Document Document Title
US08432531B2 Lithographic apparatus and a method of operating the apparatus
A cleaning liquid supply system is disclosed. The cleaning liquid supply system may supply an emulsified cleaning liquid to clean an immersion lithographic apparatus. A lithographic apparatus is also disclosed.
US08432530B2 Device, method, and system for measuring image profiles produced by an optical lithography system
Measuring an aerial image with an aerial image measuring device having a light detector and a light blocking layer for separating polarization components of light incident thereon. The light blocking layer has first and second apertures structured differently from each other, wherein the different structures transmit at least one of the polarization components differently. The detector provides separate samples for light transmitted through the first and second apertures. Separate image profiles for each polarization component of the aerial image are generated using the samples provided by the detector. Image recovery for each of the generated image profiles is performed to generate estimated image profiles for each polarization component of the aerial image that exclude the effects of transmission through the first and second apertures of the aerial image measuring device.
US08432529B2 Lithographic apparatus and monitoring method
A lithographic apparatus including a radiation beam monitoring apparatus, the radiation beam monitoring apparatus including an optical element configured to generate a diffraction pattern, and an imaging detector located after the optical element and not in a focal plane of the optical element such that the imaging detector is capable of detecting a mixture of spatial coherence and divergence of the radiation beam.
US08432525B2 Backlight unit and liquid crystal display device having the same
A backlight unit that is easy to slim and simplify the configuration is disclosed. The backlight unit includes: a lower case with an opened upper surface; at least one light source unit disposed at an inner side surface of the lower case; and a modularized optical unit disposed parallel to the light source unit and configured to include a light guide plate and optical sheets which are accommodated into a reflection sheet.
US08432520B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device in which alignment control in a vertical-alignment-type liquid crystal layer is excellent at a side portion or a corner portion of a pixel electrode. The liquid crystal display device includes a pixel electrode including openings of slits as an alignment control mechanism, a common electrode including linear protrusions as an alignment control mechanism, the electrodes opposed to each other, and a vertical-alignment-type liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the electrodes, wherein the linear protrusion is placed at a position where the linear protrusion controls alignment in the liquid crystal layer inside a position where an oblique electric field generated at the edge of an corner portion of the pixel electrode at the time when a voltage is applied between the electrodes controls the alignment in the liquid crystal layer.
US08432508B2 Liquid crystal display apparatus
A liquid crystal display apparatus which stores a panel unit in an internal space formed by a front cover and a rear cover include a nail part which is formed on one of side panels of the front cover or the rear cover, and is perpendicular to a plate face of the side panel; and a hole part which is formed in a vicinity area of one of sides of the cover on which the nail part is not formed, and the nail part is inserted in.
US08432497B2 DTV receiving system and method of processing DTV signal
A method of processing broadcast data includes performing RS (Reed-Solomon) encoding and CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) encoding on mobile service data to output an RS frame; dividing the RS frame into a plurality of portions; block processing data in one portion of the plurality of portions; mapping the block processed data in the one portion into at least one region of a data group that comprises a plurality of regions, and adding a first known data sequence, a plurality of second known data sequences, and a transmission parameter to the data group; and transmitting a transmission frame including the data group, wherein the transmission parameter is positioned between the first known data sequence and one of the plurality of second known data sequences, and the first known data sequence and the one of the plurality of second known data sequences differ from each other in length.
US08432492B2 Method of adapting video images to small screen sizes
To improve a cropping system by obtaining coverage of a wide range of contents for smaller sized displays of handheld devices, a method starts from a metadata aggregation and corresponding video, e.g. in post-production, program exchange and archiving, wherein (a) video is passed to a video analysis to deliver video, e.g. by use of motion detection, morphology filters, edge detection, etc., (b) separated video and metadata are combined to extract important features in a context wherein important information from the metadata is categorized and used to initialize a dynamically fitted chain of feature extraction steps adapted to the delivered video content, (c) extracted important features are combined to define regions of interest (ROI) which are searched in consecutive video frames by object tracking, the object tracking identifies a new position and deformation of each initialized ROI in consecutive video frames and returns this information to the feature extraction thereby obtaining a permanent communication between the feature extraction and the object tracking, (d) one or plural ROIs are extracted and input video frame by video frame into a cropping step (e); based on weighting information a well composed image part is cropped by classifying the supplied ROIs by importance, and (f) the cropped image area(s) are scaled to the desired small screen size.
US08432491B2 Object-based system and method of directing visual attention by a subliminal cue
An object-based system and method of directing visual attention by a subliminal cue is disclosed. An object detector detects an object in an input image, thereby resulting in a cued object served as an object-based subliminal cue. An enhancement unit enhances saliency of the cued object in the input image by respectively and differently adjusting image characteristic of the cued object and an area other than the cued object, thereby generating a cue image. A mixer selects between the cue image and the input image, thereby resulting in a sequence of output images composed of the input images and the cue images, each of which is interposed between the adjacent input images.
US08432487B2 Motion image rendering systems and methods
Systems and methods of rendering a motion image. A television signal is modified through a sine wave motion judder component to introduce intentional motion judder which can replicate the appearance of cinematic projection. To present 24 frames per second film via a 60 Hz television system with the “look” of a 72 Hz cinematic projector, a judder oscillator is set to generate a 24 Hz sinewave having a peak amplitude equal to 38.5% of the time difference between 24 Hz frames. The motion-judder component may periodically reverse the apparent direction of motion.
US08432483B2 System and method for charging an electronic device
A method that includes determining that a device mount power supply included within a device mount is compatible with an electronic device power supply included in an electronic device. The method further includes receiving power transferred from the device mount power supply via a power connection that is provided by a device mounting adapter that is affixed to the device mount and configured to couple the electronic device and the device mount and align the electronic device and the device mount to facilitate charging the electronic device power supply; and charging the electronic device power supply with power received from the device mount power supply via the power connection.
US08432482B2 Method and apparatus for automatically optimizing optical contrast in automated equipment
Techniques for automatically adjusting and/or optimizing the color and/or intensity of the illuminating light used in a vision system is presented. The intensity of each of a plurality of illuminating light colors is allowed to be independently adjusted to adapt the illumination light based on the color of a part feature against the part feature background of a part being viewed by the vision system to produce high contrast between the part feature and background. Automated contrast optimization may be achieved by stepping through all available color combinations and evaluating the contrast between the part feature and background to select a color combination having a “best” or acceptable contrast level.
US08432479B2 Range measurement using a zoom camera
A method of using an image capture device to identify range information for objects in a scene, includes providing an image capture device having at least one image sensor, a lens and a coded aperture, storing in a memory a set of blur kernels derived from range calibration data for the coded aperture, capturing a first and second image of the scene having a plurality of objects, corresponding to first and second optical magnifications, respectively. The method further includes providing a set of deblurred images using the capture images from each magnification and each of the blur kernels from the stored set, and using the set of deblurred images to determine the range information for the objects in the scene.
US08432478B2 Image-taking apparatus including lens apparatus operable between housed state and image-taking state
A lens apparatus is disclosed, which can control the position of a lens unit driven by an actuator such as a vicecoil motor in a non-energizing state of the actuator easily. The lens apparatus comprises: a first lens unit and second lens unit moving in an optical axis direction, respectively; a first actuator driving the first lens unit; and a second actuator driving the second lens unit. The first lens unit is driven by the second lens unit that is driven by the second actuator in a nonenergized state of the first actuator, and a member is provided in one of the first and second lens units. The member contacts the other lens unit in the nonenergized state.
US08432474B2 Image pickup apparatus
An image pickup apparatus is arranged such that in the case where at least either photographing settings at the time of image pickup or object information of the picked-up image coincides with one of a plurality of classification information providing conditions, classification information corresponding to the coincident classification information providing condition is provided to the picked-up image and the image is recorded onto a recording medium, and also such that the image recorded on the recording medium, the classification information thereof and the plurality of classification information providing conditions are displayed to a display unit, and among the plurality of displayed classification information providing conditions, the classification information providing condition which coincides when the classification information provided to the image is provided is recognizably displayed.
US08432473B2 Imaging apparatus
An imaging apparatus includes a storage unit configured to store attribute information about a person, an imaging unit configured to capture a subject to generate image data, and a display unit configured to display attribute information of a person included in an image represented by the image data generated by the imaging unit. The display unit stops displaying of the attribute information after a predetermined time elapses since a start of the displaying of the attribute information.
US08432472B2 Camera for displaying digital images
A camera includes memory for storing one or more stored images each with at least a day and month of capture; a processor which, based on the stored images, determines which day and month at least an image was captured; and a display that displays only the day and month on which at least an image was captured along with a visual indicator of whether a plurality of images was captured on the displayed day and month.
US08432470B2 Data conversion/output apparatus for digitalizing sensor data and outputting through a sensor array
A data conversion/output device includes a number of sensors, voltage-time conversion circuits that are arranged adjacent to respective sensors and change output levels upon the lapse of times corresponding to output voltage values from the sensors after a conversion operation start point in order to convert for voltage outputs of the sensors into times. The device also includes sensed data generation circuits outputting, as digital data, lapse times until the output levels of the voltage-time conversion circuits change after a conversion start point. The sensed data generation circuits include a counter for counting a clock signal. An operation start of the voltage-time conversion circuits and a start of count operation of the counter are staggered.
US08432468B2 Composite low frequency cutoff filter and imaging apparatus using the same
An imaging apparatus includes a composite low frequency cutoff filter. The composite low frequency cutoff filter includes a first low frequency cutoff filter, a second low frequency cutoff filter, and an adder-subtractor. The second low frequency cutoff filter receives an output of the first low frequency cutoff filter. The adder-subtractor subtracts an output of the second low frequency cutoff filter from an input to the composite low frequency cutoff filter, and outputs a result of the subtraction to the first low frequency cutoff filter. An output of the first low frequency cutoff filter is outputted as an output of the composite low frequency cutoff filter.
US08432467B2 Integrated detection and display imaging system and method
An imaging system for receiving data from a scene and displaying an image therefrom includes a detector and a display. The detector includes a plurality of detector pixels on a first side of the detector, readout circuitry on an opposing second side of the detector or between the detector and the detector pixels on the first side of the detector, and a plurality of detector vias configured to provide electrical connectivity for the plurality of detector pixels through the detector. The display includes a plurality of display pixels on one side of the display, read in circuitry on an opposing second side of the display or between the display and the display pixels on the first side of the display, and a plurality of display vias configured to provide electrical connectivity for the plurality of display pixels through the display. The read in circuitry is coupled with the readout circuitry.
US08432466B2 Multiple image high dynamic range imaging from a single sensor array
A single array of image sensors is used to obtain a plurality of different images at different levels of admitted exposure light from a common source level of exposure light. More particularly, first and second matrices of light-admitting elements are deployed in a single camera and disposed relative to focal lens light in front of corresponding first and second matrices of light-sensitive image sensors that are arrayed in a singular focal plane array in the camera and react equally to equal levels of color image information. The respective matrices of light-admitting elements transmit color image information from exposed focal lens light at different levels of brightness to their corresponding matrices of light-sensitive image sensors, wherein first and second images are acquired at the respective different levels of brightness from the respective matrices of the image sensors, and pixel data from the images combined to produce an HDR image.
US08432458B2 Imaging apparatus incorporating wide dynamic ranging
An imaging apparatus having a wide dynamic range, including an imaging unit, an exposure control unit realizing a plurality of the imaging processes on the same object with different sensitivities by controlling the exposure of the imaging unit, a camera signal processing unit generating a video signal by processing the camera signal from the imaging unit, a video synthesis unit synthesizing a plurality of video signals having different sensitivities generated by the processing unit, and an object recognition unit processing the video signals from the processing unit and detecting the object information. The object recognition unit detects the object information for each of the plurality of the video signals. Based on the detected object information, the control unit controls the exposure, the processing unit controls the gamma characteristic of the video signals, and the synthesis unit controls the ratio for synthesizing the plurality of the video signals.
US08432457B2 Method for compressing videos and playing composite images of the videos
A method for compressing videos obtains videos from a storage device, selects a main frame from the videos at each time layer and each angle, and further selects a new main frame after each time interval and angle interval. Then, the method obtains frames between two adjacent main frames, and stores different pixels between each of the obtained frames and a previous main frame of the two adjacent main frames, so as to obtain composite images of the videos.
US08432456B2 Digital camera for sharing digital images
A digital camera capable of sharing digital images using a plurality of host computers, comprising: memory for storing captured digital images and for storing installation software that can be used to install digital image sharing software on the plurality of host computers; a user interface for designating captured digital images to be shared; and a communication interface for communicating with a host computer. The communication interface can be configured to use a first logical protocol where the digital camera appears to the host computer as a data storage device in order to install the digital image sharing software on the host computer. A second logical protocol, where the digital camera appears to the host computer as an image capture device, is used when the digital image sharing software is running on the host computer that enables the digital image sharing software to automatically share designated digital images.
US08432454B2 Image capturing apparatus and control method thereof
An image capturing apparatus comprises: an image sensing unit arranged to sense an object image; a vibration detection unit arranged to detect a vibration applied to the image capturing apparatus; a vector detection unit arranged to detect a motion vector from an image sensed by the image sensing unit; a first calculation unit arranged to calculate a first correction amount from a signal obtained based on an output from the vibration detection unit and a signal based on the motion vector; a second calculation unit arranged to calculate a second correction amount based on the motion vector; a first correction unit arranged to optically correct the vibration based on the first correction amount; and a second correction unit arranged to correct the vibration by changing an image read region based on the second correction amount, wherein vibration correction is performed using both the first and second correction units.
US08432450B2 Surveillance system having status detection module, method for self-monitoring of an observer, and computer program
A surveillance system (1) for monitoring a plurality of surveillance regions (5) is controllable and/or controlled by at least one human observer (4). The system includes a state detection module (8) which is designed and/or situated such that the surveillance state of the observer (4) may be determined on the basis of optically detected state signals of the observer (4).
US08432449B2 Hidden markov model for camera handoff
An integrated method for modeling the handoff between cameras for tracking a specific individual, including: creating a representation of overlaps, gaps, and allowable movement among the fields of view of the cameras, wherein the representation is modeled as states in a Hidden Markov Model (HMM); training the HMM using video of people walking through the fields of view of the cameras; selecting a person to be tracked; and identifying the best camera area using the HMM.
US08432448B2 Stereo camera intrusion detection system
A system and method is provided for an intrusion detection system. The intrusion detection system comprises a first camera configured to acquire first visual images of a monitored area and a second camera configured to acquire second visual images of the monitored area. The intrusion detection system also comprises a detection device configured to compare the first images with a background image of the monitored area. The detection device can mark differences between the first images and the background image as a potential intruder. The intrusion detection system further comprises a tracking device configured to evaluate each of the first images relative to each of the second images to determine three-dimensional characteristics associated with the potential intruder.
US08432440B2 System and method for adjusting engine parameters based on flame visualization
In one embodiment, a system includes an engine that includes a combustion chamber and a viewing port into the combustion chamber. The engine also includes a camera configured to obtain an image of a flame in the combustion chamber through the viewing port and a controller configured to adjust a parameter of the engine based on the image of the flame.
US08432439B2 Endoscope apparatus and method of inputting character string
An endoscope apparatus including: an endoscope; an image signal processing portion; a display signal generating portion for displaying an image and a character input screen; an operation portion that inputs a character; a character string storage portion that stores a character string and an operation state of the apparatus in a state where the character string is correlated to the operation state; a display instruction detecting portion that detects a display instruction of the character input screen; an operation state detecting portion that detects an operation state of the apparatus; a reading portion that reads a character string, which corresponds to the detected operation state; and a control portion that controls the display signal generating portion to display a screen including a component for selecting the read character string and controls the display signal generating portion to display a character string corresponding to the component.
US08432438B2 Device for dimming a beacon light source used in a light based positioning system
In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a dimmable beacon light source for a light based positioning system. In some embodiments, the light source includes a dimmer control switch configured to generate a dimmer signal having a desired light output level, a dimmable driver for controlling the light output of the light source, and a modulator for receiving the dimmer signal from the dimmer control switch, generating a digital pulse recognition signal by controlling the frequency of the dimmer signal to a desired frequency value, and transmitting the digital pulse recognition signal to the dimmable driver to drive the light output of the light source. In some embodiments, the digital pulse recognition signal is a pulse width modulated signal. In some embodiments, the digital pulse recognition signal has a duty cycle based on the dimmer signal.
US08432437B2 Display synchronization with actively shuttered glasses
An actively shuttered glasses synchronization signal generated by a 3D TV is detected by a device that has an output display. A periodicity of actuation of the actively shuttered glasses synchronization signal is determined. A display refresh rate of the output display is synchronized to the periodicity of actuation of the actively shuttered glasses synchronization signal. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.
US08432433B2 Method and apparatus for colorizing a monochrome infrared image
A method and apparatus involve electronically transforming a monochromatic infrared source image of a source scene into a natural daylight color image of the source scene as a function of reference information, the only information derived from the source scene and utilized in the transforming being the monochromatic infrared source image. According to a different aspect, an apparatus includes an infrared image detector that provides a monochromatic infrared source image of a source scene, and includes a transformation section that transforms the monochromatic infrared source image into a natural daylight color image of the source scene as a function of reference information, the only information derived from the source scene and utilized in the transforming being the monochromatic infrared source image.
US08432431B2 Compositing video streams
Methods and apparatus for compositing multiple video streams onto a background image having at least one object while keeping at least one of a proper perspective, order, and substantial alignment to the object of the multiple video streams based on the rules of a common layout. The background is defined as a meeting space that fills in gaps between the multiple video streams with appropriate structure of the object. The background creates the context of the meeting space.
US08432430B2 Apparatus and method for operating plural cameras embedded in mobile device
A mobile device includes an apparatus for operating two or more cameras embedded in a mobile device. When one of the cameras is enabled, the apparatus controls the flow of signals by preventing a signal in connection with the enabled camera from flowing toward other disabled cameras. This can minimize EMI that may be caused by such a signal.
US08432429B2 Multimedia effect processing device for videophone and related method
The present invention discloses a videophone for displaying a first multimedia data, wherein the videophone communicates with a remote videophone. The videophone includes a database, a processing unit and an output unit. The database stores a plurality of multimedia files. The processing unit is coupled to the database, for selecting a second multimedia file from the database according to a first control signal, and integrating the first multimedia data with the second multimedia file into a first integrating data, wherein the first control signal is generated by the remote videophone. The output unit is coupled to the processing unit, for outputting the first integrating data.
US08432428B2 Roller alignment
A rotatable roller is provided which includes a first end and a second end and a surface adapted to wrap a portion of the media thereupon. A carriage conveys the roller along a path. The roller is moved by first and second drives. The first and second drives can be differentially operated to reorient the roller with respect to a direction along the path. The first drive and the second drive can be operated, differentially or non-differentially, to move the carriage along the path. The reoriented roller can be rotated about its axis while conveying the media to wrap the portion of the media onto the surface. The portion of the media can be sized to wrap over the surface of the reoriented roller without overlapping itself. The first drive and the second drive can be operated non-differentially to convey the reoriented roller along a portion of the path.
US08432423B2 Bidirectional imaging with varying speeds
A method is provided for forming an image on a media while the media is moved relative to an imaging head. The media can include a pattern of registration sub-regions, such as a matrix. The image can include one or more patterns of features, such as color features for a color filter which can be registered with the pattern of registration sub-regions. The images can be formed by a laser-induced thermal transfer process. The method can include the steps of operating an imaging head to emit imaging beams. A first portion of the image is formed while scanning a first group of imaging beams in a first direction over the media at a first scanning speed and a second portion of the image is formed while scanning a second group of the imaging beams in a second, opposite direction over the media at a second, different scanning speed.
US08432421B2 Thermal print head, thermal printer and printer system
A thermal print head includes a heating resistor for forming images on a print target by generating heat, and a driver for controlling power supply to the heating resistor. The thermal print head also includes a storage unit and a controller. The storage unit stores print data inputted from outside. The controller causes a transfer action and a printing action to be repeated alternately, wherein the transfer action includes retrieving print data from the storage unit and transferring the retrieved print data to the driver, and the printing action includes causing the driver to retain the transferred print data and supplying power to portions of the heating resistor selected in accordance with the print data retained by the driver, so as to conduct printing.
US08432419B2 Driving apparatus for liquid crystal light modulator and variable optical attenuator employing driving apparatus
A liquid crystal light modulator 11 modulates a light according to an effective value of a supplied drive signal. A driving apparatus 21 changes the effective value of each frame of the drive signal supplied to the liquid crystal light modulator 11 according to modulation data. The driving apparatus 21 generates the drive signal containing plural pulses in each frame. The driving apparatus 21 supplies the generated drive signal to the liquid crystal light modulator 11, thereby enabling a high-frequency drive of the liquid crystal light modulator 11.
US08432415B2 Image processing method
An image processing method is provided. The image processing method is applicable to a display having a stream of drawing as an input for selecting at least a portion of an image thereon as a selected image region. The method includes steps of identifying the input as a closed region input and then performing an image operation.
US08432414B2 Automated annotation of a view
In a view, e.g. of scenery, of a shopping or museum display, or of a meeting or conference, automated processing can be used to annotate objects which are visible from a viewer position. Annotation can be of objects selected by the viewer, and can be displayed visually, for example, with or without an image of the view.
US08432411B2 Method and system for improving display quality of a multi-component display
A method, computer-usable medium, and system for processing graphical data for display on a multi-component display is disclosed. Embodiments improve the display quality of multi-component displays by modifying graphical data to preemptively compensate for distortion caused by interstitial layers and/or display screens of the multi-component display, thereby enabling display of graphical objects from multi-component displays with improved optical characteristics. For example, where components of a multi-component display blur displayed images, graphical data used to display graphical objects may be modified to sharpen the graphical objects before display. The pre-sharpening amplifies the high frequency components of the displayed graphical objects to compensate for the dampening caused by passing the graphical objects through the components of the multi-component display.
US08432405B2 Dynamically transitioning between hardware-accelerated and software rendering
A variable rendering system is described that automatically transitions between hardware-accelerated rendering and software rendering of application data based on system performance and without user interaction or noticeable impact on the user experience. When hardware-accelerated rendering is available, the system renders application data using hardware-accelerated rendering. If an event occurs that causes hardware-accelerated rendering to fail, then the system dynamically transitions from hardware-accelerated rendering to software-accelerated rendering. Periodically, the system attempts to transition back to hardware-accelerated rendering.
US08432401B2 Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and image processing program
[Problems] An appropriate motion expression in which a processing load on image processing for a motion of a character is reduced and a predetermined site of the character is in contact with a contact allowed object appropriately is carried out.[Means for solving the Problems] An image processing apparatus 100 generates motion information by blending plural kinds of sample motion information with an arbitrary blend ratio; detects, on the basis of the generated motion information, a reachable position P when a character C is operated; associates coordinate information indicating the detected reachable position P with the blend ratio; causes virtual spheres B, which are arranged within a range in which the reachable position P exists in the virtual space, to correspond to the reachable position P; outputs a virtual sphere according to a state of the character C in the virtual space on the basis of virtual sphere information; receives selection of a virtual sphere that is in contact with the contact allowed object; and controls an action of the character C on the basis of motion information corresponding to a blend ratio associated with the coordinate information indicating the reachable position P, which is caused to correspond to the virtual sphere for which the selection is received.
US08432400B1 Transitional animation for generating tree maps
A two-dimensional tree representation of a hierarchical data structure is displayed. A first transitional animation is generated that graphically represents a first portion of the two-dimensional tree representation of the hierarchical data structure as a sequence of three-dimensional parallelograms, the sequence to be displayed between a first location with respect to the two-dimensional tree representation and a second location with respect to a two-dimensional tree representation of the hierarchical data structure. A final form three-dimensional parallelogram included in the sequence of three-dimensional parallelograms is displayed at the second location with respect to the three-dimensional tree representation of the hierarchical data structure.
US08432399B2 Radial vector plots for paths
Techniques for displaying path-related information. Techniques are provided for generating and displaying graphical representations for a path. In one embodiment, a radial vector plot is generated and output for a path.
US08432398B2 Characteristic determination for an output node
Systems, methods, and computer storage media having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon determine whether an output value of a dependency graph has a particular characteristic. In one embodiment, to make this determination, a dependency graph is generated that illustrates external and internal nodes, in addition to their dependency to one another. External nodes, or those nodes that do not depend on other nodes, are analyzed to determine whether they have a particular characteristic. Depending on the operation associated with the characteristic, it may then be determined whether the output value of the dependency graph also has that characteristic.
US08432397B2 Data display apparatus for displaying measurement data in a time serial manner
A plurality of types of measurement data which are measured by a signal measurement section in a time serial manner are displayed on a predetermined coordinate system. A data type assignment section is operable to assign the types of the measurement data to different coordinate axes in the predetermined coordinate system, respectively. A plotting processing section is operable to plot characteristic values on the predetermined coordinate system, the characteristic values specified by the measurement data synchronized at a measurement timing from the measurement data belonging to the types.
US08432395B2 Method and apparatus for surface contour mapping
The three dimensional surface shape of a specular reflective object can be determined by examining a captured image reflected from the object. Flat specular reflective surfaces, e.g. a mirror, provide an undistorted reflected image, while curved surfaces reflect a distorted image altered by the surface shape. By analyzing one or more captured images of the distorted reflection, one can estimate the shape of the surface that caused the distortion. A captured distorted image can be compared to a reference undistorted image for which one knows some geometric properties. A system to capture and process such images can be assembled from a few components including a computer to generate and process the images, a display to project the image onto the reflective object, a digital camera to capture the reflected image and a positioning device on which to orient the components with respect to each other.
US08432392B2 Display system with image conversion mechanism and method of operation thereof
A method of operation of a display system includes: receiving a current input image with current input pixels; identifying an input object, having input object pixels, based on differences in characteristics of the current input pixels; calculating an object pixel depth for the input object pixels from an image depth map of the current input image based on a weighted average of depth candidates; and generating a processed image, having a perceived depth, from the current input image with the image depth map and the object pixel depth for displaying on a device.
US08432390B2 Apparatus system and method for human-machine interface
There is provided a 3D human machine interface (“3D HMI”), which 3D HMI may include: (1) an image acquisition assembly, (2) an initializing module, (3) an image segmentation module, (4) a segmented data processing module, (5) a scoring module, (6) a projection module, (7) a fitting module, (8) a scoring and error detection module, (9) a recovery module, (10) a three dimensional correlation module, (11) a three dimensional skeleton prediction module, (12) an output module and (13) a depth extraction module.
US08432389B2 Panel and driving controlling method
The present invention provides a panel, including: a plurality of pixel circuits disposed in rows and columns and each including a light emitting element for emitting light in response to driving current, a sampling transistor for sampling an image signal, a driving transistor for supplying the driving current to the light emitting element, and a storage capacitor for storing a predetermined potential; and a power supplying section configured to supply a power supply voltage of a high potential or a low potential at a time to all of the pixel circuits arranged in rows and columns; the power supplying section setting the power supply voltage to be supplied to the low potential, with which the gate-source voltage of the driving transistor becomes higher than a threshold voltage of the driving transistor, by Q times within a one-field period, Q being equal to or greater than 2.
US08432385B2 Clocked inverter, NAND, NOR and shift register
In a display device including a substrate, a pixel portion, and a driver circuit having first to ninth transistors and first and second inverters, the various transistors are configured such that one of a source and a drain of the fifth transistor is electrically connected to a gate of the first transistor. In embodiments, the electrical connection may be a direct connection. Additionally, a switch may be provided that is directly connected to an output terminal of the second inverter.
US08432384B2 Active matrix substrate and display device
An active matrix substrate (5) for use as a substrate of a liquid crystal panel (display panel) (2) includes a plurality of source wirings (data wirings) (S) and a plurality of gate wirings (scanning wirings) (G) arranged in a matrix and a plurality of pixels (P) provided in the vicinities of intersections of the source wirings (S) and the gate wirings (G). A plurality of gate drivers (scanning wiring drive circuits) (24-1 to 24-6) that sequentially output scanning signals to a plurality of the gate wirings (G) in a predetermined scanning direction are provided along the scanning direction. Further, each of the gate drivers (24-1 to 24-6) has a vacant terminal that is not connected to the gate wiring (G).
US08432382B2 Electronic module, methods of manufacturing and driving the same, and electronic instrument
An electronic module includes an EL section; a first substrate on which the EL section is formed; a second substrate attached to the first substrate; an integrated circuit chip mounted on the second substrate; a plurality of first power supply interconnects formed on the first substrate, extending through a pair of regions located on both sides of the EL section; and a plurality of second power supply interconnects formed on the second substrate, extending through a pair of regions located on both sides of the integrated circuit chip.
US08432379B2 Stylus
A stylus comprises a housing, a stylus body and an elastic element. The housing has a receptacle longitudinally defined therethrough. The stylus body is hinged to housing and located in the receptacle. The elastic element is located between the housing and the stylus body. When the stylus body rotates relative to the housing from a retracted state to a tilted state, the elastic element is compressed and accumulate elastic force for restore the stylus to the retracted state.
US08432376B2 Patterned resistive touch panel
A touch panel having a first panel and a second panel, wherein the first panel has a voltage providing area connected to a power source and the second panel has a patterned resistive element facing the voltage providing area so that when a touch event on the touch panel occurs, the first panel is caused to make contact with and provide a voltage to the second panel at one or more contact points on the resistive element. By measuring the voltage on one or both ends of the resistive element, it is possible to determine the two-dimensional coordinates of each contact point. The touch panel can have one or more resistive elements located at different touch areas for sensing one or more touch points in a touch event.
US08432375B2 Method and system for measuring position on surface capacitance touch panel using a flying capacitor
A touch panel having a substantially even coating of a conductive material on a non-conductive substrate and then covering the conductive material with a dielectric material, wherein a novel current measuring circuit reduces the effect of stray capacitance on the accuracy of a current measurement so that the relative X and Y position of an object on the touch panel can be determined using simple ratio equations.
US08432370B2 Liquid crystal display
A liquid crystal display is disclosed. The liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal display panel including a pixel array and touch sensors, a transparent conductive layer on one substrate of the liquid crystal display panel transmitting display light, a polarizing plate on the transparent conductive layer, a driving voltage supply circuit, and a signal transmitting unit electrically connecting the transparent conductive layer to the driving voltage supply circuit. A portion of the transparent conductive layer is connected to a ground level voltage source. The driving voltage supply circuit generates a driving voltage required to perform light sensing operations of the touch sensors during a touch period based on changes in an amount of surface charge of the transparent conductive layer depending on whether or not the polarizing plate is touched.
US08432364B2 Charge recycling for multi-touch controllers
The recycling of charge when two or more of the drive lines of a touch sensor panel are being simultaneously stimulated with the in-phase and anti-phase components of a stimulation signal is disclosed. To perform charge recycling, a discharge path can be selectively formed between drive lines being stimulated with the in-phase and anti-phase components of the stimulation signal. A multiplexer can be coupled to the driver of each drive line and the common discharge path. When charge recycling is to be performed, control logic can configure the multiplexers to isolate the driver and connect the drive lines being stimulated with the in-phase component of the stimulation signal with the drive lines being stimulated with the anti-phase component of the stimulation signal. The capacitance on the charged-up drive lines can then discharge to the capacitance on the discharged drive lines.
US08432363B2 Optical actuators in keypads
The specification and drawings present a new apparatus and manufacturing method for optical protrusions (e.g., dome pins or actuators) attached to a light guide for providing backlight, actuation function and/or tactile feedback in keypad modules of electronic devices. Spatially and spectrally selective out-coupling of light from the light guide (e.g., a planar light guide plate) can be accomplished using these optical actuators integrated with the light guide for keypad illumination to control out-coupling efficiency and/or spectra of the out-coupled light to enable modification of the visual appearance (intensity, colored/white) of individual keys of the keypad.
US08432360B2 Input apparatus, method and program
An input apparatus includes: an operation section operated by a user for generating a corresponding value corresponding to a motion of an image displayed on a screen of an image display section of an electronic apparatus; a detection section detecting a detection value for generating the corresponding value corresponding to the motion of the image by an operation of the operation section; a calculation section calculating the corresponding value from the detection value detected by the detection section; a transmission section transmitting the corresponding value calculated by the calculation section to the electronic apparatus by a radio wave; and a capture section capturing the detection value detected by the detection section from the detection section in a time period when the corresponding value is not transmitted to the electronic apparatus by the radio wave.
US08432359B2 Ergonomic mouse
An ergonomic mouse has a sliding cap matching the curvature of a normal human palm. The sliding cap may be slid on the top of a hollow body to reach a desired operation position, then fine-tuned and anchored. Thus when the mouse is moved during operation, it can absorb reaction forces to avoid hurting the user's wrist and better meet ergonomic requirements.
