US07647114B2
An aspect relates to a system for providing baroreflex stimulation. An embodiment of the system comprises a heart rate monitor to sense a heart rate and provide a signal indicative of the heart rate, and a baroreflex stimulator. The stimulator includes a pulse generator to intermittently generate a stimulation signal to provide baroreflex stimulation for a baroreflex therapy, and further includes a modulator to adjust the stimulation signal based on the signal indicative of the heart rate such that the stimulation signal provides a desired baroreflex stimulation corresponding to a desired heart rate.
US07647113B2
In a method of implanting an electrode of an electronic stimulator device into an external urinary sphincter of a male patient, a first incision is made in the perineum of the patient between the anus and the scrotal-perineal junction. A distal end of a stimulation lead is then fed through the first incision, through the perineal membrane and into the external urinary sphincter. The distal end includes the electrode. In one embodiment of the method, a second incision is made in the abdomen of the patient. In one embodiment, the second incision is made lateral to and cephalad to the pubis bone of the patient. Next, a proximal end of the stimulation lead is fed from the first incision to the second incision. In one embodiment, the proximal end of the stimulation lead is coupled to a control unit of the electronic stimulator device. Electrical signals are generated using the control unit and the electrical signals are delivered to the external urinary sphincter through the stimulation lead and the electrode.
US07647104B1
A method and apparatus for analyzing IEGM waveforms is disclosed. The method includes generating a long term ensemble average of a plurality of baseline IEGM waveforms and generating a short term ensemble average of at least a portion of the plurality of baseline IEGM waveforms. The method further includes determining a short term absolute point value as a function of the absolute value of the difference of the amplitude of the short term ensemble average and a test IEGM waveform and a long term absolute point value as a function of the difference of the amplitude of the long term ensemble average and the test waveform at a plurality of sample points. The disclosed method further includes detecting ischemia if the difference between the short term absolute point value and the long term absolute point value is greater than an ischemia detection threshold.
US07647097B2
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for a neural access device that includes an implant which transcutaneously exits the skin of a patient and provides transport of signals between a sensor implanted in a patient and an external device. The transcutaneous implant has integrated features to provide reduced risk of injury due to mechanical forces as well as electrostatic discharge energy applied to the external portion of the device. Transcutaneous devices which provide wireless communication between a sensor and an external device are also disclosed.
US07647092B2
The system and method of the present invention relates to using spectroscopy, for example, Raman spectroscopic methods for diagnosis of tissue conditions such as vascular disease or cancer. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system for measuring tissue includes a fiber optic probe having a proximal end, a distal end, and a diameter of 2 mm or less. This small diameter allows the system to be used for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease or other small lumens or soft tissue with minimal trauma. A delivery optical fiber is included in the probe coupled at the proximal end to a light source. A filter for the delivery fibers is included at the distal end. The system includes a collection optical fiber (or fibers) in the probe that collects Raman scattered radiation from tissue, the collection optical fiber is coupled at the proximal end to a detector. A second filter is disposed at the distal end of the collection fibers. An optical lens system is disposed at the distal end of the probe including a delivery waveguide coupled to the delivery fiber, a collection waveguide coupled to the collection fiber and a lens.
US07647087B2
A cortical surface registration procedure related to a diagnostic or surgical procedure. In one embodiment, the procedure includes the steps of pre-operatively obtaining a first textured point cloud of the cortical surface of a targeted region of a brain of a living subject, intra-operatively obtaining optically a second textured point cloud of the cortical surface of the brain of the living subject, and aligning the first textured point cloud of the cortical surface to the second textured point cloud of the cortical surface so as to register images of the brain of the living subject to the cortical surface of the living subject.
US07647085B2
Apparatus for monitoring the presence of one or more chromophores in a tissue sample, comprises a light source for projecting light to illuminate an area of such tissue sample, a photo-receptor for receiving light remitted by the illuminated area of tissue, and spectroscopic analyzer means for monitoring the remitted light, a comparator having means for comparing variations in the intensity and spectral characteristics of the remitted light with respect to the intensity and spectral characteristics of the projected light at different wavelengths and with a record of the intensity and spectral characteristics of light remitted by a reference sample of such tissue and means for emitting a control signal in response to any such variations. Methods of analyzing tissue histology, especially skin histology, are discussed, and a mathematical model is proposed for the analysis and comparison of the remitted light with a reference sample.
US07647083B2
A physiological sensor has intensity compensation introduced along an optical path from emission to detection so as to compensate for unequal tissue attenuation as a function of wavelength. The sensor has emitters configured to transmit optical radiation having multiple wavelengths into a tissue site. At least one detector is capable of receiving the optical radiation after tissue attenuation. An equalization is capable of compensating optical radiation intensity so as to account for differences in tissue attenuation across at least a portion of the multiple wavelengths.
US07647078B2
A power-saving method of wireless communication device, which operates a sleep mode for minimizing power consumption except for an active mode for communication, initializes a sleep probability upon the device being turned on, operates the active mode for communication with starting an active mode timer, transits to the sleep mode when there is no packet to transmit or receive before the active mode timer expires; and determines an exit from the sleep mode on the basis of the sleep probability.
US07647069B2
A transmitter and/or receiver includes a single crystal clock oscillator circuit and a sample rate converter (SRC) that selectively generates samples at an alternative frequency for subsequent transmission or decoding. A 40 MHz crystal provides the clock signal for the digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital converters that are used to convert the samples to and from analog form. In an IEEE 802.11-compatible embodiment, the 802.11a compatible 20 MHz OFDM samples are converted to and from analog form directly, whereas a sample rate converter converts the 802.11b compatible 22 MHz DSSS samples to and from 40 MHz samples to provide compatibility with the 40 MHz analog conversions.
US07647063B2
Methods and apparatus are described for improving convergence time of a reference signal-to-interference (SIR) value calculated in outer loop power control for use in inner loop power control. Instead of considering only error rate information for each transport channel individually, other information, such as quality information from other transport channels and block rate information for the channel, is also considered to determine the reference SIR. By considering such other information, an improved outer loop power control is achieved, thus reducing the power needed for the physical channel and increasing the capacity of the communication system.
US07647062B2
The invention relates to a method for controlling transmission power in a radio system, preferably in a radio link system. To establish a power control mechanism which is capable of taking into account the various phenomena affecting the performance of the radio connection and which can also respond to degrading signal quality before bit errors begin to occur, pseudo errors, i.e. decision-making instants at which a symbol error nearly occurred, are monitored at the receiving end. The transmission power is then decreased when the rate of the pseudo errors is below a predetermined threshold and increased when pseudo errors occur so that a predetermined criterion is fulfilled.
US07647058B2
A method and system for processing a broadcast SMS (Short Message Service) message in a mobile communication terminal is provided. The system includes a Broadcast Management Task which performs UI (User Interface) control; and a Main Control Task which determines whether or not a Data Burst Message received from the mobile communication system is a broadcast SMS message, and, if the Data Burst Message is the broadcast SMS message, controls such that the Broadcast Management Task performs broadcasting, where the Main Control Task determines whether or not the received broadcast SMS message is a message of a registered broadcast channel, and, if the received broadcast SMS message is not a message of the registered broadcast channel, the Main Control Task does not transmit Bearer Data to the Broadcast Management Task so that the Broadcast Management Task cannot perform unnecessary processes.
US07647057B2
The present invention comprises a method and system for dispatching a plurality of mobile service providers among a plurality of users (stationary) based on proximity of a user to a particular mobile service provider. One or more representations of proximity will be presented to a user on a map by the system and the system computes offers based on proximity.
US07647040B2
A terminal and method of automatically executing function establishment thereof are disclosed, by which establishments of supportable services and additional functions can be supported under a user-oriented environment, by which a function establishment of the terminal can be automatically executed according to a user, and by which function establishment contents previously used by a user can be automatically applied to a terminal that is for rent or newly purchased. The present invention includes registering an establishment value used in executing a prescribed terminal function to a communication system, requesting the establishment value to the communication system from a random terminal, receiving the establishment value from the communication system to the terminal, and allowing the terminal to change a previous establishment value of the function previously stored in the terminal using the received establishment value.
US07647034B2
A design support system for circuit board includes: a noise source extracting unit for extracting a source of unwanted radiation noise which is generated from a circuit board mounted on an electronic equipment; a noise characteristics input unit for inputting noise characteristics of the unwanted radiation noise which is emitted by the extracted noise source; a noise attenuation ratio input unit for inputting an attenuation ratio of the unwanted radiation noise which is emitted by the noise source and propagated to a feed point of an antenna; a correlation value calculation unit for calculating a correlation value between the noise characteristics and the attenuation ratio of the unwanted radiation noise; and a comparator unit for comparing the calculated correlation value with a predetermined allowable value, whereby avoiding malfunction of an electronic equipment due to interference of unwanted radiation noises generated from the particular electronic equipment into the circuit board via the antenna.
US07647028B2
An internal calibration system for a radio frequency (RF) transmitter comprises a digital processing element to generate within a radio frequency (RF) transmitter test points at which an output of the RF transmitter is measured, an RF detector to measure the radio frequency output of the RF transmitter at the test points, the digital processing element also determining transmitter impairments by analyzing the measured radio frequency output, and compensation circuitry to compensate the RF transmitter for the measured impairments.
US07647023B2
A method for frequency separation for multiple Bluetooth communication devices on a single platform may comprise determining initial frequencies to be utilized by a plurality of Bluetooth communication devices residing on a single host device. A first portion of the determined initial frequencies may be assigned to a first of the plurality of Bluetooth communication devices. At least a second portion of the determined initial frequencies selected from a remaining portion of the determined initial frequencies may be assigned to at least a second of the plurality of Bluetooth devices. Determination may be made based on those determined initial frequencies that have been interfered with by other wireless communication devices. At least a portion of these frequencies that have been interfered with may be eliminated from the determined initial frequencies. The eliminating may be done dynamically and the determined initial frequencies may be re-assigned based on the eliminating.
US07647005B2
A process unit is described. The process unit may include a unit main body being detachably mountable to an image forming apparatus main body and having a developer carrier for supplying a developing agent to an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a toner box being detachably mountable to the unit main body and accommodating the developing agent, a pivoting member pivotably disposed at the unit main body, and a contacting member disposed at the pivoting member and contacting with the toner box from a downstream side in a detaching direction of the toner box from the unit main body.
US07646986B2
The present invention provides an optical receiving device, in which a portion of an optical signal is deflected for optical axis detection only when the optical axis is misaligned to thereby achieve a high S/N ratio of a received signal. A condensing section 100 condenses a received optical signal. An optical element 110 includes a transmission region 111 and a deflecting region 112, and receives the optical signal, which has been condensed through the condensing section 100. A signal light receiving section 120 receives the transmitted light, which has been transmitted through the transmission region 111. A detection light receiving section 130 receives deflected light, which has been deflected through the deflecting region 112 and performs a photoelectric conversion on the received light to thereby output a detection intensity signal that indicates an intensity of the deflected light. An optical axis detection section 140 detects an optical axis misalignment based on the detection intensity signal outputted from the detection light receiving section 130 to output an optical axis detection signal. An optical axis adjustment section 150 performs an optical axis adjustment based on the optical axis detection signal.
US07646981B2
A WDM optical system includes first and second WDM's including an optical link therebetween. Each WDM includes circuitry for linking multiplexer and demultiplexer circuitry to a plurality of modular elements. The modular elements include a first set of modules for converting between native protocol media signals and common format signals. A second set of modules converts between the common format signals and optical signals at separate wavelengths for communication with the multiplexers and demultiplexers. A dual path transmit and receive optical link is provided between near and far end WDM's.
US07646974B2
A device may include a camera to capture an image, a sensor to measure information indicative of a color characteristic of light in an environment, and a processor to adjust a color characteristic of a flash based on the color characteristic of the light in the environment and activate the flash for capturing the image according to the adjusted color characteristic.
US07646960B2
A method, apparatus, system, and signal-bearing medium that, in an embodiment, calculate scores for cells within a program based on a speed at which the cells were presented and a frequency that the cells were presented. A cell includes one or more frames of presentable data. Chapters within the program are then determined and located within the program based on gradients of the scores that exceed a threshold. The scores are calculated based on incrementing a score for each cell each time the cell is presented and by different amounts depending on the speed at which the cell is presented. In an embodiment, the score is incremented by a larger amount in response to a slower presentation speed of the associated cell. In an embodiment, scores may be received from multiple clients where the program was presented, the scores may be aggregated for all the clients, and the chapters may be determined based on the aggregated scores. The scores may further be used to change the presentation speed of the program based on the scores of the cells being presented or skipped.
US07646958B1
A method for configuring an enclosure used in a communications network is described. The method may include providing a group of pigtails. The method may further include routing the group of pigtails circumferentially around a subscriber termination field, where the group of pigtails is associated with an optical splitter module used to convey optical signals to a destination, and where the routing is performed in a manner that does not substantially obstruct access to at least one of a group of subscriber terminations that are associated with the subscriber termination field.
US07646955B2
An optical multimode fiber including a graded index core and an extended gradient core which has a negative refractive index difference with respect to the cladding. The fiber improves the bandwidth, reliability and complexity of the telecommunication systems that are based on multimode fibers. The fiber reduces the differential mode delay among modes. The fiber thereby allows achieving large bandwidth even in the case when the highest order modes are excited. This has positive effects to the conditions that need to be fulfilled by the components such as optical sources, connectors, fiber couplers, other optical components, cables, etc. The fiber eliminates negative impact of the cladding that allows for reduction of fiber core size and the difference between the cladding and the core and thereby allows for achieving the larger bandwidth of optical fiber at lower fiber production cost.
US07646951B2
Provided is an apparatus for manufacturing an optical fiber Bragg grating. The optical fiber Bragg grating manufacturing apparatus includes: an optical fiber; a laser for irradiating a laser beam to the optical fiber to change a refractive index of a core of the optical fiber; an optical system for periodically changing the intensity of the laser beam irradiated to the optical fiber core; a broadband light source for providing broadband light as an incident signal to the optical fiber in order to observe a reflection characteristic of a Bragg grating formed in the optical fiber by the laser beam converted by the optical system; and an optical spectrum analyzer (OSA) for measuring a reflected signal or a transmitted signal of the broadband light incident to the Bragg grating, wherein the optical system realizes a Bragg wavelength (λB) in order to periodically change the refractive index of the optical fiber core, and the broadband light source and the optical spectrum analyzer use λB/N, where λB denotes the Bragg wavelength and N is a natural number which is equal to or more than 2.
US07646950B2
Provided are a method and apparatus for manufacturing fiber gratings capable of removing or reducing birefringence and polarization-dependence caused by fiber gratings, and an optical fiber having the fiber gratings formed thereby. The method includes: selectively exposing an optical fiber to a light source, and generating first fiber gratings on the optical fiber; and selectively exposing the optical fiber to a light source on a region spaced apart from the first fiber gratings in a longitudinal direction at a different angle from the first fiber gratings about an axis of the optical fiber, and generating second fiber gratings that are the same as the first fiber gratings. Use of the method and apparatus for manufacturing fiber gratings may effectively remove or reduce birefringence or polarization effects.
US07646934B2
A method of detecting an image of a reflective object includes the steps of capturing an exposure image by an image sensor while an LED is ON; down-sampling an exposure image signal from the image sensor to a first digital signal by comparing the level of the first image signal with a first reference level; capturing a dark image by the image sensor while the LED is OFF; down-sampling a second image signal from the image sensor to a second digital signal by comparing the level of the second image signal with a second reference level; computing an image of difference between the exposure image and the dark image by subtracting the second digital signal from the first digital signal; and specifying the image of the reflective object by locating a bright point remaining in the image of difference.
US07646933B2
A method and apparatus for producing a customized jigsaw puzzle is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an image capturing mechanism, such as a camera, that captures one or more images of one or more individuals, animals, or objects or combinations of these posed against a background. A computer that is linked to the mechanism and to a printer is programmed to print an image on flexible sheets having a printable surface. Then a press, having a platen carrying a jigsaw puzzle cutting die, when activated uses pressure to laminate together the flexible sheet bearing the printed image and a foam sheet thicker and more rigid than he flexible sheets, setting pressure responsive adhesive material used as a binder to form a laminated product, and substantially simultaneously to cut the laminated product into jigsaw puzzle pieces.
US07646928B2
An image display control apparatus for controlling a display to display an image on the basis of coded data of an input image encoded layer by layer in a plurality of layers, includes: a decoder that decodes coded data of parts of layers composing an input image to image data; and a controller that controls a display to display image elements on the basis of the image data decoded by the decoder.
US07646924B2
Method and apparatus for compressed sensing yields acceptable quality reconstructions of an object from reduced numbers of measurements. A component x of a signal or image is represented as a vector having m entries. Measurements y, comprising a vector with n entries, where n is less than m, are made. An approximate reconstruction of the m-vector x is made from y. Special measurement matrices allow measurements y=Ax+z, where y is the measured m-vector, x the desired n-vector and z an m-vector representing noise. “A” is an n by m matrix, i.e. an array with fewer rows than columns. “A” enables delivery of an approximate reconstruction, x#, of x. An embodiment discloses approximate reconstruction of x from the reduced-dimensionality measurement y. Given y, and the matrix A, x# of x is possible. This embodiment is driven by the goal of promoting the approximate sparsity of x#.
US07646916B2
A system and method for feature evaluation that include an evaluation system configured to consider extracted features and reference features and an evaluation system configured to quantify accuracy, quality, and correspondence between the reference features and the extracted features.
US07646905B2
A method of scoring Oestrogen and Progesterone Receptors expression (ER and PR) from histological images determines the percentage of brown image blob area in total blob area and derives percentage thresholds to quantify scoring. Brown blob area proportion is then compared with the thresholds to provide a first contribution to scoring of ER or PR. The number of relatively dark pixels is then counted, pixel number thresholds are determined to quantify scoring, and the number of relatively dark pixels is compared with the thresholds to provide a second contribution scoring of ER or PR. The two contributions are then added to provide an overall scoring in the range 0 to 8 which may be taken as a final score or it may be scaled to a conventional range 0 to 3.
US07646903B2
A system and method for tree matching are provided. The method for tree matching includes: acquiring tree-like structures representing a physical object or model; extracting a path from a first tree-like structure and a path from a second tree-like structure; comparing the paths of the first and second tree-like structures by computing a similarity measurement for the paths; and determining if the paths match based on the similarity measurement.
US07646895B2
A technique is disclosed for determining a group in which to add a new image set. The new image set is captured by one or more cameras in a video surveillance system. Similarity scores are generated between the new image set and one or more image sets of a plurality of groups, wherein each group includes one or more image sets of at least one object. The new image set is added to a group based on one or more factors. Also, a technique is disclosed for determining when to close a group, wherein a closed group is one to which an image set may not be added.
US07646884B2
A vision system (10) for a vehicle (14) includes a light source (46) that generates an illumination beam (20). A receiver (62) generates a first image signal and a second image signal. The first image signal is generated in response to a reflected portion of the illumination beam (20). A controller is coupled to the light source (46) and the receiver (62). The controller generates an image in response to the first image signal and the second image signal.
US07646870B2
A data encryption-decryption method includes the steps of receiving a data byte N and performing a triple-churning operation on byte N to obtain an encrypted byte N. Preferably, the triple-churning operation includes performing a first churning operation to obtain a first churned output, bit-wise XORing the first churned output with two values to obtain a first XOR result, performing a second churning operation on the first XOR result to obtain a second churned output, bit-wise XORing the second churned output with two values to obtain a second XOR result, and performing a third churning operation on the second XOR result to obtain encrypted byte N.
US07646865B2
A telephone handset that includes both a speaker and a secondary flux coil is provided. The secondary flux coil provides improved inductive coupling between the handset and a hearing aid. Due to the wiring configuration of the handset, the speaker and the secondary flux coil can be independently filtered, thus providing means for independently optimizing the performance of both the speaker and the secondary flux coil. Suitable filters include both passive circuits and digital signal processors.
US07646861B2
Information is shared between an agent and a user. Information for a communications service is provided to the user. Information for a related service that relates to the communications service is retrieved. The related service is described to the user. The related service is activated for the user when the agent confirms that the related service has been described to the user.
US07646859B2
A system and method for providing integrated telephony and Internet services is described. An embodiment of the present invention comprises passively collecting incoming and/or outgoing call information from communications links communicatively coupled to a first party. The call information is extracted and customer information, such as demographic information, is retrieved. The customer information may be, for example, retrieved from a data provider or may have been previously collected or gathered. Thereafter, reports, charts, graphs, maps, and the like may be made available. In an embodiment, the reports, charts, graphs, maps, and the like are made available via a network such as the Internet.
US07646858B2
Systems and methods are presented for handling calls. In one embodiment of the invention, a call handling system is configured for handling a variety of emergency and/or non emergency related calls. The call handling system may enable recognition of and response to received call information. The call handling system comprises a call interface configured for receiving the call information. A processor is communicatively coupled to the call interface and configured for processing the call information to initiate a protocol. This protocol may, as it progresses, be used to generate data for use in a CAD system. The CAD system may subsequently dispatch responders based on the generated data. The call handling system includes an advisory component that recommends a type of dispatch and a risk assessment. The call handling system also includes a build component that allows for the generation of protocols.
US07646848B2
The invention relates to a goniometer (1) and a method for measuring stresses and characterizing microstructure of particles. The goniometer comprises frame (4), a measurement head (7, 8, 9, 10) movably adapted to the frame (4) by a first linear movement unit (5), second linear movement unit (6) and a tilting movement unit (16), for performing measurement at a measurement point. According to the invention the axis of rotation (12) of the tilting movement unit (16) does not coincide with the measurement point, and the device has means (17) for creating arc-formed movement of the measurement head (7, 8, 9, 10) during the measurement with said movement units (5, 6, 16).
US07646841B2
A shift register has multiple stages each of which includes a pull-up part to generate a current gate line driving signal having a first state in response to a first control signal and a clock signal, a pull-down part to generate the current gate line driving signal having a second state in response to a second control signal, a pull-up driver to generate the first control signal to control the pull-up part in response to a previous gate line driving signal provided from a previous stage, a following gate line driving signal provided from a following stage, and an input voltage signal externally provided, and a pull-down driver to generate the second control signal to control the pull-down part in response to a third control signal provided from the pull-up driver and the input voltage signal, in which the second control signal swings between first and second voltage levels in association with the input voltage signal that swings between predetermined voltage levels.
US07646837B2
A method and apparatus are provided for implementing bandwidth control in a communication link. A set link configuration for the communications link establishes a number of clock cycles required to transmit a data envelope. A control function aligns a start of a data packet on a fixed cycle boundary for data envelope transmissions. The control function aligns the start of a data packet in the same byte of the 16 byte field. The control function is implemented with a memory management input/output (MMIO) register and a counter, and allows a transmitting side of the communications link to control the pacing of data packet transmission or bandwidth by aligning all data packets on fixed-cycle boundaries.
US07646834B2
A satellite communications system provides an information channel between remotely located transmitters and receivers. A virtual satellite system provides the same service, but divides the signal either in power or in data content into subchannels such that any particular signal is conducted to the intended receiver via a plurality of traditional satellite channels. The receiving terminal accepts the plurality of signals simultaneously from a possible plurality of satellites, combining the subchannels comprising the virtual channel into the original signal content as if conducted via a single channel. The receiving antenna system receives satellite subchannel signals from a plurality of directions using multiple antennas or a single antenna with multi-direction capability. Prior to signal combining, the receiver necessarily time-synchronizes the plurality of subchannels by introducing time delay in some channels before combining the subsignals into the original composite. A timing signal present in the virtual satellite system assists the receiver in determining the amount of delay to apply to each incoming signal. The timing signal is either a separate carrier or an additional modulation on the existing information-bearing carrier.
US07646830B1
In ranging systems such as GPS, radar, and the like, accuracy of the ranging information recovered depends on the phase linearity of the ranging receiver, generally implemented as a superheterodyne radio. Superheterodyne radios use bandpass filters in their Intermediate Frequency (IF) amplifiers to accomplish suppression of adjacent channel signal interference. Depending on the ratio of IF center-frequency to signal-bandwidth, such filters evidence phase non-linearity affecting the signal group delay response. This generally manifests in coupling of the in-phase and quadrature detected signals during signal modulation changes in state. If this effect is ignored, reduced accuracy in the recovery of ranging information can be expected. One solution is to incorporate in the ranging receiver a phase non-linearity compensation structure, but this has an adverse economic impact. On study, it has been determined that real-time Maximum Likelihood estimates of signal parameters in a multipath environment is both tractable and efficacious. The subject of this invention is means to obtain Maximum Likelihood estimates of the amplitude, carrier phase, and delay parameters of the direct and secondary path signals arising in a multipath environment when the receiver signal modulation is complex-valued, an appropriate signal model when phase non-linearity is operating. An algorithmic solution to the problem of ranging receiver induced phase non-linearity is a preferred solution, since there is little to no economic impact.
US07646828B2
A digital broadcasting system and a data processing method are disclosed. The receiving system of the digital broadcasting system includes a baseband processor, a first handler, a second handler, and a storage unit. The baseband processor receives a broadcast signal including mobile service data and main service data. Herein, the mobile service data may configure an RS frame, and the RS frame may include the mobile service data and first signaling information of a first data type on the mobile service data. The first handler parses the first signaling information received from the RS frame, converts parsed data elements of the first data type to a second data type, and merges multiple identification information of the parsed first data type, thereby generating identification information of the second data type. The second handler receives second signaling information of the second data type on the mobile service data, the second signaling information including at least one fragment, uses the identification information of the second data type included in the first handler to search at least one fragment within the second signaling information, and maps data elements received through the searched fragment with the data elements converted to the second data type.
US07646822B2
A transmitting apparatus that transmits signals from a plurality of antennas, and can improve the security of communication compared with a conventional system. In this apparatus, an antenna changing section (105) stores an antenna change pattern in internal memory, and each time a clock signal is input, generates an antenna change signal directing an antenna change in accordance with the antenna change pattern, and outputs this signal to an antenna selection section (106). Based on the antenna change signal, the antenna selection section (106) selects two different antennas from among the transmitting antennas (107-1 through 107-3) as transmitting antennas of transmit signal A output from a radio section (104-1) and transmit signal B output from a radio section (104-2), and performs radio transmission of transmit signal A and transmit signal B using the selected transmitting antennas.
US07646820B2
A transmission apparatus used in a radio communication system adopting the OFDM scheme is disclosed. The transmission apparatus includes: a dividing inverse Fourier transform part including plural transform parts, wherein the dividing inverse Fourier transform part divides a signal to be transmitted into plural signals, and each of the plural transform parts performs inverse Fourier transform on one of the plural signals; a peak control part for outputting a peak control signal based on peaks that are detected from output signals of the dividing inverse Fourier transform part; and a peak reducing process part for adjusting a weight or an arranging order of an output signal of the dividing inverse Fourier transform part according to the peak control signal to output an adjusted signal, and synthesizing the adjusted signal with other signal so as to output a synthesized signal.
US07646815B2
An apparatus comprising a first processing circuit and a second processing circuit. The first processing circuit may be configured to generate a plurality of reconstructed samples in response to one or more macroblocks of an input signal. The second processing circuit may be configured to determine a best intra prediction chroma mode 0 predictor for reach chroma sub-block of a current macroblock in response to available reconstructed samples adjacent to the current macroblock.
US07646805B2
A terminal for receiving digital broadcast signals includes signal receiving components for receiving a digital broadcast signal, and a first error rate detection unit for detecting a first bit error rate (BER) of the digital broadcast signal before the digital broadcast signal is decoded by a decoder. The terminal also includes a second error rate detection unit for detecting a second bit error rate (BER) of the digital broadcast signal after the digital broadcast signal is decoded by the decoder, and a packet error rate detection unit for detecting packet error rate (PER) of the digital broadcast signal. The terminal typically further includes a controller for determining reception quality of the digital broadcast signal based upon a value of the first BER, or the second BER, or the PER. A method for determining signal reception quality includes receiving a digital broadcast signal, detecting the BER, and determining reception quality of the digital broadcast signal based upon a value of the BER.
US07646803B2
An apparatus and method for estimating and combining frequency errors in a mobile communication system. A controller divides data received from a main base station (BS) and control information received from a neighbor BS and controls allocation to fingers. A main automatic frequency control (AFC) loop is formed by estimating and combining frequency errors of the data received from the main BS. A sub AFC loop is formed by subtracting a corrected value of the main AFC loop after estimating and combining frequency errors of the control information received from the neighbor BS.
US07646801B2
According to one embodiment, a lower order modulator is provided using a number of higher order modulators. According to another embodiment, a signal having a lower order spreading factor is generated using circuitry for generating a number of signals with a higher order spreading factor.
US07646800B2
A method and apparatus for allocating subcarriers in a broadband wireless communication system using multiple carriers are provided. In the wireless communication system where the total available frequency band is divided into a plurality of subcarriers and subchannels each are formed with a predetermined number of subcarriers, the subcarriers are grouped into subcarrier groups, subcarriers are selected from the subcarrier groups according to predetermined sequences, and the selected subcarriers are allocated as a subchannel to a cell in a predetermined time period.
US07646799B2
An edge emitting semiconductor laser containing a plurality of monolithically integrated laser diodes (1, 2, 3). Each laser diode (1, 2, 3) contains an active zone (11, 12, 13), with the active zones (11, 12, 13) being in each case arranged between waveguide layers (6), the waveguide layers (6) in each case adjoining a cladding layer (7, 8) at a side remote from the active zone (11, 12, 13). The cladding layers (7, 8) comprise inner cladding layers (7), which are arranged above a bottommost active zone (11) and below a topmost active zone (13), and outer cladding layers (8) which are arranged below the bottommost active zone (11) or above the topmost active zone (13). The inner cladding layers (7) have a smaller thickness than the outer cladding layers (8).
US07646796B2
A laser. The novel laser includes a gain medium, a pump source adapted to optically excite the gain medium in a first location, and a resonator adapted to extract energy from the gain medium in a second location distinct from the first location. In an illustrative embodiment, the gain medium is comprised of a plurality of solid-state gain particles suspended in a fluid. The gain medium is adapted to flow, and optical excitation of the gain medium occurs outside of the resonator. In a preferred embodiment, the flow velocity and the density of gain particles in the gain medium are adjusted for optimal absorption efficiency during optical excitation and then for optimal extraction efficiency in the resonator. In addition, the resonator may be shaped for optimal extraction efficiency, while pump modules that hold the gain medium during optical excitation are shaped for optimal absorption efficiency.
US07646785B2
A communication system includes devices configured to communicate with each other through a temporal sequence of frames. Each of these frames includes multiple sub-channels. Note that a given device in the devices is configured to select sub-channels to reserve based on a nearest-neighbor spacing between the sub-channels to be reserved and/or a switching latency between data in-flow to the given device and data out-flow from the given device. Furthermore, the given device is configured to dynamically reserve the selected sub-channels on a frame-by-frame basis for up to N frames.
US07646780B2
System for reordering sequenced based packets in a switching network. The system includes time stamp logic that operates to associate a receive time indicator with each received data packet. The system also includes Enqueue logic that operates to compute an expiration time for each received packet based on the receive time indicator, and stores the expiration time and the sequence identifier for each received packet into a table. Dequeue logic operates to read the table to determine the received data packets to output in an output stream so that the received data packets are output in a selected order. The Dequeue logic also operates to determine a true expiration time for one or more unreceived data packets, and if the true expiration time for a selected unreceived data packet is reached, the Dequeue logic operates to omit the selected unreceived data packet from the output stream.
US07646770B1
Several systems for supporting packet processing are described. A first system supports virtual routing of a packet. A second system supports de-multiplexing of a packet. A third system supports advanced MPLS label processing of a packet.
