US07921119B2
The present invention provides a software facility for identifying the items most relevant to a current query based on items selected in connection with similar queries. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the facility receives a query specifying one or more query terms. In response, the facility generates a query result identifying a plurality of items that satisfy the query. The facility then produces a ranking value for at least a portion of the items identified in the query result by combining the relative frequencies with which users selected that item from the query results generated from queries specifying each of the terms specified by the query. The facility identifies as most relevant those items having the highest ranking values.
US07921115B2
Disclosed are methods for processing distribution channel data integrating business information with geographic data to produce integrated data, wherein the integrated data has greater resolution than the business information. Distribution channel data is captured and correlated with the integrated data to increase the resolution of the distribution channel data.
US07921113B2
A dictionary creation device and dictionary creation method which optimally create and update a dictionary for classifying, searching, or extracting text information in accordance with a changes in content of text information groups. The dictionary creation device includes a keyword extraction unit that extracts a keyword from inputted text information; a keyword statistics unit that finds statistics regarding an appearance of the keyword; a keyword assessment value calculation unit that calculates an assessment value of the extracted keyword based on the statistics regarding the appearance of the keyword; a determination unit that determines whether or not to register or delete the keyword based on the calculated assessment value; a dictionary registration and deletion unit which registers or deletes the keyword in or from a dictionary database based on a result of the determination performed by the determination unit; and the dictionary database.
US07921107B2
A system is described for generating query suggestions using a network of users and advertisers. The system may include a memory, an interface, and a processor. The memory may store a data representing a network comprising query items linked to advertisement items via link items, wherein each link item comprises a weight representing the strength of the relationship between each query item and advertisement item, a search query item, and a relevance value for each query item. The processor may be operatively connected to the memory and the interface and may identify the data representing the network and receive a search query item. The processor may calculate a relevance value for each additional query item in the network based on its relationship to the received search query item. The processor may then suggest the query items with the highest relevance values to the user via the interface.
US07921105B2
According to one aspect of the present invention, a bio-item searching apparatus searches for a target bio-item with a keyword input by a user. In the bio-item searching apparatus, the storage device stores a bio-item literature set having a literature in which the bio-item name is described for each of bio-items. The control device searches each of the bio-item literature sets with the keyword to acquire the number (Nh) of literatures including the keyword for each of the bio-items, selects the bio-item in which the number-of-literatures Nh is 1 or larger as a candidate bio-item, creates, for each of the candidate bio-items, a number-of-literatures table constituted by any one or both of a) the number-of-literatures Nh, and b) the number of literatures each not including the keyword and including the bio-item name (the number of literatures in the bio-item literature set of the bio-item—Nh), calculates a correlation score between the bio-item and the keyword based on statistical calculation by using the number-of-literatures table for each of the candidate bio-items, and outputs the candidate bio-items to the output device based on the correlation score.
US07921102B2
A method, apparatus and program product is provided for optimizing a database query. A query syntax, system generated predicates, and requisite statistics of the database query are analyzed to determine if a predicate structure is a good candidate for a symbol table only data structure. The predicate structure is analyzed to determine if the predicate structure is already encompassed by an encoded vector index. The symbol table only data structure is generated for at least one column in a database table without generating a corresponding vector data structure from an encoded vector index if the predicate structure is a good candidate and not encompassed by an encoded vector index. The symbol table only data structure is maintained by detecting a change in data associated with the symbol table only data structure and updating the symbol table only data structure to reflect the change in the data.
US07921087B2
An improved system and method for query processing in a distributed column chunk data store is provided. A distributed column chunk data store may be provided by multiple storage servers operably coupled to a network. A storage server provided may include a database engine for partitioning a data table into the column chunks for distributing across multiple storage servers, a storage shared memory for storing the column chunks during processing of semantic operations performed on the column chunks, and a storage services manager for striping column chunks of a partitioned data table across multiple storage servers. Query processing may be performed by storage servers or query processing servers operably coupled by a network to storage servers in the column chunk data store. To do so, a hierarchy of servers may be dynamically determined to process execution steps of a query transformed for distributed processing.
US07921086B1
Deterministic space management queries are answered in a deduplication context. A block subkey data structure comprises a subkey (a subset of the bits of a corresponding hash key identifying a block) and refcount (an indication of the total number of objects that reference a given block) for each block in a deduplication store. For each object, an object subkey data structure is maintained. An object subkey data structure comprises a list of subkeys corresponding to blocks referenced by that object. To answer a space management query concerning a given object set, a corresponding object set subkey data structure is created, comprising an entry for each block referenced by at least one object in the object set. Each entry comprises a subkey identifying that block and an object set refcount for that block. The data structures are utilized to efficiently answer space management queries.
US07921081B2
In one embodiment, at least one snapshot thread manages a point in time snapshot of a file system stored within the space allocated to the file system. The snapshot thread tracks, for at least one block of the plurality of blocks of the file system, a separate entry in a snapshot map specifying if each at least one block is newly allocated following the creation of the point in time snapshot and specifying an addressed location of a snapshot copy of the at least one block if copied. Separately, a file system handling thread tracks a mapping of an allocation state of each of said plurality of blocks of the file system. Responsive to detecting the file system triggered to write or delete a particular block from among the at least one block of the file system, the snapshot thread allows the file system to write to or delete the particular block without making a snapshot copy of the particular block if a particular entry for the particular block in the snapshot map specifies the particular block is newly allocated, wherein a block marked newly allocated was not in-use at the point in time of the file system snapshot.
US07921074B2
An information processing system includes a recognition portion that recognizes a document shown in a given space, a detection portion that detects an event occurring in the given space, and an index-giving portion that gives information on the event detected by the detection portion to the information on the document recognized by the recognition portion, as an index for search.
US07921068B2
The data mining platform comprises a plurality of system modules, each formed from a plurality of components. Each module has an input data component, a data analysis engine for processing the input data, an output data component for outputting the results of the data analysis, and a web server to access and monitor the other modules within the unit and to provide communication to other units. Each module processes a different type of data, for example, a first module processes microarray (gene expression) data while a second module processes biomedical literature on the Internet for information supporting relationships between genes and diseases and gene functionality. In the preferred embodiment, the data analysis engine is a kernel-based learning machine, and in particular, one or more support vector machines (SVMs). The data analysis engine includes a pre-processing function for feature selection, for reducing the amount of data to be processed by selecting the optimum number of attributes, or “features”, relevant to the information to be discovered.
US07921066B2
A method of predicting the behavior of software agents in a simulated environment involves modeling a plurality of software agents representing entities to be analyzed, which may be human beings. Using a set of parameters that governs the behavior of the agents, the internal state of at least one of the agents is estimated by its behavior in the simulation, including its movement within the environment. This facilitates a prediction of the likely future behavior of the agent based solely upon its internal state; that is, without recourse to any intentional agent communications. In the preferred embodiment the simulated environment is based upon a digital pheromone infrastructure. The simulation integrates knowledge of threat regions, a cognitive analysis of the agent's beliefs, desires, and intentions, a model of the agent's emotional disposition and state, and the dynamics of interactions with the environment. By evolving agents in this rich environment, we can fit their internal state to their observed behavior. In realistic wargame scenarios, the system successfully detects deliberately played emotions and makes reasonable predictions about the entities' future behavior.
US07921063B1
A computer system can evaluate electronic messages based on probabilistic analysis, including Bayesian analysis. In one embodiment, a data processing system comprises logic configured for perform training a probabilistic filter using first properties of one or more first network resource identifiers obtained from a whitelist; training the probabilistic filter using second properties of one or more second network resource identifiers obtained from a blocklist; testing third properties of a third network resource identifier using the probabilistic filter, resulting in creating a probability output; and adding the third network resource identifier to the blocklist when the probability output is greater than a specified threshold. The blocklist can be communicated to messaging gateways in the field for local use in evaluating messages that contain spam or other threats.
US07921060B2
A method for pricing a productivity enhancing product or method, such as a feed additive, a fertilizer, or the like, that includes consideration of an expected or realized added benefit from the productivity enhancing product or method to an end user and the price that is expected to be received or has been received by the end user. Programs and systems with which such a pricing method are used are also disclosed.
US07921059B2
A licensing system provides for various versions of an application within a software product. A license type is identified from a product key that is associated with the software product. The license type may correspond to a hybrid license. When the license type is a hybrid license, an application state is determined for any applications included in the software product. A use experience for the applications is provided according to the application state when the application state is determined. For applications that are provided as upgradeable versions, an upgrade may be obtained by simply obtaining a new product key that is associated with the upgraded versions of the applications.
US07921056B2
An apparatus for processing a composite trading order comprises an interface operable to display a composite value representing a weighted quantity of a plurality of trading products. The apparatus further comprises a processor operable to receive at least one input representing a composite trading order, wherein the at least one input comprises a quantity that is equal to at least a portion of the weighted quantity. The at least one input is usable to generate one or more constituent trading orders that, when filled, combine to satisfy the composite trading order.
US07921055B2
A method of opening option trading in an automated exchange trading system. The system receives orders and quotes and matches the orders and quotes to generate trades. The method includes the step of accepting, during a first time period, quotes and orders associated with an option class. The first time period precedes the opening of trading. An opening value of an underlying security is received and opening prices for a number of option series in the option class are determined. Additional quotes and orders are received during a second time period and the opening prices are responsively updated. The second time period is terminated at a randomly selected time and opening rotations begin.
US07921054B2
A method and system for trading financial instruments which reduces the leakage of trading interest when buyers and sellers of financial instruments desire to trade. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a trading system allows traders to speculate on the hidden liquidity in the market by offering liquidity at fixed prices which are inferior to the NBBO (National Best Bid Offer) in exchange for rights to sweep the market for better priced quotes. In another embodiment of the invention, a liquidity provider can set their own fee. This fee is charged to the liquidity taker if their quote is executed. This fee compensates traders for the risk of taking a position in a financial instrument. In another embodiment of the invention, dummy orders are used to reduce trading interest leakage when limit orders are placed into order books. In another embodiment of the invention, a trading system will only match liquidity taking orders with single liquidity providing orders of equal or greater in size.
US07921053B2
Method and system for conducting electronic auctions with multi-parameter price equalization bidding
An auction is conducted by obtaining, from a buyer, information associated with a product to be purchased using an auction, where the buyer purchases the product from a winning bidder. The obtained information associated with the product is made available to at least a first bidder and a second bidder. A first bid that includes a first price and a first non-price information is received from the first bidder. A second bid that includes a second price and a second non-price information is received, from the second bidder. Non-price information is associated with (1) a description of a particular product a given bidder will provide in the event the given bidder wins the auction and/or (2) delivery of a product by the given bidder in the event the given bidder wins the auction. A first comparison value is generated based at least in part on the first price and the first non-price information. A second comparison value is generated based at least in part on the second price and the second non-price information. The first comparison value and the second comparison value are compared and the winning bidder of the auction is selected based at least in part on the comparison.
US07921050B1
Providing computer-based systems and methods for analyzing historical performance of financial securities and identifying trades in those securities based on the securities' current position as compared to this historical performance. These computer-based systems and computer-implemented methods include identifying stock pairs to include in a trading portfolio, based on a measure of the pair's relative performance, such as a modified Sharpe Ratio. The value of the stocks in each stock pair in the portfolio is assessed and deviations determined. This assessment can occur daily or at a longer or shorter time step. Stocks are bought or sold based on the current price of the stock as compared to historical performance. The present invention preferably employs a large number of stock pairs in the trading portfolio. This use of a large number of pairs results in a plurality of stocks being in more than one stock pair.
US07921049B2
A financial product is created by receiving funds from investors to purchase collateral, such as stock or bonds, in companies to populate an insurance portfolio and a risk portfolio. Notes backed by the collateral are issued to the investors and pay a coupon amount based on the performance of the collateral. The collateral is monitored over time to determine whether distressed equity events occur which coincide with the collateral value falling below a predetermined amount of its original share price. The number of distressed equity events between companies in the insurance portfolio and risk portfolio offset each other to give a total number of net hits. Subsequently, the total number of net hits is used to calculate an impact on the amount of the coupon pay-out to the investors.
US07921035B2
Systems and methods of the present invention allow for providing suggested domain names on parked webpages. A parked webpage is placed on a website associated with an original domain name. A domain name module generates suggested domain names based on the properties of the original domain name (e.g. WHOIS records). Suggested domain names are displayed on the parked webpage. A user may visit the parked webpage with the intention to check if the original domain name is available for registration. The original domain name is already registered, but the user may notice an appealing domain name among the suggested domain names. Then the user may register, purchase, or backorder it. The invention may be used as a marketing technique for registration, sale, or resale of the domain names.
US07921031B2
A custom survey generation method and system. The system comprises a computing apparatus comprising a list of business processes, reporting outcomes, and groups of questions. The computing system presents to a user the list. The computing system receives from the user a selection for a business process and an associated reporting outcome from the list. The computing system generates a custom survey for the user in response to the selection. The custom survey comprises a first group of questions associated with the associated reporting outcome. The computing system receives from the user a response to each question of the first group of questions. The computing system generates a first benchmarking report based on each said response.
US07921025B2
A trend of attributes associated with plural market participants is determined. A representation of the trend is computed, and market models for the market participants are built according to the representation of the trend.
US07921017B2
The invention is generally directed to systems and methods for medical care, and more particularly to systems and methods for voice control of a medical device. A first embodiment includes a voice controlled surgical system, such as a phacoemulsification system, a microphone coupled to the surgical system, and a voice controlled computer interface coupled with the surgical system. The voice controlled interface is configured to receive a request to invoke a voice command via the microphone, to listen for a voice command upon receipt of a valid request to invoke a voice command, and to forward a valid voice command upon receipt of the valid voice command to the surgical system for execution.
US07921003B2
A system and method for shallow water simulation may provide a framework for solving General Shallow Wave Equations (GSWE) to efficiently simulate 3D fluid effects on arbitrary surfaces using a height field representation. The height field representation may include height columns constructed along surface normals, which may be dependent on a condition of boundary cells adjacent to fluid cells and/or artificial viscosity effects. The framework may provide implicit schemes for solving for the effects of external forces applied to the fluid, including gravity and surface tension, and explicit schemes for solving for advection effects. The system and method may be implemented on general-purpose CPU(s) and/or GPU(s) and may be capable of simulating a variety of fluid effects including: waves, rivulets and streams, drops, and capillary events. In some embodiments, the system and method may achieve real-time fluid control and fluid shape design through user-interaction (e.g., in a graphical painting application).
US07920995B2
A nonlinear technical product or process described by stochastic system output target values dependent on stochastic system input parameter values, thereby stating discrete technical system dependencies, is optimized by using a Response Surface Methods based on discrete technical system dependencies to generate at least one continuous auxiliary function for the real dependencies of the target values on the input parameter values. Next, an auxiliary function is used to generate at least one optimizing parameter for optimization by an objective function, thereby generating an additional discrete technical system dependence. The technical system is adaptively optimized by repeating the above, using the additional discrete technical system dependence, until the difference of successive optimized optimizing parameters is below a threshold. The final additional discrete technical system dependence is an optimal technical system operating point.
US07920982B2
Optical distortion calibration for an Electro-Optical sensor in a chamber eliminates calibration of the mirror controller and allows for calibration while the target is in motion across the FOV thus providing a more efficient and accurate calibration. A target pattern is projected through sensor optics with line of sight motion across the sensor FOV to generate a sequence of frames. Knowing that the true distances between the same targets remain constant with line of sight motion across the sensor's FOV, coefficients of a function F representative of the non-linear distortion in the sensor optics are fit from observed target positions in a subset of frames to true line of sight so that distances between targets are preserved as the pattern moves across the FOV. The coefficients are stored as calibration terms with the sensor.
US07920980B2
A method for dynamically providing feedback is presented. The method includes monitoring one or more steps performed by one or more components in a machine, where the one or more steps are associated with a workflow. Further, the method includes analyzing the one or more steps performed by the one or more components to dynamically determine feedback based on the one or more steps performed by the one or more components, where the feedback comprises other steps in the workflow. In addition, the method includes presenting the feedback. Systems and computer-readable medium that afford functionality of the type defined by this method is also contemplated in conjunction with the present technique.
US07920977B2
A noncontact method for measuring currents flowing through superconductive wires connected in parallel is provided. The method includes arranging hall sensors for measuring voltage levels based on magnetic fields generated around the superconductive wires, setting a matrix relation between the measured voltage values, values of currents flowing through the superconductive wires, and a variable matrix having variables defining relations between the voltage values and the current values, applying predetermined current levels to the superconductive wires a number of times and measuring voltage values through the hall sensors, substituting the predetermined current values and the measured voltage values into the matrix relation to calculate the variables of the variable matrix, and substituting the calculated variable matrix and unknown voltage values, measured by the hall sensors when unknown currents flow through the superconductive wires, into the matrix relation to calculate values of the unknown currents flowing through the superconductive wires.
US07920965B1
A computer-implemented method for identifying a route that is configured to travel through multiple points of interest includes receiving a query that includes an origin location, a destination location, and at least a first point of interest and a second point of interest. The method also includes identifying a perimeter that surrounds the received origin and destination locations in response to the query. The perimeter is then used to identify a set of locations for each of the first and second points of interest.
US07920964B2
A navigation apparatus includes: a map data obtaining unit that obtains map data; a navigation processing unit that executes navigation processing by using the obtained map data; a search data obtaining unit that obtains search data; a specific data detection unit that detects specific data for a specified search target by using the obtained search data; a correspondence table obtaining unit that obtains a correspondence table indicating correspondence between identification information used to identify individual road units into which each road is divided in predetermined units and map data road unit information related to map data road units defined in the map data individually corresponding to the road units; and a map position determining unit that determines a position of the specified search target in the map data based upon the specific data for the specified search target having been detected and the correspondence table having been obtained.
US07920962B2
A method for moving one or more mobile drive units within a workspace includes receiving, from a first mobile drive unit, a reservation request requesting use of a first path segment to move in a first direction. The method further includes determining that a second mobile drive unit is currently located on the first path segment and determining whether the second mobile drive unit is moving in the first direction. Additionally, the method includes transmitting a reservation response indicating that the reservation request is denied, in response to determining that the second mobile drive unit is not moving in the first direction. The method also includes transmitting a reservation response indicating that the reservation request is granted, in response to determining that the second mobile drive unit is moving in the first direction.
US07920957B2
A method for metering fuel into a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine is provided, in which a fuel quantity to be metered for a combustion is metered by a preinjection and at least one additional injection, and in which, in the operation of the internal combustion engine, quantity errors of the preinjection are ascertained from the signal of at least structure-borne noise sensor. The method is distinguished in that a correction value is formed as a function of the quantity error of the preinjection, and at least one of the additional injections is corrected using the correction value. A control device is also provided that controls the method.
US07920955B2
In a method for changing the operating mode in an internal combustion engine it is possible to switch between an operating mode with spark ignition of the engine and an operating mode with auto-ignition of the engine. Hereby, a first map is provided in which at least one range is specified in which a suitable auto-ignition of the engine can take place. After the engine start, therefore, it is determined whether the engine has reached an operating point lying within this range of the first map in order then to switch the engine to the operating mode in which auto-ignition can take place reliably.
US07920954B2
A system and a method is disclosed for universal operation of an internal-combustion engine (2), comprising at least an actuator connected to a working device of the engine, an electronic card (3) including a recording medium for a programmable logic FPGA component and a card synchronization component (9, 10) for synchronizing the card according to the engine cycle. The method, generates, in the component, an angular reference point in the engine cycle for each cylinder; generates, through the component, actuator control pulses, the pulses being parameterizable in phase and in duration, independent and linked with a single cylinder, performing multiplexing of the pulses to distribute the pulses over at least one of the physical outputs of the card specific to the cylinder considered; and controlling at least one of the actuators linked with one of the physical outputs of the card specific to the cylinder considered, with at least one of the control pulses.
US07920953B2
The running control device according to the present invention has an operation stability control unit which calculates a control lateral acceleration from the actual lateral acceleration measured by the lateral acceleration sensor and the estimated lateral acceleration calculated by the estimated lateral acceleration calculation unit and which carries out a control of drive power distribution transmitted from the engine to the front wheels and the rear wheels based on the calculated control lateral acceleration. If either the estimated lateral acceleration or the control lateral acceleration differs from the actual lateral acceleration by not less than a predetermined value, the operation stability control unit carries out a control to reduce the drive power distributed to the front wheels or the rear wheels.
US07920946B2
A control system for controlling a steering system is provided. The control system includes a first module that estimates a command adjust value based on a current position of a hand wheel of the steering system relative to an end of travel region. A second module generates a motor assist command based on the command adjust value to control the steering system.
US07920939B2
A method and system are disclosed for creating and manipulating embroidery designs over a wide area network. The method includes steps to transmit various embroidery design data over a wide area network between a client and a server The manner in which the embroidery design data is created, manipulated, and transmitted allows a user to preview photo realistic renderings of possible finished products, and more precisely adjust interpretations through a provided user interface with minimum latency.
US07920935B2
A manufacturing process for automatically delivering an appropriate level of instructions to a manufacturing operator on demand based on the manufacturing operator's level of activity and performance, the particular characteristics of the product being manufactured, and the particular production environment. Responsive to receiving an order for a product, the manufacturing process identifies an authorization level assigned to an operator performing a particular manufacturing activity on a part in the product and assigns a default level of instructions to the operator based on the authorization level. The process collects and models characteristics about the manufacturing environment, performance history of the operator, and knowledge decay of the operator to determine an appropriate level of instructions to provide to the operator performing a particular manufacturing activity. The manufacturing instructions associated with the appropriate level of instructions are then provided to the operator.
US07920931B2
Video clips (160) are selected for viewing or recording in a video system (160) based on songs that are selected for play in an audio system (110). A history (120) of audio selections is maintained, and based on this history (120), the system identifies ‘favorite’ songs. The system searches sources of video material for video clips (160) that are related to the favorite songs, and records the clips (160). When a favorite song is subsequently selected for play (410), the video system is configured to also play (440), or offer to play (430), the corresponding video clip (160). Optionally, the system is configured to store (390) the location of previously recorded video clips, such as the location of the clip in a user's video collection, or the URL of the clip in a computer network, such as the Internet.
US07920919B1
Provided herein are implantable systems, and methods for use therewith, for estimating a level of noise in a signal produced by an implantable sensor that is sensitive to motion induced noise. Sample data is obtained that is representative of a signal produced by the implantable sensor that is sensitive to motion induced noise. Such a sensor signal has a corresponding morphology. The morphology of a portion of the sensor signal is compared to a template, and a level of motion induced noise in the sensor signal is estimated, based on results of the morphology comparison.
US07920908B2
A method for the evaluation of target media parameters in the visible and near infrared is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a light source, an illuminator/collector, optional illumination wavelength selector, an optional light gating processor, an imager, detected wavelength selector, controller, analyzer and a display unit. The apparatus illuminates an in situ sample of the target media in the visible through near infrared spectral region using multiple wavelengths and gated light. The sample absorbs some of the light while a large portion of the light is diffusely scattered within the sample. Scattering disperses the light in all directions. A fraction of the deeply penetrating scattered light exits the sample and may be detected in an imaging fashion using wavelength selection and an optical imaging system. The method extends the dynamic range of the optical imager by extracting additional information from the detected light that is used to provide reconstructed contrast of smaller concentrations of chromophores. The light detected from tissue contains unique spectral information related to various components of the tissue. Using a reiterative calibration method, the acquired spectra and images are analyzed and displayed in near real time in such a manner as to characterize functional and structural information of the target tissue.
US07920902B2
A mobile personal audio device including a case maintaining a power source, first and second speakers, a microcontroller, and first and second stem assemblies. The stem assemblies extend from opposite sides of the case, respectively, and each include a tube having a first end adjacent and open to a corresponding one of the speakers and terminating at a second end. The stem assemblies are configured such that the tube is positionable in a user-selected extended state in which the second end of the tube is displaced from the case, and a collapsed state in which the second end is in close proximity to the case. In the extended state, the case is locatable at the back of the user's neck, with the tubes extending along opposite sides of the user's head. The microcontroller operates the speakers to generate audio sounds waves that are delivered to the user's ears.
US07920892B2
A rebroadcast content scheduling device receives reception state information and schedules rebroadcast content, where the reception state information includes content identification information for identifying content represented by the broadcast wave received by the receiving section and indicates that the reception defection occurred in the reception of the content. Thus, the rebroadcast content scheduling device can determine to rebroadcast, as the rebroadcast content, the content that was received with many reception defections.
US07920888B2
A radio network entity in charge of outer loop power control for a communication with a mobile radio is informed about erroneous data units, requested retransmissions, and/or data units transmission attempts associated with the data units sent by the mobile radio to the radio network. Another radio network entity, which sends a transmission power control signal to the mobile radio to control the mobile's transmit power level based on a target value, detects errors in data units received from the mobile radio and requests retransmission. Information associated with the requested retransmission is used to generate a revised target value. The target value may be revised by an outer loop power controller node or by an outer loop power controller entity in the same node as an ARQ entity that generates the information about erroneous data units, requested retransmissions, and/or data units transmission attempts associated with the data units sent by the mobile radio to the radio network.
US07920885B2
A method and system for establishing a subnet in a wireless network is provided for wireless transmission of information between two stations in the network. A subnet access process in a wireless communication system establishes a subnet comprising a direct wireless link on a secondary frequency channel for wireless transmission of data between two stations.
US07920879B2
Apparatuses and methods are disclosed herein for implementing dormant mode with paging in a WLAN. Power savings in the computing device and reduction in traffic across the network are achieved by requiring a computing device to inform the WLAN of its location only when it crosses a paging area boundary or is to receive IP traffic. Dormant mode with paging is implemented in a protocol that supports dormant functionality and paging functionality but does not itself provide methods or standards for implementing such functionality, such as the IEEE 802.11. The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein provide the methods needed to implement dormant mode with paging in such a protocol. Generally, the methods and apparatuses for implementing dormant mode with paging basically include (1) establishing paging areas; (2) communicating access group information to a computing device; and (3) locating a computing device.
US07920874B2
A position estimating system capable of accurately estimating the position assumed by a target terminal user based upon measurement of wireless reception signal levels of signals from a target terminal is provided. The position estimating system includes a target terminal that wirelessly transmits a position estimation request, a plurality of reference terminals disposed at specific positions which, measure the signal strength of wireless signals from the target terminal and a position estimating server that estimates the position of the target terminal based upon the reception signal levels measured in correspondence to each of the reference terminals. The reference terminals each include a reception signal level utilization OK/NG judgment unit that makes a judgment as to whether or not the reception signal level value having been measured is to be used in position estimation based upon an index indicating the level of reliability of the reception signal.
US07920867B2
A MOAF algorithm is used to resize cells for balancing capacity. The MOAF algorithm bases its decision on a cell and all other cells which the algorithm decides are sufficiently close in a propagation sense to affect the results. The MOAF algorithm also automatically determines those cells in an area which are most heavily loaded and those cells which are lightly loaded. The MOAF algorithm will only decrease the size of a cell if it determines specific adjacent cells that are willing and able to accept the load, and the MOAF algorithm will increase the size of a cell only if there is a nearby heavily loaded cell that requires the removal of load. Moreover, the MOAF algorithm can be tuned (via the threshold parameter T) to shift the focus of the optimization from avoidance of coverage holes to the avoidance of creation of excessive handover legs. Because the changes are electrical rather than physical they can be deployed instantaneously via the network management system thus saving the cost of sending a field crew to the site. Moreover, it is possible to make these changes much more frequently than has been possible in the past thereby permitting the optimization of the network to be done in near real time to meet the temporal changes in the geographic distribution of customers.
US07920854B2
A system for printing a map on a print medium, the system comprising: a mobile telecommunications device which comprises: a printer module to print the map on the print medium; and, a sensor module to sense a print media identifier of the print medium.
US07920847B2
In accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing privacy protection to network users includes receiving a subscription request from a first end user. The subscription request identifies a second end user for whom the first end user would like to become a registered presence watcher. A cost to be assessed to become the registered presence watcher of the second end user is determined, and the first user is registered as the registered presence watcher of the second end user.
US07920829B2
A method and system are provided for locally controlling the distribution of an application at an access point to a shared wireless network and of an application to a mobile node which is located using the address thereof. According to the present method and system, for the access point, the data rate per type of application is measured, the charge rate of the access point per type of application is calculated from the access point and the distribution of a novel application at said access point is either authorized or refused according to the internal priority rules associated with each application following any request for the distribution of said novel application. The present method and system are suitable for the management of access points to an IEEE P802.11-type shared wireless network.
US07920814B2
Disclosed are embodiments that use multiple, belt-steering systems to control and maintain alignment of an endless belt. The position of the edge of the belt is measured by multiple belt edge sensors and then corrected by at least two steering rollers connected to corresponding steering mechanisms. The steering mechanisms tilt the rollers in order to selectively adjust the lateral position of the belt. Steering can be controlled independently with the tilt of each steering roller being adjusted based solely on information obtain from a corresponding belt edge sensor. Alternatively, steering can be controlled dependently with the tilt of each steering roller being adjusted based on information obtain from multiple sensors at multiple locations and further based on the predictable impact of the simultaneous movement of both rollers on belt positioning. In addition, at least one of the steering rollers can also be configured as a drive roller.
US07920811B2
A storage container includes: a storage container main body; a flow-out opening; a shutter; a seal member; a restricting portion; and an open-close movement restricting portion.
US07920810B2
Embodiments of an electrophotography device are disclosed.
US07920789B1
A system for communication of signals between remote devices and monitoring and control devices via fiber. The system in accordance with one aspect of the invention includes a plurality of remote interface units each coupled to a corresponding one of the remote devices, a base unit coupled to one or more monitoring devices and one or more control devices, and a central hub coupled between the base unit and the plurality of remote interface units. The central hub is coupled to the base unit by a first fiber optic link, and is coupled to the remote interface units by additional fiber optic links.
US07920785B2
To improve the quality of photographs of people, the disclosure describes a system and method of photography using desirable feature recognition. The system and method recognize when the subject persons in a photograph possess one or more desirable features for a desirable photograph, such as when they are all smiling and/or not blinking. The system and method may be applied either to individual or group photographs. The system and method of the present invention may operate in a “Full Mode”, in which a picture is taken when all subject persons possess the desirable feature(s). The system and method also may operate in a “Proportional Mode”, in which a picture is taken when a set proportion of the subject persons possess the desirable feature(s). The system and method also may operate in a “Best Picture Mode”, in which multiple photographs are imaged, and the best photograph is selected for keeping, as measured by the photograph containing the highest proportion of subject persons who possess the desirable feature(s). The system and method also may operate in a timer mode, which permits the camera user to appear in the photograph.
US07920784B2
Electronic device, electronic camera, light source device, illumination device, and projector device
An electronic device includes a heat generating member arranged in a body, and a heat transmission member of a shape of a three-dimensional body having at least a first surface that is joined to the heat generating member and a second surface that is joined to an inner surface of the body. The first surface of the heat transmission member has an area greater than or equal to an area of the heat transmission member joined to the heat generating member, and an entire area of the second surface is joined to the inner surface of the body.
US07920777B2
The present invention concerns capillary force vaporizers for use in vaporizing liquids and emitting pressurized vapors. In one embodiment, the inventive capillary force vaporizer includes a porous member, a heater component to convey heat to the porous member, and a vapor containment region. The porous member further includes a capillary network, a surface for receiving liquid and a vaporization area in which vapor is produced from the liquid. The vapor is collected and pressurized within the vapor containment region, which includes one or more openings for the release of vapor at a velocity greater than zero. Several different embodiments for capillary force vaporizers and systems comprising capillary force vaporizers are disclosed along with methods for their use.