US08432357B2 Tracking object selection apparatus, method, program and circuit
A tracking object selection apparatus which selects a tracking object. The tracking object selection apparatus includes a synthesis unit which synthesizes an input image and an image so that the image is disposed at a predetermined position, a display unit, and a selection unit which selects, as the tracking object in a predetermined process, a detected object when an operation is performed on the image displayed at the predetermined position.
US08432356B2 Button with edge mounted pivot point
A device disclosed herein reduces inadvertent activation of buttons mounted on edges of an electronic device. The button moves around an axis of rotation proximate to, and parallel with, the adjacent edge of the device. Thus, inadvertent pressure on an edge of the button adjacent to the edge of the device will not inadvertently activate the button. Additionally, the presence of the axis of rotation proximate to the edge maintains a desired reveal.
US08432354B2 Backlight control circuit with a pulse width modulated generator
A backlight control circuit includes a logic unit, a drive unit, a decoder, a current setting unit, a current stabilizer, a pulse width modulated generator, a plurality of light sources, and a control unit. The control unit controls the brightness of each light source according to the pulse width modulated signals from the pulse width modulated generator. The logic unit sends an enable signal to the control unit. The drive unit sends a first control signal to the decoder. According to a decoded signal from the decoder, the current setting unit sends a second control signal and an output voltage to the current stabilizer, the current stabilizer generates a steady current. According to the second control signal, the control unit selectively provides the steady current to the corresponding light source.
US08432349B2 Liquid crystal display device
A liquid crystal display device includes plural video signal lines, plural video signal input terminals less in number than the video signal lines, and a switch circuit interposed between the video signal input terminals and the video signal lines. The switch circuit has plural switch elements and plural switching wires, wherein each of the video signal lines is connected to one of the video signal input terminals via one of the switch elements, and each of the video signal input terminals is connected to a plurality of the video signal lines. Further, switching wires, to which are connected the switch elements connected one to each of the plural video signal lines, differ from one another.
US08432348B2 Data signal loading circuit, display panel driving circuit, and image display apparatus
A data signal loading circuit (i) which includes: a comparator CMP1 receiving clock signal CKP and reverse-phase signal CKN of clock signal CKP, and outputting clock signal CLP1 which is in phase with clock signal CKP, and clock signal CLN 1 having a reverse phase of clock signal CKP; a comparator CMP 2 having a non-inverting input terminal receiving clock signal CLP1, and an inverting input terminal receiving clock signal CLN1; and a comparator CMP3 having an inverting input terminal receiving clock signal CLP 1, and a non-inverting input terminal receiving clock signal CLN 1, and (ii) which, by using output signals CL1 and CL2 of the comparator CMP2 and the comparator CMP3 as clock signals for latch circuits L1 and L2, equalizes delay times for the rise or fall of clock signals CL1 and CL2 inputted to the latch circuits L1 and L2, and (iii) has low power consumption.
US08432339B2 System and method for increasing bit-depth in a video display system using a pulsed lamp
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method for increasing the bit-depth of a video display system using a pulse lamp are provided. In one embodiment, the method includes illuminating a digital micro-mirror device with a light source having a variable power supply, receiving a signal indicating the light output provided to the digital micro-mirror device by the light source should be reduced to a target level during a predetermined time period, reducing a power supplied to the light source by the variable power supply in response to the signal such that the light output of the light source is reduced to about a target level during the predetermined time period, displaying a least significant bit on the digital micro-mirror device during the predetermined time period, and decreasing a speed of a master clock controlling the digital micro-mirror device in response to the light output of the light source deviating below the target level during the predetermined time period.
US08432336B2 Pixel and organic light emitting display device using the same
A pixel for use in an organic light emitting display device capable of displaying an image of uniform brightness is provided. The pixel includes: an organic light emitting diode; a first transistor for controlling the amount of current supplied to the organic light emitting diode; a storage capacitor coupled between a gate electrode and a second electrode of the first transistor; a second transistor coupled between the gate electrode of the first transistor and a data line, and configured to turn on when a scan signal is supplied to a scan line; a fourth transistor coupled between the first electrode of the first transistor and a first power source, and configured to be off during a period when a voltage is charged to the storage capacitor; and a third transistor coupled between the gate electrode and the first electrode of the first transistor.
US08432331B2 Personal portable communication devices with deployable display systems for three dimensional visual representations and/or privacy and methods of use
A personal portable communication device includes a deployable display system movable from a stored position to an extended position for use in three-dimensional representations of display data and/or privacy in viewing display data.
US08432330B2 Electromagnetic screen
The device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to an area of wireless communication and can be used for shielding from electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic screen with the big surface impedance contains a flat metal reflector substrate and two lattices of capacitor type that are shifted from each other on a share of the period in parallel and located above the reflector substrate. At least one of lateral edges of the lattices has an electric connection with an edge of the reflector substrate.
US08432327B2 Dual-band dipole antenna
A dual-band dipole antenna (100) includes a ground radiating portion (2), a signal radiating portion (3) and a feed wire (1). The feed wire (1) has a ground portion (12) connected to the ground radiating portion (2), and a core conduct (11) connected to the signal radiating portion (3). The signal radiating portion (3) has a first branch (31), a second branch (32) having a same length and a same width as the first branch (31), and a middle portion (33) connecting the first branch (31) and the second branch (32) at connecting points. Each of the first branch (31) and the second branch (32) has a first radiating length (D1) extending from the connecting point and a second radiating length (D2) extending from the connecting point.
US08432324B2 Antenna module and communication device having the same
An antenna module includes a first antenna and a second antenna which work at the same frequency. The first antenna includes a first feed portion, a first radiation portion, and a first ground portion. The second antenna includes a second feed portion and a second radiation portion. The first radiation portion is arc-shaped. The second radiation portion includes an arced edge and is coupled to the first radiation portion via the arced edge. The first feed portion and the second feed portion are connected to a signal terminal of a printed circuit board of a communication device and configured for feeding in electromagnetic waves. The ground portion is connected to a ground of the printed circuit board.
US08432323B2 Antenna integrated with a portable communication device
A radio is presented in which a short-range antenna, along with a speaker, is contained within a non-conductive speaker bracket. The antenna is a PIFA that is bent and extends through the speaker bracket so that the distance between the free end of the PIFA and various metallic components of the radio including the chassis and speaker is maximized. The structure containing the PIFA is flexible and also contains a contact area where feed/ground contact for the PIFA is made as well as contact for audio components including a speaker and microphone. A flexible cable and extension portion of the flexible structure routes the signals to the audio components far enough away from the PIFA so that the amount of crosstalk is insignificant. The free end of the PIFA and launch pad where feed/ground contact for the PIFA is made are non-planar.
US08432322B2 Electronic devices with capacitive proximity sensors for proximity-based radio-frequency power control
An electronic device may have a housing in which an antenna is mounted. An antenna window may be mounted in the housing to allow radio-frequency signals to be transmitted from the antenna and to allow the antenna to receive radio-frequency signals. Near-field radiation limits may be satisfied by reducing transmit power when an external object is detected in the vicinity of the dielectric antenna window and the antenna. A capacitive proximity sensor may be used in detecting external objects in the vicinity of the antenna. The proximity sensor may have conductive layers separated by a dielectric. A capacitance-to-digital converter may be coupled to the proximity sensor by inductors. The capacitive proximity sensor may be interposed between an antenna resonating element and the antenna window. The capacitive proximity sensor may serve as a parasitic antenna resonating element and may be coupled to the housing by a capacitor.
US08432321B2 Antenna arrangement and antenna housing
An antenna arrangement including an antenna occupying at least a first plane; a conductive structure that is isolated from the antenna but is arranged to be parasitically fed by the antenna, the conductive structure having a slot and occupying at least a second plane different to but adjacent the first plane.
US08432317B2 Antenna module
An antenna module for a portable device includes a first antenna section, a second antenna section, a third antenna section, a feed section, and a ground section. The first antenna section and the third antenna section form a first groove. The feed section and the ground section are parallel to each other. The first antenna section and the second antenna section jointly connect with the feed section.
US08432313B2 Conformal and compact wideband antenna
A substrate such as a printed wiring board defines a cutout of grounding metallization. A monopole radiating element is spaced laterally from edges of the grounding metallization in the cutout. A patch radiating element is spaced laterally from edges of the grounding metallization in the cutout. The monopole and patch radiating elements overlie at least a portion of one another to enable inductive coupling through an aperture characterized by the absence of grounding metallization, and the patch radiating element is shorted at a corner to the grounding metallization.
US08432311B2 GPS signal transmitter and signal transmission method thereof
A GPS signal transmitter configured with a reduced number of components and achieving low cost, space saving, and low power is provided. A GPS signal transmitter of the present invention includes: a crystal oscillator; a carrier wave generator that outputs a first carrier wave and a second carrier wave whose phase is inverted to the phase of the first carrier wave, using a clock output by the crystal oscillator; a microcomputer that is driven with the clock output by the crystal oscillator and outputs a control signal based on a C/A code which is a pseudo random code; a switch that switches over between the first carrier wave and the second carrier wave according to the control signal from the microcomputer and generates a modulation wave; and an antenna that transmits the modulation wave by radio.
US08432310B1 System and method for providing a height-of-burst (HOB) sensor using global positioning system (GPS) multipath
The present invention is a method for utilizing a positioning receiver, such as a GPS receiver, as a height of burst sensor. The method uses the difference in time-of-flight between a line-of-sight (ex.—on-time, direct) GPS signal and a multipath (ex.—delayed, reflected) GPS signal to determine distance and time to the ground. This may be accomplished with a high degree of accuracy due to the precision timing capabilities of the GPS.
US08432308B2 Method and device for monitoring radioaltimetric heights of an aircraft
A method and device for monitoring radioaltimetric heights of an aircraft, the device including an auxiliary height generation device that generates an auxiliary reliability height of an aircraft. The device also includes a determination device that determines with the aid of this auxiliary height, an error in incoherent data which are received from two radioaltimeters. To this end, the most reliable reading from the radioaltimeters is determined and sent to a user device.
US08432306B2 Method and apparatus for the nowcast of lightning threat using polarimetric radar
A system and method for predicting the probability of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, ‘frequent’, more than 2 strikes per minute on average, cloud to ground lightning strikes, and/or ‘numerous’, more than 4 strikes per minute on average, through the use of polarimetric radar is presented. The data volume created by the polarimetric radar is processed to identify the type of hydrometeors in each range cell. For each vertical column, the maximum height of the graupel is compared to the lowest height of ice crystals in the volume. In the event that the lowest height of ice crystals is ambiguous, the height of the temperature where ice crystals form, −10° C., may be substituted for the lowest height of the ice crystals. Probability density functions are applied to the height difference to determine the probability of cloud to ground lightning within the column. Lightning probability product data are displayed on a visualization system in a georeferenced manner providing georeferenced lightning warnings. A forecast of the probabilities of cloud-to-ground lightning is determined by simple translation using storm track properties.
US08432303B2 Electronic apparatus and control method of the same
According to one embodiment, an electronic apparatus non-masks a clock signal portion used for shift-outputting respective digital signals by first parallel/serial converting device and masks the remaining clock signal portion, in the clock signal supplied to the first and second parallel/serial converting devices, in a first mode. The apparatus non-masks the clock signal supplied to the first and second parallel/serial converting devices, in a second mode.
US08432302B2 Method and apparatus for line coding
The present invention provides a convolutional line coding method, including: constructing a sequence set, where the length of each sequence in the sequence set is n bits; selecting a balanced sequence in the sequence set, and obtaining source data of n−1 bits corresponding to the balanced sequence; performing Hamming distance detection for an unbalanced sequence in the sequence set to obtain source data of n−1 bits corresponding to the unbalanced sequence; sorting the balanced sequence and the unbalanced sequence according to an operation difference value, and generating a code table, where the source data of n−1 bits correspond to the sequence of n bits, and the code table is designed for line coding; and at time of encoding the source data of n−1 bits, obtaining a coding result of n bits according to a mapping relation in the code table.
US08432295B2 Road traffic information providing system, road traffic information providing device, road traffic information providing method, and program
A utterance type road traffic information providing system comprises a roadside apparatus (100) installed along a road where vehicles travel, in a parking lot, or near a parking lot and adapted for transmitting alarm information by wireless communication, a utterance type vehicle-mounted device (200) adapted for receiving the alarm information by wireless communication from the roadside apparatus (100) and outputting the alarm information and mounted in the vehicle, and a administration server (300) for communicating various information with the roadside apparatus (100). The utterance type vehicle-mounted device (200) has a predetermined operating unit and a control unit. The control unit provides again a utterance type output from the beginning by sound according to the alarm information supplied from the roadside apparatus (100) when a predetermined operation of the operating unit is made. By a simple method, the alarm information is again confirmed (re-outputted).
US08432293B2 Charging a chargeable power supply of a near field communication (NFC) enabled device from a radio frequency (RF) signal inductively coupled onto a magnetic field
A NFC communicator or NFC communications enabled device (1 or 2 or 100a) has a data store (108) to store data, a coupler (17 or 32 or 102) to couple inductively with the magnetic field of a radio frequency signal and a signal generator (109) to supply a radio frequency signal to the coupler. A modulator (110) is provided to modulate a radio frequency signal in accordance with data and a demodulator (114) is provided to extract data from a modulated radio frequency signal inductively coupled to the coupler. A controller (107) enables the NFC communicator or NFC communications enabled device both to initiate near field radio frequency communication with another near field RF communicator and to respond to near field radio frequency communication initiated by another near field RF communicator. The NFC communicator or NFC communications enabled device also has a power deliver (19 or 34 or 103) that derives power from a radio frequency signal inductively coupled to the coupler to charge a chargeable power supply.
US08432290B2 Force measuring ratchet tie down
The present invention provides a force measuring ratchet tie down in the field of goods holding. The force measuring ratchet tie down of the invention addresses the technical problems such has insufficiently tight binding, severe difficulty in control and trouble in adjustment. The force measuring ratchet tie down includes a body assembly, a handle, a teeth stop board, a catch and a scroll. The handle is connected with the body assembly through the scroll. A binding belt having a fixable outer end is connected to the body assembly. Another binding belt having a fixable outer end is rolled on the scroll. A ratchet is fixed on the scroll. The body assembly is movably connected with a teeth stop board the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet. The handle is movably connected with a catch the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet. A sensor is placed at a forced part of the tie down, which is linked with a signal processing circuit and could generate a signal corresponding to the size of the tensioning force of the binding belt when the tie down is in operation. A display device is connected to the signal processing circuit. The force measuring ratchet tie down of the invention has advantages including a high safety property, a compact structure and a low manufacturing cost.
US08432288B2 Sensors in communication devices
Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for communication. In certain aspects, an apparatus for communication includes one or more sensors configured to measure a condition external to the apparatus, a circuit configured to determine when to transmit data based on the measurement to another apparatus, wherein the determination is based on at least one parameter configurable by the another apparatus, and a transmitter configured to transmit the data.
US08432280B2 System and method for indicating a swept mail sort pocket
Systems and methods for indicating a swept pocket in a mail processing system. A mail processing system includes a plurality of pockets configured to receive and retain processed mail until the processed mail is removed by a user, and a movable paddle disposed in each pocket to retain the processed mail in the respective pocket. The user moves the paddle in order to remove processed mail from the respective pocket. The mail processing system includes a sensor connected to detect when the paddle in one of the plurality of pockets has been moved by the user, and an indicator associated with each pocket and connected to activate when the sensor detects that the paddle in the associated pocket has been moved by the user.
US08432267B2 Method and apparatus to remotely set alarms on a mobile device
A method and apparatus for a mobile device to set an alarm based on an external request is described. In one embodiment of the invention, the mobile device receives the external request which includes a set of one or more parameters at least partially defining the alarm and a set of one or more actions to take upon the alarm triggering. Upon determining that the external request is trusted, the mobile device automatically sets the alarm on the mobile device according to the set of parameters included in the request. Upon the alarm triggering, the mobile device performs the set of actions included in the external request. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US08432263B2 System and method for the collection, storage, analysis and reporting of event information
A system and method includes an RFID tag that is associated with an object or person. The object or person can actuate a call signal to summon a responder, who would be a person fitted with a BODYWARE™ electronic device that is compatible with electromagnetic signals from the RFID tag. As the responder moves into proximity to the RFID tag, initial information is acquired by a BODYWARE™ electronic device from the signals being emitted by the RFID tag. This cues the responder appropriately for the next step of inputting additional event information or data, which information or data is collected, stored, analyzed and reported as is desired or required by the particular system with which the invention is used. Means are also provided to actuate training methodology to maximize the likelihood of acquiring accurate event data, with feedback being provided to the responder for teaching proper data collection methodology.
US08432253B2 Zone determination by combining signal strength with topological factors
Active RFID technologies are used to tag assets and people within buildings or open areas, such as parking lots or military bases; and to identify, preferably within a few meters, the real-time location (RTL) of the tag, i.e. to create a real-time location system, known as an RTLS. A novel and complex algorithm is provided that combines signal strength computations with factors that incorporate physical realities, such as walls and floors, to determine a tag's real-time location more accurately.
US08432251B2 Secure biometric device
A device for capturing biometric characteristics, the device having an optical sensor with a field of view covering a detection zone for detecting optical characteristics, and an electronic control unit that is connected to the sensor in order to control it, the control unit being placed at least in part in the field of view of the sensor and includes a memory containing at least one signature resulting from at least one reference optical characteristic of the control unit as seen by the sensor, and a comparator module for comparing the signature with at least one corresponding signature that results from at least one optical characteristic of the control unit as supplied by the sensor.
US08432250B2 Process variation based microchip identification
An apparatus comprising a multiplexer circuit, a plurality of bit generation circuits, and a control circuit. The multiplexer circuit may be configured to generate an intermediate signal in response to (i) a plurality of input bits and (ii) a control signal. The plurality of bit generation circuits may each be configured to generate one of the plurality of input bits. The control circuit may be configured to generate the control signal.
US08432248B2 Method for manufacturing a resistor
To provide manufacturing method for resistor that uses metal plate as resistance body, which can obtain desired accurate resistance value without trimming resistance body even if product becomes small. The method comprises; in method for manufacturing an unit resistor that has a pair of electrodes separated by insulation film, from resistor material that is provided with a metal plate consisting of resistance material, an insulation film pattern formed on the metal plate, and an electrode region formed besides area where insulation film pattern has been formed, by piercing predetermined piercing area, wherein length E of insulation film pattern is longer than width w of piercing area, wherein width L of insulation film pattern extends or narrows along direction of length E of insulation film pattern, and wherein position X of piercing area is adjusted in extent and in direction of length E of insulation film pattern.
US08432247B2 Over-current protection device
An over-current protection device includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a resistance material disposed between the first and second electrode layers. The first electrode layer includes a first groove pattern formed on and through the first electrode layer. The first groove pattern is configured to separate the first electrode layer into a plurality of connected regions. The second electrode layer includes a second groove pattern formed on and through the second electrode layer. The second groove pattern is configured to separate the second electrode layer into a plurality of connected regions. The first and second groove patterns are further configured to be formed in an interlaced manner that when the first and second electrode layers are overlapped, the first and second groove patterns form a plurality of independent regions, which divide the resistance material into a plurality of electrically isolated and parallel connected units.
US08432245B2 Power module and circuit board assembly thereof
A power module includes a first bobbin, a primary winding coil, a circuit board assembly and a first magnetic core assembly. The primary winding coil is wound around the first bobbin. The circuit board assembly includes a printed circuit board, a second winding structure, at least one current-sensing element, a rectifier circuit and an electrical connector. The second winding structure has an output terminal. The current-sensing element includes a first conductor. The first conductor is a conductive sheet. A first end of the first conductor is in contact with the output terminal of the second winding structure. A second end of the first conductor is connected to the rectifier circuit. The primary winding coil is aligned with the second winding structure of the circuit board assembly and arranged within the first magnetic core assembly. The primary winding coil and the electrical connector are electrically connected with a system board.
US08432240B2 Miniature magnetic switch structures
According to an illustrative embodiment, a switching device structure is provided comprising a cavity defined by a laminated structure; and a moveable member comprising a plurality of laminated layers, wherein the moveable member is suspended from a side surface of the cavity by a hinge comprising a plurality of adjacent electrical conductors. In one embodiment, a current conducting coil is formed within the moveable member, and first and second of the adjacent electrical conductors of the hinge respectively comprise coil-in and coil-out conductors electrically connected to the coil. In such an embodiment, the third and fourth of said electrical conductors may respectively comprise tip and ring conductors. In illustrative embodiments, each of the electrical conductors of the hinge may comprise a resilient or flexible copper material.
US08432238B2 Multiple-membrane flexible wall system for temperature-compensated technology filters and multiplexers
The present invention relates to a flexible cap system optimized for thermally-compensated technology microwave resonators. More specifically, this invention proposes a multiple-membrane flexible wall system for thermally-compensated filters and OMUX. The use of a multi-membrane flexible wall, in particular as sealing cap for a resonant cavity of an OMUX channel, makes it possible: to reduce the thermal resistance of the flexible wall, while maintaining an equivalent level of mechanical stresses exerted on said wall for a given displacement; or to reduce the mechanical stresses exerted on the flexible wall for a given displacement, while maintaining one and the same thermal resistance for said wall; or to increase the deformation of the flexible wall by maintaining an equivalent level of mechanical stresses and by maintaining an equivalent thermal resistance.
US08432237B2 Output circuit with integrated impedance matching, power combining and filtering for power amplifiers and other circuits
An output circuit with integrated impedance matching, power combining, and filtering and suitable for use with power amplifiers and other circuits is described. In an exemplary design, an apparatus may include first and second circuits (e.g., power amplifiers) and an output circuit. The first circuit may provide a first single-ended signal and may have a first output impedance. The second circuit may provide a second single-ended signal and may have a second output impedance. The output circuit may include (i) first and second matching circuits that perform output impedance matching and filtering for the first and second circuits, (ii) a combiner (e.g., a summing node) that combines the first and second single-ended signals to obtain a combined single-ended signal, (iii) a third matching circuit that performs impedance matching and filtering for the combined single-ended signal, and (iv) switches to route the single-ended signals to different outputs.
US08432235B2 Coupler and communication system
A coupler includes a first conductive pattern provided on a substrate having insulating property, a second conductive pattern provided on the substrate and placed in opposition to the first conductive pattern, a third conductive pattern provided on the substrate, a fourth conductive pattern provided on the substrate and placed in opposition to the third conductive pattern, a ground potential portion placed around positions on the substrate where the first conductive pattern, the second conductive pattern, the third conductive pattern, and the fourth conductive pattern are placed, a first resistor connecting between the first conductive pattern and the second conductive pattern placed in opposition to each other, and a second resistor connecting between the third conductive pattern and the fourth conductive pattern placed in opposition to each other.
US08432227B2 Power amplifier
A power amplifier includes: an amplifying element having a base into which input signals are inputted, a collector to which a collector voltage is applied, and an emitter; and a bias circuit supplying a bias current to the base of the amplifying element. The bias circuit includes a bias current lowering circuit which lowers the bias current when the collector voltage is lower than a prescribed threshold value.
US08432225B2 Automatic gain control
This document discusses, among other things, a system and method for receiving an input signal and power supply information, and amplifying the input signal by a gain value determined as a function of the power supply information.
US08432223B2 Differential amplifier circuit
A differential amplifier circuit can reduce consumption current and the circuit size while improving a power supply rejection ratio. The differential amplifier circuit includes a power supply line and an input part that includes an input circuit and an active load. The input circuit includes two differential input elements, and the active load includes two transistors connected to the two differential input elements. The input part generates a differential signal in response to an input signal given to the two differential input elements. The differential amplifier circuit also includes an amplifying part for generating an output voltage generating signal by amplifying the differential signal. The differential amplifier circuit also includes an output part for generating an output voltage based on the output voltage generating signal and a power supply voltage. The differential amplifier circuit includes a noise permitting part located between control terminals of the two transistors and the power supply line.
US08432222B2 Apparatus and methods for electronic amplification
Apparatus and methods for electronic amplification are provided. In one embodiment, an amplifier includes a first adaptive level shifter (ALS), a second ALS, a first transconductance amplification circuit, a second transconductance amplification circuit, and a transimpedance amplification circuit. The first ALS and the second ALS are electrically coupled to the first and second transconductance amplification circuits to improve the input voltage range and common-mode rejection ratio (CMRR) of the amplifier. The transimpedance amplification block is electrically coupled to the first and second transconductance amplification blocks and generates an output voltage of the amplifier. The first ALS receives a differential input voltage, and the second ALS is configured to receive a feedback signal configured to change in relation to the output voltage signal.
US08432221B1 Switching amplifying method and switching amplifier
A switching amplifying method or a switching amplifier for obtaining one or more than one linearly amplified replicas of an input signal, is highly efficient, and does not have the disadvantage of “dead time” problem related to the class D amplifiers. Said switching amplifying method comprises the steps of: receiving and pulse modulating the input signal for getting a pulse modulated signal; switching a first pulsed voltage from a DC voltage supply unit according to the pulse modulated signal and switching on a first switchable free-wheeling diode means unit when the polarity of the input signal is positive; switching a second pulsed voltage from the DC voltage supply unit according to the pulse modulated signal and switching on a second switchable free-wheeling diode means unit when the polarity of the input signal is negative; filtering the first pulsed voltage, the second pulsed voltage for outputting an output signal.
US08432218B1 Harmonic-rejection power amplifier
A harmonic-rejection power amplifier is disclosed. In an embodiment, the harmonic-rejection power amplifier includes a plurality of stages, each stage comprising a respective signal-generation component coupled to a respective power amplifier, wherein the respective signal-generation component is configured to output a respective signal having a respective phase, and wherein the respective power amplifier is configured to output an amplified version of the respective signal. In the harmonic-rejection power amplifier, each respective phase differs from each other respective phase by a respective amount that is predefined based on a number of stages in the plurality of stages, and the plurality of stages are coupled in parallel to a combiner configured to combine the output of each respective power amplifier into a combined output. At least one harmonic in the combined output may be at least partially rejected.
US08432213B2 Wave detector circuit and high-frequency circuit
The temperature dependence of detection characteristics in a wave detector circuit is suppressed. A bias resistor and/or a load resistor are/is constituted by a resistive element having a high temperature coefficient, whereby a shift in detected output along with a change in temperature of a wave detector diode included in a diode detector circuit is canceled by a shift in detected output along with a change in temperature of the bias resistor and/or a shift in detected output along with a change in temperature of the load resistor.
US08432212B2 Switching element having an electromechanical switch and methods for making and using same
A switching element having an electromechanical switch (such as an electrically conductive membrane switch, for example a graphene membrane switch) is disclosed herein. Such a switching element can be made and used in a switching power converter to reduce power loss and to maximize efficiency of the switching power converter.
US08432209B2 Method for power reduction and a device having power reduction capabilities
A device that includes a dual edge triggered flip-flop that has state retention capabilities, the dual edge triggered flip-flop includes: a retention latch that includes a first inverter, a second inverter and a first transfer gate; wherein the first and second inverters receive power during a power gating period; a second latch that includes a third inverter, a fourth inverter and a second transfer gate; wherein the third and fourth inverters are powered down during a power gating period; a third transfer gate that is coupled between input nodes of the retention latch and the second latch; wherein the third transfer gate is opened during the power gating period; wherein the first transfer gate is controlled by a control signal and the second transfer gate is controlled by an inverted control signal; wherein the retention latch stores, at the end of the power gating period a retention value; wherein the retention value is selected, in response to a value of the control signal when the power gating period starts, out of a first initial value stored at the retention latch at the beginning of the power gating period and a second initial value stored at the second latch at the beginning of the power gating period.
US08432206B2 Delay lock loop system with a self-tracking function and method thereof
A delay lock loop system includes a timing controller, an OR gate, an input buffer, a pulse generator, and a delay lock loop. The timing controller is used for outputting an external enable signal periodically while a power saving signal is at a logic-low voltage, and being disabled according to a logic-high voltage of the power saving signal. The pulse generator is used for generating a pulse according to the positive edge of the power saving signal. The OR gate is coupled to the timing controller for receiving the power saving signal, the pulse, and the external enable signal, and outputting an enable signal according to the power saving signal and the external enable signal. The delay lock loop is coupled to the OR gate and the input buffer for enabling the delay lock loop again according to the enable signal.
US08432198B2 Injection-locked phase-locked loop with a self-aligned injection window
An injection-locked phase-locked loop (ILPLL) with a self-aligned injection window is disclosed. In the ILPLL, a phase detector is provided to detect a phase difference between a pair of differential terminals of an injection-locked voltage-controlled oscillator (ILVCO) of the ILPLL. According to the detection, the phase detector generates a control signal, to align an oscillation output, generated from the pair of differential terminals of the ILVCO, with an injection pulse utilized in the ILVCO.
US08432196B2 Method and apparatus of resetting mobile device
A method and apparatus of resetting a mobile device including a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC) with no manual reset function are provided. The apparatus includes an input unit for creating a specific input signal for a reset according to a user's input. The apparatus includes a reset unit for creating a manual reset input signal in response to the specific input signal, and for blocking battery power supplied to the PMIC by using the manual reset input signal and a signal created during operations of the mobile device. The reset apparatus includes a power unit for supplying the battery power.
US08432195B2 Latch circuits with synchronous data loading and self-timed asynchronous data capture
A latch integrated circuit has synchronous data loading and self-timed asynchronous data capture characteristics. The integrated circuit may include a latch, a pulse generator and a comparator. The latch can be responsive to a data signal and a write enable signal. The pulse generator may be configured to generate the write enable signal as a pulse. This pulse may have a leading edge synchronized with a first edge of a clock signal and a self-timed trailing edge synchronized with an edge of a comparison signal. The comparator may be configured to generate the comparison signal in response to comparing logic levels of at least two nodes within the integrated circuit.
US08432185B2 Receiver circuits for differential and single-ended signals
Receiver circuits for differential and single-ended signals are disclosed. A receiver may include a differential amplifier configured to receive a first signal of a differential pair at a first input and a second signal of the differential pair at a second input when operating in differential mode, and a single-ended signal at the first input and a reference signal at a third input when operating in single-ended mode. The receiver may also include an inverter coupled to the differential amplifier. The inverter may be configured to provide a first beta ratio in differential mode and a second beta ratio in single-ended mode. Several receivers may be used, for example, to process a differential clock signal and one or more single-ended data signals referenced to the clock signal and/or differential data signals referenced to a single-ended clock signal. The rise/fall delays of each signal through each respective receiver may be independently adjusted.
US08432180B2 Process monitor for monitoring an integrated circuit chip
A system or apparatus for monitoring an Integrated Circuit (IC) chip includes: a sense circuit at least partially constructed on the IC chip and configured to produce one or more sense signals each indicative of a corresponding process-dependent circuit parameter of the IC chip; and a digitizer module configured to produce, responsive to the one or more sense signals, one or more digitized signals each representative of a corresponding one of the sense signals. A controller is configured to determine a value of one or more of the process-dependent circuit parameters based on one or more of the digitized signals.
US08432178B2 Testing device and method thereof
A testing device for testing a board managing controller (BMC) of a computer motherboard including a power supply, a BMC, and a warning unit, includes a storing module, a voltage adjusting module, and a voltage displaying module. The storing module stores a preset warning voltage and an upper limit voltage larger than the preset warning voltage. The voltage adjusting module is used for adjusting the voltage of the power supply. The voltage displaying module is used for displaying the output voltage of the voltage adjusting module. It indicates the BMC works properly if the warning unit provides warning when the output voltage of the voltage adjusting module is less than the preset warning voltage, or the warning unit is silent when the output voltage of the voltage adjusting module falls between the preset warning voltage and the upper limit voltage.
US08432177B2 High throughput current-voltage combinatorial characterization tool and method for combinatorial solar test substrates
Measuring current-voltage (I-V) characteristics of a solar cell using a lamp that emits light, a substrate that includes a plurality of solar cells, a positive electrode attached to the solar cells, and a negative electrode peripherally deposited around each of the solar cells and connected to a common ground, an articulation platform coupled to the substrate, a multi-probe switching matrix or a Z-stage device, a programmable switch box coupled to the multi-probe switching matrix or Z-stage device and selectively articulating the probes by raising the probes until in contact with at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode and lowering the probes until contact is lost with at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, a source meter coupled to the programmable switch box and measuring the I-V characteristics of the substrate.
US08432175B2 System and method for evaluating vehicle charging circuits
A system and method is provided for evaluating performance of a supply circuit for electric vehicle charging. An electrical connection is established between a vehicle circuit and a supply circuit for an external Alternating Current (AC) power supply. The electrical connection includes a hot, neutral, and ground conductor. A control signal is transmitted to activate a switch disposed along the electrical connection for selectively initiating vehicle charging. Input signals are received including: a line current signal indicative of a current along at least one of the hot conductor and the neutral conductor, and at least one of a line voltage signal and a neutral voltage signal. The line voltage signal being indicative of a voltage potential between the hot conductor and the neutral conductor. The neutral voltage signal being indicative of a voltage potential between the neutral conductor and the ground conductor. At least one of the input signals is compared to predetermined resistance data for evaluating supply circuit performance.
