最新美国发明专利第2014-03-11期 - 专利汇|PatentHub专利检索|专利查询网|发明专利查询分析

Document	Document Title
US08669977B2	Hierarchical mesh quantization that facilitates efficient ray tracing Compression methods and systems that encode the bounding volume hierarchy (BVH) and the triangles of a scene in one compact data structure. Efficient on-the-fly decompression is performed and may be used in interactive ray tracing. Quantized vertices and triangle strips may be stored in BVH leaf nodes. The local vertex positions and vertex indices may use a small number of bits that are encoded in bit strings. During traversal, the geometry may be decoded by an optimized algorithm allowing for random access with minimal overhead.
US08669975B2	Electro-optical device and driving circuit A driving circuit of an electro-optical device, a capacitance-line-driving circuit shifting voltage of a capacitance line to one voltage of two-value voltage, and the capacitance-line-driving circuit includes a unit control circuit provided correspondingly to the capacitance line at both end portions of the capacitance line, and the unit control circuit corresponding to one capacitance line includes, a latch circuit maintaining a logic level at one level for at least a period of the scanning line corresponding to the one capacitance line being selected, a switch provided between the capacitance line and a signal line supplying a capacitance signal in which the two-value voltage is switched over at a predetermined cycle, the switch being electrically connected when the logic level is one level and electrically disconnected when the logic level is the other level.
US08669974B2	Flat display and timing controller thereof for neutralizing charges in liquid crystal capacitors upon shut down A timing controller adapted to a flat display includes a voltage detecting circuit, a clock generator, a first multiplexer and a second multiplexer. The voltage detecting circuit detects a variation of an operating voltage and thus outputs a reset signal. The clock generator outputs a start signal and a first clock signal. The first multiplexer is controlled by the reset signal and coupled to the start signal and a constant voltage. The second multiplexer is controlled by the reset signal and coupled to the first clock signal and a second clock signal. A frequency of the second clock signal is obviously higher than a frequency of the first clock signal.
US08669970B2	Master synchronization for multiple displays In an embodiment, a display apparatus includes multiple physical interface circuits (PHYs) couple to respective displays. In a mirror mode, the PHYs may operate as masters. A primary master PHY may control a synchronization interface to one or more secondary master PHYs. The synchronization interface may include a start of frame signal that the primary master PHY may generate to indicate the beginning of a new frame. The secondary master PHYs may be configured to generate internal start of frame signals while independently processing the same display data as the primary master. If the internally-generated start of frame and the received start of frame occur within a window of tolerance of each other, then the secondary masters may continue to process the display data stream independently. A secondary master that detects the start of frames occur outside of the window of tolerance may resynchronize.
US08669965B2	Information system using multi-touch function A driving device includes a base and a conductive pattern portion provided on a surface of the base. The conductive pattern portion has an electric charge accumulating portion, touching portions and conductive connecting portions connecting the accumulating portion and each of the touching portions. When a surface of the base is contacted with a multi-touch display of an information processor, each of the touching portions activates a corresponding touching area of the multi-touch display. Thus, a predetermined action is executed by the information processor.
US08669960B2	Firmware methods and devices for a mutual capacitance touch sensing device Disclosed are various embodiments of methods and devices for operating a processor or host controller in a mutual capacitance sensing device. Methods and devices for sorting motion reports provided to a host controller or other processor in a mutual capacitance sensing device, reporting touch points to a host controller or other processor in a mutual capacitance sensing device, improving noise robustness and navigation performance in a mutual capacitance sensing device, determining a touch area of a user's finger on a touch panel or touchpad of a mutual capacitance sensing device, and avoiding false wakeups and minimizing power consumption in a mutual capacitance sensing device having a touch panel or touchpad are described.
US08669959B2	Passive touch system and method of detecting user input A passive touch system includes a passive touch surface and at least two cameras associated with the touch surface. The at least two cameras acquire images of the touch surface from different locations and have overlapping fields of view. A processor receives and processes images acquired by the at least two cameras to detect the existence of a pointer therein and to determine the location of the pointer relative to the touch surface. Actual pointer contact with the touch surface and pointer hover above the touch surface can be determined.
US08669952B2	Metallic nanoparticle pressure sensor An electrical pressure sensor is provided with a method for measuring pressure applied to a sensor surface. The method provides an electrical pressure sensor including a sealed chamber with a top surface, first electrode, second electrode, an elastic polymer medium, and metallic nanoparticles distributed in the elastic polymer medium. When the top surface of the sensor is deformed in response to an applied pressure, the elastic polymer medium is compressed. In response to decreasing the metallic nanoparticle-to-metallic nanoparticle mean distance between metallic nanoparticles, the electrical resistance is decreased between the first and second electrodes through the elastic polymer medium.
US08669951B2	Optical touch panel and touch display panel and touch input method thereof An optical touch panel includes a substrate, a single planar light generator, at least a retro reflector device, and a single photo sensor array. The substrate has a surface. The single planar light generator is disposed outside the surface of the substrate for generating a planar light, where the illuminating range of the planar light covers the range of the surface of the substrate. The retro reflector device is disposed on a side of the substrate for reflecting the planar light. The single photo sensor array is disposed outside the surface of the substrate for sensing the reflected planar light and generating reflected light distribution information.
US08669950B2	Portable electronic device, method, and graphical user interface for displaying structured electronic documents A computer-implemented method, for use in conjunction with a portable electronic device with a touch screen display, comprises displaying at least a portion of a structured electronic document on the touch screen display, wherein the structured electronic document comprises a plurality of boxes of content, and detecting a first gesture at a location on the displayed portion of the structured electronic document. A first box in the plurality of boxes at the location of the first gesture is determined. The first box on the touch screen display is enlarged and substantially centered.
US08669947B2	Information processing apparatus, information processing method and computer program There is provided an information processing apparatus according to the present invention including a detection unit for detecting a moving direction and a moving amount of a finger on an operation panel, and a moving control unit for changing the moving amount of an object on a display unit for a finger's unit moving amount depending on the moving direction of the finger which moves the object displayed on the display unit. According to the present invention, the moving amount of the object within a display region changes based on the moving direction of the finger to be operated on the operation panel. In this manner, the object moving amount is corrected depending on the finger moving direction, thereby eliminating the factors for reducing the operability during the object moving operation and improving the operability.
US08669946B2	Electronic device including touch-sensitive display and method of controlling same A method includes detecting a first touch at a first location and a second touch at a second location on a touch-sensitive display, determining a first force value by a first sensor and a second force value by a second sensor, wherein the first force value and the second force value are determined at a time when the first touch and the second touch are both detected, and determining a first applied force value for the first touch and a second applied force value for the second touch based on the first force value and the second force value and based on the first location and the second location.
US08669945B2	Changing of list views on mobile device Various embodiments related to a hand-held mobile computing device are disclosed. One disclosed embodiment comprises a hand-held mobile computing device having a touch-sensitive display forming a surface of the hand-held mobile computing device configured to receive touch input. The hand-held mobile computing device further comprises a processor and memory comprising code executable by the processor to display a scrollable list of items in a first content viewing mode having a first set of content for each of the items in the scrollable list, to detect a dynamic multi-touch gesture over the scrollable list of items, and to change the scrollable list of items to a second content viewing mode responsive to detection of the dynamic multi-touch gesture, wherein the second content viewing mode comprises a second set of content for each item in the scrollable list of items.
US08669940B1	Optical navigation system using a single-package motion sensor An optical navigation apparatus including a package incorporating a light source and a single die of silicon. The single die of silicon includes a photodiode array configured at the detection plane to receive the speckle pattern of the scattered light from the collection optics, circuitry configured to process signals from the photodiode array to determine changes in position of the apparatus relative to the tracking surface, analog circuitry configured to control and drive current through the light source, interface circuitry configured to communicate position data by outputting the position data via a data interface, a microcontroller comprising a processor core and memory for storing computer-readable code and data, and a system bus configured to communicate instructions and data between the microcontroller and said digital, analog, and interface circuitries. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed.
US08669937B2	Information processing apparatus and computer-readable medium An information processing apparatus includes a first acceptance unit, a second acceptance unit and a coordinate determination unit. The first acceptance unit accepts first inclinations or first accelerations of a portable information processing apparatus having a display screen in a first state. The second acceptance unit accepts second inclinations or second accelerations of the information processing apparatus in a second state. The coordinate determination unit determines coordinates of a mark for pointing to a position on the display screen in the second state based on the first inclinations accepted by the first acceptance unit and the second inclinations accepted by the second acceptance unit or based on the first accelerations accepted by the first acceptance unit and the second accelerations accepted by the second acceptance unit.
US08669933B2	Liquid crystal display, electronic device, and method for controlling brightness of illumination unit of liquid crystal display A liquid crystal display according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a liquid crystal display panel, an illumination unit for the liquid crystal display panel, a plurality of photodetectors, and a control unit Cnt to control the brightness of the illumination unit. The photodetectors are TFT ambient light photosensors LS1 to LS3, for example, which produce outputs that require time to reach a predetermined value, which the time is correlated with the intensity of ambient light. Detection circuits coupled to the photodetectors include circuits (Cmp1 to Cmp3) logically inverted when an output from the TFT ambient light photosensors LS1 to LS3 reaches a predetermined value. The control unit Cnt includes a discrimination implement Maj that determines that the intensity of ambient light has changed when outputs from the majority of the detection circuits are logically inverted. The above-mentioned structure provides a liquid crystal display that does not use plurality of interface circuits nor A/D converters, nor experience frequent malfunctions for automatic control of the brightness of the illumination unit according to the intensity of ambient light.
US08669930B2	Liquid crystal display and method for driving the same A liquid crystal display and a method for driving the same, wherein one or more horizontal lines carrying no data among horizontal lines of a progressive-processed frame can be compensated with data, are provided. The liquid crystal display includes a frame processor, a timing controller, and a data driver. The frame processor performs data compensation of at least one horizontal line carrying no data among horizontal lines of an input frame. The timing controller controls a driving operation of the frame compensated by the frame processor. The data driver drives the frame compensated by the frame processor on a liquid crystal display panel under control of the timing controller.
US08669923B2	Pixel and organic light emitting display device using the same A pixel includes: an OLED; a first transistor having a first electrode coupled to a power source and a second electrode coupled to the OLED and configured to control a magnitude of current supplied to the OLED; a third transistor having a first electrode coupled a first node and a second electrode coupled to a gate electrode of the first transistor; a capacitor coupled between the first node and a second electrode of the first transistor; a second transistor having a first electrode coupled to the first node and a second electrode coupled to a data line and configured to be turned on when the third transistor is turned off; and a fourth transistor having a first electrode coupled to a gate electrode of the first transistor and a second electrode coupled to a reference power source and configured to be turned on and off concurrently with the second transistor.
US08669919B2	Head mounted display device A head mounted display device including: an image display that is mounted on the head of a user to permit the user to visually recognize an image; a determination unit that, when any other unitary moving images correlated with the same unitary display image corresponding to one of the unitary moving images are generated, determines whether to replace the one of the unitary moving images with the any other unitary moving images; and a continual moving image display that, when the determination unit determines that the one of the unitary moving images should be replaced with the any other unitary moving images, replaces the one of the unitary moving images with the any other unitary moving images to generate those replaced unitary moving images as one coherent continual moving image.
US08669911B2	Balanced transmission line with parallel conductors An antenna transmission line for feeding multiple items includes a first conductor member, a second conductor member, and a dielectric material positioned between the first and second conductor members, which prevents water from accumulating between the first and second conductive members. Means are provided to connect multiple elements to the transmission line at connection terminals. An insulator may be provided adjacent to each of the connection terminals, the insulator being generally non-conductive. A plurality of holes provided in the insulator on either side of the conductor members allows the elements to be weaved therethrough to provide a more stable connection.
US08669900B2	Global navigation satellite antenna systems and methods A method for reducing multipath when determining a location of a stationary or near stationary position, includes receiving a signal from an antenna moving continuously with respect to the stationary or near stationary position, the signal including a multipath component, processing the received signal including the multipath component, wherein multipath error in the received signal is reduced during the processing and determining a location of the stationary or near stationary position based on the processed received signal with the multipath error reduced.
US08669896B2	Successive-approximation-register analog-to-digital convertor and related controlling method A method of controlling a successive-comparing-register analog-to-digital convertor (SAR ADC) is provided. Based upon the method, the SAR ADC receives a conversion clock that controls a conversion rate of the SAR ADC.
US08669895B2	Comparison circuit and analog-to-digital conversion device Various embodiments of an analog-to-digital (A/D) device are described herein, with the A/D device using at least a comparison unit, a comparative operation control circuit, a delay circuit, and a successive operation control circuit arranged so as, it may, among other things, mitigate conversion errors that may be due to differences in properties of circuit elements therein. And the A/D device may be implemented in, among other things, a signal processing device.
US08669894B2	Analog-to-digital converting method and functional device using the same An analog-to-digital converting method for converting an analog signal to a digital signal is disclosed. The analog-to-digital converting method includes decomposing the analog signal into a major analog signal and a minor analog signal, converting the major analog signal to a major digital signal, determining to which of a plurality of default sections the minor analog signal belongs to generate a minor digital signal correspondingly, and combining the major digital signal and the minor digital signal to form the digital signal.
US08669893B2	Performing multiplication using an analog-to-digital converter A multiplier circuit to multiply a first signal with a second signal includes an analog-to-digital converter that has a first input and a second input. The first input is to receive the first signal. The multiplier circuit also has an inverting circuit having an input to receive the second signal, and an output connected to the second input of the analog-to-digital converter. An output value produced by a combination of the analog-to-digital converter and the inverting circuit is approximately a multiplication of the first signal and the second signal.
US08669887B2	Turntable-mounted keypad A keypad for controlling software, such as disk jockey (DJ) software, includes a plurality of keys, each key being programmable for issuing any desired, predefined sequence of keystrokes and/or mouse commands in response to the key being pressed. At least some of the keys are laid out in a piano-style format, with those keys being programmed to direct the software to produce musical notes. The keypad is constructed to be attached to a phonograph turntable by engaging with physical features on the turntable. The keypad has a top surface that has a rounded edge that runs concentrically with the turntable's platter. It also has a straight edge, overhanging the side of the turntable, where the piano style keys are positioned. When used by a DJ, the keypad greatly simplifies the task of simultaneously operating the turntable and the DJ software.
US08669886B2	Data entry module A data entry module includes a flexible substrate, a fence circuit formed on the flexible substrate and including at least one trace routed in a meandering manner, an insulating layer formed on the fence circuit, a substrate spaced from the insulating layer, and a switch circuit including a plurality of switch elements each including two contact pads separately disposed on the substrate and the insulating layer. The fence circuit is configured to cover the switch circuit for preventing the interrogation of the switch circuit.
US08669876B2	Above-water monitoring of swimming pools An above-water system provides automatic alerting for possible drowning victims in swimming pools or the like. One or more electro-optical sensors are placed above the pool surface. Sequences of images are digitized and analyzed electronically to determine whether there are humans within the image, and whether such humans are moving in a manner that would suggest drowning. Effects due to glint, refraction, and variations in light, are offset automatically by the system. If a potential drowning incident is detected, the system produces an alarm sound, and/or a warning display, so that an operator can determine whether action must be taken.
US08669875B1	Pet care notification system and method A business method includes a system for providing notification to a designated pet care provider to ensure that care will be provided to a subscriber's pets, animals, or livestock in the event the subscriber is unable to care for his/her pets due to an injury, hospitalization, death or unexpected delay. The system includes a card that is provided to the subscriber with a unique ID number and telephone number on the card. An authorized person, upon finding the card, calls the telephone number to inform the system of an incapacitation or death of the subscriber. After confirming the validity of the call the system then attempts to contact the designated pet care provider. If a willing pet care provider is not reached within a predetermined period of time a local authority could be contacted to provide temporary care for the subscriber's pets. Optional levels of service are also described.
US08669873B2	Inventory and anti-theft alarm system An inventory and antitheft alarm tag utilizes RFID technology. The system provides either real time or time of scan inventory and theft control while monitoring the time and date of each lock/unlock event and the sequence of these events.
US08669872B1	Encapsulating commands for RFID tags Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags may receive one or more encapsulated commands within the payload of an encapsulating command. An encapsulated command includes at least a command code and an instruction. A tag may store the encapsulated command(s) or the instruction portion of the encapsulated command(s) for later execution. A sequence of encapsulated commands may be contained within one encapsulating command or spread across multiple encapsulating commands. The sequence of encapsulated commands, or the sequence of instructions associated with the encapsulated commands, may form a program. The tag may execute the instructions or program upon receipt, upon a trigger event, serially or in parallel, and/or may modify the instructions or program by adjusting parameters. The tag may later be told by a reader to execute the instructions or program via another command which, in some cases, may be sent prior to tag singulation.
US08669871B2	Implementation of on-off passive wireless surface acoustic wave sensor using coding and switching techniques Methods and systems for passive wireless surface acoustic wave devices for orthogonal frequency coded devices to implement ON-OFF sensors reusing orthogonal frequency code and distinguishing between ON and OFF states using additional PN sequence and on/off switches producing multi-level coding as well as external stimuli for switching and identification of a closure system. An embodiment adds a level of diversity by adding a dibit to each surface acoustic wave devices, thus providing four different possible coding states. The PN on-off coding can be with the dibit for coding in a multi-tag system.
US08669866B2	Proximity sensor system for industrial process transmitter for detecting a spatial relationship between the transmitter and a mounting component A process transmitter for measuring a process variable comprises a process sensor, transmitter circuitry, a transmitter housing, a mounting component, and a non-contact proximity sensor. The process sensor senses a process variable of a process fluid. The transmitter circuitry processes a signal from the process sensor. The transmitter housing receives the process sensor and transmitter circuitry. The transmitter mounting component is connected to the housing to isolate the sensor, the transmitter circuitry or the transmitter housing from the process fluid or an external environment. The non-contact proximity sensor system detects a spatial relationship between the transmitter housing and the transmitter mounting component.
US08669865B2	Personal safety and locator device An automatically provisioned passenger safety and locator device is described. In one aspect, the locator device includes a microcontroller with a processor coupled to the memory comprising computer-program instructions executable by the processor that, responsive to activation, detects a seat number for the seat of a plurality of seats coupled to a transportation vehicle. The seat is in proximity to and in association with the tracking apparatus. Additionally, the computer program instructions generate and communicate a signal to a search and rescue center. The signal includes the seat number and location coordinates of the tracking apparatus. The seat number is utilized by the search rescue team to facilitate respective operations by determining personal information associated with any passenger assigned to the seat.
US08669861B1	Method for establishing a risk profile using RFID tags A system and method for establishing a weight related risk profile using RFID technology is provided. While the cargo container is in transit, a RFID reader inside a cargo container polls the contents of the container by reading RFID data from each RFID tagged item and calculate the payload weight. When the truck transporting the cargo container passes a weigh station, or a high-speed scale embedded in the road, a payload weight is measured by a scale. A risk factor is assessed by comparing the estimated weight by the RFID reader with the measured weight by the scale. According to one aspect of the invention, the RFID based polling system has the ability to map the weight and location for each tagged item and estimate a container weight distribution. The estimated weight distribution is compared with the weight distribution measured by the scale to determine potential anomalies.
US08669857B2	Hand-held device integration for automobile safety A system for aiding a user when travelling in a vehicle with a portable, handheld electronic device includes a sensor that detects an object outside the vehicle and that detects a condition regarding movement of the vehicle with respect to the object outside the vehicle. The sensor is supported in the vehicle for travel with the vehicle. The system also includes a communication system that allows the vehicle and the electronic device to communicate a signal therebetween. The signal relates to the condition detected by the sensor. Furthermore, the system includes an output device included on at least one of the vehicle and the electronic device. The output device is operable to output an alarm based on the signal communicated between the vehicle and the electronic device.
US08669856B2	Method to calibrate digital speedometer display to meter speedometer display A method and system for calibrating a digital speedometer display to match an analog speedometer indicated value. The method generally includes calibrating each analog speedometer unit such that the exact deviation or “offset” from the center point of the analog speedometer is known. This measured deviation is then used to adjust the value input to the digital display thereby making the digital display value match the indicated value of the analog speedometer.
US08669853B1	School bus safety lighting system A light affixed to the front of a school bus directs a beam of light across a road to enhance a safe crossing of the road by children boarding the bus. At least two red warning lights are mounted upon a front surface of the bus. A controller is operatively connected to the crossing light and warning lights.
US08669852B2	Acoustic backup alarm for providing acoustic and dual technology (acoustical and optical) operation A reflex speaker which provides an acoustic signal generator for acoustic alarm signals is captured in a housing through which the acoustic signals project via ports at the exit end of the housing. The housing defines a compartment at the exit end with an opening which is covered so that the acoustic signals project out of the exit end around the compartment. The cover may be a transparent cover which provides a lens through which optical signals generated by optics in the compartment provided by either LEDs to provide an optical warning signal, or a video camera, such as a CCD, which responds to visual signals as from hazards at the rear of the vehicle.
US08669851B2	Radio communication module, remote controller, and radio system A radio remote controller precisely transfers user's intended control. A radio communication module transmits control data for controlling a controlled device by radio communications to provide remote control to the controlled device. The radio communication module includes a communication control section, and a communication section. The communication control section creates transmission data by adding repeat information to the control data to be transmitted to the controlled device, with the repeat information being indicative of whether to repeatedly control a function of the controlled device controlled by the control data. The communication section successively outputs the transmission data created by the communication control section via a radio signal.
US08669849B2	Methods and systems for using RFID in biological field Biological reagent carrier devices and methods are disclosed, which employ RFID techniques to associate information with biological reagents.
US08669848B2	Methods and systems for using RFID in biological field Biological reagent carrier devices and methods are disclosed, which employ RFID techniques to associate information with biological reagents.
US08669846B2	Wireless devices for process automation and verification The present invention provides one or more powered wireless transceivers and/or one or more passive wireless transceivers, a reader and interrogator with variable power, one or more antennas connected to a human or robotic hand and/or foot, a method for making same and the method of using these devices for process automation and verification involving one or more items in addition to locating, tracking and identifying these items in a supply chain. In one embodiment, a proximity sensing wireless system is provided which can be used to step the handler or operator through the step of a process and verify that each step in the process has been completed.
US08669844B2	Radio frequency identification (RFID) system providing meeting room reservation and scheduling features and related methods A meeting room reservation system may include at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor to be positioned adjacent a meeting room, and a plurality of mobile wireless communications devices, each configured for RFID communication with the at least one RFID sensor. The system may further include a reservation server configured to schedule reserved starting and ending times for the meeting room, track checked-in mobile wireless communications devices based upon RFID communication with the at least one RFID sensor, and send at least one reservation expiration notification based upon a reserved ending time and a subsequent check-in of another mobile wireless communications device.
US08669840B2	Fuse assembly A circuit protection assembly employs a post arrangement that is easier to manufacture and has a built-in insulating fuse configuration. The circuit protection assembly is disposed between a source of power and a circuit to be protected. The circuit protection assembly includes comprises a mounting block having a bore extending therethrough and a recess cavity on a first surface of the mounting block. A post having a first end is disposed within the recess cavity and a body portion extends through the bore. A fuse having a centrally disposed aperture is configured to receive the body portion of the post. The post has a second end configured to receive a terminal for connection to a circuit to be protected.
US08669834B2	Substrate integrated waveguide A substrate integrated waveguide (10) comprises a top conductive layer (14) and a bottom conductive layer (15) provided on either sides a substrate (11). At least one wall (12, 13) of conductive material is provided in the substrate (11) to define, together with the top and bottom layers (14, 15), the waveguide. The at least one wall (12, 13) comprise a multitude of thin conductive wires densely arranged close to each other in the substrate (11) and having respective short ends connected to the top and bottom layers (14, 15). The high number of wires per surface unit in the wall (12, 13) effectively prevent significant amount of power leakage through the wall (12, 13) during operation of the substrate integrated waveguide (10).
US08669833B2	Three-dimensional metamaterial having function of allowing and inhibiting propagation of electromagnetic waves In a metamaterial, a dielectric layer includes a host medium and dielectric bodies disposed in rows with predetermined intervals therebetween is sandwiched between a pair of conductive mesh plates each having holes, thereby forming a functional layer including dielectric resonators corresponding to the dielectric bodies. The metamaterial is configured by laminating the functional layers. The holes and the dielectric resonators are positioned coaxially and an electromagnetic wave is propagated in each of the functional layers in a propagation direction perpendicular to a multi-layered laminate surface such that the metamaterial function as a left-handed metamaterial in relation to the propagation direction perpendicular to the multi-layered surface.
US08669832B2	Acoustic wave device and acoustic wave filter An acoustic wave device includes an interdigital transducer (IDT) electrode and a separate electrode facing the IDT electrode. The IDT electrode includes first and second comb-shaped electrode facing each other. The first comb-shaped electrode includes a first bus bar, first interdigitated electrode fingers, and first dummy electrode fingers. The second comb-shaped electrode includes a second bus bar second interdigitated electrode fingers interdigitated with the first interdigitated electrode fingers, second dummy electrode fingers facing the first interdigitated electrode fingers, weighted parts, and a non-weighted part. The weighted parts have electrodes at spaces between the second interdigitated electrode fingers and the second dummy electrode fingers. In the non-weighted part, there is no electrode at a space out of the spaces which is closest to the separate electrode in the non-interdigitated region. This acoustic wave device prevents short circuits between the IDT electrode and the separate electrode, and provides excellent characteristics of suppressing unwanted waves.
US08669831B2	Method for temperature compensation in MEMS resonators with isolated regions of distinct material MEMS resonators containing a first material and a second material to tailor the resonator's temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF). The first material has a different Young's modulus temperature coefficient than the second material. In one embodiment, the first material has a negative Young's modulus temperature coefficient and the second material has a positive Young's modulus temperature coefficient. In one such embodiment, the first material is a semiconductor and the second material is a dielectric. In a further embodiment, the quantity and location of the second material in the resonator is tailored to meet the resonator TCF specifications for a particular application. In an embodiment, the second material is isolated to a region of the resonator proximate to a point of maximum stress within the resonator. In a particular embodiment, the resonator includes a first material with a trench containing the second material.
US08669830B2	Method and device for routing over a void for high speed signal routing in electronic systems Embodiments of the present invention are directed to providing an increased trace width when traversing a void in another layer in a printed circuit board or package design. By increasing the trace width or alternatively increasing the capacitance, the degradation due to the void can be reduced. This approach works for microstrip, stripline as well as other transmission lines that use a reference plane. The void can be the result of an antipad associated with a via, or any other disruption in an otherwise uniform reference plane.
US08669829B2	Multi-octave power amplifier A multi-octave power amplifier and related method provides an impedance matching unit configured to match impedances of a pair of balanced radio frequency (RF) signals applied thereto and output a pair of impedance-matched balanced RF signals, a converting unit configured to convert the pair of the impedance-matched balanced RF signals to an unbalanced RF signal and a compensation unit configured to compensate at least one rolled-off frequency component of the unbalanced RF signal and output a compensated RF signal.
US08669828B1	Decoupling capacitor control circuitry Integrated circuits with decoupling capacitor circuitry are provided. Decoupling capacitor circuitry may include multiple arrays of decoupling capacitors. Each decoupling capacitor array may have a corresponding decoupling capacitor monitoring circuit that is associated with that decoupling capacitor array. Each decoupling capacitor monitoring circuit may include a resistor and switching circuitry. Each decoupling capacitor monitoring circuit may be coupled to a comparator and control circuitry. During testing, the control circuitry may configure each decoupling capacitor array for leakage current testing one at a time. If a decoupling capacitor array is determined to exhibit excessive leakage currents, that decoupling capacitor array will be marked as defective and will be disabled from use. If the decoupling capacitor array is determined to exhibit tolerable leakage currents, that decoupling capacitor array will be enable for use to help reduce power supply noise.
US08669825B2	Temperature-compensated oscillator and electronic device A temperature-compensated oscillator includes a temperature compensation circuit adapted to output a temperature compensation voltage, a voltage-controlled oscillation circuit on which temperature compensation is performed based on the temperature compensation voltage, a switch circuit adapted to perform ON/OFF control on power supply to the temperature compensation circuit, and a sample-and-hold circuit adapted to perform switching control between an ON state of outputting the temperature compensation voltage to the voltage-controlled oscillation circuit while being connected to the temperature compensation circuit and holding the temperature compensation voltage output from the temperature compensation circuit when the power is supplied to the temperature compensation circuit, and an OFF state of outputting the temperature compensation voltage held to the voltage-controlled oscillation circuit while cutting connection to the temperature compensation circuit when the power supply to the temperature compensation circuit is cut.
US08669823B1	Ovenized microelectromechanical system (MEMS) resonator An ovenized micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) resonator including: a substantially thermally isolated mechanical resonator cavity; a mechanical oscillator coupled to the mechanical resonator cavity; and a heating element formed on the mechanical resonator cavity.
US08669817B2	Self-calibrating relaxation oscillator based clock cycle A technique and corresponding circuitry are presented for a process independent, self-calibrating relaxation based clock source. The technique and circuitry presented here can reduce the time and cost needed for calibration significantly. The relaxation based clock source produces a clock signal whose frequency is dependent upon a trim value. Starting from an initial trim value, the clock signal is generated, its frequency is compared with a reference clock frequency value, and the trim value is correspondingly adjusted up or down a bit at a time. After this process has continued for a while, min-max logic is used to determine the maximum and minimum trim values and, based on these, the final trim value for the clock is set. This calibration process can also be used to extract whether, and by how much, the implementation on silicon of a particular chip lies in the fast or slow process corners.
US08669816B2	Integrated circuit device, electronic device and method therefor An integrated circuit device includes at least one controllable oscillator including a first control port and at least one further control port, at least one frequency control module including an output arranged to provide a frequency control signal. The at least one controllable oscillator further includes at least one compensation module including an output arranged to provide at least one compensation signal. The at least one compensation module includes an integrator component arranged to receive at an input thereof a signal that is representative of a difference between the indication of the frequency control signal and a reference signal, and to output an integrated difference signal. The at least one compensation module is arranged to generate the at least one compensation signal based at least partly on the integrated difference signal output by the integrator component.
US08669815B2	Amplifier, apparatus and method for controlling amplifier in communication system An apparatus for controlling an amplifier in a communication system includes a first shifter, a generating unit, a second shifter, and a switching bias unit. The first shifter is configured to level-shift a switching voltage of an amplifier to a first voltage. The generating unit is configured to invert the first voltage and output a second voltage. The second shifter is configured to level-shift the second voltage to a third voltage. The switching bias unit is configured to receive the third voltage and output a bias voltage for a gate switching operation of the amplifier to the amplifier.
US08669814B2	Device for neutralizing a signal obtained by modulating, on to a high frequency carrier, a useful signal delivered by a system The invention relates to a device for neutralizing a signal obtained by modulating, on to a high frequency carrier, a useful signal delivered by a system comprising a parasitic capacitance Cp that varies over time, the device comprising a neutralizing capacitance Cn, means for providing an adjustable gain G, said means being equipped with a JFET field-effect transistor (J1) equipped with a gate first electrode and drain and source second electrodes, and a control loop for providing gain G so that G×Cn permanently equals Cp by controlling the voltage on the gate first electrode of the transistor (J1). The neutralizing capacitance Cn comprises a first capacitor Cneutro1 and a second capacitor Cneutro2 placed in parallel at the output of said means for providing gain G.
US08669812B2	High power amplifier A high power amplifier architecture is disclosure. One example configuration includes a first plurality of distributed amplification stages operatively coupled in a first string. A conductive trace associated with the first string provides a stepped structure, such that the associated inductance successively decreases from input to output of the first string. A second plurality of distributed amplification stages is operatively coupled in a second string, and a conductive trace associated therewith provides a stepped structure, such that the associated inductance successively decreases from input to output of the second string. In one example case, each of the first and second strings comprises gallium nitride transistor amplification stages formed on silicon carbide. The module may further include a heat spreader material that thermally and electrically couples to the amplification stages. The conductive trace associated with one string can be shared with another string.
US08669810B2	Time difference amplifier and amplification method using slew rate control When a time difference is amplified by a time difference amplifier, slew rates of internal output voltages are changed according to a phase combination of digital input signals so that a time gain is determined by a ratio between the slew rates and the slew rates can be controlled from an outside. After a voltage is charged to the level of a power supply voltage in first and second charging capacitors, the charged voltage of the first charging capacitor is decreased with a first slew rate when a first digital input signal transitions, and both charged voltages of the first and second charging capacitors are decreased with a second slew rate when a second digital input signal transitions so that both first and second digital input signals are changed from initial phases, while being compared with a reference voltage to generate first and second digital output signals.