US07920762B2
A method of sensing coded data on a surface is disclosed. Images of the coded data on the surface are captured using a sensor of a sensing device. The coded data is formed from tags, with each tag encoding a unique identity of a region of the surface and the position of the tag within the region. A perspective distortion of the coded data is estimated and compensated for when detecting data elements in the tags. The unique identity of the region from the images is determined, and the position of the sensing device within the region from the position of at least one tag in at least one image captured by the sensor is determined.
US07920754B2
A digital image filtering method and system are provided. A first matrix of a plurality of pixels is selected from a digital image to be displayed. The luminosity values of each of the pixels in the pixel matrix are analysed and the luminosity difference between the maximum and minimum luminosity values thereof is calculated. The central pixel of the matrix is then classified according to the luminosity difference in comparison to a predetermined threshold luminosity value, and the above selection, analysis and classification is repeated for each of the pixels of the image in turn. A target pixel is then selected from the classified pixels for further analysis, wherein a second pixel matrix of which the target pixel is the central pixel is selected, the classification of the pixels surrounding the target pixel in the second matrix is analysed, and the target pixel is filtered to an extent dependent upon the classification analysis.
US07920752B2
An image processing device includes a reduced-image creating portion, a reduced-retinex-image forming portion, a normalizing-parameter setting portion, and an original-image correcting portion. The reduced-retinex-image forming portion calculates reflectance of each pixel in a reduced image based both on a pixel value of a subject pixel in a reduced image and on a peripheral average luminance of the subject pixel, thereby forming a reduced retinex image that is configured of reflectance of each pixel in the reduced image. The normalizing-parameter setting portion obtains frequencies of the reflectance in the reduced retinex image and sets an upper limit and a lower limit for normalization. The original-image correcting portion includes a retinex-image forming portion, a first normalizing portion, and a first correcting portion. The retinex-image forming portion calculates reflectance of each pixel in the original image based both on a pixel value of a subject pixel in the original image and on a peripheral average luminance of the subject pixel. The first normalizing portion normalizes the reflectance of the original image based on the upper limit and the lower limit, thereby obtaining a normalized reflectance for each pixel in the original image. The first correcting portion corrects the original image based both on the normalized reflectance and on the pixel value for each pixel in the original image, thereby obtaining a corrected original image.
US07920747B2
Embodiments of the present invention address deficiencies of the art in respect to video scaling and compression and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for pre-distribution image scaling for screen size. In one embodiment of the invention, a compressed video delivery method can be provided. The method can include determining a display size for a target computing platform, pre-scaling video imagery to comport with the display size of the target computing platform, compressing the pre-scaled video imagery, and transmitting the compressed, pre-scaled video imagery to the target computing platform over a computer communications network.
US07920744B2
A system comprising a first computer and a second computer remotely located from the first computer and in communication with the first computer via a network. The second computer comprises an encoder module which encodes and transmits a pixel color datum to the first computer. The encoder module encodes the pixel color datum by generating a bit indicative of the number of different pixel color data encoded since a datum having a same color as the pixel color datum was last encoded.
US07920742B2
An image processing apparatus includes a document input unit that inputs document data of a document, a first identifying unit that identifies a position of a string included in the document, a second identifying unit that identifies a range of a mark given in the document based on an orientation of the string, and a string extracting unit that extracts a string subject to the mark, based on the position of the string identified by the first identifying unit and the range of the mark identified by the second identifying unit.
US07920740B2
A hue segmentation system and method thereof suitable for image devices are described. First, a plurality of hue segments are generated based on color data of a plurality of colors in a color gamut. Then, the area difference between the hue segments and the color gamut is calculated. If the area difference is greater than a predetermined value, the hue segmentation system searches at least one vertex among the hue segments to divide the segments for generating a plurality of additional hue segments. The above-mentioned steps are performed repeatedly until the area difference is less than the predetermined value. Thus fewer hue segments indicate the color gamut of color processing of the image devices to effectively decrease calculation times and save required memory.
US07920739B2
Automatically selected adjusters are described, including selecting an area of an image, determining a characteristic of the area, and selecting an adjuster of a set of adjusters based on the characteristic of the area.
US07920738B2
The invention regards a method and a system for establishing correspondence between wafers and solar cells produced from said wafers. The method comprises for each wafer and each solar cell, providing an image of the wafer, providing an image of the cell, comparing the wafer image to the cell image, upon match between a cell image and a wafer image, assigning the current cell to the current wafer. The system comprises at least one imaging device for providing images of the wafers and the cells, a processing unit for comparing a wafer image to a cell image, and upon match between a cell image and a wafer image, assigning the current cell to the current wafer, and a memory unit.
US07920727B2
An image evaluation system and method are provided. The system includes an image register, an evaluation window, an image feature generator, and an evaluation unit. In addition, the image evaluation method includes the steps of in case that the image is a human figure, the image is analyzed based on a basic rule of image composition, and an evaluation score is calculated according to the position of the face feature in the image as analyzed and obtained from the image; in case that the image is a landscape, first if a horizontal line exists in the image is determined, if the answer is affirmative, the evaluation score is calculated based on the inclination of a horizontal line in the image; and the evaluation score is reported to the user as a reference. As such, the user may determine the quality of the image based on the evaluation score.
US07920721B2
A system or the like capable of detecting lane marks more accurately by preventing false lane marks from being erroneously detected as true lane marks. A vehicle-use image processing system (100) allows a “road surface cluster” to be extracted from the “histogram” of luminance of each pixel in a “reference area” in a road surface image. Among “primary lane mark candidates,” those that overlap the “reference area” are detected as “secondary lane mark candidates.” Among the “secondary lane mark candidates,” those that have “luminance parameter” values falling within the luminance range of the “road surface cluster” are not detected as true lane marks. Thereby, lane marks are prevented from being erroneously detected (erroneous detection). This allows only lane marks to be detected more accurately.
US07920712B2
A loudspeaker is provided for receiving an electrical signal and transmitting an acoustic signal through a transmission medium. The system includes generally two elements: a coaxial transducer and an acoustic transformer. The coaxial transducer includes a high-frequency driver and a mid-frequency driver that are coaxially arranged. The acoustic transformer is acoustically coupled to the coaxial transducer and includes an initial horn section that expands from a first end to a second end in a direction away from the coaxial transducer. The initial horn section defines a plurality of openings therethrough, such that the initial horn section is acoustically opaque to high-frequency acoustic signals to thereby function as a waveguide for the high-frequency acoustic signals, while it is acoustically transparent to mid-frequency acoustic signals.
US07920692B2
Enhanced call management services to users receiving incoming calls on extensions on a private branch exchange (PBX) is provided by an application server configured to provide call management services to at least one of the users and a protocol proxy configured to receive call information from the PBX according to a protocol for establishing call sessions. The application server is further configured to receive the call information from the protocol proxy.
US07920688B1
A call processing system comprising an interface configured to receive a call request for a call from a caller to a service having a plurality of service variations and transmit a first control message, and a processing system configured to process the call request to select a first service variation of the plurality of service variations based on a first preference indicated by the caller prior to the call and generating the first control message identifying the first service variation.
US07920682B2
A dynamic voice user interface system is provided. The dynamic voice user interface system interacts with a user at a first level of formality. The voice user interface system then monitors history of user interaction and adjusts the voice user interface to interact with the user with a second level of formality based on the history of user interaction.
US07920672B2
It is described a gain calibration for a two-dimensional X-ray detector (315), in which the gain coefficients for scattered radiation (307b) and direct radiation (307a) are measured or estimated separately. A weighed average may be applied on the appropriate scatter fraction. The scatter fraction depending gain calibration method produces less ring artifacts in X-ray images as compared to known gain calibration methods, which do not take into account the fraction of scattered radiation reaching the X-ray detector (315).
US07920666B2
A safety injection tank, used for quickly injecting emergency core cooling water (ECCW) to a reactor vessel in the case of a cold leg large break accident (CLLBA) in a pressurized water reactor (PWR), is disclosed. The safety injection tank has a gravity-driven fluidic device configured to efficiently change the ECCW injection mode from a high flow injection mode to a low flow injection mode. The gravity-driven fluidic device includes a spring placed in the upper end of the vertical pipe, and a vertically movable water tub placed on the spring so as to be movable in a vertical direction. When ECCW contained in the pressure vessel is discharged and the water level is reduced lower than the height of the tub, the tub is moved downwards such that the lower surface thereof comes into contact with the vertical pipe and closes the high flow inlet port.
US07920665B1
A symmetrical range controller for phase-locked loop circuits includes a first counter coupled to a first signal line, where the first counter is configured to count state transition edges of the first signal, inhibit logic coupled to the first counter, where the inhibit logic is configured to inhibit an output signal of a second counter in response to a predetermined count of the first counter, and reset logic coupled to the first counter, where the reset logic is configured to reset the second counter in response to a full count of the first counter.
US07920664B2
A clock synchronization circuit includes a clock generation circuit generating a sampling clock for sampling a received signal from an output of a local oscillator, a phase error detection circuit finding a phase error between sampling timing of the sampling clock and ideal sampling timing, and a timing correction circuit finding a correction quantity to correct a frequency error between a frequency of the sampling clock and a frequency of the ideal sampling timing and the phase error every sampling timing of the sampling clock, and outputting a sampling value interpolated according to the found correction quantity.
US07920657B2
Apparatus and method for decoding a Space-Time Block Coded (STBC) signal. The decoding apparatus includes a channel estimator for estimating a real equivalent channel based on a coded signal; a channel converter for decomposing the real equivalent channel to a unit matrix and a subchannel; a receive signal converter for converting the coded signal to a real equivalent receive signal and converting the real equivalent receive signal to a converted receive signal based on the unit matrix; and a detector for detecting an estimate of a transmit signal by performing a maximum likelihood decoding using the converted receive signal and the subchannel. Since the transmit signal candidates are independent of each other, the complexity of the maximum likelihood decoding can be decreased. With the lowered complexity of the receiver, the power consumption for the decoding can be reduced and the high-speed data can be transmitted more easily in the actual mobile communication environment.
US07920656B2
The present invention relates to a method for searching a solution point of maximum-likelihood detection. The solution point locates at a symbol constellation. The method includes the following steps: determining a central point and a norm by a zero-forcing detection method; determining a searching range according to the central point and the norm; determining at least one qualified solution point according to the searching range; and determining the solution point of maximum-likelihood detection from the qualified solution points.
US07920646B2
The present invention relates to a system for selecting a switched beam for supplying a maximum received power to a subscriber station, and a method thereof. The number of switched beams used by a base station is limited, and a weight value vector for forming the switched beam is predefined. The subscriber station uses a pilot signal for discerning transmitting antennas to estimate channel values for the respective transmitting antennas, and uses the channel values and the predefined weight value vectors to determine a switched beam for supplying a maximum signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). The subscriber station notifies the base station of an identifier of a selected beam by using a feedback channel, and the base station uses the switched beam to transmit traffic data.
US07920645B2
The invention relates to methods for transmitting and receiving a data bit stream in a communication system using 16-QAM constellations. Further, an apparatus for performing the methods is provided. To improve the bit-error rate performance of the communication using the 16-QAM constellations the invention suggests the use 16-QAM constellations with specially selected mapping rules together with a special constellation rearrangement for creating different versions of the 16-QAM constellations. Further, the data stream is transmitted according to a diversity scheme employing different versions of the 16-QAM constellations obtained adhering the mapping rules and rearrangement rules defined by the invention.
US07920644B2
A predistortion apparatus for compensating for a distortion arising from a non linear property in input to output characteristics of an amplifier, by processing calculation of a plurality of coefficients for a plurality of power series defining the predistortion characteristics for a plurality of power ranges, respectively, the predistortion apparatus includes: a coefficient update unit for setting and updating coefficients of the power series to provide the predistortion characteristics for the plurality of power ranges in accordance with a comparison between the input and output of the amplifier; and a determination unit for determining at least one threshold value defining the plurality of power ranges by shifting the threshold value and operating the coefficient update unit for updating the coefficients for each of the power series corresponding to each of the power ranges defined by the shifted threshold value.
US07920638B2
An embodiment of the invention relates to a method for sending a signal formed by successive vectors each comprising N symbols to be sent, and implementing at least two transmitter antennas. A distinct sub-matrix is associated with each of said antennas, said sub-matrices being obtained by subdivision of a unitary square matrix, and each of said antennas sends sub-vectors, obtained by subdivision of said vectors, respectively multiplied by said sub-matrices so as to form, as seen from a receiver, a single combined signal representing the multiplication of said vectors by said unitary matrix.
US07920636B2
The invention relates to methods for transmitting and receiving a data bit stream in a communication system using a 16-QAM constellation. Further, an apparatus for performing the methods is provided. To provide a modulation and coding scheme using a signal space expansion and 16-QAM which improves the bit-error rate in comparison to QPSK modulated signals and still provides the possibility to implement coders and decoders with low complexity the invention suggests the use a 16-QAM constellation with specially selected mapping rules together with repetition coding (signal space expansion) and interleaving of the data stream to be transmitted.
US07920616B2
A method/apparatus may comprise a laser light source which may comprise a solid state seed laser system producing a seed laser output having a nominal center wavelength at a pulse repetition rate; a first and a second gas discharge laser amplifier gain medium each operating at a pulse repetition rate less than that of the seed laser system; a beam divider providing each of the respective first and second amplifier gain mediums with seed laser output pulses; a frequency converter modifying the nominal center wavelength of the output of the seed laser to essentially the nominal center wavelength of the amplifier gain medium; a beam combiner combining the outputs of the respective amplifier gain mediums to provide a light source output having the pulse repetition rate of the seed laser; a coherence buster operating on either or both of the output of the seed laser or amplifier gain mediums.
US07920599B1
Methods and systems for synchronizing wireless transmission of data packets is provided. Signals having a data packet frame format including a preamble (with a pattern of symbol sequences) and data are received, and patterns of symbol sequences are correlated. A first metric can be calculated that is a ratio of an average of the correlation values and an average of a power of the signals. A second metric can be calculated that defines an average of a power of noise in the signals. The methods include determining an approximate division of the preamble and data in the data packet of each signal based on the first and second metrics. The methods further include determining a cross-correlation between versions of a transmitted signal to produce a number of peaks equal to a number of transmit antennas, generating a third metric based on combinations of cross-correlations, and identifying a position of a maximum peak within the third metric as a fine timing offset amount.
US07920598B2
Systems and methods are provided that facilitate generation and detection of synchronization channels in a wireless communication system. A one-to-one relationship is established among a set of scrambling codes (SCs) and a set of primary synchronization channel (P-SCH) sequences which are determined by a reusable sector identifier that is determined through detection of the P-SCH channel. The set of scrambling codes are utilized to (i) scramble a secondary synchronization channel sequence which facilitates detection of the S-SCH sequence once the reusable sector identifier is detected, or (ii) compose an unscrambled S-SCH sequence through a sequential or interleaved concatenation of SCs wherein a concatenation indication is received in a mobile terminal. Cyclic shifts and sign-flip operations applied to a base sequence are employed to generate SCs. A lookup table and a library of SCs facilitate scrambling code determination in a mobile terminal that receives associated P-SCH and S-SCH sequences.
US07920594B2
A method for providing network access to a shared access communications medium for a plurality of users includes the steps of conducting predictive admission control by arbitrating user requests for access to the shared medium based on predicted aggregate demands, conducting lookahead scheduling for use in making user channel assignments by forecasting schedule transmission opportunities one or more channels of the shared medium, and balancing load by making channel assignments such that a plurality users are each assigned a respective channel of the shared medium based upon a predicted need. Congestion parameters can predicted for each channel of the shared medium and mapped to a congestion measure using a mathematical function that takes into account packet loss rate, packet delay, packet delay jitter, and available capacity.
US07920593B2
In a passive optical network, dynamic bandwidth allocation and queue management methods and algorithms, designed to avoid fragmentation loss, guarantee that a length of a grant issued by an OLT will match precisely the count for bytes to be transmitted to an ONU. The methods include determining an ONU uplink transmission egress based on a three-stage test, and various embodiments of methods for ONU report 700 threshold setting.
US07920590B2
A mobile station (100) and a compression/decompression node in a wireless network (5), preferably the GGSN 30 (30), agree on whether to apply compression/decompression, and what compression/decompression scheme to use either by pre-configuration (when the GGSN 30 is in the home network of the mobile terminal) or by signalling (when the GGSN 30 is in a visited or a roamed-to network). Additional information, such as a profile-specific dictionary, may be used to increase the compression efficiency, particularly during start-up. Dynamic data can also be accommodated. The compression/decompression may be turned on and off on a packet-by-packet basis, depending on whether the compression actually results in a smaller packet. A compressed/uncompressed indicator bit or bits can be inserted explicitly on a per packet basis, and/or the compressed/uncompressed indication can be derived implicitly. A desired data compression/decompression algorithm, or any desired Proprietary Feature, can be signaled, possible without requiring standardization changes, by using a Packet Data Protocol PDP Context Activation message with a predetermined Access Point Name (APN) message information element that is sent from a first network element to a second network element for at least identifying the desired compression/decompression algorithm. It another embodiment, for the case where Proprietary Feature capability is exchanged between a RAN and a UE network element, a transmission of an extension to a UE Capability Enquiry message is sent to the UE for identifying the Proprietary Feature.
US07920589B2
Certain exemplary embodiments provide a method for converting data packets based upon IPv4 protocol into data packets based upon IPv6 protocol, said method comprising converting any data packet based upon the IPv4 protocol into a data packet based upon the IPv6 protocol before transmitting it to an IP switched network using information provided by an external server, and converting any data packet based upon the IPv6 protocol provided by said IP switched network into a data packet based upon the IPv4 protocol before transmitting it to a first or second workstation.
US07920587B2
A method for establishing a global time base in a time-controlled communications system comprising a network and multiple subscribers connected to it. At least one of the subscribers of the communications system is defined as a time master with which the remaining subscribers are synchronized. In order to allow for a synchronization of the communications system that is on the one hand as simple as possible and realizable at low cost and on the other hand is secure and reliable, the present invention provides for one subscriber to be defined as the main time master and at least one further subscriber to be defined as a reserve time master. The order of the reserve time masters is predefined in the event that more than one subscriber is defined as a reserve time master. First an attempt is made to synchronize all subscribers of the communications system with the main time master. If this fails, then in each case the next reserve time master in the predefined order is selected and the attempt is made to synchronize all subscribers of the communications system with the selected reserve time master until either the synchronization of the subscribers of the communications system is successful or a synchronization of the subscribers with the last reserve time master fails as well.
US07920586B2
A system and method for transmitting packets in a network (100). A node (102, 106, 107) in the network (100) accesses uses one of a plurality of medium access techniques for transmitting packets on the network (100). The node (102, 106, 107) separates packets to be transmitted into classes based on at least one characteristic of the packets and selects one of the medium access techniques for each class of packets based on whether the medium access technique provides improved transmission efficiency for the at least one characteristic of the packets in the class. The node (102, 106, 107) transmits the packets in each respective class using the respective selected medium access technique.
US07920582B2
A method for reporting events by a media gateway in a next generation network includes: executing a state machine which is established in a media gateway and includes service states driven by events, the state machine including a state of Suspension; the executing process includes: entering into the state of Suspension when an event is reported, if the state machine is in a state other than the state of Suspension; and storing an event which can not be reported temporarily in an EventBuffer queue which is established in the media gateway, and returning to a state prior to the state of Suspension when the event reported is responded, if the state machine is in the state of Suspension. A media gateway for reporting events in a next generation network is also disclosed.
US07920554B2
Middleware may accommodate both packet data and circuit data services in the same cellular telephone. A cellular telephone may travel between networks that are packet and circuit data service based. A protocol middleware may determine whether packet data services are available, and, if so, may determine the mobility management state of the system. Depending on the mobility management state of the system, inappropriate applications may be closed or suspended.
US07920544B2
A method and apparatus for generating and use of a position location reference signal that allows a receiver to receive position location signals from relatively weak signal generators when in the presence of a strong signal source. The position location reference signals from multiple sources can be synchronized to occur within a scheduled time slot of a time division multiplexed communication system. During the scheduled time slot, each signal source can configure a transmission that includes a media access control address that corresponds to a value reserved for position location signals. Each signal source also configures the transmission to include a position location reference signal that corresponds to the signal source. The position location signals from each of the signal sources is positioned to occur at a time within the data portion of the scheduled time slot that no neighboring signal source transmits its corresponding position location signal.
US07920542B1
The present invention provides for improved security in a VoIP architecture. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a system for providing VoIP service to a user domain having user accessible equipment includes a first domain having VoIP service provider equipment and a second domain having at least one border element communicating with the service provider equipment and the user accessible equipment to enable communications between the service provider equipment and the user accessible equipment. The user accessible equipment is prevented from directly communicating with the service provider equipment.
US07920534B2
A wireless LAN setting system mounted on an image forming apparatus that performs network connection through a wireless LAN and used for performing wireless communication with plural terminals, the wireless LAN setting system including a mode for checking, before setting is performed, existing setting contents (setting items and setting states) presently set. Guide indications are attached to respective setting screens. With the wireless LAN setting system, proper determination is performed and setting operation is correctly performed even if a user (an administrator) does not have professional knowledge.
US07920529B1
An intermediary system that seamlessly evolves the 2G/2.5G storage mediums to the 3G entities (e.g., a logical HSS) and provides subscriber data to 3G services such as IMS, from legacy data sources. An Intermediary Query Manager (IQM) is provided that functions as intermediary/broker system, and supports defined standard 3GPP interfaces specific to the IMS system (utilizing the existing storage medium servicing the PS domain) and also allows the continued support of the 2G/2.5G interfaces to 2G HLRs (servicing the CS domain). The IQM provides the capability to leverage usage of the current subscriber databases without requiring extraordinary efforts to migrate subscriber information to a new dedicated HSS element. The IQM provides data from multiple sources and processes requests necessary to fulfill these requests. The IQM can look like a MSC (Mobile Switching Center), VLR (Visitor Location Register), and/or SCP (Service Control Point) to the HLRs depending on the type of queries.
US07920527B2
A real-time/non-real-time/RF IC includes first and second baseband processing modules, an RF section, a wireline interface, and a bus structure. The first baseband processing module converts real-time outbound data into real-time outbound symbols and converts real-time inbound symbols into real-time inbound data. The second baseband processing module converts non-real-time outbound data into non-real-time outbound symbols and converts non-real-time inbound symbols into non-real-time inbound data. The RF section converts the real-time outbound symbols into real-time outbound RF signals, converts real-time inbound RF signals into the real-time inbound symbols, converts the non-real-time outbound symbols into non-real-time outbound RF signals, and converts non-real-time inbound RF signals into the non-real-time symbols. The wireline interface couples the non-real-time outbound data, the non-real-time inbound data, the real-time outbound data, and/or the real-time inbound data to an off-chip wireline connection.
US07920526B2
A method and device for transmitting a frame of a wireless communication begins by generating a preamble of the frame that includes a short training sequence and at least one long training sequence. The at least one long training sequence includes non-zero energy on each of a plurality of subcarriers except a DC subcarrier. The at least one long training sequence corresponds to the number of antennas and applicable wireless communication standards. A matrix is defined to represent the at least one long training sequence. The preamble is compatible with legacy and current standards. A channel is defined with a set of sub carriers to transmit the frame.
US07920525B2
A method for measuring/reporting a channel quality in a broadband wireless access communication system. The method for reporting channel qualities of active BS and neighbor BSs measured by an MSS to the active BS when the MSS exists in a specific area covered by the active BS and neighbor BSs in a communication system includes receiving channel quality report information indicative of channel periods of the channel qualities from the active BS, and receiving channel quality measurement information associated with individual channel qualities of the neighbor BSs and the active BS from the active BS: measuring SINRs of the neighbor BSs and the active BS according to the channel quality measurement information; and reporting the measured SINRs of the neighbor BSs and the active BS to the active BS.
US07920513B2
When a mobile node suffers an abrupt shut down while operating in a foreign network and recovers in its home network, the present invention enables the mobile node to reestablish communication capability, without time delay, with the nodes that had established one or more communication sessions with the mobile node prior to the abrupt shut down. The mobile node of the present invention includes an update module that determines whether additional information needs to be sent to the nodes in communication with the mobile node prior to the mobile node suffering an abrupt shut down. Based on that determination, the update module may provide additional information to such nodes.
US07920508B2
An apparatus and method for generating an RS SCH in a wireless communication system are provided, in which a base station checks a BS SCH sequence and a mask sequence, and generates an RS SCH sequence by XOR-operating the BS SCH sequence and the mask sequence.
US07920505B2
The invention provides a system that implements an algorithm for integrated link adaptation and power control to achieve specified error rates and to improve an overall throughput for real-time applications in wireless packet networks. The system initially divides wireless terminals into groups according to their signal path gains. Afterwards, the system can periodically adapt transmissions (i.e., link adaptations) based on the required error rates, actual error statistics and average transmission power for each wireless terminal group. Furthermore, transmission power can be adjusted by an enhanced Kalman-filter method to ensure successful reception.
US07920501B2
A relaying node is in bidirectional communication with at least a first and a second sending/receiving radio node, and the relaying radio node receives at least a first signal carrying at least first data and a second signal carrying at least second data. The relaying node generates a reduced representation of at least the first and second signal, with a reduced information content as compared to the first and second data, by a joint non-linearly encoding operation, and transmits the reduced representation to at least the first and the second communication node. The first and second sending/receiving node can extract data from the reduced representation by a non-linear decoding operation using stored a priori information.
US07920498B2
A method of decoding a control channel in a wireless communication system is provided. In the method, a terminal calculates the number of sub-bursts to be used during a next decoding and positions of the sub-bursts, based on a signal-to-noise ratio of at least one of a first burst or a second burst. Then, the terminal compares the calculated number of sub-bursts with a reference value. When the calculated number of sub-bursts is greater than the reference value, the terminal does not receive more bursts or sub-bursts and instead enters into a sleep state. When the calculated number of sub-bursts is smaller than or equal to the reference value, the terminal receives and decodes only sub-bursts at the calculated positions.
US07920494B2
A method and apparatus for performing mobility measurement in a communication network (100) is described. The method includes of receiving a subframe sequence pattern from a node in the communication network (100). The subframe sequence pattern indicates types of subframes being transmitted by a neighboring cell node (104) in a neighboring cell (112). The method includes receiving a subframe from a sequence of subframes transmitted by the neighboring cell node (104) in the neighboring cell (112), and determining that the received subframe is a multicast subframe based on the subframe sequence pattern. The method then includes performing a single cell-specific reference symbol measurement in response to determining that the received subframe is the multicast subframe.
US07920485B2
A method and system for processing data streams is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes establishing a plurality of initial sample zones; establishing a plurality of wakeup zones; sampling a plurality of data packets based on the plurality of initial sample zones; estimating the traffic based on the sampling of the plurality of data packets; and modifying the wakeup zones based on the estimated traffic. According to the method and system disclosed herein, the traffic estimation enables a mobile station to optimize wakeup periods.
US07920480B2
A system and method of determining broadband transport performance data are provided. The system includes an input to receive a request including a telephone number corresponding to a broadband data transport element. The system also includes logic to map the telephone number to a port address of network equipment associated with the broadband data transport element. The system further includes a performance analysis tool to determine performance information associated with the broadband data transport element.
US07920478B2
Streams of data traffic from various applications may be handled by a network-aware adapter module as part of a greater platform for filtering communicating the streams to intelligent network components. A distinguishing factor associated with a given data stream may be determined and used as a basis for selecting a QoS policy setting for the given data stream. The selected QoS policy setting may then be signaled to a media access control layer to take advantage of the QoS function of the embedded underlying active media type that is active and optimal (both from technical and business perspective) to carry out the communication for the application.
US07920475B2
Systems, modules, methods and computer readable mediums for adaptive removal of delay jitter and low end-to-end delay are provided. The method may include the following operations at a delay buffer: calculating a holding time for a plurality of packets input into a network; buffering each of the plurality of packets for the duration of the holding time; and arranging the buffered packets in a sequence indicative of an order in which the buffered packets were input into the network. The holding time may be based on a difference between a current maximum delay of the plurality of packets in a current time window and a delay of a first packet of the plurality of packets in the current time window. The method may also include playing back the buffered packets at a selected playback time. Playing back the buffered packets may be performed at a reception mechanism.
US07920468B2
A method of calculating traffic values in a communications network (1), the communications network comprising a plurality of nodes (2,4), the nodes being connected to one another by links (24), the method comprising: (a) obtaining traffic data measurements (102) through said nodes and/or links in an initial scenario as input data; (b) deriving a traffic flow model for a modified scenario using a plurality of constraints describing the interdependency of said initial to said modified scenario (116); and (c) calculating values and/or upper and lower bounds of traffic values for said modified scenario from said traffic flow model using said input data (118).
US07920465B2
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for transmitting control signal of Resilient Packet Ring (RPR) Medium Access Control (MAC), including: encapsulating a control signal of RPR MAC interface to be transmitted into an RPR data frame of predefined format, and directly sending it to a receiving unit through a standard interface. In this invention, an RPR data frame of predefined format is utilized to transmit signals between an RPR MAC and a receiving unit, e.g., an RPR client, via standard interfaces, which may avoid the increase of unstable factors affecting signal transmission and hardware cost caused by the appending of hardware devices in the standard interfaces. Thus, the reliability of signal transmission is enhanced, and the hardware cost of communication system is reduced.
US07920463B2
The invention relates to a method and to a network control unit for deactivating a network component for example, one or several connections or an entire network node, the method being used to carry out deactivation in simple manner without impairing the traffic and optionally, the reliability. The invention also relates to a method for deactivating a network component, in particular one or several connections and/or a network node in a communication network including a plurality of network components. The method includes: a) the network components which are to be deactivated are identified; b) a new metric set (M1) for the remaining network components is calculated c) the new metric set is configured in the network and the network is rerouted; and d) the network components which are to be deactivated are removed.
US07920462B2
This disclosure relates to amplitude correction for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signals received by a communication device. An amplitude attenuation estimation is performed for amplitude correction on received OFDM signals.
US07920459B2
When recording or reading an optical disc having plural data recording layers, which data recording layer the light spot is focused on is detected to improve playback signal quality and signals written to the layer on which the light spot is focused are read more reliably. A convergent lens converges the laser beam on the optical disc, and a focus controller controls the focal point of the laser beam on the data layer. A tracking controller positions and tracks the focal point of the laser beam converged by the convergent lens on a track of the optical disc. A photodetector detects the reflected laser beam from the disc. A convergence detector then detects the convergence state of the laser beam emitted to the plural data recording layers. Based on output from the convergence detector, the laser driver is controlled to separately set beam power appropriately for each of the plural data layers of the disc during playback.
US07920457B2
Device for recording data comprising microdots with free ends forming a convex surface and method for the production thereofThe data recording device comprises a storage medium arranged facing a two dimensional array of microdots, of nanometric dimensions, formed directly on a substrate. An electronic circuit for addressing and controlling the microdots is integrated in the substrate. The microdots and/or substrate are shaped in such a way that the set of free ends of the microdots defines a convex surface, which enables a contact to be ensured in all cases between each of the microdots and the corresponding storage medium. The radius of curvature of the surface convex is preferably comprised between 1 m and 5 m.
