US08098793B2
According to the present invention, improved methods and apparatus are provided for providing cushioning and other ergonomic surfaces on devices requiring the patient or tissue to be compressed, such as radiography machines, fluoroscopy units, mammography units and the like. In particular a radiolucent pad element is provided for releasable attachment to at least one surface of a compression device to be used under x-ray, for example, during mammography. The pad element of the present invention can be disposable or constructed to be reusable and in some cases may be applied directly to the patient's breast. Furthermore, a cushioned paddle is provided wherein the compression paddle and the cushion can be separately or integrally formed.
US08098792B2
A shift register circuit with waveform-shaping function includes plural shift register stages. Each shift register stage includes a first input unit, a pull-up unit, a pull-down circuit, a second input unit, a control unit and a waveform-shaping unit. The first input unit is utilized for outputting a first driving control voltage in response to a first gate signal. The pull-up unit pulls up a second gate signal in response to the first driving control voltage. The pull-down circuit is employed to pull down the first driving control voltage and the second gate signal. The second input unit is utilized for outputting a second driving control voltage in response to the first gate signal. The control unit provides a control signal in response to the second driving control voltage and an auxiliary signal. The waveform-shaping unit performs a waveform-shaping operation on the second gate signal in response to the control signal.
US08098782B2
A communications device includes pre-processing circuitry for processing a received wideband complex signal including an undesired narrowband interference component therein, and for determining a frequency of the undesired narrowband interference component. A filter is downstream from the pre-processing circuitry and operable to generate a received wideband complex signal with at least one frequency notch therein to suppress the undesired narrowband interference component. The filter includes a finite impulse response (FIR) filter with L taps to generate N output values, with L>N. A Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) block is downstream from the FIR filter and has a length N so that filter transition regions occur between frequency bins of the FFT block. A notching block is downstream from the FFT block to generate the frequency notch. An Inverse Fast Fourier Transform (IFFT) block is downstream from the notching block and has the length N.
US08098773B1
A communication system (30) includes a transmitter (32) which generates transmit phase points (54) defined to be the vector sum of two or more QPSK signals (76, 78). Forward error correction encoding (48) is performed independently for the QPSK signals. In a receiver (34) alternate hypotheses are formed about the potential values that might have been transmitted for at least one of the QPSK signals, and offset phase points (68) are defined for each hypothesis. Each offset phase point has the effect of cancelling at least one of the two or more QPSK signals from the combined communication signal (36). Branch metrics (70) are responsive to Euclidean distances between all offset phase points (68) and all noise-free phase points that correspond to the QPSK signal about which no hypotheses are formed. A decoder (72) is configured to accept and reject the hypotheses in addition to counteracting noise.
US08098772B2
In a multivalue modulation type with one pilot symbol inserted for every 3 or more symbols, signal points of each one symbol immediately before and after a pilot symbol are modulated using a modulation type different from that for pilot symbols. In this way, it is possible to suppress deterioration of the accuracy in estimating the reference phase and amount of frequency offset by pilot symbols and improve the bit error rate characteristic in the signal to noise ratio in quasi-coherent detection with symbols whose symbol synchronization is not completely established.
US08098771B2
When transmitting medium access control protocol data units for the high speed downlink shared channel over a plurality of hybrid automatic repeat request processes, one of the processes can be in a retransmission procedure. In this case, stalling of the transmission can occur, because the medium access control layer for the high speed downlink shared channel of the receiver apparatus (3) buffers the following packet data units, when a preceding protocol data unit is waiting in the stalled process. To enable an early processing of the already received data, the receiver apparatus determines, whether the next expected service data units for a higher layer such as a radio link control layer, are included in the already received packet data units by taking into account the sequence number for the higher layer. Therefore, the medium access control layer for the high speed downlink shared channel accesses the data of the service data unit for the higher layer.
US08098770B2
Apparatus and methods for estimating transmission noise in a programming information signal. Channel noise power in binary phase shift keying (“BPSK”) modulated telecommunication may be estimated. Such a method may include receiving over the channel a reference signal and a data BPSK signal. The data BPSK signal may include the programming information. The method may include formulating a channel transfer function estimate for the channel based on the reference signal. The estimate may include a channel estimation error. The data BPSK signal may be equalized using the transfer function estimate. The data BPSK signal may include noise, which may be quantified in terms of power. The data BPSK signal noise power may be estimated in such a manner that is independent of the channel estimation error.
US08098768B2
Compensation of transmit baseline wander in data transmission on a network. In one aspect, compensating for baseline wander includes receiving a signal to be transmitted by a transmitter, where the transmitter is operable with a higher-speed transmission standard requiring magnetics a first open circuit inductance. The signal is processed to compensate for a transmit baseline wander in the signal, the transmit baseline wander associated with a lower-speed transmission standard that requires magnetics with a second open circuit inductance that is higher than the first open circuit inductance. The processed signal is to be provided for transmission on a twisted pair cable of the network.
US08098766B2
A transceiver includes a receiver unit including a clock and data recovery unit. The transceiver includes a transmitter unit and a digital core coupled to the receiver unit and the transmitter unit. A switch circuit is positioned after the clock and data recovery unit, and is configured to route data from the receiver unit to the transmitter unit in a test mode of the transceiver.
US08098765B1
Methods and systems for processing a Global Positioning System (GPS) signal are provided. A method includes: transforming a time domain GPS signal to a frequency domain GPS signal; storing a frequency domain pseudorandom noise (PRN) signal; correlating the frequency domain GPS signal with the PRN signal at a plurality of frequencies, said correlating including: shifting the frequency domain GPS signal by an amount corresponding to one of the plurality of frequencies; downsampling the shifted frequency domain GPS signal; and multiplying the shifted frequency domain GPS signal by the stored frequency domain PRN signal to produce a correlated signal.
US08098758B2
Certain aspects of a digital baseband transmitter with digital RF/IF support in GSM/GPRS/EDGE compliant devices may comprise receiving digitized data within a chip. A control signal may be generated within the chip indicating whether the received digitized data is to be processed by an IF processing interface or a digital RF processing interface. The baseband processor has the capability to work together with different kinds of RF chips on the market and since this design is implemented on a single module, most of the circuits are shared which reduces the die size significantly. This design also provides a customer more flexibility to choose among different RF vendors.
US08098747B2
A OFDM system, a symbol estimation apparatus and an inter-carrier interference cancellation method for estimating a symbol value using the output of a forward error correction decoder. The OFDM system includes a symbol estimation unit, a time varying channel impulse response estimation unit and an interference cancellation unit. The symbol estimation unit performs forward error correction on a received OFDM signal according to a forward error correction code to estimate a symbol value of the received OFDM signal. The time varying channel impulse response estimation unit estimates a time varying channel impulse response in response to the received OFDM signal. The interference cancellation unit cancels inter-carrier interference between carriers of the received OFDM signal based on the estimated symbol value output from the symbol estimation unit and the estimated time varying channel impulse response output from the time varying channel impulse response estimation unit.
US08098741B2
The present invention provides a method of processing data in digital broadcasting system. The method includes receiving a broadcast signal including mobile broadcast service data and main broadcast service data, wherein the mobile broadcast service data configures a RS frame, and wherein the RS frame includes at least one data packet corresponding to the mobile broadcast service data, an RS parity generated based upon the at least one data packet, and a CRC checksum generated based upon the at least one data packet and the RS parity, performing CRC-decoding and RS-decoding on the RS frame, thereby correcting errors occurred in the corresponding mobile broadcast service data, extracting video data from the mobile broadcast service data, and decoding the extracted video data, wherein the video data includes data of a base layer and data of an enhanced layer and wherein the enhanced layer has a spatial resolution or an image quality different from that of the base layer.
US08098734B2
A method and a video decoder for decoding an encoded bitstream of video data in a picture encoding and decoding system are disclosed. The video decoder includes a motion compensation unit for calculating a position for a sample image portion using an encoded bitstream of video data having a motion vector and rounding information. The calculated position of a sample image is rounded with the rounding information. The rounding information indicates the accuracy for rounding, and it is decoded from the bitstream. An image reconstruction unit reconstructs a decoded image portion of the video data from the sample image portion.
US08098724B2
Circuitry for receiving a serial data signal (e.g., a high-speed serial data signal) includes adjustable equalizer circuitry for producing an equalized version of the serial data signal. The equalizer circuitry may include controllably variable DC gain and controllably variable AC gain. The circuitry may further include eye height and eye width monitor circuitry for respectively producing first and second output signals indicative of the height and width of the eye of the equalized version. The first output signal may be used in control of the DC gain of the equalizer circuitry, and the second output signal may be used in control of the AC gain of the equalizer circuitry.
US08098723B2
In one embodiment, a receiver has a reference generator and a main equalizer. The reference generator equalizes a received signal using one or more pilot reference signals. Then, the reference generator decodes one or more predetermined data channels of the equalized signal, makes hard decisions on the data of each decoded channel, and regenerates the original coding sequence of each decoded channel. The main equalizer uses each re-encoded channel as an additional reference signal along with one or more pilot signals to equalize a time-delayed version of the received signal. In alternative embodiments, the receiver might also have a step-size generator which selects optimum step sizes from a look-up table based on the number of re-encoded channels and the power of those channels. The step size is then used by the main equalizer along with the re-encoded channels to equalize the time-delayed received signal.
US08098718B2
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) includes a mismatch shaping feedback vector quantizer configured to store state information in expanded format using One-Hot Encoding of a matrix. The expanded state format storage enables implementation of a simplified state sorter for the vector feedback mechanism of the vector quantizer. The simplified state sorter may minimize the variance of ones (or other symbols representing state values) in the matrix, and allow performing sorting in a reduced number of clock cycles. For example, sorting may be performed on a predetermined edge of single clock cycle, or on two edges of the same clock cycle. The matrix may be normalized periodically or as needed, to avoid overflow and underflow. The DAC may be used as a quantizer of a modulator of an access terminal in a cellular communication system.
US08098714B2
The present invention concerns a method for estimating, in a communication system, a level of interference plus noise affecting received signals representative of a set of received pilot symbols, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: dividing the set of received pilot symbols by a corresponding set of pilot symbols, filtering the divided set of received pilot symbols by a filter the coefficients of which are determined from an eigenvector associated with one of the lowest eigenvalues of a channel fading correlation matrix representative of the correlation between the channel coefficients affecting the set of pilot symbols, averaging up the square absolute values of the symbols obtained at the output of the filter in order to estimate the level of interference plus noise affecting the received signals.
US08098711B2
Techniques for efficiently designing random hopping patterns in a communications system are disclosed. The disclosed embodiments provide for methods and systems for generating random hopping patterns, updating the patterns frequently, generating different patterns for different cells/sectors, and generating patterns of nearby sub-carriers for block hopping.
US08098708B2
A radio device includes a transmitter having a modulator for generating M-PAM communications symbols containing communications data. A Fast Walsh Transform circuit orthogonally encodes and band-spreads a communications symbol using the Fast Walsh Transform. A frequency modulation circuit frequency modulates the communications symbols wherein a constant envelope orthogonal Walsh modulated communications signal is generated having a plurality of orthogonal waveforms each forming a separate Walsh communications channel.
US08098706B2
The invention relates to a signal generator for a DSSS or CDMA signal, comprising several spread sequence memories and a digital signal processor which pre-calculates the spread sequence in an initialization phase and deposits the same in the spread sequence memory, and which supplies data symbols to an image memory in an operating phase. Each image memory contains an image table by means of which the bits of the current data symbols and at least one current bit of the spread sequence, which is sequentially read from every spread sequence memory, is imaged in at least one output value.
US08098705B2
There is described a gas laser comprising a pair of substantially mutually parallel and opposed electrodes (17, 37), between which a volume is defined containing a gas in which said electrodes generate a discharge. At opposed ends of the electrodes, in said volume, mirrors (65) are arranged to define a resonant cavity. The electrodes form an integral part of two portions (5, 7) of a sealed housing (1), containing the gas and in which the mirrors and the electrodes are housed. The two portions (5, 7) forming the housing are electrically connected.
US08098696B2
A multiplexed input/output (I/O) system detects leakage currents on a selected input channel. The system includes a leakage detection multiplexer connected to provide an output selected from one of a plurality of input channels. In addition, the leakage detection multiplexer provides as part of the output measured leakage currents associated with the selected input channel. Based on the detected leakage currents, a determination can made regarding whether the detected leakage currents have compromised the integrity of the multiplexer output. In addition, the detected leakage current can be used to compensate the output provided by the multiplexer to account for the presence of leakage currents on the selected channel.
US08098695B2
A multiplexed audio data decoder apparatus is provided in which integration of an audio decoder is easy, and has a high flexibility when the number of the formats to be processed is increased or when the specification is changed. In an external ROM 60 there are accumulated a plurality of decoding program codes corresponding to respective plural methods for compressing and encoding. A controller 50 transfers the decoding program code corresponding to the method for compressing and encoding after changing thereof, from the external ROM 60 to an internal RAM 25. A DSP 22 starts decoding processing by using the decoding program code which is transmitted into the internal RAM 25.
US08098693B2
The present invention provides a method of early starting the operation of a descrambler. The method comprises the steps of receiving a, synchronous byte of a transport packet in a group of m packets, where m is an integer, generating an alignment index to indicate a location of the synchronous byte, delivering the alignment index to the descrambler, and loading an initialization sequence to the descrambler in accordance with the alignment index and starting an operation of the descrambler.
US08098690B2
A system and method for transferring high-definition multimedia signals over four twisted-pairs. The system includes a multimedia source for transmitting multimedia data and source-to-sink management data to a multimedia sink over a first channel, a second channel and a third channel wherein the multimedia source is further being capable of transmitting a clock signal to the multimedia sink over a fourth channel; and a multimedia sink for transferring sink-to-source management data to the multimedia source over the fourth channel. The clock signal and the sink-to-source management data are simultaneously transmitted over the fourth channel. Each of the channels comprises a single twisted-pair, thereby the channels can bounded in a twisted pair type cable comprising at least one of: Category 5, Category 5e, Category 6, and Category 6e.
US08098689B2
Embodiments include systems and methods for frame tunneling in a wireless communications system comprising digital beam forming. Embodiments comprise a first and second frame control field with the second frame control field comprising a High Throughput Control (HTC) enabling field. If the HTC enabling field is enabled, then an HTC field is sent that announces a sounding frame and a type of channel estimation feedback expected from a receiving station.
US08098681B2
A system and method provide dynamic termination of the unused wired connections in a communications interface of a communications device. An interconnected controller, switch, and termination circuit are provided to connect at least one unused wired connection of the communications interface to ground in response to a pre-determined event. Dynamic termination of one or more unused wired connections of the communications interface can occur while still allowing power delivery, via the interface, to the communications device to maintain operation of the communications device.
US08098680B2
The present invention provides a method for managing transmissions in a wireless communication network (100). The method at a first node (102) of a plurality of nodes of the wireless communication network includes transmitting (304) a data frame to a second node (104) using a first transmit power level. The method further includes determining (306) whether an acknowledgement for the transmitted data frame is received from the second node. Further, the method includes determining (308) a cause of unsuccessful transmission when the acknowledgement is not received from the second node. Moreover, the method includes re-transmitting (310) the data frame to the second node using a second transmit power level when the cause of unsuccessful transmission is determined as a collision. Furthermore, the method includes setting (312) a transmit power level of the first node to a third transmit power level.
US08098676B2
Techniques to allocate packets for processing among multiple processor(s). In an embodiment, capability to receive packets from a plurality of network interfaces may be provided, where each of the network interfaces is associated with at least one receive queue. the plurality of network interfaces may use any of the receive queues. Packet processing may be performed among a plurality of processors. Other embodiments are also disclosed.
US08098672B2
A method of setting a path in a network using an Internet protocol includes determining whether a first label switching path having an adequate band for transferring a packet between two label switching routers exists. The method also includes setting a new label switching path when it is determined that the first label switching path does not exist.
US08098671B1
A communication session over a network is facilitated. A signaling datagram from a source device having a source identity may be intercepted by a network device, and a response datagram may be generated for instructing the source device to send a subsequent datagram to the network device. The signaling datagram may be forwarded to a SIP server, where the SIP server associates the source identity with the network device acting on behalf of the source device, and where the SIP server operates to connect a destination device with the source device to establish a communication session over the network. The subsequent datagram may be received from the source device, and the subsequent datagram may be made available to the destination device via the network.
US08098666B2
A method for providing a priority-based, low-collision distributed coordination function (DCF) in a wireless network is provided. The network includes an access point and a plurality of stations. The method includes receiving at a first station a super-frame from the access point. The super-frame is operable to define a service period for each of the stations. A priority for the first station is determined based on the super-frame. A back-off time is selected for the first station based on the priority.
US08098657B2
A method and system are provided for providing data commonality in a programmable transport demultiplexer engine. The method may involve utilizing a hardware assist block to process a portion of an incoming data packet, which may result in a partially processed data packet. The data packet may comprise data in any one of video formats and/or audio formats. A firmware block may then execute a plurality of instructions to process the partially processed data packet. The plurality of instructions may be independent of video and/or audio formats associated with the data packet.
US08098654B2
An interface module comprises a serial signal transceiver to be connected to an external transmission path and an interface processing unit connected to the transceiver. The interface processing unit comprises a serializer/deserializer circuit, an encoder/decoder, a protocol processing unit having at least two kinds of selectable protocol processing functions, and a communicate mode switch circuit for changing reference clock to be supplied to the serializer/deserializer circuit in conjunction with switching of the protocol processing function from one to another.
US08098652B2
A method and apparatus relate to receiving and storing data through an interface for an Internet Protocol (IP) telephone database. The interface receives a request related to provisioning a function of an IP telephone. In response to receiving the request, data from the IP telephone database may be transmitted to the IP telephone to be used to provision the function.
US08098650B2
A routing apparatus includes: a routing table management unit for generating a routing table by receiving interest information of a user of a mobile node, and for broadcasting the routing table through the mobile ad hoc network; an effectiveness calculation unit for calculating effectiveness values for respective paths, included in a routing table broadcasted by some other external node, based on both the interest information of the user of the mobile node and interest information of users of destination nodes of the respective paths when the routing table is received from the other external node; a storing unit for storing the generated routing table; and a routing path setting unit for setting a routing path on the basis of the routing table stored in the storage unit. The routing table management unit updates the routing table using the effectiveness values for respective paths calculated by the effectiveness calculation unit.
US08098645B2
A communications system (20) includes a resource controller (22) and a terminal (24) in communication with the resource controller (22). Periodically, the resource controller (22) sends a service announcement (46) that identifies a set (50) of timeslots (52) within a communication resource (40) configured for random access within a future frame (42). The terminal (24) ascertains a burst characteristic (118) of a message (54) to be sent from the terminal (24) and generates a random access parameter (128). The terminal (24) selects one of the timeslots (52) from the set (50) in accordance with the random access parameter (128), the timeslot exhibiting a burst type (62) corresponding to the burst characteristic (118) of the message (54). The terminal (24) transmits the message (54) in the selected timeslot (52).
US08098639B2
System and method for efficiently managing communication channel assignments within talkgroups having dual mode communication units capable of operating on a first communication channel type and on a second communication channel type, and single mode communication units capable of operating only on the second communication channel type. If, at a base site, each of the communication units associated with a talkgroup is a dual mode communication unit, a call for that talkgroup is assigned to be broadcast using a channel of the first communication channel type. If, at least one of the communication units associated with the talkgroup at the base site is a single mode communication unit, the call for that talkgroup is assigned to a channel of the second communication channel type. As communication units roam between sites, channel assignments are continuously updated based on the types of communication units at each base site at any one time.
US08098632B2
A scheduler for scheduling downlink transmissions of orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) signals using spatially directed beams to a plurality of subscriber stations in a wireless network. The scheduler schedules the downlink transmissions as a function of frequency, time, and space. The scheduler further schedules downlink transmissions to a first subscriber station based on a first null space associated with at least one subscriber station previously scheduled to receive.
US08098630B2
In one illustrative example, a system acquisition method suitable for use in W-CDMA utilizes a receiver having an automatic frequency control (AFC) circuit. A system acquisition scan is performed over a plurality of candidate frequencies in an RF band. During the system acquisition scan, a pilot signal of a system on one of the candidate frequencies is detected. When information of the system is successfully decoded, and the system is different from a requested system (e.g. not the RPLMN or HPLMN), the pilot signal of the system is assigned as a timing reference in the receiver for one or more remaining candidate frequencies of the system acquisition scan. Therefore, an AFC window time otherwise needed to converge on a remaining candidate frequency is not needed or reduced.
US08098627B2
A mechanism by which handoff delay can be minimized while not compromising the IMS/MMD security and also protecting the media if required by certain applications is presented. One proactive method includes proactive authentication. Another proactive method includes proactive security association, such as transferring SA keys from old proxy to new proxy, or transferring keys through serving signal entities. Reactive methods include transferring SA keys from old proxy to new proxy, using either push or pull technology. Other reactive methods include transferring keys through serving signal entities using either push or pull technology.
US08098598B1
A communication system receives, via a wireless communication link, a packet of data from a mobile communication device that is connected to, and enumerated by, a computer system as a locally attached mass storage device. The communication system sends this packet of data to a network for storage by mass storage system. The communication system may also receive, via a wireless communication link, a registration message that includes a device identifier from a mobile communication device that is connected to, and enumerated by, a computer system as a locally attached mass storage device. The communication system matches the device identifier to a mass storage system. The communication system is configured to translate requests from the mobile communication device. The communication system transfers translated requests to the mass storage system.
US08098591B2
A base station includes a transceiver, memory, and processor. The transceiver communicates with mobile stations. The memory stores a database of threshold CINR values. The processor implements a scheduling module. The transceiver receives a request to connect from a mobile station. The scheduling module obtains actual CINR and RSSI values for the mobile station. The scheduling module compares the actual CINR value with a threshold CINR value retrieved from the database based on the actual RSSI value. When the actual CINR value is greater than the threshold CINR value for the actual RSSI value, the scheduling module assigns the mobile station one or more subcarriers from a fully used zone of subcarriers. When the actual CINR value is not greater than the threshold CINR value for the actual RSSI value, the scheduling module assigns the mobile station one or more subcarriers from a segmented zone of subcarriers.
US08098579B2
A system for adjusting the window size of a TCP packet on a packet network including a receiving transport layer device configured to determine network performance information of the packet network; concatenate the network performance information into the data packets; adjust the window size of the TCP packet based on the network performance information; a non-transport layer device in communication with the receiving transport layer device for receiving the data packets; and a transport layer device in communication with the non-transport layer device, wherein the non-transport layer device forwards the data packets on to the transport layer device. A method for adjusting the window size of a TCP packet on a packet network is also included.
US08098578B1
A technique dynamically increases the granularity of prefix control in a computer network. According to the novel technique, a routing table is populated with one or more reachable prefixes, e.g., learned or configured prefixes, and performance characteristics (e.g., bandwidth, cost, delay, etc.) of the prefixes are monitored. Upon determining that a need exists for more granular prefix control (i.e., smaller prefixes), one or more boundaries may be determined upon which to divide one or more of the prefixes based on the monitored characteristics and/or need. Once the one or more boundaries are determined, the one or more prefixes may be “split” accordingly, e.g., by injecting more specific prefixes into the routing table, thus providing more granular prefix control (i.e., by controlling the split prefixes).
US08098577B2
Method and device for managing simultaneous connections of a mobile telecommunications device to at least a wireless local area network and a mobile telephone network via a single terminal of the mobile telecommunications device, the method including the steps of: (a) establishing a first wireless connection of the terminal with the wireless local area network, (b) establishing a second wireless connection of the terminal with the mobile telephone network, (c) responding to each network at predetermined times, such that the first and second wireless connections are maintained, and (d) preventing simultaneous transmittals of data from the terminal to both networks over the first and second wireless connections.
US08098575B2
A packet relay method and device in which even in the presence of a relay device between transmitting and receiving devices, a normality of a protection route can be surely confirmed is provided; A specific source address or destination address are registered, and when a route normality confirmation packet having the source address or destination address is received, the packet is transmitted to a protection route regardless of a hash operation; The registering can include link aggregation information in addition to the source address or destination address and the transmitting is made when the route normality confirmation packet consistent with both of the source address or destination address and the link aggregation information is received.
US08098574B2
Global ports are supported in multi-switch systems having arbitrary topologies. In some implementations, global ports are implemented in a manner which makes the switch system robust in the face of link failure. In specific Ethernet implementations, global ports enable flooding, learning, forwarding, and link aggregation across the switch system.
US08098573B2
A bridge according to an exemplary aspect of the invention comprises a BPDU-receiver which receives a BPDU packet of an STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) including failure information and an error-handler which performs error handling according to the failure information.
US08098572B2
The present invention provides network interface monitoring and management that may be employed with link aggregation technologies. Multiple network interfaces may be aggregated into a single bond and data may be transferred to and from a backbone network via this aggregated bond. A link aggregation monitor employs a heartbeat generator, sniffer and data store to keep track of health and availability of network interfaces. The heartbeat generator sends heartbeats to the network interfaces, which pass the heartbeats around in a token ring configuration. If a network interface fails or otherwise goes offline, detection of this condition causes the monitor and heartbeat generator to prepare new or modified heartbeats so that data may be efficiently and accurately routed around the token ring and health of all remaining alive interfaces can be monitored properly. If a network interface re-enters or is added to the aggregate bond, new/modified heartbeats are then employed.
US08098569B2
A method for reducing the peak-to-average ratio in an OFDM communication signal is provided. The method includes defining a constellation having a plurality of symbols, defining a symbol duration for the OFDM communication signal, and defining a plurality of time instants in the symbol duration. A plurality of tones are allocated to a particular communication device, and a discrete signal is constructed in the time domain by mapping symbols from the constellation to the time instants. A continuous signal is generated by applying an interpolation function to the discrete signal such that the continuous signal only includes sinusoids having frequencies which are equal to the allocated tones.
US08098568B2
A method for reducing the peak-to-average ratio in an OFDM communication signal is provided. The method includes defining a constellation having a plurality of symbols, defining a symbol duration for the OFDM communication signal, and defining a plurality of time instants in the symbol duration. A plurality of tones are allocated to a particular communication device, and a discrete signal is constructed in the time domain by mapping symbols from the constellation to the time instants. A continuous signal is generated by applying an interpolation function to the discrete signal such that the continuous signal only includes sinusoids having frequencies which are equal to the allocated tones.
US08098567B2
Apparatus and methods are provided for making timing adjustments in a multi carrier communications system. In an aspect, a timing correction method is provided for a multi-carrier system. This includes adjusting the time basis of two or more pilot interlaces with respect to each other in order to account for timing differences between the interlaces when combining the interlaces, and then adjusting or matching the time bases of the combined interlaces with a symbol to be demodulated. The alignment and matching is performed in order to generate channel estimates for data demodulation. The channel estimates, thus generated, along with the timing alignment information are in turn used for determining timing corrections to be applied to demodulation of a particular symbol. Corresponding apparatus are also disclosed that implement the methodology.
US08098566B2
A bit pattern for a run-in area which allows data reproduction to be performed stably even when the recording density of an optical disc is increased is provided. An optical disc according to the present invention includes tracks, each of which divided into a plurality of recording blocks. Each of the plurality of blocks includes a run-in area and a data area. In the run-in area, a prescribed run-in bit pattern is recordable; and in the data area, bit patterns having a plurality of bit lengths obtained by modulating data as a recording target in accordance with a prescribed modulation rule are recordable. In this optical disc, at least one of spatial frequencies corresponding to the bit patterns having the plurality of bit lengths is higher than a cutoff frequency. The run-in bit pattern recordable in the run-in area includes the bit patterns having the plurality of bit lengths, from which the bit pattern corresponding to the frequency higher than the OTF cutoff frequency has been excluded.
US08098561B2
A first optical receiver circuit in an optical receiver IC, which composes an optical disk device, generates a first voltage signal VS1 indicating an amount of light of a laser beam oscillated in a multimode. A second optical receiver circuit generates a second voltage signal VS2 indicating an amount of light of an optical feedback from an optical disk. A binarization circuit extracts a band component corresponding to a predetermined frequency in VS1, and binarizes the band component, thereby obtaining a digital signal. A delay element delays a phase of the digital signal by time equivalent to a phase difference between VS1 and VS2, and outputs the phase delayed signal as a timing signal. A sample hold circuit (S/H) samples and holds the VS2 in synchronization with the timing signal. Further, A LPF eliminates a band component corresponding to the frequency from an output signal of the S/H.
US08098557B2
A signal evaluation method according to the present invention is a method for evaluating a read signal, retrieved from an information recording medium, based on a binarized signal generated from the read signal by a PRML method. The method includes the steps of: detecting the patterns of multiple paths associated with the binarized signal and merging into the same state; getting the ideal value of a correct pattern associated with the binarized signal and that of an erroneous pattern that is similar to, but different from, the correct pattern; calculating the difference between a distance from the ideal value of the correct pattern to the read signal and a distance from that of the erroneous pattern to the read signal; calculating, based on the difference, an expected error rate for each predetermined group of patterns by the PRML method; and calculating a standard deviation that is associated with a total error rate, which is obtained by adding together the error rates of the predetermined groups of patterns, and that is used for evaluating the read signal.
US08098556B2
An object of this invention is to measure the tilt quantity of, and perform a tilt control on, an optical disc accurately without depending on the rotation control method.An optical disc drive includes: a motor for rotating an optical disc; an optical system for irradiating the optical disc with a light beam; a moving mechanism for moving the optical system along the radius of the optical disc; a focus control section for controlling movement of the optical system perpendicularly to the optical disc based on drive values, thereby focusing the light beam onto a storage layer of the optical disc; and a tilt control section for measuring the tilt quantities of the storage layer at multiple different radial locations on the optical disc based on drive values for the respective radial locations when the focus control section focuses the light beam there. When the tilt control section measures the tilt quantities, the motor keeps the rotational frequency of the optical disc constant and the tilt control section uses the drive values obtained at the respective radial locations.
US08098553B2
A write-once disc includes: a plurality of update areas in which a predetermined kind of updated information is recorded; at least one main access information area in which main access information is recorded, the main access information indicating a final update area in which finally updated information is recorded among the plurality of update areas; and at least one sub access information area in which sub access information is recorded, the sub access information indicating a location of the finally updated information recorded in the final update area. Accordingly, an access time for reading a predetermined kind of information required to use the write-once disc can be reduced.
US08098552B2
An information processing device includes: a writing and erasing means for writing and erasing predetermined information to and from a predetermined recording area of a writable optical disc serving as a recording medium; an estimation information writing means for writing estimation information to the recording area to and from which the information is written and erased by the writing and erasing means; and an estimation means for reading the estimation information written to the recording area by the estimation information writing means and estimating a reproduced signal of the read estimation information.
US08098550B2
If a defective cluster in a spare area is managed with a defect entry, the size of a DFL will increase as the size of the spare area increases with an increase in the number of recording layers stacked in a disc. An information recording medium according to the present invention has pointer information indicating the location of the next available cluster in each spare area, and restricts the direction in which the spare area is used. Also, a defect entry indicating a defective cluster in the spare area is registered with the DFL. Thus, even if the size of the spare area 15 increases, the size of the DFL 21 can be kept relatively small. Furthermore, even after physical reformatting is done, a defective cluster, if any, in the spare area 15 can still be recognized as a defect and the control operation can be performed so that a replacement cluster is not re-allocated to that defective cluster (i.e., the defective cluster is not used).
