US07660164B2
A method is provided, which can improve the efficiency of device design by estimating the variation of threshold voltage according to the pulse widths of applied voltage for a semiconductor device in mass product.
US07660160B2
A method of performing a read operation in a flash memory device is disclosed. The flash memory has a memory cell array including at least one block, the block having a plurality of pages. The method comprises receiving a read command to read data from a selected page in the block; determining whether or not the block has any page that has not been programmed; performing a dummy data program operation on at least one page that is determined not to have been programmed; and executing the read command to read the data of the selected page after the dummy data program operation is completed.
US07660151B2
Embodiment of the invention provide a method for programming an integrated circuit, methods for programming a plurality of cells, an integrated circuit, and a cell arrangement. An embodiment of the invention provides a method for programming an integrated circuit having a plurality of cells. The method includes grouping the plurality of cells into a first group of cells and a second group of cells depending on the cell state the cells should be programmed with. The first group of cells and the second group of cells each having a plurality of cells. The method further includes concurrently programming the cells of the first group of cells with a first cell state. After having programmed the cells of the first group of cells, the cells of the second group of cells are concurrently programmed with a second cell state, which is different from the first cell state.
US07660141B2
Example embodiments may provide a layout structure and layout method for a memory device that may reduce the area of the memory device. Example embodiment layout structures may include a first region and/or a second region. First and second sensing MOS transistors of a sense amplifier that senses data of a bit line and a complementary bit line may be arranged in the first region. First, second and third equalization MOS transistors of an equalizer that equalizes the bit line and the complementary bit line may be arranged In the second region located apart from the first region, Sensing NMOS transistors and equalization NMOS transistors may share an N-type active region in the layout structure of a memory device, and the area of a sense amplifier may be reduced.
US07660129B2
There is provided a printed circuit board in which a PCB and an FPC can be readily located, a solder connection structure and method between a printed circuit board and a flexible printed circuit board. The printed circuit board 1 includes a plurality of pads 2 for mounting a flexible printed circuit board, wherein a solder resist 3 is formed on the surface of the printed circuit board so as to expose the pads 2 and convex portions are formed by insulation print layers 4 around the pads 2.
US07660128B2
A circuit package includes a circuit substrate having a cutout portion defined therein, an interconnect electrically coupled to the circuit substrate and an active circuit component disposed off the circuit substrate within the cutout portion and electrically coupled to the interconnect. An optical circuit includes a lead frame and an optical component electrically coupled to the lead frame. The lead frame includes a first lead portion at a first level having an upper surface and a lower surface, and a second lead portion at a second level lower than the first level and electrically connected to the first lead portion. The lower surface of the first lead portion is arranged to electrically connect to a surface of a circuit substrate. The second lead portion includes an upper surface and a lower surface. The optical component is disposed on the upper surface of the second lead portion.
US07660124B2
A digital micromirror device (DMD) module includes a circuit board, a DMD element, a soft elastic pad, a heat dissipation pad and a heat sink. The circuit board includes a first surface, a second surface and a through hole, wherein the first surface is opposite to the second surface. The DMD element is electrically connected to the circuit board. The soft elastic pad is disposed on the first surface of the circuit board and surrounds the through hole. The heat dissipation pad passes through the through hole and contacts the DMD element. The soft elastic pad is sandwiched between the circuit board and the heat sink, the heat dissipation pad is sandwiched between the heat sink and the DMD element, and the heat sink contacts the soft elastic pad and the heat dissipation pad, so as to apply a force to the soft elastic pad and the heat dissipation pad.
US07660122B2
An inverter apparatus includes a liquid path in which cooling water flows, and in which the cooling water performs cooling at a cooling part located directly underneath the power circuit part of the inverter apparatus. The liquid path includes a first partial structure part formed between a feed pipe and the cooling part, and having a liquid path cross-sectional profile that is gradually reduced in the short-side direction of the cooling part and that is gradually enlarged in the long-side direction thereof; and a second partial structure part formed between the cooling part and a drain pipe, and having a liquid path cross-sectional profile that is gradually enlarged from the short-side of the cooling part and that is gradually reduced from the long-side thereof.
US07660116B2
Rack assemblies and methods for cooling one or more rack-based computer systems, as well as data center configurations that utilize the rack assembly. The rack assembly comprises a rack providing support for multiple columns of heat-generating electronic devices and device fans for moving air from an air inlet side of the rack through the devices and through an air outlet side of the rack. The rack assembly also comprises a unitary door having a support frame spanning the air outlet side of the rack and hingedly coupling the door to a rear vertical edge of the rack. The door includes an air-to-liquid heat exchanger panel spanning an air outlet passage inside the support frame so that substantially all of the air passing through the air outlet must pass through the heat exchanger panel. The air outlet passage has a cross-sectional area that is substantially equal to or greater than the cross-sectional area of the multiple columns of heat-generating devices.
US07660113B2
This thin liquid crystal television includes a thinly formed display portion displaying images and a stand member rotatably mounted on the back surface of the display portion and so formed as to support the display portion without bringing the lower surface of the display portion into contact with a receiving surface and to form a grip of the display portion by protruding upward beyond the display portion when rotated with respect to the display portion.
US07660111B2
A method and incorporated assembly is provided for cooling of an electronic device or component. The assembly comprises a thermal duct having a fixed duct portion and a removable duct portion. The portions each have complementary interlocking components to secure them to one another. Also a first attachment block is provided. The first attachment block has complementary interlocking portions with the fixed and removable duct portions such that the block can be secured at least partially to each of the fixed duct portion and the removable duct portion. A second attachment block is also provided that has a complementary interlocking portion with the removable duct portion. This second attachment block can be secured to one or more electronic devices requiring cooling.
US07660106B2
A supporting mechanism movably supports a display body, a display surface of which is in the vertical position and in an inclined position. A pressing mechanism has an elastic member which stores repulsive force by being pressed by the display body as the display body moves from the vertical position to the inclined position, and presses the display body by the repulsive force in the direction from the inclined position to the vertical position. A position holding mechanism holds the display body at an optional position anywhere between the vertical position and the inclined position.
US07660103B2
An electronic device includes: a main unit; a cap unit that is capable of having a portable electronic device attached thereto; an instructing unit that issues an instruction to designate a tilt angle of the cap unit with respect to the main unit; a driving unit that drives the cap unit in accordance with the instruction from the instructing unit; and a controlling unit that controls the operation of the driving unit in accordance with the instruction from the instructing unit, when the portable electronic device is not attached to the cap unit.
US07660102B2
The invention relates to a bus bar block with a first bus bar and a second bus bar, each of which has an insulating enclosure, which is at least partially open on one side across from the base side, with, in each enclosure, at least one terminal bar being arranged on which several terminal lugs are arranged such that they protrude from the enclosure in sections through the at least partially open side, with the two bus bars being arranged on a holding device such that their base areas are facing each other, with the holding device for each terminal bar of one of the two bus bars having an electro-conductive connection element, which is designed such that it can be connected with a first end section using one of the terminal lugs of a terminal bar of the first bus bar and with a second end section using one of the terminal lugs of a terminal bar of the second bus bar and such that it makes a connection to a connection contact.
US07660089B2
Included are a Zener diode D2 having a cathode connected onto a voltage output line, dividing resistors having one terminal connected to the anode of the Zener diode D2 and having the other terminal grounded, a transistor Q1 having a base connected to the junction point between the dividing resistors via a resistor and having an emitter grounded, a transistor Q2 having a base connected to the junction point between the dividing resistors and having an emitter grounded, and a microcomputer having an undervoltage detection terminal 10a which is connected to the collector of the transistor Q1 and to which 3.3 V is externally applied and a power supply terminal 10b which is connected to the collector of the transistor Q2 and via which a P-ON-H signal of 3.3 V that starts a power supply circuit 126 when the power supply is turned on is transmitted.
US07660085B2
A conventional layout of power supply protective element cannot sufficiently protect an internal circuit against a surge current that flows into a narrow branch line that branches off from a thick main wiring line. A semiconductor device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a power supply protective element connected around a terminal; a main wiring line connected with a VCC pad or a GND pad; a branch line that branches off from the main wiring line and applies a power supply potential or a ground potential to a functional block of the semiconductor device; a branching portion at which the branch line branches off from the main wiring line; and an internal power supply protective element connected with the branch line.
US07660075B1
A disk drive includes a housing including a support post extending from the housing. The support post defines a post axis. The disk drive further includes an actuator rotatably coupled to the housing. The disk drive further includes a VCM top plate physically coupled to the housing and comprising a ferromagnetic metal. The disk drive further includes a VCM magnet magnetically coupled to the VCM top plate. The disk drive further includes an actuator latch contactable with the actuator. The latch includes a post opening. The latch is pivotably mounted about the support post with the support post disposed in the post opening. The disk drive further includes a pivot ball disposed in the post opening and partially protruding from the latch between the VCM top plate and the latch along the post axis.
US07660071B1
A disk drive includes a rotatable data storage disk and a vane positioned adjacent to the disk that receives airflow generated during rotation of the disk. A sensor is operably coupled to the vane and measures airflow force on the vane. Because of a known relationship between altitude and airflow force, the amount of airflow force on the vane is indicative of altitude of the disk drive. The sensor provides an output signal that is indicative of measured airflow force on the vane. The vane surface may be oriented substantially orthogonal to a plane of the disk or substantially parallel with a plane of the disk.
US07660063B2
A data storage cartridge comprises data storage media configured to store data for read and/or write access, wherein the data may be arranged in a plurality of partitions; and a plurality of cartridge memories. A control system, for example of a data storage drive, is configured to allocate at least portions of capacity of the data storage media to cartridge memories of the data storage cartridge; and to provide information defining the allocated portions of capacity to the cartridge memories. Each of the cartridge memories may have a separate user and thus provide access for that user to separate partitions.
US07660056B1
An improved lens barrel and related methods are provided. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a lens barrel includes a housing comprising a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter. A first lens element having a diameter approximately equal to the first diameter of the first section is enclosed by the first section of the housing. A second lens element is provided having a diameter approximately equal to the second diameter of the second section.
US07660052B2
An optical barrel (1) enclosing rod lenses (2) of a rigid endoscope optics, the rod lenses being contacted by the barrel in zones wherein an inwardly deforming, blade (4, 4′) cut free by two associated cutouts (5, 5′) in the barrel (1) is designed at each zone to make contact with rod lens (2).
US07660050B2
An imaging lens comprises, in order from an object side: a first lens having a positive refractive power and a meniscus shape and having a convex surface directed to the object side; a second lens having a negative refractive power in the vicinity of an optical axis of the imaging lens; and a third lens having a positive refractive power in the vicinity of the optical axis, wherein at least one surface of each of the second lens and the third lens is an aspheric surface; and the imaging lens satisfies the following conditional expression expressions: 0.7
US07660033B2
An electrophoretic display device includes a display element including a pair of first and second substrates which are opposed to each other, and a microcapsule enclosing a display material changed in optical characteristics in response to an electric impulse, the microcapsule being sandwiched between the first and second substrates; and a protective film sealing the display element. In the display device, a first electrode is provided on the surface of the first substrate which faces the second substrate, a second electrode is provided on the surface of the second substrate which faces the first substrate, and a spacer is provided in the space between the periphery of the facing surface of the first substrate and the first electrode.
US07660028B2
One embodiment includes display comprising a light modulator configured to display a portion of an image such as a reflective light modulator, a light emitter configured to display the portion of the image and a circuit configured to selectively provide signals to at least one of the light modulator and the light emitter indicative of the portion of the image. In one such embodiment, an active matrix provides a simple, efficient drive for such devices. Other embodiments methods of making and driving such devices.
US07660019B2
A method and apparatus for producing a document having human-readable content and a position identifying encoding pattern. A printer places text or other content onto a substrate, such as paper, and a filter material application system applies transparent filter material to at least a portion of that content to only modify the reflectivity of the content at a predetermined wavelength. Because the reflectivity of the position identifying encoding pattern remains unchanged, it is distinguishable from the content and can be read at the predetermined wavelength. The position identifying pattern can take a number of forms including a number of dots printed at predetermined positions on the substrate on an imaginary grid.
US07660018B2
An image reading device compares pixel values of an image data, which is output when a document is not at a reading position, with a threshold and generates a first dust detection data; compares a image data, which is output while the document is passing the reading position, with a threshold and generates a second dust detection data; when dust is indicated as being present at a matching position in a main scanning direction in both the first dust detection data and the second dust detection data, generates a third dust detection data; and judges that noise is present when the third dust detection data indicates that dust is continuously present for at least a prescribed length in a sub scanning line direction.
US07660016B2
An image-processing apparatus for quantizing multi-level (M-level) image data into N-level values, where M>N>1, using a multi-level error-diffusion process or a minimum-average multi-level error method is disclosed.The image-processing apparatus includes: means for outputting correction data; means for setting a quantization-threshold value; means for comparing the correction data and the quantization-threshold value so as to output N-level image data; and means for calculating an error generated with generating the N-level image data.
US07660000B2
Job starting processing and terminating processing of a printer is kept to the necessary minimum thereby to increase the efficiency of the printer. Print output is performed in accordance with print settings designated in print information, such as a print style of binding, the number of copies, and paper size, and a file output port, which is a characteristic of the present invention, is used as an output destination. An output print job file is sent to a common folder monitored by a job manager. The job manager executes scheduling operations at the time when the print job file is received in the common folder. The job manager also determines order characteristics, such as priority and quality, of the print job file, rearranges job schedules, and generates a stabilizing processing execution job when stabilizing processing is necessary.
US07659989B2
A system and method for calibrating the focal position of the imaging plane of a sequential lateral solidification (SLS) system. A test pattern is formed on a test substrate while varying the z-position of the focal position. Information concerning the z-position of the focal position is stored by a data processing system for various positions in the test pattern. An inspection light beam is directed onto the test pattern at a predetermined angle. The reflection of the inspection light beam is detected by an optical detector. The data processing system analyzes the reflection and determines whether the reflected light is substantially specular or substantially scattered. The data processing system uses the analysis of the reflected light and the information concerning the z-position of the focal position to select an optimal focal position for calibrating the SLS system.
US07659987B2
An information-acquiring device for acquiring information on an objective substance to be detected, which is provided with a sensing element that has a surface capable of fixing the objective substance to be detected thereon, and makes applied light change its wavelength characteristics in response to the fixed state of the objective substance to be detected onto the surface, a light source, and light-receiving means for receiving light emitted from the light source through the sensing element, has the light-receiving means and the light source arranged on the same substrate so that the light which has been emitted from the light source and has been transmitted through the sensing element can be led to the light-receiving means, and has means for varying the wavelength regions of each light incident on each of a plurality of the light-receiving means installed in an optical path from the light source to the light-receiving means.
US07659982B2
A quantitative evaluation of a color filter (10) in accordance with the capacity of said filter to restore hues comprises the use of a numerical color appearance model. Values of a perceptive attribute are calculated for hue samples (20), by simulating the observation of each of the samples through the filter (10) and without a filter. The values of the perceptive attribute correspond to the visual perception of the samples by an observer (40), and a deviation between the values with and without filter constitutes the result of the evaluation of the filter. Such a method makes it possible to quantitatively rank several color filters, and the ranking obtained corresponds to that which would be established by real observers evaluating the filters.
US07659981B2
A system for probing a DUT is disclosed, the system having a pulsed laser source, a CW laser source, beam optics designed to point a reference beam and a probing beam at the same location on the DUT, optical detectors for detecting the reflected reference and probing beams, and a collection electronics. The beam optics is a common-path polarization differential probing (PDP) optics. The common-path PDP optics divides the incident laser beam into two beams of orthogonal polarization—one beam simulating a reference beam while the other simulating a probing beam. Both reference and probing beams are pointed to the same location on the DUT. Due to the intrinsic asymmetry of a CMOS transistor, the interaction of the reference and probing beams with the DUT result in different phase modulation in each beam. This difference can be investigated to study the response of the DUT to the stimulus signal.
US07659978B2
A pulse photobleaching methodology wherein a monochromatic illumination (e.g., laser illumination) having a higher power intensity (photobleaching power) just below the photodamage threshold of a luminescent sample is initially used to significantly attenuate sample luminescence without photothermally destroying the sample material. Thereafter, the laser power density may be reduced to a significantly lower level (analytical power level) to carry out spectroscopic measurements (e.g., collection of Raman scattered photons) on the sample. In one embodiment, the laser illumination wavelength remains the same despite changes in laser power intensity. Some figures-of-merit may be computed from optical measurements made at the analytical power level to guide the photobleaching process. Sample-dependent combinations of laser power density and short exposure times may be obtained to significantly expedite photobleaching to assist in collection of sample spectral data in the field without a long wait. Portable spectroscopy systems employing pulse photobleaching may be devised for expeditious collection of spectral data from luminescent samples in the field.
US07659976B2
Described is an examination system (1) for locating contamination (2) on an optical element (4) installed in an optical system (5), which examination system (1) comprises: a spatially resolving detector (6); imaging optics (7) that magnify in particular at a magnification of between 2 times and 100 times, for magnified imaging of a surface sub-region (3a) of the optical element (4) on the spatially resolving detector (6); as well as a movement mechanism (12), in particular a motorized movement mechanism (12), for displacing the imaging optics (7) together with the detector (6) relative to the surface (3) of the optical element (4) such that any desired surface sub-region of the surface (3) can be imaged at magnification.
US07659972B2
A system and method of continuously measuring the profile of a rail in real time is disclosed. The rail which the profile is obtained in position on a track bed, The system includes a means for transmitting a beam of light at a selected wavelength onto the rail to illuminate a portion of the rail. The light is preferably a beam of laser light. A digital image of said illuminated portion of said rail is recorded. The digital image is manipulated to filter all light except for the selected wavelength. Rail wear is determined from the digital image created by the selected wavelength of light.
US07659967B2
An optical flow sensor is presented that directly measures the translational component of the optical flow experienced by the sensor while it is on a moving platform. The translational optical flow is measured by using a gyro to measure the platform's angular rates and then incorporating these angular rates in the optical flow computations in a manner that bypasses lags in the optical flow sensor measurement. In one embodiment, individual “velocity report” optical flow measurements have their rotational component removed before these velocity reports are utilized in the remainder of the optical flow algorithm. In another embodiment, a movable window and shifting techniques are used to form a windowed image that has no rotational optical flow components. In another embodiment, an optical flow sensor is mounted on a gimbal and held to point in one direction even as the platform on which the optical flow sensor is mounted moves.
US07659964B2
A level adjustment system. The level adjustment system includes an adjustable pin chuck, an evacuation device, a level detection device and a length control device. The adjustable pin chuck includes a base and a variable pin to support a substrate. The base includes a recess and an evacuation channel connected thereto. The variable pin is disposed in the recess. The evacuation device is connected to the evacuation channel to evacuate the recess, such that the substrate is attached to the base and variable pin. The level detection device is disposed on the adjustable pin chuck to detect the horizontality of a target surface of the substrate. The length control device is electrically connected to the level detection device and variable pin. The length control device changes the length of the variable pin to adjust level of the target surface of the substrate according to the detected horizontality.
US07659956B2
A pixel unit comprising a first metal layer and a second metal layer. The first metal layer comprises a gate electrode and a first electrode. The second metal layer comprises a drain electrode, a source electrode, and a second electrode. The drain electrode overlaps the gate electrode in a first overlapping region. The source electrode overlaps the gate electrode in a second overlapping region. The second electrode overlaps the first electrode in a third overlapping region. The size of the first electrode approximates that of the second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are staggered.
US07659950B2
A liquid crystal display module includes: a liquid crystal display panel, a surface light-emitting lamp irradiating light to the liquid crystal display panel by a surface light-emission, and a power source supplying an electric power to the surface light-emitting lamp. The surface light-emitting lamp includes a frame having a light-emitting space, a first barrier rib formed partitioning the lamp into light-emitting spaces and electrode pairs for generating electric fields in the light-emitting spaces, respectively.
US07659933B2
A solid-state imaging device of the present invention includes: photodiodes having a vertical overflow drain structure; vertical shift registers for temporarily storing signals transferred from the photodiodes; and a horizontal shift register for storing and horizontally transferring signals transferred from the vertical shift registers, wherein a φSUB pulse is applied to the substrate, the φSUB pulse having a larger pulse width than a φV pulse applied to the gate electrode of each vertical shift register. Thus, it is possible to sweep out smear charges from the photodiode toward the substrate.
US07659932B2
A solid-state imaging apparatus comprising a semiconductor substrate, a multiplicity of photo electric conversion elements, a vertical electric charge transfer device having a plurality of vertical electric charge transfer channels, reading out parts, each comprising a reading out electrode, wherein the reading out electrode and at least one of transfer electrodes adjoining to the reading out electrode are adjoining to same photo electric conversion element is characterized by that electric charge accumulated in each photo electric conversion element is transferred by every other line of vertical electric charge transfer channels in the vertical direction. The solid-state imaging apparatus can prevent color mixture even when the inter-VCCD blooming is occurred.
US07659927B2
According to an embodiment of the invention, in a digital video camera using a non-tape recording medium, the user can select whether to save a moving image file in a divided form or as one file, when recording a moving image, by changing the function of a REC button. When one moving image file has been saved in a divided form, a moving image file to be reproduced is easily searched, and a moving image is quickly played from an object chapter, or from a divided sub-file.
US07659915B2
A reading device includes a computing device and an image input device coupled to the computing device for capturing low resolution images and high resolution images. The reading machine also includes a computer program product residing on a computer readable medium. The medium is in communication with the computing device and includes instructions to operate in a plurality of modes to optimize performance for specific uses of the reading device and process low and high resolution images during operation of at least one of the plurality of modes.
US07659911B2
A method and apparatus for perfectly lossless and minimal-loss interconversion of digital color data between spectral color spaces (RGB) and perceptually based luma-chroma color spaces (Y′CBCR) is disclosed. In particular, the present invention provides a process for converting digital pixels from R′G′B′ space to Y′CBCR space and back, or from Y′CBCR space to R′G′B′ space and back, with zero error, or, in constant-precision implementations, with guaranteed minimal error. This invention permits digital video editing and image editing systems to repeatedly interconvert between color spaces without accumulating errors. In image codecs, this invention can improve the quality of lossy image compressors independently of their core algorithms, and enables lossless image compressors to operate in a different color space than the source data without thereby becoming lossy. The present invention uses fixed-point arithmetic with signed and unsigned rounding normalization at key points in the process to maintain reversibility.
US07659898B2
A dynamically scheduled parallel graphics processor comprises a spreader that creates graphic objects for processing and assigns and distributes the created objects for processing to one or more execution blocks. Each execution block is coupled to the spreader and receives an assignment for processing a graphics object. The execution block pushes the object through each processing stage by scheduling the processing of the graphics object and executing instruction operations on the graphics object. The dynamically scheduled parallel graphics processor includes one or more fixed function units coupled to the spreader that are configured to execute one or more predetermined operations on a graphics object. An input/output unit is coupled to the spreader, the one or more fixed function units, and the plurality of execution blocks and is configured to provide access to memory external to the dynamically scheduled parallel graphics processor.
US07659894B2
The present invention provides methods, systems and computer program code (software) products for terminating spatial partition hierarchies and other hierarchies by a priori bounding.
US07659887B2
Various embodiments are disclosed relating to a keyboard with integrated key and touchpad. In an example embodiment, a keyboard is provided that includes a plurality of keys, each key being capable of being pressed to select one or more keyboard inputs. The keyboard also includes a micro touchpad provided on an upper surface of a first key of the keys to allow pointer control by moving a finger or other object across a top surface of the micro touchpad.
US07659884B2
A battery-receiving structure of a wireless mouse has a front section structure belonging to a front part and a receiving structure belonging to a rear part. The receiving structure has a first latching part, a second latching part, a seat body with multiple battery holes and an upper cover covering the seat body. A first latching body and a second latching body are set inside the upper cover corresponding to the first latching part and the second latching part. Meanwhile, the first latching body and the second latching body are latched to the first latching part and the second latching part. An existent upper cover is used as a battery cover; therefore, the battery cover does not need not to be molded additionally and the cost is lowered. In addition, the space inside the mouse is also fully used.
US07659882B2
Methods and techniques for use in the operation of a game apparatus or other system for determining an activity level of a user in relation to the game apparatus or other system. A machine-readable medium having embodied thereon instructions for performing such methods and techniques is also included, as well as an example system for implementation.
US07659878B2
A display control device has: a shift register generating n shift pulses in series; a data hold block configured to hold n gradation data; and a DA converter for converting the n gradation data into corresponding gradation voltages. The data hold block includes: n first latch circuits configured to respectively latch the n gradation data in series in synchronization with the n shift pulses; and n second latch circuits provided between the DA converter and the n first latch circuits. An electrical connection between the first latch circuits and the second latch circuits is cut off while the first latch circuits receive the n gradation data. After the first latch circuits finish latching all the gradation data, the n gradation data are simultaneously supplied to the DA converter from the first latch circuits through the second latch circuits.
US07659877B2
A shift register includes control circuits CNi (i=1 through n) corresponding to respective blocks, and a level shifter LSi+1 of the next stage is controlled by one of the outputs of the shift register and one of the outputs of flip-flops Fi. With this, a level shifter of the present stage operates only for a period minimum for outputting the shift output from the present block, so that the power consumption is reduced, Furthermore, it is possible to cause the outputs SL1 through SLn not to overlap each other.
US07659876B2
This invention relates to a method for driving a display panel (DP) having pixels (P). The display panel (DP) is driven with a sequence of image frames. The image frames are converted to a drive signal (V2) comprising refresh frames with a refresh frame period (TR) shorter than the image frame period. A pixel (P) of the display panel (DP) is driven with an adapted drive signal having a first polarity during a first group of refresh frame periods, and having a reversed polarity during a subsequent second group of refresh frame periods. The first group and the second group each comprise at least two refresh frame periods.
US07659875B2
In a gradation display reference voltage generating circuit, first reference voltages (VH0 to VH63) produced by resistors for positive polarity (RH0 to RH64) of a first ladder circuit in a first reference voltage producing section (LDH) are output from reference voltage output terminals (T0 to T63), respectively, at the positive polarity drive, while second reference voltages (VL0 to VL63) produced by resistors for negative polarity (RL0 to RL64) of a second ladder circuit in a second reference voltage producing section (LDL) are output from the reference voltage outputs (T0 to T63), respectively, at the negative polarity drive. A resistance ratio of the resistors for positive polarity (RH0 to RH64) is different from a resistance ratio of the resistors for negative polarity (RL0 to RL64).
US07659867B2
Provided is a complex antenna which corresponds to both a circularly polarized wave and a linearly polarized wave. The complex antenna includes a substrate, a power feed terminal, four helical antenna devices disposed on the substrate at intervals of 90 degrees, four delay lines having different lengths by a quarter wavelength, and four switch modules which are connected to the power feed terminal in common and each of which is connected to each helical antenna device and each delay line. Each switch module selects one of a first mode in which the power feed terminal and each helical antenna device are directly connected and a second mode in which each delay line is connected to each helical antenna device so that a phase of a power feed fed from the power feed terminal and propagated from each delay line to each helical antenna device can be sequentially shifted by 90 degrees.
US07659861B2
The invention discloses a dual frequency feed assembly for receiving signals of both a first band and a second band lower than the first band, or transmitting signals of one of the first band and the second band while receiving signals of the other band. The dual frequency feed assembly includes an orthogonal-mode transducer, which includes: a core unit having an inner waveguide, an outer waveguide with a diameter larger than that of the inner waveguide and the two waveguides being concentric, a first band output/input port connected to the inner waveguide, and a second band output/input port; and two or four detachable branch waveguides connected to the core unit. An O-ring is provided at each connection between the core unit and the branch waveguides. The dual frequency feed assembly further comprises a first band polarizer made of a metal septum and/or a second band polarizer made of dielectric slabs, when receiving circularly polarized signals. Both of them can be provided in the inner waveguide or the outer waveguide, respectively, which makes the feed assembly design more compact and suitable for mass production.
US07659858B2
An electronic device which includes a radio wave impermeably cylindrical case, a radio wave permeable cover covering an opening in one end of the case, a radio wave impermeable cover covering an opening in the other end of the case, and a circuit board and an antenna, both arranged between the two covers in the inner space. The antenna is connected to the board and includes an elongated core and a coil wound around an intermediate portion of the core. Magnetic flux introducing portions are provided on both end portions of the core, a radio wave permeable partition plate is arranged between the permeable cover and the antenna in the inner space, and a pair of flat and magnetic members are arranged between the partition plate and the antenna in the inner space and are magnetically connected to the flux introducing portions.
US07659855B2
Regardless of a user's hand holding condition, it is possible to obtain excellent antenna performance in both of folded and unfolded calling conditions.A folder type mobile radio apparatus includes an upper case 1301 having a first antenna element made of a metal plate 1305, a lower case 1302 having a second antenna element made of a circuit board 102, a hinge portion 1303 pivotably connecting the upper and lower cases 1301 and 1302, a first circuit board 101 having a ground pattern provided in an end side near the hinge portion 1303 in the lower case, an antenna switching unit 103 for selecting one of a first feed means for feeding the first antenna element for the radio circuit 1314 on the first circuit board 101 or a second feed means for feeding the second antenna element.
US07659852B2
A multi-band antenna includes a radiating element, a connecting element and a grounding element; the radiating element is made from a metal plate, and includes a first radiating portion and a second radiating portion having an end connect to one end of the first radiating portion. The first radiating portion, the second radiating portion and the connecting element is on the same planar, and the first radiating portion and the second radiating portion surround a rectangle rim.
US07659851B2
Radio frequency certificates of authenticity (RFCOAs) and associated scanners are presented. In one implementation, an array of miniaturized antenna elements in an RFCOA scanner occupies an area smaller than a credit card yet obtains a unique electromagnetic fingerprint from an RFCOA associated with an item, such as the credit card. The antenna elements are miniaturized by a combination of both folding and meandering the antenna patch components. The electromagnetic fingerprint of an exemplary RFCOA embeddable in a credit card or other item is computationally infeasible to fake, and the RFCOA cannot be physically copied or counterfeited based only on possession of the electromagnetic fingerprint.
US07659849B2
Embodiments of the invention are concerned with frequency scanning antennas for transceiving radio frequency energy for use in detecting and monitoring ground-based targets.In one arrangement the frequency scanning antenna is embodied as a structure that is capable of steering a radio frequency beam to a plurality of different angles about the antenna structure: the antenna structure comprises at least two array antennas and a controller for controlling input of energy to the two array antennas, and the array antennas are disposed within the antenna structure such that the antenna structure is capable of steering a beam to a first angle using one of said two array antennas and of steering a beam to a second angle, different to said first angle, using the other of said two array antennas.Thus in embodiments of the invention two or more array antennas are arranged to form an antenna structure, and the feed to a respective antenna array of the antenna structure is coordinated so that individual scan areas can be combined to generate an increased overall scan region.