US07920454B2
An optical recording medium wherein a laser beam at a wavelength λ is irradiated and recording and reproducing of information are performed by optical power modulation of binary or more, and when the refraction index of the first substrate being n1, the refraction index of the intermediate layer being n2, the groove depth, the groove width and the track pitch of the first information layer being d1, w1 and p1 respectively and the groove depth, the groove width and the track pitch of the second information layer being d2, w2 and p2 respectively, the following conditions are satisfied. 4λ/16n1≦d1≦7λ/16n1 λ/16n2≦d2≦3λ/16n2 or 4λ/16n2≦d2≦7λ/16n2 0.2≦w1/p1≦0.55 0.2≦w2/p2≦0.55
US07920447B2
The present invention sets forth a method and a system for calibrating optimized power of an optical pick-up unit of an optical disk drive. The system comprises a micro-processor, and a signal processor. The micro-processor coupled to the optical pick-up unit sets an initial power corresponding to an optical disk, and calculates a predetermined number of power levels to cover the range of the initial power for performing a recording procedure. The signal processor coupled to the micro-processor determines whether a servo state failed during optimized power calibration, and calculates recording performance of each power level. The signal processor transmits the servo state and the recording performance to the micro-processor for determining the optimized power.
US07920445B2
An optical disc signal processing apparatus comprising: a binarizing circuit configured to compare a level of an RF (Radio Frequency) signal obtained by photoelectrically converting a reflected light of a laser beam applied to an optical disc and a level of a DC signal, to output a binarized signal for reproducing information recorded on the optical disc, a level of the DC signal being adjusted to a level at which jitter included in the binarized signal is minimized.
US07920443B2
An optical pickup device includes light sources for respectively emitting a plurality of different wavelengths of light, a unit structured for causing at least a part of the light emitted from the light sources to pass a same optical path; and a focusing unit for focusing the light. The focusing unit includes at least first and second focusing parts, the first focusing part being to focus mainly a wavelength of light different from a wavelength of light to be mainly focused by the second focusing part. The optical pickup device and optical disk device are capable of realizing at least one of thickness reduction, size reduction and suppression against characteristic deterioration even where coping with various wavelengths of laser including a blue laser.
US07920442B2
An optical pickup device includes light sources for respectively emitting a plurality of different wavelengths of light, a unit structured for causing at least a part of the light emitted from the light sources to pass a same optical path; and a focusing unit for focusing the light. The focusing unit includes at least first and second focusing parts, the first focusing part being to focus mainly a wavelength of light different from a wavelength of light to be mainly focused by the second focusing part. The optical pickup device and optical disk device are capable of realizing at least one of thickness reduction, size reduction and suppression against characteristic deterioration even where coping with various wavelengths of laser including a blue laser.
US07920439B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a boosting power supply circuit that boosts a first voltage to a second voltage, which is higher than an external power supply. A first bandgap reference (BGR) circuit operates on the second voltage generated by the boosting power supply circuit. Thereby, the power supply circuit generates a voltage by using a bandgap reference circuit.
US07920438B2
An SRAM circuit operates at a reduced operation margin, especially at a low operating voltage by increasing or optimizing the operation margin of the SRAM circuit. The threshold voltage of the produced transistor in the SRAM circuit is detected to compare the operating voltage of a memory cell with the operating voltage of a peripheral circuit in order to adjust it to the optimum value, and the substrate bias voltage is further controlled.
US07920437B2
An address control circuit for a semiconductor memory apparatus so as to make a refresh operation test possible by designating a refresh address is presented. The circuit includes a buffer block, a decoder, and a latch block. The buffer block receives coding information coded testing address information in accordance to a test signal. The decoder generates a test refresh address by decoding the coding information. The latch block latches the test refresh address depending on the test signal.
US07920429B2
A semiconductor memory device which includes: a voltage supplying unit for outputting a power source voltage as a driving source signal during a predetermined time, and then outputting a high voltage as the driving source signal in response to a driving control signal activated in response to an address signal; and a word line control unit for activating a word line at a voltage level of the driving source signal in response to the driving control signal.
US07920423B1
A non-volatile memory (NVM) circuit is provided, that includes at least a first and second NVM sub-array. The first sub-array is built from first memory cells. The second NVM sub-array is built from second memory cells that are constructed differently from the first memory cells. The NVM sub-arrays share a support circuit. In some embodiments the sub-arrays can be constructed, so that they exhibit different characteristics tailored to their intended use. For example one sub-array might be tailored for data retention, while the next sub-array for programming endurance, still another for write disturb immunity.
US07920421B2
A semiconductor memory device includes a memory cell, a source line, and a source line control circuit. The memory cell includes a charge storage layer and a control gate and is capable of holding 2 levels or more levels of data. The source line is electrically connected to a source of the memory cell. The source line control circuit detects a current passed to the source line and controls a potential of the source line in accordance with a detected current amount in a reading operation or a verification operation of the data.
US07920417B2
A semiconductor memory cell includes a plurality of memory cells configured to store data having polarity corresponding to a direction of current flowing in first and second driving lines, a current generator configured to generate a predetermined read current, apply the predetermined read current to the plurality of memory cells, and generate a data current corresponding variation of the read current according to the data and a current controller connected to a current path of the read current and configured to control a current amount of the read current.
US07920414B2
An asymmetric-threshold three-terminal electronic switching device includes three terminals coupled to a threshold-switching material. A signal applied across first and second terminals affects an electrical characteristic between the second and third electrodes to a greater extent than the same signal applied across the first and third electrodes. The affected electrical characteristic may be a threshold voltage or conductivity, for example.
US07920410B1
Memory elements are provided that exhibit immunity to soft error upset events when subjected to radiation strikes such as high-energy atomic particle strikes. The memory elements may each have four inverter-like transistor pairs that form a bistable element and a pair of address transistors. There may be four nodes in the transistor each of which is associated with a respective one of the four inverter-like transistor pairs. There may be two control transistors each of which is coupled between the transistors in a respective one of the inverter-like transistor pairs. During data writing operations, the two control transistors may be turned off to temporarily decouple the transistors in two of the four inverter-like transistor pairs.
US07920402B2
A resistance variable memory apparatus (100) of the present invention is a resistance variable memory apparatus (100) using a resistance variable element (22) transitioning between plural resistance states in response to electric pulses of the same polarity, in which a series resistance setting unit (10) is configured to set a resistance value of the series current path and a parallel resistance setting unit (30) is configured to set a resistance value of a parallel current path such that the resistance values become resistance values at which a node potential is not larger than a second voltage level in a state where an electric pulse application device (50) is outputting a first electric pulse after the resistance variable element (22) has switched to the high-resistance state, and the node potential is not larger than a first voltage level in the state where the electric pulse application device (50) is outputting a second electric pulse after the resistance variable element (22) has switched to the low-resistance state.
US07920400B2
A semiconductor integrated circuit device having a 6F2 layout is provided. The semiconductor integrated circuit device includes a substrate; a plurality of unit active regions disposed in the substrate and extending in a first direction; first and second access transistors including first and second gate lines disposed on the substrate and extending across the unit active regions in a second direction forming an acute angle with the first direction; a first junction area disposed in the substrate between the first and second gate lines and second junction areas disposed on sides of the first and second gate lines where the first junction area is not disposed; a plurality of bitlines disposed on the substrate and extending in a third direction forming an acute angle with the first direction; and a plurality of bitline contacts directly connecting the first junction area and the bitlines.
US07920393B2
A four pole, three-phase, NPC converter that produces virtually no common mode voltage. The low common mode voltage output is achieved by constraining the switch states of the NPC converter. A fourth pole and associated control balance the upper and lower DC link voltages. The converter may be an inverter or a rectifier.
US07920382B2
The invention relates to an improved aircraft electronics cooling system for an aircraft having a liquid cooling system (2), the aircraft electronics cooling system providing a thermal coupling between an electronic device (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 42, 44) to be cooled and the liquid cooling system (2) of the aircraft. A coolant delivered by the liquid cooling system (2) may flow through a board of the electronic device (40a, 40b, 40c, 40d), through a heat sink on which the electronic device (42) is arranged and/or through a housing in which the electronic device (44) is arranged. The coolant may be permanently in the liquid state in a cooling circuit. The coolant may vaporize at least partially while cooling the electronic device.
US07920368B2
A static eliminator that can be placed at a close distance capable of eliminating static electricity while preventing furious elevation of the surface electric potential of a work when the static eliminator is placed at a close distance to the work. A cover formed by an electro conductive porous material covering discharge needles is attached to a holding member in which a plurality of the discharge needles are provided and air blowing openings for ejecting air around the discharge needles are provided. The cover evenly discharges ionized air from the surface of the cover, and is electrically connected to ground to have a function for absorbing a part of generated ions.
US07920364B2
A power supply with adjustable outputted voltage includes an AC power input processing circuit and a DC power input processing circuit. The AC power input processing circuit has at least one voltage adjuster that is electrically connected with the DC power input processing circuit for adjusting the outputted voltage. The DC power input processing circuit includes a current sensor, a DC/DC converter, a ripple filter, and a DC/DC self-drive switch. When an extremely large inputted current is detected by the current sensor and the DC/DC converter stops actions, the DC/DC self-drive switch is turned off to protect the circuit.
US07920362B2
A giant magneto-resistive effect device having a CPP structure including a spacer layer, and a fixed magnetization layer and a free layer stacked one upon another with said spacer layer interposed between them. The free layer functions such that its magnetization direction changes depending on an external magnetic field. The spacer layer comprises a first nonmagnetic metal layer and a second nonmagnetic metal layer, each formed of a nonmagnetic metal material. A semiconductor oxide layer is interposed between them. The semiconductor oxide layer forming a part of the spacer layer comprises zinc oxide as a main ingredient.
US07920357B2
Provided is a thin-film magnetic head capable of writing data with high accuracy on a magnetic recording medium having high coercive force without heating. The head comprises an electromagnetic coil element comprising: a main magnetic pole; an auxiliary magnetic pole; and a write coil formed so as to pass through at least between the main magnetic pole and the auxiliary magnetic pole, for generating the write magnetic field. In this head, a part of the write coil has a layered structure of: a resonance coil layer for generating a resonance magnetic field having ferromagnetic resonance frequency of a magnetic recording layer of a magnetic recording medium or having a frequency in the vicinity thereof; and a write coil layer. And further, the resonance coil layer and the write coil layer sandwich an insulating layer therebetween.
US07920355B2
According to one embodiment, disclosed herein is a disk drive that has a disk of discrete-track media (DTM) type. The DTM disk has servo regions. Each servo region has dividing grooves and non-servo data parts. Each dividing grooves extends along the centerline of any projecting region having a width larger than a prescribed value. Each non-servo data part suppresses reproduction noise. The disk drive has a read/write channel that includes a reproduced-signal processing unit. This unit reproduces servo data from each servo region.
US07920353B2
According to one embodiment, a search module searches for a timing when a moving direction of a head changes in order to detect a first timing when the head collides against a stopper of a ramp during a head unload operation and a second timing when the head rebounds as a result of the collision. A calculation module calculates a rebound distance that the head has rebounded based on the first timing and the second timing.
US07920347B2
In one implementation, an assembly for testing a head gimbal assembly comprises a rotatable test disc, a mounting surface configured to mount the head gimbal assembly, and a shroud covering the head gimbal assembly. The mounting surface is located in proximity to the test disc to facilitate loading the head gimbal assembly on the test disc. The shroud is configured to shield the head gimbal assembly from airflow produced when the test disc rotates.
US07920346B2
A method for testing performance of a magnetic head slider includes the steps of: (1) rotating the disk and positioning the slider over the rotating disk at an initial fly-height; (2) exciting the fly-height actuator to make the slider touch the disk and recording a touch down spacing of the read head of the slider; (3) backing off the slider at a predetermined backoff amount from the disk; (4) testing dynamic performance of the slider to obtain a reference value which is related to the spacing between the disk and the slider; (5) varying the initial fly-height of the slider; (6) repeating the steps (2) to (4) with the backoff amount fixed; and (7) calculating a dynamic fly-height gamma ratio based at least in part on the recorded touch down spacing and the obtained reference values.
US07920339B2
Methods and apparatus to correct a curved Petzval focusing surface to a plane using a convex lens, a concave lens, and a space arranged between the curved side of the convex lens and the curved side of the concave lens. The method and apparatus may also include a Fresnel lens arranged between the concave lens and a pixel array.
US07920314B2
A multi-sheet through-vision panel includes a first outer sheet, a second outer sheet, and a middle sheet located between the first and second outer sheets. The first and second outer sheets are superposed with one another. At least one light impairing zone is disposed on at least one of the first and second sheets, as well as the middle sheet. A sliding mechanism slides the middle sheet with respect to the first and second outer sheets so that the light impairing zones are moved between a first and second position. The light impairing zones are superposed with one another when the middle sheet is in the first position, but are in a staggered arrangement when the middle sheet is in the second position.
US07920310B2
A complex objective lens composed of a hologram and an objective lens, capable of realizing stable and high-precision compatible reproducing/recording of a BD with a base thickness of about 0.1 mm for a blue light beam (wavelength λ1) and a DVD with a base thickness of about 0.6 mm for a red light beam (wavelength λ2). In an inner circumferential portion of the hologram, a grating is formed. The hologram transmits a blue light beam as 0th-order diffracted light without diffracting it, and disperses a red light beam passing through an inner circumferential portion as +1st-order diffracted light and allows it to be condensed by an objective lens. Because of this, the focal length of the red light beam becomes longer than that of the blue light beam, whereby a working distance is enlarged.
US07920297B2
Techniques for generated variable density mono-color under-print layer(s) for printing underneath an image on a substrate to improve the appearance of the printed image.
US07920295B2
An image processing circuit includes: a plurality of counters that extract image blocks each of which includes a predetermined number of pixels from input image data, count a number of pixels having a predetermined value for each of the image blocks, calculate a pixel value for each of the extracted image blocks, and output a plurality of bit streams each of which represents the counted number for a respective image block, the number of the plurality of counters being larger than a bit length defined for a single writing process with the memory divided by the bit length of a value calculated for an image block; a converter that converts the bit streams output from the plurality of counters, by adjusting a bit length of the bit streams for writing in the memory, and outputs the converted bit streams; and a synthesizer that synthesizes the plurality of bit streams output from the converter to generate a bit stream having the bit length defined for a single writing process with the memory, and outputs the generated bit stream.
US07920294B2
There is provided a dither pattern capable of reducing deterioration in image quality caused due to beading by suppressing the occurrence of grains in printing images using a plurality of color inks. If among threshold dots, for which repulsive force potentials are totalized, a threshold dot Do has the largest total, a change in repulsive force potential is obtained between before and after the movement of dot Do. The threshold dot Do is moved to a dot with the smallest total of repulsive force potentials between before and after its movement. By repeating this process, the total energy of all the three planes can be reduced, achieving a dot distribution, in which the number of low frequency components is reduced and the dots are appropriately dispersed, for superposed dither patterns.
US07920290B2
When a user enters control information for controlling a printing device, the information is stored in a user information storage unit. All combinations of items of the control information capable of being set by the user and values of items incapable of being set by the user, these having been selected so as to be the optimum values for the combinations, are stored as preset values in a combined information storage unit. An information storage unit compares a value in the user information storage unit with a value in the combined information storage unit. If a combination for which agreement is achieved is found in the combined information storage unit, this value is stored in a printing information storage unit and transmitted to the printing device. Thus, an optimum value can be selected and sent to the printing device even with regard to an item incapable of being selected by the user.
US07920277B2
A laser irradiation process includes: scanning a substrate with laser having a predetermined lasing frequency at different irradiation intensities to form a plurality of first irradiation areas corresponding to the irradiation intensities; illuminating the first irradiation areas to reflected light receive from the first irradiation areas; determining microcrystallization intensity based on the received reflected light; and determining irradiation intensity based on the thus determined microcrystallization intensity. The laser irradiation process uses the irradiation intensity for irradiating a polycrystalline film in a product semiconductor device.
US07920276B2
Apparatus for tracking an object (12A, 12B, 12C) including radiator modules (16A, 16B, 16C), disposed in an array of known locations adjoining a region (13) in which the object moves; each module includes at least one emitter (44, 46, 48) which emits a respective color selected from among a first plurality of colors. The apparatus includes a controller (32), which drives the at least one emitter to emit during a respective time slot, selected from among a second plurality of time slots during which the modules may emit. The apparatus also includes a location unit (22), fixed to the object and including at least one camera (72), which captures a sequence of electronic images containing some of the locations of the modules. The apparatus further includes a processing unit (26), which processes the electronic images to determine, responsively to the colors emitted by the modules and the time slots in which the colors are emitted, a location of the object.
US07920275B2
In a method for improving imaging properties of an illumination system or a projection objective of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, which comprises an optical element having a surface, the shape of the surface is measured directly at various points. To this end, a measuring beam is directed on the points, and the reflected or refracted beam is measured, e.g. using an interferometer. Based on deviations of the measured shape from a target shape, corrective measures are derived so that the imaging errors of the optical system are improved. The corrective measures may comprise a change in the position or the shape of the optical element being analyzed, or another optical element of the optical system. The target shape of the surface may, for example, be determined so that the optical element at least partially corrects imaging errors caused by other optical elements.
US07920272B2
A laser radar system using collocated laser beams to unambiguously detects a range of a target and a range rate at which the target is moving relative to the laser radar system. Another aspect of various embodiments of the invention may relate to a laser radar system that uses multiple laser radar sections to obtain multiple simultaneous measurements (or substantially so), whereby both range and range rate can be determined without various temporal effects introduced by systems employing single laser sections taking sequential measurements. In addition, other aspects of various embodiments of the invention may enable faster determination of the range and rate of the target, a more accurate determination of the range and rate of the target, and/or may provide other advantages.
US07920253B2
In a method of measuring cumulative polarization mode dispersion (PMD) along the length of a fiber-under-test (FUT), a polarization-sensitive optical time domain reflectometer (POTDR) is used to inject into the FUT plural series of light pulses arranged in several groups. Each group comprises at least two series having closely-spaced wavelengths and the same state of polarization (SOP). At least two of such groups are injected and corresponding OTDR traces obtained for each series by averaging the impulse-response signals of the several series in the group. The process is repeated for a number of groups. The PMD is obtained by normalizing the OTDR traces of all of the groups, then computing the difference between each normalized OTDR trace in one group and the corresponding normalized OTDR trace in another group, followed by the mean-square value of the differences. Finally, the PMD is computed as a predetermined function of the mean-square difference.
US07920250B2
A process for the detection from a vehicle of a visibility interference phenomenon, comprising the following steps: the emission of a beam of light to illuminate the rear of the vehicle, the beam of light being emitted into a field of vision of a camera mounted in the vehicle, and the determination of a presence and the nature of a visibility interference phenomenon on the basis of at least one image captured by the camera.
US07920249B2
A device for measuring movement of an object (15) and the device relative to each other. The device comprises a laser (3) for generating a measuring beam (13), which is converged by a lens (10) in an action plane. Radiation reflected by the object (15) is converged to re-enter the laser cavity to generate a self-mixing effect in the laser (3). Measuring means (4) are provided to receive the reflected measuring beam radiation and enable the frequency difference between the measuring beam (13) and the reflected measuring beam radiation to be determined, which is representative of the relative movement.
US07920248B2
The invention relates to a method for optoelectronic contactless distance or range measurement or finding according to the transit time principle, in which a distance of an object from a sensor unit is determined from a time difference between a starting signal and an echo signal, which is derived from an optical measurement pulse reflected by the object and where for determining the time difference the following steps are performed: a) by comparing the starting signal and echo signal with a digital clock a digital raw value is obtained, b) with the aid of at least two fine interpolators an initial time difference between the starting signal and the beginning of the digital raw value as well as a final time difference between the echo signal and the end of the digital raw value is determined, c) to the fine interpolators are in each case supplied analog signals corresponding to the initial time difference or final time difference, respectively, and converted into a digital initial time difference or digital final time difference, respectively. The method is characterized in that for the automatic calibration of the fine interpolators a plurality of measurements according to steps a) to c) are carried out and, assuming an equal distribution for the probability with which the values in a given value interval for the initial time difference and final time difference are measured, corrections for nonlinearities and/or drifts of the characteristics of the fine interpolators are calculated. The invention also relates to an apparatus for optoelectronic contactless distance or range measurement according to the transit time principle.
US07920234B2
A transflective liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer, and a pixel electrode. The first substrate has a thin film transistor and the second substrate has a color filter and faces the first substrate. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the first and the second substrates. The pixel electrode is disposed above the first substrate and electrically connected to the thin film transistor. The transflective liquid crystal display device further includes a pixel region. The pixel region is divided into a transmit part and a reflective part, and the reflective part includes a first region and a second region. The pixel electrode extends to the transmit part and only the second region of the reflective part.
US07920226B2
A display comprises: a transmissive pixilated spatial light modulator (21); and a backlight (22). The backlight has a light-transmissive waveguide (26), with a first face of the waveguide being opposed to the spatial light modulator (21). The first face of the waveguide comprises a plurality of regions that are not totally internally reflective for at least one polarization of light propagating within the waveguide, and the remainder of the first face of the waveguide is totally internally reflective for light propagating within the waveguide. Light is extracted from the waveguide at the regions where first face of the waveguide is not totally internally reflective. The pitch of the regions where first face of the waveguide is not totally internally reflective is substantially an integer multiple of the pitch of the pixels of the spatial light modulator.
US07920223B2
A liquid crystal display panel formed by using a TFT substrate and a color filter substrate is polished to decrease the thickness thereof so that it can be curved. The liquid crystal display panel and various optical sheets are sandwiched between a frame forming a curved surface and a light guide plate forming a curved surface, to thereby form a curved surface. An upper polarizer plate and a lower polarizer plate are, respectively, sandwiched between the surface cover and the liquid crystal display panel, and between the liquid crystal display panel and the optical sheet, and are not adhered or are partly adhered to the liquid crystal display panel.
US07920221B2
A backlight assembly which includes a first mold comprising a frame including a plurality of side portions defining an opening; and a light source disposed in the opening, wherein an external surface of the side portions includes a reverse-inclined surface extending downwardly and inwardly from an upper portion of the external surface and a width of the side portions is smaller at the upper portion and becomes larger downwardly.
US07920220B2
In a pixel for displays capable of simplifying manufacturing process, a display apparatus having a simplified pixel structure and a method of manufacturing a cost competitive display device, a display pixel includes a channel layer, first to third signal lines, first and second insulating layers and a pixel electrode. The first signal line is formed on the first insulating layer. The first insulating layer insulates the channel layer from the first signal line. The second insulating layer insulates the first signal line from the second and third signal lines, and includes contact holes. The second and third signal lines are connected to the channel layer through the contact holes. The pixel electrode including indium zinc oxide is formed on the identical layer with the first and second signal lines, and disposed on the second insulating layer. Therefore, manufacturing process is simplified and manufacturing time is reduced.
US07920212B2
A digital gamma correction circuit includes: a data setting portion for setting set data including a section width W1 and coordinates (Xp,Yp) of a break point P; a coefficient calculation portion for calculating coefficients for straight-line equations representing a broken baseline including a break point and three predetermined approximate line segments for defining a gamma correction broken line approximating an ideal gamma correction curve, the approximate line segments gradually varying in slope in the vicinity of the break point; arithmetic portions for performing arithmetic operations based on the coefficients to subject input data to gamma correction; and a result selection portion for making a suitable selection from among results for the arithmetic operations. Thus, it is possible to obtain a gamma correction broken line approximating an ideal gamma correction curve, and achieve a smooth correction characteristic with a small number of data items.
US07920210B2
An integrated circuit includes display processing components to process pixel data of digital video. The integrated circuit also includes mask-programmable logic integrated with one or more of the display processing components to receive the pixel data in a first color space and at least a second color space, where the mask-programmable logic can further process the pixel data to enhance the digital video.
US07920207B2
A video apparatus has a digital encoder which receives a first analogue video signal with ancillary information in a given time window and generates on an output a digital stream based on the first analogue video signal. A digital decoder is connectable to this output to generate a second analogue video signal. A switch selects between the first analogue video signal and the second analogue video signal as an output depending on a control signal based on the occurrence of said time window.
US07920205B2
A digital camera (10) includes a face detecting section (74), a color temperature detecting section (76) and a flash device (86) having an LED array in which RGB LEDs are regularly arranged as a light source. When a shutter button (18) is pressed halfway, the face detecting section (74) reads out image data of a through image from a memory (60) and detects a person's face in the image. A CPU (64) identifies a scene based on brightness values of face and surrounding areas as, for example, a backlit scene, and specifies a face peripheral area according to an exposure pattern corresponding to the backlit scene. When the shutter button (18) is fully pressed, the CPU (64) sends a flash projection command to an LED control circuit (87), thereby illuminating the LEDs corresponding to the face peripheral area. By controlling illumination of the RGB LEDs, the LED control circuit (87) directs to project the flash light having color temperature that corrects the person's face color into an appropriate skin color.
US07920203B2
An image pickup apparatus is provided which has an exposure correction function and which determines a correction measure of exposure correction based on a parameter for determining an exposure amount, and performs the exposure correction by the determined correction measure so as to provide an image in a suitable exposure state intended by a person who shot the image.
US07920200B2
An image pickup device may include an optical system having a distortion that captures a distortion-containing optical image, a conversion unit that converts the distortion-containing optical image into distortion-containing image data, a storage unit that stores the distortion-containing image data and additional data related to a distortion of the distortion-containing image data, and a distortion correction unit that corrects the distortion of the distortion-containing image data with reference to the additional data.
US07920179B2
A device may include an image capturing assembly to frame an image of a subject for capturing; and a processor to automatically identify a shadow or a reflection corresponding to a user of the device in the framed image. The image capturing assembly is configured to capture the image following the automatic identification of the shadow or the reflection. The processor is configured to perform one of: adjusting the image capturing assembly based on the automatic identification of the shadow or the reflection prior to the capturing of the image, or modifying the captured image based on the automatic identification of the shadow or the reflection.
US07920171B2
Methods and apparatuses for vignetting correction of imager pixels signals. A polynomial correction surface is determined based on a pixel array center, height, and width, surface fitting parameters, and pixel coordinates. The pixel signal is then multiplied by the corresponding value from the polynomial correction surface to create a vignetting corrected signal.
US07920168B2
Systems and methods are disclosed for customizing a color palette on a digital camera. An exemplary method of customizing a color palette on a digital camera may comprise identifying for a user a color from a scene the digital camera is focused on. The method may also comprise capturing the color as a digital image on the digital camera. The method may also comprise adding the captured color to the color palette for the user to apply as a photo-editing effect to other digital images on the digital camera.
US07920166B2
A camera is provided having a camera module, a network interface module and printing module. The camera module receives user input and captures the image with an image sensor in response to the user input. The interface module transfers the captured image to a computer system. The printing module prints an interface onto a surface including the image and coded data at least partially indicative of an identity of the image. This allows the identity of the image to be obtained from the interface. The coded data is also at least partially indicative of at least one of a plurality of locations of the interface and a region of the interface. A sensing device generates indicating data at least partially indicative of at least one of a location of the sensing device relative to the interface and an identity of the region.
US07920165B2
A self-viewing environment and an apparatus enabling unrestricted movement of a subject within the self-viewing environment are disclosed. A subject wears a head mounted display that receives a video signal by wireless transmission. The subject is positioned within the field of view of a video camera that sources a video image for transmission to the subject. Video mirror-imaging and signal-processing are employed to adapt the perceived self-viewing environment for the benefit of the subject.
US07920162B2
A method and system includes multiple displays that can be separately controlled by users who are part of a surgical team. The first display will include information to assist a first user through the steps of a surgical procedure and the second display will assist a second user though the steps taken by the second user to perform the surgical procedure.
US07920160B2
There is provided an information terminal device in an electronic conference system, including a reception unit that receives information on a state of attendance of participants in a conference, who are present in a plurality of conference holding spaces; a disadvantageous degree calculation processor that calculates a disadvantageous degree indicating a degree of disadvantage which each participant has when participating in the conference, based on the received information; and a disadvantageous degree output processor that outputs the calculated disadvantageous degree.
US07920156B2
The apparatus is adapted to deflect a light beam from a laser light source for each of the color components by means of a deflection mirror surface which oscillates, thereby making the light beam reciprocally scan in a main scanning direction. In this apparatus, however, only a light beam SL which scans in a first direction (+X) of the main scanning direction is irradiated in an effective image region on a photosensitive member, so as to form a latent image thereon. The resultant latent image is developed to form a toner image. Since image formation is performed using only the light beam SL which scans in the first direction (+X), the images may be formed at the consistent density irrespective of the image types. Furthermore, the scanning directions of the light beams SL for all the color components are uniformly defined to be the first direction (+X), so that the toner images of the respective colors may maintain the consistent density.
US07920137B2
A color display system includes a sensor assembly having a plurality of sensor pixels for sensing incident light. Each of the sensor pixels generates a photocurrent in response to sensing the incident light. An image processor being in communication with the sensor assembly receives each of the photocurrents and computes a plurality of photocurrent values with each of the photocurrent values corresponding to one of the photocurrents. A display processor receives each of the photocurrent values and calculates a plurality of power values based on the photocurrent values. The color display system further includes a display driver that receives each of the power values and that generates a plurality of power signals having a power corresponding to one of the power values. A display device includes a plurality of light emitting devices being powered by the power signals for emitting light. The light emitting devices include at least one deep-violet light emitting device for emitting deep-violet light.
US07920135B2
Methods and systems are disclosed for providing video data and display signals. In one embodiment, a system is configured to display video data on an array of bi-stable display elements, where the system includes a processor, a display comprising an array of bi-stable display elements, a driver controller connected to the processor and configured to receive video data from the processor, and an array driver configured to receive video data from the driver controller and display signals from the processor, and to display the video data on the array of bi-stable display elements using the display signals. In another embodiment, a method of displaying data on a bi-stable display includes transmitting display signals from a processor to a driver of an array of bi-stable display elements, and updating an image displayed on the array of bi-stable display elements, wherein the updating is based on signals from the driver and performed on a periodic basis that is based at least in part upon the transmitted display signals.
US07920133B2
An acoustic wave type touch panel is equipped with: a substrate that objects contact; reflective arrays having a great number of inclined lines provided on the substrate; acoustic wave generating sections provided on the substrate; and detecting sections provided on the substrate. An array of micro reflectors, which are shorter than the inclined lines, for attenuating spurious waves generated by reflection of the acoustic waves by the reflective arrays, is provided in the reflective array regions between the inclined lines at least one end thereof.
US07920120B2
A pixel circuit of a display device of the present invention has a drive transistor which serves also as a transistor adapted to control the emission and non-emission periods of an organic EL element or other elements. A final stage buffer in an output circuit of a write scan circuit (WS) has its power supply separated from the power supply of circuit portions of a previous stage. In a first embodiment, a scan signal WS from the write scan circuit is activated instantaneously. In a second embodiment, the trailing edge of the scan signal WS falls slowly. This allows for writing of an input signal voltage in a stable manner.
US07920116B2
Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for driving a liquid crystal display (LCD) device using gray-scale voltages whose dynamic ranges are different from each other depending on pixel color. The gray-scale voltages are output to a source line driver. Embodiments of the invention also provide a gray-scale voltage generation circuit coupled to a LCD source line driver. The disclosed method and circuit reduce coupling phenomena in source lines to substantially remove artifacts such as stripes or flicker in an LCD device.