US08098549B2
An information recording medium is provided that includes a data area for recording user data and a defect management area for recording a defect list for managing N number of defect areas existing in the data area, where N is an integer satisfying N≧0. The defect list includes two or more blocks, and further includes a header located at a fixed position in the defect list and N number of defect entries, located subsequent to the header, including position information on the respective positions of the N number of defect areas. An anchor is located subsequent to the defect entries, and the header includes first update times information representing the number of times that the defect list has been updated. The anchor includes second update times information representing the number of times that the defect list has been updated.
US08098546B2
A geophone utilizing an Alnico-9 magnet and having an improved sensitivity over Alnico-9 geophones of prior art through the lengthening of the parasitic air gap between the upper and lower pole pieces which, results in less magnetic flux leakage. The flux concentration through the geophone coils is increased and shifted towards the ends of the magnet. The increase of sensitivity of geophone of the present invention over prior art geophones may exceed 3 dB. The axial length of the coil bobbin is increased, and the positions of the electrical coils are moved towards the ends of the magnet to align with the shifted magnetic flux.
US08098545B2
The present invention relates to an underwater guidance system for guiding an underwater apparatus, for example an underwater vehicle, towards a target structure, such as a docking station. The system comprises at least one system for capturing or sensing information on the relative position of the apparatus and the target structure and/or at least one imaging system for capturing an image of the target structure and a transmitter for wireless electromagnetic transmission of data indicative of the position information and/or captured image to the underwater apparatus or an underwater apparatus controller.
US08098538B2
Method and apparatus for using a uni-directional write current to store different logic states in a non-volatile memory cell, such as a modified STRAM cell. In some embodiments, the memory cell has an unpinned ferromagnetic reference layer adjacent a cladded conductor, a ferromagnetic storage layer and a tunneling barrier between the reference layer and the storage layer. Passage of a current along the cladded conductor induces a selected magnetic orientation in the reference layer, which is transferred through the tunneling barrier for storage by the storage layer. Further, the orientation of the applying step is provided by a cladding layer adjacent a conductor along which a current is passed and the current induces a magnetic field in the cladding layer of the selected magnetic orientation.
US08098537B2
Techniques are disclosed to refresh data in a non-volatile storage device often enough to combat erroneous or corrupted data bits, but not so often as to interfere with memory access or to cause excessive stress on the memory cells. One embodiment includes determining to perform a refresh of data stored in a first group of non-volatile storage elements in a device based on a condition of data in the first group, determining that a second group of non-volatile storage elements in the device should undergo a refresh procedure based on when the second group of non-volatile storage elements were last programmed relative to when the first group of non-volatile storage elements were last programmed, and performing the refresh procedure on the second group of non-volatile storage element.
US08098533B2
Semiconductor memory device with adjustable selected word line potential under low voltage condition
A level shift element adjusting a voltage level at the time of selection of a word line according to fluctuations in threshold voltage of a memory cell transistor is arranged for each word line. This level shift element lowers a driver power supply voltage, and transmits the level-shifted voltage onto a selected word line. The level shift element can be replaced with a pull-down element for pulling down the word line voltage according to the threshold voltage level of the memory cell transistor. In either case, the selected word line voltage level can be adjusted according to the fluctuations in threshold voltage of the memory cell transistor without using another power supply system. Thus, the power supply circuitry is not complicated, and it is possible to achieve a semiconductor memory device that can stably read and write data even with a low power supply voltage.
US08098517B2
Methods of programming a phase-change memory device that remedy device failure. The methods includes applying a sequence of two or more electrical energy pulses to the device, where the sequence of pulses includes positive polarity pulses and negative polarity pulses. In one method, two or more pulses of an initial polarity are applied and are followed by one or more pulses having opposite polarity. In another method, pulses of an initial polarity are repeatedly applied until the device fails and one or more pulses of opposite polarity are subsequently applied to restore the device to its initial performance. The pulses may be set pulses, reset pulses, or pulses that produce programmed states having a resistance intermediate between the set resistance and reset resistance of the device.
US08098514B2
A magnetoresistive element includes a first reference layer having magnetic anisotropy perpendicular to a film surface, and an invariable magnetization, a recording layer having a stacked structure formed by alternately stacking magnetic layers and nonmagnetic layers, magnetic anisotropy perpendicular to a film surface, and a variable magnetization, and an intermediate layer provided between the first reference layer and the recording layer, and containing a nonmagnetic material. The magnetic layers include a first magnetic layer being in contact with the intermediate layer and a second magnetic layer being not in contact with the intermediate layer. The first magnetic layer contains an alloy containing cobalt (Co) and iron (Fe), and has a film thickness larger than that of the second magnetic layer.
US08098509B2
A nonvolatile semiconductor memory device includes a semiconductor substrate, a plurality of first element isolation insulating films formed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate corresponding to a first cell array region into a band shape, a plurality of second element isolation insulating films formed on a surface of the semiconductor substrate corresponding to a second cell array region into a band shape. Each first element isolation insulating film has a level from a surface of the semiconductor substrate, the first charge storage layer has a level from the surface of the semiconductor substrate, and each second element isolation insulating film has a level from the surface of the semiconductor substrate, the level of each first element isolation insulating film being lower than the level of the first charge storage layer and higher than the level of each second element isolation insulating film.
US08098503B2
A power converter controller is disclosed. An example power converter controller includes a feedback sensor circuit coupled to receive a feedback signal representative of an output of the power converter. The controller also includes a feedback sampling signal generator coupled to generate a feedback sampling signal coupled to be received by the feedback sensor circuit. The feedback sensor circuit is coupled to sample the feedback signal in response to the feedback sampling signal. The controller also includes a state machine coupled to the feedback sensor circuit to control switching of a switch of the power converter circuit according to one of a plurality of operating condition states in response to the feedback sensor circuit. The controller also includes a feedback time period signal generator coupled to generate a feedback time period signal coupled to be received by the state machine. A period of a feedback time period signal is substantially greater than a period of the feedback sampling signal. The state machine is coupled to be updated in response to the feedback time period signal.
US08098499B2
One aspect is a circuit arrangement including a first semiconductor switching element, a second semiconductor switching element connected in series with the first semiconductor switching element and a freewheeling element connected in parallel with the second semiconductor switching element.
US08098493B2
In one example embodiment, a host device includes a host bezel, first and second guides, and a host connector. The host bezel defines an opening configured to receive a pluggable module. A first cutout on one side of the opening and a second cutout on the opposite side of the opening are adapted to receive corresponding guiderails on the module. The first and second guides are coupled to the host bezel and to a host printed circuit board. Each of the first and second guides defines a channel configured to receive the first and second guiderails of the module. The host connector is coupled to the host printed circuit board and is disposed at the back end of the first and second guides. The host connector includes a recessed slot configured to receive a module connector to electrically couple the module to the host printed circuit board.
US08098492B2
Data processing modules including a housing and connectors carried by the housing, and systems including the same.
US08098488B2
A computer docking station for supporting and electrically coupling to a portable computer that has a docking connector includes a body having a support portion configured to support the portable computer, and a main connector moveable relative to the body between an engaged position in which the main connector is engageable with the docking connector, and a disengaged position. The computer docking station also includes a frame coupled to the body and the main connector. The frame is movable relative to the body between a first position, in which the main connector is in the disengaged position, and a second position, in which the main connector is in the engaged position. The computer docking station further includes a subframe coupled to the frame. The subframe is movable with the frame from the first position to the second position and is movable relative to the frame from the second position to a third position to inhibit movement of the main connector away from the engaged position.
US08098487B2
A display apparatus is provided. A frame is fixed and supported at the rear of a front panel forming the front portion of the display apparatus, and a separate bracket member is not mounted on the edges of the front panel. Thus, the front exterior of the display apparatus is neatly finished, and the display screen looks bigger than it actually is.
US08098478B2
An electric element includes a dielectric layers, conductive plates, anode electrodes, and cathode electrodes. The conductive plates and the conductive plates are alternately laminated in the width direction of the electric element. The anode electrodes are connected to each of the conductive plates with a predetermined distance. The cathode electrodes are connected to each of the conductive plates with a predetermined distance. The electric element is mounted on a substrate in a manner where the bottom surface makes contact with the substrate. The anode electrode is connected to a first signal line that has a width substantially equal to that of the electric element disposed on the substrate. The anode electrode is connected to a second signal line that has a width substantially equal to that of the electric element disposed on the substrate.
US08098476B2
One embodiment of the present invention relates to a variable capacitor that operates without moving mechanical parts. In this capacitor electrically conductive electrodes are separated by an enclosed chamber filled with an electrically conductive material. The electrically conductive material can freely vary its position within the chamber. The capacitance of the device will vary as position of the conductive material changes due to external mechanical motion (ex: rotation, vibration, etc.) of the device. Other embodiments of this device are also disclosed.
US08098472B2
A system for driving an electromagnetic field generator. In one aspect, the system may include a plurality of transistors arranged in an H-bridge configuration, the H-bridge having first and second output terminals, first and second switching inputs, and a power input. The system may further include a control transistor coupling the power input to a power supply, and a diode having a cathode coupled to the power input and an anode coupled to ground. The first and second output terminals may be coupled to the electromagnetic field generator and the first and second switching inputs may receive switching signals based on an output of the electromagnetic field generator.
US08098463B2
A current to perpendicular to plane (CPP) magnetoresistance (MR) read head using current confinement proximal to an air bearing surface (ABS) is disclosed. A CPP MR read head includes a first shield, an MR sensor formed on the first shield, and a second shield contacting the MR sensor proximal to an ABS. The CPP MR read head further includes insulating material between the MR sensor and the second shield, where the insulating material is distal to the ABS to electrically isolate the MR sensor from the second shield distal to the ABS. Sense current injected from the second shield through the MR sensor and into the first shield is confined proximal to the ABS at a location where the second shield contacts the MR sensor.
US08098455B2
A magnetic device includes a write element having a write element tip and a conductive coil for carrying a current to induce a first field from the write element. A conductor proximate the write element tip carries the current to generate a second field that augments the first field. A driver provides the current to the conductive coil and the conductor, and a circuit phase shifts the current through the conductor relative to the current through the conductive coil.
US08098454B2
To efficiently manufacture a feedthrough used in a disk drive device having a hermetically sealed enclosure, embodiments of the present invention manufacture a feedthrough used in an HDD having a hermetically sealed enclosure. An embodiment of a manufacturing method of the present embodiment manufactures a columnar body, cuts the columnar body in the direction vertical to the axes of pins, and cuts out a feedthrough. Then, necessary plating is made on the outer surfaces of the cut out feedthrough. The columnar body comprises a hollow tube, a plurality of pins inserted inside the tube, and an insulating sealant filled inside the tube. This manufacturing method achieves efficient manufacture of the feedthrough.
US08098441B2
An objective lens for endoscopes has a front lens unit and a rear lens unit with an aperture stop between them. The front lens unit includes a first lens element with negative refracting power and a second lens element with positive refracting power, and the rear lens unit includes a third lens element with positive refracting power, a cemented lens component of a fourth lens element with positive refracting power and a fifth lens element with negative refracting power. The objective lens satisfies the following conditions: −2
US08098436B2
A lens module includes a barrel and a parallelogram-shaped filter. The barrel defines a through hole bounded by an inner circumferential surface thereof. The barrel includes an end surface substantially perpendicular to the inner circumferential surface. The barrel further defines four positioning cutouts extending from the end surface to the inner circumferential surface. The parallelogram-shaped filter includes four corners fixed in the four positioning cutouts of the barrel.
US08098422B2
A nonlinear optical device is provided. More specifically, a wavelength conversion device package with less optical loss stabilizes optical alignment under an external environmental change, for example, in a temperature variation by providing a temperature regulating block and a temperature sensor to an optical oscillator and a wavelength modulator and fixing a flexible optical transmitter to the optical oscillator and the wavelength modulator.The wavelength conversion device package includes an optical oscillator comprising a light source for emitting a light; a flexible optical transmitter for transferring the light emitted from the optical oscillator to a wavelength modulator; and the wavelength modulator for receiving the light from the optical transmitter and radiating a wavelength-modulated light.
US08098415B2
A vibrating mirror element includes a base member, a substrate made of metal, integrally formed with a mirror portion, a movable portion swingably supporting the mirror portion from both sides and functioning as a lower electrode, and a mounting portion supporting the movable portion and mounted on the base member, a piezoelectric film provided on the movable portion of the substrate and vibrating the mirror portion by application of a periodic voltage, and an upper electrode provided on the piezoelectric film.
US08098411B2
There is disclosed an image reading apparatus which comprises a document feeder, a reading unit, and a guide device. The document feeder includes a feeder roller and feeds a document sheet with an image thereon, along an outer circumferential surface of the feeder roller. The reading unit has a reading surface opposed to the outer circumferential surface of the feeder roller, and reads, at a reading position, the image on the document sheet being fed. The guide device has a guide surface, and is disposed to be opposed to the reading surface of the reading unit, so as to guide the document sheet along the guide surface to the reading position. The outer circumferential surface of the feeder roller, and at least an opposed portion of the guide surface at which the guide surface is opposed to the reading surface, have a substantially same color.
US08098407B2
The invention aims to provide an image forming apparatus digitally correcting curve and inclination of a laser beam. To this end, provided is an image forming apparatus that corrects a position shift of a scan line in a sub-scanning direction.
US08098405B2
A printing system comprises a memory configured to store image data representing an image. The printing system comprises a processor configured to perform a first digital halftone process on a first portion of the image and a second digital halftone process on a second portion of the image.
US08098404B2
As provided herein, there are supplied teachings to systems and methods for resizing a digital uniform rosette halftone image composed of multiple colorant separations, by using uniform rosette halftone tile parameters and iterative determination of energy metrics. One approach entails receiving into a digital imaging system, a digital uniform rosette halftone image and a desired resizing factor for that digital uniform rosette halftone image. Subsequently the system will define uniform rosette screen parameters to define uniform rosette Holladay halftone tiles within the color uniform rosette digital halftone image. From the defined uniform rosette cells, a number of uniform rosette halftone tile seams are determined for manipulation. The orientation of the number of uniform rosette halftone tile seams is dictated by the received desired resizing factor. The energy of the number of uniform rosette halftone tile seams is determined according to an energy metric so as to provide indication of low energy determined uniform rosette halftone tile seams. A resizing of the uniform rosette halftone image by iteratively deleting a number of the low energy determined uniform rosette halftone tile seam is performed so as to obtain a resized uniform rosette halftone image. The resized uniform rosette halftone image may then be printed on a printer.
US08098403B2
A method for multi-toning an input digital image having input pixels with two or more color channels to form an output digital image having modified output levels. The method includes determining modified output levels using a combined error signal formed from intermediate error signals for each color channel together with an error signal offset value, and adjusting the input levels for the nearby pixels responsive to weighted error signals.
US08098399B2
A method of controlling a feed rate of a printer, and a printer employing same, wherein the printer includes a feeder motor driving a feeder mechanism and a transport motor driving a transport mechanism. The method includes receiving image data for a first item of print media in a print job, processing the image data to create printable image data, and determining an image preparation time that is a time difference between the time when the printable image data is completed and the time when the start of the image data is first received. The method then further includes determining a current feeder speed based on at least the image preparation time. Following that that determination, the method includes: (i) turning the transport motor on, and (ii) setting a speed of the feeder motor equal to the current feeder speed and thereafter turning the feeder motor on.
US08098394B2
Object image data of a processing object image, which virtually has cells each including a set of M×N pixels, is processed. The cells are arranged in steps and are shifted by Dx pixels and by Dy pixels. An input raster buffer stores (N−1) raster data including pixel values of the processing object image. A data updating circuit updates the raster with inputted pixel values. Cell buffers store M×N pixel values regarding one of the cells. Processing circuits output partial data for the processed image data by ubmining a center of gravity position of gradation values in the one of the cells from the M×N pixel values, A control circuit controls storing pixel values regarding each of cells in k-th step using the raster data inputted and the raster data stored when “k•(N−1)+1”-th raster data is inputted to the data updating circuit.
US08098381B2
An apparatus for measuring a distance such as, for example, a fly height distance. An apparatus includes a slider having an air bearing surface and an optical condenser assembly spaced apart from the air bearing surface of the slider. The optical condenser assembly includes an optical cap and an optical substrate having a first surface and a second surface. The first surface is spaced apart from the optical cap and the second surface is spaced apart from the air bearing surface of the slider.
US08098377B2
A cavity ring down system is optimized to precisely measure trace gases or particles in an air sample by using time sampling detection and multiple-sample averaging resulting in a high signal-to-noise ratio. In one embodiment, a cavity ring down system is programmed to measure the rise time and the fall time of the light level in an optical cavity. The cavity ring down system is programmed to integrate a plurality of sample portions during a rise time and a plurality of sample portions during a fall time (in alternate intervals) to obtain a time constant with no sample present and a time constant with sample present. The measurements are used to calculate trace gases in the air sample.
US08098369B2
Systems and methods, for the evaluation, grading, and presentation of evaluation results, of the scintillation of gemstones, such as diamonds. Specifically, there are discussed systems and methods for determining when a scintillation event in a gemstone is likely to occur and for mapping such events to a presentation.
US08098367B2
Tools and techniques for estimating elevations, including without limitation tools and techniques that employ mobile stations with laser detectors for receiving a beam emitted from a laser source and estimating an elevation of the mobile station based on the received beam. In some instances, a mobile station may be configured to identify, based on some or all of a variety of factors, a situation in which the elevation of the detector is likely to change to the extent that the slope of the emitter needs to be adjusted to account for this change in elevation. The mobile station may also be configured to inform the laser source that the slope of the emitted beam should be adjusted. In response, the laser source may adjust the slope of the emitted beam accordingly.
US08098355B2
A liquid crystal display is provided, which includes: a first substrate; a first signal line formed on the first substrate; a second signal line formed on the first substrate and intersecting the first signal line; a thin film transistor connected to the first and the second signal lines; a pixel electrode connected to the thin film transistor; a second substrate; a common electrode formed on the second substrate; a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate; and a tilt direction determining member formed on one of the first and the second substrates and having a notch that divides the domain determination member into a plurality of portions.
US08098345B2
A liquid crystal display device of the present invention includes a two-dimensional sensor array in which optical sensor circuits are two-dimensionally positioned. The respective optical sensor circuits are provided with a photodiode (17), an output AMP and a NetA voltage raising capacitor. The output AMP has a gate electrode, a source electrode and a drain electrode. The gate electrode, the source electrode and the drain electrode are connected to a cathode electrode (NetA) of the photodiode (17), a voltage supply wiring (Vsm) and an optical sensor output wiring (Vom), respectively. The NetA voltage raising capacitor has two electrodes. One of the two electrodes is electrically connected to the NetA, and the other of the two electrodes is electrically connected to a drive wiring (Vrwn) for supplying a drive signal to the NetA voltage raising capacitor. A storage capacitor wiring (Csn) for retaining a pixel potential also serves as the drive wiring (Vrwn). It is accordingly possible to attain a liquid crystal display device including the optical sensor circuits in which deterioration in aperture ratio of a pixel and increase in frame region surrounding a display section are suppressed.
US08098344B2
The invention relates to a liquid crystal display device including a first transistor, a plurality of sub-picture element electrodes formed in a picture element region, a control electrode formed in capacitance coupling with at least one of the plural sub-picture element electrodes, the control electrode being applied with a display voltage from the first transistor, and an auxiliary capacitance bus line held at a predetermined voltage level and constituting an auxiliary capacitance between the auxiliary capacitance bus line and the control electrode. A second transistor is provided between the sub-picture element electrode coupled with the control electrode by the capacitance coupling and the auxiliary capacitance bus line or between the sub-picture element electrode coupled with the control electrode by the capacitance coupling and the sub-picture element electrode connected to the first transistor.
US08098335B2
A nonlinearly processed (gamma-corrected) video signal is subjected to three-dimensional signal level correction using three-dimensional correction values and corresponding to a position in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction of a pixel on a display screen of an image display unit and the signal level of the pixel data. Thereby, accurate gamma correction is made possible, and horizontal and vertical area information (grid block) can be disposed in an optimum positional relation according to resolution of the screen.
US08098333B2
A method and system for displaying frames on a hold-type display to reduce perceived blur are disclosed. One example method includes detecting a parameter associated with an object in an input frame and filtering the input frame to generate at least two filtered sub-frames based on the parameter. The filtered sub-frames are then inserted in place of the input frame in a frame sequence and output to a display. The parameter associated with the object may indicate a magnitude and direction of the object's movement in a sequence of frames including the input frame.
US08098329B2
An image determination apparatus includes a frequency band signal detecting unit, an average value calculating unit, a relative value calculating unit, and an image determination unit. The frequency band signal detecting unit detects signals belonging to a plurality of frequency bands, from an image signal. The average value calculating unit calculates average values for respective ones of the signals belonging to the plurality of frequency bands detected by the frequency band signal detecting unit. Each of the average values is a characteristic value equivalent to an amplitude. The relative value calculating unit calculates a relative value of one of the average values to another of the average values, among the average values calculated for respective ones of the plurality of frequency bands. The image determination unit for determining an image based on the relative value calculated by the relative value calculating unit. The image determined is subject to image-processing.
US08098321B2
An image pickup element includes a light receiver having a matrix arrangement formed by disposing first-direction arrays, each having photoelectric converters arranged in a first direction with a gap therebetween, in a second direction orthogonal thereto, and micro-lenses above the light receiver. In the matrix arrangement, a certain first-direction array has two first photoelectric converters receiving, via two micro-lenses, photographic-subject light passing through two segmental regions in an exit pupil of a photographic optical system, and a certain second-direction array has two second photoelectric converters receiving photographic-subject light passing through two segmental regions in the exit pupil. Light axes of the two micro-lenses extend through vicinities of edges, farthest from each other in the first direction, of the first photoelectric converters. The first photoelectric converters include two photoelectric converters that flank one photoelectric converter, disposed at an intersection between the certain first-direction and second-direction arrays, in the certain first-direction array.
US08098320B2
An imaging device includes a housing including first and second photographing apertures which are open toward opposite directions; an image pickup device provided in the housing; a main optical system forming incident light from the first photographing aperture onto an imaging surface of the image pickup device; and an insertable optical element movable between an insertion position in an optical path of a main optical system and a removed position out of the optical path of the main optical system, the insertable optical element constituting at least a part of a sub-optical system which forms incident light from the second photographing aperture onto the imaging surface when at the insertion position. When the insertable optical element is positioned in the insertion position, the sub-optical axis is offset from the main optical axis toward the removed position of the insertable optical element in the inserting/removing direction.
US08098314B2
Systems and methods are provided that facilitate reducing noise within sampled video information in a CMOS sensor imager. A multi-capacitor sample and hold can capture multiple samples of video information during at least partially overlapping time intervals. The multi-capacitor sample and hold can include a plurality of capacitors and a plurality of sampling switches, wherein each of the sampling switches can be coupled to a respective one of the plurality of capacitors. The plurality of sampling switches can be closed at a substantially concurrent time to begin capturing samples with the plurality of capacitors. Thereafter, the plurality of sampling switches can each be opened at respective disparate times to collect differing noise samples with each of the plurality of capacitors. A readout component can combine (e.g., average) the samples obtained by the plurality of capacitors, thereby reducing noise levels.
US08098310B2
An imaging apparatus includes an imaging device, an imaging device deriving unit and a signal processing unit. Pixels of the imaging device include a first pixel group and a second pixel group. The imaging device driving unit exposes the first pixel group during a first exposure period, exposes the second pixel group during a second exposure period, and reads first image data captured by the first pixel group and second image data captured by the second pixel group separately. The signal processing unit performs image processing for the first and second image data. A first shooting mode and a second shooting mode are provided. In the first shooting mode, the signal processing unit performs the image processing for the first and second image data separately to generate two pieces of subject image data. In the second shooting mode, the signal processing unit combines the first and second image data.
US08098306B2
A brightness level detector detects a brightness level of the digital imaging signal for each of the plurality of pixels. A shading detector sets a group of pixel regions distant from each other in a horizontal direction in the imaging element and then detects whether or not shadings are generated in the analog imaging signal based on a difference between the brightness levels of the group of pixel regions. A timing adjuster adjusts a phase of a peak sample pulse for detecting a peak level of the analog imaging signal, a phase of a reference sample pulse for detecting a signal level used as a reference in the correlated double sampling executed when the digital imaging signal is generated and a phase of a horizontal transfer pulse in the imaging element based on outputs of the brightness level detector and the shading detector.
US08098305B2
An image-capturing system diagnostic device includes: an image acquisition unit that obtains an image; and a monitoring unit that monitors a quantity of foreign matter present in an optical path by generating defect information indicating a defect at pixels caused by the foreign matter in the optical path based upon the image obtained by the image acquisition unit and calculating an areal ratio of defective pixels in the image based upon the defect information having been generated and issues a warning for a photographer if the areal ratio of the defective pixels exceeds a predetermined value.
US08098295B2
A system, device and method for constructing an in-vivo image stream from in-vivo raw data base files. The in-vivo imaging system may include, for example an in-vivo imaging device, a receiver/recorder and a computing device such as a workstation a portable device and/or a portable memory.
US08098294B2
An image processing apparatus capable of suppressing color fringing in a color image further effectively by image processing. A determination unit determines a region in which signal levels for a color plane in a color image produced by photoelectric conversion of an optical image of a subject exhibit a monotonic increase or a monotonic decrease, as a color fringing region in which color fringing occurs. An estimation unit estimates an intensity of the color fringing in the color fringing region determined by the determination unit. A removal unit deducts an estimate value of the intensity of the color fringing estimated by the estimation unit from the intensity of the color fringing in the color fringing region.
US08098292B2
According to an electronic camera capable of capturing a still image during capturing of a moving image, by storing the zoom lens position information at that time when capturing of the moving image is temporarily stopped for capturing of the still image and using the field angle information or the like recorded after capturing of the still image is terminated, the zoom lens can be automatically returned to the original zoom position so as to prevent the generation of an uncomfortable feeling between the moving image before capturing of the still image and the moving image of which capturing is restarted just after termination of the still image capturing.
US08098291B2
An image pickup apparatus performing moving-image data processing and still-image data processing in parallel includes an image pickup unit converting a ray into an electric signal and outputting an image pickup signal, a buffer unit temporarily storing the image pickup signal, a buffer controller controlling reading from the buffer unit, a first signal processing unit outputting a first transmission request, performing processing on the image pickup signal every frame timing in response to the first transmission request, and outputting moving-image data, and a second signal processing unit outputting a second transmission request, performing processing on the image pickup signal in response to the second transmission request at a predetermined timing, and outputting still-image data. The buffer controller determines whether it is possible that the image pickup signal is read without deteriorating continuity based on a data storage state of the buffer unit and the first and second transmission requests.
US08098290B2
A system and corresponding method for image acquisition are provided, the system including a processor, an imaging adapter in signal communication with the processor for receiving image data from each of a static imaging device and a dynamic imaging device, and a homography unit in signal communication with the processor for computing a planar homography between the static and dynamic image data; and the method including receiving an image from a static imaging device, receiving an image from a dynamic imaging device, and registering the dynamic image to the static image using planar homography.
US08098286B2
An optical shake correction unit corrects an optical axis in response to an output signal of an vibration detecting element. An electronic shake correction unit adaptively varies an effective region in image signals of an image pickup region formed by image pickup devices. A control unit performs control such that either the optical shake correction unit or the electronic shake correction unit is enabled by switching between a first image pickup mode and a second image pickup mode.
US08098284B2
A measuring device includes an actuator which holds a lens unit and moves the lens unit in the direction of the optical axis thereof. A test chart is photographed, with the lens unit being opposed to a reference image pickup device, and the lens unit is positioned at a just-focus position. The gap between the reference image pickup device and the lens unit at this time is reproduced, and an image pickup device, which is to be integrated, and the lens unit are opposed with this gap, and are fixed.
US08098282B2
The present invention advantageously provides a means by which the privacy zone on a PTZ camera can be maintained so that an object in the camera's sight is always masked or covered. An algorithm which remembers the defined privacy zones as an area in space marked by four rays touching the four corners of the marked zone and having absolute Pan, Tilt angular coordinates is presented. The privacy zone is initially defined by a rectangle on the screen with known pixel co-ordinates which are translated into angular coordinates. Then, when the camera moves and prepares to display a new screen, the privacy zone is superimposed on the object to be masked. Locating the object and displaying its privacy zone is done by translating the absolute angular coordinates of the original privacy zone into pixel coordinates. Additionally, multiple privacy zones can be displayed on one camera screen.
US08098279B2
Providing an imaging apparatus and a microscope capable of taking two-dimensional images of a sample at a plurality of observation positions different in the optical axis direction at the same time. The apparatus includes an image-forming lens 15 that forms images of a sample 4 on a plurality of image-forming places; an optical-path-dividing member 17, 18, 19 that divides an optical path from the same area in a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the sample 4 so as to form the plurality of image-forming places; and an optical-path-length-changing member 27, 28, 29 that is provided on at least one optical path between the plurality of image-forming places and the imaging lens 15.
US08098278B2
A fundus oculi observation device 1 splits a low-coherence light L0 into a signal light LS and a reference light LR, generates an interference light LC from the signal light LS propagated through an eye E and the reference light LR propagated through a reference mirror 174 to detect the interference light LC and, based on the result of the detection, forms a tomographic image of a fundus oculi Ef. The device 1 includes a scan unit 141 configured to scan with the signal light LS, and an LCD and optical system that present a fixation target. The device 1 acquires an image of the fundus oculi Ef in a state that scan a fixation target is presented while scanning with the signal light LS, and based on the image, determines whether fixation is proper or not.
US08098276B2
Provided are a stereo vision system and a control method thereof. A stereo vision system includes an image information extracting unit receiving left and right images of the left and right stereo cameras to extract color information for a brightness control of the images from the received images, an image preprocessing unit performing a process for reducing noises of the left and right images using the color information and a prestored calibration parameter, a stereo matching unit performing stereo matching of the left and right images processed by the image preprocessing unit through an algorithm to obtain a depth map, and a matching result measuring unit receiving the depth map obtained by the stereo matching unit to measure a matching degree, and changing the prestored calibration parameter according to a result of the measurement.
US08098273B2
In one embodiment, a method determines an indication of a mood for a caller during a service call. The mood may be determined using a facial analysis of the caller's facial expressions. The mood may indicate an emotion of the user, such as the user is angry, happy, etc. The mood may be determined based on a facial expression analysis of the caller during a portion of the service call. The service call may be a call between the caller and a service center, which may provide customer support to a caller for a product, service, etc. One example of a service center may be video contact service center that enables video calls with a caller. An action is then determined based on analysis of the mood invoked during a portion of the call. Once the action is determined, the action may be performed.
US08098256B2
Systems and techniques for processing sequences of video images involve receiving, on a computer, data corresponding to a sequence of video images detected by an image sensor. The received data is processed using a graphics processor to adjust one or more visual characteristics of the video images corresponding to the received data. The received data can include video data defining pixel values and ancillary data relating to settings on the image sensor. The video data can be processed in accordance with ancillary data to adjust the visual characteristics, which can include filtering the images, blending images, and/or other processing operations.
US08098250B2
A device sensor determines an external state of a device. Text to be displayed on a display screen of the device is dynamically filtered based on the external state of the device.
