrugated first internal manifold connected to a first anode flowfield; a cathode interconnect structure comprising a corrugated second internal manifold connected to a first cathode flowfield; and a thermally active, surface insulated metallic seal disposed between the corrugated parts of the anode and cathode interconnects, such that the thermally active metallic seal responds upon the application of heat to provide sealing between the anode interconnect structure and the cathode interconnect structure. |
| US08268503B2 |
Fuel cell stack
In a fuel cell module, a first membrane electrode assembly is sandwiched between a first metal separator and a second metal separator, and a second membrane electrode assembly is sandwiched between the second metal separator and the third metal separator. An oxygen-containing gas distribution section connected to a first oxygen-containing gas flow field is formed between the first metal separator and the second metal separator. The second metal separator has holes connecting the oxygen-containing gas distribution section to a second oxygen-containing gas flow field. |
| US08268502B2 |
Fuel cell stack components
An interconnect for a fuel cell stack includes a first set of gas flow channels in a first portion of the interconnect, and a second set of gas flow channels in second portion of the interconnect. The channels of the first set have a larger cross sectional area than the channels of the second set. |
| US08268499B2 |
Fuel cell system
An aspect of the present invention provides a fuel cell system that includes a fuel cell stack (1) configured to provide electric power or electric current, a cooling unit (3, 4) configured to cool the fuel cell stack (1) by flowing a coolant through a coolant passage (2) provided in the fuel cell stack (1), an inlet temperature detecting unit (5) configured to detect the temperature of the coolant at the inlet of the fuel cell stack (1), and a control unit (21) configured to control the electric power or electric current extracted from the fuel cell stack (1) in accordance with the coolant temperature detected by the inlet temperature detecting unit (5). |
| US08268494B2 |
Fuel cell system
A fuel cell system comprising: a fuel cell 1 having a fuel gas passage 1D and an oxidizing gas passage 1E; a fuel gas feeder 2; an oxidizing gas feeder 3; a fuel gas exhaust passage 8; an oxidizing gas exhaust passage 9; a test gas feeder 20 configured to feed a test gas to either the fuel gas passage 1D or the oxidizing gas passage 1E; a flow rate detector 5 configured to detect the flow rate of the test gas; a first passage blocking device 4; and a controller 10, wherein said controller 10 controls said first passage blocking device 4 to block off the passage and controls the test gas feeder 2 to feed the test gas to said fuel cell 1, thereby obtaining a detected value from the flow rate detector 5 or an airtightness value that is numerical information into which the detected value is converted. |
| US08268487B2 |
Rechargeable lithium battery
Disclosed is a rechargeable lithium battery that includes a positive electrode including a lithium nickel-based positive active material; a negative electrode including a negative active material; an electrolyte including a lithium salt and a non-aqueous organic solvent; and a separator including a polymer substrate and a hydroxide compound-containing coating layer disposed on the polymer substrate. |
| US08268480B1 |
Electrochemical energy system
An electrochemical energy generation system can include a sealed vessel that contains inside (i) at least one electrochemical cell, which has two electrodes and a reaction zone between them; (ii) a liquefied halogen reactant, such as a liquefied molecular chlorine; (iii) at least one metal halide electrolyte; and (iv) a flow circuit that can be used for delivering the halogen reactant and the electrolyte to the at least one cell. The sealed vessel can maintain an inside pressure above a liquefication pressure for the halogen reactant. Also disclosed are methods of using and methods of making for electrochemical energy generation systems. |
| US08268478B2 |
Rechargeable battery having anti-vibration member
A rechargeable battery that improves a vibration-proof property is provided. The rechargeable battery includes: an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator that is disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a case that houses the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly including terminals that are coupled to the case and that are electrically connected to the electrode assembly, wherein the terminal has a lead tab that is electrically connected to the electrode assembly and a vibration-proof member is installed between the lead tab and the case. |
| US08268477B2 |
Secondary battery with top sealed portion of improved structure