US07920113B2
An additional capacitor (“sharing capacitor”) is provided for each pixel of a liquid crystal display to store the previous voltage on the pixel electrode (i.e. the voltage obtained in the previous frame). At an opportune time after the pixel electrode has begun to charge for the current frame, the sharing capacitor's electrode is coupled to the pixel electrode to combine the pixel electrode's voltage with the sharing capacitor's voltage. As a result, the pixel electrode's voltage is changed to take into account the previous voltage so as to increase the liquid crystal's response speed. More particularly, the sharing capacitor's voltage changes the pixel voltage to provide a greater voltage overshoot or undershoot when the pixel color is changed a lot, so as to increase the liquid crystal response time. Therefore, greater response speed is provided at low power.
US07920110B2
A pixel circuit has an organic light emitting diode, a driving transistor, a capacitor and a first switch. The organic light emitting diode has a first end coupled to a first power source terminal. The driving transistor has a source and a drain respectively coupled to a second power source terminal and a second end of the light emitting diode. The capacitor couples a gate of the driving transistor to a reference voltage terminal. The first switch couples the second end of the light emitting diode to the capacitor, and couples the gate and the drain of the driving transistor together when a first scan signal is asserted.
US07920108B2
A driving circuit to decrease an error of a grey level voltage without affecting a voltage drop when a grey level signal of a D/A converter is generated in an analog switch, and an organic electroluminescence display using the same. The driving circuit includes first and second switches to select respective reference voltages corresponding to a data signal; resistor arrays to receive and distribute the respective reference voltages using at least two resistances to generate a grey level voltage; a third switch to select one resistor array in response to the data signal and transmit the reference voltages to the selected resistor array; a fourth switch to output the grey level voltage; a MUX circuit connected to the fourth switch to select a data line to transmit the grey level voltage; and a precharge circuit connected between the fourth switch and the data line to select one of the reference voltages to precharge the data line.
US07920105B2
Disclosed is a method of driving a plasma display panel and apparatus thereof enabling to minimize power consumption for driving the plasma display panel 1. The present invention includes the steps of generating a reset discharge by supplying ramp waves so as to equalize cells in the plasma display panel in a reset period, supplying selected specific ones of the cells with a scan voltage pulse swinging between a lowest voltage levels of the reset discharge and a data pulse of a voltage level lowered as much as a negative voltage level of the scan voltage pulse, generating an address discharge by the scan voltage pulse and data pulse applied to the selected cells in an address period, and maintaining the address discharge for a sustain period.
US07920097B2
A multiband antenna includes at least two polygons. The at least two polygons are spaced by means of a non-straight gap shaped as a space-filling curve, in such a way that the whole gap length is increased yet keeping its size and the same overall antenna size allowing for an effective tuning of frequency bands of the antenna.
US07920094B2
In an antenna structure having a plurality of serially fed patch elements, at least one of the patch elements has a slot coupling to the continuation of the feed line for influencing the radiation of this patch element.
US07920093B2
A method reduces consumption of computational resources in a satellite signal receiver. The method includes segmenting a sample of a received global positioning base band vector, segmenting a sample of a replica code/acquisition signal into segments corresponding in length to the segments of the base band vector, circularly correlating segments of the base band vector to zero padded segments of the code/acquisition signal to form a time domain correlation vector, inserting a portion of the time domain correlation vector in a matrix, continuing to correlate circularly the segments of the received signal sample with zero padded segments of the code signal sample until all of the segments in received signal sample have been circularly correlated, dividing rows in the matrix into blocks that are equal to a smallest increment corresponding to a bit edge, sorting the blocks from the divided rows into zero padded blocks, transforming the zero padded blocks into frequency domain columns, summing the frequency domain columns in different combinations to form a plurality of coherent integration matrices for testing possible bit edge locations and bit values.
US07920092B2
A GPS receiver (10) is disclosed comprising a GPS antenna and a GPS RF front-end including an analogue to digital converter for sampling received GPS signals; and a processor for outputting, including to an external device, the GPS signal samples together with ancillary information either directly or indirectly describing characteristics of the GPS signal samples and/or the GPS signals contained therein. Also disclosed is a corresponding method of providing a position fix and a computer program, computer-readable storage medium and apparatus for the same.
US07920084B2
A system, apparatus and method for a folding analog-to-digital converter (ADC) are described. The general architecture of the folding ADC includes an array (1-N) of cascaded folding amplifier stages, a distributed array of fine comparators, and an encoder. Each folding amplifier stage includes folding amplifiers that are configured to receive inputs from a prior stage, and also generate output signals for the next stage. The folding amplifiers output signals for a given stage are evaluated by a corresponding comparator stage, which may include multiple comparators, and also optionally coupled to an interpolator. The outputs of the comparators from all stages are collectively evaluated by the encoder, which generates the output of the folding ADC. Unlike conventional folding ADCs that require fine and coarse channels, the presently described folding ADC provides conversion without the need for a coarse channel. The encoder can also be arranged to facilitate recursive error correction.
US07920082B2
The present invention provides a D/A converter circuit which enables D/A conversion with a high precision and can prevent occurrence of a limit cycle component in the case where an input signal is low, and can also prevent the effect of dither signal from occurring in an analog signal which is a D/A conversion result.A dither signal generation section 505 outputs a dither signal (DITHER) which is an alternating current signal and a reversal dither signal (DITHER_N) inverted from the dither signal. A DEM decoder 502 processes an input digital signal including a component of the dither signal (DITHER), and outputs a plurality of lines of time-series digital signals having a density of “1” or “0” conforming to the input digital signal to be processed. An analog addition section 503 converts a plurality of lines of time-series digital signals and the reversal dither signal (DITHER_N) into an analog signal respectively and adds them, and outputs an analog signal which is a D/A conversion result.
US07920081B2
An embodiment of the present invention provides a phase locked loop that operates on clock signals derived from an RF clock signal generated by the phase locked loop. A frequency reference input provides a reference clock. A controllable oscillator generates the RF clock signal. A phase detection circuit operates on the reference clock to provide digital phase error samples indicative of a phase difference between the reference clock and the RF clock. A dithering circuit is coupled to the reference signal and injects a short sequence dither signal into the reference signal in order to overcome quantization noise and thereby improve RMS phase-error detection for integer channels.
US07920077B2
A method for decompressing at least two two-valued symbol sequences into a three-valued communication sequence is described comprising converting a first two-valued symbol sequence into an intermediate symbol sequence and symbol-wise multiplying the intermediate symbol sequence with the second two-valued symbol sequence to generate the three-valued communication sequence.
US07920072B2
Provided is a single repository for capturing, connecting, sharing, and visualizing information based on a geographic location, for example. Detailed information of a structure or object information can be displayed on a rooftop or over an area of interest. The detailed information can be provided for a single structure or for each structure shown on a map area. According to an embodiment is a system that facilitates surface overlay and bounding on a map. The system can include a receiver component that receives information for an object, a boundary component that ascertains a perimeter of the object, and a rendering component that selectively displays the object information and object on a map based in part on a user perspective.
US07920070B2
A parking guidance device storing the information of length and width of a car is disclosed, which comprises: a central controller, a distance detector electrically connecting to said central controller for detecting the distances from obstacles, an image detector electrically connecting to said central controller for detecting the shape of a parking space, a two-axis rotating detector electrically connecting to said central controller for detecting the direction of said car, a human-machine operation interface electrically connecting to said central controller for inputting signals, and a car controller area network bus interface electrically connecting to said central controller for controlling wheel, engine and braking system, wherein said central controller integrates the information of distances and shape of said parking space, compares the same to the information of length and width of said car to gain a parking track, and makes the moving track of said car correspond with said parking track by controlling wheel, engine and braking system through the car controller area network bus interface.
US07920063B2
Systems, apparatuses and methods for deterring product theft and preventing the fraudulent return or exchange of products. Products are associated with a Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag. Tag readers located at store access points can detect the presence of the RFID tag and can be used to help determine a direction of travel of the RFID tag. When a product is determined to be leaving the store, the transaction history of the product can be accessed, as well as the supply chain history of the product, to confirm the product has been validly purchased and therefore authorized for removal from the store. When a product is determined to be entering a store, the supply chain history and transaction history of the product can be consulted to determine if the product can be validly exchanged or returned.
US07920061B2
Systems and methods for controlling an alarm state, such as volume, based on the presence or absence of a caregiver in a patient's room. More specifically, a local sound producing device provides an audible alarm within a room when a caregiver is in the room, while a remote sound producing device provides an audible alarm external of the room when the caregiver is not in the room. Accordingly, volume levels of the sound producing devices depend on the sensed presence or absence of the caregiver within the room. For example, when the caregiver leaves the room, the local sound producing device is deactivated and/or the remote sound producing device is activated, thereby allowing the patient to enjoy a more relaxed environment within the room, yet still continue to be monitored. Conversely, when the caregiver enters the room, the local sound producing device is activated and/or the remote sound producing device is deactivated, thereby allowing the caregiver to monitor the patient when within the room, yet allow decreased monitoring external of the room.
US07920060B2
The image processing apparatus is provided with: an acquisition unit that acquires disaster information obtained based on the occurrence of a disaster; a form generation unit that generates an information registration form describing items for registering information on a disaster to be collected based on the disaster information acquired by the acquisition unit; and an output unit that outputs the information registration form generated by the form generation unit.
US07920057B2
The invention relates to a method and a device for localization of the position of a wheel (2) of a vehicle (1). According to the method of the invention, the vehicle (1) is equipped with two transmitting antennas—a lateral antenna (11) and a frontal antenna (13) —placed so as to have coverage zones comprising a common zone in which is located the wheel (2) to be localized, and the transmission by the two transmitting antennas (11 and 13) of two identical, in phase identification request signals of powers suited to obtain in the area of wheel (2) to be localized a resulting signal of power greater than the detection threshold of an electronic box (6) with which said wheel is equipped is ordered simultaneously.
US07920050B2
A proxy device is disclosed for use in an RFID system comprising a plurality of RFID devices and at least one reader which communicates with the proxy device and one or more of the RFID devices. The proxy device acquires information characterizing at least a given one of the RFID devices, controls the given RFID device so as to at least partially prevent the given RFID device from being read by the reader, and communicates with the reader in a manner which simulates the given RFID device. This advantageously allows the proxy device to implement privacy policies of arbitrary sophistication on behalf of the given RFID device. The proxy device subsequently releases control of the given RFID device so as to permit the given RFID device to again be read by the reader.
US07920048B2
A container has a lid and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a male wall with a switch. A female wall mounts to the inside wall of the container and, when closed, encompasses the male wall. The female wall has a magnet that activates the switch. A lever contained inside the male wall moves into and out of a slot formed in the female wall. The switch completes a circuit that generates a close signal to the lever when the lid is closed. A button extends through a hole in the lid such that the button can be depressed to indicate locking and cannot be depressed when unlocked. When unlocked, the button cannot be depressed because the lever blocks the button. To open the container when closed, the actuation mechanism moves the lever in response to an entered code that must match a stored code or calculated content-specific code.
US07920043B2
A planar magnetic device 1 includes a first magnetic layer 3 and a second magnetic layer 5 that are made of a mixture of a magnetic powder 7 and a resin, and a planar coil 4 disposed between the magnetic layers. When the planar coil 4 has an adjacent winding interval W between the potions 4c of the coil and the magnetic powder 7 has a maximum particle size L, planar magnetic device 1 satisfies the relationship W>L. In the planar magnetic device 1 having the above structure, fine magnetic powder that can produce a high inductance fills the spaces between the adjacent windings. Thus, the invention can achieve a high-performance planar magnetic device, such as a thin inductor.
US07920042B2
A micromagnetic device includes a first insulating layer formed above a substrate, a first seed layer formed above the first insulating layer, a first conductive winding layer selectively formed above the first seed layer, and a second insulating layer formed above the first conductive winding layer. The micromagnetic device also includes a first magnetic core layer formed above the second insulating layer, a third insulating layer formed above the first magnetic core layer, and a second magnetic core layer formed above the third insulating layer. The micromagnetic device still further includes a fourth insulating layer formed above the second magnetic core layer, a second seed layer formed above the fourth insulating layer, and a second conductive winding layer formed above the second seed layer and in vias to the first conductive winding layer. The first and second conductive winding layers form a winding for the micromagnetic device.
US07920041B2
In a coil device for an antenna, a wide surface of a connector connecting section and a mounting surface of a fixing section are substantially vertically arranged. A connecter terminal can take a first arrangement or a second arrangement to a resin member. In the first arrangement the connector terminal can take, the connector connecting section is positioned on one end side in the width direction of the resin member, and in the second arrangement, the connector connecting section is positioned on the other end side in the width direction of the resin member by turning the connector connecting section in the first arrangement 180 degrees.
US07920037B2
A fault interrupter and load break switch includes a trip assembly configured to automatically open a transformer circuit electrically coupled to stationary contacts of the switch upon the occurrence of a fault condition. The fault condition causes a Curie metal element electrically coupled to at least one of the stationary contacts to release a magnetic latch. The release causes a trip rotor of the trip assembly to rotate a rotor assembly. This rotation causes ends of a movable contact of the rotor assembly to electrically disengage the stationary contacts, thereby opening the circuit. The switch also includes a handle for manually opening and closing the electrical circuit in fault and non-fault conditions. Actuation of the handle coupled to the rotor assembly via a spring-loaded rotor causes the movable contact ends to selectively engage or disengage the stationary contacts.
US07920036B2
A lattice tunable filtering circuit includes a first input and a second input, and a first output and a second output. The circuit includes two series branches and two parallel branches. The first and second series branches include a Tunable Resonator Component (TRC) which presents a first series resonance frequency whereas the third and fourth parallel branches present a second series resonance frequency which has a value being lower than that of the first series resonance frequency. The first and second series resonance frequencies are tunable by one analog control quantity. The filtering circuit further includes a feedback control loop for the control of the analog quantity, which feedback is based on a criterion of equality between the modulus of impedances Zs and Zp.
US07920027B2
Techniques for biasing an amplifier using a replica circuit are disclosed. In an embodiment, a replica circuit having substantially the same topology and sizing as a push-pull amplifier circuit is coupled to a main push-pull amplifier circuit. A transistor in the replica circuit may be biased using feedback to generate a predetermined DC output voltage level, and such bias level may be applied to a corresponding transistor in the main push-pull amplifier circuit. In another embodiment, a transistor in a current bias module may be used to bias corresponding transistors in the main push-pull amplifier circuit and the replica circuit. Further techniques are disclosed for configuring the amplifier to have a non-uniform step size with finer resolution at lower power levels and coarser resolution at higher power levels to reduce power consumption at lower power levels.
US07920021B2
A method of applying a wire voltage to a semiconductor device including a plurality of active regions and a field region insulating the plurality of active regions, wherein the field region includes a plurality of wires. The method includes applying an operating voltage required for an operation of the semiconductor device to at least one of the plurality of wires, and applying a voltage lower than the operating voltage to a wire adjacent to at least one of the plurality of active regions from among the plurality of wires. Thus, leakage current caused by an imaginary parasitic transistor due to a wire of the field region may be prevented.
US07920017B2
A programmable clock booster system including a clock booster circuit including at least one boost capacitor connected between a first node and a second node for sampling an input voltage in a first phase and applying a boosting voltage to said second node during a second phase, and a programmable capacitor circuit connected to said first node for providing a programmable boosted voltage on said first node during said second phase.
US07920016B2
A testing procedure may determine whether a monolithic voltage reference device meets a temperature drift specification. A first non-room temperature output voltage of the monolithic voltage reference device may be measured while the monolithic voltage reference device is at a first non-room temperature which is substantially different than room temperature. First non-room temperature information may be stored in a memory within the monolithic voltage reference device which is a function of the first non-room temperature output voltage. A second non-room temperature output voltage of the monolithic voltage reference device may be measured while the monolithic voltage reference device is at a second non-room temperature which is substantially different than the room temperature and the first non-room temperature. Second non-room temperature information may be stored in the memory without destroying the first non-room temperature information which is a function of the second non-room temperature output voltage. A determination may be made whether the monolithic voltage reference device meets the temperature drift specification based on a computation that is a function of both the first non-room temperature information and the second non-room temperature information.
US07920015B2
In a traditional, fully-isolated bandgap reference circuits, it was difficult to detect currents that are proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT). Here, a PTAT reference in a fully isolated NPN-based bandgap references are disclosed. These circuits in particular are able to make detections using various current without the need for stand-along operational amplifiers.
US07920011B1
A voltage trimming circuit is provided. The voltage trimming circuit has an input stage, an up-trimming resistor ladder, a down-trimming resistor ladder and a control means. The input stage has a first input, a second input and an output, wherein the first output is to receive an input voltage, the second input is connected to a connection point and the output is to provide an output voltage based on a difference between the voltage of the first and the second input. The up-trimming resistor ladder is connected between the output of the input stage and the connection point and the down-trimming resistor ladder connected between a ground potential and the connection point. The control means controls the resistance of the up-trimming and the down-trimming resistor ladder to up-trim or down-trim the output voltage.
US07920000B2
A PLL circuit according to an exemplary aspect of the present invention includes: a PFD that detects a phase difference between two clock signals; an LPF that outputs a voltage based on a detection result of the PFD; a VCO that controls a frequency of a VCO output clock output based on the voltage; a frequency divider that divides a frequency of the VCO output clock and outputs an output clock; and an automatic adjustment circuit that adjusts a frequency division ratio of the frequency divider based on the voltage. The automatic adjustment circuit includes a comparison circuit that outputs a control signal for controlling the frequency divider and a control signal for controlling the reference voltage. This circuit configuration makes it possible to control an oscillation frequency of a PLL circuit with accuracy and stability.
US07919984B2
A reconfigurable transceiver is claimed for a wide range of I/O systems. The reconfigurable transmitter of the reconfigurable transceiver is capable of transmitting multi-level signals in single-ended and differential modes by current and voltage mode signaling. The signal for transmission can be pre-emphasized for all transmitting modes. The reconfigurable transceiver can dynamically scale bandwidth and power consumption based on performance metrics.
US07919981B2
An integrated circuit is provided with a scan chain including a scan flip-flop and a dummy block. The dummy block has a clock terminal receiving a clock signal, a scan input terminal connected to a scan data line within the scan chain, and a scan output terminal connected to another scan data line within the scan chain. The dummy block is configured to output data on the scan output terminal in response to input data fed to the scan input terminal, not responsively to the clock signal.
US07919970B2
A system and method for measuring a characteristic impedance of a transmission-line comprises transmitting energy to the line, and shortly after measuring the voltage/current involved and thus measuring the equivalent impedance. The measured characteristic impedance may then be used in order to determine the termination value required to minimize reflections. In another embodiment, the proper termination is set or measured by adjusting the termination value to achieve maximum power dissipation in the terminating device. The equivalent characteristic impedance measurement may be used to count the number of metallic conductors connected to a single connection point. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.
US07919957B2
A digital linear voltage regulator includes a comparator, a finite state machine, and a current digital-to-analog converter (DAC). The comparator is preferably coupled to receive a reference voltage and an operating voltage supplied to a dynamic load. The comparator generates, during a clock cycle, a binary output based on a comparison between reference and operating voltages. The finite state machine (FSM) is coupled to receive at least one control signal that indicates a target operating state for the digital linear voltage regulator. The FSM receives the binary output from the comparator and generates a digital word, during a clock cycle, based on the target operating state of the digital linear voltage regulator and on the binary output. The current DAC is coupled to the FSM, receives the digital word and delivers current at the desired voltage to the dynamic load.
US07919943B2
A fan system includes a connecting device, a controlling device and a fan device. The connecting device includes a first pin receiving at least one driving signal, and a second pin receiving a start signal, wherein a length of the first pin is greater than a length of the second pin. The controlling device is electrically connected with the connecting device and includes an enabling unit. The enabling unit generates at least one first enabling signal according to the start signal, and the controlling device outputs the driving signal and the first enabling signal. The fan device is electrically connected with the controlling device and includes at least one fan. The fan device transmits the driving signal to the fan and drives the fan according to the first enabling signal.
US07919942B2
A wiper system for a vehicle includes a first wiper assembly, a second wiper assembly spaced apart from the first wiper assembly, and a controller in communication with at least one of the first wiper assembly and the second wiper assembly. The controller controls at least one of the first wiper assembly and the second wiper assembly based on at least one of an aerodynamic characteristic of the vehicle and a soiling characteristic of the vehicle.
US07919937B2
A method and system for adjusting a light source that is capable of displaying light of different colors receives inputs from various sources and provides an output color selection signal. The output color selection signal is applied to the light source to adjust the intensity and color thereof.
US07919936B2
There is provided a driving circuit for powering a plurality of light sources. The driving circuit includes a power converter, a plurality of switching regulators and a plurality of switching balance controllers. The power converter is operable for receiving an input voltage and for providing a regulated voltage to the light sources. The switching regulators are operable for adjusting forward voltages of the light sources respectively. The switching balance controllers are operable for generating pulse modulation signals to control the switching regulators respectively.
US07919930B2
The coil component comprises a primary coil, and a first secondary coil and a second secondary coil which are opposed to the primary coil. A first terminal is a terminal of the first secondary coil, that is a terminal for connection to one end of a lamp, and a second terminal is a terminal of the second secondary coil, that is a terminal for connection to the other end of the lamp. The first secondary coil and the second secondary coil are coaxially disposed, and the first terminal and the second terminal are reverse in polarity.
US07919918B2
Provided is an organic light emitting display device that reduces a unused area and reduces the voltage drop of a driving power bus line. The organic light emitting display device includes a pixel region having a plurality of organic light emitting diodes; a power bus line that is located on an outer side of the pixel region and supplies power to each of the organic light emitting diodes; and a metal layer that overlaps the driving power bus line, is electrically connected to the driving power bus line, and comprises a panel mark.
US07919915B2
A monochromic, multi-color and full-color cold cathode fluorescent display (CFD), comprises of some shaped white or multi-color or red, green blue color cold cathode fluorescent lamps (CCFL), reflector, base plate, temperature control means, luminance and contrast enhancement face plate, shades and its driving electronics. CFD is a large screen display device which has high luminance, high efficiency, long lifetime, high contrast and excellent color. CFD can be used for both outdoor and indoor applications even at direct sunlight, to display a character, or graphic and video image.
US07919913B2
A light illuminating element including a transparent closed casing, an exciting gas, a first exciting coating, and a first dielectric multi-layer long-pass filter is provided. The transparent closed casing has a first inner side, a second inner side, a first outer side corresponding to the first inner side, and a second outer side corresponding to the second inner side. The exciting gas is disposed inside the transparent closed casing, and suitable for providing an ultraviolet light. The first exciting coating is disposed on the first inner side or the first outer side, and is suitable for absorbing the ultraviolet light to provide a visible light. The first dielectric multi-layer long-pass filter is disposed on the second inner side or the second outer side, and suitable for reflecting the ultraviolet light and allowing the visible light to pass through.
US07919912B2
An electron emission source includes a carbon-based material and resultant material formed by curing and heat treating at least one silicon-based material represented by formula (1), (2), and/or (3) below: where R1 through R22 are each independently a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkoxy group, a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C20 alkenyl group, a halogen atom, a hydroxyl group or a mercapto group, and m and n are each integers from 0 to 1,000. An electron emission device and an electron emission display device include the electron emission source. A composition for forming electron emission sources includes the carbon-based material and the silicon-based material. A method of forming the electron emission source includes applying the composition to a substrate; and heat treating the applied composition. The adhesion between the electron emission source including the cured and heat treated resultant material of the silicon-based material and a substrate is excellent, and thus the reliability of the electron emission device including the cured and heat treated resultant material of the silicon-based material can be enhanced.
US07919900B2
The Lundell motor apparatus includes a controller for controlling a field current passed to a field coil of a Lundell-type rotor of a motor and an armature current passed to a stator coil of the motor in order to generate a required torque. When the field current is If, the armature current is Ia, a d-axis inductance is Ld, a q-axis inductance is Lq, a q-axis current as a q-axis component of the armature current is Iq, a d-axis current as a d-axis component of the armature current is Id, a field torque is Tf, a field flux is Φf, a reluctance torque is Tr, and a combined torque of the field torque and the reluctance torque is ΣT, the controller passes the d-axis current Id to the stator coil within a phase angle range in which the combined torque ΣT become larger than the field torque Tf in order to generate the reluctance torque Tr which is equal to (Ld−Lq)Id·Iq in addition to the field torque Tf.
US07919890B2
A rotating electric machine, comprising a stator, a rotor, a case storing the stator and the rotor, and an oil pump. Oil discharge ports are formed at the terminal part of an oil discharge passage of the case, and a cooling oil is supplied to the upper cutout parts of the stator. A groove part is covered by a cover to form a closed flow passage. Since the cooling oil is sufficiently applied to the portion of a coil exposed to the inside of the flow passage, a cooling efficiency is increased. Also the cooling oil is guided to an orifice on the lower side in the gravitational direction. Accordingly, since the cooling oil does not flow in an air gap between the rotor and the stator, a power loss can be prevented from occurring.
US07919876B2
A small-sized power package includes a tubular case, a magnet tube, a coil, a power-generating magnet, a shaft, a movable box, and a positioning magnet. The power-generating magnet is attracted by the positioning magnet and thus suspended within the magnet tube. The small-sized power package has enhanced power generating efficiency by utilizing the benefit of magnetic levitation. An electronic device including such a small-sized power package is also provided.
US07919874B2
A chip package including a base, a chip, a molding compound and a plurality of outer terminals is provided. The base is essentially consisted of a patterned circuit layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other and a solder mask disposed on the second surface, wherein the solder mask has a plurality of first openings by which part of the patterned circuit layer is exposed. The chip is disposed on the first surface and is electrically connected to the patterned circuit layer. The molding compound covers the pattern circuit layer and fixes the chip onto the patterned circuit layer. The outer terminals are disposed in the first openings and electrically connected to the patterned circuit layer.
US07919872B2
An integrated circuit (IC) carrier assembly comprises a printed circuit board (PCB), a carrier soldered to the PCB, the carrier comprising a plurality of electrical contact islands surrounding a receiving zone for receiving an IC, a first resilient suspension means interconnecting pairs of adjacent islands, and a second resilient suspension means connecting the islands adjacent to the receiving zone with the receiving zone.
US07919871B2
An integrated circuit package system includes: providing a lower interposer substrate with lower exposed conductors; attaching a die over the lower interposer substrate; applying a stack encapsulant over the die and the lower interposer substrate having the lower exposed conductors partially exposed adjacent the stack encapsulant; and attaching an upper interposer substrate having upper exposed conductors over the stack encapsulant and with the upper exposed conductors substantially exposed.
US07919865B2
A new method is provided for the creation of interconnect lines. Fine line interconnects are provided in a first layer of dielectric overlying semiconductor circuits that have been created in or on the surface of a substrate. A layer of passivation is deposited over the layer of dielectric, a thick second layer of dielectric is created over the surface of the layer of passivation. Thick and wide interconnect lines are created in the thick second layer of dielectric. The first layer of dielectric may also be eliminated, creating the wide thick interconnect network on the surface of the layer of passivation that has been deposited over the surface of a substrate.
US07919862B2
An integrated circuit structure having improved resistivity and a method for forming the same are provided. The integrated circuit structure includes a dielectric layer, an opening in the dielectric layer, an oxide-based barrier layer directly on sidewalls of the opening, and conductive materials filling the remaining portion of the opening.
US07919860B2
One aspect of the invention provides a semiconductor device that includes a microchip having an outermost surface. First and second bond pads are located on the microchip and near the outermost surface. A first UBM contact is located on the outermost surface and between the first and second bond pads. The first UBM contact is offset from the first bond pad. A second UBM contact is located on the outermost surface and between the first and second bond pads. The second UBM contact is offset from the second bond pad, and a capacitor supported by the microchip is located between the first and second UBM contacts.
US07919855B2
Topside thermal management of semiconductor devices using boron phosphide contacting a gate terminal
A semiconductor device including at least one gate terminal in operational contact with an active layer or top surface of the semiconductor substrate includes a deposited layer of boron phosphide covering the gate terminal and at least a portion of the active layer or the top surface next to and extending from the gate terminal. According to an aspect, the layer of boron phosphide is deposited by a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The boron phosphide layer will have a thickness less than or equal to about 10 microns. The boron phosphide provides a heat spreading coating across the die surface, thus increasing the surface area that conducts the heat from the die. Since the boron phosphide coating is in intimate contact with the gate terminal(s) and the immediately adjacent passivation surfaces of the device, generated heat can rapidly spread away from the active junction or channel. The additional thermal path(s) provided by the boron phosphide coating may terminate away from the active region to further conduct away the heat through thermally unused areas of the device.
US07919850B2
A method of manufacture of an integrated circuit packaging system includes: providing a lead; mounting an inner package so that the lead is peripheral to the inner package, and the inner package having a connection pad; forming an exposed terminal interconnect on the connection pad; and encapsulating the inner package, and partially encapsulating the exposed terminal interconnect with an encapsulation.
US07919849B2
A package substrate includes a laminated body having a conductor circuit and an insulating layer formed and laminated, solder resist layers formed and laminated on both sides of the laminated body, respectively, an optical element, and an optical path for transmitting an optical signal. One or more of the solder resist layers formed and laminated on the laminated body is an outermost layer which has a transmittance for light having a wavelength for communication of about 60% or more at a thickness of 30 μm.
US07919837B2
A semiconductor device includes a semiconductor chip with bonding pads, the bonding pads being arranged along one side of an element forming surface of the semiconductor chip, a lead frame including first and second internal leads arranged such that tips thereof correspond to some of the bonding pads of the semiconductor chip, and first and second bonding wires by which the first internal leads and the some of the bonding pads are bonded to each other. The semiconductor device further includes a hanging pin section provided on the element non-forming surface of the semiconductor chip, and a sealing member with which the semiconductor chip is sealed including the hanging pin section and a bonding section between the first and second internal leads and the first and second bonding wires.
US07919835B2
The present invention provides a semiconductor device having a low-k film including an interconnect layer and a highly-reliable through-substrate contact plug. The semiconductor device includes: a semiconductor substrate having a first surface and a second surface facing each other; a first insulating film formed on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate and having a specific permittivity of 4 or higher; a circuit constituent element formed on the first surface of the semiconductor substrate and covered with the first insulating film); a contact plug formed in the first insulating film and electrically connected to the circuit constituent element; a through-substrate contact plug penetrating through the semiconductor substrate and the first insulating film; a second insulating film formed on the first insulating film and having a specific permittivity of 3.5 or lower; an interconnect layer formed in the second insulating film and electrically connected to the through-substrate contact plug and the contact plug; a first electrode formed in an exposed state and external to the second insulating film and electrically connected to the interconnect layer; and a second electrode formed in an exposed state and external to the second surface of the semiconductor substrate and electrically connected to the through-substrate contact plug.
US07919830B2
A method for fabricating a low-value resistor such as a ballast resistor for bipolar junction transistors. The resistor may be fabricated using layers of appropriate sheet resistance so as to achieve low resistance values in a compact layout. The method may rely on layers already provided by a conventional CMOS process flow, such as contact plugs and fully silicided (FUSI) metal gates.
US07919827B2
A method and device is disclosed for reducing noises in CMOS image sensors. An improved CMOS image sensor includes a light sensing structure surrounded by a support feature section. An active section of the light sensing structure is covered by no more than optically transparent materials. A light blocking portion includes a black light filter layer and an opaque layer covering the support feature section. The light blocking portion may also cover a peripheral portion of the light sensing structure. The method for forming the CMOS image sensors includes using film patterning and etching processes to selectively form the opaque layer where the light blocking portion is desired but not over the active section.