US08098240B2
Capacitive touchpad assemblies, toys including capacitive touchpad assemblies and integral card readers, and methods for detecting contact with a capacitive touch surface are provided. A capacitive touch surface may have a capacity that varies depending on whether it is being contacted by an object such as a human finger. A voltage of the capacitive touch surface may be altered during each of a predetermined number of recurring time intervals. The capacitance of the capacitive touch surface will determine the amount of time required to alter its voltage to a threshold voltage within each time interval. The sum amount of time required for the voltage of the capacitive touch surface to reach the threshold voltage in a predetermined number of time intervals may be used to determine whether the capacitive touch surface is being touched.
US08098234B2
A haptic feedback system that includes a controller, a memory coupled to the controller, an actuator drive circuit coupled to the controller, and an actuator coupled to the actuator drive circuit. The memory stores at least one haptic effect that is executed by the controller in order to create a haptic effect.
US08098233B2
In one exemplary embodiment, a portable computer having a display assembly coupled to a base assembly to alternate between a closed position and an open position. Palm rest areas are formed by a touchpad disposed on the surface of the base assembly. In an alternative embodiment, a touchpad disposed on the base assembly has a width that extends substantially into the palm rests areas of the base assembly.
US08098229B2
Control device for a computer mouse. In order to enhance comfort as much as possible and to avoid or even cure RSI phenomena, a control device is proposed with a curved finger-supporting element and thumb-supporting element with varying curvatures. Optimum support for the hand and fingers (thumb) is obtained if there is a certain correlation between the length over which the hand, including the fingers, is supported and the width available for supporting the fingers. This value is preferably in the range 0.3-0.6 and more specifically is 0.45. Furthermore, the curvature and height of the finger-supporting element and thumb-supporting element must be implemented such that they are a function of the length of the control device. According to a particular embodiment the finger-supporting element is implemented such that, when viewed transversely, this descends from the highest point in a circle.
US08098227B2
A gate driving circuit includes cascaded stages, each including a pull-up part, a carry part, a pull-up driving part, a holding part and an inverter. The pull-up part pulls up a gate voltage to an input clock. The carry part pulls up a carry voltage to the input clock. The pull-up driving part is connected to a control terminal (Q-node) common to the carry part and the pull-up part, and receives a previous carry voltage from a previous stage to turn on the pull-up part and the carry part. The holding part holds the gate voltage at an off-voltage, and the inverter controls at least one of turning on the holding part and turning off the holding part based on an inverter clock. A high level of the inverter clock in a given horizontal period (1H) temporally precedes a high level of the input clock by a predetermined time interval.
US08098223B2
An apparatus and method for driving a liquid crystal display (LCD) device is disclosed, to prevent error of a timing controller and to prevent the defective image on a frequency conversion, the apparatus comprising a liquid crystal display part to display images, a driver to drive the liquid crystal display part, a graphic system to output frequency-conversion prediction information in accordance with a frequency-conversion signal, and perform frequency conversion of a plurality of synchronizing signals, and a timing controller to control the driver to display video data according to a previous frame during the frequency conversion, in response to the frequency-conversion prediction information.
US08098222B2
A liquid-crystal-display (LCD) and a display panel thereof are provided. The display panel includes a plurality of pixel row units and a plurality of switch units. Each pixel row unit is connected between a scan line and a potential switch line. The first end of each switch unit receives the common voltage provided by the display panel, and the second end of each switch unit is connected to its corresponding potential switch line. Thus, not only the flicker-noise of the display panel is reduced, but also the display-quality of the LCD is promoted.
US08098211B2
A feed radiation electrode functioning as an antenna is capable of performing radio communication in two different frequency bands, a lower frequency band and a higher frequency band, defined in advance for radio communication. The feed radiation electrode has a loop shape, and a feeding end Q and a feeding-end adjacent portion P are connected with a shortcut path, which is provided by a stub, therebetween. Thus, the feed radiation electrode is capable of performing radio communication in the lower frequency band for radio communication in accordance with a resonant operation based on a current flowing through a channel IL and performing radio communication in the higher frequency band for radio communication in accordance with a resonant operation based on currents flowing through channels IH and IH′.
US08098208B2
The invention relates to an antenna configuration, comprising at least one electrically insulating carrier substrate and at least one electrically conductive layer applied on at least one side of the carrier substrate, the electrically conductive layer having a first area region and a second area region, and the first area region of the electrically conductive layer having the form of at least one antenna structure. The at least one antenna structure is present in a manner electrically insulated from the second area region of the electrically conductive layer, and the second area region of the electrically conductive layer is subdivided, at least in regions directly adjacent to the at least one antenna structure, into island regions that are at least electrically insulated from one another. The at least one antenna configuration is suitable for use for contactlessly coupled transponders, in particular for RFID Tags or Smart Tags.
US08098205B2
A Global Positioning System (GPS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), wireless local area network (WLAN) antenna, including a dielectric board including a ground plane; a first antenna trace line disposed on a first portion of the dielectric board and in electrical contact with the dielectric board, the first antenna trace line including at least one first meandered trace for transmitting and receive a WLAN radio frequency signal; a second antenna trace line disposed on a second portion of the dielectric board and in electrical contact with the dielectric board, the second antenna trace line including at least one second meandered trace for transmitting and receiving a GSM radio frequency signal; a GPS antenna for receiving radio frequency signals from at least one global positioning satellite; and a vehicle mountable housing for enclosing the dielectric board, the first antenna trace line, the second antenna trace line, and the GPS antenna.
US08098201B2
An RFID tag includes an antenna and a chip, and the antenna includes a first polygonal dielectric material, first and second microstrip lines partially formed in the first dielectric material, a second polygonal dielectric material stacked on the first dielectric material, and a third microstrip line partially formed in the second dielectric material. According to the present invention, the RFID tag can efficiently receive electromagnetic waves to thereby maximize a readable range.
US08098198B2
A vertically integrated electronically steered phased array that employs beamsteering using a programmable phase locked loop including a local oscillator. The local oscillator provides an oscillator signal that is converted to an RF signal that can be either up-converted for a transmit operation or down-converted for a receive operation. The relative off-set between independently generated local oscillator signals forms the basis of the off-set phase required for a phased array. The absolute measure of off-set phase is referenced to a globally distributed clock signal that aligns the zero degree phase shift of the oscillator.
US08098190B2
An emergency locator beacon testing and communication system is described. The system uses privately-owned Local User Terminals which provide direct feeds to a privately-operated beacon information processor having dedicated on-line servers for consolidating and providing access to beacon test information. The system receives beacon signals relayed through the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, correlates the beacons' unique identification numbers (UIN's) in the received signals to the UIN's of beacons known to be undergoing testing, collects the data transmitted by beacons under test, and displays beacon test results in a useful format on a user-friendly website.
US08098189B1
An antenna system for a weather radar system includes a first transceiver and a second transceiver. The polarization of the first transceiver is orthogonal to the polarization of the second transceiver. The first transceiver and the second transceiver are interlaced to occupy the same volume.
US08098188B2
The present invention relates to a method of characterizing the convection intensity of a cloud by a meteorological radar.The reflectivity of said cloud to an electromagnetic wave being distributed in space, the distribution of the reflectivity being discretized according to a network of points (i, j, k) of the space in three dimensions, at least one profile (22) is defined as a normalized function of a parameter (21), which is in turn a given numeric function in two dimensions (i, j) of the distribution of the reflectivity at each point of the network, said normalized function varying uniformly between a minimum constant value and a maximum constant value, the function being equal to the minimum value when the parameter is less than a low threshold (threshold min) and being equal to the maximum value when the parameter is greater than a high threshold (threshold max), the cloud being characterized as convective when the profile is equal to one of the constant values and as stratiform when it is equal to the other constant value.The invention applies notably to meteorological radars on board aeroplanes.
US08098184B2
A communication system for use with a motorcycle includes a main unit that has a detector and a transmitter that transmits an alert signal upon the detection of a radar or laser by the detector. The system further includes either a visual indicator or an audio indicator. The visual indicator has a receiver that receives the alert signal from the transmitter, and a display which provides a visual display of the alert signal. The audio indicator has a receiver that receives the alert signal from the transmitter, and a speaker which emits an auditory response of the alert signal. The system can further include a mounting assembly having a connector that is removably connected to a part of a motorcycle, a support bracket to which the main unit is removably coupled, and a link that pivotably couples the support bracket and the connector.
US08098176B2
Systems and methods for improving landing gear alerting on a rotary wing aircraft. An example system includes a user interface device that allows a user to set a bug altitude value and a radio altimeter that produces an altitude value, both of which are in communication with a processor. The processor receives a bug altitude setting, generates a landing gear alert altitude value based on the received bug altitude setting and a predefined additive, receives a radio altitude value for the rotary-wing aircraft, and generates a landing gear alert if the radio altitude value is less than the landing gear alert altitude value and the landing gear is not in a landing position. An output device in signal communication with the processor, outputs the generated landing gear alert.
US08098164B2
An animal training system including a programming apparatus and an animal training collar. The animal training collar is communicatively couplable to the programming apparatus. The animal training collar includes at least one stimulation probe and a programmable device operatively connected to the at least one stimulation probe to activate the at least one stimulation probe. The at least one stimulation probe also transferring data at least one of to and from the programming apparatus.
US08098162B2
A container includes a container body having a sidewall and an end wall extending across the sidewall and closing an end of the container body. A retainer is received on the container body with a central portion of the retainer adjacent to the end wall of the container body and a flexible edge portion of the retainer engaging the sidewall of the container body at an angle to resist removal of the retainer away from the end wall. An RFID tag is disposed between the central portion of the retainer and the end wall of the container body. The retainer and the RFID tag may be disposed outside of the container body interior, but more preferably are disposed within the container body interior. The retainer preferably is imperforate, and the edge portion of the retainer preferably is in continuous peripheral contact with the container sidewall to seal the RFID tag from the container interior. In a preferred implementation, the container body is a molded plastic prescription vial having an annular sidewall, and the retainer is in continuous annular contact with the interior surface of the container sidewall to seal the RFID tag from the container interior.
US08098144B2
The invention relates to an anti-theft alarm system for vehicle wheels. The system comprises at least one wireless measuring module for determining kinetic state information characterizing the kinetic state of a vehicle wheel on the basis of acceleration measurement. The wireless measuring module is further configured to be attached to the vehicle wheel, to generate a wireless data transfer signal on the basis of the kinetic state information and transmit the wireless data transfer signal. The system further comprises at least one wireless central processing unit, which is configured to receive the wireless data transfer signal and execute a predetermined alarm function when the wireless data transfer signal fulfils predetermined conditions.
US08098142B2
A monitoring device for vehicles includes a housing, at least one electrochromic mirror glass arranged in the housing so as to have a front side facing an observer, and at least one camera. The at least one electrochromic mirror glass comprises a reflective layer that is reflective in the visible spectral range of light. The at least one camera is arranged behind the reflective layer in a viewing direction viewed from the front side. The at least one camera takes images through the reflective layer. The electrochromic mirror glass has an electrochromic layer and the reflective layer is arranged behind the electrochromic layer in the viewing direction.
US08098140B1
A remote control is configured by a user specifying a type and brand of a consumer electronic device. A plurality of function code sets that have been identified as being candidates for commanding operations of the specified type and brand of consumer electronic device are selected and at least a subset of each of the plurality of selected function code sets is made available such that a user may determine by experimentation which one of the plurality of function code sets is appropriate for commanding operations of the specified type and brand of consumer electronic device.
US08098139B2
There is disclosed a test head device for testing the functionality of a large number of RFID chips arranged in smart labels (17) within a smart label production apparatus by means of a data reading and/or data writing process, wherein the smart labels (17), each comprising a first antenna (10a-10e), are placed next to and behind one another on a common continuously moving strip, wherein the test head device comprises a plurality of test systems which function independently of one another, each of said test systems consisting of a write and/or read unit (12a-e), a second antenna (3, 11a-e; 18) connected thereto which is in each case assigned to one of the first antennas (10a-10e) for simultaneously transmitting read and/or write data between the first and second antennas (10a-10e; 3; 11a-e; 18) by means of ultrahigh frequency waves, and a common table unit which can be displaced at least in the height direction, wherein the second antennas (3; 11a-e; 18) are arranged on a common antenna carrier plate (2) oriented parallel to the strip.
US08098138B2
A tracking system determines the orientation of an object. A transceiver transmits a signal and detects responses from multiple transponders. A processing unit determines an orientation parameter of the object by comparing the responses from the multiple transponders.
US08098132B2
A system and method for a call receiving pager apparatus, system and method providing priority access, billing functions, and other enhanced features. The system utilizes a subscriber apparatus having a pager or radiotelephone functions whereby a caller may call the apparatus and gain direct two-way communication with the subscriber. The caller is billed for the communication. A call receiving pager allows a subscriber to initiate an outgoing connection to at least one predetermined telephone number in order to send a pre-recorded voice or data message requesting a call back from the recipient.
US08098128B2
The lock control system of the present invention makes it possible to perform lock control of a working machine both by remote actuation and by local actuation, so that the convenience of use and so on is enhanced. A lock setting device 140 is provided to the working machine. The lock setting device 140 is provided with a user password storage unit 144, a manager password storage unit 145, and a one-time password storage unit 146. The user is able to perform lock setting and release by local actuation using the user password. A maintenance person is able to perform lock setting and release by local actuation using the one-time password. And lock setting and release can also be performed by remote actuation via a satellite communication network. It is possible to perform lock setting and release by selecting the appropriate method for each individual scenario.
US08098115B2
There is provided a noise eliminating wire harness capable of enhancing a noise elimination performance. In the wire harness 31, an intermediate portion of a sheath 34 of a wire 33 is removed to expose a conductor 35, thereby forming a conductor connection portion 36, and a capacitor 39 is directly connected to this conductor connection portion 36. The capacitor 39 is directly connected to the conductor connection portion 36 without using any wire serving as a branch wire. The capacitor 39 is connected to the conductor connection portion 36 in perpendicularly intersecting relation thereto. The capacitor 39 is connected to the wire 33 in such a condition that there is not provided any portion extending side by side with the wire 33.
US08098114B2
A matching circuit including a main matching block 51 inserted in a signal path and a series matching block 522, one end of which is connected to the main matching block 51, in which one end of a series connection of a switch 542 and a parallel matching block 532 is connected to the signal path at the other end of the series matching block 522 and impedance matching between input/output is performed at any one of two frequencies by setting the switch to ON/OFF.
US08098111B2
Embodiments of a multi-band voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) are provided herein. The multi-band VCO is configured to adjust a frequency of an output signal based on an input signal. The multi-band VCO includes a tank module, an active module, and a control module. The tank module includes a parallel combination of a capacitor and an inductor. The active module includes a pair of cross-coupled transistors that are configured to provide a negative conductance that cancels out a positive conductance associated with the tank module. To improve the phase noise associated with the multi-band VCO, the control module is configured to adjust the body voltage of the cross-coupled transistors.
US08098110B2
A phase locked loop apparatus includes an oscillator, a variable capacitance device, a selectable capacitance device, and a capacitance controller that is configured to provide a control signal to the selectable capacitance device. The selectable capacitance device is connected to the oscillator and is responsive to the control signal such that the selectable capacitance device has a first capacitance at a first control signal value and a second capacitance at a second control signal value. The capacitance controller only selects either the first capacitance or the second capacitance by providing a control signal that has the first control signal value to select the first capacitance and having the second control signal value to select the second capacitance.
US08098103B2
Techniques for cancelling a disturbance signal from a PLL output signal. In an aspect, a cancellation signal is combined with the signal input to a VCO or DCO in the PLL. In a further aspect, the appropriate cancellation signal is derived by analyzing one or more signals within the PLL. The signals within the PLL may be correlated against one or more disturbance signal templates, such as a sinusoid having a known frequency, to derive one or more correlation coefficients. The coefficients may be applied to weight one or more disturbance synthesis functions to generate the cancellation signal. Further aspects provide for joint analysis, synthesis, and cancellation of signals having unknown frequency from the PLL output.
US08098102B2
The RF power amplifier circuit including multiple amplification stages has a previous-stage amplifier, a next-stage amplifier and a controller. The previous-stage amplifier responds to an RF transmission input signal. The next-stage amplifier responds to an amplification signal output by the previous-stage amplifier. In response to an output-power-control voltage, the controller controls the former- and next-stage amplifiers in quiescent current and gain. In response to the output-power-control voltage, the quiescent current and gain of the previous-stage amplifier are continuously changed according to a first continuous function, whereas those of the next-stage amplifier are continuously changed according to a second continuous function. The second continuous function is higher than the first continuous function by at least one in degree. The RF power amplifier circuit brings about the effect that the drop of the power added efficiency in low and middle power modes is relieved.
US08098099B2
A broadband high output current output stage includes at least one first differential pair for enhancing the bandwidth. A second differential pair is further disposed in the circuit. The second differential pair is coupled to one of the first differential pair, such that a large output voltage swing is distributed to all transistors to avoid breakdowns thereof. A feedback unit is connected between each bias unit and the first differential pair. The first compensation unit compensates the electric characteristic of the high-frequency zero of the feedback unit and the bias unit, thereby broadening the linear bandwidth of the frequency response. The second compensation units are disposed between the first differential pairs. Each second compensation unit compensates the high-frequency zero of the node where each two first differential pairs are cascaded, thereby further broadening the linear bandwidth of the frequency response.
US08098097B2
Systems, methods, and devices for receiving a differential input signal and generating a non-differential output signal are described herein. For example, an RF buffer is described that includes first and second transistor elements. The first transistor element receives a first polarity signal of a differential signal and drives a non-differential output of the RF buffer. A second transistor element receives a second polarity signal of the differential signal and drives the non-differential output of the RF buffer. The first and second transistor elements substantially simultaneously drive the non-differential output of the RF buffer.
US08098095B2
Disclosed herein is a power amplifier. The power amplifier includes N power amplification means, a transformer, and a harmonic elimination unit. Each of the N power amplification means amplifies an input signal into a predetermined level. The transformer includes N/2 primary windings respectively connected to the output terminals of the power amplification means and a secondary winding configured such that coil elements are connected in series between an output terminal and a ground, and sums power transmitted from the primary windings. The harmonic elimination unit is disposed across both ends of the secondary winding of the transformer, and eliminates the output of the harmonic frequencies of a preset frequency.
US08098094B2
An input stage for an instrumentation system may include a resistor coupled between an input terminal and a summing node, and an amplifier arranged to maintain the voltage at the summing node. In anther embodiment, an instrumentation input system may include an input stage to receive a signal to be measured, and a variable gain amplifier having an input coupled to an output of the input stage, wherein the variable gain amplifier comprises two or more gain stages. A variable gain amplifier may include an attenuator having an input and a series of tap points and a series of low-inertia switches to steer outputs from the attenuator to an output terminal.
US08098088B1
Switch circuits are disclosed, for providing a single-ended and a differentially switched high-voltage output signals by switching a high supply voltage in response to at least one logic-level control signal. The switch that provides the single-ended switched high-voltage output signal includes a chain of at least three serially coupled field effect transistors (FETs). The chain receives the high supply voltage and switches it to output the high-voltage output signal. The switch that provides the differentially switched high-voltage output signal includes two differentially coupled chains, each having at least three serially coupled FETs. The chains receive the high supply voltage and switch it to output the differential high-voltage output signal. A control/bias circuit provides a control voltage to at least one of the FETs in the chains, responsive to the control signal.
US08098086B2
Integrated circuit and programmable delay. One embodiment provides an integrated circuit including a programmable delay element having a plurality of single delay cells. The delay cells include a first input and a second input and a first output. The delay cells are arranged to form a chain such that the first output of a preceding delay cell is coupled to the second input of a successive delay cell. The first inputs of any delay cells are configured to receive an input signal to be delayed. The delay cells out of the plurality of delay cells is configured to constitute a starting point of a signal path including any of the delay cells arranged downstream of the starting point. The first output of the last delay cell in the chain forms an output of the programmable delay element.
US08098076B2
Apparatus for terminating a test signal applied to multiple semiconductor loads under test is described—for example apparatus for interfacing a test signal between a tester and a semiconductor device under test (DUT). In some examples, a probe card assembly may include at least one probe substrate each having test probes configured to contact test features of a DUT; a wiring substrate, coupled to the at least one probe substrate, having a connector configured for coupling with a source termination of a tester; a signal path formed on and/or in the wiring substrate and the at least one probe substrate, the signal path having a trace and trace stubs fanning out from the trace, an input of the trace being coupled to the connector and outputs of the trace stubs being coupled to the test probes; and a resistive termination coupled between the trace and at least one potential.
US08098075B2
An electronic apparatus includes a first power contact, a second power contact, and a control unit. The first power contact is electrically connected with an anode of a power supply source, and the second power contact is electrically connected with a cathode of the power supply source. The control unit electrically connects the first power contact and the second power contact for forming a signal transmission path and receiving the power generated by the power supply source. When the control unit is operated in a testing mode, the control unit operates in a working mode or a sleeping mode according to an instruction of a default instruction set for changing a current waveform signal transmitted over the signal transmission path, so as to achieve the purpose of providing a convenient and high-efficiency testing.
US08098073B2
An apparatus comprising a test termination card having a first set of connections and a second set of connections. The first set of connections may be configured to connect to a specific pinout of a device under test. The second set of connections may be configured to connect to a general pinout of a tester load board. The termination card may toggle between (a) connecting the first set of connectors to the second set of connectors to implement a first test type and (b) disconnecting the first set of connectors from the second set of connectors to implement a second test type.
US08098069B1
A closed container having a single opening is sealed by a plug fabricated from a self-sealing elastomer. Before insertion, the plug is transfixed with a tube to allow air to escape as the plug is pushed into the container. The plug and tube are then inserted into a container. After the plug has been seated in the container, the tube is withdrawn, allowing the self-sealing elastomeric material to close the canal formed by the tube and to form a hermetic seal.
US08098066B2
A magnetometric device for evaluating a physical parameter (D, K), comprising a circuit (1) which is sensitive to a magnetic field, a measurement circuit (2) and a magnetic field generator (3), the sensitive circuit (1) being subjected to a magnetic field which varies with the physical parameter to be measured and having an electrical characteristic which is evaluated by the measurement circuit and which varies as a function of the magnetic field. The field generator (3) is designed to reverse the polarity of the applied magnetic field, the evaluation of the physical parameter thus being able to be corrected of the parasitic influence of the terrestrial magnetic field.
US08098065B2
An economical, flexible, magnetostrictive sensor (MsS) probe assembly for use on longitudinal cylindrical structures, for guided-wave, volumetric inspection of the structures is described. The paired flexible plate MsS probes each include a flexible strip of magnetostrictive material that is positioned and/or adhered to the base of a generally flat, flexible, conductor coil assembly, preferably with an elastomeric adhesive. The conductor coil assembly has a core composed of a thin flexible layer of metal and a thin bendable permanent magnet circuit. The flexible core is surrounded by a flat flexible cable (FFC) that is folded and looped over the layers of the core. The exposed conductors at the ends of the FFC are shifted from each other by one conductor spacing and joined together so that the parallel conductors in the FFC form a flat, flexible, continuous coil. The probe assemblies may preferably be utilized in pairs and conformed to match the curved contours of the cylindrical surface of the structure under investigation in a manner that is specifically tailored for wire rope, cable, and anchor rod type applications.
US08098063B2
A sensor unit for use in sensing conditions in a pipeline comprises an untethered a ball-shaped surround adapted to roll along the interior surface of a pipeline, and instrument package within the ball-shaped surround. The package contains at least one magnetometer or accelerometer. Preferably, three magnetometers, arranged orthogonally, are present. Other sensors can also be present as required, such as an acoustic sensor to detect leaks and a temperature or chemical sensor. Recording means record the data acquired by the magnetometer(s) or accelerometer and the sensors, and optionally also record a timing trace.
US08098061B2
A linear position sensor having a transmitter coil which generates electromagnetic radiation when excited by a source of electrical energy and wound in a first direction. A receiver coil is contained within the transmitter coil and the receiver coil includes both a first loop wound in a first direction and a second loop wound in the opposite direction. A coupler element linearly moves along a first direction relative to the transmitter coil which varies the inductive coupling between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil as a function of the linear position of the coupler element to thereby vary the electrical output signal from the receiver coil when excited by the transmitter coil. The first and second loops of the receiver coil are linearly aligned with each other along the first direction.
US08098048B2
A battery charger containing circuitry including integrated cell balancing and automatic cell configuration determination is presented. The charger automatically adapts output current to different battery configurations. The charger also ensures that all the cells within a battery configuration are at roughly the same voltage.
US08098047B2
Lower order control devices control plural battery cells configuring plural battery modules. An input terminal of the low order control device in the highest potential, an output terminal of the low order control device in the lowest potential, and a high order control device are connected by isolating units, photocouplers. Diodes which prevent a discharge current of the battery cells in the battery modules are disposed between the output terminal of the low order control device and the battery cells in the battery module on the low potential side. Terminals related to input/output of a signal are electrically connected without isolating among the plural low order control devices.
US08098042B2
A charging system for a walking robot which charges a battery mounted on the walking robot by connecting a power supplying connector provided in a charging station to a power receiving connector in the walking robot, wherein the walking robot is capable of moving without significant restrictions during charging. The charging system includes a lock mechanism for locking the power supplying connector to the power receiving connector. A connector holder holds the power supplying connector detachably, an advancing/retracting mechanism advances and retracts the connector holder in the anteroposterior direction, and a lock operation mechanism performs a lock operation and an unlock operation of the lock mechanism via the connector holder. After an advance of the connector holder, the lock mechanism performs the lock operation to lock the power supplying connector to the power receiving connector. Thereafter, the connector holder is retracted out of the power supplying connector.
US08098037B2
A vehicle door opening-closing apparatus is provided, which includes a vibration detector and a controller. The controller acquires an envelope formed by connecting crests or troughs of a waveform of vibration detected by the vibration detection sensor. The controller determines whether or not a shape of the envelope meets a condition. A vehicle door is controlled based on a result of determination by the controller.
US08098031B2
The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for recirculating the energy produced during the braking of electric motors into a supply system. The object of the invention is to implement the feeding of the energy that can be obtained when braking electric motors to the supply system without the use of an isolating transformer. Said object is solved by a forward branch (3), comprising a rectifier (32) connected to the supply system (1). The rectifier is guided via a first intermediate circuit (33) to a first inverter (34) that is connected to the motor (2), and a backward branch (4), comprising a second intermediate circuit (42) connected to the output of the first intermediate circuit (33), wherein a second inverter (41) is connected to the second intermediate circuit, and the second inverter in turn is connected to the supply system (1) via a mains circuit (5). Each pole of the second intermediate circuit (42) is connected via a series connection of a current-compensated throttle (61, 62) and a diode (64, 65) to the output of the first intermediate circuit (33).
US08098026B2
The present invention is directed to an LED light system that comprises a control circuit that operates on a pair of 1.5 volt batteries but which generates an operational voltage in excess of 3.0 volts. The lighting system includes a boost circuit that raises the operational voltage of the system to 5.0 volts, and an output circuit connected to a plurality of LEDs that controls their function.
US08098024B1
A method, apparatus, and system for compensating for lamp lumen depreciation and providing selective discretionary lamp power adjustment, e.g., for lamp dimming. The method includes operating the lamp under rated wattage for a period towards the first part of operating life of the lamp. Operating wattage is increased at one or more later times. Energy savings are realized. The increases also restore at least some light lost by lamp lumen depreciation. The apparatus uses a timer to track operating time of the lamp. A few wattage changes made at spaced apart times can be made in a number of ways, including changing capacitance to the lamp, or using different taps on the lamp ballast. A component allows selective discretionary adjustment of electrical power or some other controlling factor to adjust light output (e.g. dim) the lamp.
US08098022B2
A circuit arrangement for operating at least one discharge lamp may include: a first and a second input terminal for connecting a supply voltage; an inverter, which includes at least one first switch and one second switch, which are coupled in series between the first and the second input terminal and between which a bridge center point is defined; a drive circuit for at least the first switch and the second switch with an input for receiving a control signal; an apparatus for generating an auxiliary voltage. The apparatus may include: a first capacitor; a terminal for the provision of the auxiliary voltage, which terminal is coupled to a reference potential via the first capacitor; a two-state controller with a first input to which the control signal in inverted form is coupled, a second input, which is coupled to the terminal for the provision of the auxiliary voltage, and an output; a switch—with a control electrode, a working electrode and a reference electrode, the control electrode being coupled to the output of the two-state controller, the working electrode being coupled to the terminal for the provision of the auxiliary voltage; and a nonreactive resistor; wherein the apparatus for generating the auxiliary voltage furthermore includes a transformer with a primary winding and a secondary winding, the transformer being coupled to the first and the second input terminal, the terminal for the provision of the auxiliary voltage and the switch-in such a way that a current through the switch results in a current through the primary winding, in a current through the secondary winding and therefore in charging of the first capacitor.
US08098016B2
An impedance matching device is provided with a basic element having variable characteristic parameters for impedance matching, and an auxiliary element having variable characteristic parameters. At the time of generating plasma by using the impedance matching device, the characteristic parameters of the basic element of each antenna element are fixed, respectively, and the characteristic parameters of the auxiliary element are adjusted for each antenna element. Thus, in an adjusted status where impedance matching for each antenna element is adjusted, each antenna element of an antenna array is fed with a high frequency signal, an electromagnetic wave is radiated from the antenna element, the characteristic parameters of the basic element of each antenna element are synchronized and adjusted, and the impedances of the whole antenna array are matched.
US08098015B2
A lamp operation device includes a mode setting part that sets an operation mode for lamps, and a lamp operation part that controls switching between the lamps in accordance with the set operation mode. The lamp operation part includes a process corresponding to a manual switching mode in which a lamp selected by a user is set as an illumination lamp, and a process corresponding to an automatic switching mode in which the plurality of lamps is automatically set in sequence as an illumination lamp. In the automatic switching mode, after one lamp has been set as the illumination lamp, cumulative illuminating time (amount of change) of the lamp is measured. Then, the illumination lamp is switched to the other lamp, depending on whether a measurement result has exceeded predetermined threshold time.
US08098014B2
There is provided a mercury-free arc tube for a discharge lamp unit. The mercury-free arc tube includes a plurality of electrodes and a sealed chamber including a metal halide and a starting rare gas enclosed in the sealed chamber. A clearness index value P2·W/ρ is equal to or greater than about 800, where ρ denotes a density (mg/cm3) of the enclosed metal halide, P denotes a pressure (atmospheres) of the enclosed starting rare gas, and W denotes a maximum input power (watts) input to the sealed chamber through the electrodes.
US08098011B2
Phosphor layer arrangement for use with light emitting diodes. In an aspect, a light emitting diode apparatus is provided that includes a least one light emitting diode, an encapsulation covering the at least one light emitting diode, a lens having a phosphor layer formed upon a bottom surface, the lens positioned to cover at least part of the encapsulation, and an air gap between the phosphor layer and the encapsulation. In an aspect, a light emitting diode lamp is provided that includes a package, a least one light emitting diode, an encapsulation covering the at least one light emitting diode, a lens having a phosphor layer formed upon a bottom surface, wherein the lens is positioned to cover at least part of the encapsulation, and an air gap between the phosphor layer and the encapsulation.
US08098003B2
According to one embodiment, a light-emitting module includes a module substrate, a reflective layer, conductive layers, a light-emitting element, and a sealing member. A reflective layer is provided on a surface of an insulating layer of the module substrate, and the conductive layers are provided in the vicinity of the reflective layer. Further, the light-emitting element is provided on the reflective layer. Moreover, the translucent sealing member has translucency and bury the reflective layer, the conductive layers, and the light-emitting element. The ratio of the area occupied by the reflective layer and the conductive layers to the sealed region sealed by the sealing member is equal to or greater than 80%.