US07646769B2
A Provider Edge PE3 replicates a received packet and relays these to virtual circuits VC1, VC2 respectively, and Provider Edges PE2, PE2 respectively receive the packets from the virtual circuits VC1, VC2, whereupon the Provider Edges PE2, PE2, on the basis of an agreement between them, decide to handle the received packets such that one of the edges relays the packet to a Customer Edge CE1 for forwarding to a Host A, while the other edge discards the packet without relaying it to the Customer Edge CE1.
US07646767B2
A method and system for routing fiber channel frames using a fiber channel switch element is provided. The switch element includes, a hashing module whose output is used to select the column from a look up table to route frames. The method includes, indexing a look up table using domain, area, virtual storage area network identifier, a hashing module output and/or AL_PA values; selecting a column from the look up table based on a column select signal; and routing a frame if a route is valid. The hashing module takes a fiber channel header to generate a pseudo random value used for selecting a column from the look up table. The hashing module uses same field values in an exchange to generate the pseudo random value. A hash function is used on a frame's OX_ID, D_ID, S_ID, and/or RX_ID to route fiber channel frames.
US07646766B2
A digital signal-processing device is described which comprises a recording controller for control of recording in the memories drives a trigger-switching element arranged in the trigger line downstream of the two parallel-operating signal-processing units in such a manner that essentially the same timing period is recorded in both memories during a post-triggering period after a trigger time.
US07646756B1
A method and a system are disclosed for providing quality of service (QoS)-driven channel access within a basic service set (BSS) in a wireless network. At least one available TO is allocated to a selected non-PC station having traffic to transmit. A multipoll frame containing information relating to at least two allocated TOs is then sent from the PC station containing information relating to each allocated TO.
US07646750B2
The present invention relates to a method and apparatus of precise first-path detection in CDMA mobile communications systems, comprising the steps of: a. calculating the noise threshold for the first-path detection according to the multi-path profile; b. judging whether there is a maximum point exceeding the noise threshold in the multi-path profile, if yes, carrying out side-lobe suppression at this maximum point and obtaining the candidate first path; otherwise, setting the flag of no first path existing, and exiting the entire process of first-path detection; c. judging according to the location of the candidate first path whether the first path is ambiguous, if yes, carrying out correction of first-path ambiguity, obtaining the corrected location of final first path, and exiting the entire first-path detection process; otherwise, outputting the location of candidate first path as the location of final first path. The apparatus in accordance with this invention comprises at least a module for noise threshold calculation, a module for side-lobe suppression, and a module for first-path ambiguity detection and correction.
US07646746B2
A method for handling uplink transmission start used in a mobile of a wireless communications system includes when an uplink transmission is started, if a predefined information element (IE) is not received, setting a primary state variable to “none” to indicate that a Serving Grant (SG) value can be affected by a Secondary Absolute Grant message.
US07646742B2
A method of retransmission protocol reset synchronisation in a radio network of a communication system, said radio network including at least one radio network controller RNC for controlling a plurality of base stations in communication with mobile terminals, wherein the RNC communicates with a communication terminal using a radio link control RLC procedure and the plurality of base stations communicate with the mobile terminals using a medium access control MAC procedure, comprising the steps of initiating a RLC reset procedure upon occurrence of an unrecoverable protocol error and initiating a MAC reset procedure in response to a RLC reset procedure.
US07646740B2
A system and method of providing advertisements to vehicles is disclosed. An apparatus that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a system having at least one wireless communication access point deployed along a freeway, a database for storing one or more media files associated with one or more advertisements, the database storing information concerning the types of media files supported by a number of media systems of a corresponding number of user vehicles, and a server coupled to the database having access to the at least one wireless communication access point. The server can direct the wireless communication access point to transmit one or more advertisements to the portable communication devices according to one or more types of media files determined to be supported by the media systems, and the corresponding user vehicles being proximately located to a freeway exit. Additional embodiments are disclosed.
US07646724B2
A method, system, and program product for a data processing system having multiple hosts which dynamically determines blocking of packets in the data processing system. A connection is established between a host and an adapter for communication with a Local Area Network. A set of parameters is established for blocking packets transmitted from the adapter to the host. The set of parameters is stored in the adapter to be used by that connection. The packets transmitted from the adapter to the host are grouped or blocked in accordance with the set of parameters for that connection. Periodically, the packets being transmitted from the adapter to the host are evaluated for determining changes in the parameters. Changes to the set of parameters are recorded in the adapter for that connection to the host. Where there are multiple connections established between the adapter and multiple hosts, a set of parameters to be used for each connection is established such that packets are blocked in accordance with a respective set of parameters for a respective one of the hosts.
US07646722B1
Each node (130) of a SONET bidirectional line switch ring (BLSR) (120) generates a squelch table. Squelch table generation does not require a separate computer connected to the node. Each node also generates a payload table indicating a type of a synchronous transport signals (STS) on each link (140) in the ring. The payload table allows each node to quickly determine the STS type on the protection channels when a ring switch occurs.
US07646711B2
A policing device having a table storing monitored bandwidth, packet history information for each importance level, and the allocation weight of the monitored bandwidth for each importance level, a policing table control circuit for reading out these items of information into each storage of a policing unit when a packet is inputted, and a calculation unit for judging the bandwidth of the input packet as being conformant or non-conformant to the contract on the basis of these items of information, thereby to control the bandwidth at each importance level.
US07646706B2
A restoration path planner that minimizes the worst-case number of cross-connections that must be performed in a network in the event of a single element failure involves a two-phase optimization. The first phase involves finding two node-disjoint paths for each service demand within a network such that the maximum link bandwidth in the network is minimized and the link bandwidths within the network are leveled. The second phase involves identifying the primary and restoration paths for each service demand within the network such that the worst-case number of cross-connections at any node within the network is minimized across all possible single-event failures. Embodiments also consider service demand-bundling that groups service demands with the same source-destination node pairs and routes them along identical primary and restoration paths, and banding, which consolidates multiple low-rate demands into a high-rate demand and consequently decreases cross-connections required in the event of a failure.
US07646703B2
A network device for generating an expanded long training sequence with a minimal peak-to-average ratio. The network device includes a signal generating circuit for generating the expanded long training sequence. The network device also includes an Inverse Fourier Transform for processing the expanded long training sequence from the signal generating circuit and producing an optimal expanded long training sequence with a minimal peak-to-average ratio. The expanded long training sequence and the optimal expanded long training sequence are stored on more than 52 sub-carriers.
US07646699B2
A device and method of setting transmit power backoff of a transceiver within a network is disclosed. The method includes estimating a channel loss of a channel of the transceiver, obtaining channel loss information, the channel loss information including estimates of channel loss of other channels of the network, obtaining crosstalk information, the crosstalk information including estimates of crosstalk between the channel and other channels of the network, and setting the power backoff based on the channel loss of the channel, the channel information, and the crosstalk information.
US07646684B2
There are included a plurality of record information recording areas (OPC areas PCA0, user data areas 109-0 or spare areas SA) for recording record information; a management information recording area (management area MA) for recording a plurality of management information for managing the respective ones of the plurality of record information recording areas; and a reliability information recording area (management area MA) for recording a plurality of reliability information (reliability flag group 150) that indicate, for each of the plurality of management information (120, 130 or 140), reliability as to whether the plurality of management information are correctly updated.
US07646682B2
A focusing controller and a method thereof for an optical disk drive. The focusing controller includes a filter which filters out a high-frequency component of the track error signal to output an adjusted signal, a coupler which couples the focus error signal with the adjustment signal to generate a coupled signal. The focusing controller further includes a focus compensator which receives the coupled signal and output the focus control signal to control position of the pick up head of the optical disk drive out of focus such that the coupling of the track error signal with the focus error signal is improved and also the stability of the servo system. While seeking ended, the offset signal is removed to resume the position of the optical pick-up head to the normally focus position.
US07646675B1
An underwater recognition device, system and method is provided. The system includes an underwater information collection sub-system for collecting sensor signals for underwater recognition. An underwater information processing sub-system is also provided, having at least one input port coupled to the underwater information collection sub-system and creating numerical or graphical representations of underwater information. In order to facilitate presentation of the information to a user, a speech signal processing sub-system integrated with the underwater information processing sub-system or coupled to an output port of the underwater information processing sub-system is provided. The speech signal sub-system processes numerical or graphical representations of underwater information into speech output signals.
US07646667B2
A non-volatile memory system is formed of floating gate memory cells arranged in blocks as the smallest unit of memory cells that are erasable together. The system includes a number of features that may be implemented individually or in various cooperative combinations. One feature is the storage in separate blocks of the characteristics of a large number of blocks of cells in which user data is stored. These characteristics for user data blocks being accessed may, during operation of the memory system by its controller, be stored in a random access memory for ease of access and updating. According to another feature, multiple sectors of user data are stored at one time by alternately streaming chunks of data from the sectors to multiple memory blocks. Bytes of data in the stream may be shifted to avoid defective locations in the memory such as bad columns. Error correction codes may also be generated from the streaming data with a single generation circuit for the multiple sectors of data. The stream of data may further be transformed in order to tend to even out the wear among the blocks of memory. Yet another feature, for memory systems having multiple memory integrated circuit chips, provides a single system record that includes the capacity of each of the chips and assigned contiguous logical address ranges of user data blocks within the chips which the memory controller accesses when addressing a block, making it easier to manufacture a memory system with memory chips having different capacities. A typical form of the memory system is as a card that is removably connectable with a host system but may alternatively be implemented in a memory embedded in a host system. The memory cells may be operated with multiple states in order to store more than one bit of data per cell.
US07646664B2
A semiconductor memory device including a memory cell array, a first row decoder adjacent the memory cell array, and a second row decoder adjacent the memory cell array. A memory cell array may include first and second memory cell blocks on respective first and second semiconductor layers. The first memory cell block may include a first word line coupled to a first row of memory cells on the first semiconductor layer, the second memory cell block may include a second word line coupled to a second row of memory cells on the second semiconductor layer, and the first word line may be between the first and second semiconductor layers. The first row decoder may be configured to control the first word line, and the second row decoder may be configured to control the second word line. A first wiring may electrically connect the first row decoder and the first word line, and a second wiring may electrically connect the second row decoder and the second word line.
US07646662B2
A logic circuit in a system LSI is provided with a power switch so as to cut off the switch at the time of standby, reducing leakage current. At the same time, an SRAM circuit of the system LSI controls a substrate bias to reduce leakage current.
US07646661B2
A self-refresh control circuit includes a first constant current generating circuit that generates a constant current to change depending on the temperature, a second constant current generating circuit to generate a constant current not depending on the temperature, a current-cycle converting circuit selectively connected to the first constant current generating circuit and the second constant current generating circuit and converting the constant currents inputted from the first constant current generating circuit and the second constant current generating circuit into a test refresh cycle used for setting the refresh cycle.
US07646655B2
An automatic redundancy system may exploit an existing microprocessor management system on chip for carrying out autonomously, without communicating with an external testing machine, the operations of: writing data in the memory array according to one or more pre-established test patterns, verifying data successively read from the memory array, and substituting failed elements of the memory array with equivalent redundancy structures. A logic structure may detect and store memory array failures upstream of the output data path. Thereby, data collection relating to failures may be accomplished more quickly and without any interaction with the testing machine apart from communicating the end of the execution of the redundancy process.
US07646648B2
A computational memory device includes an array of memory cells arranged in rows and columns, and a pair of read word lines associated with each row of the array. The array is configured to implement, for a given cycle, either a read operation of data contained in a single selected row, or one of a plurality of different bit wise logical operations on data contained in multiple selected rows.
US07646644B2
A memory device includes a group of memory cells organized in rows and columns and a first addressing circuit for addressing said memory cells of said group on the basis of a cell address. The device further includes a plurality of sets of reference cells, associated to the group, each of said set having a plurality of reference cells, and a second addressing circuit for addressing one of the reference cells during operations of read and verify of addressed memory cells.
US07646642B2
The semiconductor device includes a nonvolatile memory, having a memory array containing 1-bit twin cells, each composed of electrically rewritable first and second storage devices, the first and second storage devices holding binary data according to difference of their threshold voltages, and having different retention characteristics depending on difference of the binary data thereof; a read circuit for differentially amplifying complementary data output from the first and second storage devices of the twin cell selected for read, and judging information stored in the twin cell; and a control circuit. Two memory cells constituting a twin cell are arranged to hold different data. Therefore, even when the retention performance of one memory cell deteriorates, the difference between data held by the two memory cells can be maintained. Hence, differential amplification of such difference enables acquisition of proper stored information. Thus, retention performance of an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory cell is improved.
US07646639B2
Provided are a circuit and method for generating a program voltage, and a non-volatile memory device using the same. The circuit, which generates a program voltage for programming a memory cell of a semiconductor memory device, includes a program voltage controller and a voltage generating unit. The program voltage controller generates a program voltage control signal according to program/erase operations information. The voltage controller generates a program voltage in response to the program voltage control signal.
US07646633B2
When a phase-change element that can transition between a reset state (amorphous state) and a set state (crystalline state) is to be caused to transition to the reset state, a first pulse having a first voltage is applied to the phase-change element. The first voltage is higher than the threshold voltage in the reset state, and can cause current to flow that corresponds to an amount of generated heat required for placing the element in the reset state. When the phase-change element is to be caused to transition to the set state, a second pulse having a second voltage and the same time width as the first pulse is applied to the phase-change element. The second voltage that is higher than the threshold voltage but lower than the first voltage, and can cause only a current to flow that does not attain the necessary amount of generated heat.
US07646629B2
In a method for obviating the effect of disturb voltages in a data storage apparatus employing passive matrix addressing, an application of electric potentials for an addressing operation is according to a voltage pulse protocol. The data storage cells of the apparatus are provided in two or more electrically separated segments each constituting non-overlapping physical address subspaces of the data storage apparatus physical address space. A number of data storage cells in each segment are preset to the same polarization by an active voltage pulse with a specific polarization. In a first addressing operation one or more data storage cells are read by applying an active pulse with the same polarization to each data storage cell and recording the output charge response. On basis thereof the output data in subsequent second addressing operation are copied onto preset data storage cells in another segment of the data storage apparatus, this segment being selected on the basis of its previous addressing history.
US07646622B2
A high performance memory based computation system comprises an array of memory cells. Each memory cell stores a logic data corresponding to a chosen combination of inputs based on a specific logic function. For improved performance, the memory cell array can be divided into sub-blocks; and the sub-blocks can be serially disposed or juxtaposed. The performance of the memory based computation system can further be improved by removing the repeated memory cell rows, column, and/or sub-arrays.
US07646618B2
A night vision system comprising a power system having a low voltage unit coupled to a high voltage unit; the low voltage unit including a low voltage controller generating a pulse width code; the high voltage unit including an opto-isolator for receiving the pulse width code from the low voltage controller, a high voltage controller operative in response to the pulse width code to generate an output pulse, a pulse shaping module receiving the output pulse and generating a control pulse; and power electronics operative in response to the control pulse.
US07646615B2
An electromagnetic interference (“EMI”) shield that can help control the emission of electromagnetic radiation from an optoelectronic module in which the EMI shield is positioned. In one example embodiment, an EMI shield includes a base and plurality of flanges extending from a perimeter of the base. The base defines an optical subassembly (“OSA”) opening and a plurality of complementary structures. The OSA opening is configured to receive an OSA. Each complementary structure is configured to engage a complementary structure of an OSA connector block.
US07646613B2
A latch mechanism for removably securing a module in a bay of an electronic device. The latch mechanism includes a first wireform configured to move along a first wall of the bay to latch a first side of the module and a tang configured to move substantially perpendicularly to a second side of the module to latch the second side of the module. The latch mechanism includes a control member operatively connected with the first wireform and the tang to actuate the first wireform and the tang simultaneously in response to user input such that when the module is inserted into the bay, the first wireform and the tang simultaneously latch the first side of the module and the second side of the module.
US07646612B2
The present invention concerns an electronic assembly with a heat sink in particular for a discharge lamp control module for a motor vehicle headlight.The electronic assembly with heat sink comprises essentially a printed circuit and a housing able to serve for thermal insulation and/or for electrical insulation and which comprises a heat sink. The heat sink is interposed between at least one face of the printed circuit and a face of the housing, the said heat sink extending over a major part of the face of the printed circuit and comprising an adhesive face for securing it to the printed circuit on the one hand and an adhesive face for securing it to the face of the housing on the other hand.
US07646593B2
An adjustable laptop computer monitor assembly, comprising: a flat panel display assembly comprising a display screen and support electronics for the display screen; a computer base that houses an associated microprocessor and a portion of the support electronics for the display screen; at least one support mechanism attached to the computer base and to the laptop screen, wherein the at least one support mechanism allows the display screen to move vertically and also in other directions relative to the computer.
US07646592B2
A retention device for computer expansion cards, a system including the device, a method of manufacture of the device, and a method of using the device, where the retention device includes a retention clip configured to engage the bracket of the expansion card to reduce flex and rotation of an expansion card when the expansion card and the retention device are installed in an expansion card bay of a computer system, and wherein the retention clip is configured to contact the proximal end of the expansion card.
US07646590B1
A power distribution apparatus includes a housing holding a plurality of electrical outlets, a plurality of independent electrical circuits within the housing, and a plurality of cord sets serving the plurality of independent electrical circuits and extending from the housing.
US07646580B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide an electrostatic chuck which has a good separation response and scarcely causes gas leakage while keeping the uniformly heating property and high attracting capability for a substrate and a treatment apparatus using the chuck.To solve the above object, an electrostatic chuck according to the present invention comprises a plate-shaped ceramic body in which one main face is a setting face to put an object to be held, the plate-shaped ceramic body having; an electrode on the other main face or inside for electrostatic attraction: a circular projected part formed in the outer circumferential rim part of the setting face, the circular projected part being brought into contact with the object: and through holes formed in the inside of the circular projected part and in the electrostatic, wherein Ra(max) and Ra(min) which denote a maximum value and a minimum value of the arithmetic mean deviation Ra of the face to be brought into contact with the object respectively satisfy {Ra(max)·Ra(min)}/Ra(max)≦0.2.
US07646562B2
A data storage tape cartridge is provided with a combination tape including a data storage tape, an intermediate portion and a leader. A servo track and media information region is provided on the intermediate portion of the tape. The servo track is read by a servo track reader of a data storage apparatus. The media information region is read by the read/write head of the data storage apparatus.
US07646560B2
There is provided with a positioning control system including: a head moving unit; a position detecting unit detecting a head position at predetermined time intervals; an error detecting unit detecting a position error of the head for a target position; a disturbance detecting unit detecting a non-periodic disturbance; a modifying unit modifying a first position error signal corresponding to a first head position detected in a first rotation period based on a second position error signal corresponding to a second head position detected one period length before; and a feedback controller, wherein the modifying unit modifies the first signal after reducing an amplitude of the second position error signal when a detected timing of the second head position is included in a predetermined time range with respect to a detected timing of the non-periodic disturbance detected in a second rotation period which is one period before the first rotation period.
US07646558B2
In one embodiment of a system and method for positioning a transducer head, the transducer head includes a first group of elements for reading data from or writing data to a set of tracks on a storage medium, and a second group of elements for reading data from or writing data to a set of tracks on a storage medium. A device supplies electrical power to the first group of elements to read data from or write data to a first position on the storage medium, and supplies electrical power to the second group of elements to read data from or write data to a second position on the storage medium different than the first position without coarse movement of the transducer head relative to the storage medium.
US07646552B2
There is provided a subminiature imaging optical system suitably applicable to a subminiature optical device such as a mobile phone camera. The subminiature imaging optical system including: a first lens having positive refractive power and both convex surfaces; a second lens having negative refractive power and a concave image-side surface; a third lens having negative refractive power and a meniscus shape with a convex image-side surface; and a fourth lens having negative refractive power.
US07646549B2
An imaging system is presented for imaging objects within a field of view of the system. The imaging system comprises an imaging lens arrangement, a light detector unit at a certain distance from the imaging lens arrangement, and a control unit connectable to the output of the detection unit. The imaging lens arrangement comprises an imaging lens and an optical element located in the vicinity of the lens aperture, said optical element introducing aperture coding by an array of regions differently affecting a phase of light incident thereon which are randomly distributed within the lens aperture, thereby generating an axially-dependent randomized phase distribution in the Optical Transfer Function (OTF) of the imaging system resulting in an extended depth of focus of the imaging system. The control unit is configured to decode the sampled output of the detection unit by using the random aperture coding to thereby extract 3D information of the objects in the field of view of the light detector unit.
US07646527B2
Additional control flexibilities to generate more gray scales for an image display system is achieved by controlling the intensity distribution of the light projection from a light source to a deflecting mirror to further coordinate with the control of the intermediate states of the deflecting mirror. The control light source intensity distribution can provide incident light with wide varieties of intensity distributions including non-uniform, symmetrical and non-symmetrical, different distributions of polarizations, various cross sectional shapes of the incident lights and other combinations of all of the above variations. More stable and better control of gray scale control is also achieved by optimizing the intensity distributions of the incident light to produce the best visual effects of the image display.
US07646521B2
An optical scanning device includes: a light source; a first optical element that converts light emitted from the light source to parallel light; a deflection element that deflects the light in a fast scanning direction to scan a surface of an object to be scanned with the light at a constant speed; a second optical element that guides the light to the deflection element; and a third optical element that focuses the light deflected by the deflection element onto the surface of the object to be scanned, at least one surface among surfaces of the third optical element that intersect the light including a surface form which affects only one of fast scanning direction characteristics or slow scanning direction characteristics at an image plane.
US07646520B2
An optical element holder is provided with a holding frame having a side surface provided spaced apart by a specific distance from an end portion of the correction lens in a longitudinal direction by deeming a light scanning direction as the longitudinal direction and holding the correction lens so as to cover the correction lens except for at least an incident portion and an exiting portion of light, and a pushing member that pushes the correction lens toward the holding frame, so that displacement in the light scanning direction due to heat of the optical element is lessened.
US07646519B2
An optical scanner capable of achieving a optical scanning processing with higher speed and uniformity in pitches of scan light, while spacing saving and reduction in cost are attempted, is provided. An optical scanner comprising a plurality of the light sources that are allocated in positions different from one another in a sub-scanning direction orthogonal to the main-scanning direction, a pre-deflection optical system, and a polygon mirror that scans the light flux shaped in the pre-deflection optical system in the main-scanning direction by reflecting and deflecting the light flux by a plurality of reflecting surfaces arranged thereon corresponding to each of the plurality of photoconductors in a rotational direction, and an inclination angle of each of the plurality of reflecting surfaces with respect to a rotational axis of the polygon mirror is set to an angle depending on the photoconductor to which each of the reflecting surfaces corresponds.
US07646514B2
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an image capture device comprises a first scanning module operable to scan a first side of an object and a second scanning module operable to scan a second side of the object, the first and second scanning modules translatable along their respective displacement paths.
US07646513B2
Provided is an image processing device and method capable of making the joint of an original image and a reverse image less noticeable. A CPU processes image data stored in an external memory device for storing an information resource for an electronic game, and displaying the electronic game target on a screen of a display device based on the processing results. Thereupon, when generating an original image and a reverse image as a repeat image, the CPU deletes an image worth 0.5 dots of a pixel belonging to an area adjacent to the reverse image among the pixels of the original image, deletes an image worth 0.5 dots of a pixel belonging to an area adjacent to the original image among the pixels of the reverse image, generates a single image by alternately arranging the original image and reverse image where an image worth 0.5 dots was deleted, executes the embedding of an image, and thereby displays this image as the repeat image.
US07646509B1
A computer-implemented method for preventing strike-through and show-through in printing comprises grouping pages of an electronic document into at least one page pair, identifying an area of high ink density in a page of the page pair, adjusting ink density of an image object related to the area of high ink density to ameliorate the area of high ink density, and sending the electronic document to an output device.
US07646508B2
A method and apparatus to process digital images is described. The method is particularly effective in improving the appearance of digital images that originate in digital cameras and have been pre-processed in the camera.
US07646490B2
A test object including: an arrangement of optical elements defining a first partially reflecting surface and a second partially reflecting surface, at least one of the first and second partially reflecting surfaces being curved, wherein the first partially reflecting surface is arranged to receive a substantially collimated input beam and produce therefrom a first transmitted beam that passes on to the second partially reflecting surface, wherein the second partially reflecting surface is arranged to receive the first transmitted beam from the first partially reflecting surface and produce a collimated second transmitted beam and a first reflected beam therefrom, wherein the first partially reflecting surface is arranged to receive the first reflected beam and produce a second reflected beam therefrom, and wherein the first and second reflecting surfaces are configured to cause the second reflecting beam to converge onto a spot on a back surface to produce a diverging beam traveling in the same direction as the collimated output beam.
US07646478B2
An apparatus for examining spectral characteristics of an object may include a chuck configured to support and releasably fix the object, wherein the chuck is larger than the object, a first light source assembly integral with the chuck and configured to illuminate a bottom surface of the object with light having a predetermined spectrum and intensity, and a transmission analysis unit for collecting and analyzing light transmitted through the object. The first light source assembly may include multiple and/or adjustable light sources. A second light source assembly may illuminate a top surface of the object, and a reflection analysis unit may collect resultant reflected light.
US07646473B1
An apparatus, computer software, and a method of determining position inside a building comprising selecting on a PDA at least two walls of a room in a digitized map of a building or a portion of a building, pointing and firing a laser rangefinder at corresponding physical walls, transmitting collected range information to the PDA, and computing on the PDA a position of the laser rangefinder within the room.
US07646467B2
A method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device, including: forming alignment layers over a first substrate and a second substrate, wherein the first and second substrates have a first region and a second region, the first and second regions each including a panel region, wherein a panel region in the first region has a different driving mode than a panel in the second region; producing a first alignment direction in the alignment layers of the first region; producing a second alignment direction in the alignment layers of the second region; assembling the first and second substrates together; and dividing the assembled substrates into liquid crystal display panels.
US07646462B2
A liquid crystal device includes a pair of substrates between which liquid crystal is sandwiched, a plurality of pixel electrodes arranged in a matrix on one of the substrates, switching elements that control the supply of current to the pixel electrodes, scanning lines that supply scanning signals to the switching elements, and data lines that cross the scanning lines and that supply image signals to the switching elements. The pixel electrodes are arranged in pairs, and each pair of the pixel electrodes are adjacent in an extending direction of the data lines and are disposed between a corresponding pair of the scanning lines in the extending direction of the data lines. The switching elements corresponding to each line of the pixel electrodes arrayed in the extending direction of the data lines are alternately connected to either of opposing sides of an adjacent pair of the data lines in the extending direction of the data lines.
US07646460B2
A liquid crystal panel and a liquid crystal display device having stable liquid crystal alignment, excellent display quality, and high display response speed are obtained. In this liquid crystal panel, uneven portions for bending the alignment of liquid crystal molecules towards the direction along the substrate surface are installed on the surfaces where the liquid crystal layer contacts its adjacent layers, and the liquid crystal layer comprises a liquid crystal having a positive dielectric constant anisotropy, and a polymer obtained by subjecting a polymerizable compound in the liquid crystal layer to irradiation with active energy rays, with or without application of a voltage.
US07646448B2
A method for providing a hot spot filter for a light guide is provided by taking an image of the light output pattern of an illuminated light guide. The hot spot filter may be a film, a layer, or an additional liquid crystal display dedicated to attenuating bright spots from the light guide. The hot spot filter may be incorporated into the image display by adjusting the grey scale of individual pixels to provide sufficient compensation.
US07646445B2
An array substrate device having a color filter-on-thin film transistor (COT) structure for a liquid crystal display device includes a gate line formed on a substrate along a transverse direction, the gate line including a gate pad at one end thereof, a first insulating layer formed on the substrate to cover the gate line, the first insulating layer exposing a first portion of the gate pad, a data line formed over the first insulating layer along a longitudinal direction on the substrate, the data line defining a pixel region with the gate line and including a data pad at one end thereof, a thin film transistor formed at a crossing region of the gate and data lines, the thin film transistor including a gate electrode, a semiconductor layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode, a black matrix overlapping the thin film transistor, the gate line, and the data line except a second portion of the drain electrode, a second insulating layer formed over an entire surface of the substrate to cover the black matrix, the second insulating layer exposing the first portion of the gate pad, a third portion of the data pad, and the pixel region, a first pixel electrode within the pixel region and contacting the second exposed portion of the drain electrode, a color filter on the first pixel electrode within the pixel region, and a second pixel electrode on the color filter and contacting the first pixel electrode.
US07646441B2
An electro-optical display device comprising a first substrate having an insulating surface, at least one thin film transistor formed over the first substrate, the thin film transistor comprising a channel region, source and drain regions with the channel region extending in between, a gate insulating film adjacent to the channel region, and a gate electrode adjacent to the gate insulating film, a pixel electrode formed over a leveling film or over an interlayer insulating film and electrically connected to one of the source and drain regions of the thin film transistor, and color filters or black stripes comprising a resin formed over a second substrate. A leveling film may be formed over the at least one thin film transistor, the color filters or the black stripes. The device may comprise a second leveling film or a common electrode.
US07646437B1
A look-ahead system and method for pan and zoom detection in video sequences is disclosed. The system and method use motion vectors in a reference coordinate system to identify pans and zooms in video sequences. The identification of pans and zooms enables parameter switching for improved encoding in various video standards (e.g., H.264) and improved video retrieval of documentary movies and other video sequences in video databases or other storage devices.
US07646436B1
We describe and claim a fuzzy logic based adaptive Y/C separation system and method. The fuzzy logic based adaptive Y/C separation system includes an adaptive Y/C separator to use fuzzy logic to separate chrominance data in a video signal, and a panel to display the chrominance data. The adaptive Y/C separator includes a plurality of filters, each to separate chrominance data in a video signal, and a blending circuit to use fuzzy logic to blend the chrominance data.
US07646433B2
Disclosed are a system and method of processing image data for presentation of an image on a display. In particular, image data may be transformed and/or mapped for presentation on a display based, at least in part, on a user preference.
US07646431B2
A system, apparatus and/or method included in or embodied as a television signal receiver synchronizes auxiliary data with an auxiliary video output signal for appropriately inserting closed captioning into the auxiliary video signal. In one form, the television signal receiver correlates a main video signal with the auxiliary video signal in order to ascertain when and/or where to insert the auxiliary data in to the auxiliary video signal. In an exemplary manner, the field information between a video portion of a main television signal and a video portion of an auxiliary output television signal is tracked for determining field inversion between the two. Through the determination of field inversion between the video portion of the main television signal and the video portion of the auxiliary output television signal, auxiliary data such as closed caption, extended data service and the like, is provided to (inserted in) an auxiliary television signal output in a sequence proper for the sequence of video data being provided thereto. Proper sequencing of the auxiliary data allows the auxiliary data to be provided appropriately with the auxiliary video portion of the television signal to the auxiliary television signal output. Additionally, the system, method and/or apparatus provides a field delay if a deinterlacer is used (i.e. to produce a signal suitable for progressive scan images).
US07646429B2
A digital camera module packaging method includes: first, providing a carrier (20) including a base (21) defining a chamber (214) and a lead frame (23). The lead frame has a plurality of conduction pieces (233) embedded in the base. One end of each conduction piece is exposed at one surface of the base, and another end of the conduction piece is exposed at another surface of the base. An image sensor chip (30) with a photosensitive area (301) and a plurality of chip pads (302) is then mounted in the chamber. A plurality of wires (40) is then provided. Each wire electrically connects a corresponding chip pad of the image sensor chip and one exposed end of a corresponding conduction piece of the carrier. A holder (50) is then provided. The carrier is mounted to the holder. Finally, a lens module (70) is mounted on the holder.
US07646426B2
Electronic equipment according to the present invention includes a display element. The electronic equipment includes a holding frame 23 holding a display unit 22 and including an elastic piece that can be elastically deformed in a substantially planar direction of the display surface of the display unit 22, a rear unit 21 holding a holding frame 23 and including an opening that allows the display unit 22 to be visible from outside, and a front unit 24 fixed to the rear unit 21 and covering the rear surface side of the display unit 22. The holding frame 23 is held with the rear unit 21 by elastically deforming the elastic piece. With this configuration, it is possible to attach and detach a display element such as a liquid crystal panel to and from the case easily, thus simplifying the assembling process.