US07659847B2
A coal-mining machine uses a ground-penetrating radar based on a software-definable transmitter for launching pairs of widely separated and coherent continuous waves. Each pair is separated by a constant or variable different amount double-sideband suppressed carrier modulation such as 10 MHz, 20 MHz, and 30 MHz. Processing suppresses the larger first interface reflection and emphasizes the smaller second, third, etc. reflections. Processing determines the electrical parameter of the natural medium adjacent to the antenna. Deep reflections at 90-degrees and 270-degrees create maximum reflection and will be illuminated with modulation signal peaks. Quadrature detection, mixing, and down-conversion result in 0-degree and 180-degree reflections effectively dropping out in demodulation.
US07659834B2
A method and apparatus for designating a particular model vehicle for a command function without punching in the ID of the model vehicle. A remote control device is positioned near one of the model vehicles. A limited field transmission occurs between the model vehicle and the remote control device. The device may be a train engine transmitting its train ID periodically via an infrared (IR) transmission. The remote near the train automatically receives the IR transmission of the train ID, so that the next press of a command button will automatically go to that train ID without needing to punch in the ID number.
US07659832B2
An electrically controlled actuating element is arranged on a machine by a flange connection consisting of a mounting flange (4) and a machine flange (2), and is controlled by an electric control subsystem (6). Embedded in the mounting flange (4) in a predetermined geometric pattern is a plurality of electric switches (7.1-7.8, 8.1-8.8). Each switch is arranged in an electric circuit that connects to the control subsystem. In the machine flange (2), closing elements are arranged in some marking points of the geometric pattern in a geometric arrangement that is characteristic of the respective machine and associated to it. In an existing flange connection, the switches located in the respective marking points can be actuated by the closing elements. The control subsystem (6) of each consumer is provided with a memory (11), which stores the geometric arrangement of the closing elements that is characteristic of and associated to the machine.
US07659823B1
A method and system for tracking variable conditions using radio frequency identification (RFID) are disclosed. In embodiments of the present invention, an RFID sensor tag is used to measure a condition. The condition can be any measurable condition such as location, temperature, humidity, pressure, time, date, inertial measurements, etc. Variable data representing the measured condition is read from the RFID sensor tag in order to track the measured condition. The variable data can be read from RFID sensor tags in addition to reading tag identification data from RFID tags, so that the variable data can be associated with tag identification data.
US07659818B2
Installed in a ball bearing which supports a rotation axis (a supported part) freely rotatable are a control unit, a memory unit wherein specified bearing initial information proper to the ball bearing is stored, and a wireless tag equipped with a radio antenna and a transmission/reception unit which transmit/receive information between this memory unit and the exterior. Then, when the bearing motion information on the motion state of said ball bearing is input to the transmission/reception unit, the control unit has a memory unit which stores the motion information. By this, a bearing, its management system, and its management method wherein an appropriate information management is easy can be provided.
US07659812B2
An automotive tire pressure monitor with diversity antenna system employs a RF transmitter within each wheel/tire assembly and a vehicle mounted receiver with multiple receiving antennas. A first, primary antenna is located adjacent one vehicle window and a secondary antenna is located adjacent another vehicle window opposite the primary antenna. Both antennas are coupled to a receiver via a switch. The receiver feeds a processor, which is encoded to select the optimal antenna/receiver configuration based upon absolute signal strength (signal to noise), signal quality (completeness of encoded data) or signal reception rate. The signal received from the optimized antenna/receiver configuration is processed and transmitted to the host vehicle for system intervention and or display to an operator.
US07659808B1
The present invention relates to a communication systems, and more specifically to a vehicular messaging display unit. The unit allows one of a plurality of messages to be displayed on at least one of the front or rear windshield to other drivers. A remote control unit is provided for customizing messages by the user in terms of content and appearance as well as for controlling the display of the messages. The display is designed so that it does not impede the safety of drivers.
US07659801B2
A starter includes a starter motor, a main circuit section, a main switch section including a main contact section to cut a current, a main plunger driven to open and close the main contact section, suction and holding coils, battery and motor terminals, and a switch terminal connected to the battery through a start switch, and opening and closing the main contact section in accordance with movement of the main plunger, a suction circuit section connected in parallel with the main circuit section and connected in series with the suction coil, a holding circuit section connected in series with the holding coil, and a breaking section connected in series with the suction coil inside the suction circuit section. The breaking section cuts electricity conduction when electricity is continuously conducted to the suction coil to bring about layer short circuit and a short circuit current flows at the suction circuit section.
US07659800B2
An electromagnetic relay enables current to pass through switch termini and comprises a coil assembly, a rotor or bridge assembly, and opposing, balanced switch assemblies. The coil assembly comprises a coil and a C-shaped core. The coil is wound round a coil axis extending through the core. The core comprises core termini parallel to the coil axis. The bridge assembly comprises a bridge and a pair of actuators. The bridge comprises medial, lateral, and transverse field pathways. The actuators extend laterally from the lateral field pathway. The core termini are coplanar with the axis of rotation and received intermediate the medial and lateral field pathways. The actuators are cooperable with the switch assemblies. The coil creates a magnetic field directable through the bridge assembly via the core termini for imparting bridge rotation about the axis of rotation. The bridge rotation displaces the actuators for opening and closing the switch assemblies.
US07659798B2
A piezoelectric vibration piece includes a base made of a piezoelectric material; a plurality of vibration arms which is integrally formed with the base and extends in parallel; elongate grooves which are formed along longitudinal directions of the vibration arms; and excitation electrodes which include inner electrodes disposed in the elongate grooves and side electrodes disposed in side surfaces facing the inner electrodes, wherein widening portions in which the widths of the vibration arms are widened toward the base at a joint between the vibration arms of the base are formed, and the side electrodes are led to principal surfaces and side surfaces of the widening portions.
US07659790B2
Apparatus and associated systems and methods may include one or more features for high speed transmission line structures that may substantially reduce signal degradation due to effects, such as dielectric loss, parasitic capacitance, cross-talk, and/or reflections. For example, one such feature may include a dielectric layer having a reduced thickness within at least a part of a region that extends between two conductors fabricated on a PCB (printed circuit board). In some embodiments, the dielectric layer may include a solder mask layer that is partially or substantially absent in the region between two coplanar conductors. In another embodiment, a substrate layer made of a dielectric material may include a trench in the region between the two conductors. Another such feature, for example, may include a conductor having vias spaced less than a quarter wavelength apart to substantially reduce resonance effects on propagating high frequency signals.
US07659786B2
A ring oscillator includes a first logic block having a first input connected to a specific point along a delay path, a first output and a second output, and a second logic block having a first input connected to the first output of the first logic block, a second input connected to the second output of the first logic block, a third input connected to the end of the delay path, and a first output connected to the beginning of the delay path. The first logic block is arranged to alternately switch its first output and second output from logical HIGH to logical LOW, and vice versa, every time a rising edge is input into its first input. The second logic block is arranged to alternately select its first input and its second input every time a rising edge is input into its third input.
US07659781B2
An active resistor and its use in a negative feedback amplifier allow wide voltage swings on the input and output signals. One embodiment includes parallel pass-gate MOS transistors of opposite conductivity types connected between the input and output nodes. Bootstrapping transistors are connected between the gates of the pass-gate transistors and respective bias voltages. Coupling capacitors are connected between the gates and the output node. Additional coupling capacitors may be connected between the gates and the input node to make the resistor symmetric. In other embodiments, only one pass-gate transistor is used.
US07659779B2
Aspects of a method and system for polar modulating OFDM signals with discontinuous phase may include amplifying an OFDM signal via a plurality of amplifiers such that a combined gain of the plurality of amplifiers comprises a coarse amplitude gain and an amplitude offset gain. A gain of one or more of the plurality of amplifiers may be adjusted to set the coarse amplitude gain, and a gain of one or more remaining ones of the plurality of amplifiers may be adjusted to set the amplitude offset gain. The setting of the coarse amplitude gain and/or the amplitude offset gain may be adjusted dynamically and/or adaptively.
US07659778B2
A class D amplifier is provided. The class D amplifier includes an interpolator, a sampling rate converter, a pulse width modulator, a sigma-delta modulator, and a pulse width modulation (PWM) pulse generator (PPG). The sampling rate converter interpolates the output of the interpolator such that the sampling rate converter up-samples the interpolator output by a factor that is greater than one and less than two. The pulse width modulator outputs a multi-bit digital signal. The sigma-delta modulator performs sigma-delta modulation on the pulse width modulator output, the order of the sigma-delta modulation is programmable, and the output of the sigma-delta modulator is a multi-bit, digital signal. At least one of the orders to which the sigma-delta modulator can be programmed is greater than two. The PPG provides a pulse signal such that the width of each pulse is based on the value of the sigma-delta modulator output.
US07659771B2
A differential charge pump includes a differential charge pump unit, current adjusting device, and common mode voltage control circuit. The differential charge pump unit is used for generating a output voltage signal according to a pump-up signal and a pump-down signal. The current adjusting device is coupled to the differential charge pump unit for providing an adjusting current signal to the differential charge pump unit as the pump-up signal and pump-down signal are both enabled or disabled. The control circuit is coupled to the differential charge pump unit for outputting a feedback signal to the differential charge pump unit according to the output voltage signal.
US07659756B2
A switched current source has a first voltage source, a second voltage source, and a third voltage source. A first transistor has a drain terminal coupled to one terminal of a load and a source terminal coupled to the third voltage source. A second transistor has drain, gate and source terminals. The drain terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the gate terminal of the first transistor. The source terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the source terminal of the first transistor. The gate terminal of the second transistor is coupled to the first voltage source. A third transistor has drain, gate and source terminals. The drain terminal of the third transistor is coupled to the gate terminal of the first transistor. The source terminal of the third transistor is coupled to the second voltage source. The gate terminal of the third transistor is coupled to the first voltage source.
US07659752B2
Provided is a noise filter circuit capable of outputting only a normal signal pulse in synchronization with a clock signal without passing the noise pulse on to a subsequent stage, even if a noise pulse having a width that is larger than a delay time is inputted. The noise filter circuit according to the present invention has a flip-flop additionally provided to a stage subsequent to a noise removing circuit that uses a delay circuit. The delay time of a clock signal inputted to the flip-flop is made different from the delay time of the noise removing circuit to thereby obtain a normal signal pulse to be outputted in synchronization with the clock signal.
US07659747B2
A transmission device including: a driver unit which generates an output signal having an amplitude by a resistance division of a power-supply voltage; and an output-amplitude correction unit which generates current according to variation in the power-supply voltage, and corrects the amplitude by using the current.
US07659743B2
A method and an apparatus are provided which make it possible, when testing chips arranged on a wafer, to be able to test optionally both additional components arranged on horizontal boundary lines and on vertical boundary lines. The additional components arranged on horizontal boundary lines are tested in a first position of the wafer. For testing the additional components arranged on vertical boundary lines, the wafer is rotated about its vertical axis through 90° relative to the first position into a second position. The apparatus comprises a housing and, in the housing, at least one test probe for making contact with an electronic component, a chuck for moving the wafer and a rotatably mounted additional plate operatively connected to the chuck.
US07659740B2
Digital testing of an analog driver circuit is enabled using a circuit including a control circuit for generating signals, a differential driver circuit for receiving a differential input signal, amplifying the differential input signal and transmitting a differential output signal, a programmable termination impedance circuit for generating a differential termination impedance at the output node of the differential driver circuit, and a differential receiver circuit for converting the differential output signal to a single ended signal and transmitting the single ended signal. The testing includes skewing a differential output termination impedance, adjusting a differential receiver circuit voltage offset, selecting a differential driver circuit power level, enabling a decoder which activates only one differential driver circuit segment per test sequence, activating a segment, stimulating the differential driver circuit with digital test patterns, receiving differential driver circuit output, converting the output to a single-ended signal, and observing the single-ended signal.
US07659739B2
An improved knee probe for probing electrical devices and circuits is provided. The improved knee probe has a reduced thickness section to alter the mechanical behavior of the probe when contact is made. The reduced thickness section of the probe makes it easier to deflect the probe vertically when contact is made. This increased ease of vertical deflection tends to reduce the horizontal contact force component responsible for the scrub motion, thereby decreasing scrub length. Here “thickness” is the probe thickness in the deflection plane of the probe (i.e., the plane in which the probe knee lies). The reduced thickness probe section provides increased design flexibility for controlling scrub motion, especially in combination with other probe parameters affecting the scrub motion.
US07659735B2
A probe card capable of multi-probing includes a print circuit board having a plurality of contact portions and a test module having a plurality of test boards. Each of the test boards includes at least one probing portion on which a plurality of needles are arrayed. The test module selects one of the test boards and probes semiconductor chips formed on a semiconductor wafer through the needles arrayed on the probing portion of the selected test board.
US07659734B2
A method and system for identifying a defect or contamination on the surface of a semiconductor or in a semiconductor. The method and system involves providing a semiconductor with a surface, such as a semiconductor wafer, providing a non-vibrating contact potential difference sensor, providing a source of illumination with controllable intensity or distribution of wavelengths, using the illumination source to provide controlled illumination of the surface of the wafer under or near the non-vibrating contact potential sensor probe tip, using the non-vibrating contact potential difference sensor to scan the wafer surface during controlled illumination, generating data representative of changes in contact potential difference across the wafer surface, and processing that data to identify a pattern characteristic of a defect or contamination.
US07659733B2
An apparatus for measuring a structural characteristic between a polysilicon shape and a silicon area. The apparatus for measuring a structural characteristic between a polysilicon shape and a silicon area comprises the silicon area, and a plurality of polysilicon shapes each having a unique orientation relative to the silicon area wherein each of the polysilicon shapes is formed having an angle less than or equal to a critical angle. The critical angle is an angle at or below which a sidewall spacer no longer is formed on a polysilicon shape, thereby causing the polysilicon shape to short circuit to an underlying portion of the silicon area by way of a silicide bridge.
US07659726B2
An image forming apparatus includes two AC power input cords to be connected to an AC power source. The image forming apparatus can detect if at least one of the two AC power input cords is not connected to the AC power source. An input voltage detector or a zero-cross signal detector receives an input from the one AC input power cord, and detects a voltage state of connection to the AC power input cord. A controller utilizes signals from the input voltage detector or zero-cross signal detector to detect whether the one AC input power cord is connected to the AC power source. An operator can also be provided an indication if it is determined that the one AC power input cord is not connected to the AC power source.
US07659724B2
The survey technique for use in a marine environment to survey a subterranean structure includes providing an arrangement of plural signal sources in a body of water to produce corresponding signals. The signals of the signal sources in the arrangement are set to cause reduction of at least one predetermined signal component in data received by a receiver in response to the signals.
US07659720B2
An observation-point arranging unit arranges an observation point indicating a portion to be included in a slice area on a positioning image displayed on a display device. A scanning-condition receiving unit receives a specification of a scanning condition including number of movements of a couch on which an object is placed during scanning and a size of the slice area. A slice-area setting unit sets the slice area including the observation point for each position to which the couch is to be moved, based on the observation point and the scanning condition. A scanning unit scans the object multiple times while moving the couch, based on the slice area.
US07659719B2
An magnetic resonance apparatus in embodiments of the invention may include one or more of the following features: (a) a coil having at least two sections, (b) the at least two sections having a resonant circuit, (c) the at least two sections being reactively coupled or decoupled, (d) the at least two sections being separable, (e) the coil having openings allowing a subject to see or hear and to be accessed through the coil, (f) a cushioned head restraint, and (g) a subject input/output device providing visual data to the subject, the input/output device being selected from the group consisting of mirrors, prisms, video monitors, LCD devices, and optical motion trackers.
US07659718B1
A method of providing a magnetic resonance spectral image (MRSI) is provided. A magnetic resonance imaging excitation is applied. Data is acquired, comprising applying an oscillating gradient in a first dimension and applying blips in at least a second dimension in a pseudo-random order to acquire pseudo-random temporally undersampled spectral data in at least two planes. The pseudo-random order is used to reconstruct a magnetic resonance spectral image in at least two dimensions.
US07659712B2
Process measurement may be achieved by systems and techniques generating output signals based on the measured process. In certain implementations, process measurement systems and techniques may include the ability to generate a magnetic field and successively change the orientation of the magnetic field. The systems and techniques may also include the ability to sense the presence of at least a first orientation of the magnetic field with a magnetic field sensor including a conductor and at least two Wiegand-effect conductors as the magnetic field orientation is changed and to generate an electrical pulse in the conductor with each Wiegand-effect conductor when the first orientation of the magnetic field is sensed.
US07659711B2
A handler may include a handler system main body used for testing semiconductor devices; an open-type stocker portion on a front side of the handler system main body; and/or a plurality of single-door-type stockers in the open-type stocker portion. The single-door-type stockers may include windows on upper parts of front sides of the single-door-type stockers. The front sides of the single-door-type stockers may be protected. The handler also may include a front top door on an upper part of the front side of the handler system main body; locking stoppers below the windows of the single-door-type stockers; safety sensors on sides of the open-type stocker portion; and/or a working table in front of the open-type stocker portion. The open-type stocker portion may be below the front top door. The safety sensors may stop the handler when the single-door-type stockers are not closed.
US07659707B2
An RF detector configured to provide two outputs, one being a function of the true RMS power level of an RF input signal, and the other being a function of the instantaneous/peak power of the RF input signal, normalized to the average power level. The RF detector includes a variable gain detection subsystem including a single detector or detector array that provides a representation of the power level of the RF input signal. The detector or detector array is common to both the RMS power detection channel and the instantaneous/peak power detection channel of the RF detector. A method of RF detection includes providing representations of the RF input signal at different gain levels, selecting one or more of the representations, and averaging the selected signals. The gain levels of the selected representations is adjusted to provide information about the average power level of the RF input signal.
US07659706B2
A current detector circuit for detecting a load current flowing through a load includes a first series circuit having a first element and the load connected in series, a second series circuit having a second element and a resistor connected in series, the second element having a temperature characteristic equal to the temperature characteristic of the resistance of the first element, a power supply configured to supply voltage to the first series circuit and the second series circuit, and a control circuit configured to control the voltage drop across the second element so that the voltage drop across the second element is equal to the voltage drop across the first element. A current detection signal corresponding to the load current is generated based on a current flowing through the second element.
US07659705B2
A bandgap voltage reference circuit includes a bandgap voltage generation circuit that can produce a bandgap reference voltage in response to an activation voltage signal, a start-up circuit that can produce the activation voltage signal in response to one-shot voltage pulse and an one-shot pulse generator circuit configured to produce the one-shot voltage pulse. The start-up circuit can be automatically shut off after the one-shot voltage pulse.
US07659703B1
A circuit for providing an improved “feed forward” zero in a feedback loop such that the zero has a frequency dependent on the transconductance (gm) of a common gate transistor, and pole and zero separation that is dependent on a multiple of the gm. The circuit includes an error amplifier and a compensation circuit. The compensation circuit provides a first feedback current and a second feedback current. The error amplifier receives a reference signal and a feedback signal. The feedback signal is provided by summing the first feedback current and the second feedback current.
US07659694B2
A self-aligning terminal block in a tool terminal assembly having electrical contacts for connecting to a removable battery pack to be used in conjunction with hand-held power tools having a rechargeable battery. The electrical contacts of the terminal block are preferably female terminals with two resilient guideways that taper away from each other at distal ends, preferably forming an enlarged entry area to help receive and align the battery terminals as they are inserted into narrow sections of the female terminals. The guideways can be aligned with battery terminal blades functioning as electrical contacts of the battery pack. The self-aligning terminal block has clearance on at least one side to allow lateral movement within the tool body to keep constant contact with mating electrical contacts of the terminal block and the battery pack.
US07659690B2
A method for charging a battery pack for an electric vehicle charges at a preselected maximum charging current until the battery pack voltage reaches a reference voltage level. The battery pack is then charged while maintaining the reference voltage until the charging current decreases to a first reference current level. Charging continues at the first reference current level until a time rate of change of the battery pack voltage reaches a first reference time rate of change. The battery pack voltage is determined and whenever the battery pack voltage is less than a decision voltage reference level, the battery pack is further charged at a second reference current level until the time rate of change of the battery pack voltage reaches a second reference value. A manually initiated pack recovery charge routine is also provided to address new battery pack installations.
US07659689B2
An apparatus and method for supplying a polyphase (AC) alternating current motor with driving voltages. A conversion unit is coupled to phases of the polyphase AC motor and includes a plurality of switching devices and includes, in at least one phase, a first switching device between a bus of an AC power supply and an output terminal, a second switching device between a bus of a direct current (DC) power supply and the output terminal, and a third switching device between a common bus for the AC power supply and the DC power supply and the output terminal. Driving voltages for the polyphase AC motor are generated by selecting a voltage from among voltages having potential values corresponding to the AC power supply and the DC power supply, and the selected voltage is used to operate a switch of the plurality of switching devices.
US07659687B2
The invention relates to an electric drive (19) provided with a drive regulator (5), an electromotor (9) and a control device (3, 4, 7, 8) which is used to detect and monitor the threshold value of axis-relevant, electrical/mechanical operational state variables, and preventative error diagnosis. The control device (3, 4, 7, 8) comprises an additional monitoring device (6) which can analyze the operational state variables in order to recognize, at an earlier stage, possible deviations from tolerance ranges and to process the analysis results.
US07659686B2
In a motor-generator control system for controlling a motor-generator, first and second sets of multiphase windings of a motor-generator are arranged to be spatially shifted in phase from each other. An allocating unit is configured to, upon input of workload request for the motor-generator, determine a first torque to be allocated to the first set of multiphase windings and a second torque to be allocated to the second set of multiphase windings. A resultant torque of the first torque and second torque meets the input workload request for the motor-generator. An energizing unit is configured to energize the first set of multiphase windings to create the first torque and energize the second set of multiphase windings to create the second torque.
US07659674B2
Methods and apparatus involving at least two LEDs configured to generate at least two different spectra of radiation that are combined to produce white light. At least one parameter of the at least two different spectra of radiation generated by the at least two LEDs is controlled, based at least in part on at least one lighting control signal received by the apparatus over at least one wireless communication link, so as to control at least a color temperature of the white light.
US07659672B2
The present invention provides a flexible light emitter driver circuit which adjusts the luminance of the light emitter diodes (LED) by a manual input signal. The light emitter driver circuit comprises a Duty Ratio Change Logic, a PWM Generate and Control Logic, an oscillator, and a gate driver. The Duty Ratio Change Logic adjusts the duty cycle of the output signal according to the manual input signal. The PWM Generate and Control Logic generates a PWM signal according to the output signal to control the current of the LED, thus adjusts the luminance of the LED. The present invention further provides a highly flexible display system that comprises a light emitter driver circuit which can adjust the LED luminance by manual input signal.
US07659671B2
A light fixture includes multiple sets of light-producing devices, such as bulbs. A first set of bulbs is illuminated. When one or more bulbs in the first set of bulbs fails, the failure is detected, and a second set of bulbs is illuminated: If a number of good bulbs remaining falls below a predetermined threshold, the light fixture provides a notification that a bulb change is required. The notification may include visual, audio, or electronic notification. By providing multiple sets of bulbs and a controller to detect a bulb failure and automatically switch to a different set of bulbs, the light fixture and method of the preferred embodiments provide high-reliability lighting that automatically compensates when a bulb burns out.
US07659667B2
A plasma display device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the plasma display device includes a plasma display panel on which an image is displayed, a chassis base coupled to the rear side of the plasma display panel and formed of a material in which plastic and a conductive material are mixed, and at least one circuit board mounted on the rear side of the chassis base and driving the plasma display panel. According to embodiments of the present invention, a lightweight plasma display device can be manufactured, since the weight of the chassis base can be reduced by manufacturing the chassis base from a mixed material of plastic and a conductive material. Also, the grounding and EMI shielding of the circuit board or a signal transmitting member can be achieved.
US07659663B2
Disclosed is an organic light-emitting display device capable of blocking the infiltration of oxygen and moisture, etc. by encapsulating an array of pixels by interconnecting first and second substrates with a frit. The organic light-emitting display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate opposing the first substrate, an array of pixels interposed between the first and second substrates, and a frit positioned between the first and the second substrate to adhere the first substrate to the second substrate. The frit is formed to overlap with at least a part of scan drivers.
US07659662B2
An electroluminescence (EL) display device is disclosed with a microlens layer positioned between a light-emission layer and a color converting layer or a color filter layer. The microlens layer can be formed separately or integrally with an electrode of the EL display device. Light emitted from the light-emitting layer passes through an electrode and then through the microlens layer, which has a higher refractive index than the electrode to focus light in a predetermined direction. The light then passes through the color converting layer or a color filter layer to emit red, green, or blue light from the device. The microlens layer and color converting layer or color filter layer can be disposed for either active matrix or passive matrix, and for either a top-emission type, bottom-emission type, or dual emission type EL display device for improved external light coupling efficiency and brightness.
US07659661B2
A full color organic light emitting display device (OLED) and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The OLED includes an element substrate and an encapsulating substrate. The element substrate includes a color filter layer or a color conversion layer, as well as an organic layer with an emission layer that emits light of a single color. The encapsulating substrate includes a color filter or a color conversion layer and a moisture absorbent, and a the color filter or color conversion layer corresponds to the emission region. Accordingly, there is no need to have a separate process for the moisture absorbent and the color filter layer or the color conversion layer may be formed without using a shadow mask, so that a high resolution OLED may be advantageously realized.
US07659660B2
The present invention is to ensure that when it has been judged that film-formation areas of a plurality of layers laminated on the same luminescent areas of organic EL devices involve a defect, it is possible to exactly find which layer of the multi-laminated layers is a defective layer. The film formation areas of layers to be laminated on luminescent area are formed in a manner such that overlap deviations e1-e3 are intentionally formed.
US07659653B2
An acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate, a first dielectric film formed on the piezoelectric substrate, and electrodes that are provided on the first dielectric film and excite an acoustic wave, the electrodes including electrode fingers. At least a part of the first dielectric film is cut out between adjacent electrode fingers among the electrode fingers.
US07659650B2
A self magnetizing motor and a compressor having the same is configured to require a lower starting voltage and to deliver superior performance. In the self magnetizing motor, a magnetic material on an exterior of the rotor is magnetized when power is supplied to a magnetizing unit of the stator. A plurality of conductive bars are inserted on the outer circumference of the rotor core. A spacing distance between outer portions of the conductive bars and inner circumference of the magnetizable material is longer than an air gap between the stator and the rotor. As a result, a magnetic strength of the magnetic material may be increased.
US07659641B2
In some embodiments, a moving magnet type linear slider capable of eliminating a magnet suction force caused by a linear motor to minimize the linear guide friction is provided. The field of the linear motor includes magnet track having a horizontally arranged generally U-shaped magnetic yoke and plural pairs of field permanent magnets arranged on inner opposed surfaces of the magnetic yoke with polarities arranged alternately in a longitudinal direction of the magnetic yoke, each pair of the filed permanent magnets being arranged with opposite polarities faced with each other. The armature of the linear motor includes an armature holder mounted on the side portion of the fixed base in a vertically extended manner, and a planar coreless armature holder horizontally held by the armature holder. The stroke direction length Lmg of the magnet track is set to be longer than the stroke direction length La of the armature. Furthermore, a gravity compensation spring for compensating the weight of the movable unit is provided at the bottom portion of the magnet track so as to face the fixed base.
US07659624B2
A semiconductor device includes a substrate, an insulating layer having an opening, the opening exposing a portion of the substrate, a hydrophobic layer covering substantially only a sidewall and a top surface of the insulating layer, and a nanoscale conductive structure on the exposed portion of the substrate.
US07659623B2
An electronic component such as a semiconductor device is provided which is capable of preventing wiring breakage in a stress concentration region of surface layer wiring lines. In a semiconductor device provided with a support ball (5), no ordinary wiring line is formed in a region (7(A)) in the vicinity of the support ball (5) and a region (7(B)) at the end of the semiconductor chip facing the support ball (5), which are the stress concentration regions of the package substrate (2). Instead, a wiring line (6(C)) is formed away from these regions or a wide wiring line is formed in these regions.
US07659616B2
Structures and methods for forming the same. A semiconductor chip includes a substrate and a transistor. The chip includes N interconnect layers on the substrate, N being a positive integer. The chip includes a cooling pipes system inside the N interconnect layers. The cooling pipes system does not include any solid or liquid material. Given any first point and any second point in the cooling pipes system, there exists a continuous path which connects the first and second points and which is totally within the cooling pipes system. A first portion of the cooling pipes system overlaps the transistor. A second portion of the cooling pipes system is higher than the substrate and lower than a top interconnect layer. The second portion is in direct physical contact with a surrounding ambient.
US07659610B2
A Flash memory card is disclosed comprising a substrate, a Flash memory die on top of the substrate, a controller die on top of the Flash memory die, and an interposer coupled to with the controller die and on top of the Flash memory die wherein the interposer results in substantial reduced wire bonding to the substrate. The interposer can surround or be placed side by side with the controller die. A system and method in accordance with the present invention achieves the following objectives: (1) takes advantage of as large of a Flash memory die as possible, to increase the density of the Flash card by reducing the number of wire bond pads on the substrate and enabling insertion of the largest die possible that can fit inside a given card interior boundary; (2) more efficiently stacks Flash memory dies to increase density of the Flash card; and (3) has a substantially less number of bonding wires to the substrate as possible, to improve production yield.
US07659609B2
An integrated circuit package-in-package system includes: mounting an integrated circuit device over a package carrier; forming a subassembly including: providing an integrated circuit package system having a carrier interposer with an integrated circuit die thereover, and mounting a device under the carrier interposer; mounting the subassembly over the integrated circuit device; and encapsulating the subassembly and the integrated circuit device over the package carrier.
US07659606B2
Disclosed is a contacting unit, with plug-in card-shaped housing, having a base plate and a cover plate, between which a slit-like plug-in channel opening on one end of the housing is formed to receive a chip card, and which is provided on the other side with a connector strip, in which the plug-in channel is essentially open on both sides over its entire length in the plug-in direction of the chip card, and the base plate and the cover plate are firmly connected to each other only in the area connected to the plug-in channel in the plug-in direction, wherein at least one lateral guide device is arranged on one end on base plate and/or cover plate, which at least partially bounds the plug-in channel.
US07659605B2
A COF board includes an insulating layer, and a terminal portion formed on the insulating layer. The terminal portion includes a first lead extending in a longitudinal direction, and a second lead extending in the longitudinal direction, and having a smaller length in the longitudinal direction than a length of the first lead in the longitudinal direction. The first leads are arranged in spaced-apart relation in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The second leads are arranged in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction to be interposed between the mutually adjacent first leads such that, when the mutually adjacent first leads are projected in an adjacent direction thereof, overlap portions where the second leads overlap with the first leads and non-overlap portions where the second leads do not overlap with the first leads are formed. Dummy leads are provided at the non-overlap portions.