A secondary battery is manufactured by mounting an electrode assembly having a cathode/separator/anode structure into a pouch-shaped battery case and thermally welding the electrode assembly to the battery case, wherein a pair of insulative films are attached to opposite major surfaces of each electrode lead, to which electrode taps of the electrode assembly are electrically connected, at regions contacting an upper thermally-welded portion (upper sealed portion) of the pouch-shaped battery case, one of the insulative films, extends such that the lower end of the insulative film supports a coupled region where the electrode taps are coupled to the electrode lead, and the overlapping length between the insulative films is equal to or slightly greater than the height of the upper sealed portion. |
| US08268472B2 |
Battery cooling apparatus for electric vehicle
A battery pack apparatus has a plurality of battery cell units that are stacked together in generally parallel relation. The battery cell units are configured to define converging air flow spaces therebetween. An air inlet header provides a converging air inlet plenum that is situated adjacent one side of the battery cell units and an air outlet header provides a diverging air outlet plenum that is situated adjacent an opposite side of the battery cell units. A blower or fan forces air into the air inlet plenum. The air flows through the air flow spaces between the battery cell units to cool the battery cell units. The speed of the air increases as it advances through the air inlet plenum and the plurality of air flow spaces. |
| US08268469B2 |
Battery pack gas exhaust system
A thermal management system is provided that minimizes the effects of thermal runaway within a battery pack. The system is comprised of a multi-sided, substantially airtight battery pack enclosure configured to hold a plurality of batteries, where at least one side of the battery pack enclosure includes at least one cavity. An inner wall of the enclosure includes a plurality of perforations configured to pass gas from within the enclosure to the cavity within the at least one side member. The system is further comprised of at least one gas exhaust port integrated into an outer wall of the enclosure and configured to pass gas from within the cavity of the enclosure side member to the ambient environment when one or more batteries contained within the battery pack undergo thermal runaway. |
| US08268456B2 |
Organic light-emitting device using a compound having a carrier transport property and a phosphorescent property
Disclosed is an organic light-emitting device which contains one or more organic layers sandwiched between an anode and a cathode, wherein at least one of the organic layers is a light-emitting layer including a polymer compound (I), the polymer compound (I) containing structural units derived from a hole transport or electron transport and phosphorescent polymerizable compound (a1) and structural units derived from a polymerizable compound (b) capable of transporting an oppositely charged carrier, the polymerizable compound (a1) being selected from formulae (E1-1) to (E1-39) as defined herein. |
| US08268455B2 |
Organic compound for light-emitting device, light-emitting device, and image display apparatus
A light-emitting device is provided which uses an organic compound to emit light with high luminance and extremely high efficiency. The organic compound is composed of a metal complex having monovalent bidentate ligands. The light-emitting device includes a pair of electrodes which are an anode and a cathode, and plural organic compound layers interposed between the electrodes, in which at least one layer of the organic compound layers contains a metal complex represented by the following structural formula. The light-emitting device is an organic electroluminescent device using the light-emitting device in which the layer including the organic compound is a light-emitting layer. |
| US08268452B2 |
Bonding agents for improved sintering of earth-boring tools, methods of forming earth-boring tools and resulting structures
Methods for forming earth-boring tools include providing a metal or metal alloy bonding agent at an interface between a first element and a second element and sintering the first element, the second element, and the boding agent to form a bond between the first element and the second element at the interface. The methods may be used, for example, to bond together portions of a body of an earth-boring tool (which may facilitate, for example, the formation of cutting element pockets) or to bond cutting elements to a body of an earth-boring tool (e.g., a bit body of a fixed-cutter earth-boring drill bit or a cone of a roller cone earth-boring drill bit). At least partially formed earth-boring tools include a metal or metal alloy bonding agent at an interface between two or more elements, at least one of which may comprise a green or brown structure. |
| US08268448B2 |
Assembly of silicon parts bonded together with a silicon and silica composite