US07646425B2
A capture station for creating identification documents comprises a housing including a camera and lighting device, a base, and at least one leg extending from the base. The housing is mounted to the leg to enable height adjustment of the camera. One configuration of the capture station has two substantially rigid and parallel legs with the housing mounted between the legs. Configurations of the capture station can include a processor, such a CPU or embedded controller, enabling ID document data capture functions to be executed within the capture station, and to be controlled via a remote computer via a network connection. In one embodiment, the processor is housed in the base and communicates with the camera via wiring routed through the leg. Peripherals used in capture functions, such as a fingerprint reader, signature pad, display, etc., may be mounted to the leg via clamps, or a plug in receptacle with power and communication wiring provided in the leg.
US07646424B2
The invention relates to a camera support device worn on the body comprising a multifunctional assembly of electrical components. The inventive device is characterized in that an operational mode switch device is used to switch the operational mode of connection devices and signal lines between a first and a second mode. In the first mode, the signal lines are used for transmitting a video signal of a first type. In the second mode, only a part of the signal lines is used for transmitting a video signal of a second type while the remaining signal lines are used for other purposes.
US07646422B2
A system and method are provided for actively illuminating and capturing images of an object, such as a driver of a vehicle to reduce glare. The system includes a video imaging camera orientated to generate images of the subject object (e.g., eye(s)) in successive video frames. The system also includes first and second light sources operable to illuminate the object one at a time. The system further includes a processor for processing the image by performing pixel-wise min operation to combine multiple frames into a single frame to reduce glare in the image. The system may remove glare caused by the illuminators and caused by external energy sources.
US07646421B2
A digital camera of the present invention includes a microcomputer 110 having a live view mode controlling so that image data generated by a CMOS sensor 133 or image data obtained by subjecting the image data generated by the CMOS sensor 133 to predetermined processing is displayed on a liquid crystal monitor 150 as a moving image in real time, wherein the microcomputer 110 controls so that, when the live view mode is set, the digital camera comes out of the live view mode, and setting information on the digital camera is displayed on the liquid crystal monitor 150, in accordance with the manipulation of the manipulation portion 140. Due to this configuration, in a digital camera that includes a movable mirror and is capable of displaying a subject image in a live view through an electronic viewfinder, the operability thereof can be enhanced.
US07646418B2
An image capture apparatus includes: a zoom lens arranged in a housing and which includes fixed lens groups, movable lens groups and at least three prisms; and an imager device arranged in the housing. The zoom lens includes: a fixed first lens group including a negative lens group having a first optical axis, a first prism approximately perpendicularly folding an optical axis, and a positive lens group having a second optical axis folded by the first prism; movable lens groups and at least one fixed lens group arranged along the second optical axis to perform a zooming action, an image plane position correcting action and a focusing action; and a second prism arranged on an image side relative to a movable lens group that is a closest to the image side among the plurality of movable lens groups for approximately perpendicularly folding the optical axis.
US07646416B2
An image pickup apparatus enters an enlargement display mode (in which enlargement display processing of enlarging and displaying part of reduced image data for normal display is performed) from any other image display mode. The image pickup apparatus also performs enlargement display processing of enlarging and displaying part of reduced image data for normal display at a high speed. Furthermore, the image pickup apparatus starts enlargement display processing of enlarging and displaying part of reduced image data for normal display from the portion stored in the previous enlargement display processing.
US07646413B2
An imaging device includes a plurality of photoelectric converting units arrayed in the horizontal and vertical directions, and an adder for adding signals including the same color component from the a plurality of photoelectric converting units such that the centers of gravity of the signals after addition are at the same pitch for respective signals.
US07646395B2
Caricatured images of subjects are generated wherein the caricatured image of each subject is adapted when subjects join and leave a closed group of which they are members. By adapting the caricatured images in this manner, it can be ensured that each caricatured image remains maximally distinguishable from the other images in the group, thus ensuring that recognition of the images may be maintained at a high level.
US07646392B2
There is provided a method of changing a theme for a user interface of a computer system comprising receiving an identification of an image with which to define a color palette of a theme for rendering elements of a user interface on a color display of the computer system; analysing the image to determine at least one predominant color; and defining the color palette in response to the analysis. The image may comprise a background image selected by a user for display by the computer system. Dynamic generation of the color palette matches the user interface to colors to provide flexible and appealing themes. A computer readable memory having recorded thereon instructions to carry out this method is also provided, as well as a device comprising such memory.
US07646390B2
A display for displaying an image on the basis of input image data includes an image adjusting unit configured to perform adjustment processing on the input image data and an image detecting unit configured to detect a first image data segment matching a predetermined condition in the input image data. The image detecting unit performs the adjustment processing on the basis of the first image data segment.
US07646384B2
A system, method, and computer program for determining a simplified representation of an assembly model comprising the steps of saving a plurality of display states and configuration settings of an assembly model in a design representation; translating said design representation into a simplified representation by use of a visibility solution; and storing said simplified representation and said design representation in an assembly document and appropriate means and computer-readable instructions.
US07646381B2
An integrated circuit device includes: first through fourth terminals arranged in order in which the first terminal and the fourth terminal are arranged in line symmetry with respect to a center axis of the first through fourth terminals, and the second terminal and the third terminal are arranged in line symmetry with respect to the center axis; a first receiving circuit coupled to the first and second terminals, the first receiving circuit receiving one of a first differential signal pair and a second differential signal pair; a second receiving circuit coupled to the third and fourth terminals, the second receiving circuit receiving the first differential signal pair when the first receiving circuit receives the second differential signal pair and the second differential signal pair when the first receiving circuit receives the first differential signal pair; a first selector selecting one of a first signal and a second signal obtained by inverting the first signal that are output from the first receiving circuit based on a select signal; a second selector selecting one of a third signal and a fourth signal obtained by inverting the third signal output from the second receiving circuit based on the select signal; and a third selector outputting each output of the first and second selectors by switching each output to a first output line and a second output line based on the select signal.
US07646358B2
In an image display device which has an image display panel, in which two or more groups of particles or liquid powders having different colors and different charge characteristics are sealed between opposed two substrates, at least one of two substrates being transparent, and, in which the particles or the liquid powders, to which an electrostatic field produced by a pair of electrodes provided on one substrate or both substrates respectively is applied, are made to move so as to display an image, a chip for transmitting a drive signal to the image display panel is arranged in the substrate (first aspect of the invention), or, the two substrates are constructed by a transparent substrate and the pair of electrodes are constructed by a transparent electrode (second aspect of the invention).
US07646347B2
The present invention relates to an antenna arrangement for a thin elongated portable communication device as well as to a thin elongated portable communication device including such an antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may include a thin elongated ground plane, and a flat monopole radiating antenna element, the flat monopole radiating antenna element having a three-dimensional extension, being provided spaced from the ground plane along a longitudinal axis of the ground plane and encircling more than half of the longitudinal axis of the ground plane.
US07646346B2
The present invention relates to an antenna arrangement for a thin elongated portable communication device as well as to a thin elongated portable communication device comprising such an antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement includes a first radiating antenna element dimensioned for operation at a first frequency and provided in the form of a first strip encircling most of a circuit board that comprises a ground plane. The antenna arrangement that is small sized, can be provided inside the thin elongated portable communication device and still has good antenna properties.
US07646343B2
High gain, multi-pattern multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna systems are disclosed. These systems provide for multiple-polarization and omnidirectional coverage using multiple radios, which may be turned to the same frequency. The MIMO antenna systems may include multiple high-gain beams arranged (or capable of being arranged) to provide for omnidirectional coverage. These systems provide for increased data throughput and reduced interference without sacrificing the benefits related to size and manageability of an associated access point.
US07646342B2
An antenna comprises a first transmission element, a second transmission element, a conductive element, a ground element, a ground line and a signal line. The conductive element is connected to the ground element. The first transmission element is connected to the conductive element. The first transmission element comprises a first spiral structure and a first axis. The second transmission element is connected to the conductive element. The ground line is electrically connected to the ground element. The signal line is electrically connected to the conductive element at a feed point.
US07646340B2
A method for processing an array antenna signal is disclosed, comprising steps of: a. determining the number of antenna units participating the processing of the array antenna signals and selecting antenna units to participate the array antenna signal processing from all the antenna units in the array antenna; b. performing signal estimation processing on received signals by all the antenna units selected in step a and obtaining a user feature parameter estimation; c. performing estimation of weight coefficients for all the antenna units of the array antenna based on the user feature parameter estimation obtained in step b; and d. receiving and/or transmitting the array antenna signals based on the weight coefficients estimated in step c. The method of the present invention can effectively reduce a computation amount of the array antenna signal processing and improve a reliability of a received signal.
US07646337B2
A method of providing information regarding the location of a mobile user equipment (1) in a system wherein the location is determined based on information signalled from entities (10) of a positioning system and assistance data signalled from a station (5) of a communication system. In the method the likely location of the mobile user equipment relative to the station is first determined. Based on the determined likely location, an estimate of the delay in transmitting a signal from the station to the mobile user equipment is estimated. Assistance data is then signalled from the station to the mobile user equipment, said assistance data comprising information about the timing of the positioning system. A more accurate location determination is accomplished at the user equipment based on signals from the entities of the positioning system, the assistance data and said estimated delay.
US07646335B2
A radar device (100) comprising transmit and receive parts, and a control unit (CU). The transmit part includes means (WG) for generating a signal within a certain band, and the receive part comprises a filter (AAF), an AD-converter (ADC) and a Fourier transform unit (FFT1). The transmit part generates a group of signals, each having a first bandwidth between a first and a second frequency, in such a way that a larger bandwidth (B1-B4) is covered by the group. The receive part is open over said larger bandwidth (B1-B4) during reception of each signal in said group, and the transmit part comprises means (PAD, FFT2) for creating FFT-copies of the received signals and means (CONJ) for creating conjugates of said copies. The receive and transmit parts comprise means (EXTR) for extracting data from the FFT from the first bandwidth covered by a received signal, and the radar device comprises means (DIFF) for correlating said extracted FFT-data.
US07646331B2
An interface system of the present invention interconnects with a collision avoidance system and a radar detector. The interface system monitors and determines when sensors, from the collision avoidance system, are not required and selectively turns them off, thereby eliminating interference from the sensor and allowing the radar detector to work properly. The interface system also acts as a filter which enables and disables the audible and visual alerts of the radar detector and selects when to turn these filters on and off.
US07646320B1
A first data path is coupled between a data input and a data output of a circuit. A second data path is coupled between the data input and the data output. The first data path includes a parallelization circuit coupled to the data input to receive a serial data signal and configured to generate a parallelized data signal from the serial data signal, a first sampling circuit coupled to the parallelization circuit and configured to sample the parallelized data signal, and a serialization circuit coupled to the first sampling circuit and configured to serialize the sampled parallelized data signal. The second data path includes a second sampling circuit coupled to the data input and configured to sample the serial data signal. A selection circuit is configured to select between the first data path and the second data path.
US07646318B2
Provided is an H.264 Context Adaptive Variable Length Coding (CAVLC) decoding method based on an Application-Specific Instruction-set Processor (ASIP). The H.264 CAVLC decoding method includes determining a plurality of comparison bit strings on the basis of a table of a decoding coefficient, storing lengths of the comparison bit strings in a first register, storing code values of the comparison bit strings in a second register, comparing an input bit stream with the comparison bit strings based on the lengths and code values of the comparison bit strings, and determining value of the decoding coefficient according to a result of comparison between the input bit stream and the comparison bit strings. The method extracts a decoding coefficient using a register in an ASIP without accessing a memory and prevents a reduction in speed caused by memory access, thereby increasing the decoding speed of an H.264 decoder.
US07646317B2
In a decoding method and apparatus, the decoding method is used for mapping a plurality of encoding sequences to a plurality of decoding sequences, which is used by non-logographic languages. The decoding method receives an entered encoding symbol and combines the entered encoding symbol to the end of an input sequence, wherein the input sequence is temporally ambiguous such that the input sequence has possibility to be interpreted as at least two different encoding sequence combinations, each of which includes at least one of the encoding sequences.
US07646315B2
A method and apparatus are for manipulating a keypad of an electronic device (100, 200). The electronic device has a plurality of tactile keys (110, 115, 1230, 125, 130). The method includes sensing a proximity of a object to one of the plurality of tactile keys and presenting, on an output (105, 205, 225) of the electronic device, a preview (410, 420, 515, 520, 615, 620, 710, 715, 810, 815) of an action that will take place upon pressing the one of the plurality of tactile keys.
US07646312B2
A method and apparatus for automated detection of mobile telephone usage by drivers of vehicles is provided. The apparatus may include a detection system comprising at least one mobile phone signal receiving device, at least one image capturing device, and at least one computer. The mobile phone signal receiving device is operative to detect a mobile phone signal transmitted from a vehicle. The at least one image capturing device is operative to capture at least one image of the vehicle. The at least one computer is operative to store in a storage device, information associated with at least one of the mobile phone signal transmitted from the vehicle; and the at least one image of the vehicle. The information stored in the storage device may be used to determine if a person associated with the vehicle should be prosecuted for illegal use of a mobile phone while driving the vehicle.
US07646309B2
A method for monitoring the load which is exerted on a roof includes the following steps: providing a roof with an external surface on which a load can be exerted by, for example, a layer of water or snow, providing a sensor for detecting a phenomenon related to the load which is exerted on the roof, monitoring the phenomenon with the sensor, storing at least one predetermined value for the phenomenon, emitting a signal when the value for the phenomenon detected by the sensor exceeds a predetermined value.
US07646305B2
A capacitor strap that is applied to a security tag coil or antenna to form and properly tune an EAS or an RFID security tag. The capacitor strap is a thin film capacitor formed of two metal foils in between which is a dielectric material having ends that are electrically coupled to different points of a security tag coil or antenna. The capacitor strap may include an RFID integrated circuit, either in series or in parallel with the capacitor, which is then applied to security tag coil at a particular location to tune the tag to a predetermined frequency.
US07646300B2
A method for creating a hierarchy of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and the resultant system include associating each of a plurality of first RFID tags with an individual object of a plurality of objects, each first RFID tag storing identification information about the object with which it is associated. Identification information about each of the first RFID tags is stored in a second RFID tag that can physically accompany the first RFID tags during transportation.
US07646295B1
A system and method for asset tracking and monitoring using antenna diversity. Antenna diversity ensures that the mobile terminal maintains good visibility of a satellite throughout the transport route. In one example, a first antenna is mounted on a first side of an asset transporter (e.g., flatbed trailer) and a second antenna is mounted on a second side of the asset transporter. A selector/combiner in the mobile terminal enables multiple antennas to be leveraged in the satellite communication process.
US07646289B2
A fuel economy (FE) indicator lamp regulation system for a hybrid electric vehicle having an internal combustion engine includes an FE indicator lamp, a first module that calculates an instantaneous FE of the hybrid electric vehicle and a second module that determines a velocity of the hybrid electric vehicle. A third module switches the FE indicator lamp between an on state and an off state based on the instantaneous FE and the vehicle speed.
US07646288B2
The present invention is a warning system for alerting a driver and others to ensure an examination is made of a school or day care bus or van is thoroughly examined for remaining occupants following a transportation run.
US07646286B2
An apparatus for supporting recovery of the vehicle if the vehicle is stolen includes a determining unit that determines whether the vehicle is being stolen. A camera judges a state of the vehicle and an environment around the vehicle. When the determining unit determines that the vehicle is being stolen, a horn of the vehicle is automatically honked.
US07646283B2
A wireless activation system, such as a keyless car entry system, uses repeated code sequences for communication between a transmitter device and a receiver device. By varying the sequence duration in a synchronism at the transmitter device and receiver device, either by varying the number of symbols or chips in the sequence, or by varying the symbol or chip rate, it is made more difficult for an unauthorised party to detect the code sequences and relay the code sequences to achieve unauthorised activation at the receive device.
US07646281B2
An apparatus for an electric arc welder comprising a first electromagnetic device including a first core assembly, wherein the first core assembly has a first stack of laminations which are press-fitted or snapped together into interlocking engagement with a complementary second stack of laminations so as to form two flux paths through the first core assembly, each of which passes through a center portion of the first core assembly; a second electromagnetic device, such as a transformer, including a second core assembly, wherein the second core assembly has a first stack of laminations which are press-fitted or snapped together into interlocking engagement with a complementary second stack of laminations so as to form two flux paths through the second core assembly, each of which passes through a center portion of the second core assembly; and wherein the two core assemblies of the electromagnetic devices are press-fitted or snapped together into interlocking engagement with each other.
US07646275B2
The invention is a device and method for eliminating core excitation losses in a distribution transformer when the transformer is not supplying power to loads. The invention consists of sensors, a control circuit, a user interface and a power contactor. The power contactor is connected on the line side of a transformer and is opened or closed automatically based on preprogrammed time or load criteria determined by the control circuit. In one operational mode and when the transformer is disconnected from the line, the control board generates low power pulses at the transformer load connection points in order to “search” for loads. If a load is detected, the transformer is reconnected by way of contactor closure. If the transformer load drops to zero, for a predetermined amount of time, the transformer is again disconnected and the pulsed load search is reestablished.
US07646274B2
A comparatively light and compact permanent magnet arrangement for an MRI apparatus has a pair of opposed permanent magnet arrays with a shimming system to adjust the uniformity and strength of a magnetic field in a central chamber of the apparatus. The MRI apparatus is used to examine the extremities of a patient to determine cardiovascular characteristics from an analysis of the blood flow through selected arteries in the extremity. The information collected can be used to calculate such characteristics as total cardiac output, blood flow, arterial wall thickness and elasticity and the presence of plaque.
US07646270B2
A spring assembly is provided for a yoke assembly of an electrical switching apparatus including a housing, separable contacts enclosed by the housing, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes a pole shaft. The yoke assembly is coupled to the pole shaft and is movable among first and second positions corresponding to the separable contacts being closed and open, respectively. The spring assembly includes a number of first springs having a first spring rate and being coupled to the yoke assembly, and a number of second springs having a second spring rate and being coupled to the yoke assembly. The second spring rate is different than the first spring rate. The number of first springs and the number of second springs bias the yoke assembly toward the second position.
US07646269B2
A shunt assembly is provided for an electrical switching apparatus including a conductor assembly having a load conductor and a movable contact assembly with a number of movable contact arms. The movable contact assembly is movable in response to a fault current. The shunt assembly includes a number of flexible conductive elements each having a first end electrically connected to the load conductor, a second end electrically connected to a corresponding one of the movable contact arms, and a number of bends disposed between the first and second ends. At least one constraint element is disposed proximate a corresponding one of the bends and constrains movement of the flexible conductive element in response to the fault current, thereby translating the magnetic repulsion force associated with the fault current into a corresponding torque of the movable contact arms of the movable contact assembly.
US07646265B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, devices and methods for improving both the bandwidth of a BAW resonator bandpass filter and the suppression of out-of-band frequencies above the passband. In various embodiments of the invention, blocker inductors are located in series between the filter input and the filter output to realize both bandwidth enhancement and improved out-of-band frequency rejection. For example, a first blocker inductor may be located at the input and a second blocker inductor may be located at the output of a BAW resonator bandpass filter.
US07646256B2
A controlled oscillation module includes a current source, an inductive load, a switching transistor section, and an adjustable parameter module. The switching transistor section is operably coupled to the current source and to the inductive load to convert a control signal into an output oscillation in accordance with an adjustable operating parameter of the controlled oscillation module. The adjustable parameter module is operably coupled to produce the adjustable operating parameter.
US07646251B2
A radio frequency (RF) application circuit is provided. In the RF application circuit, a pair of bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), instead of N-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor (NMOS) transistors, is composed of a switch-block operated in a reversion saturation region. The RF application circuit is used to serve as either an oscillator or a band pass amplifier according to the circuit characteristic of an active circuit. Thereby, not only the function of the conventional NMOS transistor served as a switch can be achieved by the switch-block, but also the element size, turned-on resistance value and turned-off parasitic capacitance value of the switch-block, and the power consumption of the RF application circuit thereof can be reduced. Thus, the resolution of the capacitance unit in a LC resonance circuit and the performance of the RF application circuit thereof can be promoted.
US07646248B2
Disclosed is a Doherty amplifier including a carrier amplifier to perform a signal amplification operation regardless of a level of an input signal, a peaking amplifier to perform an amplification operation, starting from a high power output where a level of an input signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined level, an output combination circuit to combine and output the outputs of the carrier amplifier and the peaking amplifier, and an input division circuit to divide an input signal into the carrier amplifier and the peaking amplifier, the Doherty amplifier including a carrier amplifier output harmonic impedance tuning network installed at a rear end of the carrier amplifier to tune an output harmonic impedance of the carrier amplifier, and a peaking amplifier output harmonic impedance tuning network installed at a rear end of the peaking amplifier to tune an output harmonic impedance of the peaking amplifier.
US07646247B2
A frequency compensated operational amplifier includes: an input stage, for receiving an input signal; an output stage, coupled to the input stage, for generating an output signal according to an output of the input stage; a first current source, for providing a first bias current; a second current source, for providing a second bias current identical to the first bias current; an Ahuja compensation circuit, comprising: a matched transistor pair, coupled to the first current source and the second current source; a capacitor coupled between the matched transistor pair and the output stage; and a transconductance boosting circuit, coupled to the matched transistor pair, for boosting transconductance of the matched transistor pair.
US07646245B2
An amplifier includes: a single-stage or multiple-stage variable gain amplifier that amplifies an input signal with a controlled gain; a AGC control circuit that detects the peak level of a signal outputted from the variable gain amplifier in the final stage, converts the resultant signal to a digital signal, and outputs an AGC control signal for controlling the gain of the variable gain amplifier based on the converted digital signal; an EVR control circuit that outputs an EVR control signal according to a signal of setting an attenuation value or an amplification value for EVR inputted from an electronic variable resistor control terminal; and a gain control circuit that controls the gain of the variable gain amplifier in accordance with at least one of the AGC control signal and the EVR control signal. The occurrence of “popping” sounds caused by differences in DC voltage due to switching between an AGC circuit and an electronic variable resistor circuit can be suppressed.
US07646233B2
A level shifting circuit can include a first driver junction field effect transistor (JFET) having a source coupled to a reference supply node and a second driver JFET of a second conductivity type having a source coupled to a boosted supply node, and a first charge pump circuit. The first charge pump circuit can be coupled between the first driver control node and an input node coupled to receive an input signal, and can couple a first terminal of a first capacitor between a reference supply node and a power supply node in response to an input signal. The power supply node can be coupled to receive a power supply potential, the reference supply node can be coupled to receive a reference potential, and the boosted power supply node can be coupled to receive a boosted potential. The reference potential can be between the power supply potential and the boosted potential.
US07646231B2
An apparatus for setting an attenuation of an attenuator includes a control transistor, which includes a drain connected to a gate of a shunt transistor of the attenuator. A channel resistance of the shunt transistor corresponds to a current density of the control transistor, and the channel resistance of the shunt transistor determines the attenuation of the attenuator. The current density of the control transistor is based at least in part on a control voltage input to the apparatus.
US07646229B2
This document discusses, among other things, output slew rate control. Methods and structures are described to provide slew rate control of an output driver circuit such as a DRAM output driver on a die. A selectable combination of series coupled transistors are configured as a parallel array of complementary inverter pairs to provide a divided voltage to a calibrator. The calibrator is configured to respond to a differential voltage to adjust the divided voltage such that the differential voltage is forced to zero. The calibrator outputs a plurality of discrete signals from an up/down counter to switch on and off the individual transistors of the parallel array to increase and decrease a collective current. In some embodiments, transistor channel currents are modulated to step-adjust a voltage based on a ratio associated with a static resistance. In various embodiments, the divided voltage is an analog voltage based on a resistance associated with trim circuitry.
US07646223B2
A phase locked loop circuit and a control method thereof. A phase locked loop circuit includes a phase detecting and correcting block configured to detect a phase difference between a reference clock and a feedback clock, and to correct the phase of the feedback clock such that the phase of the reference clock and the phase of the feedback clock are consistent with each other, and an initial locking level setting block configured to set a locking level in a normal operation mode in the phase detecting and correcting block. The initial locking level setting block includes a digital-to-analog converting unit configured to generate an analog voltage according to a digital code corresponding to the set frequency, and charges the capacitive element with the analog voltage, and a switching unit configured to connect the digital-to-analog converting unit and the capacitive element in response to an input of an operation start signal.
US07646222B2
A reference voltage generating circuit receives a power supply voltage and generates a reference voltage. A reference voltage level guarantee circuit generates a sense signal when the circuit senses that a value of the reference voltage has reached a predetermined value. A power supply voltage sensing circuit has a voltage comparator circuit which compares a voltage obtained by dividing a power supply voltage with the reference voltage and outputs a power ON reset signal. An operation of the voltage comparator circuit is controlled based on a sense signal. When the value of the power supply voltage increases and the value of the reference voltage reaches a predetermined value, the voltage comparator circuit operates, and a power ON reset signal is outputted in response to a result of comparison between a divisional voltage and the reference voltage.
US07646217B2
In a programmable logic device, some or all of the parallel interconnect resources are replaced by serial interconnect resources within the device. Some or all of the functional blocks on the device are supplemented with serial interfaces. Although this makes the functional blocks more complex, it allows a significant reduction in the area consumed by interconnect resources. This translates into a significant reduction in device power consumption. The serial interfaces may operate synchronously from a global device clock (such as a PLL). In some cases, serial interfaces that are provided in the input/output blocks for external signalling can be omitted because the serial interfaces in the functional blocks can take over the external serial interface function as well, although in those cases the serial interfaces in the functional blocks would have to be more complex because they would have to be able to operate asynchronously with external devices.
US07646215B2
A combined input and termination circuit comprises a fixed portion of impedance and a programmable portion of impedance. The fixed portion is able to be fixed in a driver mode and a termination mode. The programmable portion is able to be configured to have a desired impedance in a driver mode or a termination mode while maintaining minimum associated capacitance.
US07646214B2
In various embodiments of the invention, a power-harvesting termination circuit may be used to 1) match the impedance of a signal line being terminated, and 2) recover a portion of electrical power from a signal on the signal line and provide the recovered power as an electrical voltage to be used to power other circuits. The power may be harvested at either the receiving device or at the transmitting device.
US07646213B2
A system for controlling the termination impedance of memory device data bus terminals is fabricated on the same die as the memory device. The system includes a termination resistor connected to each data bus terminal, which is connected in parallel with several transistors that are selectively turned on to adjust the termination impedance. The transistors are controlled by a circuit that determines the resistance of the termination resistor and turns on the correct number of transistor to properly set the termination impedance. In one example, the resistance of the termination resistor is determined by directly measuring a resistor of the same type as the termination resistor. In another example, the resistance of the termination resistor is determined indirectly by measuring parameters that affect the resistance of the termination resistor. In either case, the system can maintain the termination impedance of the data bus terminals constant despite changes in the termination resistor.
US07646211B2
A circuit for rounding the edges of a digital pulse so as to reduce interference has a first rounding block, a second rounding block and an output stage. The first rounding block rounds the second and fourth pulse edges so as to prolong rising and falling time of the digital pulse. The second rounding block rounds the first and third pulse edges in accordance with non-linear characteristics of a semiconductor of the second rounding block. The output stage is a feedback circuit where the first rounding block is coupled with the second rounding block and the second rounding block is coupled with the feedback circuit.
US07646210B2
A method of preventing current leakage in logic circuits within level sensitive scan design (LSSD) latch circuits in an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). When the ASIC is in a manufacturing test mode, a gating signal at an input terminal of a power gating circuit is set to exceed a threshold voltage of transistors within the power gating circuit. The gating signal thus causes the power gating circuit to enable electrical current to reach the LSSD latch circuits. When the ASIC is in a normal functional mode, the gating signal is set below the threshold voltage. The gating signal thus causes the power gating circuit to prevent electrical current from reaching particular logic circuits (e.g., scan logic) within the LSSD latch circuits, thereby conserving power within the ASIC by preventing current leakage and heat generation in the LSSD latch circuit.
US07646203B2
A defect detection system and related method take advantage of multilevel detection technique for detecting defects on an integrated circuit. The defect detection system utilizes an analog-to-digital converter for converting an analog sensing signal into an output code having a plurality of bits. The defect detection methods include an open test method and a short test method. The open and short test methods both include a calibrating method and a testing method individually. The calibrating method functions to determine a preset reference voltage for the analog-to-digital converter based on a predetermined code. The testing method makes use of the preset reference voltage and the predetermined code for generating the output code having a plurality of bits. The output code is then utilized to determine whether or not there are open or short defects on the integrated circuit and to classify the defects.
US07646192B2
An electric current measurement device includes a housing defining first and second open ends sealed by first and second sealing means, respectively: a first optical fiber received in an aperture in the first sealing means and in optical communication with a first optical lens in the housing; a first polarization filter in the housing in optical communication with the first lens; a magneto-optical rod within the housing in optical communication with the first polarization filter; a second polarization filter in the housing in optical communication with the rod; and a second optical lens in the housing in optical communication with the second polarization filter. The second sealing means has an aperture for receiving a second optical fiber fixed to the second lens. First and second lids, attachable to the first and second housing ends, respectively include apertures for receiving the first and second optical fibers, respectively.
US07646180B2
Embodiments of the invention provide methods and apparatuses for concurrently eliminating or substantially reducing two or more switching losses in an inverter switching circuit. Embodiments of the invention concurrently reduce multiple types of switching losses under hard switching mode and soft switching mode for active switching devices and diodes. In one embodiment of the invention, the voltage across a switching device is substantially reduced during switch turn-off and/or turn-on time, and also maintained at a substantially reduced level throughout some or all of the tail current loss time of the switching device. The voltage reduction mechanism is implemented as a transformer circuit electrically serially implemented between the voltage source and the switching device. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.
US07646173B1
A battery safety monitor system. The system includes at least one battery, at least one zener diode, at least one safety device, a microcontroller, a display device and a power supply. The at least one battery comprises at least one cell string capable of outputting voltage signals. The at least one zener diode is operatively coupled to the at least one battery cell string. The at least one safety device is operatively coupled to the at least one battery cell string. The microcontroller is operatively coupled to the at least one zener diode. The display device is operatively coupled to the microcontroller. The power supply is operatively coupled to the microcontroller and the display device.
US07646170B2
A method for providing an elective replacement indicator (ERI) voltage for a first implantable electrochemical cell, comprising the steps of providing a second, substantially identical exemplary electrochemical cell; repeatedly connecting and disconnecting the second cell to a sequence of at least three loads, thereby discharging the second cell from a state of about zero percent to at least about ninety percent depth-of-discharge; generating cell voltage vs. depth-of-discharge plots for the at least three loads repeatedly connected to the second cell; identifying a range of depth-of-discharge for the at least three loads wherein a statistical indicator of the second cell voltage variability with load at the same depth-of-discharge is less than a predetermined value among the at least three loads; and then defining the ERI voltage for the first implantable electrochemical cell as the voltage that occurs at a predetermined load at a specified point within the identified range for the second electrochemical cell.
US07646158B2
The rotating speed of an output shaft of a door opening and closing motor actuating a sliding door is monitored, and whether a fluctuation value of the rotating speed is equal to or more than a first determination threshold value is determined (step S310). A second determination threshold value having a pinching detecting sensitivity that is higher than the first determination threshold value is set. When it is determined that the shift lever of the transmission is in a P position, or a foot brake is operating, or a parking brake is operating, whether the fluctuation value of the rotating speed is equal to or more than the second determination threshold value is determined (step S360). If the fluctuation value of the rotating speed is equal to or more than each of the determination threshold values, the sliding door is actuated in an opening direction (step S320).