US07659601B2
A semiconductor device having a moisture-proof dam and a method of fabricating the same are provided. The semiconductor device includes an interlayer insulating layer provided on a substrate having a fuse region. A fuse guard dam is provided on the interlayer insulating layer to surround the fuse region. A cover insulating layer is provided on the interlayer insulating layer to cover the fuse guard dam and have a fuse window exposing a middle part of the fuse region, and at least two upper extension dams are provided in the cover insulating layer to sequentially surround the fuse region and be connected to the fuse guard dam.
US07659590B2
The present invention is directed to a memory device having very high storage density capability. In general, the memory device includes an array of individual memory cells which store information that is assigned a value based on the molecular contents of the memory cell. In a preferred embodiment, the molecules utilized for storing information in the memory cells may be single-strand polynucleotides, for instance single-strand oligonucleotides of between about 5 and about 20 monomer units. The present invention is also directed to methods and systems useful for writing and reading the molecular-based memory devices. In particular, the devices may be written and read via modified atomic force microscopy processes.
US07659589B2
A device includes a substrate, a first gate, a second gate, and a third gate. The substrate has a first active region and a second active region. The first gate is configured in a first loop structure around the first active region. The second gate is configured in a second loop structure around the second active region, and the third gate is configured in a third loop structure around the first gate and the second gate.
US07659587B2
A CMOS integrated circuit includes a substrate having an NMOS region with a P-well and a PMOS region with an N-well. A shallow trench isolation (STI) region is formed between the NMOS and PMOS regions and a composite silicon layer comprising a strained SiGe layer is formed over said P well region and over said N well region. The composite silicon layer is disconnected at the STI region. Gate electrodes are then formed on the composite layer in the NMOS and PMOS regions.
US07659586B2
A four-transistor Schmitt trigger inverter is provided. The Schmitt trigger inverter is made from an n-channel MOS (NMOS) dual-gate thin-film transistor (DG-TFT) and a p-channel MOS (PMOS) DG-TFT, both DG-TFTs having a top gate, a back gate, and source/drain regions. A (conventional) NMOS TFT has a gate connected to an NMOS DG-TFT first S/D region and a PMOS DG-TFT first S/D region. The NMOS TFT also has a first S/D region connected to the NMOS DG-TFT back gate and the PMOS DG-TFT back gate. A (conventional) PMOS TFT has a gate connected to the NMOS TFT gate, and a first S/D region connected to the NMOS TFT first S/D region.
US07659567B2
In a semiconductor device, a semiconductor substrate is sectioned into a logic-circuit formation section in which a plurality of logic circuits are formed, and a memory formation section in which a plurality of memory cells are formed. A multi-layered insulating layer is formed on the substrate, and a conductive structure is formed in the insulating layer at the logic-circuit formation section. Capacitors are formed in the insulating layer at the memory formation section. Each of the capacitors includes a lower capacitor electrode, a capacitor dielectric layer formed on the lower capacitor electrode, and an upper capacitor electrode formed on the capacitor dielectric layer, with upper is end faces of the upper capacitor electrodes being coplanar with an upper end face of the conductive structure. Bit-line layers are formed in the insulating layer below the lower capacitor electrodes at the memory formation section. A signal-line layer is formed in the insulating layer on or above the conductive structure at the logic-circuit formation section so as to be electrically connected to the conductive structure. An upper-side connection layer are formed in the insulating layer at the memory formation section on or above the capacitors so as to be electrically connected to the upper capacitor electrodes.
US07659560B2
A transistor gate forming method includes forming a metal layer within a line opening and forming a fill layer within the opening over the metal layer. The fill layer is substantially selectively etchable with respect to the metal layer. A transistor structure includes a line opening, a dielectric layer within the opening, a metal layer over the dielectric layer within the opening, and a fill layer over the metal layer within the opening. The metal layer/fill layer combination exhibits less intrinsic less than would otherwise exist if the fill layer were replaced by an increased thickness of the metal layer. The inventions apply at least to 3-D transistor structures.
US07659557B2
The invention provides a semiconductor light-emitting device with II-V group (or II-IV-V group) compound contact layer and a method of fabricating the same. The semiconductor light-emitting device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention includes a substrate, a first conductive type semiconductor material layer, a light-emitting layer, a first electrode, a second conductive type semiconductor material layer, a II-V group (or II-IV-V group) compound contact layer, a transparent conductive layer, and a second electrode. The existence of the II-V group (or II-IV-V group) compound contact layer improves the ohmic contact between the second conductive type semiconductor material layer and the transparent conductive layer.
US07659549B2
The present invention is a method for obtaining a better color rendering with a photoluminescence plate, and the better color rendering is obtained by using UV radiating on the photoluminescence plate stacked with a red photoluminescence plate, a green photoluminescence plate and a blue photoluminescence plate. Therefore, the color rendering is above 90% and close to the solar light. The photoluminescence plate can be made from directly coated with photoluminescence layers of three colors or with fully mixed fluorescent materials of three colors. Consequently, a white light relied on the present invention is more uniform than the conventional techniques with a color mixing performance based on tricolor LEDs.
US07659548B2
Employing a LED which emits light via excitation with UV light, particularly the foregoing high-power LED, disclosed are a white LED exhibiting high reliability and longer operating life, and a method of manufacturing the white LED. Also disclosed are a white light emitting diode possessing a phosphor layer which emits light via excitation with UV light, wherein the phosphor layer consists of phosphor, or possesses phosphor and transparent inorganic oxide, and a method of manufacturing the white light emitting diode, possessing the step of making phosphor particles to collide with a light emitting diode at high speed to deposit the phosphor layer, employing an aerosol deposition process.
US07659546B2
A light emitting device firstly includes a light emitting diode (LED) structure, having a top surface with a light emitting region. The device also has a heterojunction within the device structure, the heterojunction having a p-type and an n-type semiconductor layer, and a plurality of electrodes positioned on the top surface, each being electrically connected to one of the p-type and n-type semiconductor layers. At least a first and a second electrodes are connected to a same type semiconductor layer and are physically separated from each other. The device further includes a first and a second heterojunction regions within the heterojunction, each being respectively defined between one of the first and second electrodes and one of the other electrodes connected to the other type semiconductor layer. The first and second heterojunction regions are alternatively driven for emitting lights in the time domain.
US07659543B2
An organic light emitting display including a pixel electrode arranged on a substrate, an organic layer arranged on the pixel electrode and including at least a hole injection layer, a hole acceleration layer, a hole transport layer, and an emission layer, and an opposite electrode arranged on the organic layer. The hole acceleration layer is formed of a material having a hole mobility that is higher than that of the hole injection layer.
US07659541B2
A liquid crystal display, in accordance with the present invention, includes a first substrate having a thin film transistor and a first electrode formed thereon. The first electrode is electrically connected to the thin film transistor. A first insulating layer is formed on the first substrate including the thin film transistor and the first electrode and a window is formed in the first insulating layer, the window exposing a predetermined region of the first electrode. A second electrode is provided on the first insulating layer and electrically connected to the first electrode. A second substrate includes a third electrode formed thereon. A first gap is formed between a surface of the third electrode and a surface of the predetermined region of the first electrode, and a second gap is formed between the surface of the third electrode and a surface of the second electrode. A liquid crystal layer is interposed between the first gap and the second gap. Other embodiments are included as well as methods for forming the liquid crystal display of the present invention.
US07659537B2
A field effect transistor comprises a source and a drain, and a channel layer of Si1-x-yGexCy crystal (1>x>0, 1>y≧0). Ge composition increases toward a drain end, in a vicinity of a source end of the channel layer.
US07659535B2
A high speed optical channel including an optical driver and a photodetector in a CMOS photoreceiver. The optical channel driver includes a FET driver circuit driving a passive element (e.g., an integrated loop inductor) and a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) diode. The VCSEL diode is biased by a bias supply. The integrated loop inductor may be integrated in CMOS technology and on the same IC chip as either/both of the FET driver and the VCSEL diode. The photodetector is in a semiconductor (silicon) layer that may be on an insulator layer, i.e., SOI. One or more ultrathin metal electrodes (<2000 Å) on the silicon layer forms a Schottky barrier diode junction which in turn forms a quantum well containing a two dimensional electron gas between the ultrathin metal electrode and the Schottky barrier diode junction.
US07659532B2
An image reading apparatus includes a light source with a first luminescent portion that outputs light with a first wavelength range and a second luminescent portion that outputs light with a second wavelength range, the wavelength ranges being different from each other; a light-receiving portion that receives light reflected from an original irradiated by the light source; a scanning portion that shifts a reading position of the original in a vertical scanning direction by changing a relative position between the original and the light-receiving portion; a switching portion that alternately turns on the first and second luminescent portions when the scanning portion shifts the reading position, wherein a vertical scanning resolution for a first data obtained when the first luminescent portion is turned on is independently set from a vertical scanning resolution for a second data obtained when the second luminescent portion is turned on.
US07659530B2
A focusing and shielding device for encephalic photon knife consisting of a body of ray source, a switch and an armet, the ray source body is a hemispherical shell with certain thickness, a ray source cavity for placing ray source and a pre-collimation hole are defined on the hemispherical shell; the ray source cavity is defined on the outer surface of the hemispherical shell, and the pre-collimation hole is define on the inner surface of the hemispherical shell and connecting with the ray source cavity; the switch is defined inside the body of the ray source, and the outer surface of the switch is in hemispherical shape, a middle collimation hole is set on the switch; the armet is deposited inside the switch, and the inner surface is in columnar shape, an end collimation hole is defined on the armet, a therapy path is defined where the middle collimation hole connected with the pre-collimation hole to form the end collimation hole. The focusing and shielding device for encephalic photon knife of the present invention is simple in structure and low in cost, and as the inner surface of the armet is in a column shape, it expand the space for therapy.
US07659528B2
A particle beam irradiation system includes a particle beam irradiation apparatus, which is free of a gantry structure, having a particle beam irradiator for irradiating an affected area of a patient with a particle beam, the particle beam irradiator being housed in a chamber, a CT scanner installed in the chamber, for positionally confirming the affected area of the patient, a drive unit for moving the patient from a detection range to an irradiation range, a patient fixing device for fixing the patient in position, the device being mounted on the drive unit for rotation, and a housing unit having a structure housing the drive unit with the patient fixing device mounted and the CT scanner, the housing unit being rotatable about an axis perpendicular to a plane including a direction in which the particle beam is applied and a direction in which the drive unit moves.
US07659523B1
An integrated particle detection apparatus for optical detection of particles in an air stream. The particle detection apparatus includes a scalper for removing large particles from the air stream, a concentrator for separating out small particles and increasing the concentration of particles of interest, and a fluorescence sensor system for detecting the particles present in the air stream. The scalper, concentrator and sensor may include a single integrated unit, such that the scalper is fluidly contiguous with the concentrator and the concentrator is fluidly contiguous with the sensor.
US07659514B2
An assembly for a detection unit for an optical device is described. The assembly includes a scintillator adapted to received secondary particles and, in response, generate photons, wherein the scintillator includes an opening for trespassing of a primary beam through the scintillator. The scintillator including the opening is asymmetrical with regard to one axis.
US07659512B2
To provide an oil type discrimination method and an oil type discriminator capable of accurately discriminating a type of oil even when light-shielding components exist in the oil and of preventing in advance erroneous discrimination of a mixture of oil.There are provided step S1 in which the transmission spectrum of near infrared light is measured, step S2 in which the transmission spectrum is converted into an absorbance spectrum, a first discrimination step S3 in which between gasoline type and non-gasoline type is discriminated by comparing the difference in absorbance between two wavelengths existing in the vicinities of respective attribute wavelengths of predetermined chemical bonds with 0.0, step S4 in which the first derivative spectrum of the absorbance is found, a second discrimination step S5 in which a value, which is obtained by multiplying respective first derivative values of absorbance of at least four wavelengths existing in the vicinities of respective attribute wavelengths of predetermined chemical bonds by respective coefficients and further adding a constant to the sum, is compared with 0.0 and thus between regular gasoline and high-octane gasoline is discriminated, and a third discrimination step S6 in which the difference in absorbance between two wavelengths existing in the vicinities of respective attribute wavelengths of predetermined chemical bonds is compared with 0.0 and thus between kerosene and diesel oil is discriminated.
US07659510B2
The present invention relates to a cryo-charging specimen holder for the electron microscope, particularly to a cryo-charging specimen holder for the electron microscope to hold various biological materials. The major feature of the invention is to charge the biological specimen and freeze the specimen at low temperature. The ice around the biological sample is also doped, so that after charging the doped ice surrounding the sample has a conductivity level comparable to that of conductor. Therefore, the sample can be embedded by the doped and charged ice obtaining the property of conductor, in order to be observed by the electron microscope.
US07659504B1
An optical gas sensor includes an optical element that is substantially transparent to both monitoring radiation and warming radiation. Such an optical element facilitates the removal of warming radiation from the optical gas sensor, thereby preventing an increase in the internal temperature of the sensor during use. Additionally, the warming radiation that is emitted from the optical gas sensor may be used to warm one or more windows of a sampling component that is configured for use with the sensor.
US07659498B2
An image sensor includes a power supply ripple rejection circuit having an input connected to a supply voltage reference, and an output connected to an output voltage reference. The power supply ripple rejection circuit reduces the affect of variance in the supply voltage reference on the output voltage reference.
US07659497B2
Disclosed is a method of executing an electrical function, such as a fusing operation, by activation through a chip embedded photodiode through spectrally selected external light activation, and corresponding structure and circuit. The present invention is based on having incident light with specific intensity/wave length characteristics, in conjunction with additional circuit elements to an integrated circuit, perform the implementation of repairs, i.e., replacing failing circuit elements with redundant ones for yield and/or reliability. Also to perform disconnection of ESD protection device from input pad once the packaged chip is placed in system. No additional pins on the package are necessary.
US07659479B2
A tool for installing various configurations of electrical boxes to framing studs during building construction includes a staff having graduations indicating distances from an end of the staff. A mounting fixture is slidably disposed on the staff and can be secured at a desired position along the length of the staff corresponding to a desired installation height for the electrical boxes. The mounting fixture may include pins for engaging apertures on an electrical box, and magnets for magnetically engaging metal electrical boxes, to help retain the electrical boxes on the mounting fixture during installation.
US07659478B2
This invention relates to electrical switch boxes. In particular, the invention relates to a device having an extension portion connected with a series of electrical switch boxes. In preferred embodiments, the extension portion of the device permits, for example, attachment of the device to a wall stud without flush positioning of the electrical switch boxes with the wall stud.
US07659471B2
Systems and methods applicable, for example, in music data repetition functionality. Timbral feature calculation and/or pitch feature calculation might, for instance, be performed. One or more self matrices might, for example, be calculated. A combined matrix might, for instance, be created. One or more music data repetition candidates might, for example, be selected. Candidate refinement might, for instance, be performed. A final choice for the music data repetition corresponding to the music data might, for example, be determined.
US07659465B1
A method of adding at least one more string to a stringed instrument having an initial plurality of strings and an initial plurality of tuners equaling the number of initial plurality of strings, wherein the stringed instrument comprises a headstock on which is disposed the initial plurality of tuners, a neck and a body coupled to the neck, wherein among other things, the headstock has a front surface, a rear surface and at least one side planer surface and at least one elongated bore in the side planer surface and wherein the headstock further comprises at least one individual aperture extending from the front surface to the rear surface of the headstock and the elongated bore extends perpendicularly to the aperture, wherein the method comprises the steps of inserting a steel flanged insert into the individual aperture; inserting a shaft, having a first end and a second end, in the elongated bore such that the first end of the shaft extends into the aperture of the headstock; coupling a first end of the at least one more string to the first end of the shaft and coupling a second end of the at least one more string to the termination section; and securing the shaft to the headstock. In a particular feature, the steel flanged insert prevents the at least one more string from direct contact with an edge of the aperture and facilitates an improved tone transfer to the headstock.
US07659462B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH862061. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH862061, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH862061 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH862061.
US07659455B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH635689. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH635689, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH635689 with itself or with another corn plant, such as a plant of another variety. The invention further relates to genetic complements of plants of variety CH635689.
US07659452B2
The invention relates to the soybean variety designated 457114. Provided by the invention are the seeds, plants and derivatives of the soybean variety 457114. Also provided by the invention are tissue cultures of the soybean variety 457114 and the plants regenerated therefrom. Still further provided by the invention are methods for producing soybean plants by crossing the soybean variety 457114 with itself or another soybean variety and plants produced by such methods.
US07659450B2
This invention relates to an isolated nucleic acid fragment encoding a serine palmitoyltransferase Lcb1 subunit. The invention also relates to the construction of a chimeric gene encoding all or a portion of the serine palmitoyltransferase Lcb1 subunit, in sense or antisense orientation, wherein expression of the chimeric gene results in production of altered levels of the serine palmitoyltransferase Lcb1 subunit in a transformed host cell.
US07659447B2
The present invention is directed to methods and compositions which employ an Arabidopsis VIP1 gene or VIP1-like gene from another plant species for purposes of increasing host plant susceptibility to Agrobacterium infection. Methods for increasing susceptibility of a host to Agrobacterium infection and methods for improving Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer are provided. Also provided are chimeric genes and expression vectors that, upon introduction into a plant cell, enable the plant cell to become more susceptible to Agrobacterium infection and thus better transformed via Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer. Transgenic plant cells and plants regenerated therefrom which overexpress a VIP1 or VIP1-like gene are also provided.
US07659439B2
An element dispensing package suitable for dispensing adhesive strips or bandages. Each element is contained within an envelope formed by opposed upper and lower sheets. The lower sheet has a release liner secured thereto to protect the element while it is within the dispenser. The element is releasably secured to a pull cover and is separated from the lower sheet and release liner when the envelope is opened. The pull cover has one or more gripping means to facilitate dispensing of the element contained within the package. Additionally, the lower sheet and upper sheet have optional gripping means to facilitate dispensing of the element contained within the package.
US07659437B2
A process for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon(s) including aromatic hydrocarbon(s) comprises providing a hydrocarbon feedstock containing methane and a catalytic particulate material to a reactor system having at least first and second reaction zones connected in series. Each of the reaction zones is operated under reaction conditions sufficient to convert at least a portion of the methane to said higher hydrocarbon(s) and is maintained in a moving bed fashion, with the bulk of the catalytic particulate material being moved from the first reaction zone to the second reaction zone and with the bulk of the hydrocarbon feedstock being moved from the second reaction zone to the first reaction zone.
US07659434B2
A method for preparing fluorinated organic compounds comprising contacting hydrogen fluoride with at least one compound of formula I: CX3CXYCH3 I where each X is independently Cl, I or Br, and each Y is independently H or F, said contacting step being carried out under conditions effective to produce a compound of formula II CF3CZCH2 II where Z is Cl, I, Br, or F.
US07659408B2
Pyrazole carboxamides of structural formula I are selective inhibitors of the 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1. The compounds are useful for the treatment of diabetes, such as noninsulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), hyperglycemia, obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, Metabolic Syndrome, and other symptoms associated with NIDDM.
US07659395B2
Urea derivatives which comprise compounds of the formula wherein A is H, B is piperidine and each Ar is phenyl are disclosed as useful in treating conditions such as pain, epilepsy, diabetes or prostate cancer.
US07659394B2
This invention relates to compounds of the formulae I wherein R1-R8, A, X, and Z are defined as in the specification, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and their use in the treatment of central nervous system disorders.
US07659393B2
A method of preparing cyclene having formula (I) from triethylenetetraamine having formula (VIII) or ethylenediamine having formula (VIII′) includes a series of steps. The first series of steps (I) includes a step A (one-pot preparation of the compound having formula (IIa) from the compound having formula (VIII)), followed by a step B (transforming the compound having formula (IIa) into cyclene having formula (I)). The second series of steps (II) includes a step C (preparing the compound having formula (IIb) from the compound having formula (VIII)), followed by a step D (transforming the compound having formula (IIb) into cylcene having formula (I)). The third series of steps (III) includes a step E involving the onepot preparation of the compound having formula (IIa) from the compound having formula (VIII), followed by a step B involving the transformation of the compound having formula (IIa) into cyclene having formula (I).
US07659385B2
The invention is directed to LDCAM as a purified and isolated protein, the DNA encoding the LDCAM, host cells transfected with cDNAs encoding LDCAM, processes for preparing LDCAM polypeptides and compositions and methods for treating utilizing LDCAM polypeptides.
US07659376B2
Compositions and methods for conferring herbicide resistance to plants, plant cells, tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions comprising a coding sequence for a polypeptide that confers resistance or tolerance to glyphosate herbicides are provided. The coding sequences can be used in DNA constructs or expression cassettes for transformation and expression in plants. Compositions also comprise transformed plants, plant cells, tissues, and seeds. In particular, isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding glyphosate resistance proteins are provided. Additionally, amino acid sequences corresponding to the polynucleotides are encompassed. In particular, the present invention provides for isolated nucleic acid molecules comprising nucleotide sequences encoding the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2 or the nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1.
US07659374B2
The present invention relates to novel Fc variants that immuno-specifically bind to an Eph receptor. The Fc variants comprise a binding region that immunospecifically binds to an Eph receptor and an Fc region that further comprises at least one novel amino acid residue which may provide for enhanced effector function. More specifically, this invention provides Fc variants that have modified binding affinity to one or more Fc ligand (e.g., FcγR, C1q). Additionally, the Fc variants have altered antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and/or complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) activity. The invention further provides methods and protocols for the application of said Fc variants that immunospecifically bind to an Eph receptor, particularly for therapeutic purposes.
US07659362B2
Disclosed herein are recombinant copper or zinc binding polypeptides containing at least one copper or zinc binding motif and a sequence heterologous to it. Also disclosed is a method to reduce the concentration of a free copper or zinc ion in a substrate by contacting it with a recombinant polypeptide containing a copper or zinc binding motif. A further method relates to reducing the concentration of a free copper or zinc ion in a substrate by contacting it with a host cell that expresses a recombinant polypeptide containing a copper or zinc binding motif.
US07659353B2
A method for limiting the transmission of light through a material is disclosed. In the method, a layer composed of a hyperbranched polymer formed via a copolycyclotrimerization reaction is interposed between a light source and the material. Also provided is a method for emitting light comprising exciting the hyperbranched polymer. In addition, methods for limiting the transmission of light and for emitting light using hyperbranched polymers formed by homopolycyclotrimerization reactions are disclosed. A new class of hyperbranched polymers produced by copolycyclotrimerization is also disclosed.
US07659351B2
Fluoroacrylates comprise the reaction product of: (a) at least one fluorochemical alcohol represented by the formula: CnF2n+1—X—OH wherein: n=1 to 4, R=hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, m=2 to 8, Rf=CnF2n+1, y=0 to 6, and q=1 to 8; (b) at least one unbranched symmetric diusocyanate; and (c) at least one hydroxy-terminated alkyl (meth)acrylate or 2-fluoro acrylate monomer having 2 to about 30 carbon atoms in its alkylene portion.
US07659350B2
A process for polymerization of at least one monomer including polymerizing the at least one monomer in the presence of a modified graphite oxide material, which is a thermally exfoliated graphite oxide with a surface area of from about 300 m2/g to 2600 m2/g.
US07659346B2
A process for converting distillation residues obtained from polymerization processes to useful maleated products is provided.
US07659345B2
A s,s′-bis-(α,α′-disubstituted-α″-acetic acid)-trithiocarbonate and derivatives thereof can be used as an initiator, chain transfer agent, or terminator for polymerization of monomers such as free radical polymerizable monomers. Homopolymers, copolymers, and the like as well as block copolymers can be made utilizing the trithio carbonate compound such as in a living free radical polymerization as well as to form telechelic polymers.
US07659338B2
Polychloroprene dispersions containing particles of urea derivatives having a particle size in the range of 10 to 400 nm, which can be used in adhesive compositions. The adhesive compositions can be used to provide substrates containing adhesive layers obtained from the compositions.
US07659337B2
A composition suitable for an air barrier such as an automotive tire innertube, innerliner, and aircraft tire innertube or innerliner, curing bladders, and other pneumatic devices is disclosed. The composition comprises an elastomer, a processing oil, and a grafted resin component.
US07659332B2
One aspect of the invention relates to a flame retardant thermoplastic resin composition. The invention also relates to a method of making the foregoing composition and an article made from the foregoing composition.
US07659330B2
A composite includes raw lignocellulosic materials dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix which includes a blend of different polymers. A composite includes raw lignocellulosic materials and a thermal stabilization agent dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix. A composite includes lignocellulosic nanoparticles dispersed in a thermoplastic polymeric matrix.
US07659326B2
The present invention provides an antimicrobial paint including an effective amount of one or more UV light absorbers. The UV light absorber can be any UV light absorber able to prevent or reduce a change or destructive effect by UV light on a metal pyrithione, but is preferably a benzotriazole UV light absorber or a hindered amine light stabilizer (“HALS”).
US07659315B2
A method of use of polyaminomethylenephosphonates as dispersing, wetting, and/or stabilizing agents in formulations for cements, detergents, ceramic materials, dyes, synthetic resins, rubbers, drilling fluids, and for reverse osmosis includes the step of adding a polyaminomethylenephosphonate having the formula: wherein n is an integer higher than 2, M is an alkaline metal or the ammonium ion, and R is: —CH2PO3M2; —CH2Z, wherein Z is —CH2OH, —CHOHCH3, —CHOHCH2Cl, or —CHOHCH2OH; —(CH2)mSO3M, m being 3 or 4; —CH2CH2T, wherein T is —CONH2, —CONH2, —CHO, —COOQ, —COOX, CN, wherein Q is —CH3 or —C2H5 and X is an alkaline metal ion or the ammonium ion; and wherein the polyaminomethylenephosphonate is present in a weight quantity of over 0.01% with respect to the total weight of the formulation.
US07659313B2
The present invention relates generally to methods and related compositions using flavonoids and/or indanes extracted from the stems and leaves of C. quadrangularis to reduce weight and inhibit lipase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase activity in mammals. By example and not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present disclosure, a composition and related methods for reducing body weight and/or inhibiting any combination of lipase, α-amylase and α-glucosidase is provided. The composition contains an effective amount of one or more flavonoids or indanes selected from 3-O-rhamnopyranosylkaempferol, 3-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)-2-(2,5-dihydroxyphenyl)-1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)indane-4,6-diol, quercitrin, rhamnitrin, rhamnocitrin, quercitrin-3-O″-acetate and parthenocissin A.
US07659312B2
This invention relates an inhibitory modulator of AQP4 protein regarding its transmembrane water transport properties, wherein the modulator selectively binds to the AQP4 protein, and inhibits AQP4 mediated water transport.
US07659304B2
A compound represented by the following formula (I) or a salt thereof is provided: wherein X represents a halogen atom; R1 represents a hydrogen atom, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C2-6 alkenyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C2-6 alkynyl group, substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group, substituted or unsubstituted aralkyl group, substituted or unsubstituted acyl group, substituted or unsubstituted arylsulfonyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkylsulfonyl group, substituted or unsubstituted C2-7 alkoxycarbonyl group, or hydroxyl group; R2 represents a substituted or unsubstituted C1-21 alkyl group; R3, R5, and R6 are the same or different and represent a hydrogen atom or halogen atom; R4 represents a hydrogen atom or substituted or unsubstituted C1-6 alkyl group; and R7 represents a hydrogen atom or substituted or unsubstituted C1-21 hydrocarbon group. Also provided is a therapeutic drug for osteoporosis and an osteoblast activator comprising the compound or a salt thereof.
US07659298B2
The present invention relates to the orexin receptor antagonists compounds of the general formula (I) as well as to their isomers, salts and solvates, to the pharmaceutical compositions containing them and to the therapeutic application thereof.
US07659286B2
N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-4-(quinolin-8-yl(1-(thiazol-4-ylmethyl)piperidin-4-ylidene)methyl)benzamide, pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and/or mixtures thereof, as well as, pharmaceutical compositions thereof, methods of treatment therewith, and processes of making N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N-methyl-4-(quinolin-8-yl(1-(thiazol-4-ylmethyl)piperidin-4-ylidene)methyl)benzamide and intermediates thereof.
US07659285B2
Behavioral pharmacological data with the compound of formula (I), a novel and selective 5HT2A/2C receptor inverse agonist, demonstrate in vivo efficacy in models of psychosis and dyskinesias. This includes activity in reversing MK-801 induced locomotor behaviors, suggesting that this compound may be an efficacious anti-psychotic, and activity in an MPTP primate model of dyskinesias, suggesting efficacy as an anti-dyskinesia agent. These data support the hypothesis that 5HT2A/2C receptor inverse agonism may confer antipsychotic and anti-dyskinetic efficacy in humans, and indicate a use of the compound of formula (I) and related agents as novel therapeutics for Parkinson's Disease, related human neurodegenerative diseases, and psychosis.
US07659282B2
Pharmaceutical compositions and methods for treating neurological disorders by administering same are provided. The compositions comprise dextromethorphan in combination with quinidine.
US07659280B2
The present invention provides 3-hydroxyphenyl-2,4-pyrimidinediamine compounds of formula I, as well as related compositions and methods for treating a variety of autoimmune diseases.
US07659275B2
In its many embodiments, the present invention provides a novel class of compounds of structural formula IA or IB where R1-R8 are as disclosed herein as inhibitors of the CCR5 receptors, methods of preparing such compounds, pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more such compounds, methods of preparing pharmaceutical formulations comprising one or more such compounds, and methods of treatment, prevention, inhibition, or amelioration of one or more diseases associated with CCR5 using such compounds or pharmaceutical compositions. The invention also relates to the use of a combination of a compound of this invention and one or more antiviral or other agents useful in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The invention further relates to the use of a compound of this invention, alone or in combination with another agent, in the treatment of solid organ transplant rejection, graft v. host disease, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, asthma, allergies or multiple sclerosis.
US07659273B2
A composition for accelerating fracture healing, which has a PDE4 inhibitor as an active ingredient, specifically a composition having a PDE4 inhibitor and a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer is provided, which composition, when formulated into a form suitable for local administration such as a microsphere preparation, can provide a pharmaceutical composition showing an excellent effect in the early healing of bone fracture. The composition is useful in healing of refractory fracture of elderly people and diabetic or osteoporosis patients.
US07659269B2
Disclosed are substituted indolealkanoic acids useful in the treatment of chronic complications arising from diabetes mellitus. Also disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and methods of treatment employing the compounds, as well as methods for their synthesis.
US07659261B2
Provided herein are novel and useful combretastatin A-4 prodrug salts that increase the solubility of combretastatin A-4, readily regenerate combretastatin A-4 in vivo under normal physiological conditions, and which produce physiologically tolerable products as a result of the regeneration of combretastatin A-4.