A method of joining two silicon members, the adhesive used for the method, and the joined product, especially a silicon tower for supporting multiple silicon wafers. A flowable adhesive is prepared comprising silicon particles of size less than 100 μm and preferably less than 100 nm and a silica bridging agent, such as a spin-on glass. Nano-silicon crystallites of about 20 nm size maybe formed by CVD. Larger particles maybe milled from virgin polysilicon. If necessary, a retardant such as a heavy, preferably water-insoluble alcohol such as terpineol is added to slow setting of the adhesive at room temperature. The mixture is applied to the joining areas. The silicon parts are assembled and annealed at a temperature sufficient to link the silica, preferably at 900° C. to 1100° C. for nano-silicon but higher for milled silicon. |
| US08268445B2 |
Composite article having excellent fire and impact resistance and method of making the same
A composite article comprises a first glass layer, a silicone layer, a second glass layer, and an organic layer. The silicone layer is disposed adjacent to the first glass layer. The silicone layer includes a cured silicone composition. The second glass layer is disposed adjacent to the silicone layer, spaced from and substantially parallel to the first glass layer. The organic layer is disposed adjacent to the second glass layer, spaced from and substantially parallel to the silicone layer. The organic layer includes a cured organic composition. A method of making a composite article including a first glass layer and a polymeric layer disposed adjacent to the first glass layer includes providing a dual-compartment chamber. The chamber includes a first compartment and a second compartment separated by a polymeric separator. The separator can be manipulated through pressure differentials between the compartments. Pressure is applied to at least one of the silicone layer and the first glass layer with the polymeric separator. |
| US08268444B2 |
Crimping composite fiber and fibrous mass comprising the same
The present invention is directed to a crimping conjugate fiber, comprising a first component and a second component, wherein the first component comprises a polybutene-1; the second component comprises a polymer having a melting point higher than that of the polybutene-1 by at least 20° C., or a polymer having a melting initiation temperature (extrapolated melting initiation temperature measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) as defined in JIS-K-7121) of at least 120° C.; in a cross section of the fiber, the first component occupies at least 20% of the surface of the conjugate fiber, and the centroid position of the second component is shifted from the centroid position of the conjugate fiber; and the conjugate fiber is an actualized crimping conjugate fiber in which three-dimensional crimps have been developed or a latently crimpable conjugate fiber in which three-dimensional crimps are developed by heating. Accordingly, a crimping conjugate fiber and a fiber assembly comprising the same are provided in which the elasticity, the bulk recovery property, and the durability are high. |
| US08268443B2 |
Process for printing wax release layer
A wax printing process, apparatus, formulation, and label. The process includes contacting a wax formulation with a surface having at least one etched region thereon, and confronting a carrier with the surface such that at least a portion of the wax transfers from the etched surface to the carrier. The apparatus includes a tray and a manifold positioned in the tray. In another aspect, the apparatus includes a gravure sleeve and a heatable mandrel disposed inside the gravure sleeve. The wax formulation includes a paraffin wax, an ester wax, a hydrocarbon resin, a microcrystalline wax, and an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin. The label includes a carrier and a wax release layer confronting a surface of the carrier. The wax release layer confronts less that the entire surface of the carrier. |
| US08268437B2 |
Method for producing ceramic sheet, ceramic substrate using ceramic sheet obtained by such method, and use thereof
Provided are a process for producing a highly reliable ceramic sheet with stable quality by reducing voids, and a ceramic substrate using the sheet.A highly reliable ceramic sheet with stable quality is obtained by using hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose as an organic binder, kneading a powder material, preferably, with a twin screw extruder, and then forming a sheet by means of a single screw extruder equipped with a sheet die, and the sheet is suitably used for a ceramic substrate and a ceramic circuit board. |
| US08268434B2 |
Honeycomb having a high compression strength and articles made from same
High compression strength honeycomb is made from polymer paper containing 5 to 35 parts by volume solid material and 65 to 95 parts by volume voids having a normalized peak load at bend equal or greater than 0.33 mgf/(g/m2)^3 and a Gurley air resistance equal or greater than 50 seconds/100 ml. |
| US08268431B2 |
Apparently seamless lengthened bamboo section material and a method thereof