US07646156B2
In a shelf storage system (1) comprising at least two shelf units (1a-1d), wherein each shelf unit has a separate moveable shelf feeder device (5) with electric drive motors (6, 7, 8), and comprising an electric energy supply circuit (P, S1, S2, S3) which supplies the shelf units (1a-1d) with electric energy, the shelf feeder devices (5) are designed for recycling electric energy produced in their drive motors (6, 7, 8) by operating them as generators back into the electric energy supply circuit, with the electric energy supply circuit distributing electric energy recycled by the shelf feeder devices among the shelf units according to requirements (arrow ES1, arrow EP).
US07646148B2
An organic EL device array in which water or oxygen hardly enters a light emitting region, and high-quality light emission can be maintained for a longer period of time. The organic EL device array includes: a light emitting region (region I) having a plurality of organic EL light emitting portions for emitting light in an organic compound layer disposed between a pair of electrodes; a protective layer in contact with an upper electrode of the pair of electrodes; a member disposed on the protective layer; an intermediate layer disposed between the protective layer and the member, in which a thinner portion of the intermediate layer is present outside a light emitting region (region O) within the surface thereof.
US07646146B2
An organic light-emitting diode (OLED) device, comprising: a first electrode and a second electrode. One or more organic layers are formed there-between, including an organic light-emitting layer. The second electrode is transparent. A contrast enhancement element is formed on a side of the second electrode, opposite the organic layer, and has a geometric area for controlling ambient light contrast ratio of the OLED device.
US07646137B2
An actuator which drives a lens frame in an optical axis direction is constructed by piezoelectric elements, driving members, and a pressing spring. The piezoelectric elements are placed at opposite sides with a driven plate therebetween, and the driving members are fixed to the respective piezoelectric elements. The driving members are pressed against the driven plate from both sides by the pressing spring.
US07646134B2
A small thin film-movable element is provided and includes: a movable portion supported elastically deformably and capable of being displaced bidirectionally in one direction and a direction reverse thereto; a first drive source for applying a physical acting force to the movable portion, in which the movable portion produces a modulating or switching function by the first drive source; and a second drive source, which is different from the first drive source, for increasing or reducing an absolute value of the physical acting force to restrain a vibration of the movable portion in driving to displace the movable portion in a first direction by the first drive source.
US07646133B2
Asymmetric membrane capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (“cMUT”) devices and fabrication methods are provided. In a preferred embodiment, a cMUT device according to the present invention generally comprises a membrane having asymmetric properties. The membrane can have a varied width across its length so that its ends have different widths. The asymmetric membrane can have varied flex characteristics due to its varied width dimensions. In another preferred embodiment, a cMUT device according to the present invention generally comprises an electrode element having asymmetric properties. The electrode element can have a varied width across its length so that its ends have different widths. The asymmetric electrode element can have different reception and transmission characteristics due to its varied width dimensions. In another preferred embodiment, a mass load positioned along the membrane can alter the mass distribution of the membrane. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.
US07646120B2
The automotive alternator according to the present invention includes: a case; a rotor that is disposed inside the case and that is fixed to a shaft; a stator that is disposed so as to surround the rotor and in which alternating current arises by means of a rotating magnetic field from the rotor; a rectifier that is disposed at an end portion of the shaft and that rectifies the alternating current that arises in the stator into direct current; and a noise preventing capacitor that is connected between a positive side and a negative side of the rectifier and that absorbs noise that arises during rectification into direct current by the rectifier, wherein a carbon resistor that suppresses current that flows to the noise preventing capacitor is connected to the noise preventing capacitor in series.
US07646119B2
The aim of the invention is to optimize cooling of a rotor using simple means. A rotor is provided, comprising rotor pressure rings (1) such that at least one of the two rotor pressure rings (1) is configured in order to enable targeted guiding of the coolant through the axial bores (3, 3′) in the rotor. In a special embodiment, the rotor pressure ring (1) can be formed in such a manner that it produces, in several bores (3′) in the rotor sheet stack (8), a flow of coolant in a first direction and in other bores (3), a flow of coolant in the other direction. An even, opposite flow cooling can be exclusively obtained by the contour of the rotor pressure ring (1).
US07646111B2
An automatic sensing power system automatically determines a power requirement for an electrical device, converts power to the required level, and outputs the power to the electrical device when the electrical device is connected to the automatic sensing power system.
US07646095B2
In a semiconductor device of the present invention, in order that the contact of electrodes formed on a film substrate with edge parts of a semiconductor element at the time such as when the semiconductor element is mounted thereon may be reliably prevented, in the semiconductor element mounted on at least one surface of the film substrate having the electrodes, an insulating protection part is formed at a desired position of the surface opposed to the electrodes, and the distance between the semiconductor element and the film substrate is set at not less than 10 μm.
US07646085B2
A semiconductor device includes external interface terminals and processing circuits, and it is fed with an operating power source when detachably set in a host equipment. Power source feeding terminals (VCC, VSS) among the external interface terminals are long enough to keep touching the corresponding terminals of the host equipment for, at least, a predetermined time period since the separation of an extraction detecting terminal among the external interface terminals, from the corresponding terminal of the host equipment, and they are formed to be longer in the extraction direction of the semiconductor device than the extraction detecting terminal. Thus, a time period till the cutoff of the power source is easily made comparatively long. The power source feeding terminals should preferably be extended onto the insertion side of the semiconductor device, but an extendible distance is sometimes liable to be limited. In order to ensure the necessary time period without changing the length and shape of the power source feeding terminals on the semiconductor device side, each of the power source feeding terminals may be formed so as to have two, front and rear touch points with the corresponding connector terminal of the host equipment side, but complicated improvements are necessitated for the construction of the connector terminal of the host equipment side. According to the semiconductor device, the time period required till the power source cutoff is easily ensured, and the complicated improvements are not required for the construction of the corresponding connector terminals of the host equipment side.
US07646078B2
A novel die saw crack stopper that consists of placing formations into the scribe line of multiple metal layers of a die. These formations comprise multiple right angle shapes that are interconnected at right angles. In an embodiment the formations have an overall shape that has a special meaning, such as a single right angle “z” shape along with a discontinuous cross piece, two interlocking right angle “z” shapes, “t”, multiple sets of parallel lines perpendicular to each other, with one set having a line that only intersects a single line from the other set, or the like. The formations in a single layer can be placed such that they are located adjacent to each other along an axis that runs substantially parallel with the scribe line. These formations can also be connected to other formations in other metal layers located either above or below the formation.
US07646075B2
Microelectronic imager assemblies with front side contacts and methods for fabricating such microelectronic imager assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a microelectronic imager assembly comprises a workpiece including a substrate having a front side and a backside. The assembly further includes a plurality of imaging dies on and/or in the substrate. The imaging dies include image sensors at the front side of the substrate, integrated circuitry operatively coupled to the image sensors, and bond-pads at the front side of the substrate electrically coupled to the integrated circuitry. The assembly also includes a plurality of stand-offs at the front side of the substrate. The stand-offs have apertures aligned with corresponding image sensors. The assembly further includes a plurality of external contacts electrically coupled to corresponding bond-pads and projecting away from the dies.
US07646055B2
A method includes the steps of: introducing insulation film into a trench to provide a trench isolation; planarizing the trench isolation to expose a passivation film; and removing the passivation film and depositing a second silicon layer on a first silicon layer and the trench isolation; and in the step of depositing the first silicon layer the first silicon layer is an undoped silicon layer and in the step of depositing the second silicon layer the second silicon layer is a doped silicon layer or an undoped silicon layer subsequently having an impurity introduced thereinto or the like and thermally diffused through subsequent thermal hysteresis into the first silicon layer.
US07646053B2
Methods, devices, and systems for a memory cell are provided. One embodiment includes a memory cell with a storage node separated from a body region by a first dielectric, wherein the body region includes a channel separating a source and a drain region, and wherein a length of the storage node is less than a length of the channel. The embodiment further includes a memory cell with a gate separated from the storage node by a second dielectric, wherein a length of the gate is greater than a length of the storage node.
US07646044B2
A thin film transistor is provided, which includes: a semiconductor layer including an intrinsic portion; a gate electrode overlapping the intrinsic portion; a gate insulating layer disposed between the semiconductor layer and the gate electrode; and source and drain electrodes that have edges opposing each other with respect to the intrinsic portion of the semiconductor layer and are connected to the semiconductor layer, wherein the intrinsic portion has a curved surface contacting the gate insulating layer.
US07646042B2
When capacity coupling between an output gate electrode (OG) and a last-stage transfer electrode is large at an output end of a CCD shift register, an electric potential of the OG is varied according to transfer clocks with the result that noise is liable to generate in an output signal. As measures for this, convex portions projecting horizontally are formed in those positions of the last-stage transfer electrode and the OG, which correspond to a channel region, and overlap between the electrodes is caused only on the convex portions. A clearance is formed between the OG and the transfer electrode except those locations, in which the convex portions are provided. In that location, in which the OG and the transfer electrode, respectively, are extended relatively lengthily toward wirings, the electrodes do not overlap each other. In this manner, capacity coupling between the electrodes is reduced.
US07646041B2
A flash memory device can include a semiconductor fin protruding from a semiconductor substrate of a first conductive type to extend in one direction, a first doped layer and a second doped layer provided to an upper portion and a lower portion of the semiconductor fin, respectively, to be vertically spaced apart from each other, the first and second doped layers having a second conductive type, and a plurality of word lines extending over a top and a sidewall of the semiconductor fin to intersect the direction. The word lines overlap the first doped layer and the second doped layer to have vertical channels.
US07646040B2
A boron phosphide-based semiconductor device having a junction structure of a Group-III nitride semiconductor layer and a boron phosphide layer with excellent device properties is provided. The boron phosphide-based compound semiconductor device has a heterojunction structure comprising a Group-III nitride semiconductor layer and a boron phosphide layer, wherein the surface of the Group-III nitride semiconductor layer has (0.0.0.1.) crystal plane, and the boron phosphide layer is a {111}-boron phosphide layer having a {111} crystal plane stacked on the (0.0.0.1.) crystal plane of the Group-III nitride semiconductor layer in parallel to the (0.0.0.1.) crystal plane.
US07646035B2
A packaged light emitting device includes a substrate, a solid state light emitting device on the substrate, a first generally toroidal lens on the substrate and defining a cavity relative to the solid state light emitting device and having a first index of refraction, and a second lens at least partially within the cavity formed by the first lens and having a second index of refraction that is different from the first index of refraction. The second index of refraction may be higher than the first index of refraction. The lenses may be mounted on the substrate and/or may formed by dispensing and curing liquid encapsulant materials.
US07646024B2
A structure is disclosed that reduces the forward voltage across the interface between silicon carbide and Group III nitride layers. The structure includes a conductive silicon carbide substrate and a conductive layer of aluminum gallium nitride on the silicon carbide substrate. The aluminum gallium nitride layer has a mole fraction of aluminum that is sufficient to bring the conduction bands of the silicon carbide substrate and the aluminum gallium nitride into close proximity, but less than a mole fraction of aluminum that would render the aluminum gallium nitride layer resistive.
US07646015B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes steps of forming a gate electrode over a light-transmitting substrate, forming a gate insulating layer containing an inorganic material over the gate electrode and the substrate, forming an organic layer containing a photopolymerizable reactive group over the gate insulating layer, polymerizing selectively the organic layer by irradiating the organic layer with light from back side of the substrate, using the gate electrode as a mask, forming an organic polymer layer by removing a residue of the organic layer, being other than polymerized, forming an organosilane film including a hydrolytic group over the gate insulating layer in a region other than a region in which the organic polymer layer is formed, forming source and drain electrodes by applying a composition containing a conductive material over the organic polymer layer, and forming a semiconductor layer over the gate electrode, the source and drain electrodes.
US07646012B2
An organic thin film transistor includes a substrate, a gate electrode, a gate insulating layer, a first electrode, and a second electrode disposed on the substrate, a first layer disposed on the substrate, the first layer being photosensitive, a second layer disposed on the first layer, the second layer being hydrophobic, an opening defined in the first and second layers, the opening corresponding to the gate electrode, and a hydrophilic organic semiconductor disposed in the opening.
US07646004B2
An optical element, especially a normal-incidence collector mirror, for radiation in the EUV and/or soft X-ray region of wavelengths is described. The element has a substrate, a multilayer coating with an optically active region, and a capacitor, having a first and a second capacitor electrode. At least one layer of the multilayer coating serves as the first capacitor electrode. At least one dielectric layer is provided between the two capacitor electrodes. Also described is an optical system with at least one optical element, having a first electrode arranged in the vicinity of the optical element.
US07646002B2
A fluorescence detecting system includes a stimulating light projector which projects onto an object part which has been dosed with a fluorescence agent first stimulating light in the exciting wavelength range of the fluorescence agent and second stimulating light which differs from the first stimulating light in the wavelength band and is in the exciting wavelength range of the auto-fluorescence material contained in the object part, and a fluorescence information obtainer which obtains the fluorescence from the fluorescence agent information based on the fluorescence from the fluorescence agent emitted from the object part in response to projection of the first stimulating light and the auto-fluorescence information based on the auto-fluorescence emitted from the object part in response to projection of the second stimulating light. The fluorescence agent is a fluorescence agent which does not emit fluorescence in response to projection of the second stimulating light.
US07646001B2
A device for the identification of security features on an identification card, wherein the device includes a housing having a pair of circuit boards, a pair of light-emitting diodes and a magnification apparatus to allow for operation during both daylight and darkness.
US07646000B2
A portable sterilizer is disclosed. The portable sterilizer is composed of a housing for carrying and a sterilization device such as a UV light or an ozone generator inside the housing. A chamber with certain space is disposed inside the housing, connecting with the sterilization device for being disinfected. An opening is on the housing for putting tableware such as knives, forks, spoons or chopsticks inside the chamber to be sterilized by UV light or ozone gas. Thus users can carry the present invention with them and sterilize tableware or daily essentials easily.
US07645997B2
Improved position estimation for a square photodetector having terminals at its corners is provided by first estimating an event position in a coordinate system aligned with the diagonals of the square, and then performing a coordinate rotation to provide an estimated position in a coordinate system aligned with the sides of the square. These two steps can also be mathematically combined. It is believed that the improved accuracy of this position determination approach is a result of a greater degree of linearity in charge division between terminals along diagonal axes than along orthogonal axes of a square detector. Flood images provided by this method have been compared to flood images provided by the conventional Anger method, and substantially less image distortion is observed with the present method than with the Anger method. This reduced distortion can enable automatic crystal segmentation from raw flood image data, which is particularly beneficial in connection with simplifying positron emission tomography (PET) system calibration.
US07645988B2
A substrate inspection method includes: generating an electron beam and irradiating the electron beam as a primary electron beam to a substrate as a specimen; inducing at least any of a secondary electron, a reflected electron and a backscattering electron which are emitted from the substrate receiving the primary electron beam, and magnifying and projecting the induced electron as a secondary electron beam so as to form an image of the secondary electron beam; a trajectory of the primary electron beam and a trajectory of the secondary electron beam having an overlapping space and space charge effect of the secondary electron beam occurring in the overlapping space, detecting the image of the secondary electron beam to output a signal representing a state of the substrate; and suppressing aberration caused by the space charge effect in the overlapping space.
US07645982B1
A system and method for calibrating laser designator and rangefinder test sets. The system includes a high speed detector module which receives a laser input signal, and outputs a laser output signal and an electrical pulse shaped output. A variable attenuator module receives the laser output signal and includes a rotating waveplate which rotates a polarization of the received laser output signal and a Glan laser polarizing beam splitter which receives the rotated laser output signal. The polarizing beam splitter passes only vertically polarized portions of the rotated laser output signal. An energy detector module receives the vertically polarized portions of the rotated laser output signal and includes a beam splitter which splits the vertically polarized portions of the rotated laser output signal into a first path pulse and a second path pulse. The second path pulse and the electrical pulse shaped output are used to calibrate a laser designator/rangefinder test set.
US07645980B2
A photoelectric switch is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the photoelectric switch includes at least one light source, a reflective surface provided in light-receiving relationship with respect to the at least one light source, a release button engaging the reflective surface and positional between first and second positions, a photocell provided in light-receiving relationship with respect to the reflective surface when the release button is disposed in the first position, a latch control circuit connected to the photocell and a latch connected to the latch control circuit. The light path incorporates a collimator to restrict operation of the system to the relationship of the light source and the retroreflector.
US07645974B2
The disclosed subject matter relates to a method and distance measurement apparatus for measuring a distance to an object, which can include a light source, a solid state camera, a controller and a distance data generator. The light source can be configured to emit a modulated light towards an object, and the solid state camera can convert the light reflected from the object into charges. The distance data generator can be configured to calculate the distance based on the charges, and the controller can be configured to adjust the modulated light to be more favorable under various circumstances. Thus, the method of the disclosed subject matter can accurately measure distance under various circumstances and can result in providing a distance measurement apparatus with a simple configuration and at low cost, and can be used as a sensor for distance measurement of an obstacle and the like in a vehicle, security system, robot, etc.
US07645973B2
A solar-tracking power generating apparatus includes a plurality of sensing units having a directional light-extraction member each, a plurality of solar batteries associated with a light-gathering device each, and a solar trajectory simulation unit. Therefore, the solar-tracking power generating apparatus enables more accurate tracking of solar position and focusing of more sunlight on the solar batteries, so that the solar batteries could absorb more sunlight and convert the same into an increased amount of electric power.
US07645966B2
An attachment structure of a storage unit having: a tank casing body; a tank casing door member, and a lock portion; and an operation member, and a push button, wherein: an outer circumference of a storage unit is surrounded with an opening portion of an exterior panel; the push button is protruded from an outer surface of the exterior panel in a mount position of the exterior panel when the exterior panel is in assembling work; and a space for inserting a circumferential edge of the opening portion of the exterior panel is formed on the back of the push button.
US07645949B1
A portable digital scale is disclosed, having retractable and stowable handles and weighing hook, as well as a weight display that may be viewed from directly above the scale.
US07645939B2
A metal wire is first coated with a coating. In this first coating, retro-reflective beads are partly embedded. Thereafter the beads and the first coating are covered by a protective coating. The metal wire is made from a strand or wire made of stainless steel, or low carbon steel, or high carbon steel. The retro-reflective metal wire is used for diverse applications, such as spoke wire, signalization means, or bookbinding wire.
US07645937B2
The present invention is directed to an electrical wiring box assembly that includes an inner wall box including a peripheral inner wall bounded and enclosed by a rear wall and open at a front end of the inner wall box to form an inner volume. The inner wall box also includes an inner wall flange extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an exterior surface of the peripheral inner wall at predetermined distance from the front inner wall box end. The inner wall flange includes a plurality of apertures formed therein. The inner wall box further includes a plurality of device mounting bosses extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an interior surface of the rear wall. An intermediate box includes a peripheral intermediate wall portion configured to fit within the inner volume. The peripheral intermediate wall is bounded by a rear ledge extending inwardly and perpendicularly from a back end of the peripheral intermediate wall to form an intermediate volume in communication with the inner volume at the back end and open at a front intermediate wall box end The intermediate box further includes an outer wall flange extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from an exterior surface of the peripheral intermediate wall at predetermined distance from the front end of the peripheral intermediate wall. A rear wall portion of the outer wall flange is configured to abut the front inner wall box end such that the rear edge is substantially aligned with the plurality of device mounting bosses. A cover assembly is removably coupled to the intermediate box, the cover assembly providing access to the intermediate volume in an open position and substantially sealing the intermediate volume and the inner volume in a closed position.
US07645936B2
This invention pertains to an adjustable cover for an electrical outlet box. The cover is configured having a generally planar mounting plate with a collar surrounding an opening through this mounting plate. An extension sleeve moves within this opening and adjacent the collar. At least one fastener is located adjacent the opening and is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The fastener operates a locking device that engages a wedge against the extension sleeve when the fastener is in the locked position and disengages a wedge against the extension sleeve when the fastener is in the unlocked position.
US07645935B1
An outlet assembly installed over an existing device box and wiring to provide an integrated appearance for a new low voltage installation alongside the existing device box, without requiring disturbance of the existing device box or wiring.
US07645933B2
Carbon nanotube Schottky barrier photovoltaic cells and methods and apparatus for making the cells are provided. The photovoltaic cells include at least one contact made from a first contact material, at least one contact made from a second contact material and a plurality of photoconducting carbon nanotubes bridging the contacts. A Schottky barrier is formed at the interface between the first contact material and the carbon nanotubes while at the interface between the second contact material and the carbon nanotubes, a Schottky barrier for the opposite carrier is formed, or a small, or no Schottky barrier is formed. It is the Schottky barrier asymmetry that allows the photo-excited electron-hole pairs to escape from the carbon nanotube device.
US07645930B2
One embodiment of the invention includes a process comprising transmitting electrical power produced by a PV array to an electrolyzer and transferring heat from the PV array to the electrolyzer. The resulting process produces renewable hydrogen from solar energy at a lower cost per kg.
US07645925B2
DNA encoding a plant quinolate phosphoribosyl transferase (QPRTase) enzyme, and constructs comprising such DNA are provided. Methods of altering quinolate phosphoribosyl transferase expression are provided.
US07645917B2
This invention relates to the production of dual models of Congenital Heart Defects and Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy with the use of mice which are genetically modified by transgenic (gene-knockout) techniques. The present invention produces knockout mice that show multiple cardiovascular malformations which will serve as a model of cardiovascular diseases for the screening of potential drugs against ventricular remodeling, malignant arrhythmias, primary pulmonary hypertension, and degenerative valvular diseases, and congenital heart disease.
US07645913B2
A process is disclosed for producing an alkylaromatic compound in a multistage reaction system comprising at least first and second series-connected alkylation reaction zones, each containing an alkylation catalyst. A first feed comprising an alkylatable aromatic compound and a second feed comprising an alkene are introduced into the first alkylation reaction zone. The first and second alkylation reaction zones are operated under conditions of temperature and pressure effective to cause alkylation of the aromatic compound with the alkene in the presence of the alkylation catalyst, the temperature and pressure being such that the aromatic compound is at least partly in the liquid phase. The alkylation catalyst in the first alkylation reaction zone, which may be a reactor guard bed, has more acid sites per unit volume of catalyst than the alkylation catalyst in the second reaction zone.
US07645906B2
A process and graded catalyst bed for selectively producing methyl mercaptan from methanol. The methanol is reacted with hydrogen sulfide, in the presence of a graded catalyst bed containing at least three types of nickel or cobalt molybdenum alumina catalysts to convert the methanol to methyl mercaptan in one-pass. At least one of the hydrotreating catalysts can contain aluminium phosphate. Use of the graded catalyst bed prevents the formation of a hot spot within the graded catalyst bed. The methyl mercaptan having less than about 30 wt. % unreacted methanol contained therein.
US07645903B2
The present invention relates to an IgG-binding compound, which more specifically has affinity for human IgGs of κ-type and functional derivatives thereof. More specifically, the compound according to the invention comprises an N,N-alkylated urea moiety located between an aromatic part and another part, which is a linear or cyclic substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group. The compound binds to a pocket-shaped binding site present on all human IgG κ-Fabs, which site is located between the two domains (CH1 and CL) of its constant part. Accordingly, the compound according to the invention is a ligand for human IgGs of κ-type, and consequently, the invention also relates to a separation matrix for affinity chromatography, which matrix comprises said compound, as well as to other uses of the compound.
US07645902B2
A method of dehydrogenating an amine-borane using an acid-catalyzed reaction. The method generates hydrogen and produces a solid polymeric [R1R2B—NR3R4]n product. The method of dehydrogenating amine-boranes may be used to generate H2 for portable power sources.
US07645889B2
Optically active maleimide derivatives of the formula: (where the various substituents are as defined in the description) are used as separating media for separating optical isomers and geometrical isomers such as by high performance liquid chromatography.
US07645865B2
A novel strategy for monitoring the location of a transgene in a mammal is disclosed. A sodium iodide symporter is genetically fused to either the N-terminus or C-terminus of the product of a transgene through a linker peptide which bears the recognition sequence of a host cell protease. Expression of the transgene confers the activity of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS)to a host cell which expresses the transgene. Subsequent administration of labeled iodine results in transport of the labeled iodine into the cell bearing the NIS, which can then be localized and measured using standard imaging techniques. The system is particularly useful for monitoring the location of therapeutic transgenes and tissue-specific distribution of the therapeutic gene product.
US07645859B2
We describe a polypeptide which binds and modulates the activity of a tumour suppressor polypeptide, for example p53; a nucleic acid molecule encoding said protein and screening methods which modulate the binding activity of said polypeptide for its target polypeptide(s).
US07645853B2
Processes for preparing random polytrimethylene ether ester are provided. The processes include contacting 1,3-propanediol with a suitable polymerization catalyst, wherein the 1,3-propanediol comprises about 10 microg/g or less peroxide compounds, based on the weight of 1,3-propanediol, and about 100 microg/g or less carbonyl compounds based on the weight of the 1,3-propanediol.
US07645851B2
A method of making polycarbonate includes the steps of forming polycarbonate by a melt transesterification method using an activated diaryl carbonate, and compounding the polycarbonate with a phosphorus-containing compound that has an abstractable proton or hydrolyzable group. The phosphorus-containing compound is compounded with the polycarbonate in an amount sufficient to result in an improvement in the color properties of the polycarbonate as compared to pellets formed from the same polycarbonate without addition of the phosphorus-containing compound.
US07645843B2
Olefins are polymerised in the presence of a solid catalyst component and optionally a cocatalyst. The solid catalyst component is introduced into the polymerisation reactor by suspending the solid component into oil having a viscosity of from 20 to 1500 mPa s. Optionally, the suspension comprises a drag reduction agent dissolved in the oil. The suspension is metered into the polymerisation reactor by using a valveless piston pump.
US07645842B2
The invention relates to a method for radical polymerization of one or several ethylenically unsaturated compounds, characterized in that it consists in providing at least 80.8 percent by weight ethylenically unsaturated compounds in relation to the total weight of the ethylenically unsaturated compounds, adding at least one polymerization initiator for radical polymerization in at least two steps, wherein more polymerization initiator is added in the second step than in the first.
US07645832B2
A thermoplastic elastomer having adhesion to steels, where the thermoplastic elastomer includes a dynamically crosslinked rubber, from more than 2.0 to 10 parts of a metal oxide or salt, and from 10 to 200 parts by weight of a functionalized polyolefin having pendant polar functional groups, where the polar functional groups are present at a level of 0.5 to 3.5 mole percent of the total repeating units of said functionalized polyolefin and the functionalized polyolefin is derived from polymerizing at least one monoolefin to form a semicrystalline polymer or is derived from hydrogenating the polydiene blocks of a block copolymer, and where the parts by weight are based on 100 parts by weight of crosslinked rubber.
US07645827B2
An adhesive composition comprising an emulsion polymer which comprises a (meth)acrylate copolymer and silica nanoparticles is described. The addition of the nanoparticles results in a significant increase in the overlap shear properties of the adhesive while maintaining the peel adhesion.
US07645825B2
A flame-retardant polyamide composition having excellent properties in mechanical properties such as toughness, in heat resistance, incombustibility and flowability in a reflow soldering process, and in heat stability during molding. There is provided a flame-retardant polyamide composition comprising 20 to 80% by mass of polyamide resin (A), 5 to 40% by mass of flame retardant with specific bromine content and molecular weight (B) and 0.5 to 10% by mass of flame retardant auxiliary agent (C) optionally together with hydrotalcite compound of specific composition (D).
US07645824B2
The present invention provides for a color stable antimicrobial coatings and coating systems comprising a silver ion-exchange type antimicrobial agent. In particular, coatings and coating systems having little, if any, discoloration are provided with no loss of antimicrobial efficacy.
US07645822B2
Process for preparation of polyoxymethylenes via polymerization of the monomers a) in the presence of cationic initiators b) and also, if appropriate, in the presence of regulators c), followed by deactivation and discharge from the reactor, which comprises using, as deactivator (d) at least one basic compound having at least 2 amino functions of different reactivity in one molecule.
US07645809B2
The invention relates to a plant and a process for the production of foam in a continuous slabstock process in which the actual foam height profile is detected transversely to the feed direction and a correcting variable for the slabstock process based on deviation of the actual foam height profile from a desired foam height profile is determined.
US07645803B2
A foamable composition, containing a saccharide for use in the treatment of various disorders including: water, a saccharide, about 0.2% to about 5% by weight of a surface-active agent, about 0.01% to about 5% by weight of at least one polymeric agent selected from a bio-adhesive agent, a gelling agent, a film forming agent and a phase change agent, and a liquefied or compressed gas propellant at a concentration of about 3% to about 25% by weight of the total composition.
US07645802B2
Bupropion hydrobromide formulations as well as their use for the treatment of conditions is described.
US07645793B2
The present invention relates to a process for suppressing the foaming which may occur at the time of the preparation of a solution or a suspension. Particularly, the present invention relates to pharmaceuticals, foods, and the like wherein the foaming at the time of the preparation of a solution or a suspension, which may cause any disadvantage, is suppressed.
US07645792B2
The present invention provides propofol prodrugs, methods of making propofol prodrugs, pharmaceutical compositions of propofol prodrugs and methods of using propofol prodrugs and pharmaceutical compositions thereof to treat or prevent diseases or disorders such as migraine headache pain and post-chemotherapy or post-operative surgery nausea and vomiting.
US07645786B2
This invention relates to a range of 1-aryl-4-cyclopropylpyrazoles in which the cyclopropyl ring is substituted at the angular position, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof, to compositions comprising such compounds, processes to their synthesis and their use as parasiticides.
US07645777B2
A switching device is discloses that exhibits two stable resistance values to a voltage applied between electrodes. The switching device comprises thin films of a first electrode layer, an organic bistable material layer and a second electrode layer sequentially formed on a substrate, and the organic bistable material is a specified quinone compound.
US07645763B2
The present invention relates to substituted xanthines of general formula wherein R1 and R2 are defined as in the claims, the tautomers, the stereoisomers, the mixtures thereof, and the salts thereof, which have valuable pharmacological properties, particularly an inhibiting effect on the activity of the enzyme dipeptidylpeptidase-IV (DPP-IV).
US07645759B2
Non-peptide compounds having activity as selective antagonists of bradykinin (BK) B2 receptor are disclosed. The compounds have the general formula (I) in which R is hydrogen or methyl; W is a single bond or an oxygen atom; n=3; X is hydrogen or a —NR1R2 amino group in which R1 and R2 can be independently hydrogen or a group which is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, or isopropyl; Y is a —NR3R4R5 quaternary ammonium group in which R3, R4, R5 can be independently a group which is methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, or n-pentyl; and the enantiomers and enantiomeric mixtures thereof. Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and methods of using the compounds to treat patients having conditions, disorders or diseases involving activation of bradykinin B2 receptors are also disclosed.
US07645758B2
Certain thienopyrrolyl and furanopyrrolyl compounds are disclosed as useful to treat or prevent disorders and conditions mediated by the histamine H4 receptor, including allergic rhinitis.
US07645757B2
The present invention is directed to compounds and compositions for the treatment of neurological diseases that cause neurogenic and neuropathic pain, inflammatory diseases, renal ishaemia, cardiovascular disease and other pathologies caused by the presence of endogenous cannabinoids and or other substrates resulting from the metabolic activities of fatty acid amido hydrolase (FAAH). These compounds are represented by the formula alkylene group; a salt thereof, or a hydrate or a solvate of said compound or said salt; where the variables are as defined in the attached specification.
US07645750B2
A method for treating or preventing symptoms of hormonal variation includes administering an effective amount of a receptor antagonist to a subject having one or more symptoms of hormonal variations, wherein the receptor antagonist binds to at least one selected from the group consisting of a serotonin type 2A (5-HT2A) and a dopamine type 2 (D2) receptors.