US07659259B2
The present invention includes a method of treating inflammation of the eye comprising administering to an eye of a patient suffering from inflammation of the eye, a composition comprising an aqueous solution of alginate having a minimum of about 50% mannuronate residues based upon the total number of saccharide monomeric units.
US07659256B2
The present invention features a novel therapy for effecting weight loss which involves treating a subject with a sympathomimetic agent (e.g., phentermine or a phentermine-like drug) in combination with an anticonvulsant sulfamate derivative (e.g., topiramate) such that the subject experiences weight loss.The combination methods of the present invention also are effective against symptoms associated with Syndrome X. The invention also features pharmaceutical compositions and kits for use in the practice of these novel therapies.
US07659243B2
The invention relates to the use of angiogenin, or a fragment or variant thereof, to treat diseases or conditions characterised by neuronal injury or death, or axonal degeneration, especially neurodegenerative diseases such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The invention also describes a plurality of mutations of the human angiogenin gene which are associated with a neurodegenerative disease phenotype, and particularly a ALS phenotype. Also described is a method of assessing whether an individual is afflicted with, or generically predisposed to develop, a disease or condition characterised by neuronal injury or death, or axonal degeneration.
US07659240B2
An in vitro high-throughput screening method that models the absorption of drugs across the epithelial mucosa is provided. The invention discloses an in vitro mucin immobilized chromatography model to estimate drug permeability coefficients. The invention describes compositions for mucin immobilized chromatography media and methods to prepare this media. The invention also discloses a method to estimate in vitro drug permeability coefficients using mucin immobilized chromatography media. The invention also discloses methods to determine absorption processes in the digestive system and discloses methods of use for mucin chromatography media in column, batch, assay, diagnostic, or high-throughput screening analyses.
US07659232B1
A fluid safe to plants and the environment for maintenance facilitation of hand or power garden shear and saw tools. When the said fluid with a pleasant odor is sprayed onto the blades of said tools it will clean, lubricate, disinfect and inhibit rust in one step on said tools while repelling some types of flying insect pests.
US07659229B2
A herbicidal composition containing hexazinone and an alkylene carbonate.
US07659223B2
The invention refers to a process for preparing a Group 2 metal/transition metal olefin polymerization catalyst component in particulate form having an improved high temperature activity and the use thereof in a process for polymerizing olefins.
US07659218B2
A spunbonded elastic nonwoven fabric according to the invention comprises fibers formed from a polymer comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer, wherein the thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer has a starting temperature for solidifying of 65° C. or above as measured by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and contains 3.00×106 or less polar-solvent-insoluble particles per g as counted on a particle size distribution analyzer, which is based on an electrical sensing zone method, equipped with an aperture tube having an orifice of 100 μm in diameter, and wherein the fibers have diameters such that the standard deviation of fiber diameters (Sn) divided by the average fiber diameter (Xave) (Sn/Xave) gives a value of 0.15 or less.
US07659210B2
A method for selectively removing nano-crystals on an insulating layer. The method includes providing an insulating layer with nano-crystals thereon; exposing the nano-crystals to a high density plasma comprising a source of free radical chlorine, ionic chlorine, or both to modify the nano-crystals; and removing the modified nano-crystals with a wet etchant.
US07659207B2
Epitaxially coated silicon wafers, are coated individually in an epitaxy reactor by placing a wafer on a susceptor, pretreating under a hydrogen atmosphere, in and then with addition of an etching medium, and coating epitaxially on a polished front side, wherein an etching treatment of the susceptor is effected after a specific number of epitaxial coatings, and the susceptor is then hydrophilized. Silicon wafer produced thereby have a maximum local flatness value SFQRmax of 0.01 μm to 0.035 μm relative to at least 99% of the partial regions of an area grid of measurement windows having a size of 26×8 mm2 on the front side of the silicon wafer with an edge exclusion of 2 mm.
US07659200B2
A nanostructure comprising germanium, including wires of less than 1 micron in diameter and walls of less than 1 micron in width, in contact with the substrate and extending outward from the substrate is provided along with a method of preparation.
US07659197B1
Metal seed layers are deposited on a semiconductor substrate having recessed features by a method that involves depositing a first portion of seed layer material, subsequently selectively resputtering the deposited seed layer material in the presence of exposed diffusion barrier material, and, depositing a second portion of the seed layer material. Resputtering operation improves seed layer coverage on the recessed feature sidewalls by redistributing seed layer material within the feature. Resputtering, however, sometimes exposes an underlying diffusion barrier material at the feature bottom and at the top corners of the feature. In order to prevent inadvertent removal of diffusion barrier layer, resputtering is performed under conditions that allow etching of the seed layer material at a rate which is at least five times greater than the etching rate of a diffusion barrier material. Selective resputtering is performed by impinging on the wafer substrate with low-energy argon and/or copper ions.
US07659191B2
A direct gold/silicon eutectic die bonding method is disclosed. The method includes the steps of gold plating a die bonding pad, grinding a wafer to a desired thickness, dicing the wafer after the grinding step, picking a die, and attaching the die to the die bonding pad at a temperature above the gold/silicon eutectic temperature. For thinner wafers, a dicing before grinding process is employed.
US07659175B2
The present invention is directed to a memory device having very high storage density capability. In general, the memory device includes an array of individual memory cells which store information that is assigned a value based on the molecular contents of the memory cell. In a preferred embodiment, the molecules utilized for storing information in the memory cells may be single-strand polynucleotides, for instance single-strand oligonucleotides of between about 5 and about 20 monomer units. The present invention is also directed to methods and systems useful for writing and reading the molecular-based memory devices. In particular, the devices may be written and read via modified atomic force microscopy processes.
US07659169B2
There is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device with a dual gate field effect transistor, the method including a semiconductor body a semiconductor material having a surface with a source region and a drain region of a first conductivity type and with a channel region of a second conductivity type opposite to the first conductivity type between the source region and the drain region and with a first gate region separated from the surface of the semiconductor body by a first gate dielectric above the channel region and with a second gate region situated opposite to the first gate region and formed within a recess in an opposite surface of the semiconductor body so as to be separated from the channel region by a second gate dielectric wherein the recess is formed with a local change of the doping of the channel region and by etching starting from the opposite surface of the semiconductor body.
US07659167B2
This invention provides a method for forming polysilicon by using silane with introducing hydrogen, such that polysilicon is microcrystalline. This microcrystal polysilicon can be applied to floating gate of flash memory to improve the character of flash memory.
US07659163B2
A method for forming a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes providing a substrate having a plurality of protrusions projecting from the substrate; forming a silicon layer over the substrate and each protrusion; performing an anisotropic etching to transfer the silicon layer into a silicon spacer positioned on a side wall of each protrusion; forming an oxide layer over the silicon spacer; and etching the substrate to form a recess on the substrate by using the oxide layer as a mask.
US07659150B1
Microshells for encapsulation of devices such as MEMS and microelectronics. In an embodiment, the microshells include a planar perforated pre-sealing layer, below which a non-planar sacrificial layer is accessed, and a sealing layer to close the perforation in the pre-sealing layer after the sacrificial material is removed. The sealing layer may include a nonhermetic layer to physically occlude the perforation and a hermetic layer over the nonhermetic occluding layer to seal the perforation as a function of the dimension of the perforation to form cavities having different vacuum levels on the same substrate.
US07659143B2
A method includes mating a first heat spreader and a second heat spreader, such that the first heat spreader at a mating surface and second heat spreader at a mating surface become parallel and adjacent. The mated first heat spreader and second heat spreader have at least one convection channel disposed therebetween. A process includes placing a first die in a first die recess of the first heat spreader, and placing a second die on a second die site on the second heat spreader. The process includes reflowing thermal interface material between each die and respective heat spreader. A package is achieved by the method, with reduced thicknesses. The package can be coupled through a bumpless build-up layer. The package can be assembled into a computing system.
US07659135B2
A semiconductor device fabrication method in which when a semiconductor device with a built-in light receiving element is fabricated, a section for dividing the light receiving element is protected from damage caused by, for example, etching. An antireflection coating is formed not only on a light receiving area in a divided photodiode area but on a division area including a junction area between a division section outside the light receiving area for dividing a photodiode and a cathode. A polycrystalline silicon film is formed so as to cover the antireflection coating. Accordingly, the antireflection coating on the junction area between the division section outside the light receiving area and the cathode is protected against, for example, etching by the polycrystalline silicon film. As a result, the appearance of a crystal defect, a change in impurity concentration, or the like is suppressed in this area. Therefore, a high-performance high-quality semiconductor device with a built-in photodiode can be fabricated.
US07659125B2
A latex reagent for analyzing adiponectin, comprising a suspension of latex particles carrying a substance which specifically binds to adiponectin, is disclosed. Further, a method for analyzing adiponectin, comprising (1) obtaining a biological liquid possibly containing adiponectin, and (2) bringing the biological liquid, while maintaining the state in which the biological liquid is obtained, into contact with a suspension of latex particles carrying a substance which specifically binds to adiponectin, and optically analyzing a degree of latex-particles-agglutination, is disclosed. According to the latex reagent and the method for analyzing adiponectin, a predilution or pretreatment of the biological liquid to be analyzed is not necessary. Further, the analysis can be performed rapidly and conveniently, and facilities therefor are not limited.
US07659124B2
The present invention contributes to the resolution of the problem of detecting, for example, plastic explosives, which are not easily detected by conventional inspection techniques, as those based on X-ray apparatuses; or those using more sophisticated means from traces of explosive material which may remain, “contaminating” the external surface of luggage. As regards the first technique, the invention has an additional advantage in that it is fully automatic, that is, it is independent from the operator's ability to interpret low contrast images. As regards the second technology, the main advantage of the present invention consists of its speed and safety when inspecting luggage.
US07659123B2
In general, the purpose of the probe system is to provide improved rapid field methods using re-designed direct push technology (DPT) and “push-pull testing” concepts to evaluate in situ chemical, biochemical, surfactant, adsorptive media, and leaching and fixation remediation technologies for hazardous subsurface contaminant(s). The probe system and methods described here when applied to a hazardous waste site being considered for in situ remediation of contaminants (organic or inorganic) by the listed treatment technologies will yield information that greatly reduces the uncertainty with regards to treatment effectiveness for the in situ soil, groundwater, and contaminant(s) conditions affecting dosage requirements and reaction rate(s) for various reactants. The probe system described here is multi-purpose in that it was designed: 1) to measure the relative permeability of the subsurface soil and groundwater to a liquid or gas ejectant, 2) to recover soil gas, soil, or groundwater samples for contaminant analyses, 3) to measure the chemical dosage and reaction, dissolution, adsorption, desorption, leaching, or fixation rate of a reactant such as a chemical or biochemical oxidant, metallic or bimetallic dehalogenating agent, surfactant or emulsifier solution, adsorbent media regenerant, leaching or fixation reagent that is injected into the matrix and withdrawn during a push-pull test, 4) to perform combinations of the above, 5) to measure the in situ adsorption capacity of adsorbent media and subsequently measure the effectiveness of regenerant(s) for the adsorbent media, and (6) to measure the effectiveness of a treated soil column for inorganic contaminant(s) leaching or fixation. In addition to being an in situ remedial alternatives evaluation tool, the probe system can be used as a reactant(s) delivery device after the specific remedial technology has been selected.
US07659121B2
A novel human stem cell which can be differentiated to cells constituting a plurality of human organs including human liver is disclosed. The human stem cell according to the present invention is originated from human salivary gland, which is CD49f-positive, and which can be differentiated to (1) a nestin-positive and albumin-positive cell, (2) an insulin-positive cell and (3) a glucagon-positive cell by culture in vitro.
US07659116B2
The present invention relates to a monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof, which binds specifically and/or selectively to human receptors of the Frizzled (FZD) family. It further relates to a hybridoma cell that produces the antibody according to the invention. Another object of the present invention is a method for the detection and/or isolation of receptors of the FZD family or homologs or fragments thereof in a biological sample and a method for the identification and/or isolation of biological material comprising or expressing receptors of the FZD family or homologs or fragments thereof. The invention further relates to the use of the antibody according to the invention or fragments thereof for the specific and/or selective detection and/or isolation of receptors of the FZD family, a composition comprising the monoclonal antibody according to the invention or fragments thereof, and a kit comprising the monoclonal antibody according to the invention or fragments thereof.
US07659111B2
A method and a device for improved freezing of biological containing living cells is disclosed. Directional cooling coupled with agitation, preferably rotation, of the vessel containing the biological sample allows for the freezing of large volume samples at much greater rates than before. Whether a sample is large or not, the greater thermal homogeneity during the freezing process as well as the resulting crystal morphology yield a frozen sample which is exceptionally suited for lyophilization.
US07659100B2
The present invention discloses methods of using DNA polymerase fusions at high pH in PCR, DNA sequencing and mutagenesis protocols.
US07659099B2
Processes for the production of a product by the enzymatic treatment of a soluble or particulate substrate with a particulate, immobilized enzyme, by treating a process liquor containing the substrate in a bioreactor to produce a slurry of effluent immobilized enzyme and the product in an effluent liquor. The slurry is subject to a non-immobilized enzyme damaging shear inducing effective separation process to provide effluent immobilized enzyme, and effluent liquor containing the product; and reusing the effluent immobilized enzyme in the enzymatic treatment. The process provides for the reclamation and reuse of the immobilized enzyme even when a further particulate solid is present in the effluent/product stream.
US07659093B2
The purification and isolation of various genes which encode mammalian cell surface polypeptides. Nucleic acids, proteins, antibodies, and other reagents useful in modulating development of cells, e.g., lymphoid and myeloid, are provided, along with methods for their use.
US07659089B2
The invention provides a method, apparatus and system for detecting electrochemical oxidoreduction activity mediated by a redox enzyme at a site remote from the enzyme. In one embodiment, the method comprises immobilizing the redox enzyme on a first region of a conductive surface and contacting a substrate capable of producing a detectable signal upon oxidation or reduction with a second region of the conductive surface. The second region is electrically coupled with the first region and the redox enzyme is not present in the second region. The method further comprises exposing the immobilized redox enzyme to conditions that effect oxidation or reduction of the enzyme, and detecting oxidation or reduction of the substrate at the second region. The invention can be adapted for detecting a plurality of analytes.
US07659083B2
A construct is provided that is capable of binding a plurality of molecules, the construct comprising a first moiety with a first molecule binding region and a first molecule non-binding region; and a second moiety with a second molecule-binding region and a second molecule-non-binding region, whereby the first binding region and second binding region are at opposite ends of the construct. Also provided is a method for detecting protein having certain amino acid sequences, the method comprising supplying a collection of proteins each with unknown amino acid sequences, contacting the collection with a moiety having a plurality of binding sites capable of binding with the protein having certain amino acid sequences so as to form a moiety-protein complex, and mixing the complex with a marker specific for the moiety in an amount sufficient to indicate existence of the complex.
US07659057B2
The location at which tissue samples are obtained to determine whether cells exhibit characeristics associated with cell differentiation or cancer by molecular analysis is determined by topically applying to epithelial tissue a dye that selectively stains cancer and precancerous tissue.
US07659053B2
The present invention provides a series of methods, compositions, and articles for altering a property of a surface (for example, the cytophilicity and/or the hydrophilicity), by exposing at least a portion of the surface to a non-chemical, force-creating field and/or force, such as an electric field. The field/force may be created by any suitable technique. For instance, the field can be created by applying a voltage across the surface, by electrical induction, etc. In certain embodiments, the surface includes molecules attached thereto that can be detached when exposed to non-chemical, force-creating fields and/or forces, thereby altering the chemical composition of at least a portion of the surface. In one set of embodiments, the molecules attached to the surface may include molecules forming a self-assembled monolayer on the surface. In some embodiments, the molecules attached to the surface may include thiol moieties (e.g., as in an alkanethiol), by which the molecule can become attached to the surface. In certain cases, the molecules may be terminated at the unattached end with one or more hydrophilic groups, for example, unmodified ethylene glycol moieties. In some cases, the molecules attached to the surface may include one or more moieties that can bind to various entities such as proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, drugs, cells, etc. In certain embodiments, the techniques are used to enable novel assays for cell motility and/or spreading and screening tests for determining drugs and/or treatments effective in increasing or decreasing cell shape changes and/or motility on surfaces.
US07659044B2
A photoconductor comprising a photosensitive layer disposed on a support, wherein the photosensitive layer has a crosslinked layer and the crosslinked layer is produced by curing a dispersion in which at least one of an acryl-modified polyoraganosiloxane having a radical reactivity and an acryl-modified polyoraganosiloxane having an amine structure is dispersed in a radical polymerizable monomer.
US07659042B2
A full phase shifting mask (FPSM) can be advantageously used in a damascene process for hard-to-etch metal layers. Because the FPSM can be used with a positive photoresist, features on an original layout can be replaced with shifters on a FPSM layout. Adjacent shifters should be of opposite phase, e.g. 0 and 180 degrees. In one embodiment, a dark field trim mask can be used with the FPSM. The trim mask can include cuts that correspond to cuts on the FPSM. Cuts on the FPSM can be made to resolve phase conflicts between proximate shifters. In one case, exposing two proximate shifters on the FPSM and a corresponding cut on the trim mask can form a feature in the metal layer. The FPSM and/or the trim mask can include proximity corrections to further improve printing resolution.
US07659038B2
In a lithographic proximity method for wiring an end or internal side surface of a substrate, the required exposure of strips, defining the wiring pattern, is performed by a mask having a diffraction structure to deflect exposure radiation to the side surface. An exposure beam, which is perpendicularly incident on the mask, is used so that enhanced tolerance for proximity gap width variations is obtained. The method allows manufacture of accurate and fine wiring.
US07659037B2
Using a positive electrode active material including spinel type manganese oxide as the main constituent, a novel low cost and high output power flat type nonaqueous secondary cell for HEVs that has increased safety at overcharge, and superior storage properties and cycle life is provided. A flat type nonaqueous secondary cell that has increased safety and is superior in storage and cycle properties even though the cell is a laminate type cell which does not have a blocking mechanism can be obtained by blending the spinel type lithium manganese oxide of the positive electrode and 5 wt % to 40 wt % of layered type lithium manganese oxide, to suppress storage deterioration at a high temperature and to simultaneously achieve safety when overcharged, and further, by adding a Li compound having a structure as shown in Formula (1) structure, to suppress deterioration of a mixed positive electrode active material during a high temperature cycle.
US07659031B2
A size AA alkaline battery includes an anode principally composed of zinc functioning as an active material, a cathode principally composed of manganese dioxide or nickel oxyhydroxide functioning as an active material, a separator composed of a nonwoven fabric, an electrolyte composed of an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide, and zinc oxide.
US07659028B2
This invention provides an electrode for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell which fuel cell contains: a solid polymer electrolyte membrane; electrode layers formed respectively on both faces of the electrolyte membrane; two reinforcing members which cover respective outer surfaces of the electrode layers; and a sealing member which covers, extending from respective end faces to respective end parts of the reinforcing members, whole peripheries of the two reinforcing members, wherein the electrolyte membrane, the electrode layers and the reinforcing members are integrally formed by the sealing member.
US07659018B2
The present invention provides a highly efficient fuel cell power supply unit, which is constructed by directly connecting a fuel cell with a capacitor. In this power supply unit, a control device of the unit calculates the output voltage V2 of the fuel cell after the variation of electrical load based on the synthetic current-voltage characteristics of the fuel cell and the capacitor and the predetermined width of the variation of electrical load ΔI, calculates the corresponding current Ifc2′, and then calculates the equilibrium reacting gas supply amount Qa1, and supplies an excess amount of the reacting gas exceeding Qa1 before the variation of electrical load.
US07659003B2
A pressure sensitive adhesive film comprising a substrate film and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer formed on a surface of the substrate film, said pressure sensitive adhesive layer being prepared from (A) a silicone composition comprising a diorganopolysiloxane having at least two alkenyl groups per molecule and (C) a polyorganosiloxane having an SiH bond, characterized in that the alkenyl groups are contained in an amount of from 0.0007 to 0.05 mole per 100 g of the diorganopolysiloxane (A) and that the polyorganosiloxane (C) is contained in such an amount that a molar ratio of the SiH bond to the alkenyl group of the diorganopolysiloxane (A) ranges from 0.5 to 20.
US07659001B2
A composite oxide coating is provided that efficiently blocks both ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. Certain embodiments of this invention relate to a coating having IR and UV blocking characteristics. In certain example embodiments, the coating includes a silica matrix, zinc antimonite, and a UV blocking material such as cerium oxide, thereby permitting the coating after application to block significant amounts of both IR and UV radiation.
US07658991B2
Substrates having nanostructures disposed thereon and methods of forming nanostructures on the substrates are disclosed. In particular, embodiments of the present invention provide for structures having a substrate having a non-planar surface. In an embodiment, a portion of the non-planar surface has at least one layer of nanostructures disposed thereon.
US07658989B2
Polymeric materials having a plurality of cells formed therein are described. The polymeric materials include a foamed layer comprising a plurality of uniform microcells, nanocells or combinations thereof in a closed cell network, a transition layer positioned adjacent to the foamed layer, and at least one unfoamed outer layer positioned adjacent to the transition layer. The foamed layer may be present in a volume ranging from about 80 to about 99 percent based on the volume of the polymeric material, the transition layer may present in a volume ranging from about 0 to about 10 percent based on the volume of the polymeric material, and the at least one outer layer may be present in a volume ranging from about 0.01 to about 10 percent based on the volume of the polymeric material. Methods of making such polymeric materials are also described, as are apparatus for providing foamed polymeric materials.
US07658976B2
A method to help control the quality of printed three-dimensional objects is provided. The method may include dispensing building material in consecutive slices using a building material dispensing head which dispenses material in the printing X direction; and combining printing of two or more consecutive slices to provide high resolution printed layer in the non-printing Y direction, according to a high resolution pixel map.
US07658965B2
The present invention relates to acid-stable proteases homologous to those derived from strains of the genus Nocardiopsis, their use in animal feed, feed-additives and feed compositions containing such proteases, and methods for the treatment of vegetable proteins using such proteases.
US07658952B2
Dialysis solutions comprising pyrophosphates and methods of making and using the dialysis solutions are provided. In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a dialysis solution comprising a stable and therapeutically effective amount of pyrophosphate. The dialysis solution can be sterilized, for example, using a technique such as autoclave, steam, high pressure, ultra-violet, filtration or combination thereof. The dialysis solution can be in the form of a concentrate.
US07658945B2
The present invention provides novel compositions for the delivery of a hypnotic agent across the oral mucosa. In particular, the buffer system in the compositions of the present invention raises the pH of saliva to a pH greater than about 7.8, thereby facilitating the substantially complete conversion of the hypnotic agent from its ionized to its un-ionized form. As a result, the dose of hypnotic agent is rapidly and efficiently absorbed by the oral mucosa with surprisingly low inter-subject variability. Furthermore, delivery of the hypnotic agent across the oral mucosa advantageously bypasses hepatic first pass metabolism of the drug and avoids enzymatic degradation of the drug within the gastrointestinal tract. Methods for using the compositions of the present invention for treating sleep disorders such as insomnia are also provided.
US07658938B2
The invention relates to a solid oral dosage form comprising a pharmaceutically active ingredient in combination with an enhancer which enhances the bioavailability and/or the absorption of the active ingredient. Accordingly, a solid oral dosage form comprises a drug and an enhancer wherein the enhancer is a medium chain fatty acid ester, ether or salt or a derivative of a medium chain fatty acid, which is, preferably, solid at room temperature and which has a carbon chain length of from 6 to 20 carbon atoms. Preferably, the solid oral dosage form is controlled release dosage form such as a delayed release dosage form.
US07658932B2
A method of making an immunogenic composition using inactivated HIV. Inactivation of HIV is through psoralen and ultraviolet radiation. The composition is rendered more effective by the removal of structural features of HIV that interfere with immune response. In particular, sialic acid is removed to enhance immune recognition of the composition and to impair Complement Factor H binding. CD55 and CD59 are also removed to prevent the binding of Complement Factor H.A method of making an immunogenic composition using inactivated HIV. Inactivation of HIV is through psoralen and ultraviolet radiation. The composition is rendered more effective by the removal of structural features of HIV that interfere with immune response. In particular, sialic acid is removed to enhance immune recognition of the composition and to impair Complement Factor H binding. CD55 and CD59 are also removed to prevent the binding of Complement Factor H.
US07658927B2
The subject invention pertains to methods and compositions for protecting feline animals from infection by FIV using immunogens derived from primate immunodeficiency viruses, including HIV and SIV. Methods for vaccinating feline animals with the subject vaccine compositions are described. Feline animals vaccinated according to the methods and compositions of the subject invention exhibit protective humoral and cellular immune responses to FIV when challenged with FIV. The subject invention further concerns methods and compositions for protecting humans and other animals against infection by immunodeficiency viruses, such as HIV and FIV.
US07658921B2
The present invention provides molecules, including IgGs, non-IgG immunoglobulin, proteins and non-protein agents, that have increased in vivo half-lives due to the presence of an IgG constant domain, or a portion thereof that binds the FcRn, having one or more amino acid modifications that increase the affinity of the constant domain or fragment for FcRn. Such proteins and molecules with increased half-lives have the advantage that smaller amounts and or less frequent dosing is required in the therapeutic, prophylactic or diagnostic use of such molecules.
US07658915B2
This invention provides methods of increasing blood flow to tissue in a subject in need thereof, methods of regenerating tissue in a subject, methods of treating diseased tissue in a subject, methods of forming new blood vessels in tissue and new tissue, such as myocardial tissue, in a subject in need thereof, methods of increasing angiogenesis in diseased tissue in a subject, and methods of preventing heart failure in a subject, which methods comprise: a) isolating autologous mononuclear cells from the subject; b) selecting from the isolated autologous mononuclear cells of step (a) lineage negative (Lin−) mononuclear cells; and c) transplanting locally into or adjacent to the tissue an effective amount of the Lin− autologous mononuclear cells, resulting in formation of new blood vessels in the tissue and formation of new tissue. Additional methods provided for such uses further select from the isolated autologous mononuclear cells of step (a) lineage negative (Lin−) mononuclear cells a subset of Lin− mononuclear side population (SP) cells and transplant locally into or adjacent to the tissue an effective amount of the Lin− SP cells. In other aspects, methods using tissue other than mononuclear cells for these uses are provided, which comprise (a) obtaining a cell suspension from the tissue or a second tissue of the subject; (b) selecting from the cell suspension step (a) side population (SP) cells; and (c) transplanting locally into or adjacent to the tissue an effective amount of the SP cells, resulting in formation of new blood vessels in the tissue and formation of new tissue.
US07658913B2
The present invention provides compositions and methods to reduce renal damage caused by nephrotoxic drugs. The invention provides compositions comprising a substituted cyclodextrin, a nephrotoxic drug and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, where the cyclodextrin is present in an amount effective for substantially inhibiting the nephrotoxic effect of the drug.
US07658911B2
A methods, kits and compositions for diagnosing a central nervous system disorder, particularly transient ischemic attack or stroke, comprising measuring the level of NR2A and/or NR2B NMDA receptor or fragment thereof, in a biological sample from a human subject, and optionally measuring other biomarkers such as homocysteine and glutamate. The method is particularly useful for identifying individuals that are at risk for stroke, and for diagnosing stroke in an emergency room setting.
US07658909B2
A process for preparing a beta zeolite is described, comprising at least the following steps: i) mixing, in an aqueous medium, at least one source of at least one tetravalent element X, at least one source of fluoride anions and at least one quaternary ammonium salt with formula (H3C)2—N+—(CH2CH2C(CH3)3)2; ii) treating said mixture hydrothermally until said beta zeolite is formed.
US07658904B2
Process for the production of hydrogen by the thermochemical route from water, based on the chlorine/cerium cycle, in which, according to a first reaction scheme, the following reactions are carried out: H2O+Cl2=2HCl+½O2; (A) 8HCl+2CeO2=2CeCl3+Cl2+4H2O; (B) 2CeCl3+4H2O=2CeO2+6HCl+H2; (C) or in which, according to a second reaction scheme, the following reactions are carried out: H2O+Cl2=2HCl+½O2; (A) 8HCl+2CeO2=2CeCl3+Cl2+4H2O; (B) 2CeCl3+2H2O=2CeOCl+4HCl; (B′) 2CeOCl+2H2O=2CeO2+2HCl+H2; (C′) and in which the reaction (B) for the chlorination of cerium oxide is carried out in the liquid phase, the cerium chloride passing into solution.
US07658894B2
A method for increasing the chrome to iron ratio of a chromite product selected from the group consisting of ore and ore concentrate comprising the steps of mixing the chromite product with at least one salt so as to produce a mixture, whereby the concentration of salt in the mixture is selected to induce the selective chlorination of iron; and chlorinating the mixture in the presence of CO at a temperature sufficient to induce the formation of a thin film of a melt around the chromite product and at a temperature able to promote the selective chlorination of iron, whereby an iron impoverished chromite product is yielded having an increased chromite to iron ratio as compared to that of the chromite product.
US07658886B2
The present invention relates to a multiwell plate having a series of wells, each well having an inner bore, an open top and a bottom, the bottom being sealed with a liquid permeable filter, and an insert contained within the inner bore of each well, each insert having an outer dimension the same or larger than that of the inner bore and a through bore of a dimension less than that of the outer dimension of the insert. The use of inserts allows one to take a standard one-piece plate design with a heat sealed membrane and arrange for a universal plate format. The insert may act as a base for an extension plate that can be adhered, heat sealed or overmolded over the plate top and insert top to form a deep well plate. The plate conforms to the Society of Biological Standards Microplate Standards. Additionally, the inserts may be configured to give one a different well diameter (smaller, tapered, etc), to include various media such as chromatography resins, to include multiple layers of membrane and the like. A variety of inserts may be used in the same plate to create a minilab on a plate that is capable of conducting several steps of a process on the same (e.g (e.g. filter, wash, bind, elute, label, etc).
US07658881B2
The present invention provides compositions useful as a barrier layer in, for example, packaging products. The compositions generally comprise a blend of (i) a polyester resin, preferably an aromatic polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and (ii) a polyamide material (e.g., MXD6). The blend optionally may further comprise (iii) an oxygen scavenging material. The present invention also provides containers (e.g., containers formed by expansion of preforms) having a multilayered body-forming portion including: a core layer comprising the aforementioned blend; and inner and outer layers of a formable polymer composition. The present invention also provides methods of making such containers.
US07658876B2
The present disclosure relates to a process for making a seamless tube from a liquid. A mandrel may be provided having a longitudinal axis, an outer surface and a length. A liquid material may be applied to the outer surface of the mandrel by one or more doctor blades, spaced apart from the mandrel outer surface and inclined at an angle α with respect to the mandrel longitudinal axis, which may be moved along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel while rotating the mandrel around its longitudinal axis. One or a plurality of fingers may overly the mandrel and be positioned upstream of the one or more of blades, relative to the direction of movement of the blades along the longitudinal axis of the mandrel. The liquid material may then be converted to form a seamless tube.