US08097994B2
There is provided a vehicle AC generator in which the contact face of at least one of a pair of cases that make contact with the respective axis-direction end faces of a stator core is provided with a cooling air path that connects the outer circumferential surface of a coil end portion with the outer circumferential surface of the stator core and has an opening in the axis direction at the outer circumferential surface of the stator core so that the coolability of the coil end portions of the stator coil is raised, and the amount of cooling air is increased so that the overall coolability of the AC generator is improved.
US08097992B2
The present invention has an object to provide an integrated electric compressor further downsized. An inverter control apparatus comprises: a power board 16 converting a direct current supplied from a high voltage power supply to an alternating current and applying it to a motor; and a control circuit board 15 controlling the application of the alternating current to the motor, wherein the power board 16 and the control circuit board 15 respectively have tall components 28 and 52 surface-mounted on one surfaces, which are relatively taller than components on the other surfaces, and the one surfaces face each other. The tall components 28 and 52 of the power board 16 and the control circuit board 15 are placed facing each other without interfering with each other in projection directions thereof.
US08097991B2
A reciprocating vibration generator of a structure enabling force of a reciprocating vibrating body striking a coil to be absorbed by magnetic fluid even if an external impact force is applied, that is, a reciprocating vibration generator provided in a case body 100 with an upper plate spring 40 and a lower plate spring 50 for supporting a ring-shaped weight 20 having a ring-shaped permanent magnet 30 comprised of a combination of semi-ring-shaped permanent magnets 30R, 30L at its inner circumference side so as to be able to reciprocally vibrate in a vertical direction and a cylindrical excitation coil 60 passing through the inside of the ring-shaped permanent magnet 30 in the vertical direction and generating a reciprocating vibrating magnetic field, wherein the semi-ring-shaped permanent magnets 30R, 30L are magnetized in a direction spanning the inner circumferential surface and outer circumferential surface, the inner circumferential surface and top and bottom end faces of the semi-ring-shaped permanent magnet 30R, 30L are covered by magnetic fluid F, and a gap between the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface of the excitation coil 60 is filled with magnetic fluid F.
US08097984B2
An inductive power supply system to identify remote devices using unique identification frequencies. The system includes an AIPS and a tank circuit capable of inductively providing power to a remote device at different frequencies, and a sensor for sensing the reflected impedance of the remote device at tank circuit. The system further includes a plurality of different remote devices, each having a unique resonance frequency. In operation, the AIPS is capable of identifying the type of remote device present in the inductive field by applying power to a remote device at a plurality of unique identification frequencies until the remote device establishes resonance in response to one of the identification frequencies. The AIPS includes a controller that recognizes when resonance has been established by evaluating sensor data, which is representative of the reflected impedance of the remote device. Once the identity of a remote device is determined, the AIPS may pull operating parameters for the remove device from memory to ensure efficient operation and to assist in recognizing fault conditions.
US08097981B2
An AC/DC power converter which charges a secondary battery from an AC power supply and also converts power from the secondary battery to the AC voltage is provided. A capacitor C is connected to DC terminals of the four reverse-conductive type semiconductor switches in a single-phase bridge structure, and a secondary battery is connected via a DC inductance to the semiconductor switches. The semiconductor switches are connected via an AC inductance L with an AC power supply and opposing pairs of the semiconductor switches are alternately turned ON/OFF in synchronization with the phase of the supply voltage. When an AC power supply with a frequency which is lower than the resonance frequency of the LC is connected, the switching will be carried out in a zero-voltage-zero-current condition and AC/DC reversible power conversion is possible just through the control of the gate phase of the switches.
US08097980B2
A method and apparatus is provided for using a renewable source of energy such as solar, wind or geothermal energy. The method includes generating electric energy from a renewable form of energy at a plurality of locations at which reside an electric power line associated with an electric power grid. The electric energy generated at each location is transferred to the electric power line to thereby supply electric energy to the electric power grid.
US08097979B2
A device includes a plurality of voltage regulators, and a test module. Each of the voltage regulators are configured to provide a regulated voltage to one of a plurality of subsystems. The test module is in communication with the voltage regulators, and is configured to perform a subsystem component inventory for each of the subsystems at a start of a power-on self-test of the device, to determine a configuration of the device. The test module is also configured to capture first voltage data for the subsystems during an idle operation, to capture second voltage data for the subsystems during a stressed operation, and to set a voltage set point for each of the regulated voltages provided by one of the voltage regulators based on the subsystem component inventory, a power requirement table, or the first and second voltage data.
US08097974B2
A vehicular electric power source controller that controls the electrification of an electrical load mounted in a vehicle includes: a first electrical load that are a portion of the electrical load mounted in the vehicle; a second electrical load that are electrified preferentially over first electrical loads when a vehicle is parked; an electric power source-switching ECU, an ACC relay and an IG relay that switch not only the electrification of the first electrical load to but also the electrification of the second electrical load; and an electric power source management ECU, a parked state ACC relay and a parked state IG relay that switch the electrification of only the second electrical load. The vehicular electric power source controller curbs wasteful electricity consumption while operating an electrical load that is used while the vehicle is parked.
US08097971B2
In a wind turbine generator system including an AC exciting converter a grid side converter, and a controller configured to control the AC-exciting converter and the grid side converter, the controller operates a short-circuiting circuit when decrease in the grid voltage and increase in the DC voltage are detected.
US08097969B2
A control system of a vehicle comprises a current estimation module, a current sensor, and a current diagnostic module. The current estimation module determines an estimated output current of a generator of the vehicle based on an engine speed when the generator is operating in a steady-state condition. The current sensor measures an output current of the generator. The current diagnostic module diagnoses a condition of the current sensor based on the estimated output current and the measured output current.
US08097966B2
A film frame aligner for automatically aligning a film frame includes a film frame support, a film frame pusher for pushing the film frame, and a film frame location mechanism for locating at least one notch in the film frame.
US08097963B1
An IC package including one or more z-axis interconnects for performing at least in part the fan-in/fan out interconnection for electrically coupling contacts of semiconductor die to external contacts of the package. The z-axis interconnect comprises a matrix of electrically conducting elements extending from the top to the bottom surface of the interconnect. Each conductive element is internally insulated from other conductive elements of the matrix. The semiconductor contacts may be electrically coupled to separate portions of the matrix by way of electrical connections to the top of the z-axis interconnect. Similarly, the external contacts of the package may be electrically coupled to the same separate portions of the matrix by way electrical connections to the bottom of the interconnect. The z-axis interconnect improves the miniaturization, integration, thermal and electrical performance of IC packages. The z-axis interconnect need not be limited to IC package applications, but may be used to electrically interconnect other configurations.
US08097947B2
Methods and apparatus for eliminating wire sweep and shorting while avoiding the use of under-bump metallization and high cost attendant to the use of conventional redistribution layers. An anisotropically conductive (z-axis) conductive layer in the form of a film or tape is applied to an active surface of a die and used as a base for conductive redistribution bumps formed on the anisotropically conductive layer, bonded to ends of conductive columns thereof and wire bonded to bond pads of the die. Packages so formed may be connected to substrates either with additional wire bonds extending from the conductive redistribution bumps to terminal pads or by flip-chip bonding using conductive bumps formed on the conductive redistribution bumps to connect to the terminal pads. The acts of the methods may be performed at the wafer level. Semiconductor die assemblies may be formed using the methods.
US08097939B2
The semiconductor memory card related to the present invention is arranged with a plurality of semiconductor memory packages, a controller chip which controls the plurality of semiconductor memory packages, and a substrate mounted with the plurality of semiconductor chips on one surface and the controller chip mounted on the other surface corresponding to a position in which the external force of the first surface is concentrated.
US08097928B2
A solid-state imaging device having a light-receiving section that photoelectrically converts incident light includes an insulating film formed on a light-receiving surface of the light-receiving section and a film and having negative fixed charges formed on the insulating film. A hole accumulation layer is formed on a light-receiving surface side of the light-receiving section. A peripheral circuit section in which peripheral circuits are formed is provided on a side of the light-receiving section. The insulating film is formed between a surface of the peripheral circuit section and the film having negative fixed charges such that a distance from the surface of the peripheral circuit section to the film having negative fixed charges is larger than a distance from a surface of the light-receiving section to the film having negative fixed charges.
US08097923B2
A non-volatile memory cell includes a program transistor and a control capacitor. A portion of a substrate associated with the program transistor is exposed to multiple implantations (such as DNW, HiNWell, HiPWell, and P-well implantations). Similarly, a portion of the substrate associated with the control capacitor is exposed to multiple implantations (such as DNW, HiNWell, HiPWell, P-well, and N-well implantations). These portions of the substrate may have faster oxidation rates than other portions of the substrate, allowing a thicker front-end gate oxide to be formed over these portions of the substrate. In addition, a rapid thermal process anneal can be performed, which may reduce defects in the front-end gate oxide and increase its quality without having much impact on the oxide over the other portions of the substrate.
US08097921B2
A semiconductor device includes a high-breakdown-voltage transistor having a semiconductor layer. The semiconductor layer has an element portion and a wiring portion. The element portion has a first wiring on a front side of the semiconductor layer and a backside electrode on a back side of the semiconductor layer. The element portion is configured as a vertical transistor that causes an electric current to flow in a thickness direction of the semiconductor layer between the first wiring and the backside electrode. The backside electrode is elongated to the wiring portion. The wiring portion has a second wiring on the front side of the semiconductor layer. The wiring portion and the backside electrode provide a pulling wire that allows the electric current to flow to the second wiring.
US08097920B2
An electro static discharge protection element being formed by a diode including a well region of a first conductivity type on a surface of a semiconductor substrate, and a first diffusion layer of a second conductivity type in the well region. The first diffusion layer is surrounded by a second diffusion layer of the first conductivity type in the well region. The first diffusion layer has a surface on which a first contact region connected to an input/output terminal is formed. The first diffusion layer has a surface on which a second contact region connected to a reference voltage terminal is formed.
US08097919B2
An electronic device includes a drift layer having a first conductivity type, a buffer layer having a second conductivity type, opposite the first conductivity type, on the drift layer and forming a P−N junction with the drift layer, and a junction termination extension region having the second conductivity type in the drift layer adjacent the P−N junction. The buffer layer includes a step portion that extends over a buried portion of the junction termination extension. Related methods are also disclosed.
US08097903B2
A semiconductor memory device comprises a semiconductor substrate; a memory block formed on the semiconductor substrate and including plural stacked cell array layers of cell arrays each comprising a plurality of first lines, a plurality of second lines crossing the plurality of first lines, and memory cells connected at intersections of the first and second lines between both lines; and a plurality of contacts extending in the stack direction of the cell array layers and connecting the first lines in the cell arrays with diffusion regions formed on the semiconductor substrate. A certain one of the cell array layers is smaller in the number of the first lines divided and the number of contacts connected than the cell array layers in a lower layer located closer to the semiconductor substrate than the certain one.
US08097902B2
A programmable metallization memory cell that has an apertured insulating layer comprising at least one aperture therethrough positioned between the active electrode and the inert electrode. Superionic clusters are present within the at least one aperture, and may extend past the at least one aperture. Also, methods for making a programmable metallization memory cell are disclosed.
US08097892B2
A light-emitting diode (10) has a main light-extracting surface and includes a compound semiconductor layer (13) including semiconductor layers (130 to 135), a light-emitting part (12) contained in the compound semiconductor layer, a light-emitting layer (133) contained in the light-emitting part, a transparent substrate (14) joined to the compound semiconductor layer, and first and second electrodes (15, 16) of opposite polarities formed on the main light-extracting surface on the side opposite the transparent substrate. The second electrode is formed at a position on the portion of the compound semiconductor layer exposed by removing the semiconductor layers (132 to 134) and has the periphery thereof enclosed with the semiconductor layers. The main light-extracting surface has an external shape having the largest width of 0.8 mm or more.
US08097890B2
An image sensor having a plurality of micro-lenses disposed on a semiconductor substrate. A first micro-lens has a different focal length, height, shape, curvature, thickness, etc., than a second micro-lens. The image sensor may be back side illuminated or front side illuminated.
US08097888B2
A package carrier suitable for carrying at least one light emitting device and at least one light receiving device includes a carrier substrate and a metal sheet. The carrier substrate includes a first carrying area and a second carrying area. The light emitting device is disposed in the first carrying area and the light receiving device is disposed in the second carrying area. The metal sheet is disposed in the carrier substrate and located between the first carrying area and the second carrier area, for blocking optical signal transmission between the light emitting device and the light receiving device.
US08097884B2
A semiconductor device having high operating performance and reliability, and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. An LDD region 207 provided in an n-channel TFT 302 forming a driving circuit enhances the tolerance for hot carrier injection. LDD regions 217-220 provided in an n-channel TFT (pixel TFT) 304 forming a pixel portion greatly contribute to the decrease in the OFF current value. Here, the LDD region of the n-channel TFT of the driving circuit is formed such that the concentration of the n-type impurity element becomes higher as the distance from an adjoining drain region decreases.
US08097881B2
An oxide semiconductor thin film transistor substrate includes a gate line and a gate electrode disposed on an insulating substrate, an oxide semiconductor pattern disposed adjacent to the gate electrode, a data line electrically insulated from the gate line, the data line and the gate line defining a display region, a first opening exposing a surface of the data line, a second opening exposing a surface of the oxide semiconductor pattern, and a drain electrode disposed on the first opening and a drain electrode pad, the drain electrode extending from the first opening to the second opening and electrically connecting the drain electrode pad and the oxide semiconductor pattern.
US08097879B2
The present invention relates to a light emitting diode (100, 109), comprising at least one p-doped structure, a plurality of n-doped zinc-oxide (ZnO) nanowires (104) arranged on the at least one p-doped structure, thereby forming a plurality of p-n junctions (107a, 107b), an insulating structure (105) arranged among the plurality of ZnO-nanowires (104), to electrically separate the plurality of p-n junctions (107a, 107b), and a transparent conductive layer (106), arranged on the at least one insulating structure (105) and in electrical contact with the plurality of ZnO-nanowires (104), to enable application of a voltage over the plurality of p-n junctions (107a, 107b), thereby enabling emission of light. An advantage with the above light emitting diode (100, 109) is its improved broadband spectral distribution. Furthermore, as ZnO-nanowires (104) are used, it is possible to achieve a high brightness.
US08097870B2
A memory cell that includes a memory element configured for switching from a first data state to a second data state by passage of current therethrough. The memory cell includes a top electrode and a bottom electrode for providing the current through the memory cell, and an alignment element positioned at least between the top electrode and the top surface of the memory element, the alignment element having an electrically conductive body tapering from the top electrode to the top surface of the memory element. Methods for forming the memory cell are also described.
US08097869B2
A diversity proximity communication system formed on two juxtaposed chips, one having a two-dimensional array of transmit elements, the other having a two-dimensional array of receive elements. The receive and transmit elements need not be aligned and may have nominal alignment of one transmit element overlapping the corners of four receive elements. The elements may be electrical pads capacitively coupled across the interface. Signals of four different multiplexing groups, e.g., time-multiplexed, are supplied to transmitting elements in a 2×2 array. Signals from four receive elements in a 2×2 array are amplified, combined, and demultiplexed for the selected multiplexing group. The gains for the four signals to be combined are differentially controlled to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. The amplification may be determined by the overlap between each of the receive elements and the transmit element of the selected multiplexing group.
US08097868B2
A galvanic optocoupler of the type monolithically integrated on a silicon substrate and having at least one luminous source and a photodetector interfaced by means of a galvanic insulation layer. The photodetector can be a phototransistor realized in the silicon substrate, and the galvanic insulation layer (40) is a passivation layer of this phototransistor. The luminous source, above the galvanic insulation layer includes an integrated LED having a first and second polysilicon layer with function of cathode and anode, respectively, these first and second layers enclosing at least one light emitter layer, in particular a silicon oxide layer enriched with silicon (SRO). An integration process of a galvanic optocoupler thus made, in particular in BCD3s technology is provided.
US08097863B2
There is provided a mode-locked laser including: a resonator having a pair of resonance mirrors; a solid-state laser medium, disposed in the resonator and outputting oscillating light due to excitation light being incident thereon; an excitation unit that causes the excitation light to be incident on the solid-state laser medium; a mode-locked element, disposed in the resonator for inducing mode locking; and a temperature adjusting unit that adjusts the temperature of the pair of resonance mirrors such that oscillating light of a specific frequency is output from the resonator.
US08097862B2
Fluorescence detection utilizes surface plasmon. The intensity of scattered light, which is substantially proportionate to the intensity of an electric field enhancing field generated on a metal film, is employed, to normalize and correct the intensity of fluorescence emitted by fluorescent labels with respect to the intensity of the electric field enhancing field.
US08097859B2
An oxygen concentration measuring device is provided for determining an oxygen concentration of a gas in a sample volume. The device includes an optical device configured for irradiating the sample volume containing oxygen with a first UV radiation intensity, at least one wavelength of which is close to a spectral absorption line of oxygen, a magnetic field generator configured for applying a magnetic field at the sample volume, and a UV light detector configured for measuring a second UV radiation intensity coming from the sample volume. The oxygen concentration in the sample volume is determined on the basis of the applied magnetic field and the measured second UV radiation intensity.
US08097857B2
This application relates to an apparatus and method for providing snapshot action thermal infrared imaging within automated process control article inspection applications. More specifically, it pertains to the use of snapshot mode lead salt area-array imaging sensors (20) as the imaging front-end in high-speed machine vision inspection systems (12). the relatively low-cost, good measurement sensitivity at temperatures consistent with thereto-electric cooling means, and the ability to be operated in snap-shot mode enables lead salt-based image acquisition sensors (20) to be used in a variety of automated process control and article inspection applications.
US08097855B2
Methods and systems for detecting the presence of concealed objects that can be utilized at locations where conventional methods cannot be utilized are disclosed. One embodiment of the method of these teachings for detecting the presence of concealed objects uses thermal radiation of a body as a source of radiation. Other embodiments include portable and handheld systems, devices, methods, and apparatus to determine the presence of a concealed object.
US08097850B2
To improve thermal insulation, a thermal infrared sensing element is carried on a sensor mount of a porous material and is spaced upwardly from a substrate by means of anchor studs projecting on the substrate. The sensor mount is formed with a pair of coplanar beams carry thereon leads extending from the sensing element. The leads and the beams are secured to the upper ends of the anchor studs to hold the sensing element at a predetermined height above the substrate. The beams and the leads are combined with each other by intermolecular adhesion such that the sensing element as well as the sensor mount can be altogether supported to the anchor studs.
US08097849B2
The present invention provides an electron microscope device 1, comprising a scanning electron microscope 2 and an optical microscope 3, wherein the scanning electron microscope has scanning means 10 for scanning an electron beam and an electron detector 12 for detecting electrons issued from a specimen 8 scanned by the electron beam, and the scanning electron microscope acquires a scanning electron image based on a detection result from the electron detector, wherein the optical microscope projects an illumination light to the specimen, receives a reflection light from the specimen and acquires an optical image, and wherein an optical axis 7 of the scanning electron microscope crosses an optical axis 6 of the optical microscope at a point of observation of the specimen, wherein the scanning means projects the electron beam for scanning with a scanning width wider than a width of a scanning area, the optical microscope projects an illumination light and acquires an optical image in an overrunning portion where the electron beam is projected beyond the scanning area, and the scanning electron microscope acquires a scanning electron image based on electrons issued when the electron beam scans over the scanning area.
US08097848B2
In a VP-SEM that uses gas multiplication induced within a low-vacuum sample chamber and uses a method of detecting a positive displacement current, a secondary electron detector for the VP-SEM that responds at high speed, which can acquire a TV-Scan rate image at a low cost while saving a space is provided. A secondary electron detector is formed by forming the electron supplying electrode and the detection electrode on the flexible thin film type substrate such as a polyimide film, etc., by an etching method. Thereby, the space can be saved while realizing low cost due to mass production. Further, the ion horizontally moving with respect to the surface of the secondary electron detector is detected and the ion moving in a vertical direction returned to the sample holder is not detected, making it possible to realize a high-speed response.
US08097835B2
A temperature control circuit includes a microprocessor, a protection module, a temperature detecting module, and a heating module. The temperature detecting module includes a thermistor and a first switch. The thermistor is operable to sense a temperature to turn on or off the first switch for outputting a detection signal to the microprocessor and the protection module. The protection module is operable to control the microprocessor to work or reset according to the detection signal. The heating module includes a heater and a second switch. The microprocessor controls the second switch to turn on or off for making the heater work or stop working according to the detection signal.
US08097832B2
A heating device for an article specially worn in the water activities includes a magnetic unit, a power source unit, an inductive unit, a control unit, a heating unit, and a display unit. In this device, the magnetic unit is to generate a magnetic output. The power source unit is to provide a power source needed by the device. The inductive unit, induced by the magnetic force of the magnetic unit, generates an inductive signal output. The control unit, electrically connected to the power source unit and the inductive unit, generates a control signal output by receiving an inductive signal output from the inductive unit. The heating unit is electrically connected to the control unit and is driven by the control signal output from the control unit to process a heating procedure. The display unit is electrically connected to the control unit and is driven by the control signal output from the control unit to display various statuses of the heating device, for example, actuation, shutdown or values of temperature.
US08097827B2
A method for soldering or hybridizing two components including preparing, on opposing surfaces of the components to be welded or hybridized, a wettability surface, depositing on one of the wettability surfaces an appropriate quantity of solder material, constituting a soldering or hybridizing dot, contacting the wettability surfaces of the components with the solder material deposited, then raising the temperature of the chamber in which the components are positioned, to at least the melting point of the solder material in order to ensure the effective soldering or hybridizing of the two components together by a remelt effect. At least one of the components is in contact with a conducting track having another quantity of solder material that constitutes a sacrificial dot, having a contact area with the at least one component that is higher than that of the solder quantity that constitutes the soldering or hybridizing dot.
US08097822B2
A light emitting key structure is provided. The key structure includes a base, a reflective sheet, a circuit board, an elastic member, a linkage mechanism, and a key cap sequentially disposed one on another in order. The reflective sheet is disposed on the base. The circuit board is made of a light guide material. At least one light source is bonded to a lateral side of the circuit board. The circuit board, together with the light source bonded to the lateral side thereof is disposed on the reflective sheet. The elastic member is directly coupled to the circuit board. The key cap is featured with a light transmission characteristic. Therefore, in operation, the light emitted from the light source can be directly guided into the circuit board, and then outputted from the light transmissive key cap, thus achieving the light emitting effect.
US08097820B2
A method of controlling a scale in connection with to a carrier of pourable bulk materials. The scale involved has a control with a display and control buttons. Upon a first press of a first control button, the system is transitioned into a “tare” mode and displays a base, or tare, value. Upon a second press of the first control button, generally after unloading some or all of the load, the difference in weight from the first press is saved to a storage medium, and a value displayed representing the weight of bulk material in the container at that time. The method may also include the pressing of a Zero button to zero the scale before the carrier is first loaded.
US08097819B2
An improved structure for a wire outlet cover, arranged at a sidewall of a carton receiving a network wire, includes a body and a collar. The body has a hollow cylindrical shape and includes an inlet end and an outlet end, wherein the body is, at the outlet end, provided with plural stop blocks, and wherein the body is, near the outlet end, provided with a stop flange. The collar has a hollow annular shape and is, at its internal edge, provided with plural axially-extended edges. The collar is assembled to the rear body, with the plural axially-extended edges stopped by the plural stop blocks, such that the collar and the stop flange are spaced apart for a predetermined distance for receiving the sidewall of the carton. Therefore, the network wire will not be twisted when entering into the wire outlet cover nor be twisted around the inlet end.
US08097816B2
A method of producing an electronic device includes a holding of a circuit board and a decoration sheet in a cavity of a mold, and a filling and solidifying of thermosetting resin in the cavity. A casing is molded by the solidified thermosetting resin so as to seal electronic parts and a first face of the circuit board having the electronic parts. Further, the decoration sheet is integrated with the casing by the solidified thermosetting resin. An outer surface of the casing is defined by a second face of the circuit board opposite from the first face and the decoration sheet.
US08097815B2
The invention provides a printed circuit board capable of mounting BGA or other IC package of narrow terminal interval by using through-holes of conventional size. On one principal surface of printed circuit board (1), soldering lands (2a), (2b), (2c), and (2d) for connecting solder balls are disposed in lattice. Central point (B) of through-hole (3) is set eccentric to the side of soldering land (2a) at the same potential as through-hole (3), remote from intersection (A) formed by diagonal line (200ab) linking soldering lands (2a) and (2b) and diagonal line (200cd) linking soldering lands (2c) and (2d).
US08097812B2
A flexible pixel array substrate includes a flexible base, at least one first driving transistor, at least one second driving transistor and at least one pixel electrode. The first driving transistor is disposed on the flexible base and has a first current channel. The second driving transistor is disposed on the flexible base and has a second current channel. The first current channel is not parallel to the second current channel. The pixel electrode is disposed on the flexible base. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to first driving transistor. The pixel electrode is electrically connected to the second driving transistor. In addition, a flexible display applying the flexible pixel array substrate is also provided. Besides, another flexible pixel array substrate and another flexible display applying the same are also provided.
US08097804B1
A cable protection system protects a cable, such as an insulated conductor, data line, fluid or gas conduit, power cord, communication line or the like. The cable passes through a pair of ferrules that are separated by a segment of the cable. A protective jacket made of braided metal strands or the like encloses the ferrules and the cable segment and is held in place to the ferrules by jacket securing means. In one embodiment, support collars surround a portion of the braided jacket and a portion of each ferrule so that the braided jacket is securely held between each ferrule and support collar combination when a loading force, such as a gravitational loading or suspension force, is applied to the cable segment, typically in an axial orientation. The braided jacket has a diameter that constricts when an axial loading force is applied, protecting the cable segment from damaging stress by gripping the ferrules and the cable segment. A generally even compressive force can be applied along the cable length in some embodiments, which prevents undesirable stretching or other damage to the cable segment.
US08097800B2
An apparatus for signal processing, wherein a disc is placed on a turntable and is provided with a groove which can be followed by the pick-up element, and employing a time-code signal wherein during use of the disc the said time-code signal controls the digital audio source.
US08097798B2
The finger-mounted striking devices described herein are for use on stringed musical instruments, in particular for but not limited to electric or acoustic bass instruments. The paired devices consist of elongated cylindrical wooden shafts of differing length. The offset in length allows the striking tips to be effectively even when worn as intended on the index and middle fingers. The striking tip of each shaft contains a permanently embedded weight to accelerate the transfer of finger movement to the shaft tip. The mechanism for attaching the elongated shaft to each finger is an adjustable metal ring permanently attached to the shaft end opposite the striking tip. An upward-sloped fingertip rest is provided forward of the ring. The entire body of each elongated shaft and the integral metal ring are encased in an elastomeric coating that prevents scratching of the instrument surface during use by the devices and seals the metal ring against corrosion from moisture. Additional layers of elastomer coating are added to the striking tip to eliminate impact damage to the outer windings of instrument strings.
US08097796B1
A novel maize variety designated PHHAR and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHHAR with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHHAR through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHHAR or a trait conversion of PHHAR with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHHAR, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHHAR and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods.
US08097795B1
A novel maize variety designated PHEDM and seed, plants and plant parts thereof. Methods for producing a maize plant that comprise crossing maize variety PHEDM with another maize plant. Methods for producing a maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into PHEDM through backcross conversion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part produced thereby. Hybrid maize seed, plant or plant part produced by crossing the variety PHEDM or a trait conversion of PHEDM with another maize variety. Inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHEDM, methods for producing other inbred maize varieties derived from maize variety PHEDM and the inbred maize varieties and their parts derived by the use of those methods.
US08097780B1
According to the invention, there is provided a novel soybean variety designated XB43L09. This invention thus relates to the seeds of soybean variety XB43L09, to the plants of soybean XB43L09 to plant parts of soybean variety XB43L09 and to methods for producing a soybean plant produced by crossing plants of the soybean variety XB43L09 with another soybean plant, using XB43L09 as either the male or the female parent.
US08097778B2
The present invention is directed to nucleic acid molecules and nucleic acid constructs, and other agents associated with fatty acid synthesis, particularly the ratios of saturated and unsaturated fats. Moreover, the present invention is directed to plants incorporating such agents where the plants exhibit altered ratios of saturated and unsaturated fats. In particular, the present invention is directed to plants incorporating such agents where the plants exhibit altered ratios of monounsaturated to polyunsaturated fatty acids.
US08097767B2
The present invention relates to absorbent articles which include one or more components that have been treated with a hydrophobic surface coating intended to render such components impermeable to liquids having relatively low surface tensions.
US08097763B2
An aromatic compound, particularly benzene, is stably produced in the presence of a catalyst from a lower hydrocarbon having 2 or more carbon atoms, particularly from an ethane-containing gas composition such as ethane gas and natural gas. Disclosed is a process for producing an aromatic compound by reacting ethane or an ethane-containing raw gas in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst may comprise molybdenum carried on metallosilicate such as H-type ZSM-5H or H-type MCM-22. In the reaction, the temperature is from 550 to 750° C., preferably not lower than 600° C. and not higher than 680° C. Additionally, the raw gas further contains methane and hydrogen is added thereto, thereby improving the production efficiency and stability.
US08097761B2
A method for producing a composition containing carotenoid at a content of 80% or greater, characterized in performing extraction on a culture of a microorganism, a concentrate of the culture, or a dried substance thereof with at least one selected from the group consisting of lower alcohols, water-containing lower alcohols, lower dialkylketones and ethers; and then washing a precipitate, obtained by concentrating the extract solution, with at least one selected from the group consisting of lower alcohols, water-containing lower alcohols, hydrocarbon-based solvents and lower dialkylketones; and food, a pharmaceutical composition or a cosmetic substance comprising the carotenoid-containing composition.
US08097744B2
The disclosure herein relates to organofunctional silanes and mixtures of organofunctional silanes possessing mercaptan and hydrocarbyl and/or heterocarbyl functionality. These silanes reduce or eliminate the generation of volatile organic compounds (VOC's) during use, aid in the processing of filled elastomeric materials and enhance the end-use properties of the filled elastomer. The present disclosure relates to a free flowing filler composition comprising these silanes.
US08097736B2
The present invention is directed to a method for the manufacture of stable lactide particles, more specifically lactide particles which are stable enough to be stored and transported at room temperature and have a quality high enough for use as starting material for polylactic acid. The lactide particles are obtained via a flaking process, comprising the contacting of a continuous flow of molten lactide with a surface on which the lactide solidifies and subsequently is removed from said surface.
US08097735B2
Methods of adding substituents to a benzodithiophene are disclosed. A benzodithiophene is reacted with a reagent to directly add the substituent to the benzene core of the benzodithiophene. This method eliminates steps from prior process and eliminates the need for hydrogenation, allowing for a safer and more scaleable process. The resulting benzodithiophenes are suitable for use in semiconductor polymers and have no loss of performance.
US08097731B2
A composition comprising: (A) a lubricant, and (B) at least one alcohol that is the reaction product of mercaptobenzothiazoles, mercaptothiazolines, or mercaptobenzimidazoles with various epoxies.