US07645727B2
Metalworking fluids contain active sulfur, a certain kind of inactive sulfur called “available sulfur”, and fat in a base oil of a lubricating viscosity. The metalworking fluids are chlorine free and phosphorous free. Boundary lubrication is provided by the fat, while extreme pressure lubrication is provided by the sulfur. Available sulfur is inactive sulfur minus any contribution of inactive sulfur from sulfurized saturated fats. Active sulfur and available sulfur are present in balanced proportions, while fat is present at an amount effective to provide boundary lubrication. Use of the fluids reduces tool wear over a long period of action and over a variety of boundary and extreme pressure conditions.
US07645723B2
A method for drilling, running casing in, and/or cementing a borehole in a subterranean formation without significant loss of drilling fluid is disclosed, as well as compositions for use in such method. The method employs a drilling fluid comprising a fragile gel or having fragile gel behavior and providing superior oil mud rheology and overall performance. The fluid is especially advantageous for use in deep water wells because the fluid exhibits minimal difference between downhole equivalent circulating density and surface density notwithstanding differences in drilling or penetration rates. When an ester and isomerized olefin blend is used for the base of the fluid, the fluid makes an environmentally acceptable and regulatory compliant invert emulsion drilling fluid. The fluid preferably contains no organophilic clays.
US07645719B2
A thermal paper with a fluorescent security mark printed on the thermosensitive coating that is responsive to wavelengths in the range of 200 nanometers to 400 nanometers. The mark is either printed on the thermosensitive coating directly or on an optional protective top coat positioned over the thermosensitive coating. Methods of preparing the thermal paper comprise printing a solution, dispersion or emulsion of a fluorescent compound on the thermal paper by flexographic printing.
US07645716B2
The novel binuclear, oxygen-bridged, bimetallic complexes of the general formula (I): [(LM1R1)(Cp2M2R2)](μ-O) (I) are suitable as polymerization catalysts for olefin polymerization. (M1=Al, Ge, Zr or Ti; M2=Zr, Ti or Hf; Cp=cyclopentadienyl; R1, R2=methyl, ethyl, i-propyl, t-butyl, halogen, phenyl, alkylphenyl, SiMe3; L=a bidentate, doubly heteroatom-coordinated organic chemical ligand, which together with the metal M1 forms a 5 or 6-membered ring.) They display very good catalytic activities, good operating lives, and require little cocatalyst.
US07645715B2
The present invention relates to a bis-arylaryloxy catalyst system for the production of ethylene homopolymers or copolymers with α-olefins, which has high catalytic activity. More particularly, it relates to a transition metal catalyst comprising a group-IV transition metal as a central metal, a cyclopentadiene derivative around the central metal, and two aryloxide ligands substituted with aryl derivatives at the ortho-positions, the ligands not being bridged to each other, as well as a catalyst system comprising said catalyst and an aluminoxane co-catalyst or a boron compound co-catalyst, and a method for producing high-molecular-weight ethylene homopolymers or copolymers with α-olefins using the same.
US07645711B2
According to the present invention, there is provided a semiconductor device fabrication method comprising: forming a first insulating film on a semiconductor substrate; forming a conductive layer on the first insulating film; exposing the first insulating film by removing a portion of the conductive layer; forming a second insulating film on the exposed surface of the first insulating film in a first processing chamber isolated from an outside; performing a modification process on the second insulating film in the first processing chamber, and then unloading the semiconductor substrate from the first processing chamber to the outside; and annealing the second insulating film in a second processing chamber.
US07645706B2
An electronic substrate manufacturing method includes: forming a wiring pattern on a substrate; providing a mask with an opening for the substrate on which the wiring pattern has been formed; performing a specified treatment in a part area of the wiring pattern through the opening of the mask. The opening has a size based on an accuracy of an alignment between the substrate and the mask.
US07645701B2
A silicon-on-insulator (SOI) structure is provided for forming through vias in a silicon wafer carrier structure without backside lithography. The SOI structure includes the silicon wafer carrier structure bonded to a silicon substrate structure with a layer of buried oxide and a layer of nitride separating these silicon structures. Vias are formed in the silicon carrier structure and through the oxide layer to the nitride layer and the walls of the via are passivated. The vias are filled with a filler material of either polysilicon or a conductive material. The substrate structure is then etched back to the nitride layer and the nitride layer is etched back to the filler material. Where the filler material is polysilicon, the polysilicon is etched away forming an open via to the top surface of the carrier wafer structure. The via is then backfilled with conductive material.
US07645697B2
A method for forming a dual interlayer dielectric layer, which is capable of preventing an interlayer delamination phenomenon generated between an etch stop layer and an interlayer dielectric layer is provided. An interlayer dielectric layer of a dual structure is formed such that a first interlayer dielectric layer and a second interlayer dielectric layer are sequentially stacked on the etch stop layer. The etch stop layer is formed on a substrate, the substrate having a source/drain region and a gate formed therein. The dual interlayer dielectric layer is selectively etched, and a conductive material is deposited thereon, thereby forming a contact. The O3-TEOS layer and the PE-TEOS layer used as the first interlayer dielectric layer can relieve a compressive stress and improve adhesion force, respectively, thereby preventing the interlayer delamination phenomenon.
US07645696B1
Methods of depositing thin seed layers that improve continuity of the seed layer as well as adhesion to the barrier layer are provided. According to various embodiments, the methods involve performing an etchback operation in the seed deposition chamber prior to depositing the seed layer. The etch step removes barrier layer overhang and/or oxide that has formed on the barrier layer. It some embodiments, a small deposition flux of seed atoms accompanies the sputter etch flux of argon ions, embedding metal atoms into the barrier layer. The embedded metal atoms create nucleation sites for subsequent seed layer deposition, thereby promoting continuous seed layer film growth, film stability and improved seed layer-barrier layer adhesion.
US07645694B2
Development or removal of block copolymer or PMMA-b-S-based resist using polar supercritical solvent
Methods of developing or removing a select region of block copolymer films using a polar supercritical solvent to dissolve a select portion are disclosed. In one embodiment, the polar supercritical solvent includes chlorodifluoromethane, which may be exposed to the block copolymer film using supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) as a carrier or chlorodiflouromethane itself in supercritical form. The invention also includes a method of forming a nano-structure including exposing a polymeric film to a polar supercritical solvent to develop at least a portion of the polymeric film. The invention also includes a method of removing a poly(methyl methacrylate-b-styrene) (PMMA-b-S) based resist using a polar supercritical solvent.
US07645685B2
The present invention relates to a method for bonding a first thin plate having a first adhesion surface and a first back surface and a second thin plate having a second adhesion surface and a second back surface by an adhesive, the adhesive being sandwiched between said first adhesion surface and said second adhesion surface. The method comprises the steps of: applying said adhesive to said second adhesion surface of said second thin plate; holding said first thin plate by applying negative pressure to said first back surface, wherein said first thin plate is held at said first back surface, and said first adhesion surface faces downward; holding said second thin plate by applying negative pressure to said second back surface, wherein said second thin plate is held at said second back surface, and said second adhesion surface faces upward; temporarily bonding said first thin plate and said second thin plate by putting said first and second adhesion surfaces into contact with each other, wherein said first thin plate and said second thin plate are held by negative pressure; and bonding said first thin plate and said second thin plate by curing said adhesive, wherein said first thin plate and said second thin plate are temporarily bonded.
US07645676B2
Semiconductor structures and methods for suppressing latch-up in bulk CMOS devices. The semiconductor structure comprises a shaped-modified isolation region that is formed in a trench generally between two doped wells of the substrate in which the bulk CMOS devices are fabricated. The shaped-modified isolation region may comprise a widened dielectric-filled portion of the trench, which may optionally include a nearby damage region, or a narrowed dielectric-filled portion of the trench that partitions a damage region between the two doped wells. Latch-up may also be suppressed by providing a lattice-mismatched layer between the trench base and the dielectric filler in the trench.
US07645675B2
A parallel plate capacitor formed in the back end of an integrated circuit employs conductive capacitor plates that are formed simultaneously with the other interconnects on that level of the back end (having the same material, thickness, etc). The capacitor plates are set into the interlevel dielectric using the same process as the other interconnects on that level of the back end (preferably dual damascene). Some versions of the capacitors have perforations in the plates and vertical conductive members connecting all plates of the same polarity, thereby increasing reliability, saving space and increasing the capacitive density compared with solid plates.
US07645674B2
A first isolation is formed on a semiconductor substrate, and a first element region is isolated via the first isolation. A first gate insulating film is formed on the first element region, and a first gate electrode is formed on the first gate insulating film. A second isolation is formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a second element region is isolated via the second isolation. A second gate insulating film is formed on the second element region, and a second gate electrode is formed on the second gate insulating film. A first oxide film is formed between the first isolation and the first element region. A second oxide film is formed between the second isolation and the second element region. The first isolation has a width narrower than the second isolation, and the first oxide film has a thickness thinner than the second oxide film.
US07645666B2
One or more embodiments relate to a method of making a heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) structure. The method includes: forming a partially completed heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) structure where the partially completed heterojunction bipolar transistor (HBT) structure includes a silicon layer having an exposed surface and a nitride layer having an exposed surface. The method includes growing a first oxide on the silicon layer and etching the nitride layer using an etchant.
US07645657B2
A MOS transistor is formed with a dual-layer silicon oxynitride (SiON) etch stop film that protects the transistor from plasma induced damage (PID) and hot carrier degradation, thereby improving the reliability of the transistors. The first SiON layer is formed with SiH4 at a first flow rate, and the second SiON layer is formed with SiH4 at a second higher flow rate.
US07645654B2
A process for manufacturing a Junction Field-Effect Transistor, comprises doping a semiconductor material formed on an insulating substrate with impurities of a first conductivity type to form a well region. The process continues by implanting impurities of a second conductivity type into said well region to form a channel region, and by implanting impurities of the first conductivity type in said well region to form a back gate region. The process continues by forming a trench to expose at least one sidewall of said channel region, wherein the trench extends far enough along the sidewall to expose at least a portion of said back gate region. The process continues by depositing polysilicon to fill said trench along the at least one sidewall of said channel region and at least a portion of said back gate region, wherein at least a portion of the polysilicon will form a gate contact. The polysilicon is then doped with impurities of a first conductivity type. The process concludes by annealing the polysilicon to activate the doped impurities and to cause the doped impurities to diffuse along the at least one sidewall of said channel region so as to form a top gate region. The top gate region extends far enough to make electrical contact with said back gate region.
US07645651B2
A method of forming a metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) device comprises defining an active area in an unstrained semiconductor layer structure, depositing a hard mask overlying the active area and a region outside of the active area, patterning the hard mask to expose the active area, selectively growing a strained semiconductor layer overlying the exposed active area, and forming a remainder of the MOS device. The active area includes a first doped region of first conductivity type and a second doped region of second conductivity type. The strained semiconductor layer provides a biaxially strained channel for the MOS device. During a portion of forming the remainder of the MOS device, dopant of the first conductivity type of the first doped region of the active area and dopant of the second conductivity type of the second doped region of the active area diffuses into overlying portions of the strained semiconductor layer to create a correspondingly doped strained semiconductor layer, thereby providing corresponding doping for the biaxially strained channel.
US07645643B2
A reliable optical semiconductor device can include an optical semiconductor chip sealed in a surrounding soft resin and in a hard resin that is harder than the soft resin. The hard resin can include an aperture that is configured to relieve a state of hermetic sealing for the soft resin (allows the soft resin to expand during volume change due to temperature fluctuations, etc.) and can be formed in a direction that imposes substantially no optical influence on a function of the optical semiconductor chip. The soft resin and the hard resin can be employed for double sealing to form the highly reliable optical semiconductor device without requiring additional space. This is effective to solve a problem caused in a conventional optical semiconductor device associated with double sealing by soft and hard resins, which requires a space between both resins and results in deteriorated performance, for example, a reduced amount of light.
US07645639B2
A lead frame (200) for housing an integrated circuit is disclosed comprising a main member (220) and an engagement portion (230) for receiving an integrated circuit (210). The integrated circuit (210) is located at the engagement portion (230) and engaged with the lead frame through resilient engagement with the first and second engagement members (222, 223). The first and second engagement members (222,223) which depend from the main member, secure the integrated to the lead frame by engaging in resilient contact respective opposed surfaces of the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is engaged to the lead frame by clipping into it into position between the engagement members. There is no need for a gluing process unlike conventional lead frame designs which where the integrated circuit is attached to a lead frame by gluing it onto the die paddle.
US07645630B2
It is an object of the present invention to provide an organic thin-film transistor exhibiting high carrier mobility and a manufacturing method thereof. Disclosed is an organic thin-film transistor possessing a film having a contact angle against pure water of a surface of not less than 50°, wherein an organic semiconductor layer is formed on the film prepared by a CVD (chemical vapor deposition) method employing a reactive gas.
US07645627B2
A motion sensor in the form of an angular rate sensor and a method of making a sensor are provided and includes a support substrate and a silicon sensing ring supported by the substrate and having a flexive resonance. Drive electrodes apply electrostatic force on the ring to cause the ring to resonate. Sensing electrodes sense a change in capacitance indicative of vibration modes of resonance of the ring so as to sense motion. A plurality of silicon support rings connect the substrate to the ring. The support rings are located at an angle to substantially match a modulus of elasticity of the silicon, such as about 22.5 degrees and 67.5 degrees, with respect to the crystalline orientation of the silicon.
US07645625B2
The present invention provides a method for fine processing of a substrate, a method for fabrication of a substrate, and a light emitting device. In the method for fine processing of a substrate, after removing a single particle layer from the substrate having the single particle layer, a hole having an inner diameter smaller than a diameter of a particle and centering on a position on the substrate where each particle constructing the single particle layer has been placed is formed by etching.
US07645624B2
A method for self bonding epitaxy includes forming a passivation layer on a substrate surface of a semiconductor lighting element; etching to form recesses and protrusive portions with the passivation layer located thereon; starting forming epitaxy on the bottom surface of the recesses; filling the recesses with an Epi layer; then covering the protrusive portions and starting self bonding upwards the epitaxy to finish the Epi layer structure. Such a self bonding epitaxy growing technique can prevent cavity generation caused by parameter errors of the epitaxy and reduce defect density, and improve the quality of the Epi layer and increase internal quantum efficiency.
US07645619B2
Example embodiments of the present invention disclose a semiconductor memory device and a method of forming a memory device. A semiconductor memory device may include a digit line disposed on a substrate, an intermediate insulating layer covering the digit line, a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) pattern disposed on the intermediate insulating layer and over the digit line, the MTJ pattern including a sequentially stacked lower magnetic pattern, upper magnetic pattern, and capping pattern, wherein the capping pattern does not react with the upper magnetic pattern at a temperature above about 280° C., and a bit line connected to the capping pattern and disposed to intersect the digit line. A method of forming a semiconductor memory device may include forming a digit line on a substrate, forming an intermediate insulating layer covering the digit line, forming a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) pattern on the intermediate insulating layer, the MTJ pattern including a sequentially stacked lower magnetic pattern, upper magnetic pattern, and capping pattern, wherein the capping pattern does not react with the upper magnetic pattern at a temperature above about 280° C., performing an annealing operation at a temperature of about 350° C. or higher, and forming a bit line connected to the capping pattern and disposed to intersect the digit line.
US07645614B2
The present invention provides a method of analyzing the specific interaction between a molecule to be analyzed and a molecule that specifically interacts with the former molecule on a solid phase using a molecule-immobilized solid phase support mixture prepared by binding the subject molecule to the solid phase support without specifying the binding position on the molecule side, particularly a method wherein the immobilization is conducted via a spacer introduced to the molecule without specifying the binding position on the molecule side, which method makes it possible to identify and select only a molecule that exhibits a specific interaction with a molecule to be analyzed, without an investigation of structure-activity correlation, which has conventionally been essential, and hence enables an analysis of the interaction between these molecules.
US07645613B2
Mass spectrometry techniques for determining the status of sepsis in an individual are provided. A biomarker profile resolved from a biological sample, taken from the individual, using a mass spectrometry technique is compared to a reference biomarker profile. A single such comparison classifies the individual as belonging to or not belonging to a reference population. The individual's biomarker profile and the reference biomarker profile comprise a plurality of ions each having a mass-to-charge ratio of about 100 Daltons to about 1000 Daltons. The plurality of ions can be detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in positive mode. The comparison uses a decision rule, such as a classification tree, that determines the status of sepsis in the individual without requiring knowledge of the identity of the biomarkers in the biomarker profile from the individual and without requiring knowledge of the identity of the biomarkers in the reference biomarker profile.
US07645611B2
This invention relates to a micro cartridge and to a method of using the micro cartridge to sample and extract components of interest from a gas or a liquid. The cartridge contains a sorbent and has passages through which a pressure drop can be created to permit access between the gas or liquid and the sorbent. The micro cartridge is elongated and has one pointed end to fit into the injection port of a suitable analysis instrument where the components of interest are desorbed. The cartridge has two ends that are covered by removable closures and preferably has a diameter of less than 1 millimeter. The cartridge can be used with micro machine components and components made using nano technology.
US07645606B2
The present invention provides a method and gaseous composition for the in situ bioremediation of soil and groundwater contaminated with organic compounds, including halogenated hydrocarbons. The gaseous composition, which readily permeates a subsurface region, comprises hydrogen (H2) and one or more volatile phosphates, such as triethylphosphate (TEP) and tributylphosphate (TBP). The volatile phosphates serve as nutrients that stimulate the growth and activity of indigenous microbes that are capable of degrading the contaminants. The addition of hydrogen facilitates the direct reductive dehalogenation of highly halogenated contaminants. The gaseous composition may optionally contain one or more of a volatile alkane and nitrous oxide as additional supports for microbial growth, and carbon dioxide to lower the pH of remediation sites that are highly alkaline.
US07645597B2
The invention generally relates to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) polyketide synthase (PKS) systems, to homologues thereof, to isolated nucleic acid molecules and recombinant nucleic acid molecules encoding biologically active domains of such a PUFA PKS system, to genetically modified organisms comprising PUFA PKS systems, to methods of making and using such systems for the production of bioactive molecules of interest, and to novel methods for identifying new bacterial and non-bacterial microorganisms having such a PUFA PKS system.
US07645596B2
The present invention relates to a novel method for analyzing nucleic acid sequences based on real-time detection of DNA poly-merase-catalyzed incorporation of each of the four nucleotide bases, supplied individually and serially in a microfluidic system, to a reaction cell containing a template system comprising a DNA fragment of unknown sequence and an oligonucleotide primer. Incorporation of a nucleotide base into the template system can be detected by any of a variety of methods including but not limited to fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection. Alternatively, microcalorimetic detection of the heat generated by the incorporation of a nucleotide into the extending template system using thermopile, thermistor and refractive index measurements can be used to detect extension reactions.
US07645594B2
A method of staining bacteria comprises: working a polymethine dye on a sample in the presence of a substance capable of reducing nitrite ions to stain bacteria in the sample. A method of detecting bacteria comprises the following steps of: (1) working a polymethine dye on a sample by a method as described above to stain bacteria in the sample, (2) introducing the thus treated sample into a detecting part of a flow cytometer and irradiating cells of the stained bacteria one by one with light to measure scattered light and fluorescent light emitted from each of the cells; and (3) discriminating the bacteria from other components in accordance with an intensity of a scattered light signal and an intensity of a fluorescent light signal or a pulse width reflecting the length of particles to count the bacteria.
US07645591B2
The present invention relates to differential diagnostics, and provides a method for determining if an infection detected in a patient is of bacterial or of viral origin. In the method chemiluminescence of phagocytic cells induced by non-opsonized zymosan in a blood sample is measured and the expression of Complement Receptor 1 (cr1) is determined. The value when multiplying chemiluminescence with the CR1 expression is compared with method-specific average values for bacterial and viral infections. The invention also provides test kits for accomplishing the method of the invention.
US07645586B2
The invention relates to methods, reagents and apparatus for detecting protein isoforms (e.g., those due to alternative splicing, or different disease protein isoforms or degradation products) in a sample, including using combinations of capture agents to identify the isoforms to be detected/measured.
US07645582B2
Aptamers bind to Listeria surface proteins. A method of assaying a sample for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes includes exposing the sample to an aptamer that specifically binds one of the following proteins: Listeria monocytogenes internalin A protein, Listeria monocytogenes internalin E protein, and Listeria monocytogenes 0610 protein. The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the sample is detected when the aptamer binds the protein present in the sample. A method of treating Listeria monocytogenes infection includes administering the aptamers to the mammal at a concentration sufficient to reduce Listeria monocytogenes infection.
US07645581B2
Methods for determining nucleic acid fragmentation status are provided. A nucleic acid of interest in a reaction mixture is contacted with two or more different probes complementary to sites separated by a point of potential fragmentation. The probes each comprise a detectable marker. The nucleic acid of interest is flowed into a detection region, where two or more coincident detectable marker signals from the probes are detected. Fragmentation status of the nucleic acid of interest is determined, coincident detection of signals from two or more of the different probes indicating the nucleic acid of interest is not fragmented between the probes.
US07645579B2
A herbicide resistant transformed sugar beet that is detectable by the specific primers developed to match the DNA sequences that flank the left and/or right border region of the inserted transgenic DNA and the method of identifying primer pairs containing plant genomic DNA/plasmid DNA. More specifically, the present invention covers a specific glyphosate resistant sugar beet plant having an insertion of the transgenic material identified as the T227-1 event. The present invention additionally covers primer pairs: plant genomic DNA/Plasmid DNA that are herein identified. Additionally, these primer pairs for either the left or the right flanking regions make an event specific test for the T227-1 insert of transgenic material.
US07645578B2
The invention relates to methods for treating samples of RNA. In an embodiment the method includes contacting the sample of RNA with a set of oligodeoxynucleotides to provide a DNA/RNA duplex. The method includes contacting the DNA/RNA duplex with an enzyme having a DNA:RNA nuclease activity to provide a digested RNA sample. Kits in accordance with the invention are also described.
US07645573B2
The early prediction or diagnosis of sepsis advantageously allows for clinical intervention before the disease rapidly progresses beyond initial stages to the more severe stages, such as severe sepsis or septic shock, which are associated with high mortality. Early prediction or diagnosis is accomplished using a molecular diagnostics approach, involving comparing an individual's profile of biomarker expression to profiles obtained from one or more control, or reference, populations, which may include a population who develops sepsis. Recognition of features in the individual's biomarker profile that are characteristic of the onset of sepsis allows a clinician to diagnose the onset of sepsis from a bodily fluid isolated at the individual at a single point in time. The necessity of monitoring the patient over a period of time is, therefore, avoided, advantageously allowing clinical intervention before the onset of serious symptoms. Further, because the biomarker expression is assayed for its profile, identification of the particular biomarkers is unnecessary. The comparison of an individual's biomarker profile to biomarker profiles of appropriate reference populations likewise can be used to diagnose SIRS in the individual.
US07645569B2
Specific binding of a foreign core ligand to a PAS domain, wherein the PAS domain is predetermined, prefolded in its native state, and comprises a hydrophobic core that has no NMR-apparent a priori formed ligand cavity, is determined using NMR spectra of the PAS domain in the presence and absence of a foreign ligand bound within the hydrophobic core. A functional surface binding specificity of a PAS domain is changed by (a) introducing into the hydrophobic core of the PAS domain a foreign ligand of the PAS domain; and (b) detecting a change in the functional surface binding specificity of the PAS domain.
US07645568B2
The invention provides an article of manufacture comprising a substantially non-immunogenic heart valve xenograft for implantation into humans. The invention further provides methods for preparing a heart valve xenograft by removing at least a portion of a soft tissue from a non-human animal to provide a xenograft; washing the xenograft in saline and alcohol; subjecting the xenograft to cellular disruption treatment; treating the xenograft with crosslinking agents, and digesting the xenograft with a proteoglycan-depleting factor and/or glycosidase. The invention also provides an article of manufacture produced by the above-identified method of the invention. The invention further provides a heart valve xenograft for implantation into a human including a portion of a heart valve from a non-human animal, wherein the portion has extracellular components and substantially only dead cells. The extracellular components have reduced proteoglycan molecules. Each of the xenografts of the invention are substantially non-immunogenic and have substantially the same mechanical properties as a corresponding native heart valve.
US07645559B2
A positive resist composition and method of forming a resist pattern are provided which enable formation of a resist pattern having excellent shape with reduced LWR.The positive resist composition includes a resin component (A) which exhibits increased alkali solubility under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon irradiation, the resin component (A) having a structural unit (a1) which has an acetal-type protection group, and the acid-generator component (B) including an acid generator (B1) having a cation moiety represented by general formula (b-5) shown below: wherein Ra and Rb each independently represents an alkyl group, an alkoxy group, a halogen atom or a hydroxyl group; Rc represents an aryl group or alkyl group which may or may not have a substituent; and n′ and n″ each independently represents an integer of 0 to 3.
US07645552B2
Toner compositions include a non cross linked resin; a cross linked resin or gel; a wax; and a colorant. Processes for preparing a toner include mixing a non-cross linked resin and a cross-linked resin or gel in the presence of a wax, a colorant, and a coagulant to provide toner size aggregates; adding additional non-cross linked latex to the formed aggregates thereby providing a shell over the formed aggregates; heating the shell covered aggregates to form toner; and, optionally, isolating the toner.
US07645540B2
The present invention relates to a high capacity electrochemical cell having a cathode containing an oxide of copper as an active material, as well as an anode, an electrolyte, and separators for use with the cathodes of the invention in an alkaline electrochemical cell.
US07645537B2
A fuel cell layer includes a substrate, an array of fuel cells each having an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte disposed on the substrate, conductors electrically coupled to the fuel cell array, a fuel flow channel defined in an anode side of the substrate; and a cathode air flow channel defined in a cathode side of the substrate.
US07645536B2
A fuel cell (100) is mounted with a fuel cartridge (1220) in a detachable manner. The fuel cartridge (1220) is provided with a connecting part (1225) and the fuel cell (100) is provided with a fitting part (1205) into which the connecting part (1225) is fitted. The fuel cell (100) identifies the fitted fuel cartridge (1220).
US07645533B2
Water contained in cathode effluent from a cathode (1B) of the fuel cell power plant is condensed by a condenser (8) and recovered to a water tank (10). Water in the water tank (10) is supplied from a pump (17) to a humidifier (4) which humidifies hydrogen-rich gas supplied to an anode (1A) via a water passage (9B). When the power plant stops operating, a controller (30) first recovers water in the water passage (9B) to the water tank (10). Also, the freezing probability of the water passage (9B) is determined from the temperature detected by an outside air temperature sensor (31), and a wait time is set according to the freezing probability. By opening a drain valve (15) and draining residual water in the water passage (9B) after the wait time has elapsed, freezing of the water passage (9B) can be prevented with a minimum water drainage amount.
US07645525B2
An organic electroluminescent device includes an anode, a cathode, and a light emitting zone including a material that at least one of reduces triplet/triplet interaction, reduces triplet/singlet interaction, and reduces singlet/singlet interaction.
US07645524B2
A method of making an OLED device includes providing an anode and a spaced cathode, and a hole-transporting layer provided between the anode and cathode, such hole-transporting layer including a first hole-transporting material having a first glass transition temperature Tg1. The method further includes providing a first light-emitting layer including as a main component, a second hole-transporting material having a second glass transition temperature Tg2, such light-emitting layer disposed between the hole transporting layer and the cathode and in contact with the hole-transporting layer, and wherein Tg1 is greater than Tg2.
US07645513B2
Cubic boron nitride/diamond (cBND) composite films with excellent adherence to various substrates and their fabrication method are disclosed. The cBND composite confining cBN can be prepared without any amorphous/turbostratic BN (aBN/tBN) incubation layers. The cBND composite is established on the compatibility of structural and physical properties of two superior materials: cBN on top and diamond beneath. The underlying diamond is adapted to the substrate of choice using a variety of methods which may include prescratching the substrates, bias enhanced nucleation, etching for depleting undesirable chemical elements, construction of buffer layers and gradient buffer layers for the isolation of undesirable chemical elements or/and adaptation of physical properties. The diamond nuclei are preferably formed either by bias-enhanced nucleation or by pre-scratching the substrate prior to nucleation. The cBN films in cBND composites of the present invention can grow directly on the underlaying diamond films in heteroepitaxial relationships.
US07645508B2
A polyester combined-filament yarn having an excellent stretch property and a bathochromic effect, as well as uniformity of apparent dyed color density, comprises two different multifilament components (A) and (B), wherein the multifilament component (A) comprises polyester filaments composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer, a metal-containing phosphorus compound (a) and an alkaline earth metal compound (b), and a conjugate multifilament component (B) comprises side-by-side or eccentric core-sheath conjugate polyester filaments composed of two mutually different polyester resins (at least one of which is polytrimethylene terephthalate resin), the mass ratio (A)/(B) of components (A) and (B) is in the range of 80/20 to 50/50. Woven or knitted fabrics comprising the combined-filament yarn are useful for women's and men's fashion apparel and black formals.
US07645504B1
Coatings for implantable medical devices and methods for fabricating thereof are disclosed. The coatings include a layer comprising a hydrophobic polymer and a layer comprising a hydrophilic or amphiphilic polymer.
US07645503B1
The invention herein pertains to pavement marking patterns and the application thereof to roads, streets, walkways and the like. Various pattern designs for the markings are available to replicate layers of bricks, cobblestones, horizontal signage, logos and other components. The marking patterns are composed of two or more independent sections, the first section is a grid representing for example, the mortar joints in a brick wall. The second sections or inserts, for example represent bricks which are contained within the grid. As the first and second sections are generally formed from different colored, preferably thermoplastic materials, a hot melt adhesive spray is utilized on the bottom surface of the marking pattern to bridge the intersections between the first and second sections to maintain the integrity of the marking pattern for convenience during handling and application to a substrate. Preferably the hot melt spray adhesive has approximately the same softening point range as the pattern sections to accommodate heat treatment of the marking pattern during application of the marking pattern to the substrate.
US07645495B2
A method for treating a surface of at least one substrate, wherein the at least one substrate is placed in a process chamber, wherein the pressure in the process chamber is relatively low, wherein a plasma is generated by at least one plasma source, wherein, during the treatment, at least one plasma source (3) and/or at least one optionally provided treatment fluid supply source is moved relative to the substrate surface. The invention further provides an apparatus for treating a surface of at least one substrate, wherein the apparatus is provided with a process chamber and at least one plasma source, wherein the at least one plasma source (3) and/or at least one optionally provided treatment fluid supply source is movably arranged.
US07645488B2
A method for producing weather- and corrosion-resistant shaped sheets consisting of aluminum or an aluminum alloy with a decorative finish in a coil coating process that comprises the following sequential steps: an aluminum strip or aluminum alloy strip is provided; optional continuous degreasing of the strip; optional electrochemical, chemical or mechanical burnishing of the optionally degreased strip; the optionally degreased and/or burnished strip is continuously pre-treated to create a pre-treated layer that is suitable for use as an adhesive base for a paint layer; the optionally degreased strip is continuously pre-treated to create a strip surface that is suitable for use as an adhesive base for a paint layer; the pre-treated strip is continuously painted with a sol-gel paint consisting of a polysiloxane to create a first protect protective layer; the first protective layer is continuously dried and cured in a continuous furnace; the sheets are produced by shaping the strip that comprises the first protective layer and cutting the sheets that are optionally to be further shaped, or by cutting the sheets out of the strip that comprises the first protective layer and shaping the cut sheets; the shaped sheets are painted with a sol-gel paint consisting of a polysiloxane to create a second protective layer and the second protective layer is dried and cured in a furnace. The shaped parts that are produced by the method are characterized by excellent weather- corrosion- and abrasion resistance.
US07645486B2
The invention relates to a of manufacturing a silicon dioxide layer of low roughness, that includes depositing a layer of silicon dioxide over a substrate by a low pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) process, the deposition process employing simultaneously a flow of tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as the source material for the film deposition and a flow of a diluant gas that it not reactive with TEOS, so that the diluant gas/TEOS flow ratio is between 0.5 and 100; and annealing the silicon dioxide layer at a temperature between 600° C. and 1200° C., for a duration between 10 minutes and 6 hours.
