| Document | Document Title |
|---|---|
| US08615288B2 |
Robotically guided catheter
A system is used for robotically controlling movement of a human-controllable catheter, wherein the catheter has at least one position sensor for generating or receiving signals used for determining six dimensions of location and orientation information. The system uses a robotic control mechanism and a computer for driving the robotic control mechanism to (i) translationally move the catheter distal end in a vicinity of a target, (ii) deflect the distal end of the catheter, and (iii) rotate the catheter. The computer determines roll of the catheter using six dimensions of location and orientation information based on signals generated or received from the at least one position sensor. |
| US08615287B2 |
Catheter tracking and endocardium representation generation
Methods and systems are disclosed for determining information about a position of an object within a distribution of materials having different complex conductivities. The method includes: (i) causing current to flow in the distribution; (ii) measuring an electrical signal at each of multiple locations in the distribution of materials in response to the current flow; (iii) providing spatial information about the distribution of materials with respect to a first reference frame, the spatial information indicative of regions of different complex conductivity in the distribution of materials; and (iv) determining the position of the object with respect to the spatial information about the distribution of materials based on measured electrical signals and the spatial information. In certain embodiments, the object is a catheter inserted into a patients heart cavity for cardiac mapping. |
| US08615286B2 |
In vivo sensor for detecting bone surface
A device and a method are described for finding the location of a bone surface in patients or living animals by using a thin probe equipped with bone contacting detection functionality for a minimally invasive procedure. |
| US08615285B2 |
Passive acoustic driver for magnetic resonance elastography
An acoustic driver system for use in applying an oscillating stress to a subject undergoing a magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) examination includes a flexible passive driver located in the bore of the magnet and in contact with the subject. A remotely located active driver is acoustically coupled to the passive driver and produces acoustic energy in response to an applied current. The passive driver produces shear waves in response to the acoustic energy and are directed into the body of the subject undergoing the MRE examination. |
| US08615284B2 |
Method for acoustic information exchange involving an ingestible low power capsule
A method of communicating with an ingestible capsule includes detecting the location of the ingestible capsule, focusing a multi-sensor acoustic array on the ingestible capsule, and communicating an acoustic information exchange with the ingestible capsule via the multi-sensor acoustic array. The ingestible capsule includes a sensor that receives a stimulus inside the gastrointestinal tract of an animal, a bidirectional acoustic information communications module that transmits an acoustic information signal containing information from the sensor, and an acoustically transmissive encapsulation that substantially encloses the sensor and communications module, wherein the acoustically transmissive encapsulation is of ingestible size. The multi-sensor array includes a plurality of acoustic transducers that receive an acoustic signal from a movable device, and a plurality of delays, wherein each delay is coupled to a corresponding acoustic transducer. Each delay may be adjusted according to a phase of a signal received by the corresponding acoustic transducer. |
| US08615283B2 |
Biomedical electrode system and method for detecting localized electrical signals and providing electrical stimulation
A biomedical electrode is disclosed that includes at least first and second electrical nodes for connection to medical equipment. The biomedical electrode includes a first electrical node including a disc of conductive material having a diameter d1, and a second electrical node including a ring of conductive material. The ring is concentric with the disc and has a diameter d2 that is larger than d1 and having a ring thickness t2 such that (4≦d1/t2≦6). |
| US08615281B2 |
Hypodermic optical monitoring of bodily analyte
Disclosed is a skin adherable device for monitoring analytes in interstitial fluid. The device includes an electromagnetic radiation emitting source and a transmitter for transmitting the electromagnetic radiation between the electromagnetic radiation emitting source and the interstitial fluid. The device further includes a detector, operating electronics and a power supply. The device may include a reusable part and a disposable part. |
| US08615279B2 |
Mobile wireless communications device with shunt component and related methods
A mobile wireless communications device may include a portable housing including at least one electrically conductive housing portion configured to function as an antenna. The mobile wireless communications device may also include a printed circuit board (PCB) carried by the portable housing, and wireless transceiver circuitry carried by the PCB and including at least one circuit element carried by the PCB. The mobile wireless communications device may also include at least one current shunt component coupled between the at least one electrically conductive housing portion and the at least one circuit element. |
| US08615278B2 |
Electrical device with rotation mechanism
An exemplary electrical device includes a first main body, a second main body and a rotation mechanism interconnecting the first main body and the second main body. The first main body is rotatable relative to the second main body. The rotation mechanism includes a holding portion configured to have an external force applied thereon by a user so as to be driven to linearly move from a first position to a second position, and the rotation mechanism is structured and arranged to convert the linear movement to rotational movement of the first main body relative to the second main body. |
| US08615275B1 |
Downloadable real estate service client component and server for a real estate service
An electronic infrastructure consisting a plurality of client mobile devices, a distribution server and a media creator computer, wherein the client mobile devices present interactive media upon user request. The plurality of client mobile devices support dynamic screen display and, contain a plurality of soft keys. The media creator is a personal computer that generates interactive media and sends them to the distribution server for distribution. The distribution server processes and sends the interactive media to the client mobile device and the client mobile devices presents the interactive media in a series of screens to the user. The client mobile devices interactively send the user responses back to the distribution server. |
| US08615274B2 |
Electronic device and controlling method thereof
The present invention relates to an electronic device and method for controlling the electronic apparatus. According to the present invention, the electronic device combines a map image obtained from an external image that is received through a camera with a map contents to display. |
| US08615273B2 |
Extensible infotainment/telematics system with process control shifting
A system includes a fixed base unit adapted to execute a first set of stand-alone infotainment/telematics functions and a portable communication device adapted to execute a second set of stand-alone infotainment/telematics functions. The first set of stand-alone infotainment/telematics functions may overlap with one or more of the second set of stand-alone infotainment/telematics functions. The fixed base unit and the portable communication device are connectable with one another for intelligent communication to shift at least one of the overlapping infotainment/telematics functions from the portable communication device or the fixed base unit to the other of the portable communication device or the fixed base unit. Shifting of the overlapping infotainment/telematics functions may be based on the relative processing power of the portable communication device and the fixed base unit. |
| US08615269B2 |
Managing method and device for configuring base stations
The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for managing a base station configuration, wherein the method comprises the following steps of: acquiring identity information of a user (S102); selecting an operation mode corresponding to the identity information of the user (S104); and prompting the user to configure and manage configuration parameters of a base station in the operation mode (S106). The present invention reduces the work of the common maintenance personnel, improves the work efficiency of the common maintenance personnel and saves the operation and maintenance cost. |
| US08615268B2 |
Wireless communications device, and method and program for determining reception level of the wireless communications device
A control unit 19 switches four antennas 111 to 114 at predetermined time intervals, receives signals from an LTE base station 2 using four receiving antennas 111 to 114, and receives signals from a GSM base station 3 using the four antennas 111 to 114. The control unit 19 determines the reception level in a cell 2c of the LTE base station 2 on the basis of signal strengths detected by a received signal detector 14p when signals are received from the LTE base station 2 using the four antennas 111 to 114. In addition, the control unit 19 determines the reception level in a cell 3c of the GSM base station 3 on the basis of four signal strengths detected by the received signal detector 14p when signals are received from the GSM base station 3 using the four antennas 111 to 114. |
| US08615263B2 |
Systems and methods for efficient radio frequency spectrum management in a scenario involving multiple mobile vehicles
Various embodiments of the present invention relate to wireless network management. One specific example relates to efficient radio frequency (RF) spectrum management involving multiple mobile vehicles, whereby a system and/or a method of the invention achieves greatly improved spectral efficiency in the assignment of frequency bands to communications channels between the vehicles and/or stationary ground stations. Other examples of the present invention provide systems and methods to analyze the RF emissions resulting from the motion of transmitters and/or receivers through airspace with the help of five-dimensional quanta of space (x, y, z), time and frequency to assign frequency bands to test plans (including previously-validated test plan(s) and/or to-be-validated test plan(s)). In one specific example, the analysis is directed to the assignment of frequency bands with and without reuse. |
| US08615261B2 |
Apparatus and methods for communicating text messages using multiple communication modes
An apparatus and methods for communicating text messages to the recipients' communication devices utilizes multiple communication modes, including, but not limited to, network-based and non-network based communication modes or methods. Generally, the network-based communication mode utilizes a messaging communication network to communicate text messages over relatively large distances and the non-network-based communication mode utilizes a proximity communication transport mechanism to communicate text messages over relatively small distances. The non-network communication transport mechanism includes, for example, the Bluetooth proximity communication transport mechanism and/or the unlicensed free radio spectrum. The apparatus is operable in either of the communication modes or in an auto-select communication mode in which the apparatus initially attempts to communicate text messages via a proximity communication transport mechanism and if unsuccessful, subsequently communicates text messages via a messaging communication network. The apparatus is configurable to operate in any of the communication modes. |
| US08615257B2 |
Data synchronization for devices supporting direction-based services
With the addition of directional information and gesture based input in a location based services environment, a variety of service(s) can be provided on top of user identification or interaction with specific object(s) of interest. For instance, a device can interact with various endpoints of a direction-based location service and any of the content or other information exchanged between clients and services can be synchronized for efficient exchange of information and efficient utilization of network bandwidth and resources. For example, change input is received by a device that alters, deletes or augments dynamically updateable information associated with a point of interest and the changes resulting from the change input are synchronized from the mobile device to a location based network service. Optionally, the synchronization can be according to a knowledge exchange to identify what should be synchronized prior to transmitting the updates. |
| US08615251B2 |
System and method of communicating position data
Systems, methods and devices for communicating position data are disclosed. A method includes receiving a position query at a communication device. The method also includes determining a position of the communication device in response to the position query. The method also includes transmitting data related to the position from the communication device to a remote communication device of another party to a call when the position query is received while the communication device is connected to the call. |
| US08615250B2 |
Centralized control of coexistence of multiple network operators
A first wireless network collects profiles of user equipments operating under the first wireless network associated with a first core network or operator; profiles of user equipments operating under a second wireless network associated with a second core network or operator; and measurement information of an unlicensed band. Based on the collected profiles and measurement information, allocating to the first wireless network and to the second wireless network resources on the unlicensed band. In various specific embodiments, there is also collected a pre-defined agreement which sets forth relative shares of the unlicensed band for the first wireless network and for the second wireless network; and the profiles of the user equipments each includes authentication and security information, and the respective profiles are utilized to control admission of the respective user equipments to the respective first and second wireless networks. |
| US08615246B2 |
Method for receiving information on network configuration
The present invention provides a method for receiving information on a network configuration. The present invention is to allow a terminal to acquire accurate information on a neighbor cell. Furthermore, the present invention is to remove duplicated information from the information message on a neighbor cell, for instance, Neighboring Cell Information, thereby allowing an effective configuration thereof and preventing from using network resources wastefully. |
| US08615245B2 |
Radio network controller, base station, mobile station, mobile communication system and mobile communication method
A radio network controller includes: a determination unit configured to determine a transmit diversity method to be used to transmit a signal from a base station to a mobile station, in accordance with a soft handover status of the mobile station; and an instruction/notification unit configured to instruct the transmit diversity method to the base station, in accordance with the determination result by the determination unit. |
| US08615242B2 |
Method and user equipment for cell selection of heterogeneous network
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a user equipment for cell selection of a heterogeneous network. The UE selects, a cell with a highest signal measurement value in a carrier frequency synchronizes to the cell, and receives broadcast information of the cell. If the cell is a macro cell, the broadcast information carries an extended indicator bit and the extended indicator bit is used to identify whether a low-power cell exists in the coverage of the macro cell. If the extended indicator bit identifies that the low-power cell exists in the coverage of the macro cell, the low-power cell in the macro cell is searched for, and if a low-power cell in the macro cell satisfies an S rule, the UE selects the lower-power cell as a serving cell and camps. |
| US08615239B2 |
Radio base station and communication control method
An LTE base station (10-1) sets another LTE base station, which has an X2 connection established with the LTE base station (10-1), as a handover destination when at least one other LTE base station which has an X2 connection established with the LTE base station (10-1) is present among other LTE base stations that have been determined as handover destination candidates. |
| US08615236B2 |
System and method for dynamically managing connections using feature prioritization
Techniques to dynamically manage wireless connections using feature prioritization are described. For example, a mobile computing device may comprise a connection management module operative to access a list of one or more wireless networks, compare feature set information for the one or more wireless networks, select a wireless network based on the comparison, and initiate a wireless connection using the selected wireless network, wherein the feature set information is contained in the list. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08615229B2 |
Mobile unit and network element for testing RF coverage
A mobile unit and network element are used to test RF coverage in a wireless communication network. A mobile unit receives testing location information, including the cell location data and the boundary information, from a network element. The mobile unit moves about the testing location and receives information about the RF quality of the signal and stores this data. The mobile unit periodically sends the stored data to the network element. The network element includes a correlation element that correlates the received data to form new values for each of the cell sites tested. This correlated value can be used for multiple cell sites to determine which cell sites most need additional RF coverage testing. In addition, the network element can map the data and either send to the mobile unit, display on a monitor at the network element, or sent to a web server for access via the Internet. |
| US08615227B2 |
Enhanced discontinuous mode operation with shared radio frequency resources
A scheduling technique is described for discontinuous transmission and reception. The scheduling technique may be implemented in a mobile communication device with multiple SIMs. The scheduling technique facilitates enhanced communication capability for the mobile communication device. In one implementation, the scheduling technique helps avoid substantial overlap between discontinuous receive cycles of the SIMs, for example by renegotiating a discontinuous transmit/receive offset if too much overlap exists. The renegotiation process may be incorporated into a future industry standard communication protocol (e.g., 3GPP release 11 or later), or may be implemented as an extension to an existing communication protocol. |
| US08615223B2 |
Setting mode of communication
A method in a communication system is disclosed. In the method a procedure for setting up a communication link between a first user equipment and a second user equipment via a communications network is initiated. Information regarding at least two modes of communication that can be used for communication via the communication link is signaled between the first and second user equipment. An indicator regarding a mode to be used for the communication is also signaled between the first user equipment and the second user equipment. After the signaling steps, a procedure for setting the mode of communication in accordance with the indicator is initiated in at least in one of the user equipment. According to an alternative embodiment signaling for reserving a possibility for at least tow different communication modes occurs between elements of the communication system. |
| US08615219B2 |
Voice over IP based biometric authentication
A receiver receives from a remote system a voice biometric sample from a party attempting to obtain a service from the apparatus using the remote system. A processor selectively determines when to request authentication of the party by a remote voice biometric system. A transmitter transmit a request to the party to provide the voice biometric sample responsive to the processor determining to request authentication of the party. The apparatus provides the service contingent upon authentication of the party by the remote voice biometric system. |
| US08615217B2 |
Methods, systems, and computer readable media for detecting and mitigating fraud in a distributed monitoring system that includes fixed-location monitoring devices
The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for detecting and mitigating fraud in a distributed monitoring system which includes fixed-location monitoring and communication devices. According to one aspect, a method for detecting and mitigating fraud includes receiving a signaling message that originates or appears to originate from a wireless communication device that is associated with a fixed-location management system that performs at least one of monitoring and control of a resource, wherein the wireless communication device is responsible for communicating information generated by the management system over a network. The method further includes determining whether the signaling message indicates an expected location of the wireless communication device and in response to a determination that the signaling message does not indicate an expected location of the wireless communication device, initiating a mitigating action. |
| US08615212B2 |
Direct conversion receiver architecture
A direct downconversion receiver architecture having a DC loop to remove DC offset from the signal components, a digital variable gain amplifier (DVGA) to provide a range of gains, an automatic gain control (AGC) loop to provide gain control for the DVGA and RF/analog circuitry, and a serial bus interface (SBI) unit to provide controls for the RF/analog circuitry via a serial bus. The DVGA may be advantageously designed and located as described herein. The operating mode of the VGA loop may be selected based on the operating mode of the DC loop, since these two loops interact with one another. The duration of time the DC loop is operated in an acquisition mode may be selected to be inversely proportional to the DC loop bandwidth in the acquisition mode. The controls for some or all of the RF/analog circuitry may be provided via the serial bus. |
| US08615209B1 |
Power control system for transmission chain in a transceiver
A transceiver is provided that has a power control system, which can internally control the current power level of a transmission signal within a physical uplink channel. The transceiver includes a transmitter circuit with a coupler, which generates a transmit feedback signal having a signal level associated with the current power level of the transmission signal. In this manner, the transceiver can internally detect the current power level of the transmission signal and accurately adjust the current power level based on transmission power control (TPC) information received from the base station. |
| US08615206B2 |
Method and system for a radio transmission emulator
The present invention relates to a method and system for a radio transmission emulator. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a radio transmission emulator system. The radio transmission emulator system includes a radio transmission emulator, an automobile, and/or a radio data analysis unit. The automobile can include a radio receiving unit. The radio transmission emulator generates a field simulation signal which simulates interferences. The field simulation signal is transmitted from the radio transmission emulator to the radio receiving unit. The radio receiving unit generates the radio data based on the field simulation signal. The radio data analysis unit analyzes the radio data to determine whether adjustments should be made to the radio receiving unit. |
| US08615203B2 |
Antenna selection
A communication device arranged to operate in accordance with a communication protocol in which a transmitting device is scheduled to commence a transmission at a time known in advance to the receiving device, includes at least two antennas and is arranged to select one of those antennas to receive a transmission from a transmitting device by, immediately before the transmitting device is scheduled to commence its transmission: assessing a quality of a signal received by means of a first one of the antennas; assessing a quality of a signal received by means of a second one of the antennas; and determining, based on the assessed quality of the signals received by means of the first and second antennas, the antenna to be used for receiving the transmission from the transmitting device. |
| US08615198B2 |
Method and apparatus for triggering multicell MIMO schemes in multiple antenna system
A method for triggering multicell MIMO schemes in a multiple antenna system includes transmitting, at a Mobile Station (MS), a first feedback information for single-cell closed-loop MIMO to a Base Station (BS); requesting, at the BS, Normalized Interference Power (NIP) feedback from the MS based on the first feedback information; feeding, at the MS, the NIP back to the BS; selecting, at the BS, a first NIP threshold and a second NIP threshold based on the NIP fed back from the MS; and requesting, at the MS, one of a first MIMO scheme and a second MIMO scheme by comparing the calculated first and second NIPs with the first NIP threshold and the second NIP threshold. |
| US08615193B2 |
Apparatus and method for restoring a transmission signal from a reception signal transmitted through a satellite communication device
Provided are a signal restoring apparatus that can restore a reception signal of a counterpart terminal and increase frequency band efficiency by estimating its own transmission signal from a reception signal transmitted from a counterpart terminal through a satellite communication device and removing the estimated transmission signal, and a method thereof. The signal restoring apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a transmitter transmitting a transmission signal to a satellite communication device; a band spread signal generator transmitting a band spread signal to the satellite communication device; a signal estimator estimating the transmission signal included in a reception signal transmitted from a counterpart terminal through the satellite communication device on the basis of the transmission signal and the band spread signal; and a signal remover removing the estimated transmission signal from the reception signal. |
| US08615190B2 |
System and method for allocating jamming energy based on three-dimensional geolocation of emitters
According to an embodiment of the present invention jamming energy is allocated to a plurality of emitters based on a three-dimensional (3-D) emitter geolocation technique that determines the geolocation of radio frequency (RF) emitters based on energy or received signal strength (RSS) and/or time differences of arrival (TDOAs) of transmitted signals. The three-dimensional (3-D) emitter geolocations are used to rank emitters of interest according to distance and available radio frequency (RF) jamming energy is allocated to the emitters in rank order. The techniques may be employed with small unmanned air vehicles (UAV), and obtains efficient use of jamming energy when applied to radio frequency (RF) emitters of interest. |
| US08615189B2 |
Image forming apparatus and image forming method
According to one embodiment, an image forming apparatus includes a mode setting section configured to set an operation mode in a manner that the image forming apparatus is operated in an erasing mode if an erasing operation is instructed, a supplying section configured to supply a medium on which the image formation is completed, and which is set in an designated or specified receiving section, a decoloring section configured to decolor the color of the formed image by carrying the medium to a heating section that includes at least heating and decoloring function, and a return section configured to return the operation mode to a predetermined mode except for the erasing mode from the erasing mode, when the last medium on which the image formation is completed and which is set in the receiving section is decolored. |
| US08615177B2 |
Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus includes: a first image forming unit configured to form an image on a sheet using a first colorant to be heat-fixed on the sheet; a second image forming unit configured to form an image on the sheet using a second colorant that is erasable by heating; and a fixing device arranged further on a downstream side in a sheet conveying direction than the first image forming unit and further on an upstream side in the sheet conveying direction than the second image forming unit and capable of executing fixing processing for heat-fixing the image, which is formed on the sheet by the first image forming unit, on the sheet and executing erasing processing for heating the sheet, on which the image is formed with the second colorant, to erasing temperature to thereby erase the second colorant on the sheet. |
| US08615174B2 |
Image forming apparatus capable of optimally controlling toner concentration of developer
An image forming apparatus includes a latent image carrier; an image information obtaining unit; a latent image forming unit; a developer carrier; a developing device to develop the latent image by adhering toner onto the latent image carried on a latent image carrier; a toner replenishing device to replenish toner to the developing device; and a controller to adjust a toner replenishment amount by controlling drive of the toner replenishing device based on the image information. When the drive of the developing device is stopped, information relating to unreplenished portion of the toner replenishment amount excluding the already replenished amount from the toner replenishment amount based on the image information is stored in a nonvolatile memory, and the drive of the toner replenishing device is controlled using the stored information relating to the unreplenished portion of the toner replenishment amount when the drive of the developing device is resumed. |
| US08615170B2 |
Method and system for one-way time transmission
A method of controlling a timing state of a local oscillator (17) being synchronized by a timing signal (ST1) provided through one-way transmission from a remote master oscillator (6) through a dielectric waveguide (4). The method comprises the steps of: receiving (101) a first timing signal (ST1) modulated on a first electromagnetic carrier having a first carrier wavelength (λ1) and transmitted through the dielectric waveguide (4); receiving (101) a second timing signal (ST2) modulated on a second electromagnetic carrier having a second carrier wavelength (λ2) different from the first carrier wavelength (λ1) and transmitted through the dielectric waveguide (4) together with the first timing signal (ST1); providing (102) a signal (Sdiff) indicative of a difference between a transmission time (T1) of the first timing signal (ST1) and a transmission time (T2) of the second timing signal (ST2) through the dielectric waveguide; and controlling (103) the timing state of the local oscillator (17) based on the first timing signal (ST1) and the signal (Sdiff) indicative of the difference between the transmission time (T1) of the first timing signal (ST1) and the transmission time (T2) of the second timing signal (ST2). |
| US08615163B2 |
Framework, system and method for rapid deployment of interactive applications
Systems and methods are disclosed that provide a framework, e.g., a Java®-based toolkit, that provides various levels of abstraction according to the needs of the designer. The abstraction levels are each associated with a set of packages that provide functionality suitable to the level. A user or designer accesses the level packages within the framework and employs the same to create a desired computer-readable media, e.g., a Blu-ray® disc or “BD”. Other aspects may provide corresponding or complementary functionality. For example, the framework abstracts drawing or graphics primitives to higher-level entities, allowing the same to be easily employed in the creation of arbitrary graphical elements. In another example, a business logic module may be employed which can be customized by using settings files. |
| US08615162B2 |
Content reproduction device
Provided is a content playback apparatus that generates a GUI corresponding to various pieces of restriction information to restrict playback of a content when displaying the GUI for causing a user to select a content to be played back, and that can respond to a new piece of restriction information. The content playback apparatus generates content lists for the various pieces of restriction, and generates a GUI which can display each content list for each piece of restriction information by switching. When a content to which the new piece of restriction information has been attached is added, setting information for the new piece of restriction information is obtained from a content distribution server and the like by referring to an ID attached to the content, or an ID of the restriction information having been attached to the content, and a content list for the newly obtained restriction information is generated and displayed. |
| US08615161B2 |
Optimizing recording space in digital video recording of television programs containing commercials
Recording television programs for future playback by enabling the user to record a plurality of programs that have sequential units of commercial content. There is sequential sensing for commercial content units. When a commercial content unit is reached, it is removed for separate storage. A determination is made as to whether the removed commercial content unit is the same as a previous commercial content unit that has been removed. Any previous commercial unit that has been removed has been stored in a file and a pointer to the file inserted in place of the commercial in the sequential stream of the television program being recorded. Thus, if the removed commercial unit has the same content, i.e. is a repeat of a previous commercial, the inserted pointer will point to the file of the previous commercial. |
| US08615160B2 |
Media player instance throttling
A method including loading multiple instances of a media player program to render respective media content in respective visible portions of a graphical user interface of a computing device, the graphical user interface associated with an additional program configured to render additional content, different than the media content, to the graphical user interface; determining that a first of the multiple instances of the media player program takes precedence over a second of the multiple instances of the media player program; and modifying an allocation, associated with processing media content by the second of the multiple instances of the media player program, in accordance with a rendering limitation associated with the computing device. |
| US08615155B2 |
Device and method for receiving video data packets
The invention relates to a device for receiving audio video data packets and corresponding method. According to said method, said packets received comprising an absolute time stamp showing the display time of said packets, said packets being intended to be displayed after their recording, or to be displayed directly following their reception. The device comprises an interface module with the display intended to respect, among other things, the display time of said packets. The device comprises: means for reformatting said packets intended to be displayed after recording in such a manner that these packets after they have been read are received by the interface module with the display in the same format as said packets intended to be displayed directly following their reception, said means for reformatting said packets modifying at least the time stamp of the packets intended for the recording. |
| US08615152B2 |
Optical branching device
An optical branching device suitable for branching optical fibers extracted through an access window cut in a sheath of an optical cable. The optical branching device includes a central channel configured to house a portion of the optical cable, at least one lateral channel which branches from the central channel and which is configured to house at least one of the optical fibers, and a housing suitable for receiving a fixing member for fixing the device to the optical cable. The housing is in a non-projecting position relative to the lateral channel along a longitudinal direction of the central channel. |
| US08615151B2 |
Lightguide arrangement and related applications
A lightguide arrangement including a substantially thin, lightguide for transporting and coupling light. At least one light source is coupled to the lightguide. A plurality of micro-optic surface relief forms are arranged on the lightguide. The lightguide is configured to produce one or more active indicative and/or decorative illumination effects via interaction between the one or more light sources and the plurality of micro-optic surface relief forms. A keypad assembly including the lightguide and uses of lightguide constructions. |
| US08615146B2 |
Planar optical waveguide
A planar optical waveguide including a clad layer, an optical waveguide having a core embedded in the clad layer; and a groove formed in the clad layer and having a reflection interface for totally reflecting a leaked light leaked from the optical waveguide to the clad layer. Since the reflection interface for totally reflecting the leaked light is formed in the clad layer, the leaked light is prevented from entering into the tap coupler, and the variation of the branching ratio can be reduced. |
| US08615145B2 |
Semiconductor device comprising a buried waveguide for device internal optical communication
In an integrated circuit device, such as a microprocessor, a device internal optical communication system is provided in order to enhance signal transfer capabilities while relaxing overall thermal conditions. Furthermore, the device internal optical data or signal transfer capabilities may result in superior operating speed and a high degree of design flexibility. The optical communication system may be applied as a chip internal system in single chip systems or as an inter-chip optical system in three-dimensional chip configurations provided in a single package. |
| US08615143B2 |
Optical arrangement for varying an imaging ratio or of a refractive power
Introduced is an optical arrangement for varying an imaging ratio and/or a refractive power including at least one optical axis, having at least two optical elements, which can be pivoted into and/or pivoted to and/or switched into and/or switched to the optical path, which encompass in each case a refractive power and an optical axis and the optical axes of which can in each case be made to be substantially congruent with the optical axis of the arrangement or are substantially congruent with the optical axis of the arrangement. The optical path between the optical elements, which can be pivoted into and/or pivoted to and/or switched into and/or switched to, undergoes at least one change in direction and/or vergence. |
| US08615140B2 |
Compression of image data in accordance with depth information of pixels
Compression of image data is provided. Image data is accessed, along with depth information for pixels of an image. A distance from a region of focus for pixels of the image is determined, by calculations that use the depth information. A bit rate for compression of the image data is controlled in accordance with the distance from the region of focus, such that more bits are used for pixels closer to the region of focus and fewer bits are used for pixels farther from the region of focus. |
| US08615138B2 |
Image compression using sub-resolution images
Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture for image compression and decompression using sub-resolution images are disclosed. Compressing of images includes, determining a plurality of entropy code sets based upon statistically similar regions in the input image, generating one or more sub-resolution images including a first sub-resolution image comprising the plurality of entropy code sets, encoding the input image using the generated one or more sub-resolution images to control one or more compression parameters including an entropy code, and outputting the encoded input image and the generated one or more sub-resolution images as a compressed entropy coded image file. Decompressing of images include, decomposing an image file to access the encoded compressed input image and respective sub-resolution images for each of a plurality of compression parameters, and decoding the encoded compressed input image using the respective sub-resolution images to control each of the plurality of compression parameters. |
| US08615133B2 |
Process for enhancing images based on user input
An imaging or data processing method using statistical analysis to determine features of interest in an image or data set. Particular implementations of the imaging or data processing methods relate to refining the results of an image processing method using iterative examination of posterior probabilities or external feedback. |
| US08615132B2 |
Device and method for processing digital images captured by a binary image sensor
A method for processing image data comprises determining a set of parameters based on a binary digital image) such that said set of parameters comprises information about the density of white and/or black pixels of a first group of pixels of said binary digital image), and information about the density of white and/or black pixels of a second group of pixels of said binary digital image. |
| US08615123B2 |
Coin identification method and apparatus
A coin identification method and apparatus capable of reliably acquiring stable two-dimensional images of both surfaces of coins 217, and using the acquired two-dimensional images to perform identification and discrimination, reliably and at high speed, between coin denomination, types, dates and origins of mint. In a coin pathway, imaging devices 207a,b are positioned at an image-capture position such that images above and below the surface of passing coins are captured under illumination. The coin denomination is identified by geometric measurements of enhanced images, the coin type is identified by matching templates to enhanced images, and the coin date and mint are identified using template matching to segmented sub-images. In one embodiment, the coin identification information is used for the promotion of a coin counting service. The results are displayed in an entertaining and engaging manner. |
| US08615122B2 |
Method for reduction of the radiation dose used within the framework of an X-ray imaging examination and CT system
A method and an X-ray system are disclosed for reduction of the radiation dose used within the framework of an imaging X-ray examination. In at least one embodiment, for each pixel of a recorded image, structure information of a structure which may be present at a distance around the examined pixel is determined and a direction-dependent lowpass filter is applied to the pixel examined in each case, which filter's spatial coverage is less than the distance and which takes into account the morphological information of a structure which may be present with a direction-dependent weighting of the lowpass filter. |
| US08615121B2 |
Reconstruction of projection data to generate tomographic images having improved frequency characteristics
Algorithms are disclosed that recombine acquired data so as to generate a substantially uniform and complete set of frequency data where frequency data might otherwise be incomplete. This process, or its equivalent, may be accomplished in a computationally efficient manner using filtering steps in one or both of the reconstruction space and/or the post-processing space. |
| US08615120B2 |
Spectral imaging
A system includes an image estimator (128) that generates estimated native image data from data acquired when a K-edge material is present in a scanned region during data acquisition, wherein the estimated native image data is indicative of native image data generated from data acquired when the K-edge material is not present in the scanned region during the data acquisition. |
| US08615119B2 |
Image enhancement and application functionality for medical and other uses
The disclosure herein provides beneficial systems, methods, devices, and apparatuses that enhance and/or analyze images, and that can be configured to provide users an assessment and/or recommendation based on the enhanced and/or analyzed images. In an embodiment related to medicine, the assessment and/or recommendation is based on a patient situation, dimensions of patient organs/lumens, or the like in order to achieve personalized medicine. |
| US08615118B2 |
Techniques for tomographic image by background subtraction
Techniques for background subtraction in computed tomography include determining voxels in a slice of interest in a three dimensional computed tomography scan of the interior of a body based on a first set of measurements of radiation transmitted through the body. Based on the first set of measurements, a first background image for radiation transmitted through the body in a first direction is determined without the effects of the voxels in the slice of interest. A current image is determined based on a different current measurement of radiation transmitted through the body in the first direction. A first difference is determined between the current image and the first background image. The result is a high contrast image in the slice of interest even from a single current projection image. |