US08097725B2
The present invention relates to a chemical compound that has applications as a luminescent indicator dye, and to an optical sensor, typically employed for determination of near-neutral pH values of aqueous samples. The optical sensor has particular application in the pH determination of body liquids such as, for example, blood, plasma and serum.
US08097724B2
A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) such as 2(R)-4-oxo-4-[3-(trifluoromethyl)-5,6-dihydro[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-a]-7(8H)-pyrazinyl]-1-(2,4,5-trifluorophenyl)-2-butanamine, or a salt thereof, in the anhydrous or hydrated form, either as a mixture of enantiomers, or as a single (R) or (S) enantiomer, comprising the conversion of a compound of formula (II), or a salt thereof, either as a single (R) or (S) enantiomer or as a mixture thereof wherein X is hydrogen, hydroxy, C1-C8 alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, aryl, amino, N3 or halogen; into a compound of formula (I), and if desired, the separation of a single enantiomer of formula (I) from the racemic mixture, and/or, if desired, the conversion of a compound of formula (I) into a salt thereof, or vice versa.
US08097721B2
Polyionic liquid salts are provided comprising polycationic or polyanionic molecules. Further provided are solvents comprising one or more polyionic liquid salts, and the use of such polyionic liquid salts as stationary phases in gas chromatography, and as a reagent in electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS).
US08097720B2
Process for the synthesis of ivabradine of formula (I): and addition salts thereof with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid.
US08097719B2
The present invention relates to novel crystalline form of (4-Nitrobenzyl (4R,5S,6S)-(3-{(3S,5S)-5-[(dimethylamino)carbonyl]-1-[(4-nitrophenoxy)carbonxyl]pyrrolidin-3-yl}thio-6-[(1R)-1-hydorxyehtyl]-4-methyl-7-oxo-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0].hept-2-ene-2-carboxylate) of compound Formula I as well as an improved process for the preparation of meropenem trihydrate of compound Formula II wherein, PNB represent P-nitro benzyl group and PNZ represent P-nitrobenzyloxycarbonyl group.
US08097705B2
Disclosed in the present invention are antibodies that specifically recognize and antagonize human TSLP receptor, and methods of employing these antibodies to treat or ameliorate diseases or disorder mediated by TSLP signaling.
US08097703B2
The present disclosure provides isolated monoclonal antibodies, particularly human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind to CD19 with high affinity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding such CD19 antibodies, expression vectors, host cells and methods for expressing the CD19 antibodies are also provided. Immunoconjugates, bispecific molecules and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the CD19 antibodies are also provided. Methods for detecting CD19, as well as methods for treating various B cell malignancies, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, are disclosed.
US08097693B2
The present invention provides a method for producing a high-quality nonconductive or semi-conductive seamless (jointless) tubular polyimide film in a simple, efficient, and economical manner, and the like. More specifically, the invention relates to an electrically non-conductive or electrically semi-conductive seamless tubular polyimide film comprising polyimide having at least two aromatic tetracarboxylic acid derivatives comprising 15 to 55 mol % of asymmetric aromatic tetracarboxylic acid component and 85 to 45 mol % of symmetric aromatic tetracarboxylic acid component and at least one aromatic diamine component, in which, as required, a specific amount of carbon black is dispersed, and relates to a method for producing the same.
US08097681B2
A 1-butene/propylene copolymer composition having a content of propylene derived units from 1 to 4% by weight, wherein at least 50% of the crystalline polymer is present in the thermodynamically stable, trigonal Form I (detected by DSC analysis) after 100 hours of the first melting at room temperature comprising: b) from 5% by weight to 95% by weight of an atactic 1-butene propylene copolymer having the following features: i) distribution of molecular weight Mw/Mn equal to or lower than 4; ii) no enthalpy of fusion detectable at a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC); and iii) infrared crystallinity lower than 0.5%; b) from 5% by weight to 95% by weight of an isotactic 1-butene propylene copolymer having the following features: i) isotactic pentads (mmmm) measured by 13C-NMR, higher than 80%; ii) melting point (Tm(II)) higher than 70° C.; and iii) distribution of molecular weight Mw/Mn equal to or lower than 4.
US08097679B2
A 1-butene polymer composition comprising: a) from 10% to 90% by weight of an isotactic 1-butene polymer having the following features: i) isotactic pentad (mmmm) measured by 13C-NMR, higher than 90%; ii) melting point (TmII) higher than 90° C.; and iii) intrinsic viscosity (IV) measured in tetrahydronaphthalene (THN) at 135° C. comprised between 0.5 dl/g and 5.0 dl/g. b) from 90% to 10% by weight of a copolymer of 1-butene and at least a C8-C12 alpha-olefin derived units, containing from 0% to 10% by mole of propylene or pentene derived units, and/or containing from 0% to 5% by mole of ethylene derived units having a content of C8-C12 alpha-olefin derived units higher than 4.0% by mol and lower than 20.0% by mol; endowed with the following features: i) isotactic pentad mmmm higher than or equal to 90%; pentads (mmrr+mrrm) lower than 4 and pentad rmmr not detectable by C NMR. ii) intrinsic viscosity (IV) measured in tetrahydronaphthalene at 135° C. comprised between 0.8 and 5.0 dL/g; iii) the melting point measured by DSC (TmI) and the C8-C12 alpha-olefin content fulfil the following relationship: TmI<130×C−0.3 wherein C is the molar content of C8-C12 alpha-olefin derived units and TmI is the highest melting peak in the first melting transition; otherwise the melting point TmI is not detectable.
US08097673B2
An aqueous fluoropolymer dispersion comprising an aqueous medium, fluoropolymer particles, and an amine oxide surfactant. Coagulated fluoropolymer resin is produced from the dispersion by adding an acidic reagent in sufficient amount to cause coagulation and separation of the coagulated fluoropolymer resin from the aqueous medium. Another particulate component such as particular polymer, filler, pigment, solid lubricant, etc., may be added to the dispersion and co-coagulated to form a mixture of coagulated fluoropolymer resin and particulate component.
US08097670B2
A polyacetal resin composition which has improved friction-wear characteristics as compared with conventional polyacetal resin compositions and which is less restricted in counter sliding members and can conform to a wide range of friction-wear conditions. A polyacetal resin composition comprising 100 parts by weight of (A) a polyacetal resin, 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of (B) a polyethylene wax having a number average molecular weight of 500 to 15,000, 0.1 to 10 parts by weight of (C) a polyethylene resin having a number average molecular weight of 2×104 to 50×104, and 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of (D) a silicone oil having a kinetic viscosity at 25° C. of 50×104 cSt or more.
US08097669B2
The invention relates to a flameproofed resilient block polymer comprising polymerized units of at least one vinylaromatic monomer and at least one diene monomer with at least one flameproofing agent B) which comprises a compound comprising phosphorus, in particular a phosphorus-containing melamine compound, a process for the preparation and the use for the production of moldings.
US08097665B2
A cationic electrodeposition coating composition including amino group-containing modified epoxy resin (A), blocked polyisocyanate curing agent (B), metal compound (C), and nitrogen oxide ion (E), wherein metal compound (C) is contained in an amount of 10 to 10,000 ppm calculated as metal, and nitrogen oxide ion (E) is contained in an amount of 50 to 10,000 ppm relative to the mass of the cationic electrodeposition coating composition. A coated article in which an electrodeposition coating film is formed on an untreated steel sheet exhibits excellent corrosion resistance, in particular, excellent hot salt water immersion resistance at 55° C.; and a multilayer coating film formed by a 3-coat 1-bake coating method on the electrodeposition coating film, which is formed on the untreated steel sheet, exhibits excellent corrosion resistance in a combined corrosion cycle test.
US08097656B2
This invention is related to new nitrogenated trans-stilbene compounds, more specifically, imine, pyrrole and indole derivatives, with procedures for the preparation and use thereof as pharmaceutical compositions for the treatment and/or chemoprevention of those mammalian diseases such as cancer, fibrosclerosis and acute/chronic inflammation, graft-versus-host reaction, ischemic-reperfusion tissue injury in stroke and heart attack, neurodegeneration, and during organ transplantation, whose pathogenic and pathophysiological mechanisms depend on or are significantly contributed by undesirable oxidative stress, angiogenic and proliferative responses.
US08097651B2
Methods and formulations are provided for treating migraine and other acute pain episodes using diclofenac, and formulations of diclofenac that provide both rapid and sustained relief from acute pain. Methods and formulations are also provided for treating symptoms that often accompany migraine and acute pain such as photophobia, phonophobia, nausea and vomiting.
US08097649B1
Disclosed is a novel composition comprising a novel bi-cyclic compound, which is expected to be pharmaceutically active, and a glyceride. The stability of the bi-cyclic compound can be improved significantly by dissolving the same in a glyceride.
US08097647B2
The present invention provides methods of treating cognitive deficits associated with mental retardation. The methods comprise combining cognitive training protocols and a general administration of phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors.
US08097645B2
Compositions and methods for treatment and prevention of disorders and conditions characterized by reduced TGF-β signaling are described.
US08097641B2
The present invention relates to heterocyclyl-substituted-tetrahydro-naphthalen compounds of general formula (I), methods for their preparation, and compositions comprising these compounds as well as their use for the treatment or prophylaxis of various disorders in humans or animals.
US08097636B2
The present invention relates to heterocyclic derivatives useful as inhibitors of ion channels. The invention also provides pharmaceutically acceptable compositions comprising the compounds of the invention and methods of using the compositions in the treatment of various disorders.
US08097622B2
There is provided a novel compound that inhibits phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and/or the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and exhibits anti-tumor activity. The present invention provides a compound represented by the following formula (1) having various substituents that inhibits PI3K and/or mTOR and exhibits anti-tumor activity: wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, Ra, Rb, Rc, and X each have the same meaning as defined in the specification.
US08097615B2
Disclosed are in vitro methods for identifying ligands capable of labeling aggregated PHF tau protein, the methods comprising the steps of: (i) providing a first agent suspected of being capable of labeling aggregated PHF tau protein, (ii) contacting (a) a tau protein or a derivative thereof containing the tau core fragment bound to a solid phase so as to expose a high affinity tau capture site, with (b) a liquid phase tau protein or derivative thereof capable of binding to the solid phase tau protein or derivative, and (c) said selected first agent and (d) a second agent known to be tau-tau binding inhibitor, (iii) selecting first agent which fully or partially relieves the inhibition of binding of the liquid phase tau protein or derivative of (b) to the solid phase tau protein or derivative of (a) by the inhibitor (d). Ligands may also be tested to confirm that they are not themselves inhibitors.
US08097608B2
Propargylamine, propargylamine derivatives including N-propargyl-1-aminoindan, enantiomers and analogs thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, are useful for prevention or treatment of cardiovascular disorders, diseases and conditions.
US08097603B2
The present invention relates to novel skin-friendly dermally applicable liquid formulations comprising a pyrethrin or pyrethroid and MGK 264 in a ratio of at least 1:20 and a further insecticide, preferably from the group of the neonicotinoids, for controlling parasitic arthropods on animals.
US08097600B2
A method and preparation for the stimulation of tear secretion in a subject in need of such treatment is disclosed. The method comprises administering to the ocular surfaces of the subject a purinergic receptor agonist such as uridine 5′-triphosphate (UTP), dinucleotides, cytidine 5′-triphosphate (CTP), adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), or their therapeutically useful analogs and derivatives, in an amount effective to stimulate tear fluid secretion and enhance drainage of the lacrimal system. Pharmaceutical formulations and methods of making the same are also disclosed. Methods of administering the same would include: topical administration via a liquid, gel, cream, or as part of a contact lens or selective release membrane; or systemic administration via nasal drops or spray, inhalation by nebulizer or other device, oral form (liquid or pill), injectable, intra-operative instillation or suppository form.
US08097599B2
The present invention relates to recombinant vectors expressing the BMP-7 polypeptide in host cells and to pharmaceutical compositions comprising such recombinant vectors. The invention also encompasses methods for prevention and/or treatment of both acute and chronic renal failure in mammals, advantageously in humans, dogs and cats, by intra-vascular kidney administration of the recombinant vectors and pharmaceutical compositions of the invention.
US08097596B2
The invention provides compositions of oligonucleotides targeted at genes involved in muscle wasting and/or muscle growth. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotides are modified. In some embodiments, the compositions contain one, or more than one, oligonucleotide. The invention also provides methods and kits using the compositions of the invention for the treatment of muscle wasting conditions and/or the promotion of muscle growth.
US08097592B2
A cocrystal of (1S)-1,5-anhydro-1-[3-(1-benzothien-2-ylmethyl)-4-fluorophenyl]-D-glucitol and L-proline. It is a cocrystal of known compound A, which has a constant quality, is superior in storage stability, has no moisture absorptivity, and is suitable as a crystal of a drug substance used for preparing pharmaceuticals.
US08097590B2
The invention relates to a dipeptide conjugate having general formula I, AA2-AA1-NH2, wherein A represent the radical corresponding to a monocarboxylic acid with general formula II, HOOC—R, in which: R represents a linear or branched aliphatic radical at C1-C24, which is optionally substituted by a hydroxyl group and which can comprise one or more unsaturations, preferably between 1 and 6 unsaturations, and/or which can comprise a phenyl group or lipoic acid or the reduced form thereof, dihydrolipoic acid or N-lipoyllysine; and AA1 and AA2 represent identical or different amino acids which are selected from the group containing Ala, Asn, Cys, Gln, Gly, Ile, Leu, Met, Phe, Pro, Ser, Thr, Trp, Tyr, Val, Asp, Glu, Arg, His, Lys, Orn, Dap, Dab, the corresponding homo-amino acids and the corresponding beta-amino acids in the form of enantiomers or diastereoisomers and mixtures thereof, including racemic mixtures.
US08097585B2
The present invention relates to the treatment of disorders using heme oxygenase-1 and heme degradation products.
US08097583B2
The present invention is directed to proteins of natural origin and materials made therefrom, in particular to threads, fibers, foams and gels derived therefrom. The invention further provides the use of these proteins/threads and materials in the field of technology, biotechnology and/or medicine, in particular in the manufacture of wound closure or coverage systems, suture materials and in the manufacture of replacement materials, preferably artificial cartilage or tendon materials, as well as in other commercial applications.
US08097566B2
Methods of forming one or more fractures in a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore including the steps of providing a high ionic strength treating fluid that comprises water and one or more sulfonated gelling agent polymers wherein the high ionic strength treating fluid comprises one or more water soluble salts in a concentration of greater than about 8% by weight of the treating fluid, and introducing the treating fluid into the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures therein.
US08097563B2
The present invention provides cyclohexanedione-based agricultural-chemical emulsion compositions where active ingredients of agricultural chemicals are emulsified and dispersed in spraying water, especially cyclohexanedione-based agricultural-chemical emulsion compositions where alkylphenol derivatives are not used in emulsifiers and emulsification stability and preservation stability of technical products are favorable.The cyclohexanedione-based agricultural-chemical/herbicidal emulsions where preservation stability of active ingredients of agricultural chemicals and emulsifiability are favorable are obtained by using an amine salt of alkylbenzenesulfonate with poor water solubility as an emulsifier.
US08097547B2
A sintered material based on silicon carbide (SiC) reactively sintered between 1,100° C. and 1,700° C. to form a silicon nitride binder (Si3N4), intended in particular for fabricating an aluminum electrolysis cell, including 0.05% to 1.5% of boron, the Si3N4/SiC weight ratio being in the range 0.05 to 0.45.
US08097544B2
The present invention teaches that a tightly woven, and strong layer of fiberglass may be coated or impregnated with sodium silicate in order to produce a strong and fire resistant jamb/frame. The present invention further teaches that a fire doorjamb core may be mass produced from fire resistant layers and the frame core rated for fire safety by a rating agency, thus allowing builders and door manufacturers to produce building structures and doors using that core without individually certifying each model of door or structure. The present invention further teaches a structure/method of mounting for door frames which closely parallels mounting of normal door frames, without special brackets or plates.
US08097538B2
A metal member layer on a silicon member layer is patterned. A sidewall film is formed on a surface of the metal member layer. The silicon member layer is patterned to form a structure including the silicon member layer and the metal member layer, the surface of which is covered with the sidewall film. After the surface of the structure is cleaned, a water-repellent protective film is formed on the surface of the structure before the surface of the structure is dried.
US08097533B2
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device having a back surface electrode, including: a step of preparing a semiconductor wafer having a front surface and a back surface; a thermal processing step of forming a first metal layer on the back surface of the semiconductor wafer and executing thermal processing, thereby creating an ohmic contact between the semiconductor wafer and the first metal layer; and a step of forming a second metal layer of Ni on the back surface of the semiconductor substrate after the thermal processing step.
US08097530B2
A method for manufacturing a SiC semiconductor device includes: forming an impurity layer in a SiC layer; and forming an oxide film on the SiC layer. The forming the impurity layer includes: implanting an impurity in the SiC layer; applying a cap layer on the SiC layer; annealing the cap layer to be transformed a carbon layer; annealing the SiC layer to activate the impurity; and removing the carbon layer. The annealing the SiC layer includes: increasing a temperature of the SiC layer from a second temperature to a first temperature within a first time duration; and decreasing the temperature of the SiC layer from the first temperature to the second temperature within a second time duration. The first temperature is equal to or higher than 1800° C., and the second temperature is lower than 1800° C. The first and second time durations are small.
US08097529B2
A process is disclosed which incorporates implantation of a carbon cluster into a substrate to improve the characteristics of transistor junctions when the substrates are doped with Boron and Phosphorous in the manufacturing of PMOS transistor structures in integrated circuits. There are two processes which result from this novel approach: (1) diffusion control for USJ formation; and (2) high dose carbon implantation for stress engineering. Diffusion control for USJ formation is demonstrated in conjunction with a boron or shallow boron cluster implant of the source/drain structures in PMOS. More particularly, first, a cluster carbon ion, such as C16Hx+, is implanted into the source/drain region at approximately the same dose as the subsequent boron implant; followed by a shallow boron, boron cluster, phosphorous or phosphorous cluster ion implant to form the source/drain extensions, preferably using a borohydride cluster, such as B18Hx+ or B10Hx+. Upon subsequent annealing and activation, the boron diffusion is reduced, due to the gettering of interstitial defects by the carbon atoms.
US08097526B2
Multiple integrated circuits (ICs) die, from different wafers, can be picked-and-placed, front-side planarized using a vacuum applied to a planarizing disk, and attached to each other or a substrate. The streets between the IC die can be filled, and certain techniques or fixtures allow application of monolithic semiconductor wafer processing for interconnecting different die. High density I/O connections between different IC die can be obtained using structures and techniques for aligning vias to I/O structures, and programmably routing IC I/O lines to appropriate vias. Existing IC die can be retrofitted for such interconnection to other IC die, such as by using similar techniques or tools.
US08097522B2
A variety of isolation structures for semiconductor substrates include a trench formed in the substrate that is filled with a dielectric material or filled with a conductive material and lined with a dielectric layer along the walls of the trench. The trench may be used in combination with doped sidewall isolation regions. Both the trench and the sidewall isolation regions may be annular and enclose an isolated pocket of the substrate. The isolation structures are formed by modular implant and etch processes that do not include significant thermal processing or diffusion of dopants so that the resulting structures are compact and may be tightly packed in the surface of the substrate.
US08097520B2
A passive device structure includes an unpatterned metal gate layer formed in a passive device region of a semiconductor device; an insulator layer formed upon the unpatterned metal gate layer; a semiconductor layer formed upon the insulator layer; and one or more metal contact regions formed in the semiconductor layer; wherein the insulator layer prevents the metal gate layer as serving as a leakage current path for current flowing through a passive device defined by the semiconductor layer and the one or more metal contact regions.
US08097518B2
There is provided a semiconductor device including a semiconductor substrate (10), a high concentration diffusion region (22) formed within the semiconductor substrate (10), a first low concentration diffusion region (24) that has a lower impurity concentration than the high concentration diffusion region (22) and is provided under the high concentration diffusion region (22), and a bit line(30) that includes the high concentration diffusion region (22) and the first low concentration diffusion region (24) and serves as a source region and a drain region, and a manufacturing method therefor. Reduction of source-drain breakdown voltage of the transistor is suppressed, and a low-resistance bit line can be formed. Thus, a semiconductor device that can miniaturize memory cells and a manufacturing method therefor can be provided.
US08097510B2
A method of forming a field effect transistor (FET) includes: forming a drift region comprising a stack of alternating conductivity type silicon layers; forming a drain region of a first conductivity type extending into the stack of alternating conductivity type silicon layers; forming a trench gate extending into the stack of alternating conductivity type silicon layers, the trench gate having a non-active sidewall and an active sidewall being perpendicular to one another; and forming a body region of a second conductivity type adjacent to the active sidewall of the trench gate, wherein the trench gate and the drain region are formed such that the non-active sidewall of the trench gate faces the drain region.
US08097499B2
A semiconductor device and method thereof. The example method may include forming a semiconductor device, including forming a first layer on a substrate, the first layer including aluminum nitride (AlN), forming a second layer by oxidizing a surface of the first layer and forming a third layer on the second layer, the first, second and third layers each being highly oriented with respect to one of a plurality crystallographic planes. The example semiconductor device may include a substrate including a first layer, the first layer including aluminum nitride (AlN), a second layer formed by oxidizing a surface of the first layer and a third layer formed on the second layer, the first, second and third layers each being highly oriented with respect to one of a plurality crystallographic planes.
US08097492B2
A Silicon Based Package (SBP) is formed starting with a thick wafer, which serves as the base for the SBP, composed of silicon which has a first surface and a reverse surface which are planar. Then form an interconnection structure including metal capture structures in contact with the first surface and multilayer conductor patterns over the first surface. Form a temporary bond between the SBP and a wafer holder, with the wafer holder being a rigid structure. Thin the reverse side of the wafer to a desired thickness to form an Ultra Thin Silicon Wafer (UTSW) for the SBP. Form via holes with tapered or vertical sidewalls, which extend through the UTSW to reach the metal capture structures. Then form metal pads in the via holes which extend through the UTSW, making electrical contact to the metal capture structures. Then bond the metal pads in the via holes to pads of a carrier.
US08097490B1
A semiconductor die has a first semiconductor die mounted to a carrier. A plurality of conductive pillars is formed over the carrier around the first die. An encapsulant is deposited over the first die and conductive pillars. A first stepped interconnect layer is formed over a first surface of the encapsulant and first die. The first stepped interconnect layer has a first opening. A second stepped interconnect layer is formed over the first stepped interconnect layer. The second stepped interconnect layer has a second opening. The carrier is removed. A build-up interconnect structure is formed over a second surface of the encapsulant and first die. A second semiconductor die over the first semiconductor die and partially within the first opening. A third semiconductor die is mounted over the second die and partially within the second opening. A fourth semiconductor die is mounted over the second stepped interconnect layer.
US08097487B2
A memory device with improved thermal isolation. The memory cell includes a first electrode element, having an upper surface; an insulator stack formed on the first electrode element, including first, second and third insulating members, all generally planar in form and having a central cavity formed therein and extending therethrough, wherein the second insulator member is recessed from the cavity; a phase change element, generally T-shaped in form, having a base portion extending into the cavity to make contact with the first electrode element and making contact with the first and third insulating members, and a crossbar portion extending over and in contact with the third insulating member, wherein the base portion of the phase change element, the recessed portions of the second insulating member and the surfaces of the first and third insulating members define a thermal isolation void; and a second electrode formed in contact with the phase change member.
US08097483B2
Method for manufacturing a capacitor on a substrate, the capacitor including a first electrode (5) and a second electrode (12; 25), the first and second electrodes being separated by a cavity (16; 32), the substrate including an insulating surface layer (3), the first electrode (5) being arranged on the insulating surface layer a first metal body (7a; 20) being adjacent to the first electrode and arranged as anchor of the second electrode (12; 25) the second electrode being arranged as a beam-shaped body (12; 25) located on the first metal body and above the first electrode; the cavity (16; 32) being laterally demarcated by a sidewall of the first metal body.
US08097481B2
A method of growing non-polar m-plane III-nitride film, such as GaN, AlN, AlGaN or InGaN, wherein the non-polar m-plane III-nitride film is grown on a suitable substrate, such as an m-SiC, m-GaN, LiGaO2 or LiAlO2 substrate, using metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD). The method includes performing a solvent clean and acid dip of the substrate to remove oxide from the surface, annealing the substrate, growing a nucleation layer, such as aluminum nitride (AlN), on the annealed substrate, and growing the non-polar m-plane III-nitride film on the nucleation layer using MOCVD.
US08097475B2
A probe card having a plurality of silicon finger contactors contacting pads provided on a tested semiconductor wafer and a probe board mounting the plurality of silicon finger contactors on its surface, wherein each silicon finger contactor has a base part on which a step difference is formed, a support part with a rear end side provided at the base part and with a front end side sticking out from the base part, and a conductive part formed on the surface of the support part, each silicon finger contactor mounted on the probe board so that an angle part of the step difference formed on the base part contacts the surface of the probe board.
US08097473B2
An alignment method is provided in which a substrate including first and second layers is aligned in forming a second pattern in the second layer. The method includes storing first alignment measurement data to be used in alignment performed in forming a first pattern and a second alignment mark in the second layer, the first alignment measurement data obtained by measuring a first alignment mark provided in the first layer; obtaining second alignment measurement data by measuring the second alignment mark through a resist applied over the second layer; obtaining third alignment measurement data by measuring the first alignment mark through the resist; and performing alignment of the substrate in accordance with a first difference between the first and second alignment measurement data, or in accordance with the first difference and a second difference between the first and third alignment measurement data.
US08097461B2
The invention relates to quality control of analytical assays, particularly NAT assays of blood samples containing nucleic acids. A control panel containing quantified amounts of substances known to interfere with an analytical assay is used and compared with a reference sample in the analytical assay. A comparison of the assay results interference panel validates the assay and can serve as a periodic quality control check for the analytical assay as well as related methods and protocols. The use of the control panel of the invention can also determine whether interfering substances are present and establish under what conditions the analytical assay reliable.
US08097460B2
The present invention relates to the production of ethanol as a product of bacterial fermentation. In particular this invention relates to a novel method of gene inactivation and gene expression based upon homologous recombination. The method is particularly useful in connection with species of Bacillus such as B. stereothermophilus, B. calvodelox, B. caldotenax, B. thermoglucosidasius, B. coagulans, B. licheniformis, B. thermodenitrificans, and B. caldolyticus.
US08097459B2
In certain aspects, the present invention provides methods for increasing the replication capacity of influenza viruses in hens' eggs and/or cell culture, recombinant and/or reassortant influenza viruses with increased replication capacity, and immunogenic and vaccine compositions comprising such recombinant and/or reassortant influenza viruses. In other aspects, the invention further provides nucleic acids encoding influenza genes associated with increased replication capacity, expression vectors comprising the nucleic acids of the invention, methods for making influenza viruses with increased replication capacity, and kits useful for practice of the methods.
US08097455B2
A system and method for forming a skeletal muscle construct include primary muscle cells provided on a substrate without disposing the cells within an exogenous scaffold, the cells cultured in vitro such that the cells form a confluent monolayer; at least two anchors secured to the monolayer in spaced relationship; and at least one secondary tissue, such as neural or tendon tissue, provided in contact with the monolayer such that the monolayer detaches from the substrate and self-organizes to at least partially surround the at least one secondary tissue, thereby forming a three-dimensional skeletal muscle construct having a functional interface with the secondary tissue.
US08097452B2
The invention disclosed in this patent document relates to transmembrane receptors, more particularly to endogenous, human orphan G protein-coupled receptors.
US08097450B2
Disclosed is a thin film chemical analysis apparatus and an analysis method using the same, which can solve the sealing problem caused by environmental factors (e.g. impact, temperature) for long circulation and storage periods, as well as can detect an analyte quickly and easily. The thin film chemical analysis apparatus includes at least one chamber adapted to store a fluid necessary for biological or biochemical analysis or to conduct a biological or biochemical reaction; channels for fluid-connection of the chambers; holes arranged between or inside the channels and connected to the channels; a rotatable body having the chambers, the channels, and the holes integrated into the body; and a burst valve having a sealing means for closing the hole and sealing a fluid in the chamber, the sealing means being torn away from the hole by centrifugal force resulting from rotation of the body and opening the hole.
US08097449B2
An organ perfusion apparatus and method monitor, sustain and/or restore viability of organs and preserve organs for storage and/or transport. Other apparatus include an organ transporter, an organ cassette and an organ diagnostic device. The apparatus and methods include the cassette and transporter with heat transfer surfaces arranged to transfer heat between a cooling source in said transporter and the heat transfer surfaces of the cassette.
US08097443B2
The present invention provides mutant RmlA enzymes possessing an increased purine/pyrimidine bias in nucleotide triphosphate substrate specificity as compared to a corresponding non-mutated RmlA enzyme. Such enzymes expand the types of substrates that can be used in enzymatic glycorandomization methods thereby increasing diversity of chemical libraries.
US08097439B2
Methods and compositions, including nucleotide sequences, amino acid sequences, and host cells, for producing fatty aldehydes are described.
US08097433B2
The present invention provides a non-toxic diagnostic composition for intravaginal monitoring of vaginal infections. The present invention further provides a diagnostic article for intravaginal monitoring of vaginal infections with the article including an absorbent material for absorbing vaginal secretions and a composition suitable for identification of the pH or the buffer capacities associated with vaginal secretions. The diagnostic composition provides a visible indication of vaginal infections, such as bacterial vaginosis.
US08097427B2
The invention relates to a method of using high mass matrix assisted laser desorption-ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the effect of drug candidates on protein complexes such as protein-protein interactions in purified samples or complex biological matrices, as well as to the use of this method for lead compound optimization, drug characterization, drug manufacturing processes, and drug quality control processes, including automated high throughput applications.
US08097415B2
The present invention provides methods of identifying a subject having an increased or decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, comprising: a) correlating the presence of one or more genetic markers in chromosome 3q13.31 with an increased or decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease; and b) detecting the one or more genetic markers of step (a) in the subject, thereby identifying the subject as having an increased or decreased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Also provided are methods of identifying subjects with cardiovascular disease as having a good or poor prognosis, as well as methods of identifying effective treatment regimens for cardiovascular disease, based on correlation with genetic markers in chromosome 3q13.31.
US08097409B2
Compositions, methods and kits for detecting Group B streptococci. Particularly described are oligonucleotides that are useful as amplification primers and hybridization probes for detecting very low levels of Group B streptococci nucleic acids.
US08097406B2
The physiological regulation of intake, growth and energy partitioning in animals is under the control of multiple genes, which may be important candidates for unraveling the genetic variation in economically relevant traits in beef production. The present invention relates to the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their haplotypes, across the bovine genome in genes encoding polypeptides associated with feed efficiency, and their associations with residual feed intake in beef production. The invention further encompasses methods and systems, including network-based processes, to manage the SNP data, haplotype data and other data relating to specific animals and herds of animals, veterinarian care, diagnostic and quality control data and management of livestock which, based on genotyping, have predictable meat quality traits, husbandry conditions, animal welfare, food safety information, audit of existing processes and data from field locations.
US08097401B2
A composition of matter. The composition of matter includes a polymer having an ethylenic backbone and comprising a first monomer having an aromatic moiety, a second monomer having a base soluble moiety or an acid labile protected base soluble moiety, and a third monomer having a fluoroalkyl moiety. Also a photoresist formulation including the composition of matter and a method of imaging using the photoresist formulation including the composition of matter.