US07645484B2
A method for forming a metal carbide or metal carbonitride film on a substrate using a vapor deposition process. The method includes comprises introducing a first process material, such as a film precursor, to the substrate followed by introducing a second process material, such as a film reducing agent, to the substrate, whereby plasma can be formed during the introduction of the second process material in order to assist reduction of the first process material on the substrate. Additionally, the temperature of the substrate is elevated to a value approximately equal to or greater than the decomposition temperature of the first process material in order to improve adhesion properties for the metal carbide or metal carbonitride film.
US07645483B2
A method for forming a layer on a surface in making a device, including providing a distribution member for receiving vaporized material, the distribution member having one or more walls defining a polygonal two-dimensional pattern of apertures is formed in a wall, which deliver vaporized material in a molecular flow onto the surface; providing the polygonal two-dimensional pattern of apertures to have at least four vertices, with a first set of apertures disposed at the vertices, a second set of edge apertures disposed between the apertures of the first set and defining the edges of the polygonal two-dimensional pattern, and a third set of interior apertures disposed within the periphery of the polygonal two-dimensional pattern defined by the first and second sets of apertures; and dimensioning the apertures to obtain a desired flow rate.
US07645475B2
A method for forming a randomly textured surface on an implantable device such as soft tissue prosthesis. The textured surface has numerous cavities, interstices and passageways or tunnels and is thus referred to as a microporous surface texture. The surface is formed by two or more applications of polymeric particles and a polymeric dispersion.
US07645472B2
A return liquid containing particles resulting from treating food is treated to reduce the size of the particles and recycled for further food treatment. Embodiments include injecting a solution into a body of meat, recovering a return solution containing particulate material resulting from injecting the body of meat, optionally reducing the temperature of the return solution, mechanically reducing the particle size of the particulate material in the return solution to form a reduced return solution, conveying the reduced return solution to a holding tank and recycling the reduced return solution for injection into a body of meat. Embodiments also include a system for recycling a food treating liquid including a mechanical milling device, an optional chilling device, and a holding tank including first, second and third sections, a first weir separating the first and second sections, and a second weir separating the second and third sections, wherein the second weir extends higher than the first weir.
US07645456B2
The invention provides attenuated vaccinia virus vaccines that can be used in methods to prevent or treat small pox in patients, as well as methods of obtaining such vaccines.
US07645455B2
The present invention provides chimeric nucleic acids, preferably contained on an expression vector, that encode chimeric immunogenic polypeptides. The nucleic acids encode at least site III of a lyssavirus glycoprotein, which has been found to improve the immunogenicity of lyssavirus epitopes for protection from rabies. The chimeric nucleic acids and proteins can also contain antigenic determinants for epitopes other than those of lyssavirus. Thus, the invention provides chimeric nucleic acids and polypeptides that elicit a strong immune response to multiple antigens. Use of the methods of the present invention permits DNA vaccination without the need to supply multiple antigens on separate DNA molecules.
US07645448B2
The present invention provides new compositions and methods for preventing and treating pathogen infection. In particular, the present invention provides compounds having an anchoring domain that anchors the compound to the surface of a target cell, and a therapeutic domain that can act extracellularly to prevent infection of a target cell by a pathogen, such as a virus. The present invention also comprises therapeutic compositions having sialidase activity, including protein-based compounds having sialidase catalytic domains. Compounds of the invention can be used for treating or preventing pathogen infection, and for treating and reducing allergic and inflammatory responses. The invention also provides compositions and methods for enhancing transduction of target cells by recombinant viruses. Such compositions and methods can be used in gene therapy.
US07645443B2
One-part and two-part compositions curable by a metathesis reaction comprising a resin containing a polyether-based substrate with at least two cycloolefin groups per molecule curable by a metathesis reaction with a metathesis catalyst. These compositions may optionally contain a reaction control agent for slowing the progress of the metathesis reaction. The metathesis catalyst can be a ruthenium carbene complex catalyst. The substrate may be, for example, a difunctional urethane polyester or polyether carboxylate containing norbornenyl end groups.
US07645442B2
A device, method, and system for producing a condensation aerosol are disclosed. The device includes a chamber having an upstream opening and a downstream opening which allow gas to flow through the chamber, and a heat-conductive substrate located at a position between the upstream and downstream openings. Formed on the substrate is a drug composition film containing a therapeutically effective dose of a drug when the drug is administered in aerosol form. A heat source in the device is operable to supply heat to the substrate to produce a substrate temperature greater than 300° C., and to substantially volatilize the drug composition film from the substrate in a period of 2 seconds or less. The device produces an aerosol containing less than about 10% by weight drug composition degradation products and at least 50% of the drug composition of said film.
US07645435B2
A process is described for recovering sodium carbonate or other sodium-based chemicals from sodium-bearing streams, including in particular mine water, evaporative pond water and sodium carbonate decahydrate deposits, recycle and purge streams, and other waste streams. In the process sodium bicarbonate-bearing streams are decarbonized to reduce the sodium bicarbonate concentration in a combination with other sodium-bearing streams, resulting in a liquor suitable as feed to a sodium carbonate decahydrate or sodium carbonate monohydrate process. The sodium bicarbonate stream is combined in a mix tank with other sodium carbonate bearing streams where the concentration is adjusted to form a liquor suitable to feed a sodium decahydrate or sodium carbonate monohydrate evaporation/crystallization step. In the process the combination of the various sodium-bearing streams is decarbonized to below 3.5% sodium bicarbonate when fed to a sodium decahydrate process and to below 1% sodium bicarbonate when fed to a sodium carbonate monohydrate process. The feed streams are adjusted in sodium carbonate concentration by higher concentrated sodium carbonate-bearing streams or by addition of sodium carbonate decahydrate produced from said streams or recovered form evaporation pond deposits, are then processed to produce sodium carbonate decahydrate or sodium carbonate monohydrate or further processed to form other sodium carbonate salts.
US07645430B2
Horizontal gas-liquid scrubbing systems and associated gas scrubbing methodologies are provided. In one embodiment, a horizontal duct scrubbing system includes a horizontally disposed housing having a waste gas inlet and a treated gas outlet, a liquid inlet manifold disposed within the horizontally disposed housing, the liquid inlet manifold comprising a plurality of nozzles oriented to spray a scrubbing liquor co-current to the flow of a gas stream flowing through the horizontally disposed housing, and a demister located proximal the treated gas outlet, where the horizontally disposed housing is substantially free of flow deflection members between the liquid inlet manifold and the demister. The gas stream may include sulfur dioxide, and the system may be capable of removing at least 71 vol. % sulfur dioxide from the gas stream.
US07645427B2
There is provided a honeycomb structure usable in a filter for trapping/collecting particulates included in exhaust gas and in which ashes deposited inside can be removed without requiring any special mechanism or apparatus or without detaching the filter from an exhaust system. The honeycomb structure includes: a plurality of through channels 9 separated by porous partition walls 7 and extending in the axial direction of the honeycomb structure; and plugging portions 11 for plugging one end of each of predetermined through channels 9a and an opposite end of each of the rest of through channels 9b in a checkered flag pattern, alternately. In the honeycomb structure, at least one slit 15 per through channel is formed in the vicinity of the plugging portions 11 of the partition walls 7 surrounding the respective through channels 9b.
US07645423B2
A method of making and the resultant micro well plate that includes a plurality of greensheets, either laminated or sintered together, whereby these greensheets have a plurality of vertical micro well reaction chamber openings therein, and optionally a plurality horizontal channels connecting selected well reaction chamber openings. The vertical micro well reaction chambers have at, at least one end thereof a plurality of optical micro plugs which are aligned to the vertical micro well reaction chamber openings. The plurality of optical micro plugs allow for the micro well plate to be integrated with macro analytical instrumentation for the analysis, examination, and/or testing of chemicals, reagents or samples provided within the vertical micro well reaction chamber openings.
US07645419B2
Described are a method of killing microorganisms in aqueous industrial systems or products for industrial applications based on water by adding from 0.001 to 5% by weight of a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer containing from 30 to 100 mol % of styrenesulfonic acid, from 0 to 40 mol % of an N-vinyllactam and/or N-vinylamine, and from 0 to 30 mol % of further free-radically polymerizable monomers as biocidal additive, and a method of protecting articles by applying an antimicrobial aqueous composition comprising such an additive.
US07645418B2
A gas purge device for a metallurgical melting vessel includes a conically shaped ceramic body (2) in contact at its top side with heat contained in the melting vessel. The ceramic body has a static external element and an internal element axially movable therein. A pneumatic drive axially moves the internal element to and fro relative to the external element between a closed position and an open position. The spring force of a spring retains the internal element in the closed position. The device furthermore includes a gas-tight enclosed volume arranged at the bottom side of the ceramic body the volume being connected to a gas supply duct for introduction of purge gas. A deformable membrane is connected to the internal element with the pressure difference between the purge gas pressure prevailing in the gas-tight enclosed volume and the ambient pressure acting upon the membrane.
US07645417B2
The present invention relates to a cooling device for a quenching operation during a continuous annealing treatment of a flat product in a form of a metal strip. The cooling device includes an overflow weir and a series of tubes ejecting a cooling fluid onto the strip, wherein the tubes are separated by a gap allowing evacuation of the cooling fluid via the gaps.
US07645414B2
A tamper-indicating closure for a beverage package includes a base wall having a peripheral skirt with at least one internal thread for securing the closure to a container. A tamper-indicating band is frangibly connected to an edge of the skirt, and a stop flange extends axially and radially from an edge of the band for abutment with a stop bead on the container finish. A plurality of circumferentially spaced drain openings extend axially through the juncture of the band and the flange. A plurality of circumferentially spaced channels extend axially through the internal thread on the closure skirt, with at least some of the channels being axially aligned with the drain openings. The stop bead on the container is in the form of a plurality of circumferentially spaced bead segments separated from each other by circumferential gaps. Liquid product may readily drain from between the container finish and the closure skirt through the axial channels in the closure thread, through the drain openings at the juncture of the closure flange and band, and through the gaps between the stop bead segments on the container finish. The container finish may also have a support flange with drain channels or slots aligned with the gaps in the bead.
US07645413B2
A method of forming a pattern is disclosed, which can improve the interfacial properties between a soft mold and a substrate including a pattern-formation material, the method comprising loading a substrate coated with a pattern-formation material into a chamber; positioning a soft mold, whose surface is provided with embossing and depressed patterns, in opposite to the substrate inside the chamber; forming an adsorption layer by evaporating some components of the pattern-formation material and adsorbing the components evaporated from the pattern-formation material to the surface of soft mold; forming a pattern layer with a shape being inverted to the embossing and depressed patterns included in the surface of soft mold by bring the soft mold including the adsorption layer into contact with the remaining pattern-formation material; and separating the soft mold from the pattern layer.
US07645411B2
An imprinting apparatus, for transferring a microstructure of a mold onto a forming material by pressing and mold-releasing, includes a plurality of driving devices which relatively move the mold the forming material to each other along an axis of a pressing direction, wherein the plurality of driving devices make different relative moving speeds of the mold and the forming material during the relative motion.
US07645407B2
A method is disclosed for the sealing of hard shell capsules having coaxial body parts which overlap when telescopically joined. Also described is an apparatus to seal the capsules. The method comprises the steps of holding the capsule in a precise and upright position and injecting a quantity of sealing fluid in the overlap of the body parts. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sealing clamp to hold the capsule in an upright position and means to inject the sealing fluid in the overlap of the body parts.
US07645404B2
A composition for producing a protective coat against scaling on metallic surfaces. The composition includes, as binders, hydrolysates/condensates of at least one silane or a silicone resin binder and also, further, at least one metallic filler.
US07645400B2
The object of the present invention is to provide a carbon nanotube composition that does not impair the characteristics of the carbon nanotubes itself, allows the carbon nanotubes to be dispersed or solubilized in a solvent, does not cause separation or aggregation of the carbon nanotubes even during long-term storage, has superior electrical conductivity, film formability and moldability, can be easily coated or covered onto a base material, and the resulting coated film has superior moisture resistance, weather resistance and hardness; a composite having a coated film composed thereof; and, their production methods. In order to achieve this object, the present invention provides a carbon nanotube composition that contains a conducting polymer (a) or heterocyclic compound trimer (i), a solvent (b) and carbon nanotubes (c), and may additionally contain a high molecular weight compound (d), a basic compound (e), a surfactant (f), a silane coupling agent (g) and colloidal silica (h) as necessary; a composite having a coated film composed of the composition; and, their production methods.
US07645397B2
Matrixes doped with semiconductor nanocrystals are provided. In certain embodiments, the semiconductor nanocrystals have a size and composition such that they absorb or emit light at particular wavelengths. The nanocrystals can comprise ligands that allow for mixing with various matrix materials, including polymers, such that a minimal portion of light is scattered by the matrixes. The matrixes of the present invention can also be utilized in refractive index matching applications. In other embodiments, semiconductor nanocrystals are embedded within matrixes to form a nanocrystal density gradient, thereby creating an effective refractive index gradient. The matrixes of the present invention can also be used as filters and antireflective coatings on optical devices and as down-converting layers. Processes for producing matrixes comprising semiconductor nanocrystals are also provided. Nanostructures having high quantum efficiency, small size, and/or a narrow size distribution are also described, as are methods of producing indium phosphide nanostructures and core-shell nanostructures with Group II-VI shells.
US07645374B2
A method is provided for determining analyte concentrations, for example glucose concentrations, that utilizes a dynamic determination of the appropriate time for making a glucose measurement, for example when a current versus time curve substantially conforms to a Cottrell decay, or when the current is established in a plateau region. Dynamic determination of the time to take the measurement allows each strip to operate in the shortest appropriate time frame, thereby avoiding using an average measurement time that may be longer than necessary for some strips and too short for others.
US07645360B2
Defoamer compositions of high effectiveness containing at least one siloxane-based antifoam and polysiloxane copolymers obtained by coupling a polysiloxane bearing active-hydrogen-containing hydrophilic polymer moieties by means of a di- or polyisocyanate.
US07645353B2
A multi-ply fabric is provided that includes an inner ply positioned between two outer plies that contain both thermoplastic fibers and absorbent staple fibers. The plies are ultrasonically bonded together. The material used to form the inner ply may be selectively controlled to optimize certain properties of the fabric for a particular application, such as strength, bulk, absorption capacity, absorption rate, handfeel, etc.
US07645352B2
A drywall tape or corner material dispenser that allows dispensing of the material directly from the box it is supplied in. The invention can contain a pair of parallel arms that grip the box and a strap that runs between the ends of the straps to close around the box. The strap can be fabric or other material and can be attached using hook/loop material like VELCRO. A handle on the other end of the arms can be used to grip the device and feed the material. The handle can have spring members top and bottom to further grip the box.
US07645346B2
A cleaning apparatus useful for cleaning the interior of a pipeline contains: (A) a platform of a dimension sufficient to be inserted through an opening in the pipeline, the platform containing one or more portions; (B) a fluid interrupter having one or more parts to provide a surface to contact fluid flow and thereby interrupt fluid flow, the fluid interrupter constructed and arranged to be attached to the platform; a downstream side of the fluid interrupter being supported by members connected to the platform to dispose the fluid interrupter against fluid flow; (C) runners attached to the underside of the platform to contact an inner diameter of the pipeline; whereby the supported fluid interrupter, platform and runners redirect fluid flow between an underside of the platform and an inner surface of the pipeline; and (D) a device located downstream of the fluid interrupter to constrict the volume of the redirected fluid and increase its flow rate; whereby fluid flow is increased to move solid waste in the pipeline; and method for utilization of the cleaning apparatus to assist in relocation of solids in a pipeline for extraction therefrom, such as sewer lines or storm drains. The apparatus may further have opposing support members on an upper face of the platform; a rudder to orient disposition of the apparatus; one or more ballasts to correct any listing of the apparatus during use; and/or one or more seals or skirts that help the sled better form to the pipe.
US07645344B2
Devices and methods of cleaning are described. The methods, and devices formed by the methods have a number of advantages. Embodiments are shown that include cleaning using a supercritical fluid. Advantages include a combination of both chemical and mechanical removal abilities from the supercritical fluid. Mechanical energy for cleaning is transmitted in a homogenous manner throughout a carrier fluid. The mechanical energy provided in methods shown also can also be used with delicate surface features.
US07645342B2
A vapor deposition reactor and associated method are disclosed that increase the lifetime and productivity of a filament-based resistive-heated vapor deposition system. The reactor and method provide for heating the filament while permitting the filament to move as it expands under the effect of increasing temperature while limiting the expanding movement of the filament to an amount that prevents the expanding movement of the filament from creating undesired contact with any portions of the reactor.
US07645337B2
In accordance with one aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing polycrystalline films having a controlled microstructure as well as a crystallographic texture. The methods provide elongated grains or single-crystal islands of a specified crystallographic orientation. In particular, a method of processing a film on a substrate includes generating a textured film having crystal grains oriented predominantly in one preferred crystallographic orientation; and then generating a microstructure using sequential lateral solidification crystallization that provides a location-controlled growth of the grains orientated in the preferred crystallographic orientation.
US07645336B2
The invention relates to an azo pigment preparation which is characterized by a content in 4,4′-diaminodicyclohexylmethane, the percentage of the trans,trans-isomer being at least 25%, based on the total amount of 4,4′-diaminodicyclohexylmethane. The azo pigment preparation according to the invention is especially suitable for producing gravure inks having improved optical density, higher luster and no ink show-through in the gravure printing of illustrations.
US07645332B2
A non-aqueous ink composition for inkjet which comprises a pigment, a dispersant, and a non-aqueous solvent is disclosed. The non-aqueous solvent comprises 50 to 90% by weight of a first liquid paraffin, and the balance of a second liquid paraffin, which is characterized in that an average number of carbon atom in the first liquid paraffin is 28 and an average number of carbon atom in the second liquid paraffin ranges from 23 to 27.
US07645328B2
An adsorption dryer includes a pressure vessel containing the drying agent in a cylindrical chamber, which is in the form of a cylindrical tubing section. The pressure vessel is axially clamped between a bottom and a top distributor plate. In the cylindrical chamber of the pressure vessel, the drying agent is enclosed between a bottom piston and a top piston. The two pistons are radically sealed against the inside of the wall of the pressure vessel. Tongue and groove connections between the wall of the pressure vessel and the piston can hold the pistons axially. The bottom and top distributor plates are clamped with the pistons by means of threaded bolts. The tongue and groove connection between the piston and the pressure vessel and the bolt connection of the distributor plates with the pistons ensure comparatively low cost of production and assembly.
US07645324B2
Improved adsorbent sheet based parallel passage adsorbent structures for enhancing the kinetic selectivity of certain kinetic-controlled adsorption processes, such as PSA, TSA and PPSA processes, and combinations thereof, are provided. The enhancements in kinetic selectivity made possible through the implementation of the present inventive improved adsorbent structures may unexpectedly enable significant intensification of selected kinetic adsorption processes relative to attainable performance with conventional adsorbent materials in beaded or extruded form. Such process intensification enabled by the present inventive adsorbent structures may provide for increased adsorption cycle frequencies, and increased gas flow velocities within the adsorbent beds, which may increase the productivity and/or recovery of a kinetic adsorption system incorporating the inventive adsorbent structures.
US07645320B2
A process for extracting a precious metal from a precious metal containing source is provided comprising the steps of: —(i) contacting the precious metal-containing source with a vapor phase chloride salt; (ii) condensing the precious metal containing volatile product of step (i); and (iii) recovering the precious metal from the condensed product of step (ii).
US07645315B2
Hardmetal compositions each including hard particles having a first material and a binder matrix having a second, different material comprising rhenium or a Ni-based superalloy. Tungsten may also be used a binder matrix material. A two-step sintering process may be used to fabricate such hardmetals at relatively low sintering temperatures in the solid-state phase to produce substantially fully-densified hardmetals. A hardmetal coating or structure may be formed on a surface by using a thermal spray method.
US07645313B2
A filter element (1) wound from a plurality of filter layers in which the circumferential contour (5, 5′) of a cross-sectional area (4) of the filter element (1) has at least one circumferential contour section (5′) undercutting the envelope contour (6, 6′) of the cross-sectional filter element area (4).
US07645311B2
The present invention relates to a cyclone unit and a contaminants-collecting apparatus having the same. The cyclone unit includes a cylindrical body disposed inside a dust-collecting receptacle; at least one supporting bracket extending from an outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical body to an inner circumferential surface of the dust collecting receptacle to support the cylindrical body and to separate the cylindrical body from the inner circumferential surface of the dust-collecting receptacle; and an air inlet pipe having one end in fluid communication with the air inlet port of the dust-collecting receptacle and the other end in fluid communication with the cylindrical body in a tangential direction.
US07645298B2
A stent graft (20) has a tubular body of graft material (21), a number of self expanding stents (67) associated with the tubular body to define a fluid flow path through the stent graft when the self expanding stents are in their expanded configurations. At least one fenestration (22) in the tubular body is adapted to receive a side arm stent graft (71) to provide a fluid flow path from the tubular body and through the side arm stent graft. The or each fenestration has at least an inner ring (26) and an outer ring (24) and graft material (28) extending from the inner ring to the outer ring and the outer ring being in the tubular body of graft material. The inner ring can be hinged (31) to the outer ring or concentric within the outer ring. An intermediate ring (86) may also be used between the inner and outer rings.
US07645296B2
A catheter system is described for performing protected angioplasty and stenting of a patient's carotid bifurcation. A self-expanding stent is deployed across a stenosis in the patient's carotid artery. A catheter system that includes a rapid exchange angioplasty catheter with an occlusion balloon catheter positioned through the guidewire lumen is advanced through the guiding catheter to the distal end of the stent. A releasable linking device holds the catheter system together as a unit. The occlusion balloon is inflated within the stent to occlude the carotid artery and to prevent any embolic debris from traveling downstream from the treatment site. The angioplasty balloon is inflated to dilate the stenosis and to complete the expansion of the stent. The angioplasty catheter is withdrawn and any potential embolic debris is aspirated out through the lumen of the guiding catheter. The occlusion balloon is deflated and the catheter system is withdrawn.
US07645293B2
An apparatus for placement of a suture anchor having a suture connected thereto includes a handle dimensioned for engagement by the user and an elongated member connected to the handle and extending therefrom. The elongated member has an anchor mount for mounting a suture anchor. The handle includes a frame having a suture retainer adapted for retaining a suture, at least one cover releasably mounted to the frame to at least partially enclose the suture retainer and a release button mounted to the frame and movable to release the at least one cover from the frame to expose the suture portion.
US07645288B2
A surgical instrument comprises a handle connected to a shaft and a pair of inflatable members. The shaft includes conduits for communicating a pressurized medium to the inflatable members and an insufflation tube. The handle includes a port for communicating a pressurized medium to the conduits and a port for communicating a pressurized medium to the insufflation tube. After an anastomotic ring has been deployed, the shaft may be positioned such that an inflatable member is positioned within each of the lumens joined by the anastomosis, such that an inflatable member is located on each side of the anastomosis. The inflatable members may be inflated to provide a seal in each of the lumens. With each of the lumens sealed by the inflatable members, the anastomosis site may be insufflated through the insufflation tube to leak or pressure test the anastomosis.
US07645284B2
A compression and ligation device includes a pair of jaws including one or more Doppler chips oriented to send and receive Doppler signals across the jaws, to assist a practitioner in determining whether or not a uterine artery is between the jaws. A suture leader with an attached suture can be pushed through a channel on one of the jaws, through tissue behind the uterine artery, into another channel on the other jaw, and proximally out the device so that the practitioner can ligate the artery and effect hemostasis.
US07645269B2
A wound therapy and tissue management system utilizes fluid differentiation. Fluid is differentiated by establishing a gradient within the system. A gradient can be established with matter or energy. Patient interfaces for establishing, maintaining and varying one or more gradients include transfer elements with first and second zones having different flow coefficients. The transfer elements exchange fluid with a patient, generally through a wound site, and with external components of the system. Osmotic solution gradients are controlled by a methodology involving the present invention for extracting solutions, which can include toxins, from patients and for introducing fluids and sumping air to wound sites.
US07645266B2
A seal is provided for effectively inhibiting the egress of fluids from the working channel of an endoscope when an elongate device having a region with a non-circular cross-sectional shape is disposed therein. The seal has a body portion with a proximal end adapted for insertion of the elongate device, a distal end adapted for connection to the proximal end of the endoscope, and a wall defining a lumen adapted to receive the elongate device and to provide access to the working channel of the endoscope. The seal includes a sealing element for sealing the region of the elongate device with a non-circular cross-sectional shape. The sealing element conforms to the profile of the non-circular region.
US07645256B2
A handpiece having at least one set of piezoelectric elements polarized to produce longitudinal motion when excited at the relevant resonant frequency. The piezoelectric crystals are connected to an ultrasonic horn to which a cutting tip is attached. The horn and/or the cutting tip contains a plurality of diagonal slits or grooves. The slits or grooves produce optimized torsional movement in the cutting tip when the piezoelectric crystals are excited at a second resonant frequency.
US07645255B2
A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as the instant an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system determines a temperature of an eye using irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power or stroke of the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.
US07645253B2
An ultrafiltration device adapted to be worn on a portion of the body of a patient includes a blood inlet tube leading from a first blood vessel, a blood pump, an anticoagulant reservoir for infusing anticoagulants into the blood, a blood filter including a substrate through which the blood is circulated and filtered, a fluid bag for storing the excess fluid and a blood outlet tube leading to a second blood vessel.
US07645251B2
A quick-release mechanism for disconnecting the footwear and footplate of an orthoses from a rotation bar, 90-degree bar, or other component of an orthosis is disclosed. The mechanism allows the footwear to be fitted to a patient with the bar or other component disengaged, while also allowing the angle between the bar or other component and the footplate to be locked when the orthosis is in place in order to treat conditions such as clubfoot.
US07645250B2
A reversible wrist and thumb support is formed of a sleeve of resiliently stretchable material and includes an optionally detachable thumb support coupled to the sleeve. The thumb support includes a plurality of removable battens formed of a semi-rigid material and disposed along the posterior of a wearer's thumb. A resiliently deformable support pad is disposed on an underside of the splint and a removable stiffening semi-rigid batten that optionally includes padded surfaces, is disposed in a pocket on the top side of the support. The reversible wrist and thumb support may be worn on either the wearer's left or right hand, and the battens need not be removed when the reversible wrist and thumb support is turned inside-out.
US07645248B2
A wall-mounted back massager adapted to allow a user to self-administer a massage is disclosed. The inventive wall-mounted back massager comprises: an elongated wall mount track vertically positioned on a wall; a vertically adjustable elongated base member slidably engaged to the wall mount track; a plurality of swivel head assemblies attached in series along the elongated base member; and at least first and second pairs of spaced apart and axially aligned wheels rotatably attached to each of the plurality of swivel head assemblies by respective first and second wheel axles. Each swivel head assembly is pivotably between first and second swivel head positions. In this configuration, vertical movement of a person's back due to bending and straightening of their knees effects movement of the swivel head assemblies and attached wheels relative to the person's back, thereby allowing the person to enjoy a self-administered massage.
US07645247B2
In one embodiment, a method for improving the cardiac output of a patient who is suffering from pulseless electrical activity or shock and yet still displays some myocardial wall motion comprises sensing myocardial activity to determine the presence of residual left ventricular pump function having a contraction or ejection phase and a filling or relaxation phase. In such cases, a compressive force is repeatedly applied to the chest based on the sensed myocardial activity such that the compressive force is applied during at least some of the ejection phases and is ceased during at least some of the relaxation phases to permit residual cardiac filling, thereby enhancing cardiac output and organ perfusion. Also incorporated may be a logic circuit capable of utilizing multiple sensing modalities and optimizing the synchronization pattern between multiple phasic therapeutic modalities and myocardial residual mechanical function.
US07645243B2
A method and apparatus for measurement and distinguishing between brawny and pitting oedema comprises a measurement head including a tactile sensor to measure a first characteristic of the oedema and a force decay sensor mounted adjacent the tactile sensor, to measure a second characteristic of the oedema so as to distinguish brawny oedema from pitting oedema. The tactile sensor may be a resonance oscillating sensor which may determine frequency shift, and the forced decay sensor may provide information regarding the degree of displaced fluid as a measure of pitting oedema through measurement of decay of force.
US07645236B2
Disclosed are an apparatus and method of adjusting gain of an ultrasound system 100. In particular, subject matter is disclosed for receiving an indication 102 of a rate of change in motion of an object 106, and adjusting a gain based 108, at least in part, on said rate of change in motion, where the gain is adjusted at least partially corresponding to the rate of change in motion of the object 106.
US07645235B2
Local tissue areas should be thermally destroyed when using ultrasound thermotherapy. Traditionally, mono-frequency continuous wave ultrasound signals are used to this end. These lead to a non-optimal distribution of heat or to a non-optimal localization of the heating inside the tissue. In practice, the following dosage problem arises: the prevention of unwanted tissue damage in the tissue located in front of the target area while simultaneously having a sufficiently high damaging effect in the target area. The aim of the invention is to optimize the distribution of heat or to increase the localization of the heating. To these ends, modified transmitted signals (e.g. multi-frequency signals) are used that are adapted to a specific utilization of the non-linear ultrasound propagation and attenuation properties inside the tissue. This enables, while limited to the target area, a non-linear heating yield caused by non-linear ultrasound effects to be achieved that drastically improves the localization of the heating. Due to this optimization, the problem of dosage is substantially eased, and it is possible to thermally destroy even deep-lying tumors without unwanted burning of the tissue located in front of the tumors. This results in both improving the practical usability of ultrasound thermotherapy and in further reducing the side effects thereof.
US07645227B2
A pelvic floor implant including a central body portion having an anterior edge having a centrally located recess therein, a posterior edge having a centrally located tab, and first and second lateral side edges. First and second strap-like extension portions extend outwardly to first and second distal ends from first and second end regions of the posterior edge of the central body portion. The first and second strap-like extension portions extending outwardly at an angle so as to form a substantially “Y” shaped implant in combination with the central body portion. First and second pockets are located at the first and second distal ends of the first and second strap-like extensions respectively, each having a closed end substantially adjacent to the distal end of the strap-like extension, and having an open end proximal thereto and opening toward the central body portion.
US07645226B2
A device for inducing a relaxation state in a user is provided. The device includes a pair of light sources directed toward a user's eye. The two light sources emit different colors, preferably blue and red. A second pair of light sources may be directed toward the user's other eye. The user can adjust both the color level and the brightness emitted by the pair of lights. The user further may control a flash frequency of the light emitted by the pair of lights. Additionally, the user may control the time duration of the relaxation session. Preferably, the relaxation device is portable. Preferably, the relaxation device is mounted in a pair of eyeglasses or in a mask and includes control electronics for controlling the light sources and a power source for powering the lights and the control electronics.
US07645218B2
An exercise apparatus for performing an armless push-up allows a user to engage in gravity-driven, resistance exercise with improved pectoral isolation and range of motion as compared to known push-up devices. The exercise motion is performed using a yoga-inspired, bent-elbow plank position by a prone (face-down) user. The user places each forearm on a trolley mounted at the top of opposed rails that are inclined toward an elevated centerline. As the trolleys move down the opposed inclined rails, the user's chest descends down; and as the user pinches his elbows together using the pectoralis muscles, the trolleys move up the inclined rails again. Gravity imparts a centered user balance, and the resistance can be varied, such as by changing the incline of the rail assemblies, changing the weight associated with the user, or by adding resistance to the trolley movement.
US07645213B2
An exercise device is configured to enable a user to interact with a trainer in real-time communication. The exercise device includes an exercise mechanism having a movable element for movement in performance of exercise by a user. Communicating with the exercise mechanism is an interface adapted for gathering a first real-time signal from the user. The interface communicates with a communication system for receiving a packetized second real-time signal including a synchronized control signal from the trainer. The exercise device includes an output device configured to reproduce the second real-time signal. The control signals carried by the second signal are used to control the operating parameters of the exercise mechanism in real-time.