US08669807B1	Reduced gain variation biasing for short channel devices An amplifier biasing circuit that reduces gain variation in short channel amplifiers, an amplifier biasing circuit that produces a constant Gm biasing signal for short channel amplifiers, and a multistage amplifier that advantageously incorporates embodiment of both types of amplifier biasing circuits are described. Both amplifier biasing circuit approaches use an operational amplifier to equalize internal bias circuit voltages. The constant Gm biasing circuit produces a Gm of 1/R, where R is the value of a variable resistor value. The biasing circuit that reduces gain variation produces a Gm of approximately 1/R, where R is the value of a variable resistor value, however, the biasing circuit is configurable to adjust the bias circuit Gm to mitigate the impact of a wide range of circuit specific characteristics and a wide range of changes in the operational environment in which the circuit can be used, such as changes in temperature.
US08669805B2	Coupling circuit, driver circuit and method for controlling a coupling circuit A coupling circuit has a first and a second transistor (P1, P2) of a p-channel field-effect transistor type. A drain terminal of the first transistor (P1) is connected to a signal input (1), source terminals of the first and the second transistor (P1, P2) are commonly connected to a signal output (2), bulk terminals of the first and the second transistor (P1, P2) are commonly connected to a drain terminal of the second transistor (P2), and a gate terminal of the first transistor (P1) is connected to a gate terminal of the second transistor (P2). The coupling circuit further comprises a gate control circuit (10) with a charge pump circuit (110) which is configured to generate a negative potential. The gate control circuit (10) is configured to control a gate voltage at the gate terminals of the first and the second transistor (P1, P2) based on a negative potential.
US08669801B2	Analog delay cells for the power supply of an RFID tag A delay circuit for an RFID tag includes a power supply input and a power supply output and one or more delay circuits in cascade connection between the power supply input and the power supply output. A first delay circuit includes a passive circuit, a second delay circuit includes a ramp circuit, and a third delay circuit includes a current mirror circuit.
US08669799B1	Duty cycle calibration of a clock signal A circuit includes a duty cycle calibration circuit, a duty cycle detection circuit, and a feedback control circuit. The duty cycle calibration circuit is operable to generate a first clock signal based on a second clock signal using an inverter and a first transistor. The first transistor is coupled in parallel with a second transistor in the inverter. The duty cycle detection circuit is operable to generate a voltage signal that varies based on changes in a duty cycle of the first clock signal. The feedback control circuit is operable to generate a control signal based on the voltage signal. The duty cycle calibration circuit is operable to control the duty cycle of the first clock signal based on the control signal controlling a current through the first transistor.
US08669793B2	Driving circuit for a circuit generating an ultrasonic pulse, in particular an ultra-sonic transducer, and corresponding driving method A driving circuit has output terminal connected to an ultrasonic transducer and provides an output voltage. The driving circuit includes an output transistor coupled between a voltage reference and the output terminal, a high voltage comparator coupled to said output terminal and to a threshold voltage reference), a start-up circuit controlled by a setting signal; and a switching ON/OFF circuit having an input coupled to the start-up circuit an input coupled to the comparator, and an output coupled to a control terminal of the output transistor. The start-up circuit provides an ON signal to the switching on/off circuit and the comparator provides an OFF signal to the switching on/off circuit which switches off the output transistor. The high voltage comparator generates the switching off signal in response to the output voltage reaching a desired supply voltage value which depends on the value of the first threshold voltage reference.
US08669784B1	Programmable pulse generator using inverter chain In one embodiment, a method includes generating a first signal based on a clock signal and generating a second signal based on a programmable delayed clock signal. The method then generates a reset signal based on the first signal and the second signal. The clock signal is delayed using an inverter chain to generate a delayed version of the clock signal. An output signal is generated based on the delayed version of the clock signal and the reset signal. When a pulse width of the output signal is greater than a data duration determined from the clock signal, the pulse width of the output signal is reset to the pulse width of the data duration.
US08669783B2	Interface device with programmable voltage gain and/or input impedance having an analog switch comprising N and P field effect transistors connected in series An interface device for connection between two electronic components of an electronic circuit, includes: an input terminal, an output terminal and a reference terminal, an input voltage between the reference and input terminals, an output voltage between the reference and output terminals, an input impedance, and an output voltage gain, at least one resistance connected to at least one terminal among the input and output terminals, at least one analog switch positioned between the output and reference terminals, the switch having a closed or an open state, and control elements for each switch, at least one parameter among the input impedance and the output voltage gain of the device having distinct values as a function of whether the analog switch is closed or open, each analog switch including at least one N-type field effect controllable transistor and one P-type field effect controllable transistor connected in series.
US08669778B1	Method for design and manufacturing of a 3D semiconductor device A method for the design and manufacturing of a 3D semiconductor device including a first circuit stratum and a second circuit stratum, the method including: applying a synthesis tool with at least first and second technology libraries; and performing a synthesis that utilizes the at least first and second technology libraries, where the first and second technology libraries correspond to two different processes, where the first technology library targets the first circuit stratum and the second technology library targets the second circuit stratum, and where the performing a synthesis results in a netlist, the netlist includes first cells of the first technology library and second cells of the second technology library.
US08669775B2	Scribe line test modules for in-line monitoring of context dependent effects for ICs including MOS devices An apparatus includes a plurality of die areas having integrated circuit (IC) die each having circuit elements for performing a circuit function, and scribe line areas between the die areas. At least one test module is formed in the scribe line areas. The test module includes a reference layout that includes at least one active reference MOS transistor that has a reference spacing value for each of a plurality of context dependent effect parameters, and a plurality of variant layouts. Each variant layout provides at least one active variant MOS transistor that provides a variation with respect to the reference spacing values for at least one of the plurality of context dependent effect parameters.
US08669774B2	Probe pin and an IC socket with the same The probe pin includes a plunger formed of a sheet metal, and a coil spring unit formed of a metal wire and configured to hold the plunger thereon. In a developed state, the plunger includes first and second portions each of which has an upper contact strip, a wide portion, and a lower contact strip, and which are connected to each other via the wide portions formed in the first and second portions. The plunger is formed in a united manner by folding together the first and second portions along a boundary of the wide portions formed therein to thereby bring at least the wide portions into tight contact with each other.
US08669773B2	Method of calibrating a partial discharge measuring device This invention concerns a method and devices for calibrating a partial discharge measuring device and for locating faults on cables. In the method, calibration signals, which can include a band-limited white noise, are used with a periodically repeated signal course. By averaging over a predetermined period duration (T) of the calibration signal, it is possible, in the case of a partial discharge measurement, to recalibrate the measuring device continuously during the measurement, and additionally on cables to determine the fault location with great precision.
US08669772B2	Obscured feature detector housing A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates 32 to measure the capacitances of the sensor plates. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuit to analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or a plurality of indicators are coupled to the controller, and are selectively activated to identify the location of an obscured feature behind a surface.
US08669770B2	Selectively actuating wireless, passive implantable sensor A wireless sensor having a primary passive electrical resonant circuit that has an intrinsic electrical property that is variable in response to a characteristic of a patient and a secondary passive electrical resonant circuit. In one aspect, the primary passive resonant circuit can be positioned into a tuned position in response to the actuation of the secondary passive electrical resonant circuit. In a further aspect, in the tuned position, the primary passive electrical resonant circuit, in response to an energizing signal produced by an ex-vivo source of RF energy, is configured to generate a sensor signal characterized by a resonant frequency that is indicative of the characteristic.
US08669765B2	Estimating a parameter of interest with transverse receiver toroid An apparatus and method for estimating a parameter of interest of an earth formation. An apparatus includes an elongated support member; a primary transmitter on the elongated support member; and a receiver toroid on the elongated support member, the receiver toroid being positioned transversely on the elongated support member and including a single coil antenna. Methods include positioning a logging tool in a borehole in the earth formation; using a transverse receiver toroid on an elongated support member on the logging tool, wherein the transverse receiver toroid includes a single coil antenna; and producing a signal responsive to an electrical signal produced by a primary transmitter.
US08669761B2	Stray-field sensor circuit and method A sensor circuit is configured and operated in the presence of interference. In connection with various example embodiments, a stray magnetic field is sensed with current sensors that also respectively sense current-induced magnetic fields generated by current flowing in opposing directions through different portions of a conductor. The current-induced magnetic fields and the stray magnetic field are coplanar, and the current sensors are arranged such that a portion of the output from each current sensor corresponding to the stray magnetic field is canceled when the sensor outputs are combined.
US08669759B2	Omnipolar magnetic switches Embodiments relate to omnipolar magnetic field switches. In one embodiment, omnipolar behavior is generated in a Hall effect switch by extracting the modulus of the electric signal generated by the Hall transducer and feeding it to a single high-precision comparator, without any sampling or additional processing steps. The modulus extraction and threshold evaluation can be done in parallel.
US08669756B2	Test apparatus for a broadband telecommunication network A test apparatus for a broadband telecommunication network. The apparatus includes a DC power source having a first electrical terminal and a second electrical terminal and a DC feeding bridge having a pair of inputs coupled to the first and second electrical terminals of the DC power source. The first electrical circuit having at least one circuit section having a transformer-coupled impedance formed by at least one transformer connected in parallel to a first impedance, and a pair of outputs that are adapted for establishing electrical contact with a device under test (DUT) configured to be disposed on a pair of transmission lines of the broadband telecommunication network.
US08669753B2	Voltage regulator having a phase compensation circuit Provided is a voltage regulator including a phase compensation circuit capable of obtaining an accurate output voltage. The phase compensation circuit includes: a first constant current circuit connected to a gate of an output transistor; a first transistor having a drain connected to the gate of the output transistor; and a second transistor having a drain connected to a gate of the first transistor, a second constant current circuit, and a resistor and having a gate connected to the resistor and any one terminal of a first capacitor, the first capacitor having the other terminal connected to an output terminal of the voltage regulator. This configuration prevents a current from flowing from an output terminal of the differential amplifier circuit to the drain of the first transistor, to thereby reduce an offset voltage to be generated in input transistors of the differential amplifier circuit, thus obtaining an accurate output voltage.
US08669752B2	Controlling resistance for inline power powered device detection An apparatus and method are provided for controlling circuit resistance values used for detection of a device in an inline powered system. The system comprises a source device, either a current source or a voltage source, associated with an inline power device. The system also comprises a resistance control circuit comprising a transistor having an emitter, a base and a collector, and a first resistor coupled between the emitter and the collector. In response to the resistance control circuit receiving a relatively low current from the source device, the transistor is configured to be in an off state so that current from the source device flows through the first resistor have a value selected in order to maintain a sufficient resistance during an inline power device detection mode.
US08669749B2	Switching power supply unit A switching power supply unit of a non-insulated, synchronous rectification type converts a voltage input to an input terminal into a predetermined voltage and outputs the voltage. The unit includes an inductor, a plurality of output switching elements, a plurality of rectifying switching elements, a switching element control circuit, a switching regulator integrated circuit, and a plurality of buffer circuits. The output switching elements, the rectifying switching elements, the switching element control circuit and the buffer circuits are integrated on the switching regulator integrated circuit.
US08669746B2	On-load tap changer comprising semiconductor switching elements The invention relates to an on-load tap changer comprising semiconductor switching elements for uninterrupted switching between winding taps of a tapped transformer. According to the invention, contact bars are provided which extend in the direction of the path of the fixed tap contacts and can be contacted using contact bridges that can be jointly moved by a contact slide in such a way that direct electrical connections to the charge diverter and electrical connections to the inputs and the output of the semiconductor switching elements can be established.
US08669745B2	Transformer based voltage combiner with inductive shunt In accordance with the invention there is also provided a voltage combiner comprising: a transformer having a first and second winding each having a first and second tap; and an inductor connected between the first and second taps of the second winding, wherein: the first tap of the first winding is adapted for connection to a first voltage, the first tap of the second winding is adapted for connection to a second voltage, and the second tap of the second winding is adapted to provide an output being the first and second voltages combined, and further wherein: the inductor is adapted to provide a bypass path for the current associated with the second voltage.
US08669743B2	Direct current electric power system with active damping An active damping switching system can include an active damper apparatus having a stabilization resistor, a stabilization switch coupled to the stabilization resistor, an active damper controller coupled to the stabilization switch, a current sensor coupled to the active damper controller. The system can further include a direct current power source coupled to the active damper apparatus, a constant power load and an input filter disposed between the constant power load and the active damper apparatus.
US08669741B2	Battery management system and driving method thereof A battery management system (BMS) manages a battery for a hybrid vehicle including an engine control unit and a motor generator controlled by the engine control unit and connected to a battery including at least one battery pack, each pack including a plurality of battery cells. The BMS includes a sensor and an MCU unit. The sensor detects temperature, current, and open circuit voltage (OCV) of the battery. The MCU receives the detected temperature, current, and OCV, calculates a key-off time period which is a period between a time point when a battery key-on state ends and a time point when a subsequent battery key-on state begins, calculates an OCV error range corresponding to an SOC error range detected at the key-off time point, and infers an initial SOC of the battery.
US08669738B1	Power recovery controller The inventive subject matter provides a circuit and a method for efficiently charging a battery. In one aspect of the invention, the circuit includes an oscillator that generates a series of current pulses at a frequency that corresponds to a resonant frequency of the battery. Each pulse in the series includes ringing oscillations that includes a main pulse and a group of ringing decaying pulses. The group of ringing decaying pulses includes pulses with gradually smaller amplitudes over time until the pulses completely die out.
US08669735B2	Image display apparatus having function of charging external device and charging method thereof An image display apparatus having a function of charging an external device and a charging method thereof are provide. The image display apparatus includes a universal serial bus (USB) interface which is connected to an external device through a power supply line and a data transmission line, and a main controller which, if the external device is connected, activates one of the power supply line and the data transmission line according to a type of the external device. Accordingly, the image display apparatus controls a USB terminal to selectively perform a charging operation or a data transmission operation.
US08669731B2	Motor drive apparatus and method, and electric power steering system using the same When failure of an inverter or a coil set of one system of a motor drive apparatus having two systems, is detected, a power supply relay of the failing system is interrupted. At the same time, a control circuit sets a same maximum current limitation value as set before detection of failure. When an IG switch is in an ON-state and a steering toque detection value exceeds a predetermined threshold value thereafter, a vibration component, which has a predetermined amplitude and frequency, is added to a current command value so that a steering wheel is vibrated in a direction of rotation so that a driver is cautioned to notice the failure surely.
US08669728B2	Angle detection apparatus and method for rotor of motor An angle detection apparatus for a rotor of a motor includes a period counter, a step period generator, and an angle generator. The period counter receives a rotor sensing signal, and calculates a plurality of time ranges of a plurality of pulses of the rotor sensing signal. The step period generator generates a ratio value and an error signal according to an average time range value of the time ranges and a set value. The step period generator further adjusts the ratio value according to the error signal, and generates a step time according to the adjusted ratio value and the average time range value. The angle generator receives the step time and the rotor sensing signal, and obtains an angle detection result according to the rotor sensing signal and the step time.
US08669726B2	Control circuit for a window lifter drive The invention in certain embodiments relates to a control circuit for an electric-motor-operated window lifter (10) of a motor vehicle (1), the control circuit having a first switch (11) for opening a vehicle window (7), a second switch (12) for closing the vehicle window (7), and a control device (15), which, when one of the switches (11, 12) is activated, actuates the window lifter (10) to move the vehicle window (7) in the opening direction or closing direction. The control device (15) monitors the lighting current (ILED) which flows across a lighting element (14) for the switches (11, 12), and generates a control signal (I12), if appropriate, for opening the vehicle window (7) if the lighting current (ILED) exceeds an overcurrent threshold value (IRef) thereby detecting inundation of the vehicle.
US08669723B2	Control apparatus of vibration-type actuator and control method of vibration-type actuator Provided is a control apparatus of a vibration-type actuator for generating an elliptical motion of contact portions by a common alternating current signal including a frequency determining unit for setting a frequency of the alternating current signal. The frequency determining unit sets the frequency of the alternating current signal for changing an ellipticity of the elliptical motion, within a frequency range such that ellipticity changing frequency ranges set for the vibrators are overlapped, and the ellipticity changing frequency ranges are set for the vibrators as frequency ranges between an upper limit and a lower limit, such that the lower limit is a maximum resonant frequency at a time of changing the ellipticity, and the upper limit is larger than the lower limit and is a maximum frequency for the relative movement of the driving member.
US08669715B2	LED driver having constant input current Power consumed by an LED driver may be reduced by drawing, from an electronic transformer or dimmer, an input current that is constant over a plurality of input voltages. Power derived from the constant input current is provided to the LED driver.
US08669713B2	Method for setting and adjusting light emitted from an adjustable lighting device, adjustable lighting device and light-adjusting circuit thereof A method for setting and adjusting light emitted from an adjustable lighting device is disclosed. The adjustable lighting device includes a timing unit and a non-volatile memory (NVM) module for storing a record data which includes a memory flag changeable between a set state and a reset state, and a plurality of light setting values. In the method, the adjustable lighting device is configured to allow a user to select an illumination state of the light, and to change the memory flag in the record data to the set state and to store the record data with a corresponding one of the light setting values when a elapsed time counted by the timing unit is longer than a predetermined threshold time period.
US08669712B2	Method for data path creation in a modular lighting system It is disclosed a method for operating a lighting system, which lighting system comprises a plurality of lighting modules, each of which comprises at least one communication unit, via which the respective lighting module is adapted to communicate with at least one neighboring lighting module. A control device may be adapted to communicate control signals to at least one of the lighting modules and each of the lighting modules may be adapted to further communicate control signals communicated to the lighting module to a neighboring lighting module. The method comprises assigning a communication unit of each of a plurality of lighting modules to be an active communication unit associated with a minimum control signal path length value with respect to all of the communication units of the lighting module, as measured from the control device to the communication unit, whereby optimal control signal data paths, each data path being adapted to communicate control signals from the control device to a lighting module, may be formed. It is further disclosed a lighting system adapted to perform the method.
US08669703B2	Self assembly of elements for displays Various embodiments of methods and systems for designing and constructing displays from multiple light emitting elements are disclosed. Display elements having different light emitting and self-organizing characteristics may be used during display assembly.
US08669700B2	Organic light emitting diode display including source and drain electrodes separated from a gate electrode An organic light emitting diode (OLED) display includes a substrate main body, a thin film transistor formed on the substrate main body, and an OLED formed on the substrate main body. The thin film transistor includes a gate electrode, an oxide semiconductor layer disposed on the gate electrode in an insulated manner, and source and drain electrodes respectively contacting the oxide semiconductor layer. Parts of the source and drain electrodes contacting the oxide semiconductor layer are separated from the gate electrode in a direction that is parallel with the substrate main body by a predetermined distance.
US08669699B2	Planar light-emitting module A planar light-emitting module includes a planar substrate applied with a reflection film, a light-emitting element mounted on the reflection film side of the substrate, a first transparent resin layer disposed to encapsulate at least the light-emitting element, and a second transparent resin layer disposed to sandwich an air layer between the second transparent resin layer and the first transparent resin layer. A phosphor for converting the wavelength of light radiated from the light-emitting element is disposed by dispersion in the first and second transparent resin layers and the phosphor is selected such that when the second transparent resin layer is viewed from the outside, pseudo-white light is observed.
US08669691B2	Small scale smart material actuator and energy harvesting apparatus A micro-scale, smart material actuator having an overall length smaller than 10 mm comprising a multilayer piezoelectric stack housed in a mechanical amplifier made up of a fixed supporting member, a movable supporting member connected to compliant links attached to one or more actuating arms such that, when a suitable electric current is applied to the piezoelectric stack, the resulting expansion is translated through the movable supporting member, thereby causing movement in the actuating arms A method of generating electricity from motion using such an actuator is also disclosed in which the actuating arms are connected to a source of mechanical motion and the piezoelectric stack is connected to an electrical load, whereby the mechanical motion causes the piezoelectric stack to generate electrical charge that is then discharged into the load.
US08669684B2	Winding frame with magmate and stator core with the same The present invention relates to a stator core including at least two or more stator core-continuous bodies each formed by coupling at least two or more unit cores to each other, each unit core consisting of a tooth portion having a coupling slot and a coupling projection formed along both ends thereof and connected to adjacent unit core by means of a connection portion formed at each of both end portions of the tooth portion, wherein the at least two or more stator core-continuous bodies are fitting-connected to each other by means of the coupling slots formed at one side ends thereof and the coupling projections formed at the other side ends thereof to form the stator core having a round shape.
US08669682B2	Synchronous rotating electrical machine with permanent magnets and flux concentration A synchronous rotating electrical machine is disclosed, of the type including a stator (10) and a rotor (11). The rotor is of the flux concentration type and includes a plurality of alternate North and South poles formed from permanent magnets (PM). The magnets are housed in slots (E1) arranged in the magnetic body of the rotor. The rotor includes, for each permanent magnet, a magnetic circuit allowing the circulation of a defluxing magnetic flux. This magnetic circuit has a magnetic reluctance of the defluxing circuit (Rf) determined as a function of an internal magnetic reluctance of the magnet (Ra) such that the ratio (Rf/Ra) of the magnetic reluctance of the defluxing circuit on the internal magnetic reluctance of the magnet (Ra) is within a range of predetermined values guaranteeing the magnet against a risk of demagnetization. This range of predetermined values is from approximately 0.3 to approximately 3 depending on the type of magnet.
US08669675B2	Power converter for a solar panel A solar array power generation system includes a solar array electrically connected to a control system. The solar array has a plurality of solar modules, each module having at least one DC/DC converter for converting the raw panel output to an optimized high voltage, low current output. In a further embodiment, each DC/DC converter requires a signal to enable power output of the solar modules.
US08669672B2	Wind turbine A wind turbine which includes a direct drive generator is disclosed. The direct drive generator includes an inner stator arrangement and an outer rotor arrangement and a stationary shaft with a center axis. The stator arrangement is arranged on the outside of the stationary shaft, the rotor arrangement is substantially arranged around the stator arrangement, on the front side at least indirectly supported or arranged on the stationary shaft by a main bearing and on the rear side at least indirectly supported or arranged on the stationary shaft by a support bearing. The main bearing and/or the support bearing is a four-point bearing.
US08669669B1	Voltage control in a doubly-fed induction generator wind turbine system Systems and methods for regulating voltage in a doubly fed induction generator (DFIG) system are provided. More particularly, the voltage of the auxiliary power feed in a DFIG wind turbine system can be regulated by outputting reactive power from a power converter to a reactive element coupled between the auxiliary power feed and a stator bus. The reactive element can include a winding of the transformer used to couple the wind turbine system to the electrical grid and/or an inductive element coupled between the output of the power converter and the stator bus. The voltage of the auxiliary power feed can be maintained within a reduced operating range while an increased operating range can be provided for wind turbine system.
US08669662B2	Fastening device A fastening device is provided that includes a semiconductor body with an integrated circuit, and a dielectric passivation layer formed on the surface of the semiconductor body, and a trace formed underneath the passivation layer, and an oxide layer formed beneath the trace, and a connecting component that forms a frictional connection between a component formed above the passivation layer and the semiconductor body, wherein a formation passing through the passivation layer and the oxide layer and having a bottom surface is formed, and a conductive layer is formed on the bottom surface and the connecting component forms an electrical connection between the conductive layer and the component.
US08669656B2	Interconnect having ultra high speed signal transmission/reception An interconnect for transmitting an electric signal between electronic devices includes a first coupling element electromagnetically coupled to, and immediately juxtaposed to, a second coupling element. The first coupling element is mounted on and is electrically connected to a first electronic device having a first integrated circuit. The second coupling element may be mounted on and electrically connected to the first electronic device, and electrically connected to an interconnect on a second electronic device, or the second coupling element may be mounted on and electrically connected to the second electronic device.
US08669654B2	Integrated circuit packaging system with die paddle and method of manufacture thereof A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a package paddle having a single integral structure with a paddle central portion surrounded by a paddle peripheral portion; forming a terminal adjacent the package paddle; mounting an integrated circuit over the paddle central portion; and forming an encapsulation over the integrated circuit and the terminal, the encapsulation free of delamination with the encapsulation directly on the paddle peripheral portion.
US08669652B2	Lead component and method for manufacturing the same, and semiconductor package To provide an inexpensive lead component which can be easily connected to a semiconductor chip and which has satisfactory connectability. There is provided a lead component including a base material having a connection part for connecting to a semiconductor chip, comprising: a solder part having a Zn layer made of a Zn-bonding material rolled and clad-bonded on the base material, and an Al layer made of an Al-bonding material rolled and clad-bonded on the Zn layer, in a prescribed region including the connection part on the base material; and the solder part further comprising a metal thin film composed of one kind or two kinds or more of Au, Ag, Cu, Ni, Pd, and Pt covering a surface of the Al layer.
US08669651B2	Package-on-package structures with reduced bump bridging A device includes a package substrate including a first non-reflowable metal bump extending over a top surface of the package substrate; a die over and bonded to the package substrate; and a package component over the die and bonded to the package substrate. The package component includes a second non-reflowable metal bump extending below a bottom surface of the package component. The package component is selected from the group consisting essentially of a device die, an additional package substrate, and combinations thereof. A solder bump bonds the first non-reflowable metal bump to the second non-reflowable metal bump.
US08669650B2	Flip chip semiconductor device A semiconductor device package comprises a lead frame having a die paddle comprising a first chip installation area and a second chip installation area, a recess area formed in the first chip installation area, and multiple metal pillars formed in the recess area, a notch divides the first chip installation area into a transverse base extending transversely and a longitudinal base extending longitudinally, and separates the recess area into a transverse recess part formed in the transverse base and a longitudinal recess part formed in longitudinal base; a portion of a transverse extending part connecting to an external pin extends into a portion inside of the notch.
US08669648B2	Power semiconductor module A driver IC which is operated by a power supply system insulated from a control IC is mounted in the vicinity of a switching element on a first conductor pattern. A second conductor pattern connected to a source terminal or an emitter terminal of the switching element is electrically connected to a third conductor pattern on which the driver IC is mounted. A ground terminal of the driver IC is electrically connected to the third conductor pattern, and a drive terminal of the driver IC is electrically connected to a gate terminal or a base terminal of the switching element.
US08669646B2	Apparatus and method for grounding an IC package lid for EMI reduction Methods and apparatus for improved electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and thermal performance in integrated circuit (IC) packages are described. A die-up or die-down package includes a protective lid, a plurality of ground posts, an IC die, and a substrate. The substrate includes a plurality of ground planes. The IC die is mounted to the substrate. Plurality of ground posts is coupled to plurality of ground planes that surround IC die. Protective lid is coupled to plurality of ground posts. The plurality of ground posts and the protective lid from an enclosure structure that substantially encloses the IC die, and shields EMI from and radiating towards the IC die. The enclosure structure also dissipates heat generated by the IC die during operation.
US08669645B2	Semiconductor structures including polymer material permeated with metal oxide Methods of forming metal oxide structures and methods of forming metal oxide patterns on a substrate using a block copolymer system formulated for self-assembly. A block copolymer at least within a trench in the substrate and including at least one soluble block and at least one insoluble block may be annealed to form a self-assembled pattern including a plurality of repeating units of the at least one soluble block laterally aligned with the trench and positioned within a matrix of the at least one insoluble block. The self-assembled pattern may be exposed to a metal oxide precursor that impregnates the at least one soluble block. The metal oxide precursor may be oxidized to form a metal oxide. The self-assembled pattern may be removed to form a pattern of metal oxide lines on the substrate surface. Semiconductor device structures are also described.
US08669644B2	Hydrogen passivation of integrated circuits An integrated circuit with a passivation trapping layer. An integrated circuit with a hydrogen or deuterium releasing layer underlying a passivation trapping layer. Method for forming an integrated circuit having a hydrogen or deuterium releasing layer. Method for forming an integrated circuit having a passivation trapping layer.
US08669643B2	Wiring board, semiconductor device, and method for manufacturing wiring board A wiring board includes a silicon substrate with a through hole communicating with first and second substrate surfaces. A capacitor includes a capacitor part mounted on an insulating film covering the substrate first surface and including a first electrode on the insulating film, a first dielectric layer on the first electrode, and a second electrode on the first dielectric layer. A multilayer structure arranged on a wall surface defining the through hole includes the insulating film on the through hole wall surface, a first metal layer on the insulating film formed from the same material as the first electrode, a second dielectric layer on the first metal layer formed from the same material as the first dielectric layer, and a second metal layer on the second dielectric layer formed from the same material as the second electrode. The multilayer structure covers a penetration electrode in the through hole.
US08669634B2	Solid-state imaging device with a hole storage layer To provide a solid-state imaging device able to improve light transmittance of a transparent insulation film in a light incident side of a substrate, suppress the dark current, and prevent a quantum efficiently loss, wherein a pixel circuit is formed in a first surface of the substrate and light is received from a second surface, and having: a light receiving unit formed in the substrate and for generating a signal charge corresponding to an amount of incidence light and storing it; a transparent first insulation film formed on the second surface; and a transparent second insulation film formed on the first insulation film and for retaining a charge having the same polarity as the signal charge in an interface of the first insulation film or in inside, thicknesses of the first and second insulation film being determined to obtain a transmittance higher than when using only the first insulation film.
US08669633B2	Packaged device with an image sensor aligned to a faceplate using fiducial marks and connection bodies registered thereto An assembly includes a first packaged device that contains a first image sensor having first fiducial marks thereon. On a portion of the first packaged device at a predetermined location relative to the first fiducial marks is adhesive, and a first connection body is fixed within the adhesive and registered at the predetermined location relative to the first fiducial marks. The first connection body is mated into the first counter hole formed in a plate at a predetermined location.
US08669629B2	Photonic systems and methods of forming photonic systems Some embodiments include photonic systems. The systems may include a silicon-containing waveguide configured to direct light along a path, and a detector proximate the silicon-containing waveguide. The detector may comprise a detector material which has a lower region and an upper region, with the lower region having a higher concentration of defects than the upper region. The detector material may comprise germanium in some embodiments. Some embodiments include methods of forming photonic systems.
US08669627B2	MEMS element and method for manufacturing same An acceleration sensor is formed using an etched layer sandwiched between first and second substrates. In this case, a structure including a movable portion which is displaceable in the thickness direction of the substrates, and a support frame are formed in the etched layer. In addition, first and second fixed electrodes are formed on the first and second substrates, respectively, at a position facing the movable portion. Further, a remaining sacrificial layer is provided on the substrate by leaving a portion of a second sacrificial layer when a first sacrificial layer is entirely etched away. Therefore, when the first sacrificial layer is etched away, corrosion of the structure and the support beams is prevented because the second sacrificial layer is preferentially corroded as compared to the structure.
US08669622B2	Non-volatile semiconductor devices and methods of manufacturing non-volatile semiconductor devices A non-volatile semiconductor device includes a memory cell in a first area of a substrate, a low voltage transistor in a second area of the substrate, and a high voltage transistor in a third area of the substrate. The memory cell includes a tunnel insulation layer formed on the substrate, a charge trapping layer pattern formed on the tunnel insulation layer in the first area of the substrate, a blocking layer pattern formed on the charge trapping layer pattern and a control gate formed on the blocking layer pattern. The control gate has a width substantially smaller than a width of the blocking layer pattern and the width of the control gate is substantially smaller than a width of the charge trapping layer pattern. In addition, an offset is formed between the control gate and the blocking layer pattern such that a spacer is not formed on a sidewall of the control gate.
US08669621B2	Semiconductor device and method of manufacturing semiconductor device A semiconductor device includes a first insulated gate field effect transistor, a second insulated gate field effect transistor, a bipolar transistor, a first element isolation structure formed on a main surface above a pn junction formed between an emitter region and a base region, a second element isolation structure formed on the main surface above a pn junction formed between the base region and a collector region, and a third element isolation structure formed on the main surface opposite to the second element isolation structure relative to the collector region, in which the semiconductor device further includes a bipolar dummy electrode formed on at least one of the first element isolation structure, the second element isolation structure and the third element isolation structure and having a floating potential.
US08669618B2	Manufacturing method for semiconductor device having metal gate A manufacturing method for semiconductor device having metal gate includes providing a substrate having a first semiconductor device and a second semiconductor device formed thereon, the first semiconductor device having a first gate trench and the second semiconductor device having a second gate trench; sequentially forming a high dielectric constant (high-k) gate dielectric layer and a multiple metal layer on the substrate; forming a first work function metal layer in the first gate trench; performing a first pull back step to remove a portion of the first work function metal layer from the first gate trench; forming a second work function metal layer in the first gate trench and the second gate trench; and performing a second pull back step to remove a portion of the second work function metal layer from the first gate trench and the second gate trench.
US08669615B1	Techniques for metal gate workfunction engineering to enable multiple threshold voltage FINFET devices Techniques are provided for gate work function engineering in FIN FET devices using a work function setting material an amount of which is provided proportional to fin pitch. In one aspect, a FIN FET device is provided. The FIN FET device includes a SOI wafer having an oxide layer and a SOI layer over a BOX, and a plurality of fins patterned in the oxide layer and the SOI layer; an interfacial oxide on the fins; and at least one gate stack on the interfacial oxide, the gate stack having (i) a conformal gate dielectric layer present, (ii) a conformal gate metal layer, and (iii) a conformal work function setting material layer. A volume of the conformal gate metal layer and a volume of the conformal work function setting material layer present in the gate stack is proportional to a pitch of the fins.