| US08615116B2 |
Combined multi-detector CT angiography and CT myocardial perfusion imaging for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease
A computed tomography system has a support stage constructed and arranged to support a subject while under observation, an x-ray illumination system arranged proximate the support stage to illuminate the subject with x-rays, an x-ray detection system arranged proximate the support stage to detect x-rays after they pass through the subject and to provide signals based on the detected x-rays, and a data processing system in communication with the x-ray detection system to receive the signals from the x-ray detection system. The computed tomography system has a dynamic mode of operation and a scanning mode of operation. The data processing system extracts information concerning a dynamic process of the subject based on signals from both the dynamic mode and the scanning mode of operation. |
| US08615105B1 |
Object tracking system
A method, apparatus, and computer program product for tracking objects. A number of objects is detected in an image to form a number of detected objects. A number of previously identified objects is searched for in the image using a number of signatures for the number of previously identified objects. A number of tracks for the objects is updated using the number of detected objects and a number of reidentified objects. The number of reidentified objects is from searching for the number of previously identified objects. |
| US08615103B2 |
Method and system for embedding and extracting image digital watermark
The present invention provides a method and a system for embedding and extracting an image digital watermark. The method includes: performing a DWT on an original carrier digital image to obtain two intermediate frequency coefficient matrixes; firstly performing a DCT on one of the two intermediate frequency coefficient matrixes, then performing the DWT, and then selecting an obtained low frequency coefficient matrix as a first low frequency coefficient matrix; performing the DWT on another intermediate frequency coefficient matrix, and then selecting an obtained low frequency coefficient matrix as a second low frequency coefficient matrix; and adjusting magnitude of a first frequency coefficient and a second frequency coefficient according to watermark values to be embedded at said embedment locations to make a magnitude relationship between two adjusted low frequency coefficients comply with a corresponding relationship between a preset embedded value and a magnitude relationship between the two low frequency coefficients. |
| US08615099B2 |
Transparent speaker and display module integrating the same
A transparent speaker is suitable for being disposed on a display panel. The transparent speaker includes a transparent membrane, a transparent electrode plate, and spacers. Each transparent electrode plate has a plurality of openings. The display panel includes a plurality of pixels. The pixels emit optical signals. A Moire spatial period of the optical signals is less than 600 μm after the optical signals pass through the transparent speaker. When the transparent speaker is disposed on the display panel, a user is able to watch an image on the display panel through the transparent speaker without being interfered by a Moire. |
| US08615098B2 |
Loudspeaker box and mobile terminal device
The present disclosure discloses a loudspeaker box, including a foam, a loudspeaker and a box having an opening of the box. The loudspeaker is internally placed inside the box through the opening of the box, an outer surface of the loudspeaker is aligned to an edge of the opening of the box, a gap is set between the loudspeaker and the opening of the box, and a bottom portion of the loudspeaker abuts against the bottom portion of the box; and the foam is annularly covered on the gap between the loudspeaker and the opening of the box, such that the integral thickness of the loudspeaker box is reduced. |
| US08615097B2 |
Waveguide electroacoustical transducing
A loudspeaker assembly, including an acoustic waveguide; an acoustic driver mounted in the waveguide so that a first surface radiates sound waves into the waveguide so that the sound waves are radiated from the waveguide; and an acoustic volume acoustically coupled to the acoustic waveguide for increasing the amplitude of the sound waves radiated from the acoustic waveguide. |
| US08615088B2 |
Method and an apparatus for processing an audio signal using preset matrix for controlling gain or panning
An apparatus for processing an audio signal and method thereof are disclosed. The present invention includes an audio signal receiving unit receiving the audio signal including at least one object; a preset metadata receiving unit receiving preset metadata from preset information; a preset rendering data receiving unit obtaining preset matrix from the preset information; a display unit displaying the preset metadata; an input unit receiving command for selecting one of the preset metadata; and an object adjusting unit adjusting output level of the object according to the output channel by using the preset matrix corresponding to the selected preset metadata.Accordingly, without user's setting for each object, if preset metadata to be applied to an audio signal is selected with reference to preset metadata and preset matrix, levels of objects included in the audio signal can be easily adjusted using preset rendering data corresponding to the selected preset metadata. |
| US08615082B1 |
System for real-time streaming of well logging data with self-aligning satellites
A system for real-time streaming of drilling data from a drilling rig using satellites, wherein the system includes client devices for transmitting the drilling data. Radio boxes can be disposed around the drilling rig and can form a local area network for connecting with the client devices. A router and switch can be connected to the local area network for receiving and transmitting the drilling data. A processor and data storage can be configured to receive the drilling data and form well logging data for transmission to the router and switch. A modem in communication with the router and switch can send the drilling data to satellite dishes. A server positioned apart from the drilling rig can receive drilling data and from well logs and executive dashboards. The server can stream the drilling data, well logs, and executive dashboard in real-time to remote client devices. |
| US08615081B2 |
Secure key creation
Key creation includes sending a first public key part from a first system to a second system, receiving a second public key part sent by the second system to the first system and establishing a first secret material in the first system using the first and second public key parts, wherein the first secret material is identical to a second secret material established on the second system using the first and second key parts. Key creation also includes binding key control information to the first secret material in the first system, wherein the key control information includes information relating to key type and key management and deriving a first key material from the combination of the key control information and the first secret material, wherein the first key material is identical to a second key material derived by the second system. |
| US08615078B2 |
Method and apparatus for processing F-function in seed encryption system
An apparatus for processing an F-function in a SEED encryption system includes: an arithmetic operation masking conversion unit for converting a logical operation mask value obtained by performing a logical operation of a SEED F-function input value and a random mask value into an arithmetic operation mask value; and a masking G-function unit for taking the arithmetic operation mask value from the arithmetic operation masking conversion unit as an input and producing an arithmetic operation output. |
| US08615077B2 |
Portable electronic device
A portable electronic device including a first section, a second section and a connecting section. The first section has a user input section and a first tubular housing member. The first tubular housing member forms a majority of opposite exterior lateral sides of the first section. The second section has a display and a second tubular housing member. The second tubular housing member forms a majority of opposite exterior lateral sides of the second section. The connecting section movably connects the second section with the first section. The first tubular housing member at least partially houses the user input section. The second tubular housing member at least partially houses the display. |
| US08615071B2 |
Message identification, correlation, recipient authentication, and reception confirmation in multi-event and multi-media environments
A generic approach for identifying, authenticating, and correlating a received massage with a particular event and a particular recipient, regardless of the number of events, number of recipients and types of media used for the originally sent message, is achieved by the inclusion of a unique ID embedded in each originally sent message. Upon receipt of an incoming reply message, a parser extracts the unique ID information provided by the recipient from the message for correlation of the incoming message with the associated sent message. |
| US08615067B2 |
Method and apparatus for scanning objects in transit
A method and apparatus for identifying hazardous material or potential dangers. The method and apparatus is directed to a non-destructive, non-intrusive scanning system that uses a dual energy x-ray scanning apparatus to transmit and display data within a computer system. The software within the computer system provides for scan data transfer, a cataloging of image data and real time analytics. The real time analytics will find data from a watch list and correlate the data to the scan; it will also compare the scan data to a reference library, and it will additionally perform advanced pattern correlations to look for unusual and or suspicious patterns. |
| US08615064B2 |
Phase locked loop circuit and receiver using the same
A phase locked loop circuit which obtains an output signal coincident in frequency and phase with a target signal which is acquired by multiplying the frequency of a reference signal by a ratio represented by the sum of a first fraction and a second fraction, the circuit includes a controlled oscillator including the same number of stages of annularly connected amplifiers as a number which is obtained by dividing, by 2, a least common multiple of a denominator of the first fraction, a denominator of the second fraction and 2, the same number of multiphase signals as the least common multiple being extractable from the controlled oscillator, the frequency of the multiphase signals being controlled by a digital control signal and an analog control signal, one of the multiphase signals being output as the output signal. |
| US08615062B2 |
Adaptation using error signature analysis in a communication system
Described embodiments provide method of adapting pulse response taps of a receiver. An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) generates an ADC value for each bit sample of a received signal. An error signature analysis (ESA) module defines a window of bit samples and, for the window, estimates a bit value corresponding to each sample based on the ADC value. The ESA module generates (i) a reconstructed ADC value corresponding to an estimated cursor bit based on a number of pre-cursor estimated bits, the estimated cursor bit, and a number of post-cursor estimated bits, and (ii) an error signature value based on the reconstructed ADC value and the ADC value. Based on the error signature value and a minimum pulse response value, it is determined whether the cursor bit corresponds to residual inter-symbol interference (ISI), and, if so, the error signature value is accumulated and tap values for each pulse response tap are adapted. |
| US08615061B2 |
Method and apparatus for cross polarization and cross satellite interference cancellation
A method and apparatus in which a Tap-Weight Computer (TWC) calculates a Tap-Weight Vector (TWV) are provided. The TWV is coupled to a register in an adaptive filter module. Each adaptive filter module includes several adaptive filters that each include a tapped delay line. The input to the tapped delay line is one of a plurality of potential interfering signals. The TWV controls the weighting of the outputs from the taps off the delay line. The weighted outputs from each tapped delay line are subtracted from a received signal which potentially includes interference from the potential interfering signals. The TWC is multiplexed to each of the plurality of adaptive filters so that each adaptive filter is loaded with a TWV calculated by the TWC to reduce the amount of interference contributed by a particular potential interfering signal coupled to an input to that particular adaptive filter. |
| US08615054B2 |
Close-loop power amplifier pre-distortion correction
Attenuation is provided at the output of a power amplifier that provides transmitted signals or packets. The attenuation particularly provides separation of linear and non linear behavior of the signals. A reference packet is transmitted during attenuation. A normal packet is delivered without attenuation. Feedback from the reference packet can be extracted using the normal packet to calculate a loop-back response that is extracted and sent to a power amplifier pre-distortion correction algorithm. |
| US08615046B2 |
Mobile communication system, transmission apparatus, receiving apparatus and method
A transmission apparatus for transmitting an uplink control signal by using a predetermined number of basic frequency blocks in a plurality of basic frequency blocks, wherein a system band is divided into a plurality of bands by a basic frequency block having a predetermined bandwidth, includes: a mapping unit configured to map control information to subcarriers in a basic frequency block in a given subframe; an inverse Fourier transform unit configured to perform inverse Fourier transform on a signal to which the control information is mapped; and a radio transmission unit configured to transmit a transmission signal, to a receiving apparatus by radio, including a signal on which inverse Fourier transform has been performed. In a subframe subsequent to the given subframe, the mapping unit maps the control information to subcarriers in a basic frequency block of a band different from a band of the basic frequency block in the given subframe. |
| US08615045B2 |
Apparatus and method for playout scheduling in voice over internet protocol (VoIP) system
A method and an apparatus for playout scheduling in a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system are provided. The method includes acquiring Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) samples by decoding a received packet; setting a first scale ratio according to a length of PCM samples stored in a playout buffer based on a preset scale ratio table; setting a second scale ratio by predicting a packet delay; setting a final scale ratio using the first scale ratio and the second scale ratio; and adjusting the length of the acquired PCM samples at the final scale ratio. |
| US08615044B2 |
Adaptive thresholding of 3D transform coefficients for video denoising
In one method embodiment, receiving matched frames; forward transforming co-located blocks of the matched frames; and thresholding the transformed co-located blocks corresponding to a subset of the matched frames in at least one iteration. |
| US08615035B2 |
Method and apparatus for block-wise decision-feedback equalization for wireless communication
Techniques for performing decision feedback equalization are described. A feed-forward filter response and a feedback filter response are derived based on a channel estimate and a reliability parameter and further without constraint on the feedback filter response or with a constraint of no feedback for an on-time sample. The reliability parameter is indicative of the reliability of the feedback used for equalization and may be frequency dependent or frequency invariant. Different feed-forward and feedback filter responses may be derived with different constraints on the feedback filter and different assumptions for the reliability parameter. Equalization is performed with the feed-forward and feedback filter responses. If equalization is performed for multiple iterations then, for each iteration, the reliability parameter may be updated, the feed-forward and feedback filter responses may be derived based on the updated reliability parameter, and equalization may be performed with the filter responses for the iteration. |
| US08615029B2 |
Optical device
A laser diode is configured with a substrate delimited by opposite AR and HR reflectors and a gain region. The gain region bridges the portions of the respective AR and HR reflectors and is configured with a main resonant cavity and at least one side resonant cavity. The main resonant cavity spans between the portions of the respective reflectors, and at least one additional resonant cavity extends adjacent to the main resonator cavity. The gain region is configured so that stimulated emission is generated only in the main resonant cavity. Accordingly, the laser diode is operative to radiate a high-power output beam emitted through the portion of the AR reflector which is dimensioned to shape the output beam with the desired near-field. |
| US08615027B2 |
Laser diode, optical disk device and optical pickup
A laser diode capable of performing self-pulsation operation, and capable of sufficiently reducing the coherence of laser light and stably obtaining low-noise laser light is provided. A laser diode includes: a laser chip including at least one laser stripe which extends in a resonator length direction between a first end surface and a second end surface opposed to each other, in which the laser stripe includes a gain region and a saturable absorption region in the resonator length direction, and the width of the laser stripe in the saturable absorption region is larger than the width of the laser stripe in the gain region. |
| US08615026B2 |
Method of manufacturing semiconductor optical device, method of manufacturing semiconductor optical laser element, and semiconductor optical device
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor optical device including a semiconductor layer includes: forming a semiconductor layer; forming a first dielectric film on a first region of a surface of the semiconductor layer; forming a second dielectric film on a second region of the surface of the semiconductor layer, the second dielectric film having a density higher than that of the first dielectric film; and performing a thermal treatment in a predetermined temperature range after the second dielectric film forming, wherein within the temperature range, as the temperature is lowered, a difference increases between a bandgap in the semiconductor layer below the second dielectric film and a bandgap in the semiconductor layer below the first dielectric film due to the thermal treatment. |
| US08615025B2 |
Method and system for hybrid integration of a tunable laser
A tunable laser includes a substrate comprising a silicon material and a gain medium coupled to the substrate. The gain medium includes a compound semiconductor material. The tunable laser also includes a waveguide disposed in the substrate and optically coupled to the gain medium, a first wavelength selective element characterized by a first reflectance spectrum and disposed in the substrate, and a second wavelength selective element characterized by a second reflectance spectrum and disposed in the substrate. The tunable laser further includes an optical coupler disposed in the substrate and joining the first wavelength selective element, the second wavelength selective element, and the waveguide and an output mirror. |
| US08615024B2 |
Data transmission method in sensor network
Provided is a data transmission method of a plurality of sending nodes in a sensor network. In the data transmission method, data is generated to be transmitted to a receiving node, respectively. Headers of the generated data are transmitted to the receiving node, respectively, in response to a Wake-up Notification Message (WNM) from the receiving node. A Grant Notification Message (GNM) for selecting one of the plurality of sending nodes is received from the receiving node. The plurality of sending nodes transmit a payload of the generated data according to the GNM, or switch into sleep mode without data transmission. |
| US08615022B2 |
Client/server adaptation scheme for communications traffic
A communications network provides a carrier Ethernet service without requiring the client signal to be identified by an Ethertype in a carrier Ethernet frame. A plurality of differing types of client signals can thus be encapsulated within the same carrier Ethernet service channel by using a generic framing procedure adaptation layer. The client signals are adapted for encapsulation within the carrier Ethernet frames by mapping the client signal within a generic framing procedure adaptation layer signal and then by mapping the generic framing procedure adaptation layer signal into the carrier Ethernet signal. As the client signal is identified within said generic framing procedure signal only a generic framing signal Ethertype is required. The mapping protocol enables a single Ethernet frame to carry a plurality of client signals. |
| US08615019B1 |
Enhanced utilization of evolution data only resources
A method for enhanced utilization of EVDO resources. The method includes receiving, at a control node and from an access terminal, a request for a UATI. Upon receiving the request, the control node references a database to determine whether the access terminal has been identified as subscribing to an EVDO service. If not, the access terminal is not assigned a valid UATI. |
| US08615012B2 |
Circuit and method for operating a node in a radio network
A circuit and a method for operating a node in a radio network, whereby nodes of the same radio network have a common network ID and each node individually is assigned a node ID, wherein during the reception of a current packet by a receiving circuit of the node, an address contained in the packet is determined, wherein reception of the current packet is continued when the determined address agrees with the network ID of the node and the node ID of the node, and wherein during reception of the current packet, the reception of the current packet is terminated and the receiving circuit is controlled based on a case decision, when the determined address does not agree with the network ID of the node or the node ID of the node. |
| US08615005B2 |
System and method for placing a call using a local access number shared by multiple users
The present document describes a method and system for placing a call through an Internet Protocol (IP) network, from a contact voice interface device for use by a contact user located in a first geographical area, to a subscribed voice interface device for use by a subscribed user located in a second geographical area, each geographical area defined by an area in which a local call can be made. The method comprises: assigning a local access phone number to the first geographical area; the contact user initiating a first leg of the call, from the contact voice interface device to a first IP switch, by dialing the local access phone number using the contact voice interface device; the contact user providing an identity of the subscribed voice interface device to which the call is to be completed; transmitting the identity from the first IP switch to a second IP switch via the IP network, the second IP switch associated with the identity of the subscribed voice interface device provided; the second IP switch establishing a second leg of the call at a local calling rate to the subscribed voice interface; and bridging the first leg of the call to the second leg of the call through the IP network, thereby completing the call from the contact voice interface device to the subscribed voice interface device through the IP network. |
| US08615004B1 |
Method and apparatus for supporting on-net VoIP calls for cellular service subscribers
A method and apparatus for enabling a subscriber of VoIP services to register a cellular phone as an on-net device with a defined interface to the VoIP network are disclosed. The present method enables calls placed between originating and terminating subscribers using registered cellular phones to be rerouted between the cellular networks and the VoIP network for call establishment. |
| US08614988B2 |
Method for performing a rich call capability indication in a mobile communication system
The invention relates to a method for establishing a circuit switched call between a first electronic device and a second electronic device over a circuit switched communication system, exchanging of capabilities of the first electronic device and the second electronic device, establishing a media component between the first electronic device and the second electronic device over a packet switched communication system. In the method also radio access network information is obtained to the first electronic device. The first electronic device requests an in-band signal to the second electronic device for indicating an availability of a type of the media component. The second electronic device detects the in-band signal in the second electronic device and indicates the availability of the type of the media component on a user interface of the second electronic device. |
| US08614986B2 |
Ranging by mobile station in legacy support mode
Ranging by a mobile station in a legacy support mode is disclosed. According to embodiments of the present invention, S-SFH information transmitted by a base station in a system operating in FDM based uplink mixed mode is configured in a manner different from that of the FDM based uplink mixed mode. And, a mobile station performs a ranging by interpreting S-SFH differently according to a presence or non-presence of the mixed mode. Therefore, the present invention efficiently manages the ranging of the mobile station and reduces unnecessary signaling overhead. |
| US08614982B2 |
Network apparatus, communication apparatus, communication control method, and communication control system
A network station stores therein a frame scheduling table including a plurality of pieces of scheduling information obtained by scheduling, in advance, transmission/reception timing of wireless frames that are transmitted/received by wireless communication terminals each of which is configured so as to implement a plurality of wireless communication methods, while using a wireless communication method corresponding to the network side and while using a wireless communication method corresponding to the local side. When the network station receives a notification indicating that a radio wave interference is detected, from any of the wireless communication terminals managed by the network station, the network station changes the frame scheduling information currently assigned to the wireless communication terminal being the transmission source of the notification indicating that the radio wave interference is detected. |
| US08614981B2 |
Reporting of channel information to support coordinated multi-point data transmission
Techniques for reporting channel information are described. In one aspect, a plurality of channel information reporting modes are available to a user equipment (UE) for reporting channel information for coordinated multi-point (CoMP) data transmission. The UE may determine a first channel information reporting mode to use, determine first channel information related to at least one cell in a CoMP measurement set of the UE, and send the first channel information in accordance with the first channel information reporting mode to one or more cells in the CoMP measurement set. The UE may also determine a second channel information reporting mode to use, determine second channel information related to multiple cells in the CoMP measurement set, and send the second channel information in accordance with the second channel information reporting mode. A plurality of channel feedback configurations may be supported, including a single-stage, a two-stage, and/or a one-shot channel configurations. |
| US08614980B2 |
Method of transmitting broadcast message in a mobile communication system
A method of transmitting a broadcast message using a Forward Common Control Channel (F-CCCH) in a wireless communication system is disclosed. More specifically, a base station determines whether a periodic enhanced broadcast page is enabled or disabled, and then transmits at least one broadcast message via a first slot of a broadcast paging cycle of the F-CCCH if determined that the periodic enhanced broadcast page is enabled. |
| US08614979B2 |
Techniques for high mobility communications
Techniques for high mobility communications are described. An apparatus may comprise a fixed device having a zone management module operative to perform mobility zone classification for multiple mobile devices in a mobile communications system. The zone management module operative assigns the mobile devices to different mobility zones based on a spectral characterization parameter for each mobile device. The spectral characterization parameter represents a type of operating environment for the mobile device. The zone management module may allocate resources to the mobile devices based on the assigned mobility zones. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08614978B2 |
Apparatus, method and article of manufacture
There is provided a method including performing frequency domain acknowledgement/negative acknowledgement (ACK/NAK) bundling across component carriers within a user equipment reception bandwidth; generating a bundled ACK/NAK value corresponding to at least one code word on the basis of the performed ACK/NAK bundling; and including information relating to the generated bundled ACK/NAK value and the number of detected downlink grants within the user equipment reception bandwidth in an ACK/NAK resource to be transmitted on an uplink control channel. |
| US08614968B1 |
Mobile device user interface notification management
A portable electronic device is provided. The portable electronic device comprises a processor, a memory, a display, and a first application stored in the memory that, when executed by the processor, receives indications of a plurality of events. The application also stores event information associated with the events in the memory, and when a user interface of a second application that is presented on the display is navigated away from, presents an announcement about one of the stored event information on the display. |
| US08614966B1 |
Wireless communication device that determines per-resource data call efficiency metrics
A wireless communication device wirelessly initiates data calls to access data channels in a wireless network. The wireless communication device wirelessly transfers data requests indicating a plurality of Uniform Resource Locators, and in response, wirelessly receives user data over the data channels. The wireless communication device determines performance data on a per-URL basis indicating if the data requests utilize existing data channels to receive the user data or if the data requests initiate new data calls to obtain new data channels to receive the user data. The wireless communication device processes the performance data to determine data call efficiency metrics on a per-URL basis. |
| US08614965B2 |
Packet loss frequency measuring system, packet loss frequency measuring method, and program
In a system, there is provided a packet information registration section for selecting one of the plurality of packet information storage areas upon receiving a packet and storing, in the selected packet information storing area, information corresponding to the field values including at least the acknowledgment number in the received packet, and a counting section for counting the number of pieces of information commonly stored in packet information storage areas equal in number two or more than a predetermined number. |
| US08614964B1 |
Specification of forward-link rate control based on neighbor load
A method and system is disclosed for forward-link data-rate request determination based on neighbor load. An access terminal in a wireless communication system that includes a plurality of base stations will determine an initial requested forward-link data rate by measuring a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the forward link from its serving base station. The access terminal will then use information indicative of forward-link traffic load of its neighboring base stations to modify its initial determination, whereby the access terminal will increase its initial determination if the average forward-link traffic load of its neighboring base stations is below a threshold load. The access terminal will then transit its forward-link data-rate request (initial or increased) to its serving base station. |
| US08614960B2 |
Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data by using time slicing
Provided is a data transmission method using time slicing, the method includes: generating a plurality of transmission frames by realigning a plurality of pieces of data of a same layer among data of a plurality of original frames classified in a hierarchical structure based on a resolution; and transmitting the plurality of transmission frames according to a transmission order based on the hierarchical structure. |
| US08614958B2 |
Systems and methods of snooping connectivity fault messages to configure maintenance end point for alarm suppression messages
According to one embodiment, a method may include a given maintenance end point receiving connectivity fault management (CFM) messages (e.g., CCMs) at the provisioned maintenance level of the maintenance end point. Additionally the method may also include snooping CFM messages at maintenance levels higher the provisioned maintenance level of the given maintenance end point and storing the configuration information necessary for transmitting alarm indication suppression message from the lowest higher-level CFM message snooped across the maintenance end point. The method may further include a timeout of the stored information if transmission of the higher-level CFM messages cease. The method may include snooping these higher-level CFM messages in either direction and also include the ability to display the higher-level CFM information to an operator through a user-interface. |
| US08614957B2 |
Extension connection method and route selection device
When receiving an extension connection request from a first mobile terminal, a first route selection device selects a first extension connection route from among a plurality of extension connection routes and transmits the type of the first extension connection route and calling-side address information used on the first extension connection route to a second route selection device. The second route selection device selects a second extension connection route from among the plurality of extension connection routes and transmits the type of the second extension connection route and called-side address information used on the second extension connection route to the first route selection device. If the second extension connection route coincides with the first extension connection route, an extension connection is established between the first mobile terminal and the second mobile terminal via the first extension connection route. |
| US08614952B2 |
Efficient propagation of link state advertisements in densely interconnected OSPF networks
A method for efficient propagation of link state advertisements in densely interconnected OSPF networks is disclosed for reducing the number of duplicate LSAs propagated during a flooding event. The efficient propagation method includes calculating an LSA propagation subgraph which is used by a node which receives an LSA to determine which links to propagate the LSA upon. This allows a significant reduction in the LSAs which traverse the network during a flooding event. The reduction in LSAs is particularly useful for reducing network convergence times associated with flooding events. In addition, a system is disclosed for performing the method in both a centralized and dispersed manner. |
| US08614951B2 |
Guaranteed bandwidth sharing in a traffic shaping system
In one aspect the invention provides a method for allocating bandwidth in a network appliance where the network appliance includes a plurality of guaranteed bandwidth buckets used to evaluate when to pass traffic through the network appliance. The method includes providing a shared bandwidth bucket associated with a plurality of the guaranteed bandwidth buckets, allocating bandwidth to the shared bandwidth bucket based on the underutilization of bandwidth in the plurality of guaranteed bandwidth buckets and sharing excess bandwidth developed from the underutilization of the guaranteed bandwidth allocated to the individual guaranteed bandwidth buckets. The step of sharing includes borrowing bandwidth from the shared bandwidth bucket by a respective guaranteed bandwidth bucket to allow traffic to pass immediately through the network appliance. |
| US08614946B1 |
Dynamic switch port monitoring
Disclosed are methods and system to dynamically monitor a number of switching ports of a networking device. In one embodiment, a system is disclosed to monitor network traffic comprising a switch port monitoring device comprising a real-time processor, a packet data processor, a packet queue and a storage device. The system also comprises one or more switches coupled to the switch port monitoring device, where at least one of the switches comprising a switch processor, a switch fabric, one or more ingress/egress ports coupled to the switch fabric, and one or more uplink ports coupling the switch packet to the packet queue of the switch port monitoring device. |
| US08614942B2 |
Packet switching system and method
A packet switching system capable of ensuring the sequence and continuity of packets and further compensating for delays in transmission is disclosed. Each of two redundant switch sections has a high-priority queue and a low-priority queue for each of output ports. A high-priority output selector selects one of two high-priority queues corresponding to respective ones of the two switch sections to store an output of the selected one into a high-priority output queue. A low-priority output selector selects one of two low-priority queues corresponding to respective ones of the two switch sections to store an output of the selected one into a low-priority output queue. The high-priority and low-priority output selectors are controlled depending on a system switching signal and a packet storing status of each of the high-priority and low-priority queues. |
| US08614939B2 |
Method and apparatus for crosstalk channel estimation
A method and apparatus for crosstalk channel estimation based on a measured signal-to-noise (SNR) of a loaded line. The method for channel estimation includes: loading, on a newly added line K, a combination of K−1 signals sent on lines 1 to K−1; obtaining a measured SNR of the line K loaded with the combination of the K−1 signals sent on the lines 1 to K−1; and calculating crosstalk channels of the line K according to K−1 coefficients of the K−1 signals sent on the lines 1 to K−1 and the measured SNR. Embodiments of the present invention may be used for relevant network communications systems such as xDSL systems. |
| US08614938B2 |
Objective lens unit, optical pickup, and optical information apparatus
An objective lens unit according to the present invention includes a first objective lens 41; and a first lens holder 2 for supporting the first objective lens 41. The first lens holder 2 is formed of a material which transmits ultraviolet. Preferably, the first lens holder 2 includes a through-hole, having first and second openings 2a and 2b, through which light incident on the first objective lens 41 passes, and an opening limiting section 3 provided along a circumferential direction of the through-hole and projecting toward a central axis of the through-hole. The first objective lens 41 is supported so as to block the first opening 2b. The opening limiting section 3 guides light incident thereon from the second opening 2a in a direction away from an optical axis of the first objective lens. |
| US08614934B1 |
Method for characterization evaluation of thermally-assisted magnetic recording device
Using a thermally-assisted magnetic recording device, a reference signal is recorded to a magnetic recording medium. After heating each of first and second heating points, where the first and second heating point being positioned respectively at inner and outer sides along a track width direction with respect to a track width center point of a recording bit where the reference signal is recorded, the reproducing signal intensity of the reference signal is measured. Then, obtaining a maximum distance between the first heating point and the second heating point when a reproducing signal intensity measurement value of the reference signal after the magnetic recording medium is heated is approximately zero. Based on the maximum distance, a characterization of the thermally-assisted magnetic recording device is evaluated. |
| US08614932B1 |
Thermally-assisted magnetic recording head having a plasmon generator
A plasmon generator has a near-field light generating part located between an end face of a main pole located in a medium facing surface and an end face of a shield located in the medium facing surface. A waveguide has a core having a front end face facing toward the medium facing surface. The front end face has first and second end portions located at opposite ends in the direction of travel of a recording medium. The first end portion is located closer to the near-field light generating part than is the second end portion. Either a main pole or a shield overlaps only a region of the front end face of the core when viewed in a direction perpendicular to the medium facing surface, the region extending from a midpoint position between the first and second end portions to the first end portion. |
| US08614928B2 |
Wireless data acquisition system and method using self-initializing wireless modules
Presented are systems and methods for deploying wireless data acquisition modules that facilitate autonomous initialization. The wireless data acquisition modules may initiate a initialization process in response to a stimulus associated with being deployed. The wireless data acquisition module may further conduct a neighbor discovery process and in turn establish a data transfer path among one or more other wireless data acquisition modules. Further, information obtained during a series of autonomous tests may be communicated during the neighbor discovery process and the establishment of the data transfer path may at least in part be based on the information obtained in the autonomous tests. |
| US08614927B2 |
Current leakage reduction
This description relates to a circuit including a bit line. The circuit further includes at least one memory bank. The at least one memory bank includes at least one memory cell, a first device configured to provide a current path between the bit line and the at least one memory cell when the at least one memory cell is activated, and a second device configured to reduce current leakage between the bit line and the at least one memory cell when the at least one memory cell is deactivated. The circuit further includes a tracking device configured to receive a mirror current substantially equal to a current along the current path, the tracking device configured to have a resistance substantially equal to a cumulative resistance of all memory cells of the at least one memory cell. |
| US08614920B2 |
Method and apparatus for logic read in flash memory
The timing of logic read operations in a Flash memory device may be improved by a pad serial output circuit which receives a pre-decoded instruction signal and pre-fetched logic data prior to the last command clock, and which performs a fast resolution of the command in the pad serial output circuit on the last clock of the command input sequence. In one illustratively implementation, instruction pre-decode and data pre-fetch may be done on the seventh clock during command input. In another illustrative implementation, a first instruction pre-decode and data pre-fetch may be done on the fourth clock during command input, and a second instruction pre-decode may be done on the seventh clock during command input. Both serial protocol interface, including dual and quad I/O SPI, and quad peripheral interface are supported. |
| US08614917B2 |
Vertically-integrated nonvolatile memory devices having laterally-integrated ground select transistors
Nonvolatile memory devices utilize vertically-stacked strings of nonvolatile memory cells (e.g., NAND-type strings) that can be selectively coupled to common source lines within a substrate. This selective coupling may be provided by lateral ground select transistors having different threshold voltages that account for different lateral spacings between the vertically-stacked strings of nonvolatile memory cells and the common source lines. |
| US08614914B2 |
Memory system, program method thereof, and computing system including the same
Disclosed is a memory system and a method of programming a multi-bit flash memory device which includes memory cells configured to store multi-bit data, where the method includes and the system is configured for determining whether data to be stored in a selected memory cell is an LSB data; and if data to be stored in a selected memory cell is not an LSB data, backing up lower data stored in the selected memory cell to a backup memory block of the multi-bit flash memory device. |