US08432172B2 Measuring apparatus and method for capacitor
A measuring apparatus for capacitor is applied to a charging power source and a capacitor to be measured. The measuring apparatus for capacitor includes a microcontroller unit, an analog-digital converter unit, a charging-side switch unit, a charging-side resistor unit, a discharging-side switch unit and a discharging-side resistor unit. The capacitor to be measured is charged and discharged by the charging-side switch unit and the discharging-side switch unit controlled by the microcontroller unit. The charging and discharging voltage and time variation of the capacitor to be measured are measured by the analog-digital converter unit to calculate the capacitance value of the capacitor to be measured.
US08432171B2 Method and apparatus for measuring the concentration of an analyte in a sample fluid
An analyte concentration, in a sample fluid, is determined by differential measurement. Two or more capacitive field effect sensors have an identical basic structure and are arranged in a shared measuring cell. One of the sensors forms a measuring sensor with an active transductor layer. Another sensor forms a reference sensor without an active transductor layer. The sensors are contacted with the sample fluid and the sensors, have an associated reference electrode, or have a shared reference electrode. A bias voltage composed of an electric DC voltage and a superimposed AC voltage is applied between each sensor and associated reference electrode(s) Capacitance changes due to the analyte are eliminated by controlling the bias voltage applied to the measuring sensor in a closed control loop. A measuring signal is obtained by calculating a difference between voltage values representative of DC voltage potentials applied to the measuring sensor and reference sensor, respectively.
US08432169B2 Proximity sensor
A proximity sensor has an oscillation circuit, an amplitude measurement circuit, a control circuit and a signal processing circuit. The oscillation circuit has an LC resonant circuit and an oscillation control circuit that is configured to supply an electric current to the LC resonant circuit to generate oscillating voltage across the LC resonant circuit. The amplitude measurement circuit is configured to produce an amplitude signal corresponding to the amplitude of the oscillating voltage. The control circuit is configured to set the negative conductance of the oscillation control circuit to a critical value by which the LC resonant circuit can oscillate based on the amplitude signal. The signal processing circuit is configured to produce a distance signal corresponding to the distance between an object and the sensing coil based on a parameter associated with the negative conductance.
US08432168B2 Fuel cell system
There is provided an impedance measuring system which can accurately measure the impedance of a fuel cell. A motor rotation number detection unit successively detects the rotation number of a motor controlled by an inverter and outputs the detection result to a superposition signal generation unit. The superposition signal generation unit sets the frequency of an impedance measuring signal to a non-resonant frequency so that the control signal of the motor will not resonate with the impedance measuring signal. Thus, by setting the frequency of the impedance measuring signal to the non-resonant frequency, the resonance with the motor is suppressed, which can improve impedance measurement accuracy.
US08432167B2 Method and apparatus of using magnetic material with residual magnetization in transient electromagnetic measurement
A transmitter antenna assembly for transient electromagnetic well logging instrument comprises an antenna coil coupled with a current source and a magnetic core having residual magnetization. Switching current in the antenna coil results in magnetization reversal in the magnetic core and change in magnetic dipole moment of the antenna. After the magnetization reversal is complete the current is removed and the new vector of magnetic dipole of the antenna maintains constant (steady-state phase of the antenna dipole) due to magnetic hysteresis of magnetic material employed for the magnetic core. No power expenditure during the steady-state phase of the magnetic dipole facilitates highly effective generation and fast switching of a large magnetic dipole. The magnetic core also serves as a shield between the antenna coil and any conductive part of the antenna assembly. Embodiments suitable for measurement-while-drilling or measurements through casing make use of residual magnetization of magnetic drill collar or magnetic casing respectively.
US08432163B2 Method for low frequency noise cancellation in magneto-resistive mixed sensors
The method for cancellation of low frequency noise in a magneto-resistive mixed sensor (1) comprising at least a superconducting loop with at least one constriction and at least one magneto-resistive element (6) comprises a set of measuring steps with at least one measuring step being conducted with the normal running of the mixed sensor and at least another measuring step being conducted whilst an additional super-current is temporarily injected in the at least one constriction of the at least one superconducting loop of the mixed sensor (1) up to a critical super-current of the constriction so that the result of the at least another measuring step is used as a reference level of the at least one magneto-resistive element (6).
US08432160B2 Method for estimating the weight of the contents of a household appliance
A method for estimating the value of the weight of the contents of the oscillating assembly of an electronically controlled household appliance is provided. The oscillating assembly is connected to a frame by a suspension system having a damper. The damper includes at least two mechanical elements adapted to move reciprocally, a magnetic element which detects reciprocal motion, depending upon the distance between the two elements, the magnetic sensor generates an electrical signal. A reading of an initial value of an electric parameter, is taken when the oscillating assembly is empty. A mathematical function is identified on the basis of the initial value and of a plurality of predetermined parameters, which relate the electrical parameter to the weight of the contents. A second reading is taken when contents have been loaded in, and the value of the weight of the contents is estimated by using the mathematical function and electric parameters.
US08432157B2 Inductive proximity sensor with active circuit to cancel stray fields
Systems and/or methods are provided for cancelling stray magnetic fields escaping out the back or sides of an inductive proximity sensor. The inductive proximity sensor includes a coil assembly with a sensing coil. The sensing coil detects magnetic flux escaping out the sides and/or back of the sensor. An active circuit couples to the sensing coil. The active circuit generates a canceling current based upon a current and/or electromotive force in the sensing coil due to the flux. The cancelling current drives a driven coil to generate a magnetic field which can reduce total flux through the sensing coil to zero.
US08432152B2 Apparatus for feeding antenna elements and method therefor
An apparatus (100) for feeding antenna elements of a phased array antenna, comprises: at least two transmission lines (101, 101) disposed in parallel and operated at a certain frequency as resonators, each of the transmission lines (101, 101) having a predetermined length dimensioned to be at least approximately an electrical quarter-wavelength of the operating frequency, a plurality of measuring positions provided on the transmission lines (101, 101) in spacings along the longitudinal direction (x) of the transmission lines, wherein each measuring position on one of the two transmission lines (101) faces directly a corresponding neighbored measuring position on the other transmission line (101) and such corresponding measuring positions being adjacent to each other in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the transmission lines (101, 101) form a measuring position pair, respectively, wherein each of the circuits (110, 120, 130) detects and amplifies/attenuates the measuring signals from an assigned measuring position pair associated with the transmission lines (101, 101) for a corresponding longitudinal position as a function of a resonant field in the transmission lines at the respective positions, and further adds the measured and processed signals in order to generate output signals for feeding corresponding antenna elements.
US08432151B2 Film-thickness measuring device using PLL circuit
A phase comparator (4) for detecting a phase difference between a first signal and a second signal, a first oscillating circuit (1) for supplying the phase comparator with a reference signal as the first signal, and a DDS (8) as a second oscillating circuit for outputting a signal according to an output of the above-mentioned phase comparator are provided.As for a filter-thickness measuring device using the PLL circuit as a frequency measurement circuit, a crystal oscillator (11) which is made of quartz etc. and connected to the first oscillating circuit is accommodated in a vacuum chamber (C). It is arranged that the frequency measurement circuit which constitutes the PLL circuit measures a film thickness of the film forming material based on a change of a natural frequency of a piezoelectric crystal, the change being caused by the film forming material deposited on the piezoelectric element in the vacuum chamber.
US08432147B2 Method of forming a switching regulator and structure therefor
In one embodiment, a power supply controller is configured to receive a sense signal (CS) having a negative value that is proportional to the input voltage. The power supply controller uses the sense signal to limit the switch (27) current through the switch responsively to the value of the input voltage.
US08432145B2 Voltage supply circuit including a III-nitride based power semiconductor device
A voltage supply circuit for providing an output DC voltage from an input DC voltage bus that includes a III-nitride based power semiconductor device series connected between the input DC voltage bus and an output capacitor, which is switchable from an on state to an off state in order to charge up the output capacitor.
US08432144B2 Regulator circuit
There is provided a regulator circuit capable of increasing the capacity of the output transistor for supplying current, stably generating an internal power supply voltage and adapting to the reduction of a power supply voltage. The regulator circuit includes an output transistor which is supplied with an external power supply voltage and supplies dropped voltage to an internal circuit, a differential amplifier for outputting a gate potential applied to the gate of the output transistor, a reference voltage generating circuit for supplying a reference voltage to the differential amplifier, and a cut-off transistor for turning off the output transistor to stop supplying power to the internal circuit. The output transistor is comprised of a depression NMOS transistor whose threshold voltage is a negative voltage. The regulator circuit further includes substrate potential control means for controlling the substrate potential of the depression NMOS transistor.
US08432142B2 Power over ethernet controller integrated circuit architecture
Power over Ethernet (PoE) communication systems provide power and data communications over the same communications link, where a power source device (PSE) provides DC power (for example, 48 volts DC) to a powered device (PD). The DC power is transmitted simultaneously over the same communications medium with the high speed data from one node to the other node. The PSE typically includes a controller that controls the DC power provided to the PD at the second node of the communications link. The PSE controller measures the voltage, current, and temperature of the outgoing and incoming DC supply lines to characterize the power requirements of the PD. In addition, the PSE controller may detect and validate a compatible PD, determine a power classification signature for the validated PD, supply power to the PD, monitor the power, and reduce or remove the power from the PD when the power is no longer requested or required. During detection, if the PSE finds the PD to be non-compatible, the PSE can prevent the application of power to that PD device, protecting the PD from possible damage.
US08432136B2 Battery pack, battery charger, and battery pack system
A battery pack includes: a plurality of rechargeable batteries (11a to 11n) connected in series or in parallel; a voltage detector (13) for detecting voltages of the respective batteries; a calculator (15) for calculating optimal charging current values based on the voltages of the respective batteries detected by the voltage detector so as to recharge the respective batteries; and a communicator (19) for transmitting the charging current values calculated by the calculator to a battery charger (3).
US08432127B2 Battery device and electronic apparatus
A battery charger includes a battery attachment section configured to have a rechargeable battery releasably attached thereto. The battery attachment section includes a flat attachment surface having a width corresponding to a width of a bottom surface of a case of the battery to be charged and a length greater than a length of the bottom surface of the case of the battery to be charged; a plurality of locking hooks provided on the attachment surface; a charger terminal configured to contact a terminal of the battery to be charged, the charger terminal including a plurality of plate-shaped contact pieces configured to be inserted into engaging grooves of the battery to be charged; and an attachment projection adjacent to the attachment surface and configured to secure the battery to the charger.
US08432126B2 Rapid offboard charging via selective energizing of designated semiconductor switches and induction coils in an electric or hybrid electric vehicle
A vehicle includes an energy storage system (ESS) rechargeable using electrical power from an off-board AC power supply, a traction power inverter module (TPIM), one or two motors, and a controller. The TPIM has two inverters. The controller energizes designated semiconductor switches of the TPIM and designated induction coils of the motor to boost electrical power from the AC power supply for charging the ESS when the vehicle is not running. With two motors, a contactor allows induction coils of a first motor to be connected to the switches of the first inverter as an input filter, and an additional semiconductor switch is positioned between the ESS and an output side of the switches of the second inverter. A controller charges the ESS by energizing designated semiconductor switches of the TPIM and induction coils of the motor to charge the ESS without using an onboard battery charger module.
US08432122B2 Method and device for starting single-phase asynchronous motors
A method and device for starting single-phase asynchronous motors which substantially consists in disengaging the start winding of a single-phase asynchronous motor, after its starting, by using a switching means that is connected in series to the start winding. The switching means is controlled as a function of a starting time and of a starting voltage.
US08432121B2 Method and apparatus for control of electrical machines
A method for finding an operating point of an electric motor which includes the steps of generating a perturbation signal, combining the perturbation signal with a current magnitude related to a drive system of the motor or combining the perturbation signal with a power magnitude related to the motor, yielding a combined signal, and sending, based on the combined signal, a flux adjustment signal to adjust a flux of the motor. An apparatus for finding an operating point of an electric motor comprising is also presented.
US08432114B2 High-speed electric system
An electric system that includes a single-phase permanent-magnet electric machine and a control system for driving the electric machine under load at speeds in excess of 60 krpm. Additionally, a product that includes the electric system.
US08432110B2 Laser light source device
The present invention includes a laser element, a laser-element temperature measuring unit that measures a temperature of a laser element, a harmonic generation element that converts the wavelength of a laser light output by the laser element, a harmonic-generation-element temperature measuring unit that measures a temperature of the harmonic generation element, a harmonic-generation-element temperature adjusting unit that adjusts the temperature of the harmonic generation element, a storage unit that stores therein a relationship between the temperature of the laser element and a target temperature of the harmonic generation element at which a power of the laser light output by the harmonic generation element reaches a maximum, and a controlling unit that controls the harmonic-generation-element temperature adjusting unit so that the temperature of the harmonic generation element is adjusted to the target temperature obtained from the temperature of the measured laser element in accordance with the relationship.
US08432108B2 Solid state lighting, driver circuits, and related software
LED lighting fixtures, or luminaires, related components, driver circuit, methods, and software/firmware are described that can provide for among other things, ambient environment sensing, thermal self-monitoring, sensor-based power management, communications, and/or programmability. Driver and lighting circuits configured for electrical loads such as series arrangements of light emitting diodes are also described. Embodiments of PFC stages and driver stages can be combined for use as a power supply, and may be configured on a common circuit board. Power factor correction and driver circuits can be combined with one or more lighting elements as a lighting apparatus. Methods of hysteretic power factor correction start-up are also described.
US08432105B2 Light control apparatus for lighting an organic electroluminescence device and lighting appliance using the same
A light control apparatus and a lighting appliance using the same enable increased luminous efficiency in light control and elongated operative life of a light source. The lighting appliance includes a light source and a light control apparatus. The light control apparatus comprises an electric current output circuit that outputs a constant electric current for lighting to a light source configured of an organic electroluminescence device, and a light control circuit that performs light control of the light source by intermittently supplying the constant electric current outputted from the electric current output circuit. The light control apparatus also comprises an electric discharge prevention circuit (diode) that prevents electric discharge of an electric charge charged in a capacitive component of the organic electroluminescence device.
US08432095B2 Process for fabricating metal bus lines for OLED lighting panels
Systems and methods for the design and fabrication of OLEDs, including high-performance large-area OLEDs, are provided. Variously described fabrication processes may be used to deposit and pattern bus lines with a smooth profile and a gradual sidewall transition. Such smooth profiles may, for example, reduce the probability of electrical shorting at the bus lines. Accordingly, in certain circumstances, an insulating layer may no longer be considered essential, and may be optionally avoided altogether. In cases where an insulating layer is not used, further enhancements in the emissive area and shelf life of the device may be achieved as well. According to aspects of the invention, bus lines such as those described herein may be deposited, and patterned, using vapor deposition such as vacuum thermal evaporation (VTE) through a shadow mask, and may avoid multiple photolithography steps. Other vapor deposition systems and methods may include, among others, sputter deposition, e-beam evaporation and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). A final profile of the bus line may substantially correspond to the profile as deposited.
US08432092B2 Spark plug
A sparkplug includes an insulator having an axial hole, a center electrode of which a front end is placed further forwards than a front end of the insulator, and a shell. The center electrode has a shoulder portion and a main body portion and is made up of an outer layer and an inner layer. A front end face, which is connected to an outer circumferential surface of the insulator and the axial hole and slopes towards the rear end side, is formed at a front end portion of the insulator, and the front end of the insulator is placed further forwards than a boundary between the shoulder portion and the main body portion. A front end portion of the inner layer is placed further forwards than the boundary between the shoulder portion and the main body portion.
US08432080B2 Rotating electrical machine
This invention provides a rotating electrical machine including a rotor that has an even number of first permanent magnets aligned in a circumferential direction of the rotor, second permanent magnets of a number equal to that of the first permanent magnets, provided respectively between the stator and circumferential ends of the first permanent magnets adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction, and core pieces of a number equal to that of the first permanent magnets, provided respectively between the second permanent magnets adjacent to each other in the circumferential direction.
US08432073B2 Power generating device
A power generating device includes a carrier module, a stator module, a rotor module and a power generating module. The stator module is assembled to the carrier module, and has a first circuit board and a plurality of driving coils. The rotor module is located in an electromagnetic field, and has a multipolar magnetic rotor and a rotating axle. A magnetic field of the multipolar magnetic rotor interacts with the electromagnetic field to make the rotor module rotating relative to the stator module, and make the multipolar magnetic rotor producing a varying magnetic field. The power generating module is located in the varying magnetic field, and has a second circuit board and a plurality of induction coils. The induction coils induct the varying magnetic field to output an induction circuit to the second circuit board.
US08432072B2 Three axis linear actuator
A mover (344) moving a stage (238) along a first axis, along a second axis and along a third axis includes a magnetic component (354), a conductor component (356), and a control system (324). The magnetic component (354) includes a plurality of magnets (354D) that are surrounded by a magnetic field. The conductor component (356) is positioned near the magnetic component (354) in the magnetic field. Further, the conductor component (356) interacts with the magnetic component (354) when current is directed to the conductor component (356) to generate a controllable force along the first axis, a controllable force along the second axis, and a controllable force along the third axis. The conductor component (356) can include a split coil design, having a first conductor array (356A) and a second conductor array (356B) that is positioned substantially adjacent to the first conductor array (356A). The conductor component (356) and the magnetic component (354) can be displaced relative to each other along the third axis. The control system (324) independently directs current to each of the conductor arrays (356A, 356B) to generate a controllable force along the first axis, along the second axis, and along the third axis. With this design, the same mover can be used to move the stage along three degrees of freedom (“DOF”).
US08432071B2 Method and apparatus for energy harvest from ambient sources
An energy harvesting system includes a plurality of transducers. The transducers are configured to generate direct current (DC) voltages from a plurality of ambient energy sources. A sensor control circuit has a plurality of sensors configured to detect the DC signals from the plurality of transducers. A DC-to-DC converter is configured to supply an output voltage. A plurality of switches, each switch coupled between the DC-to-DC converter and a corresponding transducer of the plurality of transducers. The sensor control circuit enables one switch of the plurality of switches and disables the other switches of the plurality of switches based on a priority criterion.
US08432069B2 System and method for generator phase signal monitoring and control
A vehicle electrical system comprises a generator and a control device coupled with the generator and operable to protect the generator from catastrophic failure while providing the electrical load in the electrical system with sufficient electrical power. The control device determines a loss of symmetry between two alternating phase signals generated by a first and second phase windings of a single or multiple stator generator. In particular, the control device determines a first and second average values of two of the two or more alternating phase signals and either limits or ceases the total electrical output current of the generator, via a generator output power controller, when the first average value differs from the second average value by a predetermined value. The control device may alternatively be configured to generate an error signal without varying the generator's total electrical output current even in the event of a malfunction.
US08432068B2 Zero power drain pushbutton on switch
A normally-open pushbutton switch is coupled to and cooperates with a pair of MOSFETs to provide a power on switch function for a personal audio device that does not require power to be drawn from a power source to monitor the pushbutton switch while awaiting operation of the pushbutton switch to cause the personal audio device to be powered on.
US08432067B2 External electrical power adapter
An apparatus, system and method are disclosed for eliminating the power consumption of external electrical power adapters plugged into sources of power but detached from electrical devices they are intended to serve. The apparatus comprises a power-accessing plug, a power supply circuit, a first connector, and a second connector. The power-accessing plug is electrically connected to an external source of electrical power. The power supply circuit comprises circuitry to convert the external electrical source power into an electrical form useful for consumption by an electrical device. The first connector comprises a switch and is electrically connected to the plug and the power supply circuit. The switch (1) has an open position when the apparatus is not electrically and physically attached to an electrically powered device and (2) has a closed position when the apparatus is electrically and physically attached to the electrical device whereby current is able to flow through the apparatus. When the switch is in the open position, the open switch is able to prevent the consumption of any electrical power by the power adapter when the plug is electrically connected to the source of electrical power. The second connector comprises a first end electrically attached to the power supply circuit and a second end removeably electrically attached to the electrically powered device.
US08432066B2 Non-contact power transmission apparatus and method for designing non-contact power transmission apparatus
A non-contact power transmission apparatus having a resonance system is disclosed. The resonance system includes a primary coil to which an alternating-current voltage from an alternating-current source is applied, a primary-side resonance coil, a secondary-side resonance coil, and a secondary coil to which a load is connected. The impedance of the primary coil is set such that the output impedance of the alternating-current source and the input impedance of the resonance system are matched to each other.
US08432065B2 Power system having dual synchronization
A power system for use in a power facility is disclosed. The power system may have a first generator set with a first engine drivingly coupled to a first generator, and a second generator set with a second engine drivingly coupled to a second generator. The power system may also have a common bus, and a controller in communication with the first and second generator sets. The controller may be configured to direct power from the first generator to the common bus, and synchronize a power output from the second generator with a power output from the first generator. The controller may be further configured to postpone power from the second generator being directed to the common bus until the first and second engines are substantially mechanically synchronized.
US08432064B2 System and method for efficient power utilization and extension of battery life
A circuit which extends the operational life of a main power source, said circuit comprising a pair of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) for converting thermal energy from a heat source into electrical energy; a pair of capacitors arranged in parallel, each coupled to one of the TEGs for storing the electrical energy generated by said TEG; a power converter; a first switching element coupled between a first capacitor in the pair of capacitors and the power converter; a second switching element coupled between a second capacitor in the pair of capacitors and the power converter; and a monitor/controller coupled to said first and second switching elements and each of said capacitors for selectively and alternatively switching the first and second switching elements in order to selectively provide power from one of the capacitors to a load, thereby reducing the amount of power drawn from the main power source.
US08432061B2 Digital frequency divider
Various embodiments of the present invention relate to systems, devices and method of frequency synthesis that generate in-phase and quadrature-phase clock signals at a programmable frequency. The generated frequency, which can range from a fraction to multiples of the input reference frequency, is generated by dividers following a phase-locked loop, thus avoiding the use of a low input reference frequency as well as frequency doubling.
US08432060B2 Device for the electric actuation of a safety-critical system
For a device for the electrical actuation of a safety-critical system, having at least two terminals, at least one switch, an operator control element, by means of which at least two operating states for the system are selectable, by means of which switching positions of the at least one switch are determined, it is proposed that at least one current direction element is provided, so that for at least one of the at least two operating states a unidirectional current flow occurs between the at least two terminals.
US08432058B2 Power supply device
A power supply device that enables completion of precharging to be accurately determined without increasing manufacturing cost. The power supply device includes a battery pack, a positive main contactor, a precharge contactor, and a precharge resistor. The battery pack supplies DC power to an inverter. A smoothing capacitor is arranged between input terminals of the inverter. The positive main contact disconnects the inverter from a positive electrode of the battery pack. A voltmeter detects the voltage between a negative electrode of the battery pack and a connection node of the precharge contactor and precharge resistor. Voltage detection values taken by the voltmeter immediately before precharging and during precharging are used to determine precharging completion.
US08432057B2 Pliant or compliant elements for harnessing the forces of moving fluid to transport fluid or generate electricity
Pliant, or compliant mechanisms for extracting electrical energy or useful work from a moving fluid are described. Persistent deformations in flexible elements are maintained with deformation retaining, or restraining components. The deformation retaining components may, in various embodiments, include rigid or tensile members, elastic coils, and/or the like. The deformations of the mechanisms may be configured so as to receive forces from moving fluid and transfer those forces in a variety of ways so as to pump fluid or generate electricity from this pumped fluid, or to generate electricity from material strains induced by moving fluid.
US08432051B2 Electric generator
An electric power generator for generating a substantially constant frequency output from a varying mechanical speed input such as from a wind or water turbine, comprises a three-phase induction machine in which at least one stator winding is magnetically and electrically decoupled from at least one other stator winding which is arranged to be connected to an external load, and a power source is arranged to excite said at least one stator winding with an AC current at a desired output frequency. The power generator can be directly connected to the mains grid without requiring a power electronics rectifier and inverter stage to convert the generator output to constant frequency AC.
US08432050B2 Method and apparatus for grid loss ride-through for wind turbine pitch control system
In a wind turbine/generator having a rotatable hub, at least one blade rotatably secured to the hub, a pitch control system for adjusting pitch of each blade, the pitch control system located within the rotatable hub, a stationary nacelle, and a slip ring assembly at a junction of an electrical circuit between the rotatable hub and the stationary nacelle, the slip ring assembly operatively arranged for transmission of electrical signals between equipment located within the rotating hub and equipment located within the stationary nacelle, an apparatus for grid loss ride-through for the pitch control system, comprising for example, operational amplifiers for sensing and monitoring power on the rotating side of the slip ring assembly, and, a contactor coil, for example, for supplying power to the pitch control system from a backup power source when the sensed power drops to a predetermined level.
US08432041B2 Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof
Semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. A preferred embodiment comprises a method of forming a barrier layer. The method of forming the barrier layer includes providing a workpiece, forming a first material layer over the workpiece, the first material layer comprising a nitride-based metal compound. A second material layer is formed over the first material layer. The second material layer comprises Ta or Ti. The barrier layer comprises the first material layer and at least the second material layer.
US08432040B2 Interconnection structure design for low RC delay and leakage
An interconnection structure for integrated circuits having reduced RC delay and leakage is provided. The interconnection structure includes a first conductive line in a first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer and the first conductive line, and a dual damascene structure in the second dielectric layer. The dual damascene structure includes a second conductive line and a via between and adjoining the first and the second conductive lines, wherein the second conductive line comprises a first portion directly over and adjoining the via, and a second portion having no underlying and adjoining vias. The second portion has a second width less than a first width of the first portion.
US08432039B2 Integrated circuit device and electronic instrument
An integrated circuit device includes a receiving circuit, a transmission circuit, and common pads common to the receiving circuit and the transmission circuit, which are disposed in such a way that the distance between the receiving circuit and the common pad, and the distance between the transmission circuit and the common pad become shorter, respectively.
US08432033B2 Electronic device and manufacturing method therefor
Reduction of the size of and enhancement of the reliability, mounting strength, and mounting reliability of a semiconductor module are achieved. The semiconductor module includes: a wiring substrate; an electronic component placed over the upper surface of the wiring substrate; an electronic component placed over the under surface of the wiring substrate; a lead placed over the under surface of the wiring substrate; and encapsulation resin covering the under surface of the wiring substrate including the electronic component and the lead. The lead includes: a first portion coupled to an electrode pad via a joining material; a second portion bent from the first portion; and a third portion bent from the second portion. The third portion is positioned closer to the peripheral edge portion side of the under surface of the wiring substrate than the first portion. At the same time, the third portion is arranged at a position farther from the under surface of the wiring substrate than the first portion. The third portion of the lead is exposed from the main surface and side surface of the encapsulation resin and functions as a terminal for external coupling.
US08432032B2 Chip package and fabrication method thereof
A chip package and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The chip package includes a semiconductor substrate, having a first surface and an opposite second surface. A through hole is formed on the first surface, extending from the first surface to the second surface. A conductive trace layer is formed on the first surface and in the through hole. A buffer plug is formed in the through hole and a protection layer is formed over the first surface and in the through hole.
US08432029B2 Signal light using phosphor coated LEDs
A method for creating an improved signal light is disclosed. For example, the improved signal light includes a housing, one or more first type of light emitting diodes (LEDs) emitting a light energy having a first dominant wavelength deployed in the housing, one or more second type of LEDs emitting a light energy having a second dominant wavelength deployed in the housing, a filter and a mixer. The filter may filter the light energy of the one or more second type of LEDs such that only a third dominant wavelength passes from the one or more second type of LEDs. The mixer may mix the light energy having the first dominant wavelength and the filtered light energy having the third dominant wavelength to form a light energy having a desired fourth dominant wavelength.
US08432027B2 Integrated circuit die stacks with rotationally symmetric vias
An integrated circuit die stack including a first integrated circuit die mounted upon a substrate, the first die including pass-through vias (‘PTVs’) composed of conductive pathways through the first die with no connection to any circuitry on the first die; and a second integrated circuit die, identical to the first die, rotated with respect to the first die and mounted upon the first die, with the PTVs in the first die connecting signal lines from the substrate through the first die to through silicon vias (‘TSVs’) in the second die composed of conductive pathways through the second die connected to electronic circuitry on the second die; with the TSVs and PTVs disposed upon each identical die so that the positions of the TSVs and PTVs on each identical die are rotationally symmetrical with respect to the TSVs and PTVs on the other identical die.
US08432026B2 Stackable multi-chip package system
A stackable multi-chip package system is provided including forming a first external interconnect having a first through hole and a second external interconnect having a second through hole, forming a first package subassembly having the first external interconnect and a first integrated circuit die, forming a second package subassembly having the second external interconnect and a second integrated circuit die, mounting the second package subassembly over the first package subassembly, and molding the first package subassembly and the second package subassembly.
US08432024B2 Integrated circuit including bond wire directly bonded to pad
An integrated circuit includes a chip including a copper bond pad metallization, and a copper bond wire including a copper ball. The copper ball is bonded directly to the copper bond pad.
US08432014B2 Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices and structures thereof
Methods of fabricating semiconductor devices and structures thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a gate material stack over a workpiece having a first region and a second region. A composition or a thickness of at least one of a plurality of material layers of the gate material stack is altered in at least the second region. The gate material stack is patterned, forming a first transistor in the first region and forming a second transistor in the second region. Altering the composition or the thickness of the at least one of the plurality of material layers of the gate material stack in at least the second region results in a first transistor having a first threshold voltage and a second transistor having a second threshold voltage, the second threshold voltage having a different magnitude than the first threshold voltage.
US08432006B2 High aspect ratio capacitively coupled MEMS devices
A method that includes forming an opening between at least one first electrode and a second electrode by forming a recess in a first electrode layer, the recess having sidewalls that correspond to a surface of the at least one first electrode, forming a first sacrificial layer on the sidewalls of the recess, the first sacrificial layer having a first width that corresponds to a second width of the opening, forming a second electrode layer in the recess that corresponds to the second electrode, and removing the first sacrificial layer to form the opening between the second electrode and the at least one first electrode.
US08432004B2 Asymmetric segmented channel transistors
Structures, layouts and methods of forming integrated circuits are described. In various embodiments, the current invention includes an asymmetric segmented transistor. The asymmetric segmented transistor includes a source region and a drain region disposed within an active region, a floating source/drain region disposed within the active region, a first channel region disposed in the active region between the source region and the floating source/drain region, the first channel having a first length and a first width. A second channel region is disposed in the active region between the drain region and the floating source/drain region, the second channel having a second length and a second width. A first gate dielectric overlies the first channel region and a second gate dielectric overlies the second channel region. A gate line overlies the first gate dielectric and the second gate dielectric.
US08432003B2 Semiconductor device
To suppress stress variation on a channel forming region, a semiconductor device includes an element isolating region on the semiconductor substrate principal surface, and an element forming region on the principal surface to be surrounded by the element isolating region. The principal surface has orthogonal first and second directions. A circumferential shape of the element forming region has a first side extending along the first direction. The element forming region has a first transistor region (TR1), a second transistor region (TR2) arranged between the first side and TR1, and a dummy region on the first direction side of TR1. TR1 has a first channel forming region facing the first side. TR2 has a second channel forming region facing the first side. The first channel forming region has a non-facing region that is not facing the second channel forming region. The dummy region faces the non-facing region in the second direction.
US08432002B2 Method and structure for low resistive source and drain regions in a replacement metal gate process flow
In one embodiment a method is provided that includes providing a structure including a semiconductor substrate having at least one device region located therein, and a doped semiconductor layer located on an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate in the at least one device region. After providing the structure, a sacrificial gate region having a spacer located on sidewalls thereof is formed on an upper surface of the doped semiconductor layer. A planarizing dielectric material is then formed and the sacrificial gate region is removed to form an opening that exposes a portion of the doped semiconductor layer. The opening is extended to an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate and then an anneal is performed that causes outdiffusion of dopant from remaining portions of the doped semiconductor layer forming a source region and a drain region in portions of the semiconductor substrate that are located beneath the remaining portions of the doped semiconductor layer. A high k gate dielectric and a metal gate are then formed into the extended opening.
US08432001B2 Electric field information reading head, electric field information writing/reading head and fabrication methods thereof and information storage device using the same
Provided is an electric field information reading head for reading information from a surface electric charge of an information storage medium, the electric field information reading head comprising a semiconductor substrate having a resistance region formed in a central part at one end of a surface facing a recording medium, the resistance region being lightly doped with impurities, and source and drain regions formed on both sides of the resistance region, the source region and the drain region being more highly doped with impurities than the resistance region. The source region and the drain region extend along the surface of the semiconductor substrate facing the recording medium, and electrodes are connected electrically with the source region and the drain region respectively. In addition, provided is a method of fabricating the electric field information reading head and a method of mass-producing the electric field information reading head on a wafer.