US08669614B2	Monolithic metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor-Schottky diode device A monolithic metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET)-Schottky diode device including a chip, a MOSFET, a Schottky diode and a termination structure is provided. The chip is divided into a transistor region, a diode region and a termination region. The MOSFET is disposed on the transistor region. The Schottky diode is disposed on the diode region. The termination structure is disposed on the termination region. The transistor region and the diode region are divided by the termination region. The MOSFET and Schottky diode share the termination structure.
US08669611B2	Apparatus and method for power MOS transistor A MOS transistor comprises a substrate, a first region formed over the substrate, a second region grown from the first region, a third region of formed in the second region, a first drain/source region formed in the third region, a first gate electrode formed in a first trench, a second drain/source region formed in the second region and on an opposite side of the first trench from the first drain/source region and a second trench coupled between the second drain/source region and the second region, wherein the second trench is of a same depth as the first trench.
US08669610B2	Gate protection diode for high-frequency power amplifier A high-frequency power amplifier of the type to be mounted in an RF module for mobile phones having high-frequency power field effect transistors and gate protective diodes which are coupled between the gates and the sources of the high-frequency power field effect transistors. The gate protective diodes have an n type region formed over the main surface of a p type epitaxial layer, a first p type region formed at the center of the main surface of the n type region, a second p type region formed over the main surface of the epitaxial layer around the n type region from the periphery of the main surface of the n type region, and p+ type buried layers for coupling the second p type region to a substrate body. The distance between the end portions of the p+ type buried layers and the n+ type region is 7 μm or more.
US08669607B1	Methods and apparatus for non-volatile memory cells with increased programming efficiency Methods and apparatus for non-volatile memory cells with increased programming efficiency. An apparatus is disclosed that includes a control gate formed over a portion of a floating gate formed over a semiconductor substrate. The control gate includes a source side sidewall spacer adjacent a source region in the semiconductor substrate and a drain side sidewall spacer, the floating gate having an upper surface portion adjacent the source region that is not covered by the control gate; an inter-poly dielectric over the source side sidewall spacer and the upper surface of the floating gate adjacent the source region; and an erase gate formed over the source region and overlying the inter-poly dielectric, and adjacent the source side sidewall of the control gate, the erase gate overlying at least a portion of the upper surface of the floating gate adjacent the source region. Methods for forming the apparatus are provided.
US08669606B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing thereof An embodiment of the invention includes a semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate with a trench; a tunnel insulating film covering an inner surface of the trench; a trap layer in contact with the tunnel insulating film on an inner surface of an upper portion of the trench; a top insulating film in contact with the trap layer; a gate electrode embedded in the trench, and in contact with the tunnel insulating film at a lower portion of the trench and in contact with the top insulating film at the upper portion of the trench, in which the trap layer and the top insulating film, in between the lower portion of the trench and the upper portion of the trench, extend and protrude from both sides of the trench so as to be embedded in the gate electrode, and a method for manufacturing thereof.
US08669603B2	Semiconductor constructions Some embodiments include DRAM having transistor gates extending partially over SOI, and methods of forming such DRAM. Unit cells of the DRAM may be within active region pedestals, and in some embodiments the unit cells may comprise capacitors having storage nodes in direct contact with sidewalls of the active region pedestals. Some embodiments include 0C1T memory having transistor gates entirely over SOI, and methods of forming such 0C1T memory.
US08669601B2	Method for producing semiconductor device and semiconductor device having pillar-shaped semiconductor A method for producing a semiconductor device includes the steps of forming first and second pillar-shaped semiconductors on a substrate at the same time so as to have the same height; forming a first semiconductor layer by doping a bottom region of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor with a donor or acceptor impurity to connect the first semiconductor layer to the second pillar-shaped semiconductor; forming a circuit element including an upper semiconductor region formed by doping an upper region of the first pillar-shaped semiconductor with a donor or acceptor impurity; forming a first conductor layer in the second pillar-shaped semiconductor; forming first and second contact holes that are respectively connected to the first and second pillar-shaped semiconductors; and forming a wiring metal layer that is connected to the upper semiconductor region and the first conductor layer through the first and second contact holes, respectively.
US08669598B2	Unit pixel of image sensor and photo detector thereof A unit pixel of an image sensor and a photo detector are disclosed. The photo detector of the present invention configured to absorb light can include: a light-absorbing part configured to absorb light by being formed in a floated structure; an oxide film being in contact with one surface of the light-absorbing part; a source being in contact with one side of the other surface of the oxide film and separated from the light-absorbing part with the oxide film therebetween; a drain facing the source so as to be in contact with the other side of the other surface of the oxide film and separated from the light-absorbing part with the oxide film therebetween; and a channel interposed between the source and the drain and configured to form flow of an electric current between the source and the drain.
US08669597B2	Memory device interconnects and method of manufacturing An integrated circuit memory device, in one embodiment, includes a substrate having a plurality of bit lines. A first and second inter-level dielectric layer are successively disposed on the substrate. Each of a plurality of source lines and staggered bit line contacts extend through the first inter-level dielectric layer. Each of a plurality of source line vias and a plurality of staggered bit line vias extend through the second inter-level dielectric layer to each respective one of the plurality of source lines and the plurality of staggered bit line contacts. The source lines and staggered bit line contacts that extend through the first inter-level dielectric layer are formed together by a first set of fabrication processes. The source line vias and staggered bit line contacts that extend through the second inter-level dielectric layer are also formed together by a second set of fabrication processes.
US08669590B2	Methods and apparatus for forming silicon germanium-carbon semiconductor structures Methods and apparatus for forming semiconductor structures are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a semiconductor structure may include a first germanium carbon layer having a first side and an opposing second side; a germanium-containing layer directly contacting the first side of the first germanium carbon layer; and a first silicon layer directly contacting the opposing second side of the first germanium carbon layer. In some embodiments, a method of forming a semiconductor structure may include forming a first germanium carbon layer atop a first silicon layer; and forming a germanium-containing layer atop the first germanium carbon layer.
US08669589B2	Robust transistors with fluorine treatment A semiconductor device, and particularly a high electron mobility transistor (HEMT), having a plurality of epitaxial layers and experiencing an operating (E) field. A negative ion region in the epitaxial layers to counter the operating (E) field. One method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises providing a substrate and growing epitaxial layers on the substrate. Negative ions are introduced into the epitaxial layers to form a negative ion region to counter operating electric (E) fields in the semiconductor device. Contacts can be deposited on the epitaxial layers, either before or after formation of the negative ion region.
US08669588B2	Epitaxially-grown position sensitive detector A unit cell for use in an imaging system may include an absorber layer of semiconductor material formed on a semiconductor substrate, at least one contact including semiconductor material formed on the semiconductor substrate and electrically coupled to the absorber layer, and a cap layer of semiconductor material formed on the semiconductor substrate and electrically coupled to and formed between the absorber layer and the at least one contact. The absorber layer may be configured to absorb incident photons such that the absorbed photons excite electrons in the absorber layer to generate a photocurrent. The at least one contact may be configured to conduct the photocurrent to one or more electrical components external to the unit cell. The cap layer may be configured to conduct the photocurrent between the absorber layer and the at least one contact.
US08669586B2	Light emitting device, light emitting device package, and lighting system A light emitting device includes a first electrode, a first semiconductor layer, an active layer; a second semiconductor layer, and a second electrode. A current blocking layer is formed on a side surface of and has a width provided within the first semiconductor layer. The thickness and width of the current blocking layer is smaller than the thickness and width of the first semiconductor layer.
US08669582B2	Light emitting diode Disclosed is a light emitting device a light transmissive substrate, a light emitting structure disposed on the light transmissive substrate, comprising a first conductive type semiconductor layer, an active layer and a second conductive type semiconductor layer, a conductive layer disposed on the second conductive type semiconductor layer, a first electrode part disposed on the conductive layer, with at least predetermined region in contact with the first conductive type semiconductor layer, passing through the conductive layer, the second conductive type semiconductor layer and the active, and a first insulation layer disposed between the conductive layer and the first electrode part, between the second conductive type semiconductor layer and the first electrode part and between the active layer and the first electrode part.
US08669571B2	Light distribution controller, light-emitting device using the same, and method for fabricating light distribution controller A light distribution controller of a light-emitting device includes a first optical member formed of ZnO disposed over an LED interposing a transparent adhesive, and a second optical member which covers the first optical member. The first optical member includes a first concave portion having an opening in a regular hexagon shape whose area gradually increases. In the first concave portion, inner wall surfaces having inclined surfaces, each of whose bases is formed by one side of the hexagon of the opening shape, are formed. Outside of the first optical member, outer wall surfaces each having a trapezoidal shape are formed. The second optical member includes a second concave portion arranged so that light at an annular peak in the light distribution characteristic of the light traveled through the first optical member is totally reflected.
US08669567B2	Light-emitting device A light-emitting device is disclosed. More particularly, the light-emitting device comprises a first substrate; a light-emitting element over the first substrate; a second substrate over the light-emitting element, wherein the second substrate contains a concave portion; a sealant between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a material having a water absorbing property is formed in the concave portion, wherein the material having the water absorbing property is provided so as not to overlap the light-emitting element, and so as to be spaced from the sealant.
US08669565B2	LED devices with narrow viewing angle and an LED display including same LED devices includes a lead frame having a reflector cup with a round bottom surface and a wall surface having a variable inclination with respect to the bottom surface and defining an opening at an upper end thereof. An LED is mounted on the bottom surface of the reflector cup, and an LED module includes first and second LED device that emit different colors. The first and second LED devices have substantially matched far field patterns in a first and second direction, where a first viewing angle in the first direction is less than about 99°.
US08669564B2	Light emitting device with encapsulated reach-through region A light emitting device (10) comprises an elongate first body (12) of a semiconductor material. A transverse junction (18) is formed in the first body between a first n+-type region (12.1) of the first body and a second p-type region (12.2). A third p+-type region (12.3) is spaced from the first region by the second region. A second body (22) of an isolation material is provided immediately adjacent at least part of the second region to at least partially encapsulate the first body. A terminal arrangement (28) is connected to the first body and is arranged to reverse bias the junction (18) into a breakdown mode. The device is configured such that a depletion region associated with the junction (18) extends through the second region (12.2) and reaches the third region (12.3) before the junction (18) enters the breakdown mode.
US08669562B2	Semiconductor device and method for manufacturing the same A semiconductor device according to an embodiment includes a silicon carbide, a metal silicide formed on the silicon carbide and including a first layer and a second layer having a carbon ratio lower than that of the first layer, and a metallic electrode formed on the metal silicide, wherein the second layer is formed on the first layer, and the second layer is in contact with the metallic electrode, and an average grain diameter of a metal silicide in the second layer is larger than an average grain diameter of a metal silicide in the first layer.
US08669559B2	Image display apparatus and image display apparatus manufacturing method Provided is an image display apparatus in which color breakup of a reflection image formed from reflected ambient light may be reduced to suppress the influence of an ambient environment. The image display apparatus includes multiple pixels. Each of the pixels includes a light-emitting layer and a structure layer having a refractive index distribution in an in-plane direction parallel to a screen of the image display apparatus, for extracting light generated from the light-emitting layer. The structure layer includes multiple structures formed of a first medium and a layer formed of a second medium having a refractive index different from a refractive index of the first medium. The multiple structures are non-periodically arranged in the layer. Reflected ambient light is reflected by the multiple structures formed of the first medium to have an overlap range to reduce color breakup of a reflection image formed from the reflected ambient light.
US08669556B2	Semiconductor device An oxide semiconductor film which has more stable electric conductivity is provided. Further, a semiconductor device which has stable electric characteristics and high reliability is provided by using the oxide semiconductor film. An oxide semiconductor film includes a crystalline region, and the crystalline region includes a crystal in which an a-b plane is substantially parallel with a surface of the film and a c-axis is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the film; the oxide semiconductor film has stable electric conductivity and is more electrically stable with respect to irradiation with visible light, ultraviolet light, and the like. By using such an oxide semiconductor film for a transistor, a highly reliable semiconductor device having stable electric characteristics can be provided.
US08669554B2	Fast recovery reduced p-n junction rectifier A fast recovery rectifier structure with the combination of Schottky structure to relieve the minority carriers during the forward bias condition for the further reduction of the reverse recovery time during switching in addition to the lifetime killer such as Pt, Au, and/or irradiation. This fast recovery rectifier uses unpolished substrates and thick impurity diffusion for low cost production. A reduced p-n junction structure with a heavily p-type doped thin film is provided to terminate and shorten the p-n junction space charge region. This reduced p-n junction with less total charge in the p-n junction to further improve the reverse recovery time. This reduced p-n junction can be used alone, with the traditional lifetime killer method, with the Schottky structure and/or with the epitaxial substrate.
US08669553B2	Thin film transistors A thin-film transistor includes a gate electrode, a gate dielectric disposed on the gate electrode, a channel layer, and a passivation layer. The channel layer has a first surface and an opposed second surface, where the first surface is disposed over at least a portion of the gate dielectric. The channel layer also has a first oxide composition including at least one predetermined cation. The passivation layer is disposed adjacent to at least a portion of the opposed second surface of the channel layer. The passivation layer has a second oxide composition including the at least one predetermined cation of the first oxide composition and at least one additional cation that increases a bandgap of the passivation layer relative to the channel layer.
US08669552B2	Offset electrode TFT structure The present invention generally relates to an offset electrode TFT and a method of its manufacture. The offset electrode TFT is a TFT in which one electrode, either the source or the drain, surrounds the other electrode. The gate electrode continues to be below both the source and the drain electrodes. By redesigning the TFT, less voltage is necessary to transfer the voltage from the source to the drain electrode as compared to traditional bottom gate TFTs or top gate TFTs. The offset electrode TFT structure is applicable not only to silicon based TFTs, but also to transparent TFTs that include metal oxides such as zinc oxide or IGZO and metal oxynitrides such as ZnON.
US08669550B2	Semiconductor device and manufacturing method thereof An object is to provide a semiconductor device of which a manufacturing process is not complicated and by which cost can be suppressed, by forming a thin film transistor using an oxide semiconductor film typified by zinc oxide, and a manufacturing method thereof. For the semiconductor device, a gate electrode is formed over a substrate; a gate insulating film is formed covering the gate electrode; an oxide semiconductor film is formed over the gate insulating film; and a first conductive film and a second conductive film are formed over the oxide semiconductor film. The oxide semiconductor film has at least a crystallized region in a channel region.
US08669547B2	Organic light-emitting diode luminaires There is provided an organic light-emitting diode luminaire. The luminaire includes a patterned first electrode, a second electrode, and an electroluminescent layer therebetween. The electroluminescent layer includes: a host material capable of electroluminescence having an emission color that is blue; a first electroluminescent dopant having an emission color that is green; and a second electroluminescent dopant having an emission color that is in the red/orange region. The additive mixing of all the emitted colors results in an overall emission of white light.
US08669544B2	High efficiency broadband semiconductor nanowire devices and methods of fabricating without foreign catalysis Amongst the candidates for very high efficiency solid state light sources and full solar spectrum solar cells are devices based upon InGaN nanowires. Additionally these nanowires typically require heterostructures, quantum dots, etc which all place requirements for these structures to be grown with relatively few defects and in a controllable reproducible manner. Additionally flexibility according to the device design requires that the nanowire at the substrate may be either InN or GaN. According to the invention a method of growing relatively defect free nanowires and associated structures for group IIIA-nitrides is presented without the requirement for foreign metal catalysts and overcoming the non-uniform growth of prior art non-catalyst growth techniques. According to other embodiments of the invention self-organizing dot-within-a-dot nanowire and dot-within-a-dot-within-a-well nanowire structures are presented.
US08669542B2	Extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus An extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus for supplying extreme ultraviolet light to a processing unit for performing processing by using the extreme ultraviolet light. The extreme ultraviolet light source apparatus includes: a chamber in which the extreme ultraviolet light to be supplied to the processing unit is generated; a collector mirror for collecting the extreme ultraviolet light generated in the chamber to output the extreme ultraviolet light to the processing unit; and an optical path connection module for defining a route of the extreme ultraviolet light between the chamber and the processing unit and isolating the route of the extreme ultraviolet light from outside.
US08669541B2	Hadron treatment planning with adequate biological weighting Treatment planning methods are provided that determine the variability of relative biological effectiveness (RBE) along a beam line and calculate, among other things, what intensity of hadron beam such as a proton or a carbon ion beam should be applied to achieve a desired biological dose at treatment site of a patient afflicted with a medical condition. Typically, three or four RBE values at three or four corresponding spacially-dispersed intervals along the beam line are calculated. In one embodiment, two RBE values for the spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) region of the treatment site; one for the proximal section and one for the declining distal section is calculated. A third and different RBE value may be determined for the distal edge region of the SOBP. A fourth value may also be calculated for a pre-SOBP region.
US08669540B2	System and method for gas leak control in a substrate holder An electrostatic clamp includes a heating block for heating a substrate, the heating block having a first surface disposed toward the substrate and a second surface opposite the first surface. A base is arranged to adjoin at least a portion of the second surface of the heating block. The adjoined base and heating block may mutually define an inner gap between a first portion of the heating block and the base. An outer gap is arranged concentric with the inner gap between a second portion of the heating block and the base, the inner and outer gaps being isolated from one another by a first sealing surface formed between the second surface of the heating block and the base.
US08669539B2	Implant method and implanter by using a variable aperture A variable aperture within an aperture device is used to shape the ion beam before the substrate is implanted by shaped ion beam, especially to finally shape the ion beam in a position right in front of the substrate. Hence, different portions of a substrate, or different substrates, can be implanted respectively by different shaped ion beams without going through using multiple fixed apertures or retuning the ion beam each time. In other words, different implantations may be achieved respectively by customized ion beams without high cost (use multiple fixed aperture devices) and complex operation (retuning the ion beam each time). Moreover, the beam tune process for acquiring a specific ion beam to be implanted may be accelerated, to be faster than using multiple fixed aperture(s) and/or retuning the ion beam each time, because the adjustment of the variable aperture may be achieved simply by mechanical operation.
US08669537B2	Charged particle beam writing apparatus and method A charged particle beam writing apparatus and a charged particle beam writing method capable of shortening the time necessary to generate shot data and improving writing throughput. A graphic pattern defined in write data is divided into graphics represented in shot units. The divided graphics are temporarily stored in a memory and are distributed to their corresponding subfield areas while developing position information defined in a state of being compressed to write data. When each pattern is written by multi-pass writing, graphics divided at a first pass are used for distribution to subfield areas after a second pass.
US08669536B2	Methods and systems for identifying ink An ink composition includes a colorant visible under visible light and a tagging composition, including a carrier and a detectable marker dispersed or dissolved in the carrier. The detectable marker is an isotope of an element, the isotope being present in the ink composition in a concentration ranging from about 1 parts per billion (ppb) to about 1000 ppb.
US08669524B2	Scanning incremental focus microscopy Method and apparatus are provided for generating an enhanced image of an object. The method includes obtaining images of an area of an object generated using a probe of having a probe size greater than or equal to a minimum probe area size. An enhanced image of the area of the object is generated by accurately computing the emission intensities emitted from pixel areas smaller than the minimum probe size and within the area of the object. This is repeated for other areas of the object to form other enhanced images. The enhanced images are combined to form an accurate enhanced image of the object.
US08669522B2	Mask inspection apparatus and mask inspection method According to one embodiment, a mask inspection apparatus includes a decompression chamber, a holder, a light irradiation unit, a detection unit, an electrode, and a control unit. The holder is provided in the decompression chamber and holds a mask. The light irradiation unit irradiates a major surface of the mask held by the holder with a light. The detection unit is provided in the decompression chamber to detect electrons generated when the major surface of the mask is irradiated with the light. The electrode is provided between the holder and the detection unit and guides the electrons in a direction from the holder toward the detection unit. The control unit compares a detection result of the electrons detected by the detection unit with a reference value.
US08669521B2	Microwave cavity detector for mass spectrometry A detector for time of flight mass spectroscopy uses a microwave resonant cavity excited into resonance by the passage of charged particles as an ion detector. With proper configuration of the frequency of resonance of the cavity, its modes and its quality factor, nanosecond time resolution, should be possible.
US08669518B2	Mass spectrometer An object of the present invention is to provide means for solving troubles. Examples of the troubles include sensitivity degradation and resolution degradation of a mass spectrometer, which are caused by an axis deviation of a component, particularly at least one orifice located between an ion source and a detector, to decrease the number of ions reaching the detector, and a variation in performance caused by exchange of components such as the orifice.For example, the invention has the following configuration in order to solve the troubles. A mass spectrometer includes: an ion source; a detector that detects an ion; an orifice and a mass separator that are disposed between the ion source and the detector; and an axis adjusting mechanism that adjusts axis positions of the orifice and/or the mass separator such that an opening of the orifice and/or an incident port of the mass separator is disposed on a line connecting the ion source and an incident port of the detector.
US08669517B2	Mass analysis variable exit aperture A method and apparatus is provided for reducing unwanted isotopes of an ion implantation species from an ion beamline. The apparatus herein disclosed is a mass analysis variable exit aperture that selectively reduces the size of an exit aperture as seen by an ion beam. In one embodiment, the variable mass analysis exit aperture is located within a mass analyzer at a position upstream of a resolving aperture and effectively limits the size of an exit aperture so as to allow passage of desired implantation isotope(s) while blocking the passage of unwanted implantation isotopes. In one particular embodiment, the mass analysis variable exit aperture has a mechanical drive mechanism that enables a blocking structure to be moved into the path of an ion beam in a graduated fashion as guided by a control unit that operates based upon one or more characteristics of the ion beam.
US08669515B2	Photoelectric conversion module A photoelectric conversion module includes a transmission side photoelectric conversion part for converting an electrical signal into an optical signal, a transmission side circuit board on which the transmission side photoelectric conversion part is mounted on a top surface side of the transmission side circuit board, a reception side photoelectric conversion part for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal, a reception side circuit board on which the reception side photoelectric conversion part is mounted on a top surface side of the reception side circuit board, and a housing. The transmission side circuit board and the reception side circuit board are placed such that a back surface of the transmission side circuit board is opposite to the housing and a back surface of the reception side circuit board is opposite to the housing.
US08669512B2	System and method for analyzing light by three-photon counting A system for measuring one or more characteristics of light of a photon energy Eph from a light source, that can be determined from measuring three-photon absorption events, the system comprising: a) a detector having a band gap material characterized by gap energy between 2.1 and 3 times Eph; b) an optical element configured to concentrate a beam of light from the light source on the detector; c) a signal amplifier that amplifies an output signal indicative of when three photons produced by the light source undergo a three-photon absorption event in the band gap material; and d) an analyzer that analyzes the output signal to count or measure a rate of the three-photon absorption events, and determines the one or more characteristics of the light from the light source.
US08669510B2	Imaging device in particular of the CMOS time delay and integration type An imaging device may be formed in a semiconductor substrate including a matrix array of photosites extending in a first direction and a second direction. The imaging device may include a transfer module configured to transfer charge in the first direction and an extraction module configured to extract charge in the second direction.
US08669509B1	Mobile computing device configured to compute irradiance, glint, and glare of the sun Described herein are technologies pertaining to computing the solar irradiance distribution on a surface of a receiver in a concentrating solar power system or glint/glare emitted from a reflective entity. A mobile computing device includes at least one camera that captures images of the Sun and the entity of interest, wherein the images have pluralities of pixels having respective pluralities of intensity values. Based upon the intensity values of the pixels in the respective images, the solar irradiance distribution on the surface of the entity or glint/glare corresponding to the entity is computed by the mobile computing device.
US08669506B2	Apparatus and method for controlling a vehicle, and vehicle controlled thereby Apparatus and method are provided for controlling a vehicle in motion through a fluid medium. A manipulable flare assembly is mounted to a load bearing structure, the structure being configured for mounting to the vehicle. An actuating mechanism has a rotational member operably associated with the flare assembly, the actuating mechanism being configured for selectively providing relative rotation between the rotational member and the load bearing structure. The actuating mechanism is configured for manipulating the flare assembly responsive to selective relative rotation between the rotational member and the load bearing structure. A vehicle is also provided incorporating the apparatus.
US08669502B2	Operation device and heating cooker using operation device The present invention provides an operation device which has a stable operation feeling with a simple configuration and has a high reliability and an excellent operability. An electrode terminal portion which is arranged just below an operation region on a top plate made of a material having an electric insulating property, and serves as an electrostatic capacity type touch switch has a detection portion which comes into close contact with a back surface of the operation region, a spring portion which has an elastic force pressing the detection portion to the back surface of the top plate, and a slide portion which is movably retained in the guide holder.
US08669500B2	Interface device for oven A countertop multi-function oven has a baking and a toasting mode. The oven uses a rotating input dial as a function selector. A second rotating input dial is used to allow a user selection of a bake time or a toasting load.
US08669497B2	Apparatus and method for predictive temperature correction during thermal processing A thermal processing apparatus and method with predictive temperature correction. Distances are measured from a backside of the wafer relative to a reference plane. Heat is transferred to the backside of the substrate in relation to the measured distances. This allows a baking unit to uniformly heat the substrate to compensate for irregularities or warpage.
US08669496B2	System and process for heating semiconductor wafers by optimizing absorption of electromagnetic energy An apparatus for heat treating semiconductor wafers is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heating device which contains an assembly linear lamps for emitting light energy onto a wafer. The linear lamps can be placed in various configurations. In accordance with the present invention, tuning devices which are used to adjust the overall irradiance distribution of the light energy sources are included in the heating device. The tuning devices can be, for instance, are lamps or lasers.
US08669495B2	Heater having heat generating resistor on substrate and image heating apparatus mounting heater thereon The heating apparatus comprises a substrate extending in one direction and a plurality of heat generating members provided on one surface of the substrate along a longitudinal direction thereof and wherein at least one of the plural heat generating members has heat generating regions having different heat generation amount per unit length in the longitudinal direction, substrate reinforcing members are provided on the other surface of the substrate in correspondence to the high heat generating regions provided on one surface of the substrate. By the virtue of the invention, cost can be reduced, emergency safety upon occurrence of overrun of a CPU can be achieved, and increase in temperature of a sheet non-passing portion can be suppressed.
US08669494B2	Spa heater system and methods for controlling A spa system comprises an electrically powered heater. The electrically powered heater comprises a heating element capable of drawing a rated current when switched on to an AC line voltage. An electronic control system is programmed to control the heating element to draw less than the rated current.
US08669491B2	Hard-facing alloys having improved crack resistance Weld deposit compositions with improved crack resistance, improved wear resistance, and improved hardness are provided by controlling matrix grain size and balancing Titanium and/or Niobium with Carbon and/or Boron content. Additionally, the presence of coarse chromium carbides is drastically decreased to reduce the amount of check-cracking. Preferably, the weld deposit is produced from a flux-cored or metal-cored wire. The weld deposit characteristics include a matrix having a fine grain size, small evenly dispersed carbides within the matrix, and a small amount of Carbon in the matrix.
US08669487B2	Device for the laser transmission welding of components over a ring-shaped contact zone A device for joining by a laser beam two components along a ring-shaped contact zone, where a first of the two components is transmissive for the laser beam and a second of the two components is absorptive for the laser beam. The device includes a receptacle configured to affix the absorptive component and an internal clamping chuck configured for placement on the transmissive component within an open inside area of the contact zone. The device also includes a pressure element with an open inside area that is larger than an extension of the contact zone, a laser source configured to emit the laser beam, and a rotatable holding wheel. The pressure element is connected to the internal clamping chuck via an external axial bearing, the holding wheel and an internal axial bearing so as to transmit to the internal clamping chuck contact pressure exerted on the pressure element.
US08669486B2	Portable mail sorting and consolodating method and machine A device for sorting out individual address mail from a presorted route order mail stack including a device with a mail receiving receptacle, a conveyor for transferring mail through the machine, a reader and control for reading the bar code and mail address, and a mail delivery receptacle. When mail is added to the mail receiving receptacle the machine conveys only the mail for one address to the mail delivery receptacle and then stops until the mail delivery receptacle is clear. The machine uses the mail bar code and displays the address to the mail carrier for confirmation of the matching addresses for all of the mail to be delivered.
US08669484B1	Motion sensing switch actuator assembly A motion sensing switch actuator assembly is provided for automatically switching an existing light switch upon detection of motion. The assembly includes a housing having a rear face. An actuator is slidably coupled to the rear face of the housing. The actuator is configured for engaging and flipping a switch positioned adjacent to the rear face of the housing when the actuator slides relative to the housing. A motion sensor is coupled to the housing and configured for detecting motion proximate the housing. A processor is operationally coupled to the motion sensor and the actuator to selectively slide the actuator upon detection of predetermined input from the motion sensor.
US08669483B2	Flexible cable and transmission system A flexible cable is provided in which a transmission characteristic can be ensured in a high frequency band, and electromagnetic noises can be suppressed. A flexible cable 11 includes a sheet-like base member (dielectric substance) 1; an adhesive (dielectric substance) 2 which bonds the base member 1 to a cover member (dielectric substance) 3; a shield member 4 which covers the cover member 3 and is bonded or printed to the cover member 3 to suppress electromagnetic noises to be radiated; and a top coating member 5 which covers the shield member 4 to protect the shield member 4. The flexible cable 11 has a differential signal wire group 7 including differential signal wires 6 through which differential signals pass and guard ground wires 9a which prevent the interference from other differential signals; a low-speed signal wire 8 through which a low-speed signal passes; a ground wire 9 used as a ground; and a shield ground wire 10 which is adapted to allow the electric potential of the shield member 4 to be identical to the electric potential of the ground, all of which are provided in the adhesive 2. The differential signal wires 6 are not covered with the shield member 4.
US08669479B2	Wired circuit board A wired circuit board includes an insulating layer formed with a first opening and a second opening, a conductive layer formed on the insulating layer and including a terminal overlapping the first opening, and a wire having a part thereof overlapping the second opening and continued to the terminal, a metal pedestal portion formed under the insulating layer and disposed around the first opening so as to overlap the second opening and support an electronic element, and a conductive portion filling the second opening to provide electrical conduction between the wire and the metal pedestal portion.
US08669475B2	Suspension substrate, suspension, and manufacturing method of suspension substrate A main object of the present invention is to provide a suspension substrate capable of supplying electric power easily to an assisting element fitted thereto. The object is attained by providing a suspension substrate comprising a metal supporting substrate, an insulating layer formed on the metal supporting substrate, and a wiring layer formed on the insulating layer, wherein the metal supporting substrate has, in a recording element mounting region for mounting a recording element, an opening for arranging and fitting thereinto a heat assisting element, wherein the wiring layer has a heat assisting wiring layer having a terminal section for supplying electric power directly to the heat assisting element.
US08669466B2	Grid-line-free contact for a photovoltaic cell Electrical contact to the front side of a photovoltaic cell is provided by an array of conductive through-substrate vias, and optionally, an array of conductive blocks located on the front side of the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric liner provides electrical isolation of each conductive through-substrate via from the semiconductor material of the photovoltaic cell. A dielectric layer on the backside of the photovoltaic cell is patterned to cover a contiguous region including all of the conductive through-substrate vias, while exposing a portion of the backside of the photovoltaic cell. A conductive material layer is deposited on the back surface of the photovoltaic cell, and is patterned to form a first conductive wiring structure that electrically connects the conductive through-substrate vias and a second conductive wiring structure that provides electrical connection to the backside of the photovoltaic cell.
US08669465B2	Photovoltaic device and method for manufacturing the same Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a photovoltaic device. The method comprising: forming a first electrode on a substrate; forming a first unit cell comprising an intrinsic semiconductor layer on the first electrode; forming an intermediate reflector on the first unit cell, and the intermediate reflector comprising a plurality of sub-layers stacked alternately by changing a flow rate of non-silicon based source gas; forming a second unit cell comprising an intrinsic semiconductor layer on the intermediate reflector; and forming a second electrode on the second unit cell.
US08669461B2	Ultra-high efficiency multi-junction solar cells using polychromatic diffractive concentrators A photovoltaic cell is provided. The photovoltaic cell includes a concentrator optic structure separating the solar spectrum of light into a plurality of spectral bands. The concentrator optic structure focuses these spectral bands into a plurality of concentric tightly focused ring-shaped spots and a central round spot. A multitude of circular sub-cells are each approximately positioned at a ring-shaped spot associated with a respective spectral band produced by the concentrator optic structure. Each of the sub-cells stores the energy produced at the respective spectral band
US08669459B2	Sound processing apparatus, method for sound processing, program and recording medium The sound-processing apparatus of the present invention generates plural frequency data by decoding plural encoded sound data and applying inverse quantization. Each of the frequency data are subjected to sound-processing and then synthesized into one single frequency data. Transformation processing from frequency domain to time domain is applied to the synthesized single frequency data so as to generate sound data in time domain so as to reduce computation amounts of decoding process.