| US08614912B2 |
Magnetic random access memory (MRAM)layout with uniform pattern
A large scale memory array includes a uniform pattern of uniformly sized dummy bit cells and active bit cells. Sub-arrays within the large scale memory array are separated by the dummy bit cells. Signal distribution circuitry is formed with a width or height corresponding to the width or height of the dummy bit cells so that the signal distribution circuitry occupies the same footprint as the dummy bit cells without disrupting the uniform pattern across the large scale array. Edge dummy cells of a similar size or larger than the standard size bit cells may be placed around the edge of the large scale array to further reduce pattern loading affects. |
| US08614904B2 |
Voltage source converter with switching cell bypass arrangement
A Voltage Source Converter having at least one phase leg connected to opposite poles of a direct voltage side of the converter and including a series connection of switching cells has an arrangement configured to apply a pressure to opposite ends of stacks of semiconductor assemblies for pressing the assemblies towards each other so as to obtain electric contact between semiconductor assemblies in the stack while ensuring that the semiconductor assemblies of a first path of each switching cell of the converter go into a permanently closed circuit state in case of a failure of the respective switching cell. A second path of each switching cell has a member configured to keep the second path including an energy storing capacitor non-conducting upon occurrence of the failure. |
| US08614902B2 |
Power factor correction stage with an adjustable delay time
A power factor correction stage comprising: an input terminal configured to receive an input signal; an output terminal configured to provide an output signal; a first converter stage and one or more further converter stages, wherein each of the converter stages is connected to the input terminal and the output terminal, and each converter stage comprises a switch; and a controller configured to operate the switches of the converter stages. The controller is configured to operate the switch of the one or more further converter stages at a period of time after operation of the switch of the first converter stage for a current switching cycle, wherein the period of time corresponds to a proportion of the switching frequency for an earlier switching cycle that does not correspond to substantially the period of the earlier switching cycle divided by the number of converter stages. |
| US08614900B2 |
Grounded lid for micro-electronic assemblies
An apparatus for reducing EMI at the micro-electronic-component level includes a substrate having a ground conductor integrated therein. A micro-electronic component such as an integrated circuit is mounted to the substrate. An electrically conductive lid is mounted to the substrate, thereby forming a physical interface with the substrate. The electrically conductive lid substantially covers the micro-electronic component. A conductive link is provided to create an electrical connection between the electrically conductive lid and the ground conductor at the physical interface. |
| US08614896B2 |
Unlocking apparatus for printed circuit board
An unlocking apparatus for printed circuit board, configured for detaching a circuit board, includes a clipping structure secured to the circuit board, two unlocking structures and a chassis. The chassis includes bracket for mounted the circuit board. Each of the two unlocking structures includes a dragging member, a rotating member, a sliding member and a supporting member. The pulling rod is slidably installed on the chassis. One end of the rotating member is rotatably secured to the dragging member, the other end is rotatably secured to the supporting member. The supporting member is mounted to the chassis. The dragging member is moved to drive the sliding member to slide on the supporting member along a second direction which is substantially perpendicular to the bracket, and the clipping structure is slid along with the supporting member to drive the printed circuit board to slide along the second direction. |
| US08614893B2 |
Information processing apparatus and information processing apparatus holder operation method
An information processing apparatus allows an operator to extract temperature adjustment electrical components accommodated in two holders through a single extraction port when changing the temperature adjustment electrical components. A second holder shares a transfer pathway between an accommodation position of a first holder and an opening portion of a chassis. When the second holder moves in the direction of the opening portion, the first holder is accordingly pushed and moved. Next, the first holder is fixed to a rotating member and is moved to a position above the chassis. After the second holder is discharged to the outside of the chassis, the first holder is returned to the original position. |
| US08614892B2 |
Server with guiding air flow structure
An electronic device includes a chassis, a number of electronic components, and at least one block. The at least one block is fitted between two of the electronic components. At least one air flow passage is defined under the at least one block to direct air flow to enter between the two electronic components. |
| US08614889B2 |
Computer enclosure
A computer enclosure includes a rear panel and a lifting member. An opening is defined in the rear panel. The lifting member is mounted to the rear panel. The lifting member includes a handle portion and a first mounting bracket connected to the handle portion. The handle portion includes a lifting plate. The first mounting bracket includes a first rear mounting portion mounted to the rear panel. The lifting plate is accessible through the opening from an outside of the rear panel. |
| US08614888B2 |
Display device
There is provided a display device which makes it possible to reduce a variation in a contact area between a base member and an installation surface, and enhance the stability. The display device includes a main body section and a stand supporting the main body section on an installation surface. The stand includes a base section including a plate-shaped base member which is in contact with the installation surface at a front side thereof and is inclined in a front-back direction with respect to the installation surface, and a connecting section connecting the base section and the main body section. |
| US08614882B2 |
Card connector with a servomechanical device for repositioning an expansion card
A card connector having a housing with a receiving slot and connector pins are provided. An expansion card having docking well regions, contact pads, and backup contact pads is inserted in the receiving slot. The connector pins are connected to the docking well regions on the expansion card. The expansion card is coupled to a servomechanical device that can slide the expansion card to connect the connector pins with the contact pads. Connector pins and contact pads are coated with an interface material that is subject to wearing. Worn interface material can cause weak electrical connections between connector pins and contact pads. Thus, a card connector with a servomechanical device is provided to slide an expansion card within a receiving slot of the card connector for an improved electrical connection between connector pins and contact pads. |
| US08614881B2 |
Mobile terminal
The present invention relates to a mobile terminal, and more particularly, to a mobile terminal having a side key situated at a lateral side of a bezel made of metal. The present invention is to provide a mobile terminal including a side key provided as an input means of which durability against external shock, waterproof capability and maintenance and repair facilitation are enhanced. |
| US08614879B2 |
Solid electrolytic capacitor and its manufacturing method
A solid electrolytic capacitor according to an aspect of the present invention includes an anode conductor including a porous valve metal body, a dielectric layer formed on a surface of the anode conductor, and a solid electrolyte layer including a conductive polymer layer formed on a surface of the dielectric layer, in which the solid electrolyte layer includes a first solid electrolyte layer formed on a surface of the dielectric layer, and a second solid electrolyte layer formed on a surface of the first solid electrolyte layer, and at least one continuous or discontinuous layer containing an amine compound exists between the first and second solid electrolyte layers, and inside the second solid electrolyte layer. |
| US08614878B2 |
Nanoscale intercalation materials on carbon powder, process for production, and use thereof
An electrode material is created by forming a thin coating or small deposits of metal oxide as an intercalation host on a carbon powder. The carbon powder performs a role in the synthesis of the oxide coating, in providing a three-dimensional, electronically conductive substrate supporting the metal oxide, and as an energy storage contribution material through ion adsorption or intercalation. The metal oxide includes one or more metal oxides. The electrode material, a process for producing said electrode material, an electrochemical capacitor and an electrochemical secondary (rechargeable) battery using said electrode material is disclosed. |
| US08614876B2 |
Multilayer ceramic capacitor
There is provided a multilayer ceramic capacitor including: a ceramic body including dielectric layers and internal electrodes stacked between the dielectric layers; and a pair of external electrodes each fixed to first and second surfaces of the ceramic body, facing each other, and connected to the internal electrodes, wherein the ceramic body has a third surface facing a printed circuit board and each of the pair of external electrodes includes mounting parts extended onto the third surface and having a preset length by which they are mounted on the printed circuit board and wherein connection parts between the pair of external electrodes and the mounting parts have a convexly curved shape having a size equal to or smaller than a preset corner radius. |
| US08614873B1 |
Varying electrical current and/or conductivity in electrical current channels
Electrical current and/or conductivity in an electrical current channel varies in response to spatiotemporal magnetic flux pattern and/or to variation in electromotive force (EMF). For example, a channel with time-varying electrical conductivity can have induced electrical current variation due to flux pattern resulting from electrical current in another channel or set of channels; the current variation can increase magnetic flux density. The electrical currents can be transient electrical currents, and can cascade to amplify a resulting electromagnetic waveform. A channel can include the channel of a zener or zener-like diode or of a transistor, as well as an extended conductive channel. Channels can be configured in electrical current loops and in various orientations and combinations to obtain current and/or conductivity variation. A transient electrical current can be triggered in a channel, e.g. by an EMF peak, and circuitry with a combination of EMF triggering components can perform logical and timing operation. |
| US08614872B2 |
Switching power source apparatus
A switching power source apparatus includes a high-side MOSFET 11, a ramp signal generator 18 to generate a ramp signal, an amplitude signal generator 2 to generate an amplitude signal Comp corresponding to an amplitude of the ramp signal, a superposing circuit 3 to generate a superposed signal by superposing a second ramp signal on a first reference voltage, a first feedback controller 1 to control the ON timing and ON width of the high-side MOSFET, an overcurrent detector to detect if a current of an output load is an overcurrent, and an OFF timer 26 to determine a period during which the high-side MOSFET 11 is forcibly turned off and generate a forcible OFF signal. If an overcurrent is detected, the controller 1 turns off the high-side MOSFET, and according to the forcible OFF signal, forcibly turns off the high-side MOSFET 11 for the determined period. |
| US08614870B2 |
Active transient current control in electronic circuit breakers
A system and method for operating a semi-conductor based circuit breaker as a transient current limiter includes a semi-conductor switch that operates in a linear mode during a transient event and thereby reduces the transient current passing through the switch. |
| US08614867B2 |
Power supply for an electronic tripping unit for a switch, in particular a circuit breaker for low voltages, and a switch having a power supply such as this
A power supply is disclosed for an electronic tripping unit and, in particular a circuit breaker for low voltages, which is connected on the outgoer side to a load via whose load resistance a direct current or alternating current flows. An electronic tripping unit initiates the disconnection of the associated contact elements in the event of an overcurrent and/or short-circuit current, and a voltage tap taps off a voltage on the conductor in order to supply power to the tripping unit. In order to ensure that power is always supplied to the tripping unit, the power supply includes, in at least one embodiment, an inductance between the load and the voltage tap, which inductance is connected in the conductor and is of such a magnitude that, when the current changes over time during the course of a short circuit, the voltage which is tapped off as the voltage drop across the inductance ensures the supply of electrical power to the tripping unit at least for a minimum time. |
| US08614865B2 |
Circuit arrangement
The present invention concerns a circuit arrangement (1) for electrically coupling a direct-current source (2) to a direct-current load, including a first and a second current input node (11, 12) for receiving a direct current generated by the direct-current source, a first and a second current output node (21, 22) for the delivery of the generated direct current to the direct-current load, an isolating means (4) connected between the first current input node (11) and the first current output node (21) and/or the second current input node (12) and the second current output node (22) for interrupting the electrical connection between the respective nodes, and an auxiliary switching means (14) connected between the first current input node (11) and the second current input node (12) for short-circuiting of the first and second current input nodes (11, 12). |
| US08614857B2 |
Lens barrel having cut out portion in electrical substrate
A lens barrel is a lens barrel that can be mounted to a camera body, including a lens element, a lens support frame, an actuator, and an electrical contact. The lens support frame supports the lens element. The actuator is arranged to drive the lens support frame in an optical direction of the lens element, and includes a drive shaft and a detector configured to detect rotation of the drive shaft. The electrical contact is disposed on the opposite side from the actuator with respect to the lens element when viewed in the optical axis direction parallel to the optical axis of the lens element, and is configured to be electrically connected with the camera body. |
| US08614854B2 |
Zoom lens and optical apparatus
The zoom lens includes a first lens unit being disposed closest to an object and having a positive optical power, and at least one subsequent lens unit being disposed closer to an image than the first lens unit. The first lens unit is moved toward the object during variation of magnification from a wide-angle end to a telephoto end. The first lens unit is constituted by at least three lenses including a positive meniscus lens being disposed closest to the image among the at least three lenses and having an image side concave surface, and a negative lens being disposed on an object side next to the positive meniscus lens. A condition of 1.55 |
| US08614850B2 |
Method and apparatus for gain tilt compensation over fiber optic cable
An embodiment of the invention comprises determining a gain tilt based on power measurements from a power measurement block, determining a noise figure penalty based on the gain tilt, determining a gain tilt compensation to compensate for the gain tilt taking into account the noise figure penalty, and communicating the gain tilt compensation to an amplifier block to apply the gain tilt compensation to subsequently received wavelengths. |
| US08614845B2 |
Vehicular rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating these elements
The present invention relates to improved electro-optic rearview mirror elements and assemblies incorporating the same. |
| US08614844B2 |
Optical scanning apparatus and optical reflection device used therefor
An optical scanning apparatus is configured to include a light source that emits a beam of light, and a scanning device that scans the beam of light in two axial directions that are mutually substantially perpendicular at a first frequency fH and a second frequency fL. The scanning device calculates the first frequency fH and the second frequency fL by using predetermined mathematical formulas, and scans the beam of light at the calculated first frequency fH and second frequency fL. |
| US08614835B2 |
Image processing apparatus, image processing method, and computer program product
An image processing apparatus includes an image acquiring unit that acquires image data, an additional-data generating unit that generates additional data, a first-code-image generating unit that generates first-code image data, a first-superimposed-image producing unit that combines the first-code image data with the image data, thereby producing first-superimposed image data, a detecting-data generating unit that generates data for use in detecting modification made to the first-superimposed image data, a second-code-image generating unit that generates second-code image data, and a second-superimposed-image producing unit that produces second-superimposed image data by clipping a portion of the second-code image data, the portion corresponding to an image area of the first-superimposed image data where the first-code image data is provided, and combining the first-superimposed image data with the second-code image data from which the portion has been clipped. |
| US08614832B2 |
Dynamic image dithering
Systems, apparatuses, and methods for dynamic image dithering for a printing device are described herein. Embodiments may include an image processing module to process a source image file to provide a dithered image file with print data for each of a plurality of image locations. Printing substance may be deposited and the image processing module may provide the dithered image file with additional print data based at least in part on the deposited printing substance. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. |
| US08614830B2 |
Pixel exposure as a function of subpixels
A method for designing a screen includes receiving screen information related to a picture element divided into a number of subunits of the picture element, and determining an amount of an ink to apply to a media at a location of the picture element in response to the information. The subunits of the picture element have a higher resolution than the resolution of a printing apparatus at which the printing element will be reproduced. |
| US08614828B2 |
Print apparatus, server, method for improving print characteristics, and computer program therefor
A print apparatus connected to a server via a network includes an improvement-information requesting unit configured to notify the server via the network of identification information unique to a print head; an improvement-information storage unit configured to store downloaded head-characteristic-improvement information; and a print processor configured to perform a print operation by referring to the head-characteristic-improvement information stored in the improvement-information storage unit. |
| US08614824B2 |
Printing control apparatus, printing control method, and storage medium
A printing control apparatus determines a size of a recording medium based on an instruction to print an image of a predetermined size in the recording medium. A control unit causes application software to generate data to be printed having a size corresponding to the number of pages and the size of one page according to the instruction, causes a printer driver to generate print data based on the generated data to be printed corresponding to the size of the recording medium and the number of pages by registering the determined size of the recording medium in the printer driver and by designating processing for generating the print data of a size corresponding the size of the recording medium according to the instruction, and causes the printer driver to execute processing for printing the image of the number of pages on the recording medium of the size. |
| US08614821B2 |
Systems and methods for managing customer replaceable unit monitor (CRUM) paired identifiers using a cloud administration system
A data centric, cloud architecture for managing image forming device information through interactive communication with customer replaceable unit monitors (CRUMs) associated with customer replaceable units (CRUs) installed in image forming devices is provided. CRUM identifiers and a cloud data objects containing the same unique identifiers are used to aid a supplier or manufacturer in keying individual CRUs to particular installations in printers and/or other image forming devices. This association strengthens the ability to logistically control the CRUs. A cloud administration system is used to track an identifier for a CRU installed in a particular image forming device such as, for example, a printer, to determine whether the CRU identifier matches an associated cloud object identifier for that printer. |
| US08614820B2 |
Terminal device connected to a network, a printing system including the terminal device, and a control method of the terminal device
A terminal device connected to a network, acquires address information of a printing device connected to the network in first communication protocol, determines whether or not the printing device is capable of recovering from a power-saving mode via WOL, registers the acquired address information into a storage area on a permanent basis, if the relevant printing device is determined to be capable of recovering via WOL, and then transmits a status inquiry packet of the relevant printing device determined to be capable of recovering via WOL in second communication protocol that allows the relevant printing device to respond to the status inquiry packet without recovering from the power-saving mode, using the address information registered into the storage area on a permanent basis. |
| US08614807B2 |
Image forming apparatus, user restriction method and use history generation method
An image forming apparatus is provided, in which the image forming apparatus includes a user database in which user identification information for identifying an user of the image forming apparatus is registered, an operation panel for receiving a key operation input, a secure program used for determining whether a user service can be provided on the basis of the user identification information in the user database and another user identification information input by the user. |
| US08614806B2 |
Systems and methods for printing hybrid raised markings on documents to enhance security
Haptic security features, which are generally not visually perceptible or reproducible, are applied on a surface of a substrate according to a predetermined scheme. The haptic security features are complemented by visual features that bear a relationship to the haptic security features, and/or otherwise to features of an underlying image that is already printed on the substrate. One or more colored ink layers that includes characters or other features that bear a relationship to the haptic security features is embedded into the haptic security features on the surface of the substrate to form a composite security feature that has visual information as well as haptic response. Haptic security features are based on redundantly encoding features that are pre-printed on the substrate in a preliminary step of forming a visual image on the substrate by overprinting portions of the underlying pre-printed image related to the haptic security features. |
| US08614795B2 |
System and method of distributed fiber optic sensing including integrated reference path
An apparatus for estimating a parameter includes: an optical fiber including at least one core configured to transmit an interrogation signal and including a plurality of sensing locations distributed along a measurement length of the optical fiber and configured to reflect light; a reference optical path configured to transmit a reference signal, the reference optical path disposed in a fixed relationship to the at least one core and extending at least substantially parallel to the at least one core, the reference optical path including a reference reflector that defines a cavity length corresponding to the measurement length; a detector configured to receive a reflected return signal; a reference interferometer configured to receive at least a reference signal and generate an interferometric reference signal; and a processor configured to apply the interferometric reference signal to the reflected return signal to compensate for one or more environmental parameters. |
| US08614792B2 |
Particle characterization
In one general aspect, a method of measuring characteristics of particles in a liquid sample disclosed. The method includes supporting the liquid sample by surface tension and illuminating the supported liquid sample along an illumination axis with spatially coherent light so as to cause the coherent light to be scattered across a scattering zone. At least a portion of the scattered light is detected along a first predetermined scattering detection axis after it is scattered by the particles in the supported liquid sample. The illumination axis and the detection axis are oriented at an angle with respect to each other that allows substantially all of the light scattered at that angle across the scattering zone to be detected. |
| US08614788B2 |
Ophthalmic lens scanner
An ophthalmic lens scanner includes an inspection platform configured to receive an ophthalmic lens thereon. A camera is spaced apart from the inspection platform and is arranged to, in response to an activation signal, capture an image of the ophthalmic lens. A light source is spaced apart from the inspection platform and is configured to emit light when the camera is activated to capture an image of the ophthalmic lens. The inspection platform is located between the camera and the light source. A first Fresnel lens is located between the inspection platform and the camera. A second Fresnel lens is located between the inspection platform and the light source. The ophthalmic lens scanner may be incorporated in an ophthalmic lens scanner system that includes a computing device and a display device. |
| US08614785B2 |
Microlithography projection system with an accessible diaphragm or aperture stop
The invention relates to a microlithography projection lens for wavelengths <=248 nm <=, preferably <=193 mm, in particular EUV lithography for wavelengths ranging from 1-30 nm for imaging an object field in an object plane onto an image field in an image plane, the microlithography projection lens developed in such a manner that provision is made for an accessible diaphragm plane, into which for instance an iris diaphragm can be introduced. |
| US08614782B2 |
Liquid crystal lens and image display device including the same
A liquid crystal lens includes: a first substrate; a second substrate disposed facing the first substrate and separated from the first substrate by a predetermined distance; a first electrode on an inner surface of the first substrate; a second electrode on an inner surface of the second substrate, the second electrode including a first opening that has a first width; a third electrode on the second electrode, the third electrode including a second opening that has a second width; and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and third electrodes. |
| US08614780B2 |
Array substrate for in-plane switching mode liquid crystal display device having double-layered metal patterns and method of fabricating the same
An array substrate of an in-plane switching liquid crystal display device includes, among other features, a gate electrode and a gate line having a first double-layered structure consisting of a first barrier layer and a first low resistance metallic layer; a data line defining a pixel region with the gate line, the data line having a second double-layered structure consisting of a second barrier layer and a second low resistance metallic layer; a plurality of common electrodes disposed in a direction opposite to an adjacent gate line; a thin film transistor (TFT) near a crossing of the gate and data lines, each of the source and drain electrodes of the TFT having the same double-layered structure as the data line; and a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in an alternating pattern with the common electrodes and disposed in the direction opposite the adjacent gate line. |
| US08614777B2 |
Liquid crystal display device
The present invention provides a semi-transmissive liquid crystal display device that presents excellent display quality in the reflective display, and that can be easily applied to high definition. The liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes a first substrate, a liquid crystal layer, and a second substrate, in this order. The first substrate has pixel electrodes having a structure composed of a trunk portion and a plurality of branch portions that branch off from the trunk portion. The liquid crystal display device has a display region that includes a region where the branch portions and slits are alternately disposed. The display region has a reflective region and a transmissive region. The reflective region has a pixel electrode, a reflective film disposed under the pixel electrode, and a λ/4 retarder plate. The first best-fit curve, which is obtained from the gamma curve of the reflective display, is above the second best-fit curve, which is obtained from the gamma curve of the transmissive display, except in the regions where the reflectance of the first best-fit curve and the transmittance of the second best-fit curve are both 0% and 100%. The first best-fit curve does not have a gradation reversal and has an inflection point. |
| US08614776B2 |
Display panel, display apparatus having the same, method of manufacturing the same and method of cutting the same
A display apparatus includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a blocking layer disposed on the first substrate adjacent to an outer edge of the first substrate. The second substrate includes first and second areas. The first area faces the first substrate. The outer edge of the first substrate is aligned with a boundary between the first area and the second area of the second substrate. |
| US08614772B2 |
Multi-functional liquid crystal parallax barrier device
A multi-functional liquid crystal parallax barrier device is a liquid crystal device mainly formed by two parallax barrier structures, namely, a double-view vertical strip parallax barrier and a multi-view slant-and-step parallax barrier, in which the two parallax barriers are respectively disposed corresponding to different screen display directions, so as to display a double-view 3D image and a multi-view 3D image in different display directions, in addition to displaying a 2D image, through the control of an appropriate driving voltage and the use of a flat panel display screen. |
| US08614771B2 |
Lenticular lens array and image display device including the same
An image display device includes a display panel, a first substrate over the display panel, a plurality of first electrodes on the first substrate, a plurality of second electrodes alternately arranged with the plurality of first electrodes, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a replica layer on the second substrate and having a concave pattern of half-cylinder shape, the concave pattern facing the second electrode, and a liquid crystal layer in the concave pattern. |
| US08614769B2 |
Intermediate frequency processing device for processing both analogue and digital television intermediate frequency signals
Disclosed is an intermediate frequency processing device for processing both analogue and digital television intermediate frequency signals including vision and sound intermediate frequency signal components, comprising an intermediate frequency signal input for receiving digital or analogue intermediate frequency signals, a processing section, coupled to said intermediate frequency signal input means, for processing intermediate frequency signals, and an output for outputting signals processed in said processing section. The processing section comprises a first band pass filter (1,2,3) connected to said intermediate frequency signal input, and at least two parallel processing portions (4,6a,7,19-22,30-40,42-45;5,6b,8,18,23-29,46) coupled in parallel to said band pass filter (1,2,3), wherein each of said processing portions includes an inphase quadrature processing means (18,23;19,22). |
| US08614768B2 |
Miniaturized imaging device including GRIN lens optically coupled to SSID
A miniaturized imaging device and method of viewing small luminal cavities are described. The imaging device can be used as part of a catheter, and can include a solid state imaging device (SSID) including an imaging array, and a graduated refractive index (GRIN) lens optically coupled to the imaging array of the SSID. |
| US08614764B2 |
Acquiring, editing, generating and outputting video data
Systems and methods are directed to acquiring, generating, manipulating and/or editing video data/frames. The video frames may be light field video frames having virtual aperture parameters that may be adjusted after acquisition or recording of such video frames. In one aspect, a method comprises: selecting a first key frame, wherein the first key frame corresponds to one of a plurality of light field video frames; selecting a second key frame, wherein the second key frame corresponds to one of the plurality of light field video frames which is temporally spaced apart from the first key frame such that a plurality of light field video frames are temporally disposed between the first and the second key frames; determining virtual aperture parameters for the first key frame and the second key frame; and generating video data. |
| US08614761B2 |
Image capturing apparatus that records captured image and location information in association with each other
An image capturing apparatus including a location information acquiring unit 31, an image capturing unit 13, a storage control unit 32, a predictable location calculation unit 37 that predicts, in a case of failure to acquire location information at a time of image capturing, a range of locations predictable at the time of image capturing based on the location information acquired earlier than the time of image capturing, a display control unit 33 that displays a predictable range of locations on a display unit based on the acquired earlier location information and the range of locations thus predicted, a designation reception unit 34 that receives a location designated by a user from within the predictable range of locations, and a captured location setting unit 38 that sets location information of the received location as the location information at the time of image capturing. |
| US08614759B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, drive method thereof and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device includes: plural photodiodes formed in different depths in a unit pixel area of a substrate; and plural vertical transistors formed in the depth direction from one face side of the substrate so that gate portions for reading signal charges obtained by photoelectric conversion in the plural photodiodes are formed in depths corresponding to the respective photodiodes. |
| US08614758B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, method for manufacturing the same, method for driving the same, and electronic apparatus
A solid-state imaging device including: a substrate; a substrate voltage supply that applies a first potential to the substrate during a light receiving period and applies a second potential to the substrate during a no-light receiving period; and a plurality of pixels including a light receiving portion that generates signal charges in response to received light, a storage capacitor that stores and holds the signal charges, a dark current suppressing portion, an electronic shutter adjusting layer that adjusts potential distribution in a substrate so that the signal charges are swept to the rear surface side of the substrate, a readout gate portion that reads out the signal charges stored in the storage capacitor, and a vertical transfer register that transfers the signal charges read out by the readout gate portion in a vertical direction. |
| US08614757B2 |
Arrangement of circuits in pixels, each circuit shared by a plurality of pixels, in image sensing apparatus
In an image sensing apparatus having a plurality of unit cells, each including a plurality of photoelectric conversion elements and a common circuit shared by the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements, arranged in either one or two dimensions, the plurality of photoelectric conversion elements are arranged at a predetermined interval. |
| US08614751B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus calculates a difference in color temperature between a first white balance (WB) correction value based on image data with flash and a second WB correction value based on image data without flash. The image forming apparatus calculates motion amounts of an object and the apparatus, and corrects the first and second WB correction values based on the difference in color temperature and the motion amounts. The image processing apparatus, based on the corrected first WB correction value, develops first image data from the image data with flash, and, based on the corrected second WB correction value, develops second image data from the image data without flash. The image processing apparatus calculates a signal component of external light and a signal component of flash and calculates a combination ratio of the first and second image data to combine the first and second image data. |
| US08614749B2 |
Image processing apparatus and image processing method and image capturing apparatus
An evaluation value for a pixel in an eye region in an image is computed, which is increased with increase in the redness of the pixel and with decrease in the luminance of the pixel. Furthermore, a color saturation value for the pixel included in the eye region is corrected with the use of a luminance value for a surrounding region around an eye and the evaluation value. In this case, the color saturation value is corrected such that the amount of correction is smaller in a case in which the luminance value is smaller even with the same evaluation value, thereby achieving improvement in the correction factor of and prevention of false corrections of a redeye region with a low color saturation and a low luminance. |
| US08614745B1 |
Fire hydrant monitoring system
The fire hydrant monitoring system provides for the monitoring of the condition of a plurality of remotely installed hydrants, and sending a warning of any accidental or deliberate tampering or damage to the hydrant to a central station. The hydrant-installed component includes a collar divided into four equal quadrants, which are installed around the upper end of the hydrant barrel and below the head or cap of the hydrant. The collar includes a plurality of cameras and lighting for night operation, and an electrical storage battery for power. The battery may be recharged by solar cells. Each hydrant-installed unit also has a transmitter. Signals of the hydrant condition are sent to a central monitoring station. The monitoring station may monitor the condition of a plurality of remotely installed hydrants, each of the hydrants being equipped with one of the monitoring collars. |
| US08614743B2 |
Security camera system and method of steering beams to alter a field of view
A security camera system according to present invention embodiments includes a telephoto type lens with one or more factors of optical zoom. A set of prisms that steer incoming beams from the surrounding environment (to adjust the field of view) is disposed in front of the lens. The security camera system preferably includes a wide angle staring mode that encompasses a large field of view, where the prisms are oriented to provide no steering effect. The security camera system further includes a high-resolution zoom mode, where the telephoto lens focuses on a region of interest and the prisms perform beam steering to adjust the field of view and enable the region of interest or an object to remain at the center of the security camera system view. Image processing techniques may be employed that consider the beam steering angle and the field of view to compensate for distortion effects. |
| US08614735B2 |
Video conferencing
A video conferencing system is provided, in which at least two cameras are used to capture images of people at a first location participating in a video conference. One or more active speakers are identified among the people at the location, and one of the at least two cameras is automatically selected based on a position or positions of the one or more active speakers. Images from the selected camera are provided to a person at a second location participating the video conference. |
| US08614734B2 |
Techniques for detecting a display device
Techniques to detect a display device are described. An apparatus may include a video camera operative to receive video information for an image, and a microphone operative to receive audio information for an image. The apparatus may further include a monitor detection module communicatively coupled to the video camera and the microphone, where the monitor detection module is operative to detect a temporal watermark signal displayed by the monitor within the image, and determine a location for the monitor within the image based on the detection. The apparatus may also include an active speaker detector module communicatively coupled to the monitor detection module, where the active speaker detector module is operative to exclude false positives caused by the monitor. Other embodiments are described and claimed. |
| US08614733B2 |
Apparatus, system, and method of preventing leakage of information
When a communication terminal determines that restriction processing is to be applied based on a sound input through the communication terminal or a user instruction, the communication terminal restricts output of conference information received from a counterpart terminal. |
| US08614732B2 |
System and method for performing distributed multipoint video conferencing
According to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for performing video conferencing is provided that includes an I-frame injector element operable to intercept I-frame requests from one or more end points and to attempt to service the I-frame requests such that at least a portion of the requests are prevented from propagating back to an originating sender. In more specific embodiments, when a receiver endpoint sends a fast video update (FVU) request upstream, it is intercepted by the I-frame injector element and rather than passing the FVU request to the sender the I-frame injector element replaces a next P-frame from the sender with an I-frame, whereby the I-frame is constructed so that when decoded, it matches the P-frame that it replaced. In still more detailed embodiments, the I-frame injector element operates in one of three modes that are associated with bandwidth parameters. |
| US08614731B2 |
System and method for testing the reception and play of media on mobile devices
A system and method of determining the quality of audio-visual services of a mobile telephone is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes wirelessly receiving streaming audio-video content at the mobile telephone and wherein the audio-video content comprises video content and audio content. The video content is formed of a plurality of video frames with each encoded with one or more video symbols. The audio content is formed of a plurality of audio segments with each encoded with a sequence of tones. The method further includes outputting the audio content with the mobile telephone and displaying the video content with the mobile telephone. A computer processes the video symbols of each video frame of the displayed video content to determine a video quality of the displayed video content and processes the sequences of tones of the outputted audio content to determine an audio quality of the outputted audio content. The determined audio and video quality is then output by the computer. |
| US08614729B2 |
Image forming apparatus and method for adjusting rotational phase difference of rotating polygon mirror
An image forming apparatus includes a correction control unit and a correction amount adjusting unit. The correction control unit performs a phase correction process of changing a drive frequency of a driver for driving and rotating a rotating polygon mirror having a rotational phase difference judged not to coincide by a predetermined correction amount and driving the driver for a period corresponding to a specified clock number by a drive clock signal of the changed drive frequency if a rotational phase difference of another rotating polygon mirror does not coincide with a reference rotational phase difference. The correction amount adjusting unit reduces the predetermined correction amount by a predetermined specified amount and causes the correction control unit to perform the phase correction process again if the rotational phase difference does not coincide with a reference rotational phase difference after the phase correction process is performed. |