An apparently seamless lengthened bamboo sheet is formed by lengthening a plurality of bamboo strips or blanks and assembling a plurality of lengthened bamboo strips or blanks together. A slot is formed on at least one end of the bamboo strips or blanks in direction of length, and a tenon corresponding to the slot is formed on the same end; the tenon on one bamboo strip or blank is embedded into the slot on another bamboo strip or blank. The tenon and slot are mutually matched and the two bamboo strips or blanks are engaged to each other. A method to manufacture is the apparently seamless lengthened bamboo sheet includes: forming a slot and a tenon on the end of bamboo strips or blanks; embedding a tenon at one end of one bamboo strip or blank into a slot on one end of another bamboo strip or blank; assembling and gluing a plurality of lengthened bamboo strips or blanks in direction of width or thickness; forming the bamboo sheet by a common process including pressing. The slot-tenon connecting structure of the present invention makes the seams on the surface unobvious and enhances the connection strength. |
| US08268430B2 |
Manufactured wood product
A method for producing a manufactured wood product using less desirable or discarded natural wood and a manufactured wood product produced by the described method. This inventive method comprises utilizing less desirable or discarded natural wood pieces by slicing the wood pieces into elongated strips that are then partially separated into elongate sections that maintain fibrous connectivity between the elongate sections. The elongate sections are dried and covered or impregnated with an adhesive. A second drying follows the adhesive application and the elongated strips are then arranged lengthwise in a mold for cold or hot pressing. |
| US08268427B2 |
Display sheet
A display sheet includes a substrate; front-side and rear-side synthetic resin composition layers formed on front and rear surfaces, respectively, of the substrate; and an ink layer formed by ink-jet on the front-side synthetic resin composition layer. The substrate is made of sailcloth having projections and depressions on front and rear surfaces thereof. A surface of the front-side synthetic resin composition layer is formed on an irregular surface having projections and depressions attributed to the projections and depressions of the surface of the substrate. The ink layer is formed by causing a fine ink to cover the projections and permeate the depressions. |
| US08268426B2 |
Silicone-elastomer film
An anti-slip film is produced by combining a thin, dimensionally stable plastic film having a smooth surface finish with a silicone elastomer having a low durometer and a textured and polished surface finish. The film may include adhesive means for adhering the film to objects, and label stock for displaying graphical and/or textual indicia. |
| US08268422B2 |
Resin coated seamless can
A resin-coated seamless can of the present invention is a resin-coated seamless can formed of a resin-coated metal sheet 1 which is produced by coating a polyester resin layer 3 containing polyethylene terephthalate onto a surface of a metal substrate 2, wherein the density of a polyester resin layer of a can inner surface side is set to equal to or more than 1.36 at a can barrel upper portion. Further, an infrared dichroic ratio (R1) of the polyester resin layer at the inner surface side of the can barrel portion which is expressed by a following formula (1) is set to equal to or more than 1.1. R1=Iw(⊥)/Iw(∥) (1). In the formula (1), Iw(⊥) indicates an infrared absorption intensity of 973 cm−1 with respect to polarized infrared rays perpendicular to the can height direction at the can barrel portion, and Iw(∥) indicates an infrared absorption intensity of 973 cm−1 with respect to polarized infrared rays parallel to the can height direction at the can barrel portion. |
| US08268420B2 |
Wrap film made of polyvinylidene chloride-based resin and process for producing the same
A wrap film having very stable physical properties wherein a sock liquid maintains the lubricating effect as an opening agent while a sock is stabilized and parison width changes and meandering are reduced to eliminate parison wrinkles is provided. Specifically, the wrap film is a wrap film made of a polyvinylidene chloride-based resin prepared by melt-extruding a polyvinylidene chloride-based resin from a die in tubular form, cooling the outer side of the extrudate by using a coolant while an aqueous solution of a liquid that is compatible with water and forms one-component is retained in the hollow portion of the extrudate, and inflating the solidified extrudate, wherein the liquid that is compatible with water and forms one-component has a concentration of 80 to 95% by mass in the aqueous solution, and the liquid is applied to the wrap film in amounts of 50 to 4,000 ppm. |
| US08268418B2 |
Catheter balloons