US08669456B2	Video export of a digital musical score Methods, systems, and computer program products for generating an animated playback of a musical composition represented as a digital musical score. The methods involve, for each of a series of landmarks in the digital musical score: determining a temporal location of audio playback of the landmark in an audio playback of the composition; generating a video output frame showing a page of the musical score spanning the landmark in an output page format; generating a segment of the animated playback of the composition having a video component showing the video output frame for a duration approximately equal to the difference between temporal locations of audio playback of successive landmarks and an audio component including an audio rendering of a portion of the score between the successive landmarks; and generating the animated playback of the musical composition by concatenating the segments. The score format is optimized for the video aspect ratio.
US08669452B2	Drum rug and gig bag in one A drum rug lays flat for a performance, and includes a rigid drum stop extending upwards from the front edge to prevent the bass drum from edging forward during a performance. The drum rug includes left and right flaps that can be releasably connected to drum rug left and right edges to form an enclosure, with the flaps forming the ends of the enclosure and the body of the drum rug forming the sides of the enclosure. Equipment can be placed in the enclosure for carrying, and the drum rug can be laid flat to support drums for performances.
US08669449B1	Flute head-joint stopper A flute stopper having at least one sealing means able to seal the musical cavity and translation means to adjust the positioning of said seal. Said flute stopper is designed to be capable of interfacing with the original factory screw, nut and crown via nuts and/or fittings, including either compression or NPT fittings. Both or either end of said plug may be tapered to facilitate said interfacing.
US08669447B1	Wheat variety W010400J3 A wheat variety designated W010400J3, the plants and seeds of wheat variety W010400J3, methods for producing a wheat plant produced by crossing the variety W010400J3 with another wheat plant, and hybrid wheat seeds and plants produced by crossing the variety W010400J3 with another wheat line or plant, and the creation of variants by mutagenesis or transformation of variety W010400J3. This invention also relates to methods for producing other wheat varieties or breeding lines derived from wheat variety W010400J3 and to wheat varieties or breeding lines produced by those methods.
US08669444B2	Plants and seeds of corn variety CV156142 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the corn variety designated CV156142. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CV156142, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CV156142 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to corn seeds and plants produced by crossing plants of variety CV156142 with plants of another variety, such as another inbred line. The invention further relates to the inbred and hybrid genetic complements of plants of variety CV156142.
US08669440B2	Plants and seeds of hybrid corn variety CH007769 According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH007769. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH007769, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH007769 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH007769.
US08669438B1	Maize hybrid X13C763 A novel maize variety designated X130763 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 X130763 with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into X130763 through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. This invention relates to the maize variety X130763, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X130763. This invention further relates to methods for producing maize varieties derived from maize variety X130763.
US08669434B2	Soybean variety A1026708 The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1026708. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1026708. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1026708 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1026708 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08669432B2	Soybean variety A1026033 The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1026033. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1026033. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1026033 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1026033 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08669429B2	Soybean variety A1025983 The invention relates to the soybean variety designated A1025983. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety A1025983. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety A1025983 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety A1025983 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US08669424B1	Soybean variety XB47R12 A novel soybean variety, designated XB47R12 is provided. Also provided are the seeds of soybean variety XB47R12, cells from soybean variety XB47R12, plants of soybean XB47R12, and plant parts of soybean variety XB47R12. Methods provided include producing a soybean plant by crossing soybean variety XB47R12 with another soybean plant, methods for introgressing a transgenic trait, a mutant trait, and/or a native trait into soybean variety XB47R12, methods for producing other soybean varieties or plant parts derived from soybean variety XB47R12, and methods of characterizing soybean variety XB47R12. Soybean seed, cells, plants, germplasm, breeding lines, varieties, and plant parts produced by these methods and/or derived from soybean variety XB47R12 are further provided.
US08669423B2	Squash leaf curl virus (SLVC) resistance in cucurbits The invention provides a new Squash Leaf Curl Virus (SLCV) resistant gene slc-2 in cucurbit plants and plants comprising the slc-2 gene. The invention also provides molecular markers linked to slc-2 gene. The invention further provides methods of breeding to produce plants that are resistant to SLCV, and the resistant plants produced by such methods.
US08669413B2	Breeding and selection for resistance to melon severe mosaic virus (MeSMV) The invention provides methods of detecting MeSMV; methods of screening plants for resistance or susceptibility to MeSMV; and methods of breeding to produce plants that are resistant to MeSMV; and to the resistant plants produced by such methods.
US08669411B2	Absorbent article having stain masking characteristics A sanitary napkin including a body-facing cover layer and an absorbent system adjacent the cover layer for receiving liquid therefrom, the napkin having enhanced fluid handing and masking properties.
US08669410B2	Fluid-absorbent articles The present invention relates to fluid-absorbent articles, comprising an upper liquid-pervious layer, a lower liquid-impervious layer, a fluid-absorbent core, wherein the fluid-absorbent core comprises a fibrous material and 10 to 95% by weight of spherical fluid-absorbent polymer particles, and an acquisition distribution layer, wherein the acquisition distribution layer comprises a fibrous material and 0 to 20% by weight of spherical fluid-absorbent polymer particles.
US08669404B2	Method for conversion of biomass to biofuel An apparatus and method to convert carbonaceous materials, particularly biomass and those biomass resources which are remotely located, into a solid material, which may be a high performance solid fuel, are presented. This method, and the apparatus described as the means to accomplish this method, provides a continuous process which can be completely powered by the energy contained in the biomass. The heat, mechanical power and electrical power are provided from the energy in the biomass, through the methods described. In this way, the apparatus is free to operate in remote locations, where no power or auxiliary fuel sources are available.
US08669402B2	Fuel compositions A fuel composition for a homogenous charge compression ignition engine includes a combination of a gasoline fuel and a diesel fuel, the combination having a derived cetane number of from about 19.9 to 45 as determined in accordance with ASTM method D6890. A method for making the fuel composition provides for blending presently available gasoline fuel and diesel fuel together in a ratio to obtain the desired fuel composition.
US08669388B2	Method for producing organosilicon compounds having amino groups Amino group-containing organosilicon compounds containing no or only a small fraction of Si-bonded hydroxyl groups are prepared by preparing an organosilicon compound containing amino groups and Si-bonded hydroxyl groups by equilibration in the presence of an equilibration catalyst, and reacting the resultant product with a cyclic silazane. The products are particularly useful as a monomer or macromere for the preparation of high molecular weight organic polymers containing organosilicon blocks.
US08669385B2	Oxidative cleavage of unsaturated carboxylic acids Provided are processes for the oxidative cleavage of a double bond in an unsaturated carboxylic acid. The process includes contacting the unsaturated carboxylic acid with a mild oxidizing agent and agitating the unsaturated carboxylic acid and the mild oxidizing agent for a time sufficient to cleave a double bond of the unsaturated carboxylic acid and produce a product comprising an aldehyde. The process is typically carried out in a mill, such as a ball, hammer, attrition, or jet mill.
US08669383B2	Preparation of aminomethyl furans and alkoxymethyl furan derivatives from carbohydrates Described herein are single step methods of making various classes of alkylamine derivatives of furan and tetrahydrofuran by simultaneous contact of a sugar with H2, an acid catalyst and hydrogenation catalyst in the presence of an alkylamide solvent. The hydrogenation catalyst is a heterogeneous catalyst comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of Pt, Pd, and nickel. The acid catalysts may be homogeneous mineral acid or a heterogeneous acid catalyst on substrate. In a preferred practice the two catalysts are provided on a common heterogeneous bifunctional support. Using similar combinations of acid and hydrogenation catalysts, there is also described single step methods for making furandimethanol by simultaneously contacting a hexose with the two separate catalysts in the presence of H2 in an aprotic solvent, such as dimethylformamide. With the same catalyst system and similar reaction conditions, 2, 5 furan dialkylethers can also be made in a single step when the solvent includes an ROH alcohol.
US08669382B2	Method for producing (2R)-2-fluoro-2-C-methyl-D-ribono-γ-lactone precursor In the presence invention, a (2R)-2-fluoro-2-C-methyl-D-ribono-γ-lactone precursor is produced in the form of a ring-opened fluorinated compound by reaction of a 1,2-diol with sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2) in the presence of an organic base and, optionally, a fluoride ion source. The production method of the present invention secures less number of process steps as compared to the conventional production method (shortening of three steps: cyclic sulfurous esterification, oxidation and ring-opening fluorination to one step) and satisfies the requirements for industrial production (high yield and high reproductivity). The thus-obtained (2R)-2-fluoro-2-C-methyl-D-ribono-γ-lactone precursor is useful as an important intermediate for the synthesis of 2′-deoxy-2′-fluoro-2′-C-methylcytidine with antivirus activity.
US08669381B2	Chromone inhibitors of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase The present invention is directed to inhibitors of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase (GSNOR), pharmaceutical compositions comprising such GSNOR inhibitors, and methods of making and using the same.
US08669378B2	Process for synthesizing epicconone analogs The present invention relates to a process for the total synthesis of epicocconone analogs of formula (I): The invention also relates to novel epicocconone analogs.
US08669377B2	Anti-human urothelial carcinoma of supercritical carbon dioxide extract of Cinnamomum subavenium, and the preparation process and uses What is disclosed in the invention is a preparation method of a supercritical Cinnamomum subavenium extract, which is made from the material, the dried stem of C. subavenium. The extract is obtained by extracting C. subavenium which is pulverized as particles with supercritical carbon dioxide fluid. The C. subavenium extract or its active ingredient, subamolide A, can be used to inhibit the growth of human urothelial carcinoma cell lines. In addition, the C. subavenium extract (or subamolide A) is able to synergistically inhibit the growth of human urothelial carcinoma cell lines with cisplatin (CDDP) or gemcitabine (Gem). Therefore, the C. subavenium extract (or subamolide A) can be an anticancer drug alone, or forms a pharmaceutical composition with CDDP (or Gem) to treat with cancers in respect of urinary system.
US08669376B2	Cytotoxin compounds and methods of isolation The present invention concerns groups of compounds derived from tunicates of the Synoicum species, as well as to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds, and uses thereof. Extracts from tunicates show selective toxicity against several different cancer cell lines in the NCI 60 cell line panel. These compounds are useful in the effective treatment of cancers, particularly malignant melanomas, colon cancer, and renal cancer cell lines.
US08669373B2	Carbazole derivative and method for producing the same To provide a method for producing a wide variety of carbazole derivatives which have a simple and uncomplicated process and in which variations in the yield, purity, etc. of a desired substance which are caused by an aryl group introduced is reduced as much as possible. A method for producing a carbazole derivative represented by General Formula (1) is provided, in which 9-[4-(10-phenyl-9-anthryl)phenyl]-9H-carbazole having an active site at the 3-position of the carbazole skeleton and an aromatic compound having an active site are coupled. In the formula, Ar1 represents an aryl group with 6 to 13 carbon atoms in a ring, and Ar1 may have a substituent.
US08669372B2	Process for preparing dithiine-tetracarboxy-diimides The present invention relates to a new process for preparing dithiine-tetracarboxy-diimides.
US08669368B2	Process for the preparation of cycloheptapyridine CGRP receptor antagonists The disclosure generally relates to a process for the preparation of compounds of formula I, including synthetic intermediates which are useful in the process.
US08669367B2	Method for producing 2-azaadamantane To provide a method whereby a 2-azaadamantane can easily be obtained in good yield.A method for producing a 2-azaadamantane represented by the formula (1), which comprises cyclizing a compound represented by the following formula (2) in the presence of an acid.
US08669366B2	Process for the preparation of quaternary N-alkyl morphinan alkaloid salts An improved process for the N-alkylation of tertiary morphinan alkaloid bases to form the corresponding quaternary morphinan alkaloid derivatives.
US08669361B2	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 a thiazolyl, picolinyl, 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.
US08669360B2	Methods of converting amorphous drug substance into crystalline form A method for converting an amorphous drug, such as everolimus, or other macrolide immunosuppressive drug, into a crystalline form. The method utilizes a slurry of the drug in organic liquid phase and ages the slurry to achieve the conversion.
US08669354B2	Removal of endotoxin using amphiphilic core-shell nanosorbents Method for removal of endotoxin from protein preparations using core-shell nanoparticles, which have the ability to selectively adsorb endotoxin molecules in a protein mixture. The method comprises the steps of (a) preparing a plurality of core-shell nanoparticles; (b) adding the core-shell nanoparticles into a protein preparation containing endotoxin; (c) incubating the core-shell nanoparticles with the protein preparation for a period of time; and (d) separating nanoparticles from the protein preparation.
US08669353B2	Process for producing milk fractions rich in secretory immunoglobulins The present invention concerns a process for producing compositions that are rich in secretory IgA (S-IgA) by fractionating milk containing S-IgA. Such compositions may be used in particular for treating and/or preventing infections and/or inflammation of the mucosal surfaces, e.g. the gastro-intestinal tract, urogenital tract, respiratory tract, nasal cavity or oral cavity, treating and/or preventing obesity and related diseases, or treating and/or preventing food allergies in subjects in need of such treatment. Briefly stated, the current invention provides a process for producing milk fractions rich in secretory Immunoglobulin A, using one or more microporous membrane filtration steps. A preferred protocol of the present process involves de-fatting, micro-filtration and ultrafiltration-concentration through a number of diafiltration cycles. The process of the invention, apart from the unexpectedly high yields achievable, offers advantages which are of particular interest in view of the scalability, application in existing diary factories and controllability of process parameters influencing the S-IgA quality and stability.
US08669352B2	Antagonistic anti-human CD40 monoclonal antibody The present invention provides novel antagonistic anti-human CD40 monoclonal antibodies, methods for generating them and uses thereof.
US08669351B2	Antibodies to polypeptides encoded by aspartoacylase polynucleotides Canavan disease, an autosomal recessive leukodystrophy, is caused by deficiency of aspartoacylase and accumulation of N-acetylaspartic acid in brain. Human aspartoacylase (ASP) cDNA spanning 1,435 bp has been cloned and expressed in E. coli. A base change, a854>c, has been found in 85% of the 34 Canavan alleles tested so far, which results in a missense glu285>ala mutation that is predicted to be part of the catalytic domain of aspartoacylase. The invention therefore provides nucleic acid sequences, genes, polypeptides, antibodies, vectors containing the gene, host cells transformed with vectors containing the gene, animal models for the disease, methods for expressing the polypeptide, genetic screening methods and kits, diagnostic methods and kits, methods of treating Canavan disease and methods of genetic therapy for the disease.
US08669335B2	Knotty polymers via supramolecularly templated macroinitiators and living polymerization and methods for making and using same A design, synthesis and use of templated chemical routes are disclosed for the synthesis of interlocked macromolecular structures and orderly entanglements that are dubbed “Knotty Polymers” using combined supramolecularly assembled macroinitiators and living polymerization.
US08669333B2	Thermosetting resin composition, cured product thereof, active ester resin, semiconductor encapsulating material, prepreg, circuit board, and build-up film A thermosetting resin composition contains an active ester resin (A) and an epoxy resin (B) as essential components, the active ester resin (A) having a resin structure which includes a polyaryleneoxy structure (I) and in which aromatic carbon atoms in a plurality of the polyaryleneoxy structures (I) are linked through a structural site (II) represented by a structural formula 1 (wherein Ar represents a phenylene group, a phenylene group nuclear-substituted by 1 to 3 alkyl groups each having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a naphthylene group, or a naphthylene group nuclear-substituted by 1 to 3 alkyl groups each having 1 to 4 carbon atoms).
US08669331B2	Polymeric compositions and method of making and articles thereof Described herein are substantially linear copolymeric compositions having at least two azide groups and at least two non-activated acetylene groups. The azide groups and the non-activated acetylene groups are reacted to cure the substantially linear copolymer composition. Also, described are methods of making and using such substantially linear copolymeric compositions.
US08669330B2	Olefin triblock polymers via ring-opening metathesis polymerization This invention relates to a composition comprising a multiblock polyolefin represented by the formula: PO-(—C═C—Z—)n—C═C-PO* (I) or PO-(—C—C—Z—)n—C—C-PO* (Ia) wherein Z is the portion of a cyclic monomer having at least one internal double bond that remains after a ring-opening metathesis reaction; PO and PO* are each independently polyolefins; and n is 1 to 10,000; and a process to produce such comprising contacting an alkene metathesis catalyst with a dimer of vinyl terminated polyolefins, and a cyclic hydrocarbyl monomer comprising at least one internal double bond.
US08669329B2	Thermoplastic elastomer composition, a method for producing a molded body, and a molded body A thermoplastic elastomer is provided that includes a propylene-based resin and an ethylene-α-olefin copolymer rubber, and has a crystallization time at 130° C. measured by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) of from 250 to 1,000 sec. There are also provided a method for producing a molded body, the method including a step of preparing the thermoplastic elastomer composition and a step of injection molding the thermoplastic elastomer composition, and a molded body produced by the method.
US08669328B2	Composition comprising as the aqueous dispersion preferably (meth)acrylate polymers containing benzophenone in a mixture with (meth)acrylate polymers different therefrom and the use of said composition The invention describes a composition comprising, in the form of aqueous dispersion, A) for every 100 parts by weight of a, or of a plurality of, (meth)acrylate polymer(s); B) from 1-400 parts by weight of a, or of a plurality of, (meth)acrylate polymer(s), which contain(s) a compound of the formula (I) copolymerized, where the (meth)acrylate polymer(s) B) differ from the (meth)acrylate polymers specified in A), where these are obtainable by emulsion polymerization of a mixture comprising a) from 0.1 to 99.9 percent by weight of at least one compound of the formula (I), preferably of a benzophenone (meth)acrylate, in which the definitions of the moieties are those given in the description; and b) from 99.9 to 0.1% by weight of a, or of a plurality of, ethylenically unsaturated monomer(s) which differ(s) from a) and which is/are copolymerizable with a), where components a) and b) together give 100% by weight of the polymerizable constituents of the mixture; and where the parts by weight of A) and B) are based on the solids content of the polymers A) or B) in the aqueous dispersion. Dispersions of this type are UV-curable and have excellent suitability for the production of coatings of any type, in particular for coating of mineral substrates, such as concrete. The dispersions of the invention are also advantageous for blending with known dispersions and improve their properties, in particular in respect of their curing profile.
US08669327B2	Cross-linked polyolefin composition A cross-linked composition obtained by cross-linking a polyolefin composition (I) comprising, all percentages being by weight: A) from 5 to 38% of a polypropylene; B) from 35 to 85% of a copolymer of ethylene with propylene, containing from 42 to 70% of ethylene and having solubility in xylene at room temperature greater than 50%; C) from 5 to 40% of a butene-1 homopolymer or copolymer having: a content of butene-1 derived units of 75% or more; a flexural modulus of 100 MPa or less; and optionally, D) from 5 to 35% of one or more polymers different from B) in composition, having a Shore A hardness value equal to or lower than 90 points, wherein the content of butene-1, if present, is of less than 50%; in which composition (I) the amounts of A), B), C) and D) are referred to the total weight of A)+B)+C) and optionally D), and when D) is present, the total weight of C)+D) is of 50% or less, referred to the total weight of A)+B)+C)+D).
US08669318B2	Oil-based ink composition An oil-based ink composition comprising a colorant, an organic solvent and a polymeric compound, and optionally an alkylamine ethylene oxide derivative as a pH adjusting agent, in which the pH of an aqueous phase is from 5.5 to 10, when ions in the ink composition are transferred to water. This oil-based ink composition prevents corrosion of a nozzle plate and is improved in storage stability, and thus can ensure printer reliability such as ink-jet stability obtainable even after long storage thereof, and can withstand outdoor service environments.
US08669317B2	Rubber composition for tire The present invention provides a rubber composition for a tire containing 1 to 20 parts by weight of nonmetal fibers having an average fiber diameter of 15 to 100 μm and 1 to 30 parts by weight of fillers having at least 2 protrusions in which the length of the protrusion is 0.5 to 3.1-fold of the average fiber diameter of the nonmetal fibers, based on 100 parts by weight of a diene rubber and a pneumatic tire using thereof for a purpose of improving frictional performance on ice.
US08669314B2	Hydrolytic stability in polycarbonate compositions Disclosed herein are methods and compositions of blended polycarbonate resins with improved hydrolytic stability. The resulting compositions, comprising a hydrotalcite and inorganic buffer, can be used in the manufacture of articles while still retaining the advantageous physical properties of blended polycarbonate compositions with improved hydrolytic stability. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.
US08669309B1	Poly(phenylene ether) composition and article A composition includes specific amounts of a poly(phenylene ether), a specific radial block copolymer, a polystyrene-poly(ethylene-butylene)polystyrene triblock copolymer, a specific organophosphate ester, a hydrocarbon resin, and benzoin. The composition exhibits a desirable balance of multiaxial impact strength, light transmittance, and optical clarity, and it can be used to mold a variety of articles including animal cages, ink cartridges, tubes, pipes, and pipe fittings.
US08669307B2	Fireproofing polyamide powders and their use in a sintering process A subject-matter of the invention is the use of a polyamide powder possessing a fireproofing property in a process for the manufacture of an object made of polyamide by sintering this powder using radiation, the said powder comprising, by weight, 2 to 40% of at least one flame retardant for respectively 98 to 60% of at least one polyamide, the flame retardant being a blend of at least one organic phosphinate of a metal and of at least ammonium polyphosphate.
US08669304B2	Drag reducing compositions and methods of manufacture and use A drag reducing composition comprising a primary polyolefin obtained by polymerizing mono-olefins containing from about 2 to about 30 carbon atoms, and a surfactant having an HLB in the range of 6.5 to 8.5 in an aqueous suspending media.
US08669303B2	Synthetic composition of marble and method of production A method of producing a synthetic composition having properties of marble includes blending a polymer resin with a stone gravel bit to form a mixture. The method also includes processing the mixture of polymer resin with the stone gravel bit to produce a synthetic marble composition through a polymerization of the mixture that is cast in a casting cell. Further, the method may include preparing a mold to form a casting cell, removing air bubbles from the mixture of polymer resin with the stone gravel bit to enhance a physical property of the synthetic marble material, casting the mixture in the casting cell, polymerizing the cast mixture through an autoclave polymerization of the mixture at a pressure ranging from 1 to 10 atmospheres and a temperature ranging from 50° to 100° C. to prepare the synthetic marble material composition, and curing the synthetic marble sheet in an oven.
US08669300B2	Modified polyurethane acrylate The present invention is related to a radiation curable binder, comprising the reaction product of a polyisocyanate having 3 free isocyanate moieties with an acrylate having isocyanate-reactive groups and a component selected from the group consisting of a C12-C22 carboxylic acid having one isocyanate-reactive group or a C12-C22 fatty alcohol. The present invention is furthermore related to a radiation curable printing ink, comprising said binder, at least one diluent, at least one pigment, and optionally additives, as well as to a process of preparing said radiation curable binder. Said binder or said printing ink can be used in offset printing or letterpress printing.
US08669299B2	Antioxidant stabilized crosslinked ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene for medical device applications An antioxidant combined with UHMWPE prior to subjecting the UHMWPE to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the antioxidant is tocopherol. After the antioxidant is combined with the UHMWPE, the resulting blend may be formed into slabs, bar stock, and/or incorporated into a substrate, such as a metal, for example. The resulting product may then be subjected to crosslinking irradiation. In one exemplary embodiment, the UHMWPE blend is preheated prior to subjecting the same to crosslinking irradiation. Once irradiated, the UHMWPE blended product may be machined, packaged, and sterilized in accordance with conventional techniques.
US08669298B1	Green curable ink A lightfast green radiation curable ink including at least one curable monomer, at least one organic gellant, at least one photoinitiator and at least one colorant, where the colorant exhibits a reflectance on a substrate at a loading of from about 2 mg/inch2 to about 7 mg/inch2 that ranges from 50% to about 60% at a wavelength of 500 nm and that ranges from 0% to about 10% at a wavelength of about 600 nm which substantially matches Pantone green.
US08669290B2	Aqueous liquid preparation containing 2-amino-3-(4-bromobenzoyl)phenylacetic acid An aqueous liquid preparation of the present invention containing 2-amino-3-(4-bromobenzoyl)phenylacetic acid or its pharmacologically acceptable salt or a hydrate thereof, an alkyl aryl polyether alcohol type polymer such as tyloxapol, or a polyethylene glycol fatty acid ester such as polyethylene glycol monostearate is stable. Since even in the case where a preservative is incorporated into said aqueous liquid preparation, the preservative exhibits a sufficient preservative effect for a long time, said aqueous liquid preparation in the form of an eye drop is useful for the treatment of blepharitis, conjunctivitis, scleritis, and postoperative inflammation. Also, the aqueous liquid preparation of the present invention in the form of a nasal drop is useful for the treatment of allergic rhinitis and inflammatory rhinitis (e.g. chronic rhinitis, hypertrophic rhinitis, nasal polyp, etc.).
US08669286B2	SARMs and method of use thereof This invention is directed to a feed composition and method of affecting the carcass composition by increasing the lean mass, reducing the fat mass, and/or reducing the percent fat mass comprising SARM compounds.
US08669285B2	Synthesis, methods of using, and compositions of cycloalkylmethylamines The present invention provides novel cycloalkylmethylamine analogs, and methods of preparing cycloalkylmethylamine analogs. The present invention also provides methods of using cycloalkylmethylamine analogs and compositions of cycloalkylmethylamine analogs. The pharmaceutical compositions of the compounds of the present invention can be advantageously used for treating and/or preventing obesity and obesity related co-morbid indications.
US08669281B1	Prodrugs of fumarates and their use in treating various diseases The present invention provides compounds of formula (I), wherein: R1 is unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl; La is substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl linker, substituted or unsubstituted C3-C10 carbocycle, substituted or unsubstituted heterocycle comprising one or two 5- or 6-member rings and 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S, or substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl comprising one or two 5- or 6-member rings and 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S; and R2 and R3 are each, independently, H, substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl, or substituted or unsubstituted C6-C10 aryl; or alternatively, R2 and R3, together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached, form a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl comprising one or two 5- or 6-member rings and 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S or a substituted or unsubstituted heterocycle comprising one or two 5- or 6-member rings and 1-4 heteroatoms selected from N, O and S. The invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating neurological diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
US08669278B2	Insecticidal N-substituted (6-haloalkylpyridin-3-yl)alkyl sulfoximines N-Substituted (6-haloalkylpyridin-3-yl)alkyl sulfoximines are effective at controlling insects.
US08669276B2	Deuterium-enriched lenalidomide The present application describes deuterium-enriched lenalidomide, pharmaceutically acceptable salt forms thereof, and methods of treating using the same.
US08669272B2	2,5-disubstituted piperidine orexin receptor antagonists The present invention is directed to 2,5-disubstituted piperidine amide compounds which are antagonists of orexin receptors, and which are useful in the treatment or prevention of neurological and psychiatric disorders and diseases in which orexin receptors are involved. The invention is also directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the use of these compounds and compositions in the prevention or treatment of such diseases in which orexin receptors are involved.
US08669266B2	Quinoline-carboxamide derivatives as P2Y12 antagonists The present invention relates to compounds of the formula I, in which R1; R2; R3; R4; R5; R6; Z; A; B; E; X; Q; J; V; G and M have the meanings indicated in the claims. The compounds of the formula I are valuable pharmacologically active compounds. They exhibit a strong anti-aggregating effect on platelets and thus an anti-thrombotic effect and are suitable e.g. for the therapy and prophylaxis of cardio-vascular disorders like thromboembolic diseases or restenoses. They are reversible antagonists of the platelet ADP receptor P2Y12, and can in general be applied in conditions in which an undesired activation of the platelet ADP receptor P2Y12 is present or for the cure or prevention of which an inhibition of the platelet ADP receptor P2Y12 is intended. The invention furthermore relates to processes for the preparation of compounds of the formula I, their use, in particular as active ingredients in pharmaceuticals, and pharmaceutical preparations comprising them.
US08669259B2	Heterocyclic amide compounds as protein kinase inhibitors The present invention relates to heterocyclic amide derivatives of Formula (I): Formula (I) wherein the variables are as defined in the specification. The present invention further relates to compositions comprising said heterocyclic amide derivatives of formula (I) and methods for using said heterocyclic amide derivatives of formula (I) for treating or preventing a disease or disorder related to the activity of a protein kinase, in particular, a proliferative disease, an anti-proliferative disorder, inflammation, arthritis, a neurological or neurodegenerative disease, a cardiovascular disease, alopecia, a neuronal disease, an ischemic injury, a viral disease or a fungal infection.
US08669255B2	Substituted octahydropyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazines as calcium channel blockers The present application relates to: (a) compounds of Formula (I): and salts thereof, wherein Z1, Z2, Z3, Z4, R1, R2, and R3 are as defined in the specification; (b) compositions comprising such compounds and salts; and (c) methods of use of such compounds, salts, and compositions, particularly use as calcium channel inhibitors.
US08669254B2	Pyridine, pyridazine, pyrimidine or pyrazine carboxamides as HDL-cholesterol raising agents The present invention relates to compounds of the formula wherein A1 to A3 and R1 to R9 are defined in the description, and to pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, their manufacture, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use as medicaments for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of diseases which can be treated with HDL-cholesterol raising agents, such as particularly dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.
US08669253B2	Methods for treating glaucoma and macular degeneration Inhibition of geranylgeranylation of Rho GTPases and heterotrimeric G-proteins in the aqueous outflow pathway increases aqueous humor outflow, possibly through the tissue relaxation, and through altered cell adhesive interactions and actin cytoskeletal organization in cells of the outflow pathway. In addition, such inhibition is useful for treating age-related macular degeneration. The GGTase-I enzyme is a molecular target for lowering increased ocular pressure in glaucoma patients.
US08669251B2	8-fluorophthalazin-1(2H)-one compounds 8-Fluorophthalazin-1(2h)-one compounds of Formula II where one or two of X1, X2, and X3 are N, are provided, including stereoisomers, tautomers, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, useful for inhibiting Btk kinase, and for treating immune disorders such as inflammation mediated by Btk kinase. Methods of using compounds of Formula II for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, and treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions, are disclosed.
US08669249B2	Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors Compounds of the following formula are provided for use in inhibiting Poly (ADP-ribose) Polymerase (PARP): wherein the variables are defined herein. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions, kits and articles of manufacture comprising such compounds, methods and intermediates useful for making the compounds, and methods of using the compounds.
US08669248B1	Adenine inhibitors of HSP90 In general, the present invention relates to small molecule inhibitors of the heat shock protein 90 family of chaperone proteins. The invention also features pharmaceutical compositions and kits that include the compounds and compositions of the invention. The invention further relates to the medical use of these compounds and compositions for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
US08669247B2	2,5-disubstituted arylsulfonamide CCR3 antagonists Provided herein are 2,5-disubstituted arylsulfonamides that are useful for modulating CCR3 activity, and pharmaceutical compositions thereof. Also provided herein are methods of their use for treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a CCR3-mediated disorder, disease, or condition.
US08669246B2	Substituted amide compound A substituted amide compound is useful as an active ingredient of a pharmaceutical composition, in particular a pharmaceutical composition for treating diseases caused by lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). The compound is of a formula: In this formula, A is an optionally substituted aryl, etc.; B is an optionally substituted 5-membered aromatic hetero ring group; X is a single bond or —(CRX1RX2)n—; n is 1, 2, 3, or 4; RX1 and RX2 are hydrogen, etc.; Y1 to Y5 are each CRY or N; each RY is hydrogen, etc.; R1 and R2 are hydrogen, etc.; m is 1, 2, or 3; R3 is hydrogen, etc.; and R4 is an optionally substituted lower alkyl, etc.
US08669245B2	Compositions and methods for lowering triglycerides without raising LDL-C levels in a subject on concomitant statin therapy In various embodiments, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating and/or preventing cardiovascular-related diseases in subject in need thereof.
US08669243B2	Steroid-derived cyclopamine analogs and methods for using the same in the prevention or treatment of cancer The present invention relates to steroid-derived cyclopamine analogs and methods for using the same for inhibiting sonic hedgehog signaling and preventing or treating cancer. A method for synthesizing the analogs of the present invention from a steroid is also provided.
US08669238B2	Use of Kif13A and AP-1 inhibitors for inhibiting melanogenesis The present invention relates to novel pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions comprising at least one inhibitor of a sub-unit of AP-1 adaptor complex, of a kinesin interacting with AP-1, in particular Kif13A, or of the interaction between a sub-unit of AP-1 adaptor complex and said kinesin, as well as the use of same to manufacture a drug intended for the treatment of pigmentary disorders and as a depigmentation agent.
US08669237B2	Biodegradable immunomodulatory formulations and methods for use thereof The invention provides new compositions and methods for immunomodulation of individuals. Immunomodulation is accomplished by administration of immunomodulatory polynucleotide/microcarrier (IMP/MC) complexes. The IMP/MC complexes may be covalently or non-covalently bound, and feature a polynucleotide comprising at least one immunostimulatory sequence bound to a biodegradable microcarrier or nanocarrier.
US08669234B2	Antiviral compounds The invention is related to anti-viral compounds, compositions containing such compounds, and therapeutic methods that include the administration of such compounds, as well as to processes and intermediates useful for preparing such compounds.