US07919820B2
Example embodiments provide a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) semiconductor device and a method of fabricating the CMOS semiconductor device. The CMOS semiconductor device may include gates in the nMOS and pMOS areas, polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) capping layers, metal nitride layers underneath the poly-Si capping layers, and a gate insulating layer underneath the gate. The metal nitride layers of the nMOS and pMOS areas may be formed of the same type of material and may have different work functions. Since a metal gate is formed of identical types of metal nitride layers, a process may be simplified, yield may be increased, and a higher-performance CMOS semiconductor device may be obtained.
US07919819B2
Embodiments comprise an adjusted polysilicon gate pitch to metal wire pitch relationship to improve area scalars while increasing ACLV tolerance with a fixed polysilicon gate pitch. In some embodiments, the wire pitch for at least one metallization layer is adjusted to match the pitch for the polysilicon gate. In one embodiment, the next to the lowest metallization layer running in the same orientation as the polysilicon gate, utilized to access the input or output of the interconnected cell structures is relaxed to match the minimum contacted gate pitch and the metal is aligned above each polysilicon gate. In another embodiment, the polysilicon gate pitch may be relaxed to attain a smaller lowest common multiple with the wire pitch for an integrated circuit to reduce the minimum step off.
US07919816B2
A gate controlled fin resistance element for use as an electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection element in an electrical circuit has a fin structure having a first connection region, a second connection region and a channel region formed between the first and second connection regions. Furthermore, the fin resistance element has a gate region formed at least over a part of the surface of the channel region. The gate region is electrically coupled to a gate control device, which gate control device controls an electrical potential applied to the gate region in such a way that the gate controlled fin resistance element has a high electrical resistance during a first operating state of the electrical circuit and a lower electrical resistance during a second operating state, which is characterized by the occurrence of an ESD event.
US07919806B2
Disclosed herein is a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, including a memory transistor. The memory transistor has a channel formation region defined between two source and drain regions formed on a semiconductor substrate a bottom insulating film, a charge storage film and a top insulating film formed in order at least on the channel formation region, the charge storage film having a charge storage function, and a gate electrode formed on the top insulating film. The bottom insulating film is formed from a plurality of films containing nitrogen such that the content of nitrogen of a lowermost one of the films which contacts with the channel formation region and an uppermost one of the films which contacts with the gate electrode is higher than that of the other one or ones of the films which exist between the uppermost and lowermost films.
US07919803B2
A semiconductor memory device in which a plurality of capacitors each including a columnar lower electrode, a capacitor insulation film and an upper electrode are stacked with interlayer films therebetween, a contact plug connects an upper face of each lower electrode of a lower layer with a bottom face of each lower electrode of an upper layer, and another contact plug connects upper electrodes of the capacitors in respective layers with each other.
US07919801B2
In various embodiments, semiconductor structures and methods to manufacture these structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes forming a portion of the unidirectional transistor and a portion of a bidirectional transistor in or over a semiconductor material simultaneously. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07919791B2
A Group III-V nitride microelectronic device structure including a delta doped layer and/or a doped superlattice. A delta doping method is described, including the steps of: depositing semiconductor material on a substrate by a first epitaxial film growth process; terminating the deposition of semiconductor material on the substrate to present an epitaxial film surface; delta doping the semiconductor material at the epitaxial film surface, to form a delta doping layer thereon; terminating the delta doping; resuming deposition of semiconductor material to deposit semiconductor material on the delta doping layer, in a second epitaxial film growth process; and continuing the semiconductor material second epitaxial film growth process to a predetermined extent, to form a doped microelectronic device structure, wherein the delta doping layer is internalized in semiconductor material deposited in the first and second epitaxial film growth processes.
US07919790B2
A semiconductor substrate and a method of its manufacture has a semiconductor substrate having a carbon concentration in a range of 6.0×1015 to 2.0×1017 atoms/cm3, both inclusively. One principal surface of the substrate is irradiated with protons and then heat-treated to thereby form a broad buffer structure, namely a region in a first semiconductor layer where a net impurity doping concentration is locally maximized. Due to the broad buffer structure, lifetime values are substantially equalized in a region extending from an interface between the first semiconductor layer and a second semiconductor layer formed on the first semiconductor layer to the region where the net impurity doping concentration is locally maximized. In addition, the local minimum of lifetime values of the first semiconductor layer becomes high. It is thus possible to provide a semiconductor device having soft recovery characteristics, in addition to high-speed and low-loss characteristics, while suppressing a kinked leakage current waveform.
US07919786B2
A nanowire light emitting device is provided. The nanowire light emitting device includes a substrate, a first conductive layer formed on the substrate, a plurality of nanowires vertically formed on the first conductive layer, each nanowire comprising a p-doped portion and an n-doped portion, a light emitting layer between the p-doped portion and the n-doped portion, a second conductive layer formed on the nanowires, and an insulating polymer in which a light emitting material is embedded, filling a space between the nanowires. The color of light emitted from the light emitting layer varies according to the light emitting material.
US07919776B2
A high frequency diode comprising: a P type region, an N type region, and an I layer as a high resistivity layer interposed between the P type region and the N type region, wherein the I layer is made of a silicon wafer that has a carbon concentration of 5×1015 to 5×1017 atoms/cm3, interstitial oxygen concentration of 6.5×1017 to 13.5×1017 atoms/cm3, and a resistivity of 100 Ωcm or more.
US07919775B2
A method of operating a semiconductor device, a semiconductor device and a digital micromirror system are presented. In an embodiment, the semiconductor device comprises a grounded substrate, a memory array, and a reset driver. The memory array may be isolated from the grounded substrate with a buried layer. The set of voltages of the memory array may be shifted with respect to a reset voltage. The reset driver may drive the reset voltage and the reset driver may have at least one extended drain transistor in the grounded substrate.
US07919772B2
A nonvolatile memory has a problem in that applied voltage is high. This is because a carrier needs to be injected into a floating gate through an insulating film by a tunneling effect. In addition, there is concern about deterioration of the insulating film by performing such carrier injection. An object of the present invention is to provide a memory in which applied voltage is lowered and deterioration of an insulating film is prevented. One feature is to use a layer in which an inorganic compound having a charge-transfer complex is mixed with an organic compound as a layer functioning as a floating gate of a memory. A specific example is an element having a transistor structure where a layer in which an inorganic compound having a charge-transfer complex is mixed with an organic compound and which is sandwiched between insulating layers is used as a floating gate.
US07919769B2
An exemplary illuminator includes a first electrode, a second electrode, and a light-emitting chip. The light-emitting chip includes light-emitting layers arranged three-dimensionally. The first and second electrodes are configured for providing different voltages to the light-emitting chip, and the light-emitting chip is capable of emitting light simultaneously along all dimensional axes.
US07919768B2
A phase-change memory cell is proposed. The phase-change memory includes a bottom electrode; a phase-change spacer formed to contact the bottom electrode; an electrical conductive layer having a vertical portion and a horizontal portion, wherein the electrical conductive layer electrically connects to the phase-change spacer via the horizontal portion; and a top electrode electrically connected to the electrical conductive layer via the vertical portion of the electrically conductive layer.
US07919765B2
Method and apparatus are disclosed for treating a non-continuous particle beam produced by an accelerator in order to irradiate a target volume, wherein an irradiation spot located in the target volume is formed from this beam, and wherein the location of the irradiation spot is controlled by location controlling elements. The setting of the location controlling elements may take place in between subsequent particle bunches of the beam, for example.
US07919763B2
An exit window for an electron beam emitter through which electrons pass in an electron beam includes a structural foil for metal to metal bonding with the electron beam emitter. The structural foil has a central opening formed therethrough. A window layer of high thermal conductivity extends over the central opening of the structural foil and provides a high thermal conductivity region through which the electrons can pass.
US07919761B2
Clearly observing the state of an examination site is made by sufficiently suppressing the influence of residues. Fluorescence observation apparatus includes: a light source emits excitation light for irradiating the vicinity of an examination site; a fluorescence information acquisition unit acquires information about fluorescence emitted from the vicinity of the examination site through the irradiation with the excitation light from the light source; a residue fluorescence information acquisition unit acquires information about fluorescence emitted from residues selectively dyed with a fluorescent dye, through the irradiation with the excitation light from the light source; and a fluorescence information correction unit generates fluorescence information about the examination site in which the fluorescence from the residues is suppressed, based on the fluorescence information from the vicinity of the examination site, acquired by the fluorescence information acquisition unit, and the fluorescence information from the residues, acquired by the residue fluorescence information acquisition unit.
US07919754B2
A system for the detection and analysis of at least one volatile substance in breath samples of a subject, including at least one source of infrared radiation adapted to the wavelength range of specific absorption peaks of said substances, a plurality of reflecting surfaces of said radiation adapted for collimation onto at least one detector providing a plurality of electrical output signals corresponding to the transmission of said radiation within wavelength intervals corresponding to said absorption peaks, at least one measuring cell including a mechanical support structure defining the position of said source, reflecting surfaces and detector, adapted to the reception and disposal of said breath sample, and exposing it to said radiation, at least one electronic signal processing unit with capacity to analyse said signals with respect to pre-programmed information concerning infrared absorption spectra of said substances. The response of the system being displayed or otherwise communicated, and perceived as essentially instantaneous.
US07919752B2
An inspection apparatus includes a terahertz wave detection portion, a waveform shaping portion configured to shape a first answer signal with respect to a terahertz wave by using a signal acquired in the above-described terahertz wave detection portion, a measurement condition acquisition portion configured to acquire a first measurement condition, an answer signal storage portion configured to store second answer signals corresponding to measurement conditions, a selection portion configured to select the above-described second answer signal from the above-described answer signal storage portion, and a signal processing portion configured to conduct deconvolution with respect to the above-described first answer signal on the basis of the above-described second answer signal.
US07919751B2
A small infrared sensor has a wide infrared light-receiving area (viewing angle), high electromagnetic shielding characteristics, and excellent electromagnetic-wave resistance characteristics. In the infrared sensor, supporting portions are disposed at four corners of a substantially rectangular opening in a package. The supporting portions support an optical filter, disposed so as to cover the opening, at positions that are lower than an upper end of an inner peripheral wall defining the opening. While the optical filter is supported by the supporting portions as a result of inserting a portion of a surface side of the optical filter facing the supporting portions into the opening, the optical filter is secured to the package. The optical filter and the package are joined and secured, and electrically connected to each other through a conductive adhesive.
US07919748B2
The mass spectrometer includes a mass analyzer having a pair of planar electrode structures. The electrode structures are disposed opposite one another, parallel to one another, and axially offset from one another, and are structured to generate, in response to a common pattern of voltages applied to them, a cylindrically-symmetric, annular electric field surrounding a cylindrical central region. The electric field includes an annular axially focusing lens region surrounding the central region, and an annular mirror region surrounding the lens region. Ions injected tangentially in the central region towards the electric field reach an ion detector after executing a number of ellipse-like orbits, which enables a long flight path to be accommodated within a small evacuated space.
US07919747B2
An ion guide or mass analyser (2) is disclosed comprising a plurality of electrodes (2a) having apertures through which ions are transmitted in use. A pseudo-potential barrier is created at the exit of the ion guide or mass analyser (2). The amplitude or depth of the pseudo-potential barrier is inversely proportional to the mass to charge ratio of an ion. One or more transient DC voltages (4) are applied to the electrodes (2a) of the ion guide or mass analyser (2) in order to urge ions along the length of the ion guides or mass analyser (2). The amplitude of the transient DC voltage (4) applied to the electrode (2a) may be increased with time so that ions are caused to be emitted from the ion guide or mass analyser (2) in reverse order of their mass to charge ratio.
US07919742B2
A projector includes: an operation unit which receives operation by a user; a projection unit which projects light corresponding to an image signal; and a light intensity control unit which controls light intensity of the light projected by the projection unit. The light intensity control unit controls the light intensity in the order of reception of plural operations received by the operation unit from the user.
US07919739B2
The invention relates to a locking device for a deployable surface or fin of a projectile characterized in that it incorporates at least one flexible tongue, one end of which protrudes in the groove, a recess to the side of the groove enabling the tongue to bend in a first direction to enable the fin to enter the groove.
US07919737B2
The present invention is directed to improving the conventional high-speed cooking oven based on a combination of hot air impingement and microwave heating by providing a time-dependent spatial variation in the net air impingement and/or net microwave energy applied to the food product in the oven. This is aimed at optimizing heat transfer and microwave efficiencies in a high-speed cooking oven, thereby enabling the oven to deliver an optimal cooking efficiency in comparison to the conventional high-speed cooking oven. In addition, under the present invention, the cooking efficiency may be further optimized by dimensioning the nozzles for hot air impingement to tighten impingement plumes, subject to the space constraint of the oven's cooking chamber, and dimensioning the cooking chamber of the oven in integer multiples of the wavelength of the microwave energy to match the microwave load. With the optimized cooking efficiency provided by the present invention, the high speed cooking technology may now be extended to ovens operating on a power supply based on a voltage less than 220 volts, preferably between 110 and 125 volts, with more productive results, so that the high-speed cooking technology may find a wider applicability and customer base.
US07919729B2
A heating vessel comprises a bottom portion made of conductive material and perimeter wall extending upward from the bottom portion to form a perimeter and covers the vessel such as to form a cavity. The perimeter wall comprises an outer wall and an inner wall, and at least an adiabatic portion defined between the outer wall and the inner wall, which is as an adiabatic layer. The dimension of the inner wall is less than the outer wall. The inner wall is connected to the bottom.
US07919727B2
A laser processing apparatus includes: a laser beam radiation part that radiates a laser beam to a target position on a substrate; a liquid supply source; a liquid supply nozzle that is connected to the liquid supply source through a liquid supply channel; a guide member for the ejected liquid; and a movement mechanism that allows a substrate holding part, and the laser beam radiation part, the guide member and the liquid supply nozzle to relatively move in a horizontal direction in a state that a center of a radiation spot of the laser beam is in a projection region on the substrate when the liquid ejection port of the liquid supply nozzle is extended in an ejection direction.
US07919713B2
In an embodiment, one or more conductive cable cords are twisted with the sensitive signal carrying cables. The cords may advantageously comprise dummy wires, or very flexible hollow cables without an inner conductor. As the conductive cords do not carry and inner conductor, the conductive cords are individually flexible and small, resulting in a twisted bundle that more is flexible while potentially having a smaller outer diameter.
US07919710B2
A solar cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a stacked semiconductor layer. The stacked semiconductor layer is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The stacked semiconductor layer includes a first semiconductor layer, a second semiconductor layer and an intrinsic semiconductor layer. The first semiconductor layer has a first energy gap. The second semiconductor layer has a second energy gap. The intrinsic semiconductor layer is disposed between the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer, wherein the intrinsic semiconductor layer is a chalcopyrite layer and has a third energy gap. The third energy gap is less than the first energy gap and the second energy gap.
US07919701B2
A connection device for a drum set has a connecting bridge, multiple resilient pads and a clamping device. The connecting bridge has a base board and two connecting arms. The connecting arms protrude respectively from two sides of the base board and each has a connecting end for connection to an adjusting rod attached to a drum shell of a drum. The resilient pads are mounted respectively on the connecting ends of the connecting arms and are mounted around the adjusting rods. The clamping device is securely mounted on the base board and has a clamping base, a clamping leaf, a locking rod and a locking element. Therefore, the connection device allows the drum to vibrate for improved timbre.
US07919695B2
According to the invention, there is provided seed and plants of the hybrid corn variety designated CH610543. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds and tissue cultures of the variety CH610543, and to methods for producing a corn plant produced by crossing a corn plant of variety CH610543 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 CH610543.
US07919682B2
The present invention relates to plant cells and plants, which are genetically modified, wherein the genetic modification leads to the reduction of the activity of a starch phosphorylating OK1 protein in comparison with corresponding wild type plant cells or wild type plants that have not been genetically modified. Furthermore, the present invention relates to means and methods for the manufacture of such plant cells and plants. Plant cells and plants of this type synthesise a modified starch. The present invention therefore also relates to the starch synthesised by the plant cells and plants according to the invention, methods for the manufacture of this starch, and the manufacture of starch derivatives of this modified starch, as well as flours containing starches according to the invention.Furthermore, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules, which are suitable for manufacturing plants according to the invention.
US07919678B2
The present invention concerns a method for modifying plant growth characteristics by modifying expression in a plant of a nucleic acid encoding a methionine aminopeptidase (MAP protein) and/or by modifying level and/or activity in a plant of a MAP protein. The invention also relates to transgenic plants having modified growth characteristics, which plants have modified expression of a nucleic acid encoding a MAP protein. Particularly the present invention discloses a method to increase yield of a plant, preferably in a cereal such as rice or corn.
US07919671B2
A method for testing compound for a therapeutic effect utilizing a non-human animal or cell having disruption in the prostatic acid phosphatase gene resulting in a decrease or absence in the activity or the level of prostatic acid phosphatase. The compound may be used for treating disorders related to unbalanced phosphatidylinositol phosphate cascade or signaling pathway. Diagnostic methods and methods for treating the disorders with therapeutic compounds or by gene therapy are also disclosed.
US07919666B2
Personal care articles are provided having odor control patches thereon. The patches include a cavity that house one or more fragrant materials or odor absorbing materials. A portion of the patch is detachable in order to expose and release the odor control materials contained therein. The patches can be removably-attached to the personal care article thereby allowing the patch to be affixed to the personal care articles at the time of manufacture or by the consumer just prior to use. The personal care articles are provided with an air-permeable pocket to house the patch and cover odor absorbing materials when the cavity is exposed.
US07919664B2
A process for producing a jet fuel, comprising contacting an olefin and an isoparaffin with an unsupported catalyst system comprising an ionic liquid catalyst and a halide containing additive in an alkylation zone under alkylation conditions to make an alkylate product, and recovering the jet fuel from the alkylate product, wherein the jet fuel meets the boiling point, flash point, smoke point, heat of combustion, and freeze point requirements for Jet A-1 fuel. Also a process for producing a jet fuel, comprising providing a feed produced in a FC cracker comprising olefins, mixing the feed with an isoparaffin, alkylating the mixed feed in an ionic liquid alkylation zone, and separating the jet fuel from the alkylated product. We also provide a process comprising alkylating isobutane and butene in the presence of specific chloroaluminate ionic liquid catalysts, to produce a jet fuel.
US07919660B2
A method of converting methanol feedstock to olefins is provided and includes contacting the methanol feedstock in a first conversion zone with a catalyst at reaction conditions effective to produce a first reaction zone effluent comprising DME, unreacted methanol and water, and recycling at least a portion of an overhead vapor product to the first conversion zone and/or to the second conversion zone.
US07919654B2
Provided are a cyclopentaphenanthrene-based compound and an organic EL device using the same. The cyclopentaphenanthrene-based compound is easy to prepare and excellent in solubility, color purity, and color stability. The cyclopentaphenanthrene-based compound is useful as a material for forming an organic layer, in particular, a light-emitting layer in an organic EL device, and as an organic dye or an electronic material such as a nonlinear optical material.
US07919650B2
Organofunctional silanes, inclusive of dimers and oligomers, are provided in which individual silanes possess both free and blocked mercaptan functionality or particular mixtures of the organofunctional silanes possess both free and blocked mercaptan functionality. The organofunctional silanes and silane mixtures are useful, inter alia, as coupling agents for elastomeric compositions, e.g., rubber formulations employed in the manufacture of tires, where they exhibit a desirable balance of low scorch and good performance properties.
US07919648B2
The invention relates to compounds represented by Formula (1): wherein Ra is alkyl or the like; Rb is fluorine or —CF3; A is 1,4-cyclohexylene, 1,4-phenylene or the like; Z is a single bond, alkylene or the like; Y is a single bond, alkylene or the like; and m and n are an integer of approximately 0 to approximately 5.
US07919647B2
This invention provides a class of androgen receptor targeting agents. The agents define a new subclass of compounds, which are selective androgen receptor modulators (SARM).
US07919646B2
The invention provides a process for hydrocyanation, comprising: contacting 2-pentenenitrile with hydrogen cyanide at a temperature in the range of about 0° C. to about 150° C. in the presence of at least one Lewis acid promoter and a catalyst precursor composition, wherein the catalyst precursor composition comprises a zero-valent nickel and at least one bidentate phosphite ligand selected from a member of the group represented by Formula I and Formula II, in which all like reference characters have the same meaning, except as further explicitly limited: wherein R1 and R5 are independently selected from the group consisting of C1 to C5 hydrocarbyl; and R2, R3, R4, R6, R7 and R8 are independently selected from the group consisting of H and C1 to C4 hydrocarbyl.
US07919641B2
A method for the in-situ preparation of an ionic comonomer, such as zinc dimethacrylate, dissolved in styrene monomer, for use in production of polystyrene is disclosed. The method generally includes adding comonomer chemical precursors to a solution of styrene and nonionic surfactant. The resulting ionic comonomer may be further dissolved in styrene and polymerized to form a product that may have improved properties.
US07919640B2
A method for the in-situ preparation of an ionic comonomer from its chemical precursors, prepared in a solution of styrene monomer is disclosed. In one embodiment, the ionic comonomer is zirconium methacrylate, Zr(MA)4 or zirconyl methacrylate, ZrO(MA)2, or a combination thereof, and zirconium carbonate hydroxide oxide, ZrCO3(OH)2.ZrO2, and methacrylic acid, CH2═C(CH3)—COOH, are used as precursors used for its in-situ preparation.
US07919638B2
A method of preparing an ultra-pure metal amidinate compound comprising using a microchannel device for synthesis in reacting a metal halide solution with a lithium amidinate solution to produce an ultra-pure alkylmetal compound for processes such as chemical vapor deposition.
US07919637B2
A fluorine-containing spiroacetal compound represented by the following formula (A): wherein X represents >C(CF3)(Y) or >C═CF2, in which Y represents —CF2OCOR1, —COOR2, —COF, or —CH2OR3, R1 represents an alkyl or cycloalkyl group having at least one fluorine atom, R2 represents a hydrogen atom, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, an alkyl group, or a cycloalkyl group and R3 represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl group; wherein the alkyl or cycloalkyl group for R1 may have a substituent other than fluorine atom; the alkyl or cycloalkyl group for R2 may have a substituent; and the acyl group for R3 may have a substituent.
US07919636B2
Compositions of purified and biologically active ellagitannins are provided by separation from pomegranate husk using a method of extraction and purification using a solid polymeric adsorbent and the uses of the said compounds.
US07919634B2
Fused thiophene (FT) compounds, FT polymers, FT containing articles, and methods for making and using the FT compounds and polymers thereof of the formulas, as defined herein.
US07919632B2
The present invention relates to a novel process for preparing known fungicidally active 1,3-dimethyl-5-fluoro-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxamides from the corresponding acid fluoride and aniline derivatives in the absence of an acid acceptor.
US07919622B2
The present invention provides novel fluorophilic compounds having structure VII wherein R1 is a C1-C20 aliphatic, a C2-C20 cycloaliphatic, or a C2-C20 aromatic radical comprising at least one functional group susceptible to reaction with nucleophilic fluoride ion or an electrophilic fluorinating agent; R2 is a C1-C10 aliphatic radical; R3 is hydrogen or a C1-C10 aliphatic radical; R4 is hydrogen or a C1-C10 aliphatic radical; and R5 is hydrogen, a C1-C10 aliphatic radical, a C2-C10 cycloaliphatic radical, or a C2-C20 aromatic radical. The fluorophilic compounds are provided in both racemic and enantiomerically enriched forms and are useful as intermediates in the preparation of novel PET imaging agents and probes useful in the discovery and performance assessment of PET imaging agents. The fluorophilic compounds are particularly useful in the preparation of PET imaging agents and probes having a high affinity for VMAT-2, a biomarker implicated in human diabetes and other illnesses such as Parkinson's disease.
US07919611B2
There is provided a nucleotide primer set for LAMP amplification, used for detecting genotypes of single-nucleotide polymorphisms G590A, G857A and T341C of a NAT2 gene. There is also provided a nucleotide probe for detection of an amplification product amplified with the primer set according to the present invention. There is also provided a method of detecting the genotypes of NAT2 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms G590A, G857A and T341C by using the primer set according to the present invention.
US07919609B2
Novel bacterial insecticidal proteins and equivalents thereof were isolated. These proteins and the DNA sequences encoding them are useful to make insecticidal compositions or transgenic plants to protect plants from damage by insects, particularly coleopteran insects.
US07919608B2
Expressed Sequence Tags (ESTs) isolated from maize are disclosed. The ESTs provide a unique molecular tool for the targeting and isolation of novel genes for plant protection and improvement. The disclosed ESTs have utility in the development of new strategies for understanding critical plant developmental and metabolic pathways. The disclosed ESTs have particular utility in isolating genes and promoters, identifying and mapping the genes involved in developmental and metabolic pathways, and determining gene function. Sequence homology analyses using the ESTs provided in the present invention, will result in more efficient gene screening for desirable agronomic traits. An expanding database of these select pieces of the plant genomics puzzle will quickly expand the knowledge necessary for subsequent functional validation, a key limitation in current plant biotechnology efforts.
US07919594B2
Compositions and methods are provided for treating diseases associated with CD100, including certain types of cancers, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases including central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS) inflammatory diseases, transplant rejections, and invasive angiogenesis. Compositions include anti-CD100 antibodies capable of binding to a soluble human CD100 antigen or a CD100 antigen located on the surface of a human CD100-expressing cell, wherein the antibody has CD100 blocking activity that is achieved by having at least one optimized CDR or FWR engineered within the variable region of the antibody. Compositions also include antigen-binding fragments, variants, and derivatives of the monoclonal antibodies, cell lines producing these antibody compositions, and isolated nucleic acid molecules encoding the amino acid sequences of the antibodies. The invention further includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising the anti-CD100 antibodies of the invention, or antigen-binding fragments, variants, or derivatives thereof, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and methods of use of these anti-CD100 antibodies.
US07919588B2
The invention provides methods and compositions relating to vertebrate UNC-5 proteins which function as receptor proteins for netrins, a family of cell guidance proteins. The proteins may be produced recombinantly from transformed host cells from the disclosed vertebrate UNC-5 encoding nucleic acid or purified from human cells. The invention provides specific hybridization probes and primers capable of specifically hybridizing with the disclosed vertebrate unc-5 gene, vertebrate UNC-5-specific binding agents such as specific antibodies, and methods of making and using the subject compositions in diagnosis, therapy and in the biopharmaceutical industry.
US07919579B2
The present invention provides methods for imaging and the treatment of cancer. In certain embodiments, a polyarginine (e.g., R11) may be used to selectively image prostate or bladder cells (e.g., a metastatic prostate cancer). In other embodiments, a DOC-2/DAB2 peptide, optionally conjugated to a cell permeable peptide (e.g., R11) may be used to treat a cancer, such as prostate cancer.
US07919577B2
ACTH analog compounds of the present invention include compounds comprising an ACTH peptide sequence with one or more structural modifications that can have one or more of the following preferred ACTH analog biological functions: (1) reduction of corticosteroid secretion by adrenal membrane in the presence of the ACTH analog compared to unmodified ACTH, (2) reduction of corticosteroid secretion by adrenal membrane in the presence of endogenous ACTH and (3) increased MC-2R binding affinity with reduced activation of the MC-2R receptor compared to unmodified ACTH binding to the MC-2R melanocortin. The ACTH analog compounds of the present invention are therefore useful for treatment or prevention of diseases and disorders related to ACTH, ACTH receptors or corticosteroid secretion, such as premature labor and Cushing's Disease.
US07919568B2
The current invention provides a method of improving the efficiency of one or more heat exchangers used in cooperation with a high temperature solution polymerization process. Addition of surface active agents, such as C6 to C22 carboxylic acids, to a two phase liquid-liquid polymer solution downstream of a reactor system and upstream of a heat exchanger system can increase the efficiency of heat exchange by more than 10%.
US07919559B2
Disclosed herein is a chemical-resistant and impact-resistant thermoplastic resin composition having excellent hydrolysis resistance. The thermoplastic resin composition comprises (A) about 1 to about 97.9% by weight of an epoxy group-containing vinyl copolymer resin; (B) about 1 to about 97.9% by weight of a rubber modified aromatic vinyl copolymer resin; (C) about 1 to about 97.9% by weight of a polyester resin; and (D) about 0.1 to about 97% by weight of an amorphous cycloaliphatic diol modified polyester.
US07919550B2
A photosemiconductor encapsulating resin composition, excellent in light transmittance, ultraviolet resistance and heat resistance, comprising the following component (A) and component (B): (A): a (meth)acrylic polymer containing an epoxy group, and (B): at least one hardener selected from the group consisting of the following components (b1) to (b4) (b1) a polyvalent carboxylic acid, (b2) a polyvalent carboxylic anhydride, (b3) a reaction product of a polyvalent carboxylic acid with a compound of the following general formula (B-1), and (b4) a reaction product of a polyvalent carboxylic anhydride with a compound of the following general formula (B-2) wherein R1 to R6 represent each independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, R3 and R4 may be bonded to form an alkylene group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms; R7 represents an alkylene group; a methylene group contained the alkylene group and the alkyl group represented by R1 to R7 may be substituted by an ether group and/or carbonyl group; Y1 and Y2 represent each independently an oxygen atom, or sulfur atom, is provided.
US07919549B2
Disclosed is a resin composition excellent in molding processability which comprises a plant-derived biodegradable plastic produced by actively fixing carbon dioxide present in the earth. A resin composition excellent in molding processability, comprising (A) a biodegradable (3-hydroxyalkanoate) copolymer having a recurring unit represented by the formula (1): [—CHR—CH2—CO—O—] (wherein R represents an alkyl group represented by the formula CnH2n+1 and n is an integer of 1 to 15) and 0.1 to 100 parts by weight, based on 100 parts by weight of (A) the biodegradable (3-hydroxyalkanoate) copolymer, of (B) an acrylic modifier having a weight average molecular weight (Mw) of 500,000 to 10,000,000.
US07919547B2
A water-dispersible composition including a nanofiller-containing epoxy resin and a low temperature nonionic surfactant having a molecular weight of less than about 7,000 Daltons; and optionally an anionic surfactant or optionally a high temperature nonionic surfactant. The water-dispersible composition can be used to prepare an aqueous dispersion of the nanofiller-containing epoxy resin. The aqueous dispersion advantageously has a long shelf- stability. One method for preparing the aqueous dispersion includes using a high internal phase ratio emulsion process.
US07919544B2
An ink-media set, comprising an ink composition and a recording medium, wherein the ink composition comprises a polymer fine particle containing a dye and an inorganic pigment particle, a water-soluble solvent, and water, and has a surface tension of 20 mN/m to 35 mN/m at 25° C., and the recording medium comprises a support and a coating layer on at least one side of the support, and the amount of pure water transferred to the recording medium is no less than 2 ml/m2 and less than 35 ml/m2 at a contact period of 100 ms and the amount of pure water transferred to the recording medium is no less than 3 ml/m2 and less than 40 ml/m2 at a contact period of 400 ms by measurement of a dynamic scanning absorptometer.
US07919532B2
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising at least one compound of the formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier which is useful in a medicine wherein the symbols and substituents have the following meaning —X— is e.g. and Y being e.g. or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts, esters or amides and prodrugs can be applied to modulate the in-vitro and in-vivo binding processes mediated by E-, P- or L-selectin binding.