| US08614728B2 |
Driver device, print head, and image formation apparatus
A driver device scans and drives light emission elements arranged in a branch connection to a common terminal using scan-circuit and data drive portions and clock driver and waveform shaper circuits. The scan circuit portion has scan circuits connected cascadely to one another with output terminals connected to the light emission elements. The driver device outputs first and second clock signals to odd- and even-numbered scan circuits respectively. The light emission elements are sequentially driven from a first to a last scan circuit when the second-clock signal is applied to the first scan circuit. The data-drive portion drives the common terminal. The clock-driver circuit outputs first and second clock pulses with different phases, and a third-clock pulse synchronized with the first and second clock pulses. The waveform-shaper circuit re-shapes the waveforms of the clock signals. |
| US08614725B2 |
Rewritable printer
In a rewritable printer of one embodiment which reprints information on a rewritable paper with a thermal print system after erasing by heat information printed on the rewritable paper and discharges it to the outside of the printer through a paper issue port, the printer includes an auxiliary guide having a smooth surface, provided at the paper issue port, to guide the rewritable paper, on which information is reprinted, discharged to the outside. |
| US08614716B2 |
Recording a command stream with a rich encoding format for capture and playback of graphics content
Analyzing an application executing on a target device. An application may be executed on a target device. Low cost measurement may be gathered regarding the application executing on the target device. In response to a trigger, high cost measurement data may be gathered regarding the application executing on the target device. The high cost measurement data may include graphics commands provided by the application. The graphics commands and related information may be stored and provided to a host. The host may modify the graphics commands to perform experiments to determine performance issues of the application executing on the target device. The host may determine whether the performance is limited by the CPU or the GPU and may determine specific operations that are causing performance issues. The host may provide suggestions for overcoming the performance issues. |
| US08614711B2 |
Method and devices for projecting two-dimensional patterns onto complex surfaces of three-dimensional objects
A method and device optimizing projection of a two-dimensional pattern onto a three-dimensional object surface. After defining an original curve on the two-dimensional pattern and a projection curve on the three-dimensional object surface, a point of the pattern is selected. The abscissa and ordinate of the projection of the selected point are determined according to the abscissa and ordinate of the selected point and first and second projection ratios, respectively. A projection plane, including the point of the projection curve determined by the abscissa of the projection of the selected point, is then determined. The projection of the selected point onto the three-dimensional object surface is determined according to the ordinate of the projection of the selected point, the intersection of the surface of the three-dimensional object with the plane of projection, and the projection curve. |
| US08614710B2 |
Method for deriving pixel color using steradians
The present invention includes a method for deriving a pixel color in a graphic image. e.g. electronic RGB 48 bpp bitmap. Methods of the present invention include mathematical structure analysis of geometric graphic objects. e.g. sphere, lines, plane, points, and characters. This analysis includes using a particular steradian region of space; and two position vectors located in the particular steradian region of space; and comparing the length of the position vectors; and deriving a pixel color from a result of the length comparison. The position vectors point to a point on the geometric graphic object. A vector having a least length has contact with a light source. |
| US08614708B2 |
System and method for scalable rendering of diffusion curves
The systems and methods described herein may allow diffusion curve images to be displayed by a variety of applications without requiring specialized graphics hardware to render the images. The system may provide mechanisms to convert a diffusion curve representation to an alternate representation in a scalable, portable format. The conversion may include a tessellation operation, and may produce a mesh of shapes (e.g., triangles) for which diffusible attribute values (e.g. color and blur) are assigned to each node. Tessellating an image may include generating a piecewise linear approximation of the diffusion curves and triangulating the image to generate the mesh. Color values for each channel may be assigned by solving a sparse linear system in the triangle domain. The alternate representation may be displayed by another application using various interpolation techniques. The alternate representation may be resolution-independent and compact, as compared to other representations used to display diffusion curve images. |
| US08614706B2 |
Lightweight three-dimensional display
A computer-implemented imaging process method includes generating a progression of images of a three-dimensional model and saving the images at a determined location, generating mark-up code for displaying image manipulation controls and for permitting display of the progression of images in response to user interaction with the image manipulation controls, and providing the images and mark-up code for use by a third-party application. |
| US08614705B2 |
Method and device for creating at least two key frames corresponding to a three-dimensional object
The invention relates to a method and a device for creating at least two key images each including an image representing at least one three-dimensional object in a three-dimensional environment, and the exposure of the object in said environment from the viewpoint of the associated image, said method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: acquiring a first image representing the object in a a predetermined initial position; creating a first key image from the first acquired image and the relative exposure of the least one second image representing said object, the viewpoint of at least one said second image being different from the viewpoint of said first image; determining the relative exposure of the object in its environment based on the difference between the viewpoints of the first image and at least one said second image, each of said viewpoints being determined relative to a position and an orientation; and creating a second key image based on said at least one acquired second image and the relative exposure of the object in its environment. |
| US08614698B2 |
Electrode of a light-emitting device of the OLED type
An electrode of a light-emitting device of the OLED type adapted for forming with a second electrode, an optical cavity, including at least one layer based on a material of refraction index n1 including a structured face comprising a plurality of recesses filled with a material of refractive index n2 different from n1. |
| US08614695B2 |
Ultrasonic tracking
In one embodiment, a tracking module (110) to select a plurality of pairs of digital ultrasonic signals to form two or more pairs of digital ultrasonic signals and estimate time difference of arrival (TDOA) for each of the two or more pairs of digital ultrasonic signals. The tracking module (110) may further determine an intersection of each pair of the TDOA estimated digital ultrasonic signals to form one or more intersections and a location of an ultrasonic signal generator (102) corresponding to at least one of the one or more intersections. |
| US08614693B2 |
Touch and hover signal drift compensation
Compensation for signal drift in a touch and hover sensing device is disclosed. A touch and hover sensing device can include a sensing panel to sense an object touching or hovering over the panel, a grounding device to periodically interact with the panel, and a control system to measure capacitance of the panel when the grounding device interacts with the panel, where the measurement captures any signal drift in the panel, and to set the measurement as a new baseline capacitance of the panel. Alternatively, the touch and hover sensing device can forgo the grounding device and configure the control system to measure capacitance of the panel either when there has been no touching or hovering object or when there is a substantially stationary touching or hovering object at the panel for a determinative time period, where the measurement captures any signal drift in the panel, and to set the measurement from this time period as the new baseline capacitance. The control system can apply the new baseline capacitance to touch and hover measurements so as to compensate for the signal drift. |
| US08614689B2 |
Lead wire connection method for touch panel
In a method for connecting lead wires to a touch panel, the method includes the steps of: providing through holes 9a to 9d the number of which corresponds to the number of electrode ends by perforation in a lower electrode plate 3; using a metal-pin 11 having a pin-shaft 11b and a disk shaped pin-head 11a with a diameter larger than an outer diameter of the pin-shaft; inserting the pin-shaft 11b into a metal-pin fixing hole formed corresponding to the through hole 9a at a circuit 10c in a connector tail of a lead wire 10, whereby the pin-shaft 11b is erectly provided on the connector tail of the lead wire 10; and inserting the pin-shafts 11b to 14b into the through holes 9a to 9d, and in addition, electrically connecting the pin-shaft inserted into a lower electrode plate 3 through a conductive adhesive 15 to electrode ends 6c, 7c, 6d, 7d. |
| US08614688B2 |
Capacitive touch screen
The present invention provides a mutual capacitive multi-touch screen, which includes a guarding pattern and a conductive strip pattern exposed from each other. The conductive strip pattern includes a plurality of first conductive strips provided with a driving signal and a plurality of second conductive strips for providing mutual capacitive coupling signals, and the guarding pattern is provided with a DC signal. The guarding pattern allows that, when a touch range of each external conductive object is larger than a predetermined condition, capacitive coupling between each external conductive object and the guarding pattern or capacitive coupling between each external conductive object and the first conductive strips and the guarding pattern is greater than capacitive coupling between each external conductive object and the second conductive strips. |
| US08614687B2 |
Capacitive touch screen
The present invention provides a mutual capacitive multi-touch screen, which includes a guarding pattern and a conductive strip pattern exposed from each other. The conductive strip pattern includes a plurality of first conductive strips provided with a driving signal and a plurality of second conductive strips for providing mutual capacitive coupling signals, and the guarding pattern is provided with a DC signal. The guarding pattern allows that, when a touch range of each external conductive object is larger than a predetermined condition, capacitive coupling between each external conductive object and the guarding pattern or capacitive coupling between each external conductive object and the first conductive strips and the guarding pattern is greater than capacitive coupling between each external conductive object and the second conductive strips. |
| US08614686B2 |
Capacitive touch screen
The present invention provides a mutual capacitive multi-touch screen, which includes a guarding pattern and a conductive strip pattern exposed from each other. The conductive strip pattern includes a plurality of first conductive strips provided with a driving signal and a plurality of second conductive strips for providing mutual capacitive coupling signals, and the guarding pattern is provided with a DC signal. |
| US08614685B2 |
Capacitive touch screen
The present invention provides a mutual capacitive multi-touch screen, which includes a guarding pattern and a conductive strip pattern exposed from each other. The conductive strip pattern includes a plurality of first conductive strips provided with a driving signal and a plurality of second conductive strips for providing mutual capacitive coupling signals, and the guarding pattern is provided with a DC signal. |
| US08614682B2 |
Touchscreen panel unit, scrolling control method, and recording medium
A touchscreen panel unit includes a scrolling determination part configured to determine whether to scroll a displayable region of information to be displayed on a screen based on the positional relationship between the position of a first contact with the screen and the position of a second contact with the screen; a scrolling setting part configured to set the scrolling direction and the scrolling distance of the displayable region based on the position of the first contact and a contact position path starting at the position of the second contact, in response to the scrolling determination part determining that the displayable region is to be scrolled; and a scrolling information output part configured to output information indicating the scrolling direction and the scrolling distance set by the scrolling setting part. |
| US08614681B2 |
Multitouch input to touchpad derived from positive slope detection data
A method for using existing touchpad hardware to detect and track multiple objects such as fingers that are in contact with a touchpad, wherein the method extracts information from data that is already being collected, wherein analysis of the data is simplified by identifying objects by only looking for a positive slopes and negative slopes to identify multiple objects in data from the touchpad. |
| US08614676B2 |
User motion detection mouse for electronic device
A mouse for an electronic device comprises a housing to receive component therein; a display attached on the housing for displaying, wherein the display includes image icon to perform pre-determined function; a user motion detecting device attached on the display for detection the motion of user finger; a controller received in the housing for generating a control signal in responsive to the user motion detection. |
| US08614674B2 |
System and method for control based on face or hand gesture detection
System and method for control using face detection or hand gesture detection algorithms in a captured image. Based on the existence of a detected human face or a hand gesture in an image captured by a digital camera (still or video), a control signal is generated and provided to a device. The control may provide power or disconnect power supply to the device (or part of the device circuits). Further, the location of the detected face in the image may be used to rotate a display screen horizontally, vertically or both, to achieve a better line of sight with a viewing person. If two or more faces are detected, the average location is calculated and used for line of sight correction. A linear feedback control loop is implemented wherein detected face deviation from the optimum is the error to be corrected by rotating the display to the required angular position. A hand gesture detection can be used as a replacement to a remote control wherein the various hand gestures control the various function of the controlled unit, such as a television set. |
| US08614672B2 |
Information processing apparatus, storage medium having information processing program stored therein, information processing system, and display range control method
An information processing apparatus inputs an angular rate detected by a gyroscope included in an input device and displays an image on a display device. The information processing apparatus initially calculates an orientation of the input device based on the angular rate. Then, the information processing apparatus calculates a coordinate point at an intersection between a line extending from a predetermined position in a predetermined space toward a vector representing the orientation and a predetermined plane within the predetermined space. A display range of a display target that is to be displayed on the display device is controlled based on the coordinate point. |
| US08614671B2 |
Input apparatus, control apparatus, control system, and control method
An input apparatus includes: a casing; a first acceleration detection section to detect a first acceleration value of the casing in a first direction; a first angle-related value detection section to detect a first angle-related value of the casing about an axis in a second direction; a radius gyration calculation section to calculate, based on the first acceleration value and first angle-related value, a first radius gyration of the casing about the axis in the second direction, the first radius gyration being a distance from a rotational center axis to the first acceleration detection section; and a pseudo velocity calculation section to generate a first pseudo radius related to a magnitude of the first radius gyration and calculate a first pseudo velocity value of the casing in the first direction by multiplying the first pseudo radius by a first angular velocity value obtained from the first angle-related value. |
| US08614669B2 |
Touchless tablet method and system thereof
A system (100) and method for a touchless tablet that produces a touchless sensory field over a form (111). The touchless tablet includes a touchless sensing unit (110) for identifying a finger action above the form, and a controller (130) communicatively coupled to the sensing unit for associating the finger action with at least one form component on the form. The touchless tablet identifies a selection of a form component (122) based on a location and action of the finger above the form. A display (140) connected to the touchless tablet can expose a graphical application, wherein a touchless selection of a form component corresponds to a selection of a graphical component on the graphical application. |
| US08614663B2 |
Selective motor control classification
Techniques for detecting and classifying motion of a human subject are generally described. More particularly, techniques are described for detecting and classifying motion as either a broad selection or a precise selection to facilitate interaction with augmented reality (AR) systems. An example may include detecting a motion of human and repeatedly analyzing a step response associated with the motion to determine one or more of a peak time tp, an estimated overshoot magnitude Mp, a damping ratio ζ of the step response and/or one or more polynomial poles of the step response. Such information may be useful in classifying the motion as either a precise selection or as a broad selection. |
| US08614659B2 |
Display device
A display device for use in compact portable devices is configured for assigning gray levels according to the pixel area ratio and, further includes a digital-to-analog (D-A) conversion circuit for converting digital data to gray-level voltage or analog signals. This configuration reduces the size of the circuit for D-A conversion, thus reducing the space for the driving circuit when assigning gray levels according to the pixel area ratio. The combination of the gray-level voltage output from the driving circuit and the gray-level assignment according to the pixel area ratio reduces the scale of the circuit. |
| US08614657B2 |
Organic light emitting display device having two power drivers for supplying different powers, and driving method thereof
An organic light emitting display device operating in a concurrent (e.g., simultaneous) emission method, which includes a first power driver configured to apply first power, which changes between a first low level and a first high level, to pixels of the display unit, and a second power driver configured to apply second power, which changes between a second low level and a second high level, to the pixels, wherein each of the pixels includes an organic light emitting diode, a driving transistor configured to control an amount of current supplied to the organic light emitting diode, and an initializing transistor coupled to an anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode and configured to be turned on during a reset period in one frame to supply a reset voltage, which is lower than the first high level of the first power, to the anode electrode of the organic light emitting diode. |
| US08614656B2 |
Display apparatus, and driving circuit for the same
A drive circuit which outputs an output signal to an output terminal, includes a drive transistor configured to output a gradation current to the output terminal; a single differential amplifier; a resistance element connected with the drive transistor; and a plurality of switches. The plurality of switches are controlled such that a precharge voltage is outputted from the differential amplifier to the output terminal in a first period while blocking off an output from the drive transistor and such that a gradation current is outputted from the drive transistor to the output terminal in a second period after the first period. |
| US08614655B2 |
Pixel circuit and organic light emitting diode display device using the same
A pixel circuit of an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device is provided, which supplies a small current to an organic light emitting diode during stoppage of a display operation. The pixel circuit includes a second driving transistor, which is coupled in parallel with a first driving transistor. A gate control line is used to control the second driving transistor so that a small current can flow into the organic light emitting diode during the stoppage of the display operation. The small current is supplied through the second driving transistor to the organic light emitting diode during the stoppage of the display operation. Thus, the pixel circuit of the OLED display device can reduce or prevent an electric shock applied to the organic light emitting diode at the beginning of the display operation, thereby reducing or preventing deterioration of the characteristics of the organic light emitting diode. |
| US08614652B2 |
System and driving method for light emitting device display
A light emitting device display, its pixel circuit and its driving technique is provided. The pixel includes a light emitting device and a plurality of transistors. A bias current and programming voltage data are provided to the pixel circuit in accordance with a driving scheme so that the current through the driving transistor to the light emitting device is adjusted. |
| US08614651B2 |
Thin apparatus for displaying image
A thin apparatus for displaying image, comprising: a first input terminal (6a) for inputting image signal, the first input terminal (6a) is located on back side of the thin apparatus; a panel (2) for displaying images, the panel (2) is located on front side of the thin apparatus; and a control circuit (3) for controlling the image signal, wherein the axis of the first input terminal (6a) is substantively parallel to the back of the panel (2), the control circuit (3) is located under the panel (2), and shapes that the width is longer than the height. Compared with the prior art, the thickness and height of the thin apparatus of this invention are greatly reduced, and the whole structure of it becomes more compact and proper because this invention considers the combination of the position and shape of the control circuit (3), and the arrangement of the first input terminal (6a) for the first time. |
| US08614650B2 |
Tunable inverted F antenna
A planar antenna includes a ground plane on a substrate, a radiating element coupled to the ground plane on the substrate, and a feed line. An impedance tap point is defined by a connection between the feed line and the radiating element and the length of the radiating element defines the resonant frequency of the antenna. A first portion of the radiating element includes an impedance adjustment mechanism for defining the impedance tap point of the antenna and consequently the impedance of the antenna. A second portion of the radiating element includes a frequency adjustment section which adjusts the length of said radiating element and consequently the resonant frequency of the antenna. |
| US08614636B2 |
Data processing device and data processing system
In AD conversion of a voltage, data continuity is ensured between the results of conversion after amplification and of direct conversion without amplification. In AD conversion operation, an analog signal output from a DA converter circuit is directly converted by an AD converter circuit, and the analog signal is converted after amplification with an expected gain of 2n. Based on resultant data, a gain of an amplifier circuit and an offset thereof are calculated. An analog signal to be enhanced in bit precision is amplified by the amplifier circuit and converted by the AD converter circuit, the offset is subtracted from the resultant conversion, and the result is multiplied by a ratio of the expected gain to the calculated gain to cancel gain error. Based on data with gain error canceled, acquisition of bit-extended conversion result data is performed to ensure continuity between data having different degrees of bit precision. |
| US08614629B2 |
Dynamic reporting scheme for location based services
A dynamic position reporting and/or logging scheme is described herein. Position reporting and/or logging for a mobile device may be dynamically determined based on one or more reporting and/or logging constraints. The constraints may be based on time, distance, events, operating parameters, operating conditions, or some combination thereof. The constraints that dynamically trigger position reporting may be the same as, overlap, or be distinct from the constraints used to trigger position logging. The reporting and logging constraints can be selected to provide a more accurate indication of a track or route traveled by the mobile device. |
| US08614627B2 |
System and method for controlling an enunciator on an electronic device
The present disclosure relates to a system and method for controlling the output level of an enunciator on a portable electronic device. In one embodiment, this is provided a portable electronic device, comprising: a microprocessor; an enunciator connected to the microprocessor configured to provide an enunciation in response to enunciation events, the enunciator having at least a first enunciation setting and a second enunciation setting; a sensor; a monitoring circuit connected to the sensor for providing a trigger signal in response to a notable movement of the portable electronic device; and an enunciator management module to: activate the enunciator at the first enunciation setting in response to an enunciation event; adjust the output of the enunciator to the second enunciation setting in response to a first trigger signal from the monitoring circuit; and re-activate the enunciator at the second enunciation setting. |
| US08614626B2 |
Driving support device for a vehicle with reverse run determination
A driving support device includes: a position detector; a traveling direction detector; a map data memory; a map matching element for matching a current position of a vehicle on a road of map data; a traveling segment estimation element for estimating a current segment of the vehicle in the parking place road when a matched road is the parking place road; a main road search element for determining whether a segment of a main road of an express way is disposed in a predetermined search distance from an estimated current segment; and a reverse run determination element for determining whether the vehicle travels reversely when the main road search element determines that the segment of the main road is disposed in the predetermined search distance from the estimated current segment. |
| US08614622B2 |
Method and system for enabling an authorized vehicle driveaway
Various embodiments may include methods and system for enabling an authorized vehicle driveaway. A vehicle driveaway authorization code for authorizing a vehicle to be driven and a user authorization code that corresponds to the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be generated. The codes may be generated by, for example, at least one server configured to generate the authorization codes. The at least one server may be communicating with a nomadic device and a vehicle driveaway authorization system. A vehicle driveaway request signal may be received. In response to a receipt of the vehicle driveaway request signal, the vehicle driveaway authorization code may be transmitted to the vehicle driveaway authorization system and the user authorization code may be transmitted to the nomadic device for input to the vehicle driveaway authorization system in order to enable the vehicle to be driven. |
| US08614621B2 |
Remote control for multimedia system having touch sensitive panel for user ID
Operating a remote control to identify a user by receiving touch pad input from at least one touch sensitive element of the remote control that has a plurality of touch sensitive elements. The touch pad input corresponds to the user's touch of at least some of the plurality of touch sensitive elements. The touch pad input is at least partially processed by processing circuitry of the remote control and transmitted to a multimedia system console via a communications interface of the remote control for processing of the at least partially processed touch pad input to identify the user via pattern recognition. At least partially processing the touch pad input can be by identifying at least one finger orientation, at least one finger spacing, at least one finger width, a plurality of finger knuckle/joint locations, and/or a plurality of finger lengths based upon the touch pad input. |
| US08614618B2 |
Fusible switching disconnect modules and devices with multi-functional trip mechanism
A fusible switch disconnect device includes a housing adapted to receive at least one fuse therein, and a switchable contact for connecting the fuse to circuitry. A tripping mechanism and control circuitry are provided to displace the switchable contact, as well as multiple other components in the device, in response to a predetermined electrical condition. |
| US08614612B2 |
Superconducting coil
A superconducting coil includes (a) a plurality of windings of a coil comprising high-temperature superconductors and (b) an electrically conductive channel in which the high-temperature superconductors are mounted. The high-temperature superconductors can comprise at least one of the following: Ba2Sr2Ca1Cu2O8 (2212), Ba2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10 (2223), and YBa2Cu3O7-x (123) superconductor. |
| US08614610B2 |
Ruggedized waveguide encapsulation fixture for receiving a compressed waveguide component
A waveguide component encapsulation device may include a housing having first and second surfaces, the housing defining a channel extending through the first and second surfaces, a micromachined waveguide component configured to be positioned in the channel, the waveguide component having first and second ends extending outside the channel and beyond the first and second surfaces of the housing by a finite length, and a pair of spacing members configured to align and stabilize the waveguide component within the channel. |
| US08614607B2 |
Piezoelectric vibration element, piezoelectric vibrator, piezoelectric oscillator, and electronic device
A piezoelectric vibration element includes: a piezoelectric substrate; excitation electrodes that are arranged so as to face each other on both principal faces of the piezoelectric substrate; drawn-out electrodes; and pads. The piezoelectric substrate includes an excitation portion that is located at the center and a peripheral portion that is thin-walled to be thinner than the thickness of the excitation portion and is disposed on a peripheral edge thereof. The pads have support areas that fix the piezoelectric substrate to a support member at positions of the piezoelectric substrate corresponding to corner portions. The excitation electrodes are formed over the excitation portion and a vibration area that is at least a part of the peripheral portion. |
| US08614602B2 |
Differential amplifier
In an embodiment are provided are a differential amplifier, a method of amplifying a differential input signal, a device including a differential amplifier, and a low voltage differential signaling receiver. |
| US08614599B1 |
Method and apparatus for powering down a dual supply current source
One embodiment of an integrated circuit includes a local circuit block, a first power supply for supplying power to a first terminal of the local circuit block, a second power supply for supplying power to a second terminal of the local circuit block, a first transmission gate coupled between the second terminal of the local circuit block and a current path from the second power supply, and a second transmission gate coupled between the current path from the second power supply and a gate of a p-type metal-oxide-semiconductor (PMOS) transistor in the first transmission gate, the second transmission gate including a single transistor. |
| US08614595B2 |
Low cost ultra versatile mixed signal controller circuit
A low-cost ultra-versatile pulse width modulation (PWM)-timer controller system is disclosed for use in the electric power management industry. Using different voltage/current buffer devices, the present system is capable of performing a variety of control applications, including for example as a pulse width modulation controller, power factor correction circuit, silicon controlled rectifier or thyristor, zero-voltage drive circuit, AC/DC boost converter, battery charger, motor RPM controller, timer or clock, light intensity controller, temperature range controller, pressure controller, sensing/monitoring/warning system, or analog logic circuit. |
| US08614594B2 |
Downconverter, downconverter IC, and method for controlling the downconverter
A downconverter capable of being normally operated even in the case where a universal dual downconverter is made up by use of multiple downconverter circuits. The downconverter includes first and second downconverter circuits, and an amplification unit having at least a first amplifier LNA for receiving a horizontally polarized wave signal, and a second amplifier LNA for receiving a vertically polarized wave signal. If a Tone/Pola signal is a signal indicating a power-saving mode, a control circuit of the first downconverter circuit causes both a local oscillator and a frequency converter to be in a non-operating state, controlling a bias circuit such that power is supplied to the first amplifier LNA. |
| US08614592B1 |
High data rate envelope detector for high speed optical storage application
To detect the peaks level of an incoming signal, the difference between the voltage level of the incoming signal and a voltage developed across a capacitor is amplified. The amplified difference signal is applied to a transconductor adapted to vary its output current in response to changes in the amplified difference signal. The variations in the current generated by the transconductor are used to change a current flowing through a current mirror that charges the capacitor. The voltage developed across the capacitor represents the detected peak. The capacitor is discharged to a predefined voltage level during the reset periods. A second amplifier receiving the capacitor voltage is optionally used to develop a voltage across a second capacitor that is not reset and thus carries only the detected peak levels. |
| US08614591B2 |
Mother substrate of organic light emitting displays capable of sheet unit testing and method of sheet unit testing
A mother substrate including a plurality of organic light emitting display panels that include pixel circuits having a simple structure, is designed so that a sheet unit test may be performed while preventing or reducing brightness variation during sheet unit test, and a sheet unit test method for the mother substrate. The mother substrate also includes first and second wiring line groups and a compensating unit. The compensating unit is coupled to a coupling line for coupling a wiring line from among the first and second wiring line groups for transmitting a sheet unit test signal to the panels. The compensating unit is also for subtracting a voltage corresponding to a threshold voltage of a driving transistor included in a pixel of the panels from the sheet unit test signal before transmitting the sheet unit test signal to the panels. |
| US08614590B2 |
High performance probe system
A probe system for providing signal paths between an integrated circuit (IC) tester and input/output, power and ground pads on the surfaces of ICs to be tested includes a probe board assembly, a flex cable and a set of probes arranged to contact the IC's I/O pads. The probe board assembly includes one or more rigid substrate layers with traces and vias formed on or within the substrate layers providing relatively low bandwidth signal paths linking the tester to probes accessing some of the IC's pads. The flex cable provides relatively high bandwidth signal paths linking the tester to probes accessing others of the IC's pads. |
| US08614585B2 |
Impedance correction device and method thereof
An impedance correction device and a method thereof are provided. A step generator is used to generate a step signal and send to a circuit under test. A reflected signal returned back from the circuit under test is used as a measurement signal; and the measurement signal can be measured to obtain a characteristic impedance value. When the measurement signal is greater than the initially measured step signal, an impedance value of a correction resistor is increased; when the measurement signal is smaller than the initially measured step signal, the impedance value of the correction resistor is reduced. Through adjustment of the correction impedance value, impedance matching between the correction impedance value and the characteristic impedance value is achieved. |
| US08614584B2 |
System and method for bonded configuration pad continuity check
A continuity test circuit for a boundary pad includes a pull-up transistor electrically connected between the boundary pad and a first power supply, and a pull-down transistor electrically connected between the boundary pad and a first reference ground potential. A normal output conductor is electrically connected to have a same electrical state as the boundary pad during normal operation. A continuity test output conductor is electrically connected to have a same electrical state as the boundary pad during continuity test operation. Continuity testing control circuitry is defined to control the pull-up transistor, the pull-down transistor, and the normal output conductor during continuity test operation such that an electrical state present on the continuity test output conductor indicates a status of electrical continuity between the boundary pad and either a second power supply or a second reference ground potential to which the boundary pad should be electrically connected. |
| US08614583B2 |
Voltage detection circuit
A voltage detection circuit used to detect a voltage source includes a Zener diode, a thyristor, a first resistor, a second resistor, a first light-emitting diode (LED), and a second LED. A cathode of the Zener diode is connected to the voltage source. An anode of the Zener diode is connected to a control terminal of the thyristor through a first resistor. An anode of the thyristor is connected to the voltage source through a second resistor. The anode of the thyristor is connected to an anode of the first LED. A cathode of the thyristor is connected to a cathode of the first LED. The cathode of the thyristor is connected to an anode of the second LED, and a cathode of the second LED is grounded. |
| US08614580B2 |
Dynamically activating different subsets of a plurality of electrodes
To perform surveying of a subterranean structure, an electromagnetic (EM) source array has a plurality of electrodes. Different subsets of the electrodes are dynamically activated to provide corresponding EM radiation patterns to survey the subterranean structure. |
| US08614577B2 |
Automatic anisotropy, azimuth and dip determination from upscaled image log data
A method of determining anisotropy in a borehole is disclosed. An array of measurements along the borehole is obtained and a first depth in the borehole is selected. An arbitrary plane oriented with respect to the borehole at the first depth is designated and an anisotropy for the first depth with respect to the arbitrary plane is determined. The arbitrary plane is repositioned at the first depth and an anisotropy for different positions of the arbitrary plane at the first depth is determined. A minimum anisotropy coefficient with respect to the arbitrary plane at the first depth is identified based on anisotropy for different positions of the arbitrary plane. An anisotropy tensor for the first depth is then identified. |
| US08614573B2 |
Estimating porosity and fluid volume
The present disclosure relates to a method to estimate a subsurface formation property. A downhole logging tool is provided and disposed in a wellbore. Multiple measurements of various measurement types are obtained at various depths of investigation using the downhole logging tool. The multiple measurements may include natural gamma ray measurements, density measurements, resistivity measurements, nuclear measurements, and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements. The signal-to-noise ratio of the measured signals is increased using, for example, lateral stacking and multi-shell inversion. The subsurface formation property is estimated using the increased signal-to-noise ratio signals. The subsurface formation property may include porosity, adsorbed gas volume, free gas volume, bound water volume, free water volume, oil volume, and kerogen volume. A fluid analysis may be performed using a multi-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance technique. Fluids such as water, oil, gas, and oil-based mud in the wellbore may be identified and/or evaluated. |
| US08614572B2 |
Integrated magnetic field generation and detection platform
An integrated magnetic field generation and detection platform is described that is capable of manipulating and detecting individual magnetic particles, such as spherical super-paramagnetic beads, and providing biosensing functionality. The platform is implemented in an integrated circuit, a portion of the surface of which is functionalized with one or more biochemical agents that binds tightly (i.e., specifically) with a target analyte. The magnetic beads are similarly functionalized with one or more biochemical agents that that bind specifically with the target analyte. When a sample is introduced, magnetic beads that specifically bind to the integrated circuit can be separated from non-specifically bound beads and detected. |
| US08614566B2 |
DC-DC converter
Provided is a DC-DC converter capable of reducing not only a turn-off loss but also a turn-on loss. A snubber capacitor has one end connected to an anode of a step-up diode, a current input end of a step-up switching element and a main reactor. A first snubber diode has a cathode connected to other end of the snubber capacitor, and an anode connected to a cathode of the step-up diode. A second snubber diode has an anode connected to the cathode of the first snubber diode and other end of the snubber capacitor. A snubber reactor has one end connected to the anode of the first snubber diode, and other end connected to a cathode of the second snubber diode. |
| US08614562B2 |
Method for controlling switches of switching arms, in particular in view of charging accumulation means, and corresponding charging device
A method for charging accumulation means configured by an electric charging device is disclosed. The charging device includes switching arms respectively including a first switch and a second switch. The method involves ordering a predetermined number of first switches to close respectively for an associated closure time, and on each opening of a first switch that was previously closed, another first switch is ordered to close for an associated closure time, so that a constant number of first switches are closed at a same time. |
| US08614560B2 |
Method and apparatus for determining interaction mode
An apparatus, comprising a processor, memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code configured to, working with the processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: operating in a first interaction mode, receiving, from a charger, charger attribute information, determining a second interaction mode based, at least in part on the charger attribute information, the second interaction mode differing from the first interaction mode, terminating operation of the first interaction mode, and operating in the second interaction mode is disclosed. |
| US08614557B2 |
Control of an electric machine
A method of controlling an electric machine that includes sequentially exciting and freewheeling a winding of the electric machine. The winding is excited in advance of zero-crossings of back emf in the winding by an advance angle, and the winding is freewheeled over a freewheel angle. The method then includes varying the advance angle and the freewheel angle in response to changes in the speed of the electric machine. Additionally, a control system for an electric machine, and a product incorporating the control system and electric machine. |
| US08614554B2 |
Magnetic field control method and apparatus used in conjunction with a charged particle cancer therapy system