US08669228B2	Glucagon analogs exhibiting enhanced solubility in physiological pH buffers Modified glucagon peptides are disclosed having improved solubility while retaining glucagon agonist activity. The glycogen peptides have been modified by substitution of native amino acids with, and/or addition of, charged amino acids to the carboxy terminus of the peptide. The modified glucagon agonists can be further modified by pegylation, or the addition of a carboxy terminal peptide selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, or both to further enhance the solubility of the glucagon agonist analogs.
US08669224B2	Use of hydroxycarboxylates for water hardness control The present invention relates to compositions including threshold agents, and methods of use thereof. The threshold agents can include hydroxycarboxylate compounds present at an amount sufficient to control water hardness. The threshold agents are present in the wash solution at a molar amount less than the molar amount of water hardness ions present.
US08669222B2	Low VOC composition for releasing adherent deposits from a nonporous surface Compositions and methods for release of adherent deposits from nonporous surfaces and substrates are provided. The compositions are low volatile organic compound (low VOC) compositions, solutions or mixtures that can be applied in a form that clings to the underlying surface while it is working. Adherent deposits removed using the compositions include grease and oil, and printers ink. The compositions may be used on any nonporous surface or substrate including metals, ceramics and plastics, without harming the surface or substrate. The composition may contain a thixotropic agent to act as an anti-shearing agent.
US08669220B2	Injection moulded containers A method of forming a water soluble container, comprising an injection moulded water soluble polymer, in which is present a fabric care, surface care or dishwashing composition, by injection moulding a thermoplastic material into a mould, wherein before or during the injection moulding process the mould is actively heated, the mould being at an elevated temperature, below the melting point of the thermoplastic material, throughout the injection moulding process.
US08669219B2	Dosage element and a method of manufacturing a dosage element This invention concerns dosage elements for a ware washing machine and a method of manufacturing such dosage elements. In embodiments of the invention a dosage element comprises first (10) and second (20) joined parts, wherein the first part (10) is a part which, prior to joining with the second part (20), comprised an open receptacle and wherein the second part (20) comprises a substrate carrying a plurality of mutually separated substances A, B, C arranged in side by side relation. The second part (20) is joined to said first part (10) so as to close said receptacle and enclose said substances within it. Dosage elements produced in the inventive method are pleasant to handle, while being surprisingly resistant to damage in handling or transit.
US08669215B2	Gear oil additive Gear oil formulations comprising a gear oil and a film forming agent are disclosed. The film forming agent comprises a polymeric ester which is the reaction product of at least one polyfunctional alcohol, a dimer fatty acid, an optional aliphatic dicarboxylic acid having 5 to 18 carbon atoms and one or more ingredients to reduce the acid value of the polymeric ester to below 5 mgKOH/g with the resultant polymeric ester having a kinematic viscosity at 100° C. ranging from 400 to 5000 mm2/s and a weight average molecular weight ranging from 5000 to 20000. When used as an automotive gear oil formulation the specifications for API GL-4 gear oils are at least satisfied. Use of the gear oil formulation in manual transmissions, transfer cases and differentials and use of the gear oil formulation in an industrial gear suitable for lubricating spur, helical, bevel, worm and hypoid gears are disclosed. Methods of lubrication are also disclosed.
US08669211B2	Methods for measuring enhancement in the quality of life of an animal A method to measure enhancement in the quality of life of an animal fed a super senior pet food composition comprising quantitating the gene expression levels of one or more genes in said animal and comparing said levels in the animal to levels in the animal prior to administration of said super senior pet food composition. A method to enhance the quality of life of an animal by modulating the expression level of one or more genes in said animal in order to mimic the pattern of expression seen in vivo after administration of a super senior pet food composition.
US08669208B2	Herbicidal benzoxazinones The present invention provides benzoxazinones of formula I wherein R1 is hydrogen or halogen; R2 is hydrogen, C1-C6-alkyl, C1-C6-haloalkyl, C3-C6-cycloalkyl, C3-C6-alkenyl, C3-C6-haloalkenyl, C3-C6-alkynyl, C3-C6-haloalkynyl, C1-C6-alkoxy or C3-C6-cycloalkyl-C1-C6-alkyl; R3 is halogen; R4 is halogen; X is O or S; and Y is a substituted or unsubstituted heterocycle; Benzoxazinones of formula I are useful as herbicides.
US08669207B1	Compounds and compositions This invention is related to compounds and/or compositions useful against pathogens affecting meats, plants, or plant parts. In one embodiment, the provided compounds are products of certain oxaborole moieties. In a further embodiment, the compound comprises a di-oxaborole compound. Delivery systems are also provided to take advantage of the volatile nature of these compounds and/or compositions.
US08669206B2	Composition and method for controlling arthropod pests The present invention provides an arthropod pests control composition comprising, as active ingredients, 4-oxo-4-[(2-phenylethyl)amino]-butyric acid and a compound of formula (A); a method of controlling arthropod pests, which comprises applying effective amounts of 4-oxo-4-[(2-phenylethyl)amino]-butyric acid and a compound of formula (A) to a plant or growing site of plant; and so on.
US08669204B2	Thermal transfer ribbon including a UV-crosslinkable protection layer A composition for a protection layer for a thermal transfer ribbon which is free of solvents and which contains an acrylate oligomer or polymer having a functionality lower than or equal to 3, a di- or triacrylate monomer and a slip agent which are UV-crosslinkable in the presence of a photoinitiator, capable of forming, after coating on a backing film and after UV crosslinking, a protection layer having a thickness lower than 1 μm. The layer has a good adhesiveness and a low friction coefficient. The composition can particularly be used for the back (5) of a thermal transfer ribbon (1) applied on a surface of the backing film (2), the other surface of the film receiving at least one ink layer (3), while imparting flexibility and thermal and mechanical resistance to the ribbon (1).
US08669198B2	Basic refractories composition containing magnesium orthotitanate and calcium titanate, process for its production and uses thereof The present invention relates to a basic-refractory composition containing magnesium orthotitanate (Mg2TiO4) and calcium titanate (CaTiO3) suitable for use in rotating kilns for the production of Portland cement or lime.
US08669181B1	Diffusion barrier and etch stop films Films having high hermeticity and a low dielectric constant can be used as copper diffusion barrier films, etch stop films, CMP stop films and other hardmasks during IC fabrication. Hermetic films can protect the underlying layers, such as layers of metal and dielectric, from exposure to atmospheric moisture and oxygen, thereby preventing undesirable oxidation of metal surfaces and absorption of moisture by a dielectric. Specifically, a bi-layer film having a hermetic bottom layer composed of hydrogen doped carbon and a low dielectric constant (low-k) top layer composed of low-k silicon carbide (e.g., high carbon content hydrogen doped silicon carbide) can be employed. Such bi-layer film can be deposited by PECVD methods on a partially fabricated semiconductor substrate having exposed layers of dielectric and metal.
US08669180B1	Semiconductor device with self aligned end-to-end conductive line structure and method of forming the same A method for forming semiconductor devices using damascene techniques provides self-aligned conductive lines that have an end-to-end spacing less than 60 nm without shorting. The method includes using at least one sacrificial hardmask layer to produce a mandrel and forming a void in the mandrel. The sacrificial hardmask layers are formed over a base material which is advantageously an insulating material. Another hardmask layer is also disposed over the base material and under the mandrel in some embodiments. Spacer material is formed alongside the mandrel and filling the void. The spacer material serves as a mask and at least one etching procedure is carried out to translate the pattern of the spacer material into the base material. The patterned base material includes trenches and raised portions. Conductive features are formed in the trenches using damascene techniques.
US08669178B2	Semiconductor device, circuit substrate, and electronic device A semiconductor device has a through electrode formed in a through hole which penetrates a Si substrate from one surface to the other surface of the Si substrate, wherein a rectangular electrode pad is provided on the other surface with an insulation film laid between the electrode pad and the other surface, an opening of the through hole on the one surface side is circular, an opening of the through hole on the other surface side is rectangular, and the area of the opening on the other surface side is made smaller than the area of the opening on the one surface side.
US08669173B2	Methods of fluxless micro-piercing of solder balls, and resulting devices A method of establishing conductive connections is disclosed. The method includes providing an integrated circuit die having a plurality of solder balls each of which has an oxide layer on an outer surface of the solder ball. The method also includes performing a heating process to heat at least the solder balls and applying a force causing each of a plurality of piercing bond structures on a substrate to pierce one of the solder balls and its associated oxide layer to thereby establish a conductive connection between the solder ball and the piercing bond structure.
US08669171B2	Method for eliminating the metal catalyst residues on the surface of wires produced by catalytic growth A method is provided for eliminating catalyst residues that are present on the surface of solid structures. The solid structures are made from a first material and are obtained by catalytic growth from a substrate. The method includes the following steps: catalytically growing, from the catalyst residues, solid structures made from a second material; and selectively eliminating the solid structures made from the second material, thereby eliminating the catalyst residues.
US08669168B1	Method for reducing the concentration of oxygen, carbon, and silicon impurities on nitrogen-polar surfaces of gallium nitride A method of preparing GaN material includes subjecting a GaN substrate to at least two cycles of Ga deposition and desorption, then applying a layer of AlN to the GaN substrate, then growing GaN on the AlN layer by molecular beam epitaxy. This results in reduced concentrations of oxygen, carbon, and silicon impurities.
US08669165B2	Method of fabricating semiconductor device using deuterium annealing A method of fabricating a semiconductor device is disclosed, the method generally including the steps of: forming a gate dielectric layer on a semiconductor substrate; forming a gate electrode on the gate dielectric layer; forming an etch stop layer on the gate electrode; forming a capacitor on the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the gate electrode; after forming the capacitor, forming a contact hole passing through the etch stop layer on the gate electrode; and, diffusing deuterium into the gate dielectric layer through the contact hole.
US08669164B2	Method of fabricating free-form, high-aspect ratio components for high-current, high-speed microelectronics Microelectronic structures and devices, and method of fabricating a three-dimensional microelectronic structure is provided, comprising passing a first precursor material for a selected three-dimensional microelectronic structure into a reaction chamber at temperatures sufficient to maintain said precursor material in a predominantly gaseous state; maintaining said reaction chamber under sufficient pressures to enhance formation of a first portion of said three-dimensional microelectronic structure; applying an electric field between an electrode and said microelectronic structure at a desired point under conditions whereat said first portion of a selected three-dimensional microelectronic structure is formed from said first precursor material; positionally adjusting either said formed three-dimensional microelectronic structure or said electrode whereby further controlled growth of said three-dimensional microelectronic structure occurs; passing a second precursor material for a selected three-dimensional microelectronic structure into a reaction chamber at temperatures sufficient to maintain said precursor material in a predominantly gaseous state; maintaining said reaction chamber under sufficient pressures whereby a second portion of said three-dimensional microelectronic structure formation is enhanced; applying an electric field between an electrode and said microelectronic structure at a desired point under conditions whereat said second portion of a selected three-dimensional microelectronic structure is formed from said second precursor material; and, positionally adjusting either said formed three-dimensional microelectronic structure or said electrode whereby further controlled growth of said three-dimensional microelectronic structure occurs.
US08669163B2	Tunnel field-effect transistors with superlattice channels A semiconductor device includes a channel region; a gate dielectric over the channel region; a gate electrode over the gate dielectric; and a first source/drain region adjacent the gate dielectric. The first source/drain region is of a first conductivity type. At least one of the channel region and the first source/drain region includes a superlattice structure. The semiconductor device further includes a second source/drain region on an opposite side of the channel region than the first source/drain region. The second source/drain region is of a second conductivity type opposite the first conductivity type. At most, one of the first source/drain region and the second source/drain region comprises an additional superlattice structure.
US08669160B2	Method for manufacturing a semiconductor device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device is provided. The method comprises providing a semiconductor substrate; forming a dummy gate structure and a spacer surrounding the dummy gate structure on the semiconductor substrate; forming source/drain regions on both sides of the gate structure within the semiconductor substrate using the dummy gate structure and the spacer as a mask; forming an interlayer dielectric layer on the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate, the upper surface of the interlayer dielectric layer being flush with the upper surface of the dummy gate structure; removing at least a part of the dummy gate structure so as to form a trench surrounded by the spacer; performing tilt angle ion implantation into the semiconductor substrate using the interlayer dielectric layer and spacer as a mask so as to form an asymmetric Halo implantation region; sequentially forming a gate dielectric layer and a metal gate in the trench.
US08669159B2	Devices with cavity-defined gates and methods of making the same Disclosed are methods, systems and devices, including a method that includes the acts of forming a semiconductor fin, forming a sacrificial material adjacent the semiconductor fin, covering the sacrificial material with a dielectric material, forming a cavity by removing the sacrificial material from under the dielectric material, and forming a gate in the cavity.
US08669147B2	Methods of forming high mobility fin channels on three dimensional semiconductor devices Disclosed herein are various methods of forming high mobility fin channels on three dimensional semiconductor devices, such as, for example, FinFET semiconductor devices. In one example, the method includes forming a plurality of spaced-apart trenches in a semiconducting substrate, wherein the trenches define an original fin structure for the device, and wherein a portion of a mask layer is positioned above the original fin structure, forming a compressively-stressed material in the trenches and adjacent the portion of mask layer, after forming the compressively-stressed material, removing the portion of the mask layer to thereby expose an upper surface of the original fin structure, and forming a final fin structure above the exposed surface of the original fin structure.
US08669142B2	Method of manufacturing package structure A manufacturing method of a package structure is provided. A seed layer is formed on a upper surface of a metal substrate. A patterned dry film layer is formed on a lower surface of the metal substrate and the seed layer. A portion of the seed layer is exposed by the patterned dry film layer. The patterned dry film layer is used as an electroplating mask to electroplate a circuit layer on the portion of the seed layer exposed by the patterned dry film layer. A chip is bonded to and electrically connected to the circuit layer. A molding compound is formed on the metal substrate. The molding compound encapsulates the chip, the circuit layer and the portion of the seed layer. A portion of the metal substrate and a portion of the seed layer are removed so as to expose a portion of the molding compound.
US08669136B2	Flat panel display and method for making the same A flat panel display includes a thin film transistor formed on a substrate; a planarization layer formed on the thin film transistor; a first electrode layer formed on the planarization layer and electrically connected with the thin film transistor through the via hole formed in the planarization layer; a pixel definition layer formed on the planarization layer and in which an opening for at least partially exposing the first electrode layer is formed; an adhesive reinforcement layer formed at least between the planarization layer and the pixel definition layer on the top of the planarization layer; an emitting layer formed on the first electrode layer; and a second electrode layer formed on the emitting layer and the pixel definition layer. The flat panel display has an improved adhesive property between a pixel definition layer and a planarization layer, which prevents a chipping phenomenon of the pixel definition layer.
US08669135B2	System and method for fabricating a 3D image sensor structure A system and method for fabricating a 3D image sensor structure is disclosed. The method comprises providing an image sensor with a backside illuminated photosensitive region on a substrate, applying a first dielectric layer to the first side of the substrate opposite the substrate side where image data is gathered, and applying a semiconductor layer that is optionally polysilicon, to the first dielectric layer. A least one control transistor may be created on the first dielectric layer, within the semiconductor layer and may optionally be a row select, reset or source follower transistor. An intermetal dielectric may be applied over the first dielectric layer; and may have at least one metal interconnect disposed therein. A second interlevel dielectric layer may be disposed on the control transistors. The dielectric layers and semiconductor layer may be applied by bonding a wafer to the substrate or via deposition.
US08669134B2	Method of manufacturing solid-state imaging device, solid-state imaging device, and electronic apparatus Provided is a method of manufacturing a solid-state imaging device including: forming a first pattern having an independent island shape configured by an optical filter material on some of photoelectric conversion units among a plurality of photoelectric conversion units arranged on the surface of a substrate; forming a mixed color prevention layer on a side wall of the first pattern; and forming a second pattern having an independent island shape configured by an optical filter material on the rest of the photoelectric conversion units among the plurality of photoelectric conversion units while the mixed color prevention layer is closely disposed between the first pattern and the second pattern.
US08669132B2	Separation type unit pixel of 3-dimensional image sensor and manufacturing method thereof A separation type unit pixel of an image sensor, which can control light that incidents onto a photodiode at various angles, and be suitable for a zoom function in a compact camera module by securing an incident angle margin, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The unit pixel of an image sensor includes: a first wafer including a photodiode containing impurities having an impurity type opposite to that of a semiconductor material and a pad for transmitting photoelectric charge of the photodiode to outside; a second wafer including a pixel array region in which transistors except the photodiode are arranged regularly, a peripheral circuit region having an image sensor structure except the pixel array, and a pad for connecting pixels with one another; and a connecting means connecting the pad of the first wafer and the pad of the second wafer.
US08669128B2	Method of producing III-nitride light-emitting diode This invention relates to structures and fabricating methods of light-emitting diodes capable of emitting white or a color within full-visible-spectrum with better efficiency and flexibility. An embodiment provides a light-emitting diode array consisted of one or more light-emitting diodes on a substrate. Each light-emitting diode comprises a first doped nanorod, an active light-emitting region consisted of one or more nanodisks on the first doped nanorod, and a second doped nanorod on the active light-emitting region. Another embodiment provides a fabricating method of the light-emitting diode array.
US08669123B2	Method of and device for determining and controlling the distance between an integrated circuit and a substrate In a method of determining the distance (d) between an integrated circuit (1) and a substrate (2) emitted light enters the at least semi transparent substrate (2), passes through the substrate (2) and an at least semi transparent material (8), is reflected by the integrated circuit (1), passes again through the material (8) and the substrate (2), and leaves the substrate (2). The at least semi transparent material (8), particularly is an at least semi transparent adhesive, provided between the substrate (2) and the integrated circuit (1). The distance (d) between the substrate (2) and the integrated circuit (1) is determined by evaluating the intensities of the light leaving and entering the substrate (2), particularly by evaluating the ratio between the intensities of the light leaving and entering the substrate (2).
US08669122B2	Method for producing a magnetic tunnel junction and magnetic tunnel junction thus obtained According to this method for producing a magnetic tunnel junction, a film of a dielectric material capable of acting as a tunnel barrier is deposited between two nanocrystalline or amorphous magnetic films. The dielectric material constituting the tunnel barrier consists of an at least partially crystalline perovskite, and said material is deposited by ion beam sputtering in a vacuum chamber.
US08669119B2	Method and system for manipulating fluid medium A system for manipulating a fluid medium is disclosed. The system comprises a plurality of particles suspended in the fluid medium, and a light source configured for irradiating the particles by light to induce nonlinear optical effects. The particles are constituted such that the nonlinear optical effects result in drag forces exerted by the particles on the fluid medium. The magnitude of the drag forces is sufficient to establish hydrodynamic flow of the fluid medium.
US08669117B2	Method for single oxygen atom incorporation into peptides Optimized enzymatic conditions incorporate a single oxygen atom into digested peptides using a peptidase. The incorporation of a single oxygen atom is especially useful for proteolytic 18O labeling in comparative proteomics. The optimized proteolytic 18O labeling minimizes the generation of a mixture of isotopic isoforms of the peptides resulting from incorporation of either one or two 18O atoms. The outcome is accurate quantification of isotopically labeled peptides.
US08669116B2	Detection and quantification of modified proteins The invention provides a method detecting and quantifying proteins by mass spectrophotometric analysis using peptide internal standards and provides a highly sensitive way of detecting protein modifications. In one aspect, the invention provides a method for determining a site of ubiquitination in a polypeptide and for evaluating ubiquitination targets in a population of polypeptides. In this way, a proteome ubiquitination map can be obtained which comprises information relating to the ubiquitination states of a plurality of cellular polypeptides. Maps can be obtained for a variety of different types of cells and cell states. For example, ubiquitination targets in normal and diseased cells can be evaluated. Preferably, the map is stored as data files in a database. Individual ubiquitinated polypeptides identified can be used to generate molecular probes diagnostic of a cell state and/or can serve as targets for agents that modulate one or more cellular processes.
US08669115B2	Spot test kit for explosives detection An explosion tester system comprising a body, a lateral flow membrane swab unit adapted to be removeably connected to the body, a first explosives detecting reagent, a first reagent holder and dispenser operatively connected to the body, the first reagent holder and dispenser containing the first explosives detecting reagent and positioned to deliver the first explosives detecting reagent to the lateral flow membrane swab unit when the lateral flow membrane swab unit is connected to the body, a second explosives detecting reagent, and a second reagent holder and dispenser operatively connected to the body, the second reagent holder and dispenser containing the second explosives detecting reagent and positioned to deliver the second explosives detecting reagent to the lateral flow membrane swab unit when the lateral flow membrane swab unit is connected to the body.
US08669113B2	Advanced detection of sepsis The present invention relates to methods, monitors and systems measuring lysophosphatidylcholine, its derivatives and/or procalcitonin as well as at least one clinical marker (e.g. temperature or respiration rate) and/or at least one biomarker for the early detection of sepsis in a subject.
US08669105B2	Methods for assaying responses to vaccines The present invention incorporates germinal centers (GCs) into three-dimensional (3D) engineered tissue constructs (ETCs). In an embodiment, we have incorporated the GC in the design of an artificial immune system (AIS) to examine immune responses to vaccines and other compounds. Development of an in vitro GC adds functionality to an AIS, in that it enables generation of an in vitro human humoral response by human B lymphocytes that is accurate and reproducible, without using human subjects. The invention also permits evaluation of, for example, vaccines, allergens, and immunogens, and activation of human B cells specific for a given antigen, which can then be used to generate human antibodies. In an embodiment of the present invention the function of the in vitro GC is enhanced by placing FDCs and other immune cells in a 3D ETC; FDCs appear more effective over a longer time (antibody production is sustained for up to about 14 days.
US08669101B2	Bacterially derived intact minicells that encompass plasmid free functional nucleic acid for in vivo delivery to mammalian cells Intact, bacterially-derived minicells can safely introduce therapeutically effective amounts of plasmid-free functional nucleic acid to target mammalian cells. To this end, functional nucleic acid can be packaged into intact minicells directly, without resort to expression constructs, the expression machinery of the host cell, harsh chemicals or electroporation.
US08669094B2	Enhanced pyruvate to acetolactate conversion in yeast A high flux in conversion of pyruvate to acetolactate was achieved in yeast through expression of acetolactate synthase in the cytosol in conjunction with reduction in pyruvate decarboxylase activity. Additional manipulations to improve flux to acetolactate are reduced pyruvate dehydrogenase activity and reduced glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity. Production of compounds having acetolactate as an upstream intermediate benefit from the increased conversion of pruvate to acetolactate in the described strains.
US08669092B2	Urocortin-III and uses thereof A search of the public human genome database identified a human EST, GenBank accession number AW293249, which has high homology to known pufferfish urocortin sequences. The full length sequence was amplified from human genomic DNA and sequenced. Sequence homology comparisons of the novel sequence with human urocortin I and urocortin II revealed that the sequence encoded a novel human urocortin, which was designated urocortin III (UcnIII). While urocortin III does not have high affinity for either CRF-R1 or CRF-R2, the affinity for CRF-R2 is greater than the affinity for CRF-R1. Urocortin III is capable stimulating cyclic AMP production in cells expressing CRF-R2α or β. Thus, the affinity is high enough that urocortin III could act as a native agonist of CRF-R2. However, it is also likely that urocortin III is a stronger agonist of a yet to be identified receptor.
US08669086B2	Cell and biofactor printable biopapers Disclosed herein is a structure having: a porous polymeric film permeated by a first extracellular matrix material; and a topcoat layer comprising a second extracellular matrix gel disposed on the film. Also disclosed herein is a method of: providing a porous polymeric film; permeating the film with a first extracellular matrix material; and applying a topcoat layer of a second extracellular matrix material to the film. Also disclosed herein is a method of: laser-machining holes through a film comprising collagen to form a web-like structure.
US08669085B2	Transformation of gram positive bacteria by sonoporation The present invention provides a sonoporation-based method that can be universally applied for delivery of compounds into Gram positive bacteria. Gram positive bacteria which can be transformed by sonoporation include, for example, Bacillus, Streptococcus, Acetobacterium, and Clostridium. Compounds which can be delivered into Gram positive bacteria via sonoporation include nucleic acids (DNA or RNA), proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, viruses, small organic and inorganic molecules, and nano-particles.
US08669081B2	Compositions useful as inhibitors of protein kinases The present invention relates to compounds useful as inhibitors of protein kinases. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising said compounds and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disease, conditions, or disorders.
US08669077B2	Glucosyl Stevia composition Glucosyl stevia compositions are prepared from steviol glycosides of Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni. The glucosylation was performed by cyclodextrin glucanotransferase using the starch as source of glucose residues. The short-chain glucosyl stevia compositions were purified to >95% content of total steviol glycosides. The compositions can be used as sweetness enhancers, flavor enhancers and sweeteners in foods, beverages, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
US08669074B2	Chimeric phosphorylation indicator A chimeric phosphorylation indicator (CPI) as provided herein can contain a donor molecule, a phosphorylatable domain, a phosphoaminoacid binding domain (PAABD), and an acceptor molecule. Where the phosphorylatable domain is phosphorylatable by protein kinase C (PKC), the CPI is a c-kinase activity reporter (CKAR). Donor and acceptor molecules may be, independently, fluorescent proteins such as non-oligomerizing fluorescent proteins. A CPI can contain a phosphorylatable polypeptide and a fluorescent protein; the phosphorylatable polypeptide may be contained within the sequence of the fluorescent protein, or the fluorescent protein may be contained within the sequence of the phosphorylatable polypeptide. The spatiotemporal properties of the PKC signal pathway may be tested with CKAR, calcium-sensing fluorophores and FRET-based translocation assays. Polynucleotides encoding such CPIs, and kits containing the indicators and/or the polynucleotides, are provided. A method of using the chimeric phosphorylation indicators to detect a kinase or phosphatase in a sample is provided.
US08669069B2	Procurement extraction bag There is disclosed a method of procuring allograft tissue. In an embodiment, the method includes inserting an allograft through an opening into a procurement extraction container, sealing the opening, adding extraction fluid through a second opening, agitating the fluid, collecting the fluid for detection of contamination, and sealing the second opening. There is disclosed a procurement extraction container. In one embodiment, the container includes a wall defining an interior to receive the allograft, an opening into the interior, sized to receive the allograft, a closure device for the opening, the closure device providing a hermetic seal, a second opening providing a second passageway into the interior, the second opening having a connector interface and a second closure device providing a hermetic seal so as to provide, with the first closure and the at least one wall, a sterile barrier. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08669067B2	Cancer biomarker and the use thereof Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. To date no specific marker is available for gastric cancer screening. The expression profile of 37 proteins was identified to be consistently different between the plasma of normal and gastric cancer subjects. The expression of complement component C9 protein was validated to be significantly higher in the plasma of gastric cancer compared to normal subjects. This was independent of the gastritis and H. pylori status of the patients. We also observed a statistically significant difference (p<0.04) in the expression level of C9 between patients with intestinal and diffuse types of cancer. Two independent blind test studies showed a high sensitivity and specificity to detect gastric cancer. The C9 protein is a biomarker for screening gastric cancer.
US08669064B2	Process for providing ethanol from plant material The presently disclosed subject matter relates to processes that comprise the vacuum extrusion of plant materials. In some embodiments, the plant materials are subjected to a change in pressure of −3 kPa or more. The vacuum extrusion can be used to break open the cell walls of the plant material and of any undesirable micro-organisms associated with the plant material. In some embodiments, the vacuum extrusion can be used as a step in a process for producing ethanol from plant materials, such as from sugar beets. In some embodiments, the vacuum extrusion can be used in a process for providing a desired plant cell-derived molecule, such as a sugar or starch.
US08669063B2	Methods of using biomarkers for predicting the outcome of an immunotherapy against cancer The present invention relates to methods for predicting the effect of an immunotherapy against cancer in a patient based on new biomarkers. The present invention furthermore relates to a prognosis regarding the outcome based on said biomarkers. The present invention furthermore relates to panels of biomarkers for use in the above methods.
US08669059B2	High throughput screening of genetically modified photosynthetic organisms The present invention provides a method and compositions for high throughput screening of genetically modified photosynthetic organisms for plasmic state. The present invention provides methods of producing one or more proteins, including biomass degrading enzymes in a plant. Also provided are the methods of producing biomass degradation pathways in alga cells, particularly in the chloroplast. Single enzymes or multiple enzymes may be produced by the methods disclosed. The methods disclosed herein allow for the production of biofuel, including ethanol.
US08669058B2	Method of profiling gene expression in a subject having colorectal cancer The present invention is directed to detection and measurement of gene transcripts in blood. Specifically provided is a RT-PCR analysis performed on a drop of blood for detecting, diagnosing and monitoring diseases using tissue-specific primers. The present invention also describes methods by which delineation of the sequence and/or quantitation of the expression levels of disease-associated genes allows for an immediate and accurate diagnostic/prognostic test for disease or to assess the effect of a particular treatment regimen.
US08669057B2	Methods and compositions for diagnosis of thyroid conditions The present invention relates to compositions, kits, and methods for molecular profiling and cancer diagnostics, including but not limited to genomic DNA markers associated with cancer. In particular, the present invention provides molecular profiles associated with thyroid cancer, methods of determining molecular profiles, and methods of analyzing results to provide a diagnosis.
US08669054B2	Marker for gastric cancer and method for detecting gastric cancer In embodiments the expression or methylation of the PAX5 gene is used as a marker for the diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer. In further embodiments methods for detecting gastric cancer are disclosed as are methods for inhibiting the growth of gastric cancer.
US08669052B2	Lateral flow nucleic acid detector Point-of-care binding assays include at least one target nucleic acid binding in a multiplex structure with at least one sequence in a partner nucleic acid associated with a label, due to complementary base pairings between at least one sequence in the target nucleic acid and at least one sequence in the partner nucleic acid. The assays overcome the inherent deficiencies of antibody-protein antigen assays. In a preferred embodiment, color tagged nucleic acid sequences are used to bind a complementary target nucleic acid. The tagged nucleic acid sequences are preferably made from deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, or peptide nucleotides.
US08669051B2	Substitution mutant receptors and their use in a nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system This invention relates to the field of biotechnology or genetic engineering. Specifically, this invention relates to the field of gene expression. More specifically, this invention relates to novel substitution mutant receptors and their use in a Group H nuclear receptor-based inducible gene expression system and methods of modulating the expression of a gene in a host cell for applications such as gene therapy, large scale production of proteins and antibodies, cell-based high throughput screening assays, functional genomics and regulation of traits in transgenic organisms.
US08669049B1	Method and device for the detection of mutations in isolated gene sequences of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDL-r) which is associated with familial hypercholesterolemia The invention relates to extracorporeal methods of analyzing the presence or absence of mutations which cause familial hypercholesterolemia. The inventive methods describe the way in which said mutations can be detected using a DNA sample from an individual and comprising the following: chain reaction of the polymerase with primers which are complementary to the low-density lipoprotein receptor gene; analysis of the amplified product by sequencing; restriction analysis; single strand conformation polymorphism techniques; heteroduplex analysis and analysis of a device on top of a biochip glass support on which oligonucleotide probes are disposed, which can be used to detect the aforementioned mutations in the DNA.
US08669048B2	Pluripotent cell lines and methods of use thereof Methods of generating cell lines with a sequence variation or copy number variation of a gene of interest, methods of use thereof, and cell lines with a sequence variation or copy number variation of a gene of interest are provided.
US08669046B2	Reagents and methods for detecting influenza virus proteins Antibodies that specifically bind to a peptide having an amino acid sequence as found at the N-terminus of the HA2 fusion peptide of the influenza A virus may be raised by inoculating a mammal with a conjugate of the peptide. In one embodiment, the conjugate comprises the peptide linked to a spacer (e.g. 6-aminocaproic acid) and a carrier protein (e.g. KLH). The antibodies may be used as a universal reagent for detecting HA proteins of influenza viruses. The antibodies are useful as versatile reagents for laboratory research and vaccine potency determination, especially in the event of pandemic influenza outbreaks.
US08669045B2	Method for inactivating viruses with slightly acidic arginine The present invention provides a method for conveniently producing a protein formulation in which viruses are inactivated, without impairing the quality of the obtained protein formulation, characterized by including the step of exposing the protein formulation contaminated with the viruses to a 0.1-2M aqueous solution of arginine, an arginine derivative, or a mixture thereof, the aqueous solution being adjusted to pH 3.5 to 5. The present invention also provides a virus inactivation method characterized by including the step of contacting a virus-containing object with a 0.1-2M aqueous solution of arginine, an arginine derivative, or a mixture thereof, the aqueous solution being adjusted to pH 3.5 to 5.
US08669041B2	Method for improving print performance of flexographic printing elements A method of making a relief image printing element having a relief pattern comprising a plurality of relief dots, wherein the photocurable printing blank comprises a backing layer having at least one photocurable layer disposed thereon and a masking layer on the at least one photocurable layer is provided. The method comprising the steps of: a) selectively ablating the masking layer to create an overall image in the masking layer, such that the overall image comprises a sub-image, comprising a pattern of cells, in it; b) applying an oxygen barrier layer on top of the masking layer; c) exposing the printing element to actinic radiation through the oxygen barrier layer and the masking layer; and d) developing the printing blank by removing the barrier layer and the uncured portions of the photocurable layer to reveal the relief image.