US08431998B2 Insulated gate semiconductor device
A two-layer electrode structure is provided. A protection diode is provided not to overlap a gate pad portion. Cells and a first one of source electrode layers can be provided below the gate pad portion, so that the differences in resistance among various points in the source electrode layers can be decreased. In addition, the protection diode is positioned adjacent to a device region and at an end portion, of a chip, outward of the device region in such a way as to be in the closest proximity to the gate pad portion. A larger device region with efficient transistor operation can thus be secured, and the resistance of the first source electrode layer below a wiring portion can be reduced.
US08431997B2 Memory element and semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same
It is an object to solve inhibition of miniaturization of an element and complexity of a manufacturing process thereof. It is another object to provide a nonvolatile memory device and a semiconductor device having the memory device, in which data can be additionally written at a time besides the manufacturing time and in which forgery caused by rewriting of data can be prevented. It is further another object to provide an inexpensive nonvolatile memory device and semiconductor device. A memory element is manufactured in which a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer that is beside the first conductive layer, and conductive fine particles of each surface which is covered with an organic film are deposited over an insulating film. The conductive fine particles are deposited between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer.
US08431993B2 Semiconductor package for forming a leadframe package
A method is disclosed for attaching an interconnection plate to semiconductor die within leadframe package. A base leadframe is provided with die pad for attaching semiconductor die. An interconnection plate is provided for attachment to the base leadframe and semiconductor die. Add a base registration feature onto base leadframe and a plate registration feature onto interconnection plate with the registration features designed to match each other such that, upon approach of the interconnection plate to base leadframe, the two registration features would engage and guide each other causing concomitant self-aligned attachment of the interconnection plate to base leadframe. Next, the interconnection plate is brought into close approach to base leadframe to engage and lock plate registration feature to base registration feature hence completing attachment of the interconnection plate to semiconductor die and forming a leadframe package.
US08431991B2 Semiconductor device
A semiconductor device includes a peripheral voltage withstanding structure, which includes an n− SiC layer, an n SiC layer and a p SiC layer are provided successively on an n+ SiC layer. A trench is formed in the peripheral voltage withstanding structure portion so that the trench passes through the p SiC layer 15 and the n SiC layer 14 and reaches the n− SiC layer. This trench is wider than a trench having a trench gate structure in the active region portion. A p+ SiC region is provided along a bottom of the trench so as to be located under the trench. A sidewall and the bottom of the trench are covered with an oxide film and an insulating film having a total thickness not smaller than 1.1 μm. The oxide film and insulating film absorb a large part of a voltage applied between a source and a drain.
US08431989B2 Shielded gate trench (SGT) MOSFET devices and manufacturing processes
This invention discloses a semiconductor power device that includes a plurality of power transistor cells surrounded by a trench opened in a semiconductor substrate. At least one of the cells constituting an active cell has a source region disposed next to a trenched gate electrically connecting to a gate pad and surrounding the cell. The trenched gate further has a bottom-shielding electrode filled with a gate material disposed below and insulated from the trenched gate. At least one of the cells constituting a source-contacting cell surrounded by the trench with a portion functioning as a source connecting trench is filled with the gate material for electrically connecting between the bottom-shielding electrode and a source metal disposed directly on top of the source connecting trench. The semiconductor power device further includes an insulation protective layer disposed on top of the semiconductor power device having a plurality of source openings on top of the source region and the source connecting trench provided for electrically connecting to the source metal and at least a gate opening provided for electrically connecting the gate pad to the trenched gate.
US08431985B2 Layout and process of forming contact plugs
A device includes a semiconductor substrate including an active region, a gate electrode directly over the active region, and a gate contact plug over and electrically coupled to the gate electrode. The gate contact plug includes at least a portion directly over, and vertically overlapping, the active region.
US08431984B2 Nonvolatile memory devices including deep and high density trapping layers
A charge trap nonvolatile memory device includes a gate electrode on a substrate; a charge trapping layer between the gate electrode and the substrate, the charge trapping layer having trap sites configured to trap charges; a charge tunneling layer between the trapping layer and the semiconductor substrate; and a charge blocking layer between the gate electrode and the trapping layer. The charge trapping layer comprises a deep trapping layer having a plurality of energy barriers and a high density trapping layer having a trap site density higher than a trap site density of the deep trapping layer.
US08431983B2 Non-volatile memory device and method of fabricating the same
A non-volatile memory device and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The method can include disposing an isolation layer on a semiconductor substrate. The isolation layer may protrude from the main surface of the semiconductor substrate and define an active region. In a recess defined by the protrusion of the isolation layer and the active region, a diffusion-retarding poly pattern and a floating gate may be formed in sequence. A control gate may be disposed on the isolation layer to cover the diffusion-retarding poly pattern and the floating gate.
US08431980B2 Random access memory device utilizing a vertically oriented select transistor
A memory structure has a vertically oriented access transistor with an annular gate region. A transistor is fabricated such that the channel of the transistor extends outward with respect to the surface of the substrate. An annular gate is fabricated around the vertical channel such that it partially or completely surrounds the channel. A buried annular bitline may also be implemented. After the vertically oriented transistor is fabricated with the annular gate, a storage device may be fabricated over the transistor to provide a memory cell.
US08431978B2 Semiconductor device and a method of manufacturing the same
In connection with a semiconductor device including a capacitor element there is provided a technique capable of improving the reliability of the capacitor element. A capacitor element is formed in an element isolation region formed over a semiconductor substrate. The capacitor element includes a lower electrode and an upper electrode formed over the lower electrode through a capacitor insulating film. Basically, the lower electrode and the upper electrode are formed from polysilicon films and a cobalt silicide film formed over the surfaces of the polysilicon films. End portions of the cobalt silicide film formed over the upper electrode are spaced apart a distance from end portions of the upper electrode. Besides, end portions of the cobalt silicide film formed over the lower electrode are spaced apart a distance from boundaries between the upper electrode and the lower electrode.
US08431977B2 Wafer level processing method and structure to manufacture semiconductor chip
A semiconductor chip includes a silicon substrate, a transistor in or on a bottom side surface of the substrate, a metallization structure under a bottom side surface of the substrate, a dielectric layer under the substrate and between a first and second metal layers of the metallization structure, a passivation layer under the metallization structure and the dielectric layer, where an opening in the passivation layer may be under a contact point of the metallization structure, a polymer layer under the passivation layer, a metal post under the passivation layer and in the polymer layer, where the polymer layer may not cover a bottom surface of the metal post, a metal bump connected with the bottom surface of the metal post, a micro-lense over the top side surface of the substrate, and a glass substrate over the micro-lense and over the top side surface of the substrate.
US08431975B2 Back-side illumination image sensor
A back side illumination (BSI) image sensor includes at least one pixel. The pixel area includes a photo diode and a transfer transistor. The transfer transistor has a control electrode made of a gate poly and a gate oxide for receiving a control instruction, a first electrode coupled to the photo diode, and a second electrode, wherein an induced conduction channel of the transfer transistor partially surrounds a recessed space which is filled with the gate poly and the gate oxide of the transfer transistor.
US08431973B2 High frequency semiconductor device
A high frequency semiconductor device includes: a field effect transistor including gate terminal electrodes, source terminal electrodes, and a drain terminal electrode; an input circuit pattern and an output circuit pattern which are disposed adjoining of the field effect transistor; a plurality of input bonding wires configured to connect the plurality of the gate terminal electrodes and the input circuit pattern; and a plurality of output bonding wires configured to connect the drain terminal electrode and the output circuit pattern, which makes matching an input/output signal phase by adjusting an inductance distribution of a plurality of input/output bonding wires, and improves gain and output power, and suppresses an oscillation by unbalanced operation of each FET cell.
US08431969B2 Interconnection structure of three-dimensional semiconductor device
A three-dimensional semiconductor device includes stacked structures arranged two-dimensionally on a substrate, a first interconnection layer including first interconnections and disposed on the stacked structures, and a second interconnection layer including second interconnections and disposed on the first interconnection layer. Each of the stacked structures has a lower region including a plurality of stacked lower word lines, and an upper region including a plurality of stacked upper word lines disposed on the stack of lower word lines. Each of the first interconnections is connected to one of the lower word lines and each of the second interconnections is connected to one of the upper word lines.
US08431967B2 Semiconductor device
A layout of a semiconductor device is capable of reliably reducing a variation in gate length due to the optical proximity effect, and enables flexible layout design to be implemented. Gate patterns (G1, G2, G3) of a cell (C1) are arranged at the same pitch, and terminal ends (e1, e2, e3) of the gate patterns are located at the same position in the Y direction, and have the same width in the X direction. A gate pattern (G4) of a cell (C2) has protruding portions (4b) protruding toward the cell (C1) in the Y direction, and the protruding portions (4b) form opposing terminal ends (eo1, eo2, eo3). The opposing terminal ends (eo1, eo2, eo3) are arranged at the same pitch as the gate patterns (G1, G2, G3), are located at the same position in the Y direction, and have the same width in the X direction.
US08431964B2 Electronic device with controlled electrical field
The disclosure relates to electronic devices and associated methods of manufacture including materials of the Group III/N. An exemplary device successively includes, from its base towards its surface: (i) a support substrate, (ii) a layer adapted to contain an electron gas, (iii) a barrier layer, and (iv) a superficial layer extending on at least one part of the surface of the barrier layer, wherein the superficial layer has an electrical field of which the current is controlled so that, in at least one first region of the superficial layer, the electrical field is weaker than in a second region of the superficial layer.
US08431961B2 Memory devices with a connecting region having a band gap lower than a band gap of a body region
Memory devices are shown that include a body region and a connecting region that is formed from a semiconductor with a lower band gap than the body region. Connecting region configurations can provide increased gate induced drain leakage during an erase operation. Configurations shown can provide a reliable bias to a body region for memory operations such as erasing, and containment of charge in the body region during a boost operation.
US08431960B2 Dopant diffusion modulation in GaN buffer layers
An enhancement mode gallium nitride (GaN) transistor with a Mg doped layer and a Mg growth interruption (diffusion barrier) layer to trap excess or residual Mg dopant. The Mg growth interruption (diffusion barrier) layer is formed by growing GaN, stopping the supply of gallium while maintaining a supply of ammonia or other nitrogen containing source to form a layer of magnesium nitride (MgN), and then resuming the flow of gallium to form a GaN layer to seal in the layer of MgN.
US08431958B2 Optimized configurations to integrate steering diodes in low capacitance transient voltage suppressor (TVS)
A transient-voltage suppressing (TVS) device disposed on a semiconductor substrate including a low-side steering diode, a high-side steering diode integrated with a main Zener diode for suppressing a transient voltage. The low-side steering diode and the high-side steering diode integrated with the Zener diode are disposed in the semiconductor substrate and each constituting a vertical PN junction as vertical diodes in the semiconductor substrate whereby reducing a lateral area occupied by the TVS device. In an exemplary embodiment, the high-side steering diode and the Zener diode are vertically overlapped with each other for further reducing lateral areas occupied by the TVS device.
US08431957B2 Audio dosage control
A method for controlling consumer exposure to audio dosage for a composite audio signal, the method comprising: sampling the composite audio signal; transforming the sampled audio signal, using a fast fourier transform algorithm, to produce a signal representative of the amplitude of component frequencies of the audio signal; comparing the transformed audio signal with a predefined impulse control threshold profile, representing the target maximum amplitude for each frequency component for the audio signal threshold profile to produce a configuring signal representative of the difference between the broadcast signal and the profile; using the configuring signal to automatically configure in real time a Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filter so that it attenuates the amplitude of the transformed audio signal in frequency bands centered on the frequencies at which the target threshold is exceeded; and outputting the attenuated audio signal for consumer exposure.
US08431950B2 Light emitting device package structure and fabricating method thereof
A light emitting device package structure is described. The light emitting device package structure includes a substrate serving as a carrier supporting a light emitting device chip. The substrate and the light emitting device chip have a chip side and a substrate side separately. A first electrode layer is disposed on a first surface of the light emitting device chip and a second electrode layer is disposed on a second surface of the light emitting device chip, in which the first surface and the second surface are not coplanar. A first conductive trace is electrically connected to the first electrode layer and a second conductive trace is electrically connected to the second electrode layer. At least the first conductive trace or the second conductive trace is formed along the chip side and the substrate side simultaneously.
US08431949B2 Semiconductor light emitting device and method for manufacturing the same
A light emitting device includes a semiconductor light emitting element, a first lead including an element mount portion on which the semiconductor light emitting element is mounted, and a second lead electrically connected to the semiconductor light emitting element. The light emitting device further includes a resin package covering the semiconductor light emitting element and part of each of the first and the second leads. The resin package includes a lens portion facing the semiconductor light emitting element. The first lead includes a pair of standing portions spaced from each other with the element mount portion intervening between them and a pair of terminal portions extending from the standing portions in mutually opposite directions. Each of the standing portions projects from the resin package in a direction away from the lens portion.
US08431943B2 Light transmitting substrate, method for manufacturing light transmitting substrate, organic LED element and method for manufacturing organic LED element
The present invention is intended to provide an organic LED element in which the extraction efficiency is improved up to 80% of emitted light, and provides a translucent substrate comprising a translucent glass substrate; a scattering layer formed on the glass substrate and comprising a glass which contains a base material having a first refractive index for at least one wavelength of light to be transmitted and a plurality of scattering materials dispersed in the base material and having a second refractive index different from that of the base material; and a translucent electrode formed on the scattering layer and having a third refractive index higher than the first refractive index, wherein distribution of the scattering materials in the scattering layer decreases toward the translucent electrode.
US08431936B2 Method for fabricating a p-type semiconductor structure
One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fabricating a group III-V p-type nitride structure. The method comprises growing a first layer of p-type group III-V material with a first acceptor density in a first growing environment. The method further comprises growing a second layer of p-type group III-V material, which is thicker than the first layer and which has a second acceptor density, on top of the first layer in a second growing environment. In addition, the method comprises growing a third layer of p-type group III-V material, which is thinner than the second layer and which has a third acceptor density, on top of the second layer in a third growing environment.
US08431932B2 Liquid crystal display device and manufacturing method thereof
A lower substrate for a liquid crystal display device and the method of making the same are disclosed. The method includes steps of: (a) providing a substrate; (b) forming a patterned transparent layer having plural recess on the substrate; (c) forming a first barrier layer on the surface of the recess; (d) coating a first metal layer on the first barrier layer and making the surfaces of the first metal layer and the transparent layer in substantially the same plane; and (e) forming a first insulated layer and a semi-conductive layer in sequence. The method further can optionally comprise the steps of: (f) forming a patterned second metal layer, wherein part of the semi-conductive layer is exposed, thus forming the source electrode and the drain electrode; and (g) forming a transparent electrode layer on part of the transparent layer and part of the second metal layer.
US08431927B2 Thin film transistor, method of manufacturing the same, and organic electroluminescent device including thin film transistor
A thin film transistor including: a substrate; a gate electrode formed on the substrate; a gate insulating layer formed on the gate electrode and exposed portions of the substrate; an oxide semiconductor layer formed on the gate insulating layer to correspond to the gate electrode, and comprising an HfInZnO-based oxide semiconductor, wherein the concentration of Hf is from about 9 to about 15 at % based on 100 at % of the total concentration of Hf, In, and Zn; and source and drain regions respectively formed to extend on both sides of the oxide semiconductor layer and the gate insulating layer.
US08431925B2 Organic electronic devices, compositions, and methods
Organic electronic devices, compositions, and methods are disclosed that employ electrically conductive nanowires and conducting materials such as conjugated polymers such as sulfonated regioregular polythiophenes which provide high device performance such as good solar cell efficiency. Devices requiring transparent conductors that are resilient to physical stresses can be fabricated, with reduced corrosion problems.
US08431922B2 Lateral phase change memory
A lateral phase change memory includes a pair of electrodes separated by an insulating layer. The first electrode is formed in an opening in an insulating layer and is cup-shaped. The first electrode is covered by the insulating layer which is, in turn, covered by the second electrode. As a result, the spacing between the electrodes may be very precisely controlled and limited to very small dimensions. The electrodes are advantageously formed of the same material, prior to formation of the phase change material region.
US08431921B2 Memristor having a triangular shaped electrode
A memristor includes a first electrode having a triangular cross section, in which the first electrode has a tip and a base, a switching material positioned upon the first electrode, and a second electrode positioned upon the switching material. The tip of the first electrode faces the second electrode and an active region in the switching material is formed between the tip of the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08431915B2 Charged particle beam apparatus permitting high resolution and high-contrast observation
A lower pole piece of an electromagnetic superposition type objective lens is divided into an upper magnetic path and a lower magnetic path. A voltage nearly equal to a retarding voltage is applied to the lower magnetic path. An objective lens capable of acquiring an image with a higher resolution and a higher contrast than a conventional image is provided. An electromagnetic superposition type objective lens includes a magnetic path that encloses a coil, a cylindrical or conical booster magnetic path that surrounds an electron beam, a control magnetic path that is interposed between the coil and sample, an accelerating electric field control unit that accelerates the electron beam using a booster power supply, a decelerating electric field control unit that decelerates the electron beam using a stage power supply, and a suppression unit that suppresses electric discharge of the sample using a control magnetic path power supply.
US08431903B2 Fast thermo-optical particle characterisation
The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for a fast thermo-optical characterization of particles. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and a device to measure the stability of (bio)molecules, the interaction of molecules, in particular biomolecules, with, e.g. further (bio)molecules, particularly modified (bio)molecules, particles, beads, and/or the determination of the length/size (e.g. hydrodynamic radius) of individual (bio)molecules, particles, beads and/or the determination of length/size (e.g. hydrodynamic radius).
US08431901B2 Method and device for controlling the resistance of the sensitive member of a bolometric sensor
The invention relates to a method for controlling the resistance of a bolometer in a bolometer matrix of a sensor, said sensor comprising a circuit for reading said matrix which is capable of addressing said bolometer.According to the invention, the method comprises a step (46) of adjusting the recurrence of addressing the bolometer using the read circuit.
US08431898B2 Infrared cut filter removable module control apparatus
An infrared cut filter removable (ICR) module control apparatus includes a photoresistor, first to sixth electronic switches, an ICR module, a comparator, and a central processing unit (CPU). A first terminal of the photoresistor is connected to a power supply through a resistor. A second terminal of the photoresistor is grounded, and connected to the second to fourth electronic switches and the CPU through the first electronic switch. The second electronic switch is connected to the fifth and sixth switches. A node between the third and fourth switches is connected to a first input terminal of the ICR module and the non-inverting terminal of the comparator. A node between the fifth and sixth switches is connected to a second input terminal of the ICR module and the inverting terminal of the comparator. The CPU is connected to the output terminal of the comparator and connected to the first electronic switch.
US08431893B2 Electron beam apparatus and electron beam inspection method
An electron beam apparatus which includes a sample stage on which a sample is placed, and an electron optical system. The electron optical system includes an electron gun that generates a primary electron beam, an immersion objective lens that converges the primary electron beam on the sample, an E×B deflector that separates a secondary particle, which is generated from irradiation of the primary beam to the sample, from an optical axis of the primary beam, a reflecting member to which the secondary particle collides, an assist electrode which is located under the reflecting member, a plurality of incidental particle detectors that selectively detect a velocity component and an azimuth component of a ternary particle which is generated by the secondary particle colliding to the reflecting member, and a center detector that is located above the reflecting member.
US08431887B2 Central lens for cylindrical geometry time-of-flight mass spectrometer
A mass analyzer comprises a pair of planar electrode structures. The electrode structures are disposed opposite to each other, parallel to each other, and axially offset from each other. The electrode structures are configured to generate, in response to an applied voltage, a cylindrically-symmetric, annular electric field comprising an annular radially focusing central lens region surrounding an axis of symmetry, and an annular mirror region surrounding the annular radially focusing central lens region.
US08431885B2 Gamma-ray detectors for downhole applications
Methods and related systems are described for gamma-ray detection. A gamma-ray detector is made depending on its properties and how those properties are affected by the data analysis. Desirable properties for a downhole detector include; high temperature operation, reliable/robust packaging, good resolution, high countrate capability, high density, high Z, low radioactive background, low neutron cross-section, high light output, single decay time, efficiency, linearity, size availability, etc. Since no single detector has the optimum of all these properties, a downhole tool design preferably picks the best combination of these in existing detectors, which will optimize the performance of the measurement in the required environment and live with the remaining non-optimum properties. A preferable detector choice is one where the required measurement precision (logging speed) is obtained for all of the required inelastic elements and/or minimization of unwanted background signals that complicate the data analysis.
US08431884B2 Holographic microfabrication and characterization system for soft matter and biological systems
A method and system for micromanipulation of objects of any shape. The method and system creates various forms of holographic optical traps for a variety of commercial purposes. Some alternate forms of traps include a dark form of optical traps, optical vortices with different helical winding numbers and optical traps with variable phase profiles imprinted thereon.
US08431881B2 Night vision goggles with pellicle
A night vision goggle system is shown, including optical modules, a heads-up display (HUD) module, and a camera module. Each module may be added to and removed from the system without structural, electrical, or optical damage to itself or the remaining modules. Each optical module takes input light at one end and provides an intensified image at the other. A heads-up display module (HUD) can provide an informational display in any of at least two of the optical modules or both. A camera module is capable of recording both the intensified image produced by a particular optical module, as well as the HUD information shown through that module with substantially no offset from the original display. Both the camera module and the HUD module are installable onto the same optical module at the same time, and can be installed on either (or in some embodiments, any) optical module.
US08431880B2 Solid-state imaging device, method of producing the same, and imaging device
A solid-state imaging device includes a semiconductor substrate including a pixel portion having a photoelectric conversion portion and a peripheral circuit portion; a first sidewall composed of a sidewall film and disposed on each sidewall of gate electrodes of MOS transistors in the pixel portion; a second sidewall composed of the sidewall film and disposed on each sidewall of gate electrodes of MOS transistors in the peripheral circuit portion; a first silicide blocking film composed of the sidewall film and disposed on the photoelectric conversion portion and a part of the MOS transistors in the pixel portion; and a second silicide blocking film disposed on the MOS transistors in the pixel portion so as to overlap with a part of the first silicide blocking film, wherein the MOS transistors in the pixel portion are covered with the first and second silicide blocking films.
US08431879B2 Solid-state imaging device and drive control method for the same
A CMOS sensor has unit pixels each structured by a light receiving element and three transistors, to prevent against the phenomenon of saturation shading and the reduction of dynamic range. The transition time (fall time), in switching off the voltage on a drain line shared in all pixels, is given longer than the transition time in turning of any of the reset line and the transfer line. For this reason, the transistor constituting a DRN drive buffer is made proper in its W/L ratio. Meanwhile, a control resistance or current source is inserted on a line to the GND, to make proper the operation current during driving. This reduces saturation shading amount. By making a reset transistor in a depression type, the leak current to a floating diffusion is suppressed to broaden the dynamic range.
US08431878B2 High temperature furnace using microwave energy
A microwave furnace that can operate at least 1700° C. having a furnacing chamber within a retaining cavity. The chamber is at least partly surrounded by microwave transparent insulation. At least one susceptor is at least partly between the insulation and the chamber. The susceptor at least in part is a specially formulated sintered coarse grain polycrystalline β alumina capable of absorbing microwave energy from room temperature to its maximum use temperature. The furnace has a power system providing microwave energy to activate the susceptor. A temperature sensor may be provided that has an infrared channeling tube to conduct an infrared signal from the chamber to a pyrometer for converting the infrared signal to an electrical signal proportional to temperature within the microwave chamber. The electrical signal is then used to signal the power supply to control temperature by controlling energy to the susceptor.
US08431876B2 System for controlled aging of electrical windings
The present invention provides system for testing an electrical winding element that is usually a stator bar or a stator winding. The stator bar is attached to a short circuit conductive element to form a closed short circuit of a single turn that acts as a primary circuit. The closed short circuit is connected to a step-up transformer that will act as a secondary circuit and which has at least two turns. The step-up transformer uses a controlled variable voltage source that charges the closed short circuit. Charging the closed short circuit creates a current in the stator bar inner conductive element, causing heat on the stator bar by induction. The system of the present invention is suitable for an accelerated thermal aging test that simulates closely how heat is created by induction on stator bars of electric machines.
US08431875B2 Method for the synchronization of induction coils supplied by power converters of an induction cooking hob and induction heating system carrying out such method
A method for the synchronization of induction coils supplied by power converters and acting on a common heating zone or on adjacent heating zones of an induction heating system, particularly of an induction cooking hob, comprises the steps of activating a first power converter, detecting a parameter correlated to the magnetic field generated by the first power converter and activating a second power converter by using the parameter as synchronization signal, the parameter being induction coil voltage or induction coil current or a combination thereof.
US08431874B2 High-capacity PTC heater
A high-capacity positive temperature coefficient heater, may include a plurality of positive temperature coefficient rods, wherein each of the positive temperature coefficient rods has a built-in positive temperature coefficient element that generates heat when electric power is supplied thereto, a plurality of heat-radiating fins attached to either side of the positive temperature coefficient rods along a longitudinal direction thereof, an upper housing coupled to one ends of the positive temperature coefficient rods, and a lower housing coupled to the other ends of the positive temperature coefficient rods, wherein the heat radiating fins are bonded to the positive temperature coefficient rods by heat conductive adhesive.
US08431873B2 Vane type electric heater and vane structure thereof
A vane type electric heater includes a heat generator and a vane structure, and the heat generator includes a rod, and the vane structure includes a plate and at least one heat pipe attached on a surface of the plate, and the plate includes a through hole for passing the rod, and the heat pipe surrounds the periphery of the through hole for enhancing the speed of thermal conduction and the effect of uniform temperature, so as to improve the heat output performance of the invention.
US08431872B2 Countertop cooker
A countertop cooking device such as a slow cooker or rice cooker which operates to initially reach a heat within the cooking cavity sufficient for sauteeing or braising food. A microprocessor communicating with a temperature sensor monitors the cooking cavity in order to sense drops in temperature. When a sudden drop in temperature occurs due to the addition of liquid to the cooking cavity, the device is caused to drop to a lower cooking temperature appropriate for boiling, simmering, or maintaining food warmth.
US08431867B2 Transparent glazing provided with laminated heating system
A transparent windowpane including a resistive heating coating that extends over a substantial part of a surface of the windowpane, and over a main field of view, and which is electrically connected, at least indirectly, with at least two busbars such that, when a power supply voltage is applied between the two busbars, a current flows between the busbars, heating a heating field in the heating coating. The heating field includes at least one semiresistive region in direct contact with at least one busbar, and including conducting strands in a form of thin longitudinal wires, the ohmic resistance of which is less than that of the heating coating. At least one conducting strand has a transverse conducting structure in electrical contact with the semiresistive region.
US08431864B2 Short circuit detection systems and methods
A constant voltage (CV) welding process power supply is provided. The power supply includes a controller configured to detect a short circuit event in a CV welding process and increase a welding current based upon a periodically computed voltage error and a first gain to attempt to clear the short circuit event. The controller is further configured to detect whether the short circuit event has cleared after the first current increase. If the short circuit event has not cleared, the controller increases the welding current based upon the periodically computed voltage error and a second gain higher than the first gain.
US08431863B2 Integrated weld gun holder and cable management system
A welder includes a housing enclosing one or more welding circuits communicated with power output studs for establishing a welding arc. A generally rigid bracket may be included that is affixed to an exterior of the housing, which may include first and second spaced apart support arms extending from a bracket, where the first support arm includes a first supporting surface facing a first direction, and where the second support arm includes a second supporting surface facing a second opposite direction for supporting the associated welding gun in a cantilevered configuration. A cable cradle is also included that extends from a second, distal end of the bracket.
US08431862B2 Torch for electric arc welding system
A torch for connection to an electric arc welding system having a wire feeder, a power source and a weld process controller for the power source. The torch being connected to the front end of a welding gun, which gun has a rear end with a first unique component of a connector. The welding system has a second component of the connector matching the first component. The gun has a communication channel extending from the torch to the first component for transmitting data to the welding system through the connector. The torch has a memory with an identification code outputted on the communication channel to the first component and the system has a decoder circuit connected to the second component and responsive to a selected identification code.
US08431859B2 Stress treatment device, operating system, and method of making turbine
A stress treatment device has an operating unit including a head unit performing peening by irradiating an inside of a hole formed in a structure with laser to form a compressive stress region in the hole; a laser unit having an optical fiber guiding the laser to the head unit; a jetting unit jetting liquid into the hole; and a support part supporting the optical fiber in a manner of allowing the jetted liquid to flow through and being fixed in the head unit.
US08431857B2 Process for joining brass part and silicone carbide ceramics part and composite articles made by same
A process for joining a brass part and a silicone carbide ceramics part, comprising steps of: providing a metal part made of brass, a ceramic part made of silicone carbide ceramics, a titanium foil and a nickel foil; bring the metal part, ceramic part, titanium foil and nickel foil into contact, with the titanium and nickel foil inserted between the metal part and ceramic part; applying a pressure of about 20 MPa˜60 MPa to the parts to be joined; and simultaneously applying a pulse electric current to the parts while the pressure is applied for heating up the parts to a temperature of about 950° C. to about 1150° C. at a rate of about 50° C./min˜300° C./min, maintaining the temperature for about 20 minutes˜40 minutes.
US08431855B2 Method of making a metal bellows assembly having an intermediate plate
The formation of a bellows made up of a stack of a predetermined number of ring-convolutions and having an intermediate plate supported within said stack is achieved by supplying several thin metal rings, each having inner and outer edges. A pair of these metal rings are positioned in contiguous relationship and their adjacent inside edges are welded together to form a ring-convolution. This process is repeated until a sufficient number of ring-convolutions are made to eventually make the desired bellows. Before these separate ring-convolutions are fused to each other, an intermediate plate and a support ring are made. The intermediate plate is a disc of metal that is sized smaller than the inside diameter of the rings and is secured to the support ring. The support ring is then positioned between two formed ring-convolutions in contiguous relationship and the three abutting outside edges are welded to each other to form a support plate convolution. The already made ring-convolutions and the support plate convolution are then stacked in the desired order and in contiguous relationship. All not-yet welded adjacent outside edges of said ring-convolutions and said support plate convolution are then welded to form the bellows. A bottom plate is formed and welded to the outside edge of the bottommost ring-convolution and a top ring is finally welded to the uppermost convolution to complete the bellows. The top ring is meant to be welded to a base plate of an infusion pump.
US08431852B2 Key switch device
A key switch device and a keyboard, capable of preventing key-entry noise from rebounding and having a drip-proof effect so as to avoid a contact fault and/or insulation failure. The key switch device includes a switch panel; a key top positioned above the switch panel; a pair of link members positioned between the key top and the switch panel and adapted to interlock with the key top so that the key top may be moved in a vertical direction while maintaining a horizontal posture; and an annular elastic wall member positioned between the switch panel and a membrane sheet and configured to contact opposing surfaces of the switch panel and the membrane sheet, wherein the elastic wall member is arranged along a contour of the key top.
US08431841B2 Rangefinder pivotable between obverse and reverse positions
A rangefinder, for locating an object moving parallel to a planar surface, is rigidly attached to a carrier that is pivotably movable between an obverse position and a reverse position relative to a planar surface. Preferably, an orienting mechanism is provided for determining which position, obverse or reverse, the carrier and rangefinder are in. Preferably, a pivot, for pivoting the carrier and the rangefinder between the two positions, is rigidly attached either to the plane surface or to an attachment mechanism for reversibly attaching the carrier to the planar surface.
US08431840B2 Support element with weight measurement for lifting platforms
Support element for lifting platforms, which can be arranged between a carrying element of the lifting platform and a vehicle which is to be raised, wherein the support element can be removed from the carrying element, wherein the support element rests on at least one vertically displaceable transfer element that seals a pressure chamber that is filled with hydraulic fluid and is disposed above said transfer element, with the transfer element generating in the pressure chamber a pressure that is characteristic for the weight resting on the support element, and in that the pressure chamber has an annular recess, in particular a groove, which is sealed by the equally annular transfer element.
US08431839B2 Bearing element with weight measurement for lifting platforms
The invention relates to a bearing element for lifting platforms, which is a displaceable part of a bearing arm of a load receiving element of a lifting platform, with a vehicle bearing element resting on that end of said bearing element that protrudes from the carrier, wherein at least one annular recess, in particular an annular groove, is arranged on the upper side of said bearing element, in which at least one vertically displaceable transfer element is disposed that seals a pressure chamber that is filled with hydraulic fluid and is disposed below said transfer element, with the transfer element generating in the pressure chamber a pressure that is characteristic for the weight.
US08431837B2 Waterproof jacket assembly and communication device employing the same
A waterproof jacket assembly applied in a communication device is disclosed. The communication device includes an enclosure defining a first through hole for a transmission wire passing through. The waterproof jacket assembly is mounted on the enclosure corresponding to the first through hole, and includes a sleeve, an elastic waterproof element and a cover board. The sleeve defines a receiving cavity in communication with the first through hole. The elastic waterproof element is received in the receiving cavity and helically wrapped around the transmission wire. The transmission wire passes through the cover board and the cover board engages with the sleeve to drive the elastic waterproof element to fill in the receiving cavity.