US07919531B2
The present invention refers especially to 3,5-dihydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadienones of the general formula (I) wherein R1 and R2 are independently from each other C1-6-alkyl, C2-6-alkenyl or x-oxo-Cx-alkyl with x being an integer from 1 to 6, preferably R1 and R2 are independently from each other C2-6-alkenyl or y-oxo-Cy-alkyl with y being an integer from 2 to 5, and wherein R3 and R4 are independently from each other hydroxy, C1-6-alkyl, C2-6-alkenyl or x-oxo-Cx-alkyl with x being an integer from 1 to 6, preferably R3 and R4 are independently from each other hydroxy or y-oxo-Cy-alkyl with y being an integer from 2 to 5, for use as mood balancing agents and stress relievers, as well as to dietary compositions and fortified food/feed/beverages containing such 3,5-dihydroxy-2,4-cyclohexadienones of the general formula (I), and their uses.
US07919519B2
The present invention relates to compounds of the general formula (I) that have activity as S1P receptor modulating agents and the use of such compounds to treat diseases associated with inappropriate S1P receptor activity. The compounds may be used as immunomodulators, e.g., for treating or preventing diseases such as autoimmune and related immune disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, type I diabetes, uveitis, psoriasis, myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, non-glomerular nephrosis, hepatitis, Behçet's disease, glomerulonephritis, chronic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic anemia, hepatitis and Wegner's granuloma; and for treating other conditions.
US07919515B2
The invention relates to new compounds, being 3-phenylpropionic acid derivatives of formula I wherein W represents COOH group or its bioisosters, or —COO—C1-C4-alkyl group; Y represents NH, N—C1-C10-alkyl, O, or S; Z represents NH, N—C1-C10-alkyl, N-aryl, N-heteroaryl, S, or O; X represents O, S, NH, N—C1-C10-alkyl, N-aryl, NSO2—C1-C10-alkyl, N—SO2-aryl, or N—SO2-heteroaryl; R, to R8 each independently represent hydrogen atom or a substituent defined in the description; A is as defined in the description; n represents an integer from 0 to 4, inclusive; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. The compounds are the ligands of PPAR-gamma receptor and are useful as medicaments.
US07919511B2
Chemical entities that modulate smooth muscle myosin and/or non-muscle myosin, and chemical entities, pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment of diseases and conditions associated with smooth muscle myosin and/or non-muscle myosin are described.
US07919505B2
The present invention relates to the compound of the formula To methods of treating upper and lower obstructive airway diseases using said compound, to formulations comprising it, and to polymorphs and processes of synthesis of the polymorphic forms.
US07919501B2
Pharmaceutical formulations and methods including an immune response modifier (IRM) compound and an oleic acid component are provided where stability is improved by using oleic acid have low polar impurities such as peroxides.
US07919496B2
Methods of treating an SCD-mediated disease or condition in a mammal, preferably a human, are disclosed, wherein the methods comprise administering to a mammal in need thereof a compound of formula (I): where x, y, G, J, K, L, M, W, V, R2, R3, R5, R5a, R6, R6a, R7, R7a, R8 and R8a are defined herein. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of formula (I) are also disclosed.
US07919484B2
This invention is directed to the use of SCD-1 inhibitors of the formula (I): where x, y, V, W, G, J, L, M, R2, R3, R5, R5a, R6, R6a, R7, R7a, R8 and R8a are defined herein, in combination with other drug therapies to treat adverse weight gain.
US07919483B2
A method for treatment of acne with tetracyclines is provided. A lower sustained dose and no loading dose is employed, with an optional once-a-day dosing regimen.
US07919482B2
Chemically stable, insecticidally active pellets having a low moisture content and at least about 95% active ingredient are described, as well as a method for manufacturing them. The active ingredient is selected from a class of N-hydrocarboyl phosphoroamidothioate and phosphoroamidodithioate compounds as described in the specification. The pellets generally have a moisture content of about 0.5% by weight or less, preferably less than about 0.3% by weight. The pellets can be produced by one of two types of processes as described in detail, including a high pressure axial extrusion process and a low pressure basket extrusion process.
US07919481B2
The present invention comprises compounds, compositions thereof, and methods capable of delivering modified inositol hexaphospahte (IHP) comprising an internal pyrophosphate ring to the cytoplasm of mammalian cells. In certain embodiments, the present invention relates to compounds, compositions thereof, and methods that enhance the ability of mammalian red blood cells to deliver oxygen, by delivering IHP to the cytoplasm of the red blood cells.
US07919466B2
Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for and involving selectively targeting tumor lymphatics.
US07919461B2
The present invention relates to peptide compounds that are agonists of the erythropoietin receptor (EPO-R). The invention also relates to therapeutic methods using such peptide compounds to treat disorders associated with insufficient or defective red blood cell production. Pharmaceutical compositions, which comprise the peptide compounds of the invention, and dosages are also provided.
US07919460B2
The present invention is intended to provide a novel pharmaceutical agent having an excellent preventive effect on post-stroke RSD. The present invention provides an agent for preventing the onset of post-stroke RSD, comprising natural calcitonin or a calcitonin derivative as an active ingredient. The present invention is also intended to provide a method for preventing the onset of post-stroke RSD, comprising administering natural calcitonin or a calcitonin derivative and use of natural calcitonin or a calcitonin derivative for producing an agent for preventing the onset of post-stroke RSD.
US07919448B2
The present invention relates to compositions including a water soluble magnesium salt, water soluble calcium salt, and gluconate, which have a beneficial effect on corrosion during cleaning. The present compositions can reduce corrosion of glass, aluminum, or steel. The present invention also relates to methods employing these compositions.
US07919443B2
An exfoliating scrub bar for various parts of the body is made from natural ingredients that exfoliate the skin gently and effectively. The scrub bar comprises powdered or crushed nuts; powdered or crushed oats; and glycerin. The combination of ingredients allows a person to gently exfoliate different parts of the body depending on the location and/or skin sensitivity. The scrub bar provides the user with an effective tool for exfoliation that allows for the removal of dead skin cells.
US07919437B2
Wellbore fluid having a continuous aqueous phase, and comprising at least one polymer which has a number average molecular weight in the range of from 10,000 to less than 100,000, wherein the polymer is selected from a copolymer of at least one hydrophilic monomer and at least one hydrophobic monomer containing an alkyl group having at least 8 carbon atoms. The hydrophilic monomer is selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleic acid, maleic anhydride, fumaric acid and itaconic acid, and sulfonate groups have been introduced into the copolymer by reaction of at least a portion of the carboxylic acid and/or anhydride groups with a compound of general formula R12N(CH2)nSO3X (I) or a compound of general formula HO(CH2)nSO3X (II). Each R1 is independently selected from hydrogen, methyl or ethyl, X is either H or a Group IA metal, and n is an integer of from 1 to 6. The combined molecular weight of the pendant alkyl groups that are introduced into the copolymer by the hydrophobic monomer is in the range of from 15 to 70% by weight based on the molecular weight of the polymer such that the polymer has a solubility of at least 2% in water at 20° C. The fluid further comprises at least one additive selected from additional fluid loss control agents, bridging particulate materials, finely dispersed additives for increasing the fluid density, thinners, and shale inhibitors.
US07919435B2
The present invention relates to a method for producing a defect-containing superconducting film, the method comprising (a) depositing a phase-separable layer epitaxially onto a biaxially-textured substrate, wherein the phase-separable layer includes at least two phase-separable components; (b) achieving nanoscale phase separation of the phase-separable layer such that a phase-separated layer including at least two phase-separated components is produced; and (c) depositing a superconducting film epitaxially onto said phase-separated components of the phase-separated layer such that nanoscale features of the phase-separated layer are propagated into the superconducting film.
US07919432B2
In an adsorbent of the present invention, at least a surface and its vicinity thereof is composed of an apatite represented by the formula Ca10(PO4)6((OH)1-xAx)2, where A represents a halogen element and 0≦x≦1, and a phosphate group contained in the apatite is bonded to a trivalent metal ion. Further, preferably, the trivalent metal ion is Fe3+. According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an adsorbent capable of specifically adsorbing an object compound, an adsorption apparatus capable of separating and purifying the object compound easily and reliably, and a method capable of manufacturing such an adsorption apparatus easily in a short time.
US07919430B2
It is an object to provide a novel oxide catalyst for producing an unsaturated acid or unsaturated nitrile by which reaction results are good and a high yield can be stably maintained for a prolonged period of time, a process for producing the oxide catalyst, and a process for producing an unsaturated acid or unsaturated nitrile using the oxide catalyst. According to the present invention, there is provided an oxide catalyst represented by following compositional formula (1): Mo1VaSbbNbcMndWeYfOn (1) wherein Y represents at least one element selected from alkaline earth metals and rare earth metals; a, b, c, d, e, f, and n each represents an atomic ratio based on one atom of Mo; 0.1≦a≦1, 0.01≦b≦1, 0.01≦c≦1, 0≦d≦0.1, 0≦e≦0.1, 0<(d+e)≦0.1, 0≦f≦1; and n is a number determined by valencies of the constituent metals.
US07919429B2
The present invention provides a zirconia-ceria-yttria-based mixed oxide having a stable crystal structure after 12 hours of heat treatment at 1100° C. under a reducing atmosphere, and a process for producing the mixed oxide.
US07919427B2
A catalyst carrier, being characterized in that a catalyst metal for promoting an oxidation-reduction reaction is carried on a vapor-grown carbon fiber having an average outer diameter of from 2 nm to 500 nm, which has been subjected to a crushing treatment so as to have a BET specific surface area of from 4 m2/g to 100 m2/g and an aspect ratio of from 1 to 200, and exhibiting high activity per unit amount of a catalyst metal, a low reaction resistance and an improved output density, and is useful for a fuel cell; a production method thereof and a fuel cell using the catalyst carrier.
US07919425B2
A photocatalyst-coated body and a photocatalytic coating liquid which exert an excellent weather resistance, harmful gas decomposability, and other desired characteristics (such as transparency and film strength), while preventing erosion of the substrate are provided. The photocatalyst-coated body comprises a substrate and a photocatalytic layer provided on the substrate. The photocatalytic layer comprises photocatalytic particles and inorganic oxide particles, and has interstices between the particles in the layer.
US07919417B2
The present invention relates in general to a method and variations thereof for making an article, such as cloth, water repellent and/or water resistant (i.e., hydrophobic) as well as oil repellent (i.e., oleophobic). In particular, the method involves the process of providing a thin-layer polymer coating on the article thereby rendering the article water repellent and/or water resistant. Articles made according to the method of the present invention are also disclosed and claimed herein as are the treated articles' use.
US07919413B2
A method for forming patterns comprises providing a substrate. A set of seed features is formed over the substrate. At least one bi-layer comprising a first layer followed by a second layer is formed on the set of seed features. The first layer and the second layer above the set of seed features are removed. The first layer and the second layer are anisotropically etched successively at least one time to form an opening next to the set of seed features.
US07919406B2
A method for forming a metal pillar bump structure is provided. In one embodiment, a passivation layer is formed over a semiconductor substrate and a conductive layer is formed over the passivation layer. A patterned and etched photoresist layer is provided above the conductive layer, the photoresist layer defining at least one opening therein. A metal layer is deposited in the at least one opening. Portions of the photoresist layer are etched along one or more interfaces between the photoresist layer and the metal layer to form cavities. A solder material is deposited in the at least one opening, the solder material filling the cavities and a portion of the opening above the metal layer. The remaining photoresist layer and the conductive layer not formed under the copper layer are removed. The solder material is then reflown to encapsulate the metal layer.
US07919394B2
A method for thinning a substrate and a method for manufacturing a circuit device which make it possible to prevent the pattern of penetrating holes of a supporting plate from being transferred to the surface of the substrate and prevent non-uniform grinding of the surface of the substrate from occurring. The supporting plate and the substrate are joined by using an adhesive layer, and a sheet is attached to the supporting plate. The surface of the supporting plate to which the sheet has been attached is mounted and fixed by attraction onto an attracting head. The surface of the semiconductor wafer on which no circuit device is formed is ground by a grinder in this state.
US07919393B2
A method for forming a structure that includes a relaxed or pseudo-relaxed layer on a substrate. The method includes the steps of growing an elastically stressed layer of semiconductor material on a donor substrate; forming a glassy layer of a viscous material on the stressed layer; removing a portion of the donor substrate to form a structure that includes the glassy layer, the stressed layer and a surface layer of donor substrate material; patterning the stressed layer; and heat treating the structure at a temperature of at least a viscosity temperature of the glassy layer to relax the stressed layer and form the relaxed or pseudo-relaxed layer of the structure.
US07919390B2
An isolation structure in a memory device and a method for fabricating the isolation structure. In the method, a first trench is formed in a cell region of a semiconductor substrate and a second trench in a peripheral region of the semiconductor substrate. A liner layer comprising a silicon nitride layer is formed on the first and second trenches. A spin on dielectric (SOD) layer comprising polysilazane is formed on the liner layer so as to fill the first and second trenches. A portion of the SOD layer filling the second trench is removed. A portion of the silicon nitride layer, which is disposed on the second trench and is exposed after the removing of the portion of the SOD layer, is oxidized using oxygen plasma and heat generated from the plasma. A high density plasma (HDP) oxide layer is formed to fill the second trench.
US07919389B2
A semiconductor memory device having a memory cell region and a peripheral circuit region, and a method of manufacturing such a semiconductor memory device, are proposed, in which trench grooves are formed to be shallow in the memory cell region in order to improve the yield, and trench grooves are formed to be deep in the high voltage transistor region of the peripheral circuit region, in particular in a high voltage transistor region thereof, in order to improve the element isolation withstand voltage. A plurality of memory cell transistors having an ONO layer 15 serving as a charge accumulating insulating layer are provided in the memory cell region, where element isolation grooves 6 for these memory cell transistors are narrow and shallow. Two types of transistors, one for high voltage and the other for low voltage, having gate insulating layers 16 or 17, which are different from the ONO layer 15 in the memory cell region, are provided in the peripheral circuit region, where at least element isolation grooves 23 for high voltage transistors are wide and deep. In this way, it is possible to improve the degree of integration and yield in the memory cell region, and secure withstand voltage in the peripheral circuit region.
US07919387B2
The present invention provides a memory device including at least two of a first dielectric on a semiconductor substrate; a floating gates corresponding to each of the at least two gate oxides; a second dielectric on the floating gates; a control gate conductor formed atop the second gate oxide; source and drain regions present in portions of the semiconducting substrate that are adjacent to each portion of the semiconducting substrate that is underlying the at least two of the first gate oxide, wherein the source and drain regions define a length of a channel positioned therebetween; and a low-k dielectric material that is at least present between adjacent floating gates of the floating gates corresponding to each of the at least two gate oxides, wherein the low-k dielectric material is present along a direction perpendicular to the length of the channel positioned therebetween.
US07919381B2
Germanium circuit-type structures are facilitated. In one example embodiment, a multi-step growth and anneal process is implemented to grow Germanium (Ge) containing material, such as heteroepitaxial-Germanium, on a substrate including Silicon (Si) or Silicon-containing material. In certain applications, defects are generally confined near a Silicon/Germanium interface, with defect threading to an upper surface of the Germanium containing material generally being inhibited. These approaches are applicable to a variety of devices including Germanium MOS capacitors, pMOSFETs and optoelectronic devices.
US07919380B2
The present invention relates to a transistor in a semiconductor device and method of manufacturing the same. Trenches are formed in a semiconductor substrate at gate edges. Low-concentration impurity regions are then formed at the sidewalls and the bottoms of the trenches. High-concentration impurity regions are formed at the bottoms of the trenches in a depth shallower than the low-concentration impurity regions. Source/drain consisting of the low-concentration impurity regions and the high-concentration impurity regions are thus formed. Therefore, the size of the transistor can be reduced while securing a stabilized operating characteristic even at high voltage. It is thus possible to improve reliability of the circuit and the degree of integration in the device.
US07919367B2
A non-volatile memory cell with increased charge retention is fabricated on the same substrate as logic devices using a single-gate conventional logic process. A silicide-blocking dielectric structure is formed over a floating gate of the NVM cell, thereby preventing silicide formation over the floating gate, while allowing silicide formation over the logic devices. Silicide spiking and bridging are prevented in the NVM cell, as silicide-blocking dielectric structure prevents silicide metal from coming in contact with the floating gate or adjacent sidewall spacers. The silicide-blocking dielectric layer may expose portions of the active regions of the NVM cell, away from the floating gate and adjacent sidewall spacers, thereby enabling silicide formation on these portions. Alternately, the silicide-blocking dielectric layer may cover the active regions of the NVM cell during silicide formation. In this case, silicide-blocking dielectric layer may be thinned or removed after silicide formation.
US07919364B2
A FinFET and methods for its manufacture are provided. The method of the invention provides an elegant process for manufacturing FinFETs with separated gates. It is compatible with a wide range of dielectric materials and gate electrode materials, providing that the gate electrode material(s) can be deposited conformally. Provision of at least one upstanding structure (or “dummy fin”) (40) on each side of the fin (4) serves to locally increase the thickness of the gate electrode material layer (70). In particular, as the shortest distance between each upstanding structure (40) and the respective side of the fin (4) is arranged in accordance with the invention to be less than twice the thickness of the conformal layer, the thickness of the gate electrode material layer (70) all the way across this distance between each upstanding structure (40) and the fin (4) is increased relative to that over planar regions of the substrate (2). Thus, following an anisotropic etch to remove gate electrode material (70) overlying the fin (4), some material nevertheless remains between the upstanding structures and the fin. Thus, an enlarged area of gate electrode material is formed for use as a gate contact pad.
US07919361B2
The present disclosure provides a very thin semiconductor package including a leadframe with a die-attach pad and a plurality of lead terminals, a die attached to the die-attach pad and electrically connected to the lead terminals via bonding wires, a position member disposed upon the die and/or die-attach pad, and a molding material encapsulating the leadframe, the die, and the position member together to form the semiconductor package. The method for manufacturing a very thin semiconductor package includes disposing a first position member on one side of the die-attach pad of a leadframe, attaching a die onto the opposite side of the die-attach pad, optionally disposing a second position member on top of the die, electrically connecting the die to the lead terminals of the leadframe, and encapsulating the leadframe, the die, and the position member(s) together to form the very thin semiconductor package.
US07919359B2
A semiconductor mounting substrate according to the present invention comprises: a substrate; a semiconductor device, mounted on this substrate; solder bumps, which connect the semiconductor device and the substrate; a first resin, filled in a space between the semiconductor device and the substrate; and electronic components, mounted on a face side of the semiconductor device where the semiconductor device is mounted, wherein bond strength reinforcing resin section is provided at least between a side face in the vicinity of a corner part of the semiconductor device and a substrate surface of the substrate in a position corresponding to the corner part.
US07919354B2
An apparatus includes a first semiconductor die and at least one further semiconductor die. A substrate is attached to the first die and the further die and has an electrical interconnect pattern that interconnects contacts on the first die with respective contacts on the further die. Features of the interconnect pattern have positions on the substrate with smaller tolerances relative to positions of the contacts on the first die than to positions of the contacts on the further die.
US07919351B2
A CMOS image sensor and a method for fabricating the same for preventing contamination and peeling of an array of micro lenses. The CMOS image sensor includes a plurality of photodiodes formed on and/or over a substrate, an insulating film formed on and/or over an entire surface of the substrate including the photodiodes, color filter layers formed on and/or over the insulating film, a first oxide film formed on and/or over the color filter layers, an ion-rich oxide film formed by injecting silicon ions into the first oxide film, a second oxide film formed on and/or over the ion-rich oxide film, and a micro lens pattern formed corresponding to the photodiodes by patterning the second oxide film.
US07919334B2
Disclosed is a method to convert a low resistance cell in a MRAM device to a capacitive cell. The low resistance cell has a plurality of layers on a substrate. At least one layer remote from the substrate is sensitive to oxygen infusion. The method includes removing a cap layer of the cell and applying an oxygen barrier around the cell to expose at least a part of a surface of the at least one layer remote from the substrate. The at least one layer is oxidized. The oxygen barrier is removed.
US07919330B2
Methods of improving microfluidic assays are disclosed. Assays can be improved (better signal to noise ratio) by using sessile drop evaporation as an analyte concentration step (enhanced signal) and repeated passes of wash droplets as a means to reduce non-specific binding (noise reduction). In addition multiple massively parallel analyses improve the statistical precision of the analyses.
US07919327B2
The invention provides ways to determine the impact of diluting a solution wherein the diluting may be carried out for any of a variety of purposes. In one embodiment, the method enables accurate volume dispensation calculations independent of meniscus shape. In another embodiment, the method enables accurate determination of plate washing efficiency. In yet another embodiment, the method enables the accurate determination of dilution ratio over a plurality of dilution steps. The methods described may be carried out using one or more systems arranged to perform the steps. A kit of the invention includes instructions for carrying out the steps of the methods and, optionally, one or more solutions suitable for conducting photometric measurements.
US07919326B2
A method of tracking a status of a catalytic process in a mixture incorporates the use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags that have corrosive-sensitive coatings. The coatings are removable, by a corrosive in the mixture, at a rate that tracks with the rate at which a catalytic-driven process progresses. As coatings on the RFID tags are removed by the corrosive in the mixture, the digital signatures returned by the RFID tags change, in response to the corrosive damaging the RFID tags. By quantifying the number of damaged RFID tags, a determination can be made as to the progress status of the catalytic process.
US07919317B2
The present invention provides a method of differentiating progenitor cells to produce a population containing protected neuronal cells. A method of the invention includes the steps of contacting the progenitor cells with a differentiating agent; and introducing into the progenitor cells a nucleic acid molecule encoding a MEF2 polypeptide or an active fragment thereof, thereby differentiating the progenitor cells to produce a population containing protected neuronal cells. In one embodiment, the MEF2 polypeptide is human MEF2C or an active fragment thereof.
US07919314B2
Provided is a use of a recombinant chimaeric protein as an immunogen in a process for producing a monoclonal antibody, wherein the recombinant chimaeric protein is assembled into a virus-like particles, and includes a foreign protein or peptide or a fragment thereof.
US07919312B2
A unique HCV RNA molecule is provided having an enhanced efficiency of establishing cell culture replication. Novel adaptive mutations have been identified within the HCV non-structural region that improves the efficiency of establishing persistently replicating HCV RNA in cell culture. This self-replicating polynucleotide molecule contains, contrary to all previous reports, a 5′-NTR that can be either an A as an alternative to the G already disclosed and therefore provides an alternative to existing systems comprising a self-replicating HCV RNA molecule. The G→A mutation gives rise to HCV RNA molecules that, in conjunction with mutations in the HCV non-structural region, such as the G(2042)C/R mutations, possess greater efficiency of transduction and/or replication. These RNA molecules when transfected in a cell line are useful for evaluating potential inhibitors of HCV replication.
US07919310B2
The present disclosure demonstrates the successful use of constitutive promoters operatively linked to genes encoding radiosensitizing or radioprotecting factors, administered to cells, tissues, or patients in conjunction with radiation exposure. Also disclosed are pharmacological preparations to be used to increase the levels of radiosensitizing compounds such as TNF-α, or radioprotective compounds such as MnSOD, in specified tissues or tumors of a subject.
US07919306B2
A biological sample reaction chip, including: a plurality of reactors disposed on one plane; a reaction fluid distribution channel connected via a microchannel to each reactor and provided on the plane on which the plurality of reactors are disposed; and a reaction fluid movement stopping unit, which is connected to an end point of the reaction fluid distribution channel and is capable of controlling movement of a reaction fluid.
US07919304B2
A process and system are disclosed for the biofiltration of volatile organic compounds. The process involved recirculating contaminated effluent gas through a biofilter (1), the biofilter (1) having an inlet (20), outlet (15) and micro-organism laden filter media bed (3). The filter media bed additionally having moisture retaining properties. This process has been effective in removing high levels of VOCs from effluent gas streams and also in removing VOCs from an effluent gas stream where the VOC levels and/or volumes of effluent gas vary over time.
US07919302B1
A Unique Solenopsis invicta viruse (SINV2) have been identified and its genome sequenced. Oligonucleotide primers have been developed using the isolated nucleic acid sequences of the SINV2. The virus is used as a biocontrol agent for control of fire ants.
US07919286B2
A process is provided to improve the specific activity of an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity when converting glycolonitrile to glycolic acid under aqueous reaction conditions. Inclusion of an effective amount of at least one amine protectant improves the specific activity and catalytic productivity of the enzyme catalyst.
US07919285B2
This invention relates to DNA encoding an enzyme having activity of synthesizing D-serine from formaldehyde and glycine, recombinant DNA constructed by integrating such DNA into a vector, a transformant transformed with the recombinant DNA, and a method for producing D-serine from formaldehyde and glycine with the use of the enzyme.
US07919279B2
The present invention provides methods for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) gene cluster genotyping using the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometer. In general, the methods involve amplifying a plurality of target sequences of a plurality of KIR genes, and detecting the presence or absence of a plurality of single SNPs of the plurality of KIR genes by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The invention also features compositions, including arrays of capture primers and optionally extension primers on a substrate surface, and kits, for use in the methods of the invention.
US07919277B2
Methods for the detection and typing of bacterial strains from food products and dietary supplements, environmental samples, in vivo/in vitro samples, and for studying the natural diversity of the species are disclosed. Potential applications also include product development and/or detection and differentiation of new bacterial strains.
US07919273B2
The present invention provides substituted humanized, chimeric or human anti-CD20 antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof and bispecific antibodies or fusion proteins comprising the substituted antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof. The antibodies, fusion proteins or fragments are useful for treatment of B-cell disorders, such as B-cell malignancies and autoimmune diseases, as well as GVHD, organ transplant rejection, and hemolytic anemia and cryoglobulinemia. Amino acid substitutions, particularly substitution of an aspartate residue at Kabat position 101 of CDR3 VH (CDRH3), result in improved therapeutic properties, such as decreased dissociation rates, improved CDC activity, improved apoptosis, improved B-cell depletion and improved therapeutic efficacy at very low dosages. Veltuzumab, a humanized anti-CD20 antibody that incorporates such sequence variations, exhibits improved therapeutic efficacy compared to similar antibodies of different CDRH3 sequence, allowing therapeutic effect at dosages as low as 200 mg or less, more preferably 100 mg or less, more preferably 80 mg or less, more preferably 50 mg or less, most preferably 30 mg or less of naked antibody when administered i.v. or s.c.
US07919264B2
The invention provides a method for determining the efficacy of a TNFα inhibitor, such as a TNFα antibody, or an antigen-binding portion thereof, for treating ankylosing spondylitis (AS), using a collagen degradation biomarker and/or a synovitis biomarker.
US07919263B2
The invention provides an organic material-immobilizing structure employing new immobilization means, characterized in that at least a part of the surface of the substrate is comprised of one or more members containing silicon oxide, the organic material is bound to the surface of the substrate through a binding domain bound to the organic material and containing an amino acid sequence capable of binding to silicon oxide, selected from the group consisting of amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2: Val-Ser-Pro-Met-Arg-Ser-Ala-Thr-Thr-His-Thr-Val; and Ile-Pro-Met-His-Val-His-His-Lys-His-Pro-His-Val, and derivatives thereof.
US07919261B2
The invention disclosed herein describes novel biomarkers useful for risk assessment, screening, prognosis and selection and monitoring of therapy for HDAC mediated cell proliferative disorders. In particular, the invention provides the identities of three particular proteins whose expression patterns are strongly predictive of a particular patient's treatment outcome, e.g., non-responsiveness to SAHA. The expression profile, or pattern, whether embodied in nucleic acid expression, protein expression, or other expression formats will find use in identifying and selecting patients afflicted with a particular HDAC mediated cancer who are likely to be non-responsive to SAHA-based therapy and thus candidates for other treatments.
US07919247B2
A process for assessing mitochondrial toxicity of a compound that includes contacting nucleic acids from a host with an amplification reaction mixture that contains at least two primers that provide detectable signals, wherein: a first primer provides a first detectable signal upon amplification of a host mitochondrial nucleic acid; a second primer provides a second detectable signal upon amplification of a host nuclear nucleic acid; and comparing the first and second detectable signals.
US07919246B2
This invention is in the field of cancer-related genes. Specifically it relates to methods for detecting cancer or the likelihood of developing cancer based on the presence or absence of the SEM A4D gene or proteins encoded by this gene. The invention also provides methods and molecules for upregulating or downregulating the SEMA4D gene.
US07919233B2
The invention relates to a method of identifying modulators of programmed cell death, comprising an interaction between a motif of Beclin protein and an anti-apoptotic member of the family of Bcl-2 proteins and the detection of said interaction be means of fluorescence polarization. The modulators identified on the basis of said method are administered to cancer patients in order to induce apoptotic- and/or autophagic-type programmed cell death. The invention also relates to a motif of the Beclin protein which can interact with an anti-apoptic member of the family of Bcl-2 proteins and to the use thereof in order to induce programmed cell death in a cancer patient.
US07919230B2
Methods of forming a lens master wafer having aspheric lens shapes. In one embodiment, a substrate is coated with a polymer material. Isolated sections are formed in the polymer material. The isolated sections are reflowed. The reflowed sections are formed into aspheric lens shapes using a lens stamp.
US07919228B2
The present invention relates to a method of forming a pattern of a semiconductor device. According to the method, patterns are formed on a substrate. First photoresist patterns are formed in regions where the patterns are opened. The first photoresist patterns are diffused to upper corners of the patterns, thus forming second photoresist patterns. The patterns are etched using the second photoresist patterns as an etch-stop layer. Accordingly, smaller photomask patterns can be formed.
US07919227B2
A positive resist composition including a resin component (A) which exhibits increased alkali solubility under action of acid and an acid-generator component (B) which generates acid upon exposure, the resin component (A) including a structural unit (a1) represented by general formula (I) shown below: wherein R represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a halogenated lower alkyl group; R1′ represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; n represents an integer of 0 to 3; R1 represents a lower alkyl group, a fluorine atom, or a fluorinated lower alkyl group; and p represents an integer of 0 to 2.
US07919218B2
An aspect of the present invention includes a method for patterning a workpiece covered at least partly with a layer sensitive to electromagnetic radiation by simultaneously using a plurality of exposure beams. In an example embodiment it is determined if any of the beams have an actual position relative to a reference beam which differs from its intended position. An adjustment of the exposure dose for a wrongly positioned beam is performed if said beam is printed at en edge of a feature. Other aspects of the present invention are reflected in the detailed description, figures and claims.
US07919208B2
A battery capable of obtaining a high capacity and reducing its expansion is provided. A spirally wound electrode body formed through laminating a cathode and an anode with a separator and an electrolyte in between to form a laminate and spirally winding the laminate is included in a package member made of an aluminum laminate film. An anode active material layer includes an agglomerated graphite material in which a plurality of primary particles made of graphite having fine pores are agglomerated so that the orientation planes thereof are not parallel to each other, at least in part, to form secondary particles. In the agglomerated graphite material, the total volume of fine pores with a diameter from 10 nm to 1×105 nm inclusive estimated by mercury porosimetry ranges from 0.5 cm3/g to 1.5 cm3/g inclusive per unit weight.
US07919206B2
An electrode assembly and a secondary battery using the same, the electrode assembly including: first and second electrode plates, which are wound with a separator disposed therebetween; and first and second electrode tabs respectively adhered to the first and second electrode plates. The first electrode plate extends from a bottom surface of the electrode assembly, has a groove, and is bent at the groove. The secondary battery includes: the electrode assembly; a can to house the electrode assembly; and a cap assembly to seal the can. The first electrode tab is connected to the bottom of the can.