US07645212B2
An exercise system including a support base and an operable member movably coupled to the support base. Electrically coupled to the operable member is an interface console. The interface console includes a plurality of speed level keys and a plurality of grade level keys. The speed level keys enable a user to selected different pre-set speeds of the operable member, while the grade level keys enable a user to select different pre-set grades of the operable member. Associated with the speed level and grade level keys are incremental keys that enable a user to incrementally increase and/or decrease the speed, grade, or resistance of the exercise system.
US07645209B2
A method for operating a parallel hybrid powertrain (1) of a motor vehicle with multiple drive units (2, 3) and with a single output side (5) is described. At least one internal combustion engine (2) and one electric motor (3) are provided and the at least one electric motor (3) is arranged in the powertrain between the output (5) and the at least one internal combustion engine (2). A first friction-locking shifting element (7) is provided between the internal combustion engine (2) and the electric motor (3), while a coupling element (8A) with rotational speed dependent recognition and at least one second friction-locking shifting element (30) are arranged between the electric motor (3) and the output side (5). A target output torque to be applied at the output (5) is a function of the power transmission capacity of the second shifting element (30). The power transmission capacity of the second shifting element (30) is controlled as a function of the required target output torque (m_fahr_soll) so that the second shifting element (30) has the power transmission capacity required for achieving the target output torque (m_fahr_soll) at the output (5). A target slip specification (s_30_soll) of the second shifting element (30) is controlled at least as a function of the target-drive torque by means of the target drive torque (m_2_soll, m_3_soll) to be produced and are converted with a closed loop control as a function of a further operating state parameter of the parallel hybrid powertrain by the drive units (2, 3).
US07645203B2
A carcass of a soccer ball or other inflatable game ball has a bladder with a valve for introducing air into said bladder; a fabric pocket layer located outside said bladder composed of a plurality of fabric pieces sewn to form a spherical shape, with a hole for the valve, the sewing thread for sewing said fabric pieces and the sewn margin being located in the inner side of said fabric pocket, and an opening being cut for reversing and placing the bladder being located on one of the fabric pieces; and an opening-cover adhered solidly on said opening for enclosing said opening. The surface of the manufactured ball is soft, with good tactility and the performance of ball-controlling is good. At the same time because there is no sewn margin left on the out side of the fabric pocket layer, no slight unevenness will exist on the surface of the fabric pocket layer, the ball will have a substantially perfect spherical shape, and can be easily controlled by athletes during a game.
US07645200B2
A golf ball retrieval system is described, for mounting within a golf club, using as a dedicated ball retrieval device, or retrofitting to an existing golf club. The system in a first embodiment comprises a hollow shaft, an anchor member mounted within the shaft, a sliding member movable axially within the shaft, the sliding member having a bore axially therethrough, a plurality of grappling wires connected to a proximal end of the sliding member, a spring connecting the anchor member to the sliding member, a wire placed within the bore, the wire having a first end and a second end, the wire further comprising a handle at the first end, the handle protruding from the bore at the proximal end of the sliding member, the second end of the wire being attached to the spring, and a shoulder attached to the wire between the spring and the sliding member. In a second embodiment, the system comprises a hollow shaft, an anchor member mounted within the shaft, a sliding member movable axially within the shaft, a plurality of grappling wires connected to a proximal end of the sliding member, a cap movable axially within the shaft, the cap located between the sliding member and the anchor member, a spring placed in the shaft between the anchor member and the cap, and a locking assembly between the sliding member and the cap.
US07645177B2
An electroluminescent panel includes a partial electroluminescent panel base and one or more electrode regions. The electrode regions are inkjet-printed on the partial electroluminescent base.
US07645175B2
An oil supplying apparatus for supplying the oil to an engine of a watercraft can be provided with an oil sump, a vapor-liquid separation chamber, a scavenging pump for sending the oil in the oil sump to the vapor-liquid separation chamber, a transfer path for returning the oil from which air and blow-by gas have been separated in the vapor-liquid separation chamber to the oil sump, a feed pump for supplying the oil in the oil sump to the engine, and openings and for returning oil used to lubricate the engine to the oil sump. The oil sump can be provided below the crankcase, and the vapor-liquid separation chamber can be provided to a side surface of the engine.
US07645169B2
A mountable power strip includes first and second arm sections, at least one of which includes a plurality of electrical receptacles. The arm sections are coupled together for relative rotational movement between an open position for receipt of an object therebetween, and a closed position for clamping engagement with the object. The first and second arm sections are spring biased toward the closed position. The spring-biasing of the arm sections provides a clamping force for mounting the power strip to an object. The arm sections generally have the same dimensions and configuration and are coupled together between opposite end portions of each arm section. One of the end portions of each arm section defines a handle grip. Alternatively, a long handle integral with the first arm section extends generally linearly from the coupling and a short lever arm integral with the second arm section extends generally linearly from the coupling.
US07645166B1
A card connector includes an insulating housing defining a receiving room for receiving a card, a plurality of electrical terminals disposed in the insulating housing and each having a contact portion stretching into the receiving room for electrically contacting a corresponding contact trace of the card, and a monitoring member having a base plate disposed in the insulating housing, a monitoring arm extending along the insertion direction of the card, and a connecting arm connecting the monitoring arm to the base plate. The connecting arm is inclined upward to make the monitoring arm stretched into the receiving room. Both the monitoring arm and the contact portion of one corresponding electrical terminal are aligned with each other along the insertion direction of the card for electrically contacting one same contact trace of the card so as to monitor whether the card is fully inserted in the card connector or not.
US07645162B2
A connector assembly is provided that has a plug end and a cable end and is configured to insert a plug that is coupled to a cable into a receiving module of an electrical device. The connector assembly includes an inner body that has a cable channel extending in an axial direction between the plug end and the cable end. The connector assembly also includes a slider element that is configured to hold a plug proximate to the plug end. The slider element is held by and movable along the inner body in an axial direction. The connector assembly further includes an outer housing that surrounds the inner body and the slider element. The outer housing is movable in the axial direction with respect to the inner body and the slider element, and the outer housing is also configured to attach to the electrical device.
US07645160B2
A telescoping connector assembly comprising a hollow rectangular bezel adapted for mounting in a patch bay panel frame. A plurality of telescoping connectors are mounted in the bezel and are adapted for relative movement thereto between a rearward position and a forward position. For this purpose, each of the telescoping connectors illustratively comprises a subframe having a pair of upper and lower runners adapted to engage complementary pairs of upper and lower slots formed in the bezel. The runners are fabricated from a flexible material, which allows the connectors to be extracted from the bezel by applying a bending force to the runners.
US07645159B1
A quick-connector or replaceably attaching at least one electrical component to an electrical box without a need for screws and its method of use. The connector includes a panel and an apparatus. The panel is pivotally connected to the electrical box. The apparatus replaceably attaches the at least one electrical component to the panel without the need for the screws.
US07645158B2
An electrical terminal assembly for an HVAC device is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the terminal assembly includes one or more quick-connect or screwless type terminal blocks mounted on a printed circuit board. The terminal assembly may also include one or more test pads electrically connected to the one or more quick-connect or screwless terminals via one or more traces on the printed circuit board. The one or more test pads may include a recessed portion.
US07645157B2
A connector includes a main body supporting a power cable, and a sound-proof member attached by a bolt to the top surface of the main body identified as the sound emitting surface to absorb sound emitted from the main body due to vibration. The main body includes a base provided with bulges in which three power cables are accommodated, respectively, and a lid over the base with power cables accommodated. The sound-proof member is effective as long as it is attached to the side face of the lid where it is expected to readily emit noise, i.e., on one side. The sound proof member can be also attached to the side face of the base. A connector having sound generated from the connector caused by vibration reduced is provided.
US07645139B1
A math teaching system for teaching a student how to solve an equation includes a base panel being mountable to a support surface. A work panel is coupled to an exterior surface of the base panel. The work panel has equation indicia positioned on an outer surface of the work panel opposite of the base panel. The equation indicia are used to learn to execute and determine an answer to a base equation. Each of a plurality of number tiles has a number indicia positioned on a top surface thereof. The number indicia of each of the number tiles is equal to a single digit number. Each of the tiles is positionable on the equation indicia of the work panel.
US07645138B2
The invention concerns a device for locking a dental instrument having a rotating spindle, formed by a hollow spindle and adapted to receive the head of an instrument, and a locking spring formed by a lower ring extending on a common side by two branches or a plurality of elastic branches. Each branch is provided with a pin engaged in an annular groove provided in the head of the instrument. There is a push-button having, in its underside, a central conical pressure head adapted to space apart radially the branches of the locking spring to release the pins from the annular groove of the instrument. The locking branches are housed in the slots provided in the rotary spindle to lock in rotation the spring relative to the rotary spindle, the spring being moreover maintained axially between the push-button and a shoulder of the rotary spindle.
US07645136B2
The continuous heat treatment furnace of the present invention is provided with at least one drying and binder-removing area where drying of the objects to be thermally treated and/or removal of binder are carried out and a firing area where the objects to be thermally treated is fired in succession from inlet side towards outlet side of the furnace, the objects to be thermally treated being subjected to drying and/or removal of binder while being transported through the drying and binder-removing area and thereafter being fired while being transported through the firing area, wherein the heat treatment furnace has at least two transporting mechanisms disposed along the transporting direction of the objects to be thermally treated as transporting mechanisms for transporting the objects to be thermally treated, the objects to be thermally treated are transported by different transporting mechanisms in the drying and binder-removing area and the firing area, respectively, and the transporting speed of each transporting mechanism is set so that the transporting speed in the drying and binder-removing area and the transporting speed in the firing area differ from each other.
US07645129B2
An oil pump for a compressor includes a driving shaft having an oil passage, a gear driving unit coupled to the drive shaft, a pump body having a driving shaft insertion groove, a friction reducing member assembled on the driving shaft insertion groove to reduce friction between the driving shaft and pump body, and a a gear unit coupled to the pump body and rotating with rotation of the driving shaft. The pump may further include a pump cover coupled to the pump body and having an intake for inhaling oil.
US07645115B2
A linear fluid impulse engine enables efficient conversion of the kinetic energy of large volume flows of fluid at low velocity into useful work. The linear fluid impulse engine uses symmetrically curved blades that are mounted to continuous power transmission belts that revolve on a pair of axles. The blades move in substantially linear paths on both the upstream and downstream sides of the inter-axle plane, which extends between the axes of the shafts. A linear cascade of stationary mid-plane guidevanes, located between the two sets of moving blade cascades, acts as a row of nozzles, accelerating the fluid so that it interacts with the downstream blade cascade with the proper velocity characteristics of an impulse device. Water entering the upstream blade cascade may be accelerated by stationary guidevanes to enable impulse operation.
US07645109B2
An agricultural vehicle such as a combine is provided with a collapsible agricultural material storage bin. The bin may be collapsed to allow for decreased overall vertical height during transport to avoid contact with obstacles, such as overhead power lines and street lights. In the field, the agricultural material storage container may be expanded to increase the agricultural material holding capacity of the vehicle. The bin may be provided with an internal extension mechanism to increase the lifting power of the container to allow for the placement of a second container or other material thereabove. Alternatively, the container may be provided with an external lifting means to allow for unobstructed evacuation of the interior of the container.
US07645100B2
A turning tool including a basic body having an insert seat, an indexable turning insert having a triangular basic shape, and a tightening element fixing the turning insert in the insert seat. The insert includes an upperside and an underside between which three side surfaces extend that are situated in a first imaginary, equilateral triangle and therefore converge in pairs at an angle of 60° toward corners in which cutting edges are included. The turning insert is engaged with the insert seat via an interface that includes elongate and straight, female-like and male-like engagement members, which are in engagement with each other in order to prevent turning of the turning insert. The insert seat includes a supporting surface having a corner section against which an active corner of the turning insert is applied. The insert seat includes a single active engagement member, which is spaced-apart from the supporting corner section, and is in engagement with one of three engagement members included in the turning insert and located in a second imaginary triangle having an equilateral shape, which is smaller than the first imaginary triangle and rotated in relation to the first imaginary triangle.
US07645093B1
An articulating band saw apparatus provides a frame that includes a vertically extending section having upper and lower end portions. An elevator moves between the upper and lower end portions of the frame. A first hydraulic actuator is supported on the elevator for movement therewith. A first arm provides arm end portions, the first arm supported by the first hydraulic actuator. An end of the first arm supporting a second hydraulic actuator that is spaced away from the first hydraulic actuator. The second hydraulic actuator supports a second arm. An endless band type saw is mounted on the free end of the second arm generally opposite the second actuator. The band saw is movable by articulation of the first and second actuators and resulting movement of the first and second arms. In one embodiment, the band saw is a diamond wire saw.
US07645092B2
In methods for treatment of in ground chromium ore processing residue contamination, ferrous sulfide is provided as a substantially insoluble material in the residue deposit. The ferrous sulfide accordingly may remain substantially in place, in the pores of the soil or residue, even over long periods of time, regardless of underground water movement or diffusion. As a result, the ferrous sulfide may act continuously to chemically reduce and remove contamination. As hexavalent chromium diffuses from the soil or residue, it is reduced by the ferrous sulfide. The ferrous sulfide may be placed into the underground deposit by injecting a ferrous salt solution into the deposit, waiting for a precipitation to elapse, and then injecting a sulfide solution into the deposit.
US07645089B2
A drive coupling hub (60) includes a body (120) and lugs (126) that extend radially from the body (120) and are engageable with a primemover (54) of a primary power source (14). The lugs (126) have a fastening lug (80) that includes a radially extending bore (82). A bearing (88) is set within the bore (82). A setscrew (90) extends within the bore (82) and applies pressure on the bearing (88) to engage the drive hub to a shaft (58) of a secondary power source (16).
US07645088B2
An articulated arm for an awning has an articulation part and an arm profile which are inserted one into the other. Furthermore, pull-off protection is present. The articulation part and the arm profile are inserted one into the other with a press fit, and the pull-off protection is designed as a claw present between the articulation part and arm profile.
US07645085B2
An apparatus for use with an edible food dispenser has a nozzle, a spreader surface associated with the nozzle, and a cap for entirely covering the nozzle.
US07645077B2
An optical communication module includes a base substrate; a wavelength branching filter arranged on the base substrate, in which a light is allowed to go through or be reflected according to a wavelength thereof; a photodetector arranged on the base substrate to receive a light passed through the wavelength branching filter and to convert the light into an electric signal; and a light emitting device arranged on the base substrate to provide a transmission light. The transmission light is outputted through the wavelength branching filter. The optical detector comprises a light receiving portion which is formed to have a first length and a second length, which is shorter than the first length. The first length of the light receiving portion is perpendicular to an optical axis of an input light on a plane parallel to a surface of the substrate, and a second length of the light receiving portion is parallel to the optical axis of the input light.
US07645075B2
An optical backplane includes an optical connector which receives juxtaposed optical signals transmitted in nonparallel to the main surface of a circuit substrate from the circuit substrate or transmits juxtaposed optical signals in nonparallel to the main surface of the circuit substrate to the circuit substrate. The optical connector disposes and accommodates edge portions of a plurality of optical fibers and the disposing direction of the optical fibers in the optical connector is in nonparallel to the main surface of the circuit substrate.
US07645068B2
Watch comprising a mechanism (50) for driving a device (1) that displays a time-dependent value, this drive mechanism (50) itself being driven by the movement of the watch, this watch also having at least one first correction element (42) acting on the display device (50) via a clockwork mechanism (2) of the drive mechanism (50), and at least one second correction element (48) acting directly on the device (1) that displays the time-dependent value, the watch being characterised in that the drive mechanism (50) is arranged so as to drive the device (1) that displays a time-dependent value in both directions when the first correction element (42) is operated, and so as to be overridden when the second correction element (48) is operated, acting directly on the device (1) that displays a time-dependent value.
US07645061B2
The invention relates to a low beam headlight with at least one light module. The individual light module exhibits at least one light source and at least one primary lens connected downstream of the light source; and the light source is a luminescent diode. In addition, the low beam headlight has at least one secondary lens, which is connected optically downstream of the primary lens or the primary lenses. Both the primary and the secondary lens exhibit at least two lens segments, which are arranged one over the other. In addition, at least one lens segment of the primary lens and its assigned lens segment of the secondary lens lie outside the optical axis of the light module.The present invention develops a compact low beam headlight, whose light distribution has a clearly defined hot spot. The light intensity of the illumination decreases steadily in the direction of the basic distribution.
US07645055B2
A luminaire assembly includes a housing having a first end and a second end, one of the first end and the second end having a threaded connection, a glass lens and a collar assembly connected to said lens, the collar assembly threadably connected to the housing. A luminaire lens mounting assembly, further may include a first lens connected to a housing, a belt connected to the housing, at least one arm extending from the belt, and, a second lens surrounding at least one of the housing and the first lens, the at least one arm extending through the second lens.
US07645050B2
A user-wearable illumination assembly comprises a mounting fixture that is adapted to be coupled to a user-wearable device, such as eyeglasses, goggles, face masks, helmets, or other devices. A light guide has a first end that can be coupled to a light source, and a second end coupled to a lens housing that is in turn coupled to the mounting fixture. An optical lens in the lens housing cooperates with the light guide to project light from the light source through the lens. In one embodiment, the lens has a substantially spherical surface facing the second end of the light guide and an aspheric surface facing away from the second end of the light guide. In another embodiment, the mounting fixture comprises articulating portions to permit independent or simultaneous adjustment of the lens housing to direct projected light in a desired direction.
US07645049B2
A control system for a liquid motion lamp maintains the proper temperature of liquids within the lamp to provide desired motion within the lamp, and reduces sensitivity to ambient temperature. The lamp preferably includes two heating elements, a first element for initial heating, such as a heat blanket, resistive glass coating, or a submerged ring, and a second heating element generally providing both heat and lighting. A sensor measures the temperature of the liquid inside the lamp and the control system controls the heat sources to maintain the temperature within operating limits.
US07645045B2
A tripod adapted for supporting a camera comprises a central support and three legs having uppers ends pivotally connected to the central support. At least one of the legs has a plurality of light-emitting components mounted thereon.
US07645041B2
The present invention deals with a new and additional aesthetical and customized decorative function to be given to the spectacles, in particular to the kind of spectacles used by young people and in particular entertainment and socialization places. Fundamental innovative feature of the invention is that of providing the spectacles with a light device D to be applied at sight on any of their external frame A, comprising a microphone (10) for the perception of the intensity of the sounds and noises, in order to reproduce and represent them visually in a light form, which is chromatically and proportionally intense, by means of a proper micro-processor (40), that transforms the sound intensity into lighting power of the display D by means of its printed circuit (30), said micro-processor being linked to a battery (50) as well as to a on/off switch (20).
US07645040B2
The invention relates to a pair of glasses comprising a temple (1) and a connecting element (8) pertaining to a rim (7), both on the left side and the right side of the pair of glasses. The connecting element (8) is provided with joint elements (11, 13) which co-operate with joint elements (6) provided on the rim end of the temple (1), forming a swivel joint. The temple (1) comprises at least two fingers (2, 3) which extend in a longitudinal direction on the rim end thereof, the fingers exerting a spring action in the direction of the articulated axis of the swivel joint.
US07645033B2
An ink reservoir (2) for a printer with an inkjet printhead, having a housing (6) for storing a quantity of ink (42), an ink outlet valve (10), an air inlet valve (8); and, a valve actuator (52). The valve actuator opens the air inlet valve in response to the ink outlet valve opening to establish fluid communication with the inkjet printhead.
US07645026B2
An inkjet printhead with multiple nozzles in each ink chamber. By giving the chamber multiple nozzles, each nozzle ejects drops of smaller volume, and having different misdirections. Several small drops misdirected in different directions are less detrimental to print quality than a single relatively large misdirected drop.
US07645019B2
The image forming apparatus comprises: an object liquid deposition device which deposits an object liquid containing coloring material onto a recording medium; a treatment liquid deposition device which deposits a treatment liquid that insolubilizes the coloring material onto the recording medium; and a control device which controls the treatment liquid deposition device in such a manner that volume of the treatment liquid deposited in a high-density region on the recording medium where volume per prescribed surface area of the object liquid deposited on the recording medium is high, is less than volume of the treatment liquid deposited in a low-density region on the recording medium where the volume per prescribed surface area of the object liquid deposited on the recording medium is low.
US07645012B2
A recording apparatus includes a recording head, a sheet feed section configured to feed loaded recording sheets one by one toward the recording head, a carriage moving along a recording sheet and mounting the recording head thereon, a first detection unit configured to detect the width of the loaded recording sheet, and a second detection unit arranged in the carriage and configured to detect the width of the recording sheet as the carriage moves along the recording sheet. A detection area of the second detection unit is set based on the width of the loaded recording sheet detected by the first detection unit.
US07645000B2
A driving mechanism having a braking system, for use on a storage unit movable about guiding tracks, The driving mechanism comprises a frame rotatably carrying at least one driving wheel, which in turn rollably engages a floor-embedded guiding track, A toothed wheel rotatably carried by the frame is operatively connected to the driving wheel and rotates in synchronism therewith, and defines at least one first interlock member, The driving mechanism also comprises a gravity-biased second braking member defining at least one second interlock member, said second braking member movably mounted to the frame so as to be movable between a standby position in which the second interlock member clears the first interlock member, and a braking position in which the second interlock member is interlocked with the first interlock member to block rotation of the rotary first braking member and thus of the driving wheel, The second braking member is biased under the action of gravity towards the braking position when it is in its standby position, The driving mechanism further comprises a brake control member mounted to the frame, the brake control member being movable between a retaining position in which the brake control member engages and retains the second braking member in its standby position against the bias of gravity, and a release position in which it clears the second braking member to allow gravity-borne movement of the second braking member towards the braking position. The second braking member is free of any mechanical structural link with the brake control member.
US07644996B2
A system and method for controlling the unintended rolling of a rolling stock, the rolling stock having a driver park brake, and an in-vehicle network for signals transmission, the method comprises the steps of selecting among the signals transmitted over the in-vehicle network, a set of predefined signals, then analyzing the status of the selected signals to determine a regulation process to be applied to the rolling stock, and monitoring the regulation process.
US07644992B2
A motor vehicle seat with an underframe comprising two pairs of rails, each having a seat rail and a floor rail, a seat belt and a seat belt retractor. The seat further comprises a tie bar for the seat belt retractor, the tie bar extending from the one seat rail to the other seat rail and is connected to the respective one of the seat rails. The seat belt retractor is connected to the tie bar and, in one embodiment, is disposed beneath the tie bar.
US07644979B2
A front-end part of a motor vehicle has an air scoop with an air-guiding duct to a charge air cooler between a central air inlet opening and a lateral air inlet opening of an air-guiding element. Wherein, in a pre-installation position, the air scoop is kept folded away on a central air-guiding element and, in an installation position, is folded back and can be connected to a lateral air-guiding element.
US07644976B2
A door opening and closing apparatus for a vehicle includes a first hinge base adapted to be mounted to a vehicle body, a second hinge base adapted to be mounted to a vehicle door, a four-link hinge including a first hinge arm and a second hinge arm for connecting the first hinge base with the second hinge base, the four-link hinge supporting the vehicle door between a fully open position and a fully closed position, a fully open position locking mechanism adapted to be mounted on the vehicle door for locking the vehicle door relative to the vehicle body at the fully open position, and an unlocking mechanism adapted to be mounted on the fully open position locking mechanism for releasing a locked condition of the vehicle door.
US07644970B2
A mobile containerized autopsy facility for use in distant contamination zones, comprising at least one enclosure which includes at least one seamless and sealable compartment, which compartment meets biohazard safety level 3 and 4 requirements. The facility consists of enclosures that are most commonly a conversion of at least one standard 40×8×9.5 foot refrigerated cargo container that may be easily transported by trailers or by air to remote sites and be operational without the dependence on local infrastructure.
US07644964B2
A door wedge is provided for maintaining a door at a user-desired position. The door wedge includes a base extending along a first axis. The base has upper and lower surfaces and first and second ends. An inclined plate extends along a second axis at a predetermined angle to the first axis. The inclined plate has upper and lower surfaces and first and second ends. The first end of the inclined plate intersects the first end of the base. A hook projects from the inclined plate. The hook has a terminal end vertically spaced from the upper surface of the inclined plate. A pad is affixed to the lower surface of the base.
US07644959B2
A tube coupling for connection to a conduit through which a cable may pass includes a coupling body having an open ended throughway to receive an end of the conduit and a tube locking device in the open end of the throughway for locking the conduit in the coupling body. The throughway has a reduced diameter section with an annular step at an end of the section facing towards the open end of the throughway to receive the end of the conduit inserted into the throughway. An annular flexible sealing member is disposed adjacent the step to be forced by an end of a tube inserted into the throughway into the reduced diameter section of the throughway. Compression of the annular flexible seal forces the seal into sealing engagement with a cable extending along the throughway to provide a seal between the coupling body and cable.
US07644954B2
A trailer has a fluid storage and supply container supported on the bed of the trailer, and a containment wall surrounding the fluid storage and supply container to provide an open containment region. A drain valve controls the flow of fluid collecting in the containment region. A filter separates the fluid from any water draining from the containment region.
US07644948B2
In an assembly with a gas bag module at least one first detent element is designed for engagement into a second detent element, a load bearing fastening between the first and the second detent element fastening the gas bag module to a first vehicle-fixed component being closed by moving the gas bag module in an installation direction. An additional locking structure is provided which is separate from the first and second detent elements, and which connects the gas bag module with a second vehicle-fixed component. The additional locking structure exclusively determines in the installed state a final installation position of the gas bag module with respect to the second vehicle-fixed component, at least against the installation direction.
US07644934B2
When the side acceleration acting upon a vehicle body is comparatively small, the roll rigidities of a front wheel suspension device and a rear wheel suspension device are mainly controlled based upon their roll angles; while, when this side acceleration is comparatively large, the roll rigidities of the front wheel suspension device and the rear wheel suspension device are mainly controlled based upon the correlation between the roll rigidity of the front wheel suspension and the roll rigidity of the rear wheel suspension device.
US07644930B2
A tool chuck may include an input shaft. A chuck actuating shaft may be mounted for rotation on the input shaft. A chuck actuating screw may be screw coupled to the chuck actuating shaft. A spring may be interposed between the chuck actuating shaft and the input shaft. Upon tightening the tool chuck, the spring may be compressed to provide force against the chuck actuating screw.
US07644929B2
A very easy-to-actuate, replaceable tool fitting is comprised in that at least one movably supported profiled body (15) on an output spindle (1) or on the tool fitting (11) of the hand-held power tool and at least one profiled recess (7) on the output spindle (1) or on the tool fitting (11) are shaped and situated in such a way that when the tool fitting (11) is slid onto the output spindle (1), the at least one profiled body (15) engages in detent fashion in the at least one profiled recess (7), achieving both an axial locking and a rotary driving of the tool fitting (11) in relation to the output spindle (1) and means (6, 8, 14) are provided, which, through a rotating and sliding motion of the tool fitting (11) on the output spindle (1), guide the profiled body (15) into the profiled recess (7).
US07644928B2
A brush seal has a bristle housing formed by a cover element and a support element. A plurality of bristles, which are wound around a core element and secured to the core element by a clamping element are positioned in the bristle housing. At least one of the support element and the cover element of the bristle housing are made of plastic.
US07644927B2
A modular set of elements are nondestructively assemblable into and disassemblable out of a plurality of configurations of a system for supporting targets and signs on a hard surface or on soft ground. These elements include an upright, a base that upholds the upright and is disposable in a stable manner on a hard surface or on soft ground, a horizontal arm from which to suspend a target or sign, and a brace slidable on the outer surface of the upright that includes a tubular shoulder capable of receiving an end of the horizontal arm. A hanger of unitary molded construction is capable of suspending from a horizontal support a clay target of the type cast by trap or skeet shooting equipment.
US07644919B2
When a new paper sheet is supplied onto a compiling tray, a sub-paddle holds down paper sheets having already been stacked on the compiling tray until a leading edge of the new paper sheet S touches the stacked paper sheets. Thereafter, the sub-paddle gets apart from the sheets stacked on the compiling tray with timing, with which the rear edge of the new paper sheet falls on the compiling tray.
US07644918B2
A discharge system for printed media sheets which includes a tray having a surface for supporting the media sheets; and rotating transport elements forming a discharge nip for discharging the sheets onto the tray, wherein at least one driven transport belt is arranged to engage a trailing edge of the sheet that has left the discharge nip and to exert a driving force towards the tray surface.
US07644913B2
For supplying individual quantities of flat and in particular diverse part products to a serial further processing, the part products are arranged in a row of part product groups (7) in a preparatory step carried out before the supply step (e.g. supplementation), and the row (2) is fashioned into a “first-in-last-out” storage formation, such as a roll (5). Within the row (2) the part products or the part product groups (7) overlap or are spaced from each other. For stabilizing the part product groups (7), adhesion between the part products within the groups may be enhanced; for stabilizing the storage formation, the part product groups (7) may be reversibly connected to each other. For supplying the groups to the serial further processing, which may succeed the preparatory step at any time or place, the storage formation is dissolved and the part product groups are supplied to the further processing directly from the storage formation. The preparatory step is completely uncoupled from the supply step, which simplifies the method and the installation for both, the supply and the further processing.
US07644908B1
An aeration pool or tank has a bottom piping assembly with an inlet at the bottom thereof and an outlet remote from the tank a distance vertically below the inlet, and an air inlet piping assembly having an inlet above the water surface and an outlet within the tank adjacent to the inlet of the bottom piping assembly. Water under pressure flows from the tank by gravity through the bottom piping assembly and draws air through the air inlet piping assembly, mixing it with the exiting water and the aerated water flows into a second body of water across a paddlewheel to disburse the aerated water into the second body of water and create circulation to absorb additional oxygen at the surface of the second body of water. A water circulation piping assembly in the tank creates turbulence and circulation within in the water in the tank.
US07644904B1
A pressure relief valve integrally formed with a section of conduit in a closed system for pumping cementitious material eliminates any dead space in the system within which the cementitious material may flow and set, and thus avoids system disassembly for cleaning following use and the possible replacement of clogged system components. The pressure relief valve includes a hollow cylindrical housing disposed on a conduit. First and second elongated linear slots are aligned with the cylindrical housing's longitudinal axis and are disposed in opposed portions of housing, with one slot in flow communication with the conduit. A cylindrical drum having a third elongated linear slot disposed within the cylindrical housing is freely rotatable therein. A handle attached to one end of the drum allows for manual rotation of the drum for aligning the three slots permitting the discharge of cementitious material and release of pressure in the system.
US07644897B2
A display apparatus includes a display main body to display an image, a base, a lifting unit having a guide frame extending from the base, a lifting member coupled to the display main body and movably coupled to the guide frame to lift the display main body along the guide frame, and a lifting spring member provided between the guide frame and the lifting member to bias the lifting member away from the base, and a locking unit to couple the guide frame and the lifting member to be detachable to each other and to lock the display main body in a predetermined position with respect to the base. Accordingly, the display apparatus is capable of lifting the display main body more safely and locking the display main body in the predetermined position. The display apparatus also has an aesthetic appearance, and the display main body may be rotated in various directions with respect to the base.
US07644881B2
The present invention relates to a round undulating blade for shredder, where a sheet metal is integrally formed into a round undulating blade to serve as the blades for constructing a blade module. The blade includes: a periphery; an undulating blade flank including at least two cambers having a first curvature and at least two cambers having a second curvature alternatively arranged with respect to the cambers having the first curvature; and hooked edges formed on the periphery of the cambers having the first curvature, wherein the undulating blade flank of the blade serves to cut paper along a longitudinal direction to form paper strips having double-tapering end, and the hooked edges serve to cut the strips along a horizontal direction into paper chips. These characteristics help to reduce the manufacturing cost, reduce the motor load and power consumption, to thereby enhance the market competitiveness.