The invention comprises a charged particle beam acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. Novel design features of a synchrotron are described. Particularly, turning magnets, edge focusing magnets, concentrating magnetic field magnets, winding and control coils, flat surface incident magnetic field surfaces, and extraction elements are described that minimize the overall size of the synchrotron, provide a tightly controlled proton beam, directly reduce the size of required magnetic fields, directly reduces required operating power, and allow continual acceleration of protons in a synchrotron even during a process of extracting protons from the synchrotron. |
| US08614553B2 |
Illuminant operating appliance with potential separation
An operating device for operation of at least one illuminant, such as one or more LEDs, includes first and second converters and first and second logic circuits. The first converter is supplied directly or indirectly with mains voltage, with a first reference potential. The second converter is galvanically isolated from the first converter, with a second reference potential for supplying a load circuit with the illuminant. The first logic circuit is for controlling the first converter, and the second logic circuit is for controlling the second converter. The first logic circuit and the second logic circuit are connected to one another, with potential isolation, via an interface. |
| US08614551B2 |
SCR dimming circuit and method
The present invention relates to a silicon-controlled rectifier (SCR) dimming circuit and method for regulating the luminance of a light-emitting diode (LED) load. In one embodiment, an SCR dimming circuit can include: an SCR rectifying circuit having an SCR element that receives an AC power supply, and generates a lack-phase AC voltage; a rectifier bridge that converts the lack-phase AC voltage to a lack-phase DC voltage, where the lack-phase DC voltage is filtered through a filter capacitor to generate a smooth DC voltage; a conduction phase angle signal generator that receives the lack-phase DC voltage and generates a controlling signal indicating a conduction phase angle range of the SCR element; and a dimming signal generator that compares the controlling signal and a slope reference signal to output a dimming signal to control the luminance of the LED load. |
| US08614549B2 |
Emergency illumination system based on LED combined LED lamps
The present invention is providing an emergency illumination system based on combined LED lamps, comprising: combined LED lamps, a power driver of the lamps, an electromagnetic sensors, an emergency controller, a storage battery and an emergency charger; said external power supply, electromagnetic sensors, power driver of the lamps and conventional illumination LED lamps are in turn connected to form a conventional illumination load circuit; said external power supply, electromagnetic sensors, emergency charger, storage battery are in turn connected to form an emergency illumination charging circuit; magnetic catheter in said electromagnetic sensors serving as a start switch connects with said emergency controller; said emergency controller connects to the storage battery and emergency illumination LED lamps respectively thereby forming an emergency illumination load circuit; It is an uninterrupted illumination system, which comprise a dual-use lamp consisting of conventional illumination, and emergency illumination. |
| US08614547B2 |
Light emitting device and manufacturing method thereof
There is provided a method for manufacturing a light emitting device in which no copy-in is caused in the case of a light emitting device having a glossy cathode. An uneven portion is formed on the surface of a cathode which is in contact with an organic layer in a pixel portion, and incident light is reflected in all directions. An insulating film having a high light absorption property is formed in a driver circuit portion, and the copy-in becomes invisible to the observer. |
| US08614546B2 |
Electroluminescence apparatus, method for manufacturing electroluminescence apparatus, and electronic apparatus
An electroluminescence apparatus includes: a plurality of electroluminescence elements each of which includes a first electrode, a second electrode that is provided opposite the first electrode, and a light-emitting function layer that is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode and includes at least an electroluminescence material layer, the electroluminescence element emitting light produced in the electroluminescence material layer through the second electrode; a separation area; a display area and auxiliary wiring being electrically connected to the second electrode, the auxiliary wiring including first auxiliary wiring and second auxiliary wiring, wherein the first auxiliary wiring extends in the first direction without any break, and the second auxiliary wiring has a gap that is formed between the first auxiliary wiring and the second auxiliary wiring. |
| US08614542B2 |
Alumina ceramic for spark plug insulator
A spark plug includes an insulator formed of a ceramic material. The ceramic material comprises Al2O3 in an amount of 98.00 wt % to 99.50 wt %; Group 2 oxides in an amount of 0.16 wt % to 0.70 wt %; SiO2 in an amount of 0.25 wt % to 0.75 wt %, Group 4 oxides in an amount of 0.01 wt % to 0.16 wt %, Group 1 oxides in an amount less than 0.0060 wt %, and P2O5 in an amount of less than 0.0040 wt %. The Al2O3 is formed of particles having a D50 median particle size by volume of 1.2 μm to 1.8 μm. The ceramic material is pressed, sintered, and formed to a predetermined shape. The sintered ceramic material includes a glass phase comprising the Al2O3, Group 2 oxides, and SiO2. The sintered ceramic material also includes secondary crystals of calcium hexa-aluminate (CaAl12O19) spinel (MgAl2O4), anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8), and mullite (Al6Si2O13). |
| US08614533B2 |
Electric motor
The present invention relates to an electric commutator motor (1) that comprises a stator (2) and a rotor core (3), wherein the magnetic flux transmittance between the rotor (3)-stator (2) is improved and the noise level is reduced by securing a ferromagnetic rotor sleeve (5) on the outer circumference press-fittingly. The sleeve is made of a ring shaped ferromagnetic laminations. |
| US08614532B2 |
Permanent-magnet synchronous motor and electric power-assisted steering system
The present invention relates to a permanent-magnet synchronous motor, particularly an electric three-phase motor, comprising a stator having a stator yoke in which stator teeth with interposed stator grooves are arranged, wherein on each stator tooth at least one winding is provided, further comprising a rotor having permanent magnets, wherein the stator teeth are arranged in layers as disks in the axial direction of the stator and designed at least as two different disks, wherein the stator teeth in a first disk are connected peripherally among each other at the ends thereof pointing toward the rotor in the form of a stator star by a connecting bridge and in a second disk have an interruption instead of the connecting bridge. The present invention further relates to an electric power-assisted steering system. |
| US08614530B2 |
Stator core for an electric machine
A stator includes a body portion having an outer portion and an inner portion that defines an interior region, a plurality of stator teeth members extending from the inner portion into the interior region, and at least one continuous conductor wound around select ones of the plurality of stator teeth members to form at least one pole. Each of the plurality of stator teeth members including a number of wraps of the at least one continuous conductor. The at least one continuous conductor including a number of twists that is fewer than the number of wraps. |
| US08614522B2 |
Energy converting device
An energy converting device, particularly for converting mechanical energy to hydraulic energy and from it into electrical energy, uses as an energy transport medium, a control fluid guided in two different control circuits. The control circuits have an operative connection to each other by a coupling device (32). One control circuit (28) serves for feeding in energy, particularly in the form of mechanical energy. The other control circuit serves for discharging energy in the form of converted energy, particularly electrical energy. |
| US08614521B2 |
Device for converting wave energy into useable energy, particularly electrical energy, and associated method
The invention relates to a device (1) for converting the energy of the swell and of waves into useable energy, particularly electrical energy, comprising a float element (2), an oscillating element (3) mounted such that it can move with respect to the float element, the oscillating element (3) being able to be set in relative motion with respect to the float element (2) under the action of the waves on the float element and means (4) for converting the movement of the oscillating element (3) into useable energy, particularly electrical energy, the device (1) also comprising braking means (5) capable selectively of immobilizing or releasing the oscillating element (3) with respect to the float element, clutch means (7) able selectively to couple or to uncouple the conversion means (4) and the oscillating element (3), and control means (8) for controlling the braking means (5) and the clutch means (7) as the swell evolves. |
| US08614520B2 |
Submergable sloped absorption barrier wave energy converter
An ocean wave energy converter uses one or more buoyant elongated float(s) self orienting toward oncoming wave fronts and movably affixed to a motion stabilized controlled buoyancy frame by down sloping tracks constraining the wave induced motion of the float(s) to an upward and rearward motion as oncoming wave crests impact and lift the barrier(s) and downward and forward as subsequent wave troughs return it. Motion between the barrier(s) and the frame is resisted and energy captured by a programmable electric or hydraulic power take off system. Capture efficiency is further enhanced by adjusting float mass and buoyancy by controlling water entering or exiting cavities in the float(s), use of wave shoaling and focusing means, and adjusting the submerged depth and slope angle of the device with adjustable frame air-water ballast tanks which also allow total float submergence during severe sea states. |
| US08614518B2 |
Self-powered vehicle sensor systems
A vehicle system is provided. The vehicle system includes a vehicle suspension apparatus configured for movement during vehicle travel; an energy harvesting device mounted on the vehicle suspension apparatus and configured to generate electrical energy in response to the movement of the vehicle suspension apparatus; and a sensor mounted on the vehicle suspension apparatus and coupled to the energy harvesting device for receiving the electrical energy. |
| US08614509B2 |
Semiconductor device having a multi-layered line and manufacturing method of the same
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is disclosed, which reduces a step difference between a peripheral region and a cell region. In the semiconductor device, a metal contact of the peripheral region is configured in a multi-layered structure. Prior to forming a bit line and a storage node contact in the cell region, a contact and a line are formed in the peripheral region, such that a step difference between the cell region and the peripheral region is reduced, resulting in a reduction in parasitic capacitance between lines. |
| US08614504B2 |
Chip package and method for making same
A chip package includes a substrate, a pad, a double-sided adhesive tape, a chip, and a sealing member. The pad is arranged on the substrate and has a top surface facing away from the substrate. The double-sided adhesive tape includes a first paste surface and an opposing second paste surface. The first paste surface is attached to the top surface. The chip is attached onto the second paste surface and includes a light emitting surface or a light receiving surface facing away from the second paste surface. The sealing member is formed on the pad and tightly surrounds the chip and the double-sided adhesive. |
| US08614503B2 |
Common drain exposed conductive clip for high power semiconductor packages
One exemplary disclosed embodiment comprises a semiconductor package including multiple transistors having a common drain coupled to an exposed conductive clip. A driver integrated circuit (IC) may control the transistors for various power applications. By exposing a top surface of the exposed conductive clip outside of a mold compound of the package, enhanced thermal performance is provided. Additionally, the conductive clip provides a short distance, high current carrying route between transistors of the package, providing higher electrical performance and reduced form factor compared to conventional designs with individually packaged transistors. |
| US08614499B2 |
Memory cell having heater material and variable resistance material embedded within insulating material
A variable resistance memory cell structure and a method of forming it. The method includes forming a first electrode, forming an insulating material over the first electrode, forming a via in the insulating material to expose a surface of the first electrode, forming a heater material within the via using gas cluster ion beams, forming a variable resistance material within the via, and forming a second electrode such that the heater material and variable resistance material are provided between the first and second electrodes. |
| US08614498B2 |
Highly integrated semiconductor devices including capacitors
A capacitor of semiconductor device is provided including a lower electrode on a semiconductor substrate; a dielectric film covering a surface of the lower electrode; and an upper electrode covering the dielectric film. The lower electrode includes a first conductive pattern having a groove region defined by a bottom portion and a sidewall portion; and a first core support pattern disposed in the groove region of the first conductive pattern and exposing a portion of inner sidewall of the first conductive pattern. Related methods are also provided herein. |
| US08614497B2 |
Method for fabricating a MIM capacitor using gate metal for electrode and related structure
According to one exemplary embodiment, a method for fabricating a MIM capacitor in a semiconductor die includes forming a dielectric one segment over a substrate and a metal one segment over the dielectric one segment, where the metal one segment forms a lower electrode of the MIM capacitor. The method further includes forming a dielectric two segment over the dielectric one segment and a metal two segment over the dielectric two segment, where a portion of the metal two segment forms an upper electrode of the MIM capacitor. The metal one segment comprises a first gate metal. The metal two segment can comprise a second gate metal. |
| US08614494B2 |
Solid-state imaging device, manufacturing method of the same and electronic apparatus
Disclosed herein is a solid-state imaging device including: an opto-electrical conversion section provided inside a semiconductor substrate to receive incident light coming from one surface of the semiconductor substrate; a wiring layer provided on the other surface of the semiconductor substrate; and a light absorption layer provided between the other surface of the semiconductor substrate and the wiring layer to absorb transmitted light passing through the opto-electrical conversion section as part of the incident light. |
| US08614493B2 |
Photosensor element, photosensor circuit, thin film transistor substrate, display panel, and method for manufacturing photosensor element
A photosensor element is provided with a gate electrode disposed on an insulating substrate, a gate insulating film disposed so as to cover the gate electrode, a semiconductor layer disposed on the gate insulating film so as to overlap the gate electrode, and a source electrode and a drain electrode provided on the semiconductor layer so as to overlap the gate electrode and so as to face each other. The photosensor element has the semiconductor layer provided with an intrinsic semiconductor layer in which a channel region is defined and an extrinsic semiconductor layer that is laminated on the intrinsic semiconductor layer such that the channel region is exposed. The extrinsic semiconductor layer protrudes from the drain electrode on the side close to the channel region. |
| US08614492B2 |
Nanowire stress sensors, stress sensor integrated circuits, and design structures for a stress sensor integrated circuit
Stress sensors and stress sensor integrated circuits using one or more nanowire field effect transistors as stress-sensitive elements, as well as design structures for a stress sensor integrated circuit embodied in a machine readable medium for designing, manufacturing, or testing an integrated circuit, and related methods thereof. The stress sensors and stress sensor integrated circuits include one or more pairs of gate-all-around field effect transistors, which include one or more nanowires as a channel region. The nanowires of each of the field effect transistors are configured to change in length in response to a mechanical stress transferred from an object. A voltage output difference from the field effect transistors indicates the magnitude of the transferred mechanical stress. |
| US08614489B2 |
Vertical NPNP structure in a triple well CMOS process
A vertical NPNP structure fabricated using a triple well CMOS process, as well as methods of making the vertical NPNP structure, methods of providing electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection, and design structures for a BiCMOS integrated circuit. The vertical NPNP structure may be used to provide on-chip protection to an input/output (I/O) pad from negative-voltage ESD events. A vertical PNPN structure may be also used to protect the same I/O pad from positive-voltage ESD events. |
| US08614486B2 |
Low resistance source and drain extensions for ETSOI
A gate dielectric is patterned after formation of a first gate spacer by anisotropic etch of a conformal dielectric layer to minimize overetching into a semiconductor layer. In one embodiment, selective epitaxy is performed to sequentially form raised epitaxial semiconductor portions, a disposable gate spacer, and raised source and drain regions. The disposable gate spacer is removed and ion implantation is performed into exposed portions of the raised epitaxial semiconductor portions to form source and drain extension regions. In another embodiment, ion implantation for source and drain extension formation is performed through the conformal dielectric layer prior to an anisotropic etch that forms the first gate spacer. The presence of the raised epitaxial semiconductor portions or the conformation dielectric layer prevents complete amorphization of the semiconductor material in the source and drain extension regions, thereby enabling regrowth of crystalline source and drain extension regions. |
| US08614481B2 |
Semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same
A semiconductor device and a method for fabricating the same are provided which can increase the effective channel area and maintain a transistor characteristic. Since the semiconductor device comprises a recess filled with a gate spacer, a gate threshold voltage can be maintained even though the ion-implanting concentration of the active region is not uniform. The semiconductor device comprises: a device isolation film that defines an active region formed over a semiconductor substrate; a line-type recess with a given depth formed to be extended along a first direction to intersect at the active region; and a gate formed to be extended along a second direction to intersect at the active region, wherein a spacer including a high K material is disposed at sidewalls. |
| US08614479B2 |
Vertical transistor structure
A vertical transistor structure includes a substrate, a source, a first gate, a first insulating layer, a second gate, a gate insulating layer, a drain, a second insulating layer, and a semiconductor channel layer. The source is configured on the substrate. The first gate is configured on the source and has at least one first through hole. The first insulating layer is between the first gate and the source. The second gate is configured on the first gate and has at least one second through hole. The gate insulating layer is between the first and second gates and has at least one third through hole. The first, second, and third through holes are communicated with one another. The drain is configured on the second gate. The second insulating layer is configured between the second gate and the drain. The semiconductor channel layer fills the first, second, and third through holes. |
| US08614478B2 |
Method for protecting a semiconductor device against degradation, a semiconductor device protected against hot charge carriers and a manufacturing method therefor
A method for protecting a semiconductor device against degradation of its electrical characteristics is provided. The method includes providing a semiconductor device having a first semiconductor region and a charged dielectric layer which form a dielectric-semiconductor interface. The majority charge carriers of the first semiconductor region are of a first charge type. The charged dielectric layer includes fixed charges of the first charge type. The charge carrier density per area of the fixed charges is configured such that the charged dielectric layer is shielded against entrapment of hot majority charge carriers generated in the first semiconductor region. Further, a semiconductor device which is protected against hot charge carriers and a method for forming a semiconductor device are provided. |
| US08614473B2 |
Flash memory with recessed floating gate
A flash memory device wherein the floating gate of the flash memory is defined by a recessed access device. The use of a recessed access device results in a longer channel length with less loss of device density. The floating gate can also be elevated above the substrate a selected amount so as to achieve a desirable coupling between the substrate, the floating gate and the control gate comprising the flash cell. |
| US08614470B2 |
Unit pixel of a CMOS image sensor
A unit pixel of a CMOS image sensor include a photodiode that transforms light to an electric charge, and accumulates the electric charge, and a plurality of transistors that generate an electric signal based on the accumulated electric charge. The photodiode has a slope shape based on incident angle of the light in a semiconductor substrate. |
| US08614469B2 |
Semiconductor device and manufacturing method of the same
A semiconductor device capable of improving the driving power and a manufacturing method therefor are provided. In a semiconductor device, a gate structure formed by successively stacking a gate oxide film and a silicon layer is arranged over a semiconductor substrate. An oxide film is arranged long the lateral side of the gate structure and another oxide film is arranged along the lateral side of the oxide film and the upper surface of the substrate. In the side wall oxide film comprising these oxide films, the minimum value of the thickness of the first layer along the lateral side of the gate structure is less than the thickness of the second layer along the upper surface of the substrate. |
| US08614468B2 |
Mask-less and implant free formation of complementary tunnel field effect transistors
A device includes a first source/drain region of a first conductivity type over a silicon substrate, wherein the first source/drain region is at a higher step of a two-step profile. The first source/drain region includes a germanium-containing region. A second source/drain region is of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type, wherein the second source/drain region is at a lower step of the two-step profile. A gate dielectric includes a vertical portion in contact with a side edge the silicon substrate, and a horizontal portion in contact with a top surface of the silicon substrate at the lower step. The horizontal portion is connected to a lower end of the vertical portion. A gate electrode is directly over the horizontal portion, wherein a sidewall of the gate electrode is in contact with the vertical portion of the gate dielectric. |
| US08614463B2 |
Layout configuration for memory cell array
A layout configuration for a memory cell array includes at least a comb-like doped region having a first conductivity type and a fishbone-shaped doped region having a second conductivity type. The second conductivity type and the first conductivity type are complementary. Furthermore, the comb-like doped region and the fishbone-shaped doped region are interdigitated. |
| US08614462B2 |
Array substrate for organic electroluminescent device and method of fabricating the same
A method of fabricating an array substrate for an organic electroluminescent device includes forming a semiconductor layer of polysilicon in an element region, and a semiconductor pattern of polysilicon in a storage region on a substrate; forming a multiple-layered gate electrode corresponding to a center portion of the semiconductor layer and a first storage electrode corresponding to the semiconductor pattern; performing an impurity-doping to make a portion of the semiconductor layer not covered by the gate electrode into an ohmic contact layer and make the semiconductor pattern into a second storage electrode; forming source and drain electrodes and a third storage electrode corresponding to the first storage electrode; forming a first electrode contacting the drain electrode and a fourth storage electrode corresponding to the third storage electrode. |
| US08614458B2 |
Patterned substrate for light emitting diode and light emitting diode employing the same
Disclosed herein are a patterned substrate for a light emitting diode and a light emitting diode employing the patterned substrate. The substrate has top and bottom surfaces. Protrusion patterns are arranged on the top surface of the substrate. Furthermore, recessed regions surround the protrusion patterns. The recessed regions have irregular bottoms. Thus, the protrusion patterns and the recessed regions can prevent light emitted from a light emitting diode from being lost due to the total reflection to thereby improve light extraction efficiency. |
| US08614456B2 |
LED and LED light source
An LED die (3) is arranged with an adhesive (4) on an LED PCB (6). The LED PCB (6) has on the side opposite to the LED die (3) rear side contacts (7). Through this a self-contained LED lamp is formed, which e.g. can be applied by means of SMT to a board (9) or introduced into a lamp socket. In accordance with the invention, the rear side contacts (7) cover at least the half area, preferably the entire area apart from necessary exceptions, of the LED PCB (6). Through this, the heat can be discharged with slight thermal resistance. Preferably a cooling body (11) is arranged on the rear side of the board (9). In this case it is expedient if the board (9) has through-contacts for increasing the thermal conductivity. |
| US08614455B2 |
Semiconductor light emitting device
According to an embodiment, a semiconductor light emitting device includes a stacked body, first and second electrodes, first and second interconnections, first and second pillars and a first insulating layer. The stacked body includes first and second semiconductor layers and a light emitting layer. The first and second electrodes are connected to the first and second semiconductor layers respectively. The first and second interconnections are connected to the first and second electrode respectively. The first and second pillars are connected to the first and second interconnections respectively. The first insulating layer is provided on the interconnections and the pillars. The first and second pillars have first and second monitor pads exposed in a surface of the first insulating layer. The first and second interconnections have first and second bonding pads exposed in a side face connected with the surface of the first insulating layer. |
| US08614452B2 |
Light-emitting diode having zinc oxide nanorods and method of fabricating the same
The light extraction efficiency of a typical light-emitting diode (LED) is improved by incorporating one-dimensional ZnO nanorods. The light extraction efficiency is improved about 31% due to the waveguide effect of ZnO sub-microrods, compared to an LED without the nanorods. Other shapes of ZnO microrods and nanorods are produced using a simple non-catalytic wet chemical growth method at a low temperature on an indium-tin-oxide (ITO) top contact layer with no seed layer. The crystal morphology of a needle-like or flat top hexagonal structure and the density and size of ZnO microrods and nanorods are easily modified by controlling the pH value and growth time. The waveguide phenomenon in each ZnO rod is observed using confocal scanning electroluminescence microscopy (CSEM) and micro-electroluminescence spectra (MES). |
| US08614450B2 |
Luminous devices, packages and systems containing the same, and fabricating methods thereof
The present invention is directed to a vertical-type luminous device and high through-put methods of manufacturing the luminous device. These luminous devices can be utilized in a variety of luminous packages, which can be placed in luminous systems. The luminous devices are designed to maximize light emitting efficiency and/or thermal dissipation. Other improvements include an embedded zener diode to protect against harmful reverse bias voltages. |
| US08614445B2 |
Alkylsilane laminate, production method thereof and thin-film transistor
Provided is an alkylsilane laminate with which it is possible to obtain an organic semiconductor film having excellent semiconductor properties. Such a laminate can be useful for an organic thin-film transistor. The alkylsilane laminate comprises an underlayer (Sub) having hydroxyl groups at the surface and an alkylsilane thin film (AS) formed on this underlayer. The alkylsilane laminate is a laminate wherein the critical surface energy Ec of the alkylsilane thin film and the number of carbons (X) of the alkylsilane satisfies the following formula (1): Ec≦29.00−0.63x (mN/m) (1) Also provided is a thin-film transistor (10) having such an alkylsilane laminate (Sub, AS). |
| US08614444B2 |
Top-gate transistor array substrate
A top-gate transistor array substrate includes a transparent substrate with a plane, an ion release layer, a pixel array, and a first insulating layer. The ion release layer is disposed on the transparent substrate and completely covers the plane. The pixel array is disposed on the ion release layer and includes a plurality of transistors and a plurality of pixel electrodes. Each of the transistors includes a source, a drain, a gate and a MOS (metal oxide semiconductor) layer. The drain, the source and the MOS layer are disposed on the ion release layer. The pixel electrodes are electrically connected to the drains respectively. The gate is disposed above the MOS layer. The first insulating layer is disposed between the MOS layers and the gates. The MOS layer contacts the ion release layer. The ion release layer can release a plurality of ions into the MOS layers. |
| US08614442B2 |
Thin film transistor and method of forming the same
A thin film transistor (TFT) may include a channel layer, a source electrode, a drain electrode, a protective layer, a gate electrode, and/or a gate insulating layer. The channel layer may include an oxide semiconductor material. The source electrode and the drain electrode may face each other on the channel layer. The protective layer may be under the source electrode and the drain electrode and/or may cover the channel layer. The gate electrode may be configured to apply an electric field to the channel layer. The gate insulating layer may be interposed between the gate electrode and the channel layer. |
| US08614440B2 |
Material for a photoactive layer in organic photodiodes, use therefor, and an organic photodiode
A photoactive layer in organic photodiodes includes organic photoactive dyes, including squaraines with donor-substituted aromatic substituents as the electron donor component, used as an alternative to polymer hold conductors for bulk heterojunctions typically found in the organic active layer of organic photodiodes. |
| US08614427B1 |
Suspended membrane calibration sample
One embodiment disclosed relates to a method for fabricating a calibration sample. The method includes lithographically patterning a first side of a wafer with a pattern of a self-supporting membrane, etching the first side of the wafer to form the self-supporting membrane in a layer on the first side, and etching a second side of the wafer to reach the layer so as to suspend the membrane over an empty space. Another embodiment disclosed relates to a charged particle beam system. The system includes a charged particle source, a focusing column and lens assembly, a detector, and a suspended membrane calibration sample. Another embodiment disclosed relates a suspended membrane calibration sample for a charged particle beam system. The calibration sample includes a plurality of calibration patterns in an array, a suspended membrane that is self-supporting and includes the plurality of calibration patterns, and an empty space underneath the membrane. |
| US08614421B2 |
Method and system for assembly of glass substrate-based radiological imaging sensor
A method and system of constructing and assembling a radiological imaging sensor having a transparent crystalline substrate plate, such as a glass or sapphire plate, for use in assembling the radiological imaging sensor using either a clear fiber optic plate of a dark fiber optic plate with ultraviolet curable adhesives. The transparent glass substrate plate may further include at least one crystalline sapphire strip disposed in an aperture therewithin. Flexible cable connections are provided by wire bonding to the imaging die substrate. |
| US08614420B2 |
Radiation detection system including a plurality of scintillators having different light yields and method of using the same
A radiation detection system can include a scintillating member including a polymer matrix, a first scintillating material, and a second scintillating material different from the first scintillating material and at least one photosensor coupled to the scintillating member. The radiation detection system can be configured to receive particular radiation at the scintillating member, generate a first light from the first scintillating material and a second light from the second scintillating material in response to receiving the particular radiation, receive the first and second lights at the at least one photosensor, generate a signal at the photosensor, and determine a total effective energy of the particular radiation based at least in part on the signal. Practical applications of the radiation detection system can include identifying a particular isotope present within an object, identifying a particular type of radiation emitted by the object, or locating a source of radiation within the object. |
| US08614419B2 |
Rapid diagnosis of a disease condition using infrared spectroscopy
Reliable and rapid diagnostic methods for many functional syndromes (FS) such as Bladder Pain Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis (IC) are not available. Exemplary embodiments include rapid and accurate methods for diagnosing FS in humans and other mammals using infrared microspectroscopy (IRMS). Exemplary methods utilize Soft Independent Modeling by Class Analogy (SIMCA) to create classification models. Exemplary methods utilize classification models to categorize a subject's condition (e.g., healthy/sick and or flare/remission). Using these classification models, various embodiments enable diagnosis based on spectra data from a blood sample or other biomedical specimen. Exemplary embodiments may be useful for rapid diagnosis of IC and various other conditions in humans, cats, and/or other mammals. |
| US08614412B2 |
Solid-state image device, manufacturing method thereof, and image capturing apparatus
A solid-state image device is provided which includes: a photoelectric conversion portion which obtains a signal charge by photoelectric conversion of incident light; a pixel transistor portion which outputs a signal charge generated by the photoelectric conversion portion; a peripheral circuit portion which is provided at the periphery of a pixel portion including the photoelectric conversion portion and the pixel transistor portion and which has an NMOS transistor and a PMOS transistor; a first stress liner film which has a compressive stress and which is provided on the PMOS transistor; and a second stress liner film which has a tensile stress and which is provided on the NMOS transistor. In the solid-state image device described above, the photoelectric conversion portion, the pixel transistor portion, and the peripheral circuit portion are provided in and/or on a semiconductor substrate. |
| US08614411B2 |
2D/3D dual-mode image sensing circuitry with a pull-down unit
A 2D/3D dual-mode image sensing circuitry is composed of a photodiode, an active sensing unit, and a pull-down unit. The photodiode is to detect and convert optical signals into electronic signals. The active sensing unit is electrically connected with one end of the photodiode for receiving electronic signals outputted by the photodiode, having an output. The pull-down unit is electrically connected with the output, providing a pull-down path. The pull-down unit has a pull-down control terminal, by which the pull-down unit can be externally controllably switched on/off, for sinking the potential or not to the aforesaid end of the photodiode. In this way, as the 2D mode is switched on, the 3D mode is switched off; on the other hand, as the 3D mode is switched on, the 2D mode is switched off. |
| US08614405B2 |
Method of manufacturing a lining element
Method of manufacturing a lining element intended to be attached to a support block of a tire mould, comprising the following steps: manufacturing, by selective melting of superposed layers of powder, of an intermediate element comprising the lining element and at least one local support element for locally supporting the lining element, the lining element and the local support element being produced as a single piece, separating the lining element from the support element. |
| US08614398B2 |
Ground termination with dampened resonance
A system of dampening resonance is provided. In an embodiment, ground traces may be coupled to a common or ground plane via dampening elements such as resistors a predetermined distance from a non-dampened coupling. Ground terminals in a connector have with a separated electrical length that allows for a potential to exist between the ground terminal and a common ground. When the ground terminals are coupled to the ground traces, the dampening element, which may be a resistor, helps convert energy traveling over ground terminal into heat, thus reducing or preventing resonance conditions in the connector. |
| US08614397B2 |
Circuit device
In a circuit device of the present invention, the lower surface side of a circuit board is covered with a second resin encapsulant, and the upper surface side and the like of the circuit board are covered with a first resin encapsulant. Since heat dissipation to the outside of the circuit device is achieved mainly through the second resin encapsulant, a particle size of filler contained in the second resin encapsulant is made larger than a particle size of filler contained in the first resin encapsulant. Heat dissipation to the outside of the circuit device is greatly improved. |
| US08614393B2 |
Photovoltaic cell based on zinc oxide nanorods and method for making the same
A new photovoltaic (PV) cell structure, prepared on transparent substrate with transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer and having nanorod zinc oxide layer. The cell has a thin conductive layer of doped zinc oxide deposited on the nanorod zinc oxide layer, an extremely thin blocking layer of titanium oxide or indium sulfide on the thin conductive layer, a buffer layer of indium sulfide on the extremely thin blocking layer, an absorber layer, comprising copper indium disulfide on said buffer layer and one electrode attached to the transparent conductive oxide layer and a second electrode attached to the absorber layer. Also, a method of preparing a zinc oxide nanorod PV cell entirely by chemical spray pyrolysis is disclosed. Efficiency up to 3.9% is achieved by simple continuous non-vacuum process. |
| US08614390B2 |
Automatic configuration of thermoelectric generation system to load requirements
Apparatus and methods for automatically configuring a thermoelectric power generation system in accordance with the requirements of a load. The apparatus includes a thermoelectric generator that generates electric power when subjected to a temperature differential, at least one configurable component that affects at least one aspect of the power generated by the thermoelectric generator, a monitor that senses at least one aspect of the power generated by the thermoelectric generator and provides at least one signal characterizing the power generated by the thermoelectric generator, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the at least one signal and configure the at least one configurable component based on the at least one signal in accordance with the requirements of a load to which power is supplied by the thermoelectric generator. The configurable component may be a matrix switch that can reconfigure the interconnections between banks included in the thermoelectric generator. |
| US08614388B2 |
System and method for generating customized chords
Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for generating customized chords. An exemplary method includes providing a storage medium, including a database storing data corresponding to a plurality of predefined chords to be played by the virtual instrument. The method then includes receiving a plurality of user inputs that enable a user to select a desired custom chord other than a predefined chord stored in the database, the user inputs being displayed on a display of said device. The method further includes creating the desired chord from the predefined chord data stored in the database in accordance with a predefined algorithm, and causing data corresponding to the created custom chord to be stored by the device such that the virtual instrument is able to play the created desired chord. |
| US08614383B1 |
Lap tapping instrument
A lap tapping instrument which takes the form of a guitar, has a main body, a top surface with a sound hold therethrough, a bottom surface, sidewalls extending between the surfaces, a neck section with a fingerboard, and guitar strings extending over the sound hold and neck section. A percussive member having a series of parallel extending upstanding ridges is permanently secured to the top surface of the main body and an opening located through the sidewall has a connection for interchanging a plurality of different percussive accessories and attaching the accessories to the body of the instrument. The main body also has an optional top side opening into which other percussive accessories can be attached. The accessories are connected to the main body and interchanged with other accessories as the musician's need arise. |
| US08614381B2 |
Method and structure for portable piano sound reflector
A portable sound reflector designed to be placed under the soundboard of a piano in order to reflect sound laterally. The preferred embodiment includes a main panel which is held in the proper reflecting orientation by a pair of lateral wings. The lateral wings are preferably hinged to the main panel so that the entire assembly may be folded flat for transportation and storage. A pair of automatically-deploying stays are preferably included. These fold outward and downward to latch the lateral wings in the deployed state when the device is to be used. The hinges are preferably spring-biased toward the open position. This allows the device to assist the user in the unfolding process. |
| US08614379B2 |
Variety corn line NPID3216
The present invention provides an inbred corn line designated NPID3216, methods for producing a corn plant by crossing plants of the inbred line NPID3216 with plants of another corn plant. The invention further encompasses all parts of inbred corn line NPID3216, including culturable cells. Additionally provided herein are methods for introducing transgenes into inbred corn line NPID3216, and plants produced according to these methods. |
| US08614376B1 |
Maize variety hybrid X18B705
A novel maize variety designated X18B705 and seed, plants and plant parts thereof, produced by crossing Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc. proprietary inbred maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprises crossing hybrid maize variety X18B705 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X18B705 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X18B705, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X18B705. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X18B705. |
| US08614375B2 |
Cotton variety
A cotton inbred variety, designated P02X.5065, the plants and seeds of the cotton variety P02X.5065, methods for producing a cotton plant, either varietal or hybrid, produced by crossing the cotton variety P02X.5065 with itself or with another cotton plant, and hybrid cotton seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety P02X.5065 with another cotton variety or plant and to methods for producing a cotton plant containing in its genetic material one or more transgenes and to the transgenic cotton plants produced by that method. This invention also relates to cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P02X.5065, to methods for producing other cotton varieties derived from cotton variety P02X.5065 and to the varieties derived by the use of those methods. |