The invention relates to a balloon for medical devices, in particular for catheters used in angioplasty, comprising a polyamide copolymer material characterized in that said polyamide copolymer material is represented by the general formula (I): HO—(PF—OOC—PA-COO—PF—COO—PA)n-COOH in which PA is a polyamide segment and PF is a diol segment comprising dimer diols and/or corresponding OH-terminating diol polyesters and n is a number between 5 and 20. |
| US08268412B2 |
Light blocking member having variabe transmittance, display panel including the same, and manufacturing method thereof
A light blocking member having variable transmittance, a display panel including the same, and a manufacturing method thereof. A light blocking member having a variable transmittance according to one exemplary embodiment includes a polymerizable compound, a binder, and a thermochromic material that exhibits a black color at a temperature below a threshold temperature and becomes transparent at a temperature above the threshold temperature. |
| US08268408B2 |
Method of manufacturing composite structure, impurity removal processing apparatus, film forming apparatus, composite structure and raw material powder
A film forming apparatus for forming a film according to an AD method in which separation of the film or generation of hillocks is suppressed when the film formed on a substrate is heat-treated. The apparatus includes: an aerosol generating unit (1-4) for dispersing raw material powder (20) with a gas, thereby aerosolizing the raw material powder (20); a processing unit (6) for processing the raw material powder (20) aerosolized by the aerosol generating unit (1-4) to reduce an amount of impurity, which generates a gas by being heated, adhering to or contained in the raw material powder (20); and an injection nozzle (9) for spraying the aerosolized raw material powder (20) processed by the processing unit (6) toward a substrate (30) to deposit the raw material powder (20) on the substrate (30). |
| US08268405B2 |
Controlled decoration of carbon nanotubes with aerosol nanoparticles
The present invention addresses the problem of conveniently and efficiently decorating nanostructures such as carbon nanotubes with aerosol nanoparticles using electrostatic force directed assembly (“ESFDA”). ESFDA permits size selection as well as control of packing density spacing of nanoparticles. ESFDA is largely material independent allowing different compositions of such nanoparticle-nanotube structures to be produced. |
| US08268404B2 |
Method for applying corrosion protection coatings to metal surfaces
The present invention relates to a method of applying atmospheric corrosion control coats to metallic surfaces, using copolymers comprising as monomeric building blocks monomers containing nitrile groups, monomers containing acidic groups, and vinylaromatic monomers. It relates, furthermore, to preparations for applying corrosion control coats. |
| US08268401B2 |
Method for producing ceramic honeycomb structure
A method for producing a ceramic honeycomb structure comprising applying a coating material to an outer peripheral surface of the ceramic honeycomb body to form an outer peripheral wall, the thickness of the coating material applied being determined from the outer diameter of the ceramic honeycomb body and the drying shrinkage ratio of the coating material, such that the outer diameter of the dried ceramic honeycomb structure is within a target outer size±1.4 mm. |
| US08268399B2 |
Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane image conditioning coating
A contact leveling surface for an ink jet imaging member including a coating disposed on a contact leveling substrate, wherein the coating includes a fluoroalkyl-substituted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane. In embodiments, the contact leveling surface is for an ink jet imaging member that jets a phase change ink, a gel ink, a curable phase change ink, or a curable gel ink directly to a final image receiving substrate such as a direct to paper imaging device. |
| US08268398B2 |
Method for making carbon nanotube composite structure
A method for making a carbon nanotube composite structure, the method comprising the steps of: providing a carbon nanotube structure having a plurality of carbon nanotubes; and forming at least one conductive coating on a plurality of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube structure to achieve a carbon nanotube composite structure, wherein the conductive coating comprises of a conductive layer. |
| US08268396B2 |
Film forming method and apparatus, and storage medium
A method for film formation is provided that can significantly suppress the amount of a source gas consumed in the formation of a copper film on a substrate by supplying a gas of a metallic source material complex, for example, copper acetate, produced by the sublimation of a solid source material, as a source gas to the substrate to cause a chemical reaction of the source gas. A source gas produced by the sublimation of a solid source material is supplied into a processing chamber, and the source material is adsorbed as a solid onto an adsorption/desorption member within the processing chamber. Next, the source gas supply and exhaust are stopped, and the processing chamber is brought to the state of a closed space. Thereafter, the substrate is heated, and the source material is chemically reacted on the substrate to form a thin film on the substrate. |