US07919205B2
A negative electrode for a lithium ion secondary battery of the present invention includes a current collector and an active material layer carried on the current collector. The active material layer contains silicon and oxygen. In the thickness direction of the active material layer, an oxygen ratio of the active material is greater at the side of the active material layer in contact with the current collector than at the side of the active material layer not in contact with the current collector. The active material layer contains no binder. By using the negative electrode described above, it is possible to provide a high capacity lithium ion secondary battery having superior high rate charge/discharge characteristics and excellent cycle characteristics.
US07919179B2
To provide resin-coated sand for a multilayer mold in which the consolidation strength of the casting mold obtained by using it and gas permeability thereof are improved at the same time, the amount of occurrence of pyrolytic products (tar, soot and the like) derived from organic substances is effectively inhibited, when molding is performed using such a casting mold, and further, the casting mold after molding can exhibit excellent collapsibility. Disclosed is resin-coated sand for a multilayer mold, in which surfaces of refractory particles are coated with a binder composition containing a phenolic novolak resin having an ortho/para bond ratio of methylene groups of 1.5 or more and an aromatic amine as indispensable constituents, and the grain fineness number is from 80 to 150.
US07919173B2
A method for manufacturing a papermaker's or industrial fabric requires the application of a polymeric resin material onto preselected locations on a base substrate using an array which deposits the polymeric resin material in droplets having an average diameter of 10μ (10 microns) or more. The preselected locations, for example, may be knuckles formed by the interweaving of the yarns making up the fabric or interstices between the yarns. The purpose of such precise application of the resin is to control functional properties of the fabric, such as permeability and abrasion resistance. The polymeric resin material is set by means appropriate to its composition, and, optionally, may be abraded to provide the polymeric resin material above the surface plane of the base substrate with a uniform thickness.
US07919170B2
Provides a non-white construction surface comprising a substrate, a first reflective coating on at least a portion of an outer surface of the substrate, the coated substrate exhibiting a minimum direct solar reflectance value of at least about 25%, and a second reflective coating on at least a portion of the first reflective coating, wherein the combination of the first reflective coating and the second reflective coating provide the substrate with a CIELAB L* lightness value of less than about 69, and at least one of (i) a reflectivity of at least about 20% at substantially all points in the wavelength range between 770 and 2500 nm; and (ii) a summed reflectance value of at least 7000 as measured in the range between 770 and 2500 nm inclusive. Also provided are various substrates having the coatings described as well as methods of providing the described construction surfaces.
US07919162B2
Methods of manufacturing polymeric intraluminal prostheses include annealing the polymeric material to selectively modify the crystallinity thereof. Annealing may be utilized to selectively modify various properties of the polymeric material of an intraluminal prosthesis, including: selectively increasing the modulus of the polymeric material; selectively increasing the hoop strength of the intraluminal prosthesis; selectively modifying the elution rate (increase or decrease) of a pharmacological agent subsequently disposed on or within the annealed polymeric material; selectively increasing/decreasing stress in the intraluminal prosthesis; and selectively modifying the polymeric material such that it erodes at a different rate.
US07919161B2
A dual-ovenable tray useful for supporting a food product. The tray comprises a sheet having first and second layers comprising one or more polyamides. The first layer of the sheet forms the tray inside surface. Where the first layer has a melting point, the second layer has a melting point of at least about 210° C. and at least 20° C. greater than the melting point of the first layer. Where the first layer has a glass transition temperature of less than about 120° C. measured at a 50% relative humidity, the second layer has a melting point of at least about 210° C.
US07919152B2
Method and apparatus for polymerizing photoactive materials included in a liquid material by electromagnetic radiation, by dispensing the liquid material layer-wise into a container and irradiating the accumulated layers by a curing radiation, wherein a substantial part of the radiation is well transmitted through the photoactive material.
US07919151B2
The present invention provides methods for manufacturing an article having a wetting-resistant surface. The method includes providing a substrate. The method further includes disposing a coating mixture on a surface of the substrate, wherein the coating mixture comprises a braze material and a texture-providing material. The method further includes heating the braze material to bond the texture-providing material to the surface of the substrate to form the article having the wetting-resistant surface.
US07919150B2
A method of manufacturing a layered silicone composite material comprising the steps of: applying a second addition-curable organopolysiloxane composition that contains a second adhesion promoter onto a first silicone layer that is formed by curing a first addition-curable organopolysiloxane composition containing a first adhesion promoter and where the first silicone layer has a hardness of less than JIS A 50; and forming a second silicone layer that has hardness of JIS A 50 or more by curing said second addition-curable organopolysiloxane composition.
US07919146B2
An aqueous polyurethane composition comprising a polyurethane which is the reaction product of: (A) an isocyanate-terminated prepolymer and (B) at least one active-hydrogen chain-extending compound comprising at least 0.20 stoichiometric equivalents with respect to the isocyanate content of the isocyanate-terminated prepolymer (A), of an active-hydrogen chain-extending compound selected from the group consisting of hydrazine, hydrazine derivatives and mixtures thereof; and wherein at least 0.2 stoichiometric equivalents of the anionic or potentially anionic water-dispersing groups are neutralised with ammonia.
US07919140B2
The present invention relates to a process for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, which includes irradiating a photopolymerizable acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition layer provided between two films with an active energy beam to polymerize the photopolymerizable acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition layer, in which the polymerization is performed while a layer of a composition for preventing polymerization inhibition which is curable with an active energy beam in the atmosphere is provided on a side surface of the photopolymerizable acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition layer. According to the process for producing a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer of the present invention, owing to the construction as discussed above, it is possible to reuse a film. Moreover, it is possible to prevent a lowering in the cohesive force in the side surface of the thus formed pressure-sensitive adhesive composition layer caused by a lowering in the polymerization degree in the side surface of the photopolymerizable acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesive composition layer during the photopolymerization.
US07919138B2
Methods of attaching a ligand to a surface are described that include contacting a surface with a substrate containing an amphiphilic comb polymer. The substrate is configured to provide a pattern of the amphiphilic comb polymer on a selected region of the surface. The substrate can be separated from the surface leaving the amphiphilic comb polymer on the selected region of the surface, thus providing a selected region of the surface having amphiphilic comb polymer on it. A ligand can then be deposited on the surface such that the selected region of the surface having the amphiphilic comb polymer is substantially free of the ligand.
US07919137B2
According to one aspect of the invention, a method of forming a medical device is provided, which includes: (a) contacting a substrate with a solution that contains (i) one or more types of polymers, (ii) a solvent that contains one or more types of solvent species, and (iii) one or more optional agents, for example, one or more therapeutic agents, among others; and (b) removing the solvent from the solution, thereby forming a polymeric layer on the substrate. The composition of the solution is changed over the course of forming the polymeric layer. In another aspect of the invention, a medical device is provided, which includes a substrate and a polymeric layer over the substrate. The polymeric layer contains a copolymer that contains differing first and second monomers. The lower surface of the polymeric layer contacting the substrate has a surface concentration of the first monomer relative to the second monomer that is higher than that of the upper surface of the polymeric layer opposite the substrate.
US07919134B2
A non-cooked cereal bar containing inulin and having a total nutrient level equal to or greater than the nutrient level of a single serving of RTE cereal with milk is described. In one embodiment, the cereal layer is comprised of a cereal composition containing RTE cereal, high-protein rice pieces and TVP in a ratio of about 2:1:1. In another embodiment, a method for manufacturing a non-cooked cereal bar containing inulin is described.
US07919131B2
The present invention relates to processes for the treatment of dairy products and dairy process streams to produce lipids and substantially defatted protein streams. More specifically it relates to the use of near critical fluid extraction techniques to extract lipids from liquid dairy products and dairy process streams. Preferred solvents for use in the described near critical extraction techniques are ether based solvents that are partially miscible with water. A particularly preferred solvent for use in the invention is dimethyl ether.
US07919127B2
This invention relates to Pulsatillae Radix extract for improving brain functions. More specifically, this invention relates to Pulsatillae Radix extract, its active fractions and a pharmaceutical product and a health food containing the same respectively having a protective activity against neurotoxicity and a growth inhibitory effect induced by beta-amyloid, an anti-oxidizing effect, a neuron proliferating effect and improving memory thereby effective in improving brain functions such as Mild Cognitive Impairment and dementia.
US07919125B2
A natural formulation of compounds that would to modulate inflammation is disclosed. The formulation would also inhibit expression of COX-2, inhibit synthesis of prostaglandin selectively in target cells, and inhibit inflammatory response selectively in target cells. The compositions containing at least one fraction isolated or derived from hops.
US07919116B2
Sustained release pharmaceutical formulations comprising an antihyperglycemic drug or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof are disclosed. The formulations provide therapeutic plasma levels of the antihyperglycemic drug to a human patient over a 24 hour period after administration.
US07919108B2
This disclosure relates to implantable medical devices coated with a taxane therapeutic agent, such as paclitaxel, in one or more solid form(s) having varying dissolution rates. Particularly preferred coatings comprise amorphous and/or solvated solid forms of taxane therapeutic agents that provide durable coatings that release the taxane over a desired period of time, which can be varied in the absence of a polymer by selecting the type and amount of solid forms of the taxane therapeutic agent in the coating. Other preferred embodiments relate to methods of coating medical devices and methods of treatment. The coatings can provide a sustained release of the taxane therapeutic agent within a body vessel without containing a polymer to achieve the desired rate of paclitaxel elution.
US07919105B2
The present invention relates to a cosmetic composition with a lipophilic continuous phase, in particular a make-up composition, containing flat fibers.The subject of the invention is also a make-up kit containing a first composition comprising a coloring matter and a second composition comprising a lipophilic continuous phase and flat fibers.The subject of the invention is also a cosmetic method or a method for the care of keratinous materials.
US07919104B2
Provided is a P4 peptide, which contains functional epitopes of the PsaA protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae, and related methods and compositions. P4 peptide mimetics having a conformational structure identical or similar to the conformation of P4 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1 and SEQ ID NO:2) are provided. An antibody that specifically binds to the epitope defined by the disclosed peptides is provided. A P4-specific antibody is PsaA-specific since P4 defines an epitope specific for PsaA. Immunogenic compositions comprising the peptide of SEQ ID NO: 1 and a pharmaceutical carrier or the peptide of SEQ ID NO:2 and a pharmaceutical carrier are also provided. Methods of using the peptides and antibodies of the invention are provided.
US07919101B2
Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions for the prophylactic and therapeutic treatment of HIV comprising combinations of HIV fusion/entry inhibitors that exhibit synergistic effect, including T-20 (enfuvirtide), T-1249, T-1144, C34, and sifuvirtide. Also disclosed are methods of treating HIV infection by administering such compositions.
US07919095B2
The present invention provides novel monoclonal antibodies that bind specifically to IL-6. The antibodies of the invention comprise a variable heavy chain (VH) region selected from any of the VH regions disclosed herein as well as amino acid variants thereof, and/or a variable light chain (VL) region selected from any of the VL regions disclosed herein as well as amino acid variants thereof. The invention also provides methods of treating diseases and disorders associated with IL-6 expression and/or activity.
US07919091B2
The present invention relates to antibodies specific for a receptor termed the Lipolysis Stimulated Receptor (LSR). Compositions comprising the antibodies are also provided.
US07919085B2
The invention relates to a novel molecule, termed SC5 by the inventors, to a novel allelic form of p140, and to the biological applications of SC5 and p140 molecules, notably in the diagnosis and therapy of CTCL.
US07919079B2
Cellular compositions and methods for inducing an immune response to tumor cells are described. The cellular compositions include a tumor antigen and cells that have been modified to express a cytokine and one or more of a tumor antigen, anti-CTLA4 antibody and an additional cytokine. The cellular compositions find utility in methods for treating cancer.
US07919067B2
A method and an apparatus for controlling a causticizing process, the process comprising slaking, causticizing and white liquor preparation. The slaking is carried out using a slaker into which green liquor and lime is fed to produce lime milk. The causticizing process is controlled by applying a model that describes at least a part of the causticizing process.
US07919062B2
A “plug-n-play” modular microfluidic system is described herein which can be made by connecting multiple microfluidic components together to form a larger integrated system. For example, the modular microfluidic system includes a motherboard with interconnecting channels and integrated electrodes (or holes for electrodes to pass) which provide electronic connections to external data acquisition and system control devices. The modular microfluidic system can also include channel inserts (which are placed in the channels of the motherboard), heater units, actuator units, fitting components and microchips/modules with different functionalities which are placed on the motherboard.
US07919060B2
A substantially moisture-proof, airtight dispenser for both storing and dispensing several flattened articles such as diagnostic test strips. The inventive dispenser includes a novel pivotable housing that a user need merely grab and squeeze to eject a test strip. Independent movement of the user's fingers to push a button or turn a knob is unnecessary to dispense a strip, which makes the present invention well suited for diabetics suffering from nerve damage in their extremities and other complications resulting from the disease. The invention includes a novel flexible arm member and pusher head that engage and push an article from the dispenser as the two parts of the housing are pivoted together. The articles are dispensed through an exit that is configured with a novel flexible seal that maintains the dispenser substantially airtight. Several inventive seal embodiments and methods of making the same are disclosed.
US07919057B2
A process and apparatus for producing a hydrogen-containing gas in a reformer where a furnace, which is independent of the reformer, heats the effluent from a prereformer prior to reacting the prereformer effluent in the reformer. The prereformer effluent may be heated in a heat exchange tube in the furnace where the heat exchange tube is positioned in the furnace to preclude direct radiation from any flames in the furnace thereby preventing local overheating of the heat exchange tube and preventing carbon formation in the heat exchange tube. Fuel and oxidant gas may be introduced into the furnace with significant excess oxidant gas, having a stoichiometric ratio of 1.8 to 2.8 for controlling the temperature of the heat exchange tube.
US07919056B2
A micro-reactor system assembly comprises a stack of at least n process modules (1-6), wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than 1, made from a rigid first material and comprising at least one reactive fluid passage (1A, 1B, 2A, 3A, 6A) for accommodating and guiding a reactive fluid, and at least n+1 heat exchange modules (7, 8) made from a ductile second material other than said first material and comprising at least one heat exchange fluid passage (7A, 8A) for accommodating and guiding a heat exchange fluid, wherein each process module (1-6) is sandwiched between two adjacent heat exchange modules (7, 8).
US07919047B2
An air displacement pipetter comprises a guidance sleeve positioned within a hole in a cylinder block and a piston within a portion of the guidance sleeve a piston penetrating the cylinder block, a spring energized seal disposed within the cylinder block, a seal capture plate contacting the spring energized seal, a carrier plate, a pipette tip attached to the carrier plate, and a manifold plate between said carrier plate and said cylinder block.
US07919045B2
An auto-calibration circuit or label is adapted to be used with different instruments. The auto-calibration circuit comprises a first plurality of electrical connections and at least one electrical connection. The first plurality of electrical connections is utilized by the different instruments to auto-calibrate. The first plurality of electrical connections includes a first plurality of contact areas. At least one electrical connection is utilized solely by the second instrument to auto-calibrate and includes at least one contact area. This electrical connection is distinct from the first plurality of electrical connections. The first plurality of electrical connections is routed directly from each of the first plurality of contact areas to a respective first or second common connection. The at least one electrical connection is routed directly from the at least one contact area to the respective first common connection, the second common connection or a no-contact area.
US07919038B2
A method of surface treating particulate materials with electromagnetic radiation that is carried out with a so-called roll reactor comprising a rotating roll and an irradiation source. Radical former molecules can be applied on the surface of superabsorbent polymer particles, which are fed onto the surface of the roll and irradiated while moved with the rotating roll. The irradiation source is provided such that the radiation is able to reach at least part of the particulate material that has been fed onto the surface of the roll.
US07919036B2
A process for preweakening the inside of an automotive trim piece cover layer of various constructions by use of a laser beam so as to enable formation of an air bag deployment opening in the trim piece formed at the time the air bag deploys. The laser beam impinges the inside surface of the cover to form a groove scoring or spaced perforations to form a preweakening pattern. A robot arm may be used to move a laser generator so as to form the preweakening pattern. The laser beam can be controlled in accordance with sensed conditions to achieve accurate preweakening, and may also be used to trim substrate panels and to perform other cutting operations.
US07919034B2
A system and method for manufacturing a substrate having a bed of hooks located therein, in particular a system or manufacturing a hook plate having hooks with enlarged shaped heads. The system can include the use of a heated generally flat coining plate, a resilient layer placed under the hook plate, and a forming sheet placed between the coining plate and the tops of stems to be coined.
US07919020B2
A method of manufacturing a plastic lens by mixing plural polymerizable components, and immediately after mixing, casting a mixture into a casting mold and conducting polymerization to obtain a molded article. A method of manufacturing a plastic lens by casting a plastic lens starting material liquid flowing out of a casting jig opening into a casting mold and curing the above starting material liquid to form a molded article. A gasket for molding plastic lens comprised of a cylindrical member comprising openings for fitting by insertion of two molds. A casting mold for molding plastic lens, wherein the above molds are detachably held in the above openings of the above gasket so that molding surfaces of the two molds are positioned opposite at a prescribed interval to form a cavity corresponding to a lens shape within the above cylindrical member. A casting jig for plastic lens starting material liquid equipped with a nozzle for casting a plastic lens starting material liquid into the casting mold. A method of manufacturing a plastic lens comprising casting of a plastic lens starting material liquid into a casting mold held by a holding member and curing the above starting material liquid to form a molded article. A holding member for plastic lens casting mold for holding a casting mold for molding a plastic lens.
US07919017B2
Insulation fluids comprising polytrimethylene ether glycol esters are provided. The insulation fluids can be used in electrical apparatuses.
US07919011B2
A fluorescent powder using YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) as the substrate and cerium as the excitant, and having added thereto Tb (terbium) ions, Ga (gallium) ions, Yb (ytterbium) ions and Lu (lutetium) ions. The YAG (yttrium aluminum garnet) has the chemical formula of (Y1-x-y-z-p-qGdxTbyYbzLupCeq)3Al5O12. The invention also provides an organic film layer using the fluorescent powder, and a LED using the organic film layer.
US07919007B2
The present invention provides a ferrite magnetic material capable of attaining such magnetic properties that Br+(⅓)HcJ is 6200 or more even by sintering at a temperature of 1150° C. or lower. The ferrite magnetic material includes as a main phase thereof a ferrite phase having a hexagonal structure, the main phase being represented by the following composition formula (1): LaxCamα1−x−m(Fe12−yCoy)z with α representing one or two of Ba and Sr; wherein the constituent ratios of the metal elements constituting the main phase satisfy the following conditions: x and m are the values in a region bounded by the points, A: (0.53, 0.27), B: (0.64, 0.27), C: (0.64, 0.35), D: (0.53, 0.45), E: (0.47, 0.45) and F: (0.47, 0.32) in the (x, m) coordinates shown in FIG. 2; 1.3≦x/yz≦1.8; and 9.5≦12z≦11.0.
US07919004B2
A method for removing at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b) from an optical element (1) for EUV lithography, wherein the optical element (1) has a substrate (2) and an interlayer (6) between the substrate (2) and the at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b). The method includes etching away the at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b) as far as the interlayer (6) with an etching gas (7), wherein the material of the interlayer (6) does not react with the etching gas (7), and wherein, after the etching away, the interlayer (6) has a surface roughness of less than 0.5 nm rms, preferably of less than 0.2 nm rms, and more preferably of less than 0.1 nm rms. Also, an optical element (1) for reflecting radiation in the EUV wavelength range includes a substrate (2), at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b), and an interlayer (6) arranged between the substrate (2) and the at least one reflective layer (4a, 4b). The interlayer (6) is composed at least partly of a material which does not react with a halogen or a halogen compound as etching gas (7) and which is selected, in particular, from one or more of the following: alkali metal halides, alkaline earth metal halides and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). The interlayer (6) has a surface roughness of less than 0.5 nm rms, preferably of less than 0.2 nm rms, and more preferably of less than 0.1 nm rms.
US07918995B2
A filtering device for an aquarium which can easily perform maintenance, inspection and repair of a pump is provided. The present invention is directed to a filtering device for an aquarium to be installed outside an aquarium 1. The device includes a casing 20 open to the atmosphere, a filtration zone Z2 formed in the casing for filtrating water W introduced from the aquarium 1, a discharge pump 35 for sending the water passed through the filtration zone Z2 to an outside of the casing and discharging it into the aquarium, a functional component zone Z1 formed in the casing and separated from the filtration zone Z2, and a functional component unit 3 having the discharge pump 25 and a unit frame 31 for supporting the discharge pump 35. The functional component unit 3 is insertably and detachably accommodated in the functional component zone Z1 of the casing 20.
US07918986B2
Disclosed are processes of making solutions of metal alcoholates in their corresponding alcohols using an electrolytic process. In a preferred embodiment, sodium methylate in methanol is made from methanol and sodium hydroxide solution. The sodium hydroxide solution is placed in the anolyte compartment and the methanol is placed in the catholyte compartment, and the two compartments are separated by a ceramic membrane that selectively transports sodium under the influence of current. In preferred embodiments, the process is cost-effective and not environmentally harmful.
US07918984B2
A method of electrodepositing germanium compound materials on an exposed region of a substrate structure, which includes forming a plating solution by dissolving at least one germanium salt and at least one salt containing an element other than germanium in water; obtaining a substrate with a clean surface; immersing the substrate in the solution; and electroplating germanium compound materials on the substrate by applying an electrical potential between the substrate and an anode in the plating solution, in which the substrate is included in a semiconductor or phase change device.
US07918979B2
Nanofluidic entropic traps, comprising alternating thin and thick regions, sieve small molecules such as DNA or protein polymers and other molecules. The thick region is comparable or substantially larger than the molecule to be separated, while the thin region is substantially smaller than the size of the molecules to be separated. Due to the molecular size dependence of the entropic trapping effect, separation of molecules may be achieved. In addition, entropic traps are used to collect, trap and control many molecules in the nanofluidic channel. A fabrication method is disclosed to provide an efficient way to make nanofluidic constrictions in any fluidic devices.
US07918977B2
An electrochemical gas sensor, a method for making the sensor and methods for the detection of a gaseous species. The electrochemical gas sensor is a solid-state gas sensor that includes a solid polymer electrolyte. A working electrode is separated from a counter electrode by the solid polymer electrolyte. The sensor can include a multilaminate structure for improved detection properties, where electrode microbands are disposed within the solid polymer electrolyte.
US07918970B2
A band for a machine for producing web material, in particular paper, board or tissue, includes at least one fabric layer having longitudinal filaments running substantially in a band longitudinal direction and transverse filaments running substantially in a band transverse direction, end regions of the longitudinal filaments being woven with transverse connecting filaments in order to provide an endless configuration of the band, cross-sectional widenings being provided at the filament ends of at least some of the longitudinal filaments woven with transverse connecting filaments.
US07918961B2
The present invention relates to a new worn article, which gives a close fit and with which it is possible to reduce the production cost. A worn article of the present invention includes a main body portion 20 including an absorbent core 25 and covering a front torso area, a crotch area and a rear torso area of a wearer, and a pair of side panels PL and PR attached to the main body portion 20 and located between the front and rear torso areas when the worn article is worn. Each of the side panels PL and PR is stretchable in an around-the-torso direction X. At least a portion of the side panel PL and PR includes an elastic thread G sandwiched between at least two sheet-like materials S1 and S2 and is in a contracted state where the elastic thread is contracted, thus forming gathers.
US07918959B2
The disclosure relates to a method for the production of a diaper having a main part comprising a front region, a back region, and a crotch region located there between that comes to rest between the user's legs in the longitudinal direction, and side sections attached on both sides. The method is characterized in that a material web forming the side sections is supplied in the longitudinal direction; the material recesses for attaining an oblique course or contouring of the side sections are formed by placing an opening with a continuous circumferential edge in the material web; the material web is then divided in the longitudinal direction and said separation runs through the opening; sections are removed from the two partial webs transversely to the longitudinal direction in order to form the side sections to be applied on both sides; and the sections are attached to the respective back region and/or to the front region.
US07918957B2
A method of making composite discs continuously, including forming for each disc a first, a second layer, and a third support layer, each support layer being disc shaped and having a first surface with information indicia. An information layer is added to each support layers respectively. The said first and third support layers are positioned in a facing relationship, with the first and third information layers being adjacent. The third support layer is then separated from the third information layer, which thus remains attached to the first support layer. The first and second support layers are then joined. These steps are performed on a manufacturing line with conveyor belts transferring the support layers from station to station.
US07918954B2
An apparatus for sealing a substrate assembly by applying a force to the assembly while simultaneously exposing the substrate assembly, and in particular a sealing material disposed between two substrates of the substrate assembly, to an irradiating beam of electromagnetic energy. The beam heats, cures and/or melts the sealing material, depending upon the sealing material to form the seal. The force is applied by directing a flow of fluid against the substrate assembly, and beneficially improves contact between the substrates of the substrate assembly and the sealing material during the sealing process, therefore assisting in achieving a hermetic seal between the substrates.
US07918953B2
Positioning recognition marks are read by movable recognition device for positioning objects to be bonded to each other. An alignment method includes a step of reading the recognition marks during movement of the recognition device before its complete stop, and a step of identifying absolute positions of the recognition marks by correcting the mark recognition positions having been read based on a position feedback signal of the moving recognition device. A mounting method using the alignment method is also disclosed. It is possible to maintain a high alignment accuracy, eliminate necessity of assuring a settling time for complete stop of the movable recognition device, and significantly reduce the alignment time and mounting tact.
US07918934B2
A single crystal semiconductor manufacturing apparatus in which the concentration of oxygen in a single crystal semiconductor is controlled while pulling up a single crystal semiconductor such as single crystal silicon by the CZ method, a single crystal semiconductor manufacturing method, and a single crystal ingot manufactured by the method are disclosed. The natural convection (20) in the melt (5) in a quartz crucible (3) is controlled by regulating the temperatures at a plurality of parts of the melt (5). A single crystal semiconductor (6) can have a desired diameter by regulating the amount of heat produced by heating means (9a) on the upper side. Further the ratio between the amount of heat produced by the upper-side heating means (9a) and that by the lower-side heating means (9b) is adjusted to vary the process condition. In the adjustment, the amount of heat produced by the lower-side heating means (9b) is controlled to a relatively large proportion. Without inviting high cost and large size of the manufacturing apparatus, the oxygen concentration distribution in the axial direction of the single crystal semiconductor, the diameter of the single crystal semiconductor, and the minute fluctuation of the oxygen concentration in the axial direction are controlled.
US07918920B2
The present invention provides an assembly for reducing combustion emissions of a combustion apparatus having a combustion chamber producing combustion. The combustion apparatus also has a fluid passageway for carrying treated fluid to the combustion chamber. The assembly includes at least one magnet positioned such that a north pole of each magnet is adjacent the fluid passageway, and a south pole of each magnet is on an opposite side of the north pole and positioned away from the fluid passageway. Each magnet is capable of operating at a sustained efficiency at operating temperatures of approximately 302° F. Each magnet provides a residual flux density of at least approximately 10,000 gauss. The combustion emissions have at least approximately a 1.5% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions compared to the combustion of untreated fluid, as well as reductions in hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions.
US07918915B2
The present invention relates to a wear resistant iron-based powder, suitable for the production of pressed and sintered components, comprising 10-20% by weight of Cr, 0.5-5% by weight of Mo and 1-2% by weight of C. The powder is characterised in that it includes pre-alloyed water atomized iron-based powder particles and chromium carbide particles diffusion bonded onto said pre-alloyed powder particles. The invention also relates to a method of producing this powder.
US07918912B2
Devices, systems and methods are provided for adsorbing hydrocarbons from the air intake system of an internal combustion engine. The devices, systems and methods include a hydrocarbon absorbent material, and a structural element configured to hold the hydrocarbon absorbent material within a clean air tube of an internal combustion engine.
US07918911B2
A seal around the perimeter of an air passageway which passes between adjacent plenums in an air-handling system includes a first channel containing a sealant which is located in the first plenum and extends around the periphery of the passageway. The first channel partially overlies the sidewall of the plenum and partially extends past the exposed edge of the plenum walls. A second channel, which is similarly located in the second plenum, also contains a sealant. A first blade projects from the wall of the first plenum into the sealant in the first channel, and a second blade projects from the wall of the second plenum into the sealant in the second channel. A third blade, which extends into the sealant in both the first and second channels, is located inwardly of the edges of the channel walls that form the perimeter of the passageway.
US07918909B2
A cyclone separator assembly comprises a cyclone separator that removes large particles of dirt from a working airstream as it flows through the cyclone separator, and the separated large particles of dirt are deposited into a dirt cup. The cyclone separator assembly further includes a fine particle separation member comprising a plurality of apertures for separating fine particles of dirt from air in the cyclone separator or the dirt cup. The fine particle separation member can be formed in a wall of the cyclone separator, a sidewall of the dirt cup, or in the outlet of the cyclone separator assembly. The cyclone separator assembly can further include a guide plate for creating a direction change in the path of the working airstream to aid in the separation of fine particles of dirt from air passing through the outlet.
US07918908B2
A particulate filtration device comprising filter media having upstream and downstream surfaces, a gas-moving device for moving gas through the filter media from the upstream surface toward the downstream surface, and a cleaning assembly including a blow pipe having a plurality of cleaning nozzles for directing a flow of cleaning gas toward the filter media. A first one of the cleaning nozzles comprises a structural characteristic (e.g., throat size, exit angle, exit size) that is different than a second one of the cleaning nozzles. In one embodiment, the filter media comprises a filter bag corresponding with each nozzle, and both the first one and the second one of the cleaning nozzles are spaced substantially the same distance from the corresponding filter bag. The cleaning assembly can also include a plurality of blow pipes (e.g., each having a plurality of cleaning nozzles) coupled to a gas-pressurized manifold, and a valve positioned between the manifold and each blow pipe to control gas flowing from the manifold to the blow pipes. In this configuration, it is preferred that the nozzle nearer the manifold has a larger throat size, smaller exit angle, and larger exit size than the nozzle farther from the manifold.
US07918905B2
The addition of strong neutralizing amines to react with free fatty acid in biodiesel fuels that may be left from some synthesis routes can lower the total acid number (TAN) of the biodiesel fuel. Surprisingly, the strong neutralizing amines do not interfere with the biodiesel fuel itself which may be primarily fatty acid methyl esters. These strong neutralizing amines may also improve the oxidative stability of biodiesel fuels.
US07918901B2
Disclosed is a hair conditioning composition comprising by weight: (a) from about 0.2% to about 10% of a cationic surfactant which is a salt of: (i) primary, secondary, and tertiary amines wherein the amines have one long alkyl or alkenyl group of from about 20 to about 24 carbon atoms; and (ii) acids such as 1-glutamic acid and lactic acid; (b) from about 1% to about 15% of a high melting point fatty compound; (c) from about 0.00005% to about 0.5% of a direct dye; and (d) an aqueous carrier. The composition of the present invention provide coloring benefits especially color enhancing and/or preventing color fade of colored hair, while providing improved conditioning benefits.