| US08614374B2 |
Soybean variety A1026390
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1026390. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1026390. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1026390 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1026390 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods. |
| US08614369B2 |
Enzymes involved in triterpene synthesis
This invention relates to isolated polynucleotides encoding enzymes consisting of a carboxypeptidase-like protein, a methyltransferase and a glucosyltransferase, involved in the biosynthesis of β-amyrin-derived triterpenes in plants and seeds. The invention also relates to the construction of recombinant DNA constructs comprising all or a portion of the isolated polynucleotides of the invention, in sense or antisense orientation, operably linked to at least one regulatory sequence. |
| US08614368B2 |
Maize ethylene signaling genes and modulation of same for improved stress tolerance in plants
The invention provides isolated maize EIN3, ERF3, EBF1, EBF2, EIN5 nucleic acids which are associated with ethylene signaling in plants and their encoded proteins. The present invention provides methods and compositions relating to altering ethylene sensitivity in plants. The invention further provides recombinant expression cassettes, host cells, transgenic plants and antibody compositions. |
| US08614362B2 |
Process for preparing iodinated aromatic compounds
The present invention relates to a process for preparing iodinated aromatic compounds. Particularly, the present invention comprises the step of performing the iodination of a non-halogenated aromatic compound, a monoiodo aromatic compound, a diiodo aromatic compound, and iodine in the presence of a zeolite catalyst under oxygen atmosphere.In the process for preparing iodinated aromatic compounds according to the present invention, an iodination and an iodine conversion simultaneously occur, and then prevent side-reactions. Also, the lifetime of an iodination catalyst used therein can be extended by controlling the reaction temperature stably. Therefore, the process can be used for mass production of diiodo compound. |
| US08614359B2 |
Integrated acid and alcohol production process
An integrated process for producing ethanol, comprising the step of reacting carbon monoxide with at least one reactant in a reactor containing a reaction medium to produce a liquid reaction product comprising acetic acid. The reaction medium comprises water, acetic acid, methyl acetate, a halogen promoter, and a first catalyst. The process further comprises the steps of directly feeding the liquid reaction product from the reactor to a distillation column and withdrawing from it an overhead stream comprising methyl acetate, and/or halogen promoter, a bottoms stream comprising a solution of the first catalyst, and a liquid acetic acid sidestream; and hydrogenating acetic acid of the liquid acetic acid sidestream in the presence of a second catalyst and under conditions effective to form a crude ethanol product comprising ethanol and water. No flashing vessel is used to purify the liquid reaction product. Ethanol is recovered from the crude ethanol product. |
| US08614356B2 |
Method for producing toluylenediamine by hydrogenating dinitrotoluene
A process for preparing tolylenediamine by hydrogenating dinitrotoluene with hydrogen in the presence of a suspended catalyst in a vertically upright reactor (1), at the upper end of which is arranged a motive jet nozzle (2) through which the reaction mixture drawn off from the reactor bottom, via an external loop, is sprayed into the upper region of the reactor (1) and then flows into a central inserted tube (4) which is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the reactor, flows through the latter from the top downward and flows upward again outside the inserted tube (4) in an internal loop motion, with a heat exchanger (6) in the interior of the reactor (1), through which cooling water flows, and absorbs some of the heat of reaction as it does so, with a feed for the dinitrotoluene at the upper end of the reactor (1) and a feed for the hydrogen at the lower end of the reactor (1), and wherein, in addition to the heat exchanger (6) arranged in the interior of the reactor (1), a further heat exchanger (W) is used in the external loop, in which water absorbs the rest of the heat of reaction by indirect heat exchange with the reaction mixture, which comprises utilizing the heat of reaction to raise steam with a pressure of at least 4 bar gauge by performing the hydrogenation of dinitrotoluene to tolylenediamine at a temperature of ≧180° C. |
| US08614355B2 |
Catalyst and process for hydrogenating organic compounds
The invention relates to a catalyst and to a process for hydrogenating organic compounds. In particular, the invention is directed to a process and catalyst for hydrogenating organic compounds with hydrogen. The organic compounds are subjected to hydrogenation in the presence of a catalyst comprising nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes as a catalytically active component, wherein the proportion of nitrogen in the nanotubes is in the range of from about 0.05 to 20 wt. %. |
| US08614354B2 |
Process for the synthesis of cinacalcet hydrochloride
There is described a process for the preparation of cinacalcet hydrochloride (I) which includes the steps of: a) reacting (R)-(+)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine (II) with 3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]propenaldehyde (III) to afford the non isolated intermediate (R)—N-[3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-propenylimino-N-[1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine (IV); b) reducing the non isolated intermediate (R)—N-[3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-propenylimino-N-[-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine (IV) with a sequential addition of:—a solution of sodium borohydride, methanol and a base,—oxalic acid and—a base to obtain (R)—N-[3-[3-(tifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-propenyl]-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine (V) by passing through the precipitation of the oxalate salt of compound (V) after the addition of oxalic acid; c) hydrogenating (R)—N-[3-[3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-2-propenyl]-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine (V) thus obtaining (R)—N-(3-(3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]propyl]-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine cinacalcet base (VI), which is retaken in ethyl acetate; and d) treating the solution of cinacalcet base (VI) in ethyl acetate with hydrochloric acid to afford cinacalcet hydrochloride (I). |
| US08614341B2 |
Amorphous silibinin for the treatment of viral hepatitis
The invention relates to a method for the preparation of amorphous silibinin (or its synonyms: silybin or silibin) derived from a milk thistle fruit extract having an increased release rate and improved absorbability or bioavailability, and to the use of amorphous silibinin for the treatment or prevention of liver diseases, preferably for the treatment of viral hepatitis, e.g. hepatitis B or C, in particular in a patient who will undergo or has undergone liver transplantation. Preferably, the amorphous silibinin is adapted for oral administration. |
| US08614339B2 |
Dimeric derivatives of artemisinin and application in anti-cancer therapy
The present invention relates to dimeric derivatives of 10-trifluoromethylated artemisinin of formula (I) below: Formula (I) and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and also to the preparation method thereof and to the uses thereof, especially in the treatment of cancer. |
| US08614325B2 |
Modulators of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator
This invention relates to a compound of Formula I: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R is COOH or CH2OH. |
| US08614324B2 |
Filamin A binding anti-inflammatory and analgesic
A compound or its pharmaceutically acceptable salt, optionally including both individual enantiomeric forms, a racemate, diastereomers and mixtures thereof, composition and method are disclosed that can provide analgesia and reduce inflammation. A contemplated compound has a structure that corresponds to Formula A, wherein the R group substituents, d, e, f, k, n, m, D, E, F, K, G, P, Q, W, and Z are defined within. |
| US08614323B2 |
Chemokine receptor antagonists and use thereof
The present invention relates to a compound represented by formula (I): wherein all symbols are as defined here, a salt thereof, a solvate thereof, or a prodrug thereof. The compound of the present invention has an antagonistic activity against CXCR4 and is therefore useful as a preventive and/or therapeutic agent for CXCR4-mediated diseases, for example, inflammatory and immune diseases (for example, rheumatoid arthritis, arthritis, retinopathy, pulmonary fibrosis, rejection of transplanted organ, etc.), allergic diseases, infections (for example, human immunodeficiency virus infection, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, etc.), psychoneurotic diseases, cerebral diseases, cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, and cancerous diseases (for example, cancer, cancer metastasis, etc.), or an agent for regeneration therapy. |
| US08614319B2 |
Heterocyclic compounds and uses thereof in the treatment of sexual disorders
Novel heterocyclic compounds having the Formula I:wherein A, B, D, E, G, K, L, M, Q, T, X, Y and Z are as defined herein, which exhibit a dopamine receptor (preferably a D4 receptor) agonistic activity, and/or a PDE5 inhibitory activity, processes of preparing same, pharmaceutical compositions containing same and uses thereof in the treatment of sexual disorders such as decreased libido, orgasm disorder and erectile dysfunction are disclosed. |
| US08614304B2 |
Immunogenic peptides and methods of use for treating and preventing cancer
Disclosed are immunogenic peptides, related fusion proteins, nucleic acids encoding the peptides or fusion proteins, conjugates, expression vectors, host cells, and antibodies. Also, disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions, vaccines for use in the treatment or prevention of cancer, e.g., alveolar rhabodomyosarcoma, methods of stimulating a T cell to kill a tumor cell, methods of stimulating CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, and methods of treating or preventing cancer are further provided herein. |
| US08614303B2 |
Diagnostic methods for ubiquinated protein profiling
Methods for establishing a protein expression profile of a biological sample, by contacting a biological sample with a ubiquitin-binding protein such that ubiquitinated and specific non-ubiquitinated protein (the IPS) bind to the ubiquitin-binding protein; isolating the IPS proteins; and analyzing the isolated IPS proteins, wherein an expression profile is generated. |
| US08614302B2 |
Modified carbocyanine dyes and their conjugates
Chemically reactive carbocyanine dyes incorporating an indolium ring moiety that is substituted at the 3-position by a reactive group or by a conjugated substance, and their uses, are described. Conjugation through this position results in spectral properties that are uniformly superior to those of conjugates of spectrally similar dyes wherein attachment is at a different position. The invention includes derivative compounds having one or more benzo nitrogens. |
| US08614301B2 |
Methods of treating cancer using anti CD24 antibodies
Anti-CD24 antibodies and adjuvant combinations thereof with chemotherapeutic agents or toxins, which can be used to inhibit growth of CD24-expressing cancer cells and prevent and treat cancer are provided. |
| US08614300B2 |
Nucleic acids encoding a mut-T domain-containing polypeptide
The invention pertains to nucleic acids encoding a mutT domain-containing polypeptide, including fragments and biologically functional variants thereof. The invention also pertains to therapeutics and diagnostics involving the foregoing polypeptide and nucleic acids and agents that bind the foregoing polypeptide and nucleic acids. The invention also pertains to the identification of a novel mutT domain in human TrpC7, a polypeptide previously described as a putative calcium ion channel. Accordingly, the invention also pertains to methods and compositions for identifying agents useful in modulating mutT domain-mediated calcium or other ion transport in cells expressing a polypeptide comprising a mutT domain and a calcium or other ion channel. |
| US08614299B2 |
Humanized antibodies specific to the protofibrillar form of the beta-amyloid peptide
The present application relates to humanized antibodies specific to the protofibrillar form of the beta-amyloid peptide, and to the use of said antibodies in the field of Alzheimer's disease. |
| US08614297B2 |
Anti-idiotype antibody against an antibody against the amyloid β peptide
The present invention is directed to an anti-idiotype antibody binding to the complementary determining region of an antibody against the amyloid β peptide. In one embodiment said antibody binds to the same epitope or an overlapping epitope as the antibody obtainable from the cell line DSM ACC2939. Also reported is an immunoassay for the determination of an antibody against the amyloid β peptide and for determination of an anti-idiotype antibody binding to an antibody against the amyloid β peptide. |
| US08614296B2 |
Humanized antibodies specific for amino acid sequence RGD of an extracellular matrix protein and the uses thereof
The present invention provides humanized antibodies that immunospecifically recognize the RGD sequence. Some of these antibodies inhibit the biological functions of the RGD proteins, thereby exhibiting therapeutic effects on various disorders or diseases that are associated with RGD proteins, including cancer, e.g., the growth and metastasis of a cancer cell, and inflammatory diseases, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, hepatitis, endometriosis, bronchial asthma, fibrosis, diabetes, arteriosclerosis, multiple sclerosis, granuloma, an inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease), an autoimmune disease, and so forth. |
| US08614294B2 |
Pyrenyloxysulfonic acid fluorescent agents
The invention provides a novel class of reactive fluorescent agents that are based on a pyrene sulfonic acid nucleus. The agents are readily incorporated into conjugates with other species by reacting the reactive group with a group of complementary reactivity on the other species of the conjugate. Also provided are methods of using the compounds of the invention to detect and/or quantify an analyte in a sample. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides multi-color assays incorporating the compounds of the invention. |
| US08614290B2 |
Cancer imaging and treatment
A compound, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, comprises the structure: [(P1-S1j)p-L-(S2q-P2)r]t wherein: P1 and P2, which may be the same or different, are cyclic oligopeptide moieties, at least one of P1 and P2 having the motif B-Arg or B-(Me) Arg within the cyclic moiety, wherein B is a basic amino acid, a derivative thereof, or phenylalanine or a derivative thereof; S1 and S2 are spacer groups, which may be the same or different; L is a linker moiety containing at least two functional groups for attachment of the cyclic oligopeptides or spacer groups; n and q are independently 0 or 1; p and r are independently integers of 1 or more; and t is an integer of 1 or more, provided that, when t, p or r is greater than 1, the cyclic oligopeptide moiety, spacer group and/or the value of j or q may be the same or different between the multiple (P1-S1j) moieties or multiple (S2q-P2) moieties. |
| US08614289B2 |
Processes for the manufacture of macrocyclic depsipeptides and new intermediates
The invention relates to a method or process for the chemical manufacture of depsipeptides of the formula I, wherein the symbols have the meaning defined in the description, to new intermediates and their manufacture, as well as related invention embodiments. |
| US08614285B2 |
Photosensitizer based on polymer derivatives-photosensitizer conjugates for photodynamic therapy
Disclosed is a novel photosensitizer based on polymer derivatives-photosensitizer conjugates for photodynamic therapy capable of being selectively accumulated in cancerous tissues and producing singlet oxygen or free radical by laser irradiation. The polymer derivatives-photosensitizer conjugates for photodynamic therapy are prepared as nano-sized particles, and have excellent selection and accumulation ratio for cancerous tissues. The photosensitizer conjugates can produce singlet oxygen or free radical by a specific laser wavelength. Owing to the excellent selection and accumulation ratio for cancerous tissues, the conjugates minimizes photo-cytotoxicity of the conventional photosensitizer having a low molecular amount. Accordingly, the conjugates are very useful as a photosensitizes for photodynamic therapy with reduced side effects and excellent therapeutic effectiveness. |
| US08614282B2 |
Low gas permeable silicone resin composition and optoelectronic device
A silicone resin composition comprising (A) an organopolysiloxane containing silicon-bonded aryl and alkenyl groups in a molecule, (B) an organohydrogenpolysiloxane, and (C) an addition reaction catalyst is low gas permeable. An optoelectronic device encapsulated therewith is highly reliable. |
| US08614281B2 |
Moisture-curable siloxanes and siloxane polymers
Siloxane-containing reactive compounds contain moisture-curable alkoxy-silane functional end groups. The siloxane-containing reactive compounds may be prepared from siloxane-containing oxamide compounds or amine compounds. Siloxane-containing polymers may be prepared from the reactive compounds by reaction with water. The siloxane-containing polymers may be release materials or adhesives. |
| US08614272B2 |
Tire rubber composition and pneumatic tire
The invention aims to provide a tire rubber composition that is excellent in the low heat build-up property (fuel economy), wet grip performance, and abrasion resistance, and can be suitably used for a tread (cap tread); and a tire rubber composition that is excellent in the low heat build-up property and breaking properties, and can be suitably used for a base tread or sidewall. The composition comprises: a diene polymer; and silica, the diene polymer being a modified diene polymer obtainable by reacting compounds (A) and (B), the compound (A) being an active alkali metal-terminated conjugated diene polymer obtainable by polymerizing a conjugated diene monomer alone or with an aromatic vinyl monomer, in the presence of compound (C), the compound (B) being a modifying agent having a functional group, and the compound (C) being a chemical species obtainable by reacting an organic alkali metal compound with compound of formula (1): |
| US08614269B2 |
Water-, solvent- and plasticizer-free, silane-modified, one-component parquet adhesive and use thereof for gluing parquet, wooden floor coverings and wood-based material boards to all sub-floors which are common in interior fitment, even those which are problematic
The present subject matter relates to a one-component, silane-modified water-, solvent- and plasticizer-free parquet adhesive and also to the use thereof for gluing parquet, wooden floor coverings and wood-based material boards to all sub-floors which are used in interior fitment, even those which are problematic. |
| US08614265B2 |
Method of making fluoropolymer dispersion
A method of making a fluoropolymer dispersion by first providing a fluoropolymer dispersion comprising fluoropolymer particles and one or more fluorinated surfactants selected from fluorinated carboxylic acids or salts thereof having the general formula: [Rf—O-L-COO−]iXi+ (I) wherein L represents a linear fully fluorinated alkylene group, Rf represents a linear fully fluorinated aliphatic group or a linear fully fluorinated aliphatic group interrupted with one oxygen atom, Xi+ represents a cation having the valence i and i is 1, 2 or 3; then adding one or more non-fluorinated surfactants selected from anionic and non-ionic surfactants followed by reducing the total amount of the one or more fluorinated surfactants to an amount of not more than 500 ppm, for example not more than 250 ppm based on the total weight of the dispersion while maintaining or increasing the amount of solids in the dispersion. |
| US08614263B2 |
Non-biodegradable endodontic sealant composition
A non-biodegradable endodontic sealant composition comprises the reaction product of a first paste and a second paste. Either paste or both pastes include one or more of: unmodified HEMA and bioglass. The first paste includes a first polymerizing agent and the second paste includes a second polymerizing agent. A method for making the composition comprises preparing the first paste and second paste and combining the pastes under conditions to achieve a polymerization reaction initiated by a reaction between the polymerizing agents. The combining step is performed under conditions for achieving a setting time that is in a range of about 1 minute to about 1 hour. A method for treating humans having a voided region into which no re-growth will occur comprises administering the composition to the affected area, preferably to an area where tissue, tooth, or bone are not intended to re-grow. |
| US08614252B2 |
Crystalline solid rasagiline base
The subject invention provides crystalline R(+)-N-propargyl-1-aminoindan, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of manufacture thereof. |
| US08614251B2 |
Crystalline form VI of agomelatine, preparation method and application thereof
The invention provides a new crystalline form of agomelatine, preparation and use thereof. The X-ray powder diffraction diagram of the agomelatine crystalline form shows main peaks at the diffraction angles 2θ 11.13°, 11.82°, 17.49°, 18.29°, 19.48°, 19.72°, 20.50°, 21.76°, 22.54°, 22.97°, 24.56°, 25.36°, 27.16° and 31.93°. Said new crystalline form is characterized by high purity, stability and good reproducibility, and thus is advantageous for the pharmaceutical formulation. In addition, the stability and solubility of said crystalline form are also superior over the several existing crystalline forms. |
| US08614250B2 |
Uses of adipic acid
The present invention relates to a method for preventing or treating obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, fatty liver or insulin resistance syndrome, comprising: administering to a mammalian subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising adipic acid. The present composition containing adipic acid as an active ingredient is very effective in preventing or treating obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, fatty liver (preferably, non-alcoholic fatty liver) or insulin resistance syndrome. The composition of the present invention useful as pharmaceuticals compositions or functional food compositions has therapeutic efficacies for obesity, dyslipidemia or fatty liver, and also induces significant decrease in fasting glucose level and blood insulin level to improve type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance and related metabolic diseases. |
| US08614246B2 |
Indole derivatives for treating neurodegenerative diseases
The invention relates to a compound of the following formula (I), or to a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or to a stereoisomer or mixture of stereoisomers at any proportions, where: X1 is a CH2 or C═O group; X2 is a linear saturated or unsaturated carbohydrate chain with 8 to 24 carbon atoms; R1 is a hydrogen atom or an OH or (C1-C6)alkoxy group such as methoxy; and R2 is a CH3 or CH2 OR3 group, with R3 being a hydrogen atom or a (C1-C6)alkyl, CO—(C1-C6)alkyl or NH—(C1-C6)alkyl group. The invention also relates to the use of said compound as a drug, in particular for treating neurodegenerative diseases, and to a method for preparing same. |
| US08614245B2 |
Crystalline (1r,4r)-6′-fluoro-N,N-dimethyl-4-phenyl-4′,9′-dihydro-3′H-spiro[cyclohexane-1,1′-pyrano[3,4,b]indol]-4-amine
Crystalline forms of (1r,4r)-6′-fluoro-N,N-dimethyl-4-phenyl-4′,9′-dihydro-3′H-spiro[cyclohexane-1,1′-pyrano[3,4,b]indol]-4-amine, pharmaceutical compositions and medicaments comprising these crystalline modifications, the use of these modifications as well as a process for the enrichment of such crystalline modifications. |
| US08614243B2 |
Small-molecule modulators of Trp-p8 activity
Provided are small-molecule Trp-p8 modulators, including Trp-p8 agonists and Trp-p8 antagonists, and compositions comprising small-molecule Trp-p8 agonists as well as methods for identifying and characterizing novel small-molecule Trp-p8 modulators and methods for decreasing viability and/or inhibiting growth of Trp-p8 expressing cells, methods for activating Trp-p8-mediated cation influx, methods for stimulating apoptosis and/or necrosis, and related methods for the treatment of diseases, including cancers such as lung, breast, colon, and/or prostate cancers as well as other diseases, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, that are associated with Trp-p8 expression. |
| US08614242B2 |
1-(heterocyclic carbonyl)-2-substituted pyrrolidines
The present invention relates to fungicidal 1-(heterocyclic carbonyl)-2-substituted pyrrolidines and their thiocarbonyl derivatives, their process of preparation and intermediate compounds for their preparation, their use as fungicides, particularly in the form of fungicidal compositions and methods for the control of phytopathogenic fungi of plants using these compounds or their compositions. |
| US08614240B2 |
Benzoxazole derivatives having inhibitory activity against interleukin-6, preparation method thereof, and pharmaceutical composition containing the same
The present invention relates to benzoxazole derivatives represented by the Formula 1, which has an inhibitory activity against interleukin-6 (IL-6), a method for preparation thereof, and a pharmaceutical composition containing the same. The compound represented by the Formula 1 according to the present invention has a superior inhibitory activity against interleukin-6, and therefore, can be practically applied for prevention and treatment of diseases caused by abnormal interleukin-6 activity. |
| US08614239B2 |
Heterocyclic sulfonamide derivatives
The present invention relates to compounds of formula (I) and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds have been demonstrated as inhibitors of MEK and therefore may be useful in the treatment of hyperproliferative diseases (e.g., cancer and inflammation). |
| US08614236B2 |
Methods of treating pulmonary disease using acetazolamide and structurally related derivatives
The present invention is directed to a method of treating a subject for a pulmonary disease by administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of the formula: wherein R1, R2 or R3 are each independently a C1 to C6 alkyl, a halogen, a sulfate, or a phosphate. The pulmonary disease in the subject can be hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, pulmonary edema, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, interstitial fibrosis, high altitude residence, sleep apnea syndrome, atrial septal defects, and pulmonary diseases associated with other conditions. If this same compound is modified so that R1, R2 or R3 each independently is a C1 to C6 alkyl and the compound is not a carbonic acid inhibitor, it can be administered to a subject to block hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction and/or prevent high altitude pulmonary edema. Additional aspects of the present invention include an inhalable composition comprising the compound of the above formula without modification and an inhalable carrier, as well as the above modified compound. |
| US08614232B2 |
Injectable depot formulation comprising crystals of iloperidone
An injectable depot formulation comprising crystals having structure (I) wherein R is (FII) and the X50 value of the crystals is from 1 to 200 microns. Depot formulations containing crystals of iloperidone or its metabolites have the following advantages: (i) release of the crystals in plasma can be correlated with the size of the crystals; (ii) absorption of the crystals in plasma can be correlated with the size of the crystals; (iii) the particle size of the crystals can be controlled by crystal engineering and/or milling; and (iv) the crystals are stable upon storage, and stable to sterilization procedures, such as gamma irradiation. |
| US08614230B2 |
Derivatives of the aminated hydroxyquinoline class for treating cancers
The invention relates to compounds of the aminated hydroxyquinoline type capable of preventing the migration of metastases or tumoral cells. Such compounds are useful for treating cancers. |
| US08614229B2 |
Substituted indole derivatives and methods of use thereof
The present invention relates to Substituted Indole Derivatives, compositions comprising at least one Substituted Indole Derivative, and methods of using these Substituted Indole Derivatives for treating or preventing a viral infection or a virus-related disorder in a patient. |
| US08614228B2 |
Quinone prodrug compositions and methods of use
The present invention relates to quinone prodrug compositions and therapeutic methods using such prodrug compositions. Preferably, the quinone compounds of the invention are napthoquinone compounds such as β-lapachone or β-lapachone analogs. The quinone prodrug compositions of the invention exhibit improved solubility, stability, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic properties, as well as improved plasma half-life in vivo. |
| US08614226B2 |
Hetaryl-[1,8]naphthyridine derivatives
Novel hetaryl-[1,8]naphthyridine derivatives of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, W1, W3, W5 and W6 have the meaning according to claim 1, are inhibitors of ATP consuming proteins, and can be employed, inter alia, for the treatment of tumors. |
| US08614224B2 |
Sinomenine derivatives and processes for their synthesis
The invention generally provides processes and intermediate compounds useful for the production of sinomenine derivatives. In particular, the process may encompass synthetic routes for the production of (+)-sinomenine derivatives and their intermediates. |
| US08614222B2 |
Methods of preventing and treating low bone mass diseases
The present invention provides methods and therapeutic agents for lowering or increasing serum serotonin levels in a patient in order to increase or decrease bone mass, respectively. In preferred embodiments, the patient is known to have, or to be at risk for, a low bone mass disease such as osteoporosis and the agents are TPH1 inhibitors or serotonin receptor antagonists. |
| US08614220B2 |
Substituted pyrazolo-quinazoline derivatives, process for their preparation and their use as kinase inhibitors
Pyrazolo-quinazoline derivatives of formula (I) as defined in the specification, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, process for their preparation and pharmaceutical compositions comprising them are disclosed; the compounds of the invention may be useful, in therapy, in the treatment of diseases associated with a disregulated protein kinase activity, like cancer. |
| US08614215B2 |
Quinoxaline inhibitors of phosphoinositide-3-kinases (PI3Ks)
The present invention is related to quinoxaline compounds of Formula (I) in particular for the treatment of autoimmune disorders and/or inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, bacterial or viral infections, kidney diseases, platelet aggregation, cancer, transplantation, graft rejection or lung injuries. |
| US08614211B2 |
Certain chemical entities, compositions, and methods
Chemical entities that are arctigenin derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment of cancer are described. |
| US08614209B2 |
Amido-thiophene compounds and their use
The present invention pertains generally to the field of therapeutic compounds. More specifically the present invention pertains to certain amido-thiophene compounds that, inter alia, inhibit 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1). The present invention also pertains to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such compounds, and the use of such compounds and compositions, both in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1; to treat disorders that are ameliorated by the inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1; to treat the metabolic syndrome, which includes disorders such as type 2 diabetes and obesity, and associated disorders including insulin resistance, hypertension, lipid disorders and cardiovascular disorders such as ischaemic (coronary) heart disease; to treat CNS disorders such as mild cognitive impairment and early dementia, including Alzheimer's disease; etc. |
| US08614208B2 |
Fused heterocyclic ring derivative and use thereof
The present invention provides a fused heterocycle derivative having a strong Smo inhibitory activity, and use thereof.Specially, the present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula wherein each symbol is as defined in the specification, or salt thereof, and a medicament containing the compound or a prodrug thereof, which is an Smo inhibitor or an agent for the prophylaxis or treatment of cancer. |
| US08614206B2 |
Pyrazol-4-yl-heterocyclyl-carboxamide compounds and methods of use
Pyrazol-4-yl-heterocyclyl-carboxamide compounds of Formula I, including stereoisomers, geometric isomers, tautomers, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein X is thiazolyl, pyrazinyl, pyridinyl, or pyrimidinyl, are useful for inhibiting Pim kinase, and for treating disorders such as cancer mediated by Pim kinase. Methods of using compounds of Formula I for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions, are disclosed. |
| US08614204B2 |
Enhanced erythropoiesis and iron metabolism
The present invention relates to methods and compounds for regulating or enhancing erythropoiesis and iron metabolism, and for treating or preventing iron deficiency and anemia of chronic disease. |
| US08614202B2 |
2α-methyl and 2β-methyl analogs of 19,26,27-trinor-(20S)-1α-hydroxyvitamin D3 and their uses
This invention discloses 2α-methyl and 2β-methyl analogs of 19,26,27-trinor-(20S)-1α-hydroxyvitamin D3 and pharmaceutical uses therefor. These compounds exhibit pronounced activity in arresting the proliferation of undifferentiated cells and inducing their differentiation to the monocyte thus evidencing use as an anti-cancer agent and for the treatment of skin diseases such as psoriasis as well as skin conditions such as wrinkles, slack skin, dry skin and insufficient sebum secretion. These compounds also have little, if any, calcemic activity and therefore may be used to treat autoimmune disorders or inflammatory diseases in humans as well as renal osteodystrophy. These compounds may also be used for the treatment or prevention of obesity. |
| US08614199B2 |
Compositions comprising at least one complex composed of a derivative of naphthoic acid and of at least one cyclodextrin and uses thereof
A composition is described for topical application comprising, in a physiologically acceptable medium, at least one complex composed of a naphthoic acid derivative of formula (I), salts and esters thereof: and of at least one cyclodextrin, said soluble molecular complex obtained by the technology of dense fluids under pressure. |
| US08614194B1 |
Anionic cell penetrating peptide and its use for intracellular delivery
The disclosure provides a cell penetrating peptide. The cell penetrating peptide includes an amino acid sequence of Dn, in which D represents an aspartate residue and 2≦n≦15. |
| US08614193B2 |
Depsipeptides and their therapeutic use
The subject application pertains to a compound of structure IX or X: or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein: X is —C(═O)N(R10)— or —CH(OPr3) —; R7, R9 and R10 are the same or different and represent hydrogen or an amino acid side chain moiety from either a natural or an unnatural amino acid; Pr1 and Pr2 are the same or different and represent hydrogen or a thiol protecting group; Pr3 is hydrogen or an alcohol protecting group; R1, R2, R5 and R6 are the same or different and represent hydrogen or an amino acid side chain moiety from either a natural or an unnatural amino acid, or R1 and R2 and/or R5 and R6, taken together with the carbon atom to which they are attached, form a spirocyclic moiety, with the proviso that: each of R1 and R2 is not hydrogen, or each of R5 and R6 is not hydrogen. |
| US08614192B2 |
Method for treating ocular cancer
It has now been found that the p53 pathway is inactivated in ocular cancers such as retinoblastoma. As such, the present invention is a method for inducing ocular cancer cell death using a p53 activator. In particular embodiments, the p53 activator blocks the interaction between DM2 or DMX and p53. As the p53 activator induces ocular cancer cell death, a method for preventing or treating ocular cancer is also provided. |
| US08614190B2 |
Thermal responsive composition for treating bone diseases
Thermal responsive compositions for treating bone diseases are provided. The thermal responsive composition for treating bone diseases includes a bone growth factor and a biodegradable copolymer. The biodegradable copolymer has a structure of Formula (I) or Formula (II): A-B-BOX-B-A Formula (I) B-A-B-(BOX-B-A-B)n-BOX-B-A-B Formula (II) wherein, A includes a hydrophilic polyethylene glycol polymer, B includes a hydrophobic polyester polymer, BOX is a bifunctional group monomer of 2, 2′-Bis(2-oxazoline) and used for coupling the blocks A-B or B-A-B, and n is an integer and the same or more than 0. |
| US08614187B2 |
Peptides, compositions and uses thereof
Described is an N-terminal hexapeptide fragment of maximakinin, QUB 698.8, which exhibits potent tissue selective actions on smooth muscle. It demonstrates a high degree of selectivity for arterial smooth muscle over small intestinal smooth muscle, causing potent relaxation of arterial smooth muscle, while causing less potent contraction of ileal smooth muscle. It may be used treatment of diseases of the cardiovascular system and in promotion of angiogenesis. |
| US08614184B2 |
HCG formulations for achieving weight loss
A formulation of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) for promoting weight loss comprising reconstituted HCG in an amount sufficient to promote weight loss; at least one vitamin selected from the group consisting of: vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B9, and vitamin B12; and at least one dietary supplement selected from the group consisting of: an amino acid, inositol, choline chloride, and L-carnitine. |
| US08614183B2 |
Use of FGFR1 extra cellular domain proteins to treat cancers characterized by ligand-dependent activating mutations in FGFR2
The present invention relates to the use of Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor I (FGFR1) extracellular domain (ECD) polypeptides for treatment of cancers characterized by ligand dependent activating mutations in Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2). For example, the present invention relates to the treatment of endometrial cancers and other cancers wherein tumor cells express FGFR2 mutants in the IgII-IgIII hinge region or IgIII domain of the protein, such as at amino acid positions 252 and/or 253. |
| US08614179B2 |
Antibacterial combination therapy for the treatment of gram positive bacterial infections
There is described a composition comprising a therapeutically active imidazole, and derivatives thereof, and an agent active on a bacterial cell surface selected from the group consisting of one or more of colistin, nisin, D-cycloserine, fosfomycin, fosfomycin trometamol, fosfomycin disodium and polymixin B, and derivatives thereof. |
| US08614165B2 |
Microorganism compositions and methods
Compositions comprising a first component comprising an agriculturally acceptable complex mixture of dissolved organic material characterized by natural organic matter that is partially humified and at least one agriculturally acceptable microorganism. A method comprising contacting a seed with a first component comprising an agriculturally acceptable complex mixture of dissolved organic material characterized by natural organic matter that is partially humified and at least one agriculturally acceptable microorganism, providing enhancement of at least one of nodulation, germination, emergence, root development, and nutrient uptake compared to seed not contacted with the first component or the at least one agriculturally acceptable microorganism. |
| US08614161B2 |
CO2 reforming catalyst composition
A CO2 reforming catalyst composition includes a hydroxyl group-containing porous oxide, and a composite porous catalyst supported by a porous supporter. The composite porous catalyst includes a catalyst metal. |
| US08614160B2 |
Catalyst compositions for improved fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes targeting propylene production
Catalyst compositions comprising a siliceous zeolite component, either in separately formed catalyst particles or dispersed in the same binder or matrix as other zeolites of the compositions, are described. The catalyst compositions, for example as blends of three different bound zeolite catalysts, are particularly useful in fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) processes due to the reductions in coke and dry gas yields that allow FCC throughput, which is normally constrained by gas handling and/or catalyst regeneration capacity, to be increased. |
| US08614151B2 |
Method of etching a high aspect ratio contact
Methods and an etch gas composition for etching a contact opening in a dielectric layer are provided. Embodiments of the method use a plasma generated from an etch gas composed of C4F8 and/or C4F6, an oxygen source, and a carrier gas in combination with tetrafluoroethane (C2F4) or a halofluorocarbon analogue of C2F4. |
| US08614148B2 |
Methods for forming fine patterns of a semiconductor device
A method may include forming first hard mask patterns and second hard mask patterns extending in a first direction and repeatedly and alternately arranged on a lower layer, forming third mask patterns extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on the first and second hard mask patterns, etching the first hard mask patterns using the third mask patterns to form first openings, forming filling patterns filling the first openings and gap regions between the third mask patterns, forming spacers on both sidewalls of each of the filling patterns, after removing the third mask patterns, and etching the second hard mask patterns using the filling patterns and the spacers to form second openings. |
| US08614146B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacture method and semiconductor device
A semiconductor device manufacture method includes: forming an insulating film above a semiconductor substrate; etching the insulating film to form a dummy groove having a first depth, a wiring groove having a second depth deeper than the first depth, and a via hole to be disposed on a bottom of the wiring groove; depositing a conductive material in the dummy groove, wiring groove and via hole and above the insulating film; and polishing and removing the conductive material above the insulating film. |
| US08614140B2 |
Semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus
There is provided a semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus capable of recovering a damage of a low dielectric insulating film exposed to CO2 plasma to obtain the low dielectric insulating film in a good state, thus improving performance and reliability of a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device manufacturing apparatus includes: an etching processing mechanism for performing an etching process that etches a low dielectric insulating film formed on a substrate; a CO2 plasma processing mechanism for performing a CO2 plasma process that exposes the substrate to CO2 plasma after the etching process; a polarization reducing mechanism for performing a polarization reducing process that reduces polarization in the low dielectric insulating film after the CO2 plasma process; and a transfer mechanism for transferring the substrate. |
| US08614138B2 |
Manufacturing method of semiconductor device
According to one embodiment, a manufacturing method of a semiconductor device includes forming a lower mask film on a semiconductor substrate. The method includes forming a barrier film in a first area. The method includes forming an upper mask film. The method includes removing an upper mask member and leaving a lower mask member in the first area and removing the upper mask member and the lower mask member in the second area. The removing is performed by etching in a condition in which an etching rate of the upper mask member and an etching rate of the lower mask member are higher than that of the barrier member. The method includes forming a conductive film. The method includes selectively removing the conductive film by performing etching in a condition in which an etching rate of the conductive film is higher than that of the lower mask member. |
| US08614129B2 |
Method for fabricating a semiconductor device
A method of fabricating a III-nitride power semiconductor device that includes growing a transition layer over a substrate using at least two distinct and different growth methods. |
| US08614128B1 |
CMOS structures and processes based on selective thinning
Methods for fabricating semiconductor devices and devices therefrom are provided. A method includes providing a substrate having a semiconducting surface with first and second layers, where the semiconducting surface has a plurality of active regions comprising first and second active regions. In the first active region, the first layer is an undoped layer and the second layer is a highly doped screening layer. The method also includes removing a part of the first layer to reduce a thickness of the substantially undoped layer for at least a portion of the first active region without a corresponding thickness reduction of the first layer in the second active region. The method additionally includes forming semiconductor devices in the plurality of active regions. In the method, the part of the first layer removed is selected based on a threshold voltage adjustment required for the substrate in the portion of the first active region. |