US07658874B2
An improved process for the pelletization of polymers is disclosed, using a die in which the die holes incorporate a reverse taper along at least a portion of the length thereof. Conditions for operation of an under melt cutter incorporating this die are also disclosed.
US07658872B2
The invention provides methods for preparing reverse osmosis membranes having improved permeability as well as membranes prepared by such methods.
US07658859B2
A method of forming an organic film disposes a substrate on which the organic film is formed in a chamber capable of reducing a pressure therein, introduces a gas including a deuterium compound or a trideuterium compound in the chamber, to generate a plasma by ionizing the gas; and etches and patterning the organic film by the plasma.
US07658855B2
A conditioning process and equipment are provided for removing hardness from water circulated in a system, such as an evaporative cooling system. A sidestream from such system is routed to a reaction chamber and back to the system. A conditioner is added to the sidestream water and in some embodiments is routed through a sidestream inlet from the top of the reaction chamber to its lower portion. A buffer is added to the sidestream exiting the reaction chamber, and in some embodiments is added upstream of a pH sensor. A fluid bed develops in the reaction chamber consisting of conditioner, buffer, precipitated solids and sidestream water. An upper outlet on the reaction chamber regulates the height of the fluid bed, and a drain provides for periodic discharge of the lower fluid bed. In another embodiment, a corrosion inhibitor blend is pre-mixed with the buffer.
US07658853B2
A process is described for the treatment of water contaminated by metals with a high oxidation degree, aliphatic compounds, aromatic compounds, halogen-aromatic compounds, chlorinated alkane and alkene compounds or mixtures thereof, which consists in circulating the contaminated water through a reactive system consisting of metallic iron and a zeolite having a silica/alumina ratio >50, placed in succession, wherein the first element through which the water passes is iron.
US07658852B2
Direct-osmosis (DO) method for cleaning a semi-permeable membrane in a RO separation module, the membrane having a feed side with foulant located thereon, and an opposite permeate side. A normal RO separation process in the same module includes: feeding, under gauge pressure PGr, raw saline solution having osmotic pressure POr to the membrane feed side; collecting permeate (solvent) having osmotic pressure POp from the permeate side, under gauge pressure PGp; and removing residual brine from the membrane feed side. The method comprises feeding to the feed side of the membrane, for a predetermined injection time, super saline solution having osmotic pressure POs>POr, such that backward flow of permeate towards the feed side of the membrane is provided so as to lift the foulant from the feed side.
US07658849B2
Use of a fungal biomass for treating industrial wastewaters containing at least one dye, wherein: i. the fungal biomass contains at least the fungal species Rhizopus stolonifer (Ehrenberg) Vuillemin; ii. the fungal biomass absorbs the at least one dye, so as to obtain wastewater that is basically free of the at least one dye.
US07658838B2
A delayed coking process for making substantially free-flowing coke, preferably shot coke. A coker feedstock, such as a vacuum residuum, is heated in a heating zone to coking temperatures then conducted to a coking zone wherein volatiles are collected overhead and coke is formed. At least one polymeric additive is added to the feedstock prior to it being heated in the heating zone, prior to its being conducted to the coking zone, or both.
US07658836B2
The process of producing middle distillates from effluents obtained by a Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, comprises a step for hydro-treatment and purification and/or decontamination by passage over a multi-functional guard bed prior to a step of hydrocracking/hydroisomerization. The guard bed reduces the amount of unsaturated compounds, oxygen-containing compounds, particulate mineral solids, and organometallic compounds.
US07658834B2
A hypochlorous acid generator includes a brine tank for holding salt and a brine solution, the brine tank having a water inlet in fluid communication with a source of pressurized water, a brine solution outlet and a salt fill port to allow salt to be added to the brine tank. The generator also includes an anode chamber in fluid communication with the brine solution outlet of the brine tank for receiving brine solution therefrom, and for generating anolyte, the anode chamber having an outlet for providing hypochlorous acid therefrom, and a cathode chamber in fluid communication with the brine solution outlet of the brine tank for receiving brine solution therefrom and for generating catholyte. The generator further includes a catholyte recirculating pump in fluid communication with the cathode chamber and the anode chamber, the recirculating pump being responsive to a control signal to recirculate catholyte generated by the cathode chamber to the anode chamber.
US07658822B2
Article are made from silicon oxide and electrically conductive doped silicon materials that are joined in a protective environment to yield a composite SiOx:Si material that exhibits the properties of SiOx and yet is electrically conductive due to the presence of the Si. Articles from such composite materials find many uses, such as for targets for DC and/or AC sputtering processes to produce silicon oxide thin films for touch-screen application, barrier thin films in LCD displays and optical thin films used in a wide variety of applications.
US07658820B2
A continuous digester comprises a wash zone having a plurality of individual wash screens disposed about an inner wall of the digester for the withdrawal of co-current downflow liquor from the wash zone. A conduit is connected in fluid communication between each of the wash screens and a collector for co-current downflow liquor withdrawn from the wash zone of the digester. A valve is interposed along the length of the conduit leading from each of the wash screens. The valve is operable between open and closed positions in response to a signal received from a temperature sensor associated with the conduit leading from each of the wash screens. The signal represent changes in temperature of a corresponding co-current down flow liquor through a corresponding conduit wherein a corresponding valve permits adjustment of a corresponding flow rate of liquor through said corresponding conduit to a flow rate that is substantially equal to each of the other flow rates of co-current downflow liquor through each of the other conduits.
US07658819B2
The invention relates to a composition used for enhancing softness in paper products. The composition comprises (i) an oil, fat or wax (i) at least one non-ionic surfactant (iii) at least one anionic compound selected from anionic microparticles and anionic surfactants (iv) at least one polymer which is cationic, non-ionic or amphoteric wherein the non-ionic surfactant is added in an amount of from about 60 to about 1000 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the polymer. The invention also relates to a process for production of paper comprising adding said composition to a cellulosic suspension or to a wet or dry paper web.
US07658813B2
A method of preparing closure components and a method of preparing a stable roll of such components. The methods include (a) providing a fastening portion comprising fastening means; (b) providing a continuous web of a material in a machine direction, said web having a first outer major surface and a second inner major surface and a left and right longitudinal edge at least one of said first and second major surfaces being capable of releasably engaging with the fastening means; (c) joining said fastening portion in the machine direction to the inner and/or outer major surfaces of the web so that the fastening means of said fastening portion are exposed; applying at least two first cuts to the web in order to provide at least two flaps each having a top edge and a baseline, each of said at least two first cuts being discontinuous in the machine direction and in a cross direction, each of said at least two flaps bearing at least part of said fastening portions and being connected to the web at least through its respective baseline so that the baselines of said at least two flaps face opposite longitudinal edges of the web; (e) folding over the flaps into a direction from their top edges to their baseline essentially along said base line onto the web so that the fastening means releasably engage with the first outer major surface or the second inner major surface of the web. A closure component and a stable roll made according to the methods are also disclosed.
US07658809B2
A tire and a method of securing an object thereto includes a two-piece fastening system having a first portion which is applied to an innerliner of a green tire prior to the green tire being cured and a second portion which includes an object, such as a radio frequency identification chip, attached thereto. The first portion of the two-piece fastening system is attached to the innerliner of the tire with an adhesive or by curing. The green tire is then cured and the second portion of the two-piece fastening system with the object attached thereto is then attached to the first portion of the two-piece fastening system. In an alternative embodiment, the object may be sandwiched between the first and second portions of the fastening system.
US07658808B2
An improved method for imparting excellent long-term dielectric performance to an in-service electrical cable section having a stranded conductor surrounded by a conductor shield encased in a polymeric insulation and having an interstitial void volume in the region of the conductor, the cable section having an average operating temperature T. The method comprising injecting a dielectric enhancement fluid composition into the interstitial void volume, the composition comprising at least one component selected from: (1) a water-reactive material selected from an organosilane monomer, the above organosilane monomer wherein at least one of the water-reactive groups has been substituted with a condensable silanol group, an oligomer oligomer of the above organosilane monomer, or a co-oligomer of the above organosilane monomer, the organosilane monomer having a diffusion coefficient at least about 15 times greater than the diffusion coefficient of its corresponding tetramer; (2) a water-reactive material similar to (1) having at least one group attached to silicon comprising 7 to about 20 —CH2— units; (3) a non-water-reactive organic material which has a diffusion coefficient of less than about 10−9 cm2/sec and an equilibrium concentration of at least about 0.005 gm/cm3 in the polymeric insulation, the above mentioned diffusion coefficients and equilibrium concentration being determined at temperature T; or (4) an organic compound having an equilibrium concentration in the polymeric insulation at 55° C. which is less than 2.25 times the equilibrium concentration at 22° C.
US07658807B2
The present invention relates to a hot-rolled steel strip for further processing to form non-grain oriented electrical sheet with the following composition (in % by weight) C: <0.02%, Mn: ≦1.2%, Si: 0.1-4.4%, Al 0.1-4.4%, wherein the sum formed from the Si content and twice the Al content is <5%, P: <0.15%, Sn: ≦0.20%, Sb: ≦0.20%, the remainder iron and unavoidable impurities, with a strip thickness which is at most 1.8 mm, and with a partially softened structure which is characterised by a high intensity for the α fibre (fibre representation of orientation distribution functions) in the region of 0° to 60°, wherein the ratio I112/I001 formed from the intensity I112 of the position (112) <110> to the intensity I001 of the position (001) <110> is >0.4 and the ratio I111/I001 formed from the intensity I111 of the position (111) <110> to the intensity I001 of the position (001) <110> is >0.2.
US07658801B2
A heating means is disclosed which comprises a reflector plate composed of an opaque quartz and a quartz tube welded to the surface of the reflector plate. A carbon wire which generates heat when a current is applied is inserted in the quartz tube.
US07658799B2
The present invention ensures a uniform concentration of a plasma excitation gas supplied to a plasma generation region while preventing the plasma excitation gas from turning into plasma before supply. In a plasma film forming apparatus for forming a film on a substrate using plasma, a flat-plate structure partitioning the inside of a processing container into two, upper and lower, regions is disposed between a high frequency wave supply unit and a substrate mounting unit in the processing container. The plasma excitation gas is supplied into the processing container from the lower side toward the region on the high frequency wave supply unit side, and the structure is formed with a source gas supply port for supplying a source gas for film formation in the region on the mounting unit side and an opening for allowing plasma generated in the region on the high frequency wave supply unit side to pass to the region on the mounting unit side.
US07658796B2
A cementitious mixture that is comprised of class C fly ash and other industrial waste product such as either bottom ash or economizer ash. The mixture is preferably 15-35% weight class C fly ash based on the total weight of the mixture. The mixture excludes Portland cement, or other similar cement products. The dry mixture is placed in a desired location or form. Water is then added to the mixture when desired in order to harden the mixture in place. The cementitious mixture is particularly useful for securing fence posts, or the like, in the earth as the workability of the mixture is maintained by adding the water to the mixture only after the position has been properly plumbed and placed in the hole. The cementitious mixture thus provides an inexpensive alternative to standard blended cement products, and provides a convenient and effective way of securing fence posts to the earth.
US07658793B2
The invention relates to a pigment preparation based on at least one inorganic pigment and at least one organic pigment, and to a method for producing one such pigment preparation. Said pigment preparation contains particles wherein fine organic pigment particles are combined with inorganic pigment particles, said particles also being provided with an organic macromolecular coating. The inventive pigment preparation is produced by wet-grinding the inorganic and organic pigments, optionally adding other constituents, in the presence of a surface-active substance in the form of a macromolecular organic compound.
US07658792B2
There is provided an IR-absorbing naphthalocyanine dye of formula (I): wherein M is Ga(A1); A1 is an axial ligand selected from —OH, halogen, —OR3, —OC(O)R4 or —O(CH2CH2O)eRe wherein e is an integer from 2 to 10 and Re is H, C1-8 alkyl or C(O)C1-8 alkyl; R1 and R2 may be the same or different and are selected from hydrogen or C1-12 alkoxy; R3 is selected from C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl, C5-12 arylalkyl or Si(Rx)(Ry)(Rz); R4 is selected from C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl or C5-12 arylalkyl; Rx, Ry and Rz may be the same or different and are selected from C1-12 alkyl, C5-12 aryl, C5-12 arylalkyl, C1-12 alkoxy, C5-12 aryloxy or C5-12 arylalkoxy; and each B is independently selected from a base, wherein BH+ has a pKa of between 4 and 9. The dye is suitable for use in IR-absorbing inkjet inks, providing compatibility with known CMYK inks together with an optimally red-shifted λmax.
US07658762B2
A method of treating a patient utilizes a temporary valve. In one embodiment, an inflatable structure of a temporary valve is inflated at a cardiovascular site in fluid communication with a native valve. At least a portion of the native valve is removed translumenally. A prosthetic valve is deployed to compliment or replace a native valve. The temporary valve is removed.
US07658752B2
Various methods and devices are provided for stabilizing the posterior elements of the spine, and more preferably methods and devices are provided for sharing the load with the intervertebral disc, the facet joints, the ligaments, and the muscles of the spinal column. In certain exemplary embodiments, methods and devices are provided for substantially controlling or providing resistance to movement, e.g., flexion, extension, lateral bending, and/or axial rotation, of the adjacent vertebrae.
US07658750B2
A suture anchoring system and method includes a plurality of anchor members interconnected to form an anchor assembly with a suture extending therefrom. The anchor assembly has an insertion configuration wherein the anchor members are aligned in a substantially linear arrangement for delivery through an aperture in bodily tissue and an expanded configuration wherein the anchor members are transitioned to a non-linear arrangement to prevent passage of the anchor assembly back through the aperture.
US07658748B2
An occlusion device for the closure of physical apertures, such as vascular or septal apertures, that can be retrieved, reloaded, and redeployed in situ. A plurality of puller arms and a floating center post allow the device to collapse for loading when a physician pulls on a delivery device, which is attached to the floating center post. This also allows for easy loading of the device into a catheter for delivery to the heart.
US07658747B2
This invention relates to medical devices for manipulating medical implants such as, for example, stents, distal protection filters, and septal occluders in a patient's body, and the methods of use thereof. Generally, a medical device of the invention includes a sleeve and an expandable component joined to the sleeve which transitions between a collapsed configuration and a deployed configuration for capturing a medical implant in a patient's body.
US07658737B2
An implantable drug infusion pump for delivering drug therapy is made more reliable and its performance improved by monitoring drug pump temperature. Monitoring pump temperature can also provide for temperature-related drug therapy modification.A pump temperature sensor is read by the infusion pump's microprocessor. Pump temperature data is stored in pump memory for later access by a remote controller. A simple thermistor or semiconductor temperature sensor can provide fast and reliable temperature monitoring of the pump and/or of a patient by reading the temperature sensor's value and calculating a temperature therefrom.
US07658736B2
The present invention provides a swallowable internal drug medical device. The device includes a swallowable capsule. A sensing module is disposed in the capsule. A bioactive substance dispenser is disposed in the capsule. A memory and logic component is disposed in the capsule and in communication with the sensing module and the dispenser.
US07658729B2
A cannula support serves in supporting a cannula relative to a non-contact lens assembly and a positioning mechanism for positioning the non-contact lens assembly. The cannula support includes a cannula holder and a gripper disposed relative to the cannula holder. The cannula holder is provided for receiving at least a portion of the cannula. The gripper is adapted to cooperatively engage a portion of one of the non-contact lens assembly and the positioning mechanism.
US07658725B2
An enclosed needle catheter insertion device (10) includes a catheter (12) and a needle insertion device (14) which are held together by cooperating arms (52, 53) with one or more detents (56) cooperating with a radially projecting surface (26) of the catheter hub (16). Insertion device (14) includes a guard housing (30) to enclose a needle (34) in a shielded position and a support housing (32) supporting the needle (34) for movement between a ready position, with the tip (36) of the needle (34) exposed, to the shielded position. Cooperating lock elements (47, 78) are provided for the housings (30, 32) which are positioned to define a lock actuation stage between the ready and shielded positions, whereat the needle is still within a passageway (54) defined by the cooperating arms (52, 53).
US07658722B2
A syringe adapter includes an adapter body having a first connecting portion that may be received into a power injector unit used to deliver contrast media. The adapter also includes a second connecting portion configured to receive the rearward end of an associated syringe. The adapter includes means for encoding information about the associated syringe that may be communicated to the power injector unit through one or more sensors. The means for encoding information may include a mechanism that moves linearly laterally back and forth to activate an actuator used to convey the encoded information. In particular, the action of installing the adapter may be decoupled from the action of encoding information.
US07658717B2
Pulmonary evaluation device has sensor means adapted to sense fluctuations in a user's lung operation and feedback means, driven by said sensor means, for determining successive values representative of the user's lung fluctuations and adapted to translate said values into appropriate lung-evaluating information. Optionally, the sensor means comprises or forms part of an item suitable to be worn by or carried adjacent the user so as to follow body movements caused by the user's lung operation to evaluate the user's lung operation.
US07658716B2
The invention provides a system for measuring blood pressure from a patient that includes: 1) an optical module configured to be worn on the patient's ear and comprising at least one optical source and a photodetector; 2) a calibration source configured to make a blood pressure measurement; and, 3) a processing module configured to: i) receive a first signal from the optical module; ii) receive a second signal from the calibration source; iii) process the first and second signals to generate a calibration table; and iv) receive a third signal from the optical module and compare it to the calibration table to determine the patient's blood pressure.
US07658707B2
The invention relates to medical engineering, in particular to exiting and attaining a woman orgasm. The invention consists of a stimulating element in the form of a strip having a relief surface, a connecting ring wearable on a coronal sulcus of a glans penis, a tension device and a method for stimulating erogenic zones of a woman during a coition. One end of the stimulating element is fixed to the coronal sulcus of a glans penis and the other end is connected to the tension device. During frictions, the stimulating element envelops a woman's pubic bone, reciprocatively moves and continuously touches the woman erogenic zones in the clitoris area, thereby exiting and additionally stimulating the clitoris. The aim of said invention is to amplify the sex sensation of a woman and to facilitate the orgasm.
US07658704B2
Disclosed are apparatus and methods for delivery of transcranial magnetic stimulation. The apparatus includes a TMS coil which when energized generates an electric field substantially parallel to a long axis of the coil and substantially normal to a surface of the coil. Furthermore disclosed an apparatus for delivery of TMS in which a coil is adapted to a robotic member for computer-aided control and delivery. Further disclosed are methods of TMS planning and delivery in which subject images are utilized to plan, position and orient the TMS coil for precise delivery. Disclosed also are TMS coils having unique designs to better focus and direct magnetic stimulation.
US07658701B2
An abdominal exercise apparatus is provided that includes at least a lower carriage, an upper carriage, and a frame supporting the lower and upper carriages. A linkage mechanism operably associates the upper and lower carriages together to allow coordinated movement relative to one another. The upper carriage includes an upper pivot axis relative to the frame, and an upper carriage pivot axis relative to the upper carriage, and the lower carriage includes a lower pivot axis relative to the frame.
US07658700B2
A training and/or exercise device and method for exercising muscle groups of the entire body is disclosed herein that is portable, easy to use, can work the muscles of the entire body, and does not have complicated integrating parts when in use. The device and method allows a free range of motion about a vertical axis without substantial resistance. The device allows a wide variety of movement using a single device, and particularly allows for balancing movements that are advantageous for strengthening the core. Further, the training device is particularly advantageous for use in a home gym and may be stored under a bed or within the overhead compartment of an airplane.
US07658697B1
The present invention is in the field of sports equipment, more specifically, relating to a trampoline frame connection structure. The trampoline frame has a main pipe and a support pipe. The main pipe has a straight line weld seam. The support pipe supports the main pipe. The main pipe junction with the support pipe has a concave connection. The main tube weld seam is on the bottom facing the concave portion. This practical new design features an improved welding configuration that has a low budget and high-efficiency connection. The weld seam on the bottom decreases shock to the weld seam and also prevents interference between the connecting hole on the main pipe and weld seam. Finally, this invention uses a weld seam strengthening plate device.
US07658695B1
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for monitoring movement of a user performing an exercise includes displaying a position cursor and displaying a target path. The target path describes an exercise goal associated with an exercise performed by a user. The method also includes moving the position cursor based on positional information received from a position monitor affixed to the user. The positional information describes a movement associated with the exercise.
US07658690B2
A plate link chain for a motor vehicle drive system. A number of link plates are hingedly connected by pairs of rocker members that extend transversely to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Curved contact surfaces are located on each of the rocker members and link plates, along which contact surfaces the rocker members and link plates contact each other to transmit power. The rocker members also include curved pitch surfaces along which rocker member pairs roll against each other to transmit power. The rocker members are shaped asymmetrically in the height direction and about a cross section plane extending in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Contact surfaces are provided on each of the upper and lower contact surface areas in the height direction of the rocker members.
US07658687B2
A hollow wood-type golf club head with improved directional stability having, in head periphery region Ao including head contour line OL defined by crown portion 4 when viewed from above as a plane view of the head in the standard state, thick wall portion 9 extending along the contour line and expanding toward the hollow portion side to have an increased thickness, wherein the thick wall portion 9 comprises crown thick wall portion 9c which forms a part of crown portion 4 and has a thickness of 1.2 to 2.0 mm, and side thick wall portion 9s which is continuous with the crown thick wall portion 9c and forms a part of side portion 6 and has a thickness of 1.2 to 3.0 mm, and wherein the thick wall portion 9 has a width along the head outer surface of 6 to 16 mm in a vertical section passing through the head center of gravity G in the standard state.
US07658680B2
This invention relates to the field of playing billiards and in particular to a cue ball aiming or training device for learning to aim a cue ball to an object ball to drive the object ball in a desired direction. The aiming device provides an indication of the true point of aim for directing a cue ball to an object ball, to drive the object ball in a desired direction. In use, the aiming device is positioned on top of the object ball and has a direction indicator to point to the desired intended direction of the object ball and a strike point indicator to identify the true point of aim for the cue ball.
US07658677B2
An apparatus is shown which comprises first and second mating components with a force limiter located between them. The force limiter includes a band of resilient material, with protrusions therealong, and a slip element. The band and the slip element are secured to the first mating component with the band arranged to apply a radial force against the slip element so as to press it against the second mating component.The frictional force between slip element and the second mating component is insufficient to separate the slip element and the band from the first mating component, so any slipping that occurs between the mating components happens at the boundary of the slip element and the second mating component.A desired slip force can be obtained by choosing a slip element with an appropriate coefficient of friction, rather than by varying the dimensions of the components.
US07658676B2
A game apparatus obtains acceleration data representing an acceleration vector in at least two predetermined axial directions of the input device repeatedly, then calculates a change amount of each of the acceleration vectors represented by acceleration data obtained during a predetermined swing period, and then calculates an accumulated value obtained by accumulating the calculated change amounts. A swing strength of the input device is calculated based on the accumulated value. The game processing is executed using the calculated swing strength.
US07658666B2
A cutting device comprises a plurality of individual polycrystalline cutting elements secured in a solidified organic material layer. Each of the plurality of individual polycrystalline cutting elements has a substantially matching geometric configuration.
US07658663B2
Toys and toy components are formed of a conductive loaded resin-based material. The conductive loaded resin-based material comprises micron conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination of conductive powder and conductive fibers in a base resin host. The percentage by weight of the conductive powder(s), conductive fiber(s), or a combination thereof is between about 20% and 50% of the weight of the conductive loaded resin-based material. The micron conductive powders are metals or conductive non-metals or metal plated non-metals. The micron conductive fibers may be metal fiber or metal plated fiber. Further, the metal plated fiber may be formed by plating metal onto a metal fiber or by plating metal onto a non-metal fiber. Any platable fiber may be used as the core for a non-metal fiber. Superconductor metals may also be used as micron conductive fibers and/or as metal plating onto fibers in the present invention.
US07658653B2
A connector arrangement includes a universal terminal block having a body containing a chamber in which is removably mounted one of a plurality of function control modules as used in commercial, industrial and residential installations, wherein a pair of module contacts on the module are brought into electrical engagement with a pair of stationary contacts mounted in the chamber, thereby to connect the module to a pair of external insulated conductors via bus bars and terminals contained in the terminal block body. Various types of function control modules may be used with a single universal terminal block. The modules may include locking devices for locking the module to the universal terminal block. The terminal block includes mounting feet on the side thereof remote from the chamber, whereby selective modules may be substituted for one another when the terminal block is mounted on a support rail.
US07658647B2
Connector apparatus electrically connects together a plurality of shielded cables, including a housing containing a chamber including a first opening for receiving one end of a first shielded cable, and at least two second openings receiving the one ends of at least two second shielded cables, respectively. A conductive shield associated with the housing connects together the shielding layers of all of the cables, and a printed circuit board arranged in the housing connects at least one conductor of at least two of the second cables with a corresponding conductor of the first cable.
US07658634B2
An electrical connector (1) for connecting an IC package to a printed circuit board (PCB) comprises an insulating base (10) arranged a plurality of terminals therein, a cover (11) moveable assembly on the base and a driver mechanism disposed on the insulating base and driving the cover to slide relatively to the insulating base. The driver at least comprises a hollow driver member (12) and the driver member (12) is rotated by an exterior force.
US07658633B1
A socket adapted for electrically connecting an IC package and a PCB, comprising: a body mounted on the PCB for electrically connecting the IC package, two bolts mounted on the PCB and beside the body and a clip for retaining the IC package in the body. The bolt has a header portion on the top with biggest size, a middle portion and a screw portion engaging with the PCB. The clip has two attaching portions, each defining a hatch at a free end thereof, the clip links with the bolt by inserting the attaching portion toward the bolt to make the middle portion be received in the hatch and the header portion be upon the hatch to prevent the attaching portion from upward movement.
US07658625B2
An external AC power adapter is provided in a compact form factor that utilizes an AC plug that swivels about the body of the adapter and that includes prongs (i.e., electrical contacts or terminals) which can fold into the body for transport or storage. The swiveling AC plug enables the body of the AC power adapter to be rotatably oriented in a user-selectable manner in order to fit in tight spaces when plugged in to maximize the utilization of available outlets. The foldable prongs help to minimize the overall size of the AC power adapter for easy portability and storage. When folded, the prongs are protected against damage and are prevented from damaging or scratching other articles when the AC power adapter is packed in a bag or suitcase during travel.
US07658621B2
A connector assembly (100) includes a mother board (12), a mother receptacle (11), a daughter board (22), a daughter receptacle (21), and a connecting device (30) mounted between said two boards. The connecting device includes a shroud (31), a pair of standoffs (32) mounted at opposite sides of the shroud and engageable with the two boards, and an extender (33) positioned alongside the shroud and between the pair of standoffs. The extender defines a lower interface (332) mating with the mother receptacle and an upper interface (331) mating with the daughter receptacle.
US07658619B2
A processor assembly includes a computer processor, a voltage converter, and a converter-power connector. A carrier structure holds these components in rigid relationship with each other.
US07658612B2
An entirely wearable electrical connector for power/data connectivity. The principal element of a modular network is the wearable electrical connector, which is integrated into a personal area network with USB compatibility.
US07658611B2
Interactive patient education system for use in operatory or office settings, provides interactive 3-D animations, graphics and other media, enabling real-time markup and customization to better illustrate and communicate not only generic information, but the individual patient's physiology, treatment options, and anticipated outcomes. Preferred embodiments are portable, computer-implemented, interactive multimedia educational tools. Import of patient-specific graphics, video and audio contributes to full-custom educational content to optimize patient understanding.
US07658610B2
A dental template to position an object on a patient's tooth includes digitizing the patient's tooth; adding virtual objects to predetermined three-dimensional positions on the digitized tooth; and fabricating the dental template to locate the object at the predetermined 3D position on the patient's tooth. The template can be used for etching or for positioning brackets on teeth.
US07658607B2
A crossover nozzle system for transferring molten plastic from an inlet at the center of the stationary platen of an injection machine to the main manifold of the molding chambers of the stack molds of the injection molding machine. The crossover nozzle system relies on molten plastic pressure within the system to actuate the primary sprue shut-off valve, and thus to open and close the flow of molten plastic to the molds. Therefore, a drool-free valve mechanism is created without needing an external actuation of the shut-off valve like, for instance, a hydraulic or a pneumatic cylinder.
US07658600B2
There is provided a scroll compressor in which reliability and durability is increased by preventing peeling of a coating layer applied to a thrust plate, to maintain a desired level of lubrication for a long period of time. The scroll compressor has a thrust plate, a coating which is applied to a surface of the thrust plate, a housing having a thrust bearing face to which the thrust plate is attached, an orbiting scroll member having a slide face which is supported by the thrust plate and which orbits while sliding, and a peeling prevention part which reduces a sliding pressure acting on an edge portion of the thrust plate from the slide face.
US07658584B2
There are provided bookbinding apparatuses that wrap a bundle of sheets with a cover and form back corners, and have a detecting unit for detecting a wave amount of a bundle of sheets. A type of such an apparatus includes a controller to control a time period to form back corners, based on a result of detection by the detecting unit. Another type of such an apparatus includes a controller to control a pressure applied to form back corners, based on a result of detection by the detecting unit. Still another type of such an apparatus includes a controller to control a time period and pressure applied to form back corners, based on a result of detection by the detecting unit.
US07658582B2
The present invention provides a linear fastening system capable of rapid engagement and disengagement. More specifically, the system utilizes a cooperating collet member and a compression ring member which are constructed and arranged to slip easily over a shank member. The fastener system is secured by linearly traversing a compression member in an overlapping fashion over the collet member thereby utilizing ribbed surfaces to compress the collet member to grip the outer surface of the shank member. In this manner, the linear fastener system is capable of providing a precise, secure, and reproducible connection between multiple components without the need to apply rotational torque to the assembly.
US07658576B1
A hole saw having efficient slug removal preferably includes a saw cup, a shank portion and a pilot cutting device. A cutting surface is formed on an open end of the saw cup. An inside surface of the saw cup is given a low friction treatment and preferably an outside surface thereof. The shank portion is retained on a closed end of the saw cup. The pilot cutting device is preferably a drill, but other cutting devices may also be used. A second embodiment of a hole saw having efficient slug removal preferably includes a saw cup, a shank portion and a pilot cutting device. The saw cup includes a prior art saw cup, at least two side openings and a cutting surface. The at least two side openings are formed through the prior art saw cup to remove a substantial portion of a side wall.
US07658570B2
A remotely actuated manhole system is disclosed having a cover that is pivotable relative to a frame secured with a collar on a bulk carrier, the cover being pivotable around a substantially vertical axis between and to open and closed positions. In the closed position covering an opening to a compartment in the bulk carrier, the cover is shiftable vertically between and to locked and unlocked positions by an inflatable seal member below the cover. The manhole system includes catches that prevent over-rotation of the cover from the open position to the closed position, and the catches engage in the locked position by the vertical upward movement of the cover. The inflation of the seal member and the pivoting of the cover are remotely actuated.