US07918898B2
An artificial joint including a main body and a lower portion adapted to pivotally engage the main body about a control axis while having a locking means that is integral with the lower portion. An upper portion adapted to pivotally engage the main body about a flexing axis and has an engagement means adapted to engage and disengage the locking means upon the pivoting rotation of the upper portion relative the main body. A biasing means is adapted to engage both the main body and the lower portion thereby biasing the locking means to engage the engagement means, and at least one stopping surface adapted to limit motion between the main body and the lower portion. The locking means is activated when a load is imposed on the artificial joint and passes through a line posterior to the control axis, and is de-activated when the load passes through a line anterior to the control axis.
US07918887B2
A method for detecting biometric parameters includes the steps of performing a bone graft procedure on a vertebra of a spine, providing a biometric sensor at the vertebra, and measuring a biometric parameter at the vertebra with the sensor. The sensor is capable of measuring parameters in an adjacent surrounding including pressure, tension, shear, relative position, and vascular flow. Data relating to the biometric parameter is transmitted to an external source and the data are analyzed to evaluate a biometric condition of the vertebra. A set of the sensors can be placed on transverse processes of the vertebra.
US07918883B2
One embodiment of the present invention involves employing, in a vascular treatment device, a material which has a magnetic susceptibility which is heat sensitive. The vascular treatment device can then be heated remotely and non-invasively using an applied magnetic field, to a preselected temperature at which the vascular treatment device becomes substantially non-magnetically susceptible.
US07918882B2
A multiple-sided valve for implantation within a body vessel comprising a frame comprising a bioabsorbable material is provided. The devices can be pushed from a delivery catheter into the lumen of a duct or vessel and may include one or more barbs for anchoring purposes. A full or partial covering of fabric or other flexible material, or a bioabsorbable material, including a collagen-based material such as small intestinal submucosa (SIS), may be attached to the frame to form an occlusion device, a graft, or an implantable, intraluminal valve such as for correcting incompetent veins in the lower legs and feet.
US07918881B2
A stent deployment system includes a catheter shaft, an expandable member mounted to the catheter shaft, and one or more stents or stent segments slidably positioned on the expandable member. The stent deployment system is adapted for deployment of stents or stent segments in very long lesions and in tapered and curved vessels. The stent deployment system facilitates slidable movement of a stent in a distal direction relative to the expandable member while inhibiting slidable movement in a proximal direction relative to the expandable member.
US07918868B2
An apparatus for suturing tissue includes first and second needles. A first structure associated with the first needle is adapted and configured to pass a leading portion of the suture from a near side of a tissue to a far side of the tissue. A second structure cooperates with the second needle to capture and secure the suture. Proximal movement of the apparatus after the suture is captured moves the suture from the far side of the tissue to the near side of the tissue.
US07918864B2
The present invention includes a method and apparatus for adhering tissue to one another. In an embodiment of the present invention the two tissues to be joined, for example the lower esophagus and the fundus of the stomach, are first placed adjacent to one another. Next a first restraint is placed near the outside surface of one of the tissues and a second restraint is placed near the outside surface of the other tissue. An irritant is then placed between the two adjacent tissues. The restraints, and consequently the tissue surfaces, are then drawn together. As the touching irritated tissue surfaces heal they will become bonded to one another and their need for the mechanical fastening of the restraints, to secure them together, will be diminished.
US07918862B2
An electric-powered device includes (1) a skin-contactable surface and (2) a body having a water-resistant switch assembly. Preferably, the electric-powered device is useful in skin treatment and delivers mechanical forces on the skin. The switch assembly preferably includes, a substantially planar mount having an aperture, a rotatable shaft extending through the aperture, and a seal lining the aperture to restrict water movement along the shaft. In another aspect a water-resistant switch assembly includes first translatable element adapted for substantially planar motion in a first plane; a rotatable shaft, engageable with said first translatable element; a second translatable element adapted for substantially planar motion in a second plane, wherein said second translatable element is engageable with said rotatable shaft; a substantially planar mount having a through-hole and defining a third plane, wherein said rotatable shaft pierces said through hole and said third plane, wherein said third plane is substantially between said second plane and said third plane; and a seal surrounding said through-hole for rendering said through hole water-resistant.
US07918859B2
A method and systems for treating chronic total occlusions, particularly those that are difficult to treat, is disclosed. In this approach, recanalizing the CTO is achieved using a combined antegrade and retrograde approach. The proximal end of the occlusion is penetrated using an antegrade wire, using a traditional approach. Using collateral vessels, the distal end of the occlusion is crossed in a retrograde fashion and by appropriately maneuvering each member, a continuous channel is created. Additional elements such as capture devices, dilators and injection catheters are also disclosed.
US07918852B2
An electrosurgical system preferably used for denervation procedures of nerve tissue has a control unit and a pluggable electrode assembly. The electrode assembly has a preferably disposable cannula and a preservable supply electrode assembly. The cannula has a tubular body that projects axially from a preferably pointed distal end for piercing tissue to a proximal end engaged to a first coupling assembly of the cannula. The body carries a first contact exposed directly to the nerve tissue and connected electrically to a terminal of the first coupling assembly. The supply electrode assembly has a second coupling assembly and a supply electrode that projects axially and removably into a through-bore of the body when the tool is in an operating state. The second coupling assembly carries a terminal that abuts the first coupling assembly when the coupling assemblies are mated. Preferably the supply electrode carries a temperature sensor for temperature measurement of the targeted tissue and processing by the control unit. Preferably, the electrode assembly also includes a stylet having a rod that fits into the through-bore of the body when the supply electrode assembly is removed and the tool is in a tissue penetrating state.
US07918847B2
A method for treatment of atrial fibrillation includes utilizing mathematical analysis, e.g., logistic regression, on a collection of variables selected from the group including effective refractory period, wavelength, tissue area, tissue weight, maximum tissue width, minimum tissue width, and average tissue width to design a set of lesions that would make an atria fibrillation-proof. Preferably, the most preferred variables are tissue area, effective refractory period, and conduction velocity. This is preferably an electrophysiologically-customized procedure that is preferably minimally invasive, which could include transvenous or port access, either off or on bypass to create the set of lesions that render an atria fibrillation-proof based on the mathematical analysis of selected variables. Long linear lesions are created from a variety of energy sources as well as surgical techniques. Preferably, there are fixation and marking mechanisms utilized.
US07918840B2
An absorbent article includes an upper, liquid-permeable cover sheet, a lower, liquid-impermeable cover sheet, and an absorption body arranged between the cover sheets. The article includes first and second side barriers along the respective longitudinal sides of the article. Each side barrier has at least one longitudinal elastic element. The side barriers define a shape which narrows in the direction towards the front portion so that the distance, in the transverse direction of the article, between the elastic elements is greater in the rear portion than in the front portion. Each side barrier is arranged such that, when it is secured in contact with the front portion, each side barrier and the upper cover sheet define a folded structure of substantially Z-shaped cross section with a fold directed towards the inside of the article.
US07918838B2
A disposable diaper including, a covering chassis having front and rear waist regions, and a crotch region; a body fluid absorbent structure disposed at least in the crotch region; and an elastic isolating sheet covering at least the absorbent structure. The elastic isolating sheet has a front opening and a rear opening. The absorbent structure is provided on a bottom thereof with an elastic panel.
US07918835B2
An aspiration instrument includes a compliant protective guard for minimizing injury to internal organs and other soft tissue while removing fluids from the body cavity. The compliant protective guard may be constructed from foam, plastic or other like material, including polyethylene and polypropylene. A preferred embodiment of the protective guard takes the shape of a bell. The compliant guard may be connected with the aspiration instrument using adhesives, such as glue or epoxy, or with a snap or friction fit. The compliant guard may define a single opening in fluid communication with the yankauer. The compliant guard may also define a plurality of openings for removing fluids from the body.
US07918826B2
Methods and devices for accessing a body cavity are disclosed. In general, a trocar assembly is provided that can include a housing having a cannula that extends therefrom to define a working channel that is sized and configured to receive a surgical instrument. The trocar assembly can also include a seal unit that is disposed in the housing. The seal unit can be generally configured to allow off-axis insertion of an instrument through the working channel without lateral movement of the seal unit. For example, in one exemplary embodiment, the seal unit can be rotatably disposed in the housing and have at least one seal element that is adapted to selectively seal the working channel. The seal unit can also be adapted to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the assembly and an axis perpendicular thereto.
US07918823B2
Apparatuses for automatic medicament injection and methods for manufacturing automatic medicament injectors are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a needle, an energy storage member, an actuator, a locking member, and a needle guard. The needle is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the needle is contained within the housing. In its second position, at least a portion of the needle extends from the housing. The energy storage member has a first configuration and a second configuration and is configured to produce a force when moving between its first configuration and its second configuration to move the needle from its first position to its second position. The actuator is configured to move the energy storage member from its first configuration to its second configuration. The locking member is movably coupled to the distal end portion of the housing such that the locking member can be moved between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the locking member is configured to engage the actuator to prevent the actuator from moving the energy storage member to the second configuration. The needle guard is removably coupled to at least one of the distal end portion of the housing or a base movably coupled to the distal end portion of the housing.
US07918815B2
A stent for assisting urinary release in a male patient includes a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting member disposed between the first and second segments. The first segment includes a multi-winged malecot. When the stent is properly positioned within the patient's urinary system, the first segment is located on one side of the external sphincter with the multi-winged malecot located within the bladder to inhibit migration of the stent, and the second segment is located on the other side of the external sphincter and also tends to inhibit migration of the stent. The connecting segment is sized to extend through the external sphincter to couple the first and second segments together while not interfering with the normal operation of the external sphincter.
US07918813B2
An apparatus and method for treating plantar fasciitis are disclosed. In one embodiment of the apparatus, a dorsal splint device includes an upper portion and a foot portion which are pivotally connected to one another. A strap allows attachment of the upper portion to a suitable portion of the leg, such as the calf. A tensioning element, such as a shock cord, urges the foot portion and the upper portion toward one another. The tension provided by the tensioning element may be adjusted by adjusting the length of the tensioning element. In the method of the present invention, the tensioning element may be first unhooked to allow pivoting of the foot portion with respect to the upper portion so that the device may be attached to a user. The tensioning element is then hooked to the device at the appropriate position to provide the desired tension urging the foot portion toward the upper portion.
US07918806B2
A guide wire with a distal portion having adjustable flexibility. The guide wire may include a distal polymeric member and a heat source. The heat source may be activated to cause the polymeric member to increase in temperature and increase in flexibility. The increase in flexibility of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances the ability of the guide wire to navigate tortuous vasculature to a target site. After the guide wire has been navigated to the target site, the heat source may be deactivated to cause the polymeric member to decrease in temperature and increase in stiffness. The increase in stiffness of the distal portion of the guide wire enhances support provided for devices (e.g., catheters) advanced thereon.
US07918803B2
A biopsy device and related method are disclosed. The biopsy device disclosed includes a needle having a lateral opening for receiving tissue. The needle may be rotatable with respect to a portion of the biopsy device, such as a housing of the biopsy device, and the needle may be offset from a center of the housing. A hollow cutter is disclosed for cutting tissue received in the lateral opening of the needle.
US07918790B2
An electric bending endoscope includes a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a motor as a state value indicating the driving state of a bending drive unit. A bending control device comprises: a temperature detection unit that receives the data of the temperature detected by the temperature sensor; a record unit in which the limits of motor temperature inputted in advance are recorded; a comparison unit that compares the data of the temperature sent from the temperature detection unit with the limits of motor temperature recorded in the record unit; and a notification unit that notifies that the driving state of a motor is approaching the limit.
US07918789B2
The invention relates to a longitudinally-steerable structure, comprising essentially longitudinal actuators made from shape memory alloy, Peltier effect elements with N and P doping and electrical control device. The above is characterized in that the actuators are arranged in pairs in an antagonistic manner, each actuator being connected at the ends thereof with a Peltier effect element with N doping and a Peltier effect element with P doping respectively. The invention further relates to an endoscope comprising at least one such structure.
US07918788B2
A method provides flow to multiple channels in an endoscope during an endoscope decontamination procedure. A member is inserted into a chamber in a body of an endoscope through an opening into the chamber, the chamber being intersected by a first lumen and a second lumen. The member separates fluidly the first lumen from the second lumen. Fluid is flowed through a first channel through the member into the first lumen and through a second channel through the member into the second lumen. Additional lumens can be so treated at the same time. Fluids can include detergents and other cleaning fluids, disinfectants and sterilants.
US07918786B2
This capsule type medical device system includes: a position detection device 4 which detects the position within the living body of a capsule type medical device 2 which can be ingested to within the living body; an electrode 5 which is provided in the vicinity of the outer surface of the capsule type medical device 2, and which applies an electrical stimulus to living body tissue; and a control device 6 which controls the electric current which flows to the electrode 5; and the control device 6 controls the electric current which flows to the electrode 5 based upon positional information which is detected by the position detection device 4.
US07918783B2
Endoscopic instrument assemblies and methods for making and using the same. An example endoscopic instrument assembly includes an endoscope having a working channel and an endoscopic instrument slidably disposed in the working channel. The inside surface of the working channel and the outside surface of the endoscopic instrument each have a non-circular cross-sectional shape along at least a portion of their respective lengths.
US07918768B2
A pedal assembly for a bicycle, including a pedal, a crank arm having an axis of rotation of the crank arm, and a variable attachment device that attaches the pedal to the crank arm at an angle of inclination with respect to the axis of rotation of the crank arm, wherein the variable attachment device enables changing the angle of inclination with respect to the axis of rotation of the crank arm without disassembly of the pedal from the crank arm.
US07918764B2
A recreational structure comprises a rebounding-surface frame forming a closed shape, and at least one panel disposed between the rebounding-surface frame and a support surface. The at least one comprises a horizontal edge, and at least a portion of the top horizontal edge of at the least one panel is coupled to at least a portion of the rebounding-surface frame. In one exemplary embodiment, at least a first and a second panel each comprise first and second vertical edges and a horizontal edge. The first vertical edge of the first panel is coupled to a second vertical edge of the second panel. At least a portion of the top horizontal edge of at least one of the first and second panels is coupled to at least a portion of the rebounding-surface frame.
US07918763B2
A method for controlling a vehicle operation in the transmission lash region. One method includes transitioning a combustion mode of a cylinder, and varying a timing of said transition responsive to whether the transmission is operating within the lash region of the transmission.
US07918760B2
A split serial-parallel hybrid dual-power drive system, comprised of two or more than two separation drive systems allowing independent operation to respectively drive the load, or all loads driven individually are incorporated in a common frame to drive land, surface, underwater transportation means or aircraft, industrial machines and equipment or any other load drive by rotational kinetic energy.
US07918750B2
The present invention is directed to an improved multi-layer golf ball displaying enhanced playing characteristics, including high speed, high launch, and low spin. In general the golf ball displays improved performance in areas such as distance and feel for lower swing speed players. The ball has a relatively large solid inner core, with at least one solid outer core layer surrounding the inner core, and a thin cover layer surrounding the outermost core layer. The inner core is softer than the outer core, which in turn is softer than the cover. The ball may be designed such that the coefficient of restitution (COR) gradient is from slow to fast; that is, the inner core has a lower COR than the total core, which has a lower COR than the entire golf ball.
US07918741B2
A waterslide amusement ride having in a portion thereof, a linear induction motor to efficiently and effectively affect the motion of a vehicle sliding on the ride. The linear induction motor comprises linear induction motor units embedded below a sliding surface, and a reaction plate mounted to the bottom of the vehicle. Depending on the configuration of the linear induction motor units and the reaction plate, the linear induction motor drive can be used to accelerate the vehicle, decelerate the vehicle, maintain the speed of the vehicle up an uphill section, or rotate the vehicle.
US07918728B2
A game is presented to a player via a personal gaming device of the invention. In one embodiment, the gaming device includes a display screen, a processing unit including a processor and a memory, and a wireless communication interface associated with the processing unit. Game code is stored at the gaming device. A player pre-purchases game play, and information enabling the game device to present the game is provided, such as via a smart card, to the gaming device for use by the game code. The information may comprise game outcome information. The outcomes of played games are verified against stored information regarding the purchased games. Activation information is transmitted to the gaming device to enable operation of the device.
US07918718B2
A method for automatically determining quality characteristics of a carcass on a slaughterline. The method comprises conveying the carcass in a direction of transport, preliminary examination to determine the location of one or more anatomical reference parts of the carcass in the direction of transport, calculating the location in the direction of transport of at least one cross-section in the carcass using the location of the anatomical reference part(s) and possibly other data on the carcass, and CT measuring the nature of internal anatomical parts of the carcass in at least one of these cross-sections in the carcass, controlled by the calculated location.
US07918716B2
Mating systems and methods for joining coated abrasives. The mating system comprises mating portions positioned at coated abrasive end portions. Complimentary mating portions may be used to join coated abrasives without glue or mechanical attachment. The mating system of the present invention may be used to join a coated abrasive to itself, or to join multiple coated abrasives to each other.
US07918711B2
A clothing connector having tensile components is formed in any of the conventional ways, and a soft roughness insulating covering layer is attached to one side and then moved to the other side in an inside-out process which provides a soft finish not only to the side to which it was moved, but also the peripheral edges and a narrow portion of the side of the clothing connector to which it was originally attached. This structure and process enables quick application of a softening, object insulating covering to any clothing connector expected to face the body.
US07918704B2
An organic electroluminescent display panel comprises a substrate, an anti-reflective layer, a light-shielding layer, a transistor and an organic light emitting diode. A method for fabricating said organic electroluminescent display panel comprises forming the anti-reflective layer on the substrate; forming the light-shielding layer with a first region and a second region on the anti-reflective layer; and then, removing at least part of the light-shielding layer to expose at least part of anti-reflective layer in the first region. After that, the transistor is formed above the light-shielding layer in the second region, and the organic light emitting diode is formed above the anti-reflective layer in the first region.
US07918696B2
A method for controlling operation of a propulsion system of a waterborne vessel, comprising adjusting recovery of energy generated from the propulsion system to maintain position of the waterborne vessel in response to at least an indication of vessel position.
US07918695B2
A female terminal for receiving a male terminal is provided. The female terminal includes: a tubular box part having a receiving portion for receiving the male terminal therein; a spring piece which includes a fixed end provided inside the box part, and a free end pinching the male terminal between the spring piece and the box part by an elastic reaction force of the spring piece. The spring piece is made of a metal as a separate member from the box part.
US07918694B1
A connector assembly for electrically coupling solar shingles is provided. The solar shingles include photovoltaic sections that convert light into electricity and supporting sections having upper surfaces to which additional solar shingles are mounted. The connector assembly includes a contact and a protective cover. The contact electrically couples the photovoltaic sections of adjacent solar shingles by engaging conductive members disposed in recesses of the supporting sections of the solar shingles. The protective cover is disposed in the recesses of the solar shingles. The protective cover encloses the contact between the protective cover and the conductive members.
US07918687B2
A coaxial connector with a connector body is provided with a connector body bore. A grip ring is retained within the connector body bore, and an outer diameter of the grip ring abuts an annular wedge surface provided with a taper between a maximum diameter proximate the connector end and a minimum diameter proximate the cable end. The wedge surface may be provided directly on the connector body bore sidewall or alternatively on an inner diameter of a clamp ring coupled to the cable end of the connector body. An inner diameter of the grip ring is provided with a grip surface. A spring contact is retained within the connector body bore. The grip surface provided with a rotational interlock with the connector body directly or via an interconnection with the spring contact and/or clamp ring.
US07918681B2
An electrical connector includes a base having a through hole, a cover body slidably located on the base, a plurality of pins received in the base, a pushing piece installed on the upper surface of the cover body and having an opening, and a driving device for pushing the cover body and the base to have a relative motion. The cover body has a receiving hole that passes through the upper surface and the lower surface of the cover body. The driving device is received in the through hole, the opening, and the receiving hole. The driving device has an upper blocking portion and a lower blocking portion. The pushing piece, the cover body, and the base are located between the upper blocking portion and the lower blocking portion, in order to prevent the cover body from warping to cause the driving device being operated abnormally.
US07918678B2
A connector assembly for mating with a pluggable module includes a receptacle assembly for receiving the pluggable module and an interface electrical connector defining a back of the receptacle assembly. The interface electrical connector is configured to mate with the pluggable module. A guide rail defines a side of the receptacle assembly. The guide rail is configured to guide the pluggable module within the receptacle assembly. The guide rail has a rail body having a cavity and the rail body having a side wall opening open to the cavity. A latch assembly is received in the cavity. The latch assembly includes a latch movable between a latched position and an unlatched position. The latch is configured to extend through the side wall opening to engage the pluggable module when the latch is in the latched position. The latch assembly further includes an actuator that forces the latch from the latched position to the unlatched position.
US07918675B2
A connection assembly comprising a first connector housing having at least one blocking element in relief, and a second housing comprising a housing body extending along a longitudinal axis and a locking cap movable relative to the housing body of the second housing perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking cap includes at least one blocking ramp in which the blocking element in relief of the first housing is capable of sliding. The housing body of the second housing presents at least one setback in its outside surface that corresponds substantially to the thickness of the locking cap in order to receive the locking cap in its locked position.
US07918672B1
A battery connector has an insulating housing, a plurality of terminals mounted to the insulating housing, and a supporting member fixing the insulating housing on the PCB. The insulating housing has a rectangular base, a recess formed at a rear of the base for receiving the supporting member. The recess has a first recess and a pair of second recesses extended downward from two opposite ends of the first recess. The supporting member has a horizontal beam accommodated in the first recess, a pair of connecting slices extended downwards from ends of the horizontal beam and accommodated in the second recesses, a pair of fixing slices extended downward from a bottom of each connecting slice. Free ends of the fixing slices are protruded opposite to each other to form protrusions inserted into the PCB for fixing the battery connector firmly on the printed circuit board.
US07918671B2
A digital camera is mounted to a circuit-board in a cellphone. The camera is mounted in a plastic main-body, and is supported therein on a bed of springs, which provides a stable resilient mechanical support. The springs double as connector-strips, being electrically-active connector-strips for conducting electrical signals and services between the component and a circuit-board. The connector-strips are solidly attached to the circuit-board, by being soldered thereto. The main-body is not attached directly to the circuit-board, but rather is attached directly to the connector-strips. These measures ensure that the camera is mechanically isolated from the circuit-board whereby, if the cellphone is dropped or knocked, the inertia of the camera does not damage the circuit board.
US07918670B2
An electrical connector includes a flex circuit, and a spring-and-pressurized-gas mechanism for selectively pushing electrical contacts of the flex circuit against contacts of an interposer used to make electrical contact with a part to be electrically tested, a device under test (DUT). The mechanism includes a pair of pawls that are rotated to hook onto posts of the board to pull the electrical connector toward and into contact with the contacts of the interposer. The mechanism has a chamber for receiving pressurized gas, to push against a piston, to compress a spring that is mechanically coupled to and rotates the pawls. The mechanism is biased such that the electrical connector engages the interposer when gas pressure is removed, allowing the connector to remain engaged with interposer using only the forces from the spring.
US07918668B1
A socket connector assembly includes a socket substrate, terminals, and conductive posts. The socket substrate has a mating side and an opposite mounting side with holes extending through the socket substrate. The terminals are disposed above the mating side of the socket substrate and are configured to engage conductive pads of a mating substrate of an electronic package. The conductive posts are disposed in the holes and are elongated between upper and lower ends. The upper ends are electrically coupled with the terminals and the lower ends are configured to be electrically joined with a circuit board. The posts electrically couple the electronic package with the circuit board by providing conductive pathways through the socket substrate between the mating side and the mounting side of the socket substrate.
US07918659B2
The invention relates to a vacuum pump (1) for vehicle motors, comprising a stator (2), a chamber defined within said stator (2) and at least one vane rotatably mounted inside said chamber so as to generate a depression. The stator (2) comprises inlet openings for air and oil, and a first discharge outlet (30) on which a first one-way valve operates (35). According to the invention, the stator (2) further comprises a second discharge outlet (50) separate from said first discharge outlet (30) and a second one-way valve (55) operating on said second discharge outlet (50). In this manner it is possible to separate the air discharge from the oil discharge, both physically and operationally. The invention further relates to a one-way valve for said vacuum pump. Such valve comprises a blade body (60) having a first blade which defines a first one-way valve (35) and at least one second blade which defines at least one second one-way valve (55).
US07918645B2
The invention broadly comprises a torque converter including: a core ring; a turbine blade connected to the ring and having a perimeter with a segment facing an outer surface of the ring and disposed proximate the outer surface; and joining material fixedly connecting less than the entirety of the segment to the outer surface. The segment is fixedly connected to reduce resonance in the turbine. In some aspects, the ring includes an inner surface oppositely disposed from the outer surface and an open path between the surfaces. The present invention broadly comprises a notched turbine blade and a core ring with a discontinuity in an outer surface arranged to block capillary action for flowable joining material disposed in an interface between a turbine blade installed on the ring and the outer surface. The invention also broadly comprises a method for controlling resonance of a turbine in a torque converter.
US07918637B2
An embodiment of an assist device for maneuvering a tire and wheel assembly is provided. The device comprises a base member, a support frame configured to support a tire and wheel assembly thereon, and a sliding mechanism disposed between the base member and support frame, wherein the sliding mechanism is configured to move the support frame sideways, forward, and backward relative to the base member.
US07918624B2
A method for bonding together an existing substrate layer and a pavement layer, such that a strong adhesive bond is formed by using a tack coat, provided by an asphalt emulsion, in between the layers as the bond coat. The tack coat layer is a low-tracking coating which cures quickly such that the pavement layer may be applied to the substrate, hours to days after the emulsion is applied to the substrate. The asphalt emulsion comprises at least a first phase of from about 30% to about 70% of an asphalt composition, about 30% to about 70% water, and about 0.1% to about 3.0% emulsifying agent, stabilizer and/or additives, or 0.1% to about 30% if polymeric or other additives are also included.
US07918618B2
A printer assembly for printing on a supply of media traveling in a media direction. The printer generally includes a platen assembly, a print head assembly and a pivot member. The pivot member provides for pivoting of the print head assembly relative to the platen assembly to adjust for variations in the media as it passes therebetween. Advantageously, the pivot member may be supported directly by the platen assembly, such as by bearing supports of the platen assembly, to reduce positioning error from intervening components. Preferably, the pivot member is positioned upstream of the print head assembly. Also, a pair of pivot members may each be supported at the ends of an angulation arm which is coupled to the print head assembly for angulation in the media direction but is uncoupled in the cross-media direction.
US07918608B2
An axial bearing arrangement has at least two rolling-contact bearings (1, 2), each of which includes one outer ring (3, 4) and at least one inner ring (5, 6). The inner rings (5, 6) are axially fixedly mounted on a shaft (7). The outer ring (8) of a first bearing (1) is axially slideably located on a casing (9) by at least one elastically deformable tensioning element (8). The outer ring (4) of a second bearing (2) is axially slideably located on the casing (9) and engageable against at least one stop (10) of the casing (9), when moved in the axial direction.
US07918600B2
A thin planar illumination device with a high light utilization efficiency is provided. In a planar illumination device 10, light source sections 15, 16, 17 and 18 each radiates laser light. The light guide members 19 and 20 polarize, by total reflection, light incident from side surfaces 19b and 20b on two opposite sides thereof, so as to be radiated from incident surfaces 19a and 20a, respectively. In a light guide plate 21, the light is incident from side surfaces beside the respective light guide members 19 and 20 so as to radiate irradiation light 24 from main surfaces 21a and 21b. The main surface of the light guide plate 21 is formed by a plurality of inclined surfaces, each being gradually thinned from the edge surfaces on two sides thereof toward a center thereof.
US07918597B2
A spread illuminating apparatus is provided where: a light introducing prism mechanism is formed at a light entrance surface of a light guide plate wherein the prism mechanism includes a plurality of prism pieces extending in the thickness direction of the light guide plate and including first and second light incidence faces which have respective different inclination angles relative to the light entrance surface such that the first and second light incidence face are inclined relative to the light incidence surface at an angle ranging from 0 degree to 30 degrees and at an angle ranging from 45 degrees to 90 degrees; a light emitting pattern is formed at the bottom surface of the light guide plate such that prisms are continuously disposed in a step-like manner in the direction perpendicular to the light entrance surface; and a light diffusing pattern is formed at the top surface of the light guide plate such that arc prisms are disposed in the direction parallel to the light entrance surface.
US07918594B2
An automotive headlamp apparatus is provided with a light source for producing a high beam and a controller for controlling illumination from the light source. Given that at least a portion of a high beam illumination area illuminated by the light source is vertically divided into a plurality of blocks, the controller controls illumination from the light source such that a plurality of first regions having a predetermined horizontal width are formed at least in some of the blocks toward the bottom, and that a second region having a greater horizontal width than the first regions is formed in the block toward the top.
US07918592B2
A position light including a base that is configured to attach to an aircraft. The base having an extruded overlap baffle. A first LED is coupled to the base underneath the overlap baffle. A circuit card is also coupled to the base and is extended over the first LED toward the over flap baffle. A second LED coupled to a circuit card. The extended overlap baffle and the extended circuit card block visible light emitting from the first LED.
US07918591B2
An LED-based luminaire includes a driver configured to convert line voltage into a desired power configuration. Elongate fasteners attach one or more LED-based lighting modules to a mount member and also to energized poles of the power driver. The fasteners communicate electrical energy from the power driver to the lighting module. In one embodiment, the mount member functions as a heat sink, and it includes a bumpy surface coating having a texture with sufficient feature heights to enhance heat transfer between the heat sink and the surrounding environment.
US07918590B1
A composite lens plate is applied in a light emitting diode (LED) lighting device having a plurality of LEDs. The composite lens plate includes a plurality of refractive elements. The refractive elements are one-to-one corresponding to the LEDs and guide light emitted by the corresponding LEDs. Each refractive element has a refractive property. The refractive elements are classified into at least two types of lenses according to the refractive property. Lenses of the same type have substantially the same refractive property, and the refractive property of lenses of one type is different from the refractive property of lenses of another type.
US07918584B2
A three-dimensional stage representation method and system are disclosed, for moving a plurality of illumination devices up and down independently. The method comprises the steps of: identifying a device to be operated from input containing information on length of a reel wire from an elevator device to an illumination device and brightness of an LED and generating an indication signal to the device to be operated; transmitting the generated indication signal to the elevator device if the device to be operated is the elevator device; operating the reel; transmitting the generated indication signal to the illumination device if the device to be operated is the illumination device; operating the LED; forming a three-dimensional object using all of the LEDs by operating each of the devices; and forming a dynamic three-dimensional object using all of the LEDs by repeating all of the above-mentioned steps.
US07918582B2
An improved signal light and method for making an improved signal light is disclosed. For example, the improved signal light includes a housing, at least one outer lens and at least one or more second type of light emitting diodes (LEDs) deployed in the housing. The at least one or more second type of LEDs includes a pump, a phosphor and a filter having a cutoff point less than or equal to 540 nanometers (nm). The at least one or more second type of LEDs also has a pump peak wavelength less than or equal to 430 nm and has a phosphor with a peak wavelength greater than 575 nm.
US07918577B2
A device for use in a restaurant as a source of light for the table area comprising a housing, a power circuit and at least one light source. The housing has an integral base that is configured to support the housing on a table. The power circuit has a power source positioned therein the housing and a pressure switch. The at least one light source is positioned therein the housing proximate an aperture in the base and is electrically coupled to the power circuit. The pressure switch is configured to selectively open and close the power circuit such that the at least one light source can be selectively energized by either placing the housing on the table, such that the at least one light source is in a de-energized position, or lifting the housing upwardly away from the table, which energizes the at least one light source.