US08097396B2
A positive resist composition that includes a resin component (A) that exhibits increased alkali solubility under action of acid, and an acid generator component (B) that generates acid on exposure, wherein the component (A) is a copolymer (A1) that includes a structural unit (a1) derived from an acrylate that contains an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group, a structural unit (a2) derived from an α-lower alkyl acrylate that contains a lactone ring, and a structural unit (a3) derived from an (α-lower alkyl)acrylate that contains a polar group-containing polycyclic group.
US08097393B2
An image forming apparatus at least containing an electrophotographic photoconductor, a latent electrostatic image forming unit, a developing unit, a transferring unit, and a fixing unit, wherein a glass transition temperature of an outermost layer of the electrophotographic photoconductor is 100° C. or more, wherein the toner is obtained by dissolving and/or dispersing the toner material containing at least an active hydrogen group-containing compound and a polymer reactive with the active hydrogen group-containing compound in an organic solvent to form a solution and/or a dispersion, emulsifying and/or dispersing the solution and/or the dispersion in an aqueous medium containing resin fine particles, allowing the active hydrogen group-containing compound and the polymer reactive with the active hydrogen group-containing compound to react in the aqueous medium, and removing the organic solvent, wherein a glass transition temperature of the resin fine particles is 65° C. to 85° C.
US08097390B2
The invention provides an electrophotographic toner containing at least a binder resin and an infrared absorber, the infrared absorber comprising a perimidine-squarylium dye represented by the following Formula (1). The invention further provides an invisible electrophotographic toner containing at least a binder resin and an infrared absorber, the infrared absorber containing at least a perimidine-squarylium dye represented by Formula (1). The invention further provides an electrophotographic developer containing at least the invisible electrophotographic toner. The invention further provides a toner cartridge containing at least the invisible electrophotographic toner. The invention further provides a process cartridge equipped with at least a developer holder and having at least the electrophotographic developer. The invention further provides an image forming apparatus having at least a developing unit which develops an electrostatic latent image with the electrophotographic developer to form a toner image.
US08097377B2
A bi-polar plate is provided for a fuel cell stack. The bi-polar plate has improved surface wettability. The bi-polar plate includes a body including at least approximately ninety percent by weight of a metal and defining at least one flow channel. At least about 0.05 percent and up to 100 percent by weight of silicon is disposed on a surface of the at least one flow channel to form a high energy surface to form a high energy surface for the bi-polar plate. This can be achieved by adding from 0.5 to 10 weight % silicon to the steel. The percent of silicon is pre-determined based on a desired wettability of the high energy surface of the at least one flow channel.
US08097369B2
A management ECU of a control unit predicts the reduction degree of a system voltage according to an operational state of a motor based on the temperature of a fuel cell and a number of rotations of the motor, sets motor output restriction start voltage and motor output restriction end voltage which are threshold values of the system voltage for triggering an execution start and an execution end of a processing to restrict an output of the motor, and outputs them to a motor ECU. The motor ECU sets an output restriction coefficient that is a restriction rate in restricting the output of the motor based on a detected value of the system voltage and the motor output restriction start voltage and the motor output restriction end voltage, and restricts the output of the motor.
US08097365B2
A current collector forming an electrode for battery. The electrode current collector is made of copper or a copper alloy, and has a front surface color and a back surface color, at least one color of which is a color belonging to a color space represented by: 50≦L*≦80, 5≦a*<60, 5≦b*<60, where L*, a*, and b* are numeric values determined based on the L*a*b* calorimetric system described in JIS Z 8729.
US08097364B2
An electroactive material for charge transport. The material is formed of a plurality of nanocomponents including nanoparticles, in turn formed of conductive carbon-based clusters bound together by a conductive carbon-based cluster binder including nanoclusters and nanocluster binders, all having high densities of mobile charge carriers (electrons, electronic acceptors, ionic species). A terminal is electrically coupled to the nanoparticles for charge transport.
US08097359B2
A rapid exchange battery construction is applied in a battery module of an electric device to supply power. The battery module is pivoted with a rotatable handle, a catching member is disposed on the handle, and a fixing structure is erected on a base of a battery assembly structure. A pressing portion and a releasing opening are disposed at a top edge of the fixing structure. The handle is rotated to a gripping position for lifting the battery module to install the battery module on the base along the fixing structure, and then, the handle is rotated to a withdrawal position to move the catching member to the pressing portion. The battery structure is designed in such a manner that the battery module is secured and fixed on the base, and an electrical connection relationship between the battery module and the electric device is ensured.
US08097356B2
Provision of an extension-type battery pack which is improved in safety thereof against dropping and impact application. Although a battery pack is susceptible to damage caused by an impact since partial battery cells are located outside the outline of a notebook PC when it is mounted on the notebook PC, the battery pack is provided with a partition wall structure including an air space and a fireproof wall formed of a material which does not melt at a temperature of combustible gas discharged from a gas discharge valve of the respective battery cells. The material of the fireproof wall is preferably mica or the like. The partition wall structure can be provided between an inside battery compartment and an outside battery compartment of the battery pack or can be provided among other battery cells. This prevents fire spreading to other battery cells even if high-temperature combustible gas is discharged from a battery cell damaged by an impact or the like.
US08097353B2
Disclosed is a power generation system including an attachment part to attach a fuel container which stores a fuel, a lock mechanism to detect a lock or a lock release of the fuel container which is attached to the attachment part and a data recording unit to record a data in a storage medium provided at the fuel container based on a detection of the lock release by the lock mechanism before the fuel container is detached from the attachment part.
US08097344B2
An electronic device housing is provided. The electronic device housing includes a substrate, a metallic coating formed on the substrate, and a top paint coating formed on the metallic coating. The top paint coating contains nano-titanium dioxide powder. The top paint coating has a self-cleaning property. It can oxygenize and clean off dust and sweat accumulated on the surface of the electronic device housing.
US08097341B2
A process for producing a wipe-proof anti-reflection layer on a borosilicate glass body is described, in which the borosilicate glass body is coated with a coating solution having a composition of 1-6% by weight of HCl, 0.5-7% by weight of SiO2 sol (solids content), 0.5-5% by weight of H2O, and 85-98% by weight of a readily volatile water-soluble organic solvent. The borosilicate glass body that is to be coated contains, in % by weight based on oxide content: 63-76 of SiO2, >11-20 of B2O3, 1-9 of Al2O3, 3-12 of alkali metal oxide(s), 0-10 of alkaline earth metal oxide(s), 0-2 of ZnO, 0-5 of TiO2, 0-1 of ZrO2, 0-1 of Nb2O5, and 0-1 of WO3.
US08097340B2
A coated substrate is disclosed. The coated substrate includes a substrate; an undercoating layer comprising at least one layer selected from a mixture of silica and zirconia; a mixture of silica and alumina; or a mixture of silica, alumina and titania overlaying at least a portion of the substrate; and a functional coating overlaying at least a portion of the undercoating. The coated substrates of the invention exhibit improved properties such as increased durability, photocatalytic activity, etc. as a result of the undercoating layer.
US08097320B2
A dual layered intermediate transfer member, such as a belt, that includes a substrate that is coated with a layer of a mixture of a glycoluril resin, and a self crosslinking acrylic resin.
US08097313B2
A multilayer bag includes at least one outer paper layer and at least one inner paper layer and a synthetic layer located between the outer and an inner paper layer. On the longitudinal side of the paper bag, an overlap of the outer paper web and a partial overlap of the synthetic web is provided, and the outer paper web is partially adhered to itself in the region of overlap.
US08097310B2
A firestop article for fire stopping an opening in a floor or wall includes a firestop material, an enclosure surrounding the firestop material, and an attachment surface provided on the outer surface of the enclosure that allows the article to be repeatably connected to and removed from a mating surface.
US08097308B2
A protective layer is applied to a work piece to protect the surface during charged particle beam processing by directing a fluid toward the surface. The surface is preferably not touched by the applicator. Ink jet print-type print heads are suitable applicators. Ink jet-type print heads allow a wide variety of fluids to be used to form the protective layer. Useful fluids that form protective layers include colloidal silica having small silver particles and hydrocarbon-based inks.
US08097298B2
A method for producing diaper component parts (3) from strip material (5, 8), wherein the strip material (5, 8) is fed continuously, by means of conveying means (6), along a straight path (P) extending through a number of work stations (9, 16, 21) synchronized with one another; and wherein, along the path (P), the strip material (5, 8) is secured to the conveying means (6) so that all points of the strip material (5, 8) travel at the same speed.
US08097296B2
An exemplary method for set retarding the surface of a mortar or concrete material, comprising applying to the surface of a mortar or concrete, or to the inner surface of a mold for forming the mortar or concrete, a hot melt coating composition which is heated to assume a flowable or sprayable form, and allowing the hot melt coating composition to cool to ambient temperature whereby the composition forms a solidified membrane, and thereafter removing the membrane. Preferably, the hot melt coating composition contains at least one agent operative to retard the setting of the mortar or concrete, and optional finely divided particulate materials, light-reflective pigments, or mixtures thereof.
US08097295B2
A plurality of gold nanoparticles disposed on a surface of a substrate includes nanoparticles having an average particle density greater than 1.8×1011 particles per squared centimeter of the surface. The gold nanoparticles include a monomodal diameter distribution and an average diameter capable of being arbitrarily controlled between about 5 nm to about 300 nm. The surface may be a three-dimensional surface or an internal surface.
US08097291B2
The present invention is directed to methods, processes, and systems for coating portions of a workpiece as well as to workpieces that have themselves been coated in accord with the invention. Under these methods and processes of the invention, a means to repel may be positioned on a mandrel prior to applying a coating to the workpiece. The means to repel may prevent the coating of a target surface of the workpiece.
US08097289B2
The invention relates to a method for producing a puree preparation from Carica papaya fruit, said method comprising the following steps: the fruit or crushed fruit, especially in a sieved form, is cooked for at least 30 minutes at normal pressure, optionally in an aqueous solution which is at least twice the volume of the fruit; the fruit or crushed fruit which has been cooked is cooled over a period of time of at least 30 minutes in an oxygen-containing atmosphere; and the fruit or crushed fruit which has been cooled is optionally crushed, mixed and strained until a homogeneous puree is obtained.
US08097287B2
The invention relates to the use of Ginkgo biloba for the treatment of mitochondrial diseases of genetic origin and more particularly mitochondrial encephalomyopathies.
US08097286B2
Herbal extracts composition suitable for weight management in mammals is disclosed. The composition comprises a mixture of Garcinia extract, Green tea extract, Green coffee extract and Banaba extract. The method of reducing weight, and treating diabetes in mammals involve oral administration of the composition. The invention further relates to a method of producing and standardizing the individual extract useful for human health.
US08097278B2
The present invention provides a dosage form that prevents misuse of the medicament contained within. The dosage form contains an inactivating substance in combination with the medicament, wherein the two substances are separated by a permeable or semi-permeable partition. The partition becomes impermeable upon activation by a medical professional, thereby effectively sequestering the inactivating substance from the medicament and allowing for the intended administration of the medicament to the patient. Unless activated, however, the inactivating substance and medicament remain commingled in the dosage form, and any attempt to dispense the medicament before activation will result in the release of inactivated medicament.
US08097267B2
Provided are rapidly bioavailable solid oral dosage forms of acute pain medications, and moisture resistant packaging that enables the formulation of such rapidly bioavailable dosage forms.
US08097266B2
This invention relates to pharmaceutical and veterinary formulations providing enhanced solvency and stability for pharmaceutical and veterinary agents for administration to animals, especially ruminants. In addition, the invention relates to pour-on formulations for combating parasites in animals, such as cattle and sheep. In some embodiments, this invention provides glycol-ether-based pour-on formulations comprising a composition comprising a flukicide, such as, for example, clorsulon (4-amino-6-trichloroethenyl-1,3-benzene disulfonamide) and/or a macrolide anthelmintic or antiparasitic agent. In other embodiments, the invention provides pour-on formulations comprising at least one active agent, a glycol ether, and a stability enhancer. This invention also provides for methods for eradicating, controlling, and/or preventing parasite infestation in animals, such as cattle and sheep.
US08097259B2
This invention provides method for the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease without noticeable side effects caused to patients, comprising administering an effective amount of Monascus-fermented product including Monascus powder and Monascus beverage. The Monascus powder and beverage are prepared through specific fermentation procedures disclosed and comprise monacolins, anti-inflammation agents and anti-oxidant compounds. The Monascus compositions are extracted from fermented red mold rice (RMR).
US08097257B2
The present invention relates to novel MAGE3 polypeptides, including a fragment of MAGE3 fused to an immunological fusion partner, and compositions thereof.
US08097256B2
Methods and compositions for treating cancers (e.g., neural cancers) by dendritic cell vaccination are provided herein.
US08097247B2
The present invention discloses compositions and methodologies for the utilization of probiotic organisms in therapeutic compositions. More specifically, the present invention relates to the utilization of one or more species or strains of lactic acid-producing bacteria, preferably strains of Bacillus coagulans, for the control of gastrointestinal tract pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant gastrointestinal tract pathogens, and their associated diseases by both a reduction in the rate of colonization and the severity of the deleterious physiological effects of the colonization of the antibiotic-resistant pathogen. In addition, the present invention relates to the utilization of therapeutic compounds comprised of lactic acid-producing bacteria and anti-microbial agents such as antibiotics, anti-fungal compounds, anti-yeast compounds, or anti-viral compounds. The present invention also discloses methodologies for: (i) the selective breeding and isolation of probiotic, lactic acid-producing bacterial strains which possess resistance or markedly decreased sensitivity to anti-microbial agents (e.g., antibiotics, anti-fungal agents, anti-yeast agents, and anti-viral agents); and (ii) treating or preventing bacteria-mediated infections of the gastrointestinal tract by use of the aforementioned probiotic bacterial strains with or without the concomitant administration of antibiotics. While the primary focus is on the treatment of gastrointestinal tract infections, the therapeutic compositions of the present invention may also be administered to buccal, vaginal, optic, and like physiological locations.
US08097228B2
To provide a method of generating, with good reproducibility and ease and without complicated operations, scorodite which satisfies the elution standard (in accordance with Notification of No. 13 of Japanese Environment Agency) and which has good filterbility and stability for processing arsenic contained in a diarsenic trioxide form. A method of processing diarsenic trioxide, including: a leaching step of adding water to diarsenic trioxide to produce slurry, heating the slurry, and leaching arsenic while adding an oxidant to obtain leachate; a deoxidization step of removing the oxidant so as to obtain an adjusted solution; and a crystallizing step of converting arsenic in the adjusted solution to scorodite crystal.
US08097217B2
The present invention relates to an atmospheric pressure plasma generating apparatus using an induction electrode. In particular, one or more upper metal electrodes are disposed on the upper side and an induction electrode and an induction electrode antenna are disposed opposite to the upper electrodes, so that a high-density plasma is generated at low applied voltage. Further, base electrodes are used to preclude interference between the upper electrodes. Thus, lots of the upper electrodes can be constructed at a narrow space, the uniformity of intensity of a generated plasma can be secured, the source of a plasma can be provided by the upper electrodes, and the intensity of a plasma can be increased. In addition, a lower electrode is disposed on the lower side in order to extend the length of a generated plasma.
US08097211B2
An analyzer comprising: a first specimen holder configured to hold a plurality of first specimen containers; a conveying assembly for conveying the first specimen containers held in the first specimen holder; a second specimen holder arranged at a position higher than an upper end of the first specimen containers held in the first specimen holder; a holder moving assembly for moving the second specimen holder so as to pass the upper side of at least one of the first specimen containers held in the first specimen holder; a container transferring assembly for transferring at least one of the first specimen containers from the first specimen holder to the second specimen holder; and a controller for controlling the holder moving assembly and the container transferring assembly, is disclosed.
US08097205B2
Continuous annealing equipment contains: a heating zone, a soaking zone, and a rapid cooling zone, the rapid cooling zone having gas jet cooling equipment and is provided with at least one pair of seal rolls at each of an inlet and an outlet thereof and bridle roll units each composed of two or more bridle rolls in front of and behind itself; the bridle roll unit behind the rapid cooling zone having two or more heating rolls each having an induction heater thereinside; and the heating roll having a winding angle of 100° or more per heating roll and 380° or more in total of all the heating rolls.
US08097199B2
A method of making a plastic container having an RFID tag in a wall of the container includes providing a mold having a mold core and mounting an insert on the core. The insert includes an RFID tag surrounded by a plastic housing, which preferably is retained on the core for example by heat of the core partially melting the housing. A plastic preform is formed in the mold around the core and the insert, preferably by injection molding, such that the insert is embedded in a wall of the preform. The preform is then blow molded into a plastic container having the insert embedded in a wall of the container. The insert preferably is mounted on an end of the core such that the insert is in the base wall of the container following blow molding. The RFID tag preferably is externally covered by plastic material in the preform as molded, and in the container as blow molded, so that the RFID tag is not externally exposed in the preform or the container. The disclosure also contemplates a container preform and a blow molded plastic container manufactured in accordance with a method of the disclosure.
US08097198B2
A method for producing an article of composite material. A female molding tool is provided. A form bag is provided. At least one prepreg is placed in the molding tool. A heel shaped hard tool part. A hard tool part is placed at the female tool close to an edge of the laminate being placed in the mold. The form bag is placed in the female tool so that the bag seals towards the heel shaped tool part, in such a way that, at a later air evacuation of the bag, an increased pressure that the bag will apply towards the laminate reaches a radius before the pressure reaches an edge.
US08097188B2
A method of producing and optical film, comprises the steps of: mixing a resin and grains, heating a mixture of the resin and the grains and kneading the heated melted mixture, thereby preparing a mixture material of the resin and the grains; dissolving the mixture material in a solvent, thereby preparing a resin solution; and casting the resin solution so as to form an optical film.
US08097175B2
Methods of forming metal oxide structures and methods of forming metal oxide patterns on a substrate using a block copolymer system formulated for self-assembly. The metal oxide structures and patterns may be used, for example, as a mask for sublithographic patterning during various stages of semiconductor device fabrication. A block copolymer at least within a trench in the substrate and including at least one soluble block and at least one insoluble block may be annealed to form a self-assembled pattern including a plurality of repeating units of the at least one soluble block laterally aligned with the trench and positioned within a matrix of the at least one insoluble block. The self-assembled pattern may be exposed to a metal oxide precursor that impregnates the at least one soluble block. The metal oxide precursor may be oxidized to form a metal oxide. The self-assembled pattern may be removed to form a pattern of metal oxide lines on the substrate surface.
US08097168B2
A treatment method for wastewater employing sulfur dioxide and lime chemical dewatering technology in conjunction with an environmental photo biomass/algae biological treatment system growing photo biomass/algae to reduce dissolved solids, heavy metals, and ammonia in the wastewater to produce recovered treated wastewater for vegetation consumption, biofuel feedstock, and biofuel and carbon credits.
US08097164B2
A process for selectively removing contaminant ions from a solution includes: a) contacting the solution with magnetic particles coupled to selectively chelating ion exchange functionality containing moieties prepared by: i) activating carboxyl groups on the selectively chelating ion exchange functionality containing moieties by the formation of an acyl fluoride, and ii) reacting the acyl fluoride with the magnetic particles, the magnetic particles having a particle size of less than 10 microns; b) allowing the chelating functionality coupled magnetic particles to selectively bind one or more of the contaminant ions; and, c) extracting the chelating functionality coupled magnetic particles and contaminant ions from the solution by magnetic filtration.
US08097161B2
The present invention provides a method that allows solid-liquid separation of activated sludge and a treated liquid to be carried out stably and efficiently by suitably evaluating the risk of clogging prior to membrane clogging and adopting necessary and adequate countermeasures. The present invention provides a wastewater treatment method employing a membrane separation activated sludge process, by which the upper limit of BOD-sludge load is determined based on an index indicating the total organic content of the organic wastewater and a BOD value, and the BOD-sludge load in the activated sludge tank is adjusted so as not to exceed the upper limit.
US08097157B2
A fluid filtration system is disclosed comprising a manifold assembly comprising a mounting bracket, an alignment collar connected to the mounting bracket, and a latch assembly moveable with respect to the mounting bracket and alignment collar. The system further comprises a filter cartridge comprising a filter cartridge outer surface and a cartridge latching structure formed on the filter cartridge outer surface to interact with the latch assembly. When the filter cartridge is aligned with the alignment collar and inserted into the manifold assembly, the filter cartridge is (i) latched into the manifold assembly by translating the filter cartridge into the manifold assembly to cause movement of the latch assembly to engage the cartridge latching structure; and (ii) unlatched from the manifold assembly by translating the filter cartridge into the manifold assembly to cause movement of the rotating latch assembly to disengage the cartridge latching structure.
US08097156B2
The present disclosure relates to a new fluid filter system including, but not limited to, structure for enabling a filter cartridge to be installed and removed from a manifold with a straight line push/pull motion, an innovative latching mechanism and an innovative water manifold, the latching mechanism providing a unique mechanism interface between an innovative manifold and a filter cartridge, the latching mechanism providing a compact and simple mechanism between the innovative manifold and the filter cartridge that significantly reduces the installation and removal force previously found with fluid filtration cartridges by including a low force filter cartridge installation and removal mechanism for utilization by the end consumer and the manifold assembly includes an inlet and an outlet port, the manifold assembly having structure for maintaining a substantially constant volumetric cavity of the fluid filtration system that contains fluid during installation and operation of the filter therein and removal of the filter therefrom and that has an automatic shut-off system, as the inlet water pressure increases past a predetermined desired maximum system operating pressure, the inlet water will automatically be shut-off, i.e., will not flow into (or out of) the filter cartridge.
US08097153B2
A device, system and method for exchanging components between first and second fluids by direct contact in a microfluidic channel. The fluids flow as thin layers in the channel. One of the fluids is passed through a filter upon exiting the channel and is recycled through a secondary processor which changes the fluid's properties. The recycled fluid is reused for further exchange. The filter excludes blood cells from the recycled fluid and prevents or limits clogging of the filter. The secondary processor removes metabolic waste and water by diafiltration.
US08097149B2
Oil soluble catalysts are used in a process to hydrodesulfurize petroleum feedstock having a high concentration of sulfur-containing compounds and convert the feedstock to a higher value product. The catalyst complex includes at least one attractor species and at least one catalytic metal that are bonded to a plurality of organic ligands that make the catalyst complex oil-soluble. The attractor species selectively attracts the catalyst to sulfur sites in sulfur-containing compounds in the feedstock where the catalytic metal can catalyze the removal of sulfur. Because the attractor species selectively attracts the catalysts to sulfur sites, non-productive, hydrogen consuming side reactions are reduced and greater rates of hydrodesulfurization are achieved while consuming less hydrogen per unit sulfur removed.
US08097144B2
A cell for the electrowinning of aluminium has a cavity for containing electrolyte (20) and one or more non emerging active anode bodies (5) that are suspended in the electrolyte. The electrolyte's surface (21,21′) has an expanse extending over the cavity and is substantially covered by a self-formed crust (25) of frozen electrolyte. The crust is mechanically reinforced by at least one preformed refractory body (30, 30′,30″). The electrolyte crust is formed against the preformed refractory body and bonded thereto so as to inhibit mechanical failure of the crust and collapse of the crust into the cavity.
US08097143B2
A plating method comprising: continuously electroplating a surface of a film having a surface resistivity of from 1 to 1,000Ω/□ in a plurality of times, wherein the plurality of times are equally divided into a former half stage and a latter half stage, and wherein an average plating time of the former half stage of the electroplating step is shorter than an average plating time of the latter half stage of the electroplating step or an average plating voltage at the latter half stage of the electroplating step is 60% or less of an average plating voltage at the former half stage of the electroplating step.
US08097142B2
The present invention provides a method of simultaneously removing uranium and transuranics from metallic nuclear fuel in an electrorefiner. In the method, a potential difference is established between an anode basket containing the fuel and a solid cathode of the electrorefiner, thereby creating a diffusion layer of uranium and transuranic ions at the solid cathode, a first current density at the anode basket, and a second current density at the solid cathode. The ratio of anode basket area to solid cathode area is selected based on the total concentration of uranium and transuranic metals in a molten halide electrolyte in the electrorefiner and the effective thickness of the diffusion layer at the solid cathode, such that the established first and second current densities result in both codeposition of uranium and transuranic metals on the solid cathode and oxidation of the metallic nuclear fuel in the anode basket.
US08097137B2
To provide a gas sensor element having a base body whose durability is unlikely to deteriorate during the use and exhibiting excellent endurance and responsiveness.[Means for Solution] A gas sensor element 2 comprising: a closed-bottomed cylindrical base body 28 made of solid electrolyte which contains zirconia as a principal component; an outer electrode 26 formed on an outer surface of the base body 28; an inner electrode 27 formed on an inner surface of the base body 28; and an adhesive layer 29 formed between the base body 28 and the outer electrode 26 and containing zirconia as a principal component, wherein a proportion of tetragonal in zirconia particles of the base body 28 falls within the range from 45% or more to 60% or less and, wherein a proportion of tetragonal in zirconia particles of the adhesive layer 29 is greater than that of tetragonal in zirconia particles of the base body 28.
US08097136B2
A first electrode and a second electrode are provided, and an electrolyte is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are made of corresponding different materials in chemical potential for hydrogen gas. The first electrode includes higher chemical potential material and the second electrode includes lower chemical potential material. The first electrode functions as a detecting electrode for hydrogen gas, and the second electrode functions as a standard electrode for the hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas is detected on an electromotive force generated between the first electrode and the second electrode.
US08097130B2
An integrated water treatment system for sanitizing the water in a water system and reducing scaling includes an electrolytic cell through which water is passed. An electronic control system is coupled to the electrolytic cell, to provide a drive current to the cell to generate a sanitizer by electrolysis. The control system applies a variable frequency alternating voltage drive to said cell to reduce scaling build-up in the system.
US08097126B2
The present invention relates to an aqueous composition comprising at least one finely divided filler and at least one water-soluble amphoteric copolymer, a process for the preparation of such a composition and its use as an additive in the production of paper, cardboard and board.
US08097117B2
The invention relates to a method of producing a solar module by laminating a layer body consisting of a first carrier, to which at least one solar cell unit is applied, and a second carrier by at least one intermediate film based on a plasticizer-containing polyvinyl acetal by guiding the layer body between at least one pair of rollers at a temperature of 50 to 150° C.
US08097116B2
Corrosion-resistant adhesive compositions are provided. The compositions are useful for bonding together plies in multi-ply cellulosic fibrous structures. Multi-ply cellulosic fibrous structures incorporating the adhesives, products produced from such structures, and methods of producing the structures are also disclosed. The adhesive compositions incorporate a polyvinyl alcohol polymer and a corrosion inhibitor. The adhesive compositions may be sprayed or coated onto the cellulosic structures to bond layers of the structure to each other. The corrosion-resistant adhesive compositions are useful for preventing corrosion in the various devices used for handling and application of the adhesives such as spray equipment and applicator rolls. The cellulosic fibrous structures may be used to produce a variety of products including paper towels, toilet tissue, facial tissue, napkins, and other absorbent materials.
US08097106B2
A ceramic matrix composite structure has a reinforced core for carrying loads. The core includes a web connected between the facesheets by edge bonded joints for transmitting compressive, tensile and shear loads. The edge bonded joints are laterally reinforced by bridging members bonded to the facesheets, on opposite sides of the webs The bridging members may comprise low density, high temperature rigid foam.
US08097103B2
Methods of making and resultant compositions thereof, which include copper-oxalyldihydrazide-based complexes, such as pyrotechnic compositions, gas generants, and ignition materials, which are useful, for example, in inflatable restraint systems. Synthesis of one or more copper-oxalyldihydrazide complexes with nitrate and/or hydroxide counter ions provides a composition that may auto-ignite at a low enough temperature to be based with thermally sensitive gas generants. The present copper-oxalyldihydrazide complexes may also be used in conjunction with various oxidizers to produce compositions with sufficient energy to auto-ignite practically any known pyrotechnic composition.
US08097102B2
Provided is a Cu—Ti-based copper alloy sheet material that satisfies all the requirements of high strength, excellent bending workability and stress relaxation resistance and has excellent sprig-back resistance. The copper alloy sheet material has a composition containing, by mass, from 1.0 to 5.0% of Ti, and optionally containing at least one of at most 0.5% of Fe, at most 1.0% of Co and at most 1.5% of Ni, and further optionally containing at least one of Sn, Zn, Mg, Zr, Al, Si, P, B, Cr, Mn and V in an amount within a suitable range, with the balance of Cu and inevitable impurities, and having a crystal orientation satisfying the following expression (1) and preferably also satisfying the following expression (2). The mean crystal grain size of the material is controlled to be from 10 to 60 μm. I{420}/I0{420}>1.0 (1) I{220}/I0{220}≦3.0 (2)
US08097099B2
The present invention provides an abrasion resistant steel having a hardness of HB400 to HB520, having little change of hardness during long term use, and superior in toughness, characterized by containing, by mass %, C: 0.21% to 0.30%, Si: 0.30 to 1.00%, Mn: 0.32 to 0.70%, P: 0.02% or less, S: 0.01% or less, Cr: 0.1 to 2.0%, Mo: 0.1 to 1.0%, B: 0.0003 to 0.0030%, Al: 0.01 to 0.1%, and N: 0.01% or less, further containing one or more of V: 0.01 to 0.1%, Nb: 0.005 to 0.05%, Ti: 0.005 to 0.03%, Ca: 0.0005 to 0.05%, Mg: 0.0005 to 0.05%, and REM: 0.001 to 0.1%, having a balance of Fe, and furthermore having an ingredient with an M value defined by the following formula (1) of −10 to 16: M=26×[Si]−40×[Mn]−3×[Cr]+36×[Mo]+63×[V] (1)
US08097094B2
The present invention has as its object to stably produce a high strength electrical steel sheet and a processed part of the same which is high in strength and has wear resistant and is superior in magnetic flux density and core loss without greatly changing the cold rollability and production processes from those of conventional electrical steel sheet and provides a high strength electrical steel sheet characterized by containing, by mass %, C: 0.06% or less, Si: 0.2 to 6.5%, Mn: 0.05 to 3.0%, P: 0.30% or less, S or Se: 0.040% or less, Al: 2.50% or less, Cu: 0.6 to 8.0%, N: 0.0400% or less, and a balance of Fe and unavoidable impurities and containing in the steel a metal phase composed of Cu of a size of 0.1 μm or less. The method of production of the same comprises holding in a temperature range of 300° C. to 720° C. for 5 seconds or more for heat treatment.
US08097086B2
A method for preparing a sugar syrup having high fructose content, is implemented using at least one fruit containing sorbitol, particularly apples, pears, plums, prunes, peaches, nectarines, apricots and grapes, from which a first juice is extracted. The first juice is processed in order to obtain a clarified and demineralised sweet juice having a colour lower than 45 ICUMSA and having a conductometric ash content lower than 0.4%. The clarified and demineralised sweet juice is then processed in order to hydrolyse the saccharose into fructose and glucose. The method further includes an isomerisation of the glucose in fructose, and removing the sorbitol naturally occurring in the starting material.