US08669037B2	Inks for liquid electrophotography A method of manufacturing a liquid electrophotographic ink includes: mixing a first portion of a carrier fluid and a resin to form a resin mixture; heating the resin mixture until the resin has melted; cooling the resin mixture to form a resin cake, followed by pulverizing the resin cake to form a resin powder; and mix the resin powder with a pigment and a second portion of carrier fluid in a microfluidizer to form a concentrating ink containing composite particles. An alternate method of manufacturing a liquid electrophotographic ink includes: mixing a pigment with a resin powder; and microfluidizing the mixture together with a carrier fluid in a microfluidizer in a number of passes to form a concentrated ink containing composite particles.
US08669034B2	Treated fluoropolymer particles, methods of making treated fluoropolymer particles, toner compositions, and methods of making toner compositions Toner compositions, treated fluoropolymer particles, methods of making treated fluoropolymer particles, and the like, are disclosed.
US08669030B2	Electrophotographic photoreceptor, and image forming method and apparatus using the same A photoreceptor including an electroconductive substrate; a photosensitive layer which is located overlying the electroconductive substrate and which is not radically crosslinked; and an outermost layer which is located overlying the photosensitive layer and which includes a radically crosslinked material, wherein the radically crosslinked material includes a unit having a specific formula. An image forming method, an image forming apparatus, and a process cartridge, which use the photoreceptor.
US08669027B2	Electrophotographic photosensitive member, process cartridge, electrophotographic apparatus, and method of manufacturing electrophotographic photosensitive member The present invention is an electrophotographic photosensitive member including a charge-transporting layer as the surface layer of the electrophotographic photosensitive member having a matrix-domain structure including: a matrix including a component β (at least one resin of a polycarbonate resin C having a specific repeating structural unit and a polyester resin D having a specific repeating structural unit), and γ (charge-transporting substance having a specific structure); and a domain including a component α (polycarbonate resin A having a repeating structural unit containing a specific siloxane moiety).
US08669024B2	Method of fabricating color filter substrate and infrared heating apparatus for the same A method of fabricating a color filter substrate and an infrared heating apparatus for the same are provided. A post-baking process is replaced with an infrared irradiation method with a rapid thermal transfer characteristic. Therefore, the yield and production efficiency can be improved. The method of fabricating a color filter substrate includes coating a color resist layer on an entire surface of a substrate, placing a mask on the substrate and exposing the substrate, developing the exposed color resist layer to form a color filter pattern, and curing the color filter pattern by irradiating the substrate with infrared rays.
US08669021B2	Electrode compartment for an electrochemical cell, a refreshing system for it and an emulsion to be used therefore The invention relates to an electrode compartment for an electrochemical cell, including a bicontinuous micro-emulsion, wherein catalytic parts are generated in-situ in a fluid, which can act as a cathode as well as an anode. The electrode compartment comprises a connection to supply fuel or an oxidator, for example oxygen, to the compartment. The electrode compartment is part of a refreshing system with a reserve container for an emulsion and a storage container for used emulsion, conduits to connect each of the containers with the electrode compartment and a transport unit, for example a pump, to move the emulsion.
US08669019B2	Water vapor transfer membrane attachment to gas diffusion separators A water vapor transfer device for a fuel cell includes a pair of diffusion medium layers, a pair of edge strips, an array of elongate cords, and a pair of polymer membranes. One of the edge strips is disposed between the first edges of the diffusion medium layers. Another of the edge strips is disposed adjacent the second edge of each of the diffusion medium layers. The edge strips are bonded to each of the diffusion medium layers with a hot-melt adhesive. The elongate cords are disposed between the diffusion medium layers and intermediate the edge strips. The elongate cords are bonded to each of the diffusion medium layers with a hot-melt adhesive and define a plurality of flow channels between the diffusion medium layers. The polymer membranes are bonded to the diffusion medium layers adjacent the edge strips with the hot-melt adhesive from the edge strips.
US08669013B2	Integrated hydromethanation fuel cell power generation The present invention relates to processes and apparatuses for generating electrical power from certain non-gaseous carbonaceous feedstocks through the integration of catalytic hydromethanation technology with fuel cell technology.
US08669008B2	Negative-electrode active material for rechargeable lithium battery The present invention relates to negative-electrode active material for rechargeable lithium battery comprising: a core comprising material capable of doping and dedoping lithium; and, a carbon layer formed on the surface of the core, wherein the carbon layer has a three dimensional porous structure comprising nanopores regularly ordered on the carbon layer with a pore wall of specific thickness placed therebetween.
US08669005B2	Connection structure for connecting a tab of a battery cell with a cover board A connection structure for connecting a tab of a cell with a cover board comprising a tab and a cover board is provided. An insulating spacer and an elastic conductive ring are provided at an end of the cell. The tab passes through an orifice of the insulting spacer and then is electrically connected with the elastic conductive ring which is electrically connected with the cover board. An elastic pressing disc may be further provided on the elastic conductive ring. The elastic conductive ring is electrically connected with the cover board via the elastic pressing disc. A staple may be further provided on the elastic pressing disc and the elastic conductive ring. The staple has a slot on one end for matching with an elastic hook provided on the insulating spacer.
US08669004B2	Battery pack According to an embodiment, a battery pack includes a battery cell, a circuit module, and a cover. The circuit module is coupled to the battery cell by lead plates. Terminals are disposed on a top surface of the circuit module. The cover is coupled to the circuit module and the battery cell and exposes the terminals to an exterior environment. At least one support plate is disposed between the circuit module and the battery cell. Thus, the support plate prevents the circuit module of the battery pack from being bent.
US08669003B2	Lithium secondary battery improved safety and capacity Disclosed herein is a secondary battery having an electrode assembly constructed in a structure in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked, while separators are disposed respectively between the electrodes, and electrode taps of the electrodes are connected with each other, the electrode assembly being mounted in a battery case, wherein regions where the electrode taps are coupled to electrode leads (electrode tap-electrode lead coupling regions) are located at an upper-end contact region of the battery case, and the contact region is bent in the thickness direction of the battery, whereby the electrode assembly is separated from an inner space of the battery case.
US08668995B2	Fluoropolyether compound, lubricant and magnetic disk each containing the same A compound of the formula (1), lubricant containing the compound and magnetic disk C6H4—(O—Z—R—X)2 (1) wherein Z is —CH2CH2O— or —CH2CH(OH)CH2O—, R is —CH2CF2CF2CF2O(CF2CF2CF2CF2O)nCF2CF2CF2CH2—, n is a real number of 0 to 20, X is —OH, —O(CH2)mOH, —OCH2CH(OH)CH2OH, —OCH2CH(OH)CH2O—C6H5 or —OCH2CH(OH)CH2O—C6H4—OCH3, m is an integer of 1 to 6.
US08668992B2	Fluorinated polyimides with fluorene cardo structure as optical materials that have low absolute thermo-optic coefficients The present invention provides new polyimide materials suitable for use in optically transparent fiber composites, ribbon composites, and optical communications applications. The polyimide compounds include monomeric repeat units comprising a fluorinated moiety and a fluorene cardo structure. The polyimides exhibit good optical transparency and have a low absolute thermo-optic coefficient (\|dn/dT\|).
US08668985B2	Aluminum alloy material having an excellent sea water corrosion resistance and plate heat exchanger An aluminum alloy material having an excellent sea water corrosion resistance comprises an aluminum alloy substrate whose ten-points average surface roughness Rz, which is the average of five greatest peak-to-valley separations on the surface, is controlled at 0.3 μm or over, an organic phosphonic primer film formed on a surface of the aluminum alloy substrate, and a fluorine resin paint film formed on the primer film and having a dry average thickness of 1 to 100 μm. A plate heat exchanger having an excellent sea water corrosion resistance is also provided wherein the aluminum alloy material is used as a heat transfer unit using sea water as cooling water.
US08668984B2	Multilayer composite A multilayer composite includes a metal substrate layer, an electrically insulating layer directly disposed on the metal substrate layer, and a light absorbing layer directly disposed on said electrically insulating layer. In one embodiment, the light absorbing layer includes carbon black. This multilayer composite is bifunctional having the characteristics of both energy generation upon the absorption of electromagnetic radiation of the solar spectrum (making it useful as the photovoltaic component of a solar cell) and electrical energy storage. Therefore, in one embodiment, the multilayer composite is included in a solar cell.
US08668978B2	Multi-biomarker biosensor Nanosubstrates as biosensors, methods of making such nanosubstrates, and methods of using such nanosubstrates to detect biomarkers are described.
US08668974B2	System and method for primarily erecting curvilinear buildings using a plurality of interconnected structural tubes/sandwich panels A system and method for primarily erecting curvilinear buildings using a plurality of interconnected structural tubes/sandwich panels is provided. Fabricating a structural tubing comprises: connecting a fibrous and flexible lining to an inner surface of a flexible outer membrane, wherein the lining is saturated in a curable material that forms into a solid foam material when cured; and curing the curable material. Fabricating a sandwich panel comprises: connecting a first fibrous and flexible lining to an inner surface of a first flexible outer membrane, wherein the first lining is saturated in a curable material that forms into a solid foam when cured; connecting a second fibrous and flexible lining to an inner surface of a second flexible outer membrane, wherein the second lining is saturated in a curable material that forms into a solid foam when cured; and curing the curable material of the first lining and second linings.
US08668973B2	Three part laminated construction A three-part laminated surface construction can be shaped and molded by hand and will retain that shape until the particular need is met, such as controlling the flow of liquids and resins, or establishing a protective cover. The surface construction includes a center layer of pliable hand-moldable sheet with pliable sheet outer layers secured over the hand-moldable sheet. The perimeter of the pliable outer layers are secured together. The pliable hand-moldable sheet can be provided with diagonal slots to form quadrants for folding around and protection from sharp objects. In one form cloth inserted rubber material is used for the outer layers. In one form, a strap with loop and hook fastener is provided to aid in securing the protective cover in place.
US08668972B2	Coating methods and coated syringe Medical articles with coatings are disclosed herein, as well as methods and systems for depositing these coatings onto medical articles. Surfaces of such articles may be coated. The coating(s) may serve as lubricants for reducing stiction between such surfaces or between a coated surface and another surface.
US08668966B2	Printing method A method for producing printed articles that encompasses providing a first ink composition that contains metal oxide particles with an average particle size in the range of about 3 to about 300 nm; providing a second ink composition that contains colored pigments dispersed in an ink vehicle; providing a printable media having a bottom supporting substrate and an ink-absorbing layer with pore diameters that are smaller than the size of the metal oxide pigment particles and colored pigments; and sequentially applying, on the same print area, the first and the second ink compositions onto said printable media. Also disclosed herein are the printed articles obtained according to the present method.
US08668965B2	Printed article with metallic appearance A printed article with metallic appearance that includes a printable media on which a printed feature is formed with an ink composition. Said ink composition contains a dispersion of metal or metal oxide particles having an average particle size in the range of about 3 to about 180 nm. The media is a textured printable media containing a supporting substrate and an ink-absorbing layer with pore diameters that are smaller than the size of the metal or metal oxide particles. Said ink composition forms, onto the textured printable media, a printed feature that exhibits a metallic appearance.
US08668961B2	Titania coating and method of making same Methods of making titania coatings having self cleaning properties, and associated articles are provided. In certain example instances, a substrate supports a layer comprising titanium dioxide. The substrate may support multiple layers. In certain examples, the titanium dioxide layer is made using a process involving a titania precursor and a photomonomer. The titanium dioxide coating may be applied as a liquid directly or indirectly on a substrate, then permitted to cure. After curing using ultraviolet radiation and/or electron beams, the resulting coating may inhibit fouling, be antireflective, be highly durable, self cleaning and/or hydrophilic in certain instances.
US08668955B2	Single step milling and surface coating process for preparing stable nanodispersions A single step milling and surface coating process allows for production of a stable dispersion of surface coated nanoparticles in an efficient manner. The process comprises providing feed particles, providing a coating agent, and generating the stable dispersion of surface coated nanoparticles by milling the feed particles in an aqueous medium containing the coating agent such that the coating agent bonds to surfaces of the feed particles as the feed particles are milled to an average particle size of less than about 100 nm.
US08668949B2	Dutch oven cook station apparatus and method A fire pan provides a table-top or ground-supported pan or tray to hold a source of heat such as charcoal, burning wood, gas burner, and so forth. The pan places the heat source away from a surface, thus not damaging lawns, tabletops, parking lots, sidewalks, or other supporting surfaces. The pan may support one or more Dutch ovens, thus providing a “fire pit” of modest size, foldable into a very small envelope. Handles are extendible away from the pan for handling or moving, even when hot coals are present. The legs below are curved to fold up along the contour of the bottom surface of the pan.
US08668947B2	Method of making a molded food item from individual food pieces A first preliminary product comprising individual frozen pieces of a first food and a second preliminary product comprising individual frozen pieces of a second food are combined by precompacting the frozen individual pieces of the first preliminary product in a premolding process so as to form a concavity in the first preliminary product and placing the frozen individual pieces of the second preliminary product into the concavity of the first preliminary product to form a single frozen starting product that is put into at least one mold cavity. There the single frozen starting product is molded into a ready-to-prepare frozen end product by compacting the single frozen starting product.
US08668945B2	Herbal milk replacer compositions for calf The present invention relates generally to herbal milk replacer compositions for feeding animals, particularly young animals, and its method of making and feeding, and more particularly relates to shelf-stable and cheaper herbal milk replacer compositions for body weight gain along with overall development of calves to early complete functional maturity and also prevents any infection by acting as immunobooster. The herbal milk replacer compositions comprises effective amount of an mixture of herbal extract and/or at least one bioactive fraction from medicinal herbs and one or more additives selected from Energy Source, Protein Source, Chelated/organic Mineral Mixture, Vitamins, Salt, Toxin destroyer and Biocide; and process for the preparation of such extracts and herbal milk replacer compositions. The mixture of herbal extract comprising medicinal herbs selected from Emblica officinalis, Tinospora cordifolia, Embelia basaal, Cyprus rotundus, Asparagus racemosus and Lepidium sativam. The effective amount in the composition is 1 to 10% (w/w) herbal mixture, 30 to 70% (w/w) Energy Source, 20 to 70% (w/w) Protein Source, 2% (w/w) Chelated/organic Mineral Mixture, 1% (w/w) Salt, 0.1% (w/w) Vitamins, 0.1% (w/w) Toxin Destroyer, 0.03% (w/w) Biocide.
US08668944B2	Topical oil for treating physical ailments and method for making and applying the same A method for making and applying a topical oil and composition thereof, combining the healing properties of the Noni plant with a topical application for treating physical ailments. The topical oil disclosed includes an oil derived from raw leaves, stems, and buds of a noni plant; a carrier oil; and vitamin E oil.
US08668936B2	Calcium carbonate granulation Highly compactable granulations and methods for preparing highly compactable granulations are disclosed. More particularly, highly compactable calcium carbonate granulations are disclosed. The granulations comprise powdered materials such as calcium carbonate that have small median particle sizes. The disclosed granulations are useful in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical tableting and provide smaller tablet sizes upon compression than previously available.
US08668935B2	Method and composition for hyperthermally treating cells A method and composition for hyperthermally treating tumor cells in a patient under conditions that affect tumor stem cells and tumor cells. In one embodiment, the method is administered in combination with localized internal ionizing radiation therapy.
US08668929B2	Gastric retentive extended-release dosage forms comprising combinations of a non-opioid analgesic and an opioid analgesic Compositions and methods for the treatment of pain in a mammal are described. More specifically, a dosage form designed for release of acetaminophen and an opioid is described, wherein the dosage form provides delivery of the drugs to the upper gastrointestinal tract (“GI”) of a mammal for an extended period of time.
US08668924B2	Wound dressing and method for controlling severe, life-threatening bleeding This invention is directed to advanced hemorrhage control wound dressings, and methods of using and producing same. The subject wound dressing is constructed from a non-mammalian material for control of severe 5 bleeding. The wound dressing for controlling severe bleeding is formed of a biomaterial comprising chitosan, a hydrophilic polymer, a polyacrylic polymer or a combination thereof, The kind of severe, life-threatening bleeding contemplated by this invention is typically of the type not capable of being stanched when a conventional gauze wound dressing is applied with conventional 10 pressure to the subject wound. The wound dressing being capable of substantially stanching the flow of the severe life-threatening bleeding from the wound by adhering to the wound site, to seal the wound, to accelerate blood clot formation at the wound site, to reinforce clot formation at the wound site and prevent bleed out from the wound site, and to substantially prohibit the flow of 15 blood out of the wound site.
US08668923B2	Filmy compositions Washing with conventional filmy soaps cannot bring about clean detergent effect because of the remaining sliminess due to the ingredient essential for forming soap into films. Further, when moisture adheres to conventional filmy compositions, the water-soluble polymer or other ingredients contained in the compositions dissolve in the moisture to cause the blocking of filmy compositions, which makes it impossible to take out the filmy compositions one by one. Detergent effect without sliminess and the antiblocking of filmy compositions can be attained by incorporating a granular component into a filmy composition containing a water-soluble polymer. The filmy compositions of the invention are used as filmy facial masks, whitening masks, sheet soap, cleansing sheets, sheet shampoos, sheet rinses, sheet bath additives, and so on.
US08668919B2	Polymer for creating hemocompatible surface A polymer comprising a phosphoryl choline moiety(ies), a composition comprising the polymer and optionally a bioactive agent, an implantable device such as a DES or a non-implantable device such as an angioplasty balloon comprising thereon a coating comprising the polymer and optionally a bioactive agent, and a method of using the device for the treatment of a disorder in a human being are provided.
US08668918B2	Bisurea gelling agents and compositions Bisurea gelling agents that impart a number of unexpected benefits within various gelled formulations and exhibit great versatility in terms of gelling capabilities for many types of solvents are provided. Such gelling agents should include pendant groups, such as sterically hindering alkyl groups attached to polyoxyalkylenated moieties that allow the gelling agent to be compatible with the target liquid system at elevated temperatures, while controlling and/or limiting the network formation and strength during the cooling cycle. Alternatively, novel gelling agents having two urea groups but that are asymmetrical in configuration have been produced in order to provide the same control in temperature, compatibility, and efficiency. Final gelled formulations, such as antiperspirant sticks and other like consumer items, are provided as well within this invention.
US08668914B2	Use of equol for treating skin diseases Equol (7-hydroxy-3(4′hydroxyphenyl)-chroman), the major metabolite of the phytoestrogen daidzein, specifically binds and blocks the hormonal action of 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in vitro and in vivo. Equol can bind circulating free DHT and sequester it from the androgen receptor, thus altering growth and physiological hormone responses that are regulated by androgens. These data suggest a novel model to explain equol's biological properties. The significance of equol's ability to specifically bind and sequester DHT from the androgen receptor have important ramifications in health and disease and may indicate a broad and important usage for equol in the treatment and prevention of androgen-mediated pathologies of skin and hair. Thus, equol can specifically bind DHT and prevent DHT's biological actions in physiological and pathophysiological processes affecting skin and hair.
US08668907B2	Highly functional enzyme having α-galactosidase activity The present invention provides, as an enzyme which can be used for enzyme replacement therapy for Fabry disease, a protein having α-galactosidase activity, which shows no allergic adverse side effect, shows a high stability in blood, and can be easily incorporated into a cell of an affected organ. The protein of the present invention is a protein which has acquired α-galactosidase activity by changing the structure of the active site of wild-type human α-N-acetylgalactosaminidase.
US08668900B2	Cancer-imaging agent and method of radioimaging using the same The cancer-imaging agent and method of radioimaging relates to the use of a radioimaging agent for the imaging increased choline uptake to detect cancerous tissue. The radioimaging agent includes choline or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof labeled with technetium-99m. Preferably, the radioimaging agent is [methyl]-choline chloride labeled with 99mTcO4, which carries technetium-99m. In use, a patient is administered an effective amount of the radioimaging agent by injection and then scanned with a radioimaging device. The radioimaging agent is used to image select soft tissues in the patient, such as the liver or gallbladder, the upper abdominal organs, or the like, and to detect increased choline uptake. Choline is known to accumulate in cancerous cells. Thus, the radioimaging agent is particularly effective in the detection of potentially cancerous tissues.
US08668899B2	Advanced functional biocompatible foam used as a hemostatic agent for compressible and non-compressible acute wounds A sprayable polymeric foam hemostat for both compressible and non-compressible (intracavitary) acute wounds is disclosed. The foam comprises hydrophobically-modified polymers, such as hm-chitosan, or other amphiphilic polymers that anchor themselves within the membrane of cells in the vicinity of the wound. By rapidly expanding upon being released from a canister pressurized with liquefied gas propellant, the foam is able to enter injured body cavities and staunch bleeding. The seal created is strong enough to substantially prevent the loss of blood from these cavities. Hydrophobically-modified polymers inherently prevent microbial infections and are suitable for oxygen transfer required during normal wound metabolism. The amphiphilic polymers form solid gel networks with blood cells to create a physical clotting mechanism that prevent loss of blood.
US08668896B2	Method for making twisted carbon nanotube wire The present invention relates to a method for making a twisted carbon nanotube wire. Two opposite ends of the at least one carbon nanotube film is clamped by two clamps. The two clamps is pulled along two reversed directions to stretch the at least one carbon nanotube film. The at least one carbon nanotube film is twisted by rotating the two clamps while the at least one carbon nanotube film is in a straightening state.
US08668886B2	Separative bioreactor A bioreactor that combines the steps of recombinant expression and separation of a biological product by binding the secreted biological product with a resin, discarding the nutrient medium and eluting the biological product as a concentrated solution, eliminating the steps of sterile filtration and volume reduction. The method also allows loading of resin for column-purification, eliminating all steps of perfusion process and maintaining a sink condition of a toxic product in nutrient medium to optimize productivity of host cells. The instant invention also allows harvesting of solubilized inclusion bodies after the cells have been lysed and refolding of proteins inside the bioreactor.
US08668881B2	Vaporized hydrogen peroxide decontamination structure A decontamination enclosure, comprised of a plurality of preformed panels joined together to form a structure defining a totally enclosed chamber. A door is formed in at least one of the panels, the door being movable between an opened position and a closed position to allow access to the chamber. A circulation system is attached to the structure for circulating vaporized hydrogen peroxide through the chamber. A controller is provided for controlling the amount of vaporized hydrogen peroxide introduced into the chamber.
US08668874B2	Integrated optoelectrochemical sensor for nitrogen oxides in gaseous samples A gas-phase detection system based on detecting optochemical and optoelectrochemical signals. The sensing platform is particularly powerful for detection of nitrogen oxides at low ppbV concentrations. The optochemical analysis is based on the color development due to a chemical reaction taking place in an optimized material. The electrochemical analysis can be based on the doping level or redox potential changes of an electrochemical sensor; and optoelectrochemical detection can be based on a combination of the electrochemical and optoelectrochemical methodologies. Each independent signal can be simultaneously detected, increasing the reliability of detection.
US08668872B2	Fluorescent nanoscopy device and method A method for analysis of an object dyed with fluorescent coloring agents. Separately fluorescing visible molecules or nanoparticles are periodically formed in different object parts, the laser produces the oscillation thereof which is sufficient for recording the non-overlapping images of the molecules or nanoparticles and for decoloring already recorded fluorescent molecules, wherein tens of thousands of pictures of recorded individual molecule or nanoparticle images, in the form of stains having a diameter on the order of a fluorescent light wavelength multiplied by a microscope amplification, are processed by a computer for searching the coordinates of the stain centers and building the object image according to millions of calculated stain center co-ordinates corresponding to the co-ordinates of the individual fluorescent molecules or nanoparticles. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional images are provided for proteins, nucleic acids and lipids with different coloring agents.
US08668871B2	Sensing device and biosensor Provided are a sensing device and a biosensor that are capable of achieving stable performance in sensing saccharides or hydroxyl group-containing polymers, and that can be stored for a long time. The biosensor 8 of the present invention uses, as a component for sensing glucose, a sensing device 16 in which a completely synthetic phenylboronic acid compound 21 is bound without using enzymes that have been conventionally used. Consequently, the biosensor 8 can eliminate the problem of protein denaturation to achieve stable performance in sensing glucose, and it is possible to achieve the biosensor 8 can be stored for a long time.
US08668868B2	Methods and apparatus for smart abatement using an improved fuel circuit A method for abating effluent from an electronic device manufacturing process is provided, including abating the effluent in a thermal abatement tool to form abated effluent; determining whether the abated effluent contains one or more chemical species of interest; and changing one or more operating parameters of the thermal abatement tool based upon the determination. Numerous other embodiments are provided.
US08668859B2	Automated 3D build processes A conveyor or other transport mechanism is provided to support multiple, sequential builds from a three-dimensional fabrication machine. The conveyor may be heated/cooled, coated, or otherwise treated to assist in adhesion during a build, as well as removal of objects after a build. Each fabricated object may be automatically removed from the conveyor as the conveyor moves in order to restore a buildable surface for fabrication of additional objects.
US08668858B2	Method for manufacturing a reinforced panel of composite material A method for manufacturing rigid panels made of a composite material requires a caul sheet having a smooth surface that is formed with a plurality of grooves. A first layer of the composite material is laid on the caul sheet, and is cut to create flaps that extend into the respective grooves. Strips of composite material are then placed along the edges of the groove to extend and overlap each other in the groove. Next, a unidirectional ply is placed along the length of the groove, and this combination is then covered with a second layer of the composite material. Together, the combination of the first and second layers, the strips and the unidirectional ply are co-cured to create a rigid panel with integral stiffening members.
US08668856B2	Aggregate-based mandrels for composite part production and composite part production methods A method for forming a composite structure, using a mandrel that is later removed from the composite structure, involves production of a mandrel by depositing a particulate mixture, including an aggregate and a binder, into a mold and removing the mandrel from the mold. The mandrel may be treated while still in the mold by heating, curing with an agent, microwave energy, or by some combination thereof. Once finished, the mandrel can be used in manufacturing polymer and/or composite components. The mandrel can also include materials that can be easily removed from the finished composite structure by water, shakeout, chemically dissolving, or by some combination thereof.
US08668855B2	Method of making core for sandwich-like product starting with extruded profile A product (10) made from an extruded sheet or web of material (42) having a non-linear cross-section, and the process of making the product (10) is provided. The extruded web or extrudate (42) is plastically deformed in selected areas and then folded. When folded into the appropriate shape, the extrudate (42) is formed into a product (10) having a plurality of cells (14). The cells (14a) may have one or more openings (34a), allowing access to an interior of the cell (14a) and reducing the weight of the product (10a).
US08668854B2	Process and apparatus for producing nanofibers using a two phase flow nozzle The disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for producing nanofibers and non-woven nanofibrous materials from polymer melts, liquids and particles using a two-phase flow nozzle. The process comprises supplying a first phase comprising a polymer melt and a second phase comprising a pressurized gas stream to a two-phase flow nozzle; injecting the polymer melt and the pressurized gas stream into a mixing chamber within the two-phase flow nozzle wherein the mixing chamber combines the polymer flow and pressurized gas into a two-phase flow; distributing the two-phase flow uniformly to a converging channel terminating into an channel exit wherein the converging channel accelerates the two-phase flow creating a polymeric film along the surface of the converging channel and fibrillating the polymeric film at the channel exit of the converging channel in the form of a plurality of nanofibers.
US08668849B2	Sputtering target, oxide semiconductor film and semiconductor device A sputtering target including an oxide sintered body, the oxide sintered body containing indium (In) and at least one element selected from gadolinium (Gd), dysprosium (Dy), holmium (Ho), erbium (Er) and ytterbium (Yb), and the oxide sintered body substantially being of a bixbyite structure.
US08668847B2	Conductive paste and electronic device and solar cell including an electrode formed using the conductive paste A conductive paste including a conductive powder, a metallic glass, and an organic vehicle, wherein the metallic glass includes an alloy of at least two elements selected from an element having a low resistivity, an element which forms a solid solution with the conductive powder, or an element having a high oxidation potential, wherein the element having a low resistivity has a resistivity of less than about 100 microohm-centimeters, and the element having a high oxidation potential has an absolute value of a Gibbs free energy of oxide formation of about 100 kiloJoules per mole or greater.
US08668838B2	Electrical double layer capacitor The present invention provides an electric double layer capacitor that has a high withstand voltage, is more resistant to degradation, and also has good cycle characteristics. The present invention relates to an electrolytic solution for an electric double layer capacitor, comprising: (I) a solvent for dissolving an electrolyte salt; and (II) an electrolyte salt, wherein the solvent (I) for dissolving an electrolyte salt includes propylene carbonate and at least one selected from the group consisting of a fluorine-containing chain carbonate and a fluorine-containing chain ether. The present invention also relates to an electric double layer capacitor comprising the electrolytic solution.
US08668832B2	Wastewater treatment onboard small marine vessels Methods, apparatus and systems for treating wastewater onboard small marine vessels. A pre-determined volume of wastewater generated onboard the vessel is mixed with a larger volume of seawater. This mixture is disinfected and subjected to further oxidation. The excess oxidants are neutralized and the treated effluent is discharged overboard the vessel.
US08668830B2	Interruption of measured variable analyses in an automatic water softening system when defined operating situations are present A method for operating a water softening system (1) comprising an automatically adjustable blending means for mixing a blended water flow V(t)blended from a first, softened partial flow V(t)part1soft and a second untreated water partial flow V(t)part2raw and comprising an electronic control means (11), wherein the control means (11) readjusts the adjustment position of the blending means by means of one or more experimentally determined instantaneous measured values in such a fashion that the water hardness in the blended water flow V(t)blended is adjusted to a predetermined desired value (SW), is characterized in that the control means (11) ignores at least one of the one or more instantaneous measured values for readjustment of the adjustment position of the blending means in one or more defined operating situations, and instead uses the respectively last corresponding measured value that was valid prior to occurrence of the defined operating situation, or a standard value for the corresponding measured value, which is stored in the electronic control means (11). The inventive method reduces the wear of the automatically adjustable blending means and improves the reliability of the adjustment of the water hardness of the blended water.
US08668825B2	Device and procedure for extracorporeal blood treatment An extracorporeal blood treatment device including a filter having a primary and a secondary chamber separated by a semi-permeable membrane, a withdrawal line connected to the primary chamber and associated to a first pump, a return line at the outlet of the primary chamber, a first pre-infusion line (109) connected to a citrate container on the withdrawal line (106), associated to a second pump, a first post-infusion line connected to a calcium solution container and to the return line, and associated to a third pump, an effluent line from the secondary chamber connected to a drain pipe and associated to a fourth pump, a CPU including first means programmed to receive the signal output by the pumps and second means programmed to control the third post-infusion pump (121) as a function of the input flow rate, effluent liquid flow rate, and anticoagulation liquid flow rate.
US08668821B2	Detection of phenols According to the present invention, phenols may be detected using an electrochemical sensor comprising a first compound, a working electrode and an electrolyte in contact with the working electrode, wherein the first compound operatively undergoes a redox reaction at the working electrode to form a second compound which operatively reacts in situ with the phenol, wherein said redox reaction has a detectable redox couple and wherein the sensor is adapted to determine the electrochemical response of the working electrode to the consumption of said second compound on reaction with the phenol. The phenol may be, for example, a cannabinoid or a catechin compound.
US08668815B2	Process kit for RF physical vapor deposition Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a process kit for a semiconductor processing chamber, and a semiconductor processing chamber having a kit. More specifically, embodiments described herein relate to a process kit including a cover ring, a shield, and an isolator for use in a physical deposition chamber. The components of the process kit work alone and in combination to significantly reduce particle generation and stray plasmas. In comparison with existing multiple part shields, which provide an extended RF return path contributing to RF harmonics causing stray plasma outside the process cavity, the components of the process kit reduce the RF return path thus providing improved plasma containment in the interior processing region.
US08668813B2	Plasma generation method and apparatus A plasma generation apparatus and method, which achieve both sterilization and deodorization of attached bacteria even under the condition that steam or fine droplets of water are present. A pair of electrodes is prepared, plasma discharge is carried out by applying designated voltage between the pair of electrodes, fluid passage holes are provided at corresponding parts of respective electrodes so as to communicate with each other, and steam or fine droplets of water are applied to the fluid passage holes and plasma generated around the fluid passage holes.
US08668812B2	Superhydrophobic coated apparatus for liquid purification by evaporative condensation Disclosed are examples of apparatuses for evaporative purification of a contaminated liquid. In each example, there is a first vessel for storing the contaminated fluid. The first vessel includes a surface coated with a layer of superhydrophobic material and the surface is at least partially in contact with the contaminated liquid. The contaminants do not adhere to the surface as the purified liquid evaporates, thus simplifying maintenance of the apparatus.