| US08614126B1 |
Method of making a three-dimensional memory array with etch stop
A three dimensional memory device including a substrate and a semiconductor channel. At least one end portion of the semiconductor channel extends substantially perpendicular to a major surface of the substrate. The device also includes at least one charge storage region located adjacent to semiconductor channel and a plurality of control gate electrodes having a strip shape extending substantially parallel to the major surface of the substrate. The plurality of control gate electrodes include at least a first control gate electrode located in a first device level and a second control gate electrode located in a second device level located over the major surface of the substrate and below the first device level. The device also includes an etch stop layer located between the substrate and the plurality of control gate electrodes. |
| US08614122B2 |
Formation of a channel semiconductor alloy by forming a hard mask layer stack and applying a plasma-based mask patterning process
When forming sophisticated high-k metal gate electrode structures, a threshold adjusting semiconductor alloy may be formed on the basis of selective epitaxial growth techniques and a hard mask comprising at least two hard mask layers. The hard mask may be patterned on the basis of a plasma-based etch process, thereby providing superior uniformity during the further processing upon depositing the threshold adjusting semiconductor material. In some illustrative embodiments, one hard mask layer is removed prior to actually selectively depositing the threshold adjusting semiconductor material. |
| US08614118B2 |
Component bonding method, component laminating method and bonded component structure
Provided is a component bonding method of bonding a semiconductor component having a thermosetting adhesive layer formed on a lower surface thereof to a circuit board having a resin layer formed on a surface thereof. In the method, wettability is improved by surface modification that performs a plasma treatment on a resin surface of the circuit board, the semiconductor component is held by a component holding nozzle having a heater, the adhesive layer is contacted to the surface-modified resin layer, and the adhesive layer is heated and thermally cured by the heater. Thereby, adhesion between the adhesive layer and the resin surface is improved, and thus the component holding nozzle can be separated from the semiconductor component without wait for completely hardening the adhesive layer. Accordingly, it is possible to improve productivity in the heat pressing process by reducing the time required for the component bonding. |
| US08614115B2 |
Photovoltaic solar cell device manufacture
A method for manufacturing a photovoltaic solar cell device includes the following. A p-n junction having a first doping density is formed. Formation of the p-n junction is enhanced by introducing a second doping density to form high doped areas for a dual emitter application. The high doped areas are defined by a masking process integrated with the formation of the p-n junction, resulting in a mask pattern of the high doped areas. A metallization of the high doped areas occurs in accordance with the mask pattern of the high doped areas. |
| US08614114B2 |
Process for producing light absorbing layer in CIS based thin-film solar cell
A treatment object containing any one of Cu/Ga, Cu/In and Cu—Ga/In is held in a heated state at a temperature T1 for a time Δt1 in such a state that a selenium source is introduced, thereby forming a selenide. Thereafter, a sulfur source is introduced to replace the atmosphere in the system with a sulfur atmosphere. In this state, the treatment object is held in a heated state at a temperature T2 for a time Δt2. The temperature of the treatment object is then decreased to T3, and, at that temperature, the treatment object is held in a heated state for a time Δt3. |
| US08614112B2 |
Method of damage-free impurity doping for CMOS image sensors
A method of fabricating a backside-illuminated pixel. The method includes forming frontside components of the pixel on or in a front side of a substrate, the frontside components including a photosensitive region of a first polarity. The method further includes forming a pure dopant region of a second polarity on a back side of the substrate, applying a laser pulse to the backside of the substrate to melt the pure dopant region, and recrystallizing the pure dopant region to form a backside doped layer. Corresponding apparatus embodiments are disclosed and claimed. |
| US08614107B2 |
Liner-free tungsten contact
An electrical structure comprises a dielectric layer present on a semiconductor substrate. A contact opening is present through the dielectric layer. A nickel-tungsten alloy silicide is formed over the semiconductor substrate within the contact opening. A tungsten-containing nucleation layer formed within the contact opening covers the nickel-tungsten alloy silicide and at least a portion of a sidewall of the contact opening. A tungsten contact is formed within the contact opening and separated from the nickel-tungsten alloy silicide and at least a portion of the sidewall by the tungsten-containing nucleation layer. |
| US08614102B2 |
Device for detection of molecules in biological fluids
Disclosed is a test device and a method for qualitatively and/or quantitatively measuring the concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid sample. The test device includes a housing defining a sample port, a test well containing a stirrer and a conjugate, and a test strip disposed within the housing. The test well is also defined by being located between the sample port and the test strip. Fluid flows from the test well onto the test strip, which has a trapping zone which binds the analyte and allows for its detection. A control zone may also be included. The test device is generally adapted to use a sandwich assay. Also disclosed is a system comprising the test device and a signal sensing device; and a method for using the test device. |
| US08614097B2 |
Method and assembly for determining the temperature of a test sensor
An assembly determines an analyte concentration in a sample of body fluid. The assembly includes a test sensor having a fluid-receiving area for receiving a sample of body fluid, where the fluid-receiving area contains a reagent that produces a measurable reaction with an analyte in the sample. The assembly also includes a meter having a port or opening configured to receive the test sensor; a measurement system configured to determine a measurement of the reaction between the reagent and the analyte; and a temperature-measuring system configured to determine a measurement of the test-sensor temperature when the test sensor is received into the opening. The meter determines a concentration of the analyte in the sample according to the measurement of the reaction and the measurement of the test-sensor temperature. |
| US08614094B2 |
Compositions and methods for determining genetic polymorphisms in the TMEM216 gene
In alternative embodiments, the invention provides nucleic acid sequences that are genetic polymorphic variations of the human TMEM216 gene, and TMEM216 polypeptide encoded by these variant alleles. In alternative embodiments, the invention provides methods of determining or predicting a predisposition to, or the presence of, a ciliopathy (or any genetic disorder of a cellular cilia or cilia anchoring structure, basal body or ciliary function) in an individual, such as a Joubert Syndrome (JS), a Joubert Syndrome Related Disorder (JSRD) or a Meckel Syndrome (MKS). In alternative embodiments, the invention provides compositions and methods for the identification of genetic polymorphic variations in the human TMEM216 gene, and methods of using the identified genetic polymorphisms and the proteins they encode, e.g., to screen for compounds that can modulate the human TMEM216 gene product, and possibly treat JS, JSRD or MKS. |
| US08614093B2 |
Pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing cancer by inducing dendritic cell-like differentiation from monocytes to improve anticancer immune activity
According to the present invention, a composition for inducing or activating dendritic cell-like cells so as to treat or prevent cancer by immunotherapy is provided.Specifically, the following is provided: an agent for activating cancer immunity, which comprises, as an active ingredient, the following REIC protein: (a) a protein consisting of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2; or (b) a protein consisting of an amino acid sequence derived from the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 by substitution, deletion, or addition of one or more amino acid(s) and having the activity of inducing differentiation from monocytes into dendritic cell-like cells. |
| US08614086B2 |
Quality control methods for the manufacture of polymer arrays
Described are quality control methods and devices for the reproducible manufacturing and integrity monitoring of polymers on electrochemical synthesis and detection chips. The devices and methods allow for simultaneous manufacturing and synthesis of polymers. |
| US08614085B2 |
Yeast with increased butanol tolerance involving a multidrug efflux pump gene
Increasing tolerance to butanol in yeast has been accomplished by decreasing activity of Pdr5p encoded by an endogenous PDR5 gene. A deletion mutation of the PDR5 gene led to improved growth yield in the presence of butanol. Yeast cells with reduced Pdr5p activity, or other multidrug resistance ATP-binding cassette transporter protein activity encoded by CDR1 or BFR1, and a butanol biosynthetic pathway may be used for improved butanol production. |
| US08614081B2 |
Nitrilase biocatalysts
The present disclosure relates to polypeptides having nitrilase activity, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, and methods of using the polypeptides. |
| US08614079B2 |
Polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and polynucleotides encoding same
The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having endoglucanase activity and isolated polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods for producing and using the polypeptides. |
| US08614077B2 |
Recovery of higher alcohols from dilute aqueous solutions
This invention is directed to methods for recovery of C3-C6 alcohols from dilute aqueous solutions, such as fermentation broths. Such methods provide improved volumetric productivity for the fermentation and allows recovery of the alcohol. Such methods also allow for reduced energy use in the production and drying of spent fermentation broth due to increased effective concentration of the alcohol product by the simultaneous fermentation and recovery process which increases the quantity of alcohol produced and recovered per quantity of fermentation broth dried. Thus, the invention allows for production and recovery of C3-C6 alcohols at low capital and reduced operating costs. |
| US08614074B2 |
Process for producing isomer enriched conjugated linoleic acid compositions
A process for the preparation of a composition comprising the cis9, trans11 and trans10, cis12 isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) comprises: providing a mixture comprising cis9, trans11 and trans10, cis12 isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) in which one of the cis9, trans11 and trans10, cis12 isomers is present in a first weight ratio X of at least 1.3:1 with respect to the other isomer; and subjecting the mixture to crystallization to form a composition comprising the cis9, trans11 and trans10, cis12 isomers in which one of the cis9, trans11 and trans10, cis12 isomers is present at a second weight ratio Y with respect to the other isomer, wherein Y is greater than X. |
| US08614072B2 |
Polymerase incorporation of non-standard nucleotides
The disclosed invention teaches processes to amplify oligonucleotides by contacting templates and primers with DNA polymerases and triphosphates of non-standard nucleotides, which form nucleobase pairs fitting the standard Watson-Crick geometry, but joined by hydrogen bonding patterns different from those that join standard A:T and G:C pairs. Thus, this invention relates to nucleotide analogs and their derivatives that, when incorporated into DNA and RNA, expand the number of replicatable nucleotides beyond the four found in standard DNA and RNA. The invention further relates to polymerases that incorporate those non-standard nucleotide analogs into oligonucleotide products using the corresponding triphosphate derivatives, and more specifically, polymerases and non-standard nucleoside triphosphates that support the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), including PCR where the products contain more than one non-standard nucleotide unit. |
| US08614061B2 |
Combination of fluorescent dyes for the detection of nucleic acids
The present invention relates to combinations of fluorescent dyes used in molecular biology, particularly in multiplex PCR. In particular, the present invention relates to a combination of dyes for amplification reactions, wherein at least four different dyes are used, wherein the first dye is 5-FAM or 6-FAM or a blend thereof, the second dye is selected from the group consisting of DY-530, HEX, CAL Fluor Orange 560 and ATTO 532, the third dye is selected from the group consisting of ATTO 550, DY-555 and DY-556, the fourth dye is selected from the group consisting of ROX, DY-510XL and ATTO 565, and optionally a fifth dye is selected from the group consisting of DY-632 and DY-520XL. |
| US08614058B2 |
Molecular prognostic signature for predicting breast cancer metastasis, and uses thereof
The present invention is based on the discovery of a unique 14-gene molecular prognostic signature that is useful for predicting breast cancer metastasis. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and reagents for detecting and profiling the expression levels of these genes, and methods of using the expression level information in predicting risk of breast cancer metastasis. |
| US08614054B2 |
Laser scanning cytometry mediated analysis of therapeutic efficacy in tumors
This invention describes the use of a laser scanning device, for example a laser scanning CYTOMETRY (LSC), with a double-fluorescent labeling technique as a quantitative method that can be used to objectively and accurately measure endothelial cell death, endothelial tumor cell death and blood vessel density of tumor tissue. These parameters can be used as markers of efficacy in tumors treated with anti-angiogenic or traditional therapies and can distinguish patients who respond to these drugs from those who do not. |
| US08614053B2 |
Processess and compositions for removing substances from substrates
Processes associated apparatus and compositions useful for removing organic substances from substrates, for example, electronic device substrates such as microelectronic wafers or flat panel displays, are provided. Processes are presented that apply a minimum volume of a composition as a coating to the inorganic substrate whereby sufficient heat is added and the organic substances are completely removed by rinsing. The compositions and processes may be suitable for removing and, in some instances, completely dissolving photoresists of the positive and negative varieties as well as thermoset polymers from electronic devices. |
| US08614045B2 |
Liquid developer and method for producing liquid developer
A liquid developer is provided. The liquid developer includes a liquid insulator and toner particles. The liquid insulator toner particles include a resin material, a colorant, a substance A, a substance B, and a substance C. The substance A is an acrylic-modified silicone. The substance B is at least one selected from the group consisting a quaternary cationic silicone, an aminophenyl-modified silicone, and a phenyl-modified silicone. The substance C is at least one of a silanol-containing polysiloxane and a fluorine-modified silicone. The average degree of roundness R1 of the toner particles is 0.890 or greater, if the degree of roundness is expressed as L0/L1, where L1 (μm) is a circumference of a profile view of a measured particle and L0 (μm) is the circumference of a perfect circle of a circumference of a profile view corresponding to the profile view of the measured particle. |
| US08614042B2 |
Electrophotographic toner
A polyester resin for a toner, obtained by polycondensing a carboxylic acid component and an alcohol component, wherein the carboxylic acid component and/or the alcohol component contains an aromatic compound represented by the formula (Ia): wherein R1a is a hydrogen atom, a hydroxyl group, or a methoxy group; and Xa is a hydrogen atom, an aldehyde group, an allyl group, a vinyl group, a methoxy group, or a hydroxyl group or carboxyl group which may have a linking group. The toner for electrophotography containing a polyester resin for a toner of the present invention is suitably used for a resin binder of a toner used in developing and the like of latent images formed in electrophotography, electrostatic recording method, electrostatic printing method or the like. |
| US08614033B2 |
Resist film, resist coated mask blanks and method of forming resist pattern using the resist film, and chemical amplification type resist composition
A resist film formed by using a chemical amplification type resist composition containing (A) a high molecular compound having a structure wherein a hydrogen atom of a phenolic hydroxyl group is substituted by a group represented by the following general formula (I), (B) a compound generating an acid upon irradiation with actinic rays or radiation, and an organic solvent, and the film thickness is 10 to 200 nm. wherein, R1 represents a hydrocarbon group, R2 represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group, and Ar represents an aryl group. R1 may also bind to Ar to form a ring which may also contain a heteroatom. * represents a binding position with an oxygen atom of the phenolic hydroxyl group. |
| US08614032B2 |
Laser-reflective mask and method for manufacturing same
In a laser reflective mask and a fabricating method thereof, reflective layers with different reflectances are sequentially and repeatedly laminated on top of a base substrate which has a reflective layer filling groove having a predetermined depth in a reflection region for a laser beam and then the remaining reflective layer laminated on the other region except for the portion filled in the reflective layer filling groove are removed through a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process, or a lift-off process using irradiation with the laser beam or an etchant, so that a reflective layer pattern configured to be filled in the reflective layer filling groove may be formed, thereby capable of not only facilitating a fabricating process of the laser reflective mask but also forming a more precise reflective layer pattern. |
| US08614025B2 |
Fuel cell separator and fuel cell comprising the same
The invention provides a fuel cell separator wherein a first reaction gas channel 131 has a first portion 41 and a second portion 51 located upstream of the first portion 41, the first portion 41 lying closest to the upstream end of the first reaction gas channel 131 among portions located between the second portion 51 and the downstream end of the first reaction gas channel 131, the second portion 51 lying closest to the downstream end among portions located between the upstream end and the first portion 41 of the first reaction gas channel 131. Second reaction gas channels 132, 133 do not exist between the first portion 41 and the upstream end but exist between the second portion 51 and the downstream end. The first reaction gas channel 131 is communicated with at least one (hereinafter referred to as the “specific channel”) of the second reaction gas channels 132, 133 in a portion (hereinafter referred to as the “specific portion”) between the first portion 41 and the downstream end. |
| US08614021B2 |
Agents for enhanced charge transport across microbial membranes
The invention provides molecules useful for enhancing charge transport across membranes, such as electron transport across membranes, and methods of using such molecules, for example in improving the performance of a microbial fuel cell or in staining microbes for observation. The amphiphilic molecule comprises a conjugated core with hydrophilic groups on either end. The amphiphilic molecule inserts into the membrane of a microbe and facilitates charge transfer across the membrane of the microbe. |
| US08614020B2 |
Electrochemical device
An electrochemical device manufactured using an electrode layer in which severe increase of electrode resistance is prevented and/or a solid electrolyte layer in which severe decrease of ion conductivity of a solid electrolyte is prevented is provided. The electrochemical device includes a pair of electrode layers, and a solid electrolyte layer provided between the pair of electrode layers, wherein at least one layer of the electrode layers and the solid electrolyte layer is composed of first particles each providing a function of the at least one layer, second particles and a binder which is composed of an organic polymer and binds the first and second particles, and wherein the at least one layer is formed from a mixture material containing the first particles and binder particles, each of the binder particles including the second particle and the binder carried on at least a part of a surface thereof. |
| US08614018B2 |
Secondary battery
A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in a case, the electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, a cap assembly connected to the case and including a cap plate, first and second terminals through the cap plate, and a shorting member selectively connecting the first terminal and the cap plate, and at least one electrode lead tab including a terminal-junction part electrically connected to a terminal, an electrode assembly-junction part electrically connected to an electrode in accordance with the terminal, and a fuse part electrically connected between the terminal-junction part and the electrode assembly-junction part, the fuse part being configured to break when the first and second terminals are electrically connected, and the fuse part extending at an angle other than zero with respect to a longitudinal extension line of the terminal junction part and/or the electrode assembly-junction part. |
| US08614017B2 |
Electrochemical cell with electrode elements that include alignment aperatures
A battery comprises a battery case forming a substantially sealed enclosure and an electrode stack within the enclosure. The electrode stack includes a first set of electrode elements and a second set of electrode elements. The electrode elements in the second set alternate with the electrode elements in the first set within the electrode stack. In addition, the electrode elements include coincident alignment apertures. The coincident alignment apertures are configured to restrict rotation of the electrode elements to align the electrode elements when the alignment apertures are positioned over mating alignment protrusions during assembly of the electrode stack. The battery further comprises a feedthrough including a feedthrough pin extending through the battery case. The feedthrough pin is electrically coupled to the electrode stack and serves as a positive terminal for the battery. |
| US08614014B2 |
Tracks including magnetic layer and magnetic memory devices comprising the same
A magnetic memory device includes a track in which different non-magnetic layers are respectively formed on upper and lower surfaces of a magnetic layer. One of the two non-magnetic layers includes an element having an atomic number greater than or equal to 12. Accordingly, the magnetic layer has a relatively high non-adiabaticity (β). |
| US08614012B2 |
Coated article and method for making same
A coated article is provided. The coated article includes a substrate, a hydrophobic layer formed on the substrate. The hydrophobic layer is an amorphous carbon nitride layer which is defined as CNy, wherein y is in a range of from about 1 to about 3. The water contact angle of the hydrophobic layer 13 is about 100° to about 110°. The hydrophobic layer has a good chemical stability, high-temperature resistance and a good abrasion resistance, which effectively extends the use time of the coated article. A method for making the coated article is also described therein. |
| US08614010B2 |
Aromatic amine derivative, and organic electroluminescent element
Provided are an organic electroluminescence device that not only provides high efficiency but also has a long lifetime, and an aromatic amine derivative that realizes the device. The organic electroluminescence device includes an aromatic amine derivative, including at least one substituent A having dibenzofuran and at least one substituent B selected from groups each having dibenzofuran or carbazole, in a molecule thereof, in which the substituent A and the substituent B include groups different from each other, and the substituent A and the substituent B are bonded to the same nitrogen atom, or different nitrogen atoms, in the molecule. The molecules of the aromatic amine derivative hardly crystallize, which improves a yield in the production of the organic electroluminescence device. In the organic electroluminescence device, including an organic thin film layer formed of one or more layers including at least a light emitting layer, the organic thin film layer being interposed between a cathode and an anode, the aromatic amine derivative is contained in at least one layer, particularly a hole transport layer, in the organic thin film layer. |
| US08614006B2 |
Cationically curable compositions and a primer therefor
The present invention relates to one-part cationically curable compositions with storage stability, wherein cure is independent of external stimuli such as heat and UV irradiation. In particular, the present invention provides for compositions with a long shelf life that will cure only upon application of the composition to the target surface, i.e. the surface is involved in initiating cure of the cationically curable component. Suitable compositions comprise those for curing on a surface comprising carbon-halogen covalent bonds comprising a cationically curable component and a non-halide silver salt. The present invention also relates to a primer capable of promoting cure of cationically curable non-halide silver salt compositions. |
| US08613999B2 |
Laser-engraveable compositions and flexographic printing precursors comprising organic porous particles
A laser-engraveable composition comprises a laser-engraveable resin having dispersed therein non-crosslinked organic porous particles. These non-crosslinked organic porous particles have a non-crosslinked organic solid phase including an external particle surface and at least one set of discrete pores that are dispersed within the non-crosslinked organic solid phase. The laser-engraveable composition further comprises an infrared radiation absorber within at least some of the non-crosslinked organic porous particles. |
| US08613998B2 |
Film arrangement
The present invention relates to a film arrangement featuring a layer A and a layer B, layer A and layer B being of polymer-based formation, and layers A and B being unstretched. It is proposed that layer A and layer B have different tension sets from one another, that layer A has a tension set of at least 60% and that layer B has a tension set of not more than 50%. |
| US08613995B2 |
Colored web material comprising a plurality of discrete extended elements
A colored web material comprising a plurality of discrete extended elements. The colored web material comprises a colorant incorporated in the material itself or a colorant disposed on at least one surface of the web material. The discrete extended elements comprise thinned portions at the distal ends and/or along the sidewalls of the discrete extended elements. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have a diameter of less than about 500 microns. In one embodiment, the colored web material comprises at least about 95 discrete extended elements per square centimeter. In one embodiment, the discrete extended elements have an aspect ratio of at least about 0.2. |
| US08613989B2 |
Film donor device for laser induced thermal imaging
A laser induced thermal imaging (LITI) apparatus and a method of making an electronic device using the same are disclosed. The LITI apparatus includes a chamber, a substrate support, a contact frame, and a laser source or oscillator. The LITI apparatus transfers a transferable layer from a film donor device onto a surface of an intermediate electronic device. The LITI apparatus uses a magnetic force to provide a close contact between the transferable layer and the surface of the intermediate device. The magnetic force is generated by magnetic materials formed in two components of the LITI apparatus that are spaced apart interposing transferable layer and the surface of the intermediate device. Magnets or magnetic materials are formed in the two following components of the LITI apparatus: 1) the intermediate device and the film donor device; 2) the intermediate device and the contact frame; 3) the substrate support and the film donor device; or 4) the substrate support and the contact frame. |
| US08613988B2 |
Image transfer material and polymer composition
Provided is an image transfer material, comprising a support, optionally at least one barrier layer, a melt transfer layer, and an image receiving layer. Also provided is a process for preparing the image transfer material. Further provided is a heat transfer process using the disclosed material. In the heat transfer process, after imaging, the image receiving layer and melt transfer layer are peeled away from the optionally barrier-coated support material and placed, preferably image side up, on top of a receptor element. A non-stick sheet is then optionally placed over the imaged peeled material and heat is applied to the top of the optional non stick sheet. The melt transfer layer then melts and adheres the image to the receptor element. A composition comprising: at least one self-crosslinking polymer, and at least one dye retention aid. |
| US08613983B2 |
Method of laser surface treating pre-prepared zirconia surfaces
The method of laser surface treating pre-prepared zirconia surfaces provides for applying an organic resin in a thin, uniform film to a zirconia surface; maintaining the resin-coated zirconia surface in a controlled chamber at approximately 8 bar pressure at a temperature of approximately 175 degrees Centigrade for approximately 2 hours; heating the resin-coated zirconia surface to approximately 400 degrees Centigrade in an inert gas atmosphere, thereby converting the organic resin to carbon; and irradiating the carbon-coated zirconia surface with a laser beam while applying nitrogen under pressure, thereby forming a zirconium carbonitride coating. |
| US08613973B2 |
Photovoltaic device with solution-processed chalcogenide absorber layer
The present invention provides a photovoltaic device, such as, a solar cell, having a substrate and an absorber layer disposed on the substrate. The absorber layer includes a doped or undoped composition represented by the formula: Cu1-yIn1-xGaxSe2-zSz wherein 0≦x≦1; 0≦y≦0.15 and 0≦z≦2; wherein the absorber layer is formed by a solution-based deposition process which includes the steps of contacting hydrazine and a source of Cu, a source of In, a source of Ga, a source of Se, and optionally a source of S, and further optionally a source of a dopant, under conditions sufficient to produce a homogeneous solution; coating the solution on the substrate to produce a coated substrate; and heating the coated substrate to produce the photovoltaic device. A photovoltaic device and a process for making same based on a hydrazinium-based chalcogenide precursor are also provided. |
| US08613970B2 |
Curd containing slurry compositions for making soft or firm/semi-hard ripened and unripened cheese
Methods and systems for preparing soft or firm/semi-hard cheese are provided, as well as soft or firm/semi-hard cheese prepared by the methods. The methods typically involve the formation of a slurry that contains blended or molten cheese curd. A variety of ingredients can be introduced into the curd used to prepare the slurry, the slurry that is formed, or at other stages along the manufacturing process to tailor the performance and nutritional characteristics of the final cheese product. The slurry in some methods is directly processed to form a final cheese product. In other methods, the slurry undergoes various types of processing to achieve certain desired composition or performance requirements. |
| US08613966B2 |
Wafer
A rippled wafer (90) formed of a convoluted wafer ribbon (80), the rippled wafer (90) having an average of at least 12 turns/cm2, wherein a turn is a change in direction of the wafer ribbon (80) of at least 45°, and a confectionery product comprising such a wafer. Also a confectionery product comprising a rippled wafer (90) formed of a convoluted wafer ribbon (80), wherein the turns are substantially uniformly distributed across the cross section of the rippled wafer, where a turn is a change in direction of the wafer ribbon of at least 45°, and a confectionery product comprising a three-dimensional rippled wafer (90) formed in a single step. |
| US08613959B2 |
Dietary supplements containing extracts of Nelumbo and processes of using same
Materials derived from Nelumbo are administered orally to humans or animals for the purpose of enhancing creatine transport into skeletal tissue and for purposes of enhancing lean body mass. Enhancing creatine transport through improved insulin signaling is a new method of depositing creatine and enhancing lean body mass. Such administration is also used for enhancing athletic performance and controlling bodyweight and body fat levels. More specifically, such administration is used for the purpose of enhancing creatine transport into excitable tissues such as skeletal muscle. The material is administered as extracts of Nelumbo and administered in a variety of ways including capsules, tablets, powdered beverages, bars, gels or drinks. |
| US08613958B2 |
Nitric oxide therapies
A method for delivering nitric oxide therapy to a subject can include administering a composition including a nitric-oxide releasing agent and silica to the subject and releasing a therapeutic amount of nitric oxide from the composition. |
| US08613956B2 |
Cosmetic particles that transform from hard to soft particles comprising hydrogenated long-chain triglyceride oils
Cosmetic particle compositions are provided which are adapted to form hard cosmetic particles that transform to soft cosmetic particles after their incorporation into topical formulations, particularly surfactant-based topical formulations. The composition includes one or more partially or fully hydrogenated triglyceride oils, at least 50% of which have at least 15% by weight fatty acid moieties with carbon chain lengths of C18 or higher. Additives may be disposed in or on the hard cosmetic particles and delivered when the cosmetic particles are broken proximate a target such as the skin, hair or nails of a mammalian subject or another target. The transformable hard cosmetic particles permit the storage and shipment of intact cosmetic particles yet transform in situ to achieve the benefits of soft cosmetic particles. |
| US08613951B2 |
Therapeutic polymeric nanoparticles with mTor inhibitors and methods of making and using same
The present disclosure generally relates to therapeutic nanoparticles. Exemplary nanoparticles disclosed herein may include about 1 to about 20 weight percent of a mTOR inhibitor; and about 70 to about 99 weight percent biocompatible polymer. |
| US08613950B2 |
Pharmaceutical forms with improved pharmacokinetic properties
The present application relates to novel drug formulations of vardenafil which dissolve rapidly in the mouth and lead to increased bioavailability and to a plateau-like plasma concentration profile, and to processes for their preparation. |
| US08613948B2 |
Treatment of faecal incontinence and other conditions with 1R, 2S-methoxamine
1R,2S-Methoxamine may be used topically for effective treatment of faecal incontinence at low doses without local or systemic side effects, for example, without affecting blood pressure. 1R,2S-Methoxamine may be used to treat other disturbances and disorders of the gastro-intestinal, as a pressor agent, as a nasal decongestant and in ophthalmology, at low does and without significant side effects. |
| US08613942B2 |
Medical system, pulling device and method for pulling an active substance chain
A medical system (10) is provided having a pulling device (20) and an active substance chain (50). The active substance chain (50) has at least two storage units (51) arranged like a chain, and at least one of the storage units (51) is loaded with a medicinal active substance. The pulling device (20) has a grip element (30) and a coupling element (40), and the coupling element (40) has at least one recess (41, 41′). In a free position (100) the active substance chain (50) is arranged separated from the pulling device (20), while in an inserted position (110) at least one of the storage units (51) is arranged form-fitting in a recess (41, 41′). The active substance chain (50) can be moved reversibly from the free position (100) into the inserted position (110). |
| US08613934B2 |
Cellular and viral inactivation
The invention involves inactivation of viral populations by treating the viral populations with a compound to crosslink proteins in the viral membrane, UV irradiation and further inactivation of the viruses using detergent(s). According to the invention, this method preserves the native structure of viral epitopes so that the inactivated viral preparations can be used in immunological compositions that will inhibit and/or prevent viral infection when administered to an animal. |
| US08613933B2 |
Brachyury polypeptides and methods for use
It is disclosed herein that Brachyury is expressed in human tumors, specifically in tumors of the small intestine, stomach, kidney, bladder, uterus, ovary, and testes, as well as in lung, colon and prostate carcinomas. Immunogenic Brachyury polypeptides are disclosed herein. These polypeptides can be used in diagnostic assays for Brachyury expression, as well as for inducing an immune response to Brachyury. Polynucleotides encoding the immunogenic Brachyury polypeptides, vectors including these polypeptides, host cells transformed with these vectors, and methods of using these polypeptides, polynucleotides, vectors, and host cells are provided. Methods of diagnosing a Brachyury-expressing cancer are also provided. Exemplary cancers include small lung, colon, intestine, stomach, kidney, bladder, uterus, ovary, and testes and prostate cancers. Methods of treating cancer are also disclosed. |
| US08613932B2 |
GP100-specific T cell receptors and related materials and methods of use
The invention provides human cells, particularly human T cells, comprising a murine T Cell Receptor (TCR) having antigen specificity for the cancer antigen gp100. Isolated or purified TCRs having antigenic specificity for amino acids 154-162 of gp100 (SEQ ID NO: 1), as well as related polypeptides, proteins, nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, antibodies, or antigen binding fragments thereof, conjugates, and pharmaceutical compositions, are further provided. 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 comprising the use of the inventive materials described herein. |
| US08613931B2 |
Compounds for treating beta-amyloidoses
The present invention relates to the use of mimotopes in the treatment of diseases associated with β-amyloid formation and/or aggregation (β-Amyloidoses) including Alzheimer's disease, whereby said mimotopes are able to induce the in vivo formation of antibodies directed to Aβ1-40/42, AβpE3-40/42, Aβ3-40/42 and Aβ11-40/42. |
| US08613930B2 |
Cross-linkers and their uses
Charged or pro-charged cross-linking moieties and conjugates of cell binding agents and drugs comprising the charged or pro-charged cross-linking moieties and method of making the same. |
| US08613925B2 |
Anti-IL-13Rα1 antibodies and their uses thereof
Antibody antagonists of human interleukin-13 receptor alpha 1 which bind to hIL-13Rα1 through domain 3 of the extracellular region of the receptor and inhibit IL-13 receptor-mediated signaling by IL-13 are disclosed herein. These antibodies have uses inter alia in the treatment or prevention of IL-13-related disorders and diseases. The present invention also discloses nucleic acid encoding said antibody molecules, vectors, host cells, and compositions comprising the antibody molecules. Methods of using the antibody molecules for inhibiting or antagonizing hIL-13Rα1-mediated activities are also disclosed. |
| US08613923B2 |
Monoclonal antibody
The present invention is related to methods and compositions for the therapeutic and diagnostic use in the treatment of diseases and disorders which are caused by or associated with amyloid or amyloid-like proteins including amyloidosis, a group of disorders and abnormalities associated with amyloid protein such as Alzheimer's disease. The present invention provides novel methods and compositions comprising highly specific and highly effective antibodies having the ability to specifically recognize and bind to specific epitopes from a range of β-amyloid proteins. The antibodies enabled by the teaching of the present invention are particularly useful for the treatment of diseases and disorders which are caused by or associated with amyloid or amyloid-like proteins including amyloidosis, a group of diseases and disorders associated with amyloid plaque formation including secondary amyloidosis and age-related amyloidosis including, but not limited to, neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD). |
| US08613918B2 |
Method for treating pervasive development disorders
A method of utilizing the chymotrypsin level of an individual as a measure of the success of secretin, other neuropeptides, and peptides or digestive enzyme administration to such individuals, and in particular, as a prognosticative of potential secretin, other neuropeptides, peptides, and digestive enzyme administration for persons having ADD, ADHD, Autism and other PDD related disorders. |
| US08613917B2 |
Combination bacteriolytic therapy for the treatment of tumors
Current approaches for treating cancer are limited, in part, by the inability of drugs to affect the poorly vascularized regions of tumors. We have found that spores of anaerobic bacteria in combination with agents which interact with microtubules can cause the destruction of both the vascular and avascular compartments of tumors. Two classes of microtubule inhibitors were found to exert markedly different effects. Some agents that inhibited microtubule synthesis, such as vinorelbine, caused rapid, massive hemorrhagic necrosis when used in combination with spores. In contrast, agents that stabilized microtubules, such as the taxane, docetaxel, resulted in slow tumor regressions that killed most neoplastic cells. Remaining cells in the poorly perfused regions of tumors could be eradicated by sporulated bacteria. Mechanistic studies showed that the microtubule destabilizers, but not the microtubule stabilizers, radically reduced blood flow to tumors, thereby enlarging the hypoxic niche in which spores could germinate. A single intravenous injection of spores plus selected microtubule-interacting agents was able to cause regressions of several tumors in the absence of excessive toxicity. |
| US08613914B2 |
Peptidomimetic sulfamide compounds and antiviral uses thereof
The present application describes organic compounds that are useful for the treatment, prevention and/or amelioration of human diseases. |
| US08613913B2 |
Self-molding permanent agent and method for proceeding free-rod and free-band type permanent
The present invention relates to a self-molding permanent agent and a method for proceeding free-rod and free-band type permanent, more particularly to a self-molding permanent agent comprising (a) a reducing composition containing a reducing agent reducing a disulfide bond of cystine on the hair and a molding stimulant spontaneously molding to fix a hair design; (b) a molding composition inducing to mold after reacting with the molding stimulant; and (c) a softening composition releasing the action of a molding stimulant, and a method for pressing a free-rod and free-band type permanent, which overcomes a disadvantage in the conventional method for pressing a permanent that needs to wear a curling device such as rods for a permanent (perm rod) or rubber band and improves to apply a wave set without a hair-curling device for a short time, since it has a self-molding feature. |
| US08613905B2 |
Diagnostic agent
The invention provides an agent comprising an amino acid sequence for use in a method of diagnosis of a synucleinopathic disease. |
| US08613900B2 |
Nanostructured transition metal oxides useful for water oxidation catalysis
The present invention provides for a composition comprising a nanostructured transition metal oxide capable of oxidizing two H2O molecules to obtain four protons. In some embodiments of the invention, the composition further comprises a porous matrix wherein the nanocluster of the transition metal oxide is embedded on and/or in the porous matrix. |
| US08613897B2 |
Densified fumed metal oxides and methods for producing the same
A method for producing a densified fumed metal oxide having an increased bulk density and substantially the same surface area as an undensified fumed metal oxide with the same molecular composition is provided. The fumed metal oxide is wetted with a solvent to form a wetted fumed metal oxide. The wetted fumed metal oxide is dried to form a dried fumed metal oxide. The dried fumed metal oxide is calcined. |