US08097085B2
A frame supporting a containment chamber, the containment chamber is preferably configured to enclose and confine a process chamber. A heat source module is disposed between the containment chamber and the process chamber, while a thermal regulation cavity is maintained between the heat source module and the process chamber. Preferably, at least one fluid inlet box is in fluidic communication with the thermal regulation cavity, in which the fluid inlet box provides a plate valve that mitigates the flow of fluids from the thermal regulation cavity through the fluid inlet box and to an environment external to the thermal regulation cavity. Additionally, the preferred fluid inlet box further includes a flow adjustment structure interacting with the plate valve to control fluid flow from the environment external to the thermal regulation cavity past the plate valve and into thermal regulation cavity.
US08097084B2
A vacuum chamber system for semiconductor processing includes at least two evacuable vacuum chambers for receiving semiconductor elements to be processed, each including a vacuum chamber opening and a vacuum chamber sealing surface, and transfer aspects by which one of the vacuum chambers can be moved relative to another of the vacuum chambers and can be docked with it in a vacuum-tight manner by producing substantially parallel opposite positions of the vacuum chamber sealing surfaces which are subject to possible misalignments. At least one of the vacuum chambers has support aspects which support one vacuum chamber on the other vacuum chamber in the evacuated, docked state. The support aspects are in the form of two support elements which are arranged on opposite sides of the vacuum chamber opening, are substantially parallel to the opening central axis and have an operative connection to one another and have a force and displacement balance relative to one another with a balance center located substantially on the opening central axis, so that, in the docked state non-parallel positioning of the vacuum chamber sealing surfaces opposite one another, caused by possible misalignments, is compensated on support.
US08097081B2
A high pressure apparatus and related methods for processing supercritical fluids. In a specific embodiment, the present apparatus includes a capsule, a heater, at least one ceramic ring but can be multiple rings, optionally, with one or more scribe marks and/or cracks present. In a specific embodiment, the apparatus optionally has a metal sleeve containing each ceramic ring. The apparatus also has a high-strength enclosure, end flanges with associated insulation, and a power control system. IN a specific embodiment, the apparatus is capable of accessing pressures and temperatures of 0.2-2 GPa and 400-1200° C., respectively.
US08097070B2
A forced air open-ventilation systems for cooling electrical machines is provided. The forced air open-ventilation system includes an air cleaner having an air chamber with a first end, where air is drawn in from the surroundings, and a second end, opposite the first end, where air is drawn out of the air chamber, via a first outlet. A rotating means is contained within the air chamber and may be driven to rotate about an axis that extends between the first end and the second end of the chamber. The rotating means applies a centrifugal force to any airborne particles entering the air chamber and throws them radially outwards from the central axis. These particles are then drawn out of the air chamber, via at least one second outlet formed adjacent to a radially outer edge of the rotating means, by a high-velocity outlet stream of the open-ventilation system.
US08097067B2
Herein are disclosed devices and methods that can be used to provide an indication of the need to change a filter in a small forced air handling unit, based on the actual operating time (runtime) of the unit. The methods rely on the use of at least one vibration sensor that is placed in contact with a surface of an exterior component of the air handling unit and that can determine whether the unit is operating by sensing vibrations of the surface caused by operation of the unit.
US08097059B2
An exhauster bypass system 20 receives an input flow of gases and entrained fine solid particles 15 from a pulverizer 12 and separates the input flow into a particle-deficient gas flow and a particle-laden gas flow. The particle-deficient gas flow is provided to a fan of an exhauster assembly through a central outlet, while the particle-laden gas flow is provided to the exhauster assembly away from the fan through a bypass outlet. The bypass system includes a housing that provides a chamber for separating the particles from the hot gases to produce the particle-laden gas flow and a particle-deficient gas flow. The bypass system further includes a plurality of vertically stacked louvers disposed before the central outlet for separating the particles from the input gas flow. The outlet may include a seal or bypass fan in fluid communication with the bypass outlet to provide the particle-laden gas flow to the exhauster assembly.
US08097047B2
Rejuvenation compositions including a reactive dye are disclosed for the one-shot rejuvenation of the color for dark-colored textile fabrics and garments formed therefrom. The rejuvenation compositions return faded black or dark colored garments to a like-new look. Methods of rejuvenating the faded color of garments by using the dye compositions are also disclosed.
US08097044B2
Disclosed herein are compositions for simultaneous shaping, dyeing, and/or lightening of keratin fibers comprising at least one disulfide direct dye and at least one organic or mineral hydroxide alkaline agent. Also disclosed herein are processes for simultaneous shaping, dyeing, and/or lightening of keratin fibers using said compositions and compartmentalized devices comprising said compositions. The compositions disclosed herein may make it possible to obtain a long-lasting dyeing effect, while limiting the degradation of the keratin fibers.
US08097042B2
In one embodiment, a double-wall prosthetic limb socket assembly includes: (a) a first substantially rigid inner-wall socket adapted to receive a patient's residual limb; and (b) a second substantially rigid outer-wall socket seating the first inner-wall socket therein, the second outer-wall socket including, (i) a distal, circular base-plate; and (ii) a molded circumferential wall bonded to and extending proximally from the distal, circular base-plate; where the circular base-plate includes a vacuum port extending radially from a circumferential outer side of the base-plate in fluid communication with a vacuum channel extending through the circular base-plate and out through an outlet hole in a proximal side of the circular base-plate; such that when the vacuum port is coupled to a vacuum pump, the vacuum will help to draw the first inner-wall socket into the second outer-wall socket. A resilient, roll-on liner with a substantially closed distal end and an open proximal end interposes the substantially rigid inner and outer wall sockets.
US08097035B2
An implant assembly is provided for surgical implantation into an intervertebral space, such as for stabilization of vertebrae adjacent the intervertebral space during a spinal fusion procedure. The implant assembly includes a primary segment separate from a secondary segment. These segments are elongate and of sufficiently small cross-section that they can be implanted posteriorly in a minimally invasive manner. The primary segment preferably includes a tunnel and the secondary segment preferably includes a neck with the tunnel and neck sized complementally so that the segments stabilize each other where they intersect with the neck within the tunnel. The entire implant assembly is thus provided which both widens and supports the intervertebral space and is sufficiently rigid to provide adequate support for the intervertebral space as the vertebrae are fusing together.
US08097028B2
The present invention provides a prophylactic light activated treatment method for subjects at risk of a plaque-mediated thrombotic event, such as acute coronary syndromes. In one embodiment, the subject receives a dose of photosensitizer sufficient to result in a concentration of photosensitizer in the neovascularization associated with atherosclerotic disease to permit effective photodynamic therapy. Light of a wavelength that excites the photosensitizer, but that does not to any significant extent penetrate to an adventitial layer of the blood vessel, is applied to the region of the blood vessel. The therapeutic light dose, which may be applied in sequential stages, is sufficient to cause closure of neovasculature leakage and lead to plaque stabilization and reduced adverse clinical outcomes. The present invention further provides light transmission devices and systems useful in carrying out the methods of the present invention.
US08097023B2
A connecting device is provided for use in orthopedic surgery, for example to connect a spinal rod and a vertebral screw or hook. The connector generally includes a receiver member for receiving an elongated member, and an grommet member for receiving a bone fixation member. The grommet member is inserted into the receiver member so that the receiver member and grommet member are rotatably connected. One or more disks may be placed between the receiver member and grommet member to assist in locking the device.
US08097020B2
A total facet arthroplasty system and method of assembling a longitudinal member therein comprises a first pedicle screw assembly configured in a monoaxial position, wherein the first pedicle screw assembly comprises a first opening; a second pedicle screw assembly configured in a polyaxial position, wherein the second pedicle screw assembly comprises a second opening; and a longitudinal member attaching the first pedicle screw assembly to the second pedicle screw assembly such that the longitudinal member is mounted through the first and second openings, wherein the first opening is positioned in an orientation other than parallel with respect to the second opening. The longitudinal member comprises an angled orientation other than 180° or a whole factor thereof.
US08097019B2
An implant system for implantation between adjacent spinous processes for the relief of pain associated with the spine. The implant has a series of spacers which may be inserted over a shaft located between adjacent spinous processes thus allowing the implant to be assembled in situ. The spacers may rotate on the shaft relative to the wings. To minimize trauma to the patient, each spacer has a tapered tissue expander to distract the opening between the spinous processes during assembly. The shaft is connected to a wing, and a second wing or deployable wing may be inserted over the shaft and locked into place.
US08096999B2
A bone plate fixing device comprises a first bone contacting element with a rod-shaped connecting member and a second bone contacting element displaceable on the connecting member. A surgical instrument for applying the bone plate fixing device comprises a first tool element positionable on the second bone contacting element, and a second tool element removable from the first tool element, with a transportation device for stepwise transportation of the connecting member with the second tool element. The second tool element has toothing comprising a plurality of teeth forming several receptacles for engaging toothing of the connecting member. The toothing of the connecting member may be on a projection protruding from the connecting member. The toothing of the second tool element may have a pitch which corresponds to an integral multiple of a pitch of the toothing of the connecting member.
US08096998B2
A tensioner for tensioning a wire/cable coupled to an external orthopedic device. The tensioner can include a housing, an outer sleeve movable relative to the housing, a movable tension actuator handle operable to move the outer sleeve relative to the housing, and a plurality of movable jaws supported in the outer sleeve. The jaws can move between an open position for receiving the wire/cable and a closed position for gripping the wire/cable when the tension actuator handle is operated.
US08096996B2
A rod reduction instrument for position a rod relative to a seat of a bone anchor in a spinal implant system is provided. The instrument includes three concentric cannulas with circumferentially aligned rod receiving portions formed therein. One cannula is movable with respect to another to lock and unlock the seat of a bone anchor to the rod reduction instrument. The rod to be reduced is positioned inside at least one of the rod receiving portion. One cannula is moved with respect to another to lock the seat of the bone anchor to the rod reduction instrument. Once locked to the bone anchor, the remaining cannula is moved to reduce the distance between the rod and the seat within at least one of the rod receiving portions. The distance between the rod and the seat is reduced until the rod is position inside the seat. A secondary instrument is inserted through a central bore of the rod reduction instrument to introduce a cap and lock the cap to the seat securing the rod to the bone anchor.
US08096985B2
Described herein are devices and methods for guide catheters having one or more regions of increased flexibility. A flexibility region comprises one tubular segment of the guide catheter with a non-linear longitudinal seam between two non-concentric layers of material having different durometers. A non-linear seam, such as a zig-zag or sinusoidal configuration, permits controlled compression of lower durometer material between portions of higher durometer material.
US08096982B2
Contemplated methods and compositions use selected agents to clarify biological tissues, and particularly tissues in vivo. In especially preferred aspects, the clarification agent is topically applied to clarify a plurality of layers, wherein the dermal layer that includes a target object remains unclarified. Light energy is then applied to the skin in an amount and under a protocol effective to destroy or alter the target object such that all skin layers avoid thermal damage. For example, hair follicles, collagen, and/or tattoo pigments located in the dermal reticular layer of skin are irradiated under a protocol in which the dermal papillary layer and all epidermal layers are clarified while the dermal reticular layer remains unclarified. Remarkably, such protocol significantly reduces thermal damage in the dermis, epidermis, and hypodermis.
US08096980B2
A flexible membrane is situated within a rigid or semi-rigid cap. The edge of the cap wall is adhesively fixed to the tissue surrounding the stoma. The interior of the cap is pressurized to press the membrane to seal the stoma against the discharge of solid and semi-solid waste. Gas escapes through a vent with a filter element. The cap can be pressurized by an external pump or an integral pump member situated on top of the cap. A relief valve prevents over pressurization. A collection pouch can be provided as part of a device. The device can be removably mounted on a standard two-piece faceplate.
US08096979B2
A wound closure system and method having a porous pad for providing a reduced pressure to a tissue site is disclosed. The porous pad comprises a porous material formed by spraying a chemical substance that cures to form the porous material which has a body and an outer surface. Both the body and the outer surface have pores wherein the average size of the pores in the outer surface is smaller than the average size of the pores in the body. The porous pad further comprises a pathway formed within the porous material that is adapted to fluidly communicate with a source of reduced pressure.
US08096969B2
A peritoneal-based (“bloodless”) artificial kidney processes peritoneal fluid without need for additional fluids (“waterless”). Fluid is separated into a protein-rich stream and a protein-free stream. The protein-rich stream is regenerated using a sorbent assembly, and its protein composition can be modified by removal of selected protein(s) (“dialysate-pheresis”). It is then reconstituted with additives and returned into the peritoneal cavity, thereby reducing protein-loss and providing oncotic-pressure for ultrafiltration. The protein-free stream is used to produce free water, and an alkaline or acid fluid for optimization of the composition of the regenerated stream. The unused protein-free stream can be used to “reverse flush” the separator to maintain its patency and the excess discarded for fluid-balance regulation. Compared to prior art, immobilization of urease allows more protein rich fluid to be regenerated and re-circulated into the peritoneal cavity for toxin removal and allows practicable development of portable and wearable artificial kidneys.
US08096963B2
A multifunction device for selective application to the body of a vertebrate is disclosed. The device includes an electromagnetic generator supported by an bobbin like member which has a bore therethrough for reciprocally receiving an elongated magnetizable member. A permanent magnet is disposed near one end of the bore. The magnetic poles of the permanent magnet are arranged to magnetically attract the elongated magnetizable member. When energized, the electromagnetic generator produces a magnetic field magnetically polarizing the elongated magnetizable member establishing a repelling magnetic force with the permanent magnet which is additive to the electromagnetic force caused by the electromagnetic generator moving the elongated magnetizable member away from the permanent magnet.
US08096958B2
The invention relates to a blood-collection device for newborn babies and infants, comprising a cannula, which is provided with a blood inlet and outlet and is located in a holder (2) that has a grip region (7). Said collection device is equipped with a bow-shaped bridging element (6) that connects the grip region to the holder.
US08096953B2
An organism information detecting apparatus includes a detector that detects organism information of a subject for a predetermined sampling time period, determines a motion state of the subject when the organism information is detected, and outputs an organism signal. A first calculator processes the organism signal to calculate organism information data, the detector determining a reliability degree of the organism information data based on whether the determined motion state of the subject is a previously determined motion state. A second calculator calculates an average value of the amount of variation per time of data obtained by digitizing the organism signal, the average value being data supplementary to the organism information data. The detector determines the motion state of the subject based on whether the supplementary data exceeds a previously determined threshold. A storage device stores the organism information data and the supplementary data such that the organism information data and the supplementary data are associated with one another.
US08096950B2
An image processing apparatus includes a random processing device which adds independent random components to a pixel value of a pixel point on each actual frame corresponding to a given time and a pixel value of a pixel point on each actual frame corresponding to a time subsequent to the time respectively thereby to obtain random-processed pixel values and a weighting/adding device which weights/adds the random-processed pixel values thereby to obtain a pixel value of a pixel point on each interpolation frame corresponding to an intermediate time.
US08096949B2
Methods and related apparatuses are described for acquiring and displaying ultrasound mammographic image information. The system includes an ultrasound image acquisition device having at least one ultrasonic transducer positionable by a user on breast tissue of a patient so as to provide sonographic information of the breast tissue. A processing system controls the ultrasonic transducer, receives sonographic data from the transducer, and processes the data to generate sonographic image information for real time viewing by the user. A graphical user interface includes a touch-sensitive display programmed and configured to accept user adjustments with respect to the sonographic imaging process, and display the sonographic image information to the user responsive to the accepted adjustments in real time.
US08096941B2
The present invention provides a system and single or multi-functional element device that can be inserted and temporarily placed or implanted into a structure having a lumen or hollow space, such as a subject's abdominal cavity to provide therewith access to the site of interest in connection with minimally invasive surgical procedures. The insertable device may be configured such that the functional elements have various degrees of freedom of movement with respect to orienting the functional elements or elements to provide access to the site from multiple and different orientations/perspectives as the procedure dictates, e.g., to provide multiple selectable views of the site, and may provide a stereoscopic view of the site of interest.
US08096940B2
A method for breeding bovines, especially a method for breeding dairy and beef cattle without use of heat detection prior to insemination or embryo implantation.
US08096939B2
A urinary incontinence treatment apparatus comprises an operable restriction device (4) to be implanted in a patient for engaging the urethra (66) or urine bladder, to form a restricted urine passageway in the urethra or urine bladder. The restriction device is operable to change the restriction of the urine passageway. An energy transmission device (10) is provided for wireless transmission of energy from outside the patient's body to inside the patient's body for use in connection with the operation of the restriction device including enlarging or restricting the urine passageway.
US08096937B2
The invention is directed to an implanted microphone having reduced sensitivity to vibration. In this regard, the microphone differentiates between the desirable and undesirable vibration by utilizing at least one motion sensor to produce a motion signal when an implanted microphone is in motion. This motion signal is used to yield a microphone output signal that is less vibration sensitive. In a first arrangement, the motion signal may be processed with an output of the implantable microphone transducer to provide an audio signal that is less vibration-sensitive than the microphone output alone. Specifically, the motion signal may be scaled to match the motion component of the microphone output such that upon removal of the motion signal from the microphone output, the remaining signal is an acoustic signal.
US08096929B2
A multi-station exercise apparatus includes a station for performing abdominal exercises. The abdominal exercise station is combined with another exercise station, such as a press exercise station, a high pulley station or a leg extension/leg curl station. The apparatus for performing an abdominal exercise includes a pad for the head and/or neck of the exerciser that is pivotally connected to the frame of the exercise machine. A pair of hand grips are connected to the head/neck pad and disposed so that the exerciser may grasp the hand grips in order to pull forward in a “crunch” exercise. Exercise resistance is provided by means such as a weight stack that is shared by the various stations of the exercise machine. The head/neck pad may be “docked” when not performing an abdominal exercise to prevent looseness and serve as a fixed headrest for other exercises.
US08096925B2
The present invention is directed to a treadmill belt with foamed cushion layer and method of making same. In one embodiment, the treadmill belt includes a fabric base layer and a foamed cushion layer foamed on and integral with the fabric base layer. The foamed cushion layer includes a thermoplastic composition and has a Shore A hardness of about 20 to about 80. In one example, the first foamed cushion layer is from about 0.05 inches to about 0.35 inches thick. The thermoplastic composition, prior to being foamed, includes about 1 part to about 5 parts of a foaming agent, e.g., a chemical foaming agent, based on 100 parts thermoplastic material, e.g., polyvinyl chloride. An outer wear layer is securely adhered on the foamed cushion layer to sandwich the foamed cushion layer between the fabric base layer and outer wear layer thereby defining the treadmill belt.
US08096924B2
Hand therapy methods and hand therapy exercise tools used with graded resistance putty to simulate fine/gross motor skills to improve hand/digit/forearm conditions.
US08096919B2
When a torque control value (TR) is larger than a threshold value and vehicular speed (SV) is lower than a threshold value an upper temperature limit setting unit sets the upper temperature limit of a motor generator at an upper temperature limit (TS2) higher than a normally set upper temperature limit (TS1). A torque limitation control controls limiting a torque of the motor generator, as based on a motor temperature (T) and the upper temperature limit set by the upper temperature limit setting unit.
US08096917B2
A gearbox is provided having multiple sun gears and one or more planet stages. The planet stages can include a first planet stage and a second planet stage. A first sun gear is connected to the first planet stage, and a second sun gear is connected to the second planet stage. The torque transmitted from the planet stages is at least partially distributed among the first sun gear and the second sun gear.
US08096906B2
When a vehicle decelerates rapidly, a lower limit secondary pulley pressure (Plmt) is calculated on the basis of a primary pulley rotation speed (Npri) detected by a primary pulley rotation sensor. When a deceleration speed (Gdata) is greater than a predetermined deceleration speed (G1) and a secondary pulley pressure (Psec) detected by a secondary pulley pressure sensor is lower than the lower limit secondary pulley pressure (Plmt), it is determined that slippage is about to occur in a V-belt 4 on a primary pulley side in particular, and therefore speed ratio fixing control is performed.
US08096904B2
The invention relates to a novel net, in particular for sports, such as a volleyball net, tennis net or goal net, which can be provided with advertising or other information. Said net is characterized by a mesh structure that is formed by a film containing holes distributed over its surface. A film of this type can be printed before the holes are produced, thus enabling advertising or other information to be applied by simple printing presses.
US08096898B2
Golf ball compositions including a rosin-modified polymeric composition including a conventional ionomer, acid copolymer, highly neutralized polymer, or other suitable polymer that has been modified with a rosin material to impart stiffness through increasing the flexural modulus of the material.
US08096894B2
Assemblies for releasably connecting a golf club head and shaft may include: (a) a shaft engaging member including a rotation-inhibiting structure having a circular cross-section and a first set of circumferentially spaced teeth; (b) a club head engaging member including a retaining structure for engaging the rotation-inhibiting structure, the retaining structure having a circular opening with a second set of circumferentially spaced teeth to engage the first set of teeth on the rotation-inhibiting structure; and (c) a securing system for releasably securing the shaft engaging member with respect to the club head engaging member. The first set of teeth may have a different number of teeth than the second set of teeth. Golf club heads are releasably engaged with shafts so that the shafts can be readily interchanged and/or so that the shaft position with respect to the club head can be readily changed.
US08096889B2
A boot comprising a fold region and an attachment region is disclosed. The attachment region comprises an outside with at least two circumferential ribs extending from a base surface towards the outside and providing for a binder seat surface.
US08096886B2
A shaft coupling has an input element adapted to be rotationally driven about an axis, an output element rotatable about the axis adjacent and limitedly relative to the input element, and an intermediate element rotatable about the axis adjacent and limitedly relative to both the input element and the output element. A first coupling assembly with progressive resistance to torque is fixed between one of the input and output elements and the intermediate element. A second coupling assembly with linear resistance to torque is fixed between the other of the input and output elements and the intermediate element such that torque is transmitted between the input and output elements through the coupling elements in series with each other in a single stage.
US08096882B2
Embodiments include an apparatus, device, system, computer-program product, and method. In an embodiment, a system includes a computer-simulated environment wherein a participant is able to take part. The system also includes a risk management element of the computer-simulated environment, and a computer storage medium operable to save a record of the arrangement.
US08096880B2
An example system and method is provided for filtering input values associated with movement of a hand-held control device. A current input value is compared with an average input value and, based on the comparing, an output value is generated in a range between the current input value and a prior output value.
US08096879B2
A block game program and a block game apparatus that can improve interest therein by using a new block removal method and a new block movement method are achieved. The game program sequentially produces blocks in a playing field displayed on a display screen to form a block group. The game program causes the game apparatus to function as a mouse that receives an operation, and a block removal control unit that removes blocks satisfying a removal condition from among the block group in accordance with timing at which the mouse receives an operation.
US08096868B2
A method and system is provided for conducting a wagering game. A spin result is determined, the spin result including a set of symbols positioned within a set of symbol positions. The symbol positions may be arranged in rows and columns or another arrangement. The spin results and associated symbol positions may be displayed on a viewable display area. A prize associated with the spin result may be awarded. The wagering game may include a first trigger condition, a second trigger condition and an end condition. If the spin result meets the first trigger condition, additional symbol positions may be added. If the spin result meets the second trigger condition, symbol positions may be removed. If the spin result meets the end condition, the wagering game ends. If the spin result does not meet the end condition, the wagering game continues by determining a next spin result.
US08096866B2
The present invention provides a gaming machine that includes a slot machine, a bonus device and a device controller. The device controller remotely operates the bonus device and the bonus device provides a bonus award independently from the slot machine. The bonus device describes a bonus display information upon receiving from the device controller with a condition independent from a game result of the slot machine. Also, the device controller can collect a wager from one or more slot machines, determine a bonus content based on the collected wager, remotely operate one or more bonus devices, and transmit same or different bonus display information for each bonus device.
US08096865B2
A casino table or slot game allowing a player to place bets on game progressions. The player has the ability to tailor the game to his or her preferences. The player also has the ability to wager on the game before or during the game. Payouts on bets are adjusted according to computed payoffs depending on game situations.
US08096863B2
Methods and systems for emotion-based game character manipulation are provided. Each character is associated with a table of quantified attributes including emotional attributes and non-emotional attributes. An adjustment to an emotional attribute of a game character is determined based on an interaction with another game character. The emotional attribute of the first game character is adjusted, which further results in an adjustment to a non-emotional attribute of the first game character. The behavior of the first game character is then determined based on the adjusted non-emotional attribute.
US08096859B2
A honing tool for honing holes in workpieces, having an abrasive portion including a first abrasive layer therearound of abrasive particles of a first size, including a region having a second abrasive layer of abrasive layers of a second size sufficiently smaller than the first size, so as to be disposed in interstices between abrasive particles of the first abrasive layer without altering the diametrical size of the first layer, and so as to provide enhanced wear resistance.
US08096854B2
A machine tool and a tool include an automatic balancing device, with a first balancing mass located such that it is movable relative to the shaft of the machine tool in all radial directions and in the circumferential direction, that may be started rotating via the rotation of the shaft, and that, during rotation, exerts a force on the shaft in the radial direction.
US08096850B1
A hand-held noisemaker for use at sporting and other events. A dome-shaped, metal ringer is secured to a shallow, cup-shaped base by a lock knob having a parallel pair of barbed ends inserted into a keyway cutout of an upstanding boss within the base. A depending, cylindrical wall portion of the ringer is received within an annular recess of the base, but touches no part of the base. Whenever the noisemaker is shaken, and whenever two noisemakers are clapped together, a spherical ball within a closed, annular space defined by the ringer and base strikes the ringer, causing the ringer to emit a ringing sound.
US08096847B2
An organic light emitting device is disclosed. In one embodiment, the organic light emitting device includes red (R), green (G) and blue (B) lower electrodes formed on a substrate. R, G, B organic thin film layers are formed on the R, G, B lower electrodes, respectively. Additionally, an upper single or multilayer electrode is formed over the substrate. Portions of the upper electrode that correspond to the R, G, B organic thin film layers, respectively, are formed to each have a different thickness. Various methods for forming the upper electrode using a fine metal mask, a halftone mask, and single and multiple photolithography processes are also disclosed.
US08096842B2
A connector assembly is provided for connecting two planar surfaces or structures together to permit electrical transmission between the two. As described, the connector have at least two housing sections having grooves formed therein for receiving springs, such as canted coil springs. The springs are configured to provide constant mechanical and electrical connection between multiple parts and allow for small motions between such parts. By allowing for movement of the connected parts, adequate connection during thermal changes and/or vibrations is maintained. This is possible due to the spring contact interface between the connector assembly and the connecting parts, which allows relative movement between the springs and the connecting parts.
US08096829B2
A terminal assembly is provided for terminating a center conductor of a coaxial cable. The terminal assembly includes a terminal body having a pin at one end and a cavity at the other end for accommodating a center conductor therein. A contact member is supported within the cavity. The contact member includes plural inwardly directed cantilevered beams extending from a contact base for deflectable engagement with the inserted center conductor. The terminal body includes an inwardly directed shoulder for engagement with the beams at a location between the base and the distal ends of the beams. The location defines a deflection fulcrum at a location distal from the base so as to provide increased contact engagement force between the distal ends of the beams and the center conductor.
US08096828B2
An electrical connector is provided for terminating a coaxial cable. The electrical connector includes an electrically conductive housing extending a length between a cable-receiving end portion configured to engage an insulating cover of the coaxial cable and a mating end portion configured to engage another electrical connector. The housing includes an outer electrical contact. An insulating member is held by the housing. An inner electrical contact is held by the insulating member. The inner electrical contact includes a slot configured to receive an inner electrical conductor of the coaxial cable.
US08096826B1
A snap-on switch module assembly includes a plug connector adapted to be received by an electrical device. A second housing is connected to a first housing. A switch device is disposed between the first and second housings. At least one first opening is formed in the second housing. A plurality of wires pass through the at least one first opening and are connected to the switch device. Accordingly, the switch device protects and controls electrical apparatus connected to the electrical device.
US08096811B2
The present invention is generally related to a computer architecture and process for evaluating and reporting on a user's competence in managing a simulation of a complex system modeled in a computer based testing and training system. The simulation may be called a “virtual system.” The method generates evaluation criteria responsive to a user profile, user choices in managing the virtual system, and events that occur during a simulation, in addition to the original state of the system. The method produces summary evaluations responsive to a plurality of characteristics of the simulated system. The implementation may be advantageously employed to evaluate a medical clinician's management of computer-simulated human patients, hereinafter called “virtual patients”. The present invention is also suitable for evaluation of user management of a plurality of complex systems including but not limited to animals, plants, cells, machines, and populations.
US08096809B2
A system and method for displaying content in a browser window associated with an end-user is described. In one implementation, data that includes links is received from a content provider, each of the links is identified and encoded, and the received data along with the links are displayed in the end-user's browser window.
US08096804B2
This invention describes a new device for controlling the radial profile of the temperature of a confined gas stream that is designed to be used as a coolant in an exchanger that is located downstream from said device.
US08096799B2
A spider for an extrusion apparatus located upstream from a die, through which a profile is extruded. The spider can have an outer housing with a central flow passage therethrough. An inner hub can be positioned within the central passage for supporting an inner portion of the die. At least one spider leg can be secured to the outer housing and the inner hub, and support the inner hub within the central passage. The at least one spider leg can recess radially rearwardly outwardly in the downstream direction such that molten polymer flowing through the central passage flows around the at least one spider leg, separating and rejoining together earlier in inner radial regions close to the inner hub than in outer radial regions close to the outer housing for reducing spider lines on inside surfaces of extruded profiles.
US08096794B2
A compressor comprises an oil separator for separating oil from a refrigerant compressed by a compression mechanism unit, and a high-pressure oil storage chamber for storing the oil separated by the oil separator. At least a portion of the oil separator is provided outside a housing. The high-pressure oil storage chamber has an outer wall that is thicker than the outer wall of the housing accommodating the compression mechanism unit, and an end wall of the housing is formed by this thicker outer wall.
US08096773B2
A vertical axis wind turbine has a stator shaft, an electrical generator, a rotating shaft and multiple blades. The electrical generator is rotatably mounted around the stator shaft. The rotating shaft is mounted on and protrudes from the electrical generator. The multiple blades are disposed around the electrical generator and orientated to balance each other. Each blade is connected to the rotating shaft by at least one strut and has a luff edge tapering to a lee edge. The at least one strut is formed on and protrudes from the blade is connected to the rotating shaft. The blades are rotated by the wind independent of wind direction and rotate the electrical generator to convert wind power into electric power.
US08096768B1
A turbine blade for an industrial gas turbine engine, the blade includes a squealer pocket formed by a pressure side tip rail and a suction side tip rail with tip cooling holes opening onto the tip floor in the trailing edge region, a tip corner and two impingement cooling air exit slots formed between the pressure side and the suction side tip rails and the tip corner. The cooling air flowing along the tip pocket flows out the exit slots as impingement jets and provide cooling for the tip corner to prevent an over-temperature that results in erosion.
US08096767B1
A turbine rotor blade with a tip shroud that has a baffle seal with a knife edge to form a seal with a honeycomb seal of the shroud, where the tip shroud includes larger ribs that form separate compartment each with smaller ribs that form serpentine flow cooling circuits within the compartment to provide cooling for the tip shroud. Two hard faces each include an impingement cavity connected to one of the serpentine to provide impingement cooling to the backside wall of the hard face surface. The tip shroud periphery includes film cooling holes to discharge the spent cooling air from the serpentine circuits out from the tip periphery. A row of baffle seal cooling holes connect the serpentine circuit to the pressure side of the knife edge to provide cooling for the baffle seal.