US07658567B2
Au automatic pencil comprising an outer pencil tube, a pencil head, a clipping device, a guiding tube and a pencil lead cylinder, characterized in that a resilient element is mounted between the guiding tube and the clipping device allowing the guiding tube to reciprocate upward and downward within the stopper. The resilient element urges the guiding tube to rise upward if the pencil lead cylinder is not depressed, and to keep a distance from the pencil lead, and to allow another pencil lead to be inserted. The pencil lead cylinder can adapt a plurality of pencil lead.
US07658563B2
An image forming apparatus including: an apparatus body; a first unit which can be pulled/pushed from/to the body along a first direction and which includes at least a part of an image forming section for forming an image and/or of a sheet transporting section for transporting a sheet onto which the formed image is transferred, and; a second unit which can be pulled/pushed from/to the first unit along a second direction in a state where the first unit is pulled from the body, the second direction being different from the first direction; and a housing permitting mechanism for permitting the first unit to be pushed into the body by a predetermined operation, the housing permitting mechanism being provided for at least one of the body and the first unit.
US07658556B2
A panoramic device includes a base member having a flat lower surface suitable to be supported by a tripod. A clamp member has a flat upper surface rotatably interconnected within a single plane of rotation with the base that includes a first rotatable knob to selectively inhibit the rotation of the clamp member with respect to the base. The flat upper surface includes a central region that is at a different elevation than another portion of the flat upper surface. The clamp includes a pair of opposed surfaces suitable to detachably secure a camera thereto. The one of the opposed surfaces is maintained in a fixed relationship with respect to the clamp member. The other one of the opposed surfaces is in a movable relationship with respect to the clamp member using a second rotatable knob. The first knob and the second knob are rotatably connected with respect to one another. The panoramic device includes a level bubble visible on an upper surface at a location exterior to the central region of the clamp.
US07658550B2
An optical fiber which, at an optical fiber connecting end having a plurality of voids around the periphery of a core, has a light-permeable substance, such as a resin or glass whose refractive index is lower than that of quartz type substances, filled in the voids adjacent to the connecting end. An optical fiber connecting section where an optical fiber having a plurality of voids in a clad around the periphery of a core is connected to another optical fiber, wherein the optical fiber is connected end-to-end to aforesaid another optical fiber through a refractive index matching agent whose refractive index at the minimum temperature in actual use is lower than that of the core.
US07658538B2
A method for evaluating a solder joint portion by means of which a part and a substrate are joined to each other includes a preparation process for preparing the substrate including the solder joint portion, a thermal shock process for applying thermal shock to the solder joint portion multiple times, and an evaluation process for obtaining a change of a crystal grain size in the solder joint portion caused by the application of the thermal shock so as to evaluate a lifespan of the solder joint portion based on the change of the crystal grain size obtained.
US07658519B2
A display device includes a first light source for emitting first light in blue, a second light source for emitting second light, and a color filter. The filter has a translucent sheet, a first printed area part for passing the first light to provide a first display excluding an overlapped portion of the first display and a second display and preventing the second light from passing therethrough, a second printed area part for passing the second light to provide the second display excluding the overlapped portion and preventing the first light from passing therethrough, a third printed area part for dimming and passing the first and second lights to provide the overlapped portion, a background printed area part for preventing the first and second lights from passing therethrough, and a white light converting part for the first light passing therethrough into white light.
US07658510B2
The present invention is directed to an LED lighting source comprising a housing adapted for coupling to an AC power source; a rectifier circuit for converting the AC power to a DC supply; a power control circuit disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the DC supply; a string of LED's electrically connected between a control node of the power control circuit and the DC supply, the LEDs in the string being connected in series and being of a number selected to produce a voltage difference across the power control circuit sufficient to power active components of said power control circuit when powered from the DC supply and the power control circuit for limiting a forward current through the string to a nominal forward current of a single LED.
US07658500B2
A shutter opening and closing apparatus for protecting a projection lens of a beam projector, wherein a shutter member is provided at an exterior case for selectively opening and closing an opening for exposing the light output surface of the projection lens and a driving unit mounted separately from the shutter member for driving the shutter member whereby the apparatus can be used as a wall hanging slim beam projector or a stand-up type slim beam projector capable of operating with a reduced consumption of electricity because of its compact, light-weight construction.
US07658495B2
A sighting device for an examination by in vivo tomography of an eye of a subject including a viewer controlled by a control system for displaying at least one moving target where the at least one moving target has at least one of a programmable shape and a programmable trajectory, and is visible by the eye of the subject during the examination period to allow the subject to fixate and follow the target with their eye.
US07658494B2
A fundus camera having a function of measuring a retinal function, capable of picking up (obtaining) a sharp color image of a fundus suitable for a fundus examination and measuring a retinal function with high accuracy comprises an illumination optical system comprising a visible light source, an image-pickup optical system comprising an image-pickup element, a mode selection switch for performing switching between a fundus photographing mode and a retinal function measurement mode based on variance of an intrinsic signal of a retina made by retinal stimulation, and a control unit which controls the optical systems, wherein the unit lowers, when the retinal function measurement mode is selected, illumination intensity of the illumination optical system per unit time in illuminating the fundus than that in picking up the color fundus image, and controls the element to pick up first and second visible fundus images at different points in time.
US07658490B2
An imaging apparatus has an interior cavity therein. A carriage is disposed within the interior cavity and is movable through a length of travel within the interior cavity. A cartridge is carried by the carriage. A swept volume includes the profile of the carriage and cartridge extended along the length of the carriage rod a distance equal to the length of travel of the carriage. A media tray is at least partially disposed within the cavity.
US07658489B2
The image forming apparatus comprises: a print head including a plurality of nozzles which eject droplets of a radiation-curable ink onto a recording medium; a conveyance device which causes the print head and the recording medium to relatively move to each other in a relative conveyance direction of the recording medium by conveying at least one of the print head and the recording medium in a direction substantially perpendicular to a width direction of the recording medium; an irradiation device which irradiates a radiation to the droplets of the ink, the droplets having landed on the recording medium; and a control device which controls the irradiation device so that the radiation is irradiated to a first ink droplet while a second ink droplet is in flight, the first ink droplet having been previously ejected from one of the nozzles in the print head and having landed on the recording medium, the second ink droplet being ejected from the same one of the nozzles so as to overlap with or make contact with the first ink droplet on the recording medium.
US07658487B2
A controller for a liquid drop ejecting device including a first head with plural first liquid drop ejectors, and a second head with plural second liquid drop ejectors, is provided. The controller includes: a scanning controlling section scanning at least the first head plural times a same region of a recording medium; and an ejection controlling section controlling the first and second head such that a proportion of an applied amount, per unit surface area, of the second liquid drops with respect to an applied amount, per unit surface area, of the first liquid drops in a first scan, is within a range of 0 to a first value, and the proportion in scans from a second scan on is within a range of a second value to 1, and the proportion in the first scan is smaller than the proportion in the scans from the second scan on.
US07658468B2
An ink jet recording head is formed by laminating a nozzle plate, ink pool plates, a through plate, an ink supply path plate, a pressure chamber plate and a vibrating plate in order. These members of the head are bonded to each other with an adhesive. An inner wall of an ink channel is covered with a channel film for continuously covering the entire inner wall.
US07658465B2
An inkjet deposition apparatus includes a position encoder 128 in a translation stage 116. The position encoder provides encoder signals which are used as a clock signal for a pattern memory 136. Ejection of droplets of a material to be printed can therefore be synchronised with the speed of movement of the translation, providing improved accuracy and speed of deposition.
US07658463B2
A printhead maintenance assembly for maintaining a printhead in an operable condition is provided. The maintenance assembly comprises: (a) a printhead having an ink ejection face; (b) a first roller having an outer surface for receiving ink from the face; (c) a second roller engaged with said first roller, the second roller being configured for receiving ink from the first roller; (d) a cleaning pad in contact with the second roller; and (e) a mechanism for rotating the first and second rollers.
US07658454B2
A proportional pressure difference valve is disclosed between a master cylinder and normally open valves for supplying hydraulic pressure discharged from the master cylinder into wheel brake cylinders, which are connected to normally closed valves for reducing pressure. The normally open valve connected to one of the wheel brake cylinders in one hydraulic circuit is placed in its closed position, and the normally open valve connected to the other one of the wheel brake cylinders is placed in its open position and then the pressure difference valve is controlled on the basis of a monitored vehicle state variable to regulate a pressure difference between the pressure at the side of the master cylinder and the pressure at the side of the normally open valves.
US07658446B2
An infant carrier and car seat combination is illustrated which provides releasable lockability between the carrier and its base, infant seat belt tensioning and height adjustment, improved handle movement which resists twisting and carrier base adjustment through a movable base within the carrier base.
US07658430B2
A seat assembly for a motor vehicle having a floor and a structural pillar is provided, the seat assembly including a seat bottom frame attached to the floor and a seat back frame pivotally attached to the seat bottom frame. The seat back frame is capable of pivoting between a stowed position where the seat back frame is generally parallel to the seat bottom frame and an upright position where the seat back frame is generally perpendicular to the seat bottom frame. A striker mechanism is positioned on the seat back frame and is capable of assuming a normal position arranged to engage a latch located in the structural pillar of the vehicle when the seat assembly is in an upright position, and a refracted position where the striker mechanism is retracted towards the seat back frame as the seat assembly Is pivoted from the upright position to the stowed position.
US07658420B2
A quick-connect coupling having a rotatable release member that is movable between a locked position whereat the plug-to-connect coupling is locked in a coupled state, and a release position whereat the quick-connect coupling can be decoupled. The coupling can be operated with one hand as the release member can remain in an unlocked position (e.g., the release position) when moved to such position and released.
US07658410B2
A passenger restraining harness has a web (30) which during ready position stored within the backrest of a seat (10) and there is also a headrest (31) rested on top of the backrest covering the exit opening of the web, during the course of an accident, the propelling device (50) will receive commend from the sensor to propel carrying cams (80) (801)(802)(803) with the web and headrest along the looped channels (40) to the engaged positions at the anchor brackets (60) effectively restraining a person (11), the cable guides (20) with the tightening cable (32) function together to tighten up middle section of the web (30). Showing is the inside section of a vehicle (9).
US07658409B2
An air bag usable to protect the driver of the vehicle comprising: a face panel; a rear panel of generally the same shape as the face panel and secured to the face panel along its periphery; the rear panel including a centrally located opening configured to receive an air bag inflator that introduces gas into the space formed by the face and rear panels; a tether of elongated shape having first and second ends and a center region, the center region is positioned into a Z-shaped configuration and secured to the face panel proximate a geometric center of the face panel.
US07658399B2
A stroller includes at least one adapter, by which a first child seat is configured to be detachably connected to the stroller. The stroller further includes at least one connecting piece, by which a second child seat is configured to be detachably connected to the stroller. The at least one adapter is movable from at least a first position, in which the first child seat is configured to be detachably connected to the adapter, to at least a second position connected to the stroller, in which the second child seat is configured to be detachably connected to the connecting piece.
US07658398B2
A connection system for connecting a board 1 to a boot comprises a plate 5 which is connectable to the board 1, a button 3 having a bottom face and a top face, the top face being connectable to a boot or binding 2, and a collar 4, wherein a part of the button 3 is sandwiched between the collar 4 and the plate 5 with its bottom face adjoining the plate 5, and its top face exposed through the collar 4, such that it can rotate about an axis passing through the connection system and wherein the bottom face of the button 3 has a curved surface, which has rotational symmetry with and which adjoins a complimentary curved surface on the plate 5, such that button 3 can roll to move its axis of rotation A away from an axis P perpendicular to the plate 5, and in that the connection system comprises braking means 8, which restricts movement of the button 3.
US07658384B2
A method of playing a game. A face of a die may be selected, and a marker may be moved to a position on a game board according to the face selected. A request for a player response may be selected from a set of text-based requests, and an interval associated with the player response may be timed.
US07658376B2
Depositing a sheet of paper onto a stack of sheets of paper, preferably for use in a printing press, where the sheet to be deposited is grasped by at least one rotationally drivable sheet conveyor member with the front edge of the sheet fed into a receptacle, and the sheet's front edge is released from the receptacle of the rotating sheet conveyor member prior to depositing of the sheet onto the stack of sheets, and instead, it is deposited into a receptacle of an intermediate transport member where it is further released for depositing the sheet onto the stack of sheets.
US07658369B2
A post pulling device includes a tower having first and second side members, each side member having a plurality of receiving slots. Each receiving slot of the first side member corresponds to a respective receiving slot of the second side member. The post pulling device includes a rigid bar having opposed first and second ends, opposed first and second sides, and first and second pivoting members extending from the first and second sides, respectively. The first and second pivoting members are respectively receivable in corresponding receiving slots of the first and second side members. An end plate and a lanyard are included for coupling a post to the first end of the rigid bar. A hitch element may be coupled to the tower for selectively coupling the tower to a vehicle hitch. The rigid bar may be telescopic with structures for maintaining the rigid bar at a selected length.
US07658367B2
The invention relates to a valve, in particular a pendulum or slide gate valve, for essentially gastight closing of a flow path (F). The valve includes a valve housing (1; 1a) having a first wall (2) which has a first opening (3) and a first valve seat (4), a valve disk (5) having a closing side (6) with a sealing ring (7) and at least one drive (8). Through drive (8), the valve disk (5) is pivotable or displaceable from an opened position (A) essentially parallel to the first valve seat (4), and the perpendicular distance between the valve disk (5), and the first valve seat (4) can be reduced so that, in the closed position (C), the flow path (F) is closed essentially gastight by an axially sealing contact between the sealing ring (7) and the first valve seat (4). The valve disk (5) includes an outer disk section (9), which is connected to the drive (8) and fixes the sealing ring (7) in the perpendicular direction to the first valve seat (4), and an inner disk section (10) which has an outer circumferential area (11) and which is mounted so as to be movable relative to the outer disk section (9) in a direction (Z) essentially perpendicular to the first valve seat (4). The outer circumferential area (11) is enclosed essentially gastight with an inner seal by the sealing ring (7). Thus, in the closed position (C), a pressure difference at the valve disk (5) acts essentially on the inner disk section (10) so that the inner disk section (10), decoupled from the outer disk section (9), is supported perpendicularly on a section of the valve housing (1), in particular the first valve seat (4) or a lateral groove (27).
US07658355B2
The invention provides a support arm for an apparatus, preferably for a display screen, comprising a first fastening part for attachment to a frame or a wall, a first member, at one end coupled to the first fastening part and at another end coupled to a first pivot joint which allows rotation about a first axis of rotation, a second member which, at a first end, is coupled to the first pivot joint, and, at a second end, is provided with a second pivot joint which allows rotation about a second axis of rotation, a second fastening part for attaching the apparatus to the support arm, coupled to the second pivot joint, the first and second axes of rotation essentially being parallel to one another. The second fastening part is connected to a substantially L-shaped third member via a third pivot coupled to the second pivot joint.
US07658353B2
The present invention is an adjustable support for installing a planar sheet of material between opposed surfaces for protection from events such as storms. The supports secure the planar sheet to an opening such as a door and window, thereby holding it in place during storms, etc. The supports are easily removed and include a substantially L-shaped base and a clamp. The clamp is removably and adjustably attached to the first side of the L-shaped base, thereby forming an aperture between the second side of the L-shaped base and the bottom surface of the clamp. The aperture is adaptable to accept various thicknesses of substantially planar objects. A device is provided for engaging the adjustable support with a support structure, passing through the clamp and passing through a hole in the first side of the L-shaped base and interfacing with support surfaces to hold the substantially planar object between the first support surface and a substantially opposed second support surface.
US07658348B1
A method and apparatus for modifying aircraft having a fuselage and center fuselage carry through structure that support wing structures, comprising placing a load transferring member to extend through the center fuselage carry through structure, and transferring the tension loads from the wing structures to the center fuselage carry through structure so as to provide a redundant load path that is resistant to the hazards of single point failures modes.
US07658340B2
With the coupling of an external field and aeration (or a flow of another gas), nanoparticles can be smoothly and vigorously fluidized. A magnetic force and/or pre-treatment may be employed with the fluidizing gas and, when coupled with a fluidizing medium, provide excellent means for achieving homogenous nanofluidization. The magnetic force interacts with non-fluidizing magnetic particles and helps to break channels as well as provide enough energy to disrupt the strong interparticle forces, thereby establishing an advantageous agglomerate size distribution. Enhanced fluidization is reflected by improved performance-related attributes. The fluidized nanoparticles may be coated, surface-treated and/or surface-modified in the fluidized state. In addition, the fluidized nanoparticles may participate in a reaction, either as a reactant or a catalyst, while in the fluidized state.
US07658339B2
A modular fuel nozzle air swirler for a gas turbine engine has a body defining a fuel passage extending between an inlet end and a discharge end of the body. An annular cap is removably secured to the discharge end of the body via cooperating interlocking members.
US07658328B2
The invention relates to an authorization verification method and devices suited therefor, which play back authorization data via a user interface (11) of an electronic playback device (1). During the playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of a first playback device (1), the playback attributes are modified. The playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of the first playback device (1) is compared with the playback of reference data via a user interface (21) of a second electronic playback device (2). Authorization is granted in the event the playback of authorization data via the user interface (11) of the first playback device (1) matches the playback of reference data via the user interface (21) of the second playback device (2), and modifications of the playback attributes are, in essence, time-synchronized. The dynamic modification of the playback attributes during the playback of authorization data and playback of the reference data render practically impossible the unauthorized copying of image contents or audio contents for falsifying an authorization. In addition, a simultaneous playback of authorization data and reference data render unnecessary inquiries made to an authorization center (3).
US07658323B2
A system for using compatible point-of-service (POS) applications to access and control devices of a POS unit. A server runs a POS application and a set of peripheral drivers (or device controls). A networked POS unit communicates with the host server via a communication network, and the networked POS unit includes peripherals connected locally to its I/O ports. The POS unit further includes a device communications management module processing output received from the host server that is generated by the POS application and is targeted at one of the connected peripheral ports. The device communications management module transfers POS device input from the peripherals over the communication network to the host server for processing by the POS application. The POS application interfaces with the peripheral drivers, and the output is provided by one of the peripheral drivers that corresponds to the target peripheral of the networked POS unit.
US07658319B2
Methods and devices are provided for identifying, locating and provisioning individual RFID devices in a network with “personalities” that are appropriate for the roles of the RFID devices. According to some implementations of the invention, a combination of EPC code information and existing networking standards form the basis of identifying and provisioning methods. For example, MAC address information and EPC information can be combined to identify a particular device and its location in a network. For implementations using the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (“DHCP”), DHCP Options may be used to pass provisioning information. Some implementations employ Domain Name Service (“DNS”) and dynamic DNS (“DDNS”) to allow easy identification of RFID devices.
US07658311B2
A surgical instrument including a firing drive configured to selectively advance a firing member and/or cutting member relative to an end effector and, in addition, a reversing drive configured to selectively retract the firing member and/or cutting member relative to the end effector. The firing drive can include a pawl which can be selectively engaged with the firing member in order to advance the firing member, wherein the pawl can be disengaged from the firing member when the reversing drive is engaged with the firing member. The reversing drive can include a gear train having a first gear operably engaged with the firing member and, in addition, a second gear operably engaged with the first gear, wherein the second gear can be selectively operable with the trigger such that an actuation of the trigger can retract the firing member and/or cutting element via the first and second gears.
US07658310B1
An improved fabrication apparatus is provided for the placing screws accurately and reliably into body panels of cargo trailers. The apparatus uses a template that is positioned over the aluminum body panels of a cargo trailer to guide the placement of automatic screwdriver tools, so that the body panels are quickly and accurately mounted to vertical ribs that are part of the framework of the trailer. The invention includes a fabrication fixture that holds the template at predetermined positions to align the template with the ribs of the trailer's framework.
US07658288B2
Disclosed, among other things, are packaged bisulfite solutions comprising bisulfite reagent in an oxygen-impermeable container and methods.
US07658271B2
In a movable conveyor belt storage installation including a belt storage means (4), conveyor belt support structures (29) following the belt storage means (4), and a movable takeover car (7) including a deflection means (43) for the conveyor belt and a takeup chute (8) for taking over excavated material, the belt storage means (4) is comprised of at least two segments (13, 20, 22, 26) which are connected with one another so as to be pivotable about an axis extending transversely to the belt running direction and passing through the plane of the floor (31), wherein at least a portion of the support structures (29) are capable of being carried along in or on the takeover car (7).
US07658252B2
Wheeled riding vehicles, including tricycles, with extremely thin stowed profiles are provided, which in one embodiment, include movable, collapsible tires/wheel axle assemblies, as well as folding frame parts and a unique handle that is removable and stowable within the vehicle frame when not used. The riding vehicle hangs totally flat on the wall, or fits in car trunks easily. One version is pedal powered, and a second embodiment provides for an integrated propulsion linkage providing for battery or motor power to the rear most wheels when they are moved into their operative position. The rear tire wheel assemblies also may be stowed and folded compactly inside a rear storage compartment with a lid.
US07658239B2
A power tool including a drive assembly including a first clutch assembly having an engaged configuration, in which the first clutch assembly transfers a drive force from a motor shaft to a spindle, and a disengaged configuration, in which the first clutch assembly prevents the transfer of the drive force. The first clutch assembly can be movable toward the disengaged configuration when a torque exerted on the spindle exceeds a torque limit. The drive assembly can also include a second clutch assembly having an engaged configuration, in which the second clutch assembly transmits the drive force from the motor shaft to the spindle, and a disengaged configuration, in which the second clutch assembly prevents the transmission of the drive force. The second clutch assembly can be movable toward the engaged configuration when the tool element engages a workpiece.
US07658237B2
The invention discloses a power tool having a motor adapted to drive a tool, comprising at least one switching element, coupled with a controller, for actuation of the motor, the controller being configured so that the motor can be switched on for driving the tool only when the at least one switching element is activated several times in a predetermined way, or when at least two switching elements are activated simultaneously or in a predetermined way in succession, there being provided at least three operating modes, namely an inoperative mode, in which the motor is out of operation, a working mode in which the motor is driven for driving the tool, and an intermediate mode, in which the user is signaled that further activation of a switching element is needed for transferring the motor to its working mode.
US07658229B2
The present invention is directed to producing fluid from an oil or gas well by means of a combination intermittently filled down hole chamber accumulation device and a connected upper continuous gas lift flow system, separated by an inline one-way reverse flow check valve. A two-way purge and vent valve controls the distribution of high pressure gas. The two-way valve first injects high pressure gas into the chamber accumulation device to displace the fluid from the chamber into the continuous flow conduit. The two-way valve then vents the residual high pressure gas from the chamber into a separate low pressure conduit to the surface. The valve also provides high pressure gas to the continuous flow conduit to assist in the production of the fluid.
US07658228B2
An arrangement and method for integrating a high pressure riser sleeve from the upper end of a high pressure drilling and workover riser terminated by an upper BOP close to sea level in one end and by a sub-sea blowout preventer BOP or a low riser package LRP close to the seabed in the lower end. The high pressure riser sleeve being installed, connected and integrated to the high pressure drilling and workover riser and extending up to and above the drill floor, inside a low pressure drilling riser slip joint which is connected to the drilling and workover riser. This relates to offshore drilling and well activities preformed from a floating drilling or workover rig or vessel. Operations can be switched from drilling with jointed drillpipe in a conventional manner, into performing underbalanced wireline and/or coiled tubing activities with full well pressure, much more effectively than with prior art.
US07658205B1
The fluid coupler comprises a male coupler, a female coupler, and a seal between the male coupler and the female coupler when they are coupled, preventing fluid leakage. The female coupler receives the male coupler when in a coupled position. The male coupler includes a two pieced housing, a unitary valve and a biasing member. The two pieces of the housing may be joined. A cavity runs the length of the housing. The female coupler includes a housing, an annulus, a unitary valve and a biasing member. The annulus and the housing may be joined. A cavity runs the length of the housing. The unitary valves and biasing members fit within the cavities and are capable of longitudinal positioning within a configurable range. When male coupler and female coupler are coupled, the unitary valves are open permitting fluid flow. Otherwise, if uncoupled, the unitary valves are closed preventing fluid leakage.
US07658204B2
An opening/closing of a plurality of valves are controlled so that a plurality of gases flow into a chamber in an operation of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, and the opening/closing of the plurality of valves are controlled so that a gas A flows into mass flowmeters in an inspection of a mass flow controller MFC 2′. Therefore, the inspection can be achieved while maintaining the connection of mass flow controller MFC 2′ to the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus.
US07658198B2
In one embodiment, a washing system including a nozzle assembly having a nozzle and having formed therein a rinse passageway and a waste passageway. Each passageway has first and second ends. The first end of the waste passageway is adapted to be coupled to a waste pump adapted to remove waste fluid via a waste aperture defining the second end of the waste passageway. The first end of the rinse passageway is adapted to be coupled to a rinse pump adapted to provide rinse fluid via a rinse aperture defining the second end of the rinse passageway. The nozzle is coupled to the rinse aperture and is adapted to rotate and direct flow of the rinse fluid outwardly while rotating.
US07658196B2
A system is operable to detect the orientation of an implant component. The system comprises an implantable component, an external component, and a logic component. The implantable component comprises a first coil operable to transmit a first signal having a phase. The external component comprises a second coil operable to transmit a second signal having a phase. The logic component is operable to compare the phase of the first signal with the phase of the second signal. The logic component is further configured to determine an orientation of the first coil relative to the second coil based on a comparison of the phase of the first signal with the phase of the second signal. The system may be used to determine the orientation of an injection port in an implanted gastric band system. The system may alternatively be used in a variety of other types of systems.
US07658193B2
An interocclusal appliance is formed from a single polymer material composition as one unitary piece or from multiple polymer material compositions as a two-piece preform. The two-piece preform includes a base material and an impression material that has a softening point lower than the base material. Teeth are received into the heat-softened impression material, so as to contour the impression material. A portion of the impression material also may contour to a portion of the user's palate. In certain embodiments, substantially no polymeric material contacts the front surfaces of the front teeth, leading to greater comfort and better air flow between front teeth. In still another embodiment, the appliance fits over front teeth only and no polymeric material contacts the maxillary molars.
US07658188B2
Disclosed is a manually operable volume-adjustable ventilation device. The device includes a reservoir with an inlet mechanism, an outlet mechanism, and a volume adjuster configured to move a volume adjustment limit of the reservoir and change an expressed maximum volume of the reservoir. The reservoir has a body having a plurality of movable walls defining an enclosed volume. The reservoir has an uncompressed state and a compressed state. The walls of the reservoir are movable with respect to each other, such that moving the walls expresses the volume adjustment limit of the reservoir. The walls can be operably connected by movable structures configured such that two adjacent walls are configured to rotate around substantially orthogonal axes with respect to each other when the reservoir moves from an uncompressed to a compressed state. In some embodiments, the movable structures can be hinges, such as snap-fit assembly hinges. Methods of ventilating a patient that involve the device are also disclosed.
US07658186B2
A multi-purposes mechanism for shooting apparatus includes a gun body, a barrel, a shooting member, and a rear cap. The gun body comprises a hollow tube perpendicularly interconnecting with a first loading hole at a center portion of the hollow tube. A first stage is formed on an inner wall of the tube in front of the first loading hole. A second stage is formed on the inner wall of the tube in back of the first loading hole. The barrel is disposed in the tube before the first loading hole, and has a first engaging ring corresponding to the first stage of the tube. The shooting member is disposed in the tube after the first loading hole, and has a second engaging ring on an outer wall thereof corresponding to the second stage of the tube. The rear cap is connected to a rear end of the tube.
US07658175B2
An engine start device having a first start mode in which the engine is started on a spot by executing a start operation of the engine, and a second start mode in which a necessary accumulated force is previously accumulated in to start in one time in an optional place at an optional timing. In the first start mode, an accumulated force, accumulated by a rotation of a rotation drive section allows the engine to be started on the spot. If switched to the second start mode, the rotation of the rotation drive section is exclusively accumulated and released in the optional place at a desired time so as to start the engine in accordance with a one-touch operation.
US07658172B2
A valve unit of an internal combustion engine is accommodated in a space between a cylinder head and a rocker cover. The valve unit comprises a camshaft, a variable valve operating mechanism, a sensor, and a retaining member. The camshaft is provided with a cam for each cylinder. The variable valve operating mechanism receives a displacement of the cam, outputs a valve drive output, and continuously variable-controls the valve drive output in accordance with a rotational displacement of a control shaft provided substantially in parallel with the camshaft. The sensor detects the rotational displacement of the control shaft. The retaining member retains the camshaft, the variable valve operating mechanism, and the sensor. The retaining member expose the sensor to the out side of the rocker cover thereby to fix the camshaft, the variable valve operating mechanism, and the sensor to the cylinder head.
US07658168B2
An oscillating piston machine comprises a housing in which a first and at least a second piston are arranged, which pistons can rotate together in the housing about a rotational axis which is fixed to the housing and which pistons, as they rotate about the rotational axis, carry out reciprocating oscillating movements in opposite directions to one another about an oscillation axis which extends perpendicularly to the rotational axis and through the center of the housing, wherein the first piston has a first end face and the at least second piston has a second end face which faces the first end face, wherein the end faces bound a working chamber. The pistons are arranged in such a way that the rotational axis extends through the working chamber.
US07658161B2
A system for adjusting a deflector in a seismic survey comprises a generally upright deflector body and at least one bridle connected to a seismic cable. The bridle includes an upper segment secured to an upper connection point on the deflector body, and a lower segment coupled to a lower connection point on the deflector body. The upper bridle segment, lower bridle segment and deflector body define a geometry between themselves. This geometry is adjustable by at least one actuator so as to control the tilt angle of the deflector body.
US07658157B2
A transporter 16 is provided for moving a live tree which has a root ball B which is boxed or otherwise contained. A powered slide mechanism 22 is movable from an inclined position to engage the boxed tree to a horizontal transport position on the trailer or truck bed. A powered loading mechanism 26 attached to the slide mechanism engages the boxed tree to move up the inclined slide mechanism. A powered tilting mechanism 40 tilts the boxed tree to an inclined transport position.
US07658154B2
A shelf is connected to risers that are screwthreaded together to achieve a clamping effect between the shelves and the risers. Each shelf may comprise a plastic shelf portion and at least one reinforcement portion secured to the plastic shelf portion to reinforce the plastic shelf portion along its length. In one embodiment a plurality of metal bars are used as the reinforcement portion. The reinforcement portions may be inserted into channels formed in the plastic shelve portions and may be attached to the shelve portions using a separate attachment mechanism.