US08431835B2 Packaging device for an electronic element and method for making the same
A method for making a packaging device for an electronic element includes: preparing a ceramic frame body defined with a hollow space for receiving the electronic element therein; preparing a ceramic substrate having a copper layer formed thereon; etching the copper layer to form a predetermined copper pattern on an upper surface of the ceramic substrate; placing the ceramic frame body onto the upper surface of the ceramic substrate and in contact with the copper pattern; and heating the ceramic frame body and the ceramic substrate such that the copper pattern bonds the ceramic frame body to the ceramic substrate. A packaging device for an electronic element is also disclosed.
US08431834B2 Method for assuring counterbore depth of vias on printed circuit boards and printed circuit boards made accordingly
A method is disclosed for fabricating a PCB so that is can easily be determined if a via in the PCB has not been counterbored to a desired depth. A PCB fabricated according to the method also is disclosed.
US08431828B2 Composite substrate
A composite substrate is disclosed. In one aspect, the substrate has a stretchable and/or flexible material. The substrate may further have patterned features embedded in the stretchable and/or flexible material. The patterned features have one or more patterned conducting layers.
US08431825B2 Flat type cable for high frequency applications
A flat-type cable suitable for use in high frequency communications. The cable has a plurality of longitudinally extending and substantially parallel passageways, each housing a twisted pair conductor. The twisted pair conductors are disposed in the cable in a manner that the twisted pair conductors with the longest lay lengths are disposed in the passageways closest to the edges of the cable, and the passageways farther away from the edges of the cable house twisted pair conductors with progressively shorter lay lengths.
US08431820B2 Hermetic sealing cap
A more thinnable hermetic sealing cap can be provided. This hermetic sealing cap (10) is employed for an electronic component housing package (100) housing an electronic component (40) and includes a cap body portion (1) mainly composed of Ti.
US08431817B2 Multi-junction solar cell having sidewall bi-layer electrical interconnect
Nanostructure array optoelectronic devices are disclosed. The optoelectronic device may be a multi junction solar cell. The optoelectronic device may have a bi-layer electrical interconnect that is physically and electrically connected to sidewalls of the array of nanostructures. The optoelectronic device may be operated as a multi junction solar cell, wherein each junction is associated with one portion of the device. The bi-layer electrical interconnect allows current to pass from one portion to the next. Thus, the bi-layer electrical interconnect may serve as a replacement for a tunnel junction, which is used in some conventional multi junction solar cells.
US08431816B2 Apparatus and methods for solar energy conversion using nanoscale cometal structures
An apparatus and methods for solar conversion using nanoscale cometal structures are disclosed herein. The cometal structures may be coaxial and coplanar. A nanoscale optics apparatus for use as a solar cell comprises a plurality of nanoscale cometal structures each including a photovoltaic material located between a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor. A method of fabricating solar cells comprises preparing a plurality of nanoscale planar structures; coating a plurality of planar surfaces of the plurality of planar structures with a photovoltaic semiconductor while leaving space between the plurality of planar surfaces; and coating the photovoltaic semiconductor with an outer electrical conductor layer, wherein a portion of the outer electrical conductor layer is located between the planar structures to form coplanar structures.
US08431812B2 Tone data search apparatus and method
Storage section stores therein a plurality of tone data sets each representative of a tone waveform but also a plurality of character data sets in association with the tone data sets, each of the character data sets representing content of the tone waveform, represented by the corresponding tone data set, in character quanta. Display control section causes a display section to display an image with some of the stored tone data sets as selection candidates. Selection section is provided for a user to select at least one of the tone data sets displayed as the selection candidates. Identification section searches for and identifies a plurality of character data sets similar to the character data set corresponding to the user-selected tone data set. The display control section causes the display section to further display an image of a plurality of the tone data sets associated with the identified character data sets.
US08431811B2 Multi-media device enabling a user to play audio content in association with displayed video
A multi-media entertainment device enabling a user to control sound/audio elements of a music or sound program while video is displayed and which is correlated to the played sound elements. The user interacts with triggers such as laser beams that can be interrupted by a player's fingers to play music. The video track is displayed, and the user controls the audio play of the sound track by interrupting the beams, each beam associated with a different instrument. This allows the user to play the multimedia device along with a displayed video performance, in synchronization with one or more musicians displayed on a display. The user's play may be scored as a function of the user's accuracy of engaging the triggers. For instance, a user can strum a trigger associated with a guitar program in unison with a guitarist on the display. The music created by the user interacting with multiple triggers is sympathetic and always synchronized to the video performance. If the user misses the timing of a note, the sound is not played. In another version, the user interacts by playing the triggers controlling sound elements associated with a displayed video game.
US08431810B2 Tempo detection device, tempo detection method and program
A tempo detection device includes: a basic feature amount extracting section which extracts a plurality of types of basic feature amounts from an input audio signal; a weighting and adding section which weights and adds the basic feature amounts of the plurality of types extracted in the basic feature amount extracting section to obtain an addition signal; and a tempo detecting section which detects BPM indicating the tempo on the basis of a periodic component included in the addition signal obtained in the weighting and adding section.
US08431806B2 Liposomal formulations of anthracycline agents and cytidine analogs
Compositions which comprise an anthracycline agent, and a cytidine analog are encapsulated in liposomal carriers. The preferred anthracycline agent is selected from the group of daunorubicin, doxorubicin, and idarubicin, while the preferred cytidine analog is selected from the group of cytarabine, gemcitabine, or 5-azacytidine. The combination of the anthracycline agent and cytidine analog encapsulated in said liposomal carriers are useful in achieving a drug retention and a sustained drug release for each therapeutic agent.
US08431800B1 Soybean cultivar 13285180
A soybean cultivar designated 13285180 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 13285180, to the plants of soybean cultivar 13285180, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 13285180, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 13285180. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 13285180. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 13285180, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 13285180 with another soybean cultivar.
US08431799B1 Soybean cultivar 12245180
A soybean cultivar designated 12245180 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 12245180, to the plants of soybean cultivar 12245180, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 12245180, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 12245180. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 12245180. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 12245180, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 12245180 with another soybean cultivar.
US08431797B1 Soybean cultivar 00362508
A soybean cultivar designated 00362508 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 00362508, to the plants of soybean cultivar 00362508, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 00362508, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 00362508. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 00362508. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 00362508, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 00362508 with another soybean cultivar.
US08431795B1 Soybean cultivar S110142
A soybean cultivar designated S110142 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar S110142, to the plants of soybean cultivar S110142, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar S110142, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar S110142. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S110142. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar S110142, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar S110142 with another soybean cultivar.
US08431791B1 Soybean cultivar 15172101
A soybean cultivar designated 15172101 is disclosed. The invention relates to the seeds of soybean cultivar 15172101, to the plants of soybean cultivar 15172101, to the plant parts of soybean cultivar 15172101, and to methods for producing progeny of soybean cultivar 15172101. The invention also relates to methods for producing a soybean plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic soybean plants and plant parts produced by those methods. The invention also relates to soybean cultivars or breeding cultivars, and plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 15172101. The invention also relates to methods for producing other soybean cultivars, lines, or plant parts derived from soybean cultivar 15172101, and to the soybean plants, varieties, and their parts derived from use of those methods. The invention further relates to hybrid soybean seeds, plants, and plant parts produced by crossing cultivar 15172101 with another soybean cultivar.
US08431787B2 Soybean variety A1023844
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1023844. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1023844. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1023844 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1023844 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08431784B2 Soybean variety A1024749
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1024749. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1024749. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1024749 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1024749 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08431775B2 Methods and compositions for enhanced yield by targeted expression of knotted1
Methods and compositions for modulating expression of knotted1 (kn1) polypeptides in seed and reproductive tissue are provided. Polynucleotide sequences encoding knotted1 transcription factor polypeptides are expressed in a spatially and/or temporally regulated manner with expression preferentially in developing flowers, pods, ears and/or seeds, or to other reproductive structures during flowering and seed development, to create a sequestered effect resulting in plants that produce increased yield and may have greater flower, pod, ear and/or seed retention. Transformed plants, plant cells, tissues and seed are also provided.
US08431773B2 Promotion of somatic embryogenesis in plants by wuschel gene expression
The present invention relates to methods for promoting somatic embryogenesis from a tissue or organ of a plant, by overexpressing a Wuschel gene in said tissue or organ. In one embodiment, such overexpression can be used as a silent selectable marker for transgenic plants. In another embodiment, such expression can be used to confer apomixis to a plant. In another embodiment, such overexpression can be used to create haploid plants, which can be used to produce dihaploid plants.
US08431769B2 Non-aggregating fluorescent proteins and methods for using the same
Nucleic acid compositions encoding non-aggregating chromo/fluoroproteins and mutants thereof, as well as the proteins encoded by the same, are provided. The proteins of interest are polypeptides that are non-aggregating colored and/or fluorescent proteins, where the non-aggregating feature arises from the modulation of residues in the N-terminus of the protein and the chromo and/or fluorescent feature arises from the interaction of two or more residues of the protein. Also provided are fragments of the subject nucleic acids and the peptides encoded thereby, as well as antibodies to the subject proteins and transgenic cells and organisms. The subject protein and nucleic acid compositions find use in a variety of different applications. Finally, kits for use in such applications, e.g., that include the subject nucleic acid compositions, are provided.
US08431767B2 Transgenic non-human animal and methods for stem cell engraftment
Transgenic immunodeficient non-human animals according to embodiments of the present invention are described which include in their genome a nucleic acid encoding xenogeneic Stem Cell Factor operably linked to a promoter. Administration of xenogeneic hematopoetic stem cells to the inventive transgenic animals results in engraftment of the xenogeneic hematopoetic stem cells and xenogeneic leukocytes are produced in the animals, without conditioning such as without conditioning by irradiation and without conditioning by a radiomimetic agent.
US08431766B1 Diaper with wetness detecting system
A diaper apparatus includes a diaper having absorbent material formed between inner surfaces of opposed inner and outer layers each having an outer surface. Two conductors are applied to the diaper, and a mounting plate is affixed to the outer surface of the outer layer of the diaper with fasteners formed with electrical connectors electrically connected to the two conductors, respectively. An alarm unit having two complementing electrical connectors, and an alarm electrically connected to the two complementing electrical connectors. The electrical connectors detachably secure the complementing electrical connectors detachably securing the alarm unit to the mounting plate and electrically connecting the electrical connectors to the complementing electrical connectors. The alarm of the alarm issues an alarm stimulus in response to wetness applied to the diaper electrically connecting the two conductors applied to the diaper.
US08431763B2 Separation method of aromatic compounds comprising simulated moving bed xylene mixture pre-treatment process and additional xylene isomerization process
Disclosed is a method for separating aromatic compounds using a simulated moving bed adsorptive chromatography, comprising a sulfolan process that is a non-aromatic compound removing process, a benzene/toluene fractionation process, an aromatic compound fractionation process, a selective toluene disproportionation process, a transalkylation process, a simulated moving bed para-xylene separation process and a xylene isomerization process, wherein the method is characterized by further comprising a simulated moving bed xylene mixture pre-treatment process and an additional xylene isomerization process. The separation method of aromatic compounds according to the present invention can make significant improvement in para-xylene and benzene production in the overall process, as compared to the conventional aromatic compound separation process.
US08431761B2 Hydrocarbon dehydrogenation with zirconia
A method for obtaining an olefin is disclosed, the method comprising subjecting a paraffin to dehydrogenation in the absence of oxygen and in the presence of a catalyst comprising a crystalline substrate, to obtain an olefin. The catalyst includes an inert stabilizing agent for maintaining the catalyst crystal structure. The catalyst may be regenerated by being subjected, in air, to a temperature between about 550° C. and about 750° C., for a period of time between about 15 minutes and about 4 hours.
US08431760B2 Hydrocarbon conversion using an improved molecular sieve
The present invention comprises a hydrocarbon-conversion process using an improved MgMxAPSO-31 molecular sieve which demonstrates a favorable combination of conversion and selectivity in aromatics conversion. The sieve comprises at least two divalent elements with narrow specific concentration limits in the framework structure having defined crystal characteristics. The element Mx may comprise one or more of manganese, cobalt, nickel, iron and zinc.
US08431756B2 Conversion catalysts and processes having oxygenate and water stability
This invention relates to a method for processing oxygenated hydrocarbons to form a hydroisomerized and/or dewaxed hydrocarbon product having a reduced oxygen content, an increased iso-paraffin content, a low n-paraffin content, and good cold flow properties. Advantageously, the method can utilize a zeolitic base catalyst, optionally but preferably containing at least one activated metal component, and a hydrothermally-stable binder such as titania.
US08431754B2 Process for nitroalkane recovery by aqueous phase recycle to nitration reactor
Disclosed are a process and an apparatus for synthesizing nitroalkanes by reaction of a hydrocarbon feedstock with aqueous nitric acid. Energy and capital costs may be reduced by recycling a majority of the aqueous phase back to the reactor.
US08431752B2 Method of making alkylene glycols
Herein disclosed is a method of hydrating an alkylene oxide that includes introducing an alkylene oxide into water to form a first stream; flowing the first stream through a high shear device to produce a second stream; and contacting the second stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the alkylene oxide and form an alkylene glycol.
US08431750B2 Preparation of hydroxyaromatic aldehydes
Hydroxyaromatic aldehydes are prepared by oxidation of a corresponding mandelic derivative carried out in a basic medium and in the presence of a catalytic system containing at least two metal elements.
US08431749B2 Recovery of phenol and acetone from bisphenol-A streams
In a method of recovering phenol and acetone from a feed stream containing bisphenol-A and isomers thereof, the feed stream is contacted with water and a source of hydroxyl ions under conditions effective to decompose at least part of said bisphenol-A and isomers thereof to phenol and acetone. The conditions include a temperature of about 150° C. to about 300° C., a pressure sufficient to keep the water substantially in the liquid phase at said temperature, and a molar ratio of hydroxyl ions to hydroxyphenyl groups in the residue stream from about 0.3:1 to about 0.9:1.
US08431748B2 Low protonation constant hydroxy acids
The present invention relates to a hydroxy-sulphureous acid, to a method for preparation of the hydroxysulphureous acid and to products based on said hydroxysulphureous acid, to methods for preparation of said products and to use of said products, wherein said hydroxysulphureous acid is used as building blocks for polymer systems, e g aqueous polymer systems such as inks, coatings, and adhesives.
US08431745B2 Process for preparation of HIV protease inhibitors
A process for the synthesis of bisfuran intermediates useful for preparing antiviral HIV protease inhibitor compounds is hereby disclosed.
US08431744B2 Solvent-free preparation of magnesium formate-based porous metal-organic framework
The present invention relates to a process for preparing a magnesium formate-based porous metal-organic framework, which comprises the steps (a) addition of magnesium or magnesium oxide to formic acid; (b) stirring of the reaction mixture at at least 75° C.; (c) isolation of the solid from the resulting suspension by filtration.
US08431743B2 Preparation of acrylic acid by heterogeneously catalyzed partial gas phase oxidation of propylene
The present invention relates to a process for preparing acrylic acid by two-stage heterogeneously catalyzed partial gas phase oxidation of propylene, in which the propylene source used is a preceding propane dehydrogenation and in which the first oxidation stage is operated with restricted propylene conversion, and unconverted propane and propylene present in the product gas mixture of the second partial oxidation stage are recycled substantially into the preceding propane dehydrogenation.
US08431740B2 Controlling decanter phase separation of acetic acid production process
Disclosed is a method for controlling the decanter phase separation of an acetic acid production by methanol carbonylation. The method comprises measuring the methyl acetate concentration of the reactor mixture, calculating the density of the decanter heavy, organic phase according to the measured methyl acetate concentration, and adjusting the conditions in the reactor or in the decanter to ensure phase separation of the decanter.
US08431738B2 Optically active α-amino acid into which BSH is introduced and method for synthesizing the same
Disclosed is the method for producing an optically active BSH amino acid, which comprises a step of reacting an optically active a-amino acid derivative having a halogen in a side chain with a cyanoethyl BSH compound represented by formula (1). An optically active BSH amino acid obtained by the method is also disclosed.
US08431737B2 Drying agent
One embodiment of the present invention discloses a drying agent having the formula: [Mg2(BTEC)(H2O)m].nH2O, where m denotes zero or positive integer from 1 to 10, and n denotes zero or positive integer from 1 to 6. Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for forming a drying agent.
US08431736B2 Crystalline forms of the di-sodium salt of N-(5-chlorosalicyloyl)-8-aminocaprylic acid
The present invention relates to crystalline polymorphic forms of the di-sodium salt of N-(5-chlorosalicyloyl)-8-aminocaprylic acid, pharmaceutical compositions containing the same, methods of preparing the same, and methods for facilitating the delivery of active agents with the same.
US08431733B2 Process for the preparation of (3S)-3-amino-N-cyclopropyl-2-hydroxyalkanamide derivatives
The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of (2S,3S)-3-amino-N-cyclopropyl-2-hydroxyalkanamides, and their use in the preparation of HCV inhibitors and cathepsin inhibitors.
US08431732B2 Carbonylation process for the production of methyl acetate
Process for the manufacture of methyl acetate by carbonylating a carbonylatable reactant selected from dimethyl ether and dimethyl carbonate containing less than 2.5 wt % water with carbon monoxide in the presence of a mordenite catalyst. The mordenite has been ion-exchanged with at least one Group IB metal, and the molar ratio of the Group IB metal to total aluminum present in the mordenite is in the range 5 to 50 mol %.
US08431731B2 Glyceryl and glycol acid compounds
Disclosed is a method for reducing the appearance of a fine line or wrinkle on skin comprising topically applying to said fine line or wrinkle a composition comprising a glyceryl di-salicylate compound having the following structure: wherein the composition further includes a glyceryl mono-salicylate compound, and wherein the composition reduces the appearance of said fine line or wrinkle on skin.
US08431726B2 Preparation method of (3S,4S)-3-hexyl-4-((R)-2-hydroxytridecyl)-oxetan-2-one and the product of that method
The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of (3S,4S)-3-hexyl-4-((R)-2-hydroxytridecyl)-oxetan-2-one and a product of the method. The method includes the following steps: a) reducing a substance represented by formula (II) to obtain a substance represented by formula (III), and then oxidizing the substance represented by formula (III) to form a substance represented by formula (IV); b) acylating n-octanoic acid to obtain n-octanoyl chloride using thionyl dichloride, then condensing the obtained n-octanoyl chloride with 2-mercapto-pyridine under basic condition to form a substance represented by formula (V), and then converting the substance represented by formula (V) to a substance represented by formula (VI); c) reacting the substance obtained in the step a) with the substance obtained in the step b) under catalytic condition of Lewis acid to generate a substance represented by formula (VII), and then reacting with a Lewis acid. The meanings of the signs in these formulas are the same as those in the description.
US08431717B2 Process for the preparation of 5-(2-ethyl-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)-1H-imidazole and salts thereof
The invention provides an improved, highly efficient method for preparing 5-(2-ethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)-1H-imidazole, and its salts, in particular its pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
US08431714B2 Synthesis of drug conjugates via reaction with epoxide-containing linkers
The present invention relates to drug derivatives and linkers. The invention specifically relates to compounds and methods of phosphonates and linkers, that are useful as carriers for imaging agents and useful in the treatment of various bone diseases.
US08431713B2 2-aminopyridine derivatives as glucokinase activators
Provided are compounds having the Formula I or salts thereof, wherein R2, L, R3, R11, D2 and R13 are as defined herein, that are useful in the treatment and/or prevention of diseases mediated by deficient levels of glucokinase activity, such as diabetes mellitus. Also provided are methods of treating or preventing diseases and disorders characterized by underactivity of glucokinase or which can be treated by activating glucokinase.
US08431712B2 Methods for the synthesis of pyridoxamine
The invention provides non-oxidative methods for the large scale manufacture of pyridoxamine (I) (4-aminomethyl-3-hydroxy-5-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpyridine): and salts thereof. The invention also provides intermediate compounds for the synthesis of pyridoxamine, as well as compositions and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of conditions associated with the formation of post-Amadori advanced glycation end-products.
US08431707B2 Process for production of azabicycloalkanol derivative
The object is to produce an azabicycloalkanol derivative, particularly a cis-3-substituted-3-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octan-8-ol derivative which is a useful intermediate for agricultural chemicals or pharmaceutical agents, with a good yield and at an industrially low cost. A diastereomer of an azabicyclo-C6-10-alkanol derivative having a methyne substituted a hydroxyl group as an asymmetric carbon (e.g., a trans-3-substituted-3-azabicyclo[3.2.1]-8-ol derivative) is isomerized in the presence of a transition metal complex, thereby producing an excess amount of a thermodynamically more stable one of diastereomers (e.g., a cis-3-substituted-3-azabicyclo[3.2.1]-8-ol derivative). In this manner, a thermodynamically more stable one of diastereomers of the azabicyclo-C6-10-alkanol derivatives can be produced.
US08431706B2 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroqinoline derivative useful for the treatment of diabetes
The present invention provides a compound of the formula below or a pharmaceutical salt thereof, methods of treating diabetes using the compound and a process for preparing the compound.
US08431705B2 One-pot preparation of hexahydroisoquinolines from amides
The present invention provides an efficient process for the preparation of hexahydroisoquinolines from amides. In particular, the invention provides a good yielding, one-pot process for the synthesis of hexahydroisoquinolines.
US08431704B2 Quinoline or isoquinoline substituted P2X7 antagonists
The present invention is related to novel compounds of formula (I) having P2X7 antagonistic properties, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, chemical processes for preparing these compounds and their use in the treatment or prophylaxis of diseases associated with P2X7 receptor activity in animals, in particular humans. (I).
US08431703B2 Pyrrolopyridine compounds and their use in treating disease
There are provided according to the invention compounds of formula (I) in free ors salt form, wherein R1, R2, R4, R5, R6, A, D, X, W, m and n are as described in the specification, process for preparing them, and their use as pharmaceuticals.
US08431700B2 Alkylsulfonyl-2,3-dihydrospiro[indene-1,4′-piperidine] analogs as GlyT1 inhibitors, methods for making same, and use of same in treating psychiatric disorders
In one aspect, the invention relates to compounds which are useful as inhibitors of glycine type 1 transporter (GlyT1) activity; synthetic methods for making the compounds; pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds; and methods of treating disorders associated with glycine type 1 transporter (GlyT1) activity using the compounds and compositions. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US08431698B2 Bioluminescent endoscopy methods and compounds
Bioluminescent endoscopy methods and compounds, wherein an anatomical object is examined by means of filling, perfusing, intubating, injecting, or otherwise administering a solution containing a bioluminescent substance or a mixture of luciferin and luciferase which produces bioluminescence, wherein a color or monochrome image of the object is constituted using the images and information based on bioluminescent emitted by the bioluminescent substance. Procedures are demonstrated which allow bioluminescent solutions to be perfused into certain tissue regions, such as but not limited to the common biliary duct, genitourinary tract, gastro-intestinal tract, cardiovascular system and lymphatic system wherein said structures may be conveniently visualized during surgery to avoid damage to these structures. Such images may also be combined with visual light images. Methods of detection of cancer cells using bioluminescence are provided. Preferred embodiments disclosed include membrane permeant coelenterazine analogs.
US08431695B2 Pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-4-ylamines IGF-1R kinase inhibitors for the treatment of cancer and other hyperproliferative diseases
This invention relates to novel compounds of formula (I). Formula (I) in which the variable groups are as defined in the specification and claims, to pharmaceutical compositions containing them, and to a method of treatment using them for treatment of cancer.
US08431690B2 T cell receptors and related materials and methods of use
The invention provides an isolated or purified T cell receptor (TCR) having antigenic specificity for a cancer antigen, e.g., a renal cell carcinoma antigen, wherein the TCR recognizes the cancer antigen in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent manner. Also provided are related polypeptides, proteins, nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, isolated host cells, populations of cells, antibodies, or antigen binding portions thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions. The invention further provides a method of detecting the presence of cancer in a host and a method of treating or preventing cancer in a host using the inventive TCRs or related materials.
US08431687B2 Staphylococcus aureus leukocidins, therapeutic compositions, and uses thereof
Disclosed herein are isolated and purified Staphylococcus aureus bi-component leukocidin, referred to herein as LukAB, and its components LukA and LukB, antibodies specific to LukA, antibodies specific to LukB, therapeutic compositions containing LukA and/or LukB, or anti-LukA and/or anti-LukB antibodies, uses of the compositions to treat acute inflammatory conditions or S. aureus infection, methods for identifying inhibitors of LukAB-mediated cytotoxicity of human phagocytes, and methods for using LukAB as a marker to predict severity of S. aureus infection.
US08431682B2 Regioregular polyselenophenes
The invention relates to regioregular polyselenophenes, to their use as semiconductors or charge transport materials, in optical, electro-optical or electronic devices, and to optical, electro-optical or electronic devices comprising them.
US08431678B2 Method for producing cyclic diesters of L-, D- and D,L-lactic acid
Method for the production of L,L-, D,D-, D,L- and meso-dilactides, comprising the polycondensation and/or polytransesterification of an L-, D- or D,L-lactic acid or of esters thereof to polyesters of higher molecular weights of the L-, D- and D,L-lactic acid (polylactic acids) and cyclizing depolymerization of the polylactic acids to dilactides, wherein the polyesters of higher molecular weights of the L-, D- and D,L-lactic acids are produced in the presence of hydrolysis-stable metal compounds as catalyst.
US08431667B2 Guayule natural rubber latex thin film articles
The present disclosure provides for a formula and process for making elastomeric rubber thin film articles. In particular, the formula and process is a system which produces non-Hevea or Guayule natural rubber latex (GNRL) thin film articles which have a thickness of 30-80 microns (0.03-0.08 mm), and preferably less than 40 microns (0.04 mm). These thin film articles exhibit physical strength properties similar to that of Hevea brazilensis natural rubber latex (NRL). More specifically, the disclosed thin rubber thin film articles exhibit unaged tensile strength of at least 24 MPa (about 3500 psi) and aged tensile strength of at least 19 MPa (about 2800 psi).
US08431660B2 Non-metallocene catalysts having tetrazol group for olefin polymerization and polymerizing method of olefin using the same
The present invention provides a non-metallocene transition metal compound that is easily produced, includes a tetrazol group having the high polymerization activity and high temperature stability in the polymerization of olefins, and a catalytic composition that includes the transition metal compound and a cocatalyst. In addition, the present invention provides a method for efficiently producing an olefin homopolymer or copolymer by using the catalytic composition.
US08431657B2 Catalyst activation in a dual reactor process
Catalysts are activated in a dual reactor solution process by adding substoichiometric and superstoichiometric amounts of an ionic activator to an organometallic polymerization catalyst in a first and second reactor respectively. The new activation method allows one to alter process conditions in a favorably way with minimum impact to process economics. The new activation method also provides polymers which give films having improved optical properties.
US08431653B2 Curing agent composition for epoxy resins and epoxy resin composition
The present invention relates to a curing agent composition for epoxy resins comprising (A) a polyamine compound which is a reaction product of a compound having at least one glycidyl group in a molecule with a diamine having a specific structure, (B) a polyether-modified polysiloxane having a surface tension in the range of 19 dyne/cm to 25 dyne/cm and (C) an amino group-modified polysiloxane having a total amine value in the range of 150 mgKOH/g to 650 mgKOH/g which can provide excellent curing performances, excellent performances of epoxy resin cured coating films and excellent physical properties of epoxy resin cured products, an epoxy resin composition comprising said curing agent composition for epoxy resins and an epoxy resin cured product obtained by curing said epoxy resin composition.
US08431649B2 Organosilicon compounds, production processes thereof, pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions containing the organosilicon compounds, self-adhesive polarizers and liquid crystal displays
Organosilicon compounds are represented by the following formula: wherein R is a hydrolyzable group, R′ is an alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, A is an alkylene having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, X is O or S, Y is —NH— or S, L1 and L2 are C or N, Z and M are —NH—, O or S, R1 to R11 are H, alkyl having 1 to 6 carbon atoms, alkoxy or fluoroalkyl, or amino, m is 1 to 3, and n is 0 to 3. R1 and R2 or R2 and R3 may bonded together. R5 and R6 or R9 and R10 may directly bond together. R4 and R2 or R8 and R11 may form a ring skeleton. Their production processes, pressure-sensitive adhesive compositions, self-adhesive polarizers and LCDs are also disclosed.
US08431647B2 Adhesive silicone compositions and adhesive bonding/seaming therewith
The present invention relates to a cross-linkable adhesive silicone composition, having a very short cross-linking time and capable of providing an adhesive having mechanical properties sufficient so that it can be used as an adhesive joint and provide waterproofing of a seam joining two substrates. Such a composition comprises: (A) at least a polyorganosiloxane (POSA) having, for each molecule, at least two alkenyl groups, preferably, C2-C6 linked to silicon; (B) at least one polyorganosiloxane cross-linking agent having, for each molecule, at least two hydrogen atoms linked to silicon; (C) a catalytically efficient amount of at least one catalyst containing at least one metallic compound, preferably platinum; (D) a reinforcing mineral filler; and is characterized in that it also comprises at least one polyorganosiloxane (POS A′) gum having a weight content of alkenyl(s) group(s), preferably vinyl(s), between 0.001% and 0.2%, and having a consistency of between 300 and 1200 at 25° C.
US08431637B2 Resin composition for laser engraving, relief printing plate precursor for laser engraving, process for producing relief printing plate and relief printing plate
There are provided a resin composition for laser engraving that can give a relief printing plate having excellent hardness, film elasticity, printing durability, and aqueous ink transfer properties and that has excellent rinsing properties for engraving residue generated when laser-engraving a printing plate and excellent engraving sensitivity in laser engraving, a relief printing plate precursor employing the resin composition for laser engraving, a process for producing a relief printing plate employing the same, and a relief printing plate obtained thereby.
US08431634B2 Polypropylene resin composition and process for producing the same
A polypropylene resin composition comprising (a) 100 parts by weight of a resin composition, which contains 51 to 99% by weight of a propylene polymer and 1 to 49% by weight of an ethylene polymer having a density of 0.85 to 0.93 g/cm3, and (b) 0.001 to 0.5 part by weight of a metal salt defined by a specific chemical formula; and a process for producing such a polypropylene resin composition, comprising the steps of (1) mixing 1 to 100 parts by weight of the metal salt with 100 parts by weight of the propylene polymer and/or the ethylene polymer, thereby producing a master batch, and (2) mixing the master batch with a mixture containing the propylene polymer and the ethylene polymer.
US08431633B2 Silica particles, manufacturing method thereof and resin particles
Disclosed are silica particles having a volume average particle size of from about 100 nm to about 500 nm, an average circularity degree of from about 0.5 to about 0.85, and an average value of the ratios of circle equivalent diameters Da of the silica particles obtained by a flat image analysis to maximum heights H of the silica particles obtained by a stereoscopic image analysis of more than 1.5 and less than 1.9.
US08431627B2 Filler material for crowns, crown material containing same, and method of manufacturing thereof
The present invention provides a composition for crown material including resin and a fine spherized composite glass powder. The fine composite glass powder of the present invention for such a configuration has superior qualities with regard to both sintering and optical characteristics, and can be used as a filler for crown material.
US08431625B2 Compositions curable by ring opening metathesis polymerization at low temperatures and their application in the dental field
The invention relates to a composition which is polymerizable by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) comprising at least one monomer that is polymerizable by ROMP, at least one initiator of the Hoveyda-Grubbs type for initiating the ROMP and at least one retarder selected from the group consisting of heterocyclic a means having a ring with at least one N-atom and four or less other atoms constituting the ring bearing the at least one N-atom. The invention further relates to a process for the preparation of a composition which is polymerizable by ROMP, a dental material obtainable by polymerizing a composition according to the invention and the use of a substance selected from the group consisting of heterocyclic amines having a ring with at least one N-atom and five or less atoms constituting the ring bearing the at least one N-atom or of a mixture of two or more of such substances as a retarder in ROMP.
US08431624B2 Prepolymers suitable for making ultra-violet absorbing contact lenses
The invention provides a class of actinically-crosslinkable silicone-containing prepolymers which comprise (1) ethylenically-unsaturated groups and (2) UV-absorbing polymeric units, latent UV-absorbing polymeric units, and/or dual photo-functional polymeric units. The prepolymer of the invention can be used to prepare silicone hydrogel contact lenses capable of absorbing UV/visible radiation. The present invention is also related to silicone hydrogel contact lenses made from a prepolymer of the invention and methods for making the contact lenses in a cost-effective way and with high consistency and high fidelity to the original lens design.