US08668811B2	Method and apparatus for producing a pyrolysis liquid Disclosed herein is an apparatus and a method for producing a pyrolysis liquid, wherein the pyrolysis liquid is formed by means of pyrolysis from a raw material by forming, and a pyrolysis reactor, a gaseous pyrolysis product by pyrolysis and condensing it in a condenser into a pyrolysis liquid, and feeding circulation gas into the pyrolysis reactor. The circulation gas is conducted by a liquid ring compressor into the pyrolysis reactor and purified before being conducted into the pyrolysis reactor, and the pyrolysis liquid is used as the liquid layer in the liquid ring compressor.
US08668808B2	Flushable moist wipe or hygiene tissue A flushable moist wipe or hygiene tissue including a hydraulically entangled nonwoven material impregnated with a wetting composition. The nonwoven material contains at least 70%, by fiber weight, pulp fibers and the rest manmade fibers and/or natural fibers with a length of at least 6 mm. The moist wipe or hygiene tissue has a length in the machine direction which exceeds the width in the cross-machine direction with at least 25%. The moist wipe or hygiene tissue has a wet strength in machine direction which is at least 3 times higher than the wet strength in cross-machine direction, wherein the wet strength in cross-machine direction is between 50 and 200 N/m.
US08668804B2	Adhesive composition adapted for bonding large mass parts to structures The invention is a two-part composition comprising: A) in one part (i) one or more isocyanate functional prepolymers; and B) in a second part (ii) one or more compounds having isocyanate reactive groups; (iii) one or more fillers selected such that the composition is nonconductive; (iv) one or more catalysts for the reaction of isocyanate groups with active hydrogen containing compounds wherein either or both of the one or more isocyanate functional prepolymers and the one or more compounds having isocyanate reactive groups have solid organic particles grafted thereto such that the composition contains from about 6 to about 13 percent by weight of the total composition of solid organic particles. In a preferred embodiment, the second part comprises from about 35 to about 65 percent by weight of one or more compound having isocyanate reactive groups which have solid organic particles grafted to the backbone. In another preferred embodiment, the one or more isocyanate functional prepolymers comprise about 14 to about 20 percent by weight of solid organic particles grafted to the backbone of the prepolymers. In another preferred embodiment, the solid particles comprise a thermoplastic polymer or rubber-modified thermoplastic polymer.
US08668798B2	Non-toxic water-based frit slurry paste, and assembly incorporating the same Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a frit slurry paste for use in assemblies (e.g., a vacuum insulated glass unit or a plasma display panel), and methods of making the same. Frit powder, binder material, and a water-based solvent are mixed together to form an intermediate mixture. The frit powder is substantially lead free, and the water-based solvent is provided at a first temperature. Additional water-based solvent is added to the intermediate mixture to form a frit slurry paste. The additional water-based solvent is provided at a second temperature, with the second temperature being lower than the first temperature. The binder material is provided at a concentration of 0.001%-20% by weight with respect to the frit slurry paste or the frit slurry paste absent the frit powder. The frit slurry paste has a bulk viscosity of 2,000-200,000 cps.
US08668794B2	Mixing bonding adhesive at die bonder before dispense A method for die bonding includes positioning a dispenser in a die bonding apparatus, wherein the dispenser includes a reservoir having bonding adhesive therein including particles and a liquid carrier. The dispenser is moved to provide mechanical agitation to the dispenser for mixing the bonding adhesive into a homogeneous mixture of particles and the liquid carrier, wherein the bonding adhesive is not dispensed during moving. After the moving, the bonding adhesive is dispensed onto a bonding location on the workpiece without removing the dispenser from the die attach apparatus. An integrated circuit (IC) die is attached onto the bonding adhesive over the bonding location. The method can also include determining an amount of time elapsed after the last mixing of the bonding adhesive or the positioning of the dispenser in the die bonding apparatus, and automatically initiating movement for mixing only if the elapsed time exceeds a predetermined time.
US08668793B2	Systems and methods for in-process vision inspection for automated machines Systems and methods for in-process vision inspection for automated machines are disclosed. In one embodiment, a head assembly includes a tool moveable over a workpiece and adapted to perform a manufacturing operation on the workpiece, and an inspection unit operatively positioned proximate the tool and moveable with the tool relative to the workpiece. The inspection unit is adapted to perform a vision inspection of a portion of the workpiece simultaneously with the performance of the manufacturing operation on the workpiece. In a particular embodiment, the inspection unit includes a camera adapted to monitor an area including the portion of the workpiece upon which the tool has performed the manufacturing operation, and a processor operatively coupled to the camera and adapted to receive an image from the camera and to analyze the image to determine a presence of a defect within the portion of the workpiece.
US08668786B2	Alloy strip material and process for making same Formed alloy strips including zirconium alloy strips that demonstrate improved formability are disclosed. The strips of the present disclosure have a purity and crystalline microstructure suitable for improved formability, for example, in the manufacture of certain articles such as panels for plate exchangers and high performance tower packing components.
US08668777B2	Process for treating a semiconductor wafer Mixtures containing concentrated sulfuric acid used for stripping photoresist from semiconductor wafer, such as SOM and SPM mixtures, are more quickly removed from a wafer surface using another liquid also containing high concentration of sulfuric acid, with the second liquid furthermore containing controlled small amounts of fluoride ion. The second liquid renders the wafer surface hydrophobic, which permits easy removal of the sulfuric acid therefrom by spinning and/or rinsing.
US08668772B2	Slurry of manganomanganic oxide particles and method for the production of slurry A stable non-settling slurry of water and manganomanganic oxide particles having a particle size below 10 μm. The slurry comprises water and up to 92 wt % manganomanganic oxide particles bade on the weight of the slurry. The slurry has a pH between 9 and 11 and contains 0.05 to 0.5 wt % of a dispersant based on the weight of dry manganomanganic oxide particles. The dispersant can be an ethoxylated polycarboxylate or a polyacrylic acid salt and has a molecular weight between 500 and 50 000 g/mol.
US08668764B2	MOF nanocrystals MOF nanocrystals having a narrow size distribution, as well as methods of making and using same are disclosed.
US08668763B2	Apparatus for pervaporation control in liquid degassing systems A liquid degassing apparatus is arranged to prevent pervaporated solvent cross-contamination by counteracting liquid vapor pervaporation flow. Liquid vapor pervaporation cross-contamination among a plurality of degassing modules is counteracted with specifically configured volumes and bleed inlet flow to conduits fluidly coupling permeate sides of said plurality of degassing chambers.
US08668757B2	Method for producing a ceramic filter element and filter element In a method for producing a ceramic filter element for an exhaust gas filter for an internal combustion engine or a catalyst support, a combustible non-ceramic support web is used and holes or recesses are introduced into the non-ceramic support web at defined locations.
US08668755B2	Membrane-free filter and/or integral framing for filter A filter for an electronics cooling unit of a telecommunications base station, the electronics cooling unit adapted to receive fresh air into a housing of the cooling unit through an opening communicating with the external environment. The filter includes a structural support configured to be mounted to said housing, a gasket sealingly engaging the structural support and adapted to engage the housing; and a filter media supported by the structural support, the filter media being free of a membrane type layer and including a fiber entanglement selected to prevent ingress of water sufficient to pass a salt fog test consistent with GR-487-CORE and in accordance with ASTM B 117.
US08668753B2	Two stage process for converting biomass to syngas A two stage conversion process for converting biomass to a syngas, wherein the first stage is a gasification stage and the second stage is a combustion stage.
US08668750B2	Denatured fuel ethanol compositions for blending with gasoline or diesel fuel for use as motor fuels A denatured fuel ethanol composition for blending with fuels, including gasoline and diesel fuel. The composition includes an ethanol composition comprising at least 92 wt. % ethanol; and from 95 wppm to 1,000 wppm isopropanol; and at least 1.96 vol. % fuel denaturant.
US08668747B2	Aqueous dye dispersions The present invention relates to storage stable aqueous dye dispersions, comprising (a) 2.0 to 30.0% by weight, based on the sum of (a), (b) and (c), of a dye of the formula (3) in which KK is a residue of a coupling component; (b) 0.1 to 20.0 % by weight, based on the sum of (a), (b) and (c), of at least one additive selected from the group consisting of wetting agents, dispersing agents, rheology modifiers, and preservatives; and (c) 50.0 to 97.9% by weight, based on the sum of (a), (b) and (c), of water. The invention moreover relates to a process for their preparation and the use thereof for the dyeing, in particular of paper.
US08668745B2	Brightening agent comprising acylpyridinium compounds and defined alkalizing agents The invention provides an agent for lightening keratinic fibers, the agent containing in a cosmetic carrier (i) at least one acyl pyridinium derivative of formula (I), (ii) at least one alkalizing agent selected from triethanolamine, 2-amino-2-methylpropan-1-ol, 2-amino-2-methylpropane-1,3-diol, lysine, ornithine and/or an alkalizing agent mixture comprising at least one basic amino acid and at least one alkanolamine, and (iii) at least hydrogen peroxide as an oxidizing agent.
US08668743B2	Prosthetic device with multi-axis dual bearing assembly and methods for resection An orthopedic prosthesis, system and method has a dual bearing component that, along with first and second bone anchoring components, provides multi-axial movement separately with respect to both the first and second bone anchoring components. An ankle prosthesis, system and method may thus be fashioned utilizing these principles that includes a dual bearing component, a tibial component adapted for attachment to the tibia bone, and a talar component adapted for attachment to the talus or calceneus bone of the foot. The dual bearing component includes a superior bearing providing gliding articulation/translation between it and the tibial component, and an inferior bearing providing gliding articulation/translation between it and the talar component. A bearing component plate provides a base or foundation for the superior and inferior bearings. The superior bearing is bonded to the bearing component plate while the inferior bearing moves with respect to the bearing component plate.
US08668741B2	Implant with openings adapted to receive bone screws A spinal fusion implant for surgical implantation at least in part within a disc space between two adjacent vertebral bodies in a segment of a human spine. The implant has a trailing end with bone screw receiving holes that each have a diameter that intersects with one of the upper and lower surfaces of the implant to form a perimeter that extends from an exterior surface of the trailing end towards an interior surface of the trailing end.
US08668740B2	Expandable vertebral prosthesis The present invention relates to an expandable prosthetic implant device for engagement between vertebrae generally comprising an inner member, outer member, and gear member positioned coaxial with respect to each other such that the inner and outer members are moveable relative to each other along an axis. The gear member is axially fixed to the outer member and freely rotatable with respect to the outer member and the gear member threadedly engages a threaded portion of the inner member to translate inner member along the axis. The implant is configured to engage the vertebrae in a predetermined alignment and the gear member includes gear teeth exposed to the exterior and configured to be accessible by a tool member at a plurality of angular positions around the perimeter of the implant device.
US08668739B2	Unitary orthopedic implant The present disclosure relates to an orthopedic implant that may be used to repair and/or replace focal defects in an individual's articular cartilage. In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention provides a unitary orthopedic implant that includes a bone contacting layer and an articulating layer. In exemplary embodiments, the bone contacting layer may have a thickness of between about 1 millimeter and 3 millimeters. In exemplary embodiments, the articulating layer may have a thickness of between about 1 millimeter and 2 millimeters. As a result, the orthopedic implant may have an overall thickness of between about 2 millimeters and about 5 millimeters.
US08668737B2	Tissue marking implant An implant for marking an area within a living body includes a matrix material and a marking material. The implant is formable to fit the shape and size of a cavity in the human body. The implant is configured to support tissue surrounding the cavity and to allow in-growth of fibrous tissue into and replace at least a portion of the matrix material.
US08668735B2	Corneal implant storage and delivery devices Devices and methods for handling and depositing corneal implants onto corneal tissue. Devices and methods for packaging and storing corneal implants.
US08668733B2	Everting heart valve The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an expandable anchor configured for endovascular delivery to a vicinity of the patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is adapted to wrap about the anchor, for example, by everting during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the replacement valve is not connected to expandable portions of the anchor. In some embodiments, the anchor is configured for active foreshortening during endovascular deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor includes expandable lip and skirt regions for engaging the patient's heart valve during deployment. In some embodiments, the anchor comprises a braid fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a lock configured to maintain anchor expansion. The invention also includes methods for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of endovascularly delivering a replacement valve and an expandable anchor to a vicinity of the heart valve, wrapping at least a portion of the replacement valve about the anchor, and expanding the anchor to a deployed configuration.
US08668732B2	Surface treated bioerodible metal endoprostheses An endoprosthesis includes an expandable tubular body defined by a plurality of struts. In some embodiments, the expandable tubular body includes a bioerodible metal that has at least a first surface region and a second surface region. The first and second surface regions can have different surface oxide compositions. In some embodiments, the first portion has a thermally altered microstructure and the second portion has a wrought microstructure. The thermally altered microstructure can be a cast microstructure comprising dendritic grains. The first portion forms at least a portion of an outer surface of the expandable tubular body. In some embodiments, the expandable tubular body includes iron or a bioerodible iron alloy and at least one surface of the expandable tubular body includes a substantially uniform coating of iron(III) oxide.
US08668731B2	Stent A radially expandable stent comprising a plurality of spaced band-like elements and intersecting links is disclosed. The band-like elements have a generally serpentine configuration to provide continuous waves of generally sinusoidal character to each band-like element. The waves are characterized by a plurality of peaks and troughs taking a generally longitudinal direction along the cylinder such that the waves in the band-like elements open as the stent is expanded from a first diameter to a second diameter. The intersecting links are substantially U-shaped and terminate in first and second shanks. The first shank of a link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on a band-like element and the second shank of the link emanates from a region between a peak and trough on an adjacent band-like element.
US08668727B2	Systems and methods for treating pathogenic infection An internal anatomic target that is infected by pathogenic microorganisms is treated using an applicator configured for delivering a therapeutic solution thereto and an UV light-emitting device transmits UV light thereon.
US08668726B2	Bone screw, in particular for osteosynthesis A bone screw having a threaded proximal portion, a threaded median portion, and a threaded distal portion. The threaded proximal portion has a proximal thread with a constant diameter and a proximal pitch. The threaded median portion has a median thread with a constant diameter smaller than the diameter of the proximal thread and a median pitch that becomes increasingly smaller from a distal end of the threaded median portion towards a proximal end of the threaded median portion. The threaded distal portion has a distal thread having a constant diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the median thread and a distal pitch that is larger than the median pitch at the distal end of the threaded median portion.
US08668725B2	Bone screw A bone screw is provided for securing a medical device to bone. The bone screw can engage with a bone screw hole in a medical device, such as an anterior cervical plate or sternal closure plate. Embodiments of the bone screw can include a screw head, a smooth cylindrical shaft region, a first and a second cylindrical shaft region with external threading, a tapered shaft region with external threading and one or more recessed flutes, and a sharp tip without threading or fluting. The external threading in the first and the second cylindrical shaft regions can have different pitches and crests. The external threading on the tapered shaft region can be tapered.
US08668724B2	Grommet assembly A connecting device is provided for use in orthopedic surgery, for example to connect a spinal rod and a vertebral screw or hook. The connector generally includes a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, and a grommet member for receiving a bone fixation member. The grommet member is inserted into the receiver member so that the receiver member and grommet member are rotatably connected. One or more disks may be placed between the receiver member and grommet member to assist in locking the device.
US08668719B2	Methods and apparatus for improving shear loading capacity of a spinal segment A method for improving shear loading capacity of a spinal segment having a superior vertebra, an inferior vertebra or sacrum, and a facet joint, includes providing a constraint device having an upper portion, a lower portion and a compliance member coupled therebetween. The constraint device is coupled with the spinal segment such that the upper portion of the constraint device is coupled with the superior vertebra and the lower portion of the constraint device is coupled with the inferior vertebra or a sacrum. The constraint device provides a force resistant to flexion of the spinal segment. Also, length or tension in the constraint device is adjusted so as to increase engagement between an upper portion of the facet joint and a lower portion of the facet joint, thereby increasing capacity of the spinal segment to resist shear loading.
US08668710B2	Ultrasonic tissue dissector An ultrasonic surgical tool has an elongate waveguide operatively connected or connectable to a source of ultrasonic vibrations. An operative element at a distal end of the waveguide has a diameter less than that of the waveguide. A connecting portion of intermediate diameter may connect the operative element and the waveguide. A proximal end of the operative element forms a first step junction, located at a nodal plane of ultrasonic vibrations in the waveguide and operative element, producing a velocity amplitude gain across the step junction. A second zero-gain step junction between the connecting portion and the waveguide is located at an anti-nodal plane. The operative element may include a curved distal cutting and welding element having a pair of elongate welding grooves defining a cutting edge. Alternatively, the operative element may include a welding element having a flat or slightly ridged operative face.
US08668709B2	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.
US08668708B2	Surgical probe An exemplary surgical probe and methods of making the same are disclosed. An exemplary surgical probe may include a tubular body and a scissor assembly received at least partially within the body. The scissor assembly may include a first blade fixed to the tubular body that includes a body portion and an end portion. The scissor assembly may further include a second blade that is configured to move longitudinally within the tubular body. The body portions of the first and second blades may each define respective cross sections normal to a longitudinal axis of the tubular body. The cross sections may each define centrally disposed edges adjacent one another, and the cross sections may each be asymmetrical about a line substantially parallel to the centrally disposed edges.
US08668704B2	Medical clip with tines, system and method of using same Device, system and method for drawing together patient tissue. A tether loop is coupled to a first end loop and a second end loop. The first end loop and the second end loop each have an end and are resiliently biased to coil when deployed from a delivery catheter. When positioned within the delivery catheter the first end loop and the second end loop become substantially linear. Upon deployment from the delivery catheter the end loops coil and the first end passes through a first piece of tissue while the second end passes through a second piece of tissue. Each piece of tissue is captured within the corresponding end loop, the coiling of each of which draws the two pieces of tissue together.
US08668703B2	Medical devices incorporating collagen inhibitors Provided herein are implantable or insertable biomedical devices comprising a substrate and a collagen inhibitor on or in said substrate, and methods of treatment using the same. In some embodiments, the device is a urethral, ureteral, or nephroureteral catheter or stent. In some embodiments, the device is an absorbable esophageal or tracheal stent. Wound closure devices are also provided herein, including a substrate and a collagen inhibitor on or in the substrate. Also provided are surgical packings, including a substrate and a collagen inhibitor on or in the substrate. A barrier material for preventing adhesions in a subject is further provided, including a preformed or in situ formable barrier substrate and a collagen inhibitor on or in the substrate. Kits comprising the coated substrates are also provided.
US08668701B2	Apparatus for delivery of reinforcing materials to bone An apparatus and methods for delivery of reinforcing materials to a weakened or fractured bone is disclosed. An apparatus for delivering a reinforcing mixture to a bone including a tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, wherein the tube has at least one inner lumen capable of allowing a bone reinforcing mixture to pass therethrough; a balloon engaging the tube wherein the balloon expands from a substantially deflated state to a substantially inflated state upon the bone reinforcing mixture entering the balloon; and at least one light guide extending through the tube into the balloon to guide a light into the balloon.
US08668696B2	Low friction buckle tightening systems and methods A tensioning device comprises an elongate member, preferably a band, and a frame having first and second sides. The band has a first end that is attachable to the first side of the frame and a second end that is releasably securable to the second side of the frame. A movable clamping member on the frame secures the second end of the band to the second side of the frame by cinching the second end of the band between an engagement surface on the band and a mating engagement surface on the second side of the frame. A restraining member is provided for restraining the clamping member to a first position spaced from the mating locking surface on the second side of the frame, when the restraining member is in a restraining orientation. The restraining member is movable out of the restraining orientation after the band is tensioned to a predetermined level using the second end. The band is tensioned to the aforementioned predetermined level and is secured to the second side of the frame, so that the band establishes a path of tension along its length that extends linearly between the two ends of the band.
US08668692B1	Intramedullary linkage device, system, and method for implantation The invention relates to an intramedullary linkage device for treatment of peri-prosthetic long bone fractures, system for long bone fracture treatment in the setting of pre-existing intramedullary implant using an intramedullary linkage device and intramedullary fracture fixation device, and methods of treating peri-prosthetic long bone fracture in the setting of pre-existing intramedullary implant using an intramedullary linkage device and intramedullary fracture fixation device.
US08668688B2	Soft tissue RF transection and resection device A method for performing an electrosurgical procedure is presented including providing an electrosurgical system having an electrosurgical generator, a first electrosurgical device including a first electrically conductive element, a second electrosurgical device including a second electrically conductive element configured to be coupled to a first location of a target tissue and a third electrosurgical device including a third electrically conductive element configured to be coupled to a second location of the target tissue. The method also includes the steps of positioning the second and third electrically conductive elements relative to one another, orienting and defining a direction and a length of a single resection line between the second and third electrically conductive elements, and moving the first electrically conductive element along the single resection line to desiccate or divide the target tissue.
US08668684B2	Holding device for medical purposes A holding device for medical purposes having a carrier arm on whose distal end a medical instrument can be secured and having at least one joint for positioning the carrier arm and/or the medical instrument, where the joint can be converted between the position that releases the joint and the position that blocks the joint. The holding device provides simple operation, reliable positionability, and can be cleaned well. The joint comprises at least two joint members that enter into active connection with one another by mutually engaging catching elements, where the catching elements are positioned essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the carrier arm and are pre-tensed with respect to one another by a spring element, and that in the joint at least one hydraulically or pneumatically spreadable expansion element is positioned by which the joint can be converted into the position that releases the joint.
US08668682B2	Vacuum regulators with VAP features A vacuum regulator apparatus for continuous subglottic aspiration is provided. In one version, the regulator apparatus attaches to a standard vacuum regulator and shares the same vacuum supply outlet as the standard vacuum regulator. Sufficient airflow is provided through the regulator apparatus and calibrated bleed orifice to provide proper continuous subglottic aspiration. Vacuum levels to maintain the airflow are in a range suitable to provide patient comfort. A ball flow indicator provides visual indication of flow through a subglottic tube interface port of the regulator apparatus. A direct flow channel can be momentarily opened causing flow to bypass the regulator module in for clearing blockages affecting the subglottic tube interface port.
US08668680B2	Disposable wearing article A disposable wearing article includes a liquid-absorbent structure that is adapted to be spaced from the wearer's skin to protect the wearer's skin from being soiled with body waste. A crotch member defining parts of front and rear waist regions and a crotch region has a front end lying in the front waist region and a rear end lying in the rear waist region wherein at least one of the front and rear ends defines non-bonded regions in an intermediate zone as viewed in the transverse direction X of the crotch member and is attached to the outer surface of an elastic waist panel by the intermediary of square U-shaped bonded regions opening toward the crotch region. In areas defining the non-bonded regions, body waste retaining space(s) are formed between the elastic waist panel and the crotch member.
US08668679B2	Disposable wearable absorbent articles with anchoring subsystems The present disclosure includes an embodiment wherein a disposable wearable absorbent article comprises an anchoring subsystem configured to at least assist in holding the article in place on a wearer.
US08668673B2	Holding needle comprising gripping cheeks A take-off needle comprises a hollow lance having a distal end adapted to perform a insertion operation, said hollow lance being connected to at least one pipe provided with a spigot for it to be connected to a tube, and comprising a body for holding the hollow lance and pipe relative to each other such that the spigot projects from the holding body, said needle further comprising two flanges held on respective sides of and spaced from the holding body by virtue of a spacer disposed between each flange and the holding body, said flanges extending in a longitudinal direction from the spigot to the vicinity of the proximal end of the hollow lance, the width of each flange being greater than the width of the portion of the holding body facing the flanges.
US08668669B2	Method and a catheter device for the dynamic regulation of the venous return to the heart for the treatment of patients with heart failure This invention relates to a method that comprises the introduction of a catheter via left subclavian vein, advancing into the right atrium and then positioning it in the inferior vena cava, just at the cava-diaphragm junction, where it is anchored at its extreme; and thereafter an external inflation of a balloon positioned in said catheter takes place through a physiological solution to reach a diameter corresponding to half the diameter of the inferior vena cava, resulting in hemi-occlusion in the expiration phase (breath-out) and total occlusion for a short period during the inspiration phase (breath-in), regulating (normalizing) the venous return and decreasing the cardiac volume overload, as a treatment for heart failure. The invention also comprises hydromechanics devices to normalize the venous return in the circulatory system. Said venous return is increased in 90% of patients with heart failure. In particular, it refers to a combined catheter with an inflatable balloon, producing said balloon a cyclical occlusion of the inferior vena cava (IVC). The said balloon is adaptable to the area of its location in the inferior vena cava, proximal to the right atrium (RA), which comprises of means for its fixation within said vein, as well as the capacity of modifying the volume in response to the requirements of the patient. This device is implanted for an extended period of more than three months. The final objective is to treat and stop the progression of heart failure.
US08668668B2	Expandable iliac sheath and method of use Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, small cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the introduction and removal of implant delivery catheters. The access route is through the femoral arteries and the iliac arteries into the aorta. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the arteries into the aorta. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently expanded using a radial dilatation device, which is removed prior to the introduction of implant delivery catheters. In an exemplary application, the sheath includes a supported proximal end, a supported distal end, and a collapsible center section. Certain configurations of the sheath are capable of being inserted in a first, small cross-sectional configuration, being expanded diametrically to a second, larger cross-sectional configuration, and then being reduced to a diametrically small size for removal.
US08668666B2	Medical pump with fixed stroke length A method comprises measuring a volume of fluid delivered per pump stroke for each of a plurality of substantially identical medical pumps. The substantially identical medical pumps each have a fixed stroke length. The method further comprises: storing indications of the measured volumes on one or more data storage mediums; and for each of the plurality of substantially identical medical pumps, generating a separate therapy control program based on the indication of the measured volume associated with that one of the plurality of substantially identical medical pumps.
US08668664B2	Method for reducing pain during skin puncturing procedures A handheld instrument for minimizing pain during administration by injection of a liquid, such as, an anesthetic that has a main body, a vibration unit mounted in the main body when initiated to cause the main body to vibrate, and a detachable tip cantilever mounted on the main body to vibrate with it, the tip having a free end characterized by a bifurcation to form two spaced projections defining a space between them, whereby the spaced projections can be placed in proximity to, adjacent to and bracketing a preselected injection site on a human or animal and the tissue at said preselected injection site and vibrated while an injection is given.
US08668660B2	Electromechanical system for interproximal cleaning The interproximal cleaning appliance includes a housing (12) and a spray applicator (16) extending therefrom for directing a spray of fluid droplets to the interproximal area. Within the housing is a spray-generating assembly (14) which includes a chamber, a movable piston (26) mounted therein, one-way inlets (42, 40) for gas and fluid and an outlet (44). A system (54) for moving the piston, such as a motor, operatively compresses a spring (32) which creates a partial vacuum in the chamber, allowing gas to flow into the chamber through the gas inlet. Release of the spring produces a stream of fluid droplets which flows out of the chamber through the applicator to the interproximal area.
US08668656B2	Method and apparatus for improving fluidic flow and sample capture A system and method is provided for the capture of bodily fluid upon lancing of a patient. In one embodiment, the fluid sample capture aperture mesh (320) ring is placed in the pathway of a finger penetrating member (340). The aperture mesh ring has a center clearance area that allows the penetrating member to pierce the skin unobstructed. The aperture mesh ring may contain a series of fluid sampling meshes as to allow the release bodily fluid to “wick” into the fluid sampling meshes for transport to the respective sensor. The invention may also relate to a method of improving the fluidic flow through a membrane mesh structure for the transportation of bodily fluids from a point of sampling to a point of measurement.
US08668651B2	ECG lead set and ECG adapter system A method for coupling an ECG monitor with an incompatible ECG lead set includes the steps of providing an ECG adapter including an adapter body having at least one monitor connector adapted for coupling to an input of an ECG monitor and at least one lead set receptacle adapted for coupling to a connector of an ECG lead set incompatible with the input of the ECG monitor, coupling the at least one monitor connector of the adapter body with the input of the ECG monitor and coupling the at least one lead set receptacle of the adapter body with the connector of the ECG lead set to thereby electrically couple the ECG lead set with the ECG monitor.
US08668645B2	Analyte monitoring device and methods of use An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte. The analyte monitor may also be part of a drug delivery system to alter the level of the analyte based on the data obtained using the sensor.
US08668642B2	Port device including retractable endoscope cleaner A surgical apparatus includes a housing member having leading and trailing ends that define a longitudinal axis. One or more ports longitudinally extend between the leading and trailing ends, and are configured and adapted to receive a surgical instrument therein in a substantially sealed relation. At least one cleaning port longitudinally extends between the leading and trailing ends, and is configured and adapted to receive a cleaning device therein. The cleaning device is configured and adapted to clean surgical instruments positioned within the one or more ports without necessitating removal of the surgical instruments from the one or more ports.
US08668635B2	Pelvic implant with suspending system A urethral stabilization system includes a support member adapted to be implanted into a patient to support a urethra. The support member has a first end and a second end. A first suspending member is attached between the first end of the support member and a first stabilizer and a second suspending member attached between the second end of the support member and a second stabilizer. A first thread member continuously extends between a first end that is attached to the first stabilizer and a second end that is free. A second thread member continuously extends between a first end that is attached to the second stabilizer and a second end that is free. The first and second stabilizers are configured to be advanced into the tissue to increase tension applied to the support member and withdrawn through the tissue to decrease tension applied to the support member.
US08668632B2	Exercise apparatus A complex exercise machine utilizes a horizontally extending frame assembly having a plurality of resistance elements. A plurality of foot pedals are included that are slidably mounted on the frame assembly. The foot pedals are moveable between a first position, proximate to the user, and a second distal position. The resistance elements have a first end and a second end. The first end of the resistance element is removably anchored to the frame assembly A first resistance element includes a handle at its second to exercise upper body muscle groups, while a second resistance element includes the pedals at its second end to exercise lower body and abdominal muscle groups. A seat is provided that is adjustably mounted to the frame assembly. The angulation between the seat back and seat bottom is also adjustable.
US08668631B1	Exercise device and associated methods An exercise device comprises a pair of outer handles and an inner, central disk, rotatable relative to the handles. The disk includes at least a pair of orifices formed therein or therethrough. At least one tether or cord extends between the handles and through the orifices in the central disk. Manipulation of the handles by a user results in cyclic spinning of the disk.
US08668630B2	Add-on weight kit for a selectorized dumbbell An add-on weight kit for a selectorized dumbbell comprises a second set of nested weights that are similar in shape and structure to a first set of nested weights originally provided on the dumbbell. The second set of weights has a plurality of overlying rails that will underlie an array of similar rails carried on the first set of nested weights. The kit includes a second handle having vertically spaced openings with the second handle being used in place of a first handle originally provided on the dumbbell. The openings on the second handle are arranged relative to the rails on the second set of weights such that the same connecting pin as used on the dumbbell to couple the first set of weights to the first handle can be used to additionally couple a selected number of the add-on weights to the second handle.
US08668629B2	Multimode exercise device A multimode exercise device, including: a chassis with two opposing elongated sides; an exercise mechanism mounted onto the chassis comprising on each side of the chassis: a slidable assembly that is configured to move backward and forward along one elongated side of the chassis; a rotatable wheel configured to rotate about an axis at its center and mounted onto the slidable assembly; a pedal coupled to the rotatable wheel configured to rotate the rotatable wheel; a restraining rod that is rotatably coupled to a side of the chassis on a first end and rotatably coupled to the rotatable wheel at one of a plurality of user selectable attachment positions on the second end; a synchronizing mechanism to synchronize between the rotations of the rotatable wheels on both sides of the chassis.
US08668624B2	Motor control device for working vehicle A motor control device for a working vehicle includes: a travel drive device that transmits rotation of a motor to wheels through a torque converter; a first selection device to be operated so as to select one of a power mode and an economy mode; a second selection device that is different from the first selection device; a mode switching device that switches from the economy mode to the power mode if the second selection device is operated in a state where the economy mode has been selected by the first selection device; and a speed restriction device that, when the economy mode is set, restricts a maximum rotational speed of the motor to a lower speed side than that when the power mode is set.
US08668619B2	Rotary units, rotary mechanisms, and related applications Rotary units and rotary mechanisms that are suitable for use in numerous applications are provided. Rotary units typically include rotational components that are configured to rotate. In some embodiments, for example, multiple rotary units are assembled in rotary mechanisms such that neighboring pairs of rotational components counter-rotate or contra-rotate relative to one another during operation of the rotary mechanisms. Rotational components generally include one or more implements that are structured to perform or effect one or more types of work as the rotational components rotate relative to one another in a given rotary mechanism. In certain embodiments, implements are configured to rotate and/or to effect the movement of other components as rotational components rotate.
US08668616B2	Nine speed dual clutch transmission A transmission is connectable to an input member and includes first and second shaft members, first and second countershaft members, a plurality of co-planar gear sets, a compound planetary gear set, a plurality of torque transmitting elements, and an output member. The torque transmitting devices include a plurality of brakes, synchronizer assemblies, and clutches including a dual clutch assembly. The transmission is operable to provide at least three reverse speed ratios and at least nine forward speed ratios between the input member and the output member.