US07658152B2
A track mounted machine is capable of inserting a previously positioned tie plate between a rail and underlying cross tie of a railway. The machine preferably is also capable of lifting the rail from the tie prior to tie plate insertion and/or, is capable of operating on both rails of a railway simultaneously. The preferred embodiment includes two tie plate inserter assemblies mounted on a common workhead. Each tie plate inserter assembly includes a pusher that can be moved, under control of an operator stationed on the machine, vertically and longitudinally on the rails so as to be aligned with a field end of the tie plate. The pusher can then be actuated to push the tie plate laterally under the rail.
US07658148B2
Shaped charge liners are made of reactive materials formed by thermal spray techniques. The thermally sprayed reactive shaped charge materials have low porosity and high structural integrity. Upon detonation, the reactive materials of the shaped charge liner undergo an exothermic reaction that raises the temperature and the effectiveness of the liner.
US07658144B2
An avocado de-skinning apparatus having two generally vertically disposed rotating drums. The rotating drums rotate inward to pinch the skin of an avocado and force the off and through a gap defined between the rotating drums. A driver in the gap and in the upper section of the rotating drums aids in forcing the skin from the avocado and into the gap and through the rear side of the rotating drums. A skin scraper removes any skin adhering to the drums and a pulp scraper retrieves any pulp adhering to the drums for further processing.
US07658143B2
A hot dog grill for cooking hot dogs or similar food products is disclosed. The grill has an inclined heating surface defined on a sloping top plate. A grill assembly having a top cross member is placed over and in proximity to the heating surface. The grill assembly is moveable between two positions relative to the inclined heating surface. The grill assembly has a pair of sides which support rails. The rails are interlocked with sockets on the sides of the sloping top plate to guide the movement of the grill assembly. Lateral rods are installed between the sides of the grill assembly. Hot dogs and similar foods are cooked on the heating surface and rest on the lateral rods. A motor has a rotating shaft extending from the inclined heating surface. The rotating shaft is mechanically coupled to the top cross member of the grill assembly via a pivot block and pin. The motor propels the grill between the two positions relative to the inclined heating surface causing the lateral rods to push the hot dogs and rotate them.
US07658140B2
A rifle or shotgun aiming seat apparatus is portable, erectable on the ground and/or as part of a ladder or tree stand. The apparatus incorporates therewith a seat and a rifle-positioning cradle that enables the user to remain in position and simultaneously rotate and selectively and rapidly adjust the height, distance and angular orientation of the rifle barrel, depending on the shooting environment presented. Additionally, the frame structure of the apparatus is adapted to be adjusted and leveled as to sloping ground and enables a hunting blind be erected to hide the hunter while in position.
US07658139B2
An electricity generating device for use in an armor arrangement, and to an armor arrangement. The armor arrangement includes two inert reactive armor modules arranged one behind the other, which each include a plate made of inert material, interposed between steel plates. Sheet-shaped members are mounted or baked onto the inert material. The sheet-shaped members are provided with a number of mutually separate regions in which, or next to which, there are disposed elements which convert mechanical vibrations or shock waves in the inert material into electrical voltage. The elements can include crystals or piezoelectric layers. The ammunition part or ammunition effect which penetrates the inert reactive armor modules and which generates the mechanical vibrations or shock waves provokes in one or more elements the generation of a voltage which can be used to initiate counteragents against the penetration.
US07658135B2
Meat slicing machine, comprising a belt blade (5) conceived to follow a straight cutting line (50) for the meat to be sliced, characterised in that it comprises a support surface (9) parallel to the cutting line (50) and set at a distance from the line at right angles to the support surface (9) itself; a container (11) for the meat to be sliced, having an exit opening (12) facing the said support surface (9) on the side of the cutting line (50); Pushing devices (13) associated with said container (11), conceived to push the meat down towards said exit opening (12); and a moving mechanism (19, 22) conceived to translate the container (11) in a parallel manner to the support surface (9) with a backward and forward motion from one side of the cutting line (50) to the other.
US07658131B1
A subsea tensioner system that includes a one or more spring activated piston return subsea tensioners. The subsea tensioner system can use a spring activated subsea tensioner because the subsea tensioner system uses non-toxic fluid to drive a piston disposed within the subsea tensioner, and when the piston reaches a second position a fluid release valve is opened thus allowing the fluid used to drive the piston to be emptied into the local underwater environment. The subsea tensioner system eliminates the need for topside trips to return the piston to an initial position to take another stroke.
US07658130B1
A golf club suitable for use in driving or putting a golf ball comprising a club head attached to a shaft includes a bottle cap removal structure in a rear surface of the club head.
US07658123B2
A shift range switching apparatus includes an automatic transmission that includes a shift range switching device having a control rod for switching an actual shift range corresponding to rotation angle of the control rod. The shift range switching apparatus further includes an electric actuator that includes an output shaft connecting with the control rod. The electric actuator switches the actual shift range by rotating the control rod via the output shaft. The shift range switching apparatus further includes an assembly regulating device that allows the electric actuator to be detachable from and attachable to the automatic transmission when the actual shift range of the shift range switching device is set at a specific shift range.
US07658122B2
An assembly that provides operational information about operation of a spray device, such as a nasal spray pump or metered dose inhaler. A linkage adapted to extend between a mounting assembly, connected to a stationary part of the spray device, and an adapter assembly, connected to a movable part of the spray device, is in operational relationship with a transducer to enable the transducer to indicate a mechanical relationship between the movable and stationary parts of the spray device corresponding to the operation of the spray device. A data collection and processing system may be connected to the transducer for determining information that may be used to program an automated actuation system.
US07658115B2
A measuring transducer includes: a measuring tube vibrating at least at times and serving for conveying medium to be measured; a counteroscillator, which is affixed to the measuring tube on an inlet-side, to form a first coupling zone, and to the measuring tube on an outlet-side, to form a second coupling zone; an exciter mechanism for driving at least the measuring tube; as well as a sensor arrangement for registering oscillations at least of the measuring tube. During operation, the measuring tube executes, at least at times and/or at least in part, bending oscillations about an imaginary bending oscillation axis, which imaginarily connects the two coupling zones with one another. Additionally, at least a first spring element and a second spring element are included, with each of the at least two spring elements being affixed to the measuring tube and the counteroscillator spaced both from each of the two coupling zones as well as also from the exciter mechanism.
US07658102B2
Thermal flow sensor having an amplifier section for adjusting the temperature of the heating element
A thermal flow sensor can adjust the temperature of a heating element in a highly precise and reliable manner with the use of simple circuits, devices and process steps. The sensor includes an amplifier section (7) that amplifies a voltage across opposite ends of at least one of resistors (3, 4, 5) that constitute a bridge circuit, a current control section (9) that is controlled based on an output voltage of the amplifier section (7), and an output terminal (14) that is connected to one end of a heating element (1) that is controlled to be energized by the current control section (9). The amplifier section (7) includes an amplification factor control section for controlling an amplification factor by an electric signal from a computer, and uses an output voltage which has been amplified and impressed to an input voltage to an operational amplifier (8).
US07658100B2
This device has a detection means to measure the relative amount of air movement in its vicinity. The detection means is coupled to a processing means for creating a variable trigger signal that is proportional to detected air movement. The detection means consists of a differential pressure transducer mounted inside a specially-shaped enclosure. The pressure transducer is arranged to measure the air pressure difference between two holes in the enclosure. The shape of the enclosure causes air to flow at different velocities near the holes, creating a differential air pressure. The processing means consists of a microprocessor that periodically samples the signal from the differential pressure transducer. A programmed algorithm calculates a variable trigger signal value based on a plurality of sampled signals. The processing means can also incorporate an algorithm for digitally generating audio signals that have attributes based on the value of the trigger signal.
US07658098B2
A method and system is provided for determining non-sensed vehicle operating parameters of a vehicle system. The method and system further provide for determining an engine air mass flow rate using the non-sensed vehicle operating parameters. A plurality of vehicle operating set-points may be determined using the non-sensed vehicle system operating parameters and the non-sensed engine air mass flow rate. A controller may use the vehicle operating set-points in order to control emissions of the vehicle system.
US07658097B2
A probe instrument having a probe that interacts with a sample surface to perform a mechanical property measurement at high speed includes a scanner producing relative motion between the sample and the probe. In addition, a probe actuator produces relative motion between the sample and the probe, in a generally vertical direction, and a controller that generates a scanner drive signal and an actuator drive signal. The probe actuator is responsive to the actuator drive signal and has an operable bandwidth of at least about 50-80 kHz to perform the fast force curve measurements. The probe actuator is preferably located at least partially on the cantilever. Moreover, feedback during normal operation may be interrupted to perform a force curve measurement with the integrated actuator.
US07658093B2
A concentration sensor for detecting a concentration of a liquid reducing agent through heat transfer characteristics between separate two points is provided in a storage tank for storing a liquid supplied to an NOx reduction catalyst. When the concentration read from the concentration sensor is 0% or less, the liquid is discriminated to be water, that is, it is utilized that when water is converted to the concentration of a liquid reducing agent, it is 0%, and it is also 0% even when the concentration is reduced by convection. When the concentration is greater than a predetermined value, it is discriminated that no liquid is present, since it is considered that the output of the sensor is abnormal because of the absence of a liquid in the tank. On the other hand, when the concentration is greater than 0% and less than a predetermined value, the liquid is discriminated to be the liquid reducing agent, provided that the concentration value may include an error.
US07658091B2
A system for analysing a fluid sample arranged on a test element comprises a data processing unit configured to process results of an analysis of the fluid sample arranged on the test element, an audible signal generator, and a control unit. The control unit may control the audible signal generator to generate an audible test signal that is configured to test the operability of the signal generator to audibly encode information. The audible test signal may include audible features that allow for identification of any deviation of the generated audible test signal from a correctly generated audible test signal, and/or from which malfunction of the signal generator can be detected.
US07658090B2
A grid bending machine is provided for bending a workpiece. The machine includes first and second guides having inner surfaces defining a cavity therebetween. A stationary anvil is mounted to the first and second guides. A first die is releaseably connected to the stationary anvil. A body is disposed in the cavity and is movable between a first position release position and a second bending position. A second die is releaseably connected to the body and is aligned with the first die. The second die is axially spaced from the first die with the body in the release position and is adjacent the first die with the body in the bending position.
US07658086B2
A drawing method for a bare optical fiber, comprises the steps of: melting an optical fiber preform using a heating device and drawing the bare optical fiber; and naturally cooling down the bare optical fiber or forcibly cooling down the bare optical fiber by a cooling device after the heating and melting step, wherein a temperature history during the drawing the optical fiber preform to obtain the bare optical fiber in the heating device satisfies a relational expression: T≦−0.01X+12 where a time period when the heated and molten portion of the optical fiber preform heated and molten by the heating device reaches 1800° C. or higher is T (min) and a OH group concentration in a cladding layer of the optical fiber preform is X (wtppm).
US07658066B2
The present invention relates to an actuation device for the actuating of an adjustment surface of an aircraft such as an elevator, a rudder or the like, of landing gear or another aircraft or surface vehicle actuator, comprising an electrohydraulic actuator having a servo control cylinder, a pump for pressure fluid action on the servo control cylinder as well as an electric motor for the actuation of the pump, with the electric motor having a liquid cooling. In accordance with the invention, the actuation device is characterized in that a leak flow of the pump is guided over a leak passage through the electric motor to cool the electric motor.
US07658062B2
A gas generator comprises a casing forming a ring or a ring portion and housing a pyrotechnic charge, the casing including at least one vent for ejecting the gas produced during combustion of the charge. Because of its ring design, the gas generator is easy to integrate in the structure of a rotary machine. In particular, it can constitute a starter device for a turbojet.
US07658061B2
To provide a gas turbine engine which is simple in structure but can effectively remove foreign matters from the combustion air.The intake passage 21 includes an inlet portion 29, a curved portion 30 and a reduced diameter portion 31. The bypass duct 24 is curved away from the central axial line CL in a region corresponding to the curved portion 30 and reduced diameter portion 31 of the intake passage 29. Between the intake passage 29 and bypass duct 24 is defined an annular space 32. In the reduced diameter portion 31, the outer liner 20 is formed with a large number of foreign matter introduction openings 33 in a circumferential arrangement for communication between the intake passage 21 and annular space 32. The inner casing 4 is formed with a plurality of foreign matter ejection holes 34 in a circumferential arrangement in a part thereof that curves outward for communication between the annular space 32 and bypass duct 24.
US07658060B2
A heat exchange system for use in lubricating systems for aircraft turbofan engine equipment in which a lubricant is provided under pressure to spaces bounded at least in part by surfaces moving relative to one another, the heat exchange system for providing air and lubricant heat exchanges to cool the lubricant at selectively variable rates in the engine fan airstreams. A heat exchanger core is provided in a controlled air flow duct system opening at its plural entrances to the engine fan airstreams and having its outlet end opening about at the end of the fan duct nozzle.
US07658058B2
Methods and devices for guiding harvest residue at the time of harvest to prepare crops for strip-tilling operations. Embodiments of the invention include an attachment for a harvesting machine, and a method of harvesting a row crop in a way that directs harvest residue into relatively narrow strips, leaving strips of soil between the strips of harvest residue in better condition for strip-tilling. The management and placement of harvest residue during harvesting operations according to embodiments of the invention may improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of strip-tilling operations.
US07658052B2
Disclosed herein is a foam material upwardly adjacent and in air sealing contact with a roof deck, an insulation layer upwardly adjacent the foam material, and additional foam material upwardly adjacent the insulation layer.Further disclosed herein is a method for creating a roof system including air sealing a roof deck with a foam material, adhering insulation material to the foam material, and applying additional foam material upwardly adjacent the insulation layer.
US07658048B2
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.
US07658042B2
A highly protective firewall (13) supported between upstanding columns or beams (15). The firewall is made of an inorganic cementitious material which is preferably inorganic phosphate cement. In one form, the firewall comprises a group of vertically stacked panels (14) made of such material, and the panels are in turn formed by a plurality of elongated and vertically stacked hollow members (21) of the same material.
US07658031B2
A handheld rangefinder device operable to determine ballistic hold over information is disclosed. The rangefinder device generally includes a range sensor operable to determine a first range to a target, a tilt sensor operable to determine an angle to the target relative to the device, and a computing element, coupled with the range sensor and the tilt sensor, operable to determine a hold over value based on the first range and the determined angle. Such a configuration facilitates accurate firearm and bow use by providing ranges and hold over values without requiring time-consuming and manual user calculations.
US07658029B1
Devices, systems and methods of using an ergonomic fore grip/gun handle with a concealable and collapsible bipod. One version can have a tubular recess consisting of a first cylindrical cutout housing the bipod legs when concealed and a sliding piston that deploys the legs and a second cylindrical cutout housing a release mechanism and a void space for other accessories. The release mechanism has a compression spring positioned between the piston assembly and the bottom of the first cylindrical cutout and the compression spring. The legs are connected to the bottom of the piston assembly via a hinge and spring that when released from confinement within the fore grip, causes the legs to expand outward until fully deployed. Telescoping legs allow adjustment of leg length for use on uneven terrain. The grip portion has an outer surface with a flat surface on sides of the grip to provide a more stable grip, assist in orienting the mounted weapon and support pressure pads for lights.
US07658025B2
A retainer pin assembly and tooth for an excavation tooth and adaptor assembly is provided. The retainer pin assembly can comprise at least one retainer pin section having a circular longitudinal main body with chamfered leading edges at one end for insertion into a passageway in the adaptor, and a displacement-bearing block having at least one facet disposed at the opposite end. The tooth can comprise at least one opening on a sidewall having one flat vertical bearing surface to correspond to a facet of the displacement-bearing block when a retainer pin section is inserted into the adaptor passageway. Magnets can be disposed on the chamfered ends of a pair of retainer pin sections to urge the retainer pin sections towards one another when inserted in the adaptor passageway.
US07658004B2
For the finish machining of turbine blades cast in titanium aluminide, the feeders (3) and runner portions (6) yielded by the casting process remain on the blade and serve as auxiliary clamping structure for clamping the blade to the workpiece carrier (15). In a position corresponding to the reference points for machining, clamping surfaces (12) with conical recesses (13), followed by threaded holes (14) are produced on the runners. For clamping the workpiece to a workpiece carrier (15), spring-loaded taper centering sleeves (18) arranged in the workpiece carrier or clamping bolts (21), respectively, engage the conical recesses and threaded holes, to enable the blade to be clamped and machined by way of the auxiliary clamping structure in the position corresponding to the reference points.
US07658001B1
A method for electrically connecting disk drive suspension assembly elements including positioning a first component having a first terminal with an edge adjacent to a second component having a second terminal and applying solder to form a solder joint over the edge of the first terminal and onto the second terminal. Heat to melt the solder is provided from a source that is physically remote from the components.
US07657994B2
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for assembling a first component, such as a switch pad, to a second component, such as a circuit board.
US07657988B2
A manufacturing method and apparatus is disclosed, whereby a specific production process is used in conjunction with a specific tooling methodology to provide a tooling process package that is capable of controlling tolerance stack-ups and process variations by accounting for them at each step in the process. One application particularly suited for the present invention is in the manufacturing of panels that are assembled to form the skins of a tiltrotor aircraft (11).
US07657980B2
A fastener for a lace includes a metal base, two clamp assemblies, a pull unit, and an anchoring member. Each of the clamp assemblies includes a substantially U-shaped member which has two opposite arms pivotally connected to the metal base, a U-bend connected to the arms opposite to the metal base, and a clamp member connected between and transverse to the arms. The pull unit includes a middle portion disposed over the metal base, and two opposite pull members extending from the middle portion and connected respectively to the U-shaped members. The anchoring member is made of metal, and has a press part pressing the middle portion of the pull unit against the metal base, and a plurality of anchoring legs extending from the press part, penetrating the middle portion of the pull unit, and welded to the metal base.
US07657978B2
A safety buckle includes an intermediate buckle member, which has two opposite receiving holes and two smoothly arched grooves on the top and bottom sides in each receiving hole, and two connecting buckle members each having a plug insertable into the receiving holes of the intermediate buckle member and raised portions protruded from the top and bottom sides of the plug for engaging the smoothly arched grooves to secure the respective connecting buckle member to the intermediate buckle member for allowing the connecting buckle members to be biased relative to the intermediate buckle member within a predetermined angle. In an alternate form of the safety buckle, the locations of the raised portions and the locations of the smoothly arched grooves are exchanged.
US07657976B2
A hanger allows a height position of an object to adjusted easily after the object is hung when hanging the object using wire rope. The hanger includes wire rope inserted through a lock case and has a wire grip mechanism and a hook, wherein a height position of the lock case with respect to the wire rope can be adjusted after the object is hung on the hook.
US07657975B2
The rotation of the band in relation to a boot to be fastened is prevented, so that reduction of the boot-fastening force is prevented, thereby preventing leakage of grease from a boot to be fastened, and so that boot-bands can be manufactured simply. An endless boot-fixing band 1 is formed as an endless ring, and is reduced in diameter by plastic deformation so as to fasten a boot by applying pressure onto said boot's outer surface. The boot band is formed entirely of an Al—Mg—Si alloy, and a surface-pressure-altering part 3, which changes the surface pressure for fastening the boot, is formed on the inner surface of the band.
US07657973B1
A handle adaptor for transport carts includes a block-shaped lower member with first, second, third and fourth upper surfaces with inner edges. The inner edges are disposed below the inner edges of the first and second upper surfaces. A fifth upper surface is formed the inner edges and coextensively shaped posts are monolithically formed with the outside faces of the lower member. The posts have apertures formed in distal ends. A block-shaped upper member has lower surfaces with a passageway surrounding the proximal ends of the handles of the transport. The upper member further includes a curved flange with a groove that receives and captures the U-shaped extension. The upper and lower members have passageways. A support plate includes a bracket with threaded shafts and a centrally registered slot. A cover has threaded aperture and a centrally registered slot. The adjustably pivoting mechanism includes a plurality of cotter pins.
US07657971B2
A support system includes a frame member and a cover magnetically coupled to one another proximate an edge of the cover and in an aligned state. The cover is rotatable with respect to the frame member without any structural coupling therebetween while the frame member and cover remain substantially in the aligned state. A method of supporting a cover with respect to a frame includes magnetically attracting the cover and frame to each other proximate an edge of the cover.
US07657963B2
By reducing thickness of a slidable contact member which is attached to an output shaft and a sector gear part and slidably contacts with a gear case, a wiper motor is downsized. A motive power conversion member comprises: an arm part rotatably connected to the worm wheel; and a sector gear part meshing with the output gear, wherein a gear shaft of the sector gear part is swingably supported with respect to the output shaft by a swinging plate. A first slidable contact member is mounted on a tip of the output shaft, and a second slidable contact part which is formed separately from the first slidable contact member is attached to a tip of the gear shaft, wherein the first slidable contact member and the second slidable contact part slidably contact with a cover of the gear case.
US07657954B1
A head and face covering apparatus includes a flexible housing that defines a pillow case and is U-shaped. The housing includes a central portion and a pair of arms extending away from the central portion. The housing has an elongated opening therein. A pillow is removably extendable into the housing through the opening. A flexible head covering is attached to the housing and extends upwardly therefrom. The head covering includes a rear wall, a pair of lateral walls, and a top wall. The top and lateral walls form a continuous front edge defining an opening extending into a front side of the head covering. The rear and lateral walls are attached to the housing. The head covering has an internal volume greater than 1.0 cubic feet to allow a person's face to be encapsulated by the head covering when the person abuts their head against the rear wall.
US07657953B2
A limb support coupled to a patient-support apparatus includes a multi-axis pivot mount having a first joint mounted to the patient-support apparatus, an arm coupled to the first joint on a first end for pivotable movement thereabout, and a second joint coupled to a second end of the arm for pivotable movement thereabout. A cushion assembly is mounted to the second joint for pivotable movement of the cushion assembly in relation to the second joint.
US07657951B2
A patient transport apparatus includes a sling for movement of a person from or into a vehicle seat supported by a dual legged horizontal frame mounted on rollers or wheels with a generally vertical, telescoping post having a cantilever arm extending therefrom. A cable or strap supported by the cantilever arm is attached to the adjustable body sling which designed to securely hold a patient during transport.
US07661147B2
A method (300) and system for controlling use of software programs on multiple workstations of a network. An agent running on each workstation detects (306) any new process (using a kernel hooking technique), which is started in response to the request of execution of a program (397). The process is suspended (308) and an authorization to run the program is requested (334) to an associated metering server. The metering server compares (380) the current usage of the product with the respective authorized conditions of use, and answers (382) the agent granting or denying the authorization to run. The process is accordingly resumed (312), in order to enable the program to start, or aborted (315), so as to prevent execution of the program. In any case, the program is not stopped (but it is prevented from starting); this avoids killing the program while it is performing potentially risky operations.
US07661146B2
A system and method for providing, managing, and accessing a multi-user secure portable database using secure memory cards is provided. The database has a secure portion for storing security keys and a non-secure portion for encrypted data files. Access to the encrypted data files is controlled by assigning access rights through an access control matrix to each encrypted data file according to a hierarchical structure of users. A user requesting access is identified in the hierarchy, associated with a key for allowing the requested access, and the requested access allowed to a file in accordance with the rights allocated through the access control matrix. A patient can selectively grant access to encrypted medical records on his card to a physician. Authentication of the owner/patient is preferably required. Other records required by emergency medical personnel are readable from the same card without requiring permission from the patient.
US07661138B1
A system and method for intrusion detection and prevention processing are described. One or more states of a finite state automaton (FSA) stored in a memory may be compressed to form compressed state information. The FSA may include a set of states and defined state transitions for input characters. The compressed state information may include individual entries for the characters having a corresponding state transition to a next state, and a single entry for the values having a corresponding state transition to a common state. Context data may be searched using the compressed state information.
US07661135B2
An apparatus, system, and method are provided for gathering trace data indicative of resource activity on a computer system. The present invention includes a monitoring module that initiates one or more activity monitors on a target computer system to detect different types of resource activity. A determination module determines activity indicators involving resources of the target computer system using the one or more activity monitors. The activity indicators may comprise a variety of information useful in identifying one or more separate resource activities. A collection module organizes the activity indicators into trace data representative of the resource activity. Preferably, the monitoring module, determination module, and collection module operate continuously on the target computer system. In this manner, the trace data includes an accurate set of both current activity indicators as well as historical activity indicators.
US07661134B2
Apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture are claimed for securing, maintaining, monitoring and controlling computer networks and clients located therein by use of client hash code tables, which are stored on a server. Clients subsequently provide client state codes which are compared to the hash code tables to ensure only acceptable client modifications have taken place. In the event of unacceptable client modifications, mechanisms are used to notify appropriate resources.
US07661132B2
A tag device causes a second calculator to read a confidential value from a confidential value memory and to apply a second function F2 which disturbs a relationship between elements of a definition domain and a mapping thereof to generate tag output information. The tag device delivers the tag output information to a backend apparatus. Subsequently, a first calculator reads out at least part of elements of the confidential value from the confidential value memory, and applies a first function F1, an inverse image of which is difficult to obtain, and a result of such calculation is used to update a confidential value in the confidential value memory by overwriting.
US07661128B2
Methods and apparatus for secure communications. The techniques feature receiving over the first connection a login credential for the server, generated by the server without the use of any information identifying a computer user. The techniques further feature establishing a second secure connection with the server using a secure protocol and the login credential provided by the server.
US07661127B2
A system for centrally managing a set of network-connected laboratory instruments is disclosed. For example, the system includes a centralized database that includes information about the instruments in the system and about the authorized users of the system. In particular, the centralized database indicates which users are authorized to use each of the instruments in the system. The database may also include information about the operations that each user is authorized to perform using the instruments and information indicating whether tests performed by each instrument must be signed using one or more electronic signatures. The system may recognize a number of “roles,” each of which is associated with a particular set of rights, and may assign one or more roles to each user. Instruments and other elements of the system may access the centralized database over a network to enforce the user rights represented by the information in the database.
US07661122B2
An apparatus and method are provided for initializing a cable card and a channel list using a reset menu on an OSD screen. The initialization of a cable card is achieved by receiving a cable card reset request through the reset menu on the OSD screen; and according to the cable card reset request, performing an initialization of the cable card. If a malfunction occurs in equipment, a user can initialize the cable card by selecting the reset menu on the OSD menu screen.
US07661113B2
One embodiment of a method comprises adding an action script to an ordered stack of action scripts maintained by an execution controller, wherein the added action script corresponds to a navigation input received at a first application, the added action script is unpopulated by a data input, and the added action script is added last in an order of the ordered stack. The embodiment also comprises providing the ordered stack of action scripts to a second application by the execution controller, and executing at the second application the ordered stack of action scripts according to the order, the ordered stack having the unpopulated first action script. The embodiment also comprises populating the added first action script with the data input, wherein the data input is received at the first application and the populating occurs after the executing.
US07661110B2
A change management system coordinates information of a transaction tool managed by a transaction tool management system. The system includes a receiver that receives, over a communications network, activity information and/or lifecycle event information for the transaction tool. The system also includes a storage that stores the received information. Additionally, the system includes a processor that manages a change in a status of the transaction tool based on the received information.
US07661095B2
A technique for building a callgraph for a software program that includes multiple function entry points using dynamic instrumentation. In one example embodiment, this is achieved by inserting function count probe code at each function entry point of each multiple entry function having multiple function entry points in the software program. Inter-entry point arc probe code is then inserted substantially before each arc source address of an arc. A performance analysis tool is then used to collect data resulting from execution of the software program including the function count probe code and the inter-entry point arc probe code and to obtain an actual function count value for each multiple entry function. A callgraph is then built using the obtained actual function count values.
US07661086B1
A diagonal offset clock signal distribution system and method are presented that facilitate maximized placement of a diagonal offset clock signal distribution tree.
US07661085B2
A method for performing global routing on an integrated circuit design is disclosed. The integrated circuit design is initially divided into multiple G-cells. The G-cells are interconnected by a set of nets. The set of nets is then decomposed into corresponding wires. The wires are prerouted to interconnect the G-cells. BoxRouting is performed on the wires until all the wires are routed. Finally, postrouting is performed on the wires.
US07661084B2
A method and data receiver apparatus implement a high speed, such as double data rate (DDR), memory read data eye stretcher and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides is provided. Altering the reference level is performed to increase the size of the data eye. Knowledge of the previous data state is used to adjust the reference level for the current data being latched so that the data eye is maximized.
US07661083B2
A method of determining whether voltage from an aggressor net exceeds a voltage threshold on a victim net design in an integrated circuit design. Probabilistic noise from the aggressor net on the victim net is calculated. The probabilistic noise is checked against the voltage threshold, and the victim net design is passed when the probabilistic noise does not exceed the voltage threshold. When the probabilistic noise does exceed the threshold, then an effective noise at a desired mean time to failure is computed, and the effective noise is checked against the voltage threshold. The victim net design is passed when the effective noise does not exceed the voltage threshold, and failed when the effective noise does exceed the threshold.
US07661070B1
A display application can be configured to provide a visual indication associating a dialog box (that was not invoked for display by a user) to a user selectable source on a display screen. In such circumstances, because the dialog box was not actually invoked based on actions of by the user, the user may be unaware of how to invoke redisplay of the dialog box. The visual indication (e.g., a highlighting of a path between the dialog box and a user selectable source such as an icon) produced by the display application teaches a user of a location of the selectable source so that the user can select the selectable source at a future point in time and redisplay the window.
US07661052B2
A method and system for testing a high-speed circuit is disclosed. The method and system include obtaining a high-speed statistical signature of the high-speed circuit using a conventional tester. The method and system further include comparing the high-speed statistical signature of the high-speed circuit to an expected signature. Consequently, it can be determined whether the high-speed circuit functions within the desired parameters.
US07661047B2
A method and Dual Interlocked Storage Cell (DICE) latch for implementing enhanced testability, and a design structure on which the subject DICE latch circuit resides are provided. DICE latch includes an L1 latch and an L2 latch are coupled to the L1 latch. Each L1 latch and each L2 latch includes redundant latch structures. A separate output is provided with the redundant L2 latch. The DICE latch includes a Redundant Test Latch Enable (RTLE) input. Each L1 latch and each L2 latch includes a path selector control in the redundant latch structures controlled by the RTLE input providing each of the redundant latch structures in a scan path during a test mode.
US07661038B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide for link adaptation computations accounting for retransmission error-control techniques to be employed in transmission sequences utilizing the adapted link. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
US07661032B2
A computerized method, program product, and an autonomic data processing system that oversees real-time log data acquired by a logging application of an executing computer program. In response to an event occurring, the logging application communicates the occurrence of the event to an event correlation engine, and invokes a window-resizing module. If the event is part of a symptom of processing problems developing, then the window-resizing module immediately expands the amount of real-time log data that is retained in temporary memory to include not log data including the event but also log data during the time duration of the symptom. In conjunction with a information level module, the granularity or level of information of the log data that is archived increases immediately upon the event so that not only is more time of the log-data but also a higher information level of the log data is saved for symptom analysis and verification. It is contemplated that the method, program product, and the autonomic data processing system may be in a learning mode to acquire data and recognize events that constitute a symptom.