| US08268395B2 |
Method for providing resistance to biofouling in a porous support
The invention is a process useful for providing a treated support comprising a porous nanoweb coating wherein the treated support is characterized by a biofilm cell count of less than 50% that of an untreated porous support control. The process is useful for modifying porous materials, such as filter media and barrier fabrics to provide resistance to biofouling. The porous nanoweb coating is comprised of fibrous structures derived from gelation and drying of supramolecular assemblies of non-covalently bonded organogelators. Typical organogelators useful in the invention include those that assemble via hydrogen bonding and π-stacking. |
| US08268394B2 |
Fabrication of metamaterials
A method of fabricating a metamaterial is provided, comprising providing a sample of engineered microstructured material that is transparent to electromagnetic radiation and comprises one or more voids, passing through the voids a high pressure fluid comprising a functional material carried in a carrier fluid, and causing the functional material to deposit or otherwise integrate into the engineered microstructured material to form the metamaterial. Many microstructured materials and functional materials can be used, together with various techniques for controlling the location of the integration of the functional material within the microstructured material, so that a wide range of different metamaterials can be produced. |
| US08268393B2 |
Method of fabricating a friction part out of carbon/carbon composite material
A method of fabricating a friction part out of carbon/carbon composite material, the method including obtaining a three-dimensional fiber preform of carbon fibers impregnated with a solution or a suspension enabling a dispersion of refractory metal oxide particles to be left on the fibers of the preform; applying heat treatment to form a metallic carbide by a carboreduction reaction of the refractory oxide with the carbon of the fibers; continuing the heat treatment until the carbide is transformed into carbon by eliminating of the metal; and then densifying the preform with a carbon matrix by chemical vapor infiltration. |
| US08268392B1 |
Visual hydrogen detector with variable reversibilty
Methods, processes and compositions are provided for a visual or chemochromic hydrogen-detector with variable or tunable reversible color change. The working temperature range for the hydrogen detector is from minus 100° C. to plus 500° C. A hydrogen-sensitive pigment, including, but not limited to, oxides, hydroxides and polyoxo-compounds of tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, chromium and combinations thereof, is combined with nano-sized metal activator particles and preferably, coated on a porous or woven substrate. In the presence of hydrogen, the composition rapidly changes its color from white or light-gray or light-tan to dark gray, navy-blue or black depending on the exposure time and hydrogen concentration in the medium. After hydrogen exposure ceases, the original color of the hydrogen-sensitive pigment is restored, and the visual hydrogen detector can be used repeatedly. By changing the composition of the hydrogen-sensitive pigment, the time required for its complete regeneration is varied from a few seconds to several days. |
| US08268386B2 |
Method for manufacturing high-temperature superconducting conductors
A method for manufacturing a high-temperature superconducting conductor includes providing an elongate substrate to a reactor, the reactor having a longitudinal flow distributor. The longitudinal flow distributor has an entrance, a plurality of exits, and an interior distribution member provided between the entrance and the plurality of exits. The method further includes heating at least a portion of the substrate to a temperature sufficient to facilitate the formation of one of a superconducting material and a predecessor to a superconducting material. Further, the method includes flowing at least one precursor into the longitudinal flow distributor, through the entrance thereof, past an internal distribution member, and out through a plurality of exits, thereby longitudinally distributing the at least one precursor to form the superconducting material or predecessor thereof on the substrate. |
| US08268383B2 |
Medical implant and production thereof
Medical implants exhibiting optimized mechanical properties, and methods of making such implants, are disclosed. That is, the implants are fabricated of a porous metal substrate and include coating integrated over various areas so as to provide some added or desirable property or functionality to the implant. In one embodiment, the implant is an acetabular implant with a coating applied to an internal, concave wear surface which is sized and configured to receive a head of a femur. Typically, the coating is a ceramic incorporated onto the desired area of the implant via electrophoretic deposition. |