| US08613895B2 |
Process equipment contaminant removal
A method and system remove contaminants from a vapor. In one embodiment, the system includes a contaminant removal system having a vacuum box. A contaminated vapor from process equipment is introduced to the vacuum box. The contaminated vapor includes steam and hydrocarbons. The vacuum box includes a water removal device. The water removal device removes water from the contaminated vapor to provide water and a reduced water vapor. The water and the reduced water vapor are removed from the vacuum box. |
| US08613892B2 |
Analyte meter with a moveable head and methods of using the same
The present disclosure provides in vitro analyte meters that include a meter portion that is moveable relative to at least one other meter portion. Embodiments include moveable meters that are integrated with in vivo analyte systems. Also provided are methods, systems and kits. |
| US08613886B2 |
Nickel-rich wear resistant alloy and method of making and use thereof
A nickel-rich wear resistant alloy comprises in weight % 0.5 to 2.5% C, 0.5 to 2% Si, up to 1% Mn, 20 to 30% Cr, S to 15% Mo, 5 to 15% W, 15 to 30% Fe, balance Ni. The alloy can include further alloying constituents such as up to 1.5% each of Ti, Al, Zr, Hf, Ta, V, Nb, Co, Cu, up to 0.5% B and up to 0.5% Mg plus Y. The alloy preferably has a microstructure containing predominantly eutectic reaction phases, fine intermetallic phases and precipitation carbides. For instance, the microstructure may contain Cr. Ni, W rich intermetallic phases and/or the microstructure may contain uniform lamellar type eutectic solidification structures. The alloy is useful as a valve seat insert for internal combustion engines such as diesel engines. For a valve seat insert containing up to 1.8% C the microstructure preferably is free of primary dendritic carbides. For a valve seat insert alloy containing over 1.8% C the microstructure preferably contains non-dendritic type primary carbides. For a valve seat insert containing up to 1.5% C the microstructure preferably includes solid solution phases encompassed by eutectic reaction products. |
| US08613883B2 |
Diagnostic system and method for metallurgical reactor cooling elements
Diagnostic methods and systems are used to determine operating condition and performance of a cooling element in a metallurgical reactor during operation of the reactor. The system can include sensing means, processing means and display means. The sensing means is located in or approximate the cooling element for sensing operating conditions of the cooling element. The processing means is in communication with the sensing means for receiving data corresponding to the sensed operating conditions and for processing the data to determine a relative condition indicator of the cooling element. The display means is in communication with the processing means and displays the relative condition indicator to a user of the diagnostic system. The display means can display a first, second or third state representative of the relative health indicator. |
| US08613881B2 |
Conductive polymer foams, method of manufacture, and uses thereof
A polymer foam layer is disclosed, comprising a polymer foam and a plurality of electrically conductive particles dispersed within the polymer foam, polymer foam layer having an unabraded first surface and an opposite, second surface, wherein the electrically conductive particles essentially continuously span the polymer foam layer, and a portion of the electrically conductive particles are exposed at the first surface of the layer and another portion of the electrically conductive particles are exposed at the second surface. The foams are useful as gaskets for electromagnetic shielding, grounding pads, battery contact conductive spring elements, and the like. |
| US08613879B2 |
Stamping methods and devices
A method of forming a stamped feature (P) on a substrate (S) includes: applying a plurality of stamping tool segments (32, 40a, 40b, 40c, 50, 60, 70, 80, 92) to at least one surface of the substrate. An arrangement (30, 90) for forming a stamped feature (P) on a substrate (S) includes a plurality of stamping tool segments (32, 40a, 40b, 40c, 50, 60, 70, 80, 92) that actuatable individually, in concert in groups of more than one, or combinations thereof. |
| US08613862B2 |
Method for manufacturing liquid discharge head substrate
A manufacturing method, for a liquid discharge head substrate that includes a silicon substrate in which a liquid supply port is formed, includes the steps of: preparing the silicon substrate, on one face of which a mask layer, in which an opening has been formed, is deposited; forming a first recessed portion in the silicon substrate, so that the recessed portion is extended through the opening from the one face of the silicon substrate to the other, reverse face of the silicon substrate; forming a second recessed portion by performing wet etching for the substrate, via the first recessed portion, using the mask layer; and performing dry etching for the silicon substrate in a direction from the second recessed portion to the other face. |
| US08613861B2 |
Method of manufacturing vertical transistors
A method of manufacturing vertical transistors includes steps of: forming a conductive layer on the surface of a substrate with a ditch and two support portions; removing the conductive layer on the bottom wall of the ditch and top walls of the support portions via anisotropic etching through a etch back process; forming an oxidized portion in the ditch; and etching the conductive layer to form two gates without contacting each other. By forming the conductive layer on the surface of the ditch and adopting selective etching of the etch back process, the problem of forming sub-trenches caused by lateral etching or uneven etching rate that might otherwise occur in the conventional etching process is prevented, and the risk of damaging metal wires caused by increasing etching duration also can be averted. |
| US08613860B2 |
Group III-nitride layers with patterned surfaces
A fabrication method produces a mechanically patterned layer of group III-nitride. The method includes providing a crystalline substrate and forming a first layer of a first group III-nitride on a planar surface of the substrate. The first layer has a single polarity and also has a pattern of holes or trenches that expose a portion of the substrate. The method includes then, epitaxially growing a second layer of a second group III-nitride over the first layer and the exposed portion of substrate. The first and second group III-nitrides have different alloy compositions. The method also includes subjecting the second layer to an aqueous solution of base to mechanically pattern the second layer. |
| US08613852B2 |
Process for producing a high stability desulfurized heavy oils stream
Self-compatible heavy oil streams are produced from converted and/or desulfurized fractions. In a preferred embodiment, an incompatibility stream is added to the converted and/or desulfurized stream to reduce the solubility number of the stream. After using a water wash to remove incompatible material, a lighter fraction is removed from the stream to increase the solubility number. |
| US08613846B2 |
Multi-layer, multi-material fabrication methods for producing micro-scale and millimeter-scale devices with enhanced electrical and/or mechanical properties
Some embodiments of the invention are directed to electrochemical fabrication methods for forming structures or devices (e.g. microprobes for use in die level testing of semiconductor devices) from a core material and a shell or coating material that partially coats the surface of the structure. Other embodiments are directed to electrochemical fabrication methods for producing structures or devices (e.g. microprobes) from a core material and a shell or coating material that completely coats the surface of each layer from which the probe is formed including interlayer regions. Additional embodiments of the invention are directed to electrochemical fabrication methods for forming structures or devices (e.g. microprobes) from a core material and a shell or coating material wherein the coating material is located around each layer of the structure without locating the coating material in inter-layer regions. Each of these groups of embodiments incorporate both the core material and the coating material during the formation of each layer and each layer is also formed with a sacrificial material that is removed after formation of all layers of the structure. In some embodiments the core material may be a genuine structural material while in others it may be only a functional structural material (i.e. a material that would be removed with sacrificial material if it were accessible by an etchant during removal of sacrificial material. |
| US08613845B2 |
Self contained capillary electrophoresis system for interfacing with mass spectrometry
A complete capillary electrophoresis (CE) system that is capable of providing a continuous flow of effluent at the exit of the flow-through outlet vial is provided. A self-contained capillary electrophoresis system with a flow-through outlet vial for interfacing with mass spectrometry includes a capillary having an upstream inlet end and a downstream terminus end; an electrically conductive hollow needle having an inner wall defining an internal tapered chamber, the internal tapered chamber dimensioned and configured to slidably accept the terminus end of the capillary, the capillary longitudinally inserted into and mounted within the internal tapered chamber to a distance whereby the terminus end of the capillary abuts the inner wall of the needle at the taper; and wherein a micro-reservoir is formed between the terminus end of the capillary and the downstream exit orifice. |
| US08613844B2 |
Gas sensor having a laminate comprising solid electrolyte layers and alumina substrate
A gas sensor (1a) having a laminate including an alumina substrate (11) having a heating resister (115) embedded in the alumina substrate (11); a first oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer (131) containing zirconia and alumina and partly constituting an oxygen-detecting cell (13) and the first solid electrolyte layer (131) being laminated with said alumina substrate (11); a second oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer (121) containing zirconia and alumina and partly constituting an oxygen-pumping cell (12); an ion-leakage preventing ceramic spacer (143) for preventing oxygen-ions from leaking from the second oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer (121) to the first oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layer (131), the spacer (143) being laminated between the first and second oxygen-ion conductive solid electrolyte layers (131, 121); and a gas-diffusion space (141) formed between an electrode (133) of the oxygen-detecting cell (13) and an electrodes (126) of the oxygen-pumping cell (12). Furthermore, the laminate (1a) is co-fired. Preferably, the zirconia contained at least in the second solid electrolyte layer is made of partially stabilized zirconia, the phase formed in the zirconia consisting essentially of tetragonal and cubic phases. Additionally, an ionic migration-preventing electrode (117) is optionally embedded in the alumina substrate (11) for preventing metal ion migration. |
| US08613843B2 |
Electro-chemical sensor
An electro-chemical sensor for methane is described having a catalyst to react methane or other low molecular weight hydrocarbons and a detector to detect the turnover or reaction rate and using such information to determine the concentration of the methane or other low molecular weight species. The sensor is preferably used for measurements in a wellbore. |
| US08613841B2 |
Electrochemical thermodynamo
Electrochemical cells modules made up of couples of catalytic multilayer porous electrodes forming the anodes and the cathodes and delimitating external gaseous areas and internal areas containing the electrolyte wherein the pressure modulators, generating two pressure cycles independently synchronized but of opposite phase, act at the inlet and at the outlet of the electrolyte and the multilayer porous electrodes are weeping on the gas side. According to a preferred embodiment the multilayer porous electrodes are hydrophobic and conductive on the gas side, the conductive and catalytic middle layers are hydrophobic and hydrophilic, the non-conductive and non-catalytic layer on the electrolyte side is hydrophilic. |
| US08613840B1 |
Solar-powered distillation system
The solar-powered distillation system is particularly adapted for small scale seawater distillation to produce fresh water. The system includes a single heat-absorbent evaporation panel having mutually opposed evaporation surfaces, the panel being contained within a single housing. Each side of the housing includes a lens panel. The lenses of each panel focus solar energy onto the respective surfaces of the evaporation panel. A mirror is positioned to each side of the housing to reflect solar energy onto the respective lens panels. Contaminated water enters the top of the housing to run down the surfaces of the evaporation panel. A fresh water collection pipe extends from the top of the housing to a collection tank. A scraper mechanism removes salt and/or other residue from the surfaces of the evaporation panel to allow the residue to be removed periodically from the bottom of the housing. |
| US08613836B2 |
Composition containing a cationic trivalent metal and debonder and methods of making and using the same to enhance fluff pulp quality
A process is provided for making a fluff pulp sheet, comprising contacting at least one cationic trivalent metal, salt thereof, or combination thereof with a composition comprising fluff pulp fibers and water at a first pH, to form a first mixture; contacting at least one debonder surfactant with the first mixture and raising the pH to a second pH, which is higher than the first pH, to form a fluff pulp mixture; forming a web from the fluff pulp mixture; and drying the web, to make the fluff pulp sheet. A fluff pulp sheet is also provided, comprising a web comprising fluff pulp fibers; at least one cationic trivalent metal, salt thereof, or combination thereof; at least one debonder surfactant; and a fiberization energy of <145 kJ/kg. Products and uses of the fluff pulp sheet are also provided. |
| US08613835B2 |
Process for inkjet paper and paper produced thereby
A method for improving the print quality of paper, a process for preparing such paper and the paper produced thereby are disclosed. The method involves applying to the paper an aqueous solution comprising 0.15 to 6 weight percent calcium in the form of its hydroxide. The supersaturated solution of calcium hydroxide can be obtained from reverse osmosis of milk of lime. The paper produced by the method disclosed exhibits a surface concentration of calcium greater than 3 mg/m2 and less than 360 mg/m2 and at the same time less than 20% of a halide, nitrate, sulfate, carbonate, acetate or formate counter ion. |
| US08613834B2 |
Paper coating or binding formulations and methods of making and using same
A paper coating or binding formulation comprises an aqueous polymer dispersion comprising a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent. The carbohydrate derived compound can be selected from the group consisting of dextrins, maltodextrins, and mixtures thereof. Methods of preparing a paper coating or binding formulation and improving the whitening properties of paper are also provided. Furthermore, paper including a copolymer obtained by polymerization of an unsaturated monomer and a carbohydrate derived compound and a tetrasulfonate-based fluorescent whitening agent is also disclosed. |
| US08613831B2 |
Paper substrates useful in wallboard tape applications
A paper substrate, particularly useful in wallboard tape applications containing PVOH on and/or in at least one surface of the paper, as well as methods of making and using the same. The use of the tape of the invention is used in conjunction with a joint compound that may contain no or reduced amounts of bonding agent. |
| US08613829B2 |
Anti-microbial paper substrates useful in wallboard tape applications
This invention relates to paper products and/or substrates suitable for being made into wallboard tape (also may be known as joint tape and/or drywall tape) and having improved reduction or inhibition in the growth of microbes, mold and/or fungus. The paper substrate is characterized by its excellent physical properties including cross direction (CD) tensile, machine (MD) tensile, internal bond, wet tensile, hygroexpansivity, curl, bonding properties, bonding of joint tape to joint compound, etc. The paper product of the invention contains a sizing agent and an antimicrobial compound as well as other optional components including without limitation a binder. The paper product of the invention may be produced by contacting the plurality of cellulose fibers with each of the sizing agent, antimicrobial compound, and optional components at any point in the papermaking process, converting process, and/or post-converting process. Finally, the invention relates to methods of using the paper substrate. |
| US08613828B2 |
Procedure and device for the production of a plasma
The present invention concerns a procedure for the production of a plasma that is at least co-produced in the vacuum chamber (1a) of a vacuum recipient (1) of a device suitable for plasma processing with at least one induction coil (2) carrying an alternating current, where the gas used to produce the plasma is fed into the vacuum chamber (1a) through at least one inlet (3) and the vacuum chamber (1a) is subject to the pumping action of at least one pump arrangement (4), and where a possibly pulsed direct current is also applied to the induction coil (2) in order to influence the plasma density. |
| US08613826B2 |
Floorboard, system and method for forming a flooring, and a flooring formed thereof
A method of producing floor panels is disclosed. The method includes the steps of separating a sheet formed surface material (51) into surface strips (53) and gluing said surface strips to a core (50) with a space (54) between the surface strips (53). |
| US08613824B2 |
Multi-layer, substantially polyvinyl chloride- and polyolefin-free composite film
The invention relates to a multilayer composite film which is substantially free from polyvinyl chloride and polyolefins. In particular, the layers of the film may include an ABS material, a polystyrene material, and/or a polyester material. The material composition and thickness of composite film are such that the maximum tensile force generated when a test body including the composite film is subjected to a specified single-axis tensile testing procedure ranges between 30 Newtons and 280 Newtons. |
| US08613813B2 |
Forming of metallic glass by rapid capacitor discharge
An apparatus and method of uniformly heating, rheologically softening, and thermoplastically forming metallic glasses rapidly into a net shape using a rapid capacitor discharge forming (RCDF) tool are provided. The RCDF method utilizes the discharge of electrical energy stored in a capacitor to uniformly and rapidly heat a sample or charge of metallic glass alloy to a predetermined “process temperature” between the glass transition temperature of the amorphous material and the equilibrium melting point of the alloy in a time scale of several milliseconds or less. Once the sample is uniformly heated such that the entire sample block has a sufficiently low process viscosity it may be shaped into high quality amorphous bulk articles via any number of techniques including, for example, injection molding, dynamic forging, stamp forging, and blow molding in a time frame of less than 1 second. |
| US08613809B2 |
High cleanliness spring steel and high cleanliness spring excellent in fatigue properties
High cleanliness spring steel useful in manufacturing a spring with SiO2-based inclusions being extremely controlled and excellent in fatigue properties is provided. High cleanliness spring steel which is steel containing; C: 1.2% (means mass %, hereafter the same with respect to the component) or below (not inclusive of 0%), Si: 1.2-4%, Mn: 0.1-2.0%, Al: 0.01% or below (not inclusive of 0%), and the balance comprising iron with inevitable impurities, wherein; the total of oxide-based inclusions of 4 or above of L (the large diameter of an inclusion)/D (the short diameter of an inclusion) and 25 μm or above of D and oxide-based inclusions of less than 4 L/D and 25 μm or above of L, in the oxide-based inclusions of 25 mass % or above of oxygen concentration and 70% (means mass %, hereafter the same with respect to inclusions) or above of SiO2 content when Al2O3+MgO+CaO+SiO2+MnO=100% is presumed, out of inclusions in the steel, is 20 nos./500 g or below. |
| US08613808B2 |
Thermal deposition of reactive metal oxide/aluminum layers and dispersion strengthened aluminides made therefrom
Metal aluminides are formed by an initial thermal deposition process which forms an intermediary material comprising elemental aluminum and another elemental metal, as well as an oxide of the other metal. The thermally formed intermediary material is subsequently heated to initiate an exothermic reaction which forms the metal aluminide material. The reaction may be initiated by localized or bulk heating of the intermediary material, and may involve reaction between the aluminum and elemental metal as well as a thermite reaction between the aluminum and the metal oxide. The resultant metal aluminide material may be substantially fully dense and may contain oxide strengthening precipitates such as aluminum oxide. |
| US08613803B2 |
Apparatus and method for indirect surface cleaning
Methods for cleaning a surface of a substrate and for increasing the useable lifetime of a photomask substrate are provided. In one method, the surface of a substrate having a contaminating particulate disposed thereon is cleaned by directing a laser towards the substrate, generating a temperature increase in the substrate and transferring thermal energy from the substrate to the particulate to decompose the particulate. The laser has a wavelength that is substantially the same as a local maximum of the substrate absorption spectrum. |
| US08613801B2 |
Sinterable semi-coke powder with high bulk density
In a continuous method for production of a semicoke powder with high bulk density and flowability, a sinterable carbon powder (semicoke) is dispersed in water with addition of at least one binder and at least one liquefier, wherein the proportion of carbon in the dispersion is adjusted to at least 50 wt. %, relative to the mass of the dispersion, and the zeta potential of the dispersion is adjusted to less than −50 mV, the dispersion is submitted to homogenization and stabilization by continuous wet grinding with a residence time in the mill of less than 3 minutes and the homogeneous dispersion is spray-dried. |
| US08613797B2 |
Dispersion medium comprising monocarboxylic esters for preparations of solids
The invention concerns a composition comprising as component (A): 10% to 97% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of one or more monocarboxylic esters of the general formula R1—CO—OR2, in which R1 is a saturated or unsaturated, branched or straight-chain, aliphatic group having 11 to 23 carbon atoms and R2 is a branched or straight-chain aliphatic group, a cycloaliphatic group or aromatic group having 1 to 13 carbon atoms, and the sum of the carbon atoms of the groups R1 and R2 is not more than 30, the monocarboxylic ester or esters possessing a boiling point of more than 250° C. under a standard pressure of 101.3 kPa, and as component (B): 3% to 90% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, of one or more dispersants, the composition possessing a viscosity at 25° C. of less than 5000 mPas. The invention further concerns the use of the composition as a dispersion medium, millbases obtained from the composition, and the use of the millbases. |
| US08613792B2 |
Method and systems for setting an air filter change threshold value in an HVAC system
A clean air filter may be used to set an air filter change threshold value for an air filter monitor installed in an HVAC system. The air filter change threshold value may be used to determine a status of an air filter (e.g., clean or dirty). |
| US08613791B2 |
Extraction process for metals like gold and platinum including fine grinding, pulping and oxygenating
This invention relates to a process for obtaining metal values, typically base metals, platinum or gold from a feed material. In a first step of the process of the invention, feed material containing metal values is ground to a particle size d90 of 100 microns or less to form an ultra fine pulp. In a second step of the process of the invention, the ultra fine ground pulp from the first step is oxygenated by pumping it in multiple passes through an in-line high shear static oxygenation device (30), while re-circulating it on a tank (28) or any other vessel. The process of the invention results in a significant reduction in the required leach time, improved recoveries, reduced cyanide consumptions, a steadier gold tail, as well as reduced capital and operational expenditure. |
| US08613790B2 |
Lance for injecting solid material into a vessel
A lance for injecting a solid material into a vessel, such as a direct smelting vessel for producing molten iron, has a core tube assembly comprising a passageway for solid material. The core tube assembly has an inlet for receiving solid material at a rear end and an outlet for discharging material at a forward end. The core tube assembly comprises an outer tube of a structural material and an inner tube of a wear resistant material that are bonded together. A method of manufacturing the core tube assembly may include spin casting the outer tube of the structural material; spin casting the inner tube of the wear resistant material onto the inner surface of the outer tube; and metallurgically bonding the tubes together. |
| US08613778B2 |
Oxidative colouring composition
The present invention is related to an oxidative colouring composition for keratin fibres especially human hair. The present invention is a composition comprising at least one hair dye and at least one magnesium salt. Furthermore, it is the use of at least one magnesium salt in a composition comprising at least one hair dye for preventing warming up and increase of its volume upon mixing with an aqueous composition comprising at least one oxidizing agent. Present invention is at the same time on the process for colouring keratin fibres with the use of the compositions. |
| US08613774B2 |
Elbow replacement apparatus and methods
Apparatus and methods for total elbow replacement are provided to allow a surgeon to intraoperatively select a linked or unlinked constraint by utilizing a connection located on the body of the ulnar and/or humeral stem. Additional modularity also allows the selection of a cemented or cementless stem as described herein. The modularity and adjustability provides a number of advantages. |
| US08613771B2 |
Artificial disc
An intervertebral artificial disc is provided with a first endplate having a plurality of protrusions for attaching to an adjacent vertebrae and an extension portion extending towards a second adjacent vertebrae. A second endplate is provided with a plurality of protrusions for attaching to a second adjacent vertebrae and an extension portion extending towards the first adjacent vertebrae. A flexible member having an upper portion and a lower portion and a slider plate positioned within the upper portion of the flexible member is also provided. The extension portion of the first endplate is adapted to fit within a first cavity in the upper portion of the flexible member and the extension portion of the second endplate is adapted to fit within a second cavity in the lower portion of the flexible member. |
| US08613768B2 |
Space keeper for vertebrae or intervertebral disks
A space keeper for vertebrae or intervertebral disks is provided, which has a tubular section and teeth on the respective ends of the space keeper. On at least one end of the tubular section an element is provided, which has a top plate which is tiltable about an angle to the longitudinal axis of the tubular section. |
| US08613763B2 |
Implantable vascular device
A multiple-sided medical device comprises a frame comprising wire or other resilient material and having a series of bends and interconnecting sides. The device has both a flat configuration and a second, folded configuration which a generally serpentine shape. The device is pushed from a delivery catheter into the lumen of a duct or vessel and may include one or more barbs for anchoring purposes. A full or partial covering of fabric or other flexible material such as DACRON, PTFE, or a collagen-based material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS), may be sutured or attached to the frame to form an occlusion device, a stent graft, or an implantable, intraluminal valve such as for correcting incompetent veins in the lower legs and feet. |
| US08613761B2 |
Surgical implant with an anti-backout feature
The present application is directed to an implant maintained within the patient by a fastener. The implant includes an aperture sized to receive the fastener. A locking member extends across the aperture in a first position. The locking member is constructed of a resilient material that is movable to a second position during insertion of the fastener. Once the fastener is inserted within the aperture below a level of the locking member, the locking member rebounds towards the first position and extends over the fastener. The locking member prevents the fastener from backing out of the implant. |
| US08613759B2 |
Transverse fixation device for spinal fixation systems
A transverse fixation device is disclosed. The device includes one or more connecting bodies disposed substantially between two elongate rods. Each connecting body includes a receptacle that is capable of engaging with the two elongate rods. A c-ring comprising an outer surface having a spherical curvature is also included. A third rod may be inserted into the c-ring. A clamp included in the connecting bodies may then be disposed about the c-ring and third rod to allow the connecting bodies to slidingly engage with the third rod. |
| US08613758B2 |
Two piece spinal jack incorporating varying mechanical and fluidic lift mechanisms for establishing a desired spacing between succeeding vertebrae
An insert for establishing a desired spacing between a pair of succeeding vertebrae and having a body including an extending end for supporting a location associated with a first selected lumbar vertebrae. An opposite extending end supports a spaced apart and opposing location associated with a second successively positioned lumbar vertebrae. Upon pre-positioning the body in an open space established between the vertebrae, an actuating input causes the first extending end to displace outwardly relative to the second end and into contacting support with the vertebrae. |
| US08613757B2 |
Intervertebral stabilization system
An intervertebral stabilization system for at least three vertebrae comprising pedicle screws attachable to the vertebrae; at least one rod for the connection of at least two pedicle screws to form a rigid stiffening system; and at least one band which is capable of being pre-stressed in tension and which is surrounded in the implanted state of the stabilization system by at least one compressible pressure member arranged between two adjacent pedicle screws for the connection of the pedicle screws to form an elastic support system, wherein a common pedicle screw is associated both with the stiffening system and with the support system and the band is can be connected or is connected to the rod by means of a band attachment. |
| US08613756B2 |
Knotless suture anchor
A suture anchor is disclosed having an outer body with an axial bore which receives and inner body for rotation. Suture passes between the inner body and outer body and rotation of the inner body wraps the suture thereabout locking the suture thereto. Rotation of the inner body also effects radial expansion of at least a portion of the outer body to engage to anchor into a bone hole. |
| US08613755B1 |
Knotless dynamic suture tensioning device and methods
Two spaced bodily tissues are approximated with a surgical tensioning device comprising a resilient member and a pressure locking device. The method comprises a step of routing one end of a length of suture through both spaced bodily tissues and inserting the suture end into and through the pressure locking device. The suture is then tensioned by pulling on the suture end passing through the pressure locking device. Responsive to tension changes in the suture, the pressure locking device is actuated by moving at least one surface in the pressure locking device to clamp the suture in position. |
| US08613751B2 |
Steerable ultrasound catheter
Ultrasound catheter devices and methods provide enhanced disruption of blood vessel obstructions. Ultrasound catheter devices generally include an elongate flexible catheter body with one or more lumens, an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the catheter body lumen and a distal head coupled with the transmission member and positioned adjacent the distal end of the catheter body for disrupting occlusions. Improved features of ultrasound catheters include catheter bodies and ultrasound transmission members with increasing distal flexibility, guidewire tubes allowing contact between a guidewire and an ultrasound transmission member, distal heads with improved guidewire lumens, and torquable proximal housings for enhancing disruption of blood vessel occlusions. |
| US08613749B2 |
Obesity treatment tools and methods
Various obesity treatment tools and methods are described herein, as well as treatments for other gastric-related diseases, e.g., GERD. Treatment includes reducing the size of the stomach pouch to limit the caloric intake as well as to provide an earlier feeling of satiety. This may be done by creating a smaller gastric pouch within the stomach directly from the interior of the stomach itself. The smaller pouches may be made through the use of individual anchoring devices, rotating probes, or volume reduction devices. A pyloroplasty procedure may also be performed to render the pyloric sphincter incompetent. A gastric bypass procedure may additionally be performed using atraumatic magnetic anastomoses devices so that sugars and fats are passed directly to the bowel while bypassing the stomach. Many of these procedures may be done in a variety of combinations. Treatment may create enforced behavioral modifications by discouraging the ingestion of high-caloric foods. |
| US08613748B2 |
Apparatus and method for stabilizing a needle
Apparatus and methods for use in an image-guided interventional procedure are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a base configured to be releasably coupled to a patient's skin. A support portion extends from the base at an angle transverse to a longitudinal axis defined by the base. The support portion has a first end portion and a second end portion. The first end portion is disposed adjacent the base. A holder portion extends from the second end portion of the support portion. The holder portion defines an opening and is configured to be moved between a first configuration in which the opening defined by the holder portion has a first size and is configured to movably receive an interventional tool therethrough, and a second configuration in which the opening defined by the holder portion has a second size different than the first size. |
| US08613744B2 |
Systems and methods for navigating an instrument through bone
System and methods for channeling a path into bone include a trocar having a proximal end, distal end and a central channel disposed along a central axis of the trocar. The trocar includes a radial opening at or near the distal end of the trocar. The system includes a curveable cannula sized to be received in the central channel, the curveable cannula comprising a curveable distal end configured to be extended laterally outward from the radial opening in a curved path extending away from the trocar. The curveable cannula has a central passageway having a diameter configured allow a probe to be delivered through the central passageway to a location beyond the curved path. |
| US08613743B2 |
HF surgical testing device
A high-frequency surgical testing device for testing a neutral electrode during treatment, particularly during monopolar coagulation of biological tissue using a high-frequency current. The neutral electrode includes at least one first electrically conductive electrode segment having a first cable for connecting to a high-frequency generator, and a second electrically conductive electrode segment having a second cable for connecting to a high-frequency generator, the first and second electrode segments contacting the tissue. The test device includes an encoding element having a code for describing the neutral electrode and a measurement device for capturing the code describing the neutral electrode. The test device allows an identification of the neutral electrode to ensure safety. |
| US08613739B2 |
Medical tubing connection assembly
A medical tubing connector pair includes a female tubing connector, and a male tubing connector. The female tubing connector has an external thread and the male tubing connector has an internal thread, the external and internal threads threadingly engaged to secure the female and male tubing connectors together. The internal thread is made from a flexible material to permit the female and male tubing connectors to be connected to or disconnected from each other without rotation of the tubing connectors relative to each other. |
| US08613734B2 |
Reduced pressure treatment system having a dual porosity pad
A wound closure system and method having a porous pad for providing a reduced pressure to a tissue site is disclosed. The porous pad comprises a porous material formed by spraying a chemical substance that cures to form the porous material which has a body and an outer surface. Both the body and the outer surface have pores wherein the average size of the pores in the outer surface is smaller than the average size of the pores in the body. The porous pad further comprises a pathway formed within the porous material that is adapted to fluidly communicate with a source of reduced pressure. |
| US08613729B2 |
Anchor and anchor deployment apparatus
An anchor for maintaining a portion of a therapy delivery element within a desired location of a patient has (i) a first opening, (ii) a second opening, (iii) a body member formed of elastic material disposed between the first and second opening, (iv) and a lumen extending though the body member from the first opening to the second opening, and (v) a retention element secured to or integrally formed with the body member for retaining the anchor within a tissue location of a patient. |
| US08613716B2 |
Custom braces, casts and devices having limited flexibility and methods for designing and fabricating
A custom device and method for fabricating the custom device includes marking a body with reference points and/or other indicators. Multiple images of the body from multiple angles are then obtained. The images are used to determine the contours of the body and the other markings are located and used to design the custom device. The custom device can be fabricated as a single piece structure or in multiple pieces that are assembled to complete the custom device. |
| US08613715B2 |
Passive mobility exercise and range-of-motion bed apparatus
A passive exercise therapy station moves a patient's limb or body part through a prescribed range of motion without stress to the patient's limb or associated joints. A frame is formed of a pair of arches joined in parallel to one another, with a pair of overhead horizontal rails. One or more main cables extend over guide pulleys on the frame and past an adjustable guide carriage that travels along the overhead rails. An actuator positions the guide carriage at a desired location on the overhead rails. An exercise cable descends from the guide carriage to the patient. The exercise cable may be a web attached to the main cable. The exercise therapy station may be wheeled between rooms for therapy of a given patient. |
| US08613708B2 |
Ambulatory electrocardiographic monitor with jumpered sensing electrode
An ambulatory electrocardiographic (ECG) monitor with a jumpered sensing electrode and method of use is provided. Self-powered ECG sensing circuitry is fully enclosed in a housing that provides electrode connection receptacles on a bottom surface of the housing. A flexible and stretchable electrode mounting panel having an elongated shape is provided with a layer of skin adhesive on a skin contacting surface. Sensing electrodes are mounted on opposite ends of the mounting panel. Each sensing electrode includes an electrode pad facing the skin contacting surface and an oppositely-facing electrode connection plug. Each connection plug is removably and pivotably couplable into the connection receptacles. A jumper wire assembly includes a jumper connection plug electrically connected to a jumper connection receptacle. The jumper connection plug is removably and pivotably couplable into the connection receptacles and the jumper connection receptacle is removably and pivotably couplable into the connection plugs on the mounting panel. |
| US08613704B2 |
Subsystems and methods for non-contact corneal deformation
An ophthalmic instrument that discharges a fluid pulse to deform the cornea of a test subject is improved by reducing the working distance between a nosepiece or a discharge tube from which the fluid pulse is discharged and the eye of the test subject. The invention improves measurement repeatability and patient comfort. |
| US08613703B2 |
Insertion devices and methods
Devices and methods relating to analyte sensor insertion devices and methods are provided. |
| US08613702B2 |
Device, apparatus and method for obtaining physiological signals by way of a feeding tube
A neonatal feeding tube (10) includes electronics and instrumentation for monitoring a neonate and for provides nourishment to the neonate. The tube (10) includes electrodes (20) for sensing ECG signals of the neonate. Thermistors (22, 24, 28, 30) are placed at various points along the tube (10) to measure the neonate's temperature at those points. Breathing effort is measured by calculating a pressure differential at two pressure ports (32, 34). Pulse and SpO2 are measured at a fiber optic window (35). The electrodes (20), a distal electrode (64) and a light source (66) aid in helping a caregiver position the tip (12) of the tube (10) correctly in the stomach of the neonate. |
| US08613700B2 |
Bending mechanism
A bending mechanism includes a vertical driving portion with a central axis that extends along an X-axis direction, a horizontal driving portion with a central axis that extends along the X-axis direction and is adjacent to the vertical driving portion in a Y-axis direction, a vertical rotary portion that is coupled to the vertical driving portion and is rotated, and a horizontal rotary portion adjacent to the vertical rotary portion in the Y-axis direction that is coupled to the horizontal driving portion and is rotated. The binding mechanism further includes a holding portion holding a vertical operation wire extending from the vertical rotary portion to a rear surface on the side where the horizontal rotary portion is disposed, and holding a horizontal operation wire extending from the horizontal rotary portion to the rear surface on the side of the vertical rotary portion and further intersecting with a vertical operation wire. |
| US08613699B2 |
Device for the sterile sheathing of a sterilization-sensitive operating part
A device for the sterile sheathing of a sterilization-sensitive operating part, which can be connected to a medical instrument for surgical intervention, having a handling element, which comprises a bundled sterile hose at a distal end, whereby the handling element further comprises an opening, through which the sterilization-sensitive operating part can be inserted from proximal to distal into the sterile hose such that the sterilization-sensitive operating part can thereby be sheathed with the hose. It is suggested that a medical instrument is connected fixedly at its proximal end region to a distal end of the sterile hose, and that there is a transfer station, in which the sterilization-sensitive operating part is accommodated, whereby the handling element can be connected to the transfer station such that the medical instrument and the sterilization-sensitive operating part can be connected to one another and that this assembly can be withdrawn from the transfer station, whereby the bundled sterile hose can be pulled over the sterilization-sensitive operating part. |
| US08613698B2 |
Resilient device
An intravaginal device has a working portion (e.g., intravaginal urinary incontinence device suppository, tampon) and an anchoring portion comprising at least one member extending beyond at least one end of the working portion to maintain the working portion in place during use. |
| US08613696B2 |
Non-invasive diagnostics for ventricle assist device
A circulatory assist system has a pump with a motor coupled to rotate the pump at a selectable speed. A controller drives the motor at a target speed and collects blood flow measurements during operation of the pump. An impaired flow condition is identified when a plurality of successive blood flow measurements are between an expected minimum flow and a low flow threshold, such that the low flow would necessitate issuing an alert. During the impaired flow condition, it is detected whether an inflow obstruction exists by determining whether a reduction in speed of the pump is correlated with a predetermined increase in the blood flow measurements. If the inflow obstruction is detected, then the speed of the pump is further reduced to further increase the blood flow measurements. |