US07661031B2
A solution for managing a program execution is provided. During execution of a program, macro data and error data can be generated and stored. The macro data includes a set of execution entries, each of which includes data for a user interface task for a user interface object and a time for the user interface task. The error data, if any, includes a set of failure entries, each of which includes data for an error event and a time for the error event. A failure entry can be subsequently correlated with at least one execution entry based on the corresponding times. Further, relationship data and/or the like can be used to generate a test case, which can enable the user interface tasks that led up to the error event to be recreated.
US07661030B2
A system is disclosed for obtaining debug information in a network that supports Web services. The system includes a first service host to send a first message, where the first message contains data corresponding to a request for debug information. The system also includes a second service host to receive the first message and to send a second message to a third service host in response to the first message, where the second message contains data corresponding to a request for debug information. The second service host receives a reply to the second message from the third service host, where the reply to the second message includes third debug information associated with the third service host, and the second service host generates a reply to the first message. The reply to the first message includes the third debug information and second debug information associated with the second service host.
US07661027B2
The SIP server can be comprised of an engine tier and a state tier distributed on a cluster network. Engine nodes in the engine tier can process SIP messages and can read/write state information from/to the state tier. State tier can maintain state information in a set of partitions of one or more replicas which contain duplicate information. The engine nodes can be adapted to detect and report replica failures and the replicas can in turn be adapted to detect and report engine node failures. Replicas can detect faults with an engine node if the engine node fails to poll the replica for a specified period of time and can then report the failure. The engine node can detect failures of a replica when reading or writing state information and can report the failure to another replica, which can be responsible for updating the partition view to exclude dead replicas.
US07661026B2
A computer system and method for allowing either a primary computer or a backup computer to access a hardware resource, depending on which computer is executing an application that needs the hardware resource. A switch is connected to the hardware resource, the primary computer and the backup computer such that in one state, the switch connects the hardware resource to the primary computer, and in another state, the switch connects the hardware resource to the backup computer. Initially, the primary computer executes the application using the hardware resource. However, when the primary computer ceases to execute the application, the switch connects the hardware resource to the backup computer, and the backup computer executes the application or copy thereof using the hardware resource.
US07661024B2
Computing systems including first and second processors configured to control first and second buses, respectively, and a terminator-monitor-bridge (TMB) device coupled between the first and second buses are provided. The TMB device is configured to selectively enable the first processor and the second processor to control at least a portion of the second bus and the first bus, respectively. TMB devices and methods for operating the TMB devices in accordance with the above configuration are also provided.
US07661013B2
An automated laboratory device that comprises a mechanism that performs operations on laboratory samples, a scheduler that causes the mechanism to process laboratory samples in accordance with programmed processes, logic that detects an error occurring in a process controlled by the scheduler, logic that accepts a user-defined error handling routine for the error, and logic that executes the error handling routine when the error is encountered. Also described is an embodiment of the invention directed to a laboratory automation system, a method of laboratory automation, a computer implemented software program product, a method of doing business, and a laboratory automation network.
US07661012B2
Provided are techniques for spare device management. Candidate devices are sorted into spare coverage groups by type. One or more candidate devices having closest fitting characteristics of a desired type are identified from the spare coverage groups. The identified one or more candidate devices are assigned to be spare devices for the spare coverage group. It is determined whether a desired number of spare devices have been assigned to the spare coverage group. In response to determining that the desired number of spare devices have not been assigned, a spare device having the closest fitting characteristics for every predetermined number of candidate devices having the closest fitting characteristics is assigned, until the desired number of spare devices having the closest fitting characteristics are assigned.
US07661004B2
A method of controlling a portable electronic device includes receiving a power-down command, determining an automatic power-up date and time based on an earliest one of a next preset power-up and a next time-dependent event reminder, entering a power-down state, monitoring a date and time, and automatically powering up at the automatic power-up date and time.
US07661002B2
A storage controller has a capacitor pack for storing energy to supply power during a main power loss, a temperature sensor that senses the capacitor pack temperature, and a CPU, which detects that the temperature of the capacitor pack has risen above a predetermined threshold while operating at a first voltage value and determines whether a projected lifetime of the capacitor pack is less than the warranted lifetime. If the projected lifetime is less than the warranted lifetime, the CPU reduces the operating voltage of the capacitor pack to a second value, in order to increase the capacitor pack lifetime. In one embodiment, the CPU reduces the voltage if an accumulated normalized running time of the capacitor pack is greater than an accumulated calendar running time. In another embodiment, the CPU reduces the voltage if a percentage capacitance drop of the capacitor pack is greater than a calendar percentage capacitance drop.
US07661001B2
In an apparatus for encrypting an information signal into an encryption-resultant signal, a first encryption key peculiar to the present apparatus is generated. Key information is read out from a replaceable recording medium. A decision is made as to whether or not the read-out key information has been generated by an apparatus different from the present apparatus. A second encryption key is generated in response to the read-out key information when it is decided that the read-out key information has been generated by an apparatus different from the present apparatus. One is selected from the first encryption key and the second encryption key as a final encryption key. An information signal is encrypted in response to the final encryption key.
US07660997B2
A method, system, and computer program product for using biometrics on pervasive devices for purposes of mobile identification. A biometric device of the prior art is attached to, or incorporated within, a pervasive device. This augmented pervasive device may then be used for capturing biometric information from an arbitrary third party in an arbitrary location. The captured information is analyzed to determine the third party's identification, access rights, etc. as needed by a particular application. This solution capitalizes on the portability and functionality of the pervasive device, as well as its built-in communication capability, to provide an extremely flexible, powerful biometric identification technique at relatively low cost.
US07660992B2
An electronic data storage system stores electronic data with attaching an electronic signature, and output the electronic data along with the attached electronic signature, which decreases the operation costs with a simple operation. By using a public key-based signature, a third party can verify the data, and by using a secret check code, the electronic signature at registration is always valid without risk of falsification. Also by attaching an electronic signature at access, the validity of the stored data is assured, and a third party can verify the data. By using all of these features, the verification by a third party becomes possible over the long term. In this way the long term storage of electronic data is implemented.
US07660989B2
A sewer provides a message from a sender to a recipient and an attachment including the sender's identity, the recipient's identity and address, and the time of transmission from the sewer to the recipient. The method includes receiving the message and attachment at a sewer displaced from the recipient's location from the recipient and operates upon the message and attachment to allow comparison between information contained in the attachment and/or the message to determine the authenticity of the message.
US07660986B1
A system to change security levels is used to change the level of security used in a secured processing system. The system uses a status indicator to designate the security level being implemented. The security level can be upgraded to allow a higher level of security to be implemented with relative ease. However, in order to change from a higher level of security to a lower level of security, an authorization code is utilized to confirm that the change in security is authorized.
US07660982B1
A subscription broadcast security system for preventing theft of an encrypted program datastream utilizes an encryption protocol with steganographic supplementation. A decoder includes a decryption chip containing numerous decryption codes and an ID chip having a continually changing unique identification code for authenticating subscriber access. The ID chip and the decryption chip each receive decoding instructions through a combination of hidden data in the audio signal and from service provider communication directly with the ID chip.
US07660980B2
Methods and systems for establishing secure TCP/IP communications for individual network connections include the steps of intercepting a conventional TCP SYN packet prior to transmission from a source node to a destination node, embedding unique identifiers into standard fields of the packet header, wherein the unique identifiers are associated with the specific connection attempt and wherein the unique identifiers identify the user account and/or the computer hardware initiating the communication attempt, then forwarding the modified TCP SYN packet to the destination node and intercepting the modified TCP SYN packet prior to arrival, determining whether secure communications are required based on the unique identifiers extracted from the packet headers, based on other TCP/IP information, and based on predefined rules associated with the same. If secure communications are required, such requirement is communicated within either an RST or a SYN-ACK back to the source node.
US07660977B2
An embodiment of the invention is meant to prevent/allow microcode updates after an operating system is booted on a platform. A processor includes a lock directive that, when set, prevents microcode updates to occur after the operating system has been booted. In an embodiment, the lock directive is read during boot of the processor. A lock indicator is then written to an accessible location so that an attempt to patch, or update, microcode after the operating system has booted will be prohibited if the lock indicator indicates that microcode patch updates are not allowed. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
US07660974B2
In a performance analyzing apparatus, a setting unit sets an event of which the performance is desired to be monitored, a detecting unit detects an instruction address at the time of generation of an interrupt signal from a timer, and a calculating unit calculates a variation amount of a counted value by a hardware counter at a detected instruction address. The variation amount is accumulatively retained for each detected instruction address. A specifying unit specifies an instruction address that corresponds to the event, and a display unit displays a graph of the total variation amounts.
US07660965B2
A method, system and computer program product for optimizing EPN to RPN translation when a data miss occurs. The method, system and computer program product take advantage of the high-likelihood of finding the matching PTE in the first half of the PTEG and utilize early data-coming signals from the L2 cache to prime the data-flow pipe to the D-ERAT arrays and requesting a joint steal cycle for executing the write into the D-ERAT and a restart request for re-dispatching the next-to-complete instruction.
US07660964B2
A buffer of block addresses for use by a client for read and write operations in a client-server system is maintained. Block addresses are maintained in the buffer and are streamed to the client in response to a request for the addresses to support a read or write operation. The quantity of addresses maintained in the buffer may be dynamically adjusted in response consumption of addresses for read and write operations.
US07660962B2
A method of monitoring runtime memory usage by a program. The method can include retrieving data from a first region of virtual memory that has been allocated to the program and compressing the data. A data compression rate can be measured. The method further can include generating a notification comprising notification data indicating that the first region of memory was not efficiently used by the program during execution when the data compression exceeds a threshold value or the data compression rate exceeds a statistical value determined from an application's memory usage.
US07660952B2
A method and system for scheduling the servicing of data requests, using the variable latency mode, in an FBDIMM memory sub-system. A scheduling algorithm pre-computes return time data for data connected to all DRAM buffer chips and stores the return time data in a table. The return time data is expressed as a set of data return time binary vectors with one bit equal to “1” in each vector. For each received data request, the memory controller retrieves the appropriate return time vector. Additionally, the scheduling algorithm utilizes an updated history vector representing a compilation of data return time vectors of all executing requests to determine whether the received request presents a conflict to the executing requests. By computing and utilizing a score for each request, the scheduling algorithm re-orders and schedules the execution of selected requests to preserve as much data bus bandwidth as possible, while avoiding conflict.
US07660950B2
A web page is generated by locating an area in a website to place the page and selecting a template for the page. An output cache manager allows a user to attach a cache profile in the form of metadata to the template and the area in the website. The output cache manager uses the metadata to identify the cache profile that is associated with the web page when the page is rendered. The cache profile identifies the page output directive caching parameters that are associated with a web page when the page is rendered. A cache profile may be inherited by web pages that are dependent on the site in which the page resides such that a previously established cache profile is overridden. The cache profile may be created and modified by any authorized user. Any modification to the cache profile may be applied to all web pages that are associated with the cache profile.
US07660947B2
Multiple applications request data from multiple storage units over a computer network. The data is divided into segments and each segment is distributed randomly on one of several storage units, independent of the storage units on which other segments of the media data are stored. At least one additional copy of each segment also is distributed randomly over the storage units, such that each segment is stored on at least two storage units. This random distribution of multiple copies of segments of data improves both scalability and reliability. When an application requests a selected segment of data, the request is processed by the storage unit with the shortest queue of requests. Random fluctuations in the load applied by multiple applications on multiple storage units are balanced nearly equally over all of the storage units. This combination of techniques results in a system which can transfer multiple, independent high-bandwidth streams of data in a scalable manner in both directions between multiple applications and multiple storage units.
US07660934B2
ASCII gateway to in-vehicle system provides bi-directional translation between multiplexed motor vehicle networks and industrial control and monitoring devices. Integrated hardware and software components provide data communications between motor vehicle electronic control module networks and RS-232 serial ASCII-text capable device, for industrial control and/or industrial automation application in manufacturing or assembly operations. Communications networks (CAN, SAE or ISO protocols) implemented inside motor vehicles pass data between electronic control modules that control operation of important vehicle components like engine, transmission and brake systems, have their messages converted to RS-232 serial ASCII-text; and from RS-232 serial ASCII-text converted to motor vehicle communications network by the system. Messages to monitor and/or control vehicle networks are generated by a serial ASCII-test capable device. Multiple vehicle protocols are supported by the system. The system translates between RS-232 serial ASCII-text message generated or received by a device and the vehicle network.
US07660930B2
A portable computer adapted for electrical connection to a docking station having multiple power modes of operation is described. The portable computer has one or more CPU chips which have at least two power modes of operation, a low power mode and a high power mode. When the portable computer is operated as a stand-alone computer, it operates in the low power mode. When the portable computer is operated while electrically connected to the docking station, it operates in a high power mode. The docking station has greater cooling capacity than the portable computer alone to provide enhanced cooling of the high power mode of operation.
US07660923B2
Methods for configuring an embedded system are described. One method includes connecting a plurality of add-on cards to a circuit board having a programmable processor. The programmable processor is configured to communicate with the plurality of add-on cards. At least one add-on card connects to a circuit board utilizing two or more connectors. The method also includes determining an identifier of each of the plurality of add-on cards, where the identifier of each of the plurality of add-on cards is used to generate a configuration image. Further included is configuring the programmable processor to communicate with the plurality of add-on cards by obtaining the configuration image. In some examples, the programmable processor is an FPGA.
US07660912B2
Disclosed are a data processing system and a method of isolating a plurality of input/output adapter units of that system. The data processing system comprises, in addition to the input/output adapter units, a set of processors, a host bridge, and a system bus connecting the set of processors and the host bridge. Each of the input/output adapter units has a respective identifier; and the set of processors send commands to the host bridge, said commands including one or more of the identifiers of the input/output adapter units. In the preferred embodiment, these identifiers are HyperTransport defined Unit IDs, and the commands issued by the set of processors include a Unit ID field including one or more of the Unit IDs of input/output adapters.
US07660909B2
An improved client network address translation (“NAT”) system is provided. Methods are provided for initializing connection control blocks with the client NAT addresses when a storage pool of connection control blocks are allocated. This avoids the costly overhead as connections are created and destroyed. Unlike the prior art solutions, once the connection control blocks of the present invention are allocated, they remain in effect until the storage subpool is deleted. Secondly, in order to provide as large a pool of client NAT addresses as possible, methods are provided for using intervals to allocate and reclaim client NAT addresses as subpools are allocated and freed.
US07660906B1
A data delivery system and method of the present invention according to one embodiment includes establishing connections between computers regardless of NAT, transporting data between computers in a reliable fashion, creating a secure stream of packets from stored or streaming data on a server, organizing a plurality of computers to cooperatively transport secure packet streams, transporting and correcting secure packet streams in a cooperative environment, and rendering the original stored or streaming data from a secure packet stream thereby reducing demand on the server.
US07660902B2
A dynamic file access control and management system and method in accordance with the present invention may be a proxy file management system that includes one or more file system proxy servers that provide selective access and usage management to files available from one or more file systems or sources. The present invention may embody a secure transport protocol that tunnels distributed file systems, application independent usage controls connected to files on end-user computers, dynamically merging secondary content to a requested file, and applying bandwidth management to any of the foregoing. Embodied in the various implementations of the present invention is enhanced file security. Preferably, the proxy file management system is transparent to an end-user. A dynamic content management system may also be included that selectively adds content to requested files.
US07660894B1
A connection pacer and method for performing connection pacing in a network of servers and clients using a first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) buffer.
US07660887B2
Methods and systems consistent with certain aspects related to the present invention provide a dynamic service delivery system based on a capability to provide services through a distributed system using qualitative and quantitative Quality of Service (QoS) attributes. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method for providing a service that includes collecting capability information reflecting a current operating condition of a compute resource and determining a platform capability and a measurable capability value for a depletion-oriented characteristic of the compute resource based on the collected capability information. Based on at least one of the platform capability and the measurable capability value; a capability value for the compute resource is determined and this value is provided to a provision manager that determines whether the compute resource is worthy of being an available resource in the distributed system based on the capability value. Additionally, the provision manager may determine which of a plurality of services provided by compute resources is more capable of handling a service request based on service capability values corresponding to platform capabilities and/or the depletion-oriented characteristics of each of the compute resources.
US07660885B2
A communication performance analyzing program, a communication performance analyzing apparatus and a communication performance analyzing method make it possible to highly reliably grasp the communication performance of a computer system by automatically analyzing the communication performance. The communication performance analyzing program that causes a computer to analyze a data tendency of communication performance of a plurality of execution periods of a computer system formed by connecting a plurality of computers by a network, the program comprises a communication time acquisition step S2 that acquires communication time data among the computers of the computer system and a statistical analysis step S3 that analyzes the tendency of communication performance data of each execution period of the computer system, using the communication time among the computers, by statistically analyzing the communication time data acquired by the communication time acquisition step.
US07660882B2
A method and apparatus for deploying EMS provisioning services is provided. A communication to administer a particular service on a network element is transmitted from an EMS client to an EMS server. The communication contains service data that describes a particular service to be administered on the network element. The EMS server constructs an instance of a generic record that stores the service data. The EMS server selects a service module to process the instance based on which service is associated with the service data stored in the instance. The instance is processed to produce result data that describes the result of processing the service data at the network element. The EMS server stores the result data in a persistent store. This generic framework enables communications between EMS clients and the EMS server involving different services to be processed similarly. New services are added without modification to the generic framework.
US07660880B2
User access to applications is controlled by associating an alias for an individual with a user profile for the individual; the user profile typically contains data referring to one or more applications. Access to an application is obtained using the data in the user profile, e.g., through automatic completion of forms or screens within an application. In addition, the user profile may be employed to limit user access to parts of an application, or to terminate a user's access to an application.
US07660879B2
A transactional distribution infrastructure enables multiple participants to work together to deploy changes to an executing context. Embodiments can prepare new changes to executing applications based on a copy of the running context or domain rather than the actual running domain. Performing the changes on a copy of the running domain rather than on the actual running domain allows the changes to be examined, therefore providing an opportunity to detect errors and prevent the changes from causing failures on the domain.
US07660877B2
Methods and systems for servicing content for delivery to a client device are described. An item of content is identified during a session with the client device. A type of service to be performed on the item of content is identified. A provider is selected from a plurality of providers capable of performing the service. The session is transferred to the selected provider, which performs the service on the item of content.
US07660870B2
In a technique for enhancing discoverability and increasing usage of a web browser in a mobile device on a wireless network, a server system coupled to the wireless network receives a signal representing initiation of a voice call from the mobile device. In response, the server system performs a lookup to determine whether a website is associated with the telephone number being called. If a website is associated with the telephone number being called and the mobile device has the capability to access and display the website, the server system sends an Alert to the mobile device, causing the mobile device to notify its user about the website. The user may then input a selection to either access the website instead of completing the call or to proceed with the voice call.
US07660864B2
Systems and methods applicable, for example, in having a node inform its user of one or more events while the user interface of the node is in an idle state. The user might, for instance, be able to select one or more of the events of which she is informed for corresponding operations. The events of which the user is informed might include, for example, events corresponding to software operations and/or events corresponding to a network environment (e.g., a peer-to-peer environment).
US07660860B2
A method for determining a transmission time of collected context information at a sensor node in a communication system that includes a client, at least one sensor node collecting context information, and an access point (AP) forwarding the context information received from the sensor node to the client. The communication system operates in a session layer of protocol layers of open systems interconnection (OSI). The sensor node calculates a transmission period in which the collected context information is transmitted, and randomly determines a transmission time at which the context information is transmitted within the calculated transmission period. Since the collected context information is transmitted at the transmission time randomly determined by the sensor node, the load on the AP can be balanced.
US07660850B2
A method and system for establishing a multiparty session with a mesh configuration by sending out invitations to endpoints in parallel is provided. To initiate a session, an initiating endpoint sends invitations in parallel to the endpoints that are to be in the session. When the initiating endpoint receives an acceptance, it then sends to the accepting endpoint an indication of the other endpoints that are currently in the session. When an accepting endpoint receives the indication of the endpoints in the session, the accepting endpoint sends an invitation to establish a dialog to each of the indicated endpoints. When an endpoint that is in the session receives such an invitation, it can automatically accept the invitation because it is already participating in the session.
US07660847B2
The unattended installation of drivers for devices that are not automatically found and installed during operating system installation is disclosed. A method determines which drivers are needed for devices on client computing systems that are not automatically found and installed during operating system installation. Entries for the drivers are created within a master driver file. The method copies the master driver file to each client computing system, and drivers that are needed for the devices. For each client computing system, references are created within an unattended installation file to the entries for the drivers within the master driver file. Operating systems are remotely installed on the client computing systems in an unattended manner. The drivers are able to be installed in the unattended manner due to the references created within the unattended installation files to the entries for the drivers within the master driver file.
US07660846B2
A network communication system for instant messaging comprising: a client-server network system with a server in communication with a client and a server and a network for communication therebetween, each of the server and the client operating as at least one of a sender and a recipient of a combined message; wherein the combined message includes a code and a communications message; and wherein the sender transmits at least one of the code and the combined message to the recipient. A method for instant messaging in a network communication system comprising: formulating a combined message to a recipient, the combined message including a code and a communications message; and transmitting at least one of the code and the combined message to a recipient.
US07660842B2
One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that performs a carry-save division operation that divides a numerator, N, by a denominator, D, to produce an approximation of the quotient, Q=N/D. The system approximates Q by iteratively selecting an operation to perform based on higher order bits of a remainder, r, and then performing the operation, wherein the operation can include, subtracting D from r and adding a coefficient c to a quotient calculated thus far q, or adding D to r and subtracting c from q. These subtraction and addition operations maintain r and q in carry-save form, which eliminates the need for carry propagation and thereby speeds up the division operation. Furthermore, the selection logic is simpler than previous SRT division implementations, which provides another important speed up.
US07660823B2
Computer-implemented systems and methods for displaying multidimensional data as graphical time-based objects. A system and method could include associating actual calendar units with time dimension members. The association can be based on the time periods and the corresponding time-level information in the cube's time dimension hierarchies. Query results involving time periods and time period analysis are displayed as graph chart objects within the time period's visual presentation.
US07660821B2
Object-oriented data storage. A system and method is disclosed for enhanced data storage. A system for object-oriented data storage may comprise an intelligent object editor capable of accessing data content and a destination storage device coupled to the intelligent object editor. The intelligent object editor can link associated information to data content to create a storage object. The storage object can then be stored to the destination storage device.
US07660820B2
A system and method are provided that overcome the previously described limitations of prior art systems. The computer system, in fact, uses a set of information objects to interface with heterogeneous information sources. Information objects can be combined to form tasks that can be added, deleted and modified without requiring any modifications to the underlying program. In addition, the computer system allows users to navigate through a task and automatically generates links to related tasks based on the contextual information in which each step in the task is performed. As a result, links to related tasks do not have to be defined ahead of time, but rather can be dynamically generated at run time. This is accomplished by associating a semantic type or multiple semantic types with the information generated during each step. This allows the system to present links to tasks that utilize the same semantic types generated during the previous step. Thus, if a new task that operates on a given semantic type is created, links to that task are automatically generated during processing of related tasks without requiring any modifications to the underlying program. Semantic types, therefore, allow the system to capture, convert and integrate multiple heterogeneous data sources that contain data pertaining to the same entity. Furthermore, a graphical editor is provided that allows tasks to be easily added, deleted or modified to adapt to changing business processes without requiring new code to be written.
US07660818B2
A method and apparatus for querying computer program design models (metamodels) is provided. A tree structure representation of the subject metamodel is likened to a database representation of the model elements. The invention method and apparatus logically maps a model query statement to the corresponding database version of the query. This leads to abstraction of the underlying metamodel and hence the queries targeting it in an automated and dynamic manner.
US07660802B2
A method for analyzing a target system that includes obtaining a characteristics model, generating at least one selected from the group consisting of a schema, characteristics store API, and a characteristics extractor, using the characteristics model, obtaining a plurality of characteristics from the target system using characteristics extractor, wherein each of the plurality of characteristics is associated with the characteristics model, storing each of the plurality of characteristics in the characteristics store using the schema, and analyzing the target system by issuing at least one query to the characteristics store to obtain an analysis result.
US07660793B2
Disclosed herein is a method and system for integrating an enterprise's structured and unstructured data to provide users and enterprise applications with efficient and intelligent access to that data. Queries can be directed toward both an enterprise's structured and unstructured data using standardized database query formats such as SQL commands. A coprocessor can be used to hardware-accelerate data processing tasks (such as full-text searching) on unstructured data as necessary to handle a query. Furthermore, traditional relational database techniques can be used to access structured data stored by a relational database to determine which portions of the enterprise's unstructured data should be delivered to the coprocessor for hardware-accelerated data processing.
US07660787B2
A client-side search indexing program works transparently and in conjunction with a server based search index. The combined search indexes provide a more accurate and up-to-date image of the Web, customized to the interests of each individual user. The client-side indexer customizes indexing of particular Web pages to the preferences and usage patterns of the user. The user initially installs and configures the client-side indexer on the client. The requested indexes are automatically refreshed and integrated with the main server-side indexes during a search. When the user performs a search, the client-side indexes may be combined with the main server-side index. The combined indexes provide accurate search results for the particular user.
US07660786B2
A measurable means to evaluate a given relevancy verification process to a human decision process is provided. For example, a cognitive concept relationship (CCR) system can be utilized to provide a relevancy verification evaluation that is independent of the relevancy quality of the test data employed to train the relevancy verification algorithm under test. This provides a means to evaluate relevancy verification of, for example, keyword/item pairs for any number of business applications with different relevance standards and/or changes in relevance standards over time, without the need to manually re-label the test data and/or re-measure the algorithmic relevancy.
US07660781B2
A method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for searching and navigating a document database is provided. Document categories are assigned unique numeric category identifiers. Each document in a database is assigned to one of the document categories. Metadata is associated with each electronic document that includes the numeric category identifier corresponding to the category assigned to the document. The database may be searched or browsed based on category by utilizing the metadata. URLs may also be embedded in a Web page that includes a list of document identifiers and an index. The list of document identifiers is a list containing the identities of an arbitrary number of search results. The index identifies one of the documents in the list of document identifiers to be retrieved. When such a URL is selected, a Web server computer utilizes the list of document identifiers and the index to identify the document to be returned.
US07660778B1
A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple “correct” answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. The system includes tools for analysis and display of a presentation as it is presented.
US07660777B1
A method for determining a data package requirement of an agent in an execution environment, utilizing a rule engine and a set of canonical data narrowing rules, comprising collecting the data narrowing rule, asserting narrowing data into a working memory and executing the rule engine with the data narrowing rules and the working memory.
US07660765B1
The method and system of the invention provide a variety of techniques for processing a microtransaction, wherein the microtransaction is a low monetary amount. In accordance with the invention, the method starts with a customer initiating a purchase through interaction with a merchant. The purchase is associated with purchase information, which includes the particulars of the purchase, such as the purchase price. In the purchase, the customer uses a transaction account, obtained from a payment enabler. The merchant submits the purchase information for processing of the purchase information. Thereafter, the purchase is classified as a microtransaction, if the purchase price is below a predetermined monetary amount. Thereafter, the purchase information is forwarded for processing based on the classifying, i.e., as a result of the purchase being classified as a microtransaction. Then, upon receipt of the purchase information by an appropriate recipient, such as an interchange entity or an alternate interchange entity, the purchase information is processed to effect the microtransaction between the customer and the merchant.
US07660764B2
A method of providing a representative or customer with an opportunity to electronically process a request to adjust, refund or waive a service charge on various products and services, comprising the steps of a) receiving requests via various channels such as phone, facsimile, in person, on-line, etc.; b) maintaining an electronic site on a computer network which representative or customer may connect; c) presenting at least one electronic screen over the network to a representative or customer who has connected to the electronic site, including a first input field operable to receive a first command from the representative or customer indicative of a type of adjustment; d) electronically delivering the first command to an automated interface which converts a format of the first command to another format; and presenting a decision to the representative or customer in response to the first command.
US07660762B1
A method and system for trading long and short inventory positions in securities for participants involves systematically obtaining long and short position information from each participant, processing the information in accordance with participant-controlled parameters, matching the participants' short positions to other participants' long positions and feeding the resultant activity back to each participant in the form of system-generated repo and reverse repo trades, while maintaining the anonymity of the participants. Another aspect enables trading baskets of serial overnight trades, each of which is treated as an independent overnight repo/reverse trade for financial reporting purposes, with corresponding notional amount, that involves, for example, cancellation of a basket trade and creating in its place a series of overnight trades corresponding to the basket trade.
US07660761B2
The present invention relates to systems and methods for automated trading. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for processing trade orders essentially instantaneously and filling trade orders with improvement over the National Best Bid and Offer (NBBO) by internalizing certain customer trade orders.
US07660757B2
A data processing method and system administers a deferred annuity product during the accumulation phase of a contract term. The annuity product permits the client to select both an interest rate which is reset periodically (reset rate) and an interest rate which is guaranteed for multiple years (MYG rate), during the same contract term. The client may elect to automatically switch from the reset rate to the MYG rate, for the remainder of the contract term, when the reset rate falls below the MYG rate.
US07660756B2
The invention provides an Internet banking system which can present services more familiar to daily life of individual users, and a bank server apparatus, etc. which can limit available banking services depending on user attributes. From the viewpoint of security, the invention reduces risks of information leak from a client terminal device to third persons and unauthorized accesses from third persons. Banking software for connection to the bank server apparatus is installed in the client terminal device. The banking software can display a screen transfer, etc. in the off-line condition. The banking software prepares transaction instruction data from information entered by the user on the displayed screen and temporarily holds it in the client terminal device. When the client terminal device is connected to the bank server apparatus, the held data is uploaded to the bank server apparatus. In the client terminal device, application software can be utilized in linkage with the banking software so as to display the contents of an electronic bankbook. As examples of the application software, household account-book software, petty cashbook software, etc. can be provided to users.
US07660754B1
A system for automatically processing claims is disclosed. The system includes an application that runs on a computer. Technicians use the application to complete claims information. Claims information includes information related to damage to a company asset. The system can determine the nature and possible location of a malfunction and redirect technician resources appropriately. In another aspect, the system can receive information from multiple technicians and can determine if a single incident caused multiple technicians to be deployed and can produce a single bill that includes the costs associated with dispatching multiple technicians.
US07660747B2
A media enhanced shopping cart system comprises a shopping cart comprising a frame, a basket, a handle, a base tray, and a plurality of wheels, an inventory component for determining an inventory contained by the shopping cart, an identification component for associating a unique identity of the shopping cart, a correlation component of a modular computing device for correlating the inventory contained by the shopping cart with the unique identity of the shopping cart, and a communication component for conveying to a retailer system the correlation between the inventory and the unique identity of the shopping cart.