US07644877B2
This invention finds application in the field of liquid distributing devices, and more particularly relates to a sprinkler head device, for example for use in sprinkler systems for distributing liquids or the like. The device comprises a support body to be removably coupled to a sleeve for connection to an external liquid supply line, a convergent nozzle between the body and the sleeve, and a diverter member downstream from the nozzle for diverting flow and sprinkling fluid out. The device further includes main connection means for removably attaching the nozzle to the support body while preventing any accidental separation thereof upon mutual coupling and uncoupling of the sleeve to the body, thereby allowing fast and easy periodic replacement of the nozzle.
US07644867B2
A business-card sized storage device which is a thin metal housing built-in with a flash memory module.
US07644865B2
A solid-state imager in a reader for electro-optically reading indicia located in a range of working distances includes an array of image sensors for capturing light from the indicia over a field of view during the reading. The range of working distances in which the indicia are read is varied, either automatically or manually.
US07644858B2
A corrugated container for shipping containers, such as glass bottles, includes a shipping box, a liner, one or more cross-pieces, a top sheet and a bottom sheet. The liner, cross-pieces, top sheet and bottom sheet may be made of corrugated or hexacomb material to provide shock absorbing protection to the bottles received within the shipping box. The liner and cross-pieces do not extend the full height of the box to allow the corners of the box to crush or crumple in the event the container is dropped on one of its upper corners. A pair of staggered hand holes may be formed in the opposite sides of the box to enable ergonomic lifting of the container.
US07644857B2
The present invention provides an expandable file folder with separate cases, which has a case placed in the middle of the folder, and which, as a result, has little steadiness and tends to fall down. The first and second cases between the front and rear sides of the expandable storing part are set such that the file holder can be more steady in a standing position. Two separated supporting areas form beneath the two cases. Thus the folder, when placed, will not tend to fall down.
US07644853B2
A method of attaching solder balls to a BGA package using a ball pickup tool is disclosed. An array of solder balls is formed on a first substrate for interconnecting with conductive sites on another substrate. The ball pickup tool picks up solder balls with a vacuum suction from a fluidized ball reservoir and utilizes a puff of gas to release the solder ball(s) carried thereon to conductive sites of a substrate for bonding thereto. In another embodiment, the bond pads of a substrate are coated with a flux or adhesive and lowered into a fluidized ball reservoir for direct attachment of solder balls.
US07644842B2
A dispenser has a housing, and a variable-volume storage chamber formed within the housing and defining a substantially fluid-tight seal between the chamber and exterior of the housing for storing a substance to be dispensed. A piston is mounted within the housing, and a one-way valve is mounted within the housing and coupled in fluid communication with the variable-volume storage chamber. A compression chamber is coupled in fluid communication between the piston and one-way valve, and at least one of the piston and valve is manually depressible relative to the other between (i) a first position in which the piston is located at least partially outside of the compression chamber for permitting substance to flow from the variable-volume storage chamber into the compression chamber, and (ii) a second position in which the piston is located at least partially within the compression chamber for pressurizing substance within the compression chamber above a valve opening pressuring and, in turn, dispensing substance through the one-way valve and out of the dispenser.
US07644836B2
A container for a stack of individually removable paper products (9) such as facial tissues, handkerchiefs, towels and the like, or similar products made of non-woven material is described. The container has an upper wall (2), in which a withdrawal opening is formed which is closed by a tear-off-able lid (8) and a cavity accommodating the stack of products. The lid (8) has on its inner surface (12) an adhesive or bonding surface (11) by which the uppermost paper product (10) of the stack adheres, preferably detachably, to the lid (8).
US07644830B2
A lightweight horizontal dispensing container comprises a pallet base, a pallet cover and a three sided sleeve extending between the pallet base and the pallet cover. The container may be stacked on top of similar pallet covers or below similar pallet bases. A rectangular frame is secured to opposed walls and defines an opening on a fourth side of the container. Dunnage is located inside the container to provide horizontal access to parts inside the container. This container enables a horizontal dispensing container to be stacked above or below conventional pallet loads.
US07644826B2
The present invention relates to a basket (1) for a dishwashing machine having various receptacles and/or holders for plates or cups whereby in particular a cup support (3) comprises a shelf pivotably mounted in the basket (1) and assuming a horizontal position to form a second supporting surface about hinge points hinge points (4, 5) provided on the basket. To increase the shelf layers of the cup support (3) the hinge points (4, 5) are mounted on the basket (1) in such a way that they are variable in height.
US07644820B2
In the case of the picture-frame transporting crate according to the invention, a spacing which remains in the height direction between the closed cover (4) and the top side of a picture frame (7) which has been placed in position, or of a padding plate which covers the top side of the picture frame, is filled by means of a heightwise spacer (8) which is coordinated precisely, in terms of length, with this spacing. For this purpose, either a heightwise spacer (8) of appropriate length is selected from a supply or the appropriate heightwise spacer (8) is produced on site by virtue of the appropriate length being cut off precisely from a longer strip or a longer rod.
US07644816B2
A pivoting boot is disclosed for attachment to the unloading auger tube of combine harvesters, and serves as both a grain saving dam against unwanted grain spillage, and a directable spout. The boot permits evenly unloading grain onto, or completely filling, transportation vehicles or storage containers, without having to change the combine position, once it is staged for unloading.
US07644808B2
In an elevator door apparatus, an elevator door is capable of reciprocating between a door closure position for closing an elevator entrance and a door open position for opening the elevator entrance. The elevator door is driven by a door drive device. The door drive device is controlled by a door control device. The door control device adjusts the door open position based on control information for controlling an operation of an elevator, obtains a door opening/closing pattern for the elevator door to be opened and closed between the adjusted door open position and the door closure position, and controls the door drive device so that the elevator door is reciprocated in accordance with the obtained door opening/closing pattern.
US07644805B2
An electrical generator is driven by gravitational force provided by a plurality of pairs of water tanks. Each pair of water tanks is suspended by an elongated chain supported by a series of pulleys. The water tanks in each pair of water tanks move between an upper position and a lower position alternately by filling selected ones of the water tanks with water and draining from the other selected ones of the water tanks. The vertical movement of the water tanks alternately filled with water is translated by ratchet wheels and bevel gear wheels to rotate the electrical generator in the same direction for generating the electrical power.
US07644797B2
A motorcycle includes a vehicle body frame, a rear swing arm which is mounted on a vehicle body frame in a rockable manner by way of a pivot shaft, and a rear wheel which is pivotally supported on a rear portion of the rear swing arm and is rotated by a driving force of a drive shaft. The pivot shaft which constitutes a support portion and an axis of the rear wheel axle are arranged at the substantially same height. The drive shaft is arranged at a position upwardly spaced-apart from the drive shaft, that is, above the pivot shaft. The drive shaft includes a shaft-length variable mechanism which can change a length of the shaft. The resulting configuration provides a motorcycle having reduce weight while maintaining support rigidity of the rear swing arm.
US07644794B2
A mode changeover control system for a transmission wherein the starting of a vehicle can be prevented even if the transmission is changed over to the drive mode side while a side stand is in an erected position. In a motorcycle including a mode changeover mechanism for a continuously variable transmission, and a side stand, there is provided a changeover operation section changed over by the driver between operation positions corresponding respectively to a drive mode position and a neutral mode position of the mode changeover mechanism. An electronic control unit operates the mode changeover mechanism based on the changeover operation position of the changeover operation section. The control section is configured so as to continually maintain the mode changeover mechanism in the neutral mode position even if the changeover operation section is operated to a drive mode operation position while the side stand is in a stored position.
US07644792B2
A vehicle motor system includes a motor that receives cooling fluid flow from two different cooling sources. A control, such as a valve, selectively changes the cooling flow between the two cooling sources in response to an operational state of the vehicle.
US07644783B2
A power tool transmission is described in which an overload clutch mechanism is arranged to provide a relatively compact power tool. A torque adjustment dial is arranged between the visible portions of the motor housing and the gearbox, and the dial is coupled to a compression spring such that rotation of the dial cause the spring to be compressed or decompressed, thereby adjusting the torque at which the clutch overloads and ratchets. The compression spring is arranged at least partially between the motor and gearbox or gear train, in a space which conventional power tools do not utilized for this purpose. Thus, the dimensions of the power tool's transmission can be reduced with respect to conventional power tools. Furthermore, the space on the gearbox immediately behind a chuck can be used for another purpose other than accommodating the adjustment collar, as is the case with conventional power tools.
US07644776B2
A preassembled water transfer pipe for use in a fire fighting system includes a generally hollow conduit member formed from a predetermined material and having each of a predetermined length and a predetermined cross sectional shape and a connection member equipped with a predetermined size connection for receiving a hose one of thereon and therein disposed at one end of said generally hollow conduit member. There is a pipe support assembly disposed at an opposed end of such generally hollow conduit member.
US07644774B2
A valve for a well pipe, the valve having the following parts: a valve collar connectable to the well pipe; an index piston coaxially positioned within the valve collar for longitudinal translation within the valve collar between closed, flow-open, and locked-open configurations; a detent in the index piston, wherein the detent restricts fluid flow in a circulation direction through a flow path through the index piston; a spring that biases the index piston toward the closed and locked-open configurations; and a plug of the valve collar that mechanically communicates with the index piston to be in corresponding closed, flow-open, and locked-open configurations.
US07644770B2
A method for producing gas from a well with low pressure involves running a bottom hole pressure test to graph a P-Q curve. The operator computes a frictional pressure drop due to friction of the gas flowing through the production tubing to the surface. A packer is set above perforations in the well. A screw pump is selected that has a capacity equal to the sum of the frictional pressure drop plus a desired wellhead pressure. The screw pump has a flow rate capacity determined from the P-Q curve. The operator may vary the frequency of a downhole motor to achieve the desired wellhead pressure.
US07644763B2
Disclosed herein is a downhole cutting tool. The downhole cutting tool including, a cutting member mounted on a rotatable shaft, a shaft-deflecting device in operable communication with the shaft, and a motor in operable communication with the shaft.
US07644761B1
A method of creating multiple fractures in a well traversing a formation is described using pressurized fluids in a highly deviated or horizontal section of the well at a pressure above the fracturing pressure of the formation, wherein for creating a fracture the pressurized fluid is alternated between an acid fracturing fluid and a proppant loaded fluid, such that the proppant blocks the flow of pressurized fluid into a fracture created during a previous step of the method and the subsequently pressurized acid fracturing fluid creates a new fracture at a location along the highly deviated or horizontal section different from the location of the previously created fracture.
US07644757B2
A fixed-point packoff element for a full-bore pressure isolation tool supports a primary seal and a test seal to permit the primary seal to be tested by injecting test fluid through a side port of a tubing head spool before the pressure isolation tool is rigged up for a well stimulation procedure.
US07644754B2
A recuperator for transferring thermal energy from a warm gas flow to a cold gas flow, comprising: a first group of ducts with a first connection and a second connection; a second group of ducts with a third connection and a fourth connection, wherein the ducts of both groups extend mutually parallel; a first supply for supplying the cold gas flow to the first connection; a first discharge for discharging the cold gas flow from the second connection; a second supply for supplying the warm gas flow to the third connection; and a second discharge for discharging the warm gas flow from the fourth connection. The device provides temporarily and repeatedly alternating connections from the first supply to the fourth connection; the first discharge to the third connection; the second supply to the second connection; and the second discharge to the first connection. The device further provides a control for repeatedly changing the connections utilizing two alternating valves located at opposite sides of the combination of the first and second group of ducts.
US07644753B2
Three embodiments of a heat exchanger assembly for cooling an electronic device are shown respectively in FIGS. 1-2, 3 and 4 and each comprises a flange, a dome, a plurality of condensing tubes, a shroud, and a boiler plate. In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the dome is semi-spherical in shape and the distance measured axially along the center axis equals the distance measured laterally from or perpendicular to the center axis. In the second and third embodiments shown in FIGS. 3 and, 4, respectively, the distance measured axially along the center axis is greater than the distance measured laterally from or perpendicular to the center axis. The domes in the second and third embodiments are an ellipsoid and a semi-logarithmic body, respectively. In all embodiments, a plurality of condensing tubes aligned in fan rows and arced rows extend from the dome to distal ends to facilitate more-efficient heat transfer.
US07644743B2
A towing arrangement includes a pivotal handle which allows a user to position the handle more comfortably that would otherwise be possible with a conventional towing arrangement. The relative motion of the handle can also increase the maneuverability of a piece of luggage by eliminating the need for a person to reposition his or her hand on the handle when attempting to redirect the piece of luggage.
US07644742B2
The woodworking machine for shaping molding has a hollow cylindrical cartridge with end caps having openings defined therein adapted for inserting a blank strip of molding through the cartridge. Robotic grippers advance the molding strip through the cartridge in indexed increments. A cutter assembly is mounted on a movable table, the cutter assembly having a plurality of spaced apart cutters. An electronic control system, preferably including a programmable logic controller, causes the grippers to grip the blank molding, insert the blank through the cartridge, actuate the cutter assembly and move the table so that the cutters simultaneously cut a plurality of notches in the molding, retract the cutter assembly, advance the molding the indexed distance, and automatically repeat the cycle, ejecting the strip when notches have been formed in the entire length of the molding. The machine may be used to form dental molding.
US07644740B2
A protective cover for a filler neck is designed to discriminate between different sizes of fuel nozzles. The cover includes a body portion and a movable door that covers and exposes an opening in the filler neck. The body portion has a pair of spaced body protrusions that form a gate, and the door has a ledge that may also be formed by a pair of spaced door protrusions. The protrusions on the door can be easily moved to an open position by pressing a tip of a fuel nozzle against the protrusions. The gate and the ledge are configured so that they can accommodate the fuel nozzle for only one type of fuel.
US07644725B2
The object is to provide a mixing valve and a mixing device which can more easily control the flow rates of one fluid and another fluid or fluids in comparison with a conventional mixing valve. In a mixing valve 10A in which a main passage 13 through which one fluid f1 passes and at least one subsidiary passage 14 (14A, 14B) through which the other fluids f2, f3 pass are connected via opening/closing valve portions 20A, 20B to open/close communicating openings 18A, 18B, pressure sensors 31, 32, 33 (34) are disposed in the main passage and the subsidiary passages, respectively, to detect the pressures of the fluids passing through the main passage and the subsidiary passages.
US07644712B2
A pneumatic signal conditioning device may have a first fluid path and a second fluid path. The first fluid path includes a first inlet and a first outlet, and is configured such that the first outlet provides a first conditioned signal representing a pressure at the first inlet. Similarly, the second fluid path is configured such that the second outlet provides a second conditioned signal representing a pressure at the second inlet.
US07644707B2
An Ignition device for an internal combustion engine including a control device and an ignition coil which is feedable on its primary side by a voltage supply unit. The control device is provided to interrupt or reduce the voltage impressed on the primary side of the ignition coil when a magnitude of a magnetic induction B on the primary side of the ignition coil is greater than a predeterminable maximum value.
US07644694B2
A rocker box, pushrod assembly, oil delivery system, tappets and tappet guides are provided for an engine, particularly a motorcycle engine. The rocker box includes a separable upper portion and lower portion with a seal for sealing the upper portion and lower portion when coupled together. The pushrod assembly includes an adjusting unit that collapses into a pushrod shaft. The oil delivery system includes an oil passageway(s) in a rocker shaft of a rocker arm assembly, and at least one of an oil passageway(s) in a rocker box and an oil passageway(s) in a pushrod assembly.
US07644692B2
A control method for an internal combustion engine of a vehicle that is used with a variable valve timing (VVT) system to promote lock pin disengagement. The method establishes if the VVT is at a lock pin position, establishes if a lock pin is not disengaged out of an associated recess, and can control the rate of movement of the VVT away from the lock pin position so that the lock pin can be disengaged out of the recess.
US07644688B2
A valve actuator assembly for an engine includes a movable poppet valve, and movable first and second spool valves. The assembly also includes an intermediate channel interconnecting the first and second spool valve, a driving channel, and a first and second feedback channel interconnecting the second spool valve and the poppet valve. The valve actuator assembly includes an actuator cooperating with the first spool valve to position the first spool valve to selectively allow high pressure fluid flow to the second spool valve and the driving channel to position the engine valve. The valve actuator assembly further includes a first and second on/off valve in respective fluid communication with the first feedback channel and the second feedback channel to selectively exhaust the first and second feedback channel to control motion of the second spool valve. The second spool valve includes a detent feature operable to maintain the second spool valve in a center biased position.
US07644687B2
An two-stroke internal combustion engine includes a cooling circuit having at least one passageway on the exhaust side of the engine for cooling the exhaust side of the engine and at least one passageway on the intake side of the engine for cooling at least a portion of the intake side of the cylinder. The engine also includes at least one cooling channel traversing the engine located in the vicinity of one of the bearings supporting the crankshaft for cooling the bearings.
US07644684B2
A toy for an animal, in particular a dog, includes a bag or other hollow container. The bag has a mouth for inserting articles in the bag. After an article is inserted in the bag, a closure is utilized to secure and close the mouth. The closure and mouth of the bag are inserted in a ball to prevent an animal from chewing on the closure to open the mouth of the bag.
US07644683B2
An agitator is provided including an open system having a base holding a plurality of culturing beakers as well as a lid holding a tube transporting fresh seawater into each beaker, gently stirring the water within and eliminating any decaying embryos. Each beaker has at least a bottom made of mesh allowing water to flow through. The agitator can be used to culture any fragile planktonic organisms that require an extended rearing time.
US07644680B2
A method and electrode assembly for treating a substrate with a non-equilibrium plasma in which the electrode assembly has two or more spaced barrier electrodes and a ground electrode spaced apart from the two spaced barrier electrodes for passage of a substrate to be treated. Plasma fluid medium is introduced between the barrier electrodes and is biased to provide a greater flow to an inlet region of the electrode assembly to help inhibit the ingress of air. Each of the barrier electrodes can be provided with central and leg sections having passages for introducing a cooling fluid into one of the leg sections and discharging said cooling fluid from the other of the leg sections. The central section can be provided with a transverse cross-sectional area less than that of the leg sections to increase velocity in the central section.
US07644672B2
A monohull sailing vessel (102, 202, 402, and/or 502) having a lifting hydrofoil (104 and/or 204) having a stowed position and a deployed position in which the hydrofoil extends outward of a leeward side of the hull (138). The hydrofoil may have an aspect ratio greater than 2.5:1, may be oriented at an angle of attack between 2 and 6 degrees, and may be oriented at a mean angle (124) of between 5 and 20 degrees to horizontal. The hydrofoil may have a projected area adapted provide a righting moment and a lifting force for partially but not fully lifting the vessel out of the water. The hydrofoil may have an exposed span (112) that is greater than about 7% of a height of the tallest mast (134). The vessel may include an actuation assembly (128, 228, 308, and/or 316) for moving the hydrofoil between the stowed and deployed positions.
US07644668B2
The present invention provides a feeding system which operates under an environment of negative pressure on feeding waste materials to prevent contaminant of a plasma furnace from leakage and so can be used in related industries of processing radioactive wastes.
US07644663B2
An inactive aerial ballistic element for exercises includes a main hollow body and a ballast element. The main hollow body has an ogive, disposed in the front portion, and a closure bottom, disposed in the rear portion. The ballast element is disposed in the main hollow body, and gives to the inactive ballistic element the same ballistic features of active ballistic elements. The ballast element includes at least a monolithic body coaxially disposed in the main hollow body of the inactive ballistic element and extending at least between the ogive and the closure bottom. The ogive includes the end of the monolithic body, which protrudes from the main hollow body of the inactive ballistic element.
US07644661B1
The networked electronic ordnance system connects a number of pyrotechnic devices to a bus controller using lighter and less voluminous cabling, in a more efficient network architecture, than previously possible. Each pyrotechnic device contains an initiator, which includes a pyrotechnic assembly and an electronics assembly. One or more pyrotechnic devices each contain a logic device having a unique identifier. The pyrotechnic devices are individually controlled by the bus controller by addressing the unique identifier of each logic device. Each pyrotechnic device preferably includes an energy reserve capacitor which stores firing energy upon arming. Both digital and analog fire control conditions are provided before an armed pyrotechnic device can be fired. A plurality of initiators and/or other components of the system may be packaged together on a single substrate and networked together via that substrate.
US07644649B2
Mobile or portable apparatus with pressurized gas supply for preparing beverages or similar products
Mobile or portable apparatus for preparing beverages comprising a module for delivering a beverage by supplying a pressurized liquid, a liquid feed tank of sufficient capacity for supplying the module with several volumes of liquid for supplying more than one beverage, gas pressurizing means suitable for supplying the module with pressurized liquid, a liquid feed chamber, of which the capacity is several times smaller than the capacity of the tank, said chamber being arranged, in a module feeding configuration, to communicate with the gas pressurizing means in order to pressurize the liquid in the chamber and to inject pressurized liquid into the module and thereby permit the delivery of the liquid through the module.
US07644645B2
A machine such as a saw, jointer, planer, etc. is disclosed. The machine has cutting tool, a direct drive mechanism configured to move the cutting tool, a detection system adapted to detect the occurrence of an unsafe condition between a person and the cutting tool, and a reaction system adapted to mitigate the unsafe condition upon the detection of the unsafe condition by the detection system. An electrical signal is imparted on the cutting tool, and the signal is used to determine the occurrence of the unsafe condition. The direct drive mechanism is electrically isolated so that the electric signal may be imparted on the cutting tool. The electric isolation may be achieved through configurations such as insulated bearings, a substantially non-conductive housing, and a substantially non-conductive coupling joining two shaft portions.
US07644640B2
A rim-shaped section of a teeth section with the same thickness among a bottomland and the same thickness as that of a web. An outward-radial-direction end of the web is connected to an inner end side of the rim-shaped section. In the rim-shaped section, a section from a teeth section connecting section of the web to an outer end of the ring-shaped rim-shaped section is connected to an outer circumferential surface of the boss by a plurality of first radial direction ribs. In the rim-shaped section, a section from the teeth section connecting section of the web to a tooth-width-direction center section is connected to an outward-radial-direction end of second radial direction ribs. The first and the second radial direction ribs are formed thinner than the web and the ring-shaped rim-shaped section.
US07644634B2
A device for determining the rotation angle of a shaft in an aircraft, the device having a shaft and a motor operable to rotate the shaft to operate a component and to detect first rotation data of the shaft. The device also includes a position pickup unit designed to detect second rotation data of the shaft, and a synchronization unit for synchronizing the first rotation data with the second rotation data.
US07644629B2
A tensile specimen measuring apparatus includes a generally elongated base, a generally elongated pin channel provided in the base, a measuring pin carrier slidably mounted in the pin channel of the base, at least one contact pin carried by the measuring pin carrier, at least one contact pin disposed at an end of the pin channel of the base in generally spaced-apart relationship with respect to the at least one contact pin carried by the measuring pin carrier and an electronic measuring device engaging the at least one contact pin carried by the measuring pin carrier. A tensile specimen measuring method is also disclosed.
US07644623B2
A semiconductor pressure sensing apparatus includes a metallic stem having a diaphragm and a semiconductor sensor bonded to the diaphragm. The semiconductor sensor includes a gauge section and first and second bonding pads. The gauge section is configured to be deformed according to a deformation of the diaphragm. The first and second bonding pads are respectively connected to different positions of the gauge section so that an electrical resistance between the first and second bonding pads can change with a change in the deformation of the diaphragm. The gauge section is formed to a semiconductor layer of an silicon-on-insulator substrate. The semiconductor sensor is directly bonded to the diaphragm by activating contact surfaces between the semiconductor sensor and the diaphragm.
US07644620B2
A sensor comprising a base body and a sensor element, in particular for transforming and/or transferring measuring variables. The sensor element is associated with a receiving element.
US07644603B2
A method of testing a surgical system that takes advantage of the fact that in a balanced irrigation/aspiration system (inflow≧outflow) the duration of the aspiration pressure recovery to the irrigation fluid source pressure immediately following pump stop is independent of pump run time. This method provides a more reliable way of detecting restricted irrigation flow configurations not detectable by the current methods, such as marginal irrigation flow cases that could potentially lead to surgical complications (e.g. chamber collapse during post-occlusion break surge).
US07644595B2
A pressure differential of a feed gas (110) between a compressor (120) and expander (160) is employed to cool the feed gas to condense and remove at least a portion of one component to produce a partially depleted feed gas from which another component may then be removed. In especially preferred aspects, the feed gas comprises C2-C5 hydrocarbons and hydrogen, wherein the hydrocarbons are condensed in the cooler and hydrogen is removed using a pressure swing adsorption unit (180).
US07644594B2
A method and apparatus are disclosed for recovering and separating anesthetic gas components from waste anesthetic gases to be purged from a healthcare facility. With minimal reliance on the utility infrastructure and supplies of a healthcare facility, the method and apparatus needs only electrical or mechanical power, a source of waste anesthetic gases, and an atmospheric vent in order to operate. A heat exchanger/condenser, which uses a dedicated heat transfer fluid as a refrigerant, is employed to condense anesthetic gas components from the waste anesthetic gases as either liquid condensates or solid frosts. The warmed heat transfer fluid is cooled in a separate refrigeration unit and recycled back to the heat exchanger/condenser. A preferred embodiment of the invention is a self-contained, packaged unit which can be easily accommodated in a physician's office, small animal clinic, dental office or other healthcare facility requiring effective waste anesthetic gas management.
US07644582B2
An external combustion engine including a container 10 sealed with a working medium 14 in liquid phase adapted to flow, a multiplicity of evaporators 201 to 204 for heating and evaporating part of the liquid-phase working medium 14, a multiplicity of condensers 221 to 224 for cooling and condensing the working medium 14 evaporated in the evaporators 201 to 204, and an output unit 11 for outputting by converting the displacement of the liquid-phase portion of the working medium 14 into mechanical energy. The multiplicity of the evaporators 201 to 204 share a heat source from which heat is supplied thereto. The engine further includes an influent liquid amount regulation unit whereby the liquid-phase portion of the working medium 14 in a greater amount flows into the evaporators nearer the heat source upon displacement of the liquid-phase portion of the working medium 14 toward the multiplicity of the evaporators 201 to 204 from the output unit 11, while the influent liquid amount is smaller for the evaporators farther from the heat source. In this way, heat loss is reduced resulting in improved efficiency.
US07644579B2
A method and apparatus to reduce the emissions of an exhaust stream is provided. One feature of the present invention includes a control unit for metering a reagent into the exhaust stream. The control unit adjusts a quantity of the reagent to be metered into the exhaust stream. One embodiment of the present invention concerns a method of removing nitrogen oxides in exhaust gases from a diesel engine by introducing ammonia into the exhaust stream. This Abstract is provided for the sole purpose of complying with the Abstract requirement rules that allow a reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure contained herein. This Abstract is submitted with the explicit understanding that it will not be used to interpret or to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.
US07644574B2
Methods and systems for controlling a dynamic response in a gas turbine fuel control system are provided. The control system includes a component model adapted to regulate a fuel supply pressure for a gas turbine, a pressure sensor adapted to sense a pressure of fuel supplied to the gas turbine, and a feedback module including integral plus state feedback, the feedback module adapted to provide a positive feedback reference signal to the component model such that a response time of the gas turbine fuel control system to changes in fuel pressure is facilitated being reduced.
US07644572B2
A turbine combustion chamber is provided with deflectors on the cold side generating vortices in a secondary gas flow into the chamber, thereby confining the flame front under variable operating conditions and cooling the chamber walls. The high-speed cantilever shaft has a longitudinal duct and an array of fine orifices in the wall of the shaft for directing pressurized oil jets that impinge on the shaft bearings with little relative speed to increasing wetting of the bearing components. Oil is supplied to the duct by means of a positive-displacement pump directly driven by the output shaft. The pump output pressure is monitored to signal the end of the start-up sequence when the turbine reaches sufficient speed. The turbo-engine further includes devices for decoupling vibrations between the three systems thereof, including a loosely-mounted removable spline pivotable at both ends for coupling the high-speed shaft to the step-down gearbox.
US07644567B2
A flexible tall crop knockdown barrier for use with rotary cutting headers in harvesting specialty crops such as grass seed. The knockdown barrier comprises a support frame mounted to the front of the header that extends forwardly and upwardly ahead of the header. A flexible barrier supported by the frame extends downwardly during idle conditions and downwardly and rearwardly as the header is propelled through the crop. The flexible curtain may be rolled around a lower spool and stowed on the support frame when not in use to improve visibility. The knockdown barrier serves to gently lean the crop forward before cutting so as to minimize seed shatter due whipping of the seed head.
US07644559B2
A round bale wrapping mechanism that employs a pivoting carrier for two wrapping material rolls, one a stored roll and the other the working roll being dispensed. When the storage roll is to be employed, it is pivoted into contact with the material being dispensed from the working roll and pulled through the threading components of the wrapper. The storage roll thus becomes the working roll and a new storage roll may be installed in place of the empty storage roll (previously the working roll).
US07644554B2
Floor covering, including hard floor panels which, at least at the edges of two opposite sides, are provided with coupling parts, cooperating which each other, substantially in the form of a tongue and a groove, wherein the coupling parts are provided with integrated mechanical locking elements which prevent the drifting apart of two coupled floor panels in a direction (R) perpendicular to the related edges and parallel to the underside of the coupled floor panels, and provide a snap-action coupling.
US07644548B2
A lightweight concrete composition containing from 10 to 90 volume percent of a cement composition, from 10 to 90 volume percent of particles having an average particle diameter of from 0.2 mm to 8 mm, a bulk density of from 0.03 g/cc to 0.64 g/cc, an aspect ratio of from 1 to 3, and from 0 to 50 volume percent of aggregate; where the sum of components used does not exceed 100 volume percent, and where after the lightweight concrete composition is set it has a compressive strength of at least 1700 psi as tested according to ASTM C39 after seven days. The concrete composition can be used to make concrete masonry units, construction panels, road beds and other articles.
US07644545B2
A baffled insulation product for ventilating air under a roof from an open space is provided comprising an elongated insulation mat having top and bottom major surfaces, the top major surface facing the roof when the product is installed in the open space, the insulation mat having a baffle integral therewith proximate to the top major surface, comprising at least one airflow channel for the ventilating air.
US07644544B2
The invention is an apparatus that can be temporarily or permanently secured to the ground or other flat surface to provide a clam-shell like housing for storage of a personal transportation vehicle such as a motorcycle, bicycle, or a four-wheeler. It protects the vehicle from rain and other damaging weather and from persons who might wish to steal the vehicle or otherwise damage or vandalize it. It also prevents passers-by from taking stored or other items left with the vehicle. The user can, in most cases, ride the vehicle into the unit and then securely lock the lid down to the lower half of the unit.
US07644542B2
A sliding door comprising a door leaf and a frame profile holding the door leaf. The frame profile includes lateral frame profiles and a lower frame profile. Intermediate pieces are disposed in a channel of the lower frame profile and in channels of the lateral frame profiles to connect the lower and lateral frame profiles together. Roller assemblies are disposed in the lower frame profile and are adjusted via screws which extend through the intermediate pieces.
US07644541B2
A terminal for enameled electric wires, of the type constituted by a plate-like body which forms a connecting fork with tabs which cantilever inward on the same plane of arrangement as the plate-like body; the tabs face each other so as to form a self-centering tapered opening for guiding the insertion of an electric wire with insulating enameling, the wire being adapted to be locked between the ends of the tips of the tabs and an abutment formed on the plate-like body proximate to the ends, with an axis which lies transversely to the arrangement of the plate-like body; the tips form a cut-through slot whose transverse dimensions are smaller than the diameter of the enameled wire, so as to cut through at least its insulating layer during its passage between them and provide electrical contact. At least one of the facing edges of the cut-through tips has a serrated portion in order to scrape and remove the layer of enamel from the surface of the enameled electric wire.