US08668615B2	Drive assembly with hydraulic actuating mechanism A drive assembly for a motor vehicle driven by a plurality of axles includes a differential unit, an externally controllable hang-on coupling, an externally controllable locking coupling, a first hydraulic actuating unit, and a second hydraulic actuating unit. The differential unit includes an input part that is rotatably drivable around an axis of rotation, and two output parts drivingly connected to the input part. The hang-on coupling drivingly connects the differential unit and a driveshaft. The locking coupling locks the differential movement between the two output parts of the differential assembly. The first hydraulic actuating unit actuates the hang-on coupling and the second hydraulic actuating unit actuates the locking coupling. The first hydraulic actuating unit, the hang-on coupling, the second hydraulic actuating unit and the locking coupling are arranged coaxially relative to the axis of rotation.
US08668611B2	Dual-drive electric machine having controllable epicycle gear set The present invention is structured by a dual-drive electric machine being combined with an epicycle gear set (EG101) and a controllable brake device, through controlling the controllable brake device to perform brake locking or releasing, the operations of transmission function of combining transmission or releasing between a rotation shaft (S101) at an output/input end, a rotation shaft (S102) at an output/input end and a sleeve type rotation shaft (AS101) at an output/input end of the epicycle gear set (EG101) are enabled to be controlled, and the interacting operation between the dual-drive electric machine (EM100) and the output/input ends are also enabled to be controlled.
US08668608B2	Chain guide of automotive engine A chain guide that contacts a chain connecting a cam sprocket and a crank sprocket, and has a contact portion contacting the back of the chain in a length direction of the chain and a convex curved line in a cross-section of the contact portion.
US08668603B2	Lightweight tunnel for baseball pitching practice A fabric tunnel for baseball pitching practice with a simple “auto-catcher” is made of netting in one embodiment. At the target end a flap with indicia of accuracy of aim also constitutes a flap that provides an audible feedback when hit and also allows the thrown balls to be captured. Straps are used to hold the tunnel in position by attachment to poles supported by guy wires or the straps could be attached to fixed objects such as a chain-link fence.
US08668599B1	Golf club iron with high density leading edge A golf club iron having a head center of gravity that is low and forward enough to provide a better swing, good striking and swinging feel, and improved ball flight is disclosed. The iron has a recess in a leading edge region and a high density insert disposed within the recess to achieve the desired center of gravity location.
US08668594B1	Apparatus for practicing a golf swing A device allows a golfer to hit full swing golf shots with a real ball in a limited area while still providing the golfer with trajectory information about their shot and realistic feel of an actual golf ball. The device tethers a golf ball to the ground. When the golfer swings, the ball flies about 20 yards and drops to the ground. The device is easy to use and affordable. The device is made from two different cord materials, one being more elastic than the other, allowing the golfer to hit a ball without having the ball spring back to hit the golfer. The golf ball can be attached to the cord with a lightweight screw eye screwed into the ball.
US08668593B2	Shaft with shoulder and groove A shaft includes a shoulder that transitions the shaft from a first diameter to a second diameter. The shaft includes a groove that is disposed immediately adjacent to and/or is formed in an inner radial portion of the shoulder. The groove acts to produce uniform deflection of the shoulder in an axial direction with respect to a centerline axis of the shaft.
US08668592B2	Systems and methods of changing storyline based on player location A method is provided for enabling virtual gameplay with a character in a game environment. A game environment is provided in which a player can play a game via a character. The player's geographic location is detected and stored. In response to the detected geographic location, a storyline is retrieved for the character to interact with. The retrieved storyline is related to the geographic location of the player.
US08668591B2	Data locker management Disclosed are various embodiments enabling users to identify themselves to a computing device and then be provided access to the entitlement locker of applications and/or data to which the user is entitled.
US08668588B2	Target map area of an online social game A target map area system for an online game is described. A player selects a target map area of an online neighbor of an online social game. Reward information from the target map area resulting from a successful attack from the player in the target map area of the online neighbor is generated to the player prior to the attack. A result of the attack in the target map area of the online neighbor based on a profile of the player and a profile of the online neighbor is determined. An outcome on the target map area is generated based on the result of the attack.
US08668585B2	Location based gaming system The subject matter disclosed herein relates to systems for providing an interactive experience to game participants.
US08668584B2	Virtual input system For a user having a user input actuator, a virtual interface device, such as for a gaming machine, for determining actuation of a virtual input by the input actuator is disclosed. The device comprises a position sensing device for determining a location of the user input actuator and a controller coupled to the position sensing device, the controller determining whether a portion of the user input actuator is within a virtual input location in space defining the virtual input.
US08668580B2	Media controller with fingerprint recognition A system and method for retaining, associating, and reloading a user's preferences in a video game system without requiring active participation from the user is provided. The system may include an object control mechanism for receiving a passive indication from the user to perform a fingerprint scan of the user's fingertip. A fingerprint scanner may be coupled to the object control mechanism for transparently performing the fingerprint scan to generate identifying data for the user. If the identifying data for the user matches identifying data for a preexisting user, then preferences associated with the preexisting user may be reloaded. If the identifying data for the user does not match identifying data for a preexisting user, then preferences of the user may retained and associated with the user's identifying data.
US08668576B2	Method for playing a video gaming machine A method for playing video gambling games whereby pay tables vary from play to play, or, alternatively, whereby a plurality of pay tables are possible within a game. For example, in a video poker game a player wagers against a first pay table. If a winner occurs, the next game offers a new pay table with a greater expected value. This process continues until the player loses, whereupon the player is returned to play against the first pay table. Pay tables increment and decrement in expected value based on achieving predetermined events within the current game, within a previous game or games or randomly.
US08668572B2	Systems and methods for executing games employing bonus amounts based on bonus characteristics Systems and methods are provided for providing a player of a gaming device entitlement to a bonus amount, wherein the bonus amount may not be immediately apparent or attainable by the player. A gaming device player may acquire symbols in the context of a reel-based slot machine game. Certain symbols may entitle the player to a bonus payout, the bonus being apparent or attainable by the player at a later point in time and based on certain characteristics associated with the impending benefit. For example, gaming device players may obtain virtual representations of shares of company stock, which may only be sold (yielding a bonus to the player) under certain conditions, as dictated by the gaming device.
US08668571B2	Stepper reel and variable cover display for bingo game The invention is directed to methods and gaming apparatus for allowing a player to participate in a multi-player wagering game. The outcome of the multi-player wagering game may be displayed to the player, along with an alternate outcome display at an alternate outcome display device. The alternate outcome display device may include a rotatable reel and a cover variably disposed in front of the rotatable reel. The gaming apparatus controller may receive a display request where the alternate outcome display device disposes a cover to visibly obscure the reel if the request is to obscure the reel, and disposes the cover to visibly display the reel if the request is to observe the reel.
US08668567B2	Gaming device having free spin mode with symbol elimination A bonus game that operates in combination with a slot machine base game is provided. The bonus game includes a series of free spins or free evaluations in which symbols of a set of symbols are generated. The free spins also generate executor symbols that alone or in accumulation cause one of the symbols of the set to be eliminated or replaced. In either case the symbols remaining in the set have a higher probability of being generated and a higher probability exists that a larger award paying combination of the remaining symbols will be generated. The elimination sequence can be repeated a number of times further increasing the probability of generating a higher paying award for the player. The present invention is operable with different types of base games such as slot and poker.
US08668562B2	Game piece and method of playing game using same A method of playing a game for two or more players comprising each player selecting a predetermined number of figures from a plurality of figures, a first player executing a turn, wherein the first player has an option of at least one of moving one of the first player's selected figures from one location to another and attacking one of another player's selected figures using one of the first player's selected figures, wherein a result of said attacking is determined by the first player performing a predetermined action using one of said first player's selected figures and another player performing the predetermined action using one of another player's selected figures.
US08668558B2	Big game field dressing tool A cutting tool is provided for safely dressing a game animal having a handle and a fork section including first and second elongated shielding members shielding the hunter's hands and a cutting blade positioned between the first and second elongated shielding members and perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis extending along the length of the cutting tool and wherein the handle is configured in a T-shaped manner for providing a good grip and wherein the cutting blade is positioned under outer surfaces of the first and second elongated shielding members to further shield the hunter's hands. The cutting tool is pushed against various membranes and the trachea to safely cut it for the removal of the heart and lungs of the game animal.
US08668555B2	Grinding machine and tool-support apparatus therefor A tool-support apparatus for attachment to a grinding machine, in particular to a wet grinding machine, which has at least one grinding disc arranged on a rotatably drivable grinding-disc shaft and a machine frame or housing in which the grinding-disc shaft is supported. The tool-support apparatus has a tool-support, which can be secured on a machine frame or housing of the grinding machine, for the support during the grinding process of a tool that is to be ground, and an arresting apparatus for securing the tool support on the machine frame or housing. The tool-support can be secured on the machine frame or housing in such a way that it can be swivelled about the grinding-disc shaft or about a swivel axis parallel to the grinding-disc shaft and can be arrested by way of the arresting apparatus in a plurality of angular positions.
US08668554B2	Blasting nozzle for a device for blast-machining or abrasive blasting objects A device (33) for blast-machining or abrasive blasting objects such as structural elements, tools, household objects, pots, pans or the like, has a blast pot (3) for holding a blasting abrasive (35) which is connected via at least one line (21) to a blasting nozzle (24) which extends into a blasting space (1) in which the objects which are to be blasted can be placed. Compressed air is introduced above the blasting abrasive mixture (35) provided in the blast pot (3) by means of a pressure-generating means (43) and the blasting abrasive (35) thus being forced into the blasting space (1), the compressed air conveying via a second line (10) the granular material or the granular material mixture (35) and/or a suspension formed from granular material and liquid out of the blasting space (1) and back into the blast pot (3), which also takes the form of a pressurized space.
US08668553B2	Method of manufacturing semiconductor device A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes the step of polishing a conductive film formed over a semiconductor substrate. The conductive film is formed by a barrier film that is in contact with second and third interlayer insulating films, and a copper film that is in contact with the barrier film. A polishing surface of a second polishing pad for polishing and removing the barrier film and the third interlayer insulating film has a lower pore area ratio than a polishing surface of a first polishing pad for polishing and removing the copper film.
US08668545B2	Toy with flying effect An apparatus for creating a flying effect. The apparatus includes a mounting assembly on a body and a wing assembly attached to the mounting assembly. The wing assembly includes right and left wings and a span member extending between the wings. A drive assembly is provided with a reciprocal drive shaft and a drive for reciprocating the shaft. A contact member extending from an end of the reciprocating shaft contacts the span member to apply a drive force at a drive frequency. The mounting assembly includes a recessed surface, and the span member is positioned over the recessed surface such that the span member is urged toward the recessed surface when the drive force is applied. The span member is formed of flexible material, and the wings move with the spring-like span member as it is urged toward the recessed surface and as it returns to its at-rest position.
US08668542B2	All-season indoor outdoor coupleable construction toys A multiple use, light weight, cost-effective, indoor and all-weather outdoor construction toy for stimulating children's imaginations and encouraging physical activity comprises a basic modular unit with open ended cup-like coupling-means on its perimeter for male to female coupling and decoupling to other couple-able units, is described. The coupling-means may be molded as an integral part forming one seamless basic unit. The open bottom end of the coupling means provides for coupling, the open top end prevents the buildup of snow inside the coupling unit. Coupling can be achieved via coupling-means on basic units to each other or through the use of accessory independent coupler-units. The basic unit of the modular toy may be in the form of a saucer, disc, an oval, or in a rectilinear-shape for use as a sled, skiing device, a flotation device, or as fort building modules. Additional accessory parts include skis and inner-tubes, for example.
US08668538B1	Marine engines and exhaust systems for marine engines having a catalyst for treating exhaust A marine engine has an exhaust system comprising a cylinder block comprising first and second banks of cylinders that are disposed along a longitudinal axis and that extend transversely with respect to each other in a V-shape so as to define a valley there between. A catalyst receptacle is disposed in the valley and contains at least one catalyst that treats exhaust gas from the marine engine. An exhaust manifold conveys exhaust gas from the marine engine to the catalyst receptacle. The exhaust manifold has a first port receiving exhaust gas from the first bank of cylinders, a second port receiving exhaust gas from the second bank of cylinders, and a conduit conveying the exhaust gas from the first and second ports to the catalyst receptacle, wherein from the first and second ports to the catalyst receptacle, the conduit only reverses direction once with respect to the longitudinal axis.
US08668537B2	Engine case of outboard motor An engine case houses engines in the inside of the case and is provided with a propulsion unit outside the case. A case main body housing the engines and assemblies of peripheral parts of the engines, and a case cover covering an opening at an upper portion of the case main body are included. Mufflers are installed on an exterior of a lower surface of the case, and on the lower surface of the case, housing portions housing the mufflers and exhaust hoses are formed.
US08668534B2	Wave power A float (1) suitable for use as a buoy or as a component for a wave-powered vehicle. The float (1) includes an upper member (12) whose height can be changed and/or which remained substantially vertical even when the float is in wave-bearing water. A low drag cable (2) suitable for use as a tether in a wave-powered vehicle has a streamlined cross-section and includes a tensile member (21) near the front of the cross-section, at least one non-load-bearing member (22) behind the tensile member, and a polymeric jacket (23). Wave-powered vehicles having a float (1), a submerged swimmer (3) and a tether (2) connecting the float and the swimmer, include a means for determining whether the tether is twisted; or a means for untwisting the tether; or a pressure-sensitive connection (71, 72, 73) which can disconnect the tether when the vehicle is dragged downwards by entanglement with a whale; or a 2-axis universal joint securing the tether to the float or to the swimmer; or elastic elements which absorb snap loads created by the tether; or two or more of these.
US08668531B2	Terminal A terminal 1 which maintains electrical connectivity between a mating terminal and contact spring pieces, reduce size and firmly fixes the contact spring pieces at a terminal main body, includes the conductive, rectangular tube-shaped terminal main body 3 into which the mating terminal 2 is inserted, the plurality of one conductive contact spring pieces 18 extending from one wall 5 to the other wall 6 of the terminal main body and tilted relative to a mating terminal insertion direction, and a plurality of the other conductive contact spring pieces 19 extending from the other wall to the one wall and tilted relative to the insertion direction. The one and the other contact spring pieces 78, 79 are arranged alternatively along the insertion direction. The terminal main body includes a spring member 4 having one and the other basal plate portions 15, 16, a connecting plate portion 17 connecting the respective basal plate portions, and an engagement portion 20 at the connecting plate portion which engages with a locking portion 11 of the terminal main body 3.
US08668529B2	Contact terminal A contact terminal includes: a contact pin; and a plate spring configured to support the contact pin, wherein a portion of the plate spring is connected to a circuit board, wherein the contact pin can be connected to a counterpart while being supported by the plate spring, thus ensuring a stable connection structure.
US08668528B2	Split jack assemblies and methods for making the same Split jack assemblies are constructed with a tubeless pin block. Elimination (or split) of the tube, or more particularly, a tube that is an integrally formed part of the pin block form the pin block allows for the use of a tubeless pin block design that results in a jack assembly having smaller overall dimensions than a conventional jack assembly constructed to accommodate a plug of the same dimensions. The tubeless pin block can be used in conjunction with a tube sleeve or with a curved surface of a housing for an electronic device, or both to provide a plug receptacle of the split jack assembly.
US08668515B2	Electronic module with improved latch mechanism An electronic module (100) for mating with a complementary connector, comprises: a housing defining a recess area and a printed circuit board (3) disposed in the housing. A slider member is (61) assembled to an exterior surface of the housing and defining a pair of arm portions (612) formed on a front end thereof. And a gasket (5) is assembled to the recess area and defining a pair of curved portions (543) located above two free ends of the pair of arm portions. Whereby movement of the slider by a user along a front to rear direction, the two free ends of the pair of arm portions respectively raise up the pair of curved portions.
US08668513B2	Fixtures, apparatuses, and related methods for providing load bearing connections for lighting devices Fixtures, apparatuses, and related methods are provided that provide for a non-Edison connection for receiving a lamp housing of a lighting device having a non-Edison connector. The fixture can include a fixture housing and a non-Edison socket securable to the fixture housing. The fixture can also include an engagement device for engaging a lamp housing of a lighting device that has a non-Edison connector upon insertion of the lamp housing into the fixture housing and engaging the non-Edison socket.
US08668511B2	Hermaphroditic electrical connector A hermaphroditic electrical connector assembly comprises a first connector (10a) and an identical second connector (10) to mate with each other, each connector comprising: an insulating housing (20) having a base portion (21), a pair of fixing arms (24) molded two side of the base portion and locating two ends of the diagonal of the base portion separately. and several terminal slots (22) on the base portion; and a number of terminals (5) retained in the terminal slots of the insulating housing; the fixing arms of the first connector engaging with same side fixing arms of the second connector.
US08668508B2	Connector A connector includes a first connector and a second connector, wherein the first connector includes first contacts made of a conductive material, and a first movable part made of an insulating material, wherein the first contacts have respective first contact portions of a convex shape, and the first movable part is connected to the first contacts to be movable together with the first contact portions, wherein the second connector includes second contacts made of a conductive material, and a second movable part made of an insulating material, wherein the second contacts have respective second contact portions coming in contact with the first contact portions, and the second movable part is connected to the second contacts to be movable together with the second contact portions, and wherein the first contact portions and the second contact portions are configured to come in contact with each other, thereby establishing electrical coupling.
US08668499B2	Connector A connector to be mounted on a substrate includes a first pad and a second pad formed on the surface, including a first contact including a first contacting portion to be in contact with the first pad when the connector is mounted on the substrate; and a second contact including a second contacting portion to be in contact with the second pad when the connector is mounted on the substrate, the first contact and the second contact being configured such that the first contacting portion slides on the first pad in a first direction while the second contacting portion slides on the second pad in a second direction opposite to the first direction, when the first contact and the second contact are pushed toward the first pad and the second pad, respectively, while the connector is being placed on and fixed to the substrate.
US08668498B2	Real-time video image analysis for providing virtual interior design System, method, and computer program product are provided for using real-time video analysis, such as augmented reality, to assist a user of a mobile device with interior design. Through the use of real-time object recognition features, logos, artwork, products, locations, etc. can be recognized in a real-time video stream and can subsequently be matched with data associated with such to assist the user with selecting the proper design elements for a space, such as a kitchen. The proper design elements may be based off of several factors regarding the design space, include the dimensions of the space, the location of windows, doors and outlets, geographic and positional data, other space features, current design elements, architectural features, décor, and style data of the space, etc. This invention provides a virtual area with design elements, such that a user may view the area and determine the proper décor for the area.
US08668496B2	Training system A training system is provided. The training system may have a handheld computing device configured to receive a data input from an input device. The input device may be a sensor capable of measuring a condition relating to the training. An analysis module in electronic communication with the handheld computing device is configured to interpret the data input from the input device and configured provide a feedback output related to the execution of the goals of the training system. Based on this feedback, a trainee or trainer may adjust the training program to enhance the trained skills.
US08668493B2	Liquid interdental cleaner The interdental cleaner includes a source of liquid (22) and a control system (42) including a manual pump (26), for moving a selected amount of liquid, suitable for a single use, into a liquid pathway and there to a mixing chamber (53). A source of pressurized gas (30), such as a CO2 cartridge, is used to preload a selected amount of gas into a gas chamber (52). The control system includes a spring-loaded button (18), which upon operation results in the manual pump (26) being operated, forcing the selected amount of liquid into the mixing chamber, and then upon release, permits the pressurized gas in the gas chamber to enter the mixing chamber, breaking up the liquid therein into droplets and a liquid stream, and propelling the resulting liquid out of a nozzle portion (14) of the cleaner into the interproximal area of the teeth.
US08668491B2	Regulating device for gas burners Regulating device for gas burners for providing a gas/air mixture, with a mixing device for mixing a gas flow with a combustion air flow to provide the gas/air mixture, wherein at least one gas valve is positioned in a gas line which conducts the gas flow, which is adjusted in dependence upon a measurement signal of an electric or electronic sensor, wherein the sensor determines the differential pressure between the gas line and a reference pressure. The mixing device may be formed as a Venturi nozzle, in which the gas flow and the combustion air flow are mixed, wherein the reference pressure for the sensor is a device in which the reference pressure prevails, and the device is connected via a connecting line to the Venturi nozzle downstream of the mixing region of the Venturi nozzle.
US08668490B2	Method and arrangement for igniting a gas flow The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for igniting a gas flow by means of remote control. The aim of the invention is to maintain the current consumption so low that an integratable voltage source can be used. To this end, a thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) is opened and the escaping gas ignited by the actuation of an electronic control unit (5) fed by a voltage source. Said thermoelectric safety pilot valve (17) is maintained open by a safety pilot magnet (18) by means of a holding current from the voltage source until a thermocouple (22) provides the required holding current once the gas flow has been ignited or a defined holding time is exceeded.
US08668488B2	Process for the combustion of a liquid A process for the combustion of a liquid in a combustion chamber includes atomizing liquid sulfur using a rotary atomizer and introducing the liquid sulfur into the combustion chamber. The liquid sulfur is charged onto an inside of a cup. The cup is rotated so as to form a liquid film on the inside of the cup and so that parts of the liquid film are radially flung off from an edge of the cup edge into the combustion chamber. The rotational speed of the cup is varied so as to control a thickness of the liquid film in the cup to between 200 and 1000 μm. The liquid sulfur is evaporated and subsequently burnt in the combustion chamber.
US08668486B2	Extruder die and resultant food product An extruder die designed to produce a spiral corn-based snack food product with consistent, tight spiral pitch and the resultant food product. The extruder die has a center post parallel to the flow path along with three cone-shaped receiving ports arranged in a cloverleaf pattern around the center post. The die has three curved slots on the output side of the die which are in fluid communication with the cone-shaped receiving ports. At the distal end of each of these slots is a semi-circular tip. The tip has a diameter larger than the width of its associated slot. Further, the tip is located at the apex of a cone-shaped receiving port with which it is in fluid communication, thus providing for the highest flow velocity of the extrudate through the tip. The resultant flow profile produces the consistent spiral shape of the snack product produced by the die design described.
US08668479B2	Semi-hermetic scroll compressors, vacuum pumps, and expanders This gas equipment, for other than air, includes a fixed scroll and an orbiting scroll, each having fins upon their back surfaces. The orbiting scroll remains within a housing having fins that engage with the fins on the orbiting scroll. The internal fins of the housing transfer heat from the orbiting scroll to the housing for air cooling by the atmosphere. The spiral arranged fins pump working fluid within the housing to increase heat transfer. The housing may also have an exterior fan. The orbiting scroll receives torque and rotation from a magnetic coupling or magnetic face seal, without a physical connection to a motor, so that the atmosphere does not infiltrate inside the housing. The present invention also has an enclosed inlet plenum to prevent infiltration of the atmosphere into the working fluid.
US08668472B2	Wave actuated pump and means of connecting same to the seabed A pumping apparatus for harvesting the wave energy and converting such energy into hydraulic power which may be transmitted and used to generate electricity or to produce desalinated water. The pumping apparatus has a float, an accumulator pressurized above the ambient pressure of the pump, the accumulator is charged with fluid and the pump is full of fluid. A check valve is closed and a pumping chamber is pressurized. An additional pumping chamber is also equally pressurized. An axial force is generated on a first tube by the pressure difference between its ends. An opposite axial force is generated on a second tube by the pressure difference between its ends. The second tube is larger in diameter than the first tube and hence the magnitude of the force on the second tube is greater. The resultant of these forces is balanced by a portion of the buoyancy of float.
US08668469B2	Hydraulic piston pump with reduced restriction barrel passage The present disclosure sets forth an axial piston pump with greatly improved throughput. The axial piston pump provides cylinders, antechambers, and fluid flow apertures which are uniquely shaped and dimensioned so as to increase the overall flowability and expulsion rate of the piston pump. By providing curvilinear transition zones and fluid flow apertures, the cylinders can be completely filled and pressurized even at the extremely high pressures and RPMs required by modern machines. Such machines may include front-end loaders, excavators, pipe layers, graders, and the like wherein such pumps can be used to power hydraulic cylinders moving the implements, work arms and other tools associated with such machines.
US08668467B2	Integrated fluid handling apparatus An integrated fluid handling apparatus 10 includes a power take off device 108 having a rotating power take off mechanism 122, a hydraulic pump 104 having a rotating fluid pump mechanism 146, a flow torque tube 106, and an electric motor/generator 102 having a rotating electric power conversion mechanism 173. A rotational power transfer system includes connector devices 128, 138, 166 and 172 that are drivingly connected to and that drivingly connect the mechanisms 122, 146 and 173 in one mode of operation. The electric motor/generator 102 includes heat exchange fluid flow passages that establish a fluid flow path to the inlet of the pump. The mechanisms 122, 146 and 173, and the connector devices 128, 138, 166 and 172 are assembled and used as a whole within a housing, without externally exposed mechanical drive connections and without externally exposed fluid connections, between such mechanisms and devices.
US08668466B2	Variable displacement reciprocating pump A variable displacement reciprocating pump with pumping rate that is adjustable from zero to maximum stroke while the pump is running. Stroke is varied by changing relative position of pairs of eccentric inner and outer cams that drive the pump's plungers. The pump's input drive shaft drives two gear trains: a first gear train that turns the inner cams and a second gear train that turns the outer cams. These cams normally revolve together with no relative motion occurring between them. A rotary actuator is positioned in the first gear train to rotate the inner cams relative to the outer cams and thereby changes the pump's stroke. A computerized system of sensors and control valves allows the pump to be automatically controlled or limited to any one or combination of desired output flow, pressure and horsepower.
US08668465B2	Hydraulic system with supplement pump If a hydraulic system has several modes of operation, in particular a mode with a high pressure demand (II) and a mode with a high fluid flow demand (II), the hydraulic fluid pump has to be built with an accordingly high fluid flow output. Such a pump is expensive. Therefore it is suggested, to provide two pumps. I.e. a controllable main pump (2) is provided, which supplies the hydraulic consumer (6) during phases (I) of high pressure demand. During phases (II) of high fluid flow demand, normally, relatively low pressures are sufficient. Therefore, it is suggested to provide a parallel boost pump (9), which supplies the hydraulic consumer (6) in addition to the high pressure pump (2), if a high fluid flow is needed. Excess fluid flow output is avoided by controlling the fluid output flow of main pump 2.
US08668464B2	Method for transporting a fluid and device for producing a volume flow The invention relates to a method for transporting a fluid for generating a fluid jet, wherein the fluid is delivered from a pump under pressure with a predetermined volume flow to an exit opening. In the event of an interruption of the volume flow, the pump is automatically switched from an operating mode for generating pressure to an operating mode for suctioning fluid; and a device for producing a volume flow for realizing a fluid jet for cutting and/or flushing of material, comprising a pump with an operating mode for generating pressure in the fluid and for generating suction. The device is constructed such that during interruption of the set volume flow, the pumpcan be switched over or switches over automatically from the operating mode for generating pressure to an operating mode for generating suction for the purpose of suctioning fluid.
US08668462B2	Wind turbine rotor blade Wind turbine rotor blade with a blade tip, a blade root, a leading edge, a trailing edge, a pressure side, a suction side and a cross-section, which changes from the blade tip to the blade root, the longitudinal portion being arranged between the blade root and the middle of the rotor blade, has the following: a convex pressure side portion, which extends from the leading edge up to a pressure-side inflection point, a concave pressure side addition portion, which connects with the pressure-side inflection point with a continuous curvature and extends up to the trailing edge, a convex suction side portion, which extends from the leading edge up to a suction-side kink or inflection point, and a suction side addition portion, which extends from the suction side kink or inflection point up to the trailing edge.
US08668460B2	Turbo fan and air conditioner with turbo fan A turbo fan includes a main plate for rotation in a rotational direction about a rotational axis and a plurality of blades arranged at intervals around the rotational axis of the main plate. At least one blade includes: a first blade section having a leading end and a trailing end; a second blade section having a leading end and a trailing end, wherein the first blade section is between the main plate and the second blade section; and a third blade section having a leading end and a trailing end, wherein the third blade section is between the first blade section and the second blade section.
US08668457B2	Gas turbine engine trim balance A trim balance for a gas turbine engine having a hollow rotatable rotor shaft includes an elongate support rod adapted for longitudinal accommodation within and mounting on an interior surface of the rotor shaft and one or more apertured balance weights supported on the support rod which extends through the weight apertures and a weight retainer for retaining the weights on the support rod.
US08668456B2	Blade A turbomachine blade having features arranged to initiate bending of the leading edge towards the pressure surface upon impact of a foreign object on the leading edge. The features may be features weaker than the material of the leading edge located on the pressure surface side of a mid-thickness line. By causing the leading edge to bend towards the pressure surface on impact the volume of the foreign object, typically a bird, that passes over the suction surface is reduced.
US08668455B2	Turbine wheel A wind driven energy source is providing integrated a series of radially extending masts from a central hub. The masts are supported by a series of cables. A mast-to-mast tension cable spans between distal ends of adjacent masts. A mast-to-axle tension cable spans between the distal end of each mast and each axial end of the central hub. A turbine blade is supported by each mast. The turbine blades can be of a rigid or pliant material. An angle of incidence of the rigid blades can be adjusted by rotating the mast. An angle of incidence of the pliant blades can be adjusted by applying tension to a blade control cable. Pliant blades can be retracted into the mast via a retracting mechanism to reduce the exposed surface area when subjected to excessive wind speeds.
US08668454B2	Turbine airfoil fillet cooling system A cooling system for the fillet of a turbine blade is provided. The blade includes an airfoil transitioning to a platform having a flow path surface. The transition region is defined by a fillet. A cooling passage is formed in the platform and extends about at least a portion of the periphery of the airfoil. The cooling passage is located proximate to the flow path surface and is substantially aligned with at least a portion of the fillet. Coolant is delivered to the passage by a supply hole, which can reduce the temperature in the fillet region. As a result, thermal gradients in the fillet region can be minimized, which can reduce thermal stresses. An exhaust hole extends between the passage and the flow path surface of the platform. Thus, coolant discharged from the exhaust holes enters the flow path of the turbine.
US08668452B2	Floating device for production of energy from water currents The invention relates to an device for production of energy from currents in water, comprising a first element (10), a second element (20) and a plurality of turbine modules (750) connected to the first element. The second element is mounted on the first element in an approximately perpendicular relationship, the first element is adapted for submersion below a water surface, and an upper part of the second element projects up above the water surface when the plant is in production. The invention also relates to an anchoring device for a floating plant (10, 20), comprising mooring lines (24a, 24b) which are connected at one of their respective ends to the plant and which are connected at their respective second ends to buoys (50, 52), where the mooring lines (24a, 24b) extend substantially horizontally between the plant and the respective buoys.
US08668450B2	Removable upper steam guide segment for steam turbine An upper steam guide segment may be a height limiting clearance for a lift of the upper exhaust hood of a steam turbine. The upper steam guide segment for a steam turbine is made detachable from a steam guide. The upper steam guide segment is bracketed to a butterfly plate fixedly attached to an upper exhaust hood of the steam turbine. The upper steam guide segment is supported by the butterfly plate when detached from the full steam guide. During a lift of the upper exhaust hood, the steam guide segment will also be lifted with the upper exhaust hood, resulting in a lower clearance height for the lift.
US08668449B2	Turbine exhaust diffuser with region of reduced flow area and outer boundary gas flow An exhaust diffuser system and method for a turbine engine. The outer boundary may include a region in which the outer boundary extends radially inwardly toward the hub structure and may direct at least a portion of an exhaust flow in the diffuser toward the hub structure. At least one gas jet is provided including a jet exit located on the outer boundary. The jet exit may discharge a flow of gas downstream substantially parallel to an inner surface of the outer boundary to direct a portion of the exhaust flow in the diffuser toward the outer boundary to effect a radially outward flow of at least a portion of the exhaust gas flow toward the outer boundary to balance an aerodynamic load between the outer and inner boundaries.
US08668448B2	Airfoil attachment arrangement An example airfoil retention arrangement includes a retention assembly having a first retention segment and a second retention segment. Each of the retention segments is separately moveable to an installed position relative to an airfoil assembly and a support structure. The retention segments each have a portion position between a lip of the airfoil assembly and a collar of the support structure when the retention segments are in the installed position. The retention assembly is configured to limit radial movement of an airfoil relative to the support structure when in the installed position.
US08668447B2	Steam turbine blade and method for manufacturing the same A steam turbine blade includes a coating film formed at least a portion of a surface of the steam turbine blade, the coating film containing a ceramic matrix and nanosheet particles dispersed in the ceramic matrix. The steam turbine blade is employed as one of stator blades or one of rotor blades in a steam turbine. The steam turbine includes a turbine rotor, the rotor blades implanted in the turbine rotor, the stator blades provided in an upstream side of the corresponding rotor blades, and a turbine casing supporting the stator blades and accommodating turbine rotor, the rotor blades and the stator blades. The steam turbine is also configured such that the rotor blades are paired with the corresponding stator blades to form turbine stages arranged in an axial direction of the turbine rotor, thereby forming steam paths.

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