| US08268380B2 |
Pellets of vegetable protein
Pellets of vegetable protein Pellets, consisting of dried compressed proteins and a moisture content of maximum 12%, are described. These proteins comprise vital wheat gluten. A process for preparing these and the application in fish feed is described as well. |
| US08268378B2 |
Method of preparing a powdered product
The invention relates to a method for the continuous production of a powdered product from a product in the liquid state in the form of a solution-, suspension- or emulsion-type mixture in an aqueous medium. According to the invention, during the first step (E1) of the method, the product in the liquid state is transformed into a product in the viscous state. The invention is characterised in that it includes at least one overrun step (E2, E4) and at least one product-drying step (E3, E6) comprising at least a first step (E3) involving thermomechanical treatment with at last one thermomechanical treatment machine into which the viscous state product and a determined amount of powered product from the same family as the liquid state product are injected simultaneously. The treatment machine is configured to mix the viscous state product and the powdered product such as to produce solidified particles of the product upon contact with the ambient air. |
| US08268377B2 |
Sugar free low calorie syrup and the manufacturing method thereof
The invention concerns sugar-free syrup of low calories and a method of producing the same, which syrup is of low calories and is a healthy substitute of sugar because it has almost no calories but contains a lot of edible fiber. To this end, the sugar-free syrup of low calories according to one aspect of the invention is characterized in that it consists of 100 parts by weight of water-soluble edible fiber, 100 to 200 parts by weight of water, 0.2 to 2 parts by weight of gum, 0.2 to 2 parts by weight of natural stabilizer and a proper amount of sweetener. Also, a method of producing the sugar-free syrup of low calories according to another aspect of the invention is characterized in that it comprises the steps of adding 100 to 200 parts by weight of water to 100 parts by weight of water-soluble, edible fiber and then dissolving the mixture at 50° C. to 80° C. while agitating it, adding 0.2 to 2 parts by weight of gum when the water-soluble fiber is fully dissolved, and then dissolving the mixture while agitating it, adding 0.2 to 2 parts by weight of natural stabilizer when the gum is fully dissolved, and dissolving the mixture while agitating it, adding a proper amount of sweetener to the mixture and dissolving the resulting mixture, and then cooling it by placing the mixture at a room temperature. |
| US08268373B2 |
Method for extracting cocoa procyanidins
A cocoa extract which is rich in procyanidin monomer and oligomers is made by extracting de-fatted, unroasted, unfermented cocoa beans with organic solvents. The yield of procyanidins in an extract varies with the type of solvent used, reaction temperature, reaction pH and whether or not the solvent is an aqueous solution. Extraction parameters can be optimized to increase procyanidin yield, and different conditions results in the preferential extraction of the higher or lower oligomers. A preferred extraction method is counter-current extraction method. |
| US08268372B2 |
Method for preventing defective ageing of white wines
The invention relates to a method for preparing a wine in such a way as to prevent the problems of defective ageing, according to which yeast which has been previously enriched in glutathione is introduced into the must at the beginning, during or following the alcoholic fermentation. Said enriched yeast contains more than 0.5% of glutathione, especially at least 1% of glutathione, and preferably at least 1.5% of glutathione, expressed in weight added to the weight of the dry substance of the yeast. The inventive method enables fresh white wines to be produced, which are more fruity with a more complex range of aromas. During the ageing of said wines, the freshness of the aromas is preserved and browning prevented. The invention also relates to a must which is enriched in glutathione by the introduction of enriched yeast, and to the wine produced in this way. |
| US08268368B2 |
Herbal formulations for the management of chronic ulcers and wounds
The invention describes ointments, creams and oils formulated from herbal compositions that are suitable for the management of skin wounds, such as chronic skin ulcers, as, for example, diabetic ulcers and pressure ulcers, and for providing bleeding control for cuts and wounds. The compositions contain extracts of two or more of Pongamia pinnata, Lawsonia alba, Datura alba and Cocos nucifera. |
| US08268365B2 |
Anti-inflammatory compositions for treating brain inflammation