US08431623B2 Process for forming a porous PVA scaffold using a pore-forming agent
The present invention relates to a process for forming a porous poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) scaffold using a pore-forming agent, comprising: mixing PVA with the pore-forming agent to form micropores in the PVA scaffold and using an easily decomposable pore-forming agent after the formation of the pores to improve convenience and reduce the processing time in manufacturing the porous PVA scaffold as well as to enable a pore size and porosity to be selected. A process for forming a porous PVA scaffold using a pore-forming agent according to the present invention includes heating to melt the PVA, cooling the melted PVA and mixing the PVA with a heat-decomposable pore-forming agent, repeating the freezing/thawing of the mixed PVA to cure the PVA mixture, and stirring the cured PVA mixture with a hydrochloric acid solution at a high temperature of 65° C. or more to produce foam.
US08431618B2 Processed starch powder with excellent disintegration properties and manufacturing method thereof
Disclosed are a processed starch powder in which the amount of water soluble component is greater than 2 wt % but less than 10 wt %, the water retention amount is greater than 600% and 1500% or less, and which comprises nonbirefringent particles, and a manufacturing method thereof.
US08431615B2 Dose forms
The present invention relates to antiviral therapies and compositions for treating or preventing Hepatitis C infections in patients and relates to other methods disclosed herein. The invention also relates to kits and pharmaceutical packs comprising compositions and dosage forms. The invention also relates to processes for preparing these compositions, dosages, kits, and packs.
US08431612B2 Ester prodrugs of prostratin and related phorbol compounds
The present disclosure provides analogs and derivatives of phorbol compounds for the treatment of viral infections, neoplastic diseases, inflammatory reactions, and use as analgesics.
US08431611B2 Artemisinin derivatives
This disclosure provides improved derivatives of artemisinin; pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds; methods for preparing these compounds and compositions; methods of using these compounds and compositions for preventing, controlling or treating infectious diseases including but not limited to parasitic infectious diseases such as T. gondii infection, trypanosome parasite infection, plasmodia parasite infection, and cryptosporidium parasite infection; methods for preventing, controlling or treating toxoplasma infection; and methods for treating psychiatric disorders associated with toxoplasma infection including but not limited to schizophrenia using the disclosed compounds and compositions alone or in combination with one or more antipsychotic drugs.
US08431607B2 Compounds and compositions as inhibitors of cannabinoid receptor 1 activity
The invention provides compounds, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds and methods of using such compounds to treat or prevent diseases or disorders associated with the activity of Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1).
US08431605B2 Modulators of ATP-binding cassette transporters
The present invention relates to modulators of ATP-Binding Cassette (“ABC”) transporters or fragments thereof, including CF Transmembrane Regulator (“CFTR”), compositions thereof, and methods therewith. The present invention also relates to methods of treating ABC transporter mediated diseases using such modulators.
US08431604B2 Guanidine compounds, and use thereof as binding partners for 5-HT5 receptors
The present invention relates to guanidine compounds of the general formula I corresponding enantiomeric, diastereomeric and/or tautomeric forms thereof as well as pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The present compound further relates to the use of guanidine compounds as binding partners for 5-HT5 receptors for the treatment of diseases which are modulated by a 5-HT5 receptor activity, in particular for the treatment of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders as well as the associated signs, symptoms and dysfunctions.
US08431600B2 Carboxamides
Use of carboxamides of the formula (I) in which A, R1, M, Q and R are as defined in the description for controlling certain rust fungi, such as soya bean rust and coffee rust, in crop protection.
US08431599B2 3-aryl-3-hydroxy-2-amino-propionic acid amides, 3-heteroaryl-3-hydroxy-2-amino-propionic acid amides and related compounds having analgesic and/or immuno stimulant activity
Compounds of Formulas 1 and 2 where the variables have the meaning disclosed in the specification, have analgesic and in some cases immunostimulant activity.
US08431590B2 Spiroindolines as modulators of chemokine receptors
The present invention relates to a compound of the following formula: where R1-R6, R10, Y, n, m, p, and q are as defined herein. Compounds and compositions of the present invention are useful for the treatment of diseases associated with the overexpression of CCR2.
US08431587B2 Method for the treatment of cancer
The invention is based on the surprising finding that treatment with a chemotherapeutic agent such as 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and an autophagy inducer effectively inhibit the continued growth of, and prevent the recovery following drug withdrawal, of cancer cells. In vivo, drug resistance from a failure to adequately engage in apoptotic programmed cell death leads to a recurrence of cancer and tumours can remain dormant for periods of time before re-emerging as drug resistant metastases. It has been hypothesised that autophagy (Type II cell death) may help cancer cells survive in response to growth limiting conditions, such as nutrient depletion, hypoxia, absence of growth factor, or presence of cytotoxic drug. LiCl is a known autophagy inducer and accelerates cell survival to autophagic programmed cell death.
US08431585B2 Use of inhibitors of the EGFR-mediated signal transduction for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/prostatic hypertrophy
The present invention relates to the use of specific EGF-receptor antagonists for preparing a pharmaceutical composition for the prevention and/or treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and/or prostatic hypertrophy, a method for the treatment or prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia/prostatic hypertrophy comprising administering an EGF-receptor antagonist of groups (A), (B) or (C), described herein optionally in combination with known compounds for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia/prostatic hypertrophy, as well as associated pharmaceutical compositions.
US08431582B2 Inhibitors of fatty acid uptake and methods of use
The present disclosure describes inhibitors of fatty acid uptake and methods of using such inhibitors. Specifically, the present disclosure describes inhibitors with specificity for FATP2.
US08431580B2 4-aminopyrimidine derivatives as histamine H4 receptor antagonists
4-Aminopyrimidine derivatives of formula (I) that are useful as histamine H4 receptor antagonists.
US08431575B2 Phenyl-heteroaryl derivatives and methods of use thereof
The present invention provides phenyl-heteroaryl derivatives of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof These compounds are useful in the treatment of RAGE-mediated diseases such as Alzheimer's Disease. The present invention further relates to methods for the preparation of compounds of Formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and/or pharmaceutical compositions in treating RAGE-mediated diseases.
US08431572B2 2-oxo-3-benzylbenzoxazol-2-one derivatives and related compounds as met kinase inhibitors for the treatment of tumours
Described are compounds which inhibit, regulate and/or modulate kinase signal transduction, for example of Met kinase. The compounds are of the formulae A1 to A148 and B1 described herein, including 2-oxobenzoxazol-3-ylmethyl]phenyl}carbamate and 2-oxooxazolo[4,5-b]pyridin-3-ylmethyl)phenyl]carbamate compounds, and pharmaceutically usable salts, tautomers and stereoisomers thereof, including mixtures thereof in all ratios. Also described are compositions containing these compounds. Also described are methods for the treatment of diseases in which the inhibition, regulation and/or modulation of kinase signal transduction plays a role by administering these compounds.
US08431568B2 Aromatic heterocyclic fused indolobenzadiazepine HCV NS5B inhibitors
The disclosure provides compounds of formula (I), including their salts, as well as compositions and methods of using the compounds. The compounds have activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) and are useful in treating those infected with HCV.
US08431566B2 Cyclopamine lactam analogs and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to steroidal alkaloids useful in the treatment of hedgehog pathway related disorders, particularly cancer.
US08431565B2 Substituted imidazoheterocycles
The present invention provides substituted imidazoheterocyclic compounds having the structure of formula I Also provided are pharmaceutically acceptable salts, acid salts, hydrates, solvates and stereoisomers of the compounds of formula I. The compounds are useful as modulators of cannabinoid receptors and for the prophylaxis and treatment of cannabinoid receptor-associated diseases and conditions, such as pain, inflammation and pruritis.
US08431563B2 Compounds that interact with glucokinase regulatory protein for the treatment of diabetes
The present invention relates to compounds of Formula I, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, that interact with glucokinase regulatory protein. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of treating type 2 diabetes, and other diseases and/or conditions where glucokinase regulatory protein is involved using the compounds, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions that contain the compounds, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
US08431561B2 Methods and compositions for treatment of excess nitric oxide or cyanide toxicity
Methods for treating disease states in a subject caused or exacerbated by the presence of excess nitric oxide (NO) or excess cyanide are provided. Methods for alleviating the symptoms of a disease state in a subject caused or exacerbated by the presence of excess nitric oxide (NO) or excess cyanide in the subject are also provided. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising cobinamide and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier are also provided.
US08431560B1 Methods of treating hypertriglyceridemia
In various embodiments, the present invention provides methods of treating and/or preventing cardiovascular-related disease and, in particular, a method of blood lipid therapy comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a pharmaceutical composition comprising eicosapentaenoic acid or a derivative thereof.
US08431554B2 Compound showing anti-inflammatory activity and antiviral activity, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the same, a process for obtaining the same and use of the same in the treatment of epidemic keratoconjunctivites and herpetic stromal keratis
Brassinosteriods, illustrated by the following exemplary compounds, are disclosed: The compounds have anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity. In pharmaceutical compositions, the compounds are useful in ophthalmic pharmaceuticals for treatment of diseases caused by adenovirus, such as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, and herpes simplex type 1, such as herpetic stromal keratitis.
US08431553B2 Combination of methylxanthine compounds and steroids to treat chronic respiratory diseases
There is provided the use of a methylxanthine derivative such as theophylline and a steroid in a synergistic combination for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, wherein the combination is administered by the inhaled route for pulmonary delivery.
US08431549B2 Methods and compositions for administration of iron
The present invention generally relates to treatment of iron-related conditions with iron carbohydrate complexes. One aspect of the invention is a method of treatment of iron-related conditions with a single unit dosage of at least about 0.6 grams of elemental iron via an iron carbohydrate complex. The method generally employs iron carbohydrate complexes with nearly neutral pH, physiological osmolarity, and stable and non-immunogenic carbohydrate components so as to rapidly administer high single unit doses of iron intravenously to patients in need thereof.
US08431548B2 Method for placental exfoliation using oxo-arachidonic acid or the like
A composition for placental exfoliation and a method for placental exfoliation. The composition for placental exfoliation contains an arachidonic acid derivative or the like, and the method for placental exfoliation comprises the step of administering an arachidonic acid derivative or the like to a mammal after the fetal delivery.
US08431546B2 Targeting PAX2 for the induction of DEFB1-mediated tumor immunity and cancer therapy
Provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject by inhibiting expression of PAX2. An example of a cancer treated by the present method is prostate cancer. In the cancer treatment methods disclosed, the method of inhibiting expression of PAX2 can be by administration of a nucleic acid encoding an siRNA for PAX2. A method of treating cancer in a subject by administering DEFB1 is also provided. Similarly, provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject by increasing expression of DEFB1 in the subject.
US08431545B2 Copolymer including uncharged hydrophilic block and cationic polyamino acid block having hydrophobic group in part of side chains, and use thereof
The present invention relates to a block copolymer containing an uncharged hydrophilic polymer chain block and a cationic polyamino acid chain block, wherein the hydrophilic polymer chain block is covalently bound to one end of the main chain of the polyamino acid chain block, and the hydrophobic group is covalently bound to the side chains of not less than 10% and not greater than 70% of amino acid repeating units in the polyamino acid chain block. This block copolymer forms a stable aggregate with siRNA, a small-molecule nucleic acid, under a physiological condition.
US08431539B2 Formulations of daptomycin
Long term storage stable daptomycin-containing compositions are disclosed. The compositions include daptomycin or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof at a concentration of less than or equal to about 25 mg/mL, a buffer having an acidic functional group and have a pH of from about 6.0 to about 7. The formulations are surprisingly free of degradation products such as the hydrolysis product of daptomycin and the β-isomer of daptomycin after storage periods of at least about 18 months.
US08431534B2 GRF-containing lyophilized pharmaceutical compositions
Human growth hormone factor (GFR) containing pharmaceutical compositions are described, and more precisely, lyophilized compositions of hGRF stabilized by means of saccharose.
US08431532B2 FZD8 extracellular domains and FZD8 extracellular domain fusion molecules and treatments using same
Methods of treatment using Fzd8 extracellular domains (ECDs), Fzd8 ECD fusion molecules, and/or antibodies that bind Fzd8 are provided. Such methods include, but are not limited to, methods of treating obesity and obesity-related conditions. Fzd8 ECDs and Fzd8 ECD fusion molecules are also provided. Polypeptide and polynucleotide sequences, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising or encoding such molecules are provided. Methods of making and using Fzd8 ECDs, Fzd8 ECD fusion molecules, and antibodies that bind Fzd8 are also provided.
US08431527B2 Methods for alleviating deleterious effects of 3-deoxyglucosone
Disclosed is a class of compounds which inhibit the enzymatic conversion of fructose-lysine into fructose-lysine-3-phosphate in an ATP dependent reaction in a newly discovered metabolic pathway. According to the normal functioning on this pathway, fructose-lysine-3-phosphate (FL3P) is broken down to form free lysine, inorganic phosphate and 3-deoxyglucosone (3DG), the latter being a reactive protein modifying agent. 3DG can be detoxified by reduction to 3-deoxyfructose (3DF), or it can react with endogenous proteins to form advanced glycation end-product modified proteins (AGE-proteins) Also disclosed are therapeutic methods of using such inhibitors to alleviate deleterious effects of 3DG.
US08431522B2 Methods of inhibiting tumor cell proliferation
The invention provides methods for inhibiting tumor cell proliferation by inhibiting FoxM1B activity, expression, or nuclear localization in a tumor cell. The invention also provides methods for preventing tumor progression in an animal comprising inhibiting FoxM1B activity, expression, or nuclear localization. Furthermore, the invention provides methods for inhibiting tumor cell growth in an animal comprising inhibiting FoxM1B activity, expression, or nuclear localization in tumor cells in the animal.
US08431519B2 Co-granulates of bleach activator-peroxide compounds
A process for preparation of co-granules including one or more bleach activators and one or more bleach agent compounds is described. The bleach component is mixed and coated with a binder selected from the group of fatty acids, fatty acid polyol esters, polyglycols and fatty alcohol oxalkylates. One or more bleach activators is added to this mixture followed by granulation or agglomeration in a mixer, resulting in a bleach co-granule composition including the bleach activator and peroxide components.
US08431516B2 Composition and method for cleaning semiconductor substrates comprising an alkyl diphosphonic acid
The compositions and methods for the removal of residues and contaminants from metal or dielectric surfaces comprises at least one alkyl diphosphonic acid, at least one second acidic substance at a mole ratio of about 1:1 to about 10:1 in water, and pH is adjusted to from about 6 to about 10 with a metal ion free base, and a surfactant. Particularly, a composition and method of cleaning residues after chemical mechanical polishing of a copper or aluminum surface of the semiconductor substrates.
US08431514B2 4-cyano-3-benzoylamino-N-phenyl-benzamides for use in pest control
The present invention relates to bis-amide derivatives of formula (I), to processes and intermediates for preparing them, to methods of using them to control insect, acarine, nematode and mollusc pests, and to insecticidal, acaricidal, nematicidal and molluscicidal compositions comprising them.
US08431513B2 Phenolic compound and recording material
An object of the present invention is to provide a recording material that is excellent in color-developing properties and background and image stabilities, and a compound used therein. The present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula (I) [wherein R11 to R14 each independently represent a halogen atom or the like; n, p, q, and r each independently represent 0 or any integer of 1 to 4; m represents 0 or any integer of 1 to 2; a represents any integer of 1 to 10; R2 represents a hydrogen atom or the like; R3 represents an OR51 group or the like; and R41 and R42 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or the like], a composition containing the compound, a method for producing the compound, a recording material containing at least one compound represented by the formula (I), and a recording sheet having the recording material.
US08431512B2 Oxychlorination catalyst and method for preparing the same
A catalyst for oxychlorination according to the present invention contains alumina and copper, and a content of copper is in the range from 5 to 20% by weight calculated as that of CuO, while a content of halogen is not more than 5% by weight. The catalyst is produced by the following steps (a) to (c): (a) preparing a slurry for spray-drying by adding an acid and an aqueous solution of cupric nitrate in a pseudo-boehmite alumina slurry; (b) spray-drying the slurry; and (c) burning the particles obtained in step (b).
US08431511B2 Hydroprocessing bulk catalyst and methods of making thereof
A hydroprocessing bulk catalyst is provided. A process to prepare hydroprocessing bulk catalysts is also provided. The hydroprocessing catalyst has the formula (Rp)i(Mt)a(Lu)b(Sv)d(Cw)e(Hx)f(Oy)g(Nz)h, wherein M is at least at least a “d” block element metal; L is also at least a “d” block element metal, but different from M; t, u, v, w, x, y, z representing the total charge for each of the components (M, L, S, C, H, O and N, respectively); R is optional and in one embodiment, R is a lanthanoid element metal; 0<=i<=1; pi+ta+ub+vd+we+xf+yg+zh=0; 0
US08431510B2 Composition useful in the catalytic hydroprocessing of hydrocarbon feedstocks, a method of making such catalyst, and a process of using such catalyst
A hydrocarbon oil-impregnated composition that comprises a support material having incorporated therein a metal component and impregnated with a hydrocarbon oil. The hydrocarbon oil-impregnated composition is useful in the hydrotreating of hydrocarbon feedstocks, and it is especially useful in applications involving delayed feed introduction whereby the hydrocarbon oil-impregnated composition is first treated with hot hydrogen, and, optionally, a sulfur compound, prior to contacting it with a hydrocarbon feedstock under hydrodesulfurization process conditions.
US08431508B2 Inorganic structure for molecular separations
A process of producing a structure for molecular separations includes providing a plurality of biopolymers. The biopolymers are selected from DNAs, RNAs, nucleic acid loops, nucleic acid hairpins, nucleic acid dumbbells, alkylated phosphonates, non-standard nucleobases, or combinations thereof. A sieve material, suitable for producing a structure for molecular separations, is provided around the biopolymers. The biopolymers are positioned in an arrangement for leaving pores suitable for molecular separations. The biopolymers are removed to leave pores in the sieve material and produce the structure suitable for molecular separations.
US08431504B2 Optical glass, precision press-molding preform, optical element and their production processes as well as image-sensing device
An optical glass that is an oxide glass and comprises, by cationic %, 20 to 40% of a total of Si4+ and B3+, 15 to 40% of a total of Nb5+, Ti4+, W6+ and Zr4+, 0.2 to 20% of a total of Zn2+, Ba2+, Sr2+ and Ca2+, and 15 to 55% of a total of Li+, Na+ and K+, the cationic ratio of the content of B3+ to the total content of B3+ and Si4+ being 0.01-0.5, the cationic ratio of the content of Zr4+ to the total content of Nb5+, Ti4+, W6+ and Zr4+ being 0.05 or less, the molar ratio of the total content of Zn2+ and Ba2+ to the total content of Zn2+, Ba2+, Sr2+ and Ca2+ being 0.8-1, the optical glass having a refractive index nd of 1.815 or more and an Abbe's number νd of 29 or less.
US08431503B2 Alkali-free glass and method for producing same
The present invention provides an alkali-free glass having a high strain point, a low viscosity and low devitrification, which is easily subjected to float molding and fusion molding. The glass herein has a strain point of 725° C. or higher, an average thermal expansion coefficient at 50 to 300° C. of 30×10−7 to 40×10−7/° C., a temperature T2 at which a glass viscosity becomes 102 dPa·s of 1,710° C. or lower, a temperature T4 at which a glass viscosity becomes 104 dPa·s of 1,330° C. or lower, a glass surface devitrification temperature (Tc) of 1,330° C. or lower, and a glass internal devitrification temperature (Td) of 1,330° C. or lower.
US08431499B2 Optical glass, glass material for press molding, optical element blank, optical element and manufacturing method thereof
A fluorophosphate glass containing: P5+ in an amount of 20 to 45 cationic %; Al3+ in an amount of 15 to 35 cationic %; Ba2+ in an amount of 20 to 50 cationic %; B3+ in an amount of 0 to 5 cationic %; F− in an amount of 20 to 50 anionic %; and O2− in an amount of 50 to 80 anionic %. A molar ratio of O2−/P5+ is greater than or equal to 3.5. In addition, a molar ratio of Al3+/P5+ is less than or equal to 1. In addition, the Abrasion FA is less than or equal to 600, or the Knoop hardness number is greater than or equal to 300 MPa. Furthermore, the Abbe number (νd) of the glass is larger than or equal to 66. Moreover, a refractive index (nd) of the glass satisfies an expression (1): nd≧2.0614−0.0071×νd. Finally, the fluorophosphate glass does not contain Cu in an amount by which Cu serves as a coloring agent.
US08431497B2 Clean room wipes
A supply of clean room wipes. The supply of clean room wipes includes a sealed package and a plurality of wipes within the sealed package. The wipes in the package include a substrate and an anhydride finish applied to the substrate. The treated wipes have a Strength Contribution from Treatment (lbs) when tested using a standard trap tear method ASTM D 5587:1996 of greater than about 10% and an average improvement in Percent Carbon Black Pick-Up greater than about 10% compared to an untreated wipe. In addition, a sealed edge may be applied along the perimeter of each wipe to prevent loss of material from the wipe during use.
US08431491B2 Method for membrane protection during reactive ion/plasma etching processing for via or cavity formation in semiconductor manufacture
A method for protecting a chuck membrane in a reactive ion etcher during plasma processing is described. The method utilizes a photoresist as a protective layer. Suitable photoresists can be used in this invention to not only image a semiconductor substrate to protect areas where vias and/or cavities are not desired during plasma processing but also to protect the chuck membrane(s) of the reactive ion etcher from being damaged and/or contaminated during plasma processing. Both negative-working and positive-working photoresists can be used.
US08431487B2 Method for forming a plug structure
A method for forming a plug structure includes the following steps. A substrate is provided. The substrate includes a MOS device with a source/drain region, a dielectric layer disposed on the MOS device, an opening defined in the dielectric layer, and a first glue layer disposed on a sidewall and a bottom of the opening. A portion of the first glue layer disposed at the bottom of the opening is punched through to expose the source/drain region. A barrier layer is formed over the substrate after the first glue layer is punched through. The opening is filled with a conductive structure, wherein the barrier layer disposed at the bottom of the opening is remained when the conductive structure is filled into the opening.
US08431485B2 Manufacturing method for a buried circuit structure
A manufacturing method for a buried circuit structure includes providing a substrate having at least a trench formed therein, forming a firs conductive layer on the substrate blanketly, forming a patterned photoresist having a surface lower than an opening of the trench in the trench, removing the first conductive layer not covered by the patterned photoresist to form a second conductive layer having a top lower than an opening of the trench in the trench, removing the patterned photoresist, performing a dry etching process to remove the second conductive layer from the bottom of the trench to form a third conductive layer on the sidewalls of the trench, performing a selective metal chemical vapor deposition to form a metal layer having a surface lower than a surface of the substrate, and forming a protecting layer filling the trench on the metal layer.
US08431484B2 Stable electroless fine pitch interconnect plating
A method and apparatus for plating facilitates the plating of a small contact feature of a wafer die while providing a relatively stable plating bath. The method utilizes a supplemental plating structure that is larger than a die contact that is to be plated. The supplemental plating structure may be located on the wafer, and is conductively connected to the die contact. Conductive connection between the die contact and the supplemental plating structure facilitates the plating of the die contact. The supplemental plating structure also can be used to probe test the die prior to singulation.
US08431482B1 Integrated circuits and methods for processing integrated circuits with embedded features
Integrated circuits, a process for recessing an embedded copper feature within a substrate, and a process for recessing an embedded copper interconnect within an interlayer dielectric substrate of an integrated circuit are provided. In an embodiment, a process for recessing an embedded copper feature, such as an embedded copper interconnect, within a substrate, such as an interlayer dielectric substrate, includes providing a substrate having an embedded copper feature disposed therein. The embedded copper feature has an exposed surface and the substrate has a substrate surface adjacent to the exposed surface of the embedded copper feature. The exposed surface of the embedded copper feature is nitrided to form a layer of copper nitride in the embedded copper feature. Copper nitride is selectively etched from the embedded copper feature to recess the embedded copper feature within the substrate.
US08431481B2 IC device having low resistance TSV comprising ground connection
A method of forming a semiconductor device includes an integrated circuit (IC) die which is provided with a substrate with surfaces. At least one through substrate via (TSV) is formed through the substrate to a protruding integral tip that includes sidewalls and a distal end. A metal layer is formed on the bottom surface of the IC die, and the sidewalls and the distal end of the protruding integral tips. Completing fabrication of at least one functional circuit including at least one ground pad on the top surface of the semiconductor, wherein the ground pad is coupled to said TSV.
US08431479B2 Semiconductor devices having redistribution structures and packages, and methods of forming the same
Semiconductor devices and methods of forming the same, including forming a chip pad on a chip substrate, forming a passivation layer on the chip pad and the chip substrate, forming a first insulation layer on the passivation layer, forming a recess and a first opening in the first insulation layer, forming a second opening in the passivation layer to correspond to the first opening, forming a redistribution line in a redistribution line area of the recess, the first opening, and the second opening, forming a second insulation layer on the redistribution line and the first insulation layer, and forming an opening in the second insulation to expose a portion of the redistribution line as a redistribution pad.
US08431476B2 Method to prevent surface decomposition of III-V compound semiconductors
A method of preventing surface decomposition of a III-V compound semiconductor is provided. The method includes forming a silicon film having a thickness from 10 Å to 400 Å on a surface of an III-V compound semiconductor. After forming the silicon film onto the surface of the III-V compound semiconductor, a high performance semiconductor device including, for example, a MOSFET, can be formed on the capped/passivated III-V compound semiconductor. During the MOSFET fabrication, a high k dielectric can be formed on the capped/passivated III-V compound semiconductor and thereafter, activated source and drain regions can be formed into the III-V compound semiconductor.
US08431475B2 Method for fabricating a low-resistivity ohmic contact to a p-type III-V nitride semiconductor material at low temperature
One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fabricating a group III-V nitride structure with an ohmic-contact layer. The method involves fabricating a group III-V nitride structure with a p-type layer. The method further involves depositing an ohmic-contact layer on the p-type layer without first annealing the p-type layer. The method also involves subsequently annealing the p-type layer and the ohmic-contact layer in an annealing chamber at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time, thereby reducing the resistivity of the p-type layer and the ohmic contact in a single annealing process.
US08431474B2 Three dimensional multilayer circuit
A method for forming three-dimensional multilayer circuit includes forming an area distributed CMOS layer configured to selectively address a set of first vias and a set of second vias. A template is then aligned with the first set of vias and lower crossbar segments are created using the template. The template is then removed, rotated, and aligned with the set of second vias. Upper crossbar segments which attach to the second set of vias are then created.
US08431470B2 Approach to integrate Schottky in MOSFET
An integrated structure combines field effect transistors and a Schottky diode. Trenches formed into a substrate composition extend along a depth of the substrate composition forming mesas therebetween. Each trench is filled with conductive material separated from the trench walls by dielectric material forming a gate region. Two first conductivity type body regions inside each mesa form wells partly into the depth of the substrate composition. An exposed portion of the substrate composition separates the body regions. Second conductivity type source regions inside each body region are adjacent to and on opposite sides of each well. Schottky barrier metal inside each well forms Schottky junctions at interfaces with exposed vertical sidewalls of the exposed portion of the substrate composition separating the body regions.
US08431459B2 Semiconductor wafer, semiconductor device, and method of manufacturing a semiconductor device
It is an objective of the present invention to form a favorable interface between an oxide layer and a group 3-5 compound semiconductor using a practical and simple method.Provided is a semiconductor wafer comprising a first semiconductor layer that is a group 3-5 compound not containing arsenic and that lattice matches or pseudo-lattice matches with InP; and a second semiconductor layer that is formed to contact the first semiconductor layer, is a group 3-5 compound semiconductor layer that lattice matches or pseudo-lattice matches with InP, and can be selectively oxidized relative to the first semiconductor layer. Also provided is a semiconductor device comprising a first semiconductor layer that is a group 3-5 compound not containing arsenic and that lattice matches or pseudo-lattice matches with InP; an oxide layer formed by selectively oxidizing, relative to the first semiconductor layer, at least a portion of a second semiconductor layer that is a group 3-5 compound formed to contact the first semiconductor layer and that lattice matches or pseudo-lattice matches with InP; and a control electrode that adds an electric field to a channel formed in the first semiconductor layer.
US08431458B2 Methods of forming a nonvolatile memory cell and methods of forming an array of nonvolatile memory cells
A method of forming a nonvolatile memory cell includes forming a first electrode and a second electrode of the memory cell. Sacrificial material is provided between the first second electrodes. The sacrificial material is exchanged with programmable material. The sacrificial material may additionally be exchanged with select device material.
US08431456B2 Methods of forming high density structures and low density structures with a single photomask
Some embodiments include formation of polymer spacers along sacrificial material, removal of the sacrificial material, and utilization of the polymer spacers as masks during fabrication of integrated circuitry. The polymer spacer masks may, for example, be utilized to pattern flash gates of a flash memory array. In some embodiments, the polymer is simultaneously formed across large sacrificial structures and small sacrificial structures. The polymer is thicker across the large sacrificial structures than across the small sacrificial structures, and such difference in thickness is utilized to fabricate high density structures and low-density structures with a single photomask.
US08431455B2 Method of improving memory cell device by ion implantation
Disclosed herein is a method of forming a memory device. In one example, the method includes performing a first ion implantation process with dopant atoms of a first type to partially form extension implant regions for a pull-down transistor and to fully form extension implant regions for a pass gate transistor of the memory device and, after performing the first ion implantation process, forming a first masking layer that masks the pass gate transistor and exposes the pull-down transistor to further processing. The method concludes with the step of performing a second ion implantation process with dopant atoms of the first type to introduce additional dopant atoms into the extension implant regions for the pull-down transistor that were formed during the first ion implantation process while masking the pass gate transistor from the second ion implantation process with the first masking layer.
US08431454B2 Fabricating process of circuit substrate and circuit substrate structure
A fabricating process of circuit substrate sequently includes: providing a substrate with a pad and a dielectric stack layer disposed at the substrate and overlaying the pad, in which the stack layer includes two dielectric layers and a third dielectric layer located between the two dielectric layers, and the etching rate of the third dielectric layer is greater than the etching rate of the two dielectric layers; forming an opening corresponding to the pad at the stack layer; performing a wet etching process on the stack layer to remove the portion of the third dielectric layer surrounding the opening to form a gap between the portions of the two dielectric layers surrounding the opening; performing a plating process on the stack layer and the pad to respectively form two plating layers at the stack layer and the pad, in which the gap isolates the two plating layers from each other.
US08431451B2 Display device and method for manufacturing the same
A semiconductor substrate is formed into a regular hexagon or a shape similar to the regular hexagon. The semiconductor substrate is bonded to and separated from a large-area substrate. Moreover, layout is designed so that a boundary of bonded semiconductors is located in a region which is removed by etching when patterning is performed by photolithography or the like.
US08431449B2 Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
An embodiment is a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device including the steps of forming a first insulating film; forming a first mask over the first insulating film; performing a slimming process on the first mask to form a second mask; performing an etching process on the first insulating film using the second mask to form a second insulating film; forming a first conductive film covering the second insulating film; performing a polishing process on the first conductive film and the second insulating film to form a third insulating film, a source electrode, and a drain electrode having equal thicknesses; forming an oxide semiconductor film over the third insulating film, the source electrode, and the drain electrode; forming a gate insulating film over the oxide semiconductor film; and forming a gate electrode in a region which is over the gate insulating film and overlaps with the third insulating film.
US08431446B1 Via formation for cross-point memory
Embodiments disclosed herein may relate to electrically conductive vias in cross-point memory array devices. In an embodiment, the vias may be formed using a lithographic operation also utilized to form electrically conductive lines in a first electrode layer of the cross-point memory array device.
US08431432B2 Manufacturing method of light-emitting device
An object is to provide a manufacturing method of a light-emitting device including an organic compound layer, in which a desired organic compound layer is easily formed using a plurality of evaporation materials. A first organic compound layer containing a plurality of evaporation materials is formed over a first substrate. The first organic compound layer is formed using a mixture formed by mixture of the plurality of evaporation materials in advance. A second substrate is placed at a position facing the first substrate so as to face the first organic compound layer provided for the first substrate. The first organic compound layer as an evaporation source is heated to be vaporized and a desired second organic compound layer is formed over the second substrate placed so as to face the first substrate. Accordingly, a light-emitting device is manufactured.
US08431430B2 Method for forming a compound semi-conductor thin-film
A method is provided for fabricating a thin film semiconductor device. The method includes providing a plurality of raw semiconductor materials. The raw semiconductor materials undergo a pre-reacting process to form a homogeneous compound semiconductor target material. The compound semiconductor target material is deposited onto a substrate to form a thin film having a composition substantially the same as a composition of the compound semiconductor target material.
US08431427B2 Photovoltaic module manufacture
A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic module including a laminating step.