US08096764B2
A system for driving a wind turbine blade (46) into a feathered position during an emergency stopping process of a wind turbine rotor. The system comprises a hydraulic actuator (3) functionally connected to the blade (46) for changing the pitch of the blade (46) during movement of the hydraulic actuator (3) and an emergency accumulator (8) connected to the hydraulic actuator (3) for driving the hydraulic actuator (3) with fluid from the emergency accumulator (8). The emergency accumulator (8) comprises a resilient member for accumulating the fluid in the emergency accumulator (8) under resilient pressure or a weight member (74) comprising a weight member upon the fluid in the emergency accumulator. The resilient member (14) or weight member (74) is configured for driving the fluid out of the emergency accumulator due to the expansion or retraction of the resilient member.
US08096759B2
A bulkhead for a wind turbine is provided. The wind turbine includes a rotor hub and a rotor blade operatively attached to the rotor hub. The rotor blade includes a blade root. The bulkhead includes multiple access openings with closable hatches and is arranged in or on the blade root or in the area between the blade root and the rotor hub.
US08096756B2
A compressor comprises a casing having an inner surface surrounding a rotor assembly, the rotor assembly having a plurality of circumferentially spaced radially outwardly extending rotor blades, each blade having leading and trailing edges and a tip, the compressor further comprising at least one plasma actuator for suppressing rotating stall inception of the compressor, the at least one plasma actuator being mounted adjacent to the blade tips.
US08096755B2
A flange for supporting arcuate shrouds and shroud hangers comprising at least one arcuate rail, each arcuate rail having an inner radius, a first taper location, a first taper region, a second taper location, a second taper region, wherein the thickness of at least a portion of the first taper region is tapered and wherein the thickness of at least a portion of the second taper region is tapered.
US08096748B2
A method of cooling a double flow steam turbine includes supplying steam flow to each nozzle of the sections of the turbine; reversing a portion of each steam flow to provide a reverse steam flow from an aft side to a forward side of each section. Each reverse steam flow is directed to an annular space between a rotor and a tub. The method further includes removing the reverse steam flows through a pipe, the pipe having a first end at the annular space at a first pressure and a second end at a second pressure that is lower than the first pressure. A double flow steam turbine, includes a pair of nozzles, each nozzle being provided at a section of the turbine; a rotor supporting buckets of the sections; a tub supporting the pair of nozzles; and a pipe extending from an annular space between the tub and the rotor. The pipe has a first end at the annular space and second end. A pressure at the first end of the pipe is greater than a pressure at the second end.
US08096747B2
An apparatus and a method for cooling and/or sealing a gas turbine by selectively boosting the pressure of air extracted at a lower extraction stage is provided. The pressure of the extracted air is boosted by an external compressor before it becomes available for cooling and/or sealing the turbine components. A bypass line includes a higher extraction stage providing air for cooling the turbine.
US08096741B2
A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle interior cargo area having an interior wall, a track and a cargo accessory. The track is fixedly attached to the interior wall and the track includes a pair of parallel spaced apart wall portions defining a track slot therebetween. The cargo accessory includes a cargo supporting portion and an attachment portion. The attachment portion is configured and arranged to attach to the wall portions of the track retaining the cargo accessory in position with a snap-fit engagement arrangement.
US08096738B2
An improved vehicle wheel chock for a vehicle restraint system for an auto-rack railroad car which secures a vehicle in the auto-rack railroad car. The vehicle wheel chock is configured to be positioned on a grating adjacent to a tire of the vehicle. The improved vehicle wheel chock includes an improved face-plate.
US08096735B2
The invention relates to a cutting insert, in particular for a milling work, with a basic body which respectively has on opposite sides peripheral cutting edges, which protrude beyond the respectively adjoining face regions (15), descending at a positive rake angle, in the middle of which one or more planar supporting surfaces (16) are arranged, and with a central fastening hole (12) for receiving a tensioning screw. Arranged around the central fastening hole is at least one conical surface (19), with a cone descending inwards, i.e. towards the fastening hole.
US08096734B2
Milling cutter tool for chip removing machining, as well as a cutting body and a basic body therefor
A milling cutter tool including a basic body and a replaceable cutting body. The cutting body includes a set of teeth which are situated with a uniform partition along one of a pair of opposite sides of the cutting body. The cutting body is fixed in a pocket having a support surface against which the underside of the cutting body is mounted. The support surface of the pocket, and the underside of the cutting body, are tipped at a negative axial angle γ of at least 0.5° in relation to a center axis (C1) of the basic body such that the teeth of the cutting body are located along a common, phantom helical line (X), which is concentric with the center axis (C1) of the basic body and has an even pitch which corresponds to the partition between the teeth.
US08096730B1
An apparatus and method for repairing failed metal pipe inverts includes an apparatus for distributing concrete that is positioned at one entrance of the metal pipe invert. The apparatus includes a frame having a forward end and a rearward end. A trough is connected to the forward end, and a support arm is connected to said rearward end. One end of a chute traverses the trough, while the other is supported by the support arm. A scraper is to the chute to spread concrete distributed from the trough into the pipe invert. The concrete is poured into the chute and distributed into the trough. The apparatus is pulled through the metal pipe invert to distribute concrete from an opening in the trough onto the metal pipe invert. The scraper engages the concrete to selectively spread the concrete on the metal pipe invert and repair the invert.
US08096729B2
An adjustable lift, such as a boat lift, or an adjustable apparatus mountable to a boat lift, comprising a frame supporting a keyway, a shaft and a screw along which a hub assembly travels. An axle may extend from the hub assembly and support a wheel, such that translation of the hub assembly along screw raises and lowers the wheel with respect to the frame members of the lift. In this way, the lift may be rolled into place, with its wheels then raised, so that frame members and/or feet of the lift rest on a lake bed or other surface. When wanting to move the lift, a user may rotate the screw in an opposite direction, lowering the wheel with respect to the frame member, freeing lift frame members and feet from the lake bed and allowing the user to roll the lift away.
US08096727B2
A temporary barricade in the form of a retractable post system. In one configuration, the post is lowered into the ground, such that the top of the post is flush with the ground surface, leaving an unobtrusive configuration that one can walk over, drive over, and so forth. In another configuration, however, the post can be pulled up from the ground, and with a moderate rotational twisting motion, locked into vertical position, thereby providing a strong barrier to traffic and other situations.
US08096726B2
Sheet Lifter for use with multi ring sheet or page holders and multi ring binders. The Device is made from a thin ridged panel with a plurality of notches and slots. The Device is positioned in order to interact with the rings and binder spine of the page holder or binder. The Device rests on the spine with the pages or sheets resting on the Device. The Device prevents the pages or sheets from traveling past the maximum horizontal diameter point of the rings when the holder or binder is fully opened. When the holder or binder is closed the Device creates sufficient upward pressure against the pages or sheets to return them to their closed position at the maximum vertical diameter point of the rings. The pressure required is minimal.
US08096721B2
The application relates to a solid or semi-solid substance dispenser featuring a body, an opening, and a retractable barrel which may be electively presented at the opening whereby the solid or semi-solid substance might be projected from the barrel for application to a target.
US08096720B2
Disclosed are a printer and a stacker and methods. The printer prints selectively on one or both sides of a printable web and sheets or labels are cut from the web and stacked in the stacker. The printer has an unwind mechanism that accepts and holds web rolls of different widths in center-justified relationship with respect to a print head. The printer has a spindle for mounting an ink ribbon core with a detent for center-justifying the ink-ribbon with respect to the print head.
US08096719B1
A method for producing personalized cards on a substantially continuous basis. The method includes providing multiple supply rolls of card stock having a thickness of at least about 12 mils. The card stock is corona treated in an in-line corona treating unit to provide a printable surface having a surface tension energy of at least about 38 dynes/cm. Fixed and variable data are printed on individual card units of the card stock in first and second printing units of the in-line printing system. A removable activation label may be applied by an in-line label application unit to the variable data. The card units are die cut in an in-line die-cutting unit to a predetermined size. The first and second printing units are shaft driven printing units and the card units are capable of producing card units at a rate of at least 50,000 card units per hour.
US08096718B2
A printer according to the present invention selectively comprises, a cutting configuration for a receipt printer for printing a receipt and a cutting configuration for a ticket printer for printing a ticket, as a cutting configuration for cutting a printed part of the paper roll. The cutting configuration for the receipt printer includes a fixed blade mounted to the upper frame and a movable cutter unit mounted on the lower frame to oppose the fixed blade through the paper roll to be driven by a driving source to cut the paper roll. The cutting configuration for the ticket printer includes a hand cutter mounted to at least one of the upper frame and the lower frame.
US08096714B2
A device and method for determining key registration settings in a stenographic device, includes providing a plurality of keys making up a standard stenographic keyboard, each key having a resting position, a depressed position, and a range of depression positions between the resting position and the depressed position, receiving information indicating a depression depth of a key on the standard stenographic keyboard, and a processor communicatively coupled to a display and the plurality of keys, the processor operable to cause the display to graphically show, for at least one of the keys, a depression indicator of a current one of the depression positions.
US08096708B2
The present invention provides a digital linear heat detector with thermocouple heat confirmation. A digital linear heat detector with thermocouple heat confirmation comprises a first conductor and a second conductor, the first conductor composed of a different conductive material than the second conductor. The first and second conductors are then are twisted together to form substantially continuous spring pressure between the first conductor and the second conductor, thereby causing the layers of the non-conductive heat sensitive thermoplastic material to be in contact. The present invention also includes a monitoring circuit that is configured to monitor resistance along the first and second conductors. When the resistance changes along the first and second conductors, the monitor is configured to detect a short and enter a thermocouple mode. By entering the thermocouple mode, the monitoring circuit is able to identify the temperature at the short and determine the type of alarm condition being created by the short based on a predetermined temperature threshold.
US08096706B2
A temperature detector includes a plurality of comparators, an electronic component and a controller. Each of the comparators is responsible for detecting different temperature ranges. The electronic component has a temperature-dependent threshold voltage and an output connected to inputs of the plurality of comparators. The controller is configured to enable only one of the comparators at one time and to generate a value to the other inputs of the plurality of comparators.
US08096705B2
A method of estimating temperature of a transient nature of a thermal system, including, without a temperature measurement being made available, determining a drive current and thermal parameters of the thermal system.
US08096701B2
A method and apparatus for mixing at least one gaseous fluid stream with a large gas stream flowing in a gas duct, especially for introducing a reducing agent into a flue gas containing nitrogen oxides. The gas stream is directed against at least one disk-shaped mixer element on an inlet side that is inclined at an angle counter to the direction of flow of the gas stream, wherein eddy-type whirls form at the mixer element. The gaseous fluid stream is guided essentially to the center of an impact surface associated with the discharge side of the mixer element and is admixed with a gas stream downstream of the mixer element and is guided essentially perpendicularly onto the center of the impact surface on the discharge side such that the gaseous fluid is distributed over the entire discharge side from the center thereof and is incorporated across the entire whirl system formed at the peripheral edge of the mixer element.
US08096694B2
A light guiding assembly is provided. The light guiding assembly includes a first light guiding plate, a second light guiding plate, and a shielding plate. The second light guiding plate is located adjacent to the first light guiding plate. The shielding plate is positioned between the first light guiding plate and the second light guiding plate, to prevent light guided by the first light guiding plate and light guided by the second light guiding plate from mixing.
US08096687B2
A vehicle head light includes a lighting casing; a lamp unit disposed in the lighting casing; a support member that supports the lamp unit so as to be rotatable at least in two directions; an actuator that rotates the lamp unit with respect to the support member; and a thrust receiver that receives a load of the lamp unit. The lighting casing includes a lamp housing opened on one side and a cover that closes the opening of the lamp housing. The lamp unit includes a light source and a reflector that reflects light emitted from the light source. The actuator is disposed under the lamp unit. A lower end of the lamp unit is coupled to the actuator. The actuator includes a case member; and a driving mechanism disposed in the case member. The lamp unit is coupled to the driving mechanism. The thrust receiver is integrally provided on the case member of the actuator.
US08096678B2
A backlit display for sink and vent hood assemblies is disclosed. The assembly has a body with an interior and an exterior with a front and sides. A frame is mounted to the front of the body and defines a window. A support panel is installed in the frame and has a light. A mounting bezel is mounted to the frame in front of the window. The mounting bezel defines a pocket between the mounting bezel and the frame. The assembly also comprises a decorative panel that is mounted in the pocket between the mounting bezel and the frame in front of the window. The light backlights and illuminates the decorative panel in front of and away from the body through the window.
US08096674B2
Various techniques are provided for implementing a lighting device with selectable output level switching. In one example, a lighting device includes a light source, a controller adapted to provide one or more signals to control the operation of the light source, a power terminal adapted to receive a power source, and a tailcap assembly. The tailcap assembly includes a tailcap, a push button, and a washer disposed in the tailcap. The washer includes at least one arm adapted to be pushed against a surface to selectively connect the controller to the power terminal in response to a manipulation of the tailcap assembly.
US08096672B2
A method is provided for equalizing emitted light levels between light fixtures that use LEDs to produce light. The method includes gaining access to LED light fixtures from within a compartment in which the fixtures are mounted, and adjusting LED dimmers of the LED light fixtures to adjust the light emission levels of the LED light fixtures to generally match one another.
US08096670B2
A diffuser for a lighting device comprises a diffuser region, a hook element and a nose element. A light fixture comprises a housing with an opening and a diffuser as described above, in which the nose element extends through the opening, optionally further comprising an accessory including at least one spring element engaging the hook element. A light fixture structure comprises a housing defining an opening and an first attachment element comprising a nose element, a hook element and a connection region, and optionally further comprising a diffuser engaging a first portion of the hook element, and/or an accessory which engages a second portion of the hook element. An eyeball accessory comprises first and second housing elements pivotably attached to each other. An accessory for a light fixture comprises a housing member and a spring element engageable with a fixture.
US08096669B2
A surface light source device includes a light source facing a reflective surface of a reflecting member, and a light-controlling member composed of a transparent material and disposed across the light source from the reflecting member in such a manner as to face the reflective surface, the light-controlling member guiding light emitted from the light source in a predetermined direction. The light-controlling member has on a surface thereof remote from the reflective surface projections arranged on a plane. The projections have profiles of at least one kind, each having a symmetry axis or a symmetry plane. The symmetry axes or the symmetry planes of the projections are tilted at a predetermined angle with respect to a direction in which the light controlling member faces the reflecting member.
US08096668B2
A wavelength conversion material with an omni-directional reflector is utilized to enhance the optical efficiency of an illumination system. Light guides with restricted output apertures, micro-element plates and optical elements are utilized to enhance the brightness of delivered light through light recycling. In addition, micro-element plates may be used to provide control over the spatial distribution of light in terms of intensity and angle. Efficient and compact illumination systems are also disclosed.
US08096663B2
A projection display device accommodates, in a main body cabinet, a projection lens section to which light modulated by a light modulating element is entered, and a mirror section that reflects light transmitted through the projection lens section and directs the light to a projection plane. When the main body cabinet is mounted on a mounting plane so that the light transmitted through the projection lens section may get away from the mounting plane, a holding member which holds the main body cabinet in a upright state with regard to the mounting plane is mounted on the main body cabinet.
US08096662B2
A light source unit has a main body portion and light emitting elements, and the main body portion includes wall surfaces which constitute reflecting planes which are inclined so as to define a rectangular projecting port, and an inclination of the wall surfaces lying on longer member sides constitutes an inclined angle which is smaller than an inclination of the wall surfaces lying shorter member sides of the projecting port, the wall surfaces on the shorter member sides being each formed into a trapezoidal shape.
US08096659B2
A fundus camera includes an optical path splitting unit arranged between a focusing unit and an imaging unit. The splitting unit has characteristics adapted to reflect light of a visible light region and to transmit near-infrared light. The splitting unit retreats from an optical path when a still fundus image is photographed. A quick-return mirror having such characteristics is used as the splitting unit. When near-infrared illumination light having a wavelength of about 850 nm is used, such light can be incident upon the imaging unit without loss of the amount of light. Visible light output from an internal fixation target is projected onto a subject's eye. A cornea diaphragm and a crystalline lens diaphragm are used for observing a fundus with invisible light. Each of the cornea diaphragm and crystalline lens diaphragm can be changed to another one having a different diameter.
US08096657B2
Computer-implemented systems and methods create a user environment tailored to a user's computer abilities. A series of baseline tests are administered to new users for accumulating user metric data, and a database collects and stores the user metrics. Program logic is responsive to data from the data base, where the program logic is programmed to adapt the user environment to correspond to abilities measured through the baseline tests. The program logic is further programmed to adapt user interface controls to compensate for user dexterity abilities.
US08096656B2
The invention relates to an ophtalmic lens comprising, on its surface, a first central zone preferentially transmitting the long wavelengths of the visible spectrum, and a second peripheral zone preferentially transmitting the short wavelengths of the visible spectrum.
US08096646B2
A cartridge includes a first member that prevents a first signal, having first intensity, from passing entirely therethrough, wherein one portion of the first signal has a second intensity. A second member either prevents a second signal having a third intensity from entirely passing therethrough, or allows one first portion of the second signal to pass therethrough. The first portion of the second signal has a fourth intensity. The third intensity is greater than the fourth intensity. The first intensity is greater than the second intensity. A third member either prevents the second signal from passing entirely therethrough, or allows either the first portion of the second signal or one second portion of the second signal to pass therethrough. The second portion of the second signal has a fifth intensity. The third intensity is greater than the fifth intensity. An intermediate portion is formed between the second and third member.
US08096639B2
The invention provides for a mounting arrangement for a printhead assembly having a plurality of modular printhead tiles each having a plurality of micro-electromechanical nozzle arrangements for printing on a printing medium. Each tile has a flex PCB with which to provide the tile with electrical energy. The mounting arrangement includes a support defining retaining clips and channels operatively housing electrical busbars, as well as a pressure plate defining holes shaped and dimensioned to complementarily receive the retaining clips to engage the support which urges the flex PCBs against the busbars to provide electrical power to printhead tiles.
US08096638B2
A printhead arrangement for a printer, the arrangement having a plurality of nozzle assemblies formed on a wafer substrate by means of micro-electromechanical (MEMS) techniques. Each assembly includes an ink chamber with at least one ink supply channel etched into the substrate, and a heater element suspended in the ink chamber. Each assembly also includes drive circuitry for driving said heater element, and a nozzle plate defining two ink ejection nozzles. The nozzle plate has gutter formations about each nozzle to collect ink run-off.
US08096634B2
A method and system for compensating for temperature changes is disclosed that includes a mounting bar, a plurality of imaging chips adaptively mounted on the mounting bar, each imaging chip including a plurality of imaging elements, and a temperature determiner to determine a temperature of the mounting bar. A control module enables and disables at least one imaging element based on the determined temperature of the mounting bar.
US08096626B2
An exemplary latching mechanism for folding drive bay door (10) includes a cover panel (12), two brackets (14), two link members (184), a rotatable member (16), and two elastic members (22). The cover panel is configured for covering an entrance of an electronic device. The cover panel forms two pivotally rotatable portions (122) on opposite ends. The brackets are fixed to the electronic device. Each of the brackets defines a guiding hole for receiving the pivotally rotatable portions of the cover panel. Opposite ends of each link member are rotatably connected to the cover panel and the rotatable member correspondingly. The rotatable member is rotatably connected to the brackets. Two ends of each elastic member resist one of the two brackets and the rotatable member correspondingly.
US08096620B2
A modular seat frame for a school bus seat includes riser assemblies for supporting the seat fabricated from a moldable material reinforced locally by attachment and reinforcement members.
US08096614B2
A locking mechanism for a glider rocker having a gliding chair seat mounted on a stationary base, including an operating assembly mounted on the gliding chair seat, a pair of bearing brackets mounted on the stationary base respectively, and a pair of mounting assemblies. Each mounting assembly includes a prop, a strut, a curved elongated member, a mounting bracket, and a restoring spring connected with the curved elongated member and the prop.
US08096613B2
The invention described herein relates to a foam geometry which reduces the tendency of the child's head to slide forward and roll out by contouring the side foam to have its leading edge closer to the center line of the child's seat than some more rearward portion of the side foam thus forming an inward protruding forward lip on the foam. The depth of the protruding lip is the primary determinant of the increase in head retention, but the particular geometry of the lip, foam density or rigidity, and overall depth also contribute. The invention relates to the contour of a horizontal section of a headrest foam liner being closer to the seat centerline at some distance from the seat back than some distance closer to the seat back.
US08096602B2
A roof arrangement (17) for a convertible (1) has a flexible convertible-top cloth (19) that can be removed by hand and stretched over a passenger compartment (16) between a cowl (9) and a rear end fastening device (18). A supporting bow (26) is beneath the convertible-top cloth (19) and is arranged in the transverse direction (FQ) of the convertible (1) at a distance behind the cowl (9). A tensioning device (32) keeps the convertible-top cloth (19) tensioned in relation to the cowl (9). The tensioning device (32) braces the convertible-top cloth (19) down adjacent to the supporting bow (26) and approximately in the vertical direction of the vehicle (FH) when the roof arrangement (17) is mounted on the convertible (1).
US08096598B2
A material handling system has a vacuum cup assembly engagable with an object and movable to move the object using a pressurized air source, a vacuum cup, a venturi device and a vacuum valve and auto-release valve. The venturi device is in fluid communication with the vacuum cup and connected to the supply line so that pressurized air can be supplied to and through said venturi device to generate a partial vacuum when the perimeter seal of the vacuum cup is engaged with the object surface. The vacuum valve may open and close the supply line at a location upstream of the venturi device in response to a pressure level at the vacuum cup cavity. The auto-release valve may vent the vacuum cup cavity to atmosphere in response to reduced pressure in the supply line at a location upstream from the vacuum valve.
US08096596B2
A bumper beam for a vehicle has two attachment portions (15, 16) with a U-shaped cross section open towards the vehicle. Each attachment portion has a reinforcing member (29) in the form of a hat-profile located within the attachment portion and across the latter, with its webs (31, 32) welded to the webs (13, 14) of the attachment portion. The side flanges (33, 34) of the hat profile have holes (35, 36) for bolts by means of which the side flanges and thereby the bumper beam can be attached to a structural part of the vehicle and the attachment section has holes (41) to allow fastening bolts of this kind to be fastened through these holes.
US08096594B2
In a door strike for captivating and releasing a door bolt, the combination comprising a longitudinally elongated carrier, a longitudinally elongated solenoid supported by the carrier, the solenoid having a longitudinally movable plunger, a trip lever pivotally supported in or on the carrier, a laterally extending actuating arm pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be pivoted as the plunger moves longitudinally in response to solenoid energization, thereby to pivot the trip lever, a generally longitudinally extending blocking arm or arms pivotally supported in or on the carrier to be released for pivoting when the trip lever is pivoted, and a door bolt retainer or retainers pivotally supported in the carrier to be released for pivoting when the blocking arm or arms are released for pivoting, thereby to release the door bolt from captivation, for movement with the door. Dual springs are compressed by the plunger in response to solenoid energization. A strut on the plunger engages solenoid structure upon plunger retraction to prevent wear or peening of the plunger.
US08096593B2
A latch for a sliding frame may be provided with a mounting end for mounting the latch on a mounting surface over which a sliding frame would travel along a sliding path, and a resilient blocking element having an end portion and a body portion coupled to the mounting end, and a stop element positioned to engage the end portion of the resilient blocking element and adapted to prevent the sliding frame from opening when the frame is in a closed position. A user may disengage the latch by removing the resilient blocking element from the sliding path so that the sliding frame can be moved to an open position.
US08096592B2
An actuator is provided that uses two lengths of shape memory alloy (SMA) wire to kinematically couple a first and second lever together. The two SMA wires are routed in generally V-shaped paths around a link pin that is coaxial with the first and second levers. By selectively contracting one of the wires, the link pin slides between a locked and an unlocked position. A locking pin extending from the link pin couples the first and second levers together while the link pin is in the unlocked position.
US08096588B2
A hose coupling utilizing a main hollow body and an expandable inner sleeve and an intermediate end of a hose which is securely held in place upon radially outward expansion of the sleeve.
US08096586B2
In a double-pipe joint for connecting and coupling a double pipe (H) consisting of outer and inner pipes (h2, h1) made of a fluororesin tube, an inner joint portion (T1) for coupling the inner pipe is formed by: a sleeve (2) which is to be pressingly fitted into an inner-pipe end portion (h1t); an inner-pipe joint body (1) which is to be fitted onto the inner-pipe end portion; and an inner-pipe union nut (3A), and an outer joint portion (T2) for coupling the outer pipe is formed by: a sleeve (4) which is to be pressingly fitted into an outer-pipe end portion (h2t); an outer-pipe joint body (3B) which is to be fitted onto the outer-pipe end portion; and an outer-pipe union nut (5). The inner-pipe union nut (3A) and the outer-pipe joint body (3B) are formed integrally into a nut-equipped body (3).
US08096578B2
A knee airbag apparatus includes a front panel configured to face toward an occupant when the knee airbag deploys and a rear panel configured to face toward an instrument panel when the knee airbag deploys. The rear panel is joined to the front panel to form an inflatable knee cushion configured to inflate to protect an occupant's knees during a crash event. The knee airbag further includes at least one internal tether extending between the front and rear panels. The internal tether is attached to the front panel at a front panel attachment location offset from a rear panel attachment location. The knee airbag further includes an external tether attached at one end to the front panel, and at a second end at the knee airbag housing.
US08096572B1
A gooseneck trailer alignment system includes a hitch receptacle having a receptacle opening, a trailer guide plate positional beneath the receptacle opening and a plate notch provided in the trailer guide plate.
US08096568B2
The hydropneumatic axle suspension for vehicles, especially the front axle thereof, cooperates with at least one suspension cylinder (10) connected to a hydraulic accumulator (26; 24) on both its ring side (14) and the piston side (12). The hydraulic accumulator (26; 24) is triggerable by control electronics (18) with the aid of a valve unit (30; 28) that can be allocated to the hydraulic accumulator (26; 24). The ring side (14) of the suspension cylinder (10) is connected to a pressure value sensor (DA-R) which transmits its measured pressure values to the control electronics (18). The pressure value sensor (DA-R) located on the ring side is connected to the discharge end (38) of the valve unit (30), which can be associated with the ring side (14) of the suspension cylinder (10).
US08096564B2
The present invention includes a shopping cart frame with mounting bracket units connecting caster wheels and having a plate secured underneath the base with a caster pin receiving hole and spaced-apart flanges flanking the hole and abutting on the base; a shopping cart with a support bar between side uprights for forwardly propping up a primary basket and rearwardly hanging a secondary basket; a cart with a plastic basket having rear structural tubes sheathing the frame's side uprights and being secured thereto; a modular method of making different cart models by providing multiple sets of components with cooperating mounting surfaces for interconnection; a modular plastic basket with a hooked-on suspended tray and a channel-shaped overlay detachably snapped over the edge and tray; a one-piece molded plastic basket with independent branching tubular sections with different thicknesses; and an independent gas-assisted injection method for molding a one-piece plastic basket.
US08096557B2
A ball game apparatus includes a ball target, one or more balls, and a rear unit. The ball target includes an upper target, a bottom net, and a target stand. The upper target is mounted at an upper portion of the target stand. The bottom net is mounted between the target stand and the upper target at a position that the bottom net is below the upper target. The upper target has a plurality of ball scoring holes and an electronic scoring board, wherein an electronic scoring circuit is provided within the upper target. Each ball is made by elastic and flexible material and is filled with iron sands. The rear net unit, which is positioned behind the ball target, includes a net and a rear net stand, wherein the net is supported by the rear net stand to extend to an opened configuration of the rear net unit.
US08096547B1
A sheet stopping structure includes a sheet pick-up arm, a sheet guide casing and a sheet stopper. A receiving recess is formed in the sheet guide casing. Two sliding slots are respectively formed in two sidewalls of the receiving recess. The sheet stopper is installed in the receiving recess, and movable along the two sliding slots. When the sheet pick-up arm is in a standby position, the sheet stopper is maintained in an upright status and protruded outside the surface of the sheet guide casing. When the sheet pick-up arm is lowered to a sheet pick-up position, the sheet stopper is rotated and then stopped down within the receiving recess.
US08096541B2
A sheet folding apparatus including a sheet supporting member which has an inclined surface to support a stack of sheets, a sheet position adjuster which adjusts a position of the stack of sheets along the inclined surface, a sheet pressing unit which presses the stack of sheets against the inclined surface, a folding unit which folds the stack of sheets pressed by the sheet pressing unit, and a controller which controls the sheet pressing unit to press the stack of sheets on the sheet position adjuster against the inclined surface, and to create a gap between the stack of sheets on the sheet position adjuster and the sheet pressing unit to receive a sheet onto the sheet position adjuster.
US08096540B2
A tension ring lifting assembly (101) for securing around a pipe, the assembly comprising a tension ring (112) and at least one lifting lug (130) by which the tension ring, and a pipe around which the tension ring has been secured, can be lifted. The tension ring comprises: a plurality of collar segments (114, 116) which can be assembled into a ring around the pipe; a plurality of slip segments (140) adapted to fit between the collar segments and the pipe and to make direct contact with the pipe surface, the collar segments and the slip segments when assembled having inclined contacting surfaces such that an inner diameter across said assembled ring, between the inner faces of the collar segments, varies as the segments move up and down in the collar; means for tensioning (152, 154, 156) adjacent collar segments (114, 116) against one another to secure said ring around the pipe; and means for removeably mounting (7, 9) said at least one lifting lug (130) to the tension ring (140). Prior to mounting of the lifting lug, the tension ring has an outer diameter that is less than the diameter of the tension ring lifting assembly after mounting of the lifting lug to the tension ring. This enables the tension ring to be fitted with a relatively small outer diameter so that the tension ring can pass through an opening before the lifting lugs are fitted.
US08096537B2
Remotely engageable and releasable suction cups include a pliable body and an active material in operative communication with the pliable body and configured to create and/or eliminate a partial vacuum through the activation of stiffness or geometry changes in the active material. Suitable active materials include shape memory materials such as shape memory alloys, ferromagnetic shape memory alloys, and shape memory polymers (SMP). A second class of active materials include materials that exhibit a change in at least one attribute when subjected to an applied field but revert back to their original state upon removal of the applied field. Active materials in this category include piezoelectric materials, electroactive polymers (EAP), magnetorheological polymers, and the like.
US08096531B2
An apparatus and method for mixing gas and liquid comprising a pipe having an enclosure positioned in-line with said pipe, wherein a sealed space is defined, at least one blower, said blower regulates the barometric pressure in said sealed space, wherein intermeshed rotating sets of discs operate on parallel shafts driven by variable speed drives, and strakes are radially mounted on the discs to carry liquid up into a mixing area and to carry air and liquid down into a mixing area resulting in a shear force that drives air into the oxygen depleted liquid. In the sealed space the barometric pressure is raised by a blower, in order to pop foam bubbles and allow for optimum mixing of air into the oxygen depleted liquid and to regulate the waterline within the sealed space, thereby preventing the escape of foam, noise and odorous gases into the local environment.
US08096526B2
Rotary actuator lever apparatus having an annular recess are described. An example rotary actuator lever includes a cylindrical body that has a first opening and a second opening axially aligned with the first opening, and sized larger than the first opening. The lever arm extends a predetermined distance from the body and has a first arm member spaced from a second arm member. Each of the first and second arm members includes an aperture to receive a fastener to operatively couple the lever to a stem of an actuator. The body includes an annular recess adjacent the first arm member of the lever arm to enable the first arm member to flex relative to the second arm member when the lever couples to the actuator stem.