Compositions with synergistic anti-inflammatory effects in inflammatory diseases resulting from activation and consequent degranulation of mast cells and followed by secretion of inflammatory biochemicals from the activated mast cells, the compositions containing one or more of a flavone or flavonoid glycoside a heavily sulfated, non-bovine proteoglycan, an unrefined olive kernel extract that increases absorption of these compositions in various routes of administration, a hexosamine sulfate such as D-glucosamine sulfate, S-adenosylmethionine, a histamine-1 receptor antagonist, a histamine-3 receptor agonist, an antagonist of the actions of CRR, a long-chain unsaturated fatty acid, a phospholipid, Krill oil, a polyamine, glutiramer acetate and interferon. Certain of the present compositions are useful in protecting against the neuropathological components of multiple sclerosis and similar inflammatory neurological diseases. |
| US08268356B2 |
Aqueous film coating solution, film coated granule and tablet using the same
An object of the present invention is to provide an aqueous film coating solution, and the like, which has good acid resistance and sustained release properties as well as the flexibility suitable for the tablet compression force and are highly productive and cost efficient. The aqueous film coating solution of the present invention comprises an ethyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymer dispersion, a methacrylic acid copolymer LD, a plasticizer, titanium oxide and water, wherein the solid mass ratio of the ethyl acrylate/methyl methacrylate copolymer dispersion, the methacrylic acid copolymer LD, the plasticizer and the titanium oxide is 100:(40 to 100):(5 to 50):(5 to 30) and the solid content thereof is 5 to 20 mass %. |
| US08268346B2 |
Methods of treating hot flashes with formulations for transdermal or transmucosal application
The present invention relates generally to methods for treating hot flashes by administering formulations for transdermal or transmucosal administration of estrogen. The formulations of the invention are effective at treating hot flashes at surprisingly low daily doses, preferably the lowest effective dose of estrogen to treat hot flashes, e.g., about 0.45 to about 0.6 mg of estrogen per day. The amount of estrogen which is administered produces an estimated nominal daily estrogen dose in a subject undergoing treatment of from about 10 to about 15 micrograms, and a serum estradiol level of between about 25 pg/ml to about 50 pg/ml. The preferred formulations are substantially free of malodorous, and irritation causing long-chain fatty alcohols, long-chain fatty acids, and long-chain fatty esters. |
| US08268342B2 |
Biodegradable polymer scaffold and process for preparation thereof
The present invention relates to a process for preparation of a biodegradable polymer scaffold using biodegradable polymer, surfactant and alcohol. The biodegradable polymer scaffold obtained from the process disclosed is useful for tissue engineering, therapeutic compound delivery and/or wound dressing. |
| US08268341B2 |
Stable non-aqueous single phase viscous vehicles and formulations utilizing such vehicles
This invention relates to stable non-aqueous single phase viscous vehicles and to formulations utilizing such vehicles. The formulations comprise at least one beneficial agent uniformly suspended in the vehicle. The formulation is capable of being stored at temperatures ranging from cold to body temperature for long periods of time. The formulations are capable of being uniformly delivered from drug delivery systems at an exit shear rate of between about 1 to 1×10−7 reciprocal second. |
| US08268335B2 |
Skin treatment systems
A basic facial and body treatment cosmetic formulation is a combination of a cationic emulsifying agent, an oil soluble liquid polymer and a naturally occurring lactate buffer system. The basic formulation is a starter system that can be specialized to skin moisturizers, skin lighteners, skin pigmenting agents, sunscreens, antioxidants, line reducing products, wrinkle reducing products, anti-cellulite products, pharmaceuticals and the like. |
| US08268333B2 |
Orally administered agent and an orally administered agent/supporting substrate complex
With an object of providing an orally administered agent (in particular a film-shaped orally administered agent) with which the ease and safety of taking the agent are improved, to attain this object, in an orally administered agent 1b having one drug-containing layer 11 and two water-swellable gel-forming layers 12, the water-swellable gel-forming layers 12 are provided, either directly or via intermediate layers, on the both faces of the drug-containing layer 11. |
| US08268332B2 |
Method for dermatological treatment using chromophores
The present invention encompasses methods that use heat and/or electromagnetic radiation for dermatological treatment and more particularly to a method that uses heat and/or electromagnetic radiation in combination with chromophores for fractional wounding and, in particular, discontinuous fractional damage of skin tissue. |