US08431426B1 Coating method for liquid crystal alignment film of TFT-LCD
A coating method for liquid crystal alignment film of TFT-LCD including: forming a layer of hydrophobic film on a TFT/CF substrate corresponding to a non-display area, the hydrophobic film separates the TFT/CF substrate into a plurality of rectangular opened areas which are separated from each other, each of the rectangular opened areas corresponds to a display area and its outer frame is formed by the hydrophobic film; and coating of a liquid of a material of an alignment film along a boundary of the rectangular opened area. Accordingly, edge waves caused by spreading of drips of the material of the alignment film can be reduced, so that a precision of printing of the alignment film can be controlled effectively.
US08431425B2 Method for fabricating image sensor with uniform photosensitizing sensitivity
A method for fabricating an image sensor is provided. A substrate is provided, and then a plurality of photoresist patterns is formed on the substrate. The photoresist patterns are arranged in a first array and defined by a plurality of photomask patterns arranged as a photomask pattern array, wherein a top view of each photoresist pattern has a substantially square shape and a distance between two neighboring photoresist patterns decreases from a center of the first array toward an edge of the first array. Besides, each photomask pattern includes a transparent portion and an opaque portion, wherein an area proportion of the transparent portion included in a photomask pattern increases from the center toward the edge of the photomask pattern array. Then, a thermal reflow step is performed to convert the photoresist patterns into a plurality of microlenses arranged in a second array.
US08431421B2 Test patterns for detecting misalignment of through-wafer vias
A semiconductor chip including a test pattern is provided. The semiconductor chip includes a semiconductor substrate; a through-wafer via in the semiconductor substrate; and a plurality of conductive patterns over the semiconductor substrate and adjacent to each other. The bottom surfaces of the plurality of conductive patterns and a top surface of the through-wafer via are substantially coplanar. The through-wafer via is at least adjacent to the plurality of conductive patterns. The semiconductor chip further includes a plurality of bonding pads on a surface of the semiconductor chip, each being connected to one of the plurality of conductive patterns.
US08431419B2 UV absorption based monitor and control of chloride gas stream
A semiconductor growth system includes a chamber and a source of electromagnetic radiation. A detector is arranged to detect absorption of radiation from the source by a chloride- based chemical of the reaction chamber. A control system controls the operation of the chamber in response to the absorption of radiation by the chloride-based chemical. The control system controls the operation of the chamber by adjusting a parameter of the reaction chamber.
US08431417B2 Methods for increasing carbon nano-tube (CNT) yield in memory devices
In some aspects, a method of forming a carbon nano-tube (CNT) memory cell is provided that includes (1) forming a first conductor; (2) forming a steering element above the first conductor; (3) forming a first conducting layer above the first conductor; (4) forming a CNT material above the first conducting layer; (5) implanting a selected implant species into the CNT material; (6) forming a second conducting layer above the CNT material; (7) etching the first conducting layer, CNT material and second conducting layer to form a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) stack; and (8) forming a second conductor above the CNT material and the steering element. Numerous other aspects are provided.
US08431416B2 Reactive heterocycle-substituted 7-hydroxycoumarins and their conjugates
Chemically-reactive, water-soluble, heterocycle-substituted 7-hydroxycoumarin dyes, their bioconjugates and uses are described. The conjugates derived from reactive heterocycle-substituted 7-hydroxycoumarin dyes are used for analyzing biological compounds. These heterocycle-substituted 7-hydroxycoumarin dyes are particularly useful as fluorescent labels for biopolymer detection reagents, such as antibodies or nucleic acid probes. The dye-antibody conjugates of the invention are particularly useful for analyzing analytes using a flow cytometer equipped with a violet laser as an excitation source due to their strong absorption at 405 nm and high fluorescence quantum yield.
US08431415B2 Immunoassay using insoluble carrier particles and reagent therefor
The present invention provides a reagent for an immunoassay comprising insoluble carrier particles which can give the values to be determined with high accuracy and reliability, and can be stored for a long time; an immunoassay using the reagent; and a method for keeping the reagent stable. The present invention provides an immunoassay which comprises carrying out an antigen-antibody reaction using insoluble carrier particles in an aqueous medium comprising a buffer having its buffer capacity in a neutral or alkaline region (except for a carbonate-based buffer) and a carbonic acid compound releasing a bicarbonate ion; a reagent for an immunoassay comprising a buffer having its buffer capacity in a neutral or alkaline region (except for a carbonate-based buffer), a carbonic acid compound releasing bicarbonate ion, and insoluble carrier particles; and a method for keeping the reagent for an immunoassay comprising insoluble carrier particles stable, which comprises allowing insoluble carrier particles to co-exist in an aqueous medium comprising a buffer having its buffer capacity in a neutral or alkaline region (except for a carbonate-based buffer) and a carbonic acid compound releasing a bicarbonate ion.
US08431413B2 Fluid processing and control
A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.
US08431409B1 Device and methods of detection of airborne agents
Provided are methods, devices and systems that utilize free-surface fluidics and SERS for analyte detection with high sensitivity and specificity. The molecules can be airborne agents, including but not limited to explosives, narcotics, hazardous chemicals, or other chemical species. The free-surface fluidic architecture is created using an open microchannel, and exhibits a large surface to volume ratio. The free-surface fluidic interface can filter interferent molecules, while concentrating airborne analyte molecules. The microchannel flow enables controlled aggregation of SERS-active probe particles in the flow, thereby enhancing the detector's sensitivity.
US08431407B2 Temperature/irradiation/polymerization indicators
Temperature and/or irradiation and/or polymerization indicators comprise at least one 1,3-dipole and at least one dipolarophile, the dipole preferably being an ylide from the group of azomethines (sydnones), azomethinylides (munchnones), carbonylylides (isomunchnones), thiocarbonylylides (thioisomunchnones), or 1,3-dithiolylium-4-olates.
US08431406B2 Terpyridine-substituted compounds and related selective detection methods
Terpyridine-substituted compounds, compositions and/or related methods, as can be used to selectively detect a wide range of analytes.
US08431404B2 Apparatus for transfer of liquid for processing samples
An apparatus for transfer of a liquid using a diaphragm that separates a working fluid volume from a working air volume and can controllably induce a change pressure to draw or expel a target fluid into a tube. The apparatus is particularly suitable for automated processing of nucleic acids and other samples includes a disposable container comprising a tray and a flexible barrier. The barrier is configured to seal with a top edge of the tray, providing a closed, aseptic work area within the sealed tray. A pipette head and/or other sample manipulation device can be attached to the inside of the barrier under the diaphraghm, and the barrier can include an interface for a robotic arm or other device. When the barrier is sealed over the tray, the barrier separates the contents of the tray from the robot or other manipulation device.
US08431402B2 Method of high frequency regeneration of Sorghum
The present invention relates generally to the regeneration of sorghum involving organogenesis. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method of regenerating sorghum, particularly Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench, via organogenesis that yields a high frequency of regenerants. In addition to providing high frequency regeneration, the present invention can be applied directly to the production of sorghum variants through somoclonal variation and to the genetic transformation of sorghum.
US08431401B2 Method of cultivating cell or tissue
A method for cultivating a culture of a cell, tissue, etc. There is provided a method of cultivating a culture including a cell or tissue (cell construct), imparting bending motion to the culture. By virtue of applying bending force to a culture of a cell, tissue, etc. (cell construct) to thereby curve the culture, continuous compression and extension in a direction of thickness from a concave portion toward a convex portion thereof are induced. The physical stimulation and deformation not attained by conventional pressurization, shear and tension, then can be loaded on the culture to thereby realize the culture appropriate for restoration of tissue at a region accompanied by bending.
US08431400B2 Dermal sheath cup cell population
The present invention relates to a method for isolating hair follicle mesenchymal stem cells and to the use thereof for therapy and prophylaxis as well as for cosmetic treatments.
US08431396B2 Anti-angiogenic peptides
A purified polypeptide includes about 10 to about 40 amino acids and has an amino acid sequence corresponding to a portion of SEQ ID NO: 2. The polypeptide can inhibit binding of VEGF to VEGFR2 of cells that express VEGFR2.
US08431395B2 Pluripotent cells from rat and other species
Pluripotent cells are derived and maintained in a self-renewing state in serum-free culture medium comprising a MEK inhibitor, a GSK3 inhibitor and an antagonist of an FGF receptor.
US08431394B2 Antibody or fragment thereof recognizing Avitag™ and uses thereof
The application relates to antibodies which recognize the AviTag™ peptide of sequence MSGLNDIFEAQKIEWHE (SEQ ID No. 1) and to fragments thereof which recognize SEQ ID No. 1, wherein said antibodies or said fragments thereof recognize polypeptides containing SEQ ID No. 1 at their NH2 terminus and polypeptides containing SEQ ID No. 1 at their COOH terminus. The application further relates to a method for sorting target cells presenting on their surface a surface marker from a mixed cell population comprising the steps of: a) incubating said mixed cell population with a tagged adapter which binds to said surface marker of said target cells, wherein said adapter is bound to an antibody which recognizes said tag, and wherein said antibody is immobilized on a solid support. b) collecting said target cells.
US08431391B2 Plant for producing an oxygen-containing additive as an ecologically beneficial component for liquid motor fuels
A plant for producing an oxygen-containing additive for liquid motor fuels comprises an anaerobic fermentation vessel, a gasholder, a system for removal of sulphuretted hydrogen, and a hotwell. The plant further comprises an aerobic fermentation vessel, a device for liquid substance pumping, a device for liquid aeration with an oxygen-containing gas, a removal system of solid mass residue after fermentation, a gas distribution device; a device for heavy gases utilization; a device for ammonia adsorption by water; a liquid-gas mixer; a cavity mixer, a system that serves superficial active and dispersant matters and a cooler; all of these being connected to each other by pipelines. The technical result being the implementation of a process for producing an oxygen containing additive, which after being added to liquid motor fuels, provides an ecologically beneficial component for motor fuels by ensuring the stability of composition fuel properties during long-term storage.
US08431386B2 Devices and formulations for detecting, screening and monitoring levels of certain constituents in bodily fluids and method
A device is disclosed for conducting a non-invasive analysis of a bodily fluid to determine the presence and level of a certain constituent carried by the bodily fluid. An indicator formulation of the device changes color in response to exposure to the constituent to provide a visible indication of the presence and level of the constituent carried by the bodily fluid. A carrier substrate of the device is constructed of a material having voids providing a high void volume within the substrate. The device is made by applying a chromagen to the carrier substrate to create a chromagen-laden carrier member. Then, a selected reagent having a particular constituent-specific formulation is applied to the chromagen-laden member. The selected reagent then combines with the chromagen, thereby establishing the indicator formulation within the carrier substrate in place for reception of a sample of the bodily fluid.
US08431383B2 Mutagenized strain of Glarea lozoyensis and a method of preparing a compound from the mutagenized strain
High yield antibiotics producing fungus strain, preparation method and use thereof are provided. The fungus strain is a mutant derived from Glarea lozoyensis, and deposited in CGMCC with the accession number of CGMCC 2933. The preparation method concludes following steps: (a) mixing the culture media of Glarea lozoyensis strain ATCC 20957 with nitrosoguanidine, and obtaining mixture a; (b) mixing lywallzyme with the mixture a, and obtaining protoplasts; (c) regenerating the protoplasts, and obtaining single clones; and (d) culturing the single clones, then obtaining the mutant strain. This fungus strain has stable genetic and producing property, produces little impurities in fermentation, and is suitable to be used in industry.
US08431381B2 ATP:citrate lyase genes
The present invention provides novel genes for ATP:citrate lyase.A nucleic acid comprising the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 5, 6, 9 or 10 or a fragment thereof.
US08431380B2 Soluble hyaluronidase glycoprotein (sHASEGP), process for preparing the same, uses and pharmaceutical compositions comprising thereof
The invention relates to the discovery of novel soluble neutral active Hyaluronidase Glycoproteins (sHASEGP's), methods of manufacture, and their use to facilitate administration of other molecules or to alleviate glycosaminoglycan associated pathologies. Minimally active polypeptide domains of the soluble, neutral active sHASEGP domains are described that include asparagine-linked sugar moieties required for a functional neutral active hyaluronidase domain. Included are modified amino-terminal leader peptides that enhance secretion of sHASEGP. The invention further comprises sialated and pegylated forms of a recombinant sHASEGP to enhance stability and serum pharmacokinetics over naturally occurring slaughterhouse enzymes. Further described are suitable formulations of a substantially purified recombinant sHASEGP glycoprotein derived from a eukaryotic cell that generate the proper glycosylation required for its optimal activity.
US08431379B2 Thermal and acid tolerant beta xylosidases, arabinofuranosidases, genes encoding, related organisms, and methods
Isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and variations thereof are provided. Further provided are methods of at least partially degrading xylotriose, xylobiose, and/or arabinofuranose-substituted xylan using isolated and/or purified polypeptides and nucleic acid sequences encoding polypeptides from Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius and variations thereof.
US08431377B2 Methods of producing C4 dicarboxylic acids
Methods of producing C4 dicarboxylic acids are disclosed. Nucleotide sequences encoding pyruvate carboxylase and uses of such nucleotide sequences in the production of C4 dicarboxylic acids are further disclosed.
US08431371B2 Expression system for producing multi-enzyme complexes and uses thereof
An expression system for producing a multi-enzyme complex, the system including a nucleic acid molecule containing a promoter operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence including multiple genes encoding multiple enzymes that are components of the multi-enzyme complex.
US08431370B2 Enzymatic modification of triglyceride fats
Process wherein the fatty acid residues on a glyceride moiety are randomised over the terminal and middle positions, wherein the process proceeds to a conversion degree on the terminal positions, Re, ranging from 0.3 to 0.95, and wherein a conversion degree on the middle position, Ra, ranges from 0.06 to 0.75, and wherein Ra is greater than 0.32Re-0.08, the process comprises the exposure of a triglyceride fat to a catalyst comprising a lipase wherein the lipase is a Thermomyces lanuginosa lipase which has an activity of at least 250 IUN corresponding to 22 g/(g*h) at the onset of the process.
US08431369B2 Method for preparation of polyunsaturated fatty acid-containing phosphatidylserine
A method for the preparation of the polyunsaturated fatty acids-containing phosphatidylserine, the method comprising: combining L-serine with a fish liver phosphatidylcholine having a polyunsaturated fatty acid to form a mixture; reacting the mixture with phospholipase D to effect transphosphatidylation of L-serine and the phosphatidylcholine having polyunsaturated fatty acids to produce the polyunsaturated fatty acids-containing phosphatidylserine.
US08431368B2 Method for the enzymatic production of fatty alcohol and/or fatty acid
The invention relates to a method for the enzymatic production of C6-C18 fatty alcohol and/or C8-C18 fatty acid, by carbon chain elongation, comprising the steps of: i) providing organic C2-C6 compounds; ii) subjecting the organic C2-C6 compounds to enzymatic carbon chain elongation in the presence of an electron donor; and iii) separating the formed C6-C18 fatty alcohol and/or C8-C18 fatty acid.
US08431358B2 Method for processing coalescence-inhibited emulsions from whole-cell biotransformations with compressed or supercritical gases
The method separates emulsions derived from whole-cell biotransformations, including stable emulsions derived from typical biocatalytic two-phase processes that result with such a biotransformation. A supercritical extraction to obtain the valuable product can follow directly, because of the use of compressed or supercritical gas as the separation agent. It is unimportant whether the valuable product is present in the aqueous or the organic phase. Recycling of the organic phase is possible, since the surfactant cell components decisively responsible for the formation of the stable emulsion can be separated off via sedimentation, because of the treatment. The achieved separation remains in existence even after the gas has gassed out, so that aside from extraction, other methods for product isolation can also follow, if necessary.
US08431357B2 Method and apparatus for measuring analyte transport across barriers using x-ray fluorescence
The present invention includes a method and apparatus for measuring the removal of analyte from a cell. One or more cells are provided, comprising at least 10 picograms of an analyte within a volume defined by the area of an x-ray excitation beam and a depth of a depth of five times the 1/e attenuation depth for at least one characteristic x-ray signal of the analyte as attenuated by water. At least a of portion of the analyte is removed from the cells; and the analyte is measured using x-ray fluorescence.
US08431356B2 Fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays for sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium atpase and phospholamban
Provided herein are methods for identifying molecules capable of modulating SERCA, the SERCA-PLB complex or the microenvironment of the complex. An exemplary assay provided herein is fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). Also provided herein are FRET assays that are optimized for high-throughput screening (HTS) for identifying small molecules that modulate SERCA or the SERCA-PLB complex. Further provided are kits for carrying out said methods for identifying molecules.
US08431355B2 Process for screening glycoform-specific antibodies
The present invention relates to the use of the assessment of the binding between—antibodies elicited against a first glycoprotein, and—at least one glycoform of a second glycoprotein, said second glycoprotein being itself a glycoform of the first protein, wherein said glycoform of the second glycoprotein is selected from a group of glycoforms of the second glycoprotein, each glycoform of said group corresponding to a determined glycosylation state defined by a determined sialylation state, and/or a determined branching state, and/or a determined fucosylation state, provided that said glycosylation state is not uniquely defined by a substantially unsialylated state, for the screening of glycoform specific antibodies directed against a given glycoform of the second glycoprotein.
US08431353B2 Methods and compositions for topoisomerase I modulated tumor suppression
Disclosed herein are methods and compositions for determining the sensitivity or enhancing the sensitivity of cells to the effects of topoisomerase I inhibitors. Also disclosed are methods and compositions for inducing cell death, apoptosis and/or growth arrest which may be used for tumor suppression.
US08431352B2 Diagnosis of mood disorders by detecting latent infection with human herpesvirus-6
Disclosed are a protein and a gene each of which is a factor involved in latent infection with a herpesvirus. An antibody against the factor was detected in approximately 50% of patients suffering from mental disorders, whereas the antibody was hardly detected in healthy persons. Further, a mouse having SITH-1 introduced therein developed a mental disorder such as a manic-depressive illness or depression-like disorder. Based on these findings, it is possible to provide a method for objectively determining a mental disorder and an animal model of a mental disorder.
US08431349B2 Compositions and methods for early pregnancy diagnosis
Disclosed are antibodies and methods for detecting pregnancy in an animal. In certain aspects antibodies used binds immunologically to at least two PAGs selected from PAG4, PAG6, PAG9, PAG16, PAG17, PAG19, PAG20 and PAG21. Antibody encoding nucleic acids are also provided, as are kits, methods of use and additional antibody related compositions.
US08431344B2 Micro and nano scale fabrication and manufacture by spatially selective deposition
A method of fabrication or manufacture at micrometer and nanometer scale by spatially selective deposition of chemical substances so as to form a solid phase array on a substrate (10) which includes the steps of defining a region (15) on the substrate by forming an electrostatic charge on that region which is different from the electrostatic charge on other regions of the substrate such as by formation of a latent electrostatic image thereon, applying an emulsion to the substrate. The emulsion (16) has an electrically charged discontinuous phase and a component to be selectively deposited carried in or comprising the discontinuous phase. The discontinuous phase of the emulsion is attracted to the preselected region by attraction by the electrostatic charge on the region and deposition obtained with or without reaction. The electrostatic image may be formed by the use of photoconductor. The array formed may be for flat screen display panels, for manufacture of DNA chips, printed circuits, semiconductor chips, nanotechnology, micro-electromechanical systems, flexible printed circuits or the like.
US08431343B2 Methods for detecting DNA originating from different individuals
In a first aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample. These methods may be used to differentiate or detect fetal DNA in a maternal sample or to differentiate DNA of an organ donor from DNA of an organ recipient. In preferred embodiments, the DNA species are differentiated by observing epigenetic differences in the DNA species such as differences in DNA methylation. In a second aspect, the present invention features methods of detecting genetic abnormalities in a fetus by detecting fetal DNA in a biological sample obtained from a mother. In a third aspect, the present invention features methods for differentiating DNA species originating from an organ donor from those of an organ recipient. In a fourth aspect, the present invention features kits for differentiating DNA species originating from different individuals in a biological sample.
US08431340B2 Methods for processing and analyzing nucleic acid samples
Methods and devices for the interfacing of microchips to various types of modules are disclosed. The technology disclosed can be used as sample preparation and analysis systems for various applications, such as DNA sequencing and genotyping, proteomics, pathogen detection, diagnostics and biodefense.
US08431337B2 Apparatus for detecting nucleic acids using bead and nanopore
There are provided a method and apparatus for detecting nucleic acid using bead and nanopore, and more specifically, a method and apparatus capable of detecting nucleic acid fragments of 70 bps to 300 bps in length by a nanopore detection unit with nanopores of 20 to 120 nm in diameter by attaching a bead to a nucleic acid probe and then detecting the bead attached to nucleic acid not nucleic acid itself. Accordingly, the present invention can detect the nucleic acid fragments using the nanopore detection unit with nanopores of 20 to 120 nm in diameter, even in case where Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) products are given as the sample, particularly the PCR products are the nucleic acid fragments of 70 to 300 bps in length.
US08431333B2 Method for removing an uncured photosensitive composition
A photosensitive composition remover used for removal of an uncured photosensitive composition, which remover includes 1 to 80 percent by mass of at least one type of aromatic hydrocarbon having 9 carbon atoms or more within the molecule. The photosensitive composition remover further includes an aprotic polar solvent and/or another solvent other than aprotic polar solvents. The photosensitive composition remover is effective for removal of an uncured photosensitive composition film deposited at the periphery, edges, or back of a substrate or removal of an uncured photosensitive composition deposited at the surface of system members or equipment in a process for forming a photosensitive composition film on a glass substrate, a semiconductor wafer, or the like.
US08431326B2 Salt and photoresist composition comprising the same
The present invention provides a salt represented by the formula (I): wherein Q1 and Q2 independently each represent a fluorine atom or a C1-C6 perfluoroalkyl group, L1 represents a C1-C17 divalent saturated hydrocarbon group in which one or more —CH2— can be replaced by —O— or —CO—, ring W represents a C3-C36 aliphatic ring in which one or more —CH2— can be replaced by —O—, —S—, —CO— or —SO2— and in which one or more hydrogen atoms can be replaced by a hydroxyl group, a C1-C12 alkyl group, a C1-C12 alkoxy group, a C3-C12 alicyclic hydrocarbon group or a C6-C10 aromatic hydrocarbon group, Rf is independently in each occurrence a fluorine atom or a C1-C6 fluorinated alkyl group, n represents an integer of 1 to 10, and Z+ represents an organic counter ion.
US08431325B2 Compound, resin, resist composition and method for producing resist pattern
A compound of the present invention is represented by the formula (A); wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C6 alkyl group; Z1 represents a single bond, —CO—O—* or —CO—O—(CH2)k—CO—O—*; Z2 represents a single bond, *—O—CO—, *—CO—O—, *—O—(CH2)k—CO—, *—CO—(CH2)k—O—, *—O—(CH2)k—CO—O—, *—O—CO—(CH2)k—O— or *—O—CO—(CH2)k—O—CO—; k represents an integer of 1 to 6; * represents a binding position to W; W represents a C4 to C36 (n+1) valent alicyclic hydrocarbon group or a C6 to C18 (n+1) valent aromatic hydrocarbon group, one or more hydrogen atoms contained in the alicyclic hydrocarbon group and the aromatic hydrocarbon group may be replaced by a halogen atom, a C1 to C12 alkyl group, a C1 to C12 alkoxy group, a C2 to C4 acyl group or —OR10; R10 represents a hydrogen atom or a group represented by the formula (R2-2); R2 represents a hydrogen atom, a group represented by the formula (R2-1) or (R2-2); n represents an integer of 1 to 3; R4, R5 and R6 independently represent a C1 to C12 hydrocarbon group; R7 and R8 independently represent a hydrogen atom or a C1 to C12 hydrocarbon group; R9 represents a C1 to C14 hydrocarbon group.
US08431322B2 Method of manufacturing toner
A method of manufacturing a toner is provided which is excellent in low temperature fixation property, whose fixable temperature width is large, as well as excellent in durability while giving consideration to the global environment conservation. The method of manufacturing a toner includes a step of producing a polyester resin by a reaction of dicarboxylic acid and diol, and a step of producing a toner base particle having the polyester resin and a colorant. The dicarboxylic acid is a biomass monomer having carboxyl groups introduced into ends of one, or two or more monocarboxylic acids selected from pimaric acid, isopimaric acid, and sandaracopimaric acid.
US08431321B2 Toner, method of manufacturing the toner, developing device, and image forming apparatus
There are provided a toner that allows prevention of environmental contamination and is nevertheless free from toner durability degradation, wherein a sufficiently wide color reproduction range can be secured even when it is applied to color toner, and variation in characteristics among toner particles can be suppressed, as well as a method of manufacturing a toner, a developing device, and an image forming apparatus. In the toner particle is formed the biomass resin-containing domain.
US08431320B2 Toner manufacturing method
Disclosed is a manufacturing method of toner which includes at least polyester resin and colorant, comprising the steps of: (A) dissolving, into an organic solvent, the polyester resin and ultrahigh molecular weight styrene resin in which a peak is present in a range larger than 500 thousands and smaller than 3 million in a molecular weight distribution, and preparing a binder resin solution; (B) dispersing the binder resin solution as binder resin solution droplets into an aqueous medium; (C) removing the organic solvent from the binder resin solution droplets, and preparing a resin particle dispersion; and (D) aggregating resin particles from which the organic solvent is removed and colorant particles containing the colorant with each other, and forming toner particles.
US08431316B2 Toner manufacturing method
A toner manufacturing method is provided. The toner manufacturing method includes a step of adhering fine resin particles whose volume average particle size is 5% or more and 17% or less of a volume average particle size of toner base particles, to surfaces of the toner base particles; and a step of plasticizing the toner base particles and the fine resin particles by adding mechanical impact thereto while spraying lower alcohol, and fusing the fine resin particles to the surfaces of the toner base particles to form a plurality of projections of the fine resin particles, on the surfaces of the toner base particles. Surface coverage of the surfaces of the toner base particles with the projections is 10% or more and 50% or less.
US08431314B2 Colored resin particle and method for producing the same
The present invention provides a method for producing a colored resin particle, the method including: preparing an oil phase in which at least a resin and a colorant are dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent; preparing an aqueous phase containing at least a surfactant in an aqueous medium; dispersing the oil phase in the aqueous phase to prepare a colored particle dispersion liquid so as to form core particles; causing resin fine particles to adhere to surfaces of the core particles by adding at least the resin fine particles to the colored particle dispersion liquid, in which the core particles have been formed; removing the solvent from the colored particle dispersion liquid to obtain colored resin particles, washing the colored resin particles, and drying the colored resin particles, wherein an inorganic base is dissolved in the colored particle dispersion liquid.
US08431312B2 Carrier, developer, and image forming method
The present invention provides a carrier which includes core material particles, and a coating layer on surfaces of the core material particles, wherein the coating layer contains a crosslinked product which is obtained by condensation of a silicone resin with an organic zirconium catalyst, the silicone resin having at least one of a silanol group and a functional group capable of generating a silanol group by means of hydrolysis.
US08431311B2 Resin-filled carrier for electrophotographic developer, and electrophotographic developer using the resin-filled carrier
A resin-filled carrier for an electrophotographic developer obtained by filling resin into voids of a porous ferrite core material, wherein the porous ferrite core material has a pore volume of 0.055 to 0.16 mL/g and a peak pore size of 0.20 to 0.7 μm, and an electrophotographic developer using this resin-filled carrier.
US08431309B2 Toner compositions
Toner particles are provided which may, in embodiments, include a core and a shell formed in situ. The resins utilized to form the core, the shell, or both, may be contacted with a water soluble initiator. The resin, in embodiments present in the shell, cross-links at a temperature near the temperature for coalescence, and may prevent a crystalline resin in the core from migrating to the toner surface.
US08431308B2 Toner for developing electrostatic image and method of preparing the same
Toner for developing an electrostatic image, which satisfies charging stability, low-temperature fixability, high-temperature storage characteristics, and durability with respect to an environment up to a predetermined level or above, and a method of preparing the toner. The toner includes: a core layer including a first binder resin, a colorant, and a releasing agent; and a shell layer covering the core layer and including a second binder resin, wherein the first binder resin includes about 70 wt % or above of amorphous polyester resin and about 30 wt % or below of crystalline polyester resin, the second binder resin includes an amorphous polyester resin, and a melting temperature (Tm(C)) of the crystalline polyester resin, a melting temperature (Tm(W)) of the releasing agent, and a melting point (Tm(T)) of the toner satisfy the following conditions: −20° C.≦Tm(W)−Tm(C)≦20° C.; and 0° C.
US08431297B2 Electrophotographic toner and method of preparing the same
Provided are an electrophotographic toner and a method of preparing the same. The toner includes a latex, a coloring agent, and a release agent, and has a selected amount of wax exposed on the surface of the toner.
US08431295B2 Toner for developing electrostatic image, full color toner kit, and image formation method
Disclosed are a toner for developing an electrostatic image, a full color toner kit and an image formation method, the toner containing at least a resin and a colorant, wherein the colorant comprises a quinacridone pigment having a number average primary particle size of from 30 to 150 nm and having a ratio of a major axis direction length to a minor axis direction length of from 1.0 to 2.0 and Pigment Red 238.
US08431292B2 Charge blocking layer and coating solution for forming the same
The present embodiments are generally directed to an improved imaging member exhibiting various advantages over conventional imaging members. More specifically, the present embodiments are directed to an improved charge blocking layer formed from an aqueous-based coating solution which exhibits improved shelf life and coating properties, such as increased homogeneity and adhesion, and methods for making the same. The aqueous-based coating solution is environment-friendly and avoids the need to use more expensive organic solvents which involve higher safety risks in the manufacturing process.
US08431287B2 Lithium ion conductive solid electrolyte and method for producing the same
In a solid electrolyte obtained by sintering a powder, high ionic conductivity and remarkably low moisture permeation applicable to a lithium ion secondary battery or a lithium primary battery are realized. A method for producing a solid electrolyte including the steps of preparing a green sheet containing a lithium ion conductive inorganic material powder; and firing the green sheet, wherein in the step of firing the green sheet, at least one surface of the green sheet is covered by a setter having a porosity of not more than 10% by volume, is disclosed.
US08431286B2 Method for stabilizing polyelectrolyte membrane films used in fuel cells
A novel method of altering extruded membrane films for PEM (polymer electrolyte membrane) fuel cells in such a manner that the membrane films swell substantially uniformly in both the in-plane x and y directions when immersed in water or ionomer solution is disclosed. The invention includes cutting a membrane film from an extruded membrane sheet in a diagonal orientation with respect to the membrane process direction of the membrane sheet. The membrane film exhibits reduced internal stress as compared to conventionally-prepared membrane films and allows a more even distribution of pressure in a fuel cell stack, thereby reducing the incidence of swollen membrane-induced failure mechanisms in the fuel cell stack.
US08431283B2 Process for molding composite bipolar plates with reinforced outer edges
A process for molding a composite unipolar plate for a fuel cell stack that increases the strength of a header region of the plate. High strength, non-conductive prepeg inserts are positioned within the mold that are shaped to the configuration of the header region, including the openings that define the various inlet and outlet manifolds. A bulk molding compound charge is positioned in the mold and pressed under high heat so that the bulk molding compound disperses in the mold, and covers the prepeg inserts so that the prepeg inserts are cured to the bulk molding compound.
US08431281B2 Methods of operating fuel cells
A fuel cell is disclosed which is formed on a semiconductor wafer by etching channel in the wafer and forming electronics on the substrate electronically coupled to the fuel cell that controls generation of power by the fuel cell through electrical communication with the fuel cell. A hydrogen fuel is admitted into one of the divided channels and an oxidant into the other. The hydrogen reacts with a catalyst formed on an anode electrode at the hydrogen side of the channel to release hydrogen ions (protons) which are absorbed into the PEM. The protons migrate through the PEM and recombine with return hydrogen electrons on a cathode electrode on the oxygen side of the PEM and the oxygen to form water.
US08431279B2 Hydrogen storage material
Novel mixed alkali metal borohydrides are disclosed which can be used as hydrogen storage materials.
US08431276B2 Using an effectiveness approach to model a fuel cell membrane humidification device
A method for determining the water transfer in a water vapor transfer unit of a fuel cell system that employs a model based approach. The method includes determining a capacity ratio of wet streams and dry streams flowing through the water vapor transfer unit, determining the number of mass transfer units of the water vapor transfer unit, estimating a mass transfer effectiveness value given the capacity ratio and the number of mass transfer units for the water vapor transfer unit, and determining the amount of water transferred in the water vapor transfer unit using the mass transfer effectiveness value, the mass flow rates on a dry basis of the dry stream and the wet stream, and the mass flow rates of water of the dry inlet stream and the wet inlet stream.
US08431272B2 Active material, nonaqueous electrolyte battery, battery pack and vehicle
An active material including a metal oxide represented by the following formula (1): LixM1aM2bTiOz  (1) where M1 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Zr, Ge, Si and Al, M2 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni and Sn, Ti has an oxidation number of +4, and x, a, b and z satisfy the following requirements: 0.01≦x≦0.2, 0.005≦a≦0.1, 0.005≦b≦0.1 and 2≦z≦2.5.
US08431268B2 Battery and battery cell connecting element
The invention relates to a battery, comprising at least one battery cell connecting element (20), which is conductively connected to (a) a connector (28) having a cuboid-like base shape for connecting the same to at least one pole flange on a base (32) of the connector (28), and (b) a welded bracket (30), which is conductively connected to the connector (28), (c) wherein in the installed position of the battery (10) the connector (28) is disposed substantially horizontally, and the welded bracket (30) is disposed substantially vertically, and (d) wherein the connector (28) has a top (34) positioned opposite the base (32) and (c) at least one longitudinal side (36) adjoining the base (32), the welded bracket (30) being connected to the connector (28) on said side. The invention provides that the welded bracket (30) is electrically connected to the connector (28) via at least one contact element (44.1, 44.2) laterally disposed on the welded bracket (30) and leading onto the surface of the connector (28).
US08431267B2 Nonaqueous secondary battery
A nonaqueous secondary battery comprising a pair of electrodes consisting of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the pair of electrodes, wherein the separator is a laminate formed by stacking in sequence a metal layer, a first resin layer and a second resin layer having a thermal shrinkage percentage smaller than a thermal shrinkage percentage of the first resin layer, and the metal layer is opposed to one of the pair of electrodes.
US08431265B2 Electric cell
Provided is a battery which can reduce expansion caused by gas emission when stored at high temperature. A secondary battery (1) is constructed such that a flat wound electrode (20) as a power generating element is sandwiched between exterior members (30a, 30b), having adhesion layers (40a, 40b) interposed therebetween. The adhesion layers (40a, 40b) are, for example, two-sided adhesive tapes and have a structure such that adhesive layers are formed on both surfaces of a thin plate-shaped support layer. The support layer is preferably made of polypropylene or polyimide. The adhesion layers (40a, 40b) are composed of maleated polypropylene whose melting point is preferably in a range from 100° C. to 200° C., more preferably, in a range from 140° C. to 180° C.
US08431262B2 Safety valve and manufacturing method thereof, sealed battery and manufacturing method thereof, vehicle, and battery mounting device
A safety valve of the invention including a cleavable groove is provided in a battery case of a sealed battery containing a power generating element inside. The cleavable groove is partly formed with a measuring groove having a width wider than other portions. Even if other portions of the cleavable groove have fairly small groove width, a groove width of the cleavable groove can be obtained and determined the quality by measuring a groove width of the measuring groove. Thereby, a safety valve and a manufacturing method thereof, a sealed battery and a manufacturing method thereof, a vehicle, and a battery mounting device are provided to achieve less variation of valve opening pressure and stable product quality, as well as reliably assure the good quality.
US08431261B2 Fuel cell component including an identification display portion
A fuel cell component includes a fuel cell component body having a surface, and an identification information display portion provided on the fuel cell component body. The identification information display portion is provided at a recessed region of the fuel cell component body recessed relative to the surface.
US08431260B2 Interconnection system for an energy storage assembly
The invention concerns an interconnection system (100) of an energy storage assembly (200), with an electronic support for controlling (300) the health status of the energy storage assembly (200), the interconnection system (101) being characterized in that it comprises an interconnection support (101) including a conductive circuit (800) formed on electrically conductive surface, said circuit (800) forming an electrical connection between the electronic control support (300) and the pole terminals (500) of the cells to which it is connected, respectively, through connecting means and through retaining means (110, 120, 150), said retaining means (110, 120, 150) being adapted to urged into contact, on the pole terminals (500), with support means (510) so as to arrange the pole terminals (500) on the interconnection support (101) and adapted to provide a direct electrical connection of the pole terminals (500) with the conductive circuit (800). The invention is applicable in high energy storage technologies such as lithium polymer technology.
US08431258B2 Perpendicular magnetic recording medium and method of manufacturing the same
A perpendicular magnetic recording medium comprises a magnetic recording layer that records a signal, an underlayer formed of Ru or Ru compound below the magnetic recording layer, a non-magnetic layer formed of a non-magnetic material below the underlayer to control crystal orientation of the underlayer, a soft magnetic layer provided below the non-magnetic layer, and a substrate on which the magnetic recording layer, the underlayer, the non-magnetic layer, and the soft magnetic layer are formed. The non-magnetic layer comprises a first non-magnetic layer formed above the soft magnetic layer and a second non-magnetic layer formed above the first non-magnetic layer. The first non-magnetic layer is formed of amorphous Ni compound while the second non-magnetic layer is formed of crystalline Ni or crystalline Ni compound.
US08431254B2 Solid joint obtained by heat projection
The invention relates to a composite material element (1), the composite material comprising a microfissured matrix (7) in the form of a three-dimensional interconnected network (4) of microfissures exposed on the surface of the ceramic matrix, an additive material (6) consisting of a flux or glass being dispersed in the matrix, the additive material (6) being a material which, when the composite material is brought to a predetermined temperature, softens and migrates by capillarity in the network (4) of microfissures (4) to said surface of the element. The quantity of additive material dispersed initially in the matrix is in a sufficient proportion compared to the matrix intended to coat a surface (5) of the composite material element left exposed so as to create a gas-tight barrier.
US08431246B2 Organic metal complexs derivative and organic light emitting device using the same
The present invention relates to an organometallic complex derivative containing both 8-hydroxy-2-methylquinolato ligand and another ligand containing either Deutrium or Fluorine. The compound can be used for an organic material layer of an organic electronic device or an organic light emitting device.
US08431243B2 Phosphorescent materials containing iridium complexes
Phosphorescent materials comprising iridium complexes of Formula I are provided. Compounds of Formula I are red emitters, and OLED devices incorporating these compounds have improved properties such as higher efficiency and stability.
US08431242B2 OLED device with certain fluoranthene host
An OLED device comprises a cathode, an anode, and has therebetween: (a) a light emitting layer containing a non-light-emitting fluoranthene compound with a 7,10-diaryl substituted fluoranthene nucleus having no aromatic rings annulated to the fluoranthene nucleus; and (b) comprising still further an additional layer, containing an organic alkali metal compound, located between the cathode and the electron transporting layer. OLED devices of the invention provide reduced drive voltage and improved color, and provide embodiments with other improved features such as operational stability and high luminance.
US08431241B2 Organic light-emitting device
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a heterocyclic compound and an organic light-emitting device including the heterocyclic compound. The organic light-emitting devices using the heterocyclic compounds have high-efficiency, low driving voltages, high brightness and long lifespans.
US08431237B2 Electrode
A method of forming an electrode includes casting a molten metal in a mould to form an electrode with a header portion and a blade portion. The blade portion of the electrode is then rolled after it has been cast. The blade portion may be rolled into at least two different thicknesses. In one embodiment the metal is lead or lead alloy and the method relates to the forming of a lead or lead alloy anode.
US08431233B2 Gas-barrier film, device and optical component comprising same, and method for producing gas-barrier film
A gas-barrier film comprising an organic layer and an inorganic layer on a substrate film, wherein the organic layer is formed by vacuum vapor deposition of a composition containing a radical-polymerizable monomer and a polymerization initiator, followed by curing the composition, the polymerization initiator being liquid at 30° C. under one atmosphere and/or having a melting point of not higher than 30° C. The gas-barrier film has a low water vapor permeability.
US08431232B2 Aromatic-aliphatic polyester hot melt adhesives for roll-applied labels
Disclosed are hot-melt adhesives prepared from aromatic-aliphatic polyesters containing terephthalic acid in combination with adipic acid, glutaric acid, or a mixture thereof, as diacid components and a diol component containing 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, or a combination thereof. These adhesives set up rapidly within a well-defined temperature window. The hot-melt adhesives can be used in a variety of applications, but are especially suited as seaming adhesives for roll-applied labels. These adhesives have melting temperatures and crystallization properties that allow their application at temperatures cool enough to prevent curling and premature shrinkage of the shrink label during seaming, and yet produce strong label seams that can withstand the elevated temperatures of a shrink tunnel without sacrificing line speed. Also disclosed are labeled containers and a process for applying a roll-on, shrink label to a container using the hot-melt adhesives of the invention.
US08431230B2 Cast product having alumina barrier layer
A cast product for use in high temperature atmosphere comprising a cast body of a heat-resistant alloy comprising of, in mass percent, 0.05 to 0.7% of C, over 0% to up to 2.5% of Si, over 0% to up to 3.0% of Mn, 15 to 50% of Cr, 18 to 70% of Ni, 2 to 4% of Al, 0.005 to 0.4% of rare-earth elements, and 0.5 to 10% of W and/or 0.1 to 5% of Mo, the balance being Fe and inevitable impurities, and a barrier layer formed at a surface of the cast body to be brought into contact with said high temperature atmosphere, said barrier layer comprising an Al2O3 layer having a thickness of 0.5 μm or more wherein at least 80 area % of the outermost surface thereof is Al2O3, and said cast product having Cr-based particles dispersed at an interface between the Al2O3 layer and the cast body at a higher Cr concentration than that of a matrix of the alloy.
US08431229B2 Coating formulation with enhanced metal adhesion
The invention relates to a coating formulation with improved metal adhesion.
US08431216B2 Optical film for a display device and method of fabricating the same
An optical film for a display device including a substrate and a coating layer in which a first material has a first range of surface energy value and a second material has a second range of surface energy value smaller than the first range of surface energy value such that the first material is mainly distributed on a first side of the coating layer contacting the substrate and the second material is mainly distributed on a second side of the coating layer opposite to the first side.
US08431211B2 Article having low-reflection film on surface of base material
The present invention relates to an article containing a base material and a low-reflection film formed on a surface of the base material, in which the low-reflection film contains a first layer, a second layer and a third layer in this order from the base material side, and the first layer, the second layer and the third layer have refractive indexes n1, n2 and n3, respectively, which meet the relationship of n1>n3>n2.
US08431210B2 Master for producing stamper
In one embodiment, there is provided a master for producing a stamper. The master includes: a substrate made of a first material and comprising a first surface, wherein the first surface of the substrate is formed with a groove; a first layer made of a second material and formed in the groove, wherein the second material is different from the first material, and wherein a surface of the first layer is substantially flush with the first surface of substrate; and a projection portion formed on at least one of the first surface of the substrate and the surface of the first layer. The first material is silicon and the second material is selected from silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, and glass.
US08431209B2 Breathable low-emissivity metalized sheets
A moisture vapor permeable metalized composite sheet is formed by coating a moisture vapor permeable sheet with at least one metal layer and at least one outer organic coating layer. The moisture vapor permeability of the composite sheet is at least about 80% of the moisture vapor permeability of the starting sheet. The composite sheet provides a barrier to air and liquid water infiltration while having high moisture vapor permeability and good thermal barrier properties. The composite sheet material is suitable for use as a building construction wrap such as roof lining and house wrap.
US08431200B2 Biodegradable environmentally-friendly material, a container, and their manufacturing methods
A biodegradable environmentally friendly material, a container and method of manufacturing. The components and weight percentages of the material or the container include: plant straw powder 50-70%, melamine 20-30%, polypropylene hot melt adhesive 2-6%, polyethylene glycol 5-8%, hexamethylene tetramine 0.5-1%, talc powder 2-6%. The method of manufacturing includes: the components are mixed in proportion and blended uniformly to obtain the mixed powder. The mixed powder is put into a mold with a temperature of 140-160° C. and pressed into necessary shapes to obtain the finished products. The finished products are disinfected and packaged. The biodegradable environmentally friendly material, the container and the method of manufacturing provide good temperature resistance, good corrosion resistance, good strength, difficult to rupture, simple production process, low cost, low energy consumption and high efficiency.
US08431199B2 Container containing the PMMA powder fraction of a two-component system made up of PMMA powder component and MMA monomer component
Containers that are soluble in liquid methylmethacrylate and contain the PMMA powder fraction of a two-component system made up of PMMA powder component and liquid MMA monomer component are useful as components of packaging of powder/liquid two-component material, such as dental material, investment material for histology or metallography or in veterinary medicine.
US08431192B2 Methods of forming protecting coatings on substrate surfaces
A method for forming a protective coat upon an article includes forming a liquid coating mixture comprising a cross-linking agent and a polymer dissolved within a solvent; applying a first coat of the coating mixture upon the article; evaporating the solvent from the first coat; and cross-linking the article. Also disclosed is a device containing an exterior surface at least partially covered by a coating comprising a cross-linked polymer and a filler material that is selected from the group consisting of a fullerene, a micro-encapsulated material, and a combination of two or more thereof.
US08431190B2 Method for depositing hard metallic coatings
A method for depositing a hard metallic chrome coating or similar metal by chemical vapor deposition on a metallic substrate, includes: a) preparing a solution containing, in an oxygen-free solvent, i) a molecular compound of the bis(arene) family that's a precursor of the deposited metal with a decomposition temperature 300° C.-550° C., and ii) a chlorinated additive; b) introducing the solution as aerosol into a heated evaporator at a temperature between the solvent boiling temperature and the precursor decomposition temperature (PDT); and c) driving the vaporized aerosol from the evaporator towards a CVD reactor including a susceptor carrying the substrate, heated above the PDT, up to 550° C., the evaporator and CVD reactor being subjected to atmospheric pressure. This DLI-CVD method performed at low temperature and atmospheric pressure enables continuous industrial treatment of large metallic plates, producing hard, monolayer or nanostructured multilayer metallic coatings. An appropriate injectable solution is also described.
US08431188B2 Abrasion resistant coatings with color component for gemstones and such
In accordance with the present invention, there are provided methods for imparting abrasion wear resistant color to “gemstones” by providing an integrated coating consisting of the color imparting agent and the abrasion wear resistant agent. The color imparting agent may provide the perception of color via interference phenomena or via bulk absorption phenomena. Abrasion wear resistance may be provided by integrating any of the materials such as DLC (diamond-like carbon), CVD diamond (CVDD), alumina, polymer-based materials, nitrides and carbonitrides. Abrasion wear resistant properties of DLC or CVDD may be further improved, in addition to improvement of other mechanical properties and inducing hydrophobicity, by incorporating certain elements into the deposited film.
US08431187B2 Manufacturing method of filter media available at medium and high temperature exhaust gas using foam coating technology and filter media manufactured thereby
Disclosed herein is a method of producing a filter medium for treating medium and high temperature exhaust gas using foam coating and a filter medium produced using the method. The filter medium has excellent heat resistance and heat contraction resistance, and exhibits partial dust collection efficiency of 99% or more by weight, total dust collection efficiency of 99.999% or more by weight, and high dust removal efficiency, for all dust particle sizes. Further, the filter media can be efficiently used to treat medium and high temperature exhaust gas because pores having an average pore size of 30 μm or less are uniformly distributed on the surface of the filter media.
US08431183B2 Surface layer
The present teachings provide a composition that includes a functionalized polyfluoropolyether and functionalized polybutadiene in a weight ratio of functionalized polyfluoropolyether/functionalized polybutadiene of from about 20/80 to about 80/20 in a solvent. The composition can be used to form a surface layer having a water contact angle of greater than about 90° and a hexanedecane contact angle greater than about 45°.
US08431180B2 Paint shop and method of operating a paint shop
In a paint plant which comprises at least one spray-painting device incorporating at least one application unit for painting workpieces and in particular motor vehicle bodies with a fluid paint, in order to enable the fluid paint overspray i.e. the paint particles which are not adhering to the workpieces that are to be painted and which are picked up and carried along in an air flow passing through the application area of the paint shop, to be re-separated from this air flow and also to enable the cleansed air flow to be returned to the application area in an air re-circulating system or else expelled into the environment of the plant, the paint shop comprises a device for separating fluid paint overspray from a stream of crude gas that contains overspray particles wherein this device comprises at least one filter element for separating the overspray from the stream of crude gas.
US08431174B2 Method to separate lipids from cheese whey
Shown is a method of selectively separating milk fat globule membrane fragments and milk fat globules from whey. The method includes the steps of adding to whey an amount of a whey-soluble zinc salt and adjusting the pH of the whey to be less than 6.0. The amount of zinc salt added to the whey is sufficient to cause milk fat globule membrane fragments and milk fat globules contained in the whey to precipitate selectively from the whey.
US08431171B2 Partially neutralized acid coated food-grade particles
The present invention relates to coated food-grade particles, preferably coated food-grade acids and/or their salts, wherein the particles are coated food-grade cores with coating comprising partially neutralized polycarboxylic acid. The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing said coated food-grade particles and to the use hereof in food applications. The invention also encompasses the use of specific partially neutralized polycarboxylic acids, in particular sodium and/or potassium hydrogen malate, as coating agent. Furthermore, the invention is directed to food and drink products comprising said with partially neutralized polycarboxylic acid coated food-grade particle.
US08431167B2 Plant extracts composition for the treatment of liver dysfunction-jaundice
Plant extracts compositions comprising extracts of Curcuma longa, Phyllanthus emblica and Gymnosporea montana and at least a carrier. The extracts used to prepare the composition are prepared from specific parts of the respective plants like extract of Curcuma longa; Phyllanthus emblica and Gymnosporea montana are prepared from tubers, fruits and leafs of respective plants. The compositions can be used to treat liver dysfunction.
US08431166B2 Composition comprising the extract of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge or the compounds isolated from the same for preventing and treating lipid metabolism disorder
The present invention relates to a composition comprising an extract of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge or the compounds isolated from the same, as an active ingredient. In particular, the extract and compounds have the excellent inhibitory effects on adipocyte differentiation, and thus can be used in a pharmaceutical composition and functional food for the prevention and treatment of lipid metabolism disorders.
US08431163B2 Methods of reducing the risk of occurrence of pulmonary edema associated with inhalation of nitric oxide gas
Disclosed are methods of reducing the risk of occurrence of pulmonary edema associated with a medical treatment comprising inhalation of nitric oxide gas.
US08431160B2 Microparticles containing biodegradable polymer and cationic polysaccharide for use in immunogenic compositions
Immunogenic compositions are described herein which comprise microparticles that further comprise a biodegradable polymer. The microparticle compositions also comprise a cationic polysaccharide and an immunological species selected from an antigen, an immunological adjuvant and a combination thereof. Also described are methods of making such compositions and methods of administering such compositions. Methods of modulating the release rate of immunological species from microparticles are also described. These methods comprise varying the ratio of the cationic polysaccharide relative to the biodegradable polymer within the microparticles.
US08431156B2 Pharmaceutical composition
The present invention relates to an oral controlled release pharmaceutical composition in the form of a unit dosage form comprising: (a) a highly soluble high dose active ingredient consisting essentially of therapeutically effective amount of levetiracetam or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof, and (b) a rate controlling means comprising a rate-controlling agent and/or a coating selected from (i) a active ingredient permeable coating surrounding the unit dosage form, and (ii) an active ingredient impermeable coating covering one or more surfaces but not all the surfaces of the unit dosage form, wherein the composition is in the form of a compact tablet and the levetiracetam or a pharmaceutically acceptable derivative thereof is present in an amount ranging from about 55% to about 90% by weight of the tablet.
US08431155B1 Bromocriptine formulations
The present application describes pharmaceutical formulations of bromocriptine mesylate and methods of manufacturing and using such formulations. The formulations are useful for improving glycemic control in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
US08431152B2 Transdermally absorbable preparation
A transdermally absorbable preparation that even when a drug with poor solubility in a base is added in high concentration, is stable over time and can suppress crystallization of the drug, excelling in transdermal absorbability. There is provided a transdermally absorbable preparation, comprising a base and, added thereto, at least composite particles which are composed of a silicate compound and an organic acid and a drug.
US08431146B2 Scaffold comprising co-precipitated Collgen and glycosaminoglycan for inhibiting adhesion of body tissue layers
A device for inhibiting adhesion of apposing human body tissue layers includes a scaffold having a designated mean pore size, relative density, and degradation half-life. The scaffold may be operably positioned between apposing tissue layers, such as proximate adhesiogenic layers at a wound site, so as to permit remesothelialization of the tissue without formation of fibrous adhesions. The scaffold device of the invention inhibits adhesion formation by promoting contractile cell migration away from the wound site for a predetermined period of time. The invention further relates to device and methods for promoting internal tissue regeneration, and for provision and/or dispensation of therapeutic and/or diagnostic agents in vivo.
US08431141B2 Alloplastic injectable dermal filler and methods of use thereof
A composition comprising an alloplastic injectable suspension for use as a dermal filler comprising a biocompatible and pliable material and a physiologically acceptable suspending agent is provided. A method of making a composition comprising an alloplastic injectable suspension for use as a dermal filler comprising a biocompatible and pliable material and a physiologically acceptable suspending agent, said method comprising admixing a biocompatible and pliable material with a physiologically acceptable suspending agent, is also provided. A method of augmenting soft tissue to provide long-term reduction of a skin defect, said method comprising stimulating collagen beneath the skin defect is further provided. In an embodiment of the method of augmenting soft tissue, the stimulation of collagen production is effected by injecting into the deep reticular dermis and a dermal filler, said dermal filler being an alloplastic injectable suspension and comprising a biocompatible and pliable material and a physiologically acceptable suspending agent.
US08431140B2 Topical compositions
Single phase pharmaceutical compositions for topical application, in addition to kits and methods of use and administration are provided. The compositions comprise a biologically active agent; a delivery vehicle comprising at least a non-polymeric crystallization inhibitor and a film-former; and a volatile solvent; wherein the biologically active agent is present in the composition in a subsaturated state, the biologically active agent is present in the delivery vehicle in a supersaturated state, and the crystallization inhibitor is capable of delaying crystallization of the biologically active agent in the delivery vehicle. Biologically active agents include terbinafine and acyclovir. Treatments for onychomycosis and Varicella zoster infection, HSV-I infection or HSV-2 infection are provided.
US08431139B2 Nucleic acids and proteins from Streptococcus groups A and B
The invention provides proteins from group B streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae) and group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes), including amino acid sequences and the corresponding nucleotide sequences. Data are given to show that the proteins are useful antigens for vaccines, immunogenic compositions, and/or diagnostics. The proteins are also targets for antibiotics.
US08431138B2 In ovo vaccination of Campylobacter in avian species
The present invention provides a method of inducing an immune response against Campylobacter in an avian species, especially a domesticated avian species such as chicken, turkey, duck, goose and quail, by administering, in ovo, live cells of Campylobacter.
US08431136B2 Immunogenic composition
An immunogenic composition comprising a Hib saccharide conjugate and at least two further bacterial saccharide conjugates is provided, wherein the Hib conjugate is present in a lower saccharide dose than the mean saccharide dose of all the at least two further bacterial saccharide conjugates.
US08431133B2 Augmentation of titer for vaccination in animals
The disclosure relates to a composition added to animal feed used in combination with a vaccine to enhance the effectiveness of the vaccine. Amongst other effects, the composition raises the titer of antibodies to the vaccine.
US08431132B2 Recombinant human EPO-FC fusion proteins with prolonged half-life and enhanced erythropoietic activity in vivo
A recombinant fusion protein comprising a human erythropoietin peptide portion linked to an immunoglobulin peptide portion is described. The fusion protein has a prolonged half-life in vivo in comparison to naturally occurring or recombinant native human erythropoietin. In one embodiment of the invention, the protein has a half-life in vivo at least three fold higher than native human erythropoietin. The fusion protein also exhibits enhanced erythropoietic bioactivity in comparison to native human erythropoietin. In one embodiment, the fusion protein comprises the complete peptide sequence of a human erythropoietin (EPO) molecule and the peptide sequence of an Fc fragment of human immunoglobulin IgG1. The Fc fragment in the fusion protein includes the hinge region, CH2 and CH3 domains of human immunoglobulin IgG1. The EPO molecule may be linked directly to the Fc fragment to avoid extraneous peptide linkers and lessen the risk of an immunogenic response when administered in vivo. In one embodiment the hinge region is a human Fc fragment variant having a non-cysteine residue at amino acid 6. The invention also relates to nucleic acid and amino acid sequences encoding the fusion protein and transfected cell lines and methods for producing the fusion protein. The invention further includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising the fusion protein and methods of using the fusion protein and/or the pharmaceutical compositions, for example to stimulate erythropoiesis in subjects in need of therapy.
US08431128B2 Enterococcus antigens
The present invention discloses isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding a hyperimmune serum reactive antigen or a fragment thereof as well as hyperimmune serum reactive antigens or fragments thereof from E. faecalis, methods for isolating such antigens and specific uses thereof.
US08431124B2 Methods for treating a disease characterized by an excess of hyaluronan by administering a soluble hyaluronidase glycoprotein (sHASEGP)
Provided are soluble neutral active Hyaluronidase Glycoproteins (sHASEGP's), methods of manufacture, and their use to facilitate administration of other molecules or to alleviate glycosaminoglycan associated pathologies. Minimally active polypeptide domains of the soluble, neutral active sHASEGP domains are described that include asparagine-linked sugar moieties required for a functional neutral active hyaluronidase domain. Included are modified amino-terminal leader peptides that enhance secretion of sHASEGP. Sialated and pegylated forms of the sHASEGPs also are provided. Methods of treatment by administering sHASEGPs and modified forms thereof also are provided.
US08431122B2 Purification and isolation of recombinant oxalate degrading enzymes and spray-dried particles containing oxalate degrading enzymes
The present invention comprises methods and compositions for the reduction of oxalate in humans, and methods for the purification and isolation of recombinant oxalate reducing enzyme proteins. The invention provides methods and compositions for the delivery of oxalate-reducing enzymes in particle compositions. The compositions of the present invention are suitable in methods of treatment or prevention of oxalate-related conditions.
US08431121B2 Specifically targeted catalytic antagonists and uses thereof
This invention provides chimeric molecules that are catalytic antagonists of a target molecule. The catalytic antagonists of this invention preferably comprise a targeting moiety attached to an enzyme that degrades the molecule specifically bound by the targeting moiety. The catalytic antagonists of this invention thus bind to a target recognized by the targeting moiety (e.g., a receptor) the enzyme component of the chimera then degrades all or part of the target. This typically results in a reduction or loss of activity of the target and release of the chimeric molecule. The chimeric molecule is then free to attack and degrade another target molecule.
US08431118B2 Anti-herpes simplex virus antibodies and methods of use thereof
The invention provides antibodies and polypeptides that specifically bind to the glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus (HSV) and use of the antibodies and polypeptides for treating or diagnosing HSV infections.
US08431114B2 Polysaccharide-based polymer tissue adhesive for medical use
Tissue adhesives formed by reacting an oxidized polysaccharide with a water-dispersible multi-arm polyether amine, wherein at least three of the arms are terminated by primary amine groups, are disclosed. The use of the tissue adhesives for medical and veterinary applications such as topical wound closure; and surgical procedures, such as intestinal anastomosis, vascular anastomosis, tissue repair, and ophthalmic procedures; drug delivery; anti-adhesive applications; and as a bulking agent to treat urinary incontinence are described.
US08431113B2 Polymer conjugates
The present invention relates to conjugates of biologically active compounds, preferably therapeutically active compounds, with polymeric moieties having low polydispersity, as well as controlled polymerisation processes for producing the conjugates. An initiation for a controlled radical polymerisation process comprises a biologically active, usually therapeutically active, moiety and the monomer includes zwitterionic monomer for instance 2-methacryloyloxyethyl-2′-trimethylammonium ethyl phosphate inner salt. The process allows close control of the molecular weight and polydispersity of the polymeric moiety and the possibility of optimising the delivery characteristics of the active agent.
US08431111B2 Peptide imaging agents
The present invention relates to labelled cMet binding peptides suitable for optical imaging in vivo. The peptides are labelled with a benzopyrylium dye suitable for imaging in the red to near-infrared region. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions and kits, as well as in vivo imaging methods, especially of use in the detection, staging, diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression or monitoring of treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC).
US08431109B2 Process for production of composition
The invention provides a process for production of a composition comprising a perovskite structure compound, the process comprising: a first process to heat a hydrous oxide of at least one B group element selected from the group consisting of Ti, Zr, Hf, and Sn at a temperature within a range of 80 to 300° C. in the presence of an aqueous medium so as to dehydrate the hydrous oxide; and a second process to heat a reaction product obtained in the first process and a hydroxide of at least one A group element selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg and Pb at a temperature within a range of 100 to 300° C. in the presence of an aqueous medium.The process provides a composition comprising an ABO3 compound in the form of uniform and fine spherical particles which have an average particle diameter of 1 μm or less, preferably within a range of 0.01 to 0.5 μm, high crystallinity, and a controlled A/B ratio as desired, as well as few internal pores in the crystalline particles.
US08431108B2 Cathode materials and methods for production
Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for producing materials having the formula Li[Ni0.5Mn1.5]O4-δ wherein δ≧O, the materials obtainable by such method, and cathodes and batteries comprising such materials.
US08431107B2 Method for producing ammonium heptamolybdate
A method for preparing ammonium heptamolybdate with the steps of: i) adding a molybdenum-containing organic phase to a liquid-liquid reextraction apparatus or to a desorption apparatus, and ii) directly cold-crystallization ammonium heptamolybdate by cooling the resulting reextraction or desorption solution.
US08431106B2 Method for generating micronized sulphur
A method of producing micronized sulphur wherein elemental sulphur is dissolved in a solvent for sulphur to produce a sulphur-solvent solution and precipitation of the dissolved sulphur is effected or controlled by manipulation of at least one of pressure, temperature or water content in the solvent to produce the micronized sulphur.
US08431101B2 Method of treating an acid gas stream and an apparatus therefor
Disclosed is a method of treating an acid gas stream through a series of process steps to provide an ammonium sulfphate stream. The method involves passing the acid gas stream to an incinerator to oxidize the H2S to SO2 to yield an incinerator flue gas stream. The incinerator flue gas stream is passed to a sulphuric acid unit that produces H2SO4 from the SO2 of the incinerator flue gas stream and to yield an aqueous sulphuric acid stream and a sulphuric acid unit off-gas stream. At least part of the aqueous sulphuric acid stream is passed to an ammonia scrubber wherefrom an aqueous ammonium suphate stream is yielded.
US08431097B2 Solute precipitation method and device
A precipitator comprises a counter-current circulation between the reacting substances (8, 6, 7 →12) and a non-miscible and chemically inert organic confinement phase (10→9) to maintain the phase containing the reagent in an emulsion. The walls of the precipitator are hydrophobic to prevent the adhesion of the precipitate. The emulsion is maintained by a mobile stirrer body (2). The precipitate is removed continually by a scavenging flow rate device (16).
US08431096B2 Process for high temperature solution polymerization
The current invention provides a method of improving the efficiency of one or more heat exchangers used in cooperation with a high temperature solution polymerization process. Addition of surface active agents, such as C6 to C22 carboxylic acids, to a two phase liquid-liquid polymer solution downstream of a reactor system and upstream of a heat exchanger system can increase the efficiency of heat exchange by more than 10 %.
US08431093B2 Device for centering a microtiter plate
A pipetting aid device includes a support comprising a face, a plurality of light elements mounted in the support forming a two-dimensional array in the plane of the face, and first and second centering structures. The first and second centering structures are mounted to extend from the face of the support. The first centering structure includes a first and second pair of stop walls, wherein a pair of stop walls forms a corner. The second centering structure includes a third and fourth pair of stop walls. The first and third pairs of stop walls form corners of a first positioning zone of a first type of plate. The second and fourth pairs of stop walls form corners of a second positioning zone of a second type of plate. The first centering structure and the second centering structure are positioned outside both the first positioning zone and the second positioning zone.
US08431092B2 Biochip holder and method of collecting fluid
A biochip holder is disclosed, the holder including a means to receive a biochip, a vacuum port in communication with the received biochip, and a vacuum source connected to the vacuum port. Liquid from flushing of the biochip is pulled by vacuum force into a vacuum port and can be collected in order to prevent cross-contamination of the biochip. A method of collecting fluid from such a biochip is also disclosed.
US08431091B2 Tissue embedding apparatus, and method for operating a tissue embedding apparatus
The invention relates to a tissue embedding apparatus (1) for automatic embedding at least one tissue sample (8). Said tissue embedding device (1) comprises an input unit (2), an image recording unit (3), an embedding unit (4), at least one output unit (5, 6), and a control unit (7). A cassette (9) containing at least one tissue sample (8) can be transferred to the input unit (2) of the tissue embedding device (1). The embedding unit (4) allows the tissue sample (8) to be embedded in an embedding medium, while the at least one output unit (5) allows the embedded tissue sample to be output. The image recording unit (3) makes it possible to record at least one image of the tissue sample (8). In order to be able to embed tissue in an automated manner also when different cassettes are used, a tissue embedding device (1) according to the invention is characterized in that the recorded image of the tissue sample (8) can be evaluated while further processing of the tissue sample (8) in the tissue embedding device (1) can be predefined in accordance with the evaluation of the image.